NOTE on 2004-06-16

Much has changed. See http://elsmar.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=6641 for the latest details.

From: william fennelly
To: Marc Smith
Sent: Saturday, April 05, 2003 1:14 PM
Subject: Info, please?

Marc,

You will have my check for the "Helping out a Neighbor Fund, shortly. I hope, by now, you know where I'm at with this.

Question 1. Will there be a prompt if we try to Private Message a member who has not contributed?

I'm not sure what will happen. I'll have to devise a test I guess. I would hope the softwear would do something like bring up a prompt saying that person cannot receive private messages.

Question 2. Is access to these features on hold until you have the payment in hand? For instance, I will be sending a check. From the time I respond to the "Payment Site" and provide the required information, are we automatically allowed to use the features as before?

Yup - just turned it on this morning. I decided what the heck. Might as well join the capitalists. It's cheaper than an ASQ registration. But do remember - I'm home right now but getting ready to go out. Access will be turned on within 12 hours of my getting the broker's e-mail. If I'm here I'll do it right away, but as I said - I'm not ALWAYS here.

Question 3. Why don't you post the names of the members who have decided to help their "neighbor" so that those who do the right thing do not send messages to those who are reluctant to spend $0.50 a week to enjoy the cove and help defray expenses? In a few years, or more like months, it will cost that much to mail a letter. Strange, ain't it? I'm suggesting a thread dedicated solely to the names of supporting members, so that we don't spin our wheels trying to contact members through this forum that choose to remain unsupporting. This way we know who not to Private message to. Just a suggestion. I didn't address the value of downloading member's attachments. These attachments are more valuable than the right to Private messaging. There's a lot of information that can be used to ease the discomfort of not knowing what is being used by others to get through the day.

Those who have access shoulod be visible in the Forum Moderator's Listing (http://elsmar.com/Forums/showgroups.php?s=) Actually that link has a number of 'groups' and isn't really (obviously) just a listing of moderators. How's that?

marc,

Whatever has been turned off has also turned off the ability to make a correction in a post while it is being created and the ability to edit your own posts. That little pointing finger comes up and the block circle with the slash which indicated "No". The pointing finger I refer to is the one that appears when you approach a link. Any help?

William:vfunny: :ko: :smokin:

Editing of posts was not turned off so there should not be a problem with it. I'll check it in a bit with a dummy account.

I did upgrade software (again) yesterday and there could be a glitch, but shouldn't be.

BTW - I tried to private message you and got this message:

energy has chosen not to receive private messages or may not be allowed to receive private messages. Therefore you may not send your message to him/her. I did this from my admin account.

From my 'registered' account (not contributor enabled) I get this:

System Software Message:
Forum Permissions Error Message: Although you appear to be 'Logged In' - and thus you have gone through the Registration Process, you do not have permission to access this page, forum or function. The problem is probably due to one of the following reasons:

1. After you Registered, the system software sent you an Activation E-mail which you MUST respond to. The system software may be waiting for your e-mail activation. If you do not respond to the activation e-mail sent to you, your account will not be activated. If you do not respond to the activation e-mail within 5 days, your registration will be deleted.
You can see if this is the case by going to This Link.

2. You may have gotten this message because you do not have permission to use the function that you were trying to use because you did not complete the Registration Process described above (particularly responding to the e-mail sent to you) before you can use some of the features of the Forums.
If you did not receive a confirmation e-mail, you may have entered an incorrect e-mail address. When this happens the system software gets a 'bounce' message' and your user name will be deleted. You can check to see if your e-mail bounced by Clicking Here.

3. Other possibilities: Are you trying to edit someone else's post or are you trying to access moderator or administrative features? Check that you are allowed to perform this action in the Forum Rules.

etc

Test message.

Test message edit.

Everything works for me. Maybe you have to clear your cookies and cache file or something.

I have the same problem in both private message and ordinary posting:

I cannot (while writing the post) go back in the text and mark something to change it. In order to edit something I have to backspace to the spot I want to reach... and the whole display keeps flickering like mad... Updating itself? That happens whenever I pass the cursor across another frame, icon, or just about anything.

When I try to mark text the cursor turns to the Link pointer.

/Claes

Heyyyyyyy, Jim.... So that's your dark secret? You're a Mac man???:eek:

/Claes

So, what is this all about and what do you get for the $25.00?? I did notice that when you move your cursor you get a lot of flashing.

Claes Gefvenberg said:
When I try to mark text the cursor turns to the Link pointer.
/Claes

Probably due to a small HTML syntax error in closing the 'FONT' and 'a' tags in the new 'contribution' link at the top of the page...?? Though I can't say why it works with a MAC!

:confused:

I tried an edit also and indeed it is not working correctly. I even lost my prompt the first time I tried.

Told you so. Told you so. The quote function doesn't work properly, either. Send in that contribution and it will all go away, I hope. I did mine today!:eek: :ko: :smokin:

gpainter,

It's about helping your neighbor. You get to download attachments, private messaging and other features such as editing and proper quoting. gpainter said:

So, what is this all about and what do you get for the $25.00?? I did notice that when you move your cursor you get a lot of flashing.
For you poor PC users,
I found hat by right clicking the mouse, you can have control of the cursor to edit mistakes.:biglaugh: :ko: :smokin:

Jim Wade said:

For crying out loud, Claes, keep it quiet!

It's true - I admit it. But PLEASE don't talk about 'dark secrets' for fear energy will start to persecute me with accusations of Satanism - or worse.

It would appear he's in one of his lashing-out-without-thinking moods, and I'd rather he continues to focus his bile on Tom (sorry, Tom, but it's a rough old life. FWIW, I believe you.).

rgds Jim
To the contrary, Jim, it looks to me like you really miss getting poked at by Energy, otherwise you'd not taunt him in public. By golly, I think you must LIKE it! JMO. :vfunny:

Jim Wade said:

For crying out loud, Claes, keep it quiet!

It's true - I admit it. But PLEASE don't talk about 'dark secrets' for fear energy will start to persecute me with accusations of Satanism - or worse.

It would appear he's in one of his lashing-out-without-thinking moods, and I'd rather he continues to focus his bile on Tom (sorry, Tom, but it's a rough old life. FWIW, I believe you.).

rgds Jim

Jim,

Nice to see you. As you are attempting to defend Tom and further incite discourse, read his posts. The last thing he said Thanks, Bigot. So, it would appear that he chooses to continue that type of dialogue. As I promised, fight fire with fire. As for lashing out without thinking, you are completely wrong. This is how Tom likes it, or he would stop trying to bait me. As his appointed barrister, this can end anytime. It's his choice. I just don't think he can help himself. ;) :ko: :smokin:

Tom doth protest too much, methinks.:vfunny:

Jim Wade said:

I'm not taking sides, energy. I just understand Tom's position and I don't understand yours.

He claims that he responded with the 'bigot' charge not to continue a tit for tat exchange of insults, but rather to point out that you had declared your beliefs by using homosexuality as an insult.

So he's not addressing the fact that you made your claims about his alleged sexual preferences; he's pointing out that, since clearly you think that being gay is 'bad' (counter to what is now - like it or not - generally accepted) that this is evidence of your self-declared bigotry.

:bigwave:

rgds Jim

Jim..To your first paragraph, that's how it has always been.
:vfunny:

As to the rest, I told you it was bait. I guess because it is such a big issue, that he may think it's bad to be different and finds it necessary to make me out as a bigot. Why worry about something that came from text, vs. a real person? I'm the victim here!:vfunny: :vfunny: Now, I will not continue in this dialogue unless provoked again. Let's see how it plays out. O.K. My money says it will continue.:ko: :smokin:

Claes Gefvenberg said:

I have the same problem in both private message and ordinary posting:

I cannot (while writing the post) go back in the text and mark something to change it. In order to edit something I have to backspace to the spot I want to reach... and the whole display keeps flickering like mad... Updating itself? That happens whenever I pass the cursor across another frame, icon, or just about anything.

When I try to mark text the cursor turns to the Link pointer.

/Claes

Claes,

I found out that you can bully your way in with right clicking the mouse, it works kind of the way it did before. There are still limitations, but it works. As you can see I can post outside the quote zone. If you make a typo, right click at the point of error and the cursor appears. This way we do not have to suffer the slings and arrows from the Mac users. ;) :ko: :smokin:

Echo:

Howard Atkins said:

Marc,

Please can you explain to us why you are charging for the download feature.
This IMHO has become a popular part of the forums and I think that we as moderators should be privy to some of your thinking.

Jeeze, Howard. Personal? OK - here she goes.... I'm a cheap SOB who just want's other people's money... (Just kidding, of course...)

As you know, the restrictions do not apply to moderators (like you) because you've donated plenty more that I could pay. And I hope some of you (!!!!) have donated to Jerry Eldred's church - he himself has been a saint and a resource treasure in the calibration arena here in the forums for years.

I don't know, Howard. I went thru a lot of crap lately. I was really thinking of not bringing the forums online after I got full access to the database back. I don't like that much tension. It feels kinda weird to know feds came in when I was out and I didn't even know it. You sorta feel violated, if you will. When I was a teen, I would have described the feeling as "totally bummed out". I asked myself if all the hassle was really worth it. I really don't want to be high profile. I asked myself: Do I really want to hold the responsibility for keeping the forums online for a group of people I know are crazy - must be to stick around - and really 'depend' on the forums. It's an emotional thing to me to hold that responsibility - I feel it. I get some real personal e-mails and phone calls. I continue to be amazed at how may people feel so strongly (strongly - best adjective I can come up with to 'average' the feelings expressed) about the forums. Yet, if I shut the site down completely no one will die. None the less, I feel a 'responsibility' which I do not carry easily. If an ASQ chapter would take it over I'd give the database away as long as I believe it would continue.

And to be completely honest, after what - 5 years of forums... It has lost some of its 'charm' for me. If I was less busy - which I might be in the near future, it would be back as a hobby, so to speak, instead of a chore to keep running, backed up and all that. For the last year: I leave about 4 to 5 am each morning and don't get back until about 4 to 5 pm every weekday evening and some saturdays. I've been 'called in' at 1 am because of press approval problems - know it's a 1 hour and 30 minute drive to get to the facility. Believe me - I'm living the life of most of the folks who participate in these forums. From control plans and FMEAs to process engineering. Automotive level. You know the drill: There's ALWAYS a problem, if not 2 or more. I won't discuss my Harley frustrations, but they exceed automotive.

But in a month it could be 2 weeks a month. I never know for sure.

This site has been, and is, a nice place for a number of people. Even with oddball personalities like myself (not to mention energy and Al and - well, you know the crew... A lot of people come and those that stay around obviously are as nutz as I (we?) are. To me it's pretty cozy and - well, when I have time it's still fun and interesting. And it's my podium (soapbox) from time to time (my box in Trafalgar Square).

And not many people realize the true cost of keeping this site online - not only in money but my time. I'm near the limit again with disk space and to keep things level I may have to ditch the 'old' forums - which I guess I will shortly. Not a big deal as what is there was drawn into this database (the last forums, not the oldest - the first forums). There were a lot of links to messages in the old forums in search engines and there's one thread I accidentally deleted from the current database last fall which I want to get back into the current database first.

So I was sitting here thinking....
http://Elsmar.com/gif/Beggar.gif
Only a couple of 'sales' since January of other goodies. Not a big deal right now because I've been working every day for a year now so I'm pretty flush with cash. On the other hand I would like the site to pay for its self. It costs me between US$500 and US$1000 a month to keep the site with all costs figured in depending on the month. We're talking roughly US$10,000 a year. Anyone want to get some site 'sponsors'? I'm listening. Who wants to 'pony up'?

I could probably sell some advertisement space, but I'd rather sell the site to someone and let them take it 'commercial'. I can't see the forums with flashing advertisements - well, I have my little concoction, but to me it would ruin something that I gave birth to what - 7 plus years ago - to help people out. I'd shudder at a Perry-Johnson advertisement prominent in a sidebar or such.... (More on my recent 'experience' - I was recently in Boston for a "2000 Auditor Transition Course" in Boston - in a later installment...).

And as you know, until around February 2001 (?) everything was free. Even the powerpoint files.

If anyone IS interested in buying the site, I'll listen...

Recently a few people wrote offering a contribution. One person said "Heck, I'll pay 5 bucks a month 'cause I like the people." I thought, heck - that's $60 a year. Too much, I thought. And I didn't want to hassle with a monthly charge thing. I hate them and think they're a pain. And for me to do it with current software would require some special scripts and I don't have the time (or want to spend the time) to screw around with perl scripts and SQL calls through PHP. I don't enjoy programming like I did years ago. Canned software is expensive and a bitch to set up.

So - I settled on US$25 a year. Pretty cheap for everyone. I was gonna do $19.95 or something but figured what the heck - 25 bucks is a good figure.

I see many, many people come, register, get attachments, leave and never post a word or return. Is it a powerful part of the Cove? Yes it is. But it's also a high bandwidth part of the site. You want the 'meat' (and bandwidth), then pay. There are MANY excellent attachments to posts in threads. So - call me a capitalist...

If you think about it, there are only about 50 to 100 real regular users so I don't plan to get rich, obviously. And for those people who want attachments, heck - such a deal. And it will reduce bandwidth use and will free up the server load a bit in general.

So on Friday evening I got my butt in gear, set up a file with the broker and reconfigured the forums. Did a bit of html in Dreamweaver and voila! I have new enemies because I've decided to charge for the meat of the forums.

Now - where am I going with the site:

It is evolving into Elsmar.com. Over this year I will be evolving my 'business' name into Elsmar Systems or Elsmar Business Systems - Cayman Systems is going bye-bye.

I think I am prepaid for qs9000.com (December 1995) for another year or so and I will then let that domain name expire. The second domain name - 16949.com - came during 1999 as I remember, and I expect to let it expire around the time qs9000.com expires - maybe 6 months or a year later (did you think I had long term plans???). I will keep Elsmar.com as my sole domain pointer.

In the meantime, I have to seriously reduce the files on the Elsmar server. I have 800 megabytes paid for. I'm at about 750. Pretty close. Looking at the last forums directory which I will be deleting shortly, that will give me about another 45. I can dump some stuff like my powerpoint exports (e.g. http://Elsmar.com/Audit/ and http://Elsmar.com/8D/ ) which I keep as 'previews' of the 'Guide File Sets (see http://Elsmar.com/courses.html and http://Elsmar.com/join.html ). They run about 20 each (4 or 5 total) and I can put them on my 'CheechWiz' server - slow, but they get the idea and it would reduce bandwidth on the Elsmar server.

I also have my 'personal' site - which isn't really a site, per se, but a peecee which I use as an FTP, HTTP, MP3 and video server - and you go to it in that 'secret' directory which only moderators have access to (you DO remember that link, don't you??). The Forbidden Files Zone, as I know it...?" It's on broadband, but broadband (ADSL) doesn't hold a candle to what the Elsmar site is on - a Verio backbone.

Well, that's 2.905789024356 hours. 5 cents, please... Next question? (I'm ready for bed, actually... Bye for tonight!)

Claes Gefvenberg said:

I have the same problem in both private message and ordinary posting:

I cannot (while writing the post) go back in the text and mark something to change it. In order to edit something I have to backspace to the spot I want to reach... and the whole display keeps flickering like mad... Updating itself? That happens whenever I pass the cursor across another frame, icon, or just about anything.

When I try to mark text the cursor turns to the Link pointer.

/Claes

Is this still a problem for you?

gpainter said:

So, what is this all about and what do you get for the $25.00?? I did notice that when you move your cursor you get a lot of flashing.

I can't reproduce what you're describing, even on my peecee. I suspect it's a cache issue.

energy said:

Claes,

I found out that you can bully your way in with right clicking the mouse, it works kind of the way it did before. There are still limitations, but it works. As you can see I can post outside the quote zone. If you make a typo, right click at the point of error and the cursor appears. This way we do not have to suffer the slings and arrows from the Mac users. ;) :ko: :smokin:

This sounds real weird. I'll check the vB site to see if others are complaining about the latest upgrade screwing things up....

Marc said:

Is this still a problem for you?

Errr.... yep, it is. Went to the cookie jar to get a new cookie, and spring cleaned the cache. No change... But Energys hints helped a bit (:eek: <-Shock and awe ;) Thank's Bill)

/Claes

Alright! The flickering is gone, and good riddance... I was getting worried about its effect on my peepers (I think it was about to give me wall eye vison for a while there - :cool: )

The rest of the problem is still there, but it's bearable now when I can see what I'm doing again.

/Claes

By right clicking, you can do everything except copy. When you try to shade for copying or deleting, you get the finger :vfunny: or the verbotten sign...the circle with the slash in it. But, there is no problem with placing the curser where you want just as long as you right click. Well, maybe a couple of times. What do want for $25.00? Cake?:biglaugh: You know I'm just bustin em!:p :smokin:

Let's see...access to attachments, private messaging, calender access and other features plus editing that doesn't work or...

a large pizza and a pitcher of beer


= $25.00.




Tough choice....burp...or is it?


:bigwave:

Ken K said:

Let's see...access to attachments, private messaging, calender access and other features plus editing that doesn't work or...

Tough choice....burp...or is it?

:bigwave:

Of all those things, the ability to read attachments is the most important. I wonder if members can attach them as non-contributors. Of course, I can't try it now because I'm a contributor. :vfunny: Try it for me and let me know Ebeneza!:rolleyes: If only supporters can attach, the downloads may be slim or none.:ko: :smokin:

energy said:

Of all those things, the ability to read attachments is the most important. I wonder if members can attach them as non-contributors. Of course, I can't try it now because I'm a contributor. :vfunny: Try it for me and let me know Ebeneza!:rolleyes: If only supporters can attach, the downloads may be slim or none.:ko: :smokin:

Any registered user can post attachments. Only downloads are restricted to 'Contributors'.

And editing should be working again. Atul Khandekar found an html syntax error I made in the header template. I can say I probably would have beat my head against the wall for a long time before I found that one.

I have no idea why it did not affect Mac parcing of the code.

Try it for me and let me know Ebeneza!


So you think I'm tight eh?

I'll tell you why I'm against it...pure and simple. If I post a document, it is meant for everyone who uses this sight, not the few who pluck down 25 bucks. Why should Marc make money off of something someone else did all the work on and was kind enough to post it? That sucks!

And I'm sure others will start to realize that and attachments will become nonexistant. And then everyone loses.

So if I decide I have a document I wish to share, send me 5 bucks and I'll send you a copy...bad call Marc. I guess your Refuge is now a pay only club for the few.

Ken K said:

So you think I'm tight eh?

I'll tell you why I'm against it...pure and simple. If I post a document, it is meant for everyone who uses this sight, not the few who pluck down 25 bucks. Why should Marc make money off of something someone else did all the work on and was kind enough to post it? That sucks!

And I'm sure others will start to realize that and attachments will become nonexistant. And then everyone loses.

So if I decide I have a document I wish to share, send me 5 bucks and I'll send you a copy...bad call Marc. I guess your Refuge is now a pay only club for the few.

You are welcome to not visit these forums again since you feel you are getting screwed by capitalistic me. It's a pisser when you have to pay for something, isn't it. I wonder how much you've gotten for free for how long.

As if I'm raking in the cash. Since the site has never totally paid for its self in any of the years I have had it up, you are dilusional.

You got a lot for nothing for a long time. I ask a pittance for my work and expenses to keep these forums online and now I'm greedy as I don't really want to pull about $10,000 out of my pocket every year, not to mention my time, so that you can get free help and a place to meet and interact with friends.

I was particularly disappointed by your saying "...someone else does all the work..." as if my providing the medium - the entire site - is nothing. There's still one heck of a lot of free stuff on the site in general. I don't hear anything like "Well, at least we got this all free for years." Instead I get a "Why should Marc make money." No "Thanks for everything you have done." Just a complaint that things have changed.

Bad call, Ken. Sorry to see you go, but I'm sure you will be more at home elsewhere in a totally free forum. You never know - the 'quality' of attachments may improve...

Oh, by the way... Attachments downloads in the coffee break part of the forums are still 'free'.

Ken K said:

So you think I'm tight eh?

I guess your Refuge is now a pay only club for the few.

First, I was joking about Ebeneza. That's your coice. Club for the few? Do you really think $25 a year, do the days computation, is restrictive? I must say I'm amazed at some members that find this not worth the money.

I could draw parallels all day long of what that amount of money buys you today. It's chump change. I'm not rich and cannot afford to join an exclusive club for the few. This is affordable and the right thing to do. Period.

Someone told me a long time ago, nothing comes between friends like money. While we may not all be friends, per say, it's very revealing what asking for meager financial support from members who have enjoyed the Cove for years, has brought. This is a bet that I would have lost for sure. :( :smokin:

Ken, if you do bail, let's keep in touch. I want to see what real fish look like!:vfunny:

I'll tell you why I'm against it...pure and simple. If I post a document, it is meant for everyone who uses this sight, not the few who pluck down 25 bucks.


energy my man...this is the reason I am against it. I'm not going anywhere...even though I could feel the love from Marc's post. Quite the spin he put into it...

screwed? Don't recall saying that.

raking in cash? Never said that.

I didn't appreciate his efforts? Never said that.

I wonder how much you've gotten for free for how long...Gee, I never helped anyone here either?

Ken, if you do bail, let's keep in touch. I want to see what real fish look like!

Count on it energy. But like I said, I'm here one way or another unless Marc comes to confiscate my cookie. You can bet I won't have milk.:D

Ken,

Your choice is just that, yours. I have downloaded so many attachments from so many members that I lost count. While Marc's files are good, I wanted to see what other companies were doing. You know, other methods. To me, that option was the most important. I already communicate with a few members via regular e-mail, so messaging wasn't the prime reason. Number one for me, was to offer some support for the Cove, in some affordable way. Marc has said that members can attach without being in the exclusive club so I would expect that those that want to share without paying will still do so. I hope so. Those that attach and want some critical analysis can only get it from those who have offered support. Looking at the list, so far, there is some talent there to help out. Not me, I'm dumb.:vfunny: Hang in there. Marc will not cut off your cookies. If that were the case, I'd be speaking with a much higher voice. Peace.:agree: :smokin:

A couple of thoughts here. At first is seems like a tough thing to suddenly be asked to pay for a "free" site. But think about what Marc said. This isn't a "free" site. It was and is a "mostly paid for my Marc" site. Some of us have paid to support this site, but that probably represents a small percentage of the site expense. All Marc is saying is that he is now taking a harder stance on what his financial contribution is and what ours is/ should be.

Personnaly, I think that $25 is a more than fair price. If Marc the communist wanted us to pay our fair share, then we ,would either have to pay "per post", or something like that. If Marc, the capitalist wanted us to pay our fair share, then he would figure out his costs, what his profit should be and what the market would bear and charge us accordingly, or something like that. I guess that puts Marc somewhere in between. And until he makes up his mind whether he is a communist pig, or a capitalist dog, then we will make do with how he's decided.

I say, ante up and get back to work!

This is great advertisment for your buisness it should be a write off!

That would depend if whether his business increases at a higher rate than the expense. If he spends $10,000 only to get $5000, then it might not be a "great advertisement". But we may never know, and personally, I'm not too concened. I only care that I have received over $25 worth of information from it.

Marc,

If you are as fed up with this forum as you act, why not hand it off to someone else who is interested in running it? Then you wouldn't have to worry about reading things that you don't agree with and people could tell you to leave everytime you disagree with them.

Richard Olson said:

Marc,

If you are as fed up with this forum as you act, why not hand it off to someone else who is interested in running it? Then you wouldn't have to worry about reading things that you don't agree with and people could tell you to leave everytime you disagree with them.

Make me an offer.

My offer to you:
I give you the database for nothing - for free. You buy the software to run it and get it up and running on a server. Prior to giving you the database, you give me a legal paper where you promise to keep the forums online, at your total expense, for a minimum of 5 years.

Catch: You post a bond, from which you may have the interest from, but the principle of which will be mine if you default. Bond: US$50,000 (five years).

skullsike said:

Well marc have you been writing the cove off as expenses!:smokin:

This is great advertisment for your business it should be a write off!

Yes I write it off. It's still out of my pocket. No company is paying for this. I am.

And I'd like to hear from one - just one - person who works for free. All this bitching because I start charging for some 'luxuries'. So what if I DO make a profit off it this year? Give me a good reason why I should provide you with something for free. All the capitalists bitching because I start charging $25 a year for the 'luxuries'. Pretty shameful.

The person who says they DO work for free, just let me know. I have a lot of work here for you.

As far as it being a 'great' advertisement for my business, I get very few referrals from the site. I did in the 1990's when things were hot, but not any more. Not a big deal.

I started the Cove over 7 years ago. I didn't charge for anything. I got business from it, it was fun and I enjoyed it as a hobby to some degree. I mostly liked the interpretations chatter. I went out, got information and brought it back here. E-mail requests for help started coming in like mad - which led to the forums. I've written thousands of people with help over the years and actually called, at my expense, at least a hundred if not more. I enjoyed ISO. I enjoyed the learning.

The forums changed all that - but now it's forums and it gets real personal. The early forums are still available and we had some disputes, but there was no name calling or the other insulting behaviour as we are seeing here now. Take a looksie if you haven't. There was a lot of GOLD there for its time. And we had some really good people. Some of you might remember the legendary Don Winton. Some of you might remember an early unmoderated forum that digressed into a total shambles. Yet - it was an early starter and for quite a while was very popular.

To those who are: Quit complaining. Look folks - if you don't like it here for any reason, I have no idea why you stay around. If I don't like a site I don't visit it. Those I like, such as Salon.com I support and visit regularly. You don't like it here any more? Move on. Get a life. I've had a hard month and I'm a bit bitchy right now.

Gee Marc. Are you this friendly in person as well? Do you treat your 'customers' the same way? Do you have any friends? Or have you chased them all away anytime they say something you don't like?

I think some folks just don't get it. You don't go into someone's house and complain about the furniture! Whether Marc got "free" information is irrelevant. Marc is not charging for the information. He is charging for the bandwidth! Look at as a cable company. They don’t charge for the programs (excluding pay-per-view), they charge for using their cable to get information. Bandwidth costs Marc money. The more bandwidth that is used, the more he pays. Why should he pay all the costs so we can use his bandwidth? All he is asking for us to do is to help cover the cost. If that is too much to ask, then get your “free” information elsewhere. Find the information on Google, or someplace.

Marc, you have every right to be "bit bitchy".

Marc said:

And I'd like to hear from one - just one - person who works for free. The person who says they DO work for free, just let me know. I have a lot of work here for you.

Marc,

Surely you must have forgotten. Surely you realize many Cove members do in fact do SOME work for free, and donate money, for various charities and organizations and people that they support. I think someone was asking for donations for their charity here on the Cove just recently, with your blessing if memory serves.

Just as not ALL work you do is for free, these folks don't do ALL of their work for free, either. Your "donation" of the free portions of the Cove are admirable as I have said many times. But I think it is a disservice and injustice to the others to suggest that no other Cove member engages in any philanthropy (or work for free) except yourself. JMO.

skullsike said:

Woa Just asking, by the way was the information you got & brought back here free!
:smokin:

In the early days this site was like the wild west of the internet ISO world. Man - what did I bring back.... Have you ever taken a look at the main site? All I wrote? The links I put together? Pre-forums it was all e-mail communications and - heck, even the first forums - the software seems ancient now.

I used to post ISO news. I gave away the powerpoint slide files I now sell. I started selling them in 2000 or 2001 - a very bad year and - I'm glad I did start charging. I put a lot of hours into those presentations and I still have some of them online in the powerpoint export format. I gave away sample ISO and sample QS procedures. The 'old' pdf files directory had tons of free stuff in it. Have you ever been in that directory? Not much new, but yeah - I used to provide quite a bit of free stuff.

You joined here in 2001 - you missed the first 5 grand years.... So you probably don't understand how many thousands of my hours are in this site. Do a search on messages I've posted in these forums. I've helped one heck of a lot of people over the years.

Yes - I'm bitchy today and have been for the last month. I has been a long, hard month in many ways and I'll be bitchy for the next month, probably. Too much happening. I'm getting too old for all the stress and excitement.

BTW - I wasn't complaining at you above. I saw you were offering advice (if I wasn't I should be) and tried to frame my words somewhat to address that. Sorry if I missed.

I just really find all the crying hard to believe.

db said:

I think some folks just don't get it.

What's really amazing to me is that I'm unemployed and find that contributing to the Cove is totally within my means. What's the problem? Marc and I have had some doozies over the years, but I have to say these attacks from people I always liked are unexplainable. It's not a Lotto ticket. It isn't designed for you make money. You're working, aren't you? Otherwise you would posting in the "Got a job" thread. Take the brakes off that meager stipend, or shut the **** up! Christ, I just don't get it.

Marc, don't even bother responding. Lurk. :vfunny:

You guys should get a grip. It's not that big a thing. Is this a chance to take potshots? Trust me, Cheech has pissed me off more times than I care to remember. But, not over this. Ante up, or take a Lurker hike. It's that simple. Geez.:bonk: :ko: :smokin:

Let me just say that I am not 'complaining' about Marc charging anything. What I am taking issue with is Marcs complaining. His basic response lately has been to tell everyone to go away. I will openly admit that there are people on here that I don't like, but that doesn't mean I should tell them to leave. Although, I would love to be able to do that at work sometimes :vfunny:

I understand that Marc has been under fire for a number of things lately and I don't blame him for being stressed and irritated, but I think the philosophy of calm down and take a breath before posting should apply to everyone. And yes, I know that I don't always follow that myself. No need to point it out :bonk:

Mike S. said:

Marc,

Surely you must have forgotten. Surely you realize many Cove members do in fact do SOME work for free, and donate money, for various charities and organizations and people that they support. I think someone was asking for donations for their charity here on the Cove just recently, with your blessing if memory serves.

Just as not ALL work you do is for free, these folks don't do ALL of their work for free, either. Your "donation" of the free portions of the Cove are admirable as I have said many times. But I think it is a disservice and injustice to the others to suggest that no other Cove member engages in any philanthropy (or work for free) except yourself. JMO.

I in no way said or implied that no one else has contributed. Those who have contributed most are the moderators. Some are just once in a whilers. Some I've argued with and bitched at - doesn't mean they don't contribute in one way or the other. Some folks are here several times a day. Many, many people have contributed attachments and contributed their time answering peoples questions.

If any of you feel your contributions were so significant that you believe you should get free 'access', just e-mail me and tell me why. I've done it for someone already.

In part this was my point - many people come here, get attachments and leave without ever contributing a thing. Read my post to Howard for details.

I would be very happy for you to copy the words I wrote and post them here for me to explain if you believe I wrote something which implies I think ony I contribute to the forums.

BTW - It was I who posted an 'announcement' asking people to contribute to Jerry's missionary work. I did it not because I'm religious - I'm not. I did it because Jerry has provided so much of his time in the calibration forums for a number of years. He is a sterling fellow who selfishly gives of himself for his fellow man whom I very much admire. See here. (http://elsmar.com/Forums/announcement.php?s=&forumid=24) I saw it as a way to do something for Jerry.

If you think I have forgotten that the forums are a group of good people, you are very far astray.

Marc said:

I just really find all the crying hard to believe.

As I posted previously, don't even respond.

What I'm watching is something that has always embarrassed me about the profession I was in. I could never figure out what people really thought, therefore, I was lacking in judging those rascals out there to do me in. You have on a few occasions to told me to "take a hike". Some justified, some not, to me. The end result? I'm still here. And, you love it! :vfunny:

This bickering over "peanuts" has shown me that money isn't the problem. If it is, shame on them. It's more. Just take a look at the supporters and the posts from those who aren't. Don't let those emotions cause you to do something silly, like you did when I said I could run the site for $40. Oh, that was good time. Stay the course. And if there is anybody out there that thinks I'm sucking up. Bite me. Those thoughts are linked to those you already offered. It's a different agenda. I, for one, don't like it. Just think a little about what you're doing and why.
:agree: :ko: :smokin:

energy, you're a live-in. I'd be surprised if your isp doesn't have a direct connection here. tee hee hee!

BTW - when I first started the site, it was 30 bucks a month, as I remember. All you needed was a domain name, a few megabytes on a sever and know how to write in html. This site started out as a hard coded site. Now its 250 plus bandwidth a month, 800 megabytes which I'm close to exceeding, Dreamweaver, PHP, perl, mySQL, etc.

To see Click Here (http://elsmar.com/obsolete/tis_me.html) and then Click Here (http://elsmar.com/obsolete/Marc_Smith.html)

I was young and good looking back then...

How many here remember ISO 9001:1987???

Richard Olson said:

Gee Marc. Are you this friendly in person as well? Do you treat your 'customers' the same way? Do you have any friends? Or have you chased them all away anytime they say something you don't like?

I'm much, much worse in person...

Marc,

Remember ISO 9001:1987? I remember MIL-STD-9858A, N45.2, Q-90, and BS 5750.

Marc said:

I was young and good looking back then...


Hey Marc, I think you're still good looking. When are ya'll coming to Texas for wings and beer?:)

Marc,

You're spending too much time justifying to these folks. I stated that I wouldn't join unless I felt like I was using the business end, but have absolutely NO PROBLEM with the fee. You guys need to get a grip. Of course his $$ is deductible. So is your $25.00. So was my $249 I spent last year for the premium files - which I got my money's worth. Sheesh - this bunch will argue about anything. Go figure, a GW fan defending your right to make some chump change!!!

Keep up the good work.

Laura

Laura M said:

Marc,

You're spending too much time justifying to these folks. Sheesh - this bunch will argue about anything. Go figure, a GW fan defending your right to make some chump change!!!

Keep up the good work.

Laura

Laura,

Exactly. I wouldn't bother. I, like you, had my former company spend the money for the premium membership. If I was still there, I'd do it again. Was it for the files? Not exactly. While they were good, I wanted to contribute to the cause. I now question the cause. Was it to allow those ingrates a chance to snipe and vent their non-contributary frustrations about something that transcends money? This has more to do about politics and the views expressed by those who didn't want a war. Having said that, the war was a good thing. Just look at the smiling Iraq people. Well, water under the bridge. It's a done deal.

: Marc said:

energy, you're a live-in. I'd be surprised if your isp doesn't have a direct connection here. tee hee hee!



Marc, actually I check in from two different places. Maybe a dozen times a day. The Cove is a place to go for a brief respite. One from home, and the other from a place of part time employment. Maybe, soon to be full time. Far away from the Q field where I was never completely comfortable. Know why? I hate psuedo intellectual Quality folks that have never been disconnected from the corporate tit that pays them. Spend a few weeks away from that environment and you get a whole new appreciation of life. In other words, stop sucking up to your boss and try it on your own. Then you might have an appreciation for those things that function outside your own self centered little world. Some one might even slap you in that pursed lip authoritive face that works so well in the workplace. I'm codifying that last sentence to apply only to those that fit that description. You know you've seen them. Anyway, what a bunch of cheap Mo Fo's!
;) :ko: :rolleyes

Heeeeeeeeeeeeey MARC!!!!!!

I've been on the road all this time teaching peole how to be good auditors and others how to implement good systems. As soon as I get home my $25 is in the pipeline. I use what is here as a valuable resource/ tool. What's the big deal?

'Cinda!!!!! You dropping me for some of these other dudes?:(

I thought wings and brew was our "special" thing.

When I first stumbled in here 5 - 6 years ago (old forum), I had just been beat up by a Q-1/TE-9000 STA audit. I was dazed and confused but with the help of Marc and others we were able to put our corrective actions in place and move forward. It was a rewarding experience to me, I was toying with getting out of the quality field (did for awhile) and going elsewhere. The Cove was has been a big help to me, and I for one don't see any reason for Marc to have to justify the cost. I pay more for lunches each week.
So we were spoiled for some time. Get over it.
:agree:

Marc said:

I in no way said or implied that no one else has contributed. Those who have contributed most are the moderators. Some are just once in a whilers. Some I've argued with and bitched at - doesn't mean they don't contribute in one way or the other. Some folks are here several times a day. Many, many people have contributed attachments and contributed their time answering peoples questions.

If any of you feel your contributions were so significant that you believe you should get free 'access', just e-mail me and tell me why. I've done it for someone already.

In part this was my point - many people come here, get attachments and leave without ever contributing a thing. Read my post to Howard for details.

I would be very happy for you to copy the words I wrote and post them here for me to explain if you believe I wrote something which implies I think ony I contribute to the forums.

BTW - It was I who posted an 'announcement' asking people to contribute to Jerry's missionary work. I did it not because I'm religious - I'm not. I did it because Jerry has provided so much of his time in the calibration forums for a number of years. He is a sterling fellow who selfishly gives of himself for his fellow man whom I very much admire. See here. (http://elsmar.com/Forums/announcement.php?s=&forumid=24) I saw it as a way to do something for Jerry.

If you think I have forgotten that the forums are a group of good people, you are very far astray.
Marc,

You misunderstood my point, or else I did not make it clearly. Let me try again. I wasn't referring to contributions to the Cove per se.

You said, "And I'd like to hear from one - just one - person who works for free. The person who says they DO work for free, just let me know. I have a lot of work here for you."

My point was that I know there are Cove members (maybe even a majority) who "work for free" for various charities and organizations and individuals that they want to support. Yes, Cove contributions would count, and mony of us try to help however we can as far as answering questions or posting things we have that might help, but I was thinking more of people who volunteer their time for the Red Cross, United Way, MS Walks, soup kitchens, community clean-ups, Habitat for Humanity, churches, Boy Scouts, political candidates or PACs, the PTA, nursing homes, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, "adopted" needy families and individuals, and a million other "good causes" to which people donate their time (and money). Jerry's missionary work that you cited is one such fine example of what I was thinking of. People doing "work" for "free" for causes they support. Like you. You are not alone. That's all I meant.
:truce:

Mike S. said:

Marc,

Yes, Cove contributions would count, and many of us try to help however we can as far as answering questions or posting things we have that might help.....

What does that really mean? It sounds like someone enjoying a subsidized school hot lunch program without paying and can very well afford it.:p Everybody helps with inquiries. That's what makes the Cove what it is. No merit badges are in order. That in no way sustitutes for tangible support. Incidentally, the cardinals are "cheeping" outside my window.:vfunny: :ko: :smokin:

No one asked for any merit badges, Energy, least of all me. If you review you’ll see that Marc brought up Cove informational participation in this thread, not I. It was not the focus of my point, as I thought I explained pretty well. Glad to see you’re into ornithology though, Energy. I’m a casual participant in that as well. Today I saw the Blue Jays squawking and sticking their beaks into the other birds’ affairs. Ever see that? :p :ko:

Mike S. said:

Today I saw the Blue Jays squawking and sticking their beaks into the other birds’ affairs. Ever see that? :p :ko:

All the time. I buy the best of seed for a particular species and those freeloaders who are not wanted gobble it up like Mercedes driving beggars in a soup kitchen. :vfunny:

Let me meddle some more:

There are very honest people who do not think that they have had a bargain unless they have cheated a merchant.

Author: Anatole France 1844-1924, French Writer

$0.48 per week? That less than 10 empties refund at the bottle redemption center. Hiccup!:smokin:

Randy said:
'Cinda!!!!! You dropping me for some of these other dudes?:(

I thought wings and brew was our "special" thing.

Oh, but Randy, you were the first. That will always be "special"!:vfunny:

My contribution will be on its way also, Marc. I don't feel like I'm paying for the information that others are freely providing, but for the bandwith that you provide that makes it all possible for us to discuss and share things in an open manner.

There is a simple solution for those who don't need the convenience of getting the attachments by clicking onto them in the posts: simply ask the contributor to email them to you. Since our intentions here are to share with our comrades, I don't see where anyone would object to doing this, unless a sudden bombardment of requests from virtual strangers start appearing.

What Marc has said is that the attachment sharing is eating his bandwidth and he can't afford to provide it for every "stranger" who pops into this forum just to gobble up the attachments without really becoming part of the community. By charging for the ability to download the attachments, it will greatly reduce this occurrance. That's all he's trying to do (I think). Marc's expenses will go down somewhat by reducing the online file sharing.

So pay, or don't pay. I don't think that we should start blackballing each other's requests for emailed attachments or calling one another "cheapskates". We should still be willing to share what we know and have, and help Marc to help the forums open and active.

Something else I've wondered about is whether the emoticons use large amounts of bytes??

Lucinda said:

or calling one another "cheapskates"


Hi Cinda,

What else do you call them? :vfunny:

I should have some good news to post shortly. I hope so or I'll have to start clipping coupons.:vfunny: :ko: :smokin:

Marc said:



To see Click Here (http://elsmar.com/obsolete/tis_me.html) and then Click Here (http://elsmar.com/obsolete/Marc_Smith.html)

I was young and good looking back then...




And I'm married....shucks!

CX

So, Energy, you're an aficionado of quotations, too. What diversified interests you have! Okay, I'll play.

"Moral indignation is jealousy with a halo."
- H. G. Wells

"MYOB."
- Ann Landers

So, do you like baseball too? :smokin:

Baseball, like football, is no longer about the sport. So, no, I don't like it. MYOB? Anybody who would quote that dead spinster needs help!:vfunny: :ko: :smokin:

energy said:

MYOB? Anybody who would quote that dead spinster needs help!:vfunny: :ko: :smokin:
Yep, that's why I'm here. Therapy. Thanks for your help so far! :vfunny:

Ann Landers !!!!
I do believe that is the last person I ever thought I'd see quoted here. Well maybe Rupaul would be the last but Landers sure came out of the North Forty!!!! (bet you thought I was going to say left field didn't you Mike) :biglaugh:

Mike S. said:

So, Energy, you're an aficionado of quotations, too. What diversified interests you have! Okay, I'll play.

"Moral indignation is jealousy with a halo."
- H. G. Wells

"MYOB."
- Ann Landers

So, do you like baseball too? :smokin:

Can you tell the ones I made up? :vfunny:

Being stingy is all right, by the way I think being stingy is healthy. You can be stingy and still feel good about yourself.

A nickel isn't worth a dime today.

Human history is the sad result of each one looking out for himself.

He who takes but never gives, may last for years but never lives.

Being a bone head does have its helpful features. You always know what you're going to be thinking tomorrow.

Conscience is thoroughly well-bred and soon leaves off talking to those who do not wish to hear it.

The same people who can deny others everything are famous for refusing themselves nothing. :p
:smokin:

Energy,

Since when did you become the self-appointed moral compass and comptroller for the Cove, anyway? Is it boredom, or just trying to get a rise out of people for fun, or a feeling of moral superiority, or what? Why do you feel the need to keep pushing when, frankly, it ain't none of your frickin' business who pays what, and when, and why, when it comes to the Cove, unless and until Marc hires you to worry with such things. Lucinda sees this, why not you? The “high and mighty, holier-than-thou” look, with nose upturned and pinky extended, is not a good look for you, IMO, and I didn’t expect you to be one to adopt it. I don't ask you what organizations you support financially, or whom you vouluteer your time to, nor do I try to guess your motives or justifications for those decisions. Why? It's none of my business, that's why. I owe you nor anyone else on this board any explanation as to whether or not I contribute money to it, or how much, or when, or why. My mind is not made-up, but when it is I won't be trumpeting my decision, whatever it is, looking for "merit badges" as you put it. Just maybe some of the people you imply are "stingy", "cheap", a "beggar", "not wanted", "freeloader", a "cheat" or whatever else are much more "giving" in the grand scheme than you are. But how would you know? Maybe "you always know what you're going to be thinking tomorrow", so you give it no thought? I'm ready for this issue to be over. You?
:confused:

Mike S. said:

Energy,

Since when did you become the self-appointed moral compass and comptroller for the Cove, anyway? Is it boredom, or just trying to get a rise out of people for fun, or a feeling of moral superiority, or what?

I'm ready for this issue to be over. You?
:confused:

Well, Mike, you sure told me a thing or two. Didn't you just post that you were ready to play? A challenge, it looked like to me. But, I appear to have struck a nerve. Am I bored? Nah. You spend more time here than me. Trying to get a rise? nah. I mean what I say. Moral superiority? As if $25 will buy me that. I'm just as passionate about this issue as you are about the war. The big difference is I can do something about it. Not just talk.
At last check, Marc has received support from 16 members. Do the math. That's not even a car payment. Not time to run out and get that mercedes, yet. When I see the questions and the disparaging remarks about the request for support, especially from employed members, I see selfishness. Why? All my previous posts say why. Now, my man Smacker is weighing in with questions about the $25. Do you guys think that this is a windfall? Like, Marc can finally afford a vacation? As you like to use other member's names like Lucinda's, she doesn't like the name calling and offers shelter for the likes of you. Like, don't mention and it will go away. Don't shame them. Too bad. Negative comments against non-supporting from others include, "Get over it" and "ante up" and the "free ride is over". Where's the outrage and tirade there? You want the issue to be over? Fine. If you continue to harp on it, expect this extended pinky to be pointed at you. Have you led a sheltered life? You seem very fragile. :rolleyes: :agree: :smokin:

ME harp on it? You stuck your nose into this issue -- nothing I said to Marc was directed to you personally or had anything to do with you -- and you started with the "cheeping" comment. I can take some good natured razzin', listen to others' opinions, etc. once or twice, no biggie, but YOU (unlike the others who said "Get over it" and "ante up" and the "free ride is over") keep pushing and pushing, and then getting personal. That's why I drew the line. Have you posted on any other subject (being helpful, sharing knowledge) lately other than just to razz people? I haven't seen it if you have.

You may have seen "the questions and the disparaging remarks about the request for support, especially from employed members" and "questions about the $25" but you didn't see it from me, did ya? No.

I can take it and dish it out, and you can too, but what's the point? Is that why the Cove exists? Let's just agree to disagree on this one and move on, huh?
:truce:

Mike S. said:

1. ME harp on it? You stuck your nose into this issue -- nothing I said to Marc was directed to you personally or had anything to do with you -- and you started with the "cheeping" comment

2. Have you posted on any other subject (being helpful, sharing knowledge) lately other than just to razz people? I haven't seen it if you have.

3. Let's just agree to disagree on this one and move on, huh?
:truce:

1. True. But, you were singing off key and it was hurting my eyes.

2. No. I currently have no horse to ride in the race to provide answers and demonstrate to my colleagues how smart I am. I mean, I speak from yesterday, not today. Pretty soon, maybe. If not, my horse will be far away from the Q arena.

3. Razz people? Now, who might that be, beside you? Another red herring? Let's move on. Sing on key.
:truce: :ko: :smokin:

GROUP HUG !!!!!!

Tom Harris said:

GROUP HUG !!!!!!

Ditto.

Tom Harris said:

GROUP HUG !!!!!!

Now everybody form a circle. Okay, now who's the pivot man?
:vfunny: :ko: :smokin:

energy said:

Now everybody form a circle. Okay, now who's the pivot man?
:vfunny: :ko: :smokin:

Hmmm

First 'fisting' and now 'pivot man'.

You seem to be terribly au fait with the terminology of sodomy, energay.

I wonder how and why that should be?

:vfunny: :ko: :smokin:

Tom Harris said:

Hmmm

First 'fisting' and now 'pivot man'.

You seem to be terribly au fait with the terminology of sodomy, energay.

I wonder how and why that should be?

:vfunny: :ko: :smokin:

Jim Wade,

Do you understand, now? Rather than allow things to get back to normal, well.......you can see.

Tom,

When you get to be my age, you learn over time that there are abominations in all segments of society. The key is to be aware and avoid them. Unless, like you, one cannot surpress those odd feelings and chooses that alternative life style. hey, life's all about choices. I believe that Nosmo first used the word "Fisting" in an attempt at a humorous post aimed at my previous avitar. I simply responded. Your mistyping of my user name is further evidence of what is foremost on your mind. You see gay in everything. The reference to the circle game was another attempt at a humorous post acknowledging the "Group Hug" thing. Marc endorsed it and so did I. But, as usual, you saw an opportunity to further your cause. I'm in favor of Gay Rights so you can stop trying to convince me that your proclivity for same sex relationships is a right that must be respected. What is it? Did you want to be the pivot man? :vfunny:
:ko: :smokin:

Is he the same guy who wrote "Ernest Goes to Jail" and "Ernest Saves Christmas"? Know what I mean Vern???

Sorry I just couldn't help it.:biglaugh: :vfunny: :biglaugh: :vfunny:

Jim Wade said:

Tom's ahead on points, Bill, but you will - as always - win in the end. Now don't get excited at that "in the end" - I didn't mean that!

rgds Jim



What points, Jim. Is this a test? I'm referring to deliberately baiting me in his posts and, quite predictably I admit, forcing me to respond in kind. I told you that your client was unable to help himself. I really thinks he likes it! Well, at least he's out of the closet. :vfunny:

Now, this thread is about supporting the Cove and you went way ahead on the points on my game board associated with that act. You beat me to the punch. But, you got money! :p

Mike S. questioned my not posting in the Quality threads (red herring?) and just want to say that I check in there once in awhile and between you, Martin, Mike S, and many others, all the inquisitions are in good hands. Besides, you all have jobs and can speak with authority. So get back to that boring crap. They'll miss you.:vfunny: :ko: :smokin:

This site has been, and is, a nice place for a number of people. Even with oddball personalities like myself (not to mention energy and Al and - well, you know the crew... A lot of people come and those that stay around obviously are as nutz as I (we?) are.


Marc, that's the first time I have been called an "oddball", and as is said, "If the shoe fits....":)

I feel like I am in good company with energy, Marc and the crew. I have not had an outburst with Marc in a good 6 months!:truce:

This is a place for professionals to voice opinions and give assistance. I have learned from others and hopefully others have learned from me. I see no downside to the process, even with a nominal fee for bandwidth.

I have posted very little in the last months for various reasons and plan to increase my participation. Energy (fellow oddball) is great about keeping people on their toes and all the other regulars (oddballs) with their varying views on political and religious views have massive input in the real purpose of the forums which Marc has more than amply written of.

Al Dyer...

Gee Tom, your 'deliverance' of fisting and pivot man was impecable. You wouldn't happen to play the banjo would you?

All I know is that I wouldn't get down on all fours and "squeeeeeel" like a pig, especially with banjo music playing in the background!

Poor Ned Beaty(sp)

I don't know about a group hug with you dude's, but with 'Cinda there would be a pretty big possibility;)

I've decided to target Lucinda in a couple of threads if ya'll haven't picked up on it.

Heeeey MARC!!!! I got home and 1st thing I did, after going "p" of course, was to do the contribution thing. Just another little old tax deduction for me.:bigwave:

Thanks for having this place.

Tom Harris said:

Deliverance? If it's 'delivery' you're meaning, I thank ye. If not, ye've lost me. :confused:


No, sir, the bodhrán is me instrument of preference.

Ye'll have to explain to this poor dissolute drink-sodden Mick what the f*ck a banjo has to to with anything!?!? :confused:

here's a quick rundown of the movie......

"Deliverance" was nominated for three Academy Awards in 1972 including Best Picture and Best Director. Filmed on the Chattooga River in Georgia, it's based on the best selling novel of the same name by James Dickey who was previously better known for his poetry. Dickey also wrote the screenplay for the movie and director John Boorman said of Dickey: "I had a turbulent and bruising relationship with Dickey during the filming of Deliverance." Watch for him playing the sheriff in this film.

Although I can't imagine that there's anyone out there who hasn't seen this excellent action adventure (you appear to be one of those lost souls, Tom) , I'd highly recommend that you add it to your collection anyway. If you've seen it cut up on commercial television, it looks like, as Burt Reynolds puts it, "four guys going camping".

This is the story of four men on a weekend canoe trip on the Cahulawassee River which turns into a frenzied retreat from horror. Reynolds plays Lewis, an outdoorsman and man of action who is the leader of the group. Jon Voight plays Ed, an advertising man, and the story is told as seen through his eyes. Bobby is a typical city bred insurance salesman, played superbly by Ned Beatty. The quiet, introspective member of the group is Drew, Played by Ronnie Cox. Deliverance is one of the best action films ever made with excellently cast contrasting characters.

The canoe trip starts out peacefully enough. At the end of the first day, the set up camp and Lewis shows off his outdoor prowess by shooting a trout with a fishing arrow. You learn later that night that Lewis may not be the fearless man of the woods as he pretends to be as he moans in his sleep while having nightmares.

The drama increases the next day as Ed and Bobby encounter two mountain men with sodomy on their minds. Lewis is forced to shoot one of them with an arrow, killing him, while the second man runs off into the forest. They decide, with Drew protesting their decision, to cover up the obvious case of self defense by burying the mountain man near the river. Bobby doesn't want anyone to find out what happened to him and Lewis is afraid he'll be convicted of murder. Since the whole valley will eventually be covered by a large lake because of the construction of a dam, they assume that on one will ever find the body. (This explains Skullsike's contribution) The canoe trip becomes a fight for survival. Without giving too much of the story away, suffice it to say that they eventually end up having to bury one of their own in the river. Ed is forced to kill the second mountain man who is stalking them and, you guessed it, they bury him in the river, too. As Bobby says, "Oh, God. There's no end to it."

Burt Reynolds admits that this film changed his career and his life. Marlon Brando was originally cast to play the part of Lewis but turned it down. Director John Boorman saw Reynolds on The Tonight Show and asked him to read for the part.

This was Ned Beatty's first movie and it haunts him to this day. According to Reynolds in an interview with Bob Costas on Later, the sodomy scene was shot with five cameras in one take, which is a good thing, because it's doubtful if Beatty would have done a second take.
(This was the scene where Ned was forced to run around on all fours with his arse exposed and the mountain man providing him with unwanted fuel-injection and exorting Ned to "Squeal like a pig". Hence, fellow member pancreas' contribution. Seems this country boy, like you Tom, liked barnyard animals when there wasn't more desirable same sex prey available)

Much of the dialogue in that scene was ad-libbed. The actors worked without insurance because no company would insure them because of the kinds of risks they were taking.

"Deliverance" remains popular to this day and through the years has been a source of innuendo and jokes for comedians and certain members of the Cove! :vfunny:

Ken K's reference to banjos was a scene where there was a banjo duel between one of the campers and a genetic misfit (an obvious result of in-breeding) on a bridge over the river they were rafting on, that resulted in an excellent demonstration of banjo playing expertise. It's a classic. Called Dueling Banjos, I think. It is remembered much more than the classic "Squeal like a pig, Boy" and "You got such a beautiful mouth, boy" scenes.

Now you're all caught up on this American Classic and I leave the posts from our fellow Cover's up to you. Realizing that this film is over 30 years old, it's quite understandable that you never saw it. Either because you were too young and too engrossed with your new found toy, or that electricity hadn't found its way to your Shepard's hut yet. :vfunny:

Oh, you guys are soooooo bad! Yeeeeeeehawwwww!!:ko: :smokin:

Thanks, energy, for the education. Mighty civil of you to take the time.

I'd never heard of the fillum nor of most of the names you mention (although I have a passing acquaintanceship with a banjo). It sounds like an earnest version of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

I'll try to see it when the kinematograph is introduced in these parts and when and if the Church allows us to watch the sodomy they commit themselves at every turn.

Tom Harris said:

It sounds like an earnest version of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Tom, Tom, Tom,

That's kind of like saying my CK1500 4X4 and my Firebird are both vehicles:rolleyes:

While both films explore man's survival instincts, that is about the extent of similarities. Deliverence is all about the dark side of humanity that most of us never let out of the dark dungeons and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid delves into the eternal optimism and hope that we can survive whatever comes our way.

How old are you, anyway? Man I feel like an old woman now!

SteelMaiden said:

How old are you, anyway?

Ah now! I can't be after telling you that. It might interfere, you see, with old energy's fantasies about me habits and God knows what else.

Anyway, you've piqued me interest and not only in the fillum (which is now on me Amazon wishlist along with Peeping Tom and Knife in the Water).

You seem a well set up woman, judging by the pic; and TWO cars, no less, speaks of your great wealth.

If I may make so bold; are you spoken for?

Tommy Boy, I expected a better response from you, this one was pretty weak. My Granny from Motherwull has done better!!!!

I think the Scots have a name for people such as you from the Isle, by the way, are you in Ulster???????????

Please know this is not a joke unless you are "motherwull folk"

With all the respect due!!! from a first generation Scot in America. Erin Go Braugh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:bigwave:

By the way,

Stand tall and proud and get rid of that picture you use. You deserve to have your personality show your true colours.

Just maybe you could lose some of the attitude.

Alistair Stuart...

Tom Harris said:

You seem a well set up woman, judging by the pic; and TWO cars, no less, speaks of your great wealth.

If I may make so bold; are you spoken for?

You may be so bold, but Tommy me lad, I think ye better stick to the Irish Lassies. I think between the Irish and the Native American genes ye'd find yourself in over yer head :vfunny: :biglaugh: :eek: (my ex did) Besides that, I'd never convert, and your Church would frown on that now, wouldn't it?

Tom Harris said:

You seem a well set up woman, judging by the pic; and TWO cars, no less, speaks of your great wealth.

If I may make so bold; are you spoken for?

You may be so bold, but Tommy me lad, I think ye better stick to the Irish Lassies. I think between the Irish and the Native American genes ye'd find yourself in over yer head :vfunny: :biglaugh: :eek: (my ex did) Besides that, I'd never convert, and your Church would frown on that now, wouldn't it?

Tom Harris said:

Thanks, energy, for the education. Mighty civil of you to take the time.


No problem, Tom. A cut and paste thing after a Google search of the movie to refresh my memory. It's that easy!
How do you like it so far? Ready to take a rest? Ready for that Group Hug? I am. We'll even forget the circle. ;) :ko: :smokin:

pancreas said:
Stand tall and proud and get rid of that picture you use. You deserve to have your personality show your true colours.


Ah the pic's just for energy's sake. He appears to think of me as his catamite, so I'd thought I'd pose as that for a while.

But when I change I'll take yourself as a role model, Al. (Or is it Alistair Stuart? Or pancreas?)

Like you, I'll project me true self - as a pool ball. ;)

SteelMaiden said:
Besides that, I'd never convert, and your Church would frown on that now, wouldn't it?
Ah steady now! It wasn't the marriage I was proposing! Not yet, anyway.

As it turns out. the Druids are pretty open about such things.

Tom Harris said:

Ah the pic's just for energy's sake. He appears to think of me as his catamite, so I'd thought I'd pose as that for a while.

Well, nobody can say I haven't tried. :vfunny:

I'm not the one who revealed your appetite for livestock and boys. You did that. As for your posing for me, I think you're just advertising. ;) Yeeeee Hawwww!:ko: :smokin:

Oh, you guys are soooooo bad! Yeeeeeeehawwwww!!


Just trying to save your *** energy........I mean dignity!


Here's a good avitar for Tom...music boy.

SteelMaiden said:

You may be so bold, but Tommy me lad, I think ye better stick to the Irish Laddies. I think between the Irish and the Native American genes ye'd find yourself in over yer head :vfunny: :biglaugh: :eek: (my ex did) Besides that, I'd never convert, and your Church would frown on that now, wouldn't it?

Steel,

I didn't mean to invade your quote. Blame it on the devil!
:biglaugh: :smokin:

Ken K said:

Just trying to save your *** energy........I mean dignity!


Here's a good avitar for Tom...music boy.

Ken,

You just had to upstage me. That picture will drive Tom boy out of the hut for sure. There'll be no "Silence of the Lambs" tonight!
:ko: :smokin:

energy said:
There'll be no "Silence of the Lambs" tonight!


Ah, energay, is that a cute little 'Frisco moustache I can spy in your picture?

As I pleasure meself tonight in the peat bog with me furry friend, and a jug of poteen, it's you I'll be thinking of, me darling!

Tom Harris said:

Ah, energay, is that a cute little 'Frisco moustache I can spy in your picture?

As I pleasure meself tonight in the peat bog with me furry friend, and a jug of poteen, it's you I'll be thinking of, me darling!

Holy cripes. This guy is getting off on my avitar! Is nothing sacred? Tom, I'm only text, remember? Geez!
:biglaugh: :ko: :smokin:

Geez, where's a sheep when you need one????? Bahhhhhhhhhhhhh

Al, er Pancreas,

Do you think it is wise to imitate animals around this group?:eek:

Energy,

No harm, no foul.

Tom,

My mistake, it didn't sound like you were looking for a position as a domestic. But, I have been looking for someone to look after the lawns and barns. :vfunny: :biglaugh:

SteelMaiden said:

I have been looking for someone to look after the lawns and barns. :vfunny: :biglaugh:

Ah now ye're talking!

Would I have to sleep in the barns? If so, we might be in business, depending on how accommodating yer livestock would be. Perhaps ye'd slip out o' the grand house yerself from time to time for a bit of rough, beggin' yer pardon? It'd make a change for me.

I see ye live in NC (Nonconformity?) USA. Would that be a bus-ride from Naugatuck so I could visit the lovely energay at weekends? I need to know exactly what is that huge thing he's carressing in his lap; it looks awful diseased!

Tom Harris said:

As I pleasure meself tonight in the peat bog with me furry friend, and a jug of poteen, it's you I'll be thinking of, me darling!

I must say that this little gem brought tears of laughter and stayed with me as I attempted to watch TV some time later. Good one. You are a sick puppy and I have to admire your originality.
:vfunny: I couldn't find "poteen" in my search. I've no doubt it's made in your bathtub. But, you may as well get some use of it.:ko: :smokin:

Geez people! Bestiality, homosexuality, rape, sexual double-entendre's all over the place. This is getting to look more like the Howard Stern forum. And some of you thought the war thread should be stopped. :rolleyes:

Tom Harris said:

As I pleasure meself tonight in the peat bog with me furry friend, and a jug of poteen, it's you I'll be thinking of, me darling!

I must say that this little gem brought tears of laughter and stayed with me as I attempted to watch TV some time later. Good one. You are a sick puppy and I have to admire your originality.
:vfunny: I couldn't find "poteen" in my search. I've no doubt it's made in your bathtub. But, you may as well get some use of it.:ko: :smokin:

No wait, here it is:Is your favorite the 90% ABV? 180 proof? It has to be based on your behavior.:vfunny:

Hills Irish Poteen ® is available in three strengths, in various bottle sizes, including minatures:

60% ABV Poteen 70% ABV Poteen 90% ABV Poteen
(120 degree US proof) (140 degree US proof) (180 degree US proof)

Each strength has its own characteristic taste. The 60% ABV and 70% ABV poteens can be drunk straight or with mixers. The 90% ABV poteen should only be drunk with mixers.

Awards

Spirit Range
60% ABV
70% ABV
90% ABV
Miniatures

Poteen Cocktails

Mike S. said:

Geez people! Bestiality, homosexuality, rape, sexual double-entendre's all over the place. This is getting to look more like the Howard Stern forum. And some of you thought the war thread should be stopped. :rolleyes:

The same rules apply as did to the war thread. Just say no and don't click. This thread is located far away from the Q threads and no longer chastises non-contributors. There's no pleasing everyone. Several times, I for one, have offered to move on. But, you know how that goes. Have you met the new comedian? He's very good! Of course, it all depends on your depths of depravity. I know that I'm looking up at you from a very deep place! :vfunny:
;) :smokin:

You know energy, it is quite satisfying just sitting here and watching YOUR bobber being jerked for once. I know it's not right, just enjoyable. :D


I see ye live in NC (Nonconformity?) USA. Would that be a bus-ride from Naugatuck so I could visit the lovely energay at weekends?

I don't think that will ever happen Tom. We take all kinds here in the US, but even we have limits that must be adhered to. I sure hope you didn't run out of animals over there... :rolleyes:


And some of you thought the war thread should be stopped

That's funny Mike. There must be some experts somewhere you can quote for this discussion...:lick:

Mike S. said:

Geez people! Bestiality, homosexuality, rape, sexual double-entendre's all over the place. This is getting to look more like the Howard Stern forum. And some of you thought the war thread should be stopped. :rolleyes:

The turn the thread took sure is interesting AND FUNNY. And it sure beats the 3 page debate over $25.00. And who knows, in ever rumor there is a strand of truth.....keep talking fella's...better yet, upload pictures! I'm just watching this one, and having a blast.

Laura

Laura M said:

.....keep talking fella's...better yet, upload pictures!

Laura

Please no!!! I can only imagine what pictures might show up here :vfunny: :ko: :biglaugh:

ahhh, 'tis spring and a young man's fancy turns to thoughts of .....

Jim Wade said:


Mike S - where did you see rape coming in to this.
rgds Jim
Jim,

Just from the "Deliverance" references, that's all. Ever see the movie, Jim? What happened to Ned Beatty, and almost happened to one of the other campers who, in the words of one of the mountain men, had a "real purty mouth", can only be called that.

I just made an observation. See, I'm entitled to my opinion, remember? Unlike what others have tried to do to threads they did not like in the past, I did not lobby repeatedly to shut the thread down, I just made an observation and commented on it. Despite some paranoid opinions to the contrary, one can still do that in the USA these days without being locked-up in a "gulag" somewhere. :)

Oh, no, Mike. With all thats been going on in this thread, you had to go and mention prison (gulag)??!??

Wonder what that's going to bring...

:bonk:

Craig

Laura M said:

The turn the thread took sure is interesting AND FUNNY. And it sure beats the 3 page debate over $25.00. And who knows, in ever rumor there is a strand of truth.....keep talking fella's...better yet, upload pictures! I'm just watching this one, and having a blast.

Laura


I do believe we have a voyeur among us!!!

Ken says:
You know energy, it is quite satisfying just sitting here and watching YOUR bobber being jerked for once. I know it's not right, just enjoyable

Jim Wade said:

So it's not just me enjoying that aspect of things! Thanks, Ken, now I feel much less guilty lurking and chuckling here. energy: he's way ahead on points! Come on, you can do it!

rgds Jim

To both guys a pox on you. :vfunny: I'm not sure of the points reference but I can testify that he makes me laugh more than I make him. I said awhile ago that I believe he likes this stuff. His sense of humor and timing is enviable. I just don't like him.:vfunny:

I think what makes me enjoy it more is this mental image I have of him starting up his gas generator to power his PC, getting his liquor ready, selecting his bride for the evening and tethering it up in the corner of his shanty, donning his filthy robe and feces coated slippers, pulling up that orange crate over that dirt floor and then reading that wrinkled piece of paper telling him how to log on. Then those beady little mascara laden eyes begin searching the Cove looking for a place to strike. "First, me pleasures meself by staring at energay's and Steel's avitars. Can't make up me mind", he says as he takes his first swig of the evening.

Having said that, like you demented souls, I look forward to his posts. My next post will deal with his favorite musical instrument, the Bodhrán. I'm not surprised considering what it is. :ko: :smokin:

I think what makes me enjoy it more is this mental image I have of him starting up his gas generator to power his PC, getting his liquor ready, selecting his bride for the evening and tethering it up in the corner of his shanty, donning his filthy robe and feces coated slippers, pulling up that orange crate over that dirt floor and then reading that wrinkled piece of paper telling him how to log on. Then those beady little mascara laden eyes begin searching the Cove looking for a place to strike. "First, me pleasures meself by staring at energay's and Steel's avitars. Can't make up me mind", he says as he takes his first swig of the evening.

And I was looking forward to a good nights rest...:rolleyes:
EEEEEUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!!!!



What happened to Ned Beatty, and almost happened to one of the other campers who, in the words of one of the mountain men, had a "real purty mouth", can only be called that.


Personally Mike, I think it was consensual by the time the squealing started...JMHO though.

energy said:
"First, me pleasures meself by staring at energay's and Steel's avitars. Can't make up me mind", he says as he takes his first swig of the evening.

Ken K said:

And I was looking forward to a good nights rest...:rolleyes:
EEEEEUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!!!!


You think EEEEEEEUUUUUUU, Ken? I think I need to make a quick run to the gun shop to pick up some extra ammo.

SteelMaiden said:

You think EEEEEEEUUUUUUU, Ken? I think I need to make a quick run to the gun shop to pick up some extra ammo.

Steel,
If you must stock up on ammo, get some of that vermin shot. Ain't too many Shepards leading half dressed sheep with fawning eyes towards their leader, across the countryside. Rest assured that if any of those country boys run across a half a fag dressed as Little Bow Peep, it would make Deliverance look like the Home Shopping Network. But, just in case, get out those livestock chastity belts. I'm prepared. I bought a boy look alike blow up doll and chained it to the tree out front with an explosive charge rigged to the false fly to repel Leprechauns. Never can be too careful. ;) :ko: :smokin:

Just remember folks,

If you live in an area where you wake up to roosters crowing and your first job of the day is to give sheep haircuts, you might be in trouble.

And no, this is not limited to the south!

I heard dolly the sheep just passed away over in the empire, anybody here have anything to do with that?

I count sheep, not.....................

I decided that just putting a sign up down the road pointing out the direction to the goat farm in the next county would suffice.

Just a word of caution to any shephards out there, beware of men wearing velcro gloves.

:eek:

in the words of one of the mountain men, had a "real purty mouth", can only be called that.

OK, here he is...a little trivia. What was his character's name?



Just a word of caution to any shephards out there, beware of men wearing velcro gloves.

Steel, real men wear all velcro!:D

Some French humor...

Ken K said:

Steel, real men wear all velcro!:D

Ummm, all righty then, if I hear a loud and annoying skkkkkkkkrrrrriiiiiiittttttccccchhhhhhy sound, moving stealthily down the road, in the middle of the night, I'll know that some real man got lost on his way to the goat farm. And he's probably not looking to ask for directions, right?:biglaugh:

I wonder if they make blow up sheep? I've seen the deer decoys that the game wardens put up to catch poachers........maybe I could just cover the pit bull in glue and roll him in a bag of cotton balls? That oughta p!$$ him off (the dog, not the real man)

G'night all, pleasant dreams :bonk: oops, what was I thinking?

SteelMaiden said:

I wonder if they make blow up sheep?


Ummm....... Here you go Tom :vfunny: :biglaugh: :vfunny:

Of course the other alternative is to simply copy the URL you posted and go directly to the site. No? Then having seen the pic, slither back......... See what you made me do? As Michael Corleone said "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in." You are an instigator. Are you trying to put this thread back on track?:vfunny: :ko: :smokin:

Ummm, all righty then, if I hear a loud and annoying skkkkkkkkrrrrriiiiiiittttttccccchhhhhhy sound, moving stealthily down the road, in the middle of the night, I'll know that some real man got lost on his way to the

Steel, I think I left one word out now that you explained it...it should have read real "desperate" men. Sorry for the confusion.:rolleyes:

I don't know about the rest of you, but "plastic" really doesn't do much for me. I would think the warmth wouldn't be there...know what I mean? How many plastic sheep do you see running after Tom? Probably not as many as he's running after......:D

I slept pretty good last night. Guess it was because I had to count double.

sheep....pervert....sheep....pervert... :smokin:

CarolX said:

Walk in my shoes for a day and you'll understand why I haven't paid for file attatchments.

CX

Carol,

Now I feel really bad. :( As I have discussed with another member, privately, there are circumstances not under everyone's control. I will not make reference to this anymore. You are one of my favorite members and it not my intention to make YOU uncomfortable. There are some that I would like to use as chum!Sorry. :agree: :ko: :smokin:

energy,
You do have a sensitive side and I am impressed with you apology to Carol.






energy said:

You are one of my favorite members and it not my intention to make YOU uncomfortable. There are some that I would like to use as chum!Sorry. :agree: :ko: :smokin:


I also noted that you have your favorites. I also note they all tend to be the ladies of the forum. Are you bias?

Sirland,

Cmon bud, don't you know that Energy is a 5" 7" , 26 year old female that is pulling all of our legs?????
--------------------------------------------------------

Carol, you put it in a great perspective. Not all people can afford to pony up the charge. There was a past post that I read that intoned that some monetary latitude would be given to members who are generous with their participation in the forums.

I believe that Marc takes care of the people that contribute and have positive input to the forum.

For what it's worth, you are one of my favorite posters also! You are a true lady in all senses of the word!
:)

Al and energy,

The two of you can wooo me anytime. I am a sucker for such sweetness.

I was very angry to have someone imply that $25 got membership in an exclusive club. That is not what this is all about.

energy - I am not angry with you...:bigwave: I could never be.



Jim, I quoted you on your post....and again
PS for those of you attaching pix - remember that only 'supporters' can read them. This will separate the men from the ... er ... others. The choice: spend $25 to see the pix or shell out $24.95+PP to get yourself a Love Ewe®

The temptation is to return to a pi$$ing contest over this, but I will refrain. Truce :truce: , please.

Sirlard said:

energy,
You do have a sensitive side and I am impressed with you apology to Carol.

I also noted that you have your favorites. I also note they all tend to be the ladies of the forum. Are you bias?

Sirlard,

I have apologized a lot over the time I've been here. I'm getting better. I keep forgetting what Marc has always suggested. Before hitting that reply button, take a breath and think about it. I jumped on your bandwagon with the war things you saw and the right to object to our Government dictates. Didn't I? In that respect you could be considered a favorite, too. What's the measure of a favorite? Civility?

I guess you could say that most of my so called "favorites" are of the opposite sex. Call me old school. Call me horny. They just appear to be more level headed than me and I was raised to be polite to them. I still like Nosmo, though she won't talk to me anymore! :vfunny:

Now before Tom jumps all over me for saying you may be a favorite, here's a partial list of my other male favorites. Ken K, Mike S. Martin G., Jim Wade, Atul, Al D., Kevin Mader, Michael T. (He has been strangely absent), both Randys, Craig H. Richard, and just about all the regular members that post frequently. Just not Tomisina!:vfunny: :ko: :smokin:

Oh, I forgot. Time to kiss up. ALL THE MODERATORS :biglaugh:

Jim Wade said:

So I'll take that as the nearest thing to an apology I'm likely to get, shall I?

rgds Jim (I mean: asinine turd)


Apology? I haven't seen anything she needs to apologize for.



With that said, has anyone heard anything from Tommy? It's spring time. Is he busy taking care of the sheep?:vfunny:

energy,
I am glad to hear I fit on to your favorites list. Like you I have come up through the “hard school of knocks” when it comes to working in quality. I value your opinion and your viewpoints. So I guess you fit into my favorite list too. If we ever meet I’ll buy the beer and share my road kill opossum.

energy said:
---X---
Oh, I forgot. Time to kiss up. ALL THE MODERATORS :biglaugh:

I say, steady on there, old chap... :o :eek: I bet you say that to all moderators.... Oh.. errr. That's right, you did... :biglaugh: :vfunny: ;)

/Claes

energy said:

I still like Nosmo, though she won't talk to me anymore! :vfunny:


energy, I assure you the affection is mutual -- sorry if I offended.

I too was impressed by your apology to CarolX -- may be she will be as gracious to Jim Wade -- he's one of my favorites too. It's strange that Richard can't see why an apology is needed !!

I am often in the eastern US, normally NYC or DC (I'm here now) and sometimes New England (especially in the fall!!) but I have never been to CT. Will you show me the ropes if I come?

Nosmo King said:

energy, I assure you the affection is mutual -- sorry if I offended.

I too was impressed by your apology to CarolX -- may be she will be as gracious to Jim Wade -- he's one of my favorites too. It's strange that Richard can't see why an apology is needed !!

I am often in the eastern US, normally NYC or DC (I'm here now) and sometimes New England (especially in the fall!!) but I have never been to CT. Will you show me the ropes if I come?

Nosmo,

Mutual? really? I already knew that. Pictures don't lie.

In Connecticut? Absolutely. What a gas that would be. We could post our pics like Cinda and Randy did and make the rest of them envious. If you're ever this way, my e-mail is in the profile and let me know. I will have to bring my wife along to make sure that nothing bad happens to you.:vfunny: :smokin:

energy said:

I will have to bring my wife along to make sure that nothing bad happens to you.:vfunny: :smokin:


Ha ha ha......Who you kidding? I think you meant so nothing bad happens to YOU when you told your wife where you were......

:p :eek:

Ha ha ha......Who you kidding? I think you meant so nothing bad happens to YOU when you told your wife where you were......


I can hear energy now..."What a beautiful morning honey, I think I'll go out fishing for awhile. Is that OK with you dear? It's 4am now but I'll be home before dark unless their really biting. Bye."

Wife says..."Oh honey, don't you need to take your fishing stuff along with you?" :D


:smokin:

Nosmo King said:

Will you show me the ropes if I come?

Laura and Ken, you behave now! Seems pretty straight forward to me. Ms King, pay them no mind. I have the rope ready.
When it comes to the wife, it goes like this: Honey, I'm having an old friend for dinner, (aka Hannibal Lecter) so I'm going out. She says, "That's what you think!" Two backhands across the mouth later, she has not only changed her mind, but allows me to use her back as a foot stool while I tie my shoes. That's how you handle a woman. Of course it's harder to do when you're awake. :biglaugh: :ko: :smokin:

Ken K said:


Wife says..."Oh honey, don't you need to take your fishing stuff along with you?" :D

:smokin:

Energy says..."just my bobber...."

Behave? Me? - in my world I hang out with 'the guys' all the time - not alot of women in industry. So I'm used to the "hi honey" cell phone calls, and being "one of the guys." Everything innocent and all - but I jump right in when the b@LL busting starts.

I'm sure you're harmless....just bring your tackle box if you ever come to Rochester - I got the rope!

Nosmo - have fun in the US.

Nosmo,

I don't know about old Energy there, but you'd be safe in my company (just ask Lucinda).:vfunny:

Me and raggedy old 'Cinda are going to have Buffalo Chicken Wings or whatever when I get back to Houston (probably October). This time I should get to me Mr Lucinda. He has to be a nice guy to loan his Mrs on a rainy afternoon.

I'm up to meeting just about anyone when I'm traveling, which is almost all the time. Right now my next scheduled journeys are:

4 - 16 May & 28 - 29 May in LaJolla (San Diego) & 2 - 6 (possibly to 14) June in Reston, VA

I'd even meet some of the Yankee's from this place, but only in the dark where I wouldn't be recognized.
:bigwave:

Dear Fellow Cove Memebers,

I would like to apologize to my fellow Cove members and to Mr. Wade for my recent outburst and name-calling. My behavior was out of line and uncalled for.


From Marc's post on April 8th