dmuja

From what I hear, rotator cuff tears are fairly common, and are sometimes small enough to not be a big deal mostly until you want to push or pull bigger and bigger weights etc.. I have to deal with such issues also (previous small RC tear). For me its both flys and presses that cause problems. I laid off ALL weights for more than a year before slowly coming back with low intensity and careful exercises. I eventually could lift moderately heavy weights again but at times I still have to back off from some kinds of movements for a while. I also hear that RC tears arnt always sudden occurrences and may progress over time until they become a noticeable issue. In general, I try to work related muscles with exercise adjustments that don't stress the joint in a way that causes the pain. For instance, try more tricep pull downs and maybe less (lighter) bench presses. I also think its good to try building all muscles around the joint with specific theraputic excersises after a 'healing time' lay off. just my experiences...

Welcome back to terra firma Erden! Of coarse we were all checking in on your progress very often, What an awesome job you did!! Thanks for your inspiring efforts.

dude you must have good 'car'ma or sumpin, ive never had an easy time finding a camp spot in the canyon in good weather - and been shut out a couple times. BCrk would be great but last I heard, with some grounds now closed, I can only imagine it getting worse. Thanks for the suggestions though for sure!!

or are we all just going to Index this year?

With some of the (typically 'full on weekends') camp grounds now closed in the Icicle for who knows how long, do you have any suggestions for finding an affordable place to stay (camp grounds, safe road pull outs etc..) nearby without resorting to gun violence? thnx

mazegirl, I know many Tibetans in exile personally, I tend to believe what they say as they have no need or desire to lie as the PRC does. And I would love to visit a free Tibet real soon, do you think I could bring a camera and recorder with me? BTW - here are a couple NON PRC links you should check out regarding the history of Tibet. http://www.savetibet.org/tibet/history/beforechinese.php http://www.friends-of-tibet.org.nz/tibet.html

Tibetans are not allowed to study their own language in school. Tibetans face racial discrimination in their own land. Tibetan monks must publicly denounce the Dalai Lama or face possible imprisonment - meaning torture. Tibetan religious centers are control by the Tibetan "PRC" and must teach doctrine according to the communist government. They are not free to teach the heart of many subtle teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. Tibetan's from all walks of life, thousands, are currently held who knows where and for who knows how long - they are presumed to be in prisons and likely being tortured. Tibets Panchen Lama (second most significant religious person in Tibetan Buddhism) was kidnapped by the Chinese when he was a young child and may have been killed. The Chinese have since substituted their own "Panchen Lama" who amazingly is pro PRC! Tibetans who keep photos of the Dalai Lama are subject to imprisonment and possible torture. Tibetans are taught only the Chinese version of the history of Tibet. Tibetans have been butalized at the hands of the Chinese occupiers including: rapes of nuns, children forced to execute their parents, monks forced to rape nuns in public, public humiliation of all sorts. Tibetan religious centers, ancient and sacred temples, monasteries, cultural treasure have been destroyed by the thousands. Tibet has/had its own culture, its own language, its own religion its own governmental system(s) which were no more (much less actually) aristocratic and elitist than most throughout China's history. Tibetans are not free to speak what they truly believe. They are not free to practice Buddhism they way it has been passed down the many centuries. They are not free to study or teach things that are outside of the PRC party doctrine. In short, Tibetans are an oppressed second class race at best in their own land and they are losing their identity in terms of their religion and culture. I think its fair to say they face culture genocide at the hands of the Peoples Republic of CHina.

I don't know which rumor would be more sad if it turned out to be true: 1) There are many Chinese nationals who are so blinded by their own racist and nationalistic fervor that they defend even their own repressive governments lies, propaganda and atrocities. or 2) China has pulled out all stops in conducting its internet propaganda campaign against the Dalai Lama and the true history and culture of Tibet. If someone told me that mazegirl was a Chinese sleeper cell agent I might now believe it!

I thought RC was under raptor closure?

Ive used a 9.8 x 60m with a 200 ft 6mm for raps. Issue are.. The small line blows around alot in the wind and is prone to tangles. Best to feed them out of a holster setup on yr harness or use a pack. The skinny line is also prone to damage easily from things like crampons or sharp shit in general, once it's nicked, its pretty well retired. Most folks think something is going to be out of whack with uneven feeding etc, but I haven't had the slightest issue with uneven feed. Always good to use a prussik backup on any rap really but it does feed a little quickly - until you get to the tangles. I put a "rap ring on-a-twist" on the fat side rope just below the knot (I use triple fishermans - might be overkill though) to prevent the joining knot from jamming or traveling past the true functioning rappel ring. You'll find that the joining knot does travel as you descend. Finally, the knot I use can bring down a lot of shit or maybe jam easily so you don't want to lead up to the jam on a 6mm cord really. All in all, if you practice with it and work out the kinks, it be a good light n fast set up I think but not without some possible real negatives - a jam could be really bad.

mazegirl, I did not intend to offend you and if I did I apologize for that, sincerely. In a political discussion, such comparisons do come up from time to time though. I have met men, women and children who were hunted down by the Chinese military in Tibet. The histories of the brutal invasion and occupation Nanking and of Tibet will not be forgotten.

Feck, the Dalai Lama not only has genuine sympathy for the unfortunate folks like the guy you mentioned, but even more so, for those Chinese who wish him harm. Having practiced Tibetan Buddhism, and having met the guy, I can tell you that part of his daily routine is to actually feel emotional empathy for his enemies. This is part of his religious practice and he deeply believes in it. I say this not to make him out to be anything special, but rather to point out that when one considers the "Tibetan issue" that they should consider that, on the one hand, we have a superpower that glorifies lies and the use of destructive power vs a people and culture who for the most part embrace the opposite of that.

OMFG Yes, your right, not every Tibetan desires independence, and specifically, some of the recent generation of Tibetans who have been brainwashed by Chinese propaganda and indoctrination techniques that the PRC passes off as "education". Interestingly though, even the much maligned "Dalai" (you know the guy who leads the "dalai clique"?) is not even seeking independence - hasn't been for many years. 'course, you'd never know that though if you simply buy the Chinese brand of "news" put out by the PRC. Face the truth, China RAPED the Tibetans in much the same way that Japan RAPED the people of Nanking. Its what happens when people in positions of power are still under the influence of greed, anger and delusion. HH the Dalai Lama (being an honest and self aware person) has always admitted that Tibet was in need of modernization and social evolution - admitting it even to the detriment of his political position! He would welcome much of what China claims to want for Tibet, if it really just wanted what was good for Tibet. Unfortunately however, that is not the case. Has China ever admitted any wrongs with respect to its invasion and occupation of Tibet? Of course not. China does not, and can not understand the Dalai Lama or his role in Tibetan culture, it does not understand Tibetan culture and Tibetan Buddhism and therefore it views both as a threat that needs to be wiped out. Things everyone should understand about communism, it is as close to evil as we get as human beings. Its not different than Nazism, fascism, nationalism, militarism or totalitarianism of any kind. It is about control, domination, force, indoctrination. Freedom is its enemy. "Peace" in a system like this means conforming and staying silent. China is putting on a good face for the world (especially these days) but its government is pure evil. PS - "Tiananmen Square" 'nough said?

Seattle is not as cold as the rep. I came out from a midwestern city that was control by angry lesbians (not that there's anything wrong with that). Upon arrival here, I remember spotting a pregnant woman waiting for a bus - something almost unheard of back there. "Wow" i thought, "Maybe men and women actually enjoy each others company on occasion out here". Back there, all sex between a man and woman is considered to be rape. There are colder places than Seattle and I have enjoyed my stay here thus far.

Not bitter Fdub, but you're welcome to come over and put in an honest days work if you want. Maybe a new experience would be good for you.

ashw_justin Saying "everything is relative--in any society..etc.." might merely be an excuse and an argument for doing nothing in the face of a challenge - and I freely admit to my "barely concealed hostility" when injustice is staring me -or those less fortunate than me- in the face. I think hostility or 'rage' even helps get things done at times. Putting aside the bs elitist spin on statistics that our resident rightwingnutz will offer, here are some on topic things to be 'not so proud of' (maybe even a little bit pissed about) in regards to American society: ~ One word, "KATRENA". Remember thousands of POOR BLACK people, standing there on bridges and roof tops with no food or water, standing there while the water was rising around them and the news helicopters glared down on them? Remember how no one in the federal government really did a fucking thing for them for like 3 days? I do. ~ US life expectancy ranks 42 among industrialized countries ~ US workers have less vacation and work more hours than most ~ US workers mostly start from scratch when they lose their job ~ US adults have one of the highest obesity rates in the world ~ Many cancers are more likely to occur because of obesity ~ Cardio vascular disease is rampant in America and related to obesity ~ Obesity is related to stress hormone release and cheap starchy food ~ The poor and working poor get obese, get sick and die at higher rates largely because of being poor (They have higher stress levels, they have lower self esteem, they consider the future less, they eat cheap, fast easy crappy food because they are tired, have higher stress levels, have lower self esteem, consider the future less, and it's mostly what they can afford both in time and money) ~ Washington states regressive tax system - regressive taxation in general (sales taxes hit the lower classes hardest and that is immoral - we need an income tax and higher taxes on the wealthiest class of individuals) Im aware though, that there are people who will read this, or visit the website and links or watch the series and become upset, maybe become offended and retain their denial of reality, so be it. Some of the worst assholes Ive ever encountered were those that are in the best position to effectively do something about the injustices were talking about. Do I think an "appeal" to them to "support the underprivileged" would -or has ever been- truly effective? Hell no! Whether good or bad, people generally act mostly when they feel provoked and or uncomfortable. This is because people generally convince themselves that THEIR experience is THE common experience, "I did it myself, so can you..." blub blub.. Im not for chopping heads just yet, but we should really take advantage of a good educational opportunity when we meet one - and while we still can.

PBS is running this series called UNNATURAL CAUSES <--link ..The series sheds light on mounting evidence of how lack of access to power and resources can get under the skin and disrupt human biology as surely as germs and viruses....we have among the worst disease outcomes of any industrialized nation - and the greatest health inequities. It's not just the poor who are sick. Even the middle classes die, on average, almost three years sooner than the rich... I saw an episode today and its very good. It combines and expresses -in a very clear way- most of my own thoughts and views on just exactly 'how' American society should not be simply viewed as "the land of opportunity" but might also be described as a harsh, immoral, or even a severely unjust system. As far as I can tell, authoritarianism, totalitarianism, aristocracy, classism, all are on the rise in the US. The corporate media is the propaganda tool and 'mass distraction' is the weapon of choice -for the time being. Globalization may in fact be inevitable but this series shows that there is a better, more humane way of doing it than what we presently have in the US. So check it out, especially if you still buy that 'pull yourself up by your own bootstraps" or "greatest nation on the face of the earth" type (hype) stuff. PS - In case youz wondering, I don't hate America, I just think it could and should be better.

Correction re: Cold Cold World Valdez pack I jus have to say, duh.... I did a disservice to the maker in my earlier statements. For [1/2 day+ technical] climbs I now recommend this pack, it's very versatile. If you simply remove the foam backpad, the "helmet bonk" issue is completely solved. I stuffed it with all the gear mentioned in the OP -and then some- with no problem or discomfort while climbing. Leave the lid and pad at home and you got a great and tough multi pitch summit sack. Or, you can keep the lid and pad in tact to make it an approach pack as well. It maybe pushing it for over nighters though. There's a lot you can change and mess with on this pack.

I have the C Cold World Valdez and would just mention a couple negatives IMO. I don't mind the slightly extra weight if its tough (which it is) but I hate the stupid "pull up" shoulder strap adjusters (wtf? just to be different?). The main complaint though is that because it rides high on the back, I get the "helmet bonk" when I look up (even with the top lid removed). It carries great on the approach ,but for technical climbing you gotta be able to look up with a helmet on and this one makes it hard to do. It's profile is thin and long though and that's good, and for some routes I guess you just have to compromise or chose something with less capacity. The "ideal" technical pack I think would ride slightly lower or have helmet clearance and also have gear loops (but not lose the capacity either) - I guess you do have to compromise in the end.

Ivan we probably agree on more than one or two things but I don't agree with what you say here. How could we really know or measure the stifling effect of the "chill wind" (to steal a phrase) that may be upon us? What I mean is we have now come to find out that the government apparently conducts covert warrantless investigations of its own citizenry that include things like tapping email and phone calls, searching your medical, financial, even your library records. We've heard that ALL calls over seas and probably all phone calls in general are now electronically "screened" for catch words. We hear that probably all or a large percentage of internet traffic and email is monitored and recorded and searched for catch words and phrases or suspicious patterns of activity. The government can now prosecute many groups under a "terrorist" heading that have nothing really to do with what most of us think as "terrorism". The sentences then become exceptionally harsh. The government can now hold people in jail indefinitely under the guise of protecting us from said "terrorism" (how ever they define that). The courts have made it easier and easier for the cops to stop and investigate people with little or even no probable cause as we once new it. In this age of "Diebold" and of media consolidation, of credit score rated housing and employment, of red light cameras (soon to be 'speeding cameras'), how can we really say that we aren't already intimidated into just going along with it all? Personally, I don't hear that much actual "bitching" going on these days.

It's way premature to say that behavior is not genetic. Shit there are physicists who think they will be able to trace every action (thoughts = electro magnetic actions) back to it's source in time. If the evidence becomes strong enough that someones genetics cost society $ or that we have an easy method and cost effective method for predicting criminal behavior "pre-education" and "genetic manipulation" will follow. All this stuff is just a matter of time really. gotta go back to work..later

And unfortunately, its how elected officials stay in office. They have to show that they are "doing something", usually "for the kids".

My point (generally speaking here) is that we always seem to find excuses to allow authority to implement further efficiency in control over our lives. Its a slippery slope - as they say. We give up more and more of our freedom all the time. Things that were once considered common place behavior are now (or will soon become) "crimes". When they eventually find out that there is a genetically causual path to most of our behavior and conditions etc - as is most likely the case - and when they eventually outlaw many of the freedoms you now take for granted - as seems to be continuously the case - it will be too late. We are to willing to just let it all happen, we're to dumb to care really, and its happening too fast. The trains will run on time that's for sure, but you're grand kids would not recognize what they have lost because we (our generation) will have ensured that they never had it.

BTW, Scientists able to monitor people's thoughts Gee, what could we do with the power to read peoples minds (only years away) combined with all of our banked DNA on file? Yeah, I see no potential for governmental abuse.

Today: Sure, why not do it? I mean, we already use finger prints and no innocent people get arrested anymore anyway. Sure, why not do it? It'll help set innocent people free and catch rapists and terrorists. Tomorrow: Sure, why not do it do it for everybody. We already do for those we arrested. If you don't do a crime you got nothing to worry about. It'll help set innocent people free and catch rapists and terrorists. Next year or decade: Sure, why not do it? Sample everyone! I mean, we now know that there is a genetic component to anti-social personalities and that they cause most crime. Their travel should be restricted and they should be placed on a watch list. Near future: Sure, why not do it? I mean. After all, we all know that there is a genetic component to the crime of anti-patriotic thoughts , not buying health insurance and being in debt. And that these people cost society millions. They should be targeted for neutralizing with our new and highly efficient methods. I know, I know, Im just being paranoid. They would never make smoking tobacco a crime or calling a kid climbing a tree a "monkey". We are as free today as we ever were. This program must not be questioned! The program is without flaw! The program is sound!