high_on_rock

Seemed to be about a half truck load of garbage dumped at the bathrooms at Vantage. My guess is that it is concert garbage, don’t know how long it has been there, but my other guess is that it will only go away if some climbers haul it. Nasty job if anyone is up to it. Sad.

If you do so, make sure is is someone you don't know, then keep repeating this mantra: "I was in fear for my life. I thought he had a gun." Add to the Mantra: "I need to talk to my attorney immediately" and you will be in good shape.

Only the feds have the right to do anything about it, doesn't mean they have to act upon that right.

I guess I look at it from a different inward perspective. My best soloing has been on the Solar Slab in Red Rocks, where I have soloed unroped as far as the top of the arch (pitch 7 or 8). When doing so, I don't like have anyone watching, for fear that I will somehow allow them into my focus. I once had an onlooker come by and take a photo of me, which completely took the zen (focus) out of me, putting a small thought in the back of my head that perhaps now I am doing it to show off rather than the pure focus. It all probably effects everyone differently, and solo is probably a unique experience for everyone.

I have tried in court to argue a "he deserved it" defense, and the judges beat the hell out of me every time. Nor does the majority of modern society buy the defense. I grew up in a logging town where when someone deserved a beating, he got beat: no law, no cops, no judges. Those days are over, and the public now wants the court system to deal with stuff. Merely a reality of life.

Remember this is all a jury issue, and they will hopefully look at the various facts and weigh those facts. How many were there, what were their actions, did they threaten you, were they armed, were they in the house, in the bedroom, in the yard? The jury will probably look at whether you had an opportunity to escape rather than stand and fight (not always). Are you capable of physically defending yourself (Sherri) or are you some tiny pussy who cowers at violence (me). How you respond and answer questions later will make a big difference: “ I was afraid for my life” verses “they forfeited their right to live by being here.” One may get you a self defense acquittal, the other will get you a cell with an unwanted new buddy. Much of it will also go to whether you are lucky enough to get a good jury, what other stories are floating around the newspapers at the time, and how good you look in court. Who did you draw as a prosecutor, someone aggressive and talented, or someone who is there for a paycheck. Anytime you submit your future to a jury, anything can happen. Much like rock climbing, the advice is to evaluate how much risk you want to assume. If you like a safe risk-free life, run away quickly. If you like to take huge risks, shoot the bastards and talk to an attorney quickly to determine how and if to answer any questions.

The basic rule is that you can use deadly force to protect yourself from deadly force, whether that is in your house or at the beach. Deadly force is only "reasonable" if preventing deadly force. Whether it is in your house merely helps convince a jury that you had greater reason to fear the threat, and the greater the fear the more reasonable your response. All of this is, of course, for a jury to decide. Retired attorney.

I always wonder about "soloing" in a herd of folks. kind of takes away the "solo" zen doesn't it?

To prove the attempt, you must show that he had the plan and took a "substantial step" toward the completion of that plan. He wrote the note (plan) but never delivered the note (thus no threat made.) He then took a substantial step (procuring the weapons) thus can be charged with the attempt. I will send you my bill Arch.

Come on Professor, a one month pledge to civil discussion and educated discourse. What say you?

The moderators. They will not police "thought", merely keep people from attacking anonymously.

Matt, perhaps that should be a "penalty" imposed upon any of us who get controversial in our posts, that the Moderators automatically make us post under our true identities. That way those like "Sherri" who merely bring sunshine into peoples lives can choose to be public or anonymous. Merely a thought. I personally have no problem putting my name on what I believe in and what I say. Some would call that "honor."

Does it help also Bill that you and I use accurate photos of ourselves?

I will pledge right back to Dawg. Come on Professor, let's raise the level of discourse and educate, rather than belittle and drag the whole thing down. Rumr can be the judge of compliance.

No, hell Dawg, you took all the fun out of it. Now what will I scheme? Nice of you to go public Professor. Next can you prove me correct by bringing more reason and educated discourse to the posts. No one out there objects to your views, merely the objectionable manner in which they have been put forth. Come on Don, how about a one month hiatus on belittling people on the internet?

The fun is in exposing the creepers of the night to the light of day, so one can see what he is really dealing with. Things that hide in the darkness rarely look so frightening or intimidating when the light shines upon them. Besides, I received the following PM from Ryan, “By the way, if I wanted to use my real name, I would....the reason I don't, is because there are a lot of immature violent types on the internet who might irresponsibly act to opinions different than there own. I suppose that a good many people prefer "avatars" for that very reason.” I received that PM at the same time his girl Pope went to my personal webpage to try to find some way to attack me. It is time to shine a light on these folks who thrive in darkness.

It is my humble opinion that Pope and Ryan thrive on feeling like they are being ostracized for their views, which is completely incorrect. Joseph professes many of the same beliefs as the pope/ryan duo, but Joseph puts forth his arguments coherently, respectfully, and without trying to belittle those who take opposing positions. [edit: to be clear, I fully respect Joseph for both his views and his respect, as I believe most others do too.] The problem with Pope and Ryan is that they try to use the anonymity of the internet to be jerks without cost. No one has a problem with the views they put forth, merely with the junior high manner through which they put forth the views, and the “holier than thou” condescending tone they use. From here on out I believe I may send their identities by PM to folks upon whom they anonymously piss. Perhaps with a lack of anonymity comes accountability, and through accountability comes temperance.

I am not sure what the question is Pope. Is this some vailed threat to "out" me? Name is Eric Christianson, webpage is vikingclimber.com Give us your information Pope. Come on girlfriend, be brave.

The statement was a rhetorical question, which does not require a question mark. Keep trying Pope. The sad part is that you are the only one who does not realize that the high horse has stumbled and you are falling.

Man, who would have guessed that Donald would come to the rescue of Pope, as Pope was taking a long fall off his high horse. I gotta tell you don, it blew me away to find out that you are actually an educated person. With all the hours you must spend looking up PeeWee Herman photos, now Forest Gump photos, I am astonished that your junior high school arguing techniques are actually the product of an educated person. It makes me wonder what kind of expectations you have for the students whom you teach. I know that when I was teaching high school I would have been disappointed to receive such trivial crap for an argument. Come on Don, rise to a more enlightened level for your arguments. You must have the ability deep down in there somewhere. Make your arguments worth reading, and worthy of your abilities. Eric

Pope, are you suggesting that one should climb the route before they bitch about it?

It is my understanding that the key to getting the solo permit is not to tell them how much experience you have and tell them how many tricks you have at self rescue; but to convince them that you know and understand you will probably die if something happens and that you are ready to die.

Sounds like all are conveying frustration. Go talk to the guy, shake his hand, and get it straightened out. my humble opinion

I think the feathers at Vantage are the best beginner rock in the area. If you cannot lead the route, there are always people there willing to help. I will be there with some beginners this coming weekend, if you want to join us PM me. Eric

Sorry Layton, I disagree. If the gentleman was merely pissing on the company that would seem wrong; but putting forth a factual account of a negative experience upon which others can comment would seem appropriate. Merely my humble opinion.