Off_White

would you like steaksauce with that?

Really? I think to a large extent chalk is a calming ritual, an excuse to pause, do something else, and look ahead. I haven't climbed in a gym in years, but I know the stuff is terrible in an indoor environment. Outside, I do think it makes a difference, even if my hands aren't all sweaty, but truly the virtue lies in the act itself, of finding a stance and chalking up and getting psyched for the next bit, until you can chalk up again.

Yeah, what a nice set of pics. You must be stoked Josh, that looks like such a splendid trip.

Dru said: Actually, I was eyeing your post count and thinking about that ADHD thread.

You must be pretty cute in lingerie if you're Rick James' Bitch.

Dru, you catty bitch! Spill!

Hmmm, good point Mattp, Crazypolishbob to Glassgowkiss was a pretty damn remarkable comeback, and I really enjoy his ascerbic opinionated contributions.

for your consideration: Best comeback from the banned - mikeadam to tele_nut, complete with online personality overhaul Was Miss Normandy really a troll? Amber was the original I'm-not-really-a-girl-I-just-play-one-on-the-internet troll, and that was pretty good, but I think Sweet Granite In Renton was one of the all time best.

I'm hardly an authority on the matter, but isn't the phrase "professional gambler" and roulette incompatible? Roulette is random, whereas Poker involves skill.

somehow, this came to mind:

Mr.E, you're seeing the "MC Hammer Effect" that has been making a big comeback among today's trendy youth. As the rate of fad recycling speeds up, the half-life of a spurious fashion statement grows ever shorter. Be aware that such fashion accessories are not considered aid in today's under 30 (feet) crowd.

Damn, look how high that guy can jump! Has he got springs in that mattress or something?

This is using a 5' long digging bar.

Yeah, you wouldn't want to "spray mud about it on some website" for a bunch of wankers.

What was your subject line Lummox?

As Mark Twain observed, there's three kinds of lies: Lies, damn lies, and statistics. "Hey everybody, never mind how your life feels, things are good."

I liked this shot of "self arrest training" File it away with all those Mountaineer's photos. Actually, I think she would do well taking one of those classes. Scotty, I think you stretch things a little by declaring "she climbs."

First published in 1957, On The Beach has to be one of the first post-nuclear-holocaust novels. It's been a long time since I read it, so I can't say how well it still stands up, but it certainly helped spawn a genre. Hmmm, maybe time for a re-read. Oh, and Fenderfour, thanks for the link, that is a great site, creepy AND cool for sure.

good points to be sure.

Thanks for the pics Chirp, totally inspiring. Griz, I went down Buckskin back in 1977, it was an awesome trip, practically hallucinogenic. Sounds like you've done that trip too? I suspect it's become a little more popular since then. I particularly liked the logs wedged sideways in the slots fifty feet overhead.

There's room to move as a fry cook

I think the first one is definitely yes. You've climbed the route, without falls, without weighting the rope, and placing all gear yourself. The second one I dunno, I've never given it much thought, since no one seems to give you many points for onsighting 5.10 I could be persuaded either way. The third one goes into the strange territory of sport climbing, which as I belive has been discussed around here before, has generally discarded the category of pink point, and considers a climb of a route with pre-placed draws to be a redpoint. Climbing one route to pre-place protection for another is not much different than rapping down and clipping draws, though I'd think it's more fun. In the big picture though, I think I just don't care. It might be a fun point to argue over a beer or six, but it doesn't have much impact on my life.

Everyone I know that chew admit it's nasty, but hell, jaw cancer is a personal choice and your chewing tobacco use won't give it to me. I could post a few pictures, but I'm thinking you'll thank me not to. I get my share of second hand smoke too, being fond of seeing live music. My friend's brother died of emphysema, not from smoking, but likely because he was a pit boss in Las Vegas forever and had a lifelong gambling obsession. You might as well be a smoker if you're spending 40 to 70 hours a week in those rooms. You wouldn't mind if I shoot my gun whenever I want, would you? I guarantee I'm not aiming at you, but hey, if you get in the way of a bullet, you didn't have to be there.

Spider Jerusalem