Its oh so quiet Shh Shh

[katach]

Ewwwww 5am sucks!!

[kibakiba]

Doesn't it? I'm hating 6:45 too. Stupid upper GI series... and not being able to have any liquids or food at all for 12 hours. It is nearly impossible for me to not have some sort of liquid over the course of 12 hours.

[RedSidedSPR]

Meh. Me and my insomnia have been up for a week at a time. You think. 5 am is bad? Try staying up for 8 days playing MW3 with another insomniac friend. O_o

[snakehill]

Have you tried melatonin? :confused:

[kibakiba]

I have stayed up for days on end. It isn't fun. However, you should at least try to sleep... Sleep deprivation can cause some crazy crap that you wouldnt want to deal with.

[RedSidedSPR]

Yes I have, snakehill

and yeah I try but I can tell when I'm not gonna be able to..

[mikem]

i did 36 hours once. never again.

[RedSidedSPR]

Lol i do that like twice a week xD

[EasternGirl]

Yeah...seriously...36 hours is nothing to me...been dealing with insomnia my whole life. I've gone 4 or 5 days before and started hallucinating...now that is serious sleep deprivation! When you get to the point where you are falling asleep in the middle of conversations and not knowing it...or seeing things that aren't there...falling down when you are walking...that's sleep deprivation! Lol... Oh...and Chantel...I hate it when I can't drink anything...that is one thing I can't tolerate. I always have to have a drink. When I have my surgery in April...that's going to suck.

[mikem]

i like my sleep. i'm fortunate to not have to deal with insomnia. i feel for you guys :( what kind of surgery are you having marnie?

[EasternGirl]

Well...not that the men on here really want to hear about this...but we're all family here...I'm having my uterus removed. Partial hysterectomy. I have had female problems for years...since I was a teenager. It has caused me a lot of problems. I've had a lot of health problems for years. I wasn't supposed to be able to have children...but I wasn't having that...I'm stubborn...mind over matter. I decided now that I am not going to have anymore children...not of my own anyway. I'm tired of being sick all the time. Hopefully this will put an end to most of my health problems. I will still have my ovaries so I will still have my hormones and everything though. Aren't you glad you asked, Mike?

[snakehill]

:p

[mikem]

well, you left your post with a cliffhanger, which sparked my curiosity :p my family has a history with these kinds of problems, so i'm not that unfamiliar. and recently a buddy of mine at work, his wife had a hysterectomy. so, it seems to be a fairly common issue with you ladies. at least you won't have to take hormone pills. if this isn't too personal... you don't have to go into detail, but do you know if you'll be having laparoscopic surgery?

[RedSidedSPR]

._.

[EasternGirl]

Yes...but even cooler...I'm having that Davinci robot surgery...it's laparoscopic....but the robot does the whole thing. It's pretty high-tech. Small incisions...little scarring, little recovery time. I only have to be in the hospital overnight. The only thing is...if they get in there and my ovaries look bad...the doctor said he will have to remove them too...then I have to take the hormones. But he is going to do everything he can to save them. And now...Jesse will never come on this thread again! Lol...maybe we should go back to guinea pig poo!

[mikem]

ah, good to hear! that's absolutely amazing that robots can do surgeries! hopefully everything looks good and surgery will be minimal. i had a hernia that was repaired via laparoscopic.

[EasternGirl]

Yeah...I have had laparascopic surgery before...to go in and try to deal with some of the female problems. It wasn't bad at all. Of course, this is much more involved because they are actually removing something. But my cousin had the surgery last year and she did fine...she has the same problems and she says she is a new person now because she had this surgery...so I am hoping this helps me a lot. Of course, the doctor is basically controlling the robot from what I understand...but it is pretty darn cool!

[RedSidedSPR]

._.

[Stefan-A]

There's not a damn thing in this house worth eating. I need something to eat. Something made of meat. Something to gnaw on. Jerky would be perfect. Or something with bones. The stores are closed. It's getting late. It's been snowing all day and I don't think the plow has made its way here yet. Ate half a jar of Greek peppers, only made the hunger worse. Temper is wearing thin.

[mikem]

you have any peanut butter? that hits the spot when i don't have meat. mmmm, peanut butter...

[kibakiba]

I know that feeling all too well... We usually only have rice left, nothing to put on it.. Just plain ol' rice!

[mikem]

use peanut butt...er, nm. no veggies to steam? or stewed tomatoes? i'm getting hungry now! still an hour and a half for my frozen turkey brick to finish cooking ><

[Stefan-A]

you have any peanut butter? that hits the spot when i don't have meat. mmmm, peanut butter...
No. I don't really like it, anyway.


use peanut butt...er, nm. no veggies to steam? or stewed tomatoes? i'm getting hungry now! still an hour and a half for my frozen turkey brick to finish cooking ><
Vegetables aren't food, they're what food eats. And steaming is not a way to prepare food, it's a way to ruin texture and remove flavor, just like boiling.

[mikem]

No. I don't really like it, anyway.
lolwut? :eek:


Vegetables aren't food, they're what food eats. And steaming is not a way to prepare food, it's a way to ruin texture and remove flavor, just like boiling.
i love meat. i love steamed veggies smothered in parmesan cheese too. it does ruin texture an flavor though... that's why i add cheese :D

[EasternGirl]

I hear that...never anything around here to eat either...of course, if I got off my bum and went food shopping that might fix that...

[Stefan-A]

lolwut? :eek:
Almost nobody outside your country likes it.

[RedSidedSPR]

I'm in the country and still don't. Lol

[mikem]

wow, i had no idea! i just assumed something like peanut butter was universally loved... us americans and our worldly assumptions... it's a food i grew up eating. i guess it's a comfort thing. i apologize for my recommendation then.


I'm in the country and still don't. Lol
oh come on! :p

take a couple scoops and put it in your cheerios or some vanilla ice cream....now that's delicious!

[RedSidedSPR]

I'm American. I'm just allergic to it. I can't stand the smell and the small amounts I've tasted tho

[RedSidedSPR]

wow, i had no idea! i just assumed something like peanut butter was universally loved... us americans and our worldly assumptions... it's a food i grew up eating. i guess it's a comfort thing. i apologize for my recommendation then.


oh come on! :p

take a couple scoops and put it in your cheerios or some vanilla ice cream....now that's delicious!

Hell no. If I did that i'd be in the hospital.

[mikem]

ah, peanut allergies. gotcha. does that cover all nuts or just peanuts?

[RedSidedSPR]

Dude. I had have a pistaicio a month ago...... Holy ****.

Yes. Every nut. Especially tree nuts.

OH except almonds. :/

[EasternGirl]

Can I just take a moment here to mention the school shooting that happened in Ohio yesterday? I'm watching the news and three kids have died now...the boys that died don't look much older than my son...I guess they really aren't that much older than my son. It's just horrible. And in every single one of these school shootings, everyone always says afterward..."Yeah..we all knew that guy was troubled"...Well...what the??? Now is a nice time to acknowledge that. Like the Columbine situation...a complete tragedy that could have been avoided if people had taken their heads out of their a**es for a moment. I have to send my son off to high school in a couple of years...and I have to worry every day that some kid is going to take his dad's gun to school and start blowing kids away...random kids...my kid. Okay...I'm done...my stomach hurts.

[Stefan-A]

wow, i had no idea! i just assumed something like peanut butter was universally loved... us americans and our worldly assumptions... it's a food i grew up eating. i guess it's a comfort thing. i apologize for my recommendation then.
Every country has some type of food that nobody else likes. This would be our gift to that category: Salty liquorice - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salty_liquorice)

[chris-uk]

Every country has some type of food that nobody else likes. This would be our gift to that category: Salty liquorice - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salty_liquorice)
I quite liked that when I tried it.

[Stefan-A]

Can I just take a moment here to mention the school shooting that happened in Ohio yesterday? I'm watching the news and three kids have died now...the boys that died don't look much older than my son...I guess they really aren't that much older than my son. It's just horrible. And in every single one of these school shootings, everyone always says afterward..."Yeah..we all knew that guy was troubled"...Well...what the??? Now is a nice time to acknowledge that. Like the Columbine situation...a complete tragedy that could have been avoided if people had taken their heads out of their a**es for a moment. I have to send my son off to high school in a couple of years...and I have to worry every day that some kid is going to take his dad's gun to school and start blowing kids away...random kids...my kid. Okay...I'm done...my stomach hurts.
Yeah, we've had a couple of those here.

[Stefan-A]

I quite liked that when I tried it.
Neat. I'm not a huge fan, but I do like it somewhat.

[mikem]

salty licorice...hmm. would have to try before i decide, but leaning towards "probably won't like".

[kibakiba]

I hate peanut butter. That crap is nasty. My mom loves to put peanut butter on toast and cover it with sugar. She's going fast on the very short road to diabetes. I don't like liquorice either, it disgusts me to no end! Bleh.

[Mommy2many]

As for the Ohio school shootings, I don't know what to say. We try so hard to prevent these things and sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you can't stop what you see coming.

[RedSidedSPR]

salty licorice...hmm. would have to try before i decide, but leaning towards "probably won't like".

Ditto. Lol

[EasternGirl]

Le Ann...I think a lot of schools now do a very good job of trying to prevent these things...you are correct. I do however think that some schools are still falling short when it comes to preventing bullying or recognizing problem students with the potential to become dangerous. That is what scares me.

I think I would probably like salty licorice.

[RedSidedSPR]

**** happens.

[PINJOHN]

As for the Ohio school shootings, I don't know what to say. We try so hard to prevent these things and sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you can't stop what you see coming.
just caught up with this, last few days i have been between my sick bed and the computer only, with no TV, totally horrified cant begin to imagine how those parents feel, seeing them kids off to school and never to see them alive again....so so sorry
and if that post above stating sh*t happens is referring to this tragedy then perhaps the moderators might take it down.....we are better than that

[Stefan-A]

and if that post above stating sh*t happens is referring to this tragedy then perhaps the moderators might take it down.....we are better than that
I personally don't think that you should read too much into that post. I don't think it was meant to downplay the tragedy.

**** does happen, often regardless of any preventive measures we may have taken.

[RedSidedSPR]

Sorry. But no it wasn't.

[PINJOHN]

I personally don't think that you should read too much into that post. I don't think it was meant to downplay the tragedy.

**** does happen, often regardless of any preventive measures we may have taken.
Then we shall have to agree to disagree Stefan, not one person on the site needs the information that life can take cruel and mindless twists which essentially is what this comment is telling us, this adage is often in two parts the second part being "deal with it" for me taken together or separate these comments show a callous disregard for the situation at which they are aimed , time for me to perhaps pass an obvious statement, this is not some shootem up teenage computer game its real life and death with families faced with more grief than they could possibly know how to deal with, but hey its OK at least two of thamnophis.com members would like you poor devastated parents to know that sh*t happens.
In the main i try to hold of on the serious side of things and keep my posts on the humorous side [hopefully] but i am so angry at the total lack of respect shown here i shall have to sign off for several hours before i start pulling out connections and losing lots if good friends.

[chris-uk]

Sorry. But no it wasn't.

I read the "**** happens" post the same way that Pinjohn did. I couldn't see how it related to any of the other recent threads - didn't seem relevant to salty licorice or peanut butter, so assumed it was a response to Marnie or Le Ann.
However it was intended, within the context of the thread it's caused offence to at least one person. If it was just a random thing typed into your iPod Jesse you need to start doing that "re-read and sense check before hitting the post reply button".

[Stefan-A]

Then we shall have to agree to disagree Stefan,
If only you had stopped there.


not one person on the site needs the information that life can take cruel and mindless twists which essentially is what this comment is telling us,
Keeping that in the back of my mind has helped me dealing with tragedies and it is a constant reminder not to start taking people for granted. Not expecting it to work for everybody.


this adage is often in two parts the second part being "deal with it" for me taken together or separate these comments show a callous disregard for the situation at which they are aimed ,
Often, sometimes. It was not used this time and I do hope that you'll consider the fact that text rarely succeeds in conveying a tone or an accompanying facial expression. Asking for a clarification is always an option.


time for me to perhaps pass an obvious statement, this is not some shootem up teenage computer game its real life and death with families faced with more grief than they could possibly know how to deal with, but hey its OK at least two of thamnophis.com members would like you poor devastated parents to know that sh*t happens.
That's a cheap shot.


In the main i try to hold of on the serious side of things and keep my posts on the humorous side [hopefully] but i am so angry at the total lack of respect shown here i shall have to sign off for several hours before i start pulling out connections and losing lots if good friends.
Just know that while you're sitting there cooling off, I'll be sitting here working up a rage over the comment you just made. Right now, I'm torn between wanting to apologize and wanting to knock you on your ***.

[RedSidedSPR]

Yes it was intended at that. No, It wasn't downplaying. I can't do that quote stuff and can't type much so I'll just say that Stefan saw it how it was intended and you're overreacting. And that I'm rather pissed off.



Keeping that in the back of my mind has helped me dealing with tragedies and it is a constant reminder not to start taking people for granted. Not expecting it to work for everybody.

Yes.

[gregmonsta]

I do hope that you'll consider the fact that text rarely succeeds in conveying a tone or an accompanying facial expression. Asking for a clarification is always an option.


I've seen this causing problems in online debate/argument/etc more often than I can remember. I even managed to cause offense through use of a 'smiley' which seemed to mean something completely different to the OP than the image I saw it as being.

[mikem]

i tend to avoid sensitive topics most of the time for that reason alone.

[EasternGirl]

What Greg said. I got upset when I first read what Jesse wrote...and then I thought about it...I actually broke up with someone and lost a friend over misunderstandings through stupid texting and the fact that you cannot convey nor comprehend tone and inflection through typing. I have since learned never to have important conversations with people through text. If I get angry about something that I think someone is implying through text, I ask them to clarify before I react...saves a lot of arguments and friendships. Now, John is mad at Jesse, Jesse is mad at John, Stefan is mad at John....and if we had all been sitting in a room having this conversation, it probably would have gone down very differently. With that being said..."Poo Happens" is not the most sensitive remark to be made in response to people talking about children dying in a school shooting...no matter how you interpret the remark. I can see how that would offend people. It was a little offensive given the tragedy. It didn't sit well with me when I read it either.

[RedSidedSPR]

Wasn't intended to offend anyone.

[PINJOHN]

first let me say its not my intention to go into protracted discussions about this comment, its bad enough that i am one half of the reason why this sordid episode is being played out on the pages of a site which has a moral code which allows members and other parents to freely allow their kids spend their time on site.You say, Stefan, that text rarely succeeds in conveying a tone well, this text succeeded in spectacular fashion, it wasn't sympathetic, it wasn't informative, just what was supposed to be conveyed ?.
In reality this was an uncalled for, needless, unnecessary throwaway comment lacking in any vestige of empathy or compassion, you yourself appear to agree with me Stefan if i have read you right, when you say that" keeping this comment in the back of your mind has helped you cope with tragedy", and that's just where the rest of us kept this comment, you got it spot on because we didn't rush out and drop this pearl of wisdom down the ear's of friends and family and we certainly didn't dash for the key board to cut into posts expressing the fear and worries of several mom's in the site.
No attempt was made to even preface the two words as in...Isn't it terrible when this [sh*t happens] no just those two stark unsympathetic words which i fail to see as any thing other than an allegedly smart Alec comment.
I have always assumed that people deal with these tragedy's in one of three ways one the person who is upset and wishes to express that emotion, two the person who is equally shocked but keeps his feelings inside, and then there are the people who are untouched by anyone else's personal heartbreak, only we actually know just were we fall in these categories.
In regards to my "cheap shot" i was in somewhat a red mist and could have made my point better, and that point is if I, you, or some other member of the site were to have sent a sympathy card to the parents of these poor kids and our dedication was SH*T HAPPENS is there any chance at all that these poor people would not be devastated, and would you attempt to justify the word's telling them they" should not read too much into the comments that they are not meant to down play the tragedy, i suspect not".
lastly in regard to the two options you put forward, i did not request an apology but of the two that would be my preference as the other alternative is so very disagreeable to my amiable nature, besides being in the trade i'm in, i deal with that scenario from drunks and druggy's at least twice a month, usually quite successfully.

[kibakiba]

I personally didn't take offense to Jesse's comment, but I grew up around drug addicts, drug dealers, and drunks. I've learned that sometimes really stupid **** happens and there isn't anything you can do to prevent it sometimes. A lot of horrible stuff has happened in my family and in my life, and for some people, their way of dealing with upsetting feelings is to just say "**** happens" and ignore it. You can't change how people deal with things, the best thing to do is to at least try to understand how they feel, and leave it at that. Arguing about one simple comment made is, quite honestly, extremely stupid.
I'm a very personable lady, I'm kind and I like to help people, but I don't allow other's problems to affect me, and because of that, people think I'm a cold heartless bitch when I can't get myself to feel really bad. To expect someone to become extremely upset over that is like expecting someone to feel misery and sadness, when things are already bad for them. I already suffer with severe depression, and I have let other peoples problems affect me to the point where I couldn't stand life any longer. I still have that problem, because there's such a fine line between being absurdly upset over something, to the point where I feel like I cant stand life, and where I feel like I could care less. I can't have that balance like other people can. You can't say that I am a bad person, or jesse is a bad person, or anyone else is a bad person because of something like that.
Of course, I doubt anyone would say to the parents "oh, **** happens"... But, to ones self or to friends, **** happens. It does. Can't change it. But, how about every drop it? It happened. It's over, done. There is nothing you can do for those people that will make it better. Hell, it could be a lot worse.
For all you know, Jesse could be really upset about what happened, but he's putting on a tough front. No one seems to have thought of that, you just assume that he's being completely heartless and uncaring. That is rude. He already said it wasn't intended to offend.. So stop. This is stupid.

[Stefan-A]

first let me say its not my intention to go into protracted discussions about this comment, its bad enough that i am one half of the reason why this sordid episode is being played out on the pages of a site which has a moral code which allows members and other parents to freely allow their kids spend their time on site.You say, Stefan, that text rarely succeeds in conveying a tone well, this text succeeded in spectacular fashion, it wasn't sympathetic, it wasn't informative, just what was supposed to be conveyed ?.
It's a bit late to start worrying about intentions or start asking what was supposed to be conveyed. You've tossed your stone already, does it only occur to you now to wonder whether it was justified?


In reality this was an uncalled for, needless, unnecessary throwaway comment lacking in any vestige of empathy or compassion,
That is a matter of perspective. Which matters to you more, how you perceive something or how it's intended to be perceived? Does the thought count at all?


you yourself appear to agree with me Stefan if i have read you right,
No, I don't believe you did read me right.


No attempt was made to even preface the two words as in...Isn't it terrible when this [sh*t happens] no just those two stark unsympathetic words which i fail to see as any thing other than an allegedly smart Alec comment.
I read it in the context set up by the previous post, where Marnie talks about the failure to prevent such tragedies.


I have always assumed that people deal with these tragedy's in one of three ways one the person who is upset and wishes to express that emotion, two the person who is equally shocked but keeps his feelings inside, and then there are the people who are untouched by anyone else's personal heartbreak, only we actually know just were we fall in these categories.
Yet you assume that "at least two of thamnophis.com members" belong to that third group. You know what, I'm going to presume that anyone showing any dismay over the shooting is actually completely indifferent and just pretends to care, or exaggerates significantly, because that's what society expects. Would you consider that analysis fair?


In regards to my "cheap shot" i was in somewhat a red mist and could have made my point better, and that point is if I, you, or some other member of the site were to have sent a sympathy card to the parents of these poor kids and our dedication was SH*T HAPPENS is there any chance at all that these poor people would not be devastated, and would you attempt to justify the word's telling them they" should not read too much into the comments that they are not meant to down play the tragedy, i suspect not".
And you don't think that people choose their words differently when they talk to those who have just suffered a loss, than when they're discussing tragedies in general terms?


lastly in regard to the two options you put forward,
I choose neither.


i did not request an apology but of the two that would be my preference
And assuming that those two aren't the only options, what exactly is it that you want?


as the other alternative is so very disagreeable to my amiable nature, besides being in the trade i'm in, i deal with that scenario from drunks and druggy's at least twice a month, usually quite successfully.
Which are you implying that I am?

[chris-uk]

Stefan, you're supposed to moderate these forums, which in my book means keeping them calm and diffusing arguments like this, rather than behaving in a way that propagates them and keeps them rolling on. This line of discussion, in my opinion, is serving no purpose here. I'm disappointed in the way this is continuing.

Can I suggest that we draw a line under this before it snowballs? Jesse posted something which had an ambiguous context, one could have been innocent, one offensive to some.

Now how about we settle this down? How does this sort of whoha look to new members? If there's more to be said take it to PMs.

[RedSidedSPR]

I'm not gonna argue, I'll just dig myself in a deeper hole... :/

But I'll say again, that I am by no means downplaying the incidents, and not heartlessly shrugging it off like you all think.


I read it in the context set up by the previous post, where Marnie talks about the failure to prevent such tragedies.

YES.



Stefan, you're supposed to moderate these forums, which in my book means keeping them calm and diffusing arguments like this, rather than behaving in a way that propagates them and keeps them rolling on.

Oh c'mon. Stefan isn't doing anything wrong by returning his opinion.

[kibakiba]

Everyone else is voicing their own opinions, why cant Stefan? Just because he's a mod?

[RedSidedSPR]

Exactly. Being a mod doesn't mean you can't participate.

[chris-uk]

Everyone else is voicing their own opinions, why cant Stefan? Just because he's a mod?


Exactly. Being a mod doesn't mean you can't participate.

When you're a moderator on a forum you have a responsibility to set the tone and prevent threads deterioting into a series of flaming posts. Sometimes that means stepping back and not voicing your personal opinion. I value a lot of Stefan's posts, on this occasion I felt he should have stopped and worn a moderator hat which requires a degree of impartiality.

[EasternGirl]

But Chris is right...this has gotten way out of control at this point. Tempers are flaring...it's gone beyond the original point now. One argument has led to another which is going to lead to another...and we are going to need another mod to break up the fight between the mod and other members. Stefan does have a right to voice an opinion, but he also has a certain professional responsibility as a moderator of the forum to try to mediate in situations like this, rather than perpetuate or instigate conflict. Just my opinion.

[katach]

We have had some crazy weather today. I woke up to a dusting of snow on the grass. Then it rain for bit, then some sun. Then it snowed some more. Then it got windy. Mother nature is a fickle beast.

[chris-uk]

We have had some crazy weather today. I woke up to a dusting of snow on the grass. Then it rain for bit, then some sun. Then it snowed some more. Then it got windy. Mother nature is a fickle beast.

Foggy morning here. I expect it will burn off and we will have a nice day. Weather forecast for the weekend is wet, typical.

[katach]

Yeah, it seems rain is always in our forecast.

[chris-uk]

Yeah, it seems rain is always in our forecast.
The pleasures of living on the west side of a continental mass.

[RedSidedSPR]

It's Justin Bieber's birthday.

I'm celebrating by listening to LINKIN PARK

-___-

Contragulations Bieber, is it 18? 19? 12? Another year without reaching puberty, another year of pussy-antics, **** lyrics, and a wanky *** haircut. Another year of ruining the worlds outlook on music, and increase of men's makeup sales. Another year your still being ****ing alive. God save us all.

[chris-uk]

It's Justin Bieber's birthday.

I'm celebrating by listening to LINKIN PARK


Although personally I will celebrate by listening to some Paradise Lost.
Worrying that you had the date in your diary though Jesse, are you sure the Linkin Park tunes aren't just a sham? ;) You can fess up if you're really listening to "Bieber's Greatest Hits" (I feel dirty just typing that).

[PINJOHN]

Stepping back and looking at the this exchange i can see just how far things have deteriorated and just how far from the original point it has moved,I am now in a position of defending my self from you Stefan who it seems have chosen to entertain the idea that some of my arguments are little more than insults aimed at you.
first off i accepted and used as an argument the facts that you had dealt with tragedy by keeping it in the back of your mind, its hardly likely or logical that i should then go on and make a suggestion that you are one of the unfeeling third type of people to whom i alluded.
the fact that i am suggesting that you are either a drunk or a druggy is more difficult for me to deal with, if only because it is so ludicrous, i know nothing about your personal life, and any view i have of the person you are or for that matter my view on any of the members, is built solely on the post made by the member and during my time on the site i have never come across one post in which you suggested you had either of these problems, more disappointing is the fact that i have over a thousand posts on site giving a clue to my personality, just how many of those posts and which ones, lead you to believe that i am the kind of person to do this.
I have attempted as far as i know to avoid point scoring an example of this is your quandary about whether you should knock me on my a*se or not, i instantly recognized this as a manifestation of anger or frustration or both and did not seek to make it seem any thing other than that, not for one second did i think of you as a person who resorts to violence when they feel slighted.
my final comments about my job and having to deal with drunks and druggy's are unfortunately a fact of life for me, but i put it in because given how angry i felt at the time, it was the closest i could get to introducing a lighter tone to a thread that had gone dangerously out of kilter it was not to make a comparison with you and those people.
I suggested that the comment might be taken down you refused instead choosing to justify the remark and this is spite of the fact that other members took the time to say they also found it unacceptable. it's all so very disappointing. so to use another throwaway Americanism I'M DONE

[EasternGirl]

Crap...that reminds me I have to take my son to get a present for his dad's birthday...

I just checked and Possum is now in Philadelphia...:)

[chris-uk]

Crap...that reminds me I have to take my son to get a present for his dad's birthday...

I just checked and Possum is now in Philadelphia...:)

Nothing quite like having to go out and spend your hard-earned on your ex. :(
My US geography isn't great, but that's still quite a journey. If it was a delivery in the UK, if it wasn't in the right city by now you'd be getting it tomorrow and not today. I've always had the impression that your couriers are more efficient than ours.

[Stefan-A]

I suggested that the comment might be taken down you refused instead choosing to justify the remark and this is spite of the fact that other members took the time to say they also found it unacceptable. it's all so very disappointing. so to use another throwaway Americanism I'M DONE
I'm not done. I'm not here to delete comments on request. My job, as people have pointed out, is to moderate discussions. That includes mediating and clearing up misunderstandings. Your responsibility in this case would be to accept that you misunderstood and take the comment as it was intended, not how you initially perceived it. Anything other than "Oh, I see.", when the intent is explained to you, is the wrong answer.

[EasternGirl]

Philly is only a 35 to 40 min drive from here...so if he was in Philly at 6:28am...which was where the plane would come in...he would be in perfect time to make it here for a "before 10:30am" delivery. In fact, Hermes got here an hour before schedule. Got to love next day air.

Oh...and no worries...I will just take the money my ex gives me for alimony and spend that on his birthday gift. :D

[chris-uk]

Philly is only a 35 to 40 min drive from here...so if he was in Philly at 6:28am...which was where the plane would come in...he would be in perfect time to make it here for a "before 10:30am" delivery. In fact, Hermes got here an hour before schedule. Got to love next day air.

Oh...and no worries...I will just take the money my ex gives me for alimony and spend that on his birthday gift. :D
Sounds perfect all round, just don't spend too much of the alimony on him, better spending it on the snakes. There should be knock at the door anytime in the next hour or so then. :)
My ex-wife just took half our savings, everything she wanted from the house, disappeared for 4 years so I couldn't divorce her, then expected me to give her more cash in the divorce. I laughed at the last, I'm still pissed off about her clearing the house out. At least we didn't have children, so I don't have to have any contact.

[EasternGirl]

Well isn't that special? I don't really get much out of my ex...the combo of alimony/child support isn't much at all...but it's something. I mean, I guess it's better than a lot of people do...I hear terrible stories of people getting $60 a month in child support if they're lucky...or none at all. I am lucky because I have a very good relationship with my ex...we are actually good friends and he is a good dad. He gives me what he can afford to give me and he would never do anything to screw me over, nor would I him. I would say that I spend quite a lot of the money I do have on the snakes though...isn't that the truth!

[chris-uk]

I'll never have another exwife, so I just made sure I got a classic one the first time round. :D

[RedSidedSPR]

Although personally I will celebrate by listening to some Paradise Lost.
Worrying that you had the date in your diary though Jesse, are you sure the Linkin Park tunes aren't just a sham? ;) You can fess up if you're really listening to "Bieber's Greatest Hits" (I feel dirty just typing that).

You really said that.

And for your information, I didn't know the little pricks date of birth until last night. We should all know it, march 1st, 1992, the death of real music.

[tress29]

Nothing quite like having to go out and spend your hard-earned on your ex. :(
Not me, he's already remarried. SHE can coordinate gifts and cards!

[EasternGirl]

Yeah...well....while my ex might be a nice guy...his girlfriend...live-in one...mother of his other child...is an idiot...she couldn't coordinate a trip to the bathroom. She is the one, if you remember...who thinks my house is a zoo...and comes over and sticks her face in my snake tanks and starts taking pics and got Cee Cee so upset that she bit me? If I left it up to her to buy a present for him from my son for his birthday...well, it just wouldn't happen...not that I let my son spend very much time with her anyway.

[EasternGirl]

Can I ask you guys real quick...this should probably go in the thread for questions about site problems and whatever...but I noticed that many people have signatures that are several lines long...Steve, Chris...for example. When I tried to edit my signature to add a line for Possum...it tells me my signature is too long...something about exceeding 400 characters...so I had to put all the snakes on one line. Anyone know how I can fix that?

[RedSidedSPR]

can only have so many lines... mine's maxed out i think

[mikem]

take out the space between your quote and your list of animals. that should do it.

[RedSidedSPR]

Yup...
I'll go see the reqirements/limits

[RedSidedSPR]

5 lines, 400 characters.. so idk

[EasternGirl]

Tried that already Mike. Look at Steve and Chris' signatures...they have more lines and characters than I would if I put mine in lines going down the way I had it before...I would have 5 lines...but not 400 characters.

Anyway...my son has his friend from across the street over...this kid is the whiniest kid I have ever met. I want to pull my ears off and beat him with them...guess that's not allowed huh?

[kibakiba]

When my little brother and niece lived with us, I was always the one watching them (my mom was always high on her painkillers). My brother had an extremely whiny friend... If you made the slightest remark of critisim towards him, he'd bawl his eyes out and say everyone hated him... Every time he was over and he pulled that, I simply told him to dry it up or go home. If I were you (and if you can stomach being a bit harsh), perhaps you can make sure that he doesn't whine when he's over. Tell him you have rules at your house that are different than at their parents house. It's worked with all my nieces and nephews so far... (and the friends that came with it)

[ConcinusMan]

5 lines, 400 characters.. so idk

That includes formatting codes, so colors/bold, italic, etc. takes up extra characters. Also, blank lines count as a line.

BTW... I like that... "Wouldn't it be great if we found intelligent life on Earth" :D

[chris-uk]

Your signature cannot be longer than 200 characters excluding BB code markup.

Your signature contains too many lines and must be shortened. You may only have up to 5 line(s). Long text may have been implicitly wrapped, causing it to be counted as multiple lines.

That's what I was told when I just went to add Nobby to my signature. So some subtle changes were required to cut down the characters.

[RedSidedSPR]

That includes formatting codes, so colors/bold, italic, etc. takes up extra characters. Also, blank lines count as a line.

BTW... I like that... "Wouldn't it be great if we found intelligent life on Earth" :D

Oh yeah, so Marnie it's your pink colors and fonts I guess lol

And yes. I like that to. xD

[ConcinusMan]

That's what I was told when I just went to add Nobby to my signature. So some subtle changes were required to cut down the characters.

Yeah well, it says "excluding BBC code..." ??? that's a lie. I think they mean "INcluding" I've had my sig rejected for being too big but if I took away a color, it was accepted.:cool:

I also figured out a long time ago that the limit set on the number of images per post includes the smiley faces. :rolleyes: They count as an image. Friggen duh.

[RedSidedSPR]

Yup. I never use emoticons on my picture spree's

[snakehill]

Saw a robin today!!! Spring is coming!!! :)

[RedSidedSPR]

It's practically spring here.

80 degrees yesterday. Like wtf lol. Saw the groundhog come out 3 times that day, and already trees are starting to bloom or whatever

[guidofatherof5]

Stop it. Here in Iowa we still have another month or more of cold, wintery weather.

[RedSidedSPR]

And somewhere in this neighborhood, spring peepers are peeping. :D

[Light of Dae]

sad note. I was pregnant, but lost it.

[mikem]

so sorry to hear :(

[katach]

I'm so sorry. :(

[Stefan-A]

sad note. I was pregnant, but lost it.
Sorry to hear it.

[guidofatherof5]

Sorry to hear the news.

[Light of Dae]

thanks everyone for your condolences, in time we may adopt if I can't carry. I didn't have my hopes up yet with this one, cause I knew there was a big chance of having another miscarriage. All in due time.

[chris-uk]

thanks everyone for your condolences, in time we may adopt if I can't carry. I didn't have my hopes up yet with this one, cause I knew there was a big chance of having another miscarriage. All in due time.
Sorry to hear this. I would say I know what you're going through, I don't but I know what you're other half is going through. Don't give up hope.

[EasternGirl]

Oh Dae, I'm so sorry...I knew this was a possibility as you had mentioned, but it doesn't make it easier I'm sure. You are in my thoughts right now.

Okay...so it's all my colors and italics and such...I'll have to play around a bit with the signature then...thanks for the help guys.

Problem with the whiney kid is that I'm kind of friends with his parents...so if I were to say something to him like "Stop being whiny"..and he were to go home and tell his parents I said that...it could cause some bad feelings. The kids isn't whining so much as he has an unfortunately whiny voice. So when he's over...I just have to sit here and feel like pulling my ears off...lol.

[RedSidedSPR]

That sucks I'm sorry too. :(

And yes marnie, try getting rid of the fonts or something in your sig

[guidofatherof5]

Nate. Time to dump some PM's.

[RedSidedSPR]

I'm in McDonald's. ._.

[Light of Dae]

good coffee n free wifi. Love mcdonalds for that.

[RedSidedSPR]

Yes.

[mikem]

i always use their wifi to download bigger apps for my phone. never tried their coffee, not much of a coffee person though.

[mikem]

bad news - my main HD in my computer is dying :(
good news - i managed to back everything up :)
bad news - i have to buy a new HD soon(ish) :(
more bad news - i'm getting sick. lots of coughing :(
good news - i'm alive to complain about it :)

[RedSidedSPR]

Damn
That's good
****
Damn & ****
That's also good.

._.

[katach]

I've been seeing little round, brown beetle looking bugs, with black spots. They look like ladybugs only about half the size. The only think I could find was the asian ladybug. Does anyone about these and if I should worry about the kids? They aren't in either of the tanks, I've just seen them on the wall. I've only seen 2, but I'm sure where there is 2 there are many more hiding. Info or idea would be great! If I see another one I'll try and get a picture of it.

[guidofatherof5]

They bite.

[katach]

Would they bite the snakes if they somehow found a way in?

[guidofatherof5]

Would they bite the snakes if they somehow found a way in?


If they bite people they would probably bite snakes.

[RedSidedSPR]

It isn't pleasant either.

[EasternGirl]

Okay...I'm convinced I just saw a brown recluse spider in my son's bedroom...now I get convinced that I see brown recluse spiders a lot...so this could be a false alarm...but does anyone know how big they usually are? And exactly what they look like? I know they supposedly have the violin shape on their back...but this one was dead and curled up so I couldn't really tell...

[RedSidedSPR]

Untitled Document (http://www.bistatepestcontrol.com/brownrecluse.html)

Click it ^

[EasternGirl]

Thanks...I don't know..it's hard to tell because the darn thing was dead and kind of curled up...but it sort of looked like that. I doubt it was a brown recluse though because I found it on the side of the dresser...it was behind some stuff, but I still think it wasn't reclusive enough of an area. Maybe it was a cellar spider...I'll look those up.

[EasternGirl]

No cellar spiders are those spindly spiders we get.

[kibakiba]

Giant house spider (Tegenaria duellica) my mom thought it was a brown recluse, but we don;t get those here... Then she thought it was a wolf spider... But those are pretty hairy. They are pretty big... Ours are palm sized, but we also had a "toxic waste" spill somewhere behind our house... We've had overly aggressive bugs ever since! Hah.

[setfree]

yeah thanks for being our voice!:D

[kimbosaur]

PALM SIZED? I'm usually okay with creepy crawlies but I'd be a little freaked out if there were palm-sized spiders in my house!

The two bugs that really freak me out are earwigs and centipedes. *shudders*

[katach]

I had a spider that big in my apartment when I first moved in. I was sitting on my couch and saw in out of the corner of my eye crawling out of my bedroom in to the living room. I put a glass over it, scooped it up, and put it outside. I love spiders, they are so cool! I just can't kill them. I will kill mosquitoes and bees if I can't get them outside, that's about it though.

[kimbosaur]

I try to avoid killing bugs in general, even if they're nasty. I'm usually not quiet about it though...

[EasternGirl]

I avoid killing most bugs but with spiders...it's them or me...I would not be able to carry a spider outside...bleeeechhh...just thinking about it is making my skin crawl...and as for palm sized spiders...for the love of all that is holy! If I saw I palm sized spider in my house I would move out...after I regained consciousness...We need to stop talking about them now...they find me you know....

[EasternGirl]

Okay to post a video from youtube...do I just copy that code that you see when you click on "share" and then paste it?

[kibakiba]

If you put a house spider outside, it'll likely die anyway.. So either way you are kind of killing it.

[katach]

I'm sure it found a way back in, it was warm out and we are not well sealed here. It just learned not ti show itself again.

[EasternGirl]

Quick question...if anyone knows anything about computers. My computer keeps doing this stupid thing where sometimes after I have been on skype, I can't type on my computer...if I press the keys, nothing types out. The only thing I can do is reboot to get the keyboard working again. Does anyone know how to fix this issue?

[RedSidedSPR]

To post a YouTube video, easiest way is to copy the entire URL (website address) of the video, and paste it in what comes up when you click the little video icon here.

[chris-uk]

Quick question...if anyone knows anything about computers. My computer keeps doing this stupid thing where sometimes after I have been on skype, I can't type on my computer...if I press the keys, nothing types out. The only thing I can do is reboot to get the keyboard working again. Does anyone know how to fix this issue?

Not something I've come across and I use Skype all day almost every day. Is this after making a Skype call, or using Skype chat? Assume the mouse works fine when the keyboard isn't? Are you using the latest Skype update (version 5.5.0.something)?

[katach]

Are you on a laptop or a desktop? If you are on a desktop you can just unplug the keyboard cable from the tower for 10sec and then plug it back in. You could uninstall and reinstall skype. You could try reinstalling the keyboard drivers. Just a few options off the top of my head.

[EasternGirl]

How do I reinstall the keyboard drivers?

[chris-uk]

How do I reinstall the keyboard drivers?

Unless you have a fancy keyboard, chances are it's just using plug & play drivers for a generic USB keyboard.
I'd go with reinstalling Skype first. If it only happens when you've been on Skype it's more likely to be software, if you have a spare keyboard it might be worth trying that one to see if it still happens with a different keyboard.

[guidofatherof5]

How do I reinstall the keyboard drivers?

Windows should do that for you.

[EasternGirl]

Well I reinstalled skype...so let's see what happens...

[EasternGirl]

Oh and Steve...I posted a message directed at you on the Movies and TV thread...I bought the first season of The Walking Dead on DVD...gonna start watching it tonight...then we can chat about it! :)

[guidofatherof5]

Sounds like a plan. Love "The Walking Dead"

[EasternGirl]

Are you kidding me? Rick is looking all over for his wife and son and his best friend is shacking up with them?!!!

[EasternGirl]

Okay Steve and Chris...you guys are in so much trouble for getting me into this show! It's 3:50 in the morning and I am still watching it! I have been watching it non-stop since 11:00pm for crying out loud. I can't go to sleep because I can't stop watching it.

[chris-uk]

Okay Steve and Chris...you guys are in so much trouble for getting me into this show! It's 3:50 in the morning and I am still watching it! I have been watching it non-stop since 11:00pm for crying out loud. I can't go to sleep because I can't stop watching it.

Just one more episode.... ;)

[guidofatherof5]

Maaarnieeees a waaaalker:p:D

[katach]

Anyone have a good home remedy for jaw pain, and restless leg?

[kibakiba]

I have a bump on my forehead that started off as what looked like a mosquito bite... to this huge bump that is larger than a quarter. I have no idea what it is, it feels like a pimple but I don't think it is... And if it was on an area I could hide... I would likely cut it open... I am so tempted to do it.

[katach]

Put a warm pack on it to bring it to a head.

[EasternGirl]

For restless leg....try increasing iron, or taking an iron supplement, and a B vitamin complex. A magnesium supplement can help with pain.

Don't cut it open Chantel...put hydrocortisone on it and if you have any caladryl...that stuff for bug bites...even if it isn't a bug bite...dab it on it and let it dry on there and sit...works for all kinds of bites, hives, acne.

Dr. Marnie in the house....:D

[kibakiba]

I would hate for this thing to come to a head.. can you imagine how much junk would come out of it? With my cystic acne I already get gallons of pus when I do get a pimple.. this thing is larger than my thumb... Ick.

I think it's stress, I've never gotten this many pimples, and I keep my face clean and everything.

[EasternGirl]

I think it's safe to say Jesse is definitely not coming back to this thread now...lol. Maybe one of those jumping spiders you love so much bit you on the head...ha ha.

[kibakiba]

Haha, we have an infestation of these weird brown spiders... They're the size of a quarter and have translucent rend and brown legs... Those ones are aggressive and have bitten my mom before... I always find them in my bed.. So, maybe they have been plotting against me!
Jumping spiders fangs couldn't break my skin I don't think ;)

[RedSidedSPR]

I think it's safe to say Jesse is definitely not coming back to this thread now...lol. Maybe one of those jumping spiders you love so much bit you on the head...ha ha.

jumping spiders don't bite. ._.

[EasternGirl]

I just read this thing though...and as far as I know the jumping spiders are the same as black house spiders...and I read this thing that said that although they are rarely aggressive, if they do bite, they are actually venomous and that certain people react severly to the venom and get very ill...systemic symptoms...headache, fever, muscle aches...

I like your new avatar, Jesse.

[RedSidedSPR]

Barnacles. At least not with the Phidipus they can't hurt you.

[kibakiba]

Our jumpers will act aggressive and ballsy, but at most they just tap you with their front legs and run/ jump away.

[RedSidedSPR]

I actually don't think I'll post that.

I'll leave it at: This KONY2012 **** is pissing me off. Spam left and right.

[kibakiba]

It is. I'm glad people care, but they need to stop. I heard that there hasn't been any violence related to Kony in a few years. They did this back in... 06 I think. It was the same thing.. people talking about it all the time.

[Stefan-A]

It is. I'm glad people care, but they need to stop. I heard that there hasn't been any violence related to Kony in a few years. They did this back in... 06 I think. It was the same thing.. people talking about it all the time.
If you don't count the hundreds of deaths he's caused in the last 5 years or so. And the fact that he hasn't given up any of his sex slaves and child soldiers.

He might not be the nuisance he was a decade ago, but they really shouldn't stop. That man needs to be shot in the face and have his body dumped in the ocean in an undisclosed location.

[kibakiba]

I don't disagree with you but spamming people, everywhere is stupid. That is the only thing that I don't like. Besides, posting nothing but "kony2012" on every single youtube video is stupid.. it's like a frickin trend. Not to mention all over facebook, the games I play, and all the webcomics I read. That's more kony2012 than I care to see.

[Stefan-A]

Don't worry, people will forget all about it by Saturday.

[kibakiba]

I hope so. I've already had friends yell at me because I'm not posting it everywhere and I don't agree with posting it. I also don't support Invisible Children, most of that money that's donated isn't even going towards helping the people. I don't trust most charities though, it doesn't seem like they use the money the way they "promise" they will.

[chris-uk]

I haven't been spammed, so just had to look this up. What seems a balanced overview of the "Kony2012" campaign can be found on The Guardian (quality, slightly left-leaning, UK newspaper, for those not familiar with the British media):
Kony 2012: what's the real story? | Politics | guardian.co.uk (http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/reality-check-with-polly-curtis/2012/mar/08/kony-2012-what-s-the-story)

Sounds like a charity is trying to big themselves up and raise more funds, of which (as Chantel has said) most probably won't help the people that donators think it will.

[kibakiba]

Thank you. Finally someone else goes at least a *tiny* bit of research. My friend just kept telling me that they were doing nothing but helping the people, not using the money for making themselves big... When I asked her for proof, she just said "the guy says so in the video... Go watch it" there's a lot of sites that show they're using just about 30% for the people.. the rest is used for buildings (I believe it said buildings, I can't remember) and advertising.. Stuff like that.

[EasternGirl]

Okay...so I finished watching The Walking Dead. Now I'm angry because season 2 isn't out on DVD yet. I knew this would happen. I have to look and see if it's on OnDemand yet. The scene with the Mexicans was hysterical...when they figure out what is really going on. When they show the chihuahuas...I nearly fell off my bed laughing. Let me also say that I really do not like Shane.

My son made it into the minor league for baseball this year...his coach is thinking about making him pitcher for his team. I'm a very proud mom...and I love baseball season. I love going out to the games and watching my son play. :)

[Stefan-A]

Fortunately, there are other ways to watch it, while you wait for the second season to come out on DVD.

[EasternGirl]

Yes...but I don't like sitting in front of my computer and watching shows...and I haven't figured out how to stream things into my t.v. I got a new t.v. that has a computer cable hookup on the back...so if anyone wants to walk me through how to hook a cable from my computer to my t.v. and then how to stream shows from my computer to the tv...I would be glad to listen...but you have to go step by step because I am tech illiterate.

[mikem]

has anyone watched homeland? i just watched the first two episodes last night and now i'm hooked! the complete first season is currently up on ondemand until the end of march.

[RedSidedSPR]

Not sure if Chantel saw my original post or not but I definately think this whole kony2012 crap is a scam.

Your right 70% of the "donations" is pocketed for them themselves and I think it's all connected to good old Obama that ****er.


If you don't count the hundreds of deaths he's caused in the last 5 years or so. And the fact that he hasn't given up any of his sex slaves and child soldiers.

He might not be the nuisance he was a decade ago, but they really shouldn't stop. That man needs to be shot in the face and have his body dumped in the ocean in an undisclosed location.

Yes. He does. Agreed. He needs killed. I'm all for stopping him but the KONY2012 isn't doing anything to help that. That's the scammy part.

I sure as hell support stopping him but I don't support "KONY2012" or at least won't be putting it my uses named on group chats.

[kibakiba]

I didn't see it, perhaps you could PM me what you said. I am curious.

[EasternGirl]

My son's first baseball practice was cancelled because his coach was in a car accident. He is pretty banged up and broke his nose. The poor guy is still planning on coming to tomorrow's practice at 11am....with a broken nose. Guess he doesn't want to disappoint the kids. Saying prayers for his speedy recovery.

What is a good program in which I can download The Walking Dead to watch on my computer for free and not end up with a virus?

[kibakiba]

Well if you're worried about getting a virus, keep an antivirus active. I'll send you a message on skype. :)

[guidofatherof5]

I love my kids but.......

This morning I went to the fridge to get some ice and water from the door.
I decided to have cube ice not crushed ice.
I made my choice and put the glass up to the dispenser.
Activating the dispenser I noticed a different sound coming from mechanism but continues anyway as I heard ice entering the glass.
Once the dispensing of the ice was finished I chose water from the door.
As the water was dispensing I noticed the glass was full of blue slime.
Upon further investigation I learned that one of my kids had placed a gel-pack on top of the ice to cool the pack down but didn't remove it.
The gel-pack cycled down to the dispenser and was dispensed.
Once the kids got home I interroga .... talk with the kids. My youngest Hailee said it was her and they all started laughing.
I couldn't help but join in.:D
Love my kids.

Cleaning this slime out of the mechanism/door was a difficult job and one I hope to never do again.;)

[chris-uk]

As long as the blue stuff is food grade you're okay, I think Hailee just wanted to give you a colourful slushy.

[EasternGirl]

I give you kudos for that one Steve...I don't think I would have been laughing...I would have been too angry about the mess! You have a lot of patience. :)

[ConcinusMan]

As long as the blue stuff is food grade you're okay, I think Hailee just wanted to give you a colourful slushy.

They're mostly water, about 25% propylene glycol and a very small amount of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. The latter two ingredients are often used as food (like cheap ice cream and other frozen stuff) additives in very small quantities.

In small amounts, or larger amounts over a long period of time, it is non-toxic if ingested. In other words, it would take a lot of it all at once to hurt you.

This is why the heat exchangers in food processing plants use propylene glycol. Ethylene glycol (anti freeze) is much more efficient at cooling but as you may already know, is highly toxic.

Another thing I learned by working in fruit and fruit juice processing.

But anyway, I'm back in Washington State for a little while. Took an Amrtrak train and traveled 1,377 miles in 36 hours. Whew! It was a pleasant trip. Get to sit back, relax, and the best part, it only cost $150. Would have cost at least $400 in gas to drive it and arrive exhausted. Yesterday and today were very nice in SW WA. Sunny, mid-60's. But of course the forecast calls for 7 straight days of rain and not a day over 50 degrees. *SIGH*

[katach]

Welcome back to WA! You brought us one day of sunshine at least :).

[ConcinusMan]

Funny you should say that. It's been nice here in WA the past two days, but cold, wet, and windy where I left from.

[katach]

You must have sent the sun on ahead of you. :D Doing any herping?

[ConcinusMan]

Haven't had time. Just got here (Vancouver, WA) late tuesday. I will have time after tomorrow but like I said, going to be cold and rainy. I'm headed to Dupont, WA / Ft. Lewis area next week. I'll be there for a couple of months probably. There will be some herping days in there somewhere I hope. When the weather breaks... well, I'll be right there in the heart of blue pickeringi range with nothing to do but go herping. I just have to wait there for some sunny days. The very bluest stunning puget garters are from that location.:D

They look like this in the Dupont /Ft. Lewis area:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2680/4504120999_680574bd67_o.jpg

[ConcinusMan]

Again... :confused: ^^^

Something smells like spambot

[Stefan-A]

Again... :confused: ^^^

Something smells like spambot
Rest assured that I've got my finger on the trigger.

[EasternGirl]

Good...because I am so confused with these postings right now...:confused:.

[Stefan-A]

Good...because I am so confused with these postings right now...:confused:.
The first several posts made by setfree are pretty random (as is the username) and I was actually *this* close to banning after the first post. Chronologically, by the way, the first posts were the last to be apporved and that was only after it started to look like there was an actual person behind the name. I'm still not convinced that it's not spammer, but no actual spamming has happened yet.

[EasternGirl]

I just saw the first posts in which he/she was asking where dens in Iowa are...that's the same person right? That seemed like a real person...and then I just started seeing posts that looked as if he/she hadn't been reading the thread before posting. I just thought maybe he/she was new and confused and didn't know how threads worked or something.

[Stefan-A]

I just saw the first posts in which he/she was asking where dens in Iowa are...that's the same person right? That seemed like a real person...and then I just started seeing posts that looked as if he/she hadn't been reading the thread before posting. I just thought maybe he/she was new and confused and didn't know how threads worked or something.
That's pretty much how I saw it.

[katach]

Ok, I had a thread about a bug i saw next to my vivs, but now I can't find it. So I thought they were Asian ladybugs, here is a pic of one I saw last night on my window curtain.
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg16/scaled.php?server=16&filename=dsc03279vh.jpg&res=medium
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg542/scaled.php?server=542&filename=dsc03276y.jpg&res=medium

So... brown ladybug??

[guidofatherof5]

Not an Asian ladybug.

[katach]

So, what is it?

[guidofatherof5]

Bingo. I think.
Varied Carpet Beetle Information - Scientific Name, Taxonomy and Size (http://www.insectidentification.org/insect-description.asp?identification=Varied-Carpet-Beetle)

[EasternGirl]

I don't think that's a carpet beetle..I have them all over and that is too big to be a carpet beetle...carpet beetles are no bigger than the head of a pin usually. And they don't have legs like that.

[EasternGirl]

Okay...it does look like the pic you showed on the link Steve...but how big are the bugs you are seeing Kat?

[katach]

The background of the bug is my kitchen curtain, the bug is only 4 stitches long and 3 stitches wide. They are a little smaller than a ladybug, that's why I thought that's what it was. They are shaped the same too, just different colors.

[EasternGirl]

Hmmm...I don't know. The carpet beetles that I find are usually very tiny...like I said, not much bigger than a pin head...and usually when you find them, they are dead...I read some thing that you are actually finding their outer shell or something...they shed it or they go through stages like a butterfly from larvae to pupae to adult or something...I don't know what I'm talking about...but they are usually little shell things that you find...or they are still alive and crawl but they are so tiny you can't really see colors on them. Curtains would be a place to find them though...they eat material. If you have them, you want to get rid of them. The darn things have been eating my clothes. I just read an article about diatomaceous earth as being the best product to get rid of them...it's organic and won't harm other animals or children...you put it in your closets and around baseboards and it gets rid of them.

[guidofatherof5]

Marnie,

Looking at the link provided by chris-uk it might be better for you to download that program as it is much more up-to-date then what I would be sending you.
I'm sure its features are far better then what my old software could offer.
It also comes with the "Chris" seal of approval which makes it even more valuable.;)

[EasternGirl]

But would it have tools like changing backgrounds and things like that? I know that I had an old photoshop program many years ago that had a lot of features I really liked. Hmmm...let me download it and see what it's like...and I will let you guys know what I think. :). Thanks so much for all the help!

[mikem]

just checking in. haven't been feeling well for a few days. chest congestion and a lovely cough which i'm sure will linger another 3 or 4 days.

[guidofatherof5]

Get well soon.

[mikem]

thanks steve. i'm feeling much better. the worst of it was thursday night, into friday.. i was cold, had a temp, sweating, hurt all over. i thought i was coming down with the flu.

[guidofatherof5]

thanks steve. i'm feeling much better. the worst of it was thursday night, into friday.. i was cold, had a temp, sweating, hurt all over. i thought i was coming down with the flu.

Good to hear you are on the mend.

[EasternGirl]

Hey Mike...I was wondering about you. Sorry to hear you haven't been feeling well. Glad you are starting to get better.

Chris...I tried to download the pic editing thing you gave me a link for...and it didn't work, I just ended up with some toolbar.

[chris-uk]

Hey Mike...I was wondering about you. Sorry to hear you haven't been feeling well. Glad you are starting to get better.

Chris...I tried to download the pic editing thing you gave me a link for...and it didn't work, I just ended up with some toolbar.

I think the answer to this will be "IDK", but do you know if you have. Net 3.5 installed on your computer? If you haven't you will need that as well, it's a free download from Microsoft.

[EasternGirl]

Don't think so...I can try downloading that and then downloading it again.

[chris-uk]

If you download and install the .Net 3.5 framework you should find that Paint.net works.

[EasternGirl]

Okay...but I couldn't even install paint.net...there was no link to it...it just took me to a link to a download manager and then downloaded a toolbar onto my computer.

[mikem]

try gimp. gimp.org is the site you can download. what were you trying to download? i went back a couple pages and didn't see what chris had posted for you ><

[EasternGirl]

Oh...it was in another thread...www.paint.net (http://www.paint.net)

[mikem]

ah, that explains it!

i just downloaded and installed it. works for me. got it from this page - Download (http://www.dotpdn.com/downloads/pdn.html). also has a link to .net framework 3.5 on that page if you need it. the install file is zipped up. you double click to open the zip file and then click the install.exe file inside. not sure how much you know about computers :) if you made it that far already and it isn't working for you, then i'm not sure what's going on.

[EasternGirl]

I don't know squat about computers! Ha ha...I'll try it again....lol.

[EasternGirl]

Got it! Thank you, Mike...for the zip file challenged.

[mikem]

haha, glad it worked :cool:

[EasternGirl]

Yeah...now I just have to figure out how to use it!

[chris-uk]

Yeah...now I just have to figure out how to use it!

Glad you got there in the end. :) Sorry I was a bit vague with my instructions, I have a habit of assuming everyone's tech level is far higher. Thanks for filling the gap Mike.
Paint.net is fairly intuitive to use, just a case of figuring out which icons do what and where things are in the menus. If I remember right there's some introduction tutorials on the website you downloaded from too.

[EasternGirl]

No worries, Chris...I just appreciate you giving me the link to the download in the first place. I'm usually pretty good at figuring things out...everything I've learned so far on computers, I have pretty much taught myself by figuring things out as I go along. I'll get the hang of it...and if not, I'm sure I'll be on here to ask someone! :)

[EasternGirl]

So...I am teaching my son's half sister about snakes...teaching her young...she is almost 2. Today I was taking the snakes out for her and she was just loving it...coming right up to see them, no fear at all...not even with big girl Cee Cee. She couldn't get enough of them...and she would put her little face right up to them and talk to them...as her father was cringing and backing away in fear. I told her "You have much bigger cajones than your Papi, now don't you sweetie?"...even her father laughed at that one.

[katach]

Anyone know the Cornwall area on England? A friend of mine wants a recommendation of where to stay for holiday.

[chris-uk]

Anyone know the Cornwall area on England? A friend of mine wants a recommendation of where to stay for holiday.

I spent my teenage years growing up in Plymouth, so as close to Cornwall as you can get without leaving Devon. I've not been far into Cornwall for a long time, but my mum still lives in Plymouth and goes there fairly often.
What sort of holiday does your friend want? You've got some really pretty, quiet villages on the coast. Then you've got places like Newquay which is full of bars, drunk kids and surfer dudes. I know where I'd be heading, but if your friend is a surfing, late-night reveller then Newquay is the only choice. If on the other hand they'd prefer to stay somewhere quieter, I'll ask my mum to name a few villages.
Also, you'll find accomodation is mostly holiday cottages, caravan parks (not quite the same as an American trailer park, these caravans are purely holiday homes), and camp sites, with some hotels in the bigger towns. I think my mum has camped a few times and also stayed in a really nice cottage.

Hope this helps for now Kat, let me know more specific requirements and I'm sure I can dig up some more detailed recommendations.

[RedSidedSPR]

So. Freaking. Hot.

Actually it's only 76 degree's but holy shnit.

[guidofatherof5]

So. Freaking. Hot.

Actually it's only 76 degree's but holy shnit.

Enough with circumventing the filter or simply letting the filter work. Please.
This forum is read by young people (forum member's children) also.

[katach]

My friend is in her 60's so probably a quiet cottage would be the best.

[EasternGirl]

It kind of skipped spring here and went straight to summer too...but this is Delaware, so it could be snowing tomorrow. The weather here is bizarre. It was so cold the other night, I needed long johns...and the next day, you could wear shorts. Can anyone say "Bye bye ozone layer"?

[kibakiba]

It was snowing today in Everett, and then it was really sunny... and then it was hailing... Then it was sunny again!

[EasternGirl]

Okay...that is definitely weird.

[mikem]

that's some crazy weather chantel! it got to 72f here, but it was a slow warming. morning and up until a little past noon was much cooler than the rest of the day.

[katach]

Yeah at work, I looked out the window and it was sunny, raining, and snowing all at the same time. Kinda psychitzo weather here in the lovely northwest. :D

[kibakiba]

I'm enrolling myself into high school again... And Geez! You need tons of paperwork. I didn't need even half of it when I enrolled with them a few years ago. They also wont let me enroll myself, even though I'm an adult. That's stupid. I'm trying to become independent, and my mom literally wont let me, and now my school doesn't want me to be either.

[guidofatherof5]

Hang in there Chantel. Keep after it.;)

[Stefan-A]

CJWfaDt0CmQ


herp derp lets expose our snakes to naphtalene and see if it repels them

[chris-uk]

herp derp lets expose our snakes to naphtalene and see if it repels them

There's so many things wrong with that video, but exposing snakes to naphthalene is a good start.

[ConcinusMan]

So. Freaking. Hot.

Actually it's only 76 degree's but holy shnit.

*SIGH* Got several inches of snow in the Portland/Vancouver area yesterday after a couple of days of pouring rain. The Oregon / WA beaches got 8 freaking inches of snow. Been cold and pouring rain ever since. 7 day forecast, more cold (41 F) and pouring rain. Going to Puget sound tomorrow but the way things are going there won't be any snakes out until May.:rolleyes: I'll still be there, but I hate waiting for good weather this time of year. The entire winter in SoCal brought maybe 1.5 inches of precipitation. There's already been over 2 inches, some of it snow, in just the week I've been here. Spring in western WA sucks!

[EasternGirl]

That's awesome Chantel...stick with it...you'll get there!

[mikem]

it's about 20 degrees warmer than the average for this time of year. it feels like may.

chantel, why can't you enroll yourself? that seems odd =/

[mikem]

herp derp lets expose our snakes to naphtalene and see if it repels them

a simple "nope, doesn't work" would suffice.

[Stefan-A]

a simple "nope, doesn't work" would suffice.
Yeah.


http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1431&context=gpwdcwp
"potential repellents did not result in significant avoidance behavior."

[mikem]

good read. interesting how it may actually be an attractant. i'm not sure where the moth ball thing started. i think they will help keep mice and rats away, so you're not going to have as many predators in the area hunting for rodents.

[ConcinusMan]

Does a heck of a lot more than keep rodents away. It kills many of them. My late uncle used to put mothballs in a camper trailer to guard against rodent invasion. We would occasionally open the trailer and find dead mice scattered about.

[mikem]

was that because it was closed up? would it have the same effect on them outdoors?

[ConcinusMan]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it was because it's an enclosed space. One lung full of the gas and they were dead in short order. The whole myth of mothballs repelling snakes probably comes from the fact that mothballs keep rodents away. No rodents, no snakes will come.

[Stefan-A]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it was because it's an enclosed space. One lung full of the gas and they were dead in short order. The whole myth of mothballs repelling snakes probably comes from the fact that mothballs keep rodents away. No rodents, no snakes will come.
According to what I've read since they posted that video, it seems that it's possibly even more toxic for reptiles, than for mammals.

[kibakiba]

In that snakebytes video at 3:56 it looks like he shook the snake a little.. I really hope I just saw that wrong... If they shook the snake, plus the moth ball thing.... I want to shake their bodies hard and shove a mothball down their throat.

[katach]

What area are you heading to in the puget sound Richard?

[ConcinusMan]

Dupont, WA. I'll be there tomorrow afternoon. I'll be bouncing back and forth from time to time between Dupont and Vancouver/Portland Oregon until probably July or August. There will be plenty of herping opportunities for pugets, northwesterns and concinnus. I won't have nearly the time constraints I used to have. If it turns out to be a nice day for herping, I can just go. Don't have to worry about work schedules or money. I'm not going back at my union job until at least summer of 2013 and I can keep my seniority and work in SoCal or Vancouver WA.:D

Free at last; free at last; thank God Almighty I am free at last. :D Free of debt, and union rules allow me to be gone as long as I want and still keep my seniority.

I'm just no longer a home owner.:cool: I can live with that. Damn place lost $50,000 in value since 2007 anyway.

[katach]

I got to hold a sand boa today. It was at pet smart, and other than the temp being a little on the warm side it looked in good condition. The lady kept telling me that it was nippy and agitated, but I think that's just because she is high strung. As soon as I found the little one, it let me pick it up and hold it and it settled right in my hand. It seemed sweet, but I'll stick to my garters!

[Stefan-A]

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

333,000 SHU. Naga Jolokia and Habanero based.

[guidofatherof5]

You are a brave man Stefan.
What goes in must or should come out.
♪Burn baby burn, disco inferno. Burn baby burn♪:D

[chris-uk]

♪And it burns, burns, burns, the ring of fire. The ring of fire♪

[Stefan-A]

It's my revenge for all those untimely farts.

[guidofatherof5]

♪And it burns, burns, burns, the ring of fire. The ring of fire♪

You just had to one-up me didn't you Chris.:D

By the way, I like your choice of music more then mine. Good job.;)

[EasternGirl]

Speaking of habaneros...I told my Mexican ex-hubby about the video with the American kid eating the habanero pepper that I posted for Chris...I told him there were a whole bunch of videos on youtube of idiots popping habaneros in their mouths and then writhing around on the ground choking. He was like.."What?? I'm Mexican and I like habaneros but I would never just stick one in my mouth and eat it...that's nuts! You have to eat it in sauce or something". Crazy Americans...

[mikem]

this is the best pepper eating video on youtube, imo. poor guy takes a bite from a ghost pepper, lol. warning, some adult language and grossness ahead. Chilli Challenge - @AyyOnline - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1KvLOZuvxc)

[EasternGirl]

Yeah...I'm not going to watch anything that involves spew coming out of someone's nose...and I have a feeling....