News!

The Backpack

Last modified on 2009-04-30 17:28:30 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

I wanted a small backpack to take on the Africa trip with me. I have chosen a backpack to make this attempt with that is only 2000 cubic inches. The Mountain Hardware Paladin

http://mountainhardwear.com/Product.aspx?top=1625&prod=2931&cat=1655&viewAll=False

Now the test comes in trying to actually fit everything into it. I have also bought a smaller backpack. They are always nice to have for day use when you want to leave your larger pack behind. The REI Flash 18:

http://www.rei.com/product/778466

This is a great pack with no internal frame. It still has both a chest and waist loop but rolls up into a ball about the size of my fist. That is great when trying to get size down!

On the Radio!

Last modified on 2009-04-21 18:28:38 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

I will be on KNBA - Alaska on Monday the 27th of April to promote the new Alaska Rock Climbing Guidebook. This is the same day that I will be at University of Alaska Anchorage to do a book signing. If everything goes well then hopefully the book will sell well!

Zimbabwe Aid

Last modified on 2009-04-12 21:50:30 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

The country of Zimbabwe is in trouble, big trouble. When a country starts printing trillion dollar bills for general circulation you know that the currency is collapsing. Thankfully they have been getting some new assistance and credit to help their situation. One can only hope that they are taking it as an opportunity to draft a real solution to the problem. It is nice to see a positive reaction to their aid call.

Full Article: http://www.reuters.com/article/africaCrisis/idUSL8686434
Secondary: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7995882.stm

Sunbox Cooker

Last modified on 2009-04-12 22:21:46 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

This simple invention has won an award for being the most “green” of many inventions which do not have corporate backing. They won the $75,000 prize to bring the invention to a larger scale. One thing which I liked about this competition is that it was not for concepts but for actual inventions which are in use. That means we can see whether or not it will work because its being used today!

Full Story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7991654.stm

There are other programs which have been using solar cookers for quite some time. One of the better groups is Solar Cookers International, who brings these solar cookers to people all over the world.

http://solarcookers.org/about/history.html