March 27, 2008
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It’s so ironic!
I learn a lot because people think I know it all. To some of my friends here, and to the occasional visitor from another corner of cyberspace, I seem to have become Xanga’s resident expert on drugs and addiction, crime and law, outlaw motorcycle gangs, Alaska, dog mushing, the 1950s and ’60s….
Hey guys, I know quite a bit about metaphysics, psychology, gardening and wildforaging, too, so don’t hesitate to ask. Ask about anything. If I don’t know the answers, I can look for them, and if I find something for you, I learn something for me.
If I don’t find your answers, I’m not ashamed to say I don’t know, and I’m not likely to stop looking for the answers, either. I have many sources and resources. I have dusty old books I haven’t cracked open since I got access to Google. I even remember where some of them are.
Just ask.
UPDATES AT BOTTOM
The AASS leader board is showing Lance Mackey in first place, with Jim Lanier, Jeff King, and Mitch Seavey tied for second place. I am not familiar with their method of calculation, and haven’t a clue how they derived that tie for second place.
The times shown are when the team arrives at each checkpoint. They don’t have to check out, so we don’t know if they stopped to rest or blew on through, until they check in at the next checkpoint.
Lance and Jim Lanier are the only two mushers shown to have gotten as far as the First Chance checkpoint, with only the Gold Run checkpoint between there and Candle, where they turn around for the return leg to Nome.Lanier was the oldest musher in this year’s Iditarod, and is the only musher in this centennial running of the SweepStakes who also competed in the 75th anniversary race in 1983. He won the Red Lantern that time. His team is notable for their color. He likes white dogs.
I know of two blogs covering the race: Northern Light Media and Josh Rogers. There is a map of the trail HERE.
RACE UPDATE:
Noon Thursday: Jeff King was first into the Gold Run checkpoint, and Lance Mackey is shown in second place, but still not into Gold Run.Hugh Neff is out of the race, withdrawn at Haven.
LAST UPDATE FOR TODAY
(probably, because Doug has a scheduled d20 Eberron session today)Into Gold Run checkpoint:
1. Jeff King
2. Lance Mackey 27 minutes after Jeff
3. Sonny Lindner 2 minutes after Lance
4. Ed Iten 27 minutes after Sonny
5. ? Ramy Brooks is shown in standings in 5th place, but not shown into Gold Run; last time for him was at previous checkpoint.
6 Jim Lanier 41 minutes after Ed Iten
7. Mitch Seavey 34 minutes BEFORE Jim LanierI cannot explain the discrepancies.
Jeff King really wants to win this thing. The Sweeps does not have the “Monson Rule” like the Iditarod does. Mushers can have outside assistance. Jeff has two Iron Dog snowmachiners and a race strategist accompanying him to help with dog food setup at checkpoints, etc. Even with help, he has only gained 7 minutes on Lance Mackey since the race start. The 2 minute intervals of the staggered start gave him a 20 minute lead on Lance out of the chute.
Comments (26)
oh! would you write about wild foraging sometime?! it is of particular interest to me but i’ve never been able to talk to someone who knows ANYTHING about it, has actually been out there putting thier knowledge to practical use… i’d love to hear what you have to say, always do
and i have to say that i’ve really enjoyed the coverage of the quext and iditarod. even though i’m in whitehorse, i don’t really take much notice on my own but i found your posts really interesting.
wild foraging sounds so interesting too. Ive been an avid camper since birth practically, and have always wanted to learn how to forage for myself. Plus just finished reading krakauers into the wild.
Great post!
You do know a lot about a LOT of different topics. I’m really glad you’re willing to share.
Oh yes, if you know anything about wild foraging, please write about it here. Hey, do you know anything about northern plants with healing properties? Actually, I’d just like to hear about anything you have to pass on. I was never much of a commenter or e-propper when I was on xanga before, but I always loved to read what you had written.
enjoying your reports on the races…………………have always wanted to ride with a dog team…..
but not too many here in the desert…..
@Alive_in_Vegas - You could do it with short-haired dogs, or shaved poodles, if you ran
at night. You don’t need a sled. In summer, mushers train their teams
on 4-wheelers, little ATVs, engine on and idling to provide a little
extra resistance, too easy to pull a wheeled vehicle in neutral.
I’m not kidding about the poodles. A local musher had a team made up entirely of standard poodles, not clipped, of course.
It’s great to find out someone else enjoys my reports. Most of those who comment about the mushing posts either say they are not interested (neutral), or they say that the sport is animal cruelty. Some people don’t realize that dogs are pack animals and love to work as a team. Just about any mammal is happier when it can learn skills and get to exercise them.
@SuSu - I have two Aussie Shepherds and have considered getting a wagon/sled on wheels to train them……….
have taken them to work livestock and you are right……most all “mammals” want and need a purpose……. even kids
sitting here in front of my fan (which isnt doing much good) hahahahaha,,, my bragging days are about over for the year,,, that snow looks kind of refreshing,,, i know the feeling would be shortlived tho,, i better just enjoy my fan. the location of my pipes on my scooter require i wear long pants,,, i serioulsly need to have a talk with my scooter.
im not sure i know what “wild foraging” is. and im way too lazy to look anything up,,, if whatever it is hasnt killed me yet,, maybe it isnt dangerous.
speaking of outlaw motorcycle gangs,,, hahahahahaha,, tonite is get together nite,,, i always enjoy that.
I and especially my husband are interested in metaphysics. But I really don’t know where to start and what to ask. Just so you know, we try to appreciate all your talents
My talents are self-absorption and bad poetry.
well I love the sledding reports but then I am in to Rotties and the different dog activities you can do with them…it is shall I say “my peace” for my soul
Thank you for the comment! It’s great advice, and I really am trying. It’s just hard, but I’ll get through it. Thanks again!
You asked for it now….
Gardening question:
How long do I wait for green pepper seeds to sprout before replanting?
I planted them on 3/8, they have grow lights for 12-16 hrs per day and are positioned for direct sunlight.
They are in a 75-79 degree location and that is dirt temp, not house temp.
None have sprouted of ten plants.
@Mique - At that soil temp, if moisture was constant, they should have germinated in 10-15 days. Pepper seed viability isn’t as long as… say, cabbage or radish or lettuce. If they weren’t this year’s seeds, make sure that the next ones are.
@monkeytoesNme -
I know it isn’t easy. I have to work at it, and I have been practicing for a long time. When I catch myself worrying or feeling down, I remind myself that here and now is where I need to be. Never beat up on yourself for not being perfect.
@BoureeMusique -
Metaphysics is (are?) a broad field.
Does your husband have an area of particular interest, or do you have a question, or would you like, for example, a list of authors and works I respect?
Have you checked out the FAQ at KaiOaty. There are a few metaphysical gems there.
If you don’t point me in some general direction, I’ll just keep the topic in mind and write down the first thing that pops into my head.
@mejicojohn -
You and your scooter pals get together on Thursday!? The world has changed, fershure.
I surfed over from another site and began reading and was instantly captivated by your writing. I’ve only read a tiny portion and had to subscribe. Count me as your newest friend, I can’t wait to read about foraging and I’m looking forward to going back to the beginning and reading your memoirs.
I find your dietary knowledge impressive, personally. I’ve been experimenting again with finding the best diet to make my body and mind function the way I want them to. Sometimes, I seem to work better on more carbs. Sometimes, I stick with mostly proteins and fruits and veggies. Sometimes I seem to function at highest efficacy when almost fasting (under 800 calories a day for extended periods of time).
Have you found that one dietary plan works well for you for extended periods (years) or that you change with time as well?
I think you’re the only person I know who wouldn’t think I’m nuts for even thinking like that lol
@BoureeMusique - I could recommend some books to you. I just have to think back on the ones that I’ve read. Maybe I’ll have to call you up on the telephone one day and talk about it?
@oceanstarr -
The diet that worked best for me for years was tailored just for me, by me. I drew primarily on Eat Right 4 Your Type, and took the supplements I knew worked for me. It worked right up until I discovered Splenda and mistakenly thought I could handle it. Now I’m trying to kick the sweetness again and get back to healthy eating.
There, I said it. Previously, public confession has helped me transcend my transgressions. Maybe it’ll work this time.
@heartpound_atonia -
@antisoccermom -
@that_friggan_knitter -
@Glassheart -
Wildforaging was to have been today’s topic. I was thinking about it and planning last night, deciding which books I need and where to start. Then another idea came up. Wildforaging will be on the menu, soon.
…spring!
1st….sweeter than sugar? look at http://www.stevia.net/
2nd…spring! wild stuff to eat.
.and i forgot.
the standings probably stem from the 2 minute intervals..7 places, 14 minutes between 4th and 6th, seven minutes between 4th and 7th?
@the_nthian - I can tolerate common stevia in things like yogurt, where the tart/sour flavor counteracts stevia’s bitterness. There’s a supersweet strain of stevia specially bred to get some of the bitterness out, and my favorite tea is a half and half mix of that and roated mate.