It seems appropriate for the Cub Reporter to weigh in on the warmest day of the year on one of her favorite activities. You guessed it, swimming. Summer’s arrival is a signal for a daily combination of reading and a swim. The health benefits are plentiful, both mentally and physically, so why not join the fun of taking a daily dip? Daily Dippers come in many sizes and temperaments. Of course, there are the polar bears who bond together on frosty beaches to take the plunge. The health benefits include reducing inflammation, speeding recovery from injuries, and improving your mood. Plungers share that the plunge clears their heads and certainly…

Tips and Tricks for planning and enjoying your winter time in Japan. A trip to Japan is a lifelong dream for many Americans, at least it was for these Rippers. Our almost three-week trip was a big deal for us, and just barely long enough to start to understand a culture so different from ours. We had a secret weapon for planning that unfortunately, not everyone has access to. Our friend and fellow Ripper, Don Roll, is a veteran of Japow trips, and planned the entire adventure, with the help of our guide, Markus, and his partner’s company, Parom Camps. We can’t recommend them more highly. A few tips shared…

Today is one of this Ripper’s favorite days, Earth Day! My work with young children allows me to embrace our planet on a continual basis, and especially during the month of April when signs of Earth’s reawakening delight the soul. Spring has unfolded slowly in Utah this year with our historic snowpack. Yet at the same time, smiles emerge on our faces when we think how each snowflake will help refill the Great Salt Lake. This brings me to the title of this short, but hopefully, inspiring post. This morning’s NY Times picked some of their favorite articles from their Climate Desk to share on this Earth Day. I recommend…