1. Analyze specific qualities that make a person fit to successfully pursue extreme adventures in the natural world, but also could potentially lead to disaster.
The main character of the story, Chris McCandless had many personal qualities. He was courageous and extremely confident in his risky adventures. He found himself fighting for his life in life threatening situations. He was almost capable of achieve his expectations of reaching Alaska. A hitchhiker that transcended beyond extreme limits. Doing things that no man would ever do.
2. Describe specific connections between both Into Thin Air and Into the Wild and your experiences in the many aspects of MSB.
Both stories have die hard and risky characters wrestling many challenges. Despite their unpreparedness, they always seem to successful. One might say that they're doing what they love the most. What they the love the most is experiencing extremely difficult obstacles in their travels.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Blog 29: Nature writing
There is nothing admirable about Chris’ solitary wild life. Chris Candless’ died of starvation, due to the lack of equipment needed to survive the harsh and rugged conditions of Alaska. He refused help from friendly characters he encountered in the story. Chris Candless, a recent graduate of Emory University decided to embark on a journey to experience total freedom. He decides to leave behind his family, friends and the security of a home, everyday conveniences and a successful career. He decides go on a cross country backpacking trip through the Alaskan wilderness alone. He hopes to get by on his wits and the kindness of strangers. Although he meets some people along the way who care about him and decide to help him out, he leaves them to continue his quest for self fulfillment.
Chris, the main character, goes beyond limits, and finds himself hitchhiking up to Alaska. Catching a free ride up to Denali National park, he meets up with a confused and friendly electrician, Jim Gillian. He first encounters him four miles outside of Fairbanks. He cannot help but wonder why this young man is traveling to Alaska. Jim Gillian out of the kindness of his heart tells Chris that he can drive him up further and purchase the proper equipment for hunting. He feels that Chris will not survive with his .22 caliber rifle. In this story, he says that if they boy attempts to kill a large animal like a bear, for instance, he will only evoke anger from the bear and is likely to get severely injured. Chris idiotically, refuses what Jim Gillian has to offer to him. Chris is naive and an amateur at hunting; doesn’t know how to be an experienced hunter.
In the beginning of the story, it mentions that Chris died in a sleeping bag inside an old 1930’s rusty bus. He tore a page off this book he was reading and wrote an S.O.S note. Chris died before anyone found him. Chris not knowing what the wildness has in store for him dies. This means that Chris was not prepared. He brought endless amounts of pain to his family and friends. In the story they say that the most plausible case of his death was starvation. They’re correct. Also the extremely cold temperatures could have killed him too.
He throws himself into danger. Some might say that he is impulsive and others might say he is a brave man. Chris McCandless didn’t realize that he was leading himself towards his death. The question still remains, why would he want to live a lonely life in the wild? He has a successful life and a caring family. He isolates himself from his life achievements to go live in the Alaskan wilderness hunting down game and reading books. What is so special about what he is doing? There’s nothing positive about what he intended to do in the outskirts of the cold Alaskan terrain.
Chris, the main character, goes beyond limits, and finds himself hitchhiking up to Alaska. Catching a free ride up to Denali National park, he meets up with a confused and friendly electrician, Jim Gillian. He first encounters him four miles outside of Fairbanks. He cannot help but wonder why this young man is traveling to Alaska. Jim Gillian out of the kindness of his heart tells Chris that he can drive him up further and purchase the proper equipment for hunting. He feels that Chris will not survive with his .22 caliber rifle. In this story, he says that if they boy attempts to kill a large animal like a bear, for instance, he will only evoke anger from the bear and is likely to get severely injured. Chris idiotically, refuses what Jim Gillian has to offer to him. Chris is naive and an amateur at hunting; doesn’t know how to be an experienced hunter.
In the beginning of the story, it mentions that Chris died in a sleeping bag inside an old 1930’s rusty bus. He tore a page off this book he was reading and wrote an S.O.S note. Chris died before anyone found him. Chris not knowing what the wildness has in store for him dies. This means that Chris was not prepared. He brought endless amounts of pain to his family and friends. In the story they say that the most plausible case of his death was starvation. They’re correct. Also the extremely cold temperatures could have killed him too.
He throws himself into danger. Some might say that he is impulsive and others might say he is a brave man. Chris McCandless didn’t realize that he was leading himself towards his death. The question still remains, why would he want to live a lonely life in the wild? He has a successful life and a caring family. He isolates himself from his life achievements to go live in the Alaskan wilderness hunting down game and reading books. What is so special about what he is doing? There’s nothing positive about what he intended to do in the outskirts of the cold Alaskan terrain.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Harbor Seals in La Jolla
The fecal matter from the harbor seals in La Jolla does affect human activity. In 1931; the La Jolla Cove was dedicated to the children of San Diego by Ellen B. Scripps. A colony of Pacific harbor seals began to colonize the cove in the mid 1990’s. Seals inhabiting the cove used it to rest, socialize, give birth and nurture their young. The sea wall provided protection from strong ocean currents and provided a peaceful location for them to breed. Travel to La Jolla and rest your arms on the corroded railing at the top of the sea wall jutting out into the open sea. Don’t be frightened, the harbor seals below will not bite you. The wall is approximately 10 feet high above them. Unfortunately, harbor seals release fecal matter into the water which can adversely affect any human who comes in contact with it. The harbor seals can excrete bacteria in their urine. The water has a heavy concentration of bacteria in it so people are more likely to develop infections if they swim in it. If the water is swallowed, there is a potential risk of Colitis. There are signs warning people not to swim in the cove with the seals. The seals presence has stirred up controversy with the locals. What used to be called the “La Jolla Children’s Pool” is now referred to as the “La Jolla Seal Cove”.
Not only can a person come down with an inner ear infection from swimming in contaminated water, one can contract Colitis. This illness can be caused by a parasite present in contaminated water. It is an inflammatory disease that can affect the large intestine. It can infect the inside lining of the intestinal walls. General symptoms include intense abdominal pain, fatigue, fever and diarrhea. Infected persons can be bothered by cramps, gas, bloating, indigestion and heartburn. Since Colitis can cause a serious infection, antibiotics can be administered to help get rid of the disease. Engaging in water sports or activities which exposes a person to fecal matter left in sea water by seals can result in getting this disease. In severe cases, a person can be hospitalized. Swimmers are often not aware of the contamination in sea water which is the result of sea lions and harbor seals contaminating beaches all along the coast. In severe cases, it can cause loss of appetite and weight loss. Symptoms can usually appear a few days after a person has been exposed to contaminated water. Children can be particularly susceptible to becoming ill with this disease as their immune systems are not fully developed.
After the arrival of the seals, marine biologists studying the harbor seals conducted important tests concerning the concentration of bacterial levels in the water. Bacterial contamination of sea water by the marine life can cause serious diseases for humans and other mammals. One such serious disease is Leptospirosis. It was first described by a German doctor, Adolf Weil, in 1886. In the beginning, it can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, vomiting and diarrhea. Seals can be carriers of these bacteria without showing symptoms. Swimmers and surfers are at high risk of getting this disease if they swallow contaminated water or splash infected water into their eyes or nose. The bacteria can pass through a person’s mucus membranes or cuts in the skin. This disease is not only present in infected marine animals but it can also be spread by infected rodents, cats, dogs or other mammals. The main reason children should not swim in the contaminated water of the cove is because of the potential illnesses children can get from exposure to contaminated water.
In 1998, there was a triathlon and 834 people swam in contaminated water, 98 people (12%) developed Leptospirosis infections. This illness is also known as Weil’s disease. Leptospirosis can cause mild to severe illness. Symptoms can appear a few weeks after swimming in contaminated water. Leptospirosis is caused by a microorganism, the spirochete bacterium. Symptoms can affect almost every major organ and can cause kidney failure, hemorrhage, acute respiratory distress and even an inflammation of the heart muscle called myocarditis. There is an article from the Monterey Herald about Leptospirosis in seals and below that is an article from a website called Up to Date. This is a website that educates doctors about this disease. It’s a known fact that Weil’s disease can spread at an alarming rate and can severely affect large swarms of marine life every year. There was an outbreak in 2004 in which 45 % of all seals tested were diagnosed with Leptospirosis – compared to 4.5 % of seals tested in 2003. Therefore, it’s best to stay away from the water that could be contaminated by seals.
This colony of Pacific harbor seals has been laying around on the shores of the Children’s Pool for a quite a number of years. I am eager to learn more about the consequences of their presence at the La Jolla Cove. This has become a big issue among some members of the public. Their presence has stirred up some trouble. La Jolla councilman, Scott Peters, would like for the Cove to be used by both people and Harbor Seals. That may not be possible because seals are shy by nature and do like to be approached by humans. They are primarily protected from harassment by the Marine Mammal Act. Some people have been debating whether or not the seals should remain in the children’s pool or leave. No one wants to swim in the water when you can have a potential risk of fatal diseases like Colitis and Leptospirosis. Some people are trying to reclaim the Children’s pool for use by humans who want to go there to sunbathe, swim and snorkel. Some have even suggested using the recording of barking dogs so that the noise can drive the seals away. A superior court judge, Timothy Taylor, recently ruled that the seals can remain. Some animal rights activists who support marine life were very happy that the seals were allowed to stay. This area should be turned into a wildlife sanctuary for people from all over the world to visit. Up to 100,000 people per month flock to the Children’s Pool Beach to see the seals up close.
Citations:
1. Elhams, Osamah K. Media Saves the testing Data. Raw data. La Jolla, San Diego. 26 Nov. 2009.
2. Lipin, Howard, ed. "Seals have their day at court: a 'great victory'" Letters to the editor [San Diego] 18 Nov. 2009, Morning ed., B7 sec.: 1-1.
3. Stock, D., ed. "Children's Pool, La Jolla, California." Children's Pool, La Jolla, California [La Jolla] 8 Nov. 2009: 1-2. Print.
Not only can a person come down with an inner ear infection from swimming in contaminated water, one can contract Colitis. This illness can be caused by a parasite present in contaminated water. It is an inflammatory disease that can affect the large intestine. It can infect the inside lining of the intestinal walls. General symptoms include intense abdominal pain, fatigue, fever and diarrhea. Infected persons can be bothered by cramps, gas, bloating, indigestion and heartburn. Since Colitis can cause a serious infection, antibiotics can be administered to help get rid of the disease. Engaging in water sports or activities which exposes a person to fecal matter left in sea water by seals can result in getting this disease. In severe cases, a person can be hospitalized. Swimmers are often not aware of the contamination in sea water which is the result of sea lions and harbor seals contaminating beaches all along the coast. In severe cases, it can cause loss of appetite and weight loss. Symptoms can usually appear a few days after a person has been exposed to contaminated water. Children can be particularly susceptible to becoming ill with this disease as their immune systems are not fully developed.
After the arrival of the seals, marine biologists studying the harbor seals conducted important tests concerning the concentration of bacterial levels in the water. Bacterial contamination of sea water by the marine life can cause serious diseases for humans and other mammals. One such serious disease is Leptospirosis. It was first described by a German doctor, Adolf Weil, in 1886. In the beginning, it can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, vomiting and diarrhea. Seals can be carriers of these bacteria without showing symptoms. Swimmers and surfers are at high risk of getting this disease if they swallow contaminated water or splash infected water into their eyes or nose. The bacteria can pass through a person’s mucus membranes or cuts in the skin. This disease is not only present in infected marine animals but it can also be spread by infected rodents, cats, dogs or other mammals. The main reason children should not swim in the contaminated water of the cove is because of the potential illnesses children can get from exposure to contaminated water.
In 1998, there was a triathlon and 834 people swam in contaminated water, 98 people (12%) developed Leptospirosis infections. This illness is also known as Weil’s disease. Leptospirosis can cause mild to severe illness. Symptoms can appear a few weeks after swimming in contaminated water. Leptospirosis is caused by a microorganism, the spirochete bacterium. Symptoms can affect almost every major organ and can cause kidney failure, hemorrhage, acute respiratory distress and even an inflammation of the heart muscle called myocarditis. There is an article from the Monterey Herald about Leptospirosis in seals and below that is an article from a website called Up to Date. This is a website that educates doctors about this disease. It’s a known fact that Weil’s disease can spread at an alarming rate and can severely affect large swarms of marine life every year. There was an outbreak in 2004 in which 45 % of all seals tested were diagnosed with Leptospirosis – compared to 4.5 % of seals tested in 2003. Therefore, it’s best to stay away from the water that could be contaminated by seals.
This colony of Pacific harbor seals has been laying around on the shores of the Children’s Pool for a quite a number of years. I am eager to learn more about the consequences of their presence at the La Jolla Cove. This has become a big issue among some members of the public. Their presence has stirred up some trouble. La Jolla councilman, Scott Peters, would like for the Cove to be used by both people and Harbor Seals. That may not be possible because seals are shy by nature and do like to be approached by humans. They are primarily protected from harassment by the Marine Mammal Act. Some people have been debating whether or not the seals should remain in the children’s pool or leave. No one wants to swim in the water when you can have a potential risk of fatal diseases like Colitis and Leptospirosis. Some people are trying to reclaim the Children’s pool for use by humans who want to go there to sunbathe, swim and snorkel. Some have even suggested using the recording of barking dogs so that the noise can drive the seals away. A superior court judge, Timothy Taylor, recently ruled that the seals can remain. Some animal rights activists who support marine life were very happy that the seals were allowed to stay. This area should be turned into a wildlife sanctuary for people from all over the world to visit. Up to 100,000 people per month flock to the Children’s Pool Beach to see the seals up close.
Citations:
1. Elhams, Osamah K. Media Saves the testing Data. Raw data. La Jolla, San Diego. 26 Nov. 2009.
2. Lipin, Howard, ed. "Seals have their day at court: a 'great victory'" Letters to the editor [San Diego] 18 Nov. 2009, Morning ed., B7 sec.: 1-1.
3. Stock, D., ed. "Children's Pool, La Jolla, California." Children's Pool, La Jolla, California [La Jolla] 8 Nov. 2009: 1-2. Print.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Blog #27
Krakauer observes that it is not “unusual for a young man to be drawn to a pursuit considered reckless by his elders.” Explain whether McCandless would agree with Krakauer.
Despite how insane McCandess is, it sounds like an idiotic idea, abandoning your own life. Leaving your parents even though your not on good terms with them. What he did sounds a little immature for his age. If I was placed in his shoes and I had to think to myself whether or not I wanted to leave my family forever or just stay. I would definitely stay and try and resolve my own life conflicts. McClandess is drawn to his pursuit of traveling along a highway or ending up in someones house. Its obvious that McClandess strongly believes in what he is doing. His elders must think he is a lunatic running around acting like a hobo. I know that McClandess must think that he is extremely happy.
Despite how insane McCandess is, it sounds like an idiotic idea, abandoning your own life. Leaving your parents even though your not on good terms with them. What he did sounds a little immature for his age. If I was placed in his shoes and I had to think to myself whether or not I wanted to leave my family forever or just stay. I would definitely stay and try and resolve my own life conflicts. McClandess is drawn to his pursuit of traveling along a highway or ending up in someones house. Its obvious that McClandess strongly believes in what he is doing. His elders must think he is a lunatic running around acting like a hobo. I know that McClandess must think that he is extremely happy.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Photo contest
Nature Conservancy website
http://support.nature.org/site/PageServer?pagename=contest_ph6
The nature photo contest is where you can submit photos and win prizes. Most of the photos you find on the website have to do with nature. There are no restrictions to what you can put on to the website. If you want to submit a photo you have to type a description of what the photo is and where you took the photo. There is no fee on this website. On this website you will find different photos of the wild. I decided to submit my seal pictures on to the website so that other people can look at them. I submitted 4 photos. You can also send in votes on what pictures you like. If you want to submit a photo you have to meet the requirements on the website. Your picture must meet at least five requirements before submitting.
http://support.nature.org/site/PageServer?pagename=contest_ph6
The nature photo contest is where you can submit photos and win prizes. Most of the photos you find on the website have to do with nature. There are no restrictions to what you can put on to the website. If you want to submit a photo you have to type a description of what the photo is and where you took the photo. There is no fee on this website. On this website you will find different photos of the wild. I decided to submit my seal pictures on to the website so that other people can look at them. I submitted 4 photos. You can also send in votes on what pictures you like. If you want to submit a photo you have to meet the requirements on the website. Your picture must meet at least five requirements before submitting.
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