The Adventurist

Video: The Truths of Mt. Kilimanjaro?? ‘Today’ Show Called Out

Jason A. Hendricks — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:16:26 +0000

Music Review: Guns-N-Roses Chinese Democracy

Jason A. Hendricks — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:49:47 +0000

Is 14 years to long to wait for a follow-up album? In 1986, when Appetite for Destruction was first released to the world, myself along with millions of other fans rushed in for what could only be called a new musical experience. Guns-n-Roses was raw. It was real. It made our parents cringe at the thought that their kids could listen to something so…so…distasteful.

Then we lost them.

Sure, there was the Use Your Illusions I & 2 that had some good material, but the band itself had worn thin and worked its way into the mainstream ballad markets. Soon enough Guns-N-Roses would vanish for good.

On November 23rd, after a 14 year hiatus, America’s biggest rock/metal band returns to the big stage. Should we hate them for being gone so long? Should we be dissappointed that Slash and the others behind the original incantation of Guns-N-Roses had dissipated? For those of you now holding this same argument, and I have heard it over the last few days, all I can say is that you are going to miss one hell of an album come November 23rd!

Chinese Democracy combines the efforts of all previous albums of G-n-R and comes up with something yet new again. It is an amazing peice of hard-rocking, hard-hittin’, and mesmerizing musical melodies that bring back the flavors of that age that none of us want to truly forget. It is Guns-n-Roses 1986, 1994, and 2008 all wrapped into one tight package of tunes that will have you wondering what the hell you just listened to. Axl Rose is still the king of hard-hittin rock, and his bandmates are his court.

Fortunately, I have been one of the lucky 120,000 people to have listened to the full-streaming album on MySpace. FOR FREE! I was, like many people, questioning whether the new “G-n-R” would come close to the glory days of Appetite, or even compare to the Use Your Illusions days. Without a doubt, this album will go down as another great epic and reignite the Guns-N-Roses phenomenon for another generation. We can now be thankful that 14 years was just the right amount of time to make a hard-hitting return and bring us all back to the glory days.

If your looking for the hard-hitting, angsty Axl Rose then look no further than Track#7 “The Catcher in the Rye” and Track#10 “Riad N’ the Bedouins”. Both tracks come at you with fists flailing and will remind you of why we fell in love with Guns-N-Roses back in ‘86.

You want 1994 G-n-R? Track #13 “This I Love” has been getting some notice and brings back thoughts of “November Rain” and “Don’t Cry”, including the full orchestral ensemble and the raging guitar licks that even Slash could be envious of. Need another? Checkout ‘Street of Dreams” on track 4.

The future of Guns-n-Roses? The first three tracks of Chinese Democracy bring together what Axl has been able to do over the last 14 years. Their songs have the hardcore edge of the 80’s, the orchestral and technical involvement of the 90’s, and the techno of the here and now. Axl weaves and molds the sounds inextricably and blends them with a depth that is rarely seen in today’s music. Take it from me, you HAVE to HAVE this album!

Guns-N-Roses’ Chinese Democracy will be available on November 23, but only at a Best Buy store near you. Until then, you can do like I have and listen to the full-streaming album on MySpace for free. It don’t get much better than that!

Early Song Favorites: Tracks 7 & 8 “Catcher in the Rye” and “Stranded”

Least Favorite: Track 14 “Prostitute”

Overall, this album beats any expectations I had of a new G-N-R album. Right off the bat, you can probably pick out 6-8 tracks that could be radio friendly and offer up the hits like we remember. Go check it out!

Ann Curry, ‘Today’ Show Host, Turned Back From Kilimanjaro Summit

Jason A. Hendricks — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:41:13 +0000

Today show host Ann Curry has been turned back from the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro after getting within striking distance. Her decision to pull back from the final summit push, which was scheduled for tomorrow, came after the team started suffering from the effects of acute altitude sickness.

She said in yesterday’s broadcast report that, even if they didn’t summit, they accomplished what they set out to do by showing the visual evidence of how far the glaciers and snow fields have retreated from the mountain because of climate change with 80 percent of the glaciers having disappeared in 20 years. The report made no claim as to whether the climate change is man-made or occurring naturally. (From The Examiner)

Ann Curry had been sent to Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak and one of the famed Seven Summits, to report on the effects of climate change. This was part of a ‘Today’ show series highlighting climate change around the globe. Her other co-hosts were dispatched to places like Iceland, Belize, and Australia and are still reporting on location.

Curry’s final altitude before retreating was 15,700 feet, or about 3,500 feet from the top. Not bad for someone who found out they were going less than three weeks ago. Ann Curry has had no formal mountain climbing experience before this trip to Kilimanjaro. That is still a pretty good feat and she should be proud of her attempt. Half the battle in mountain climbing is knowing when to say when-Good job, Ann!

Video: The Truths of Mt. Kilimanjaro?? ‘Today’ Show Called Out

Todd Carmichael Expedition Earth 2008 Update: The 81st Degree

Jason A. Hendricks — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:38:10 +0000

It has been a couple of days since I have posted any polar updates. One of the reasons being that most teams were battling snowy, white-out conditions and decided to hunker down rather than risk the weather. The weather has now improved and teams are on the move once again.

The last update that I provided had Todd finally reach the ice of Antarctica. This had come after a brief stay in Chile where Todd began suffering from the effects of tendonitus and a lung infection. Luckily, once Todd reached Patriot Hill, Antarctica things seemed to get better.

Many of his updates, up till now, have focused on the weather, how good things are going, and thanking everyone for their thoughts and emails. A few days back, some of you may remember Todd having some problems with the binding on one of his skis. He was able to MacGyver that (I know I am old) and get back to being useful, but then the darn thing broke again. The second fix seems to be holding, but now the binding on his other ski has broken, too.

Todd had some choice words to share about the local company that he first bought the bindings from. I am not going to mention them by name, but let’s just say that Todd’s reflection is to not buy your bindings from a certain company in Philadelphia.

Todd’s latest update has him bunkered down at the 81st degree. Some of you polar aficianadoes will note that the 90th degree is the goal. He says this is the first big step of the expedition and that he has made it pretty uneventful other than some weather difficulties (it is still -40 degrees at night) and the binding issues. He is covering some good ground, including 14km just yesterday. Thus far, that has been his biggest single day of travel.

All is well and Todd’s latest update ends with the thank-you’s to family and friends and a special “I love You” to his wife. He is sounding strong, doing well, and starting to get in to a regular rythym on the ice. Let’s hope he continues in his good fortune and will reach that ultimate goal of becoming the first American to the South Pole, solo and unsupported. Good-luck, Todd!

Adventure Gear: HangTimer Brings iPhone and iPod To Adventure Life

Jason A. Hendricks — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:45:53 +0000

A really cool application has just been released that will track how much air you get in those great adventure sports. When bragging rights are of the utmost importance, now you will have your proof with the touch of a button!

The HangTimer application is compatible with all iPhones and the iPod Touch and even features a few more features if you are lucky enough to own an iPhone 3G. Here’s the lowdown on what this application can do for you.

Records your hangtime
Records your 10 best jumps
Auto-locates ski resorts
Features trail maps and snow reports
Mountain info and live webcams

With the added benefits of a GPS navigational system found in the iPhone 3G, you will also be able to track your top speed at takeoff, map where your big air occured, and even track yourself on Google Maps.

That’s a pretty impressive list of features that should benefit all adventurers. Not only does this new iPhone and iPod application work while skiing and mountain biking, but they say it can even track the air you get on rollercoasters etc. The application was developed to work with the iPhone’s accelerometer using a sophisticated air and mapping device to calculate the speed and air that you obtain, while also tracking your progress.

This seems to be a really cool and handy application. It almost makes me want to run out and purchase that new iPhone 3G and give this thing the big air it craves. For more information on the HangTimer, please visit their website.

Wildlife Alert: Extinct Primate Resurfaces In Indonesia

Jason A. Hendricks — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:40:56 +0000

A primate thought to be extinct since the 1920’s has resurfaced in Indonesia. National Geographic News is reporting that a pygmy tarsier was recently discovered deep in the Indonesian rain forest. The carnivorous animal was rediscovered during an expedition sponsored by the National Geographic Society’s Conservation Trust.

It is thought that deforestation during the 1970’s may have wiped out the species, but no live specimen had been seen since the 1920’s. Sharon Gursky-Doren, who helped lead this expedition, mentioned that the team actually captured, tagged, and set free three different pygmy tarsiers and are hoping that this rediscovery will help pursuade the Indonesian government tp protect this species while they still can.

To read more about the pygmy tarsiers and to catch an amazing close-up view of this long lost species, head over to National Geographic News.

Peak Hawley: Famed Himalayan Journalist, Miss Elizabeth Hawley, Has Mountain Named In Her Honor

Bear Attack Sparks Federal Lawsuit: Who Is Liable?

Jason A. Hendricks — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:20:22 +0000

When bears attack, who is liable? This case is currently making it’s way through our nation’s court system, but unlike some frivolous cases, this particular one may have some merit to it. Back in June of 2007, the Ives family went camping in American Fork Canyon, Utah. To the family’s dismay, they were awakened by a bear dragging their 11 year-old son out of the tent. The bear did kill their son.

That is when this case began. After some investigating into this incident, it was soon discovered that the U.S. Forest service had sent out government hunters to take care of a problem bear earlier in the morning. The hunters did not find the bear and left the area.

The Ives family contends that the U.S. Forest Service should have given area campers warning that a problem bear was in the area. They say that this simple warning could have saved the life of their son. They are seeking $2 million against the U.S. Forest Service and are also trying to ensure that the U.S. Forest Service takes some responsibility in alerting others when problem bears are around.

You can guess all the arguments to this issue. Yes, signs were posted that bears were nearby and to ‘beware’. The problem stems from the fact that no warning was given that there was an animal currently being searched out that had caused previous problems. Should the forest service be held liable?

Here’s my two cents: If there is a danger that is known to park officials, but not those who are actively in the area, then I feel that it is the Park Service’s responsibility to ensure the safety of those people. That is what we pay them for, right? Seeing that the bear was currently being sought, yet no warning was given to nearby campers and park patrons that it could be more dangerous than other bears in the area, I feel that it is the Park Service’s responsibility to warn of any threats that are not publicly known. I know that this is going to spark some debate, but I think in this single instance that the U.S. Forest Service should be held liable. Yes, bears are a dangerous animal. Yes, signs were posted. BUT this animal was a known ‘trouble’ animal and more dangerous than the rest. Without warning, who would have known that this bear was more dangerous and may be searching for a human victim?

Give me your thoughts in the comments below. By the way, checkout the nice newscast covering this story. They do a great job.

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Adventurist Digest: Climbing News Round-up, November 18, 2008

Jason A. Hendricks — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:37:33 +0000

Adam Ondra has made the second ascent of Alexander Huber’s Open Air. The route was first established in 1996 by Huber and given a route rating of F9a. After Ondra’s successful second ascent, the route is now laying the groundwork to be named the first F9a+ in existance. Adam Ondra took 5 days and 9 attempts to master what could become the world’s toughest climbing route. Open Air is found in Austria’s Schleier Wasserfall. Adam Ondra, with the second ascent of Open Air, has just showed the world why at 15 years-old, he could be the world’s strongest climber. Congrats, Adam!

Dean Potter has made the first solo-climb of Alien Roof on the Rostrum in Yosemite National Park. His free-solo attempt included the use of a BASE parachute for safety purposes, but was not needed on this amazing climb. Base-Jumping in National Parks is illegal, but Yosemite does allow the gear for free-solo climbing on the parks legendary big walls. Dean Potter recently completed a sucessful BASEsolo of Deep Blue Sea on the Eiger’s North Face. Perhaps this is the way of free-soloing in the future?

Speaking of Yosemite, the final issue of Alpinist magazine, Alpinist #25, features a cover photo of Warren “Batio” Harding on Yosemite. Harding was the first person to climb El Capitan. It seems ironic that Harding would also become the last person to grace the cover of an Alpinist magazine. Checkout this piece from Fun Climbs Around The World…

Two Mt. Rainier climbing rangers have captured the first ascent of Kang Nachugo. This Himalayan peak tops out at 6,735 meters and is found in the Himalayan valley of Rolwaling. David Gottlieb and Joe Puryear finally topped out on the peak on October 25th, but the news has been slow to trickle down the information superhighway. Congrats go out to both of these guys, as well.

ExplorersWeb is currently reporting that teams are heading for the summit of Ama Dablam. There are currently three teams on the mountain: FTA, Jagged Globe, and Mountain Madness. All three teams have made it to Camps 2 & 3 and are looking to make a fast push to the summit. This could be as early as today. Let’s wish them luck and a safe climb. You can follow along with the live updates by clicking on the Expedition company’s links that I included above.

To date, no 8,000 meter peak in Pakistan has been summited in winter. That could change with the recent announcement of a team heading for Broad Peak. Artur Hajzer, Robert Szymczak, and Canadian Don Bowie will try their luck at picking off the first Karakorum winter summit. A couple of these guys should seem familiar to you. Robert Szymczak and Don Bowie were both involved in the infutile efforts to save Inaki Ochoa on Annapurna. Unfortunately, Inaki died just as help arrived. Let’s hope that these climbers can gain a little peace with a winter summit of Broad Peak!!

That should wrap-up the latest headlines in the climbing world. If you have a few extra moments today, stop by and and say ‘hi’ to DSD who runs the Summit Stones & Adventure Musings blog. There is a nice look at what it means to Find Your Strength as an adventurer. That is something all of us could use a little more of. Thanks for the great piece, DSD!

Photo Credit: Yosemite’s Half Dome by Alaskan Dude, by way of a Creative Commons License on Flickr.

Outside Magazine’s 2009 Winter Gear Guide

Jason A. Hendricks — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 04:31:41 +0000

Outside Magazine has put out their annual Winter Gear Guide. This will be of interest to any of you hardcore snow enthusiasts. The 2009 Winter Gear Guide offers up some amazing products that have been thoroughly tested by Outside Magazine’s gear-crazed staff. They pretty much cover all the bases with this guide. You will find the latest information on Alpine Skis, Snowboards, Backpacks, Trailrunners, Snowshoes, and even Backcountry and Resort Jackets. (Yes, they are different!)

With the temperatures dropping in my home state this week, I may just need to look into investing in some snowshoes of my own. My problem is that it usually only snows about three times a year to where we have enough cover to do anything fun. Who cares! They would look just as great on my wall, as they would my feet!

While you are over at Outside Magazine, don’t forget to check out our good friend Stephen Regenold’s Gear Reviews. I have mentioned Stephen on occasion for his great blog, Gear Junky, but it looks like he is now blogging for Outside Magazine, too! He is a man of many places!

Stephen’s latest review involves longboards. Don’t know what they are? Think Snowboarding in the summer time and you are on the right track. It is a great read and one of the reasons why I have become such a fan of The Gear Junky’s work. He makes me want to get outdoors and try a new sport.

Frenchmen Claim New Climbing Route Up Nuptse’s South Face

Jason A. Hendricks — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 03:28:05 +0000

There is plenty of action still going on in the Himalayas. I know that many of my loyal readers have been following all the action on The Adventure Blog and ExplorersWeb, but now some interesting information is coming to us from UKClimbing.com, the UK’s biggest climbing network.

It looks like there may have been a new route put up on Mt. Everest’s smaller cousin, Nuptse. This new route was climbed Alpine style by Frenchmen Stéphane Benoist and Patrice Glairon-Rappaz on the South Face of Nuptse. If this holds, it could be the first new South Face route put up on Nuptse since 1961. Since that time, there have only been two expeditions who made a successful South Face summit. That is pretty remarkable!

More Information from UKClimbing.com:

Nuptse (7,864m), which lies just south of Everest, was first climbed in 1961 by a British-Nepali expedition under Joe Walmsley. It was a classic siege, following a tricky rightward-slanting central ridge on the South Face to a large snowfield, then a long leftward traverse along these snow slopes and over a difficult rock barrier to reach a couloir breaking through the upper rock walls to the summit arête. After establishing eight camps, the first summit party, Dennis Davis and Tashi Sherpa, reached the top on the 16th May. A day later Chris Bonington, Les Brown, Jim Swallow and Pemba Sherpa followed in their footsteps. To date, no other party has reached the main top from the south, and the original route is considered one of the first technical ‘big walls’ climbed in the Himalaya.

Unfortunately, I made the comment a few minutes ago “if this stands.” It seems that the two climbers were turned back before the summit do to bad weather setting in. I am not sure how this will play out. On one hand, the new route is there and now available. On the other, it is usually customary to reach the summit from your new route. Since this wasn’t meant, how do we know that this new route can actually take us to the top? Those are just a couple of questions I am throwing out there to all of you. Should the new route stand, or should a summit be the deciding factor? I am interested in your thoughts. Please comment below.

The Adventurist

Video: The Truths of Mt. Kilimanjaro?? ‘Today’ Show Called Out

Related Articles:

Music Review: Guns-N-Roses Chinese Democracy

Related Articles:

Ann Curry, ‘Today’ Show Host, Turned Back From Kilimanjaro Summit

Related Articles:

Todd Carmichael Expedition Earth 2008 Update: The 81st Degree

Related Articles:

Adventure Gear: HangTimer Brings iPhone and iPod To Adventure Life

Related Articles:

Wildlife Alert: Extinct Primate Resurfaces In Indonesia

Related Articles:

Bear Attack Sparks Federal Lawsuit: Who Is Liable?

Related Articles:

Adventurist Digest: Climbing News Round-up, November 18, 2008

Related Articles:

Outside Magazine’s 2009 Winter Gear Guide

Related Articles:

Frenchmen Claim New Climbing Route Up Nuptse’s South Face

Related Articles: