dougd

Per the 6 'oclock news he's in fair condition in a local hospital. Looks like he'll pull through. d

Had a chance to see SRV live here in Spokane with Bonnie Raitt back in the day. I passed cuz I thought the tickets were too expensive. One of those subjects we avoid in the house. My wife's still pissed about missin that concert... A mistake I will not repeat... sigh d

Stevie Ray Vaughn. d

"If you have possibly made a mistake, why guarantee that you made a mistake by quitting early. We are at a real turning point and you all want to cut and run. I have to ask why? Is it to ensure that your party looks good in comparison? Because both parties are so morally decrepit and despicable that they warrant no credence from anyone." I'll take your quote and raise ya! "It was always up to the iraqi people and that has not, and will not change. Doesn't matter if we stay 10 years or 100 years." This may be the first time anyone has quoted themselves on cc.com d

"BS!! and why would it take an obama presidency to do this for you? cuz you won't be obsessed with bush and the blame game? why aren't you willing to do it now?" I believe it was socrates that said "a life unexamined is not worth living". I ascribe to this philosophy. To me it means questioning personal beliefs, be they political or otherwise. I try to live my life this way. So, to address the "question", I do not think I needed to have Sen Obama inspire me to do this. I do believe he has an ability to inspire people to personal sacrifice, and we need that badly now. d

"If my friends talked about me like that, they would have a bloody nose." Yes, well, my friends and I are clear on where we stand on the issues. We can disagree, and from time to time offend each other, and not let it lead to physical violence. Whatever works for you and your friends that's cool with me. "You don't just "up and leave" an occupied country. You cannot." Sure you can, and I think we should get out of there. bush was wrong from the jump invading that country. He got bad advice from pearle, feith, woolsey et al and wasn't smart enough or man enough to tell them no. I've heard Obama talk about an orderly withdrawal of our forces but that's it. He knows it'll take time to get out of there. He's not privvy to a lot of information available now, he needs to get in the room to find out what the realities are and make his decisions. Look, we've been there what, almost 6 years now with all our might and what do we have to show for it? A corrupt iraqi government that cannot, in spite of all our treasure and blood expended, they cannot provide for their people in basic ways. We never should have gone over there in the first place. It was always up to the iraqi people and that has not, and will not change. Doesn't matter if we stay 10 years or 100 years. Scott, at least we agree on the last part of my post before. It's a start I guess. d

"I find it truly amusing those that believe that the entirety of the evil in the World is the sole property of those who hold beliefs other than their own." Scott, An interesting interpretation of the post. Not sure how that interpretation could be "truly amusing" to anyone even if that was what I meant to say... Seriously tho, some of my closest friends are "republicans"... The reality that we have significant differences in our perceptions of what american ideals are, or should be (ie: are we in this together or is it every man for himself?), does not prevent us from being pals and hanging out. And I might add these guys are very unhappy with the bush administration and mccain. The part of my previous post referring to republicans in general as unwilling, or unable to think critically, well, I'll hope that I am wrong about that, but for now, that's just my opinion based on experience. The fact remains that republicans have to own that the bush administration has demonstrated, by decision and policy, an incompetence of historic proportions. The differences between the two candidates to replace bush is stark in that mccain to a large degree lacks understanding of the profound economic challenges facing america, and has admitted as much. mccain further wishes to continue bush's policies of extending tax cuts to the wealthiest among us and the ill conceived war in iraq indefinately. Extending these policy errors among others is a mistake. An Obama presidency will inspire many of us to make an honest effort to change the way we think about our politics and therefore the direction of our country into the future. I'm certainly willing to re examine my way of thinking, and see what more "I could do for my country" including some tough sacrifices, instead of "what my country could do for me"... Are you? As for my election prediction it stands. I look forward to a president that inspires and brings people together instead of one who divides and disappoints... regards, d

Offshore drilling isn't an answere. Ultimately the current economic impact to americans, due to the price of oil, is good news for the planet. Americans seem to need to be shocked into taking actions that would result in real positive change. We need to change our way of thinking about our planet, our politics, and our world view, to name a few. And for those of us not practiced in critical thought (republicans), this will be particularly challenging... The "shock" of the last 7.5 years of "republican "leadership" will result in real change when Barack Obama wins the presidential election in a landslide in Nov. John Mccain is a joke as a presidential candidate and even many republican voters realize this. They'll either stay home or vote Democrat when the time comes. JMHO but I'd say things are looking up. d

I don't mind the horses, until it's time for someone to shovel the horse shit... d

This isn't the first time in our history habeas corpus has been suspended. Abraham Lincoln did it in 1862. I'm thinking we should know better by now but... d BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: A PROCLAMATION Whereas, it has become necessary to call into service not only volunteers but also portions of the militia of the States by draft in order to suppress the insurrection existing in the United States, and disloyal persons are not adequately restrained by the ordinary processes of law from hindering this measure and from giving aid and comfort in various ways to the insurrection; Now, therefore, be it ordered, first, that during the existing insurrection and as a necessary measure for suppressing the same, all Rebels and Insurgents, their aiders and abettors within the United States, and all persons discouraging volunteer enlistments, resisting militia drafts, or guilty of any disloyal practice, affording aid and comfort to Rebels against the authority of United States, shall be subject to martial law and liable to trial and punishment by Courts Martial or Military Commission: Second. That the Writ of Habeas Corpus is suspended in respect to all persons arrested, or who are now, or hereafter during the rebellion shall be, imprisoned in any fort, camp, arsenal, military prison, or other place of confinement by any military authority of by the sentence of any Court Martial or Military Commission. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the City of Washington this twenty fourth day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, and of the Independence of the United States the 87th. ABRAHAM LINCOLN By the President: WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State

Might try backpacker.com

Agreed women over guns and motorcycles. Bike v women is a tough call tho... d

Thanks for taking the time to post the TR. d

From what I saw late last year an ice axe would be enough. I'd probably carry an extra axe if I were to solo the North side tho. The schrund is easy enough to get around, you don't have to go through it. Especially this year with all the snow that should be up there... Lightning story: I had attempted the Grand Teton once and got stormed off at the moraine camp. On the second attempt in June 84 we reached the upper saddle early from the moraine camp again and saw an awful looking solid black system to the West. It was quite some distance away. My little brother and I had trained very hard for this climb and were in really fine shape and we decided to make a run for it. In doing this, I violated one of my basic rules of not climbing into weather... We had traveled a long way to get there and wanted this summit really bad. This, was of course a mistake. This storm moved pretty fast to us, and caught us at approximately 12,500 ft, I knew we had to find cover and saw a hole in the mountain above and made a bee line for it. This small cave, at just under 13,000ft, was just enough for my brother and I to fit in, in a sitting position with our knees up to our chins literally touching each other. We should have sat on our rope to insulate us from ground, but did not have sense enough to do this and the storm just got to roaring outside. It was horrendous. Huge explosions and flashes for about an hour. One of the strikes conducted through the wet rock and I was indirectly hit. It felt like I'd been hit with a baseball bat in the head. It hailed three to four inches deep before it was done. When it was over we retreated of course, very shaken by the experience. I have been through some serious storms in the mountains before, and since, but nothing like that one. We were very lucky to survive it and learned from it. Basically the lesson get's back to the process thing bill elluded to earlier. Back in the day, when I was stormed off a mountain I got more determined and would accept more risk on return trips. The third time was a charm and I summited solo a year later. I have another lightning story but, it happened on the back nine of a golf course in Spokane. I caught on with three guys that were drinking whiskey the whole way and when the storm hit they ran under a big tree and I'll never forget them motioning with their hands for me to come join them under that tree like grim reapers saying "come to us"... I elected to stay in the open, crouching away from my metal golf clubs until, thoroughly soaked to the bone I said fuck it and decided to just walk it in to the clubhouse. Thought I was gonna die that day too. d

Looks like your pic was taken from meadows above Jeff Park proper on approach to the glacier. That snow patch in foreground with ridge above is where I was nearly taken out by a boulder. Anyway, fyi just over that ridge at 7500ft is a nice camp site. Rock wall needs work... It can be a rather windy spot as it is on a knob and exposed but is nice and flat and big enough for a tent. d

"Hey Doug, did we guide together? Mt Hood, huge lighting storm, just missed it? International Climbing Expeditions through Portland Parks and Recreation? You that Doug?" Nah bill, only guiding I've done would be for family and friends over the years. You sound like a person I would have enjoyed climbing with tho. Oh man lightning storm stories? Do we want to start that!? haha d

The rocks whizzing down glaciers are pretty quiet. I didn't hear that one until it crashed into the rocks below me. If I didn't look up at that particular time to further assess the headwall I was about to climb, well, doesn't do any good to revisit the possibilities now does it. This one was the size of a large canteloupe... Big enough. A buddy of mine got his femur broke by one of those quite ones high up on Mt Rainier some years back, necessitating an evac. Why do we do this? Ha. That's an individual thing of course. My personal motivations have evolved over the years but ultimately I figure the rewards outweigh the potential consequences. I've always just loved being in the high mountains. Pierce, finish your day early, and keep your eye on the horizon. d

Closest I've ever come to getting beaned by a rock was on the North side of Jefferson Nov 07. Was about 7000ft heading for high camp at 7500ft when I just happened to look up and saw this boulder about the size of a cantelope silently booking down the snow slope. I took off running on a diagonal and it missed me by only 30ft or so. scared the shit out of me. It was 3:30pm or so. I knew I was late but wtf ya gonna do I wanted to get to camp for a summit attempt the next day. The wind came up big later and blew me off the mountain anyway. I got a good look at the schrund, glacier et al and it looks like a great route but I figure on a trip to the south side pretty soon via pamilia lake. S ridge looks like a nice walk for an old man... I won't be late up high again... good luck d

McClellan will be on Meet The Press tomorrow. Think I'll tune in to see what he has to say for himself. Russert can be a tough questioner. d

Reduced consumer demand for oil will bring the price down. It happened Tuesday until a threat to a Nigerian oil refinery by rebels propelled it up to $130/barrel again. The saudi's, russians et all are not going to do anything that will bring the price down. Bush has gone begging more than once and they just laugh at him. Can't say I blame them, the guy's a joke. I think US auto makers have the message loud and clear that americans want more efficient vehicles and will buy them in sufficient numbers to make it profitable for them. It's gonna take time for them to ramp up production on hybrids etc. I like government encouraging conservation and alternative energy sources. However, there are significant challenges faced by utilities that are integrating wind generation into power grids. Wind turbines produce inductive var which need to be ofset for proper operation of the power system, also, wind cannot be counted upon during peak load periods therefore consistant regulation/reserve obligations get complicated. It is good people realize our resources are limited and efforts are made to bring new technologies to bear to alleviate pressures on those resources. Here in the NW US there are thousands of megawatts available now, when the wind blows. d

Another "FAR right republican" displays consistantly atrocious spelling. Wow, what a shock...

Your entire post speaks for itself. Non responsive, rambling, incoherent, uninformed come to mind... d

Don't think you get to be the editor of the Harvard Law Review by being dumb. I don't give a shit how he got there. I believe Senator Obama's oratory skills are a further indication of a superior intellect. I further believe his history of community activism in chicago when nobody was looking is indicative of his sincerity. Everyone knows by now bush has been in over his head from the jump on this job. History will not be kind to him and well it shouldn't. It will be so nice to have him back in texas cutting brush, awaiting indictments et al. What exactly is a "moveon.org type"?? I am a moveon.org member, also a member of the ACLU, also a Father, Grandfather, American, former US Marine of the vietnam era, etc... I am so tired of the political rhetoric of the last 7.5 years in this country. Count me as one who is ready to "move on". d

hahaha

Ford has a hydrogen cell vehicle in development and they refuse to put a price on it. There's no place to fuel the thing up right now but someday maybe. "Estimates" are around $45k. Ford understands well how supply and demand works. A couple weeks ago I ran into the guy that is building an electric car called Tango. There are only three of them in the world right now but he's pretty excited about his little car company. Sealed lead acid battery weighs 2000lb. I sat in one of the three and I had room, I'm 6'5" tall. Price? $150k. Even when the car makers really get cranked up on production of such vehicles, and refueling stations for them, most of us won't be able to afford one. I've been riding my bicycle more to work and around town. It's fun and it feels good. Now, if I don't end up road kill... d