American Association For Nude Recreation

This week, Ilsley travels to Kaniksu Ranch in Loon Lake, Washington, on 240 forested acres nestled in the Kaniksu National Forest 40 miles north of Spokane. The Ranch is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. A heated pool, sauna, hot tub, clubhouse with meals on weekends, bocce court, and two sand volleyball courts await visitors, along with miles of hiking trails through the surrounding forest.

Hike, swim, play, relax and perhaps even spot wild turkeys, deer, or moose stroll through the grounds. Hikers may also see bear, elk and coyotes.

One of the club's biggest events is the upcoming Original Bare Buns Fun Run 5K race. Now in its 22nd year, this year's race is planned for July 28-30. Make plans now to participate in or watch this year's race by calling 609/327-NUDE (6833) or by e-mailing BBFR5K@aol.com.

The Ilsley is a traveling trophy commissioned to commemorate AANR's 75th Anniversary as the credible voice of reason for nude recreation in North America. Ilsley is traveling to nearly 40 AANR clubs and resorts across the U.S. and Canada. Throughout his tour, special themed events and celebrations are planned at host clubs along the way.

The award is named for the late Rev. Ilsley Boone, the founder and first Executive Director of AANR's predecessor, the American Sunbathing Association. Boone is perhaps best remembered as the flamboyant clergyman who served as plaintiff in the 1958 case of Sunshine Book Co. v. Summerfield. That case went all the way to the United States Supreme Court and established, once and for all, First Amendment protection for nudist publications.

Ilsley ends his tour in August 2006 at the Association's 75th Anniversary Convention at Deanza Springs Resort outside San Diego, California.

You can track Ilsley's weekly progress on his year-long tour right here on the AANR website.

Naked World Cup Kicks Off

Throckley, Newcastle in the UK is the site for this year's Naked World Cup, reports the Daily Record online. Nudist fans will take it all off to watch the England v. Paraguay clash, then put on their own tournament. The event is expected to draw fans from all over the country.The Daily Record quotes Mike Daly of the Newcasltele District Outdoor Club as saying: "Everyone will be the same flesh colour so it might be difficult to tell the teams apart. But that's part of the fun." Read more at Naked World Cup.

Your Ultimate Vacation Awaits

Bare Necessities Tour & Travel, the Texas travel agency that began hosting clothing-optional cruises in the late 1980s, has once again donated a cabin to benefit AANR's government affairs program, which lobbies on behalf of nude recreation, defending it from those trying to pass anti-nudity legislation. For each $5 donated to the government affairs challenge, entrants will receive one chance to win.

Enter today to win this vacation to remember while supporting the advocacy of AANR';s government affairs program. But hurry. Entries must be received by October 16, 2006. The drawing will be held October 23, 2006 in the AANR office.

The Difference Between Playboy and Michelangelo

An article in the Seattle Times highlights how people relate to nude figures in artwork because it is a direct connection to humanity. Dennis McNally, chair of the department of fine and performance arts at St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, and a Jesuit priest, likes his students to begin painting nudes right away, even before they attempt fruit and flowers. "It's a way of getting in touch with yourself," McNally says.

McNally feels art is the best medium to separate the difference between the natural and the titillating. It is revealed through a difference in poses, lighting, and most importantly, intent. While many artists feel that "nudiphobia" is only controversial in the United States, McNally says the roots may go deeper. He cites a patriarchal, ownership-based culture as part of the problem. Read more at Nude Art.