Our updated site is back online!
View this blog post by clicking here.
Showing posts with label Musings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Musings. Show all posts
10/14/15
10/22/14
My dirty little secret
I'm chopping vegetables in my kitchen and a bit of red bell pepper falls on the floor. I snatch it up and toss it in the garbage. I come indoors after working in my garden and hop into the shower -- my second one of the day.
That's my "at home" cleanliness.
Did you know that there's actually been a scientific study on the 5-second rule? Turns out, our kitchen floor might not be all that terrible when it comes to dropped food. The dirt in our campsite, however, is probably not so easy to study. Nor as safe.
It seems to me that we've become far too paranoid about germs, bacteria, and so on. Not that I'm likely to change my careful behavior at home...but I'm also okay with my questionable decisions on cleanliness while out camping, hiking, and climbing. I do carry hand sanitizer with my TP and "cat hole" digger for those backcountry calls of nature and even for the visits to those vault-like outhouses in many campgrounds. And I use it. I'm not totally crazy. Dirty, but at least partially sane.
Have I ever gotten sick (in the gastro-intestinal sense) on a camping trip (or shortly after one)? Just once, as far as I remember. A friend cooked up a lovely vegetable stew for our group's dinner one evening. What she didn't mention is that the baby carrots hadn't been kept in the cooler the previous few days -- they resided inside a tent that sat in the hot sun. It wasn't pretty. I wasn't the sickest person in our group, but what I experienced was no walk in the park. (Maybe "trot in the park," but let's not go there).
Thinking back to my childhood, neither my mother nor I seem to have suffered any ill-effects when she "kissed my ouch-y" either.
That's my dirty little secret. Now, please excuse me while I go wash my hands before cooking dinner. I'm at home, you see.
10/1/13
New Rock Route at Black Canyon
Charlie jumped on what we believe to be a new rock route with enthusiasm. He plunged his left hand into a perfect crack, then found a solid hand hold for his right as he prepared to move.
What to call this remarkable, moderate route? We tossed around some ideas, but welcome input from others (please comment below). Here are a few we came up with:
The Prone Joker
Supine Septuagenarian (there's a little problem with this one, so we moved on to...)
Prostrate Pretender
Napping on the Black
Surely you've gotten the picture by now, right? This is Charlie. He's a little different. The word "serious" is not in his vocabulary.
For those who still don't get it, or who want to see the un-cropped, un-rotated version, here you go:
We sometimes end our posts with "Climb on!" This time, it might be more appropriate to close with
"Crawl on!"
1/31/13
The Death of Printed Guidebooks?
As guidebook authors, we are particularly interested in the future of the printed vs. e-guidebook. What is the fate of those stacks of bound papers in publishers' warehouses -- and in our own little bookstore-in-a-converted-bedroom.
Since our first guidebook was published in 1999 (the "little green" version of Highpoint Adventures, if you were curious), printing & production costs have risen through traditional sources. While the traditional publishers of our earlier books have opted to raise prices and/or lower quality (change a color manuscript to black & white, use cheaper paper, etc.) to maintain their profit margin, more online sources of information have appeared, some books have been converted to e-versions for smart phones and ebook readers, and it seems like more and more large booksellers are either closing their brick-and-mortar stores or merging into even larger conglomerates.
What's a guidebook author -- and/or an outdoor enthusiast -- to do?
We own shelves and shelves full of printed guidebooks. Being of a "certain age," we find it cumbersome to use a small screen to read information about a trail or a climbing route while out and about. ("I thought you packed the reading glasses!") On the other hand, carrying an entire guidebook when all you need are a couple of pages doesn't work all that well. So, like many of our friends do, we find ourselves scanning pages and taking along just the ones we need. Only then there are the times when the weather or other factor causes a change in plans, and we are cursing the fact that we didn't bring along the entire book.
It seems that there are still pros and cons for paper. But, it won't be long, we believe, before we have larger displays that weigh very little and are flexible (so you can roll them up & stick them in your pack). Here's a glimpse of something that seems to be heading that way:
Once that concept becomes independent of cables, and is flexible and durable enough to survive in a backpack, and in color, we think only those who love collecting artifacts will still opt for printed guidebooks.
Oh, dear. We think we hear a death knell tolling for those publishers who can't adapt.
What are your thoughts? Will you still own printed guidebooks ten years from now? If so, what is the draw for you?
Since our first guidebook was published in 1999 (the "little green" version of Highpoint Adventures, if you were curious), printing & production costs have risen through traditional sources. While the traditional publishers of our earlier books have opted to raise prices and/or lower quality (change a color manuscript to black & white, use cheaper paper, etc.) to maintain their profit margin, more online sources of information have appeared, some books have been converted to e-versions for smart phones and ebook readers, and it seems like more and more large booksellers are either closing their brick-and-mortar stores or merging into even larger conglomerates.
What's a guidebook author -- and/or an outdoor enthusiast -- to do?
We own shelves and shelves full of printed guidebooks. Being of a "certain age," we find it cumbersome to use a small screen to read information about a trail or a climbing route while out and about. ("I thought you packed the reading glasses!") On the other hand, carrying an entire guidebook when all you need are a couple of pages doesn't work all that well. So, like many of our friends do, we find ourselves scanning pages and taking along just the ones we need. Only then there are the times when the weather or other factor causes a change in plans, and we are cursing the fact that we didn't bring along the entire book.
It seems that there are still pros and cons for paper. But, it won't be long, we believe, before we have larger displays that weigh very little and are flexible (so you can roll them up & stick them in your pack). Here's a glimpse of something that seems to be heading that way:
Once that concept becomes independent of cables, and is flexible and durable enough to survive in a backpack, and in color, we think only those who love collecting artifacts will still opt for printed guidebooks.
Oh, dear. We think we hear a death knell tolling for those publishers who can't adapt.
What are your thoughts? Will you still own printed guidebooks ten years from now? If so, what is the draw for you?
12/9/12
Why I DON'T Ice Climb
(by Diane Winger)
I thoroughly enjoy ROCK climbing, and have been climbing since the late 80s (that's the Nineteen Eighties, in case you were wondering). I love the physical challenges, but also relish the sights, sounds, even the smells (yes, granite warmed by the sun has a distinct smell) which are intricately part of the sport. Being outdoors -- watching a bird soaring on the breeze below me -- feeling the texture of the rock -- hearing the river flowing nearby -- all these are part of the appeal of rock climbing for me.
Charlie has sometimes declared that ICE climbing is his absolute favorite sport. I don't doubt it; he commutes to the Ouray Ice Park during climbing season nearly every "work day." (We're old. We're retired. We have the time to do stuff like that)
So, I decided I had to give ice climbing a shot. And I did. I went out with Charlie on six different occasions to four different venues, and gave it a try. There's even an old videotape probably still in existence of one of my early attempts in which my tears were captured for posterity as I whined and begged that someone other than my own husband be my instructor for the day. (Kind of like giving driving lessons to a family member -- it wasn't pretty).
I remember the first time I went rock climbing. Charlie led me up the 2nd Flatiron in Boulder. At times I was thrilled, but at other times I was petrified. Afterwards, we went for a beer in town somewhere along the Pearl Street Mall, and I remember staring at the Flatirons the whole time, in awe that I had climbed all the way up there! All week long, I thought about that experience, and then asked Charlie to take me out climbing again the following weekend. I enjoyed myself more every time we climbed.
But the opposite was true when it came to ice climbing. I disliked it more each time, and decided that I actually hated it by the sixth outing. We were at the Ouray Ice Park again (no video camera this time), and it was crowded in the School Room area. I was being pummeled with chunks of ice as I belayed -- some from Charlie, some from climbers on either side of him. The stream was flowing, so I couldn't back away from the wall. One large shard hit a friend on her hand as she retrieved something from her pack, bloodying her and causing her thumb to swell almost immediately. The two of us decided to call it quits, look for a clinic in town, or -- failing that -- just go have a leisurely lunch and window shop. She returned to ice climbing; I did not.
The Ice Park will be opening again soon. Time for me to pull out my cross-country skis!
(For Charlie's take on the subject: Why I Ice Climb)
I thoroughly enjoy ROCK climbing, and have been climbing since the late 80s (that's the Nineteen Eighties, in case you were wondering). I love the physical challenges, but also relish the sights, sounds, even the smells (yes, granite warmed by the sun has a distinct smell) which are intricately part of the sport. Being outdoors -- watching a bird soaring on the breeze below me -- feeling the texture of the rock -- hearing the river flowing nearby -- all these are part of the appeal of rock climbing for me.
Charlie has sometimes declared that ICE climbing is his absolute favorite sport. I don't doubt it; he commutes to the Ouray Ice Park during climbing season nearly every "work day." (We're old. We're retired. We have the time to do stuff like that)
So, I decided I had to give ice climbing a shot. And I did. I went out with Charlie on six different occasions to four different venues, and gave it a try. There's even an old videotape probably still in existence of one of my early attempts in which my tears were captured for posterity as I whined and begged that someone other than my own husband be my instructor for the day. (Kind of like giving driving lessons to a family member -- it wasn't pretty).
I remember the first time I went rock climbing. Charlie led me up the 2nd Flatiron in Boulder. At times I was thrilled, but at other times I was petrified. Afterwards, we went for a beer in town somewhere along the Pearl Street Mall, and I remember staring at the Flatirons the whole time, in awe that I had climbed all the way up there! All week long, I thought about that experience, and then asked Charlie to take me out climbing again the following weekend. I enjoyed myself more every time we climbed.
But the opposite was true when it came to ice climbing. I disliked it more each time, and decided that I actually hated it by the sixth outing. We were at the Ouray Ice Park again (no video camera this time), and it was crowded in the School Room area. I was being pummeled with chunks of ice as I belayed -- some from Charlie, some from climbers on either side of him. The stream was flowing, so I couldn't back away from the wall. One large shard hit a friend on her hand as she retrieved something from her pack, bloodying her and causing her thumb to swell almost immediately. The two of us decided to call it quits, look for a clinic in town, or -- failing that -- just go have a leisurely lunch and window shop. She returned to ice climbing; I did not.
The Ice Park will be opening again soon. Time for me to pull out my cross-country skis!
 |
| Charlie & climbing partner Randy display war scars (a.k.a. ice climbing injuries) Are we having fun yet? |
(For Charlie's take on the subject: Why I Ice Climb)
12/2/12
Why I Ice Climb
 |
| December 2009: Leader fall results in 6 fractures. Sense of humor remains unbroken. |
I meet new people every week; unfortunately they all work in the emergency room. Perhaps it's just that warm feeling I get after the pain of the “screaming barfies” subsides. But then, who could deny one the pleasure of freezing your ass off at the bottom of a climb while your partner places yet another damn ice screw which you’ll have to extract if he ever tops out. And how could I omit “the thrill of victory” and the agony of “de feet,” assuming you can still feel your feet.
Ice climbing usually doesn’t involve the “French technique” like snow climbing or kissing your lady friend does, although I’ve pulled frozen skin from my lips as a result of placing a frigid ice screw in my mouth while fumbling with gear.
Those “zippers” you end up with on your face are usually worth at least one brew at the local pub; that’s a real plus. And, who can say you didn’t do a first ascent when the ice changes by the week? There are bragging rights to be had and that could be worth another cold one at the pub given the right audience. See, ice climbing is starting to make some sense (or is that nonsense?).
For me, the fun of getting out the tools, sharpening the screws and crampons, leaves me with a sense of anticipation not unlike going on that first date with someone very special. Its just indescribable. Now, if I was just a better climber...
(For Diane's take on all this, read Why I DON'T Ice Climb)
12/28/11
Why Parents Still Want to Read Real Books, Not E-Books, to their Kids
We don't write children's books, and have no children at home at this stage of our lives, but found this article from the New York Times of interest since childhood literacy and bonding between parent and child are issues that are very important to us.
What do you think will be the future of children's books? Can (or should) eReaders ever take the place of physical books when it comes to reading to children at bedtime?
We've been distressed to see young children engrossed in looking at smart phones or electronic hand-held games as they walk to school, eat at a restaurant, or even stroll through a zoo! They are more interested in watching what's on the screen than participating in the world around them. Of course, we see adults with that same behavior. Are our "virtual" worlds taking over our real-life experiences?
And, is there some irony in the fact that I'm sitting here at my computer typing these words rather than getting outside on this sunny winter day to enjoy some fresh air? Hmmm. Over and out!
What do you think will be the future of children's books? Can (or should) eReaders ever take the place of physical books when it comes to reading to children at bedtime?
We've been distressed to see young children engrossed in looking at smart phones or electronic hand-held games as they walk to school, eat at a restaurant, or even stroll through a zoo! They are more interested in watching what's on the screen than participating in the world around them. Of course, we see adults with that same behavior. Are our "virtual" worlds taking over our real-life experiences?
And, is there some irony in the fact that I'm sitting here at my computer typing these words rather than getting outside on this sunny winter day to enjoy some fresh air? Hmmm. Over and out!
10/20/11
The [publishing] times, they are a-changing
Here's an interesting story on Amazon's expanding role in the publishing industry (from the New York Times):
Amazon Signs Up Authors, Writing Publishers Out of Deal
And another (from Business Insider) that explains that "Amazon's Kindle is no longer just a product: It's a whole ecosystem." The author offers an interesting exploration of how Amazon is positioning itself in the media world with Kindle:
How Amazon Makes Money From The Kindle
There's no question that we are seeing the beginning of a revolution in how authors, publishers, books, and other media are interacting, and the roles that we, as readers, will play.
Stay tuned!
Amazon Signs Up Authors, Writing Publishers Out of Deal
And another (from Business Insider) that explains that "Amazon's Kindle is no longer just a product: It's a whole ecosystem." The author offers an interesting exploration of how Amazon is positioning itself in the media world with Kindle:
How Amazon Makes Money From The Kindle
There's no question that we are seeing the beginning of a revolution in how authors, publishers, books, and other media are interacting, and the roles that we, as readers, will play.
Stay tuned!
9/27/11
Online Bookstore facelift
Diane has been in ultra-geek mode recently, creating a whole new look for The Winger Bookstore. Check back regularly, since we'll be expanding our offerings and will be adding more features soon.
 |
| wingerbookstore.com |
9/24/11
E-books and the Future of "Real" Books
Now that we've played around with a Kindle, we're becoming more convinced that traditional books will continue to lose market share. We read recently that Amazon is selling more Kindle downloads than hardback books now.
Still, books with photography in general and color in particular (for the time being -- we assume Kindle will offer a color version someday to compete with Nook) will certainly have more appeal in their traditional mode.
What are your thoughts? Will physical books still be published very much 5 years from now? 10?
Still, books with photography in general and color in particular (for the time being -- we assume Kindle will offer a color version someday to compete with Nook) will certainly have more appeal in their traditional mode.
What are your thoughts? Will physical books still be published very much 5 years from now? 10?
10/7/10
LibraryThing - a great way to find new books to read
We recently discovered LibraryThing, which sort of combines a social network with amazon book recommendations, ratings, and reviews, but without selling anything. Set up a free account, and begin adding books you like into your virtual library. While you're at it, you can write reviews, give ratings to your selected books, and enter tags.
Once you've entered some of your favorite books, take a look at your personalized home page. There will be automatically-generated recommendations as well as recommendations from other users based on the books you've put in your "library." Click on a book title to read what others have to say about it, or to learn why it was recommended.
You can connect to others with similar reading tastes with Friend lists, get involved in discussions about books on the Forums, and more.
So, if you enjoy reading as much as we do, this is certainly worth checking out!
Once you've entered some of your favorite books, take a look at your personalized home page. There will be automatically-generated recommendations as well as recommendations from other users based on the books you've put in your "library." Click on a book title to read what others have to say about it, or to learn why it was recommended.
You can connect to others with similar reading tastes with Friend lists, get involved in discussions about books on the Forums, and more.
So, if you enjoy reading as much as we do, this is certainly worth checking out!
9/24/10
e-books and the future of "real" books
Now that we've played around with a Kindle, we're becoming more convinced that traditional books will continue to lose market share. We read recently that Amazon is selling more Kindle downloads than hardback books now.
Still, books with photography in general and color (for the time being) in particular will certainly have more appeal in their traditional mode.
What are your thoughts? Will physical books still be published very much 5 years from now? 10?
Still, books with photography in general and color (for the time being) in particular will certainly have more appeal in their traditional mode.
What are your thoughts? Will physical books still be published very much 5 years from now? 10?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)