catbirdseat

If gold prices keep climbing the way they have been, before long they'll be reopening the mines of Monte Cristo. Reuters

Trask, it's time to stop taking that Spanish Fly.

I'd have to concede that you are right. I regret my first comment.

Kurt, I think most people would agree that this individual displayed very poor judgement. If you want to call that "jumping all over" then so be it.

The reports are that he kept moving, never having stopped more than two hours. That's how he kept from freezing. My friend Mark G. spent two entire days out there on snowshoes looking for Mr. Witkowski. The avy conditions were low and that enabled rescue efforts to be sustained as they were. Iceguy was out there too, while some of us were watching football on TV. Let's hear it for those guys.

"That statement was just tailor made for

For ONCE, I agree with you trask. I heard it takes all of 15 seconds. They are only applying it to those who require visas to enter. I think everyone should be checked, every time.

I wonder how many people use "nose anaesthetic" before they pull their nose hairs?

TRASK!

I'm happy they found the guy. I'm happy for his family too. Those search and rescue guys should get a huge pat on the back from their perserverance. Mr. Witkowski beat the odds. He is a tough guy. Being alive, he now can benefit from experience. Something dead people can't do.

Largest rodent ever discovered. Phoberomys pattersoni

Try -98C. That's cold.

Sounds like he had a death wish or something. Alone, out of bounds, no backcountry equipment, told no one his plans, and almost legally blind.

Fairweather, I believe the reason why WTA and other groups supported the FS plan chosen for the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie is that that valley is a rather unique environment. It is a rare, lowland forest that hasn't been logged in over 60 years. Without the road it will revert to a wild state. The section of the valley above Taylor River is served by an excellent trail on which a great deal of effort has been expended to improve it. I've hiked that trail numerous times and it is quiet, except when you hear a truck driving up the road on the other side of the valley. Access to Dutch Miller Gap will require an additional 12 miles of hiking, or you will have the option of taking your mountain bike on the closed road. That will remain a viable option for many years I expect, as the Goldmyer people will probably help to maintain the road. There won't be any more tailgate fishing up there, but there will be a wonderful wilderness experience for those who are willing to spend the time to walk or bike in.

The traditional dose of acetazolamide has been 250 mg b.i.d. More recently, some doctors have been recommending 125 mg b.i.d. Supposedly, it works almost as well at that dose with fewer side effects, such as metallic taste, tingling in the fingers, and of course, diuresis. At this dose it makes sleeping much easier for me on Rainier.

...is to get a job, or at least make it look like you have money.

Does it make you want to go out and snort a line? *vomit gremlin*

That's quite all right. Damn quiet here in the laboratory.

Timmy, now you've gone and put the poor old chap on the spot.

Last week a judge said that the government cannot force soldiers to be injected with an anthrax that was not approved by the FDA. It has been around for years, but apparently was either not safe enough, or effective enough to merit approval (or the studies were not done). The judge said that if the military considers it important enough, they could get an Executive order for use of the vaccine. This put Bush in a political hot spot, so to speak. What to do? To give the order would be very unpopular. Solution? Twist some arms at the FDA. Vaccine approved. Problem solved. Pretty neat, huh?

What's the chance of that? Wait. Don't answer that.

Iridium you say? Wow. Platinum used to be the best. Iridium has a melting temperature of 4449 F vs. 3224 F for platinum. It is supposed to be the most corrosion resistent metal known to man. So have you noticed any improvement in performance? My truck needs a tune up.

An early April Fools Day.

Those are pretty good predictions, IMHO.

**nodding gremlin**