rob

I've never smoked pot in my life. In my life.

I don't believe it makes sense to count time in the womb; the shelf life of a product should not include manufacturing time.

I'm really surprised nobody has posted a picture of tits yet.

poor kevbone

they like it.

I use doubles almost exclusively (at least, when we use my rope). They're not that hard to use, and I don't think belaying on them is very "advanced," but it does take a little bit of getting used to, especially when bringing up a second -- it takes a bit more effort keeping things clean. I use an ATC guide, which lets me organize ropes a bit more while bringing my guy up. Sometimes I worry about that extra rope-stretch, though. I guess you gotta just keep that in mind. And on short crag routes, they are a bit overkill I think. But I use them anyway because I'm cheap.

OK, but I'll need a spotter.

It sure made me realize how privileged I am. Remove a couple fortunate turns of circumstance from my past, and it could have been me on the other side -- receiving instead of giving.

I don't understand how anybody could be vegan.

Kev, what if she chose to kill her newborn baby? Now, what if she killed it moments before it was born? What's your opinion on that?

As part of a recent management training class, I had the good fortune of volunteering at a local food bank for a day. I do a lot of regular volunteering, but I've never volunteered at a food bank before. It was very cool. One of the surprising things for me was how many of the people I saw coming in that were obviously not homeless, but working poor. They had the option of getting a sack lunch (chips, soda, sandwhich, etc.) or a limited selection of grocery items (canned food, breakfast cereal, pasta, etc.). They were all allowed several tubes of toothpaste and a bag of ground coffee. It was really interesting to see the different personal dynamics of the people receiving food. Some were very grateful and open, and others were obviously embarrased to be there. Quite a few individuals looked like their pride was suffering. They walked through the line, avoiding eye contact and trying to hurry through. There were several families and single mothers with multiple children. Some of the young children seemed ashamed to be there, as well. One lady asked me if she could take extra toothpaste (they were allowed 5 tubes each) because she had "too many children." When nobody was watching, I let her take several handfulls. I also spent a few hours in the back, sorting food donations. One thing is clear -- plenty of people donate canned beans and corn. There was a bin dedicated solely to storing cans of beans. So, if you do make a donation, you might think of something a little different. Mac & Cheese was popular, as were canned raviolli and spaghetti-o's. Also, there seemed to be a shortage of chips -- I think pringles would survive the best. That stuff gets tossed around a lot. Anyway, it was a great experience -- very different than volunteering in a shelter. If you're interested, you should contact NW Harvest (northwestharvest.org). They always seem to need help distributing and sorting food. I believe Mondays and Fridays are busy days for them. Some of my employees and I are now going to be making regular visits during work-hours to help out. Some pics (a coworker took all of these, cause I'm a crappy photographer (and have no camera)):

I love that you call them anti-choice instead of pro-life. I have a crush on you now.

What I mean is, the answer to the question "when does life begin" seems to depend somewhat on your own religious/spiritual views (or lack, thereof). It seems fairer to let everyone have their own opinions (pro-choice) rather than trying to enforce any single opinion through legislation.

all limitations are self-imposed.

I need to get my daughter more time on the rock this year. My main goal is to get her comfortable with being lowered. I am planning a 3 or 4 day backpacking trip with my son this spring. Any good suggestions? I was thinking of heading down to the Gila National Forest. I spent a month backpacking there when I was younger -- quite beautiful. I'm planning on start my 13 yo nephew climbing this year, too. Gonna be a busy year!

Hmm, are you implicitly arguing that a child is not alive until it is born? Actually, quite the opposite. I believe the child is alive at conception. Yet I am for a person’s right to choose. Personally, I'm not sure that life begins at conception. I tend to think that a functioning nervous system and brain are requirements. But there are so many different opinions that I am definitely pro-choice. These questions verge on religion so closely that I'd hate for the government to become involved.

Hmm, are you implicitly arguing that a child is not alive until it is born? Or, do you agree that a child is alive at least some moments before the actual process of birth? Your sarcasm indicates that you do not.

I paid over 8 bucks for a Manhattan at the Hilton bar.

Oh, and try Pudge Bros. Pizza in Wallingford, on 45th. A bit of a drive from the seattle center, but good pizza. Their sauce is a bit zesty, which my kids are OK with, but some kids might prefer their "mild red" sauce -- which you can get special ordered. There is a comic book store across the street (The Comics Dungeon) and a Winchell's. And Pro Mountain Sports is not far away, for a little post-dinner browsing

YES -- Bamboo Garden on Roy Street. Vegan chinese food -- but don't let that scare you. It's amazing, and they use homemade soy-based meats. Very chill atmosphere, my kids are basically growing up there. And it's within walking distance of the seattle center. My kids like the gourmet chow mein with no veggies (haha -- I know!). Try the sizzling szechuan noodles for yourself. For deserts and stuff, try B&O Esspresso on capitol hill. Good hot cocoa and tons of pastries and cakes. The Spaghetti Factory is downtown in the belltown area near the water. It's not too bad, unless you really, really like Italian food, in which case you'll hate me. Along the same vein, Boca Di Beppo is not far from the needle, and pretty kid friendly. You might want to make reservations there, and if you do, try to get a table in the kitchen. Their tiramisu has a little rum in it, which always puts my kids to sleep.

Hey, it's great that you guys let us know about stuff like this.

I'm out!

Can I get an enameled "life is good" dog bowl to match my shirt?

I really want to spray in this forum. Ah, forbidden love.

Oregonians.