x1yyz

Hi everyone!

 

I didn't mean to leave the forum so abruptly - life got busy fast and suddenly I didn't have the extra time I had previously. I do want to thank everyone who reached out to me via PM to see what was up.

 

So, where have I been? I've been doing stuff :D Since Christmas my life has been full of out-of-town friends and family visiting, and that has been wonderful. I've been doing a lot of hiking/running (there are miles and miles of trails a stone's throw from my house) when the rains don't keep me inside, and I've also been horseback riding on those trails. I'm back in school to (finally!) finish my degree, and I am volunteering at my local hospital.

 

But, more importantly, I am busy being an activist. The political climate in the U.S. right now is very bad, and getting worse each day. There is a growing resistance to the hatred that has infected our national government, and I am doing what I can to turn things around. I have zero tolerance for facism, racism, misogyny, etc., and I refuse to stay quiet about what's going on around me. (Luckily I live in a state which publicly stands against what is happening at the national level, so that is something. http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/01/california-trump-immigration-climate-healthcare-marijuana-guns-tech)

 

In short, I no longer have extra time to spend online so I haven't been here much. I wish you all the best (unless, of course, you are a supporter of racism and hatred).

In observing the eighteenth anniversary of my rape, I was very gratefully not alone. This was a wonderful reminder of the care that I have been fortunate to both give and receive over the years. The outpouring of thoughtfulness was heartwarming; a dear person donated to RAINN in my honour, and some truly kind words and anniversary wishes were sent my way. I even heard from a fellow survivor who had attended workshops at which I presented. It was so touching to be remembered on a personally significant day. Luckily, I was afforded some self-care through painting in my studio, too.

 

I am so thankful for life and for healing. I am also well aware that for some, support systems are severely lacking. Knowing that there are others among us who are healing from sexual assault or supporting loved ones in their own recovery process, I am compelled to reiterate my offer of support. If you are reading this message--no matter how far in the future--and need someone to listen, please know that you are quite welcome to reach out.

 

More :heart: :heart:

09 November 2016

Wednesday

 

 

Banana Bat

 

The most distinguishing feature of the banana bat (Musonycteris harrisoni) is its extremely elongated snout, hence its alternative name of 'trumpet-nosed bat’. This medium-sized, highly-specialised bat also possesses a remarkably long tongue, which measures an incredible two-thirds of its body length when fully extended.

 

The banana bat has a relatively small distribution, being found only in western Mexico in the states of Colima, Michoacán, Guerrero, Jalisco and Morelos.

 

The banana bat feeds primarily on the nectar of a variety of plants, including native cacti and the introduced banana plant, using its specialised elongated snout to feed from particularly long-tubed flowers. It also feeds on insects, and bites or pulls off anthers from flowers to feed on the pollen. While feeding, some of the pollen may become stuck to the spiny hairs around the bat’s face and neck, and is then carried to the next flower the bat feeds from. As a result, the banana bat acts as a pollinator of bananas and other plants. The banana bat may undertake short seasonal migrations in order to find flowering plants on which to feed.

 

The banana bat typically roosts in small colonies in trees, under rocky overhangs, or in caves. Although studies of reproduction in the banana bat are scarce, it is thought to reproduce once a year during the dry season, between mid-March and mid-April.

 

The main threat facing the banana bat is habitat loss. The dry forest habitat of the banana bat is one of the most endangered habitats in Mexico, due to the pressures of an increasing human population. The banana bat is protected by Mexican law and occurs in at least two protected areas, which should offer its habitat some level of protection. As the banana bat appears to be reliant on undisturbed forests that contain its preferred food plants and suitable roost sites, it is important that the remaining dry forests of western Mexico are protected.

 

http://i.imgur.com/8JeL0Xp.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/uVTLsEC.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/fMwMPyV.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/4mfFAaW.jpg

 

Range:

 

http://i.imgur.com/dTa6j21.gif

 

 

BAT CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL

 

The non-echolocating bats are cute! (The echolocating bats can be really odd, but also really cool!)

Scattered clouds and blue skies, low 60sF at 8:30 am. We're in the middle of a warm patch so no chance of rain for another week-plus.

Valley of Horses by Jean Auel

I had to break up with my boyfriend yesterday. The timing wasn't good (when is it ever?) and I'm very sorry about that, but the clincher was when I was asking if he still loved me and he wouldn't answer the question. :( :( :(

A big loss for him!

 

For both of us, to be honest :(

 

Oh well, life goes on, I suppose.

I hope someone who can genuinely reciprocate is in your future. :)

 

That is very kind, thank you so much, Chica

I had to break up with my boyfriend yesterday. The timing wasn't good (when is it ever?) and I'm very sorry about that, but the clincher was when I was asking if he still loved me and he wouldn't answer the question. :( :( :(

A big loss for him!

 

For both of us, to be honest :(

 

Oh well, life goes on, I suppose.

Running

I am so happy you got her back unharmed!

Blue J

bluefox4000

Lucas

Turbine Freight

RUSHHEAD666

1001001

 

Out: The TRFers were wandering through the forest when they heard a zombie squad coming up behind them. People started to run until they saw some fallen logs blocking their path. Most scrambled over the logs, but bluefox4000 couldn't in his chair. Lucas, ever the gentleman, went back to lift Mick and the chair over the logs. He just made it and sent Mick rolling down towards the others when suddenly he felt something grab his ankle and pull him back...

 

In: The group came across the former Doctor, Maverick. Maverick was interested in looking for chicks so he joined the group and hoped to meet up with others.

 

Blue J

bluefox4000

Maverick

Turbine Freight

RUSHHEAD666

1001001

I had to break up with my boyfriend yesterday. The timing wasn't good (when is it ever?) and I'm very sorry about that, but the clincher was when I was asking if he still loved me and he wouldn't answer the question. :( :( :(

06 November 2016

Sunday

 

 

Camillea leprieurii

 

Camillea leprieurii is a fungus dependent on rainforest trees for survival but can only be easily detected when observed growing out of dead branches. It is familiar to mycologists surveying rainforests in South America and is strange owing to its fruiting structures taking two forms. The charcoal-stick form is the most frequently noted, which has black pencil-like structures, but this fungus also grows immersed in dead wood with only its uppermost surface visible. Tiny spores are ejected from the ends of the fruiting structures.

 

Camillea species are thought to live within healthy living trees, with their microscopic colonies lying dormant until the tree dies naturally. They are then in an ideal position to grow actively using nutrients from the dead wood, out-competing fungi without endophytic stages and thereby recycling the tree to fertilise the soil for its seedlings. The fungus and trees are thus entirely dependent on each other for survival.

 

Camillea leprieurii is only visible as fruiting-structures, which develop from a complex network of microscopic filaments that grow within the dead wood and bark of the host tree. The matt black charcoal-like fruiting-structures (stromata) burst through the bark and are either cylindrical or almost flat. The elongate form measures about 10−40 mm in length and 2.5−5.0 mm in diameter and develops from a slightly broader disc on the bark surface.

 

It is widely distributed in the rainforests of South America, but suitable habitats for C. leprieurii are currently disappearing as old-growth forest is destroyed, and threats to it along with a myriad of other species of fungi are increasing at an alarming rate. It is not known to grow on cultivated trees, and we know nothing about its potential needs for growth in secondary forest.

 

http://i.imgur.com/gCr77ie.jpg

Camillea leprieurii fruiting structures growing from a dead trunk in Ecuador

 

http://i.imgur.com/Sc4dMfF.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ddukgCS.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/T4hzYkF.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/dWxQ5fn.jpg?1

 

Wow, such a bizarre shape for a fungi.

 

They look like cigarette butts affixed to the trees with suction cups.

 

They really do!

Thought this was pretty cool...Mrs. B showed me some old family photos. This one's of her maternal grandparents on their wedding day. Late 20s or early 30s but definitely before WW2.

 

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c107/andrewq2112/Mobile%20Uploads/image_18.jpeg

 

Gorgeous.

Here's another several years later. Mrs. B's grandfather was a police officer then...pretty interesting to me to see that he was armed with just a katana sword. Somehow that's more intimidating to me than a modern day officer's revolver, baton, and stun gun.

 

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c107/andrewq2112/Mobile%20Uploads/image_20.jpeg

 

[Mrs. B's mum is the little girl in the center.]

 

I love seeing old family photos. Thanks for posting these :)

Thought this was pretty cool...Mrs. B showed me some old family photos. This one's of her maternal grandparents on their wedding day. Late 20s or early 30s but definitely before WW2.

 

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c107/andrewq2112/Mobile%20Uploads/image_18.jpeg

 

Gorgeous.

I strongly dislike grunge so Ten & Nevermind are out of consideration right away. I also don't like the bulk of Metallica's music. About the only stuff I like from them are "For Whom the Bell Tolls", "Fade to Black", their cover of "Turn the Page" and their hits off The Black Album.

 

RTB is among my less loved Rush album - liked it when it first came out but it has not aged well with me.

 

So what we have is RTB, which has the wonderful Dreamline & Bravado, the ok Big Wheel and a lot of not so great stuff vs. The Black Album. Voted for RTB. Dreamline & Bravado are far better than the best material on The Black album and the worst stuff on RTB is not as bad as the bulk of the material from The Black Album.

 

Yup.

Mealy-mouthed people

 

I remember this one! It's from backstage at the Fort Lauderdale show on the CA tour :D

Happy birthday!

 

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oKb_HGjOojw/USE8hZ2J_NI/AAAAAAAAGe4/9NVMjeKIrqc/s1600/P1090666.JPG

06 November 2016

Sunday

 

 

Camillea leprieurii

 

Camillea leprieurii is a fungus dependent on rainforest trees for survival but can only be easily detected when observed growing out of dead branches. It is familiar to mycologists surveying rainforests in South America and is strange owing to its fruiting structures taking two forms. The charcoal-stick form is the most frequently noted, which has black pencil-like structures, but this fungus also grows immersed in dead wood with only its uppermost surface visible. Tiny spores are ejected from the ends of the fruiting structures.

 

Camillea species are thought to live within healthy living trees, with their microscopic colonies lying dormant until the tree dies naturally. They are then in an ideal position to grow actively using nutrients from the dead wood, out-competing fungi without endophytic stages and thereby recycling the tree to fertilise the soil for its seedlings. The fungus and trees are thus entirely dependent on each other for survival.

 

Camillea leprieurii is only visible as fruiting-structures, which develop from a complex network of microscopic filaments that grow within the dead wood and bark of the host tree. The matt black charcoal-like fruiting-structures (stromata) burst through the bark and are either cylindrical or almost flat. The elongate form measures about 10−40 mm in length and 2.5−5.0 mm in diameter and develops from a slightly broader disc on the bark surface.

 

It is widely distributed in the rainforests of South America, but suitable habitats for C. leprieurii are currently disappearing as old-growth forest is destroyed, and threats to it along with a myriad of other species of fungi are increasing at an alarming rate. It is not known to grow on cultivated trees, and we know nothing about its potential needs for growth in secondary forest.

 

http://i.imgur.com/gCr77ie.jpg

Camillea leprieurii fruiting structures growing from a dead trunk in Ecuador

 

http://i.imgur.com/Sc4dMfF.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ddukgCS.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/T4hzYkF.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/dWxQ5fn.jpg?1

 

Wow, such a bizarre shape for a fungi.

Aenima for me. T4E is okay at best. I've never heard the Beck album, but from what I've heard of them they're also just okay. But Aenima -- I've listened to that album easily a hundred times. It is fantastic.

Okay, I did it; I just registered to do the Tough Mudder next June. So far our team has four people and there are a couple others who will most likely join up.

 

I'm already working on getting in better shape (something that needs to be done regardless of any race). This morning I did a five mile walk/jog, and tomorrow will be a strenuous five mile hike.

 

I've never done any sort of race or training before so this is a bit intimidating!

Oh, JohnnyBlaze, I think it's just amazing that you have been posting since before you were conceived (according to your profile birthdate)! Talk about precocious! Belated happy first birthday to you

Kamikazi pilots flying right at me

Selfishly I'm glad the boys retired the same year I got divorced.

 

I can't afford to chase my band around the country anymore............

 

 

 

 

So fuckking SAD!

 

Yup, this exactly.

On a related note, how do the same people consistently end up in the front row(s)? Are they accepting the StubHub gouge, or is something more clandestine at work?

 

Personally, I was pleasantly surprised with all the fan bits (thought I would not enjoy, but I did.) But I always wondered that about the front row crew. I mean, back in the day, I had front row a couple times - once by winning a food-drive raffle at the show (Rtb, Great woods, Mass) and once the old fashioned way (skipping school and lining up at the venue at 7 am for a general admission show; HYF tour, RPI, Troy, NY). Since that time, for every single tour, I had been on every pre-sale and public sale online with a fast connection at the very millisecond that tickets went on sale - sometimes kept trying for hours, then later in the day - and only once ever scored tickets in the first 5 rows. I always had decent tickets, but rarely in the first 5 rows (R40 Philly, SnA, Jacksonville). I did splurge for VIP package on 2 tours (and got 2nd, CA tour, Manchester and 7th rows TM tour, Red Rocks). I refused to accept the stubhub gouge. Yet, at nearly every show I was at since 2002, I would see many of the same people in the front couple rows. How do they do it? Ridiculous expenditures on the post-market sales? Connections with the band/crew/management? Sexual favors? Because I don't buy the "sheer luck" path - I've pulled those levers myself for all those tours and came up without the jackpot - no way there is some magical internet connection that allowed them to pull those seats every time.

 

On a related note, how do the same people consistently end up in the front row(s)? Are they accepting the StubHub gouge, or is something more clandestine at work?

 

On the CA tour I ended up in the first and second rows because I bought my tickets literally the second they went on sale. For R40 I was out of the country when they went on sale so I got them from StubHub.

 

The thing is, one you go front row you can't go back :D (Plus, it being their last tour there was no "maybe I'll get first row next time".)