The 2010 Boardees

Both on and off the water, dragon boating is arguably the purest team sport around. As a member-operated, non-profit team, we depend on each other to keep this team running, progressing, and growing.  Of course, "greatness" in any unit is only as great as its individual parts and members--dedicated members like YOU and many others are the parts of what make the Space Dragons ROAR!

As we gear up for yet another amazing season, it goes without saying that SD greatness takes work, both on and off the water. Here are a few faces of our own who deserve a huge HUG for all the time, energy, and love they'll be dedicating to the team's leadership board to actively serve the team in 2010:

Captains: Pearl and Tran

These two deserve constant fanning and grape-feeding service from YOU--please submit yourselves to whatever these ravishing ladies have to say or write--which includes signing whatever they want you to sign, pay whatever they ask you to pay. Your soul now belongs to them!

Love Machine : Janet

Ever go to the Annual Space/Ripple Mammoth trip? An SD happy hour? Like to have fun? This traveled vixen is the one to thank when it comes to keeping SD love events going off-the- water, to ensure we get that oh-so important bonding time!

She's the one you give massages to (good ones only, please!) when the party is all said and done. 

Please see her for any events you'd like to suggest....paintball anyone?  =P

<<< enjoying her latest tasty morsel

Fund Raising GURU: Kat

Did someone say cheapest dues on the beach? Not due to the mere fact that the Space Dragons are known for shaking their money makers, but because of support from fund raising efforts and events coordinated by this bodacious teaching diva. She leads the pack with sponsorship solicitation, management of sponsor accounts, and other MOOLAH making opportunities!

Tap her shoulder for any sponsorship ideas or leads (hopefully not while running through a power set on the boat!).

Piggy Bank Trustee (Treasurer) -- DENISE

Money. Ever heard of it? Want some of it? Dealing with the SD bling is her forte. Checks we cut, dues and fees we submit--this vivacious cougar has got it handled! She makes sure we have our boats nice and handled from a financial perspective.

<<<(did i mention that she's an amazing cook and conversationalist?)

Equipment Masters:   Ceez and Tina

Ever wonder where tables come from? How about the wonder of how paddles somehow magically appear at tournaments when you yourself don't remember how it got there? What the!?...how'd that cooler end up there?!...Talk to these masters of magic and they just might fill you in on the trade secret. They lead the charge on coordinating movement, purchase, and allocation of precious tourney resources such as tables, chairs, paddles, or anything else that needs packing! They've also got that boat maintenance thing handled. Houdini ain't got nuttin' on these two because they are straight up MAGICAL (don't hate!)!

"Saving the World" Committee (Community Service/Relations)--Marina

"It takes a crane to build a crane, it takes two floors to make a story, it takes a hen to make an egg, it takes an egg to make a hen, there is no end to what I'm saying"...But it takes Marina to save the world! She spearheads anything and everything that gets us out and giving back to the community with volunteer opportunities galore.

Cooking a delicious adobo dish isn't the only power this superwoman has. Let her know of any fun and cool volunteer ideas and leads you may have so that you too can help save the world!

Newbie Care Extraordinaires : Blanca, Devant, and Pearl

These social butterflies are the ones you float to when you're new and looking to get nestled in with the SD nest.

They handle all things "friendly" which include: giving you high-fives, getting your waivers squared away, and matchmaking opportunities (kidding...OR AM I?).

Make sure you say hello to one of these peeps because you never know when they'll ask for your contact info. (ummm...for, team related follow-ups of course...)

=P

Coaching Corner : EMily

Think you've got that stroke down? Rotation clean enough along with your fully reached catch? This paddling guru is WORLD-CLASS! She'll mold you, she'll scold you, and she'll do it with a smile. She handles anything coaching/technique/stroke related.

Delts will be the least of your worries when she's done with whipping you into shape. But don't worry though, she won't bite....hard.

...the Board @ Large : (clockwise from left: CJ, Robert, Brian, and Galen)

We'd like to encourage everyone on the team to continue to support the team, each other, these stout individuals, our coaches, our Board, etc. If you would like to help out in anyway, please don't hesitate to approach these individuals!

Of course, we only keep the boat moving forward with each and everyone's ownership of the team--helping one another move in the same direction as one team, looking out and acting for the good of the team, taking care of one another, etc. We all have equal stakes in making this team the best it can be. Let's continue to make it yours so we each can get ours!

SD Digest 1.27.10

Space Dragons,

We are looking forward to seeing everyone on the water after a short weather break!

1. PRACTICE

Please take the poll on the blog for practice attendance. Everyone please sign attendance sheet (whoo-hoo, no more initializing roster!). If you're bringing a newbie, please see Pearl or Tran prior to getting on the boat. If you would like to become a certified steerer, please let us know. Steering test in mid-Feb.

2. TEAM DUES

$80 payable to Space Dragons

3. TEMPE -- MAR 27-28

If you have not already done so, please RSVP via evite. Find your roommates and book your room. $35 tournament fee payable to Space Dragons. Update evite with lodging and travel info.

4. 10-MAN RACES IN SHANGHAI -- SEPT 15 - ???

Scott Wu (LARD) is organizing a SCDBC/Long Beach team. Further details to follow. Interested? Let us know; we'll forward details.

5. SALSA DANCING LESSON -- SAT Jan 30

Lessons and hangout with Grace & Eymard. RSVP by Thur 1/28 here

6. DONATION TO SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES IN GHANA

http://www.mephiboshethinghana.org/

Grace's work is collecting donations for the only school for children with disabilities in Ghana and the largest one in West Africa. Any donation is appreciated, please give to Grace by 2/21.

Requests from school: clothes (hot weather) shoes/sandals, toys, crafts, school supplies, first aid kits, tools old (working) laptops. Check out the evites and be sure to respond!

Much love,

-- Pearl & Tran

Practice CANCELLED This Weekend (1/23-24)

Due to a sewage release into the LA river, all open coastal beaches in long beach are closed until further notice. It looks like the rain clears up and there'll be sunny skies, so enjoy the weekend off!!

SD Digest 01.19.10

Space Dragons,

We appreciated the effort everyone took to make the team meeting Saturday. Stay posted for the safety orientation date!

1. PRACTICE

Reminders:

a) WEATHER-RELATED CANCELLATION possible for this weekend. Check the BLOG for news.

b) Great job getting out on the water earlier last practice! Let's strive to be even more efficient with signing in.

• RSVP on the BLOG for weekend practice (poll closes at 7 PM Wed)
• If you are bringing guest paddlers, reply to this email with number of guests
• Be sure to do the below 2 actions upon arrival:
• Sign the attendance sheet
• Initial by your name on the rosters (listed alphabetically over 3 sheets)

2. TEAM DUES

• $80 payable to Space Dragons

3. TEMPE -- MAR 27, 28

• It's just around the corner
• Please RSVP via evite (and update w/lodging & travel info.)
• Encourage everyone to sign up and go to practice
• Tournament fee $35 payable to Space Dragons (may be on the same check as team dues)
• Rooms are filling up quickly due to other events the same weekend, arrange your roommates and book your room: Space Dragons 2010
• There's a paddlers party Friday night, details & Evite coming soon
  

4. 2010 TOURANMENTS EVITES

• All Evites are up, details wll be added as they're received
  
• Tempe -- March 27th & 28th
• Baby Long Beach -- May 2nd
• Boston -- June 12th & 13th
• Big Long Beach -- July 31st & Aug 1st
• San Francisco -- Sept 25th & 26th

4. Salsa Dance Lessons!

• Thanks, Grace and Eymard! Check it out here!

♥ Pearl & Tran

The 2010 Competitive Season is Here! ARE YOU READY?!

The 2010 competitive season is here and we've officially kicked-off practice these past couple weekends--great job to all who've made it out!

It goes without saying that we've experienced a huge amount of growth and competitive success as paddlers since our origins in 2002. More importantly, we've done it all while keeping true to who we are as Space Dragons--fun, passionate, and one team. Let's continue to ride this wave into the up and coming season by doing what we do!

We all bring something special to the boat--whether its high energy and spirit at the crack of dawn, a voice that cracks the whip over all 10 rows, or impeccable strokes in the timing box--we all cross the finish line together. It would also be null if that something special wasn't shared--so come out and be present for each other--and while you're at it, make sure you arrive on time and sign-in.


Also be sure to thank Captains Pearl and Tran for continually maintaining the team's attendance records (amongst many other things). Attendance can be regularly viewed via Google Docs.

2010 Competition Schedule:

We currently plan to participate in 5 tournaments; kicking off our '10 tour at the Tempe Town Lake in Arizona, closing out in style in the San Francisco Bay, and sandwiched between 2 convenient competitions on our Long Beach home turf will be our first-ever trek to Boston waters, where we (finally) head east to go head-to-head with what promises to be our toughest competition!

Dates - Locations - Tourney Managers

March 27th & 28th - Tempe, AZ - Denise and Devant

May 2nd - Long Beach, CA ("Baby LB") - Jeremy S ("CJ")

Jun 12th &13th - Boston, MA - Jackie and Tran

July 31st & August 1st - Long Beach CA -Pearl, Blanca, Scott, Ceez, and Denise

September 25th & 26th- San Francisco, CA -Tran, Kat, and Denise

Go ahead and contact the Tourney Managers with any questions you may have--and be sure to give 'em a hug for their efforts!

Requests of YOU!

The team leadership will spend countless hours and energy to coordinate 2010, but as always it's for naught without plenty of help from each of you! Thank you all for continually looking out for one another and for the greater team - that's what really keeps us going!

Here are just a few specific things that all our paddlers can do throughout the year to really help:

• Practice, practice, practice! The sport is incredibly unique in it's true embodiment of teamwork - we are only as strong as our team, and our team is only as strong as each individual member! Also remember that practice attendance is a major consideration when it comes to team rostering and substitutions.
• Continue to recruit! We've been continually blessed with new family members and we got plenty more love to share! Continual new blood, enthusiasm, and energy are a very important lifeblood for the team!
• Please pay your dues in a timely manner. We strive to keep this sport as affordable as possible and in doing so we we really depend on this to ensure we have sufficient $ in our account to do things like register for our various competitions. All this said - we know how tough times can be (especially these days) - if you ever have any hardship, please don't hesitate to let us know - we never want $ issues to stop you from paddling!
• Please keep us informed. Managing & coordinating a large roster is challenging, and you keeping us in the loop of your plans to participate in tourneys and miscellaneous events helps immensely. Links to all evites for team events can be conveniently found in the signature of each weekly email digest - thanks in advance for keeping them current with your responses!
• Please help out with Fundraising events & sponsorship leads! As mentioned, we do our best to keep this sport as affordable as possible to all, and every dollar raised helps! If you have any fundraising ideas or leads with potential sponsors, please let us know!

Cheers to another happy & healthy season for 2010!

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant."
-R.L. Stevenson

Paddler Spotlight -- Davin!!

Hometown:

Grew up in North County San Diego (Carlsbad and Encinitas), however, currently I'm living in West LA while attending UCLA.

Dunking day (Birthday):

August 25.

Favorite Food(s):

Tacos (fish specifically, but all kinds are pretty bomb), Bibimbap, and stuff with peanut butter (I mean just pure peanuts, no added sugars etc). I'm really open to trying new foods and I like pretty much everything.

How long have you been paddling and who got you into Space?

I started October 2008. So at this time, about 13 months. This is sort of a mixed bag. Home I got involved with SD: There were a few people on UCLA who had paddled with SD before and spoke good things. When UCLA decided not to go to T.I. and not to train because not enough people were around I spoke with Wade at the Viewsonic Race who was really welcoming and excited stating "We'd love to have you for Treasure Island." Afterward I went out to my first Wednesday practice with Lisa. So I suppose it was a combination of me, the people on UCLA who paddled with you guys, and Wade. Also special kudos to Ceez and co. for making me sing "Drop it like its Hot" at Tempe (2009) to get some SD tattoos.

Who got you into paddling and why do you do it week in and week out?

Someone who lived on my floor first year (2007) did it and I thought 'oh cool' and wanted to join when there were tryouts again (the roster was already full up with a wait list). Then later on that same year I met another person who did Dragon Boat, we got to be pretty good friends and it solidified my decision in joining the team. Really after I became aware of Dragon Boat I wanted to join up. I wanted to do a different sport and Dragon Boat looked really fun and intense. I feel the answer to why I do it is ever changing in the details but ultimately it comes down the fact that I enjoy taking part in a sport that requires a lot of physical and mental discipline. It's fun, taxing, and brings people together.

Are you a better Paddler when you are Happy or Angry?

I used to just try and be really aggressive but now I feel I really like being calm and thinking about the technique, however, the occasional man grunt is useful in my opinion.

Favorite or notable Space Dragon moment(s)?

The just paddle practice where it was just me, Emily, and Joe. Emily showed us what is now the new stroke. We also ended up having to do race pieces all day for practice. I was exhausted at the end of it all.

The last two races at T.I.:The first where we died at the end, missing Comp A finals which caused Wade to cry (showing how much he had invested in the team) and the next one where we went balls out to get Second in Conciliation A. In my mind these races are tied together and showed how the team as grown but that we still have things to work on (conditioning!)

How do you prepare yourself for a Race?

Try to go to bed early; eating light the day of race, focusing mainly on fruits and granola type stuff; Ease off on workouts leading up to race. Mentally I would say I just run through the stroke and specific parts of the race in my head.

Any hobbies, activities, interests outside of paddling?

School, work, and working out (which is kind of a suspect of paddling) takes up most of my time but aside from that stuff I enjoy watching movies, reading, cooking, Muay Thai (Thai kickboxing), and the occasional video game.

Any advice for new paddlers?

Commitment is key, if you really want to get better put in the time and effort and it will show. Also, be willing to accept mistakes from yourself and other people but have the mindset to work past it all to achieve goals.

Paddling-wise, any particular goals for yourself or the team?

Personally, I would like to paddle at Worlds (perhaps I could join up with an under 23 team for Macau) or some years down the road paddling for the US team. As for the team: short term, I want us to master the new stroke and put a good showing in at Tempe to set a good tone for the rest of the season. Long term, keep growing stronger and win some CA tournaments,

If you could change one thing about the Team what would it be?

Location. I would like it if we all lived closer together and if the practice site was a bit closer (well right now it's far for me). Also I heard you guys have done potlucks, I would love to take part in one of these!

Favorite part about being a Space Dragon?

Connecting with people from a variety of backgrounds and age groups. And creating such a positive atmosphere for personal development.

If you have a single brother or sister. What Space Dragon would you consider hooking them up with?

If my single family member was female I hook them up with Galen (passionate, motivated, and fun) or Scott (thoughtful, stable, and distinguished). If my family member was male I hook them up with Tran (adventurous, independent, and loving). Although, really anyone would be a catch. Space Dragons has such a great group of people to choose from.

Most interesting character you've met through the team?

This is a hard one for me, I wrote an answer but it was extremely long and I wasn't yet done. Basically everyone on the team has their own quirks (some perhaps more so). I love that I have been welcomed and clicked so well with such a wonderful group of people. Sorry this doesn't really answer the question. But I will say we have some wonderful dynamic leaders who I greatly respect.

If you were to trade any SD teammate for an RFX (Ripple) paddler, who would it be?

Hmmm, don't know the RFX paddlers too well unfortunately but if I had to choose, I guess I would pick Sondra Wong from RFX for Felicia Chanco from SD because they're both small Asian girls, I'm a fair man.

If you were to be stranded on an island with any 3 SD paddlers, who would you choose to get-by and pass the time with?

Well if I wanted to get MacGyveresque people to supplement my own moxy I would choose Emily because she does a lot of hiking and would be a great all around asset; Robert because he's like a human Swiss Army knife; and Brian because he's good with his hands and I would imagine a good guy to have in a fix such as being stuck on an island.

First thing that comes to mind when you hear the word(s):

1. pounce - bobcat
2. voluptuous - melons
3. predator - Arnold Schwarzenegger
4. prey - mantis
5. Space Dragons - paddling

Any interesting facts about yourself - or secrets that you want to divulge?

I haven't drank soda or eaten candy since I was 12 (barring a few extremely rare circumstantial situations). I listen to metal music primarily but legitimately enjoy the Taiwanese rock/pop band F.I.R. I've played Dungeons & Dragons since I was 11, although I pretty much stopped when I came to college. In high school for senior standouts (i.e. best dressed, cutest couple etc.) so many people created the category Most Epic and wrote my name down that the yearbook did a small segment on me. That's all I can really think of at the moment. I would like to consider myself an open person so if you want to know something (even if it's embarrassing) just ask.

Is there anyone who is influential to your life as a paddler who is not a paddler themselves? How so?

Definitely my brother. Currently he is a Grad Student at SDSU getting a degree in Sports Psychology. He is a strength coach who works with many athletes. He wrote me a 6 week work out plan over this past summer. I started in late June and after about 2 weeks I had lost 11 pounds (I started at 185lb, part of this was due to diet change as well...no more dorm food). He taught me various lifts and kettle bell maneuvers, causing me to purchase my own kettle bell. Since then I've become a much better athlete. Also I feel him and joining with Space Dragons has changed my view and understanding of Dragon Boat into one of a very technical approach.

SD Digest 1-13-10

Space Dragons

Great seeing everyone out last weekend, let's keep up the training!

1. MANDATORY TEAM MEETING -- THIS SAT 1/19, 10 AM @ Mother's Beach

Very important information

2. PRACTICE

Please take the attendance poll on the blog for this weekend's practice

Poll closes at 7 PM Wed

Attendance is now tracked. Be sure to do the below 2 actions upon arrival:

Sign the attendance sheet

Initial by your name on the rosters (listed alphabetically over 3 sheets)

Need a waiver? See Pearl or Tran

3. TEAM DUES

$80 payable to Space Dragons

4. TEMPE -- MAR 27, 28

It's just around the corner

Please RSVP via evite (and update w/lodging & travel info)

Encourage everyone to sign up and go to practice

Tournament fee $35 payable to Space Dragons (may be on the same check as team dues)

Rooms are filling up quickly due to other events the same weekend, arrange your roommates and book your room: Space Dragons 2010

5. PROFESSIONAL WEBSITE DESIGNER WANTED

Seeking professional website designer

If interested, please contact Roger for details

♥ Pearl & Tran

Paddler Spotlight -- Louise!!

Hometown?

La Palma, CA!

Birthday (no year just month and day)?

4/22 - Earth Day is my birthday hahaha

Favorite Food(s)?

Hm...Japanese, Chinese, Taiwanese, Hong Kong-ese, Italian-ese, diner-ese...pretty much anything actually. Though I am also very fond of anything with tomatoes, garlic, lemon/lime, and seafood in any combination, shape, or form hahhaha. And Russ' cooking. ~.^ Not picky at all.

How long have you been paddling and who got you into Space?

Oh man, how many years has it been? 13? Since 7th-8th grade. Cerritos Chinese school! Actually, it was a good friend of Russ and mine who we used to ball with every Sunday morning. One day, he stopped showing up because he was "boating" with our old chinese school buddies, so we went to check it out to see what the madness was all about. Been hooked ever since. As for Space Dragons - Steph.

Why do you paddle?

For sh*ts and giggles. No, seriously, great workout, great people, and it's also a pride thing - can't break tradition!

Are you a better Paddler when you are Happy or Angry?

Definitely angry. Angry at myself for feeling like weak-sauce - it gives me an extra boost and helps me stay focused.

Favorite or notable Space Dragon moment(s)?

Being a shark at Lake Gregory, feeling the altitude while paddling and wondering why 200meters was hurting so bad hahaha. Winning the spontaneous guts and glory race towards the end and going under the ginourmous sprinklers on the hillside (which, come to think of it, probably wasn't the best kind of water to be drenched in hahaha.)

How do you prepare yourself for a Race?

Sleep! Make sure all my equipment/shirts/misc paraphernalia is packed and ready to go as soon as I get up. Chat with Russ to get the adrenaline out.

Any hobbies, activities, interests outside of paddling?

When I'm not working or paddling, you can normally find me glued to my comp, DS Lite, or PS2 (currently addicted to Scribblenauts!) haha. I also have a thing for karaoke and Korean, Chinese, Japanese dramas/wu-sha series (go Wang Fei Hong!) And traveling...I try to hit up Asia or Europe at least once a year if possible if only to eat hahaha ;]

Any advice for new Paddlers?

Try and focus on one thing at a time. It can be quite overwhelming in the beginning because there's so much to keep thinking about. And come to practices as much as possible - you'll be surprised how much you improve just by showing up a couple times a week haha.

Paddling-wise, any particular goals for yourself or the team?

Get stronger, up my endurance, learn/polish the new technique. Would love to kick some ass at the SF tourney this coming season ~.^

If you could change one thing about the Team, what would it be?

Hm...not sure actually.

Favorite part about being a Space Dragon?

The balance between laughter and the drive to keep on doing better. It's actually the focus - when we get down to business - that I really like. Sure we have fun, but we really care about how we paddle, how everyone's doing, how we can do better and aren't afraid to be serious in middle of the laughter if we need to be. And vice versa - cracking a joke when it gets super intense. It's remember those feeling that gets me pumped up to come back to paddle year after year.

IF you have a single brother or sister.  What Space Dragon would you consider hooking them up with?

Ahahaha...Since I'm still not 100% sure on who's single and who's not, how about I use this space to introduce the merits of my lovely and conveniently single brutha to you alls? Russell Shieh - 6'0". Can cook, do the dishes, do laundry, clean the house, take things down for you from high places, carry your grocery/shopping bags, chauffeur you around, and dress decently well. He enjoys the fine arts (including theater), fine dining, and fine women (oh wait, what?) but will be faithful due to his excellent set of morals. He has good guitar, cello, mandarin, taiwanese, and english skills as well as good hygiene (very important). Has been trained to put down toilet seats and plays well with small children and animals. Bonus - also comes with a f*cking awesome sister who'd make a great sister-in-law. So...any takers? ;]

Most interesting character you've met through the team?

There's so many! Em, Wade, Galen, Brian, Joe, Janet, Devant....how long does it take to do your hair every morning?!

If you were to trade a single Space Dragon teammate for an RFX (Ripple FX) paddler, who would it be?

I'd trade Russ for... haha just kidding. Truth is, I'm actually not that familiar with the RFX paddlers yet, so it's hard to say. Hopefully that'll change as the year goes on!

If you were to be stranded on an island with any 3 SD paddlers, who would you choose to get-by and pass the time with?

Hm... Rod - to help build a raft to get outta there and train us to be stronger, Russ - to cook, and uh....Steph to talk to and keep sane (sorry Steph, one more person and Rip'd have made the cut). Somehow I feel like our probability for surviving is low. Ask me again when Bear Grylls joins Space Dragons. ;]

 First thing to come to mind when you hear the word(s):

1. "Pounce" : Cat
   
2. "Voluptuous" : Velociraptor (I dunno why I always think of that when I see this word)
   
3. "Predator" : Hawk
   
4. "Prey" : Rabbit
   
5. "Space Dragons" : Blue

Any interesting facts about yourself - or secrets that you want to divulge?

Er...I studied abroad in Japan for a year back in college and ended up picked up the habit of bowing slightly to people when I say hi. And I still sometimes answer with "hai" on accident when someone calls my name (but it normally ends up sounding like I said "hi" so that's ok hahaha)

'Tis (still) the season for giving...

While some (okay let's be honest...many of us!) are recovering from the post-holiday grub/New Year's haze, one person does not fall under the former category. He is not only taking a stand his own health but for the health of many. Our own Jeff K. has taken on the noble challenge of running the LA Marathon but his efforts don't end there...He will be running to help take on the challenge in the fight against AIDS!

Join Jeff in his efforts to reach his goals by visiting here on his site and donating to the cause.

From Jeff:

Dear Friends and Family,

I’ve decided to take on a tremendous challenge to help in the fight against AIDS, and I really hope you will support my efforts.  Over the next several months, I’ll be training to complete the LA Marathon; PLUS, I’ve made it a personal mission to raise at least $1,600 for AIDS Project Los Angeles.

I am a student at the University of Southern California and a member of Beta Omega Phi.  Every year we have done AIDS Walk LA in the Fall, and I have felt more driven to try and do more towards finding a cure.

I’m not a professional fundraiser, and I never thought I’d agree to run 26.2 miles!  But the work of APLA is so compelling; I feel I need to do my part.

I have been training for 10k's, but never though I would feel so compelled to run a full marathon.  Several times a week, I’ll be up at the crack of dawn and hitting the streets just as some of you are getting into your nice hot shower or enjoying your second cup of coffee.  I’m starting out with just a few miles, but each week, I’ll push it a little farther.  Overall, I expect to log about 500 miles!  It's a bit daunting.  But when the going gets tough, I’ll just think about how lucky I am to be able to do this sort of thing when so many others can’t.

Nearly 1.2 million Americans are now living with HIV, and 56,000 more will be infected this year!  These aren’t just numbers; this is impacting real people and their families.  For 25 years, AIDS Project Los Angeles has been providing food, home health care, and other basic needs to thousands of people whose lives are affected by HIV/AIDS.  Many of these people are living in poverty and have few places to turn.
Now that the economy is struggling, understandably, people are tightening up on their giving.  But consider this, if things have been rough on you or someone you know, just think about how much more difficult they are for those that have even less… those that have nothing!

So, that’s why I’m asking for your help.  Please join me in doing all that we can to bring an end to this epidemic.

Please donate today by clicking on the button that says, "Donate To Support!"  It's easy — you're already online!  All you have to do is click on the button and you're ready to donate.  PLEASE DON’T LEAVE THIS PAGE WITHOUT DONATING!!!  Help me make my goal of raising at least $1,600, and make a difference in the life of someone suffering from HIV/AIDS today.  Donations are put to use immediately — so please, donate today!  THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT!!!!

Sincerely,
Jeffrey K

SD Digest 01.06.10

Happy New Year, Space Dragons!

Hope everyone had a great holiday season and ready to train hard. Tempe is 2 months away!  Very important announcements below, please read completely through.

1.  PRACTICE

• Practice resumes this weekend: same bat time, same bat channel!
• IMPORTANT: we need headcounts (new SCDBC policy).  Please respond to the poll on the right about whether you plan on attending practice this weekend.  REPLY by Wed (1/6) by 7 PM.
• Reminder to check this SD blog, Facebook and Twitter throughout the week for updates on practice changes/cancellations. 
• If you have not signed a 2010 waiver, please see Pearl. No Waiver--No Boat Ride!

2.  MANDATORY TEAM MEETING -- SAT 1/16 (10 AM)

• Agenda

--Review new SCDBC guidelines and changes and financial impact

--Complete required SCDBC Safety orientation

--Introduce SD Leadership
--Discuss 2010 tournaments, fundraisers, goals

3.  FINANCES

• 2010 annual dues: $80/paddler (payable to "Space Dragons")

4.  TEMPE -- Mar 27-28

• RSVP via evite (listed in the email digest)
• Tournament fee: $35
• We have a block of 10 rooms with the Tempe Aloft hotel (a Starwood hotel) within walking distance to the race site.
• Price is $149/night (accommodates 4).  
• Got roommates? Work it out and have only ONE person book.
• Most rooms are available for check-in Friday 3/26 and check-out Sunday 3/28 (Monday check-out is possible)
• Use this link (specific for our team) to reserve your room: see link in email

5.  2010 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

• Tempe: March 27-28  (RSVP on the evite via the email digest)
• Baby Long Beach: May 2*
• Boston (new this year): June 12-13*
• Big Long Beach: July 31-Aug 1*
• San Francisco: Sept 25-26 (RSVP on the evite via the email digest

      *Evites forthcoming.

6.  NAPLES BOAT PARADE

• Excellent job Space Dragons!
• Our festive boat won the THEME Award in the small boat category!
• Read the recap here
• Thanks Ceez & Deej for organizing and all the decorators!

7.  ROSE PARADE FLOAT DECORATION

• Space Dragons had a blast helping decorate La Canada Flintridge's winning float
• Recap here
• We had our hands in their Fantasy Trophy win!
• Thanks Marina for organizing and all the decorators!

♥ Pearl & Tran

Space Dragons and the Scissored Wizard

No, its not the name of the latest J.K Rowling book nor is it the name for the next SD mascot (or IS it?)--its the latest volunteer adventure that the mighty Space Dragons took part in post-Christmas morning. In typical Space Dragons style, we mixed our tradition of work and fun while braving the cold morning elements--armed with glue, seeds, coffee, and SD spirit the crazy gang of paddlers flew through piles of foam decorative pieces and helped out as needed to get "The Scissored Wizard" float of La Cañada Flintridge beautified and ready for the 121st annual Pasadena Tournament of Roses parade. A Southern California tradition as typical as Jason wearing excruciatingly short shorts, the Rose Parade once again featured the beautiful pageantry and tradition of magnificent floral floats, high-stepping equestrians and spirited marching bands.

The results you ask? Apparently, the Space Dragons aren't just versed in bringing in "bling-bling" from paddling tournaments but also in Rose Parade tournaments. Our collective efforts in this operation helped the city of La Cañada Flintridge win the Fantasy Trophy for 2010!

 Our own Coach Em making sure the pieces pass quality control inspections               >>>>>>>>>>>

Special thanks to:

• the La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association for the opportunity to take part!
• Marina for coordinating!
• All Space Dragon volunteers for being you and helping out!