“An artist’s creative intelligence can truly express itself only when prompted by his intellect and when he is in a state of inspired rapture; it is then that he abundantly demonstrates his God-given powers and sublime ideas.” -Georgio Vasari

Every artist seeks those precious moments that have the power to transform simple activity and busyness into an exhilarating experience in which the heart, head, and hands are unified in action. This is flow, the holy grail of creativity. Flow gives us the ultimate artistic edge – time flies, focus intensifies, and distraction disappears.

To find and maintain it, we have to pit our deepening strengths against ever-greater challenges, taking intelligent risks that test our perceived boundaries and carry us into uncertain territory. If we don’t, if we forever indulge in our fear of failure, we will never experience the highest levels of our creativity.

Intelligent risk-taking is action that falls within the realm of our strength, but which may test our abilities beyond their proven limit. Most of our limitations are self-imposed; we generally don’t know how far we can go until we put our capacity on trial. Laura Wilkenson risked her broken foot to win the high-dive gold medal the 2000 Sydney Olympics. We often surprise ourselves with enormous achievements when we take the chance to step outside our comfort zone, engage our talents fully, and rise to a new challenge.

This not as daunting as it seems. When we’re working from our strengths, stretching them comes rather naturally. It’s when we stretch that we have a chance at excellence. It’s when we stretch that we experience the greatest growth and development in our creative talent.

Can limits be of any benefit? Absolutely. When the limit is one of finite resources. Constraints of time, money, material and space all drive creativity. The editor knows the value of a deadline. The child with but a single toy will demonstrate far more imaginative play with it than a child with a hundred others. The solo voice can be every bit as powerful as a full orchestration. A single quote can be more powerful than an entire epic novel.

Self-imposed limits of energy and effort, though, are the death knell of true artistry. Do not step away from the edge. Seek it out. Lean into discomfort.

imagecredit:intellokids

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Matthew E. May is the author of IN PURSUIT OF ELEGANCE: Why the Best Ideas Have Something Missing. He is constantly searching for creative ideas and innovative solutions that are elegant a unique and elusive combination of unusual simplicity and surprising power.

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The talk, entitled “St. Augustine Maps: A City with a Plan,” will explore 16th century New World Spanish settlements, along with early mapping techniques and the artistic value of cartography.

Admission is free; however, reservations are required due to limited seating. The St. Augustine Art Association is at 22 Marine St. Call 824-2310 for information or to reserve a seat.

Downtown parking on the street is free after 5 pm

The program is the second installment of the “Artistic Heritage Lecture Series” sponsored in part through a grant from the Florida Humanities Council.

What McKee found was an explosion in the amount of coyotes in the area animals that are known to feed on small game, including deer.

Coyotes a wild member of the dog family have been in New Jersey for years, their populations expanding as they continue to adapt to the environment, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Coyotes adjust really well to their surroundings, said Larry Ragonese, spokesman for the DEP They are in all 21 counties, including urban places, but people do not realize it.

Coyotes have not been reported as causing any problems in South Jersey in years, according to the DEP. In 2007, Washington Township had multiple sightings of the animals and in 2009 two had to be euthanized by police in Deptford Township after being hit by cars. But the animals which resemble small German Shepherds have not been attacked or harmed any humans, which the DEP says is the way it should be.

Theyve been here for many years and they havent really caused many problems for people, Ragonese said. They generally prey on rabbits, mice, birds and other small animals and also young or weaker deer.

Its the deer that worry McKee. He and his fellow hunters rely on a large deer population, so a few years ago he began actively hunting the coyote.

Coyotes are legal to hunt during small game season Sept. 10 through Nov. 11 for bow and arrow and Nov. 12 through March 15 for both firearms and bow and arrow but all coyote killings must be reported within 24 hours.

I started about four years ago and Ive caught over 20 in four years, McKee said. What Im finding is a problem is I have a lot of people calling because the deer numbers are down. Jessica Beym 2/10/12 finding to be a problem? finding is a problem? this sounds weird

McKee uses snares along known coyote routes, but hunting coyotes is not an easy task.

These animals are so smart, by far the smartest Ive ever dealt with and their sense of smell is superior to any animal in this area, he said. Thats why there are only a couple guys who have been able to catch them but so many people want these coyotes off their property.

According to the DEP, coyotes eating deer isnt a problem its simply how they survive, and as long as they have ample food in the wild, they shouldnt be a bother to residents. But if there are sightings of coyotes that are not afraid of humans, that could be an issue.

You should always be aware, Ragonese said. Conflicts you might have most likely will develop as they forage for food for their pups during spring or summer.

He said the DEP especially recommends that any small pets be monitored while outside, because they are the animals that could suffer from a coyote in the neighborhood.

In suburban and urban area they occasionally attack small pets, Ragonese said. If you have a small pet rabbit on your deck, a puppy, sure, you should watch them.

Residents say as many as eight coyotes have been spotted in a pack over the past few weeks, and theyve been seen individually in daylight. Animal experts caution that coyotes are not prone to attack humans, but that doesnt make area residents any less nervous.

Donna Lang received a frantic call at work one afternoon. Her 13-year-old daughter Carli had spotted a coyote at the end of a nearby suburban street while walking the family dog, a black lab. It was around 3:30 in the afternoon.

Lang said her daughter is nervous walking the dog alone and is considering buying her an air horn which is safer and preferable to bear spray in case of a future encounter.

People have seen the coyotes here, said Lang as she watched her dog in the leash-free area of Bechtel Park, a popular attraction for area dog owners, but she says people are getting nervous about using it even as the sun is setting. Its a bit scary.

But Myles Henderson, who was walking his three-year-old dog Rainy in Bechtel Park, said he enjoys the natural environment.

As a dog owner, Im not concerned at all, he said. Were the ones infringing on their environment at the moment.

Mark Rutledge, who lives on Pastern Trail, hears the coyotes every night when they hunt, and one of his neighbours saw all eight together. He said the neighbours got a trapper in to deal with a family of troublesome skunks last year, but he hopes that the buck wont fall to the community if these coyotes become troublesome.

For another area resident, Lori Wilke, the coyotes presence has done more than raise hackles.

At night now, its quiet hellip; were a neighbourhood thats active, she said, adding that she thinks the presence of the coyotes is keeping people inside.

Wilke runs a daycare where she cares for tots as young as 20 months. In the summer shed let some of the kids play outside, but she said, I wouldnt let the children out alone, not any more.

She also walks everywhere, including the grocery store at Bridge Street and University Avenue. But now she doesnt feel like she can go after dinner, or even once its dark, in case the smell of her food attracts the wild canines.

You never know where they are and theres a lot of trees and things, said Wilke, explaining that neighbours have spotted what they think is the same pack on both sides of Bridge Street, throughout Bechtel Park and as far away as the Pillers plant.

What the neighbours are afraid of is, whats it going to take before somebody does something about it? asked Wilke. I dont mind one or two, its never been a problem.

But shes concerned because it appears their numbers may be growing, and shes worried theyll multiply come spring.

But animal experts and the Ministry of Natural Resources website suggest otherwise. Coyotes train their young to hunt, but they usually live alone or in pairs, although they can congregate in packs. In the late winter, mom and dad train the pups then send them off come spring to find their own territory, so its quite possible this pack is just a family unit thats about to dissolve, according to Gary Boes, a cruelty officer with the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society.

We need to learn to live with them, he said, adding that we tend to see coyotes more in winter, so its best just to give them their space.

Boes said carrying pepper spray is a bad idea because if youre not trained to use it, you could injure yourself or your pet instead of the coyote and perhaps just anger the animal instead of incapacitating it.

The best course of action is to carry a big stick. If you see a coyote, never turn and run. That makes you prey. Look it in the eye, wave your arms (or stick) high above you in the air, and jump up and down and make lots of noise.

To coyote-proof your yard for small pets or children, never leave garbage or meat/egg compost outside. Clear brush and clutter and close off spaces under decks, porches and sheds. Install flood lights, which should scare away the animals and ensure dog runs are covered on all sides and have a concrete floor.

For more tips to prepare yourself or your property for coyote encounters, visit the Ministry of Natural Resources at http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/FW/2ColumnSubPage/STDPROD_088694.html.

acsanady@therecord.com

Fly Fishing: The Art of Deception, a new exhibit at Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding, explores the artistry, history, biology, industry and technology of fly-fishing. The exhibit runs through April 15.

I hope that what people take away is that there is a lot more to it than just going out and catching fish, said Julia Cronin, curator of collections and exhibits at

Turtle Bay.

The Fly Shop, a business with a low-key local presence but an extensive customer base and an international reach, is the exhibits major sponsor.

What is remarkable is how little people know about the role that our region has played in terms of fly-fishing throughout the world, said Mike Michalak, owner of The Fly Shop.

The exhibit shares the history of how the rainbow trout of McCloud River were used to stock some of the major fisheries of the world. It highlights north state rod-makers and notes that some of the first fishing clubs were in Northern California. It also calls attention to the premiere fishing to be found on the

Sacramento, Klamath, Trinity, Pit and McCloud rivers.

Fly-fishing has economic ripples, Michalak noted. Those who come to Northern California to fish spend money on hotels, restaurants and fishing guides.

Thats good green money, he said. The only tracks those people leave are generally from their credit card imprint.

Cronin said offering a fly-fishing exhibit was a natural for Turtle Bay because it ties in with the museums conservation focus and its location on the Sacramento River, where fishermen wade in daily to try their luck. But when staff looked for a traveling fly-fishing exhibit to bring to Redding, there wasnt one to be found.

We decided to make our own show, Cronin said.

The Fly Shop stepped in as sponsor and has provided much expertise and materials, she said. Key support also came from Shasta Trinity Fly Fishers, which includes Shasta Mayflies.

Cronin said many of the display items — old fishing licenses, wicker creels, bamboo rods, flies, vests, waders and more — are on loan from the organizations members. Members are giving fly-tying demonstrations every weekend at Turtle Bay.

Dick Johnson of Redding, who was tying flies last weekend in the exhibit hall, said hes been fly-fishing off and on for 20 years. You get outdoors and you get to see beautiful water and beautiful areas. The bonus is when you catch a fish.

He hopes the exhibit sparks more interest in fly-fishing and makes locals aware of what a wonderful river weve got here.

The Federation of Fly Fishers Museum in Livingston, Mont., also donated items for the exhibit. Cronin said Phillip Greenlee, chairman of its board, lives in Redding.

The exhibit was designed to appeal to fly-fishing enthusiasts and those who have never picked up a fly rod. It shows the progression of fly-fishing (the artificial fly was mentioned in Roman antiquity) and covers conservation and fish biology. There are videos and an area to try casting. Children can fish for magnetic fish, and then use a chart to identify what they land.

Fly-fishing is a fun activity for families, Cronin said.

Its a great way to get your family outside. Kids love fish. They also love bugs. Its a great learning tool. Its a great way to teach conservation, she said.

If you go

What: “Fly Fishing: The Art of Deception”

Where: Turtle Bay Exploration Park, 840 Sundial Bridge Drive in Redding

When: 9 am to 4 pm Wednesdays through Saturdays; 10 am to 4 pm Sundays. Runs through April 15.

Special features: Tying demonstrations noon to 3 pm every Saturday and Sunday. Shasta Trinity Fly Fishers Fly Tying Expo 10 am to 12:30 pm and 1 to 3:30 pm Feb. 18-19. Includes hands-on lessons on tying flies and casting.

Therefore, there are other suggestions that residents can follow to avoid any problems with the wild animals, who have been sighted rather frequently over the last few weeks.

In 2009, a public meeting and session participated in by local residents, the Niagara Regional Police, local trappers and the Ministry of Natural Resources was held. Around that time, many concerns were voiced in the community about what could be done to avoid any tragedies related to small pets being snatched by the elusive animals, which there were a handful of cases of in areas near the Old Fort.

That same advice that was shared back then still remains in place today.

In a coyote information pamphlet provided to the Town of Fort Erie by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), it is explained that coyotes are a natural part of rural and urban areas near ravines or wooded areas.

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent any interaction with them on your property.

Some of these precautions include properly storing and maintaining garbage containers, which would discourage them from prowling for a meal, and also prevent other rodents such as skunks and raccoons from putting themselves in a vulnerable position for a coyote attack.

Another measure that should be taken is removing all pet food from outside, which could draw coyotes in closer to your property.

Residents should avoid composting meat products, as failure to do so can also welcome coyotes closer to your home.

Purposely feeding and approaching the animals is also not recommended. They are timid and usually scare away from human contact, but being fed can make them more comfortable and cause them to return for additional food.

Motion-sensitive lighting in yards can help deter coyotes from trespassing on your property and alarms or whistles that can be set off in the presence of an unwelcome animal can scare coyotes off and cause them not to return.

Pat Smalldon, a local resident on Court Street near General Vanier Public School, has had four sightings in recent weeks and hopes people living in her area, many of whom are senior citizens with small pets, will follow the guidelines that can deter a coyote presence in urban areas.

She owns her own medium-sized dog and has taken extra caution by carrying a stick when she walks her pooch in the neighbourhood, or by combing the yard before she lets her dog out to do its business.

You have to be very cautious about letting them out, she said.

Geoff Stephenson, from the Town of Fort Eries by-law enforcement department, says there is little the municipality can do, other than raise awareness about the coyote presence by strongly advising residents to follow the precautions provided through the MNR.

Dont approach them or feed them, said Stephenson, who estimated that about seven complaints on the matter have been heard at Town Hall, so far this week.

If you have small pets, be aware that when you go outside there may be coyotes looking to eat, he added.

The Niagara Regional Polices district commander for Fort Erie, staff sergeant Dave Hunter, also echoed the recommendations provided by the ministry.

I would certainly emphasize, dont approach the animal yourself, he said.

The police can respond to a coyote-related concern, which is categorized as a nuisance animal complaint. If a coyote appears to be putting public safety at risk, thats the only time law enforcement can step in.

Unless the animal is a danger, theres nothing we can do, said Hunter.

Wendy Trombley, manager of the local SPCA said a trap was set up last week, in an attempt to apprehend a coyote that had been seen wandering around near the Peace Bridge and on Gilmore Road, with a severe injury to its leg.

We havent had any luck catching it, she said.

Trombley said that when calls about the animals come to her office, she usually refers them to the MNR for further suggestions…whether it is a re-iteration of the many points provided in the information sheet on the Town of Fort Eries website, or a recommendation to hire a local licensed trapper.

Under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, it is legal to hunt coyotes in Ontario. But it has to be for a hunting purpose, and not just to eliminate their presence in your neighbourhood, especially if you live in a residential area.

Let folks in the Midwick Tract know to watch their small pets. There#39;s a coyote roaming. Saw it on Cabrillo tonight.

We#39;ve heard via Facebook about a lot of other spottings in the area. Nancy Ruiz wrote that on Wednesady night near Grandview Market: I saw a coyote and it saw me. The coyote wasn#39;t scared, but I sure was.

Earl Jones wrote that he saw one last on Electric Avenue at 3am (Linda Moody#39;s neighbor saw one there as well). Daniel Dupill worte that he once knew of a den on the hillside between Hampden Terrace and Palentine. We could hear them howl in concert with fire and police sirens regularly – and see them often on Hampden Terrace. And Auntie Apple said she spotten one in front of Ramona Convent. Fernando Morales said he saw a baby one running toward another place of worship, St Therese.

John Garica said he spots them on Huntington Drive, Mauricio Perez said Woodward and Fifth was the spot, and Kelly Yamagashi said for her it was North Olive and Pine. A pack of three were chilling on my lawn, she writes.

Have you spotted a coyote? Please post the address/ intersection below or by e-mailing editor@alhambrasource.org and we will put together a coyote spotting map. And if you have any pictures, please share those as well.

Feb 09, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) –
Samsung Telecommunications America:

WHAT: Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the No. 1
mobile phone provider in the U.S.(1) is showcasing its
latest world-class, innovative mobile device, the Galaxy Note(TM), at
the 2012 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. This weekend,
tournament attendees and spectators can experience artists
demonstrating the device’s creative capabilities in indoor and
outdoor ateliers.
Galaxy Note Ateliers; “Pick Up a T-shirt of Your Own Caricature”
Samsung will demonstrate the Galaxy Note experience in two locations
at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Using the Galaxy Note as their creative
tool of choice, caricature artists will showcase the capabilities of
the device and give visitors the opportunity to take home a unique,
custom souvenir.
– Caricature Artists: Visit the Galaxy Note caricature artists to
get a one of a kind digital caricature of you and your friends
(Both locations, availability limited)
– Giveaways: Receive an original GALAXY Note T-shirt printed with
your own caricature (T-shirt printing available at The Fan Zone
only)
WHERE/ WHEN: Pebble Beach Golf Links
17-Mile Drive
Pebble Beach, CA 93953
– Pebble Beach Golf Links, The Fan Zone, Grand Entrance
Feb. 9-12, 8:00am – 3:00pm
– Pebble Beach Golf Links, The Digital Clubhouse
Feb. 9-12, 8:00am – 3:00pm

[1] Number one mobile phone provider in the U.S. claim for
Samsung Mobile based upon reported shipment data, according to Strategy
Analytics, Q3 2011 U.S. Market Share Handset Shipments Reports.

SOURCE: Samsung Telecommunications America

MWW Group for Samsung Mobile
Lesli Benefield, 214-414-3324
M: 972-754-2302
lbenefield@mww.com

Copyright Business Wire 2012