gibbon

No, I met proud, displaced, people trying to work out how they could maintain their culture in this ever changing world. You are right to point out my limited experiences of these cultures, and possibly the errors of my veiws. My opinions are made from the experiences I have had meeting these people, conversations I have had with them and other western people who have spent a long time living with and learning from these people. I have friends in Latin America and Africa who work closely with indigenous groups and have a deeper understanding of their cultures than most who may read this. Yes there were inter tribal battles in almost all cultures, look at the world today is it any different? Often stories and tales of violent murdering neighboring tribes were elaborated stories that helped to maintain social and political boundaries between the tribes, which helped to maintain a peaceful status quo. “Don’t cross the river cos they will murder your whole family and eat your brains”, so we don’t cross the river. When Europeans “invaded” both the new and old worlds, boundaries between new countries did not represent these existing tribal boundaries. When people are displaced by the settlement of others from foreign lands than surely further inter-tribal disputes will arise as people fight for what habitat land remains. When 2 or more tribes with different cultures are expected to self govern and rule a country who’s boundaries were drawn up by white men, is it any wander that conflicts occur? This is exactly what is happening all over Africa. It is also worth noting that some indigenous groups do not live in their original homelands but have settled new areas because of western pressures. The Kuna Indians of Panama were originally from Colombia but moved to Panama to avoid war and disease (Conquistadors?). This was a forced move and I doubt it was peaceful. Your description in the earlier post described short and possibly violent lives which these people led before Europeans settled their lands. Lets not forget that the British Empire saw almost every other culture as barbaric savages who must be saved from themselves and in the process destroyed the very cultures who held the key to sustainable living. What did the indigenous people gain from this? Was it medicines derived from plants they already used but in the process lost the knowledge of how to utilize these these plants locally? Religion which was at odds with local beliefs and a monetary system which ultimately serves to benefit the wealthiest folk. What did we gain – taxes, cheap disposable labour (they are just savages remember) and a shed load more resources to make us all feel richer. I have had the pleasure to meet short lived, frog eating, witch doctor worshipping (or local plant expert and medical man as he might be referred locally), spear wielding savages. The one lasting impression that I take away with me is that without the economic trappings of the “developed world”, these people smile, wave, laugh, share, embrace life, community and family values far more than we are able to here. I question who are the real savages on this planet.

White man's history. Did you see pocahontas?

As is the suffering in the under developed world caused by our consuming of their resources and energy

One of the worst human atrocities were the missionaries. As soon as they got people living in perminant settlement and persecuted people for using local medicines and herbs, whole cultures were lost. In the end even people who wanted to return to a sustainable live style were unable to do so.

Have you seen this. Tallest trees in Africa climbed: Eucalyptus saligna & E. regnans - EUCALYPTOLOGICS: GIT Forestry Consulting Information Resources on Eucalyptus Cultivation Worldwide ?

Same here, my dog stays in the truck, even if I leave the door open she doesnt get out much. Sod the insurance, you cant insure against stupidity and my dogs thick as a plank

I have a dog and couldn't care less about insurinig it. What's the world coming too when Tesco tell you you can't take your dog to work.

Faster than a racing snake

I agree that looks good, better than I would have come up with. But, what if you have one grounds man, he tries to lower you and the ring, knot or something else gets stuck before your on the ground. Things could turn bad if your dangling from a.rope tied to your groundy and unable to get down

I've had tons of messages relating to my T&C's. Sorry but I offered to the guy who started the thread as he is in New Zealand. I dont reaaly want to circulate mine too freely in the UK. Sorry

No course will make ever make you wonga. It's how you apply the knowledge you gain from courses and how hard your prepared to work that makes money. The world is still full of opportunities for people who.make their own luck.

Does he get to test drive the wife and the Merc before he agrees to this deal?

Thanks for the positive comments.

Nice. What video editor do you have? Still.working.with Chris?

We are looking for an apprentice to take on either full time or a minimum of 3 days a week. We work mainly in the exeter and east devon area, but sometimes further afield. Looking for someone who is willing to start at the bottom who we can train up to become a good climber. Ideally looking for someone who has an college placement already. Basic cross cutting and aerial rescue certificates would be an advantage. Must be able to arrange your own transport. Please send a private message if your interested. Regards, Mat

You will always regret not going, but if go, you will never regret trying it.

Doubt it

I'm really enjoying the wrench. As far as I can see it will be a tool.ill.use in certain situations. Some trees srt some drt. Now I have the quick release pin its easy to.swap between the styles. I would recomend it to anyone who has been climbing long enough to have become a bit bored. Personally I haven't enjoyed climbing this much for yearss. It's brought back all the fun feeling you only get when your learning.

Just got a gopro but it doesnt work with moviemaker? What free video editors are worth using? Tried avidemux but dont like it.