Jim

Nebraska is the yardstick they're using?

PM sent

Karl Rove, George W. Bush's spin doctor, once defined a great principle of political communication, one of its key tenets - even its very basis - as storytelling, which he himself called Scheherazade's strategy: "When policy dooms you, start telling stories - stories so fabulous, so gripping, so spellbinding that the king (or, in this case, the American citizen who theoretically rules our country) forgets all about a lethal policy."

An opinion column by the consumate supply-sider David Brooks.

While for other reasons I went with another pack, the Cilo was a very comfortable carrying pack. You might ask at Feathered Friends if they have a demo in the back you could rent to try one out.

The Jews may think otherwise.

Formerly dominated by Boeing retirees and home of the Wedgwood Broiler and Wedgwood Alehouse.

Sheesh! I'm struggling with barre chords and you guys sound like you're outfitting the space shuttle.

Have to second on the Beyond jacket. Had one for four years - needless to say it fits better than an off-the-rack. Looks like they have updated their line significantly since I purchased.

That's what Christians say anyway. Too bad most of them don't act accordingly. Beat me to it. What is a hoot. Unconditional in all those oh so conditional ways. The Inquisition and the Crusades were just blips.

Interestingly, two house went up for sale in my neighborhood the same time. One - a 2BR, decent small house sold for $440k in a week (sold for $310k 2yrs earlier). The three bedroom going for $550k is still sitting there for three months. The latter folks are stubborn and don't seem to be aware of the market or are in no rush, or both.

YOU hired a fucked up inspector, or ignored what the inspection report had to say, or chose shitty materials when you had your house built. Actually neither - knew what I was getting into and could handle it thanks. It's 1947 house that wasn't updated dude. Though the minor oil tank leak was a surprise. There's no way the owner would have updated prior to sale with the price I got. A little sweat equity goes a long way.

This is how: Kelly stands to be paid about $2.8 million in severance, according to a source familiar with the matter.

One thing to note - take a digital hanging scale with you regarding pack weight. I found both the manufacturers stats to be off (a little) and some stores (a lot) - Marmot's listed weight for the pack I purchased was actually 1.5 lbs heavier than what it actually weighed, by both my scale and their own(?)

I purchased one on-line before Feathered Friends carried them - which I'll never do again for any pack. The top, removable part of the pack didn't cover the pack well and I was constantly getting spindrift in pack. The strapping system, which is supposedly made to offer flexibility in customizing the pack's carrying comfort, was a big cluster. Heaven forbid if you had to make adjustments to it with gloves on or in the dark. Instead of simple ice axe loops it had this bulky buckle item with a snap on the bottom - you have to thread the axe from the bottom and snap the buckle closed - it was not a tight fit and the ax would jingle around in the holster. For some reason there was no attachment point for the shaft of ice ax to the body of the pack - WTF! When I mentioned this to the manufacturer he said he would send me some add-on straps that never arrived. Flimsy stitching that started to come apart after 5 trips. ProMountain Sports didn't want to carry them. FF does, but when I was in there looking at packs a sales person said the packs are improving but they consided them a work in progress. It actually carried well but that was the only good thing. I would seriously look elsewhere. Be prepared for the manufacturer to jump in and tell us how much they have improved.

Excellent summary - Dems need to get a spine and call these idiots out for what they are.

I debated quite a bit about a new pack after getting rid of a Cilogear one (good ridence). I eventually purchased a BD Quantum 65. I went with the larger pack because I do take some week-long trips and wanted a pack for 3-10 day trips. I'm very satisfied with the pack. It carries well and strips down for a lighter summit version easily. It's simple, relatively light, and designed well. I looked at the 55L but needed something with a bit more capacity. If you're ok with the 55L then I'd give the BD a thumbs up.

In WA you don't have to have any special permission to allow licensed hunters on your land to hunt. Granted they need to abide by the regulations for distance from roads and structures, but this was bow season and the regs for bows are much less strigent than firearms, obviously. I saw the video clip - the herd just jumped a series of fences to get on this guy's property and then were spooked as the hunters surrounded them and they shot away. Pretty disgusting. Nothing wrong with hunting - but this didn't even rise to the level of target shooting. In answer to the billcoe - any farmer/rancher can apply to get a depredation license that allows them to shoot game out of season if they are munching away too much, or offer damage payments. One deer - doubtful that's a problem - consistent herd, likely a problem. In my work I've seen valid instanaces and folks trying to take advantage of the system. Video: http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/dailyweekly/2009/12/video_the_unethical_elk_hunt.php

I heard that Joe, given the stretched troop levels, is going to propose not a draft, but to reach into the untapped resource of ROTC, then if need be, Boy Scouts above the rank of Life.

This guy has to be the most sanctimonious politician I've seen. How can somebody be so wrong (remember Iraq you douche?) and still trot out in front of the cameras to extoll this crap. These folks have no shame and are not normal humans.

If he had said at the end of the trip -"ya know, I overestimated my abilities and I'm grateful for your help and tolerance on the trip - beer and dinner on me" Then maybe you could all chalk it up to a lesson learned. So another vote for yes - post as a warning. Save other folks. Definately emphasizes the need for a shakeout climb for something so committing. Would like to see the trip report as well.

You guys are depressing me again.

I've logged about 20 flights this year, mostly for work. I noticed early this year that the TSA crowd was ignoring the little bottle of shampoo, toothpaste, and shaving cream I had in a baggie in my carry-on. I left it in by mistake but just kept in on trips after that because they didn't ever say anything. I assumed that they had a directive to just ignore these things - seems odd. But it was very consistent through SeaTac, Spokane, Portland, Boise, Anchorage, and Newark - no comment on my contraband. I generally think that the Thousands Standing Around crew is for show and that a determined wacko will pull off something at some point. They only have to get lucky once.

Over the past 20 yrs I've seen two seperate parties on this line while skiing back there. Don't know if they topped out.

.....as opposed to say AIDS, famine, and American Idol?