http://www.fencing.net/forums en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:24:24 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.fencing.net/forums/images/fencing_net/misc/rss.jpg http://www.fencing.net/forums http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46915.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:29:31 GMT I don't even LIKE the Irish, but COME ON. What a TERRIBLE call. Then the sack of crap goes up and is like, yeah i did it, but the ref didn't catch it, so... sorry Ireland.

Henry is going to have his ACL torn by the sheer will of an entire island channeling hate and anger. ]]> Water Cooler Superscribe http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46915.html http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46888.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:15:19 GMT Is there a quick howto on creating polls in f.net? Would appreciate a quick run through of how to create a poll. Is there a quick howto on creating polls in f.net? Would appreciate a quick run through of how to create a poll. ]]> Water Cooler jjefferies http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46888.html http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46862.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:51:10 GMT The restaurant rules thread got me thinking about food and the best meal I've ever had. What's the best meal you've ever had at a restaurant? Was it just amazing food, or great service and atmosphere, did the company make the food stand out or would you have enjoyed it alone in a cold dark box it was so good?

The best meal I've ever had was at a little restaurant in northern Michigan. We, after a long week of camping, roll into town looking for a place to eat. Driving down main street we remember that a family friend had told us to check out Hermann's European Cafe so we pull up and walk in. We've been camping for a week, probably stunk fairly bad, certainly we weren't dressed to the nines. We get immediately seated. Service was good, polite and formal without being obsequious. The decor could be any (at least in my imagination) little restaurant in the old fashion of one chef and a few helpers, no chain, no franchises and just good, solid food.

The food was mind blowing. My dad can cook, I'd grown up eating spectacular food (I mean how many kids come home to venison pate?). Applebee's in comparison. Good, earthy home made bread to start with several different butters followed by a standard salad. Main course shows up, jaeger schnitzel in a morel wine cream sauce with fresh thyme and perfectly steamed vegetables. The schnitzel is like warm butter that somehow has a light beef flavor and wonderful firm but not tight texture in the mouth. I'm only wasting time and space discussing the sauce. Actual morels, and not just the obligatory one or two strewn on top of the schnitzel, but a goodly handful of them lending their perfectly seasoned deep flavor. When I say actual morels I mean morels, not the massive white morels that you can sometimes find in the stores but the much better black morels, in their prime. So you've got this nice morel base backed up with cream and red wine that doesn't overpower the flavor of the schnitzel but supports in and lifts it to a new, and ultimately higher, level.

Of course the owner/chef is trained in the arts of Viennese pastry so dessert is at another level, the best I've ever eaten for sure but I can't even imagine anyone else topping them anywhere. A platter is presented and other than a number of staple pies there are always a few specials that truly are special. This first visit we had flour less chocolate cake, smooth and rich with a moderate texture. I've had, in the years since, many perfect mousse's, a spicy chocolate cake, crispy apple pie and a strawberry romanoff that I still think about sometimes when I'm bored and hungry. ]]> Water Cooler LordShout http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46862.html http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46839.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:58:15 GMT I think I need to get one of these for when I travel to tournaments and crash on people's floors. It's got a built in pillow! http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/plush/bb2e/ ]]> Water Cooler kapunga http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46839.html http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46763.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:28:40 GMT In the spirit of David Letterman's Top Ten lists:

10) It hurts less than rugby.
9) It costs less than NASCAR.
8) You can’t drown.
7) It has a really low number of accidental fatalities.
6) Lots of historical interest for the nerds.
5) Your spouse will like what it does for your arse.
4) Those tight white knickers are HOT.
3) Two words: fencer thighs.
2) Girls can play too!

And the number one reason to take up fencing…

1) It still feels all thrilling and heroic even if you lose!!!


So, True Believers, what are your top ten reasons? ]]> Water Cooler redheaded_sabreuse http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46763.html http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46733.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:29:07 GMT I was hanging out with some friends that also post/lurk on f.net and the topic of forum moderation came up. This community has pretty loose rules and tends to stay at quite clean. I'm not at all suggesting we go to this system but for those that want a laugh at the expense of others take a look at these links.

The first link is their very strict forum rules. The second is a list of the infractions of those rules, not for the thin skinned or easily offended.

http://elitistjerks.com/f34/a24-why_i_given_infraction/
http://elitistjerks.com/f34/


Question: What are your thoughts on moderation, flaming and the sometimes caustic nature of these boards?

Edit: My favorite rule of theirs is:

All discussion should be both polite and civil. Trolling or flaming in any form is forbidden. Just because someone disagrees with you does not mean they are stupid or on drugs and their personal hygiene isn't really relevant to the discussion. Regardless of the merit (or lack thereof) of your argument, it should be made in a way that is neither insulting nor condescending. -EJ

This is coming from a forum hosted by a group naming itself Elitist Jerks. They have a very similar situation to us, a lot of people post the same question over and over and over and over and over (onto infinity) and the answers are either indeterminate or found in a myriad of old threads. It is interesting, to me at least, how our two different communities have handled this annoyance. ]]> Water Cooler LordShout http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46733.html http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46588.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:23:48 GMT Cat Bouwkamp, 13 year old wheelchair fencer, is one of 13 nominees for the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) October Female Athlete of the Month poll on twitter. Cat lives in Fishers, Indiana and is an 8th grader. She won a Bronze medal last month in Warsaw , Poland at the IWAS Wheelchair Fencing World Cup competition. There is an article on the World Cup at http://usfencing.org/news/article/28615. Wheelchair fencing supporters can vote for Cat by going to http://twtpoll.com/lm64jn, but the poll closes on 11-8-2009. She is running neck and neck with a figure skater at the present. Thanks for your support. Cat Bouwkamp, 13 year old wheelchair fencer, is one of 13 nominees for the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) October Female Athlete of the Month poll on twitter. Cat lives in Fishers, Indiana and is an 8th grader. She won a Bronze medal last month in Warsaw , Poland at the IWAS Wheelchair Fencing World Cup competition. There is an article on the World Cup at http://usfencing.org/news/article/28615.

Wheelchair fencing supporters can vote for Cat by going to http://twtpoll.com/lm64jn, but the poll closes on 11-8-2009. She is running neck and neck with a figure skater at the present. Thanks for your support. ]]> Water Cooler fencingcaddy http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46588.html http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46465.html Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:43:50 GMT http://boss.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/1...o-part-one/?em

I'm not all excited about every single one of these, but in general, yeah - these are good rules.

Read the comments too - lots of controversy here! ]]> Water Cooler jeff http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46465.html http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46456.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:33:58 GMT http://slatest.slate.com/id/2234562/entry/9/ http://slatest.slate.com/id/2234562/entry/9/ ]]> Water Cooler seven6ty http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46456.html http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46455.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:29:09 GMT My ekg checked out and I passed with the pee and poop patrol, so last night they booted me out of the hospital. It was so nice to not have to lay in one position or tangle one of the tubes in my arm which then sets off the alarm until you untangle it.

Getting to eat real food again, not have pills shoved up my a$$ because I was npo (they take NPO seriously) and of course those oh so comfy adjustable beds that bend where I don't.

It is great to be home and to see the boys again. I am going to be on a walker for a while with the idea of working back to my cane. Home Healthcare starts today in the OT and Speech areas.

Between you guys and the folks from my local fencing club there is no better support group. My coach even asked me if I wanted him to bring my chair home or come work out. This is the guy who came and did footwork drillls with me after the first stroke in 2005.

It is amazing how quick my legs do not want to work, my shower was fine, but when I went to towel off there was just no support, so I may only be able to walk short distances, but Da** it all I am going to walk and I am going to fence. I love you all. Thank you again ]]> Water Cooler Greybeard http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46455.html http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46331.html Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:26:34 GMT Ok, time to fess up. Who else besides me is being lazy and using their whites as a Halloween costume? Ok, time to fess up. Who else besides me is being lazy and using their whites as a Halloween costume? ]]> Water Cooler JacoKierkegaard http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46331.html http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46302.html Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:31:56 GMT Anyone have an extra? I wanna try this. fleuretistatgmaildotcom Anyone have an extra?

I wanna try this.

fleuretistatgmaildotcom ]]> Water Cooler fatfencer http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46302.html http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46294.html Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:36:06 GMT The governator would get my vote based on this. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/10/28/acrostic_arnie/ The governator would get my vote based on this.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/10/28/acrostic_arnie/ ]]> Water Cooler Gav http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46294.html http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46292.html Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:36:38 GMT Family & Friends:
Cory had a very good day today. His storms are subsiding, only occurring occasionally, and even when they do the medication is still able to keep his heart rate within an acceptable range. All of his stats were good. He was quite active in moving his arms, but still is not responding to commands. He did open his eyes several times during the day.

We opened his NY Giants package for him. They sent him an autographed football, and yes, Eli Manning signed it, along with other team members. They also sent him a T-shirt and a get well card. The PR Rep actually called Craig...but he missed the call. We're sure they will connect at some point. Thanks to all of you that reached out to the Giants on Cory's behalf (Mr. Keating we know you were one of them-is Bryan a Giants fan?)

We continue to read him mail, and guest entries on this website. We make sure he is aware of each of you that have sent your love, prayers, and support.

We were also allowed to bring in a CD player and some of Cory's favorite Country Rock CD's. The music seems to soothe Cory.

Cory was resting peacefully this evening when we left the hospital. His heart rate was actually down to 82, and his respiration was at 22. We like to think that he is truly sleeping to build his strength for the upcoming day. ]]> Water Cooler Greybeard http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46292.html http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46247.html Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:44:44 GMT 1) If you can't afford the power windows and/or power locks option on a new car, is buying a new car really a good financial decision for you?

I work at a full-service car wash right now, and many cars (primarily among the entry-level bracket) come in with manual windows and/or (less commonly) no power locks. Why? Why do people buy new cars without these options?
I can see the point if your going for sportiness and don't want the weight, but that is not a realistic concern when buying an Echo or a Caliber or a Cobalt or an Aveo etc.
Make you life simpler, get the power options.
If you can't afford those, buy a used car.
Look at it this way: a new car is automatically a money-losing investment. Most cars depreciate about 20-30% in their first year. If you have a 5-year payment plan, that means that after one year, you owe more on your car than it is worth.
If finances are so tight that you cannot afford the power options, why on earth are you buying new? For the warranty?
Buy a car that's a year or two old. It'll still be covered by warranty, and be considerably cheaper, allowing you to shop for a better class of vehicle than you otherwise would be able to get.



2) If you can't turn your vehicle around in a street/parking lot/driveway, either destroy your license or learn to drive.

Twice in the last two weeks I've seen pathetically bad attempts at turning around. One was by a kid in a friend's driveway (my friend's driveway, not the kids; we haven't the foggiest notion who the kid was, all we knew was that he was attending a part next door to the bonfire at my friend's place). It was so bad we left the bonfire to watch, cheer, jeer, and direct the hapless teen.
He got halfway around (it took him 18 shifts between forward and reverse), and started turning back the way he'd come in. We took pity on him after 6 more direction changes, and directed him. He then backed down the (rather long) driveway, and tried again near the street. It took him a long time.
All this to turn around so he could head North on the street instead of South. He could've turned into the driveway, backed out the other way, and been on his way. Instead, his attempt was so bad I very nearly pulled him out of his truck and did it for him. Unfortunately, I, like my friends, was laughing to hard.

Suffice to say most people could've made the turn-around in 3-4 direction changes, depending on where down the driveway we did it.

The second was just tonight, in a parking lot at the university. This brainiac was attempting to turn around using the following process:
- turn steering wheel quarter-turn to right
- back up 3 feet
- turn steering wheel quarter-turn to left
- drive forward 3 feet
- repeat.
I directed him at one point, informing him that he a) could turn the wheel more than just a quarter-turn, and b) could move more than 3 feet (about 10 feet, actually) in either direction.
He listened when I cajolled him, but after telling him thse (seemingly obvious) pointers, I figured he would be fine and went back to my car (which I'd just parked) to get my laptop. As soon as I left, he was back to his inital procedure.
I noticed this, and started laughing. Loudly.
His friend, in the passenger seat, understood well the source of my mirth. Said friend also took over coaching this guy's attempt at turning around.

Look: If you don't know how to turn around in a space 10 feet wider than your vehicle is long, you need to practice your driving.



3) Why are so many people do not know how to:

a) check their vehicle's fluid levels and add fluid if necessary?
b) open their hood? (seriously)
c) open their hatch? (seriously)
d) install wiper blades?
e) check tire pressure and add air if necessary?
f) change a wheel?
e) operate a turn signal properly? (i.e. before you turn, not while you turn)
g) change bulbs?
h) put gas in their car? (seriously; and obviously this one does not apply to areas where pumping your own gas is illegal)
i) control speed using the throttle instead of the brake?
j) perform a safe emergency stop?
k) understand when/why their vehicle is skidding, and how to correct it?

And why aren't these things a mandatory part of basic driver education and testing?






This ends my thoughts for the day. I'd appreciate yours. ]]> Water Cooler Rabid Monk http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread46247.html