Top survival myths
Best-selling author Neil Strauss of the New York Times spent the past three years studying emergency situations and e-mailed a list of common survival myths. Here's a sample:
If stranded in the desert, you can get water from a cactus. (Truth: Chances are you won't be able to get more than a few drops from a cactus, it will taste bitter and acrid and could lead to cramps and vomiting.)
If attacked by a shark, punch it in the nose. (Truth: You're more likely to injure your hand than the shark if you hit it in the nose. Instead, strike hard at the eyes and gills, ideally with a sharp object.)
If bitten by a poisonous snake, suck out the venom. (Truth: You won't be able to cut or suck fast enough to slow the venom, and getting venom in your mouth will only create a new pathway for the poison.)
If stabbed or impaled by something, pull out the knife or object and apply direct pressure. (Truth: This may look cool in movies, but never pull a knife or any other object from a wound. Instead, leave the object in place and pack a bulky dressing around it for stabilization.)
Praying won't help you. (Truth: Studies of traits of survivors have noted one thing they had in common was prayer, which helps keep one's thoughts organized and focused.)
Events
Father's Day Run & Walk
When: Sunday
Where: Fulton Mall
Don't let Dad sleep in on his special day. Instead, encourage him to hit the streets for Fresno's oldest running event, going strong for 43 years.
Events include a 2-mile run (6:30 a.m.), 2-mile walk (6:32 a.m.) and 6-mile run (7 a.m.), worth 30 points in the Valley Runner of the Year Series. Register in advance at Sierra Running Co. (9447 North Fort Washington Road, Fresno) or on race day from 5:30 to 6:45 a.m.
Climb to Kaiser
When: June 27
Where: Alta Sierra Middle School, Clovis
If you haven't started training for Central California's premier endurance cycling event, it's probably too late. But late-comers might be interested in the shorter, less-grueling Millerton Metric Century (71 miles) or Tollhouse Century (95 miles).
Details: www.fresnocycling.com/kaiser/.
News & notes
Is the $20 day-use fee keeping you from visiting Yosemite or Sequoia/Kings Canyon? This weekend, entrance fees will be waived at all national parks that charge admission. The other free weekends are July 18-19 and Aug. 15-16.
Beginning fly fishermen can learn to cast like a pro Wednesday at Woodward Park from 6 p.m. until dark. The free lessons, offered by Fly Fishers for Conservation, continue weekly through July 8. Loaner rods are available.
Fresno's Ducks Unlimited chapter is holding a fundraising dinner Friday at Pardini's on West Shaw Avenue. Tickets are $50 for adults, $25 for youths and $90 for couples. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7. For tickets, call Scott Baize at (559) 905-0338 or Anthony Donato at (559) 906-0269.
Fresno endurance racer Maureen Sheehan rode her mountain bike 150 miles (and climbed 17,500 feet) in 24 hours during the 24 Hours of Adrenalin on June 6-7 at Laguna Seca Raceway. Sheehan finished third overall in the solo women's division.
Fisherman's Warehouse is hosting the second in its series of kayak fishing tournaments Sunday on the delta. It is free to enter. Details: Eric Kaai, (559) 225-1838.
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