Thinker

The theory Gould helped develop is called 'punctuated equilibrium', in the event anyone wants to do further reading. His widely available essays are delightful if you have any science/geeky tendencies.

Scott, I think your view may be a little narrow. Of course there are cutting edge sciences where conflicting observations and conclusions are made. That's not all bad, though, because it let's the ordinary person know that there's still dissention among the leaders in the field. But consider what 'science' has done for your quality of life. Immunizations for childhood diseases and 3rd world plagues, improved climbing gear (polymers and alloys), microprocessors (and all the underlying technology) so you can spray and surf more quickly, therapy for many cancers, and protection from biological and chemical warfare agents...to name few. It's not ALL bad.

and Ehemic, too.

Classic case of nobody taking the lead to finalize details.

I'm all for that. Peace, my brother.

CBS, I did not divulge or post the content of your PM, only the fact that you sent me one. That's no more that what you've done in your post above by revealing that you and Trask have corresponded via PMs. It's clear that poking fun at the Mounties strikes a raw nerve in you and generates some .......interesting...... responses. But Mountie poking is a time honored tradition here, one that won't go away no matter how many times you try to point out how unjustified it is in your opinion. Do cc.comers lump all the branches of the Mountaineers together in one big stereotype? Sure they do! Are there differences? Probably. Is anyone here really going to listen to your points about the differences? I'm sure the few who are earnestly seeking to discover the differences can read between the lines and see the subtle differences. Is it wrong to lump the basic and intermediate classes together? Maybe, maybe not. I'm sure the overall philosophies regarding risk management and group dynamics are similar, if not the same. Most here probably don't make the distinction. After 5 pages of discussing the issue inside and out, with good points made on each side, I find it odd that you choose to get so bent out of shape now. My post above was clearly spray, and intended to be humorous. We all know how seriously you take this issue. So, if I pushed your buttons at the wrong time, I apologize. But get over it....it's just a bunch of words on the internet. If you really allow this to carry over into real life, i.e. calling names at pub club, you probably have some larger issues that need to be dealt with.

Some of it depends on where you're doing your sport...I eat Cliff bars in cold environments primarily because they are relatively low in moisture, and thus don't freeze. Ever try to eat a frozen Power Bar? It's frustrating. Cliff Bars don't have that problem. I, too, like the dried fruits and nuts, and probably eat more of those than bars. Trader Joes is THE place to get cool dried foods, IMHO. Jonathan (who posts here occasionally) turned me onto the fig bars and raspberry bars in the bulk section at The Ballard Market....marvelous.

I'm really just playing around, and I hope it's apparent to all. If not, I'll be happy to make the appropriate apologies.

It's a hell of a great source for images.

pussy....don't do the crime if you can't do the time.

hell, I'd settle for a little compaction...

the shorts are orange...

moderate this ok! moderated!

some applications off the top of my head: tree cutting window washing construction/inspection applications sailing? fire fighting (rescue) military (rapelling) Law enforcement

???????????????????????????

my laptop. I like to spray while I spray.

works for me. Where exactly is this place?

who uses Friendster.com ? Any interesting experiences?

I.....must......not......spray......in........newbie.......section.....or.......CBS.....will.......PM........me.........again......... Oh, shit, I'm a failure. Sure, I've seen smiles when I've encountered Mountie groups. They're usually flashed behind the backs or out of sight of the leaders, who always seem to be scowling over the fact that another group has dared to use the same trail or glacier as them. Lord help you if you point out that root on The Tooth they're all anchored to is brittle and dead. Nobody smiles then.....

what were you doing with a young preacher's daughter in your car in the first place?

count me in....I'll take the time to meet the legendary MissPeller.

Don't ya just LOVE the way she says "Oh Thinker!"

I'm listening to a little Elvis Hitler at work this afternoon and dedicate this one to Trask: Some people call me a redneck And some people call me a hick Some people call me an asshole And some people call me just dick But I ain't a member of the N.R.A. The American Legion, or the K.K.K. I'm a hellbilly Hellbilly Some people call me white trash From the wrong side of the tracks They can all go straight to hell And never, ever, ever come back

hot buttered