Man Pleads Guilty to Creating ‘Frankensheep'

By Sean McCoy | March 14, 2024

🤖 Sometimes, I think I'm the only one left who doesn't care much about the pending robot invasion (it's coming, y'all). I’d rather ponder why dogs sometimes smell, delightfully, like Fritos. Life is short, and it's easy to forget about the magic that exists and focus instead on the debacles we mortal humans have built for ourselves. So today, take a moment to pause; reflect on what's in front of you now. I promise, there's magic there if you look for it.

📌 Before you go, here are three things to:

• Read: Here’s a quick reminder not to mess with moose.

• Watch: What happens if you train like Alex Honnold for one week? This video has answers.

• Share: If you know someone with an Anker powered cooler, let them know it may be recalled!

Montana Man Guilty of Cloning and Creating Hybrid 'Frankensheep'

A man from Montana pleaded guilty to wildlife crimes involving the smuggling of animal parts, cloning, and creating hybrid sheep for hunting. This seven-year scheme culminated in a unique, but illegal and unethical, breakthrough in wildlife manipulation.

Key points:

• Arthur "Jack" Schubarth smuggled Marco Polo argils sheep parts from Kyrgyzstan to the United States.
• He created 165 embryos, resulting in a live cloned sheep named MMK.
• Hybrids raised from MMK and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep sold for hunting across state lines.

Arthur "Jack" Schubarth's ambition to create a new species of hybrid sheep for trophy hunting crosses legal and ethical boundaries, showcasing the lengths individuals may go to exploit wildlife for profit. He faces up to 5 years in prison.

Check out the full story here.

Springy, Fair-Weather Fun: Reebok ‘FloatZig 1’ Review

Reebok knocked it out of the park with this running shoe for everyone. GearJunkie’s editor-in-chief Adam Ruggiero presents the Reebok FloatZig 1 as a versatile running shoe that appeals to both casual joggers and serious runners. Its performance in unseasonably springlike conditions reveals a fun, bouncy ride that promises enjoyment over technical prowess.

Key Points:

• Versatile Appeal: The shoe caters to a broad audience with its balance of comfort and performance.

• Unique Design: Combining Reebok’s Floatride Energy Foam and Zig Tech midsole, the shoe aims to enhance forward energy distribution upon heel strike.

• Comfort & Bounce: With a plush midsole that feels soft yet responsive, runners can expect a buoyant experience that adds a spring to their step.

The Reebok FloatZig 1 stands out for injecting fun and liveliness into runs, thanks to its springy energy return and comfortable cushioning. While it may not set records for speed or tackle challenging terrains with precision, it's an excellent choice for those seeking a delightful and supportive road-running experience.

Check out the full review here.

Unionizing Wave Sweeps Across the US Outdoor Industry

The US outdoor industry, a significant contributor with over $1 trillion to the national economy, is witnessing a surge in union organizing efforts. Workers across various segments are coming together to demand better compensation, benefits, and representation, aiming to reshape their working conditions amidst the industry's booming growth.

Key Points:

• Broad Unionization Efforts: From the vast expanse of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway to high-profile REI stores and even Yellowstone National Park, workers are increasingly voting to unionize.

• A Year of Labor Victories: 2023 has been marked by significant wins for labor unions across multiple sectors, including auto, healthcare, and entertainment.

• Economic Significance: The outdoor industry's booming growth, accounting for 2.2% of the GDP and employing millions, contrasts with the limited conversation about worker representation and rights at the national level.

The surge in union organizing within the US outdoor industry is a testament to a changing labor landscape, where workers demand recognition and fair treatment. Amidst record profits and growing public support for labor unions, the outdoor sector's labor movement is catching fire, promising significant implications for worker rights and industry standards.

For further details, read Andrew McLemore’s full article on GearJunkie.

Around The Web

🗻 O’Driscoll amazes with Torres traverse: Villanueva O’Driscoll continues to raise the standards of difficulty in Patagonia. Shortly after free-climbing Riders on the Storm, he returned to the Torres del Paine massif for a world’s first: the traverse of the four spires following the skyline in the shape of a double “M”.

🚴‍♂️  All Italian, all-road: The Basso Venta R reshapes the fast, versatile, all-road bike with modern clearances and more.

🏃‍♂️ Rickey Gates and the Art of Running: Join Hannah Green and artist-runner Rickey Gates in an inspiring talk, exploring movement as art, the allure of Rickey's New Mexico home, and a love for aspen trees.

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