I watched the movie "Lincoln" yesterday, and was moved to tears as I left the theater. Steven Speilburg has a way of bringing characters, Lincoln (Daniel Day Lewis), Mary Todd Lincoln, (Sally Fields), and Thaddeus Stevens, Chairman of the house ways and means committee, from Pennsylvania, (Tommy Lee Jones), to life.
The film covered Lincolns' final four months of his life. The compelling depiction of our 16th president, made clear the monumental hurdles he endured. Beginning with members of his own Republican party, he fought using every method under the law to further the kind of government the fathers envisioned.
If that was not enough of a burden, the Lincolns' lost their second son, Edward at age 4, their third son, William, at age 12 and their fourth son, Tad at age 18. The president reluctantly allowed his first son, Robert to enlist near the end of the war and was assigned to General Grants' staff. At home, Lincoln dealt with a spouse who was depressed or close to it most of the time.
All of this turmoil surrounding the president and through it all, Lincoln had the responsibility and the capacity to end the war, retain the union and abolish slavery, while maintaining his integrity. A list of tasks of monumental porportion.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Tips for Newbie Snowshoers
As a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), I receive the bimonthly club magazine, "amc OUTDOORS." The November/December issue featured an article titled 'How to choose the right snowshoes.' After reading the text, it seemed the perfect time to pass along the highlights.
Before you strap on a pair of snowshoes, a few basic things must be considered.
Design: On what type of terrain will you be snowshoeing?
If most of your time will be spent on flat landscapes, with few or no inclines, choose a pair of shoes having a few short teeth for stabilizing your body as you move. Cost = <$200
For those who will be venturing over rolling terrain with some ups, you will want to select snowshoes with more teeth located both in front and back of the area below where your boots are secured. Cost = $175 - $250
If you are the more adventurous type who will be exploring alpine terrain with long steep ups, you will want to look at snowshoes with large gripping teeth positioned along the entire area below your boots. Cost = <$300
Size: Match a size to your body weight plus clothes and pack.
Most snowshoes range from 22" to 36" long.
Binding: You must be able to easily secure, adjust, and remove bindings with gloves on.
It is recommended to borrow or rent a pair of snowshoes for your first few outings before a purchase is made. Then visit a retailer who is both knowledgeable and will take time to properly fit you with snowshoes.
Enjoy the Journey.
Before you strap on a pair of snowshoes, a few basic things must be considered.
Design: On what type of terrain will you be snowshoeing?
If most of your time will be spent on flat landscapes, with few or no inclines, choose a pair of shoes having a few short teeth for stabilizing your body as you move. Cost = <$200
For those who will be venturing over rolling terrain with some ups, you will want to select snowshoes with more teeth located both in front and back of the area below where your boots are secured. Cost = $175 - $250
If you are the more adventurous type who will be exploring alpine terrain with long steep ups, you will want to look at snowshoes with large gripping teeth positioned along the entire area below your boots. Cost = <$300
Size: Match a size to your body weight plus clothes and pack.
Most snowshoes range from 22" to 36" long.
Binding: You must be able to easily secure, adjust, and remove bindings with gloves on.
It is recommended to borrow or rent a pair of snowshoes for your first few outings before a purchase is made. Then visit a retailer who is both knowledgeable and will take time to properly fit you with snowshoes.
Enjoy the Journey.
Survey for "Boomers"
This past summer, I had conversations with various people about health. At some point in the discussion, I asked if the person is in better general health than their parents. After they answered, I asked, why? The responses were both enlightening and in some cases shocking.
It prompted me to take notes. Later, a matrix showing how people responded was developed.
If you have not responded to this survey before, you are invited to do so. The criteria is you must be a "Boomer" (born between 1946 and 1964). No names or personal information is required. Simply answer the question and explain why you answered as you did.
Examples of responses to date: Exercise, Diet, Environment, Economic hardship, No access/could not afford health care, Lack of education.
Your reason why you are/are not in better health than your parents may be different than those shown.
I look forward to your response. Check this blog for periodic updates on this survey.
Use the "Post a Comment" feature at the bottom of this article or email your response to thecohiker2011@gmail.com
It prompted me to take notes. Later, a matrix showing how people responded was developed.
If you have not responded to this survey before, you are invited to do so. The criteria is you must be a "Boomer" (born between 1946 and 1964). No names or personal information is required. Simply answer the question and explain why you answered as you did.
Indicate if you are Male or Female.
Question: Are you in better general health then your parents?
Answer: Yes or No
Follow-up: Why?
Examples of responses to date: Exercise, Diet, Environment, Economic hardship, No access/could not afford health care, Lack of education.
Your reason why you are/are not in better health than your parents may be different than those shown.
I look forward to your response. Check this blog for periodic updates on this survey.
Use the "Post a Comment" feature at the bottom of this article or email your response to thecohiker2011@gmail.com
Monday, November 26, 2012
Post Season Gathering
In Colorado, it's common to find people enjoying their love of the outdoors. On a chilly October morning, they will be on the Mesa Trail, experiencing the unique cut of the Flatiron peaks against the morning sky...an image that somehow never gets boring. They will be walking their dog(s) in the Sanistas Valley, another mini paradise, outside Boulder. You can bet there will be dozens of them taking "Flatlander" family and friends on trails in RMNP well into fall.
For these outdoor lovers, it's a matter of priority. There is no better way of staying fit through exercise in a natural environment. Get outside. Be inspired to your core. There is no workout gym that can compare to the great outdoors.
Some of these men and women are still in the workforce. Some have the daunting challenge of caring for a family member. There are those who struggle with complications or a particular diagnoses. They all have one thing in common. They know the importance of being active as they age.
For these outdoor lovers, it's a matter of priority. There is no better way of staying fit through exercise in a natural environment. Get outside. Be inspired to your core. There is no workout gym that can compare to the great outdoors.
Some of these men and women are still in the workforce. Some have the daunting challenge of caring for a family member. There are those who struggle with complications or a particular diagnoses. They all have one thing in common. They know the importance of being active as they age.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)