NEWSTIPS

I'm not denying that we haven't used the wrong term before, but I hope you guys understand that we're not just randomly choosing our terminology (in spite of how it may appear). When the SAR was launched on Thursday, we specifically asked the public information officer if the "lost" folks were hikers or climbers. She said hikers. So we used that term. I know that hikers and climbers are different...and I've tried to draw that distinction before to the police spokesperson in Snohomish County, but it doesn't seem to be working. Is there a certain elevation at which it can simply be assumed that if someone is at that level, they're definitely climbers instead of hikers?

That article was a fascinating and educational read. Being a non-climber, I learned a few things. But I do have a question. Are climbers opposed to being forced to PURCHASE electronic locators or are they opposed to being forced to CARRY them? I guess I'm asking because it seems to me that an electronic locator is seen as an additional safety measure. And while no one should be FORCED to carry one, if the parks system required them and provided them to climbers at no cost or made them available for rental as an "accessory", would that make it a more appealing option for climbers? How much does a decent locator cost, anyway? Does anyone in the forum have experience using one where it actually made a difference? Or is it like the duct tape that sits in the back of your closet for a rainy day terrorist attack? (I hope I'm not asking stupid questions here, but I have a genuine curiosity and actually finding myself wanting to trek outdoors!)

Yeah, but expert at WHAT??? ha ha ha

Thanks. I read it. Good points...

I suppose I should add a 3rd alternative to my query then....Does the media focus too often on what may be perceived as "not so uncommon"? However, I will qualify that question with the remark that we often spotlight the SARs at the request of the various agencies who are heading up the search.

Alive and well. Still waiting for further details.

Out of curiosity (this is not for me to put on the air, I'm just wondering), do you think the search and rescues are too common because people who lack the knowledge and skill to know whether it's safe to go to a particular location go anyway or because those who are "left behind" are reporting their loved ones as "overdue" before there's just cause to do so? Not trying to stir a debate, just not clear on which one is the case.

I wish I knew, but I don't. So we'll all just have to hope whoever they are, they know enough to make a shelter for themselves until they can climb out on their own or be located by search crews on Friday.

By the way, the Snohomish County Sheriff's Department continues to refer to these 2 overdue folks as hikers. We have no way of knowing if they're using the right term unless someone who knows them can confirm whether they are indeed hikers, or whether they're really climbers.

Sorry it took me so long to post today, guys. Wanted to have the latest information to give you. Here's the update from the Snohomish Co Sheriff's Dept as of 5:20pm... (Sorry about the all caps. I pasted it in from my news program) AS OF 5PM, THE SEARCHERS HAVE NOT FOUND THE 2 OVERDUE HIKERS YET THERE IS EXTREME AVALANCHE DANGER...CAUSING CONCERN BOTH FOR THE HIKERS AND THE RESCUERS ICE TOOLS AND CRAMPONS (SP?) BEING USED BY THE SEARCHERS ON WALLS OF SHEER ICE AT THE 4500 LEVEL AS THEY CLIMB. 2 SETS OF TRACKS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF AN AVALANCHE AREA, LEADING THEM TO BELIEVE THE HIKERS MADE IT ACROSS THE AVALANCHE AREA SAFELY. THEY BELIEVE THAT THE TRACKS GO DOWNWARD (BUT CAN'T CROSS THE AREA TODAY, WILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL TOMORROW). CONCERNED THAT THE HIKERS ARE NOT PREPARED FOR A NIGHT IN THE EXTREME COLD. SEARCHERS WILL START AGAIN IN THE MORNING AROUND 8AM. SNOHO SEARCH AND RESCUE, GUARDIAN 2, SKAGIT CO, KING CO, TACOMA, AND OLYMPIC MOUNTAIN RESCUE ALL ASSISTING IN THIS OPERATION. IDENTITIES OF THE OVERDUE HIKERS ARE NOT BEING RELEASED.

If you have something heavy you can put on top of the monitor (without covering the vents), that might do the trick. You could also try wiping a cloth with vinegar on the top of the monitor. Cats hate the smell of Vinegar. That sticky paw thing sounds like it would do the trick, too. My cousin put scotch tape on my cat's feet for fun once and she did NOT like it at all!

The girl from King5? Nope, not me. Not my colleague either.

So how was it? (Sadly, I was working and unable to attend)

Well, someone mentioned D&H...so how about March 4 at D&H? (You had to know I'd suggest something near KING 5! LOL)

Ruth says Karan worked here several years ago. I've been here only 1 year.

I am both shocked and impressed that you know Ruth. She is sitting right next to me even as I type. I have never heard of Karan Olson.

Sure. But neither of us are on air so the chance that you'll guess right is remote. Although I am happy to admit that when you cal the KING newsroom, you'll likely reach one of us...

I can assure you that both Newstips and King5News are bonafide female employees for Belo Broadcasting. We both exist...and not just in Trask's dreams!

What's a girl got to do to lose "lurker" status around here? Climb Rainier???

I heard about you guys' hot date at Trader Joe's and the 4 Seasons! She's a handful, huh?

Oh, we both check this board daily. Post a public plea or send her a sweet private message.

Well, you guys have just ab out talked me into it...for next week. Now work on getting King5News on board!

Sorry, but the lovely (and married) Elisa Hahn works Tuesday nights. Can I offer you something from the single side of the newsroom?

Oh, I do plenty of yelling...it's just at co-workers

Can a newsie join in? I have to work this coming Tuesday (2/25), but am free the following Tuesday night if you guys will promise to be just a little nice to me (and my friend, King5News, if I can convince her to come....)