THENORTHERNLIGHT THE LIGHT
April 10, 2012
University of Alaska Anchorage
www.thenorthernlight.org
Adventurer warns about perils to environment By Kate Lindsley
Photo By Krystal Garrison/TNL
Contributor
Jon Waterman, award winning author, describes nature’s greatest gifts to humanity and how little is being done to preserve them against corporate greed. Waternan spoke last Thursday about his adventures, from the Colorado River to the summit of Denali. He is both an author and photographer.
Newcomer Doug Urquidi challenges House Rep. Don Young in next election Eagle River Democrat says current congressmen has been in office for far too long By Evan Dodd
a different way of looking at it. House Representative Don My campaign is called Alaskans Young has newfound competition 4 Doug, it’s an all inclusive in the upcoming House election. movement.” Democratic candidate Doug Were Young to be reelected Urquidi, of Eagle River, is in November, it would be his 21st running against Young in the term in office; a fact that Urquidi race to become Alaska’s sole says is not beneficial to Alaska. representative. Some of Urquidi, 46, Urquidi’s says that his “Our founding fathers campaign campaign is all did not believe in goals include about bringing career politicians. I’ve lower taxes, the focus back wiser spending lived in Alaska for the decisions and on Alaska. “It’s time past 25 years, Don the introduction for Alaska to hasn’t lived here for of term limits start getting a for members of bigger piece the past 40.” Congress. - Doug Urquidi of the pie that As an it has in the Army veteran past. We need to keep jobs in-state of the Gulf War, Urquidi whatever it takes, we really need to believes that more should be think outside of the box.”Urquidi done to improve health care explains that his campaign, for honorably discharged though run under the democratic veterans. Additionally, Urquidi ticket, is really about support from has expressed his support for all citizens who wish to improve programs designed to help the state. victims of domestic violence and “We all want the same things, post traumatic stress disorder. what’s good for Alaska, it’s just See URQUIDI Page 2 Features
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Photo Courtesy of Doug Urquidi
Staff Reporter
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Rivers start in the highlands and flow into the oceans. It’s a concept many of us take for granted – an unwavering natural occurrence, a fairly simple phenomenon operated by gravity. But what happens when this process is disrupted? On Thursday, April 5, Jon Waterman presented an unsettling story of the Colorado River running dry before it reaches the ocean. This imbalance was due to human interference and irrigation. One of the largest consequences is the loss of pristine nature, the principle topic of Waterman’s talk. Waterman, an adventure writer and environmental conservationist, began his career as a young boy in Massachusetts, hitchhiking to the White Mountains of New Hampshire in his first encounter with climbing in Arctic conditions. After running away from home and breaking his leg on an ice climbing adventure, his mother punished him by having him walk to school – and yes, it was uphill both ways. Not even this could deter his thirst for discovery. His sense of exploration brought him to Alaska, where he trekked Denali. Waterman described his first ascent of Denali in February of 1982 as, “desperate, hard work,” including a bout with bronchitis and healing from a sprained ankle. Through this experience, he found self-actualization. After multiple successful summits, Waterman grew comfortable with the mountain and began aiding in rescues of climbers. Through the years of rescues, he noticed patterns with the climbers in terms of preparedness and decisionmaking. From watching the mistakes of others, he learned a vital life lesson: “Self-sufficiency is a virtue.” This sentiment cannot be fully appreciated by college students reliant on smartphones, iPods and laptops. However, technology was not to be overlooked in the importance of Waterman’s adventures. After proving his agility in the wilderness, Waterman started capturing his adventures through photographs and video. His films have been distributed by PBS and National Geographic, with an emphasis on nature conservation and exploration. In addition to being a skilled photographer, Waterman is a BANFF-award winning, self-
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