National Geographic Announces 2014 Adventurers of the Year

 

Online Voting for People’s Choice Adventurer of the Year Runs through Jan. 31, 2014

The 2014 Adventurers of the Year, naming extraordinary achievements in exploration, adventure sports, conservation or humanitarianism have distinguished them in the past year was already announced by National Geographic.

Runs through Jan. 31, 2014, the online voting for the People’s Choice Adventurer of the Year has already started.  Fans can go here to vote at any time for their favorite honoree.  In February, the adventurer with the most number of votes at the end of the voting period will be announced as the 2014 People’s Choice Adventurer of the Year.

The 13 honorees this year were a long-distance swimmer, to refresh your memory, he was the first to swim from Cuba to Florida without protection from a shark cage; another one was a skier who is re-imagining his sport in urban landscapes; and two veterans dedicated to establishing connections between veterans and the outdoors; lastly a snowboarder committed to helping brain injury survivors.

The 13 Adventurers of the Year for 2014 are:

§  Stacy Bare and Nick Watson — American adventurers and veterans who launched an organization that links veterans to the outdoors and the outdoors community;

§  Greg Long — American big-wave surfer who won the 2012/13 Big-Wave World Tour,  despite nearly losing his life in a massive wipeout a few months earlier;

§  Amy and Dave Freeman — American adventurers and educators who completed a three-year, 11,647-mile journey across North America by kayak, canoe, dogsled and foot, connecting with students and teachers along the way;

§  Diana Nyad — Sixty-four-year-old American long-distance swimmer who recently completed a swim between Cuba and the United States, on her fifth attempt;

§  Kevin Pearce — American snowboarder who, after surviving a traumatic brain injury, launched the “Love Your Brain” campaign to encourage the use of helmets for kids;

§  Kilian Jornet Burgada — Spanish “skyrunning” ultrarunner whose new brand of running involves blazing up technical terrain such as glaciers, rock ridges and steep snowfields;

§  Raphael Slawinski and Ian Welsted — Canadian alpinists who were the first to summit Pakistan’s K6 West, one of the last great unclimbed peaks in the world, despite danger and political turmoil in the region;

§  Adam Ondra — Czech rock climber who takes climbing to new frontiers of difficulty;

§  JP Auclair — Canadian skier who is best known for his special style of urban skiing;

§  Sarah Marquis — Swiss hiker who has just completed a three-year trek from Siberia to Australia.

“This is the ninth year that National Geographic has combed the globe to find people who embody the spirit of adventure in diverse ways. The 2014 Adventurers of the Year are truly inspiring and remind us of the importance to pursue our own passions every day,” said Mary Anne Potts, editor of National Geographic Adventure online.

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Embracing Adventure And Danger

It was never good to insult children from anything that could possibly have any danger attached yet parents keeping their children under permanent watch has become “what people do.”

People harmed children without them knowing it out of our fear-based culture.  Children need to confront danger; they need to explore; they need adventures at some point in their life.

There was a time when parents knew how important to embrace adventure and danger at some time when let their kids go off into the woods by themselves, with rifles.  And thinking about it now, if that was really so horribly dangerous, half of us wouldn’t be here.

You bet alright, it is scary to watch your children walk into a subway station or out into the woods.  But you have to do it.  Let them go out and face the world, it is healthy for them but remember to calculate the risks, pick your times, pick your spots, watch them from a distance if you must.

Fear is just an impulse; along with it can be based on lies, distortions, or even on nothing at all.  It’s an absurd thing on which to base your children’s lives.

A new German study shows clearly that adventure shapes the individual. As one of the researchers concluded, “Living our lives makes us who we are.”  Your children need to live, and not merely exist inside of a fear-inspired bubble. The study also indicates that exploration and adventure not only affect personality development, but also brain growth.

The real dangers for your children lie in government schools, and even in private schools that function on the same model.

People are pushed, economically, to put their children into public schools.  Make sure that you tell your children how the system is set up to condition them.  Educate them that understanding is far more important than memorizing.  Back them up if the teachers give them grief.

Your children should know, very clearly, that teachers and principals are just average people doing particular jobs.  Some of them are good people, others are bad people, and a title is just a title – it means nothing more.

Educate your children to be brave, let them learn how to fall and rise again.  but remember you want to let them encounter dangers slowly, and you’d never put them in positions to get truly hurt, but you should be nothing like the über-parents who surveil their children’s every move, in terror that poor little Johnny will encounter something that hasn’t been sanitized for his protection.

http://blackhawk-mines.com/

Black Hawk Adventures – A family of travelers: Life’s always an Adventure

http://blackhawk-mines.com/2013/06/28/black-hawk-adventures-a-family-of-travelers-lifes-always-an-adventure/

After 14 years, four children, 55 countries, and 250 000km, this Argentinean couple had a dream of travelling around the world by car and still on the road fulfilling their dream.

In 1999, Herman Zapp and his wife Candelaria climbed into their car and drove out of Argentina with only $4 000 in hand.  Using their 1928 Graham Paige they went to Alaska as both wanted to go, so that’s what they did.  “I saw the car two months before we left and fell in love with it so I brought it,” Herman said in Cape Town, where they now live. They arrived in South Africa last year.

In the same year Herman, an electrician, and Candelaria, a secretary, sold their house, packed what they could into the car and left. “Everyone thought we were crazy,” Herman said. “But, really, who is crazy – the one who goes for the dream or the one who doesn’t?”

Even that they are doing what they wanted at first the couple has some fears.  “That first day was the hardest,” said Herman. But the pair was determined. “If you let your fear take hold, your life will pass you by,” he explained.

The couple, Herman Zapp and Candelaria was married for 20 years. “We think we will be around forever but it’s important to rethink life,” said Herman. “My mother died when she was only 46, the only legacy I have taken from her is to ‘do it now’.”

They survive mainly on the kindness of others, having been taken in by more than 2 500 households all around the world. “You have to give a chance to people to show how good they can be.”

They have three children, three boys and a girl and every child were born in different countries. Herman said being on the road was the best education they could get.

“School is important, but it’s not the most intelligent person who survives, it is the person who learns how to adapt the fastest.”  The husband is in no doubt that his children will be better people for experiencing all the different cultures of the places they’ve been to.

“We’ve been to Australia and Canada and have stayed with kids who’ve had rooms full of toys, but we’ve also been to countries like Cambodia where children have made toys from sticks.”

This kind of education, said Herman, is priceless.

“Now they know that everything has value and meaning.” Candelaria said the children were excellent travellers and adapted easily.

The Zapps, are currently living in a flat in Constantia, Cape Town.  They supplement their income by selling their book, Spark Your Dreams and giving motivational talks.  Their next plan as soon as they have enough money, they plan to head to Egypt for their next adventure.

Outdoor Adventures in Thailand

http://blackhawk-mines.com/2013/03/22/outdoor-adventures-in-thailand/

Do I have to tell you why Thailand, well then let me give you reasons why you of all countries will enjoy this country if you love outdoors!

Have you tried caving, if not then try it in Thailand.  Get inside of Thailand literally by exploring ancient caves and tremendous caverns like those in the Pang Mapha District of the Mae Hong Son Province.  Dare and see the underground and discover wildlife, history and geology, it’s a caving venture you will never forget.  Caves like Cave Lodge have expert guides.  Expert guides will escort you so you need not to worry, they will lead you through geologic labyrinths, vertical caves and collapsed caves.  For additional thrill and blood rushing, your journey comes along with forest hikes or rafting to see even more of the Thai landscape.

For animal lover and wild life enthusiasts out there, we are sure that you will enjoy Jungle Trekking in the wilds of Thailand by hitting the unmarked trails.  To make the most out of your trip, try at least a 3-day trek to see mountain ridges, rainforests and experience camping in the beautiful Thai wilderness.

Elephant Riding, sounds like fun, yes it is!  This will be a whole new experience that you shouldn’t ever miss, taking an elephant ride through local Thai villages and surrounding forests.  Miss it and it will feel like you have never gone to Thailand at all.  

Rock climbing or repelling are everywhere now and you find it ordinary.  Then you must try number 7, Waterfall Abseiling, throw in the force of a waterfall, and now you're talking adventure.  Repel down Thailand's beautiful and powerful waterfalls.  You'll feel your heart in your chest as you lean over the edge of a 35-foot waterfall and the ground slowly slips beneath your feet.

Whitewater Rafting is something new to Thai tourist market but whitewater rafting is quickly being added to many adventure trek itineraries.  Rush the rapids in Southern Thailand's Phang Na province, and you're assured an exciting ride.

Mountain Biking, maybe you are asking what is so special about it because you can probably do it anywhere but here this.  Mountain biking is tremendously trendy in this country and there are a lot of different tours from.  Add to the thrill, you can travel around the city at night.  Explore the lively Bangkok City on a 3-hour bike tour; the ride ends somewhat early, so you can enjoy the town once you've turned in your bike. 

Snorkeling and Sea Kayaking are the best in Thailand!  Explore reefs or get lost in the blue during an open-water dive.   Go to Phang-Nga for Snorkiling experience and you'll peacefully roam the underwater beauty of Similan and Surin Marine National Islands. 

Zip Lining, travel from the sea to the sky.  This adventure takes you through the canopies of the Chiang Mai rainforests. You'll ride in your single-person swing and cruise a cable suspended through the 1500-year old Thai rainforest.

Skydiving, well who doesn’t know how this amazingly scary experience is.  it is thrill that you seek then inject your vacation with pure adrenaline with this extreme experience.  So jump ahead and experience a thrill of a lifetime!

Why it is More Fun to Shoot Video than Taking Still Pictures

 It is nice to take pictures but there are moments that pictures cannot tell but videos can.  Videos can make someone feel like they were there also.  While photograph can last forever, you can go back to those moments watching and re-watching those precious moments.  "While pictures can be flat, video brings life to your experiences," says Laurel House, who videoblogs about travel, fitness, and more at QuickieChick

"With video, you can share your adventures -- and relive them again when you come home," he added.

You do not need fancy equipments to capture the moments on video, you phone will do or there are quality and affordable camcorders available in the market.  And worried about video editing, you do not have to do it or there is Windows Live Movie Maker that is so much easy to learn.  Therefore there are no excuses!

Now let us learn how to get you going. Video recoding isn’t really hard; here are the ways to do so.  Get personal. Try adding narrations, wouldn’t it be boring if your video is a bunch of sequence photos like.  Plus, the people who are going to watch your videos will get as much excitement as you were during your travel.  They will understand what the shots are and what the experience meant to you.  And remember to sound natural, scripted is boring!  If you want to be in the video, do not appear stiff and cold, be natural, act natural.  Smile and laugh but never fake it!

Entertain and tell a story, who would want to watch a video that has no sequence and with a singles shot. Capture every detail and reactions of the people so that when you go back you will feel the same happiness.  I did not say join a competition for your video but it could have at least a beginning, middle, and end.

Keep your videos short, because no matter how interesting your video looks like audience will become antsy just stay snappy and stick to a single subject.

Focus on moments and experiences that are actually fun and fun to watch, skip the non sense, you would want to waste time viewing it.

Your travel video will stand out if you fit in the same simple tricks that you'd use if you were taking a still photo so borrow some photography tricks.  Remember to keep the camcorder still while filming.  "Your video will be 100 times better if the image is not shaky," says Cailin O'Neil, who videoblogs at Cailin Travels Cailin also recommends shooting away from the sun to prevent glare and silhouetting.

Always check the audio, and use your ears. Nothing is worse than a video where you can't hear the person talking. "What makes video unique from photos is that people can actually hear the ambience of a place," O'Neil says.  Record you film or video in a location where you're protected from the wind.  However, pick up some modest street or nature sounds while you push record.

"No one likes the way they look on camera, so don't judge yourself," says House of QuickieChick.com. "So don't stress too much -- and have fun."  So loosen up and enjoy!

Black Hawk Adventures: Be Present In Every Photo with Tripod Multi-tool

http://latest.blackhawk-mines.com/2012/11/12/be-present-in-every-photo-with-tripod-multi-tool/

Tired of Bringing Big Tripods on camping Trips?  Tripod Multi-tool is the Best Gadget for you.

First things first, why do you go on camping?  Is camping really fun?  The outdoor is a great experience to anyone.  The adventure of living in the outdoors makes camping fun for everyone.  Camping is an escape of the hustle and bustle of the busy life in the city.  The nature and fresh air in addition to great sceneries can satisfy anyone.

Although camping is such a common word, everyone was to hear it in some point of their life but what is camping exactly?  Camping is an act of spending time in the outside; it is an outdoor recreation activity.  Campers would pack their essentials, travel the wilderness, and camp overnight or for several days.  It is basically spending time in the other shelter, preparing meals by cooking over a campfire and sleeping without your beds.

So why is camping fun again?  Aside from what nature can offer, camping is a great opportunity to spend time with your family and friends, have fun with your kids while you get the same fun as they do with no destructions from the modern world.  You can do a lot of things while you are in camping outdoors like fishing, hiking, swimming, biking, and canoeing.

Everyone in the world are so much into taking pictures more especially in moments like camping with the family an friends.  The dilemma is, bringing a big tripod with you would cause you more hassle but if you wont bring it, chances are, you would be the camera person as a result you are absent in every picture.

Tripod Multi-tool is the best gadget for you.  A camera-friendly multi-tool that functions as multi purpose tool and a tripod called Steady.  Costing only $65, Gerber has done a very nice job on this one.  Tiny arms fold out from the handle to offer the tripod’s three legs of support. Form the knife blades to driver heads and all the other components of the multi-tool are all made of stainless steal.

Built for campers and adventurers, Steady can hold digital cameras up to 340 grams and smart phones up to 170 grams.  This tool has 12 different components that are most essential to campers and even at home.  All these in one tool with rubberize coating.

The steady features:
• Overall length: 6”
• Closed length: 4”
• Weight: 5.8 oz.
• Steel type: 420j2 Stainless
• Max Phone/Camera Weight: 170 grams/340 grams
• 12 components
• Tripod Functionality
• Camera/Cell Phone Mount
• Cell Phone Attachment
• Fine Edge Blade
• Serrated Blade
• Micro Flat, Square Cross & medium Flat Screwdrivers
• Bottle Opener
• Needlenose Pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Stainless Steel Components
• Rubberized Coating

Black Hawk Adventure: KOREA: Best Place to Camp

http://blackhawk-mines.com/2012/11/08/black-hawk-adventure-korea-best-place-to-camp/



Korean Government does not particularly promote camping in Korea but surely campers will enjoy Korea more than any other camping experiences they had.  National parks are the best bet for recreational camping in natural areas, but campgrounds in tourist areas such as Seoul are available.

Campsites sprout in almost all major cities in Korea, they have set their own camping resort with of course support from the central government.  Every campsite differs from each other, some are better even so camping facilities are considered a good alternative for Korea, where there is less accommodation provision outside of the city.

Travelling in Seoul can get a little airless sometimes since one-fifth of the population of Korea resides in the mega city.   If you are more of a nature lover type, there are a number of venues nestled inside and outside of Seoul that provide a quieter yet equally exciting alternative to city thrill.  Campers are sure tired of the city that is why they are enthusiastic of the thought of camping so that they may be able to enjoy the cool, calm and lush of nature.  Camping gives a great opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the fast forward city life.

If you are not so much of a fun of camping you must try camping in Korea.  Camping in Korea is one of the best ways to see the many stunning things life can offer.  Beautiful national and provincial parks scattered throughout the country will satisfy your picky taste buds for fun.  They present beautiful settings, cultural sites, hiking trails and other attractions. These parks are well run with a developed infrastructure and well-appointed campgrounds, several offering tents and mattresses for hire.  There may be amusement parks, playgrounds, swimming and sports available on the premises or nearby.  These campgrounds usually have tents and bedding as well as restaurants and shops and often have hot water and electricity.
And the most fun part is many of these parks offer campgrounds with full utilities for as low as 3,000 won per night, family fun adventure for less.


Unfortunately not all throughout the year these campsites will be available, most campgrounds are close during winter.  Booking is a must more especially during peak season, form late July to August; it’s first come-, first-serve basis.

There are also private campgrounds, Gangwon province has a number of campgrounds as choices.  The Songjiho Auto Camping Resort is open April to November with 90 tent sites. Reservations are recommended. Shaded sites are available at Solsum Camping.  The Mangsang Auto Camping Resort for caravans and tents is near the sandy Mangsang Beach and has a cafeteria, playground and laundry; caravans — recreational vehicles — and cabins are available for rent.  Gyeonggi Province is home to Jara Island’s Jarasum Campground and Bandi Camping in Paju and Nanji Camp in Sangam-dong.

The best part about camping is you got to go back to basics and enjoy life as it is.  You have to start from scratch.  You can go back to being kids when you were just playing house, while you enjoy the scenery and the sense of being in the wild.  It can be very thrilling and you can have the change to experience new thing every after camping trips.

Charges in $1-million green-energy scam

TORONTO - A Scarborough man is accused of bilking investors out of $1 million with a green energy-scam.

Durham Regional Police claim the accused set up a company called Saunders Power Inc. on Wellington St. in Bowmanville, which he used to defraud 10 individuals and businesses between December 2009 and March 2012.

“The company was geared at manufacturing cork-screw style wind turbines capable of producing energy that could be sold back to the Ontario Power Authority for a lucrative profit,” police said Friday. “The accused allegedly produced forged documents and a fake licence to make the business appear legitimate.”

One of the investors became suspicious and contacted police in January, which prompted an investigation.

Gregory Saunders was arrested at his home on Tuesday.

The 56-year-old is charged with fraud over $5,000 and forgery.

Anyone with new information regarding this investigation should contact the Fraud Unit at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 5353, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).

http://www.torontosun.com/2012/09/28/charges-in-1-million-green-energy-scam

Residents warned of ‘critical’ risk for EEE

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2012/09/02/residents_warned_of_critical_risk_for_eee/

The Health Department warns Halifax residents that the town’s risk rate for Eastern equine encephalitis has now been boosted to “critical” by the state, due to the recent death of an alpaca from the disease. Residents are urged to limit outdoor activities from dusk, at about 7 p.m., until about 8 a.m. Signs warning of the risk from mosquitoes will be posted at the town’s recreational fields. On overcast and humid days, local schools will hold indoor recess and indoor gym. Residents are also urged to wear bug repellent when outdoors.

Georgetown senior activities : Black Hawk Adventures

http://www.newburyportnews.com/local/x1884282601/Georgetown-senior-activities

Newburyport Daily News

The Georgetown Senior Center is at the First Congregational Church on Andover Street. For more information about programs, call the Council on Aging office at 978-352-5726.

Comiskey to speak Sept. 6

Discussing local history, Chris Comiskey, president of the Georgetown Historical Society, will be the guest speaker at the Men’s Breakfast Thursday, Sept. 6, 9:30 a.m. at Trestle Way. With great appreciation, the Council on Aging thanks Crosby’s Markets for their sponsorship and the Georgetown Housing Authority for their partnership in offering the monthly program. To make reservations, call the office.

ESMV case manager Sept. 10

Case manager Jen Cook of Elder Services of Merrimack Valley, Inc. (ESMV) will be available to answer questions regarding programs and services available through ESMV Monday, Sept. 10, 10 a.m., at the First Congregational Church. To schedule an appointment, call the office.

SHINE office hours Sept. 10

SHINE counselor Jerry Goldberg will be available to answer health insurance questions Monday, Sept. 10, 9 a.m., at the First Congregational Church. To schedule an appointment, call the office.

Blood pressure clinic Sept. 11

Public health nurse Pam Lara will be available to take blood pressure, heart assessments and to discuss medication information with elders Tuesday, Sept. 11, 10-11 a.m., at the First Congregational Church. The clinic will return to its regular schedule Wednesday, Oct. 3, 10-11 a.m.

Rockin’ Ron Toleos Sept. 12

Celebrate National Senior Center Week with Rockin’ Ron Toleos Wednesday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m., at the First Congregational Church. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Georgetown Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Provided by Ashland Farm of North Andover. Refreshments will be served. To sign up for the event, call the office.

Scam and Fraud Prevention Sept. 18

The Georgetown Municipal Light Department will present a program on Scams and Fraud Prevention along with safety and energy conservation Tuesday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m., at the First Congregational Church. Unfortunately, many scams target utilities as a way to illegally gain Social Security information from elders. The program will include information on staying safe from scams and fraud. The program will also include safety regarding indoor and outdoor electricity. Conservation and ways to save money related to utility costs will also be discussed. Door prizes will be presented and an ice cream social will follow the event. To make reservations, call the office.

‘Julia Childs’ Sept. 24

An educational and entertaining live performance with a look at the life of well-known and beloved chef and cookbook author Julia Childs will be performed Monday, Sept. 24, at the Trestle Way Community Building. This program is supported by a grant from the Georgetown Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. The program is offered free to the public. Light refreshments will be served. The Delvena Theater Company was founded in 1992. The company was nominated for five Independent Reviewers of New England awards.

Sept. birthday party Sept. 26

Join us on Wednesday, September 26, 11:30 a.m., to send best wishes to our friends who were born in September as the COA hosts the monthly birthday at the First Congregational Church. September birthday celebrants will receive a free lunch (everyone else is $2). To make reservations, call the office by Tuesday, Sept. 18.

September van trips

The September COA van schedule includes: Thursday, Sept. 6, 9:30 a.m. to Super Walmart in Salem, N.H.; Tuesday, Sept. 11, Newburyport, 9:30 a.m.; Thursday, Sept. 13, 10:30 a.m. to Kittery, Maine; Tuesday, Sept. 18, 9:30 a.m. to Rowley; Thursday, Sept. 20, 10:30 a.m. to Plaistow, N.H.; Tuesday, Sept. 25, 9:30 a.m. to Seabrook; and Thursday, Sept. 27, 10:30 a.m. to Haverhill. Suggested donation is $2 round trip. Reservations can be made two days in advance by calling the office.

Perley Pal Readers this fall

The Council on Aging and Georgetown School Department announce the continuation of the Perley Pal Readers program this fall. Now in its fifth year, the intergenerational guest reader program links Georgetown elders with early elementary classrooms at the Perley School. Although in its early stages of planning this year, interested elders are asked to donate approximately 1/2 hour each month to read. “I’m so looking forward to returning to the program,” one participant recently said. “The children were just wonderful and the teacher was just the greatest.” As the COA and Georgetown School Department plan the guest reader program at the Perley School, interested volunteers are asked to call the office.

Neet Fundraiser under way

The NEET (Northern Essex Elder Transport) Program is collecting used cellphones as a fundraiser for the volunteer driver elder medical transportation program. By partnering with Cellular Recycler, the National Council on Aging either recycles used cellphones for their metals or refurbishes the phones for use in developing countries. Funds raised by the local collection will benefit the NEET program. The fundraiser will continue through February. A collection box for used cellphones is available at the COA office.

Shared medical rides

The Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority (MVRTA) provides one day per week of shared medical transportation for MVRTA Special Services customers to Lahey Clinic in Peabody and several Boston hospitals. In Georgetown, a van will pick up and drop off clients on Monday at their homes. If you need a ride on another day, call the MVRTA’s Office of Special Services. At Lahey Clinic, customers should make medical appointments between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. The van will depart Lahey Clinic no later than 3:30 p.m. Customers with medical appointments in Boston should make appointments between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The van will depart Boston no later than 3:30 p.m. Boston hospitals include Massachusetts General Hospital, Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary, Shriner’s Burn Institute, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Tufts New England Medical Center, Tufts Floating Hospital for Children, Beth Isreael/Deaconess Medical Center, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Children’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Joslin Diabetes Center and VA Medical Center in Jamaica Plain. Rates are $8 cash one-way or $16 cash round trip. Reservations and applications will be necessary. Reservations may be made one to two weeks in advance by calling the MVRTA’s Office of Special Services at 978-469-6878, selecting Option 3. For further information, call the office.

Drivers for medical transportation

The COA is seeking additional volunteer drivers to provide medical transportation to local elders. Through Northern Essex Elder Transport, Inc. (N.E.E.T.), the COA provides local elders with rides to medical appointments. Staffed by volunteer drivers, a donation of 43 cents per mile is suggested to help support the program and defray the increased cost of gasoline for volunteer drivers. However, donations are only suggested and no one will be denied a ride if unable to give a donation.

Morning card games, cribbage

Drop in for a card game or cribbage game Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9-10:30 a.m., at the First Congregational Church. Coffee and snacks are served along with plenty of good fun.

Weekly exercise programs

In partnership with the Georgetown Housing Authority, the Georgetown COA offers weekly exercise programs at Trestle Way Community Room. Yoga classes are held at Mondays at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays at 9 a.m. Strength Training classes are held at Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 11 a.m. A donation of $3 is suggested per class. An Indoor Walking Program Mondays and Wednesdays at 3:30-5:30 p.m. will resume beginning Oct. 1 at the Penn Brook School.

Black Hawk Adventures : Olympic-quality sports gear for all

http://latest.blackhawk-mines.com/2012/09/04/black-hawk-adventures-olympic-quality-sports-gear-for-all/

In the wake of the Olympics fever, people across the world had a glimpse of sophisticated and high-end sports gear used by athletes in their games. Not surprisingly, they are using top-of-the-line gears and equipment to help them perform at their best.

And thanks to such an elite market, the advanced and highly-improved gears are made available to the public as consumer products. The technology used to develop gears in professional sports are now adopted by legit manufacturers in improved sports gear for amateurs, minus the fraud alert.

Sleek bicycles in word-class events are mainly from carbon fiber-reinforced plastic known for its durability, strength and lightness. This particular material is now available in high-performance bicycles — from rims, seat posts, handlebars, stems and cranks.

As for helmets, they are also becoming more advanced in terms of design and composition. Originally, helmets are made from leather, effective in protecting it from abrasions. Today, helmets being used in competitions are sometimes with built-in goggles and a wraparound design so that cyclists will have more convenience while having the optimum protection.

Likewise, consumer helmets for skateboarding, football and skiing are created with hard aerodynamic plastic shells that are highly resistant to puncture and have shock-absorbers. Separate visors or ultra-lightweight goggles made from polycarbonate plastic (like bulletproof glass) are also popular.

Bodysuits worn by track and field players of the US has now become part of a popular trend in recycled-materials-turned-fabric. Looks like many of our athletes and outdoor lovers are highly concerned about the impact they are making on the environment; good thing sports equipment firms have quickly responded to the market.

Olympians this year have donned uniforms that are reportedly made from recycled plastics — think old plastic bottles spun into fabric and fibers that combine superb quality with sustainability. Fortunately for you, this green innovation is already available for the public.

Military Gear gets Female Version | Black Hawk News – Adventures Guide »

Military Gear gets Female Version

http://latest.blackhawk-mines.com/2012/07/17/military-gear-gets-female-version/

Army engineers of the US military has announced its plans to make a new gear for female soldiers that will provide them with more protection and make them more alert in combat.

In a study made by the US Army it was discovered that the ill-fitting military gear actually interferes with the women’s combat performance, citing examples like difficulty in boarding the vehicles and taking proper aim with their weapons.

This initiative to redesign body armor started in 2009 when women from the 101st Airborne division felt uncomfortable wearing the gear during the war.

“It rubbed on the hips, and the vests were too long in the front, so that when you had female soldiers climbing stairs or climbing up a hill or a tree, or sitting for a long time in a vehicle, that would create pressure points that in some instances could impact blood flow and cause some discomfort,” said Lt. Col. Frank Lozan, who is helping design the body armor.

However, engineers are faced with challenges because making new female body armor will present potential weaknesses on the material. This is because the material of the armor they use will get heavier as you add more curves.

“There are some complex curvatures that come into play with female hard-armor plates. I could make female hard-armor, but it would be twice as heavy,” Lozano said.

They  are now exploring “unique chemical designs” to make lighter but effective plates.

“It became clear to us that there was a difference in torso length. The other point that we realized is that there is a significant difference in shoulder width. I read this data, and it seems so obvious,” says the product manager for the Army’s soldier protective-equipment program.

Black Hawk Adventures reports that they are planning to design a body armor specifically for women with adjustments like narrower shoulders, shorter torso and curves in the hips and chest so they can fit more naturally.

Eight female sizes gears are now being tested by 100 female soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division. In the meantime, female soldiers still have to choose from 11 different sizes of Army-standard body armor.

US military officials recognize that this feat will be an engineering challenge so such armor may take years to make.

Outdoor Gear | Black Hawk Adventures

Category Archives: Outdoor Gear

Black Hawk Adventures : LL Bean celebrates centennial aniversary

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In an attempt to entice families to spend more time outdoors and share their experiences, LL Bean launched their “Million Moment Mission” as their 100th anniversary celebration highlight. For every moment shared to others, Bean pledges to donate a dollar to the National Park Foundation until it reaches a million dollars. According to Bean, the [...]

Black Hawk News - Adventures Guide

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Privacy Policy

The Privacy Policy of Black Hawk Adventures outlines your privacy rights and illustrates the Black Hawk Adventures‘s commitment to protecting the privacy of the users.

In the course of Black Hawk Adventures‘s business, it may collect, hold and use personal information such as names, addresses (including email), telephone and business card details. This personal information may be collected directly from you or from the Black Hawk Adventures‘s member organisations. Black Hawk Adventuresalso collects personal information to enable it to distribute industry policy material and advise you of specific activities and relevant issues.

The information collected is kept and stored in a secure manner on databases and electronic lists. Black Hawk Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure that personal information held is accurate, complete and up to date. Your personal information will be used only for the purposes for which it is collected unless you consent to its use, or the law permits its use, for other purposes. Personal information no longer required is destroyed in a secure fashion.

If you have any concerns about the way in which Black Hawk Adventures has collected or managed your personal information, please contact us.

OUT GEAR NEWS

Blach Hawk Adventures : Cabela’s plan to expand franchise

Cabela’s, the leading fishing, hunting and outdoor gear retailer has announced their plans to open 3 next-generation stores and relocate their Winnipeg branch in 2013.

Construction of next-generation stores is set to start this summer and Cabela’s plans to open in the spring of next year in the following locations: Louisville, Kentucky; Grandville, Michigan and Columbus, Ohio…  Read More

Black Hawk Adventures : Military gear exhibit

Defense industry firms are showing off their latest in military equipment in a 2-day Marine West Military Exhibition in Camp Pendleton with thousands of troops in attendance.

There were hundreds of military gear and weaponry in exhibit inside the venue — items that can draw the line between life and death in a battle situation… Read More

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This Blog and their contents are provided in an 'as is' basis. To the fullest extent permissible by applicable law, Black Hawk Adventures disclaims all warranties of any kind either expressed or implied, including any warranties of merchantability, noninfringement and fitness for a particular purpose.

Black Hawk Adventures will not be liable for any damages or injury caused by any use of this Blog or any materials or software, including but not limited to, any failure of performance, error, omission, interruption, delay in operation or transmission, computer virus, or line failure due to, arising out of or otherwise attributable to the use of the Blog. Black Hawk Adventures will not be liable for any damages or injury, including but not limited to, any special, direct, indirect, incidental, exemplary, economic, punitive, or consequential damages.

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This Blog may include links to other sites that are not maintained by Black Hawk Adventures. Black Hawk Adventures is not responsible for the content of those sites, does not endorse them, and makes no representations whatsoever concerning the content or accuracy of such other sites. If you decide to access any third party site linked to this Blog, you do so entirely at your own risk, and you may be exposed to offensive, indecent or objectionable content. Black Hawk Adventures shall have no liability for any loss or damage arising from your use of any such site.

About Black Hawk Adventures

Black Hawk Adventures is the ideal place to go to whether you're planning for a trail hike or just plain camping. We offer lots of information to help you in prepping for the trip and in deciding what essentials to bring with you. (Though we're not going to endorse where to buy your outdoor gear, like BlackHawk, we'll give you honest recommendations for really demanding outdoor trips).

This blog aims to equip ordinary people with the necessary mindset and provisions when setting out on a trip that will require staying and sleeping outside. Having the necessary knowledge is not only crucial for survival but also for the preservation of the places you'll be visiting. (For instance, learning of the basic do's and dont's in a trail park can possibly help you avoid getting arrested for littering.)

We make consultation less of a pain for you. Black Hawk Adventures believes that exploration is a good way of appreciating nature and developing a sense of protectiveness for the wildlife.