I was shooting photos for a class of mine last weekend and I didnt have time to eat breakfast. I am going to say that was one of my worst decisions ever. It was early in the morning and I did not leave myself ample time.
You see, I was photographing a climber and we had to hike through the woods of Swanzey to get to the cliff. It was snowing and pretty darn cold. The hike through the woods took about 15 minutes and they climbed for about two hours.
Because I hadnt eaten my hunger was hindering my ability to focus. I imediatly cursed myself for at least not eating a granola bar, which I have plenty of back in my room. The climber told me I could get some shots of them climbing from on top of the cliff all I had to do was walk around and hike up.
At this point my concentration was so hindered that after I hiked to the top, took the pictures and walked down, I lost the cliffs edge, and had a sinking feeling in my already empty stomach. I was lost. My brain wasnt fueled, my glucose sugar levels were low, and i spaced out just long enough to get lost. A frantic marco polo game got me out of that situation but, it was still a very scary moment.
So let my blunder be a lesson to you, if your going hiking in the woods, or anything where you need to be focused, eat your breakfast.
Anyone else have any stories like this? I think it is important to higlight this issue, focus is everything.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Its pretty easy being green
The green movement is in full swing and everyone is striving to be more energy and cost effective. Not harming the environment as much as we used to and saving some dough in the process is something people are wrapping their heads around more easily these days.
The only downside is the usual amount of money you have to pay up front is more expensive. So some people are still wary these days to spend more money on something they can get cheaper in a different way. But once that initial investment has been made, you usually start saving money on different things along the way.
Bio-diesel for example, a little more costly up front, but it saves on costs of maintenance because of its cleaning effect on the mechanical innards. There is always a bright side to spending more up front. Especially when the product your trading in for is not only better for the environment, but you as well.
Bio-diesel wont give you the headaches and exhaust induced light-headedness that the petroleum based stuff will. Although the bio-diesel also has its drawbacks, so does the regular stuff, and these drawbacks are far easier to make up for.
What do you think about the cost effectiveness of using green products verses the stuff we have been using, like petroleum based diesel?
Is it worth it in the end, or is it just as easy as buying a different style of shoe and trying them on?
The only downside is the usual amount of money you have to pay up front is more expensive. So some people are still wary these days to spend more money on something they can get cheaper in a different way. But once that initial investment has been made, you usually start saving money on different things along the way.
Bio-diesel for example, a little more costly up front, but it saves on costs of maintenance because of its cleaning effect on the mechanical innards. There is always a bright side to spending more up front. Especially when the product your trading in for is not only better for the environment, but you as well.
Bio-diesel wont give you the headaches and exhaust induced light-headedness that the petroleum based stuff will. Although the bio-diesel also has its drawbacks, so does the regular stuff, and these drawbacks are far easier to make up for.
What do you think about the cost effectiveness of using green products verses the stuff we have been using, like petroleum based diesel?
Is it worth it in the end, or is it just as easy as buying a different style of shoe and trying them on?
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Lost and Fined
A new trend has made itself known in the news recently for New Hampshire. It became more well-known when a Massachusetts eagle scout was lost for three days at Pinkham Notch, but when they found him, the situation turned from jubilant back to worry.
You see they fined the kid $25,000 for the search efforts for him. Some other states do charge for the search but, according to this USA Today article, places like Oregon cap their charge at $500. Many other states don’t even charge the rescued.
Should this change in NH? I'm going to go with yes, and here is why. People don’t want to be lost, if they could help it, they would know where they are at all times relative to everyone else. The fine makes matters worse, after a while people may not even want to be found.
If they survive in the wilderness for a few days and know they have accrued a certain total to pay back to the state, they may not even want to be found. They may not have the funds or children may be so worried about the charges brought on their parents they would rather go on hiding when a search party comes around, unless the will to survive is at the breaking point of course.
But I think this would add so much more stress on the party that has lost someone. A mother is worried sick when her son doesn’t return from a hike with his friends. She spends days worrying about his safety; often times thinking maybe he is not coming back. Then the day comes, he is found, the stress the family has been under for the past few days doesn’t stop. Now they have to pay a fine of $25,000 or so. There goes the family’s nest egg and the last shred of composure they have.
So I say reduce the fine to a payable amount, one that won’t tare a family apart when the lost party is found, or get rid of it all together. Someone shouldn’t get fined for something they can’t help; getting lost doesn’t always mean they wondered off on purpose.
Anyone else have any arguments for either side of this?
You see they fined the kid $25,000 for the search efforts for him. Some other states do charge for the search but, according to this USA Today article, places like Oregon cap their charge at $500. Many other states don’t even charge the rescued.
Should this change in NH? I'm going to go with yes, and here is why. People don’t want to be lost, if they could help it, they would know where they are at all times relative to everyone else. The fine makes matters worse, after a while people may not even want to be found.
If they survive in the wilderness for a few days and know they have accrued a certain total to pay back to the state, they may not even want to be found. They may not have the funds or children may be so worried about the charges brought on their parents they would rather go on hiding when a search party comes around, unless the will to survive is at the breaking point of course.
But I think this would add so much more stress on the party that has lost someone. A mother is worried sick when her son doesn’t return from a hike with his friends. She spends days worrying about his safety; often times thinking maybe he is not coming back. Then the day comes, he is found, the stress the family has been under for the past few days doesn’t stop. Now they have to pay a fine of $25,000 or so. There goes the family’s nest egg and the last shred of composure they have.
So I say reduce the fine to a payable amount, one that won’t tare a family apart when the lost party is found, or get rid of it all together. Someone shouldn’t get fined for something they can’t help; getting lost doesn’t always mean they wondered off on purpose.
Anyone else have any arguments for either side of this?
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Hacking and Hiking
There is a significant chill in the air and the guy running or biking by you may have just coughed or sneezed in your general direction. The flu season is hitting a little early this year and with H1N1 on the rise and on the move, I figured now would be the time to talk about healthy practices and enjoying the weather.
I'm not going to tell you to wash your hands because that's common sense by now but one thing I bet you don't know is that a chill in the air can actually be good for a cold. I talked to Tiffany Mathews, the coordinator of wellness education at Keene State College, a year or two ago and she informed me that with the proper warm attire little bits of cool fresh air into the lungs can help combat the virus, vs what I call a warm, stuffy germ incubator a room makes.
But with this remember, rest is best. You can take brief walks outside, but I wouldn't recommend going for a jog or a hike or even a bike ride. You need to rest your body while it fights off the virus or you'll throw it into strain and become even more sick.
So I just wanted to let you know, just because your sick doesn't mean you cant take 2-5 minute trips outside to get into the fresh air. It just means don't go for a run and pass out on Appian Way.
I'm not going to tell you to wash your hands because that's common sense by now but one thing I bet you don't know is that a chill in the air can actually be good for a cold. I talked to Tiffany Mathews, the coordinator of wellness education at Keene State College, a year or two ago and she informed me that with the proper warm attire little bits of cool fresh air into the lungs can help combat the virus, vs what I call a warm, stuffy germ incubator a room makes.
But with this remember, rest is best. You can take brief walks outside, but I wouldn't recommend going for a jog or a hike or even a bike ride. You need to rest your body while it fights off the virus or you'll throw it into strain and become even more sick.
So I just wanted to let you know, just because your sick doesn't mean you cant take 2-5 minute trips outside to get into the fresh air. It just means don't go for a run and pass out on Appian Way.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Change brings em' in
I drove down 101 last weekend and I noticed something strange but familiar: What once was green is now orange and red. That's right the foliage season is upon us again and it sure does feel too early for fall, even though it is now officially so. I don't know about you but I'm still waiting for the summer-that-never-was. But I guess we must leave the past behind us and turn towards the near future. This foliage season could be just what the economy doctor ordered.
I know Keene isn't a huge summer vacation spot, but there are parts of New Hampshire that missed out on a lot of beach visits this past summer. And as we leave that part of 2009 we now may see an economical tourist boost in this part of New England. I must say, if I didn't already live in New Hampshire I would be a leaf peeper, your worst highway nightmare.
But never the less, those stop-and-go road crawlers are just what we need today. With state and city still tightening their belts and funds being slashed in non profit community organizations, we need people moving through New Hampshire. We should welcome these foreign folk stopping and eating at our restaurants, using our public transportation, buying from our liquor stores when they come in and out of the state...
So even though summer never really made it to us, perhaps this fall season will make us forget all about that, with a nice heavy wallet.
I know Keene isn't a huge summer vacation spot, but there are parts of New Hampshire that missed out on a lot of beach visits this past summer. And as we leave that part of 2009 we now may see an economical tourist boost in this part of New England. I must say, if I didn't already live in New Hampshire I would be a leaf peeper, your worst highway nightmare.
But never the less, those stop-and-go road crawlers are just what we need today. With state and city still tightening their belts and funds being slashed in non profit community organizations, we need people moving through New Hampshire. We should welcome these foreign folk stopping and eating at our restaurants, using our public transportation, buying from our liquor stores when they come in and out of the state...
So even though summer never really made it to us, perhaps this fall season will make us forget all about that, with a nice heavy wallet.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Informed decisions about H1N1 (2)
College means one has reached a certain maturing state in being, and the ability to make decisions comes with those responsibilities. But with responsible decision making comes the need for information, because being informed is a key part of knowing what to do next.
With impact of the H1N1 flu right around the corner, and few students as prepared as the Health and Wellness Center would like them to be, there may be a rough road ahead.
Christine Burke, Director of the Center of Health and Wellness, said she expects the virus to affect 30 percent of students, because they are in a high-risk group, five to 24.
“I do think we will see a significant amount [of H1N1 cases] in the next few weeks.” Burke said.
She said because students at Keene State College today were not around in the ‘70s when a strand of the swine flew swept through NH. The idea is that the older age groups contact with the virus caused a resistance to it.
Also students are under stressers, tend not to eat well and live in large communities. This not only compromises their immune systems but also adds a quicker medium for the virus to spread through, according to Burke.
This is where self health responsibility kicks in, whether it’s before or after anyone contracts any influenza like illness (ILI). She said eating right and a good night sleep are two great things anyone can do for their immune system.
Burke also urges students with high-risk situations, such as asthma, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, transplants and/or pregnancy to take extra care. Also, high risk students will have first consideration when it comes to care at Health Services.
One part of good decision-making is knowing what options are available. In this respect, if someone is misinformed, they can’t make the right choices to recover from any illness.
Many students were told to avoid the Center of Health and Wellness if they felt any ILI symptoms. Burke said this is because, with a flu virus, there is nothing the Health Center staff can do. It’s all about bed rest and taking care of ones-self.
Nate Gordon, resident director of the East Halls, said the Center of Health and Wellness is doing a lot to inform students by providing posters and online updates.
But one thing students may not know is that they are urged to call the Health Center if they even suspect they have ILI symptoms, especially if they include nausea and diarrhea.
The idea is to not infect the staff or students in the Health Center while still providing aid for those students who need information in order to take care of themselves.
According to Gordon Residential Life has been working closely with the Center of Health and Wellness, assuring the messages of precautions get to residents. Resident assistants have also been trained to handle cases of H1N1 in their halls.
Although Burke predicts nearly 30 percent of students will be affected, Gordon said he doesn’t think it will get that bad. He believes because the virus runs its course so quickly, there may already have been cases of it that were not identified.
And the real question now is, if the virus spreads quickly will students be prepared?
“This very second, probably not,” said Gordon.
He did say that it is a case-by-case process and once the Center of Health and Wellness was aware of the issue, information would spread quickly.
But as for now Gordon believes what should be done is being done, and what can be provided for students is helping them kill potential viruses in air or on surfaces.
“We are big on hand sanitizer,” Gordon said.
With impact of the H1N1 flu right around the corner, and few students as prepared as the Health and Wellness Center would like them to be, there may be a rough road ahead.
Christine Burke, Director of the Center of Health and Wellness, said she expects the virus to affect 30 percent of students, because they are in a high-risk group, five to 24.
“I do think we will see a significant amount [of H1N1 cases] in the next few weeks.” Burke said.
She said because students at Keene State College today were not around in the ‘70s when a strand of the swine flew swept through NH. The idea is that the older age groups contact with the virus caused a resistance to it.
Also students are under stressers, tend not to eat well and live in large communities. This not only compromises their immune systems but also adds a quicker medium for the virus to spread through, according to Burke.
This is where self health responsibility kicks in, whether it’s before or after anyone contracts any influenza like illness (ILI). She said eating right and a good night sleep are two great things anyone can do for their immune system.
Burke also urges students with high-risk situations, such as asthma, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, transplants and/or pregnancy to take extra care. Also, high risk students will have first consideration when it comes to care at Health Services.
One part of good decision-making is knowing what options are available. In this respect, if someone is misinformed, they can’t make the right choices to recover from any illness.
Many students were told to avoid the Center of Health and Wellness if they felt any ILI symptoms. Burke said this is because, with a flu virus, there is nothing the Health Center staff can do. It’s all about bed rest and taking care of ones-self.
Nate Gordon, resident director of the East Halls, said the Center of Health and Wellness is doing a lot to inform students by providing posters and online updates.
But one thing students may not know is that they are urged to call the Health Center if they even suspect they have ILI symptoms, especially if they include nausea and diarrhea.
The idea is to not infect the staff or students in the Health Center while still providing aid for those students who need information in order to take care of themselves.
According to Gordon Residential Life has been working closely with the Center of Health and Wellness, assuring the messages of precautions get to residents. Resident assistants have also been trained to handle cases of H1N1 in their halls.
Although Burke predicts nearly 30 percent of students will be affected, Gordon said he doesn’t think it will get that bad. He believes because the virus runs its course so quickly, there may already have been cases of it that were not identified.
And the real question now is, if the virus spreads quickly will students be prepared?
“This very second, probably not,” said Gordon.
He did say that it is a case-by-case process and once the Center of Health and Wellness was aware of the issue, information would spread quickly.
But as for now Gordon believes what should be done is being done, and what can be provided for students is helping them kill potential viruses in air or on surfaces.
“We are big on hand sanitizer,” Gordon said.
So much fun, you forget its good for you
Last spring I saw students on the Fiske Quad walking tight ropes and climbing structures. Some people would just say this is an act of entertainment or a cheap thrill but I think its more. The same goes with skateboarders and BMX bikes around campus. Sure some of these might be obnoxious or even destructive, but just forget about the bad apples for a second.
All of the aforementioned activities are great workouts and physical activity. Tight roping really works leg muscles, and helps improve balance and even self confidence.
Skateboarding may seem lazy, but if you are doing tricks, in an appropriate setting, it works coordination and also strengthens the legs. Now BMX has so many benefits, akin to that of regular bikes. The core work out is there when you peddle and you get coordination added to the mix with tricks as well. Not to mention on top of that delicious sundae, you get a tension release as well, if its something you like to do. Which is equally as important to students as exercise. Stress is one thing we know all to well.
So get out there, find something you like to do and have fun doing it... and sure, lose a few calories.
Whats your fun and simple outdoor activity?
All of the aforementioned activities are great workouts and physical activity. Tight roping really works leg muscles, and helps improve balance and even self confidence.
Skateboarding may seem lazy, but if you are doing tricks, in an appropriate setting, it works coordination and also strengthens the legs. Now BMX has so many benefits, akin to that of regular bikes. The core work out is there when you peddle and you get coordination added to the mix with tricks as well. Not to mention on top of that delicious sundae, you get a tension release as well, if its something you like to do. Which is equally as important to students as exercise. Stress is one thing we know all to well.
So get out there, find something you like to do and have fun doing it... and sure, lose a few calories.
Whats your fun and simple outdoor activity?
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