The news these days

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While I still read and share some news and analysis, I’ve cut back enormously on my consumption of the news and I don’t follow any politicians or news stories any more on Facebook. As soon as Facebook tried to suggest that I follow a politician, I clicked block.

Maybe in a few weeks I’ll turn on the NPR for the news when things get a bit more sane but at this point I don’t care that much. I’ve come to the conclusion that the best way to live life is to live on a need to know basis and be ignorant of all other things. If I don’t have any control over the world and it doesn’t effect me then why should I pay attention?

NPR

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Red Cross declares an emergency blood shortage, as number of donors is down 40% : NPR

The American Red Cross announced that it is experiencing the lowest number of people giving blood in the last 20 years, in what the organization says is an emergency shortage.

In all, the Red Cross says that the number of people donating blood has dropped by 40% over the last two decades, and that the shortage could worsen in coming months if winter weather or seasonal respiratory illnesses like the flu or COVID-19 cause people to cancel their donation appointments.

"The potential for severe winter weather and seasonal illness may compound the dire blood supply situation," said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross, in a statement on Monday. "Donors of all types – especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets – are urged to give now."

The Red Cross announcement coincides with the start of National Blood Donor Month. The organization is urging people to schedule an appointment by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

PACE University Free GIS Course

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The spring 2024 session of Pace University‘s free 12-week Desktop GIS course begins January 22. The syllabus for the course is at  
http://webpage.pace.edu/MMinnis/GISSyllabus   There is a FAQ at the bottom of the syllabus.   

https://classroom.google.com/c/NjQzODc0ODU3OTgy?cjc=zo6abh3

If you have trouble enrolling or have a question that the FAQ does not address, email me at MMinnis@Pace.edu.  You can also tell me to un-enroll you if you change your mind.

Peggy Minnis 
M. M. Minnis, Ph.D.
Chemistry & Physical Sciences Department

Pace University
861 Bedford Road
Pleasantville, NY 10570 USA
914-773-3857

Red Horse Trail

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Red Horse Trail [Expires January 23 2024]

The Red Horse Trail in the southern Five Ponds Wilderness of the Adirondacks is a historic, challenging trail dating back to 1922. Spanning five miles from Big Burnt Lake to Clear Lake, it features serene lakes, old-growth forests, and wetland boardwalks. Divided into three sections, the trail's remoteness and limited access, primarily by boat, preserve its wilderness character. Highlights include Salmon Lake, Witchhopple Lake, and Clear Lake, with a mix of challenging and level terrain. The trail offers opportunities for camping, canoeing, and kayaking, providing a genuine wilderness experience away from more frequented Adirondack trails. Learn more here: http://tinyurl.com/red-horse-trail

Five Ponds Wilderness – The Red Horse Trail

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The Red Horse Trail in the southern Five Ponds Wilderness of the Adirondacks is a historic, challenging trail dating back to 1922. Spanning five miles from Big Burnt Lake to Clear Lake, it features serene lakes, old-growth forests, and wetland boardwalks. Divided into three sections, the trail's remoteness and limited access, primarily by boat, preserve its wilderness character. Highlights include Salmon Lake, Witchhopple Lake, and Clear Lake, with a mix of challenging and level terrain. The trail offers opportunities for camping, canoeing, and kayaking, providing a genuine wilderness experience away from more frequented Adirondack trails.

Read more about it here: https://www.adirondackalmanack.com/2011/03/five-ponds-wilderness-the-red-horse-trail.html