Dear Fencergrl

[magic_moose]

Dear FG,

When I get a new epee blade, it is so wonderful. The point goes right where I want it to, it stays nice and straight, and is nice and stiff.

After a lot of use, it seems to get softer and softer. The tip frequently bends at a right angle after a particularly robust hit and no matter how much I run it under my foot it never seems to get quite right again.

What can I do to keep that fresh “like new” feeling longer?

Signed,

Wilted and Pointless

[Fencergrl]

Dear Wilted and Pointless,

Keeping a "fresh like new" feeling is something many fencers can relate to especially those with older blades.

Soft blades can often be the direct result of attacking without enough preparation. Don't be quite so fast to lay your tip into your opponent. Take your time to set things up. It's easy to forget the basics! Using a little more strategy will ensure that both you and your opponent will walk away from the strip tired, sweaty and well satisfied.

As for getting a bad bend in the blade. Gosh... many blades get a little kinky over time. It's their inherent nature. Some fencers get annoyed and struggle to keep the status quo. Others fear that a little kink might expose their defenses or perhaps others may laugh.

The confident, relaxed fencer might simply accept kinks for what they are and have a little fun with it. Some find that this curve adds a little interest to the game. To each their own. Try not to let a little kink or two throw off your game. Once again, keep in mind the end result.

Good luck and good fencing!

[KidLazy]

Dear FG,

My ex-company, which dumped me like a used-up toy four months ago (only gave me 3 hours notice), is desperately wants me back. It contacted me via email, phone calls, etc. over the last few weeks. So far it has tried to luring me back with lines like,

• You are someone very very special.
• You are worth your weight in gold.
• It was a mistake to lay you off.
• You will be working on the New Orleans levee project (something I begged for the last two months of that year-long relationship).

However, I, now, happily working for a good company on an incredible project (more important than New Orleans’ levee), and having absolutely no interest to ever go back there again. So how do I make my ex-company to REALLY feel the pain of making such a stupid mistake by letting me go like that?
3, f#%king, hours notice!!

Broken and Seek Revenge

[Fencergrl]

Dear Broken,

3 hours notice is crappy. I hope you got a good severance package at least.

Like you, I've envisioned horrible things for companies who have treated me badly, so I know how you feel. Despite this, I don't recommend pursuing this, as you have your own karma to consider.... or criminal charges.

It sounds like you have the best revenge.... a great job and they have no chance of getting you back. It sounds like you got what you really deserved and so did they.

If this company continues to stalk you, I would consider giving them what they want. Agree to work for them. Don't show up. See if they send you a paycheque anyway. If this happens, my fees are 30% of your take-home.

[Cry_Me_A_River]

Wtf??!!

[Fencergrl]

Dear Wtf???

You obviously need some sound advice... go ahead don't be shy. You can tell Fencergrl, nobody else will ever know.

[BrianH]

Dear Miss Fencergrl,

I have been reading all these threads about the USFA and leadership and so on, and I'm confused about all the references to E.D. Does the American fencing community need a large bottle of Cialis or Viagra or something? Maybe we could get it up in Canada?

[mrbiggs]

Originally Posted by KidLazy

Dear FG,

My ex-company, which dumped me like a used-up toy four months ago (only gave me 3 hours notice)

What?

They said "you're fired, but please keep doing work for us for the next three hours"?

That's just weird...

[Zilverzmurfen]

Originally Posted by KidLazy

(only gave me 3 hours notice)

That can't even be legal, what did your union say about that?! Incredible...

You should be liable for a hefty compensation from them for that.

[KidLazy]

Originally Posted by mrbiggs

What?

They said "you're fired, but please keep doing work for us for the next three hours"?

That's just weird...

I wasn't fired (I did a excellent job there).
I was layoff along with another person (HQ said because work has dry up. I said bull#$%t, I knew other offices have work, specially New Orleans, but there are communication and territorial issues between them.)

Originally Posted by Zilverzmurfen

That can't even be legal, what did your union say about that?! Incredible...

You should be liable for a hefty compensation from them for that.

Yes, 3 hours of notice which was rather hard to clean up my office (I got 9 gaint boxes of my books and my files at the end). Phone and computer were locked up immediately. I only got two weeks pay because I have only been there for a year. My co-worker got more since he was there 9 years. But money is not really the issue, and I feel rather insulted by it.


Now they are contacting me and wanting me back!?
"NO!" I said to them "you should have treated me right."

[JackOfHearts]

Dear Fencergrl,

I have this friend, who I've known for quite awhile. I actually used to have rather strong feelings for her, but those have abated since last year. However we're still good friends. And yet for awhile now, when we hang out, she sometimes calls me by her boyfriends name. She catches herself sometimes, but I find it rather disconcerting, especially since they've been having some trouble lately. What should I do about it?

signed,
Yours Truly.

[Fencergrl]

Originally Posted by BrianH

Dear Miss Fencergrl,

I have been reading all these threads about the USFA and leadership and so on, and I'm confused about all the references to E.D. Does the American fencing community need a large bottle of Cialis or Viagra or something? Maybe we could get it up in Canada?

Like so many sporting organizations, the USFA is not as young and virile as it used to be. It's gained a bit over the years, so it's a little larger and slower. It's also finding it doesn't have the same snap and focus of it's youth. Naturally, it's understandable that it's a little more tired at the end of the day and finding it hard to respond quite the same way as it did years ago.

E.D is just a symptom. So Cialis or Viagra will deal with that aspect, but really what we're talking about is andopause or male menopause. As organizations age they some of the youthful fire that keeps it vital and full of life. Hormone replacement might be a better option in this case as it would deal with some of the other symptoms other than being a little limp.

[Fencergrl]

Originally Posted by JackOfHearts

Dear Fencergrl,

I have this friend, who I've known for quite awhile. I actually used to have rather strong feelings for her, but those have abated since last year. However we're still good friends. And yet for awhile now, when we hang out, she sometimes calls me by her boyfriends name. She catches herself sometimes, but I find it rather disconcerting, especially since they've been having some trouble lately. What should I do about it?

signed,
Yours Truly.

The answer is simple. You plan to change your name. Simply take on the name of her boyfriend. Easy for her and not upsetting for you. Who knows... she might get really confused and you might get lucky.

[Fencergrl]

Originally Posted by KidLazy

I wasn't fired (I did a excellent job there).
I was layoff along with another person (HQ said because work has dry up.

ZZ: This is a sleazy way for companies to fire people in North America. You can fight it (as usually it's bull) but it's usually not worth the effort. Best to take the severance and move on
Mr Biggs: Welcome to the real world of business.

Both of you owe me advice questions BTW

[JackOfHearts]

Originally Posted by Fencergrl

The answer is simple. You plan to change your name. Simply take on the name of her boyfriend. Easy for her and not upsetting for you. Who knows... she might get really confused and you might get lucky.

Sound advice, except I dislike his name (It's rather common), and I don't really care much to "get lucky" with this particular girl. Although....

Dear Fencergrl,

A couple of new girls were recently hired at my favorite coffee shop. How can I get an introduction without seeming over-eager, or just plain creepy?

Signed,
White Mocha. On the Rocks.

[mrbiggs]

Dear Fencergrl,

Things have been looking bad for me lately. My aunt and uncle, who raised me since I was a child, were brutally murdered by the government. My father turned out to be an evil dictator, and is indirectly responsible for their deaths. My best friend is a smuggler who thinks his dog can talk, and it was heavily implied that awhile ago I had sex with the girl who turned out to be my sister. Meanwhile, I think I have powers and can control people's minds. What do I do about my family issues, not to mention the personal problems I'm having?

Signed,
Luke Skywalker from the Star Wars movies

[KidLazy]

Originally Posted by Fencergrl

This is a sleazy way for companies to fire people in North America.

Perhaps, since my working experience is limited. However, I did do an excellent job over there which is why they want me back desperately (just hung up on them again yesterday).


Dear FG,

I miss having free time to fence. I want to train and fence again. How do I quit working, yet still be able to pay bills, maintain my current living quality?

Broken (my bank account) and Slaved

[pigeonmeister]

Dear FG,

I see dead people..

Disturbed kid.

[D'Art]

Dear FG,

I'm a Vet fencer who is totally set in my ways. However, recently, I've let slip the fact I am the proud owner of a lexan mask (which I have often claimed to be the work of my old friend Satan), and am also now privately starting to be privately attracted to coloured uniforms (the "red" Allstar one is my favorite), and my excessive posting in the epeeists' thread is also worrying me. I think I may have amassed a grudging respect for the weapon, so much so that I may want to play with one. Help me!

Curmudgeon in D'Art's account.