Jim

THAT, was a grim read. Basically on the verge of starving - always - and the constant betrayal by friends and family because they were so scared. And that is just a peak behind the curtain. No, that country's rulers are wacked.

And odd culture we live in - only accelerated by the internets. I had to Google "Honey Boo Boo" - I did read somewhere about some actress' speech reference. Holy cow - I'm glad I'm out of the loop and have no cable.

Awesome photo of a familiar place

....and the bartender says "Hey, what are you doing with that amphibian on your shoulder?". Guy says "Oh, that's my pet, Tiny" Bartender "Why do you call him Tiny?" Guy "Because he's minute" Get it? Ecologist humor. Next

Jesus f Christ, already

There's been a few occasions when I wish I did have a gun.

Meanwhile Our Priorities

About 22 years ago but it was very good - practical advice, and professional

Luckily my age and progress of climb/ski/drug innovations seem to be on a parallel course (lightweight gear, fatter skis, Vitamin I).

Here's a prime example of how screwed up the gun system is: Why you have to register a car but not a gun

Good read on the mega-bank fail Not Too Big To Fail

A recurring theme

Given the level of gun responsibility in this country I really don't see a problem. [video:youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxnhgkYa9dQ

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Glad the NRA is now engaging in a meaningful discussion on sensible gun restrictions. Reasonable Discussion

How about teachers that want it, can have a bottle of mace in their desk drawer, pocket/purse, whatever? Sure. That ain't gonna kill anyone. My wife's a teacher and doesn't reach that level of paranoia. Though she worked in Montana doing field work for 5 years dodging grizzlies with no armament so I suspect she is fine.

--While the author means to point to school shootings, this seems to be the crux of the "home defense' argument of arming as well. And the one I'm always wondering about -what are all these gun owners so chickenshit about? The boogey man? What a bunch of BS. How about a baseball bat, a chair, a good kick in the head, a fire extinguisher, your old softball trophy, whatever! A dozen people - really?

Speaking of low cost borrowing: Borrow Now!

Any comparision with first world countries with funcitonal governments - Yes! We are by far the winners of the murder rate per captia. Great. We're tied with the likes of Columbia.

Exactly

The auto vs car thing crack me up. Yea, how many folks took mom's car to go run over their classmates. Cars vs Guns

Yea, no cost from the paranoid among us. True Cost

Put this on your life list as one fine accomplishment - with an equally fine buddy. Congratulations - while I love climbing and skiing - this round trip is NOT on my list. Thanks for sharing - awesome.

Gretchen Morgenson of the NYTs has been reporting on these financial and Fed crooks for a number of years - if you want a good read, check out here summary of the housing fallout in Reckless Endangerment. Link to Gretchen's Articles

More info that you really want about Rubus armeniacus (syn. discolor) The Nasty One Check out the OSU links.