Comments on: How Much Would You Give?

By: tissuetendons

tissuetendons — Wed, 28 May 2008 14:51:18 +0000

i like my tunnel vision. it makes putting off my dissertation seem like part of a “plan”, and it offers a nice way to elide the forthcoming enviro-petro-economo-apocalypse. in terms of what “really” matters, i’m seriously not sure that my/our climbing endeavors are any less important than anything else we might be involved in. it certainly seems less vacuous than the 5 years i spent in the military-industrial complex; fighting wars to protect the interests of domestic capital is neither honorable nor satisfying.

By: The Narc

The Narc — Tue, 27 May 2008 19:39:59 +0000

Peter – Yes, however you would have to look up whatever memorial day is in Sweden first and do it on that day for even more points.

Craig – I also see that you spent your weekend climbing routes with not really inappropriate names. I imagine that was more fun but perhaps a bit less meaningful than the time spent with burfur jr.

By: peter

peter — Tue, 27 May 2008 19:35:26 +0000

I suggest spending a memorial day not climbing thinking about whether it is more “brave and humble” to downgrade a route or just to take the higher grade. If you do, Jens will be proud.

By: The Narc

The Narc — Tue, 27 May 2008 18:14:23 +0000

Yeah Kate, it is definitely interesting how climbing can give one tunnel vision when it comes to what is important in life.

By: Kate C

Kate C — Tue, 27 May 2008 17:39:00 +0000

Very nice post, thanks for sharing your introspection.

I thought your non-climbing perspective on the long weekend was really interesting. Our little group of climbing buddies has spent many a night around a camp fire discussing things that we have let slip in our lives because of climbing. We’ve all lost friends to the obsession, we’ve all changed jobs and career paths because of it. I’m almost 30 and still putting off starting a family because of my silly little climbing goals. Is it worth it? Good question.

By: sock hands

sock hands — Tue, 27 May 2008 16:04:51 +0000

word. last year at this time i watched the band of brothers series…. though hollywood, of course, it really put some perspective on the good, bad, and truly horrific experiences of our grandfathers. caught in the cold machinery of war. i only fear it will get worse before it ever gets better and if the pendulum does not in fact swing towards overarching peace, humanity’s future shall be dark and ugly as the smoke from burning oil fields and fallen cities.

By: chuffer

chuffer — Tue, 27 May 2008 15:46:50 +0000

I am a son and grandson of miltary men who fought in WWII, Korea & Vietnam. Iraq’s dead represent a sad unnecessary waste of human life, our most precious resource. History will be harsh judge of our current President.

By: Craig B

Craig B — Tue, 27 May 2008 14:15:13 +0000

I spent the weekend explaining to Charlie why all of those stones have flags by them. Thanks For the Post.