Kiwi

I'm well aware of that.

I understand that, but it don't like what it represents. (More govt docs will be bilingual) That's why I included that 'damn capitalists' comment. Call me xenolinguaphobic. I'm a language nut (want to be quadralingual), but I want to perserve English in the States. Unless we're being taken over by Spanish speakers militarily, I don't want to see an outsider's language taking over.

Why you bringing up tourists? If those were American expats/immigrants, then I would see your point. It is unfortunate that Americans speak the same language as the de facto Lingua Franca, and that America is the only superpower left in the world so there is no incentive for most Americans to be more worldy. Yeah, I know Spanish is the native/official language in other countries. Yes, I know about the California census. In some areas of the country, whites are the minority. But we're talking about English here--language, not race or ethnicity.

The original argument (by the thread starter) is only valid if we're talking about immigrants. Immigrants should learn the native language, tourists can do whatever. They have enough stuff catered towards them to keep them in their own bubble. Yes, I'm a non-native English speaker. I emigrated to the US back in '86 when I was like 5 years old. We all had to learn English cuz translators are hard to find. My mom, OTOH, never bothered to learn English and now she's fucked when it comes to looking for a new job. We (our language) don't have the popularity of Spanish. We need to learn English.

Fuckin word, mate! I was at McDonalds and I was fuckin pissed when my food had Spanish all over it! Damn capitalists! (Even though I'm a capitalist myself) Wrong! Tolerance my ass! If I was moving to Poland, I better damn well learn Polish to survive. I'm not gonna expect everything to be in English as well as Polish just to appease me. Gives me no incentive or need to learn the native language if everything's fuckin bilingual. That's the issue. I don't expect them to come to America speaking perfect English, but they should make an effort to learn the established language (like every other immigrant that came before them). It's different now. Back in the old days, you had to learn English or be fucked to live in the US. Now, we have all this bilingual shit. Who here still speaks German and Irish? I was at the INS and I swear to God, everything was in Spanish! You had to search for English. This is a fuckin govt building!

I remember that! I don't have much confidence in a sequel.

Whatever you lots decide on, mind posting up the time and address?

Sure I can always ask the local sale person, but I want to ask 'real people'. How big is your pack? I reckon 4000 in³ would be good enough for a three day Rainier climb. All I know is, don't get more than you need cuz it just means more weight for you to carry. Edit: Bloody hell, wrong units, again!

It's okay. But everytime the Constitution comes up, I can't help but bitch about how the current administration is fucking it up. I think it'll be a cool idea, but maybe it'll be like internet advertising: eventually everyone will ignore it. Or like the Pledge of Allegiance where kids obediently recite it daily, yet have no clue what the words mean.

All well and good, mate, but it would help if the fuckin Bush administration followed the Constitution themselves! (see: PATRIOT Act)

I want to meet you crazy lots.

Very fucked up indeed. Fuckin organised religion (politics).

I spent today taking my Japanese final. Not good, my friends. After that, I went to work and then worked out. I climbed the stairmaster for an hour carrying 27 lb. Did a total of 4 mi. I'm getting there... I have two friggin final exams next week: monday (genetics) and tuesday (organic chem). Yeah, this weekend'll be 'fun'. Btw, anyone else go to UW?

Take longer? That's not good... Right now, I'm leaning towards going up with people--maybe some from this board if they'd have me. But I won't be [physically] ready for two weeks. It fits my busy schedule and costs less.

Hahaha! You lots are such post whores!

Oops... I'm not used to Fahrenheit.

FYI: It's 91° F!! Fuck me! Edit: Fixed, you wankers.

Alright, re-reading the responses again, I get the impression people here don't think too much about climbing schools. So how did most of ya'll learn to climb? Seems like I'll have to go with the 6 day courses to really learn how to climb. Thanks again for the info. Now I know what to do next year.

Absolutely gorgeous! Shots taken with Velvia never ceases to amaze me.

Yeah... :-\ Wish I had known earlier. Like I said, I've been waiting since last summer. I plan on taking rock climbing as well. At least those are open year round. Slog? Invite? Cool! That's one of the reasons I signed up for this site. I know how difficult it is to find a climbing partner. But... I'm busy this weekend with school. It's bloody finals week! I'll be training this weekend though, in between studying. I'll check the fitness section for pointers.

I've looked at Alpine Ascents International, Washington Alpine Club, and The Mountaineers, and all of them closed registration way back in February. Makes no sense, why don't they have classes open during summer?! Bastards! Edit: Nevermind, I checked out Alpine Ascents again, and yes they're open all season long. $990 for six days. (Cheaper than the 6-day Camp Muir Seminar offered by RMI) I'm trying to avoid a six consecutive day thingy because I'd have to request vacation time and I don't think they'd like me to ask for a vacation 3 weeks into work. (Not sure if I even have 5 days of vacation time) We'll see. Thanks for the help ya'll.

I have to sign up for the Camp Muir Seminar? The next class is June 9-13. I have finals that week. And the next class after that is all the way in Sept!! Bugger all!

G'day, mates! I plan on picking up mountaineering this summer, but I was distraught--to say the least--when I found out that most schools closed registration all the way back in Feb!! I've wanted to learn mountaineering for over a year, but only started planning in May. I didn't realise reg starts that early. So someone suggested RMI (Rainier Mountaineering Inc) and--surprise surprise--they have classes open all summer! Wicked! I plan on taking the Three Day Summit Climb ($771). So question is, is RMI any good? Is it a touristy guided summit climb, or will I learn some lead climbing techniques? Grazie.