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Punk rock, powder and positivity: introducing Laura Patten
Former Snowmass patroller Laura Patten recently joined the team at Backbone Media. A Colorado native, Laura brings an in-depth understanding of media, Excel wizardry and a passion for all things outdoors to the office. I recently caught up with Laura and presented her with a list of random topics. Here’s what she had to say:
Inspirations: Cool people doing cool things. Living their life the way they want; working hard and playing harder.
Books: Lately I’ve been interested in personal finance and investing. I know it sounds geeky, but I figure if I get a start now, I will be ready for retirement when the time comes. I just finished Suze Orman’s Young, Fabulous and Broke and Investing for Dummies. Robert Kiyoskai’s Rich Dad, Poor Dad also opened my eyes to a whole new approach on life and money.
Movies: I’ll admit it- I loved the first Transformers movie!
TV: I don’t watch TV much, but anytime I happen to catch Curb Your Enthusiasm I’m stoked. Larry David is curmudgeony, but so hilarious.
Magazines: Bike Magazine, Freeskier and Personal Investing (in-line with my recent finance kick) are the only magazines I subscribe to. I used to read dirty stories from Cosmo (surprisingly un-PC) to all the male patrollers while waiting to go on clear. They loved it.
Websites: Facebook
Athletes: Penn and Greg riding tandem ellipticals.
Places to ski: Snowmass!!! Duh. I love skiing all the patrol stashes and hanging out with all my old co-workers.
Dream travel locations: I hear that Kauai has some sweet camping spots and can be done on the cheap. Dream vacation-wise, I would love to get a round-the-world ticket and travel for six months wherever.
Musical artists/groups: Still true to my high school roots- I like punk like Alkaline Trio and The Airborne Toxic Event.
Foods: Mexican! Lobster. Every time I visit a coast, I try to bring back some on the airplane.
Beverages: New Belgium
Pet peeves: Stuff doesn’t really bother me much- except for when I have to reinstall the printer every time I need to print.
Animals: I want an Australian Shepard, but can’t have a dog where I live. Also, I am not sure I am willing to make the required commitment.
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Strong Collaborative Statement on Climate Change from CEOs at Aspen Ski Co and TNF
Aspen Skiing Company CEO Mike Kaplan
High Country News just published this powerful op-ed collaboration by Aspen Ski Co CEO Mike Kaplan and The North Face CEO Steve Rendle. Definitely worth a read:
Climate change threatens our livelihoods — and yours
In the summer of 2003, one of the most legendary and fearsome mountaineering routes in the world –– the North Face of the Eiger –– fell victim to climate change. An unusually warm summer melted much of the ice that makes this route in Switzerland passable. As temperatures continue to warm, this iconic passage may only exist in winter.
Meanwhile, in Colorado, aspen trees have begun dying off in huge numbers. Aspens can fall victim to many diseases, but science suggests that a warmer climate will lead to increasing tree mortality as a result of sickness, insect infestations and other pests.
The North Face CEO Steve Rendle
As CEOs of two of the most widely known consumer brands in the outdoor recreation market — Aspen Skiing Company and The North Face — it gets our attention when our companies’ namesakes start to vanish before our eyes. Although we operate different businesses, we share concern about the impact of climate change on our companies, the economy, the environment and our customers. We also agree that now is the time for dramatic action by Congress to curb greenhouse gas emissions, stimulate investment in renewable energy sources and clean technology, and encourage energy efficiency.
The effects of warming global temperatures are not theoretical. At Aspen, where our business depends on the climate, we already see a gradual increase in frost-free days and warmer nights. Milder winters mean a shorter ski season and greater reliance on artificial snowmaking, a costly and carbon-intensive practice. In short, climate change impacts Aspen’s bottom line. For the $6 billion ski industry, and the hundreds of thousands of people who make their living directly or indirectly from it, the stakes are huge.
Continue reading here.