Earlier this year, I gave myself the challenge of converting 10 online relationships into offline, in-real-life relationships by the end of March. I called it my #10N3 Challenge. I’m nearly two-thirds through the challenge period and thought it was time to provide an update.

A refresher on the rules

You’ll remember that I had to already follow or interact with a personal online, then actively work to create that in-person relationship, for it to count. Meeting someone in person (even at a twitter-organized function) and then continuing that relationship online doesn’t count. And likewise, it didn’t count if I only met them in group settings without any substantial one-on-one conversation. This challenge was all about taking proactive steps to establish a face-to-face relationship.

I’m right on track

So, how am I doing at it? Surprisingly, I’m right on track. Through March 3, I’ve made 9 connections—which means that I’m actually ahead of schedule. I also have #10 scheduled for later this week, so barring unforeseen circumstances, I should meet my goal. But I’m not planning on stopping there. I’d like to exceed my goal and hit at least 12 by the end of the challenge. We’ll see how it goes.

The surprise so far

I’m feeling pretty good about how I’ve done in meeting the challenge so far. It’s been great to connect in person with people I’ve grown to know over the last several months or, in some cases, years. It’s amazing how easy it is to connect with people after only simple and occasional online interactions.

But, to be honest, I’ve been just as pleased with the other relationships I’ve fostered during this time. While for one reason or another, they didn’t count towards the #10N3 Challenge, I’ve really enjoyed hanging out with them.

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Earlier this week, the law permitting loaded firearms in National Parks went into effect. In order to force it through, the bill had been attached as an amendment to the unrelated credit card reform bill. The new law repeals the Reagan-era practice of allowance of guns in parks, as long as they were unloaded and stored.

There are some obvious concerns about the enforcement of poaching laws and general safety.

But what concerns me most about guns in parks is the chilling effect it will have on visitor management.

If someone is packing heat, fellow visitors will be less likely to engage in friendly reminders or report when that person is damaging or stealing park resources.

Even more to the point, unarmed interpretative park rangers will be more reluctant to confront—or even make contact with—someone who is armed. I’ve personally seen this happen several times while doing ride-alongs with rangers in BLM-managed national monuments and have asked park service rangers about it too.

There’s no reason to need loaded guns in national parks, but there are many reasons to keep them out.

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Your voice needed on HCR2040 to save Arizona State Parks

Below is an important action alert about Arizona State Parks from the Grand Canyon Chapter of the Sierra Club. This is an important opportunity to save our state parks from closure. Please do your part!
You can also send a quick message through their website.
This bill would add a $9 surcharge onto the annual vehicle registration [...]

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Free tour of Ironwood Forest National Monument—Mar 20

Friends of Ironwood Forest and the Bureau of Land Management invite you to a
Free Tour of the Ironwood Forest National Monument
on Saturday, March 20
Spend a day in one of southern Arizona’s most treasurered landscapes as we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Ironwood Forest National Monument. Throughout the tour, BLM speakers and resource specialists will [...]

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Phoenix Mountains to be closed on Mondays & Tuesdays

I took a walk with my mom in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve on Monday. It was a gorgeous day and even though we only had time for about an hour of walking, it was refreshing and an enjoyable way to start the day.
I walk pretty frequently in the mountain park, usually just for an hour [...]

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Peanut butter: proving evolution is fake since 1897

It all seems so obvious now—the answer has been on aisle 7 of the grocery store all along!

Of course, evolution doesn’t explain the origin of life and, given the events of last year, the video producers chose a rather unfortunate example. But hey, thanks for the chuckle.

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Ansel Adams exhibit at Phoenix Art Museum

I stopped by the Steele Gallery at the Phoenix Art Museum to catch the new Ansel Adams: Discoveries exhibit earlier this month.
It’s worth a visit if you’re a fan. The exhibit covers six aspects of his career: time (early work), place (American Southwest), medium (color), subject (architecture), theme (environment) and role (teacher).
It’s much more [...]

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Restore a native grassland and an historic trail this weekend

There are two great volunteer opportunities this week in National Conservation Lands here in Arizona. If you have some time, please consider getting involved. Check out the Volunteers for Outdoor Arizona to register.
Las Cienegas NCA Road Closure and Restoration Weekend
Feb 19 – Feb 21
Experience a lush desert grassland just an hour southeast of Tucson in [...]

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My Aunt Lucy turns 102 this week

My Aunt Lucy is turning 102 next week. Ok, so she’s technically my great-aunt or cousin twice removed or something, but we all just call her Aunt Lucy.
She’s one of the sweetest and most energetic people you could meet, and I really wish I could be there to celebrate the occasion with her. She [...]

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The challenge of scheduling college football games

On the heels of the disappointing news that ASU was unable to replace one of its nonconference games next year with an FBS opponent (opting for FCS Portland State), Devils Digest posted some great discussion from the news conference.
Here’s a snippet of the original article, which is definitely worth the read.
Question: Can you explain the [...]

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