texascavers Digest 13 Sep 2011 16:04:16 -0000 Issue 1390
Topics (messages 18566 through 18575):
Intro to Caving Slideshow?
18566 by: Travis Scott
Re: Last 5 Days! Save up to 90% off! at Borders
18567 by: Julia Germany
TCR and smoking
18568 by: Julia Germany
18572 by: Gill Edigar
Re: FEMA Q&A and new Web site for info on filing for Wildfire help
18569 by: Julia Germany
some new YouTube videos
18570 by: David
Re: Another caver family that needs your help
18571 by: Jon Cradit
Re: Fire Extinguishers at TCR
18573 by: Rod Goke
TSS Survey Mapping Workshop, Saturday, September 24th
18574 by: Leslie Bell
Re: Steve Keselik - Bastrop
18575 by: Jon Cradit
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
--- Begin Message ---
Howdy Fellow Speleonauts,
I was wondering if there was anyone out there who has either power point
slideshows or digital graphics that could be used in a slideshow for
beginning cavers. And if so, would you be willing to share with me?
I am looking for introduction /caving basics info and graphics that
might include: karst geology/hydrology, cave types, cave formation info,
biology, cave survey, collection, research/study, fun/exploration,
etc.. I will likely customize it a LOT, but am looking for the basics
as I am sure SOMEONE has done similar slideshows in recent times.
Thank you for helping your fellow cavers in advance!!!!
--
Travis Scott
tra...@oztotl.com
979.450.0103 (cell)
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Hi All!
This is caving-related: Don Arburn scored CHEAP copies of Blind Descent at his
Borders.
And, they are selling EVERYTHING, even non-book items, that could be used for
your caving collection.
julia
-----Original Message-----
From: Borders Rewards <bord...@e.borders.com>
To: germanyj <germa...@aol.com>
Sent: Mon, Sep 12, 2011 2:21 am
Subject: Last 5 Days! Save up to 90% off!
Having trouble viewing or clicking this email? Click here.
Forward to a friend
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For questions, write to: Borders Customer Care, 100 Phoenix Drive, Ann Arbor,
MI 48108
© 2007-2011 Borders, Inc. All rights reserved.
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Hi All!
For those who didn't read Rod Goke's comments about smoking at TCR, here's one
more reason not to smoke at TCR - until the bans are lifted, it's illegal to
smoke in Austin parks and other public spaces, and illegal to cook with
charcoal grills. Since Flat Creek is close to Austin, I would bet that the
owners of the ranch would appreciate the same respect. (For those of us who
need safety breaks, I would recommend doing so inside your vehicle.)
Here's a notice that just appeared about no smoking at the ACL fest this
weekend:
No Smoking Allowed at ACL Fest
Updated: Monday, 12 Sep 2011, 11:57 AM CDT
Published : Monday, 12 Sep 2011, 11:16 AM CDT
Due to a burn ban that is still in effect for all Austin parks and greenbelts,
smoking will be prohibited at Austin City Limits Festival this year.
"Following the tragic losses Central Texas has experienced in the last few
weeks as a result of widespread fires, we trust that park-goers will respect
this burn ban and work with us to keep our citizens and our community safe.
Please keep our parks smoke- and fire-free," said Austin Parks and Recreation
Department Director Sara Hensley.
"We hope music fans attending ACL will also keep in mind the safety of
residents in neighborhoods surrounding Zilker Park by not littering cigarette
butts in front of homes and businesses."
The city enacted the ban in April due to the extreme drought that is affecting
Central Texas. The ban prohibits smoking as well as wood and charcoal grilling.
The ban applies to all city parks including Zilker Park where ACL Fest will
take place.
Park Police and Park Rangers will be enforcing the no smoking ban during the
festival by asking smokers to stop. If they do not comply, they will be
required to leave the park.
However, city officials insist that Park Police will be as customer friendly as
possible.
The Austin City Limits Festival begins on Friday and runs through Sunday.
Read more:
http://www.myfoxaustin.com/dpp/top_stories/No-Smoking-Allowed-at-ACL-Fest-20110912-ktbcw#ixzz1Xl85RJ1T
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
I've just returned from a meeting at Flat Creek Ranch and the word was
definitely: NO CIGARETTE BUTTS ON THE GROUND. Everybody knows how to "Field
Strip" a cigarette butt--that makes sure it is "dead out" and doesn't leave
an ugly butt on the ground. Please tend to it.
Also, please remember to get a dry chemical fire extinguisher for your car
and take it with you to TCR. Two would be even nicer. They are $17 at Lowes,
Home Depot, WalMart, Academy, etc, etc.
--Ediger
On Mon, Sep 12, 2011 at 12:18 PM, Julia Germany <germa...@aol.com> wrote:
> Hi All!
>
> For those who didn't read Rod Goke's comments about smoking at TCR, here's
> one more reason not to smoke at TCR - until the bans are lifted, it's
> illegal to smoke in Austin parks and other public spaces, and illegal to
> cook with charcoal grills. Since Flat Creek is close to Austin, I would bet
> that the owners of the ranch would appreciate the same respect. (For those
> of us who need safety breaks, I would recommend doing so inside your
> vehicle.)
>
> Here's a notice that just appeared about no smoking at the ACL fest this
> weekend:
>
> No Smoking Allowed at ACL Fest
> Updated: Monday, 12 Sep 2011, 11:57 AM CDT
> Published : Monday, 12 Sep 2011, 11:16 AM CDT
>
> Due to a burn ban that is still in effect for all Austin parks and
> greenbelts, smoking will be prohibited at Austin City Limits Festival this
> year.
>
> "Following the tragic losses Central Texas has experienced in the last few
> weeks as a result of widespread fires, we trust that park-goers will respect
> this burn ban and work with us to keep our citizens and our community safe.
> Please keep our parks smoke- and fire-free," said Austin Parks and
> Recreation Department Director Sara Hensley.
>
> "We hope music fans attending ACL will also keep in mind the safety of
> residents in neighborhoods surrounding Zilker Park by not littering
> cigarette butts in front of homes and businesses."
>
> The city enacted the ban in April due to the extreme drought that is
> affecting Central Texas. The ban prohibits smoking as well as wood and
> charcoal grilling. The ban applies to all city parks including Zilker Park
> where ACL Fest will take place.
> Park Police and Park Rangers will be enforcing the no smoking ban during
> the festival by asking smokers to stop. If they do not comply, they will be
> required to leave the park.
>
> However, city officials insist that Park Police will be as customer
> friendly as possible.
>
> The Austin City Limits Festival begins on Friday and runs through Sunday.
>
> Read more:
> http://www.myfoxaustin.com/dpp/top_stories/No-Smoking-Allowed-at-ACL-Fest-20110912-ktbcw#ixzz1Xl85RJ1T
>
>
>
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
A Q&A guide for dealing with FEMA
Some tips on who may apply for aid an how to do it
Updated: Monday, 12 Sep 2011, 11:39 AM CDT
Published : Monday, 12 Sep 2011, 11:39 AM CDT
BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) - Here are some common questions that people in Bastrop
might have, and the answers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency:
Question: Who qualifies for assistance?
Answer: To qualify for assistance, your losses must have occurred in an area
covered by a disaster declaration. And, if you have insurance, you must file a
claim with your insurance company.
Q: Is disaster assistance still available for those who have insurance?
A: Two types of disaster assistance, "Housing Needs" and "Other than Housing
Needs," are available to individuals, families and businesses in an area whose
property has been damaged or destroyed and whose losses are not covered by
insurance.
Q: Who qualifies for "Housing Needs Assistance?"
A: To receive money or help for "Housing Needs" that are the result of a
disaster, all of the following must be true:
You have losses in an area that has been declared a disaster by the president.
You have filed for insurance benefits and the damage to your property is not
covered by your insurance or your insurance settlement is insufficient to meet
your losses.
You or someone who lives with you is a citizen of the United States, a
non-citizen national, or a qualified alien.
The home in the disaster area is where you usually live and where you were
living at the time of the disaster.
You are not able to live in your home now, you cannot get to your home due to
the disaster, or your home requires repairs because of damage from the disaster.
Q: Who does not qualify for "Housing Needs Assistance?"
A: You may not be eligible for "Housing Needs" assistance if:
You have other, adequate rent-free housing that you can use (for example,
rental property that is not occupied).
Your home that was damaged is your secondary or vacation residence.
Your expenses resulted only from leaving your home as a precaution and you were
able to return to your home immediately after the incident.
You have refused assistance from your insurance provider(s).
Your only losses are business losses (including farm business other than the
farmhouse and self-employment) or items not covered by this program.
The damaged home where you live is located in a designated flood hazard area
and your community is not participating in the National Flood Insurance
Program. In this case, the flood damage to your home would not be covered, but
you may qualify for rental assistance or items not covered by flood insurance,
such as water wells, septic systems, medical, dental, or funeral expenses.
FEMA has established a special webpage for the Bastrop fires that offers
additional details: http://www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?id=15616
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
This post is barely related to caves:
The video below is for cavers that like to take their dog caving with them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoIxMPR4k7Q
Skip to 1:57, and mute the sound.
This is a sea cave on a beach in New Zealand.
The one below sets the bar for ballroom dancing in a cave:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h14lPQN8w7s
And the one below, from a year ago, shows
belly-dancer in a dangerous ice cave
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOeoPDS9FMQ
skip to 0:52 seconds
The next one shows an inexperienced teenager on
rope, but manages to capture a nice video shot of an
owl leaving the cave. The trip leader looks a little
more experienced, but the rest of the video is not worth
watching.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4g7Xg0yN5YI&feature=related
Skip to 0:46 seconds, and stop watching at 2:04.
David Locklear
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
From: gv...@nckri.org
Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:25:28 +0000
To: Texas Cavers<Texascavers@texascavers.com>;
mudmal...@hotmail.com<mudmal...@hotmail.com>
ReplyTo: gv...@nckri.org
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Another caver family that needs your help
Steve was a big and excellent contributor to the Powell's Cave Project and many
others. Is there an account or point of contact for people to donate to or
connect with?
George
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
________________________________
From: Jon Cradit <jcra...@edwardsaquifer.org>
Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:19:09 -0500
To: 'Julia Germany'<germa...@aol.com>;
Texascavers@texascavers.com<Texascavers@texascavers.com>;
mudmal...@hotmail.com<mudmal...@hotmail.com>
Subject: [Texascavers] Another caver family that needs your help
Hi Folks,
Please be aware that long time caver Steve Keselik also lost his home as well
as his cabinet shop where he made his living.
Steve and his caving buddies are not the ones you see involved in caver
politics, being in charge of a big caver function, or sending out their
thoughts over the internet.
They are low key. They just go caving and surveying around Texas as well as
Carlsbad and Lech.
Please keep Steve, his family and their needs in your thoughts and volunteer
efforts. They will not be allowed back to their property until at least
Tuesday.
Jon Cradit
From: Julia Germany [mailto:germa...@aol.com]
Sent: Saturday, September 10, 2011 5:17 PM
To: Texascavers@texascavers.com; mudmal...@hotmail.com
Subject: [Texascavers] OT - President Declares Disaster For Texas - federal
assistance for individuals now available
For those affected by wildfires in BASTROP COUNTY:
Subject: President Declares Disaster For Texas
DATE: September 10, 2011 2:24:35 PM CDT
President Declares Disaster For Texas
>From the Federal Emergency Management Agency:
Release Date: September 9, 2011
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal aid has been made available to
the State of Texas to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area
affected by wildfires beginning on August 30, 2011, and continuing.
The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals
in Bastrop County.
Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost
loans to cover uninsured or underinsured property losses, and other programs to
help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Kevin L. Hannes has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal
recovery operations in the affected area. Hannes said that damage surveys are
continuing in other areas, and additional counties may be designated for
assistance after the assessments are fully completed.
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties
can begin applying for assistance today by registering online at
www.disasterassistance.gov<http://www.disasterassistance.gov/>, by web enabled
mobile device at m.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster
assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use
TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay
Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will
operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further
notice.
________
Let me know if you need help filing the paper work.
julia
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Gill has requested that people bring dry chemical fire extinguishers to TCR. That's a good idea, but it's important to understand that not all dry chemical fire extinguishers are the same and that some types are not considered to be effective against the types of fires most likely to be encountered in a natural outdoor environment, such as Flat Creek Ranch. I'm no expert in fire fighting, but based on what I've read, you need a fire extinguisher with a rating that includes class A when the burning material is wood, grass, paper, cardboard, etc. Some dry chemical fire extinguishers are rated ABC and, hence, are supposed to be effective against class A fires (in addition to classes B and C). Other dry chemical fire extinguishers are only rated BC and, hence, are not considered effective against class A fires. I'm not sure what would happen if you used a class BC fire extinguisher on a class A fire, but it might have more of a tendency to fan the flames than to put out the fire. Class BC fire extinguishers are intended primarily for use on fires involving flammable liquids and/or electrical fires. Water, of course, is an effective alternative for fighting class A fires, but not class B (flammable liquid) or class C (electrical) fires.
A lot of information about fire extinguishers is available on the Internet. Here is one easy to read article summarizing the basics:
http://www.fire-extinguisher101.com/
Different kinds of dry chemical fire extinguishers contain different kinds of chemicals, which can involve different hazards. Here is one article I found summarizing these potential hazards and precautions:
http://www.ehow.com/about_5443724_chemical-dangers-fire-extinguisher.html
As tempting as it might be to extinguish the cigarettes of inconsiderate smokers ;-), it's best to avoid discharging a dry chemical fire extinguisher in a way that would get into anyone's eyes, nose, or mouth. Accordingly, when using one of these extinguishers on a fire, it's probably best to do so from the upwind side, if possible, to avoid having the chemicals, smoke, and debris blow back into your own face. From what I've read, the chemicals used in ABC fire extinguishers tend to be more hazardous than those used in BC extinguishers, but I don't claim to be any expert on this.
As I said before, I'm no expert on fire fighting or fire extinguishers, so if any of you have had training in this area, I invite you to correct anything I might have said wrong and to provide your own advice. I just think that if everyone is being encouraged to bring fire extinguishers to TCR, then it also would be good for people to learn a few basics about how to use them and about what kinds of extinguishers are appropriate for what kinds of fires.
Rod
-----Original Message-----
From: Gill Edigar
Sent: Sep 12, 2011 2:07 PM
To: Julia Germany
Cc: Texascavers@texascavers.com
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] TCR and smoking
I've just returned from a meeting at Flat Creek Ranch and the word was
definitely: NO CIGARETTE BUTTS ON THE GROUND. Everybody knows how to "Field
Strip" a cigarette butt--that makes sure it is "dead out" and doesn't leave
an ugly butt on the ground. Please tend to it.
Also, please remember to get a dry chemical fire extinguisher for your car
and take it with you to TCR. Two would be even nicer. They are $17 at Lowes,
Home Depot, WalMart, Academy, etc, etc.
--Ediger
On Mon, Sep 12, 2011 at 12:18 PM, Julia Germany wrote:
> Hi All!
>
> For those who didn't read Rod Goke's comments about smoking at TCR, here's
> one more reason not to smoke at TCR - until the bans are lifted, it's
> illegal to smoke in Austin parks and other public spaces, and illegal to
> cook with charcoal grills. Since Flat Creek is close to Austin, I would bet
> that the owners of the ranch would appreciate the same respect. (For those
> of us who need safety breaks, I would recommend doing so inside your
> vehicle.)
>
> Here's a notice that just appeared about no smoking at the ACL fest this
> weekend:
>
> No Smoking Allowed at ACL Fest
> Updated: Monday, 12 Sep 2011, 11:57 AM CDT
> Published : Monday, 12 Sep 2011, 11:16 AM CDT
>
> Due to a burn ban that is still in effect for all Austin parks and
> greenbelts, smoking will be prohibited at Austin City Limits Festival this
> year.
>
> "Following the tragic losses Central Texas has experienced in the last few
> weeks as a result of widespread fires, we trust that park-goers will respect
> this burn ban and work with us to keep our citizens and our community safe.
> Please keep our parks smoke- and fire-free," said Austin Parks and
> Recreation Department Director Sara Hensley.
>
> "We hope music fans attending ACL will also keep in mind the safety of
> residents in neighborhoods surrounding Zilker Park by not littering
> cigarette butts in front of homes and businesses."
>
> The city enacted the ban in April due to the extreme drought that is
> affecting Central Texas. The ban prohibits smoking as well as wood and
> charcoal grilling. The ban applies to all city parks including Zilker Park
> where ACL Fest will take place.
> Park Police and Park Rangers will be enforcing the no smoking ban during
> the festival by asking smokers to stop. If they do not comply, they will be
> required to leave the park.
>
> However, city officials insist that Park Police will be as customer
> friendly as possible.
>
> The Austin City Limits Festival begins on Friday and runs through Sunday.
>
> Read more:
> http://www.myfoxaustin.com/dpp/top_stories/No-Smoking-Allowed-at-ACL-Fest-20110912-ktbcw#ixzz1Xl85RJ1T
>
>
>
|
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
p { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }
So you've surveyed. Now what?
p { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }
If you've wanted to learn how to use
Walls
but the tutorial always appears
daunting.... you may want to attend this workshop.
Texas Speleological Society Survey Mapping Workshop
Saturday, September 24th
10AM - 6PM
J.J. Pickle Research Campus, Building 18-A
Austin, TX
Come on down to the TSS headquarters.
Help
us scan and clean maps, and we will teach you how to use Gimp and
Inkscape for use in creating your own maps and elsewhere.
We will be serving pizza and sodas for lunch (A donation of $10 is suggested to
pay for snacks, luncheon and beverages).
For directions, visit:
http://www.utexas.edu/tmm/sponsored_sites/tss/About/tssdirections.htm
If you are interested in attending, please let myself, Jim Kennedy or Ron Ralph
know and we will make sure your name is on the list.
Leslie Bell
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Hi Cavers,
I have been in contact with Steve, he said that tomorrow he will be able to get
back to his place and he will be meeting the insurance adjuster then. His
place is snuggled up against Lost Pines State Park, which as you may have seen,
sustained the majority of the wild fire. As we all know unless you have a VERY
expensive insurance policy the insurance companies only pay a percentage of the
replacement cost; and that usually is a small percentage (sorry Fritz, don't
take offense)
His family is staying with some local friends in their home right now and he
said he doesn't quite know what his needs are right now. He was able to save
his pickup which had some of his portable tools so he can do some limited work
for a while. But he will be concentrating on his home place here soon so his
funds will be running low fast. If you have any extra home type goods, or want
to buy some, you might set them aside right now and save them until he has a
home to put them in.
Most of y'all don't know Steve and his caving experience, but I'm sure you have
seen him around. He is at most of the TCRs and TSA conventions, hanging in the
background. In Steve's words he ..." isn't a mover and shaker in the caving
community but he is a part of the tribe". Like George said Steve worked in the
Powell's Cave project along with many other TSA projects over the 20-plus years
he has been caving. He has been on extended mapping trips in Lechuguilla and
Carlsbad. I have enjoyed caving with him mostly because he is always up-beat,
happy, and a team player, even in the grimmest of cave passages. I don't think
I have ever seen him bummed out or discouraged.
If you would like to help his family with a financial donation, Steve's current
mailing address is: Steve Keselik, 255 Mesquite Dr., Cedar Creek, TX 78612
In a few weeks he will be ready to start the physical cleanup of his property.
I will let the cavers know when that is planned if you are able to come and
help.
Jon Cradit
--- End Message ---
