Alaskan Apple Users Group Blog

There are just a few days left before the application deadline and Anchorage needs to get fired up (or maybe lit up) about the Google Fiber Initiative! If you’re not familiar with this “contest” please read on!

Google is planning to build out some of the fastest Internet connections in the U.S.A. – and all we have to do is let them know WE WANT FASTER SPEEDS in Anchorage.

Do this first.

Go now to Google’s page and fill out this form to nominate Anchorage!

I know what you’re thinking. It was on the February meeting schedule, but nooo, nary a word was mentioned. What are you going to do now with your trip scheduled to Anaktuvuk Pass for later this week. How will the photos be captured?

Fear not!

Bruce Herman, who was going to lead a break-out group on the topic, kindly provided the handout he’d prepared for the session, which we are now happy to present to you.

1. Protect yourself first

• Know your limits.
• Do not allow yourself or members in your party to become cold

Very difficult to get warm once you’re cold

Adds stress and impairs judgement

• Wear adequate clothing

Liner or fingerless gloves

Insulated parka

Windblock fleece or wool pants

Long underwear as needed

Pack or double boots

Hat

Hand/body/foot chemical warmers

• Dress in layers if physical exertion is involved

Implies carrying a pack for clothes as removed

Temperature/perspiration management

Also manage fluid intake

Consume foods, but don’t rely on hot drinks to save you if you become cold and wet

2. Camera

• Spare batteries kept warm inside a parka inside a plastic bag

Some (d)SLR cameras have extra battery packs that can be attached to the camera

If using a lot of flash and if a shoe mounted or separate flash, get an external battery pack

• Avoid thermal shock to large glass elements
• Avoid condensation

Bringing cold gear into warm environment

Breathing on gear

• Treat snow like rain

Avoid allowing it within the camera when changing lenses

Be cautious when using a zoom as the barrel can become wet then freeze

3. Tripod

• Leg locks can become stiff or not grip well
• Tamp out a place for legs in deep snow
• Do not fully retract legs if they become wet

Join us on March 3, 2010 for the third edition of the 2010 AAUG meeting series. We’ll have a number of interesting topics this month, including:
- Mac Basics with Elaine Robinson
- Advanced Color Management with Bruce Herman
- HD Camcorder vs. HD digital SLR cameras (and Electronic Viewfinder with Interchangable Len, aka EVIL) vs. HD Point & Shoot Camera with Karl Augestad
plus much more. We hope to see you there!

What: AAUG March Meeting
When: March 3, 2010 – 7-9PM
Where: Wilda Marston Theatre, Loussac Library, 36th & Denali
Why: Why not?