The Road to 2012

Once again, for the FIFTH year running, I’m on a plane, heading out to the TED Conference. It’s a conference for big thinkers, visionaries and world-shakers. This may prompt some of you big thinkers out there to wonder, how the hell did Sam get invited? I’d like to tell you all that this is news of a comeback in the flatwater kayaking world. Was I invited to give a talk on one of the most prestigious athletic pursuits currently in existence? Is one of our own finally going to get some press time, to plug USACK and the rest of the sport?

Unfortunately not. As with my paddling, I’m riding on the laurels of my past achievements; last year, I was invited to TED as assistant photographer. That was back before Dave and I had discovered our fiery passion for updating this website, and, unfortunately, the account of my experience is lost. This time, at TED’s first appearance in Long Beach, CA, I’ll be one of 100 TED Hosts, responsible for familiarizing the 1400+ Conference goers with the new venue. Dave will be holding down the fort back in frigid New Jersey, partying like the madman he is, out at Cloister, one of Princeton’s ten eating clubs. I know he’s looking forward to Two Articles of Clothing night this Thursday, so make sure to leave comments giving him some suggestions on what to wear.

Nothing of substance to say here now–only, look forward to some fantastic updates over the next few days. Here’s a sample talk to get you acquainted: