"This Land is Your Land, This Land is My Land"

Long Beach, New York (photo © Marie Doucette)

Long Beach was once a rather quiet haven for native New Yorkers. It has become a major destination, with lots of exciting changes. In addition to the Quicksilver Pro, there was a volleyball tournament, plus a sand castle competition. It was somewhat overwhelming.

New Yorkers can't help but feel a little rueful as these areas develop anew around us. We have always known our area rocked big time, and now you do, too. Hidden gems are being "discovered", one by one—we may fear losing a foothold on the land of our roots, or being priced out of popular areas, as so many newcomers relocate here to enjoy the safety and relative prosperity of the American good life alongside us.

Let's encourage and support our extremely talented pool of designers, architects, and urban planners as they find solutions to accomodate every sector of our population. I know they can do it, because we deserve this wealth of beauty that surrounds us. Have a great start to the week, and don't forget to vote in the Primaries tomorrow!

Soul Surfing

The Quicksilver Pro has finally reached New York waters for the first time, and it is long overdue. Many of us have grown up with the awareness of horrendous shows like "Baywatch", which portray southern California as the epicenter for all things related to American beaches. This is a serious misconception.

The original 13 colonies here in the Northeast have had a strong and thriving beach culture for as long as the coastline has hugged our shores. I have been a swimmer my entire life, as are many of my friends and relatives native to this area. We relish our summers as that time specifically devoted to being near the ocean, a pull so innate to our natures, we wouldn't be home without it.

Though the events may be held in stormy weather, I implore you to go out to Long Beach this weekend and support the athletes who are finally getting the respect and recognition they so deserve, and that they have earned through their sheer, hard work. This is not a competition to miss.

http://quiksilverpro.com/