sirguessalot

In one point on Mike’s defense, I keep hearing Mike being blamed for not mentioning Jesus name more often. Personally, I thought Jesus said quite clearly how he was beyond such flattery. In fact, he seemed to imply that the more you feel you have to evoke it to prove a point, the less likely you really know his thoughts on a subject. Not to say anytime you use his name it is not genuine or valid. Just that NOT saying it an expected number of times has no bearing on someone else’s validity (or something like that). Anyway, that’s how I saw it. Carry on

Ditto on that request. A little shorter posts might help, if you can, Mike. To clarify, I have a lot of respect for most GSer's, as well as some of what I have read from Mike so far. I'm just another curious monkey in the tree watching a strange new thing come walking through this part of the jungle.

Mike, Am I glad you came along. The GSC was getting boring. Yer posts are gonna shake this place up for awhile. Yoo got ballz. Hey, GSers! This is what you've been waiting for for a long time. Just don't chase the guy off (though I doubt you could. He'll leave when HE wants, I'm sure). It seems as though some of you have been asking for this point of view for a long time. Don't blow it! I'm going for popcorn. This is better than the discovery channel.

That sounded kinda snooty. Sorry, didn't mean it. You guys who feed yer cats regular cat food and let em drink from the tub and stuff...I am sure they are happy too. Just spoutin' my preference.

Just some stuff I learned over the past few years. I have four cats, but I do not subscribe to a "one-size fits all," or "everything I know must be true" school of thought. But I have done some homework. Cats are prone to urinary tract infections caused by the clogging from the preservatives in most brands of cats foods. And their systems work so fast, an infection can prove fatal in 8 or so hours. Iams used to be a really good food, but two years back, they changed their recipe to include preservatives to promote it in "regular" grocery stores. It is not much different than the "fast food" cat food any more - very little nutritional value. But Iam's Eukanuba is good. My #1 recommendation. Also, high-mineral tap water can promote infections and crystals in kitty bladders. So stick to filtered or bottled water. I have heard mixed reactions about Science Diet, from both owners and vets. It is all natural, but like most all-natural foods, too much of a good thing is, well...you know. Bottom line: choosing a good food can add five years to the lifespan of your cat. And can save a few trips to the emergency room cuz yer cat suddenly can't pee. Then, there is always the exception the rule. I know of a junk food kitty who lived 30 years (yeah, 3 times 10!). Slept on his face and had a tumor the size of a fist for years.

Hi to anyone lurking who knows me from LV. It's been a little over 5 years now since we last talked. There was about a hundred or so people knew really well. Very, few regrets here. No grudges. There's not many in Vegas I don't miss in some way or another. I remember being real close. A lot of fun. Isolated in the desert like that. Not much contact with TWI outside of our little paradise. Doug was always cool that way, regardless of everything else. Anyway. I have a few years in that city and I'll never forget anyone there at the time. Life is still just as awesome and strange to me. Music is going well. So is the novel, and the art. And the graphics design. And then there are about a dozen other surprises that may shock you that knew me best. but I'll save that for any of you who might say "e-hi." M, I hope all is good with you. J, you remind me of Kramer. And that guitarist from Limp Biskit. The one that quit. Freak. Miss ya. Wish I could read your mind sometimes. T, your heart explains it all. I've never met its equal in a man. You changed me. A, More ren festivals? One of the mother's of all SCA happens a few miles from my house for a few months a year. T

Sorry Laleo and Adios, not ignoring you. You know how things like posting delays, work, sleep, etc.. twist these conversations into discomboobulated knots. Thanks for the invite. I'll be around.

Ex and Ginger, you remind me of why I used to come here, and a bit why I am compelled to engage lately. Here are some thoughts as I read. (I love to toggle) There are strange benefits to being TWI’s Greasepots. A benefit that those who have never experienced such a group will not have – if we realize it. We know firsthand what harm paranoid group-think can bring. We know how inwardly destructive it is. We know how unforgiving it is towards the gazillion foibles that adorn us beautiful mortal animals. We know how blind it is to the characters we really are. We know that to become the enforcers of it, we must also become unaware of our own natural selves. Because of this enlightening forum, we can and should also know how easy it is to recreate such a dynamic. If we lack self-awareness. If we ignore our limits, and highlight those of others, which are often the same. I try to realize my own faults, then fight like Hell to keep them a secret as I deal with them. And God help the person who tries to deal with them for me. I have mine. You have yours. We have a tendency to define others in very simplistic terms. He does ____, therefore he is evil. He does ____, thererfore he is good. We think it makes life simple, but it only complicates things. We create sides. Because then the work is done, and we can move on to fulfillment. But the work is never really done. Everything changes. And everyone is more than meets the eye. Even you. Lack of awareness leads to reacting to triggers: reminds me of a fiction project I am working on. One of the characters is struggling with an environment in which he is constantly being assaulted. He has been conditioned to think he only has two options to survive. The first is to respond in kind. The second is not to survive. He wants to believe that there is an alternative, one that frees him from being either a slave to his enemy, or a victim. He knows that by fighting on the attacker’s terms, he is being controlled. And by laying down and dying, he is also being controlled. So what is the alternative? That is the beauty of writing, I guess. I get to try to discover it even as the character does. But I would hope there is more than one. I have some ideas for myself. But I wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise. Even though the character I mentioned is dealing with more physical violence than the GSC poster (i.e. mere digi-food fights), I think the same conflict confronts most of us on a social/conversational level. Fight or die. I guess we must each find that third alternative that we can live with, or just admit that we are mere animals – survival of the fittest will purge our herds of the weak - fight like hell or lay down and die. (socially, spiritually, etc…). Anyway, thanks Ex. Thanks Ginger. And thanks Laleo. I think I might for awhile (but not tonight – so my non-response is from absence, not lack of words.) [This message was edited by sirguessalot on June 26, 2002 at 19:14.]

Laleo, I wish I did. In fact, I usually hesitate to point out problems without also offering a solution or two as well (habits of business etiquette, I suppose.) As I'm not one to vote for more rules and policies, I guess my post was an attempt to appeal to the GSC masses from the point of view of one who appreciates this forum and the collective wisdom that hangs here, but has chosen to avoid it due to the massive energy wasted trying to engage in certain subjects. To sum up my position, heerz a cheap shot at profundity, abeit with a narrow application: In a world of lovers and fighters, the fighters win now, and the lovers win later. I guess it's all a matter of how much time you think you have. Re: writers forums and such - I can relate. In that arena, I rarely show my work to anyone but paying editors and other pros with a bone to pick, paragon that I try to be. Last thing i need is a group of unpublished writers patting each other on the back for how wonderful their unpublished writing is. Whip me, beat me, just publish my words and then pay me.

Adios - you nailed it for me. And I mostly agree with Satori. Social friction is a big PART of the crucible that makes us who are. But, I have one problem. I refrain from posting certain topics that are dear to me, simply because I know certain who disagree LOUDLY will "jump on them." I understand it is a public forum, and merely posting invites scrutiny, but isn't there room for "this thread is for those who agree with the premise and want to discuss it further." I understand that some posters start a volatile subject simply for the purpose of enlightening and/or ugly debate. I love those too. At times, I am a "character vulture", so to speak. My point - not every post is intended for debate and argument, but the authors' request for peace is often ignored. Example - if i want to talk about a liberal political issue without it turning into Hatfields vs the McCoys, should I really have to go to another board? Anyway, this lack of respect is mainly what has kept me away from this place. I don't have that kind of time. I like to post an idea or respond to an idea without having to commit to hours of standing up for myself, and explaining misconceptions that derail the whole point of my posting. Is there some existing netiquette, maybe an icon or code that suggests "I do not want to fight," or "bring it on?" BTW - requesting that dissenting opinions stay away, does not mean one is a coward. Just a different purpose.

And here, in the heart of Phoenix, my car's A.C. is on the fritz. yikes! And to top it off, the entire subdivision where my house is being built, burned to the ground last week. My Oregonian webfeet and gills are drying out! Whenever I hear someone say: "but its just a dry heat," I hafta laugh. My bones are tan.

...I got the wrong cult (again). Just wanted to pop by and say hi to all who remember me, and that I really like the new board and how it is shaping up. (ok, back to the shadows with me.)