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I haven't seen it in years, but I think that most people would agree that A-ha's video is by most standards (aside from musical, since the song itself is kind of stupid) one of the best music videos EVER! And even though the animation was a variation on typical rotoscoping techniques, the artists that did this video did a fabulous job of it, didn't they? It looks pretty flawless to me! Good find, FC!

Oh that's original, Stan in SC...gee, at least I contributed "wagon burner"...far more creative and far less overused.

I'm 42...er, 39 and I got them all! It was easy...because despite ShooterTom's assertion (emphasis on the ASSertion) that I need ginkgo biloba, my memory is just fine. However, I wouldn't want to be accused of hijacking another thread, so I will just leave it at that! This was a good one, fritz, thanks!

karlunity -- That's IT? After my prize-winning reply? Hmph! Well I never! Just stick with "wagon burner", I am hoping that it'll become popular! Doble Troble -- You sir, are correct, dealing with issues of race and the like isn't what's important. We need to stick with a good old-fashioned "battle of the sexes", because before there was any of this stupid race/culture stuff, there were men and women. And of course, women are better. LOL!

I know, you guys are right...I was just being, well...me. Forgive the blase attitude.

Hey karlunity! Wow, that whole thing about the seminar people refusing to take any more of your questions was a total crack-up! While I hesitate to speak for the entirety of all tribal nations, I will tell you that amongst ourselves, most "native Americans" refer to ourselves, simply as "Indians". It's just easier. That whole native American thing has been a complete bust because white people got their noses out of joint around that. The term "Indigenous American" isn't really appropriate because we're not really indigenous either. The term Aboriginal, meaning, of course "from the original", goes right along with the term "indigenous". Besides, the Australian aborigines ripped that one off, which I guess is what happens when your people go back a verifiable 40,000 years...you can actually almost really mean that you are "from the original". Indians too have a number of terms that we jokingly refer to each other as, aside from the generic "Indian". Most of them I wouldn't use here because, like the term that karlunity used as another colloquialism for Marine, Indians don't really appreciate the use of those phrases by others/outsiders. Like Jimro said, it's often all about the tone in which a term is expressed...even my favorite phrase "wagon burner", said by different people could cause me to either laugh or get all riled up depending on how I took it, depending on how it was delivered. I think that the only real way that using a tribal reference would work is if everyone knows the tribal affiliation of the person. And there isn't always just one tribe either. I personally have the blood of three tribes, two of which I will "claim" readily, but only one of which I am an enrolled member. Indians can be as touchy about their lineage as the huffiest blueblood, so, I am pretty sure that wouldn't work...someone is bound to get things wrong. Aside from that, there are literally hundreds of tribes still here in the U. S., and while to an educated eye, there are ways to distinguish one tribe from another in their traditional dress, in the modern world I don't think that most people, Indians included can tell a Ponca from a Pawnee without some effort. So, basically we all know that the term "American Indian" is a misnomer...hence the attempts of the past for us to adopt the use of the incredibly ugly and oh-so-goofy "Amerind", which went over like a quiver of lead arrows. I also have to suppose that there could be some problems with interpretation are far as Indian immigrants from the actual sub-continent of India are concerned where the term "American Indian" is concerned, but let's get real, we all know what we're talking about, right? Furthermore, the "I" word isn't any more racist than the "E(uropean)" word, or the "A(merican)" word, when you think about it. And to anyone who suggests that it is, I have to ask "Who died and left you in charge of my destiny? My identity? My heritage?" It is as presumptuous for someone white to tell me that the "I" word is racist to me as it is for me to tell that someone that the "C(aucasian)" word is racist to them. They are just handy cultural identifiers, that's all. For me, the bottom line can be most personally summed up by a discussion that I once had with an attorney from the Bureau of Indian Affairs when they were trying to finesse a deal where a person leasing some of my land in Oklahoma could just be "overlooked" instead of being charged when he wasn't grazing his cattle there. The BIA mouthpiece was trying to pull his fast one by going into quick patter mode, and he was asking me if I preferred to be called an Oklahoman (apparently because I was born there) or a Californian (because I reside here). I considered what he was saying for a moment, and I finally got irritated and said "Look, I don't give a f*** what you call me, just stop trying to steal my f***ing land, OK?" And that's all I've got to say about all that!

I say legalize it. Then all the meth heads can use to their heart's content and when they die it'll be "chlorine" for the gene-pool. I just don't want them driving on any road I'm on.

Horsefly! I thought EVERYONE knew about ShooterTom's back...it's posted somewhere on the 'net under the heading: "Don't let this happen to you", and it goes on to advertise a Brush Hog. Don't be jealous! I am sure that there's plenty of hair roots left on ShooterTom, he'll probably let you have a few plugs that you can plant like zoysia grass! Then we can post pictures of your back on the 'net and you'll be famous too! See, you can't say that I don't look out for my buddies! LOL!

I haven't had much luck with electric razors, they keep shorting out in the bath. You really need to ask ShooterTom's wife what kind of razor she uses to shave all the hair off of his back, that'd be the one to buy! It's probably made by "Brush Hog"!

I must be some kind of a savant, I find it incredibly easy to braid/plait leather. I can braid 16 plait overlay whips (but they are so time-consuming that I don't generally do it...maybe I'll make a very fine quirt or something less tedious), and fewer strands are much easier. My favorite leather work is knots though...I love to make knots out of leather. Some of them are practical, most are not but only decorative, II like to tie them either way. Until recently, I just sort of intuitively did this stuff, looking at the diagrams in books and then breaking them down in my head to barest elements, that way I could tie the knot, or plait the strands SLOWLY at first, working up to speed as I practiced. And it took a lot of practice, I think I tied and retied knots for months before I tried anything serious...anything meant to last. Then, about a month ago, I was looking at a website where someone who does this incredibly complex leatherwork for a living had made up a software program that diagrams these knots and plaiting out in what appeared to be mathematical terms...THAT was lost on me! I'm good at lots of spatial stuff, but math isn't a strong suit for me...so I am pretty sure that I understand what Horsefly is saying about how he feels when he looks at most of those diagrams. It's a matter of interpretation. However, being as I managed to learn my tying/plaiting skills from a single book, I know that, given enough time, ANYONE could do it...you just have to start at the very beginning...seriously, I know that sounds overly simplistic, but it's true. Even the most basic knot can teach you something you NEED to know as you progress to more complex knots. And after a little while, the diagrams become easier to read as you start to sort out what's intended. If there are tools involved in doing the work, get or make them, it will save you time and frustration. I would say that as in the case with most craftsmanship, one needs to dedicate a lot of time to perfecting their craft, and how many of us really have that kind of time? I know that I don't. So, learning to do good leatherwork is going to take anyone who's serious about it years to become proficient at it. Particularly if you can only part-time the experience. Don't be such a perfectionist that you can't learn from your mistakes, because you WILL make them as you progress. Either untie the imperfect work and condition the leather so that you can try again, cut it into straps or laces, but move it out of your work-realm ASAP, and get to the next exercise...that's the best advice I can offer you. Good leather isn't exactly cheap, so being exacting without getting in your own way by being a perfectionist is going to help. Don't be wasteful and chalk everything around this stuff up to experience! The book I learned my "skills" from is: Bruce Grant's "Leather Braiding". It's been priceless to me as a resource, and, I feel that the diagrams were very easy to follow. I know that the book is available from Amazon.com much cheaper than it is from say, Tandy Leather. I hope this helps, Horsefly!

Whoohoo! I have a link that'll fit in here just dandy! This is where I buy most of my leather for craft working...in my opinion, they are the very best bar none. Enjoy! Brettun's

spec4 e4 -- Please allow me to offer my sincerest, though belated condolences to you and your family in this dark hour. As has been far more eloquently articulated here by other members of this fine community, we can only offer you our prayers, our good wishes and our heartfelt caring and support, but rest assured that you have that should you wish to talk about things, or just have a sympathetic "ear" to hear you. We are all indeed here for you. There are perhaps no words that can adequately comfort you and yours at this time, and I won't insult you by trotting out the stuff that people often desperately say when the silence is too hard to bear, but as you said, your brother is making deliveries in heaven, and that may give you a sense of peace. Take care and while I don't want to switch gears too much, it sounds like the way that your company is acting around this should be all the impetus you will ever need to get out of there. The way that they are treating you is disgusting, and you deserve better.

Horsefly! I would like to wish you a very Happy Birthday too! Take care, and have a whole lot more birthdays!

BradD -- Glad you are back! I concur absolutely on the general rule of staying out of Phoenix at all costs...that place is 30 shades of horrible! I think I will avoid commentary on that whole "Okie" thing...I am a native Oklahoman and I HATE the term "Okie", as do most Oklahomans I know. But you are quite correct, there does seem to be a disproportionate number of former Oklahomans living in the central valley region of CA, doesn't there? I remember when I used to live in Stockton, CA, and there was a little area east of the city proper that was informally called "Okieville". Just hearing the nickname used to make me bristle! LOL! Anyway, I am glad your TX hunt went well, sounds like it was fun!

manureman! Congratulations! Man, it seems that there's kind of a micro-boom going on around here, what with the babies and grandbabies! And yet, no cigars. LOL! I have nothing to offer you as advice goes, but I do know that your daughter chose wisely when she chose a girl!

Congratulations there, Odies Dad! Do we get cigars, or are they too politically incorrect anymore? I have been craving a good cigar...the birth of your son reminded me that I need one. Yes, I'm a woman who smokes cigars...maybe once a year or so!

BradD -- Have a good time out hunting, as long as it doesn't conflict with all those consummate CA "qualities" you mentioned! Once I get to New Mexico I am hoping that the TX boys will let me visit for a hunt or two somewhere down the line. Even if they don't invite me, I'll invade...I've got 10 acres in west TX so I can make my stand there! Sometimes there's antelope on my property, I'll hunt them if I have to, even though I am not particularly fond of antelope as meat goes. I will do my best to avoid dragging your name through the mud until you are back, safe and sound!

Yeah sure, like your wife is going to part with the Lysol just for your emails...does she still keep it in the Super Soaker, BTW?

Yea though I walk through the shadow of the valley of spam, I shall find nothing sensible, for thou art incapable of hitting a "send" button. Just kidding, I got your email, and will reply to it shortly, thanks for the heads up!

carzngunz -- I have a couple of very dear friends who swear by Fred's work, and I am considering sending one of my beloved Mausers to him for some work in the near future. Fred has an excellent reputation amongst gun people across many of the boards that I visit, and that alone speaks volumes, as we tend to be a somewhat finicky lot! LOL! Color case hardening does have quite the variables, doesn't it? I understand Fred's POR approach around it, plus, getting really good work like that could result in "sticker shock" for some folks, at least until they price it out...good color case hardening is an art, and as such, deserves the esteem as well as commands a stiff fee. Thanks for your mention of Fred, and "Low-Tech Gunsmithing", it's good to give the good guys a boost!

tinkerfive -- Are you serious with that offer? That's GREAT! Are you able to get the motors on a relatively consistent basis, because I am going to be moving, so I don't want to acquire the motors now, but in a couple of months, I would be interested as I plan to set up a small shop where I can work on my gun stuff, and assorted other things. I have considered getting the el cheapo versions of these grinders/buffers from Harbor Freight, but would seriously consider setting up something on my own to fit my needs, and as BradD indicates, getting more than one would be fabulous. Please let me know if you are able to get these motors consistently, or however it might work best for you, and I will probably take you up on the offer at some point down the line! Email me via the system here, or at my personal email (putting a reference to the motors in the subject line, thanks...spam, you know!), and I will definitely be in touch! That's so cool!

Now THAT'S one happy looking animal! And your daughter looks like she's pretty content herself!

Shooter Tom -- With the timeframe of your seduction being, as you indicated, 5 minutes, do you even have time for "moves", plural? I would think it'd only be a "move". LOL! I am totally hoping, for your wife's sake, that you are kidding anyway!

Tawny ROCKS! I am SOOOO glad to hear that the Tawnster is doing so well. Maybe she just secretly wanted a trip to the vet in order to be pampered? You know, a cat's way of asking for a spa treatment? LOL! I just recently inherited a small dog named Tawny, she's a youngish pup, a dachshund/chihuahua mix. Clearly, she stole her name from Tawny the cat...but Tawny the pup also offers her greetings, as well as her wishes for Tawny the cat's speedy recovery. BradD, thanks for the kind words, and I can assure you that I am one of the worst people to be with an animal being put to sleep. I have cried for DAYS after the loss of a fur child. In 1999, I had a beautiful white cat, she was polydactyl, and I nicknamed her "Fists of White", she managed to get through a window screen into the yard where I was taking care of a friend's dog. The dog killed my beloved little white cat by breaking her neck. That my cat was stolen from me when she was less than two years old, was almost unbearable. Even to this day, if I think about it too long, I STILL cry over the loss of that cat. It seems never to get easier, does it? Yet, for some reason, we keep on adding fur children to our lives, and mourning them when they die or are put to sleep. However, I have always had animals in my life and my home and can't imagine my existence without them. And personally, I have a total soft spot in my heart for a man who will cry over the loss of a beloved pet, frankly, it's quite a lovely quality, and I admire it.

OK, I saw these clowns and all I can do is yawn. It's boring...except maybe the site that was playing The Weathergirls' "It's raining men" -- lol! I wouldn't want to censor these fools from their noxious scrawlings however. I guess the only thing I can hope is that they are all playing as safely as possible, and minimizing their risk around contracting some disease or passing one on. I still think it's all so sad and an incredible waste of bandwidth, but then again, some of them probably think that about us, and I don't think we give a rip either! Sex? Surely you are exaggerating, FC, kids and stunted adults don't waste their precious time blathering on endlessly about sex on a website? Of COURSE they do! Nothing anyone says is going to change it either. All YOU need to do FC is try like the devil to keep your girls away from that stuff so that it doesn't rot their beautiful minds. In cases like yours, or for anyone who has younger children, knowledge IS power, and you MUST stay one step ahead in order to preserve their peace of mind for as long as possible. There's a lot of stupidity out there, I know that with the effort that you will provide, you will protect your girls as long as you possibly can from it. As I was viewing the sites at the links you provided, I was using my friend's livejournal site as my benchmark to compare...there is STILL no comparison, my friend's site is much, MUCH worse. My friend has teenaged sons and what appears to most people to be a "normal" life in TX. If her sons ever accidentally stumbled onto the content of those pages about their mother, they would be traumatized and need therapy for LIFE! This is what the quest for sex does to people, it clouds their judgment and makes them seem like animals with keyboards. No better. I am by no means a prude, but I do believe in good manners and tact around things, sex included, particularly, as I've said, when children are involved. To be honest, if I had kids of my own, I would be so completely stressed out around the possibility of them possibly "seeing" my "other" life, that I don't think that I would be able to ENJOY the other life! That, or my friend has a serious (figurative) "pair"! Stay away from those places, FC, they'll do you a harm!