MervGriffin

I think these Phish guys and their music stink. Really stink. Like old fish, they stink. On the other hand, look what I'll be missing by not attending that concert! On the other hand, there is a fortune that can be made selling this: if you can only get them to use it!

You are not clever. And you don't know from kosher.

Then I think your argument is inconsistent. How about starting with a few hundred thousand of these?:

As a professional archaeologist and historian, I can best summarize my opinion of your attitude with the following image: What constitutes meaningful or poetic value to YOU is not necessarily universal. I would venture that few climbers carry chisels and spraypaint in their packs. Having dealt extensively with the issue of graffiti in my work (both ancient and modern), I contend that the generally unobtrusive summit registers provide both an often positive outlet for personal expression, and an historical record that does not permanently alter the environment. I have personally read some deeply powerful comments, gained useful route information and have been delighted by the record of previous ascents (by climbers of all abilities) in many a summit register - some of which are not particularly easy to find.

Hey Gaper/Big Shot: What's with the "Gallowalker"? (Yah...I know his scenario) but show some respect for a gentleman who has helped huge numbers of people successfully finish their first marathons which this olyclimber is trying to do. He ain't necessarily ready for "Advanced Marathon" or Boston until he's got something under his belt. Either way, champ, cut Senor Galloway a little slack while we await your own authoritative tome on how to achieve marathon excellence and Boston-worthiness your first time out. By the way, here's a few quotes from the DWF Runners Web-site : Who is Jeff Galloway? "Jeff Galloway is perhaps the one individual in the American running community who can combine a superior knowledge of our sport with the highest level of achievement - making the Olympic team." Bill Rodgers, 4-time winner of the Boston Marathon "Certainly Jeff Galloway has both the knowledge and the physical ability to speak from experience. His book is an outstanding contribution to competitive running." Kenneth H. Cooper, M.D. Author of Aerobics "Jeff Galloway is one of those rare individuals who not only knows his craft, but also has the ability to convey this knowledge through teaching." Frank Shorter, 1972 Olympic Marathon Champion P.S. Are runners as snotty and envious as climbers?

It only happens once a year, and those bicycle fanatics who take the challenge, have trained and prepared for months. Tomorrow. Thursday. 29 July. 2004. IT'S RAMROD. Ride Around Mt. Rainier (in) One Day. See you on the mountain. I'll be the guy running up the road with the croquet mallet during CAMROD (croquet at mt. rainier one day), as usual. So give me a shout-out as you peddle on by. And here are some inspirational lyrics for y'all: "Bicycle races are coming your way So forget all your duties oh yeah! Fat bottomed girls they'll be riding today So look out for those beauties oh yeah On your marks get set go!" No, I did not originate the acronym RAMROD nor is it the name of an alternative bar in Seattle.

Don't feel disappointed if you don't qualify for Boston on your first marathon. Focus on completing. Maybe you've heard the old adage....it's two races, the first 20 miles and the last 6.2. You'll learn alot about yourself the first time and if you pick a pace you aren't ready for, you might end up in trouble. Unlike some of the shorter races, the marathon is long enough where there's potential for drama. Some people will probably not finish while others really struggle. And then there are those who run a fast time and seemingly barely break a sweat. There are loads of training programs out there ranging from 6 months from scratch to two or three months if you run regularly. Most will have you work up to at least one 20 mile(or longer) run before you do the big race. You might want to check out some out some of Jeff Galloway's books. And here's his web-site: Jeff Galloway/marathon My first organized marathon, I went from running ten miles comfortably, to twenty miles, to the marathon in ten days. Although I finished (staggering), THIS IS NOT RECOMMENDED. Build up to it and you'll finish faster with less damage. Also, you might pick your races carefully. Although some people prefer the giant big city runs with thousands of participants (such as Portland or Seattle), there are also some really pleasant smaller ones, some of which are quite scenic. Good luck!

"Sure do miss those good old days! Anybody got a light for this here cigar?"

"Dwayner" knows. "Dwayner" is from Southern California. "Dwayner" thinks Tahquitz is a beautiful piece of nature. "Dwayner" will be submitting comments.

Of course they do. Nobody disagrees with that. But choices have consequences, and if they choose to take one stance or another, they stand the chance of alienating some customers and losing their $$$.

I don't think you speak for most climbers whatever their beliefs. As this board clearly demonstrates, there are many perspectives. It is even hard to define what a "climber" is these days. As one commentator recently cynically put it....it's at least anyone who owns a pair of rock shoes. That would be hundreds of thousands if not vastly more. The business interest of the "climbing industry" is to get as many people involved so they can sell them more crap and make more $$$. Get as many as you can in a gym, teach them how easy it is to climb the latest bolted crag (get in line for the "good" routes), and teach them NOTHING about environmentalism. Everybody today is a climber. Everybody today is in a band.

I like this guy. He was funny. But then again, so are these guys: May the Schwartz be with you! Nanoo-Nanoo!

Chirpster! I've done it a couple of times and it's great. After the Park, you do a lot of running along the Ruston Way waterfront before doubling back and returning to Pt. Defiance. The "crux" is running up-hill through the tunnel and beyond around Mile 12. The T-shirts are cool and you'll probably see some outstanding Russian runners and other real speedsters. I'd join you for sure but I'll be away. Good luck!!!

Yes they do! Yes I did! You don't know "my kind", pal, but I prefer to shop at a store that is apolitical in terms of promoting individual candidates or parties. (Maybe I think both main choices are weak.) I don't know if it's the owner's policy to promote a particular candidate or just some guy who works in the shop. Whatever. If the goal is to make money, it's not a good strategy. The country is split. A whole lot of people think Kerry is a flake, just as many feel likewise about Bush. Maybe the store should put their "Climbers for Kerry" propaganda in a little rack of brochures along with the Sierra Club and Mountaineers Membership forms rather than shoving it in one's face. I really don't care if Feathered Friends makes a buck or not. If I find the experience annoying, I'll go elsewhere...and I did. "What a country!"

Yah, I do. But not with you nor any of your friends. Let's keep it that way. Maybe you can subscribe to Alpine K's "Dwayner doesn't climb"-cam and be yet another real "expert" on my life. P.S. Good job of turning my good-natured post into another one of your mean-spirited sprays.

Answer: Buy Dwayner a six pack of Mickey's any chance you get. Icegirl won't know it, and he won't tell her, and it has nothing whatsoever to do with your wanting to belay girls, but IT WILL BE GOOD FOR YOUR KARMA. Sarah says: "Hey Dwayner! If I give you two Mickey's up-front, will you let me climb with you?" True story!

Actually, some of us see Ken Nichols as a kind of folk hero.[/b] And check out these similarly-minded trad-cats at The Pipeline Their stated goals are: "Dedicated to Preserving ETHICS IN CLIMBING" And their philosophy: "...a group of INDIVIDUALS who believe that bolts should not be placed in the proximity of good gear. Climbing is both a mental and physical challenge. The rock should be respected and not desecrated for the sake of boosting one's ego. One thing that has been destructive to climbing is the promotion of the "climbing community" concept. This notion is intangible. Those who use it have verbally conscripted anyone owning climbing shoes to "the community" and claim to speak your behalf." Included therin is a Ken Nichols Commemorative Hall of Shame. Seems like Dishman deserves a trophy.

Hey Gurlz!!! I'll be there!

I'd like to hear more about this "Tasmanian race" that committed genocide. Seems to me that they were wiped out as a sport by the Australians.

Nonsense, young man, I say nonsense. I see it as exactly the opposite (mostly skill - including good-decision making, "luck" on occasion), because if it wasn't, I would have been gone decades ago. Ain't my style.

And you can learn all about it in this here book:

Definitely Morlocks in there. I's seens them!

You asked for it! You got it! CHUPA! An alleged carcass known as "Fluffy". The skeletal evidence that none can deny! A seemingly faked action shot. Chupa will dance for you......IF YOU DARE!!!