2011 Editions (July-December) Archives - Page 2 of 2

VIDEO GALLERY

Floating Swimming Pools on
New York’s Hudson River?

It’s no secret that the Hudson River is terribly polluted where it flows through New York City — not exactly a fit place to go for a dip. That could change if three young, visionary entrepreneurs get their way: They’ve proposed constructing a floating installation with four pools that will purify the river water and enable New Yorkers to swim safely right in the city’s wet backyard. [more]

LESSONS LEARNED

High Waterlines, Bad Leaks

‘For the most part,’ writes Scott Cohen, ‘builders have little trouble with water levels in pools, where it’s generally a good idea to set the level at about the midpoint of the tile line — a decision simplified by the proper use of a typical skimmer. Where things are a bit more challenging is in attached, raised spas.’ [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Embraced by Yosemite

Publisher Jim McCloskey writes about the time he just spent in Yosemite National Park: ‘I had the sense that I was walking through a tremendous laboratory in which nature was showing its stuff, staging a grand clinic and wreaking havoc on any semblance of normalcy, expectation or predictability… Although I am back at my desk, I know I’ve been changed.’ [more]

MARLON BRANDO: INVENTOR OF TRACTION-OPTIMIZING
SHOES FOR SWIMMING POOLS [more]

BOOK NOTES

Adding the Beauty of Stonework

In his review of Stone Designs for the Home by John T. Morris (with Candice Walsh), Mike Farley writes, ‘There’s a beautiful irony in Morris’s approach: He uses ancient materials, ancient techniques and ideas borrowed from ancient structures to inspire his projects — but the results are unlike anything that’s ever been seen before. To me, that’s his greatest achievement.’ [more]

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Olympic Champion Mark Spitz

Before there was the amazing Michael Phelps there was the amazing Mark Spitz, who garnered a record-breaking seven gold medals in swimming events at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany. That achievement was unsurpassed (and unmatched) for nearly four decades, until Phelps won eight gold medals at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Can you answer these questions about Mark Spitz, who is now 61?

What was the first international athletic event in which Spitz competed?
Why did Spitz wear a mustache when he competed, as opposed to all the other swimmers who shaved their facial and body hair?
What word did Spitz use to characterize Michael Phelps’ winning eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics?
In 1998, Spitz appeared in a TV commercial for Playstation, along with another well-known figure. Who was it?

To learn the correct answers and watch a video of Spitz reminiscing about his athletic career, click here.