In viking times the 'Berserkers' were combatants who attacked their enemies with incredible fury. Consider the following:
"This fury, which was called berserkergang, occurred not only in the heat of battle, but also during laborious work. Men who were thus seized performed things which otherwise seemed impossible for human power. This condition is said to have begun with shivering, chattering of the teeth, and chill in the body, and then the face swelled and changed its color. With this was connected a great hot-headedness, which at last gave over into a great rage, under which they howled as wild animals, bit the edge of their shields, and cut down everything they met without discriminating between friend or foe. When this condition ceased, a great dulling of the mind and feebleness followed, which could last for one or several days" (Fabing, p. 234).
There are many names given to berserkers... now Harbormen.
Very interesting.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Nothing beats good breeding...
... but we really don't have time to scientifically develop and breed oarspeople who have less flatulence and who also row fast, in time for next spring. Accordingly, it is up to each of you to begin your training in earnest for next year. Training aids will be forthcoming on the web site. Stay posted.Canadian scientists breeding cows that burp less
Mon Jun 22, 2009 4:38pm EDT
TORONTO (Reuters) - Canadian scientists are breeding a special type of cow designed to burp less, a breakthrough that could reduce a big source of greenhouse gases responsible for global warming.
Cows are responsible for nearly three-quarters of total methane emissions, according to Environment Canada. Most of the gas comes from bovine burps, which are 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas.
Stephen Moore, a professor at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, is examining the genes responsible for methane produced from a cow's four stomachs in order to breed more efficient, environmentally friendly cows.
The professor of agricultural, food and nutritional science completed primary tests using traditional techniques to breed efficient animals that produce 25 percent less methane than less efficient animals. But more work needs to be done before the long-term impact is known. Moore's study was published earlier this year in the Journal of Animal Science.
"We are working on producing diagnostic markers for efficient animals. We are looking at the next generation of technologies that will enable us to determine the genetics of an animal through a blood test or testing some hairs that you might pluck from the animal," said Moore.
To shrink cattle's ecological footprint ranchers could also decrease the time cows are left standing in the field by getting animals to market sooner. That means breeding cattle that grow faster. Also, through breeding, cattle could become more efficient in converting feed into muscle and producing less methane and waste, said Moore.
Another method already being used to reduce methane emissions is feeding livestock a diet higher in energy and rich in edible oils, which ferment less than grass or low-quality feed.
Farmers in Alberta that feed their livestock edible oils and shorten the time to market can accrue carbon credits that could amount to between one C$1 and C$10 per head.
New Hampshire-based Stonyfield Farm, an organic yogurt producer in which Groupe Danone holds a majority stake, reduced emissions from their cows on an average of 12 percent by adding alfalfa, flax or hemp to livestock feed on a small number of its farms.
"If every U.S. dairy farmer reduced emissions by 12 percent it would be equal to about half a million cars being taken off the road," said Nancy Hirshberg, vice president of Stonyfield's Natural Resources department.
Mon Jun 22, 2009 4:38pm EDT
TORONTO (Reuters) - Canadian scientists are breeding a special type of cow designed to burp less, a breakthrough that could reduce a big source of greenhouse gases responsible for global warming.
Cows are responsible for nearly three-quarters of total methane emissions, according to Environment Canada. Most of the gas comes from bovine burps, which are 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas.
Stephen Moore, a professor at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, is examining the genes responsible for methane produced from a cow's four stomachs in order to breed more efficient, environmentally friendly cows.
The professor of agricultural, food and nutritional science completed primary tests using traditional techniques to breed efficient animals that produce 25 percent less methane than less efficient animals. But more work needs to be done before the long-term impact is known. Moore's study was published earlier this year in the Journal of Animal Science.
"We are working on producing diagnostic markers for efficient animals. We are looking at the next generation of technologies that will enable us to determine the genetics of an animal through a blood test or testing some hairs that you might pluck from the animal," said Moore.
To shrink cattle's ecological footprint ranchers could also decrease the time cows are left standing in the field by getting animals to market sooner. That means breeding cattle that grow faster. Also, through breeding, cattle could become more efficient in converting feed into muscle and producing less methane and waste, said Moore.
Another method already being used to reduce methane emissions is feeding livestock a diet higher in energy and rich in edible oils, which ferment less than grass or low-quality feed.
Farmers in Alberta that feed their livestock edible oils and shorten the time to market can accrue carbon credits that could amount to between one C$1 and C$10 per head.
New Hampshire-based Stonyfield Farm, an organic yogurt producer in which Groupe Danone holds a majority stake, reduced emissions from their cows on an average of 12 percent by adding alfalfa, flax or hemp to livestock feed on a small number of its farms.
"If every U.S. dairy farmer reduced emissions by 12 percent it would be equal to about half a million cars being taken off the road," said Nancy Hirshberg, vice president of Stonyfield's Natural Resources department.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
One Boat
When we all work for the team, we know that everything we do - pushing ourselves and our team mates - contributes to the success or failure of the crew. This excerpt is from the article published by John Powers in the Globe last week prior to the Harvard Yale race. This exemplifies the spirit and commitment to one another that I would like to cultivate in our program. All of you, please accept my thanks for a good year.
This year, though, Harvard's seniors are likely to have the final say across the board. Three of them - Gawlik, 5-man Henrik Rummel, and 3-man James Bayley from Watertown, Mass. - are in the varsity eight. Four more, including captain Teddy Schreck, compose the bow four of the JV, while another three were in the combination boat, the assemblage of spares that raced yesterday afternoon.
It's not unprecedented for Crimson crews to be top-heavy with seniors. In 2004, the national champion varsity and Sprint-winning JV sported six apiece. What makes this class unusual is that all of the oarsmen have been in one or both of the two boats at one time or another. "That's really exceptional," says Parker.
His captain's four-year progression is telling - from the second freshman boat to the third varsity to the varsity to the JV.
"I've rowed in four different ranks of boats, so I know how that feels," says Schreck, who was in the varsity for the first two races this year.
What he understands is that nothing is guaranteed around Newell, where it's not rare for the captain to be in the JV. "You work for the reward of knowing how hard you worked," Schreck says.
What sets the Class of 2009 apart is its competitive camaraderie. "They're all just very good friends," says Parker, "and the common link is the rowing."
That deep bond proved critical going into this season with Harvard coming off a disappointing 2008 campaign, having missed the Sprint finals for the first time in 45 years.
The challenge for the seniors was to get the varsity back on track, which they did by fighting fiercely for seats. "They all had aspirations of making the varsity or JV," says Parker, who has been mixing and matching his second and third boats all spring and has used three different JV strokes.
With three underclassmen returning after a year off, cracking the varsity was tough. But all of the seniors stuck it out, even if it meant rowing on the 3V. "People just feel committed to each other," says Gawlik, who with Rummel were the only seniors to spend all three years with the varsity. "For a lot of guys, it is fun just to be on the team."
...
Losing the 4-miler is no joke, especially if you're a senior. By comparison, getting your diploma by mail is a mere inconvenience. "There are very few things that are more painful than losing this race," says Gawlik, whose next one likely will be for Oxford. "It's one on one. There's no silver medal."
This year, though, Harvard's seniors are likely to have the final say across the board. Three of them - Gawlik, 5-man Henrik Rummel, and 3-man James Bayley from Watertown, Mass. - are in the varsity eight. Four more, including captain Teddy Schreck, compose the bow four of the JV, while another three were in the combination boat, the assemblage of spares that raced yesterday afternoon.
It's not unprecedented for Crimson crews to be top-heavy with seniors. In 2004, the national champion varsity and Sprint-winning JV sported six apiece. What makes this class unusual is that all of the oarsmen have been in one or both of the two boats at one time or another. "That's really exceptional," says Parker.
His captain's four-year progression is telling - from the second freshman boat to the third varsity to the varsity to the JV.
"I've rowed in four different ranks of boats, so I know how that feels," says Schreck, who was in the varsity for the first two races this year.
What he understands is that nothing is guaranteed around Newell, where it's not rare for the captain to be in the JV. "You work for the reward of knowing how hard you worked," Schreck says.
What sets the Class of 2009 apart is its competitive camaraderie. "They're all just very good friends," says Parker, "and the common link is the rowing."
That deep bond proved critical going into this season with Harvard coming off a disappointing 2008 campaign, having missed the Sprint finals for the first time in 45 years.
The challenge for the seniors was to get the varsity back on track, which they did by fighting fiercely for seats. "They all had aspirations of making the varsity or JV," says Parker, who has been mixing and matching his second and third boats all spring and has used three different JV strokes.
With three underclassmen returning after a year off, cracking the varsity was tough. But all of the seniors stuck it out, even if it meant rowing on the 3V. "People just feel committed to each other," says Gawlik, who with Rummel were the only seniors to spend all three years with the varsity. "For a lot of guys, it is fun just to be on the team."
...
Losing the 4-miler is no joke, especially if you're a senior. By comparison, getting your diploma by mail is a mere inconvenience. "There are very few things that are more painful than losing this race," says Gawlik, whose next one likely will be for Oxford. "It's one on one. There's no silver medal."
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Stealing Russian Training Formula
Here they come...
There they go...
When Emily Snow and Meghan Fitzgerald viewed the Boston Marathon, it was for more than spectating. Just as leading Russian marathoner, Natasha Runserbunsoff approached the team table to receive her special performance enhancing drink formula, it mysteriously vanished. Runserbunsoff, a favorite to win, collapsed and withdrew from the race one mile away from where Snow and Fitzgerald were watching the race. Miraculously, minutes later, Fitzgerald was seen running from the race course, bottle of elixir in hand. Snow was screaming hysterically to create a diversion.
Speculation abounds that this very formula is being chemically diagnosed as this article is being written and may find itself in the hands and stomachs of the HHS Rowing Team.
Go Harborpeople!!!
Enough Said
Congratulations to the female Harborpeople in a great winning start to the season. Keep the momentum going.Vacation Fun by Matt Gill
"So Matt, what did you do fun during your Spring vacation?" said his teacher Bertha Bottom
"Are you kidding, Mrs. Bottom?" "I wrecked my hands. Doesn't that sound like a lot of fun?"
"What did you do? Sit on your rear end?"
Good job Matt.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Snapping Turtles and Lake Monsters
Thank God!Yesterday (4/13/09) Coach Dewey was attacked by a creature that rose from the depths of Oldham Pond.
As the creature attacked, Coach Dewey and her trusty crew Claire Von Loesecke beat on it's head with a megaphone and oar. Startled, the creature returned to its murky lair.
Coach Dewey radioed for help and was towed safely back to shore, the lower unit of her launch engine having been nearly bitten off.
On behalf of the entire rowing community, I would like to thank Coach Dewey for her bravery under fire and for the way that she drew the creature from the rowing shells so that our team mates could be safe.
As a result of this violent attack, we will be ceasing Southern Operations this Thursday and will return to the relative safety of Hingham Harbor.
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