By mark cabaniss - August 6, 2012 | Tickers: AMZN, EBAY, MCD, SBUX | 0 Comments

mark is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network -- entries represent the personal opinions of our bloggers and are not formally edited.

It happens to all great companies. They win. The burger wars, the shoeshine wars, the detergent wars -- at some point, a company clearly emerges as the leader, and its competitors as also-rans. And then, what? What is left after victory? For some, such as McDonald's, (NYSE: MCD) there is no acknowledgement of "victory," but only a single-minded focus on sustaining and improving profitability, as though the company was still number two, forever trying harder. McDonald's expands their menu only slowly, and after extensive test-marketing. When they see an opportunity for easy profits, they move in, as with their McCafe line of coffee beverages. After Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) did the heavy lifting of popularizing lattes and cappucinos, McDonald's piggybacked on their success, simultaneously making a nice profit while undercutting a competitor. But McDonald's still doesn't sell pizza, or tacos. No, they are a burger chain, number one, and very focused on staying there. For others, victory means it is time to move on to new endeavors. They branch out, buying or building new businesses. They diversify, (or lose focus, depending on your point of view.)

The sixties was the high water mark of the conglomerate. Companies bought other companies, oftentimes, lots of them. It didn't matter if they were in the same industry. The idea was to leverage borrowing costs and management -- if a management team could run a tire company, why, they surely could also run a movie theater chain, and a smoked clam cannery, and maybe a map or telescope company, right? Well no; often wrong, actually. Gulf+Western used to own the Miss Universe beauty pageant, the Associates finance company, and the Desilu TV production company, as well as mattress, cigar, sugar, record, publishing, and auto parts businesses, among others. Oh, and also Madison Square Garden, and with it the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers. Today, Gulf+Western is gone, having disappeared piece by piece, as it sold itself off in an ongoing, decades-long attempt to slim down and focus. With just a few exceptions, such as Leucadia National, Loews Corporation and, most notably, Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway, conglomerates such as Gulf+Western are mostly gone, having been dismantled in the 80s, as companies have sold off sideline businesses, and focused on improving core competencies.

Which brings us to Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN). What exactly does Amazon do? Is Amazon losing it's focus? Where are they going? They are the World's number one online retailer, but they are rapidly morphing out of or outgrowing or leaving that business and going into the packing and shipping business as a fulfillment agent for other online merchants. Last quarter their third party shipments increased to 40% of total units shipped from 36% the prior quarter. That is a huge shift. Amazon bulls are, for whatever reason, mostly applauding this move. But if that trend keeps up, and Amazon's units shipped become 50%, 70%, 90% third party, they will cease to be a retailer, becoming something between eBay and UPSa combination internet selling platform and third-party warehouser, packer, and shipper. Is this a good idea? Who knows?

I find it puzzling that Amazon gets credit for displacing bricks-and-mortar retailers even as it transforms itself into a bricks-and-mortar warehouser.This year, Amazon has opened six new fulfillment centers, that is, giant bricks-and-mortar operations, with twelve more in the works. Will these prove a smart investment, or money-hemorraging Taj Mahals tied like millstones around the neck of Amazon's earnings statements? I don't know, and I'm not sure that anyone else does, either.

Amazon is also, for now, a cloud services company, and a portable computer company, with the Kindle Fire. What do these businesses have to do with each other? Yes, I know that people can buy Amazon's online product offerings via their Kindles, but they can also shop Amazon from their laptops and desktops, and smartphones, a business which, incidentally, Amazon is talking about getting into, to further compete with Apple. Question: if it is a good idea for Amazon to start making telephones, why would it not also be a good idea for them to start making computers, and go into business against Dell?

I cannot help but admire Amazon CEO Jeffrey Bezos. He is an example of the ideal self-made man. He could take his billions and retire into a life of consumeristic hedonism, jetting around the globe drinking champagne, collecting houses and art. Instead, he chooses to keep working as hard as ever, in the great American tradition of Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, and Steve Jobs. However, I think Amazon may have fallen into the trap of trying to maintain it's growth rate by getting into new ventures. Some say that a company is like a shark -- it has to keep moving or it dies. But there is an obvious danger in growth for growth's sake. If you just move move move, too quickly, you may find that you have moved into a blind alley, and have committed huge amounts of time and money to vast and unprofitable ventures. You may find yourself like some sixties conglomerate, trying to focus on your core competency and shed businesses that only a few years before sounded like such good ideas.

Whither Amazon? They are moving, 'tis true, but where?

My brother once said "All of my problems are first-world problems." My investing credo: money, while nice, is ultimately only money.

See more here:
Is Success Killing Amazon?

Joining the Greek community means "opportunities for leadership development, service, brotherhood, academic achievement, networking and social engagement," "a home away from home" and "an opportunity to belong to one of the world's largest lifelong, personal development organizations," according to the North-American Interfraternity Conference, a trade association representing 5,500 men's fraternities at more than 800 U.S. college campuses.

In the 2010-2011 school year, the most recent year for which data are available, more than 300,000 men belonged to undergraduate fraternities, gave 2.25 million hours of community service and raised $14.6 million for charity. The National Pan-Hellenic Conference, which represents 2,986 women's fraternity and sorority chapters on 655 campuses, says women's fraternities provide value beyond the college years, by helping individuals develop their potential "through leadership opportunities and group effort." While you may not be able to put a price on benefits like these, you can put a price on the many expenses associated with membership.

SEE: What You Need To Do Before Applying To College Room and BoardThe room and board expenses associated with belonging to a sorority or fraternity vary by school and chapter. At the University of North Carolina (UNC), for example, the average cost for a fraternity member's room, board and dues is $2,970 per semester but ranges from $1,600 to $5,000. For sorority members, the average cost is $2,987 per semester and the range is $2,575 to $3,407. Living in a Greek house is not necessarily more expensive than living in student housing and buying a university meal plan. For example, in Westwood, the upscale Los Angeles neighborhood where UCLA resides, Greek housing can actually save students money. The costs for both seem to be steadily rising as well, but there are ways to combat rising college costs .

New Member Dues and Active Member DuesAt UNC, new members pay $600-$900 in new member dues in the semester when they join. Thereafter, the average cost is $200 to $300 per semester. Dues consist of chapter dues, national dues and pan-hellenic dues. This money helps cover expenses, such as liability insurance, house upkeep, scholarships and social events. Some chapters have payment plans that help members meet their dues obligations.

SEE: Student Borrowing: University Payment Plan Vs. Federal Student Loans FinesSome chapters impose fines on individual members for breaking rules. You might have to pay up if you miss a mandatory meeting or activity, or don't meet GPA standards. Recruitment infractions can also result in fines, which might cost $50 per violation. Members may also be fined for not doing assigned housework or for drinking alcohol at events where alcohol consumption is not allowed. Some chapters allow these fines to be paid in service hours. Also, Greek houses can face fines for fire code violations, trash violations and failure to submit required paperwork on time. In a worst-case scenario, a house could face expensive police fines for violations of city laws, such as serving alcohols to minors and exceeding house occupancy limits during parties.

Social Expenses Expenses associated with social activities can be difficult to estimate before joining a sorority or fraternity. They can vary significantly by chapter but they're also the expense you technically have the most control over. However, just because it isn't mandatory to donate to every charity event and buy a new dress for every dance and a new t-shirt for every function, doesn't mean you won't feel like these expenses are required when you're overtly or subtly pressured into them. Social expenses can add hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to the cost of "going Greek."

You might be expected to spend money on clothes with your chapter's colors and letters, gifts for your brothers or sisters, event tickets, outings to restaurants and bars, limousine rentals for formal nights out and professional event photos. In some chapters, you could face pressure to buy designer clothes and accessories to maintain the group's self-styled image.

SEE: Pay For College Without Selling A Kidney Alumni ExpensesStudents who take to heart the lifelong membership component of the Greek system will find themselves with sorority- and fraternity-related expenses long after they graduate. "Adults spend an astronomical amount of money as members of alumni chapters of fraternal organizations, especially in the African-American community," says Crystal L. Kendrick, president of Cincinnati marketing firm The Voice of Your Customer.

"Many professionals join alumni chapters at costs that could easily reach $1,000," she says. In addition to joining fees, there are event fees. Regional and national sorority conventions that give graduates an opportunity to meet members of all ages of their chapters from other colleges, but it costs money to travel to and participate in these events. Kendrick adds that supporting various fundraising efforts throughout the year and purchasing expensive paraphernalia can further add to alumni expenses.

Career AdvantagesFraternity and sorority members are more likely to graduate and, as a group, have slightly higher GPAs than their non-Greek peers. Beyond graduation, if you nurture the social connections you'll develop as a member of the Greek system, you can have access to a lifelong network that can help you get a job and advance in your career. Numerous politicians, Fortune 500 executives, Supreme Court justices and American presidents belonged to fraternities or sororities.

Original post:
Should You Join A Sorority Or Fraternity?

PHOENIX, Aug. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (LOPE), a regionally accredited provider of online and campus-based postsecondary education services, today announced financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2012.

For the three months ended June 30, 2012:

For the six months ended June 30, 2012:

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

As of June 30, 2012, the University had unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $50.8 million compared to $21.2 million at December 31, 2011 and restricted cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 of $54.9 million and $56.7 million, respectively.

The University generated $79.6 million in cash from operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to $37.6 million for the same period in 2011. Cash provided by operating activities in 2012 and 2011 resulted from our net income plus non-cash charges for provision for bad debts, depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation and improvement in our working capital.

Net cash used in investing activities was $50.3million and $32.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Capital expenditures were $50.5million and $38.3million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. In 2012, capital expenditures primarily consisted of the construction costs associated with two additional dormitories, an Arts and Science classroom building and a parking garage to support our increasing traditional student enrollment as well as purchases of computer equipment, other internal use software projects and furniture and equipment. In 2011, capital expenditures primarily consisted of ground campus building projects such as a new dormitory and an events arena to support our increasing traditional ground student enrollment as well as purchases of computer equipment, internal use software projects and furniture and equipment. In 2011 expenditures were partially offset by a $5.4 million decrease in restricted cash as a result of payment of the qui tam legal matter in June 2011.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $0.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and net cash used in financing activities was $23.7 million in the six months ended June 30, 2011. During the first six months of 2012 $3.4 million of proceeds from the exercise of stock options were partially offset by $2.0 million used to purchase treasury stock in accordance with the University's share repurchase program and principal payments on notes payable and capital lease obligations of $1.3 million. During the first six months of 2011, $22.4 million was used to purchase treasury stock in accordance with the University's share repurchase program and principal payments on notes payable and capital leases totaled $1.9 million, partially offset by $0.6 million of proceeds from the exercise of stock options.

2012 Annual Outlook by Quarter

Q3 2012:

Continued here:
Grand Canyon Education, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2012 Results

By TERENCE CHEA Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - When the Massachusetts Institute of Technology offered its first free online course this spring, Ashwith Rego jumped at the chance to learn from some of the world's leading researchers - without leaving his home in India.

"I never imagined that I would be taught by professors from MIT, let alone for free," said the 24-year-old engineer who works in Bangalore.

From Harvard to Stanford, a growing number of elite universities are throwing open their digital doors to the masses. They're offering their most popular courses online for no charge, allowing anyone with an Internet connection to learn from world-renowned scholars and scientists.

Many colleges have offered Web-based courses for years, but the participation of top-tier research universities marks a major milestone in the expansion of digital learning.

The proliferation of so-called massive open online courses, or MOOCs, has the potential to transform higher education at a time when colleges and universities are grappling with shrinking budgets, rising costs and protests over soaring tuition and student debt.

Supporters say these online courses can lower teaching costs, improve learning online and on campus, and significantly expand access to higher education, which could fuel technological innovation and economic growth.

"It holds the potential for serving many, many hundreds of thousands of students in a way we simply cannot today," said Molly Corbett Broad, president of the American Council on Education.

Last month, a dozen major research universities announced they would begin offering courses on the online learning platform Coursera, joining Stanford and Princeton universities and the universities of Pennsylvania and Virginia.

The University of California, Berkeley said it would start making online courses available this fall through edX, a competing Web portal launched in May by Harvard University and MIT with $60 million in funding from the two schools.

Excerpt from:
Hometownstations.com-WLIO- Lima, OH News Weather SportsElite colleges transform online higher education

SAN FRANCISCO When the Massachusetts Institute of Technology offered its first free online course this spring, Ashwith Rego jumped at the chance to learn from some of the worlds leading researchers without leaving his home in India.

I never imagined that I would be taught by professors from MIT, let alone for free, said the 24-year-old engineer who works in Bangalore.

From Harvard to Stanford, a growing number of elite universities are throwing open their digital doors to the masses. Theyre offering their most popular courses online for no charge, allowing anyone with an Internet connection to learn from world-renowned scholars and scientists.

Many colleges have offered Web-based courses for years, but the participation of top-tier research universities marks a major milestone in the expansion of digital learning.

The proliferation of so-called massive open online courses, or MOOCs, has the potential to transform higher education at a time when colleges and universities are grappling with shrinking budgets, rising costs and protests over soaring tuition and student debt.

Supporters say these online courses can lower teaching costs, improve learning online and on campus, and significantly expand access to higher education, which could fuel technological innovation and economic growth.

It holds the potential for serving many, many hundreds of thousands of students in a way we simply cannot today, said Molly Corbett Broad, president of the American Council on Education.

Last month, a dozen major research universities announced they would begin offering courses on the online learning platform Coursera, joining Stanford and Princeton universities and the universities of Pennsylvania and Virginia.

The University of California, Berkeley said it would start making online courses available this fall through edX, a competing Web portal launched in May by Harvard University and MIT with $60 million in funding from the two schools.

I believe it will ultimately revolutionize education, said UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau.

Read the rest here:
Elite colleges transforming higher education online

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- When the Massachusetts Institute of Technology offered its first free online course this spring, Ashwith Rego jumped at the chance to learn from some of the world's leading researchers without leaving his home in India.

"I never imagined that I would be taught by professors from MIT, let alone for free," said the 24-year-old engineer who works in Bangalore.

From Harvard to Stanford, a growing number of elite universities are throwing open their digital doors to the masses. They're offering their most popular courses online for no charge, allowing anyone with an Internet connection to learn from world-renowned scholars and scientists.

Many colleges have offered Web-based courses for years, but the participation of top-tier research universities marks a major milestone in the expansion of digital learning.

The proliferation of so-called massive open online courses, or MOOCs, has the potential to transform higher education at a time when colleges and universities are grappling with shrinking budgets, rising costs and protests over soaring tuition and student debt.

Supporters say these online courses can lower teaching costs, improve learning online and on campus, and significantly expand access to higher education, which could fuel technological innovation and economic growth.

"It holds the potential for serving many, many hundreds of thousands of students in a way we simply cannot today," said Molly Corbett Broad, president of the American Council on Education.

Last month, a dozen major research universities announced they would begin offering courses on the online learning platform Coursera, joining Stanford and Princeton universities and the universities of Pennsylvania and Virginia.

The University of California, Berkeley said it would start making online courses available this fall through edX, a competing Web portal launched in May by Harvard University and MIT with $60 million in funding from the two schools.

"I believe it will ultimately revolutionize education," said UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau.

See the rest here:
Elite Colleges Transform Online Higher Education

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Capella University, an accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing high-quality online degree programs for working adults, has announced two new post-bachelor's certificates, one in Higher Education Leadership and Administration, and one in Adult Education. Courses completed as part of these certificates can be applied toward a Capella Master of Science in Higher Education. Capella's higher education programs focus on the unique issues faced by faculty and administrators in higher education, including cultural and academic diversity; strategies for teaching, assessing and measuring higher education and adult students; the use of technology to improve learning; and the development of business skills needed to lead and manage change in higher education institutions. As of June 20, 2012, more than 36,000 students are pursuing an online degree at Capella. The learning and career outcomes of Capellas students and alumni can be found at http://www.capellaresults.org

More affordable options for students pursuing higher education careers "Our new 20-credit certificates offer a more affordable way to prepare for or enhance a career in higher education," said Barbara Butts Williams, PhD, dean of Capella's School of Education. "By completing a certificate, learners can gain additional knowledge in adult education or higher education leadership and administration that can be applied to their current career. Those interested in pursuing a masters degree earn a valuable credential after completing the five certificate courses, all of which can be applied toward an MS in Higher Education at Capella. They also receive a 10 percent tuition discount toward their MS in Higher Education courses, providing a more affordable pathway to this educational goal."

Higher Education Leadership and Administration certificate offers choice of focus Capella's Higher Education Leadership and Administration certificate prepares students to make sound decisions based on best practices in higher education leadership; apply higher education theory to institutional practices; and better understand the culture and politics of four-year and community colleges. Students also choose one of two areas in which to focus their studies, higher education program administration or community college leadership. Higher education program administration focuses on divisional roles and functions, including student services, academic affairs, financial affairs, institutional advancement, and enrollment management. Community college leadership focuses on the values, missions, programs, and functions that make community colleges unique.

Adult Education The Adult Education certificate offers a foundational knowledge of major competency areas in the field of adult education. The curriculum focuses on the characteristics of adult learners and the adult education profession, as well as adult education settings, philosophies, principles, and theories. This certificate prepares students to advance the practice of learning and teaching within the field of adult education; apply adult education principles and theories to instruction, program development, and learning enhancement; adapt strategies and methods to address the characteristics of adult learners; and apply reflective strategies that lead to improved personal and professional practice.

Enrollment now open Capella is now accepting enrollment applications for these new certificates. For more information, please call 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552) or email info@capella.edu.

Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure and salary benefits. It is the learners' responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for their states. Where applicable, teachers are advised to contact their individual school districts as to whether a program may qualify for salary advancement. For more information on licensure, see: http://www.capella.edu/licensure.aspx (Washington state learners are advised to go to: http://pathway.pesb.wa.gov/outofstate for more information).

In accordance with U.S. Department of Education (DOE) new advance notice requirements, a notification for these certificates will be submitted to the DOE. These certificates may be subject to additional review and approval by the DOE, which could result in a potential delay in learners being able to start the certificate. If this certificate is subject to additional review, the DOE will notify Capella University at least 30 days prior to the scheduled start date. Capella University proactively will keep applicants and learners enrolled in these certificates fully informed of any actions taken by the DOE that may affect their ability to successfully begin classes as originally scheduled.

About Capella University Capella University (www.capella.edu) is an accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing quality online degree programs for working adults. Three-fourths of Capella students are currently enrolled in master's or doctoral degree programs in business, counseling, education, health administration, homeland security, human resource management, human services, information technology, nonprofit management and leadership, nursing, psychology, public administration, public health, public safety, and social work. Capella also offers bachelor's degree programs in business, information technology, nursing, psychology, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella currently offers 149 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 21 certificate programs. More than 36,000 learners were enrolled as of June 30, 2012, from all 50 states and 59 other countries. Capella is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Founded in 1993, Capella University is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company, headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, please visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552).

Visit the Capella Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/CapellaUniversity. Follow Capella on Twitter at http://twitter.com/CapellaU.

Read the rest here:
Capella University Launches Two Online Certificates in Higher Education

Besides aerobics, muscle toning, exercises, body-building and weight-lifting, the place would also offer a luxury bath (hydro therapy).

Telugu film actress Aksha of Kandireega fame will inaugurate Sampangi Spa near Benz Circle on Monday.

The spa has a fitness centre Sinew-- attached to it. Both the units are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and would offer services by certified therapists, said M. Tripura and V. Bharathi Devi, managing partner and spa centre head respectively, at a press conference on Sunday.

The fitness centre would be inaugurated by Corporation Bank DGM K. Ramanjanyulu. As many as 10 trained therapists are employed in the spa to offer Swedish therapy, Thai therapy, and many other services to the clients, they said.

Besides aerobics, muscle toning, exercises, body-building and weight-lifting, the place would also offer a luxury bath (hydro therapy).

The spa would offer a 25 per cent discount to those who enrol as members in the initial one month of its inauguration. The annual membership fee is Rs. 7000, they said.

More here:
Spa centre to be inaugurated today

Yoga books tell us that yoga is aimed to unite the mind, the body and the spirit. Yogis believe that the mind and the body are one, and that if it is given the right yoga kit and tools and taken to the right environment, it can find harmony and heal itself. Yoga, therefore, is considered therapeutic. It helps you become more aware of your body's posture, alignment and patterns of movement. It makes the body more flexible and helps you relax even in the midst of a stress stricken environment. This is one of the foremost reasons people want to start practicing yoga to feel fitter, be more energetic, be happier and peaceful.

With all of the bends, twists and poses that work your body into a human pretzel, yoga is certainly a form of exercise that stretches you out. Yoga can improve flexibility, increase range of motion and just make you feel longer and leaner. If you're someone who gets discouraged because you can barely touch your toes without bending your knees no matter how many sessions of yoga you do, take heed. Yoga is about much, much more than flexibility. Being super stretchy doesn't make you "better" at yoga at all.

The biggest misconception is that one must be naturally flexible to practice yoga. That is why there are so many varieties of yoga. For starters, yoga is good for what ails you. Specifically, research shows that yoga helps manage or control anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, blood pressure, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, headaches, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, stress and other conditions and diseases. We all have something on that list. What's more, yoga:

Improves muscle tone, flexibility, strength and stamina. Reduces stress and tension. Boosts self esteem. Improves concentration and creativity. Lowers fat. Improves circulation. Stimulates the immune system. Creates sense of well being and calm.

In August, the senior center is offering yoga classes at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Sara Spevacek wants to make sure that anyone who wants to try it can, so we are offering your first time free. After that, there is a $2 charge per class. Spevacek is a physical education and health education student at Wartburg College. She has been practicing yoga for five years and has been teaching classes for two years. To sign up for this class stop by the front desk or call 433-2370, ext 0.

Upcoming events

Tuesday 8:30 a.m., Silver Sneakers. 9 a.m.. Exercise with Evie. 12:30 p.m., Cards: Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge. 1 p.m., Art class. 4:30 p.m., Silver Sneakers.

Wednesday 8 a.m., Yoga. 9:30 a.m., Tai chi. 10 a.m., Macular Degeneration. 12:30 p.m., Cards: Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge. 1 p.m., Stitching Bees. 1 p.m., Open chess. 5 p.m., Yoga.

Thursday 8:30 a.m., Silver Sneakers. 9 a.m., Exercise with Evie. 12:30 p.m., Cards: Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge. 1 p.m. , Bingo. 1 p.m., Art class. 1 p.m., Open chess. 2 p.m., Computer class. 4:30 p.m., Silver Sneakers.

Friday 9:30 a.m., Tai chi. 12:30 p.m., Cards, Bridge.

View original post here:
Mower County Senior Center: Yoga classes aim to bring better balance to life

Posted: Aug. 5, 2012 | 2:03 a.m.

Using a soothing tone of voice and the most relaxing music ever recorded, yogi Willow Withy creates a serene atmosphere for her budding yoga students. And then, three dolphins swim by the observation window to wreak a little havoc on the humans. It's not so much disruptive to the class setting - it is yoga with dolphins at The Mirage, after all - but it's outrageously adorable. Which makes it hard to hold that downward-facing dog pose.

Somehow, Withy's seven students manage to resist the urge to run over and press their faces to the glass for the duration of the one-hour class.

"Yoga can sometimes be intimidating," Miami resident Allison Bass, 24, says after class. "This was really cool with the dolphins playing in the background. I really enjoyed it."

About six months ago, the Mirage Spa management was trying to introduce yoga to the spa, Withy says. They don't really have classroom space inside, so they had to think outside the box.

They came up with yoga among the dolphins.

The class is held at 8:30 a.m. Fridays through Sundays in an underground viewing room at the Dolphin Habitat. All yoga skill levels are welcome.

A giant window allows people to view the swimming dolphins.

On this recent Friday, it's the three boy dolphins, Maverick, Cosmo and Lightning, that are visible to the class. Because it's so early in the morning, these yoga students are among the first human faces the dolphins see that day. And the dolphins take full advantage of it.

While Withy instructs students to bend, twist and stretch, the dolphins do laps at high speed. Their graceful movement through the water is hypnotic. They playfully buzz by the window showing their bellies; occasionally, one stops to look into the room, his smiling snout almost touching the glass.

Original post:
Yoga Students, Dolphins Flip Over Each Other