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Karl Baba
Trad climber
Yosemite, Ca
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Topic Author's Original Post - Jul 31, 2010 - 04:46pm PT
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Public records show that our friend Jeff Batten has left us, on May 25th, 2010
He posted as Juan de fuca, prowsolo, the general, rockstar, lostarrow and other alias.
And he was the original internet troll on the subject of climbing, dating far back into the usenet board Rec.climbing, before the web had such communications.
For a long time, Jeff's posts were merely trolls, sometime appreciated, sometimes resented. But as time went on, Jeff opening up and shared more and more of himself with the online community. His scientific interests, his struggles with physical pain and depression, and his explorations into spirituality. He was our taco seismograph.
I choose to believe that Jeff is relieved from his struggles now, after facing them and exploring many ways of inner peace. I offer condolences for those who knew and will miss him. We will.
Perhaps we can post some of his classic trolls, cartoons featuring Jeff by Ouch (another fallen brother) and some of his other sharings.
Fly high Jeff, on your greatest adventure since soloing the Prow.
Peace
Karl
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Jennie
Trad climber
Elk Creek, Idaho
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Jul 31, 2010 - 05:01pm PT
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From Tradgirl.com
"Free climbing is for losers."
"Get a %$#%#$^ hammer, and have your self some fun. "
RIP, Jeff.
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Jack Burns
climber
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Jul 31, 2010 - 05:06pm PT
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I blame the programmers that wrote the code for this simulation called the planet earth.
What goes on this piece of cooled silicon is ridiculous.
I used to care, now I just laugh.
RIP Batten, although I really hope this is your greatest troll.
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bluering
Trad climber
CA
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Jul 31, 2010 - 05:14pm PT
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God bless ya Jeff, rock on!
I'm sad....never met the guy, but I loved him. Shine on you crazy diamond!
I blame the programmers that wrote the code for this simulation called the planet earth.
What goes on this piece of cooled silicon is ridiculous.
I used to care, now I just laugh.
Funny. What I don't think the scientific mind could grapple with in this case, is that maybe is was designed that way, to be dynamic, uncontrollable, and with well placed 'bugs' in the system of life.
Of course, now he has the ultimate understanding of things and he's probably doing all kinds of calculations to verify it.
Either that or he knew he was home when he got there and said, "I'm gonna solo something".
Regardless, the dude has left the building...we'll miss ya, JDF!
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Bruce Morris
Social climber
Belmont, California
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Jul 31, 2010 - 05:30pm PT
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Remember that Jeff sure seemed to know a lot about geology.
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Mimi
climber
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Jul 31, 2010 - 05:41pm PT
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Jeff, you will be missed. I always enjoyed your science-related stories and updates. When the big quake happens, may you have 50-yardline seats.
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dirtbag
climber
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Jul 31, 2010 - 05:42pm PT
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RIP Jeff. You will be greatly missed.
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the Fet
climber
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
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Jul 31, 2010 - 05:48pm PT
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Oh, that's so sad. Thanks for the update Baba.
I've been reading Jeff's posts since the rec.climbing days, he's always been a big part of the online climbing community. He will be missed.
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d-know
Trad climber
electric lady land
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Jul 31, 2010 - 05:50pm PT
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proud to have been
one of jdf's
suckerfish.
all of the best
to mrs. batten.
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gonzo chemist
climber
Crane Jackson's Fountain St. Theater
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Jul 31, 2010 - 05:53pm PT
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RIP, JDF.
You will be missed.
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the Fet
climber
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
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Jul 31, 2010 - 05:55pm PT
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Karl Baba
Trad climber
Yosemite, Ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 31, 2010 - 06:10pm PT
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Kalimon
Trad climber
Ridgway, CO
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Jul 31, 2010 - 06:12pm PT
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China Doll
A pistol shot, at five o'clock, the bells of heaven ring . . .
Tell me what you done it for, no I won't tell you a thing.
Yesterday I begged you before I hit the ground . . .
All I leave behind me is only what I found.
If you can abide it, let the hurdy-gurdy play . . .
Stranger ones have come by here, before they flew away.
I will not condemn you, nor yet would I deny . . .
I would ask the same of you, but failing, will not die.
Take up your china doll . . .
Take up your china doll . . .
It's only fractured and just a little nervous from the fall.
Songwriters: Hunter, Robert C;Garcia, Jerome J
Rest In Peace Brother
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apogee
climber
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Jul 31, 2010 - 06:13pm PT
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Oh, my...this is an ST milestone passage, right up there with Ouch!, Woody, JB, and too many others.
Your presence & posts were sometimes provocative, sometimes reviled, and sometimes curiously innocent and naive. But always, you were a valued part of this family, jdf, and you always will be.
Vaya con dios, prowsolo...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24wAS-ZPcJQ
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flakyfoont
Trad climber
carsoncity nv
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Jul 31, 2010 - 06:18pm PT
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condolences to Jeffs family. RIP Mr. Batten
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Gene
Social climber
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Jul 31, 2010 - 06:19pm PT
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So very much more than just the Master of the Troll.
Thanks, Jeff, for hanging with us at the campfire. It won't be the same anymore.
Every earthquake I experience or read or hear about will remind me of you. Peace be with you.
g
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SCseagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Jul 31, 2010 - 06:23pm PT
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fairly new to ST...went back and read many of his posts. Clearly a unique and one of a kind guy. Lots of reading to do...hate knowing the end. Susan
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Ricky D
Trad climber
Sierra Westside
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Jul 31, 2010 - 06:23pm PT
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Too sad - I realize he was a troll par excellence - but I still liked the guy.
I hope that some of his ashes get dumped into the San Andreas Fault - he would like that I'll bet.
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nutjob
Trad climber
Berkeley, CA
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Jul 31, 2010 - 06:30pm PT
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Save some ashes for the ocean over the Juan de Fuca plate.
Adios JDF, rest easy.
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Gene
Social climber
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Jul 31, 2010 - 06:33pm PT
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I don't care what you believe about the afterlife, but play with me a minute.
Can you imagine JDF hooking up with Ouch! in the great beyond???
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