Apr

The Shorts — Hey, Bear!

Hey, Bear!

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/96454503″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&show_user=false&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”300″ height=”300″ iframe=”true” /]”We traveled in an ode to that particular brand of privileged American adventure, the cross-country drive, funded in equal parts by savings from crappy after-school jobs at a camping store and graduation money from loving parents,” writes Graham T. Beck. Fresh out of high school, Graham and his friend, Tim, headed to Yellowstone National Park for a backpacking trip. They knew they were in bear country. But only after they’d hiked 40 miles in could they begin to understand the horribilis of the grizzly bear.

Music: Fall in Line by Aluminum Forest • Spiraling Journey by Chimpy, featuring Duncan Beattie • Proceed With Caution by The New Amsterdams

Music provided by Mevio’s Music Alley.

Mar

Benighted

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/96455156″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&show_user=false&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”300″ height=”300″ iframe=”true” /]Great stories often have these 5 words, “and then it got dark.” But how can carefully executed alpine starts and planned summits turn into watching stars dot the sky? Well, getting benighted can happen for a few reasons. One- unforeseen circumstances. Two- complete denial of reality. Or three- getting too comfortable in the dark. Kelly Cordes, Ryan Peterson, and Jay Puckhaber share their tales of being out, long after the sun has set.

Music: The Sounds They Make by Maps and Atlases • Kiss Kiss Is Getting Old by Les Savy Fav • F–ked Up Kid by Broken Social Scene • Empire by The Black Angels • The World is Our _____ by This Will Destroy You • My, My by Menomena

Music provided by Mevio’s Music Alley.

Mar

The Shorts — Castleton Fall

Castleton Fall

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/96455392″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&show_user=false&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”300″ height=”300″ iframe=”true” /]While climbing Castleton Tower, Brendan Leonard watched a climber cruise past him, take on a piece of gear, and then fall onto a ledge right at his feet. The immediate moment had Brendan dealing with the logistics of how to help someone when you’re a pitch off the ground and initiating a rescue for the climber. But the image of what he saw lingered long after the ambulance left the parking lot, and had him questioning his own climbing motivations.

Feb

Be Mine

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/96455990″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&show_user=false&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”300″ height=”300″ iframe=”true” /]Love–It’s life’s great surprise. You can try to pin its origins in brain chemistry and hormones. Or the right timing. But those don’t explain why tough guys make slow rock mixes or why a timid person suddenly introduces themselves to the person of their dreams. Why it works for one couple and not another is beyond me, so I’ve stopped trying to guess. Your mate could be across the ocean or right next door. But if you find him or her, it feels as though every moment lead to the perfect culmination, even the awkward middle bits. And even if you need the help of a voodoo doctor. Today, we present two stories about finding love.

Music: When We Fall In by Sean Hayes • Zelie by Angelique Kidjo • A Love Like Infinity by Former Utopia • Because of You by Tony Bennett • Cheer Me Up Thank You by New Buffalo

Music provided by IODA Promonet.

Jan

The Shorts — Just Make it Happen

Just Make it Happen

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/96456339″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&show_user=false&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”300″ height=”300″ iframe=”true” /]Ever managed to talk yourself into an adventure or a job only to realize you have gotten yourself in way over your head? Sometimes these scenarios lead to embarrassment. Sometimes they begin horror stories. But, sometimes, they provide unexpected opportunities for growth. In 2007, Jen Altschul talked her way into a job as a ski patroller. And then the snow began to fall. Today, we present her story of learning how to be one.

Music: Night at the Knight School by Thee More Shallows • Caen by Secret Codes • Drive it Like You Stole It by The Glitch Mob

Music provided by IODA Promonet.