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Power Protection for Your Computer

by KEVIN MCISAAC

We had a power outage the other day. Not for very long. Only about ten minutes. Fortunately, I run my equipment off an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) so my computer didn’t go down and I didn’t lose my work. My optical network terminal (fibre) and wifi router are on their own UPS so we didn’t lose internet connectivity even with the power out.

One of the trade-offs we make for living in a town that’s one big Outside Magazine article is that we don’t have the kind of power infrastructure that a large city has. Large cities have power outages too, but we have them much more often. The other issue we have in a small town is the power is less regular. We have more frequent surges and brownouts, i.e. extra power or reduced power respectively.

Power surges most commonly occur after lightning strikes, but they can occur when the power is restored following an outage. Thanks to modern building and wiring methods, the vast majority of these incidences cause little trouble in your home or office. But if they are going to cause trouble it will be to your computer equipment.

Computer equipment tends to be much more vulnerable to power surges than most other electronic devices in your home. And as they tend to have quite a bit of important information on them, it makes sense to take some precautions.

The tool for protecting your computer is a surge protector or surge suppressor. These generally look like a power strip or power bar. Unlike power bars or power strips, which are just an extension of your wall socket, they have a special circuit inside and extra grounding. The circuit controls resistance and helps to increase power if it drops a bit and reduces power if it surges a bit. If it surges too much it’ll redirect excess voltage away from the plugged-in devices.

What you’re looking for in a surge protector is its joule rating. As a good starting point look for a surge protector with a joule rating of more than 3000. I like surge protectors that support different plug configurations, with some wide plugins and/or some rotated plugins to accommodate non-standard plugs. You should be able to buy a decent surge protector for $25 - $45.

If you want to go one step further, look into a UPS. Most UPSs, but not all, so it’s worth checking, also have surge protection. They also have an internal battery that will continue to power your devices if the power goes out altogether. Don’t expect them to run for a day. Modern computers and monitors consume quite a bit of power so, what you’re looking for is enough power to save your work and shut down.

UPSs will often have a USB connector that you can plug into your computer so they can talk. If the power drops below a certain level, the UPS will shut down your computer for you. The software can put your desktop into hibernation mode so, you won’t lose any work. This is incredibly useful for things like network file servers too.

UPSs are not as useful for laptops as they already have a battery, but having a good surge protector for your laptop is a good thing. You should be able to find a good UPS for $125 - $200.

March is both the end and the beginning of the zodiac cycle. As the Sun moves into Aries, we have the first day of Spring: 03/20, which represents this rebirth.

The Sun travels in the sky with Jupiter and Neptune most of the month bringing loving energy. Jupiter was the planet that ruled the god/the divine until Neptune was discovered. Pisces is also the sign that rules the divine so as previously stated, it’s an incredibly beautiful time on earth.

Venus moves in the sky with Mars and Pluto all month bringing an intense energy to the planets that traditionally rule love and sexuality. Mars also rules yang energy -our ability to do, to use our will. This is all moving in the sky in the signs of Capricorn then Aquarius. Themes of January/February will be revisited as these planets move through the energy Venus visited in retrograde.

Mercury moves in the sky with Saturn in Aquarius for the first week of March, so strong communication is a key theme, as well as new ways to look at old experiences.

The new moon occurs 03/02 in conjunction to Jupiter, providing a theme of qualification and protection. Boundaries are sacred and respect and trust are the major conditions. March 18 brings the full moon with a sense of fulfillment and refinement; rejoice in the end of the zodiac year and happy spring!

Aries

Happy birthday to the early Aries decans. March is an ethereal and serene vibration that is great for creativity, relaxation, yoga and meditation. Chiron, the wound, continues to travel though Aries and as Aries also rules house one, the self - everyone is feeling it. Be kind to yourself.

Taurus

The north node of the moon has moved into Taurus and will continue here all year. This supports your energy as it gives an emotionally stabilized time to feel grounded, nourished and supported.

Gemini

Mercury moves in the sky conjunct Saturn through Pisces then joins the Sun where they both enter Aries and approach Chiron. Communication is a major theme this month, strong and illuminated: speaking clear boundaries helps heal wounds.

Cancer

It’s a beautiful month for love and doing what you love, perhaps with an intensity as Venus and Mars move together with Pluto. This major energy is occurring in opposition to your sign so it will affect you strongly.

Leo

It’s a very creative time for you and as the zodiac completes its cycle, you too are most likely completing a sacred cycle in your life. Death and rebirth are one. Keep the innocence of a child and these transitions become easy, just like flipping the page of life.

Virgo

All the major Piscean energy is opposing your energy this month bridging your practicality into the mystical and divine. It’s a month where the esoteric influences such as crystals, tarot, astrology, yoga and meditation are worthwhile.

Libra

A theme of the sacred twins or divine lovers is taking place. The energy of the other is leading this year so it’s a nourishing year for Libras. Don’t search outwards, turn your energy towards your own endeavors and watch everything align.

Scorpio

It’s a new era and this is palpable. Major themes of the last six months are activating and progressing, and this very much surrounds the feeling of the dream manifesting as old karma is being cleared.

Sagittarius

It’s a time where our karma and our dharma are activated in big ways. Prayer and devotional acts of service are ways to cleanse negative karma. This month aligns you truthfully along your spiritual path.

Capricorn

Venus, Mars and Pluto move through your sign for the first half of the month, making it a strong time for you full of energy, love and intensity. March and April are your strongest months for 2022 so make use of it.

Aquarius

Lots of exciting breakthroughs happen this month as the Piscean energy inspires your energy and lifts it to higher elevations of consciousness. It’s a major month for communication. Poetry and song or theatre are recommended modes.

Pisces

Happy birthday to the Pisceans! You are strongly supported at this time as Jupiter, Neptune and the Sun move through your sign. This month is perhaps the strongest month of this lifetime, go for your heart’s desires. It is a time of clarity and truth and a major time of healing. Major blessings.

March 2022

by ASHLEY KRISTINA

HAVE YOU HEARD?

North Coal is a Canadian resource company based in Sparwood. We are committed to developing the Michel Coal project, providing a long-term source of steel-making coal for export to global markets, bringing sensible economic opportunity to the Elk Valley region. We live in the Elk Valley and we understand the unique challenges and opportunities it offers. Our innovative approach includes using globally proven technologies for protecting the integrity of water, ensuring dust control, and delivering progressive reclamation.

We are committed to keeping you informed about our project and its progress.

Photo by Mckenzie Jespersen @mckenzie.jespersen.photography

“Oh, it’s another selfie.”

We have fast forwarded to a crazy time in technology where photos are shared worldwide with the click of a button.

The photography industry is evolving and now is the time to take photos normalizing feminism, body image, sexual representation, identity and equality for all.

Take and share photos to empower women and men, showing them as they are or how they want to be without filtering through anyone else’s lens or ideas.

We need to start loving ourselves and taking control of what is being shared in the media.

We should be sharing what a normal body looks like.

We should share what normal skin looks like.

We should share what normal relationships look like.

We need to support mental health and share what life in the real word looks like. This is what the future generations deserve.

Take a photo of yourself, be proud and share your normal with the world. Photography can be used as a tool to highlight equality, inequality and discrimination, a means to represent the justice or injustice that exists in the world. We are all equal, in love, work and all things life.

Equality, Through Your Lens

Photo by Leanne Nanninga @born.to.adventure

Runner: Tarah Leggot on Mt Proctor

“Be strong, be fearless, be beautiful. And believe that anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you.” Misty Copeland

Out in the Community:

What do you think we can do individually to advance equality of opportunity within our community?

Simon Piney

I’m not sure I have the expertise to solve such a complex issue community-wide, but based on my experiences with the folk we have on Search and Rescue I would say that you should never judge people on their background, race, gender - let their skills, commitment and passion speak for themselves. If you do that the very best people will end up in the right places.

Terry Nelson

As I turn 60 next week, it is time for me to drop my old man perspectives and expand my understanding of inclusiveness. Equality of opportunity is a challenging topic. For me, just looking everyone in the eyes without any judgement would be my suggestion/practice. I have often tried to practice this, but realize I have a time engrained asshole view. Acknowledging a person on the sidewalk, whether coloured, handicapped, elderly, a child, or even someone with different fashion choices presents complicated feelings that we must all work to overcome.

Annie Korver

We must listen with two ears and speak with one mouth. We must listen to understand rather than listen to reply. Tuesday, March 8 is International Women’s Day (IWD). This day is to celebrate women and to work towards a gender equal world, a world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive. It encourages us to celebrate and value what is different, and to collectively #BreakTheBias. Internationalwomensday.com

The Fernie Outdoor Rink has been available for skaters and hockey players this winter season. With temperatures and conditions changing regularly, the City of Fernie asks that you respect the red flag. When it is up, it means it is closed to public until conditions are favourable. Fortunately, they have plenty of options at the Fernie Memorial Arena for public skating! fernie.ca

Have you heard of the Silk Trail Slide? This event at Fernie Alpine Resort, sponsored by the Raging Elk Adventure Lodge is a virtual Nordic Ski event with something for everyone. 4km, 9km, 13km, and/or 18km options to challenge until March 6! Visit skifernie.com/ events for more details and have fun out there.

There is no way you haven’t heard about Griz Days! This year, March 4-6 the theme is Goes Wild celebrating 45 years of this unique and fun weekend-long celebration, all in honour of The Griz, the legendary mountain man responsible for the amazing powder Fernie is known for. This weekend includes events and activities for the entire family, from the Griz Competition to a downtown parade, live music to the Dummy Downhill. Full details are available at ferniegrizdays.com.

SheJumps is hosting an event at Fernie Alpine Resort in celebration of International Women’s Day, Sunday March 8. The goal of Get the Girls Out is to encourage more women and girls to get outside: skiing, snowboarding, playing; friends, sisters, moms, daughters. “Adventures in snow and the power of female camaraderie while having fun on and off the mountain!” Options for the day include First Tracks, breakfast at Cirque, games on the mountain throughout the day, a Mountain Tour, Avalanche Education and après at Cirque! skifernie.com/events