Its oh so quiet Shh Shh

[EasternGirl]

Yep...We have the snow...it's coming down hard here in Delaware right now (and for those of you who do not know...Delaware is about as sea level as it gets!)...you can't see anything outside and we are supposed to get an inch an hour until 4am. The funny thing is...it was 70 degrees outside just four days ago!

Chantel...you should make a cologne for people...Eau de Snake Musk...scent it with the hinies of your snakes....lmao!

[ConcinusMan]

If Eau de Snake Musk smells like garter snake musk what does Eau de Toilet smell like?

I got couple more for you:

If corn oil comes from corn, sunflower oil comes from sunflower seeds, olive oil comes form olives, then where does baby oil come from?

Why do we drive on a parkway and park on a driveway?

[kibakiba]

Hehehe... I shall make a cologne of my little snakie behinds! :D
Baby oil is gross... I've always hated it!

[ConcinusMan]

Our winter storm watch has been upgraded to a winter storm WARNING. Sticking snow down to sea level is definitely coming. Could get 5 or 6 inches in the Portland area starting overnight tonight and into friday. Record cold (for these days in FEB) through the weekend is expected following the snow. Teens to 20's (F) for lows this weekend. And very low wind chill temps:eek:

All of western WA and OR from Eugene northward are going to get significant accumulating snow.

Oh, and Steve, the robins which have been around quite a bit lately have disappeared.;)

[kibakiba]

We got some snow here. It was sunny, and snowing at the same time. Yesterday was over 70 degrees. So fun living around here... Haha.

[ConcinusMan]

70 Degrees!??

Well, we've had some nice periods of sun today as well, high 45 but also windy showery periods with snow/rain mixed. Temperatures have been falling rapidly the past few hours. Wind is coming from W NW straight off the ocean and out of the Arctic. It's going to get crazy over the next 48 hours with accumulating snow down the beaches as far south as Southern Oregon.

It was snowing in Everett today and accumulating everywhere above 500 feet but southern WA and NW Oregon are right in the path of the jetstream coming out of Alaska. Wed night through FRI morning looks to be 0 Feet snow level. Everyone will get some.

The really cold part comes after the snow. Downright freezing. I stocked up on purchasing night crawlers because I know my yard will not be very fruitful the next few days. Too cold. While the robins were here, I was finding plenty to feed several baby concinnus and two adult northwesterns.

[kibakiba]

Well, our thermometers said that it was 70. It was hot like 70 and my heaters were off. At one point my room hit 85. I don't like being that warm usually.

[mustang]

Well, our thermometers said that it was 70. It was hot like 70 and my heaters were off. At one point my room hit 85. I don't like being that warm usually.
85 is perfect 70 is bordering "chilly":D

[ConcinusMan]

We got some snow here. It was sunny, and snowing at the same time. Yesterday was over 70 degrees. So fun living around here... Haha.

Something wrong with your thermometer or it was being influenced by the sun. It didn't get anywhere near 70 degrees anywhere in WA or Oregon yesterday or at all this year, and it simply doesn't snow on any day that does get that warm. You must be talking about in the house. Anyway, naturally they are backpeddling on their forecast again. This is the third time this year that they called for a major winter storm, then got it wrong. It's 40 degrees and there's just a few flakes mixed in with the rain. Now it's Supposed to turn into snow this evening but not stick. Supposedly a little snow tomorrow, maybe a trace, then the moisture runs out and it just gets cold. Yet another epic fail on the forecast. I should have known.

They are still calling for teens and 20's this weekend but the moisture is running out so no significant snow accumulation. It just isn't going to happen.

[kibakiba]

No, Richard, I meant it was sunny and warm the day before. When it snowed it was really cold, but still somewhat sunny. Way to misread my post :rolleyes::p

My thermometer is in a shady part of the deck because, yes, it is influenced by the sun. Our indoor thermometer hit 85, our outdoor one was varied during the day between 60 and 75. I'll admit, it is old. But it was almost nice enough for me to go take a walk around the neighborhood or ride my bike around the forest, but to me it was too hot.

[ConcinusMan]

Well, it finally did start cooling off into the 30's and we're headed for a low of 32 tonight. Had a heavy snow shower move through and left a light dusting. Supposedly the snow level tomorrow will be down to the beaches but there isn't much in the way of showers left. Tomorrow night it's supposed to get down into the teens overnight. Brrrr...

[kibakiba]

We got about 2 inches here. I'm glad we have heaters, otherwise I'd have snakecicles by now.

[guidofatherof5]

We got about 2 inches here. I'm glad we have heaters, otherwise I'd have snakecicles by now.

I doubt that as you would have them all in your coat or bed. We know how you are. It's a good thing.;)

Sure makes me think about what I would do if we lost our heat for an extended period of time. Not enough coat or beds to keep this crew warm.:D

[ConcinusMan]

We got about 2 inches here. I'm glad we have heaters, otherwise I'd have snakecicles by now.

Same here. We got around two inches just in the last hour. Still snowing hard, 32 degrees.

[ConcinusMan]

Some snow day pictures from the Portland, Oregon metro area (right outside my house) this morning. Temperature 33 F (barely above freezing)

http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/garter-snake-lounge/531-nature-photography-thread-319.html

[ConcinusMan]

Definition of "Gross Negligence".... The opposite of a courtesy flush.:p

Anyone have a fast way such as a phone number especially, or anything fast, to get in contact with Shannon? This PM thing just isn't working since she doesn't log in often enough. I need to send her a package. I need to know by Monday morning if Tues arrival works for her.

[guidofatherof5]

I'll call her and let her know to get a hold of you.

[ConcinusMan]

Great. Thanks Steve. She's probably working now but it would be nice if she could call me this evening. If not, I just need to know if Tues is OK.

[guidofatherof5]

I left a voice mail telling her to contact you.

[ConcinusMan]

Thanks again.

[ConcinusMan]

Well, the sun came out today and it warmed up to 39 and melted most of the snow. In spite of that, we still had some heavy snow showers move through. At one point, the sun was shining and snowing at the same time.

It was 39 an hour ago but now the entire sky is black, it's snowing so hard it's nearly a white-out, it's only 32 degrees and accumulating very fast. Wow. Not unheard of but quite late in the year for this in my area. Record sub-freezing cold over the next 48 hours. Last year at this time in was in the low 60's.:eek:

[kibakiba]

Some of our snow melted but its just a bit cloudy here.
My bedroom heater stopped working as well and my bedroom was almost 40 degrees last night. I have a thermometer clock and it did really feel like 40 degrees. It was freezing.

[ConcinusMan]

Well, like I said we did have some sunshine and melting but then that storm moved through this afternoon and dumped another inch and immediately dropped below freezing. It won't melt this time by golly. Tomorrow will be sunny but likely won't make it past the freezing mark. Low 20's when we wake up tomorrow. Teens tomorrow night. Brrr...

Teens are not very common here at any time of the winter but getting it this late is very unusual. We will be shattering records over the next couple of days.

[mustang]

wow no one cares about the zoo pictures :P kidding im waiting to get em all for a power point presentation...and we got lots of pics of the reptile room OMG BABY KOMODO DRAGON!!!

[ConcinusMan]

Well below freezing (20's) and not expected to thaw today. Average this time of year is 60 degrees. It's only going to get colder tonight. Can't believe this. Normally I would be finding T. ordinoides on sunny days in late Feb. Not a chance this year. We have snow cover and we're frozen solid.:(

A month ago in Late JAN it was sunny and 64 degrees on the beaches. Today, there's snow on the beach and it's below freezing:eek:

[kibakiba]

I just drank a jar of pickle juice.

[ConcinusMan]

First thing in the morning you get your butt back to the clinic and have them adjust your meds or something. You're off your rocker!:p

But seriously, drinking pickle juice or vinegar is not good for anyone. In fact, enough of it can be toxic.

[Stefan-A]

But seriously, drinking pickle juice or vinegar is not good for anyone. In fact, enough of it can be toxic.
Everything has an LD50.

[infernalis]

My ex wife used to eat PB & mayo sandwiches and chase them down with pickle juice.

Grossed me out every time.

[kibakiba]

I didn't drink a lot of it, I do it all the time. My boyfriend finds it hilarious. Pickles to me are like crack or catnip. Heck, if he bought me pickles for our 3rd anniversary in March... Well, you can bet I'll forget about anything bad he's done and stay content for a few months. Haha.

Wayne, that seems really... nasty. I couldn't ever have anything with PB and mayo, I don't really like either of those. I also rarely drink pickle juice, it's like alcohol... Once in a blue moon.

[ConcinusMan]

My ex wife used to eat PB & mayo sandwiches and chase them down with pickle juice.

Grossed me out every time.

I like Peanut butter, yellow mustard, and American cheese.:D


Everything has an LD50.

I'm just saying I've seen people end up in the hospital after drinking more than 1/2 gallon of pickle juice or less than a quart of white distilled vinegar. (Idiots thought they could pass a drug test doing that) It's not as harmless as people tend to think is all I'm saying.

[mustang]

YAY its spring I SAW THE FIRST TWO ANOLES OF SPRING!!! a bright new baby female and a female from either last years generation or the year before!

[ConcinusMan]

Froze solid here. Nothing but rock hard ground and patches of snow and ice.:mad:

[kibakiba]

It's like a mini blizzard here. I really doubt I'd find any snakes or reptiles out there. I'm warm blooded and I wouldn't dare step outside.

[PINJOHN]

My ex wife used to eat PB & mayo sandwiches and chase them down with pickle juice.

Grossed me out every time.

probably the only explanation needed as to why she's an ex wife:D

[mustang]

funny zoo pics!
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj26/Megthatsme24/Biology%20Zoo%20Trip/SANY0665.jpg
wheres my burger

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj26/Megthatsme24/Biology%20Zoo%20Trip/SANY0700.jpg
wow look at that big rock....HOLY SHIZ THATS BIGGER THAN TANK

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj26/Megthatsme24/Biology%20Zoo%20Trip/SANY0582.jpg
aww cute baby komodo

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj26/Megthatsme24/Biology%20Zoo%20Trip/SANY0807.jpg
this one spread its wing like batman as soon as it saw me with the camera

[ConcinusMan]

Awesome photos!

Hey guys, I need some help. I'm writing an article for "The Garter Snake" and I'm using .DOC format in open office. I can't figure out how to make the paragraphs spilt. I don't even know what that's called. You know, instead of one continuous paragraph from left all the way to the right, I want the text to do what it does here in a sample of the magazine: http://www.egsa.de/fileadmin/PDFs/TGS0209.pdf

I want the text to go only halfway across the page before it wraps, and I when it gets to the bottom of the page, I want it to continue on the right side. I don't know how to explain it, just look at the sample of the magazine. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

EDIT: I need it too look like this:
http://oi56.tinypic.com/23jpaq8.jpg

But right now it looks like this:
http://oi54.tinypic.com/nqyern.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

I believe you use a "wrap around text" function.

[guidofatherof5]

Great alligator snapping turtle photo, Robert.

[ConcinusMan]

I believe you use a "wrap around text" function.

I can select an object such as picture and "wrap text" (incidentally I can't figure out how to make that work even after reading the help file) so that it goes around it, but that doesn't split the paragraphs.

EDIT: Nevermind. I figured it out. Format < columns.

Thanks.

[mustang]

Great alligator snapping turtle photo, Robert.
thanks...lots bigger than tank:D

[guidofatherof5]

thanks...lots bigger than tank:D

For now.;)

[mustang]

For now.;)

ya tank will be like the big turtle from that old jimmy nuetron episode
Jimmy Neutron: Monster Hunt* Episode Clip | Nick Videos (http://www.nick.com/videos/clip/monster-hunt-clip.html)

and

Jimmy Neutron: Monster Hunt* Episode Clip | Nick Videos (http://www.nick.com/videos/clip/NTV_100great_jim_monsterhunt.html)

ahhh cartoons from my youth

[mustang]

i just wanted to add i was REALLY looking foward to weeing the bamboo rat snake exhibit due to the fact i could NEVER SEE THE SNAKE due to the red bulb intensity.....well guess what bulb checker has... well i was confident going in there and guess what? the red bulb intensity was lowered a lot and i looked inside and immidiatly saw some nocturnal cat...THE SNAKE WAS GONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i was dissapointed

[guidofatherof5]

I just have to share this. My male Hypo bullsnake started eating tonight after a 4 month break. I was starting to worry but he downed 4 mice tonight.

[mustang]

yay

[ConcinusMan]

I just have to share this. My male Hypo bullsnake started eating tonight after a 4 month break. I was starting to worry but he downed 4 mice tonight.

That's good. In my experience it's not uncommon at all for them to go on a 3-5 month fast after being well fed for a year or two.

[guidofatherof5]

In my experience I can't say that. Most are good eaters until a cool down then start eating shortly after coming out to warm up.
Most have always been eating machines.

[ConcinusMan]

Just don't be surprised if it happens again some time. All the one's I've ever kept, with the exception of very young rapidly growing ones, go through these cycles of eating 'till there's no tomorrow, then going on a fast every 12-24 months and it doesn't seem to matter what time of year or seem to be temperature dependent. If fed very well when they're eating, they seem to be able to go on exceptionally long fasts without losing much weight or getting weak.

[ConcinusMan]

DONT PUT UR SNAKE IN A CAGE WITH ITS PREDATOR (like this bull and rattler....even though the rattlers a lot bigger its not a good idea...stupid people at zoo)
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj26/Megthatsme24/SANY0610.jpg

There's nothing wrong with that picture Robert. It's perfectly fine to keep those two together. They do not prey on each other or even fight for any reason. They get along fine and share overwintering dens in the wild.


Don't over feed neonates(babies). Too much food can be a killer.

I'm really surprised you listed that one Steve. When you posted pics of baby concinnus stuffed to their "gills" and choking down pinkies already, I cringed and was thinking it was too much for them IMHO.

It's a good point though. You don't want to let very young snakes stuff themselves 'till they can barely move. It's better to feed them daily or almost daily and keep the meals small to moderate. Feed until they just start to look a little thicker and no more. Once they are about a year old and much bigger, they can handle large meals better.

[ssssnakeluvr]

I wouldn't put different species like that together..... gopher snakes here have been known to eat rattlers here

[guidofatherof5]

I'm really surprised you listed that one Steve. When you posted pics of baby concinnus stuffed to their "gills" and choking down pinkies already, I cringed and was thinking it was too much for them IMHO.


There's nothing humble about your opinion.
It might be better to use IMO in the future after trashing someone, the way they do things or their posts.

[ConcinusMan]

"H" doesn't necessarily stand for "humble" and I don't recall anyone trashing anyone else. The intention of my statement has apparently been grossly misinterpreted as usual.


I wouldn't put different species like that together..... gopher snakes here have been known to eat rattlers here

I suppose it may depend on where they are from. I've never known any So. CA gopher snake to even consider eating another reptile, much less a large rattler.

[Stefan-A]

"H" doesn't necessarily stand for "humble"
Actually, it does. IMNSHO is the one you're looking for.

[ConcinusMan]

Oh good grief.:rolleyes: I guess that is why you are a moderator Stefan.

Any thoughts of confrontation or making any more reactionary statements are gone now. All I can do now is laugh.:D

What I really meant is "H" can stand for "Honest" and I suppose that "OMGROTFLMFAO" is up for interpretation.

Anyone care to take a shot at that one?

I must apologize to Steve. I can see how my statement could have interpreted negatively. It was really just stated as a "matter of fact". No smirk or accusing eyes here. I honestly didn't intend it to be anything else and was meant to imply nothing. Take it literally as stated. I didn't mean it to mean anything else.



I'm really surprised you listed that one Steve. When you posted pics of baby concinnus stuffed to their "gills" and choking down pinkies already, I cringed and was thinking it was too much for them IMHO.

[Stefan-A]

I must apologize to Steve. I can see how my statement could have interpreted negatively. It was really just stated as a "matter of fact". No smirk or accusing eyes here. I honestly didn't intend it to be anything else and was meant to imply nothing. Take it literally as stated. I didn't mean it to mean anything else.
Taken literally as stated, it does make an implication.

[ConcinusMan]

Dare I ask what that would be?

If I implied that snakes have gills, or that they were actually choking well...:rolleyes:

[Stefan-A]

Dare I ask what that would be?
That he doesn't follow his own advice. You're getting dangerously close to calling him another word beginning with the letter H.

[ConcinusMan]

Well, all of this advice we give comes with a cost. We come by the knowledge by making mistakes. Not even I follow my own advice 100% of the time. That's pretty much a given.

I can think of 14 reasons why I trust his judgement in spite of my feelings which I already mentioned in post 7550. Those 14 reasons are neonate concinnus', most or all of which would probably have died if it wasn't for him. Most of them made it under his care and are doing fine now. I'm grateful for that.

I didn't have the time or patience to deal with those snakes. I had so many other babies to take care of that were thriving.:o

[ConcinusMan]

nnkisfjuoRo

[guidofatherof5]

Funny video. Richard.

[ConcinusMan]

I can think of a few times that happened at my house. Only difference is, the snake was real. (escapee)

[mustang]

"H" doesn't necessarily stand for "humble" and I don't recall anyone trashing anyone else. The intention of my statement has apparently been grossly misinterpreted as usual.



I suppose it may depend on where they are from. I've never known any So. CA gopher snake to even consider eating another reptile, much less a large rattler.
ya bulls, goppers (which are closely related(bulls and gophers)),indigos,coach whips,kings....and many other snakes will prey on rattle snakes as they are immune to their venom. thats for pretty much everywhere....just caus you havent seen dosnt mean it dosent happen

[ConcinusMan]

That's not what I mean. What I mean is, I've kept many wild caught through the better part of a decade. Gopher snakes from Oregon and So. Cal just aren't into eating reptiles. Unlike the kings, the pacific gopher snakes I kept showed 0 interest in eating any reptile. They would curl up with rattler or any other snake without even a hint of aggression. In Oregon and CA, they share overwintering dens with rattlers and they don't bother each other. Of course, pacific gopher snakes aren't exactly the same as Utah or Texas Pituophis'.

I'm still pretty sure the zoo knows what they're doing. Obviously there's still two snakes in the enclosure and they aren't fighting.

[guidofatherof5]

I did a reptile presentation at a school today. Snakes and turtles.
Tank(snapping turtle) was the hit of the day.
He made many friends. I was impressed with him also.
It was his first time in a classroom.
He's an awesome turtle. I'm looking forward to many more years working with him.

[kibakiba]

It's really great that you help to educate people about reptiles, Steve. I'm sure Tank loves the attention, too. He's truly an amazing turtle!

[guidofatherof5]

He sat in my arms for about 10 minutes and just looked at the audience(5th&6th graders) Then I put him on a table where he sat and looked around the room. After another 15 minutes I handed him off to the teacher but Tank wasn't comfortable with her. She gave him back to me and he settled right down again.
I did warn the kids that he's not a normal snapping turtle and that they should never hold other snapping turtles like I do him. I warned them to not hold any snapping turtles.
He's a unique turtle. Offering a hands-on experience from an animal that is usually very dangerous.
I hope he always keeps this docile attitude.

[kibakiba]

Yeah, it's great that Tank is so docile. It's probably a lot easier holding him and presenting him than it would a normal snapping turtle. It would be kind of sad if Tank stopped being docile, but I'm sure he'll always be a good boy for you, Steve. You seem to bring out the best in everything.

[guidofatherof5]

What a kind thing to say. Thank you.;)

[kibakiba]

Well, it's true. I mean, look at your radixes, Almost all of them seem to be the sweetest little snakes ever, and you don't seem to have too much trouble with taming them. I've Tried a lot of different things with Snap and she's pretty much gotten worse. When I hold her, she pulls the meanest look she possibly can (though, she looks cute doing it) and bites me when I hold her. That said, I leave her alone most of the time and I don't mind a lady with some attitude. You also have an amazing snapper, I think having a docile one is pretty rare ;)

[ConcinusMan]

Steve. You seem to bring out the best in everything.

But not necessarily everyONE. There's always me.:rolleyes: :p

Love ya, Steve.:D

[kibakiba]

Yeah, you are a stubborn behind sometimes. Can anything really bring out the best in you?:rolleyes:

[ConcinusMan]

Sure. Anyone can bring out the best in someone else, but with me, your chances are better if your species' Genus name is "Thamnophis" :p

They don't talk much and that's a good thing as far as I'm concerned.:p

[kibakiba]

Indeed. They are like me in real life, I don't say much of anything to any one for any reason. My therapist thinks I'm antisocial, or that I need to get out and make friends but really, I prefer being alone and I get uncomfortable if more than 3 people are around me. I also have nothing to say. People also get uncomfortable around me... Haha It might be that I only wear band tees and for some reason it freaks them out. All I need is the forum, my boyfriend and my snakes to keep me happy. :D

[ConcinusMan]

Anybody have any Baytril they can send to me? My gravid girl has a frickin' respiratory infection. Symptoms just showed up today. I'll be keeping her at around 92 degrees F day and night. I can't take her to the vet for a prescription. This sucks.

[ConcinusMan]

I may have been jumping to conclusions too soon or else what I saw wasn't a respiratory infection or it has greatly improved.

Anyway, there was some sneezing (no discharge) and gaping all day on the 2nd and minimal sneezing on the 3rd.. She had been rooting around in the substrate, which was overdue to be tossed out. I did that, sterilized her enclosure and been keeping her warmer than usual around the clock. I watched her a lot today and I don't see any signs of trouble. She's acting like her usual self and was very interested in my fingers tonight (hungry).

Hopefully I was mistaken or it is clearing up on it's own. She's a month gravid and definitely getting fat already.

[mustang]

hey i got an idea for another garter project...."if put an aggressiver garter with a non agressive garter of the same sex will it change its attitude and become docile?"

[kibakiba]

I've done that... It doesn't do anything. Not in Snap's case anyway. It doesn't matter what you do with her, she'll always want to kill you.

[ConcinusMan]

hey i got an idea for another garter project...."if put an aggressiver garter with a non agressive garter of the same sex will it change its attitude and become docile?"

Sometimes yes, but sometimes the aggressive or nervous snake makes the calmer one more on edge and nervous. Once snakes have been together for a little while, some do have and influence on the other due to social dynamics in play but "pecking order" has a role. Some snakes are "followers", others are "leaders". I don't think any conclusion can be drawn that gives you an absolute yes or no answer because it's nearly impossible to do a controlled experiment since every snake is unique. One thing is for certain, some snakes do change their disposition and behavior noticeably by adaptation to the social dynamics in play in their enclosure. You'll notice that putting certain snakes in with other certain snakes causes social stress but if you change the situation by say, putting the stressed nervous snakes by themselves, they calm down and stress induced behaviors all but disappear.

The question you are asking would be like asking if you put two people together in a jail cell, will they fight or influence each other's behavior? Well, you already know, it depends on many factors. Some people get along, some don't, some influence each other, some don't. Same goes for snakes.

[mustang]

Sometimes yes, but sometimes the aggressive or nervous snake makes the calmer one more on edge and nervous. Once snakes have been together for a little while, some do have and influence on the other due to social dynamics in play but "pecking order" has a role. Some snakes are "followers", others are "leaders". I don't think any conclusion can be drawn that gives you an absolute yes or no answer because it's nearly impossible to do a controlled experiment since every snake is unique. One thing is for certain, some snakes do change their disposition and behavior noticeably by adaptation to the social dynamics in play in their enclosure. You'll notice that putting certain snakes in with other certain snakes causes social stress but if you change the situation by say, putting the stressed nervous snakes by themselves, they calm down and stress induced behaviors all but disappear.

The question you are asking would be like asking if you put two people together in a jail cell, will they fight or influence each other's behavior? Well, you already know, it depends on many factors. Some people get along, some don't, some influence each other, some don't. Same goes for snakes.
if agression worsens we'll remove the snake quickly
but it works sometimes and itll be cool to explain (almost as cool as the end of the trilobite experiment when they ate eachother except when eating the foood i thought would make em grow bigger)

[guidofatherof5]

Scott F. it's time to dump some PM's your folder is full.;)

[mustang]

BETTER PROJECT!!!!! who wants to milk garter snake (thamnophis not (Elapsoidea Sundevalli)) venom! hooray for front line research

[guidofatherof5]

Here's the beautiful weather forecast for my area.:mad:
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/forcast.jpg

[Stefan-A]

12 hours without internet. What an ordeal. That's like a week in internet time.

[guidofatherof5]

12 hours without internet. What an ordeal. That's like a week in internet time.

Was this outage your fault or out of your hands?

[Stefan-A]

Was this outage your fault or out of your hands?
The ISP's.

[mustang]

"i can see clearly now the rain is gone
i can see garter snakes in the lawn
its gonna be a bright bright bright bright sunshiney day....oopse my bad weather channel says otherwise :P"

[mustang]

SSSOOOOOOOOOOOOO.....anyone want to try getting some garter venom for my sci fair project (if atleast two people say yes than ill start paperwork!

[kibakiba]

I really doubt you can "milk" a garter snake.. and even if you could you'd put a lot of stress on them.

[gregmonsta]

I really doubt you can "milk" a garter snake.. and even if you could you'd put a lot of stress on them.

It is possible :rolleyes: but not in the convential sense ... pipette work amongst other things.

[ConcinusMan]

Here's the beautiful weather forecast for my area.:mad:
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/forcast.jpg

You see? Robins don't know jack!

As a matter of fact, I saw a few in my yard about a week ago and it was only about 25 degrees F outside and the ground was frozen solid!

I went out in the back yard yesterday and there were dozens of them. Many of them fighting and feathers were flying. Today is much nicer but not one to be found.

[kibakiba]

It could still put a lot of stress on them and I doubt anyone would want to do that.

[guidofatherof5]

You see? Robins don't know jack!

As a matter of fact, I saw a few in my yard about a week ago and it was only about 25 degrees F outside and the ground was frozen solid!

I went out in the back yard yesterday and there were dozens of them. Many of them fighting and feathers were flying. Today is much nicer but not one to be found.

Does my Robin post bother you? :D Let's see, you made a couple references to it. I wish now I'd had kept my thoughts to myself. I can have Stefan delete it if you want.;)

[Stefan-A]

I can have Stefan delete it if you want.;)
No you can't. :D

[guidofatherof5]

No you can't. :D

Great. Thanks for your help.:D

[mustang]

It is possible :rolleyes: but not in the convential sense ... pipette work amongst other things.
to a flordia blue theyll bite anything in range!!!!

[mustang]

No you can't. :D
sound like my parents

[ConcinusMan]

Does my Robin post bother you? :D Let's see, you made a couple references to it. I wish now I'd had kept my thoughts to myself. I can have Stefan delete it if you want.;)

I reference a lot of different posts multiple times.:cool: Don't go thinking you're special Steve.:p

[ConcinusMan]

I have something to say...

If you're going to post about anything publicly, then it's expected that you'll get feedback. It's not always positive. Some of the feedback might even be negative and taken personally. I noticed that usually happens when someone is looking for other people to agree because they need affirmation. Everyone wants to feel that their ideas and beliefs are validated and so when they post looking for affirmation and get the opposite, it upsets them and they take it as personal attack even if nothing is further from the truth.

I've heard a lot of people criticize me for things I have said and for not being more sensitive in choosing my words. I mentioned wanting to bring something more to the forum than just the same thing everyone else brings. What I meant by that is, I'm not going to sugar-coat my statements to avoid upsetting anyone. I mean, why should I say something like "He'll be alright, crossing fingers, my thoughts are with you", etc... to a post about a very ill snake when why real opinion is "He'll probably die". Then if I actually post "he'll probably die" while everyone else is sugar coating and being all supportive, I get backlash.

I can take the backlash. If I couldn't, I wouldn't post it. I just figure there's enough people on here to respond with the sugar-coated responses and support. Heck, I don't even respond to most of the "my snake died" type of posts anymore. How many "I'm sorry for your loss" statements does anyone really need? And the truth is, I'm not sorry. You lost a snake. It happens. Anyone else should keep that in mind when they post and not take things so personally if all the responses aren't sweet and supportive.

With that said, we are not getting much participation from the more serious and experienced people and we aren't getting very many serious discussions. It has come my attention the reasons for this. On more than one occasion I have talked to some very knowlegable people that could really add to the knowledge and experience on this site but they choose to either not participate, or to even log in very often. Instead of having some good engaging threads here on real tangible subjects full of valuable information, we have long talks on the phone.

Basically, these people all tell me the same thing. "It's not really my scene" or "I don't need to hear about a dozen more posts of 'here's my garter snake... or "my garter died, feel sorry for me" etc.. and so we are losing participation from people that have a lot of knowledge to share.

Seems it's hardly a place for sharing of knowledge about garter snakes anymore. It has become a place where people with fragile egos come to show off their snakes, to whine about this or that, etc...

Personally I would like to see more engaging serious topics and I'm not alone in this. Either that, or little less whining when I say something you don't agree with. Some of these people I speak of just choose not to particpate much at all because of this. I'm not going to let this stop me though. I'm not going anywhere, just try to understand where I'm coming from and not take things so personally if I say something that seems to be a personal attack. Trust me, it's not.

While I'm on the subject of useful information, I'm still not seeing anyone adding to the wiki pages. More written articles and adding of missing species/morphs to the photo library sure would be nice.

A lot of people don't even know what I'm talking about because they have never really looked at it beyond one or two pages if any: Main Page - Caresheets (http://www.thamnophis.com/caresheets/index.php?title=Main_Page)

We don't really need photos for the species pages beyond one or two but we need more written articles. If theres more you photos care to add, I think they should go here: Photographic Library - Caresheets (http://www.thamnophis.com/caresheets/index.php?title=Photographic_Library)

[Stefan-A]

I've heard a lot of people criticize me for things I have said and for not being more sensitive in choosing my words. I mentioned wanting to bring something more to the forum than just the same thing everyone else brings. What I meant by that is, I'm not going to sugar-coat my statements to avoid upsetting anyone. I mean, why should I say something like "He'll be alright, crossing fingers, my thoughts are with you", etc... to a post about a very ill snake when why real opinion is "He'll probably die". Then if I actually post "he'll probably die" while everyone else is sugar coating and being all supportive, I get backlash.
Yeah, maybe a very ill snake will die. Maybe everybody knows that, including the ones saying things like "He'll be alright, crossing fingers, my thoughts are with you". Who cares. This is about showing even an ounce of empathy towards the person who is about to lose a pet. That's not sugar-coating, that's called "not being an ******* to a person who's facing a personal tragedy".


I can take the backlash. If I couldn't, I wouldn't post it. I just figure there's enough people on here to respond with the sugar-coated responses and support. Heck, I don't even respond to most of the "my snake died" type of posts anymore. How many "I'm sorry for your loss" statements does anyone really need? And the truth is, I'm not sorry. You lost a snake. It happens. Anyone else should keep that in mind when they post and not take things so personally if all the responses aren't sweet and supportive.Good news, then; You don't have to respond to any posts you don't want to. In fact, if what you'd have to say is the exact opposite of constructive, it might be a good idea to keep it to yourself anyway. Nobody's asking you to post your condolences, nobody's asking you to be sorry. Those are things you can volunteer, if you feel like it and to the extent that you feel like doing. There's no obligation.


With that said, we are not getting much participation from the more serious and experienced people and we aren't getting very many serious discussions. It has come my attention the reasons for this. On more than one occasion I have talked to some very knowlegable people that could really add to the knowledge and experience on this site but they choose to either not participate, or to even log in very often. Instead of having some good engaging threads here on real tangible subjects full of valuable information, we have long talks on the phone.Yeah, we've had plenty of those swing by over the years. If this isn't the type of environment that they feel comfortable in, that's a shame. But they are the ones with the power to turn it into something different. The level of discussion is directly dependent on the level of those who are participating.


Basically, these people all tell me the same thing. "It's not really my scene" or "I don't need to hear about a dozen more posts of 'here's my garter snake... or "my garter died, feel sorry for me" etc.. and so we are losing participation from people that have a lot of knowledge to share.Good news for them; They don't have to read those posts, or make them, or comment in them. This is the internet, there's going to be a lot of uninteresting information flying in your face. Oversaturation is a problem only if you don't filter out the parts that don't interest you.


Seems it's hardly a place for sharing of knowledge about garter snakes anymore. It has become a place where people with fragile egos come to show off their snakes, to whine about this or that, etc...How would this sharing happen and what would those people get in return? I'm serious, I'd like to know, because this is the sitation I've found myself in for the last 2 or 3 years, even though I recognize myself as a beginner in many aspects.


Personally I would like to see more engaging serious topics and I'm not alone in this.So start some engaging, serious topics. Surely you have knowledge to share. No, I'm not being facetious. If it's an opportunity for me to learn something new, I welcome it with open arms.


Either that, or little less whining when I say something you don't agree with.No, that's one thing you won't get. If someone disagrees with you, he has every right to whine and vice versa. Anyone who wants to open his mouth should be prepared for a response. If you want to hold speeches, start a blog. This is a forum. On forums, things are discussed, not declared.


Some of these people I speak of just choose not to particpate much at all because of this. I'm not going to let this stop me though. I'm not going anywhere, just try to understand where I'm coming from and not take things so personally if I say something that seems to be a personal attack. Trust me, it's not.Here's a novel thought: How about trying to avoid saying things that seem like personal attacks? The occasional misunderstanding is of course forgivable. We have had people here before, who thought that "What can I do, I'm just not the kind of person who bothers being nice." was a defence. It's not.

[drache]

thank you Stefan - nicely put

Richard - I apologize for ever thinking you were whining; apparently you're opposed to the practice

[mustang]

I reference a lot of different posts multiple times.:cool: Don't go thinking you're special Steve.:p
well he is:p but not as much as me:rolleyes::D

[ConcinusMan]

I wish now I'd had kept my thoughts to myself.

Welcome to my world.:cool:

[guidofatherof5]

I wish now I'd had kept my thoughts to myself.


Welcome to my world.:cool:



If you're going to post about anything publicly, then it's expected that you'll get feedback. It's not always positive. Some of the feedback might even be negative and taken personally.

I see.

[ConcinusMan]

...said the blind man

I didn't mean to imply that I regret saying anything. It's just unfortunate that I am seen as a a-hole for doing so. The atmosphere around here is not unlike that of a country that persecutes and/or discourages free speech.

I've pretty much already said what I needed to say. No point in going any further with it.

[guidofatherof5]

...said the blind man

I didn't mean to imply that I regret saying anything. It's just unfortunate that I am seen as a a-hole for doing so. The atmosphere around here is not unlike that of a country that persecutes and/or discourages free speech.

I've pretty much already said what I needed to say. No point in going any further with it.

I hope at some point you will look in retrospect and discover that many people are only trying to help.:)

[Stefan-A]

I didn't mean to imply that I regret saying anything. It's just unfortunate that I am seen as a a-hole for doing so.
That's the problem with expressing yourself. There's always a risk that you'll come across as an a-hole.


The atmosphere around here is not unlike that of a country that persecutes and/or discourages free speech.
Is it now. :D Well that's not hyperbolic at all.

[ConcinusMan]

I hope at some point you will look in retrospect and discover that many people are only trying to help.:)

I'm trying very hard to believe that. I'm not trying to justify my rant or back peddle and say I didn't mean any of it, but I quit smoking a few days ago. Everything that has ever irritated me is doing so now with such a vengeance that I cannot keep it bottled in any longer.

Basically, I'm pissed off at the world.:mad: All that has been suppressed for whatever reason, is no longer. I have heard all of your concerns and I will try to "reel it in" so to speak.

[guidofatherof5]

Best of luck kicking the cigarettes. You are in our prayers.

[ConcinusMan]

If you think that will help and you wish to go ahead and pray, then go for it. As for me, I just got back from the phamacy and slappin' a nicotine patch on.

Not a heavy smoker, just hard to break it. Starting with step 2 seems to be enough for me as a starting point. It's not like I haven't been through this before.

Still, beating myself up for going back to it multiple times over the years will do no good. It's a lifelong addiction. They say it's like heroin. If that's true than history tells us through musicians such as Curt Cobain and Layne Staley, you should just try, and try again. No sense in feeling defeated. They gave up in feelings of defeat, and look what happened to them.

Honestly I don't know what's worse. The health issues and expense if I continue to smoke, or the agony of quitting. All I know is that I'm sick and tired of being chained to it and having to exile myself from my own house outside in the cold and rain to have a cigarette. I beat cocaine and I beat meth. It was extremely difficult but neither of those comes even close to this.

[Mommy2many]

Couldn't keep my mouth shut on this one...

The posts before me have tried to instill a sense of "think before you speak", "Empathy and compassion"

Examples:
Best of luck kicking the cigarettes. You are in our prayers.

The response:

If you think that will help and you wish to go ahead and pray, then go for it.

It's not about what we believe or how we display it. It's about the person's compassion and empathy he can have towards you to express that he cares and wants to support you in your struggle, suffering and/or endeavors.

We are here to support each other with information, compassion, empathy, understanding, humor, art and instruction. It's a balance of life, all of these things and should be respected.

One should learn to temper individual feelings and opinions when they are to be expressed publicly, or face the repercussions of our actions. I am not saying to lose yourself to the masses. Identify a discussion where sympathy and understanding are warranted verses a discussion where instruction and truth are necessary.

If one is not finding what they need here, they can always look elsewhere.

[kibakiba]

I have to agree with Le Ann. When a snake dies, something goes wrong or your having a hardship, it's nice to know that you aren't alone and that there's someone at least thinking about you. Why post about it if you don't want some empathy or compassion? People are just showing you that they care about the hard time your going through, and you're acting like they're not worth your time. Be happy that people care for you, and at least show some respect about it.

[ConcinusMan]

Once again, Le Ann, you have lost me and I have no idea what you're talking about. Sorry. Everyone seems to understand but me, and nobody seems to understand where I'm coming from except for the people who hardly ever participate here for the same reasons I don't understand.:cool:

Now I'll bet that made no sense to any of you.

I tried to take what you have told me and made my response accordingly. I still managed to piss somebody off. If I try to explain why I responded the way I did, all I'm going to do is dig a deeper hole for myself so forget it.

[PINJOHN]

If you think that will help and you wish to go ahead and pray, then go for it. As for me, I just got back from the phamacy and slappin' a nicotine patch on.

Not a heavy smoker, just hard to break it. Starting with step 2 seems to be enough for me as a starting point. It's not like I haven't been through this before.

Still, beating myself up for going back to it multiple times over the years will do no good. It's a lifelong addiction. They say it's like heroin. If that's true than history tells us through musicians such as Curt Cobain and Layne Staley, you should just try, and try again. No sense in feeling defeated. They gave up in feelings of defeat, and look what happened to them.

Honestly I don't know what's worse. The health issues and expense if I continue to smoke, or the agony of quitting. All I know is that I'm sick and tired of being chained to it and having to exile myself from my own house outside in the cold and rain to have a cigarette. I beat cocaine and I beat meth. It was extremely difficult but neither of those comes even close to this.

I sympathize with you in you efforts to quit smoking, i went through this twenty something years ago, this was before the days of patches and suchlike. i hit on an insight which helped me, of course it still took willpower and determination but once i realized that on the several times that i had tried quitting before i was [subconsciously] waiting for some crisis [large or small] in my life so that i could start again, the realization was like defusing a waiting land mine, it still took some determination but i had removed the excuse to start again. this may be a general thing or perhaps it was personal to me i dont know, but perhaps it might help you ,i hope so

[ConcinusMan]

I've heard that before and every time my parents went back to smoking it was triggered by some stressful event. I have no such excuse. I don't really know why I went back to it.

[guidofatherof5]

Everyday is a victory Richard. My Father died due to his 2+ pack a day of Marlboro's.
Unfortunately, my only childhood memory is his smokers cough at night.
I wish you the best on this difficult but winnable battle.

[ConcinusMan]

Thank you Steve. I had to get some patches after 3 days. I just couldn't take the withdrawals. Still, at least it's not smoke in my lungs and the amount of nicotine I'm getting in the course of a day (14mg) is still much less than I was getting by smoking.(around 22mg) In two weeks I'll step it down to only 7mg per day. I'll do that for 2-3 weeks before I try going without it all together.

Anyway, the discomfort is minimal now. I might even live through it.:p

I wish I could go back in time to 1983 and slap the crap out my younger self when he picked up that habit. It wasn't like it is today. Back then, it was the "in" and "cool" thing to do and at $1.00 a pack it was cheap too.

[ConcinusMan]

I think I mentioned it already that Big Bertha just shed a little over a month ago and then immediately locked up with a male. It had been about 6 months since her last shed, and this is a normal interval for her.

She's a snake that under normal circumstances, sheds about twice a year. In fact, that's exactly how many times she has shed since becoming gravid last year. Like clockwork, the shed comes every 5-6 months. That may seem like a long time but you have to consider that she is huge and nearly at max size for her kind (she's a concinnus female right around 113 cm / 3.7 feet / 44.4 inches) so growth is very slow at this point in her life.

Well, after shedding and then mating about a month ago, she started getting fat of course, but went right into shed again only a few weeks after her last shed and becoming gravid. She just finished her blue phase and is now in the clear.

Has anyone else noticed something like this when there females become gravid? I mean a shedding frequency that seems to be way to early?

It makes sense that since she is gravid and rapidly expanding that she would need to shed again in order for her skin to fit right. I just wondered if anyone else had observed the same thing in their snakes.

[guidofatherof5]

65 degrees tomorrow(Friday). Hoping to get some radix cam action on video.

[ConcinusMan]

Wow. Sounds awesome. If we had that here, I'd already be out herping and checking out the local dens. But noooooo! it has to be typical normal weather for this time of year. Pouring rain ( an inch to an inch and a half a day, I'm not kidding) 20-30 MPH wind, low 50's, mudslides, downed trees.... yuk.:mad: If it's anything like last year, this will continue through April except for the occasional day when we wake up and it's sunny and 75 degrees outside. By the time that happens I have to spend my day mowing foot tall grass.:(

[kibakiba]

The wind and rain were so hard it actually uprooted a scotchbroom plant. I'm extremely allergic to those so I was like "Yay!!!!"

[ConcinusMan]

Wait, hold the phone. Are you guys seeing this? I'm watching live news of a huge tsunami rushing across Japan right now, destroying everything in it's path. They just had one of the strongest earthquakes in recorded history. 8.9 ! OMG!

[ConcinusMan]

Estimated 9 hours before it hits the Pacific coastline of North America.

[ConcinusMan]

News just said that seismographs on Mt. Hood in Oregon and Mt. St. Helens in Washington recorded this earthquake from clear across the other side of the Pacific. Wow. They can't be sure yet if a tsunami will hit the coast here, but if it does, it will hit Oregon around 7:30am tomorrow morning.

[kibakiba]

Oh wow, I guess I'm glad I'm not there... And I live in the mountains.I hope everyone is safe and that it won't happen.

[mustang]

Hooray as of now i have a 93 this six weeks in biology ap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[guidofatherof5]

Hooray as of now i have a 93 this six weeks in biology ap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats.

[mustang]

Congrats.
THANKS:D


ON A NEW IMPORTANT NOTE FOR ENGLISH 3 AP IM DOING AAN ARGUMENATIVE ESSAY ON MORE BANNS AND RESTRICTIONS ON THE REPTILE TRADE (that affect everyone like a amendment or new law...or just post here any and all links and sources onany new reptile bans in any country ) IF ITS GOOD ILL MAIL IT AROUND TO HIGH PLACED PEOPLE!

[ConcinusMan]

tsunami warning sirens are going off along the Oregon coast. Evacuations are underway. Some locations have already seen tsunami waves over 4 feet high.

[ConcinusMan]

Tsunami damage reports along the Pacific coastline coming in...

Surge Damages Boats In Santa Cruz - Video - KCRA Sacramento (http://www.kcra.com/r-video/27162585/detail.html)

[Mommy2many]

Hoping you all remain safe on the West Coast. This has been a terrible disaster for Japan and its people. Our thoughts are with them.

[ConcinusMan]

Some footage from my recent trip to Depoe Bay, Oregon: http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/151756-post3173.html

Apparently, the Oregon Coast got series of wave surges from this throughout the day and the water is still "acting" funny with unusual currents and whatnot. The height of the surges and damage was worse from Southern Oregon to the bay area of CA but in Depoe Bay, the surge was forced (funneled) into the bay where it did some damage to docks and boats and took some people by surprise. They were expecting something due to the tsunami warnings but a lot of people relaxed after the estimated time of arrival had passed with only minor surges. They didn't realize that the initial surge or two wasn't the worst to come and returned to their boats, docks, and the beach just in time for the worst surges to hit.

We've had a lot of false alarms since the "real thing" hit in 1964 so people just don't take it seriously enough these days. We even had people walking on the beach, ignoring the sirens this morning. Thankfully, the results weren't bad enough to wipe out towns and kill a lot of people, but it was enough of a wake up call to make people take it more seriously next time it happens.

[PINJOHN]

watching the events in japan makes me feel so guilty, i tend to feel sorry for myself at times, bemoaning the fact that i work seven days every week live on a budget, and so on and so forth, why does it take the sight of people losing everything family, friends, neighbors, all that they own, to bring home to me just how lucky i am,
i doubt very much that i am the only one feeling this at this time i am pretty certain that other site members will will be going through similar emotions
i dont pray as often as i should but i will be trying to put that right this week

[guidofatherof5]

Very well put.
I too know how you feel.;)

[ConcinusMan]

We're darn lucky. We aren't living in poverty, disease, and despair in a war-torn country but millions of other people are. Be thankful of your situation. No matter how bad it seems, it could be a lot worse. Worse than you can imagine.

Don't know if this has been posted yet. Garter snake attempting to eat a large toad:

Garter Snake Eating Toad - NatureBreak (http://community.naturebreak.org/video/garter-snake-eating-toad)

[ConcinusMan]

When I first saw this snake I thought it looked a lot like a northwestern. However, the person who photographed it, also photographed a gorgeous infernalis with the same spot pattern. Also, it's Montery County, CA so it can't be a northwestern. It's obviously a juvenile but I'm just wondering what it could be. I'm thinking T. elegans, possibly a coast garter that hasn't got his orange/red yet?
http://i766.photobucket.com/albums/xx303/bewilderbeast_02/_1010201.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

The garters will be out this week.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/forecast.jpg

[ConcinusMan]

No doubt they will! I'm still waiting for a forecast like that. I'll be out with my camera when the hoards of ordinoides come out to play. I really want you guys to see that.

[mustang]

1ST ANOLES OF SPRING CAME OUT SOME TIME LAST WEEK OR THE WEEK BEFORE!!!(theyre cooler than robbins)

[ConcinusMan]

Cooler than Robins... that's funny.

Speaking of Robins, check out Garfield comic for March 13, 2011. Cracks me up.

Garfield's Comic Strip Archives at Garfield.com - The Official Web Site of Garfield & Friends (http://www.garfield.com/comics/vault.html?yr=2011&addr=110313)

[andycul]

Cooler than Robins... that's funny.

Check out Garfield comic for March 13, 2011. Cracks me up.

Garfield's Comic Strip Archives at Garfield.com - The Official Web Site of Garfield & Friends (http://www.garfield.com/comics/vault.html?yr=2011&addr=110313)


LOL that's a good one :D

[ConcinusMan]

Twang!

[ConcinusMan]

Hey Stefan, want to take a crack at a snake I.D. ?

I'm having a heck of a time with this one. Found in southern Louisiana and is newborn size. I've looked at every dang snake known to exist in LA and I still can't figure out what it is.

http://www.reptileforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=13297&d=1299936755

[Stefan-A]

Colubrid. Water snake?

[ConcinusMan]

IDK, the head shape just doesn't seem right. Seems more like a rat snake but who knows what species.

[Stefan-A]

The head shape can be deceiving, it looks like a very young snake. I'm leaning towards a Nerodia, but I haven't had time yet to look at the species found in Louisiana.

[RedSidedSPR]

Hey Stefan, want to take a crack at a snake I.D. ?

I'm having a heck of a time with this one. Found in southern Louisiana and is newborn size. I've looked at every dang snake known to exist in LA and I still can't figure out what it is.

http://www.reptileforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=13297&d=1299936755

Soon as I saw it, I though "banded water snake". Can you get a picture of his underside? They have a very distintive belly. Sort of red and yellow. I could be wrong though.
Species Profile: Banded Watersnake (Nerodia fasciata) | SREL Herpetology (http://www.uga.edu/srelherp/snakes/nerfas.htm)

[Stefan-A]

N. erythrogaster, maybe?

Red-belly Water Snake (Nerodia erythrogaster) (http://www.carolinanature.com/herps/rbwatersnake.html)


Who knows, they all look the same to me. :D But I definitely think it's a juvenile Nerodia.

[ConcinusMan]

Can you get a picture of his underside?

No, it was released. That's something that people asking for I.D. often fail to provide - a shot of the underside.

Yeah, Stefan. I'm with you. They all look the same to me. I think there's several different ones that live in LA too.

[ConcinusMan]

Hmm... strange

July this year has 5 fridays, 5 saturdays, and 5 sundays. Won't happen again for another 823 years.

[Stefan-A]

Won't happen again for another 823 years.
Or 1467 years in base-8. ;)

[ConcinusMan]

Let's just say it won't happen again "for a really, really long time". At the rate we're going, there might not even be any people around to see it happen again.:rolleyes:

If there is, the current calendar system might be obsolete anyway. Seems like every dang time we have a major earthquake, the days get shorter.:cool:

That's right folks. This quake made the earth spin faster on it's axis.:eek:

[ConcinusMan]

http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/4697/imagekax.jpg

[Stefan-A]

If there is, the current calendar system might be obsolete anyway. Seems like every dang time we have a major earthquake, the days get shorter.:cool:

That's right folks. This quake made the earth spin faster on it's axis.:eek:
Good, it's been slowing down anyway.

[mustang]

http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/4697/imagekax.jpg
reminds me of
"casa d' ice"


***edited by moderator who likes his retinas***

[RedSidedSPR]

Let's just say it won't happen again "for a really, really long time". At the rate we're going, there might not even be any people around to see it happen again.:rolleyes:

If there is, the current calendar system might be obsolete anyway. Seems like every dang time we have a major earthquake, the days get shorter.:cool:

That's right folks. This quake made the earth spin faster on it's axis.:eek:

And lowered parts of the earth by two feet.:rolleyes: Biggest freakin earthquake recorded in over a hundred years!

[ConcinusMan]

I heard that some geologists already went out and found earth that moved as much as 8 feet but I don't know which direction.

[ConcinusMan]

My albino and pastel checkered garters from Shannon will be here any minute. Oh boy oh boy!

[Mommy2many]

Looking forward to "meeting" them!

[kibakiba]

The storm is extremely bad where I am. We're getting lightening hitting in our yard and our power has gone out 3 times. It's kind of scary. I haven't really seen a storm get this bad, at least not while I'm awake. The thunder is so loud it shook the house and all of my snakes are spazzing out. I hope our power doesn't stay out.

And now comes the large hail. A couple golf ball sized hail pieces are coming down with various ones that are slightly smaller.

[mustang]

HAPPY STPATRICKS DAY

WAHOOO
leprechaun marathon on syfy!!!!!!

[drache]

did you know that St Patrick is said to have banished snakes from Ireland?

[mustang]

did you know that St Patrick is said to have banished snakes from Ireland?
yup, of course it was a stupid idea to ban snakes from ireland but i wasnt around that time to argue...all i knoww is my last name is McGonagle and i LOVE bennigens(restraunt) and leprachaun is a funny syfy movie(s):D

[RedSidedSPR]

I eternally hate him for that:D

[RedSidedSPR]

did you know that St Patrick is said to have banished snakes from Ireland?


I eternally hate him for that:D

[guidofatherof5]

I eternally hate him for that:D

I don't. They were radixes and all came to Iowa:D

[mustang]

I don't. They were radixes and all came to Iowa:D
darn steves pheramones...you should sell your scent and thousands of herpetologist will flock to you to buy the snake attractant!

[RedSidedSPR]

I don't. They were radixes and all came to Iowa:D

All of them!:D

[mustang]

LOOK WHAT I FOUND ON YOUTUBE!!!!(somehow our jokes just got a whole lot funnier...no need to say "pun intended" anymore!)
YouTube - Lame Joke Drums - Rimshot (For use in forums) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Frd53vbCHLg)



Frd53vbCHLg

[ConcinusMan]

Cherry on top? OK. is it going to be "Cher" for short? Tee hee.

http://blogue.us/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/cher-23.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

Cherry on top? OK. is it going to be "Cher" for short? Tee hee.

http://blogue.us/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/cher-23.jpg

This thread could have done without this.

[mustang]

Why does it have to be a damn competition? You crazy garter people!:p
HEY HOWD THAT GET PAST THE SWEAR FILTER?!!!:p just had to:p

Yeah, Robert quit doing that ship. (sorry, I just had to)

[ConcinusMan]

HEY HOWD THAT GET PAST THE SWEAR FILTER?!!!

It always has. It's not really a swear word anyway.

[ConcinusMan]

Richard
could you please stay out of this thread, since you don't seem to care for it?
I do like it and I'd prefer the space to go to Terry's wonderful photos of his sun room visitors - your opinion has been noted and repetitions are not necessary
thanks for stopping by

I never said anything about not caring for the thread and I'm enjoying the photos too. Not everyone is going to share the same thoughts and opinions. Learn to live with it.

[Stefan-A]

This thread could have done without this.
I agree.

[Stefan-A]

I never said anything about not caring for the thread and I'm enjoying the photos too. Not everyone is going to share the same thoughts and opinions. Learn to live with it.
Do we need to have this discussion again?

[ConcinusMan]

Not really. Apparently I ticked off a few people and they find it necessary to keep giving me a load of... any chance they get.

[ConcinusMan]

So just delete it. Jeez. I can't do anything about now.

[Stefan-A]

Not really. Apparently I ticked off a few people and they find it necessary to keep giving me a load of... any chance they get.
Stop being such a martyr.

[ConcinusMan]

I don't even know what you're trying to say there Stefan. This has gotten way out of hand. I may have said things a while that people didn't like but I had to get that off my chest. I am sorry if you didn't like it, and sorry if it made you angry but this is exactly the kind of thing I was talking about when I said those things. This is exactly what I meant about all the "whining". Can't make everybody happy 100% of the time. It seems now, with a hand full of you there isn't anything I can say that doesn't piss you off and so now everything I say seems to offend no matter how unoffensive it may or may not be.

We're talking about baiting snakes, and I said how it was done using a fishing pole. And for that, I get jumped on and asked not to post and words are put into my mouth and assumptions are made about how I feel about a thread when I never made any statement either way about how I feel about the dang thread. Ever since I made that long winded post a while back that seemed to offend some of you so greatly, I cannot say anything right in your eyes ever again and offense to taken to everything. I don't find it to be a coincidence that I didn't name any names in that post but even so, the main people I was referring to also happen to be the ones that took the most offense to it. That says a lot. It's as if I said "those of you guilty of the whining, step up and take offense" because that's exactly what happened.

Now it seems, I can't even joke around, especially if it isn't all that tasteful without... well, you saw what happened. Just about anyone else could have gotten away with that just fine without all the backlash but not me. No way.

Like I said, it's out of hand. A few of you choose to bash me at every opportunity over the pettiest little things. Now come on. Is this really necessary?

[kibakiba]

It's no what you say, its how you say it. With typing you cant really determine the emotion being put out by the other people... Whether it's sarcastic, angry, happy, etc. The way you say things on here, it always seems like your pissy at everyone and everything. When you post, to me, it does always seem like you're being rude. I'm sure I've been guilty of "whining" but if I have, maybe you should remember that I have a problem that I'm not going to flaunt around on the forum. A lot of people come here to relax and discuss garters, not read posts that seem to be accusing everyone of whining. Maybe lighten up your posts a bit so they don't seem like you're so pissed off at everyone. I'm also not trying to bash you if it seems like it, just giving advice that I think might help.

[ConcinusMan]

It's no what you say, its how you say it. With typing you cant really determine the emotion being put out by the other people... Whether it's sarcastic, angry, happy, etc. The way you say things on here, it always seems like your pissy at everyone and everything. When you post, to me, it does always seem like you're being rude.

And that is the problem. I keep getting grossly misinterpreted. People keep assuming I mean one thing or mean something personal. It's got to a point where I can't say anything at all without people assuming that just because it's coming from me, I must mean something rude or personal by it and so that's how they take it. I'm getting made out to be an *** here constantly.

Sure, I suppose there's something about the way I say things that is contributing to the problem. Knowing how I am, people should try to give me the benefit of the doubt. That's all I am asking.

[Mommy2many]

Richard,

In regards to the thread in question, here is where it all went south:


Well it is kinda ridiculous. Sure, put some water and food right where the snakes are already hanging out, and they're probably going to take advantage of it, but with or without the "baiting" the snakes were already there. It's not like you're going to draw them in by placing food and water dishes out. They're not feral cats and dogs for cryin' out loud.


The thread was started to introduce our group to Terry's "sunroom" and the snakes it attracts, spring after spring. He chose the name and it was not meant literally.

To make a comment such as the one above, was unnecessary. I think what the members are trying to point out, is that in most cases, any negative comment should be well thought out before posted. In most cases they are unwarranted.

I hope this helps.

[ConcinusMan]

Yes it does. I am sorry I didn't read the entire thread. I've seen other threads where people thought they could attract snakes by putting out food for them or enticing them to go into a "trap" by baiting it. It never worked. This is one of those situations where I thought I was in one of those threads because of the title. I did see that snakes were already there at the beginning and they did take some of what was placed right in front of them though.

Anyway, my fault. What I said was misplaced and didn't belong there. I am sorry. I misunderstood. If I do that, and then I myself am misunderstood on top of it, things get all messed up.

Some of the hard feelings toward me stem from something entirely different. I had some things to say and some people didn't like it one bit. They're carrying that over into the rest of the forum when it comes to how they respond to me. I would very much like it to stop. I'm really not the a-hole a lot of you think I am. I certainly wouldn't hold it personally against someone if they were to speak their minds if some things bothering them about whats happening on the forum even if I didn't agree with them. I said my peace about that and now it seems some people hold a grudge.

I know, this is only made worse by my screwing up and saying things that are easily misinterpreted, and made worse by this latest misunderstanding. I apologize.

Just for the record, I am not "pissed off" at everyone. If I say something that sound like I am, then there's surely another explanation. I was getting annoyed at peoples reactions because I didn't quite understand why they were doing it. I see where I went wrong in this case. Again, I apologize for that.

[Mommy2many]

Thank you for the apology. I read the thread and really thought that you just missed the point. That is why I tried to clarify.

Many times, I will sit at a post and write something and then delete the whole thing.

I think it is safe to take a "I'll write it, stick it in an envelope and see if it still applies later approach" even if it means waiting a few minutes. Sometimes, if we write how we feel and read it back before hitting the "send" button, we may rethink what we wrote.

We should always read our posts from the other person's point of view.

Thank you, Richard.

[Stefan-A]

I don't even know what you're trying to say there Stefan. This has gotten way out of hand. I may have said things a while that people didn't like but I had to get that off my chest. I am sorry if you didn't like it, and sorry if it made you angry but this is exactly the kind of thing I was talking about when I said those things. This is exactly what I meant about all the "whining". Can't make everybody happy 100% of the time. It seems now, with a hand full of you there isn't anything I can say that doesn't piss you off and so now everything I say seems to offend no matter how unoffensive it may or may not be.
See, that's the attitude right there. You didn't have to get anything off your chest and you didn't have to do it by essentially blaming everybody else. This is a public forum, not a therapist's office.

Nobody's asking you to make everybody happy, but is a little bit of tact really too much to ask for?


We're talking about baiting snakes, and I said how it was done using a fishing pole. And for that, I get jumped on and asked not to post and words are put into my mouth and assumptions are made about how I feel about a thread when I never made any statement either way about how I feel about the dang thread."Why? is it because the idea of baiting snakes is kind of ridiculous and amusing?:p" - There's something you said in regards to the thread.

Here's another comment, that shows, to me at least, that you didn't bother reading what the thread was about, or what was meant with the phrase "baiting snakes": http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/general-talk/578-baiting-snakes-8.html#post155097
You could at least have read the first post of the thread. The thread was not about drawing snakes in with food and water, but out with a heat lamp.


Ever since I made that long winded post a while back that seemed to offend some of you so greatly, I cannot say anything right in your eyes ever again and offense to taken to everything. I don't find it to be a coincidence that I didn't name any names in that post but even so, the main people I was referring to also happen to be the ones that took the most offense to it. That says a lot. It's as if I said "those of you guilty of the whining, step up and take offense" because that's exactly what happened.It's your attitude that "some of us" are finding annoying. You're not a victim, you're not being persecuted, or silenced and the poor reception cannot be blamed on everybody else. Nobody's singling you out, but you are constantly drawing negative attention to yourself. Going passive aggressive isn't going to help if you want to avoid pissing people off nor will it make people clueless as to who you're talking about, especially not the ones you're actually trying to avoid mentioning.


Now it seems, I can't even joke around, especially if it isn't all that tasteful without... well, you saw what happened. Just about anyone else could have gotten away with that just fine without all the backlash but not me. No way.The thing is, not everybody else whines the way you do, or are consistently tactless, or make jokes that are indistinguishable from insults. Every time you post (or anyone else does), that post is going to be taken in the context of your posting history. You're not working with a blank slate here, nor does anyone else. Every post is judged based on the posting history of each individual. And I do see you making a lot of quite decent posts.


Like I said, it's out of hand. A few of you choose to bash me at every opportunity over the pettiest little things. Now come on. Is this really necessary?You're not being bashed at every opportunity, nor is there any need for it. Just cut down on the finger pointing and think twice before you post any honest opinions or jokes. That concerns you as much as it does anyone else.

[ConcinusMan]

I got it. Enough said.;)

[ConcinusMan]

Woke up this morning to 64 degrees.
Hope the rain will hold off until after my visit to the snake den.
Calling for a high of 70 today.
Tomorrow highs in the 40's.

Uggg!:mad:

Woke up to overcast and 40. 50 and rain showers today. Same as every day for the past month.:( Guess what the 10-day forecast says? You guessed it. Exactly the same, every day. But hey, I guess it's spring. Tulips bloomed yesterday and this morning the robins are singing for the first time this year. They're running a little late. Normally they're laying eggs the first week of April. They haven't even started building nests yet.

[Mix]

It's about 60 here, sunny spells and dry. Now if only we had wild garters ;)

[zooplan]

It´s about 65 and strong sun here.
I was weeding in my outdoor enclosure
wearing only a polo shirt but no jaket needed:D

I´ll have to hurry to get my garden prepared.
The com salad is ready for harvesting.

[Mommy2many]

Ok, officially jealous. We are expecting maybe 6" of accumulating snow from tomorrow into Thursday morning. With a possible storm on Sunday being bigger & badder. When was the first day of spring????

[ConcinusMan]

Maybe a melanistic other kind of snake :p I guess it sucks I fell into a thorn bush trying to catch it. I have a thing for dark snakes, I guess I still have that gothy teen sort of thing going on with the snakes ;) Guess I'll be out looking for the little black one when I'm also looking for others... Somehow, I hope I don't find any snakes... I'll get attached. Haha.

Shoot Chantel, I must have made a dozen herping trips and caught hundreds of snakes just to check them out and have fun. What you need is a place that has enough snakes so that you couldn't possibly take them all home.;)

However, the more you find, the better your chances that one day you'll find something special and have to take it home.:)

[kibakiba]

I cant have anymore, and if Mama gets gravid again she has to go, or I have to get rid of all my other babies. I cant resist a cute face. I do enjoy just seeing them, but I love them so much I really want to take them all home. However, if I could sell them my mom wouldn't mind me bringing them home... Like that would happen. :rolleyes:

[Stefan-A]

It's about 2C now and we're expecting it to reach a balmy 3C in the afternoon. By sunday we'll be down to -11C, though.

[ConcinusMan]

Sounds like great herping weather.:rolleyes: I think I would go insane and have to kill myself if I lived there.

[infernalis]

Out my window right now......

http://www.thamnophis.us/random/view.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.us/random/snow.jpg

[Mix]

Might not be good news for herping, but it sure is beautiful.

[mustang]

Out my window right now......

http://www.thamnophis.us/random/view.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.us/random/snow.jpg
"IM DREAM'N OF A WHIIIITTTTTEEEE CHRISTMAS
JUST LIKE THE ONES I USED TO KNOW"-some old singer
great piccs!

[ConcinusMan]

Good grief!


Might not be good news for herping, but it sure is beautiful.

I think the NE and midwest has had just about enough of this kind of beauty and I can't blame them.

[ConcinusMan]

Finally, a true albino squirrel instead of just a white one mislabeled. Pretty thing:

CUdfxi4T_O4&NR

[enigma200316]

Hello all!!! how is everyone:D

[drache]

hey Justin - long time no see
how's it going?

[enigma200316]

not bad thanks, no snakes at this time, but maybe in the near future:(

[andycul]

Found this posted on facebook by a friend of mine and thought I would share it here too. Hope you all enjoy it as much as I did :D

Application for a night out - hisnhers | Funny **** - StumbleUpon (http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/5ly9C7/humour.200ok.com.au/night-out-application.php)

[guidofatherof5]

I don't know what to say:D That's great.

[Mommy2many]

Now, why would we need a contract such as that???:D

[kibakiba]

I took a nap today and I had a dream that Steve made radix alarm clocks. It was kind of weird... Maybe I shouldn't have ginger ale before I sleep, every time I drink it before bed... I get the strangest dreams of household things and garter snakes.

[guidofatherof5]

Funny you should have such a dream.
The T.radix Ranch Product Development Divison has been working on one of those.

[kibakiba]

Haha. Is it called "The Radix Movement Alarm Clock"? That was the name of it in my dream. ;)

[guidofatherof5]

This is scary. That's the name we came up with:D

[kibakiba]

Lovely, maybe I'm psychic. I can see into the future! And I foresee your success in making radix alarm clocks. :D

[guidofatherof5]

I've been called psychic before. Wait, that was psycho. Never mind.:D

[kibakiba]

Haha, same here. You are a psycho, but in a good way. :D

[PINJOHN]

funds a little short right now steve, can we buy one of your new radix clocks on tic:D:p:p

[guidofatherof5]

Spring time in Iowa. 3 inches last night, 3 inches tomorrow.
It's pretty but I'm tired of it.
It should be Spring/radix time.:D
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/snow2.jpg

[ConcinusMan]

Yeah, you're getting tired of it but at least it's pretty. We're getting pretty weary in the NW too but it's from all the rain. We're about to break the all time record for the most consecutive rainy days and the weather guy seems to think we'll shatter it by quite a few days. It's been raining for a dang month! The very few days it didn't rain, it was still cold, cloudy and windy.

Way overdue for the snakes to be active here. There's just no way. It's too nasty outside even for northwesterns.

[kibakiba]

It's really sunny out today. Kind of nice and uplifting for my mood. :D

[ConcinusMan]

What is this "sunny" you speak of?

[kibakiba]

:p
It was actually extremely hot at my house. It was 80 degrees. Yesterday it was so cold I had my heater up all the way. I love it here...

[ConcinusMan]

Did you guys hear about this? Rosy boas are now officially confirmed as occurring in Nevada. It's not that they haven't been found there before, (this specimen was found in Clark county last may) it's just that now it's official.

Out in the new Herp Review Page 115. The complete write is in the journal. This is just the basic.


LICHANURA TRIVIRGATA GRACIA (Desert Rosy Boa) USA: Nevada: Clark Co., 30 May 2010. Paul Lynum and Tony Boudreau. Verified by Carol L. Spencer, Curator of Herpetology, PhD. A single adult female was deposited as a voucher specimen at the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, Berkeley, CA – museum catalog number MVZ 263987. This animal was found on the road at 11:18AM. This is the first documented record for the state of Nevada, however, this is the sixth animal found by Paul Lynum.

As it was found:

http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k334/Paul_Lynum/Newbery.jpg

I'm currently trying to do something similar with ringneck snakes in Clark Co. Washington. Officially, they are extirpated (extinct from the county) last confirmed find was in 1983. However, in recent years people have been finding them. I'm hoping to get this confirmed and made official but so far no luck. I'm going to keep trying.

[ConcinusMan]

Reptile Books for the professional (http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/pet/2285027927.html)

[ConcinusMan]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aeGD64IM57o/S9_0IYMPqNI/AAAAAAAAAx0/MConEfpT_TY/s1600/Evolution,+monkey+to+man+to+pig,+1.jpg

[drache]

while we're on the subject of food . . .

http://us.acidcow.com/pics/20110106/funny_demotivational_posters_14.jpg

[ConcinusMan]

spell check fail for the word "asparagus" ???

[drache]

spell check fail for the word "asparagus" ???
either that, or the combination of antifungals and antibiotics they're using at that particular shrimp farm has some serious side effects

[ConcinusMan]

I literally laughed out loud when I read that.^^^

[ConcinusMan]

Pic of my pooter, just for the heck of it. I built her myself and she just had her third birthday. Happy birthday pooter!

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/3522/mypclightswithpaint.jpg

[Stefan-A]

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/garbage/pewter.jpg

One of mine. The chassis is about 10 years or so, the guts (including the power supply) are about three. Needs more RAM, but I won't do anything about that until the next part of Half-Life gets released and I get an excuse to replace the whole thing.

[infernalis]

I'm inside mine so much, I don't even know where the covers are anymore....

I once used a motherboard lying on a sheet of cardboard with everything just lying on the bench circling the board. (Should have took a picture) for about a week.

[drache]

I am so early last century . . .

[ConcinusMan]

I always have one or two up and running like that Wayne. Gotta have a platform for checking parts, data recovery, etc. At the PC shop, we have several computers that are nothing more than guts, but they're affixed to the wall and have little slots and compartments on the wall to hold hard drives, burners, power supplies, etc.

Beige Stefan? hahaha. (Sorry, just had to laugh). Well, if you're ever the victim of a burglary you probably won't have to worry about anyone taking your computer.:D

[Stefan-A]

Beige Stefan? hahaha. (Sorry, just had to laugh). Well, if you're ever the victim of a burglary you probably won't have to worry about anyone taking your computer.:D
Originally white. It's just beige nowadays. Yeah, I never viewed my computer as a status symbol, so I don't give much of a crap about how it looks. As long as it keeps the electronics on the inside, it's sufficient.

You should see the old one. It was the full-tower version of the same chassis model and about a year or two older. You'd need two people to carry it.


Actually, I did have a picture of it. This is the one I used up until a year ago.

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/garbage/dator1.jpg

[ConcinusMan]

Yeah, I never viewed my computer as a status symbol, so I don't give much of a crap about how it looks. As long as it keeps the electronics on the inside, it's sufficient.

You should see the old one. It was the full-tower version of the same chassis model and about a year or two older. You'd need two people to carry it.


Actually, I did have a picture of it. This is the one I used up until a year ago.

http://koti.mbnet.fi/thamnoph/photos/garbage/dator1.jpg

You know I was just teasing you. I like this case ^^^. And just for the record, mine isn't a status symbol (it didn't really cost much more to make it look that way) it's a work of art.:p I had already spent so much that I figured, what's another 50 or 60 bucks.

Oh, the absurd things I could do with this tall case you've showed us.;)

[Stefan-A]

And just for the record, mine isn't a status symbol (it didn't really cost much more to make it look that way) it's a work of art.:p
If you say so. :rolleyes:

[ConcinusMan]

You know, there's still people out there that are willing to pay me several hundred dollars to "pimp" their PC's? If they only knew how little it really costs, I would have a lynch mob at my door.

[ConcinusMan]

I am so early last century . . .

So... like 5 years ago? :p

[Stefan-A]

You know, there's still people out there that are willing to pay me several hundred dollars to "pimp" their PC's? If they only knew how little it really costs, I would have a lynch mob at my door.
I know, but they are the type of people who are prepared to pay the price even if they knew.

[ConcinusMan]

You're probably right about that. By far, most of my clients who have paid me to do this, were young gamers who have money to burn and are way too concerned with appearances.

[ConcinusMan]

Snake food anyone? Still trying to hold back the goose bumps, nausea, and urge to kill something after reading this: Baby Possums to Good Home's (http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/pet/2290692771.html)

I wonder how many calls she'll get from python owners. Muahahaha.

[Stefan-A]

Snake food anyone? Still trying to hold back the goose bumps, nausea, and urge to kill something after reading this: Baby Possums to Good Home's (http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/pet/2290692771.html)

I thought about pointing out that what she has there is illegal to keep as a pet in her location, but who am I to throw stones.:rolleyes: I used to have a pet squirrel I found as a week-old baby. I wonder how many calls she'll get from python owners. Muahahaha.
h8ZmIj710o0

[ConcinusMan]

Sorry, I edited my post. It dawned on me that possums are not native. It is legal to keep them as pets although I can't understand why anyone would want to keep a mangy giant rat as a pet.

Wrong time to be releasing them don't you think? Why the heck didn't he wait until after sundown.

[infernalis]

I know, but they are the type of people who are prepared to pay the price even if they knew.


I used to have lights and stuff, but you know what, If I can get on the web and do my thing, I could care less.

The real money is in data recovery anyways. Too many kids fresh out of school willing to load windows for next to nothing.

In fact, that seems to be the "popular fix" these days, just format it and reload.

a chimp can do that.

Now when a business loses all their accounting for the year and it's mid November, thats where the dough is.

I made some of my best money because a restaurant owner got into a fight with her daughter, and the daughter came in and erased the machine in the middle of the night.

[ConcinusMan]

I'd say that 90 percent of the walk-ins(and therefore the money we make) at the shop are people who desperately need to save their pictures and other personal files from an unbootable and/or virus stricken machine. It's kinda funny really because it's completely preventable. If your pictures are so dang precious, then why the heck do you only have one copy of them, crammed on some old hard drive in a well used computer that you also use to surf the web and download files. And all of this with no virus protection or out of date virus protection. That's just asking for it.

Well, good for us that people still do that. And Wayne, you would be surprised at how many people are willing to pay $99 for nothing more than writing zeros to the drive, repartitioning/reformatting and re installation of windows. We have 2 or 3 machines doing just that on any given day. I'm making money, but I sure as heck don't call it "work".:D Many of these people have their license key, but no disk and that is why they come to us and fork out 99 bucks. They're happy because they think that their only other alternative was to buy windows again.



I made some of my best money because a restaurant owner got into a fight with her daughter, and the daughter came in and erased the machine in the middle of the night.

If I was going to do that, I would have booted from CD and wrote zeros to the drive, at least twice. Muahahaha.

[infernalis]

Don't get me wrong, I take the money no matter how it comes in...

Myself, I have several TB of drives that I put my data on and leave them disconnected unless I want the data.

and as far as wiping out moms data, no big deal, even if she stole the whole tower... That restaurant is my number one client, I back up her stuff myself, and all I had to do was make sure the drive was clean (no hidden Trojans) and put the data back on from my copies.

About the only thing that needed some work was the wine list I had was out dated, she had one copy of the new wine list on paper, I spent two days re-typing it on MS publisher.. and at my hourly rate, I was giddy all the way to the bank.

I quit punching time cards over a decade ago, why should I do all the brain work and footwork to pad someone else's pockets?

[ConcinusMan]

I don't punch a card or follow a schedule either. If they get a little overwhelmed they call me, or I just drop in when I feel like it and stay and "work" if there's anything waiting to be started on. We have a form I fill out and check off for the work I did and that's how they pay me. You know how that goes, some days you can make a lot in a short time or some days I can hang out for many hours and not make much but what the heck. Sometimes I just attend to machines and they are basically doing all the work. Gives me plenty of time to come on the forum and annoy everyone.:p Probably won't be long and I'll be back to work in the juice plant and won't have much time for the computer shop. I just do that when I'm not working full time on the evaporators. To be honest, I used to spend just as much time tinkering with computers in my spare time before I started getting paid for it, and so I would probably still do it even if I wasn't getting paid.:rolleyes:

[infernalis]

I started out similar, but the guy I sub contracted for went bankrupt.. so I just took over the customer base.

Then I dumped all the pain in the neck $20 per call folks. Hey at todays gas prices, they can go get a mouse or keyboard on their own, or pay up the hourly rate for me to deliver it.

working from home, I do not have the burden of a leased storefront, extra utilities and the city code officer bothering me.

They call, and I "geek squad" straight over to them.

Not that this is the place to discuss it, but the contents of other peoples hard drives can be entertaining and I can learn a lot about that person.. sometimes things I would rather not know.

[ConcinusMan]

Not that this is the place to discuss it, but the contents of other peoples hard drives can be entertaining and I can learn a lot about that person.. sometimes things I would rather not know.


Oh yeah, been there done that. Oh the stories...

I do have a lot those "there was this one time when I found.." stories.;)

[kibakiba]

That happened when I was trying to help my dad with a virus and slowness on his computer... I saw things I'd be happy to never see in my life... I might be a bit immature about it but I still want to go "EWWWWWW!!!!" over it.

[ConcinusMan]

Adult content isn't even a big deal. That is found on so many I can't even count. What I mean by 'it isn't a big deal', is that it is tame, common, and even "rated G" compared to some other things I've found.

[ConcinusMan]

Hey, you guys know how sometimes you'll get a popup ad, or you'll be viewing some other page that "magically" knows what state or even what city you're in? Well, they just go by IP address. Anyone can look up an IP to get an idea of where your computer is. Well, I just got a popup ad. Looks like I won an ipad, yippie! The thing is, stupid ad says I am a lucky California winner. Jeez. I double checked my current IP just to make sure and it's definitely not a CA IP. Somebody screwed up.

I guess I don't win an ipad afterall. Darn it.:rolleyes: