Winter Olympics soon

So, what sports will you follow this Winter Olympics? I got turned onto Curling the last time around and figure I will check this out.

Now, I still don't know all the rules, but as I mentioned in class today, I would probably have a decent chance of participating in this sport.

You can visit the website : http://www.worldcurling.org/ to find out more information about this sport.

Looks like Denmark has yet to win a medal at the Olympics, at least the men's team, so right now I am rooting for Denmark. The Women won a Silver a few Olympics back.

Go Denmark!

(Incidentally, home to one of my favorite films, Reptilicus)

Have you Googled Recreation Geography yet?

Besides finding this fine Blog, you may discover the Recreation, Tourism and Sport Speciality Group of the Association of American Geographers (www.geog.nau.edu/rts). This site is managed by Dr. Alan Lew of Northern Arizona University and is a great resource.

Explore the site!

Favorite Weather Sites

Just think how much the weather means to recreation. We want snow for x-c skiing, cold temps for ice skating, and of course warm sunny days for the beach.

What is your favorite weather site on the web?

www.wunderground.com (probably my all time favorite)
www.intellicast.com (this is really good for animated radar imagery)
www.weather.com (one of the original sites)

Do you have some favorites to share?

Recreation in the Dentist's chair

You know what I mean. You are sitting in the chair for goodness, who knows how long and you get to stare at the ceiling tiles. I'm an expert joining the shapes to create patterns on those white textured ceilings.

I had the pleasure of an extended seat time at the dentist. And what do you know, a flat sheet rock ceiling. And I really needed some recreation while in that chair. Fortunately the dental assistants noticed my discomfort and first opened the window shades and then the window.

Got fresh air and something to look at.

rrrrRRRRRrrrrr goes the drill

Five Themes of Geography

now, The Five Themes of Geography are fundamental in our study of Recreation Geography. Consider how each theme can be used to describe the earth. In particular, the human - environment relationship theme has recently gained scientific affirmation in human dimensions research.

And this geographic theme is over 2000 years old.

So while you learn about recreation geography apply as many themes as possible in order to understand "geographically" people, participating in some activity at some park resource.

Haiti doesn't even make the list

While searching for data on tourism in Haiti, I checked out this link that I have used to explore the competitiveness of tourism around the world. http://www.weforum.org/en/initiatives/gcp/TravelandTourismReport/index.htm

Haiti isn't even on the list.

Right now is not the time to travel to Haiti for a vacation, but please consider sending money.

Welcome to Recreation Geography

The first of many entries, this Blog will complement the course Recreation Geography that I am teaching at Westfield State this spring 2010 semester. I welcome the new readers (followers) as we explore the human dimensions of recreation geography.

This course deals with the human in a recreation environment. Three areas will be introduced: the outdoor recreation Activity, People participating in recreation and the park Resource. Finally, we will explore some contemporary planning and management issues.

Stay tuned.