Ilsley Arrives at Cypress Cove Ilsley has arrived at Cypress Cove Nudist Resort & Spa in Kissimmee, Florida. Established in 1964, The Cove, as it is known to regular visitors, has been the destination for clothes-free vacationers from around the world. The nearly 300-acre facility includes a 50-acre lake, 130 acres of protected wetlands, 20 acres of recreation, and a residential community. Despite its natural setting, the resort is just a short drive to any one of Central Florida's famous attractions. Rental accommodations are available. Visitors to The Cove can bask in the sun at one of two large swimming pools or on the white sand beach that overlooks the lake while experiencing the natural beauty of Florida by relaxing in the shade of a magnificent oak or tall cypress. In this setting, you'll find it easier than ever before to put aside the worries and cares of the everyday world. Enjoy tennis, petanque, and golf. Pamper yourself with a massage. Dine at the Lakeside Restaurant or relax at the popular Cheeks Bar & Grill. Favorite events such as the popular Parrothead Weekend round out the experience. When you're at Cypress Cove, you're away from it all but not far from anything. 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 and Health 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. 
Nude Painting Wins Prize in La. Show Despite the trouble many artists have finding venues to display their nude artwork, the first place winner of the Louisiana Artists 2005 exhibit was a nude painting. The showing at the LSU Union Art Gallery presents a comprehensive survey of what Louisiana artists are doing statewide. This year's exhibit is more interesting--and more poignant-- due to the inclusion of the work of artists displaced due to the hurricanes as well as that of familiar names in the Baton Rouge art scene. Amanda Hext of Lafayette created the winning work in hte show, an oil on panel painting of a nude female figure in a graceful kneeling pose. The show, in the wake of devastation of recent months, demonstrates perseverance and hope for the future. Win a 2006 Vacation Cruise Time is running out to win the vacation cruise of a lifetime while also contributing to AANR Government Affairs, which protects your right to enjoy social nude recreation. The Bare Necessities Challenge offers an upper-level verandah cabin for two aboard the Mediterranea, a vacation package valued at $5,000. The ship departs from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on February 26, 2006, with stops in St. Martin, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas before returning to Fort Lauderdale on March 5. Passengers will enjoy one of the largest nude cruises ever aboard one of the most luxurious ships ever chartered for a clothing-optional cruise. For each $5 donated, entrants will receive one chance at winning. Mail your donation to AANR, 1703 N. Main Street, Kissimmee, FL 34744-3396; or phone 800/TRY-NUDE for Discover, MasterCard, or Visa entries. There is no limit to the number of times you may enter. Entries must be received by December 14, 2005, and the drawing will be held December 21, 2005. Enter the Bare Necessities Government Affairs Challenge now for a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. College Photographer Credits Nudity for Self-Esteem A recent article by Missouri Southern State University writer Mark Schuster credits social nudity for improving his self-esteem. Asking himself the questions "What would life be like sans clothing? What would my life have been like if, instead of being embarrassed and even ashamed of my body, I could have seen first hand that I was no different from anyone else?", Schuster decided to find out and visited Oaklake Trails in Oklahoma. In an article for the university's newspaper, The Chart, Schuster reveals that all the positive things he'd heard about social nudity were reinforced during his visit to Oaklake and all the negative things he'd thought proved to be groundless.By the time he left the resort, he'd come to the conclusion that his "body has just as much validity as any other" because of meeting people who were willing to look beneath the surface. Read more at Self-Esteem.  |
