BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes

Subject: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,skipy
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 06:16 PM

well that got your attention then!
After attending the gathering at a festival near a canal, (recently)I had to leave just one hour into the event (and i didn't get a sweet, as I was sat near the fire place!) as I was due to meet my other/better/dominant 1/2 & the kids too go to another event at the festival. Well I sat through the first 1/2 & very good it was too, the need for a cigarette overwhelmed me so I went outside and stood by the canal to have one. I was joined by "a female" (no names no pack drill) we exchanged the usual pleasantries about us being filthy smokers. She asked what I thought of the festival, I replied that I thought it was very good indeed and added that I had just enjoyed being at the Mudcat Gathering. Straight away she launhed into a tirade entitled "I think those Mudcaters are up their own & each others a**holes" She then went on to say "except present company". Which annoyed me as much as the first statement as she does not know me from Adam. I questioned her a little on the subject to be told that Catters are "eliteist" & will only help people that they know & that are within their tight circle. I wanted to shout "bollox!" I have found help at the cat on any occasion that I have sought it, I have also returned that help whenever I have been able to & would like to give a lot more. She said that she asked one question & was shot down!
Well, over to you lot, do you think we consider ourselves "eliteist"?

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Peace
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 06:24 PM

Well, if the question she asked was, "Are you an a**hole?" then it's no wonder she was shot down.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 06:24 PM

I could name a few people who have left mudcat because they think the same as she did...

My question for her would be, if she felt that way, why would she bother associating with Mudcatters at all?

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Amos
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 06:28 PM

I'd like to know what help she failed to get, and see if it could be corrected.

A

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 06:33 PM

I suppose it might depend upon the "one question". I can think of some questions that would deserve to be shot down. But assuming it wasn't one of those, she presumably ran up against one of the small number of toerags who hang around here, and that's a shame.

I think most people have learnt that in any social encounter - and this is a social encounter of a strange sort - it's well worth hanging on a little, rather than judging by the first impressions, even when they are unpleasant.

Jane Austen wrote a book about that.

Generally speaking this is the most genuinely, even overly, helpful collection of people I have ever come across.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 06:34 PM

I'm with Amos. If she asked for a definition of folk music and got the usual abuse - well we have all been there. If she has a question we can't answer or has met some 'Catters and reached her own conclusions, then she is entitled to her opinion.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,Skipy
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 06:44 PM

She is the wife of an artist booked at the festival (have to be careful here, I don't know any names but I don't want to give clues)
As I was about to ask "What she asked" the smoking window closed as there where Cds to be sold. & she dashed off to man the table.

Brucie - quite often I am an a**sole.

Amos - so would I

McGrath - totally agree

Sinsull - 100% correct

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Big Mick
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 06:51 PM

Yeah, this place isn't perfect, but what place is. If someone was just rude to her, shame on them. I have never liked the abuse that is dumped on a new poster when they ask an old question. I would prefer we just direct them to supersearch and help them learn. But very few people are abusive.

I share Amos' view that if I knew the question that was asked, I would like the opportunity to answer it.

Of course, some folks are deserving of abuse, based on the old "what goes around, comes around" rule. But that is rarely a new person.

I think it is instructive for regular Mudcatters to pay attention to how we affect and appear to others. Somehow many of us have become very close and it can appear to be a closed group. We all know that isn't the case, but it can appear that way to others. A good example of this is the Getaway. In the first couple of years some of the FSGW folks thought that we were holding ourselves apart. They didn't realize that we just assumed that folks knew that they were welcome in whatever sessions we had going. When they saw the "late night in the Mudcat" session going on, they thought we were being cliquish (sp?). And we didn't realize that they didn't know that all were welcome in that gathering, in fact we wanted them to come sing together. The point is that sometimes, because this is an extraordinarily close knit group, we don't realize how we appear and we should all keep that in mind.

The offshoot of that is that FSGW folks now know that we are a very inclusive group that only gets to see one another once a year. And they join right in, to the point that there almost isn't any distinction.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Peace
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 06:57 PM

Skipy, I didn't mean that, please excuse me. I was fartin' around, because it's hard to see people taking the 'cat that way. People here are very helpful.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: CarolC
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 07:03 PM

It sometimes happens. But if she is judging everyone in the Mudcat based on that one experience, that seems pretty harsh to me.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,Skipy
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 07:15 PM

Brucie - I took no offence, I was stating a fact, I did not for one moment think that you where saying anything against me.

CarolC - We once had a Vauxhall Astra (18 years ago) it siezed @ 20,006 miles having been serviced all it's life, no oil low warning & indeed the oil was at the right level, to this day I will not own an Vauxhall , one bad event no trust forever, same for poeple as for cars!
Ask clarkson!

On welcoming new catters, there was a thread just 2/3 days ago that shows that we are open armed to the new.

Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 07:32 PM

"Open armed" is an ambiguous expression. In fact it can be an ambiguous sight. "A Hells Angel approached - his arms were flung wide..."

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: CarolC
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 07:38 PM

I guess my point is that she could not have possibly encountered all of the people in the Mudcat during that one experience, and to judge the other people based on the few she did encounter is like judging all blonds based on one's experience with a small handful of blonds (unlike a car brand, which sometimes can tell you ahead of time what you're getting). But I do understand what you're saying. Once bitten, twice shy.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Peace
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 07:45 PM

Thanks, Skipy. But now I have to take issue with you. You can't be a big an a**hole as me. Lotsa people on the 'cat will tell you that, and they'll be right. Nyah nyah nyah nyah nyah.

See what I mean?

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,skipy
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 07:54 PM

When I am being "an a**hole" it is alway when I don't mean to be"
For me, as probably for millions of others I find it hard to relax, when I finally do it is then, amonst friends that I tend to lose the plot! I should be an a**hole at work or with the people that really piss me off istead of with those who really care for me!

Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Ebbie
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 07:54 PM

Every once in a while I bite- kind of like Skipy's Vauxhall- and always feel bad afterward. My apologies if that was one of the times.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Peace
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 07:59 PM

People who love us can be hurt by our words and actions more readily than those who don't care for us. That's because they love us.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,skipy
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 08:11 PM

But that does not excuses us from behaving badly towards the one that we love even though they are the ones that we will do it to because we love them in return.
But we all do it!

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Dead Horse
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 08:18 PM

I refuse to post to a thread raised by a guest, Skippy!
So there :-p

P.S. Why are there so many flies buzzin' round my head?

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Peace
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 08:26 PM

No point beatin' you!

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,skipy
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 08:30 PM

but I am a "Guest" & of course you posted

Guest skipy (single "p")

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 08:35 PM

Hey, Kevin:

I like to think that we're open and unarmed..

Generic complaints elicit generic responses. How can you even deal with an issue if someone doesn't talk specifically about it?

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 08:37 PM

"a small handful of blondes" - that's an intriguing notion.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 08:40 PM

How dose it go ... Peace on earth to men of good will . It takes good will to make it .. All the best to all here. Guy

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Peace
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 08:41 PM

Back atcha, Guy.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Leadfingers
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 08:48 PM

I have seen blatantly rude replies posted to questions posted by Guests and new catters sometimes by 'members' and can sympathise with any one who gets a load of abuse on a first posting . I also know Guest Skipy and know why he is NOT a member . I will agree with him that on occasions he IS an a***hole , but he is still a bloody good mate . Sadly there ARE people in here who I dont want to meet , but they are definately in the minority , and tend to be the people who DONT go to Mudcat Gathers , or post a profile along with their membership . Its unfortunate that the lady Skipy met at the festival happened on one or two of these clots on her first excursion into the threads !

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,skipy
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 08:58 PM

hi leadfingers, I thought that I was member, have I failed to fill in a form or something?
Help me! Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Jeri
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 09:13 PM

Skipy, you are a member. You just have to go to 'Quick Links', select 'login', click the 'go' button. Then, you have to remember your password. Assuming you want to log in.

As to someone being 'shut down', I don't think it was me. I doubt it was skipy or leadfingers or the vast majority of members and guests who post here. I don't have a clue what happened, but I'd guess it was one or two obnoxious people, or a misunderstanding without much attempt to resolve it. Add in the possibility that the answer to her question appeared after she walked out. Let's face it - we're all part of the group she thinks is 'elitist' simply by virtue of being here, and not one of us can make another behave.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: emjay
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 09:26 PM

Well, I am new, you don't know me, I have asked several questions and had them answered every time even if I could have found them myself if I had looked a little harder or a little more carefully. I think you are a great bunch and I enjoy dropping in and spedning away too much time because one thing always leads to another.
Thank you all!

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Billy the Bus
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 10:38 PM

Thanks emjay - it's what MC is about IMHO

Cheers - Sam

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 31 Oct 04 - 01:24 AM

Well, just earlier before the crash Leadfingers was assisting me in the chat with some thoughts about a uke or banjo-uke - I might be acquiring one, as my life circumstances are changing.

Apart from a few nutters (myself included), and a few not so nice poeple, and all those nasty GUESTS, everybody here are people I would not mind meeting. If you are genuine about wanting to know something, you can usually find someone here who knows more than you and is willing to assist.


Robin
'We Like The Moon!'

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: DMcG
Date: 31 Oct 04 - 02:47 AM

An answer I've given myself to questions is:

"It's in the DT here"

The implied rest of the message is "and I hope you find that helpful" but of course its quite possible for someone to see a different implied message, such as: "So why didn't you make the effort to look yourself?"

I try to avoid answering questions quite so briefly these days for that reason, but its not easy to avoid that sort of misunderstanding entirely.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Blissfully Ignorant
Date: 31 Oct 04 - 03:03 AM

Well, i've grown quite fond of all you helpful people... maybe she was feeling a bit pre-menstrual...:0)

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Ellenpoly
Date: 31 Oct 04 - 03:22 AM

Aside from the "maybe she was feeling a bit pre-menstrual" quip of BI, which I will graciously let by, I do think that this is such a disparate bunch that it would be really hard not to find something or someone to connect to on here. Even, me, at the faaaar periphery of the folk scene, feels comfortable to shoot my mouth off on any number of issues.

It's hard to know what she posted, without knowing WHAT SHE POSTED, so the rest is kind of moot. It may have been a bad day, or someone had a hair up their butt and inadvertantly took it out on her, or indeed, maybe she WAS feeling a bit pre-menstrul, in which case, all bets are off.

I like it here, even when I encounter the a**holes. It's still the most interesting and open-minded community I can imagine finding on the net, that can argue and hold a tune (mostly) at the same time.

..xx..e

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: My guru always said
Date: 31 Oct 04 - 06:01 AM

Oh skipy, I'm so sorry you didn't get a sweet! Had thought that the tin had been passed around fairly but seems you were by-passed. The situation will be rectified at some point soon *grin*

I do hope that this lady will be able to change her views about the MudCat. We tried to make the Gather at Banbury as welcoming as possible (to all, not just Catters) & surely it's at face-to-face events like these where misunderstandings (as I'm sure it must have been) can be ironed out.

It's so easy to be hurt by Black'n'White stuff on the Net, whether intended or not. A smile helps.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 31 Oct 04 - 06:25 AM

Asking a question very often isn't just about getting the answer. Sometimes it's a way of starting a conversation, or drawing people's attention to something they might find interesting, or just introducing yourself.

The best way of answering a question here can often be to provide the information, but add something to it, such as another question. A request for the words of a song can develop into a thread that explres the meaning of the song, it's variants, where it came from, who has sung it, and what expriences people have had that link in to the song. You don't get that from a Search Engine, or even from the DT entry.

The same ind of thing goes for discussions - they maynhave happened begore, but that's no reason not to have them again, because new people arrive. Drawing attention to previous discussions can be relevant and helpful, but I hate it when it is done in a peremptory and sneering way that seems intended to shit up the newcomer.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Mooh
Date: 31 Oct 04 - 07:46 AM

A driver cuts you off, so you don't go driving?

What gets me are members AND guests who ask the question but then never post a thanks, never mind follow up discussion. Niceties work, here and elsewhere. How the original question is asked is a factor too, with please and thank you and hi how are you all, and as much detail as a person can muster on the subject.

As for being an asshole, I could be, but since I also think assholes don't know they're assholes, how would I know if I was an asshole? How's that for some assholes in one sentence?

I'm sorry for that person described in the first post, she's missing a good community of good people here. (Not speaking for myself, I might be an asshole. LOL.)

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Dead Horse
Date: 31 Oct 04 - 08:31 AM

Rather than "Elite" I prefer to think of ourselves as "the cream".











That's the thick bit you find at the top.............(:-)

(smiley added in case some **hole thinks I could possibly be serious, ever!)

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: greg stephens
Date: 31 Oct 04 - 08:50 AM

Any query on Mudcat surely deserves an informative and chatty answer. That generally does happen, but there is an unfortunate minority of people around here who delight in saying "look it up yourself, thicko", or alternatively "your spelling/typing/grammar is substandard". (In this context, I particularly like the magnificent riposte of the great JOhn from Hull: "this is a music sight, not a spelin sight").
    The practise of referring people to previous threads is often quite offensive and insulting, as well as a stifler of discussion. I appreciate this is an appropriate response to a technical query like "Is Way down to Lamorna really about Pomona?"; but if a newcomer wishes to discover how Mudcatters define "folk" (quite a sensible question, really, on a folkmusic site), I really dont see what purpose is served by telling them to look up previous threads on the subject. I go to the local pub to chat about the weather or local politics or the English canal system, I dont go there to be told what people said on these subjects three months ago. Conversation is a two way thing, lectures are something else.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: jacqui.c
Date: 31 Oct 04 - 09:13 AM

I've been attacked a few times now by certain Mudcatters but long enough after my first foray in to realise that they were in the minority and that that particular behaviour was the exception rather than the norm. I'm not sure what I would have done if I'd been attacked that way first time in.

It's a shame that the actual problem wasn't found out and that this lady is missing out on a great site and the chance to make so many good friends, all around the world. I've read the replies to a lot of the guest threads and seen the caring that mudcatters have for the problems of others and the degree of expertise that has been demonstrated. Let's hope that, based on her talk with Skipy, she might decide to check the site out again. Maybe that's what we have to do - act as 'ambassadors' for the site and show that, far from being exclusive, we welcome new people for the contribution they can make. I wouldn't have known about Mudcat if I hadn't been told by Keith A - and I've passed on the site address to others.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 31 Oct 04 - 09:19 AM

I'm with you, greg. I find it really irritating when I ask a question, or even worse, start a thread on a topic and I get a huffy response "We've ALREADY discussed that!" As if you are only alowed to discuss topics never discussed before. Sheesh! There can be a real arrogance to that response, depending on how it's stated. It's all in the way that it's said. A friendly link to previous discussions doesn't have to be a put-down, or a turn-off on a new discussion. The day I don't get something new out of a thread, no matter how many times the subject has been discussed, I'll be looking up at the daisys.

(It also helps to be more understanding when you get old and you keep telling your kids the same old stories.. and they are kind enough not to say "You've already told us that story, Daaaaad!"

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Billy Weeks
Date: 31 Oct 04 - 10:40 AM

Where Americans have a**holes, we Brits have a***holes. It may not seem much to you but that additional asterisk matters a lot to us.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Dead Horse
Date: 31 Oct 04 - 03:55 PM

Now we come to the real que'stion, when should there be an apostrophe before the last "s"?
It i's the whole crux of the is'sue, if you wa's to a'sk me, and the rea'son thi's thread wa's po'sted in the fir'st place. At lea'st, that's what I gather from reading between the line's.
And shouldn't Brits (Brit's)have that apostrophe too? It does signify the missing letter "i". (and where did the "h" go, enquiring minds demand to know!)

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 31 Oct 04 - 04:20 PM

"Rissoles" are plural; "rissole's" you would use when you wanted to refer to something belonging to a rissole. The same principle applies to other words.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Peace
Date: 31 Oct 04 - 04:31 PM

It's has two meanings in English. IT IS or IT HAS

The dog's dish is green--the dish belongs to the dog.

The dog's going outside--The DOG IS going outside.

The apostrophe is easy to explain. Message me if you want the short version.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Amos
Date: 31 Oct 04 - 08:48 PM

Brucie:

Do you believe the possessive form using an apostrophe (man's proclivity for cruelty, Kerry's superior qualifications) is actually a contraction of "(x) has" ???

It have never heard such a theory -- I have always believed it was a separate and independent development, not a contraction. It seems to go in an entirely different direction, grammatically than a contraction would.

As an indication of the genitive or possessive form, 's means "belonging to ___". Which is not a contraction. The notion that it is somehow a contraction for "___ has" is a new curve to me.

IS this a fancy of yours? Or is there some etymological evidence behind it? I yam all ears.


A

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Jeri
Date: 31 Oct 04 - 09:08 PM

It makes sense to me, Amos. If it belongs to someone, that someone has it. I never heard it before either, though.

Disclaimer: lots of stuff makes sense to me that normal people don't get. Lots of stuff makes sense to normal people that I don't get.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 31 Oct 04 - 09:15 PM

It has been claimed sometimes that the possessive 's is a contraction for "his" - but I don't think any serious etymologst would accept that.

But the practice of using an apostrophe to indcate that one or more letters are missing is pretty common - but not on a letter by letter basis. So instead of writing "a**holes" or "a***holes" it would, I suppose, be "a'holes". I can't say I've ever seen it written that way, mind you.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Jeri
Date: 31 Oct 04 - 09:25 PM

Regarding what I said: It's not that I think it's a contraction for the actual word 'has', but perhaps the implied word. I never really thought about where that dangly possessive 's comes from.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Amos
Date: 31 Oct 04 - 09:32 PM

Wal, Jeri, of course the apostrophic possessive implies having, conceptually, no question there. I just don't feel any confidence in the notion that it is linked that way grammatically or symbolically.

A

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Amos
Date: 31 Oct 04 - 09:41 PM

This explanation looks likely:

"Well, we can look into this by examining the history of the apostrophe.  It is named after the Greek word apostrophos "of turning away, or elision".  So apostrophe was the elision of a letter or letters in a word.  That usage dates in writing from about 1611.  Interestingly, it was earlier that the punctuation mark apostrophe came to be so named as it represented the letters elided.  Shakespeare first uses the word in this sense in 1588 in Love's Labour Lost.  It is possible that the word for the process preceded the word for the punctuation mark but didn't make it into the written record.  English took the word from French apostrophe, which came from the Greek via Latin apostrophus.  


Keep in mind [there'll be a short test, later] that this apostrophe is a bit different from the poetic device known as apostrophe, in which a thing, place, or deceased person is addressed as though it can understand what is being said.  A good example comes from Wordsworth: "Milton! thou shouldst be living at this hour: England hath need of thee."


While we're on the subject, we should mention that the apostrophe used to denote possession is the same as the one described above that is used to denote a missing letter or letters.  How, you ask?  Well, the apostrophe in a word like fox's represents what was originally an e as in foxes.  So, before the apostrophe was adopted, a possessive was formed just like a plural: "Look at the foxes beautiful tail."  The use of the apostrophe for the e was then expanded to all words in order to denote possession.  This became widespread after 1725."

Regards,

A

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 31 Oct 04 - 10:04 PM

This ain't thread drift. It's thread lurch..

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Amos
Date: 31 Oct 04 - 10:11 PM

Yeah, I know, Jerry, but honestly, wouldn't you rather discover etymological mysteries than learn about people shooting off there mouths about what a bunch of assholes we are.? Much more interesting.

If someone wants help here, and didn't get it, they can do two things. They can repeat themselves, and get it, or they can bitch.

Chacun a son mauvais gout.


A

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Janie
Date: 31 Oct 04 - 10:15 PM

The apostrophe can denote a contraction when used with a pronoun.

ie. She's going to the store.-------She is going to the store.

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Janie
Date: 31 Oct 04 - 10:19 PM

I somehow managed to miss reading the rest of the thread when I made my last post, so it is way behind and makes no sense now. Sorry.

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Ebbie
Date: 01 Nov 04 - 12:47 AM

One of my peeves is when an agency or some other official body prints a grievous error, not to mention lumpy sentences. Inside the local buses is a sign promoting adult literacy. It says, 'Helping Alaskan's Read'.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,Mingulay
Date: 01 Nov 04 - 06:22 AM

Hello Skipy! May I recommend that you only go up your own arsehole,as being up an asshole is fraught with dangers. For starters you would have to stand on a box (danger of falling off) and make sure that the ass was securely tethered both fore and aft. Have a large pot of starters to hand and don't let the ass see your face (danger of later recognition). Pick a pretty one.

Regarding Mudcat, I personally, have never found anything but help and useful information, even as a mere Guest. As with everything else in life politeness costs nothing but is an immensely powerful currency. Anal retention does not work after a Vindaloo!

Pennine Way, the true path.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Snuffy
Date: 01 Nov 04 - 09:32 AM

As pointed out above the possessive apostrophe doe's not signify any missing letter's, and is merely a spelling convention to make things a bit more understandable. The greengrocer's apostrophe (bean's, pea's orange's) also seem's to be gaining wider usage, as in thi's post

The abbreviating apostrophe doe's indicate any number of missing letter's, and could formerly appear more than once in a word - Lewi's Carroll use's forms like sha'n't, where the first apostrophe represent's LL, and the second O. But that would nowaday's only be used by pedant's.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Den
Date: 01 Nov 04 - 09:52 AM

I agree with Greg too. I have had an experience where I started a thread only to be told that the subject had been discussed before. I felt that the tone used by the a**hole in question was inappropraite and rude. The long and the short of it is that the discussion continued and lots of folks contributed some great information to the topic being discussed. I think that the Mudcat is like a community gathering place, where you sit around the table having a chat or a debate. If you don't like the discussion or you've been in a similar one recently then you're free to get up and go to another table. There's always plenty being discussed at other tables. Just my 2 cents, Den.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: greg stephens
Date: 01 Nov 04 - 09:54 AM

When did Americsns start spelling "arse" as "ass"? There must be some documentation on this, but I dont recall seeing aany discussion on it. Was it part of the Declaration of Independence, putting a bit of clear blue spelling water between the two countries?

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Amos
Date: 01 Nov 04 - 10:15 AM

Snuffy:

The reference I posted seems to imply that the possessive apostrophe does indicate ellipsis, the omission of the "e" in plurals used as possessives in Middle English. I don't have any Chaucer with me to see if the possessive form is spelled with an es there but it i9s at least a good hypothesis for why the apostrophe is used for possession.

A

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,Mingulay
Date: 01 Nov 04 - 10:15 AM

I think, Greg, that it is all in the pronunciation. The ar being shortened to a. This is the problem when you lend languages to people with no sense of responsibility - they f**k them up and then try to tell you that you are wrong.

Mind you, the Americsns won't be pleased.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Big Mick
Date: 01 Nov 04 - 11:12 AM

Den, I am sorry that happened to you. No one should ever chastise folks over this. I know that on occasion I have referenced earlier threads, but the intent isn't to discourage a new discussion. It is just to provide a reference point on earlier discussions. I ceased to do that once Jeff built the related threads feature.

That is not to say that I don't point folks to the search function. One of the habits I like to encourage new folks, and older members, to use is this function prior to starting a new thread. It is just a good habit to get into. If your question is still there, or if you just want to discuss an issue more, you can use the older threads or start a new one as you see fit. Once in a while those of us who are mudelfs/clones will combine them if it is clear that it is the same discussion. This is simply done in an effort to conserve space on Max's computers.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Den
Date: 01 Nov 04 - 11:45 AM

Mick, point taken and references are often very useful. I usually try to make as sure as possible not to repeat recent thread topics. But in the case I mentioned (and I don't want to belabour the point) the person was just down right rude and there is no call for that here or anywhere else. I'm sure that if we'd been toe to toe somewhere the response would have been quite different.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Big Mick
Date: 01 Nov 04 - 11:49 AM

Yep, Den, I am sure it would have. Nothing is served by rudeness. We all forget that from time to time, but the welcoming nature of Mudcat is what gave it it's reputation.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Once Famous
Date: 01 Nov 04 - 05:21 PM

That's right, all you rectalites ou there.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,Mingulay
Date: 02 Nov 04 - 03:55 AM

Rectalite = someone who sticks a bulb up their arse, wears a chinese coolie hat, stands on one leg and pretends that they are an Art Deco lamp.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Greyeyes
Date: 02 Nov 04 - 09:54 AM

Woe betide her if her query included the term "Celtic" in an inappropriate context.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Blissfully Ignorant
Date: 02 Nov 04 - 01:57 PM

"Rectalite = someone who sticks a bulb up their arse, wears a chinese coolie hat, stands on one leg and pretends that they are an Art Deco lamp."

LOL!!!

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Ebbie
Date: 02 Nov 04 - 03:16 PM

UKers, what do you call a donkey? An arse?

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,heric
Date: 02 Nov 04 - 03:34 PM

I have some Celitc news. It seems I have manifested the physiologic expression of a genetic mutation at C282Y (and H63D), which means that my body absorbs iron at an enhanced rate. People who know of such things surmise that the mutation originated in Scotland in the sixth or seventh century, and further, that it was somewhat of an adaptive development in environs which provided a low iron diet (and with relatively short longevity.) I apparently share this defect with more than one in ten of my Celtic brethren, and many Northern Europeans.

This phenomenon, known as hemochromatosis, causes a lifelong, gradual accumulation of iron. Adaptive though it may been at the time of its rise, a high iron diet coupled with longevity, leads to problems for us now. It is rarely detected in males until their mid-forties (me), and women in their mid-fifties. Although there may be vague symptoms such has abdominal and joint pain, the real trigger for diagnosis is elevated liver function test results, (specifically AST (SGTP).) This is because the iron accumulates in the liver as the erythrocytes are harvested for nutrient recycling at their end date. Elevated AST (caused by cellular damage in liver cells, releasing the AST enzymes) could indicate the need for another test for ferritin levels.

Now, although this defect of iron metabolism can cause cellular damage and lead to severe damage of the liver, pancreas, heart, and other organs, increasing the risk of liver and pancreatic cancer, it is easily treated with early intervention. The treatment: Phlebotomy -- Give blood, that's all! (Before the iron in the erythrocytes is re-absorbed.)

There you have it. Mudcat factlet for the day and public health service notice for "Celtic" descendents. Remember: simple treatment only with early detection.

- I am Iron Man

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 02 Nov 04 - 11:57 PM

G'day Ebbie,

I seem to remember reading that "donkey" was introduced as a euphemism for "ass" ... which, in areas prone to pronouncing 'a'in a longer form was being pronounced - and confused with - one's fundament. "Donkey", apparently means something like "small, dark brown" creature.

That said, the Oxford Dictionary lot reckon it's just the familiar form of the man's name Duncan ... but it's all too far back for good historical evidence!

Regard(les)s,

Bob Bolton

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 03 Nov 04 - 12:15 AM

G'day heric,

(Pace Jerry Rasmussen - I know this is now 'Thread Avalanche' ... )

I missed reading your post, while rambling on about donkeys / asses / a**es.

Haemochromatosis hasm become of interest to me (apart from the fact that modern attention was drawn to it after an Australian [female] researcher showed that the prevailing medical cliché ... that it was a disease only found in middle-aged, overweight alchoholics was dead wrong - that it was genetic ... and occurred in many woman ... but was shoved aside as just "women's problems" ... and some died through that misdiagnosis).

I suspected I had the problem and, because I have regular blood tests as part of monitoring mild Type 2 diabetes, I asked for the tests to note the AST (SGTP) levels. My next test didn't indicate anything awry there ... but my most recent test got a query from the doc ... for an elevated AST (SGTP) ... and she asked if I was overdrinking (No! - 2 "standard drinks' per day) I must remind her of my earlier query.

The re-emergence of this may be due to the fact that, after 40 years of regular blood donation, I have been trying to cultivate some antibodies to Rh factor for collection and use in the "Anti-D" program for Rh-ve mothers having Rh+ve babies. This means that I haven't given whole blood (red cells) for a year or so ... and probably means I need to go back to whole blood donation - instead of slotting into the plasmaphoresis program now I have not brewed up enough (... any! ...) antibodies for the Anti-D program!

Regards,

Bob Bolton

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,Mingulay
Date: 03 Nov 04 - 04:11 AM

I too am afflicted with this condition, hereditary/genetic, but I am heterozygote. It was explained to me that I only have 50% of the gene and, therefore, unlikely to need regular sessions with leeches or Sweeney Todd or Dracula et al.

Mine was discovered when I had jaundice a couple of years ago. I am also a diabetic, the tests for which don't ordinarily show up this problem.

I've often wondered if too much iron in the blood would set off the alarms at airport security!

Back to the ass question. Donkey (UK) = ass = hairy equine quadraped. Arse (UK) = bum = posterior = butt.

Mudcatters are not up their own asses (well maybe in some remote rural locations - Skipy ?). They are in the vast majority decent, helpful, knowledgeable etc. They do, however, have an almost universally weird sense of humour that often goes into surreal mode. Anyone not used to this sort of thing might well find it strange and feel offended. There is only one answer to this. Lighten up, get surreal.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,Skipy
Date: 03 Nov 04 - 04:17 AM

This thread has exploded & is rapidly expanding in space & time, anyone watching from a parralel thread will be able to witness the Doppler effect! In the fullness of time it will lose it's inherant momentum & collapse inward creating pressure beyond belief, time will be "Zeroed" & the thread will be reborn.

What the hell am I smoking?

Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,Mingulay
Date: 03 Nov 04 - 04:46 AM

Skipy, you're supposed to light the white bit and suck through the opposite end. Are you suffering from nicotinic dyslexia? Are you even suffering at all, or have you reached a state of suspended animation (that's a half drawn cartoon by the way).

Are you a "born again thread". I'm a born again Christmas.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,Skipy
Date: 03 Nov 04 - 05:12 AM

There comes a time when all the cosmic tumblers have clicked into place and the universe opens it's self up for a few seconds to show you what's possible.
I think the time is now!

Big Bang the orignal path.

Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,Mingulay
Date: 03 Nov 04 - 05:29 AM

Skipy, the only tumblers you know about in a cosmic sense are those containing Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters or Brakespears or Hooky etc.

Big Bang? You haven't pranged the motor have you?

Ordnance Survey the official path.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,Skipy
Date: 03 Nov 04 - 05:34 AM

Mingulay, want a chuckle? Read BS a sign of the times!
Oh & you are praticing with Breezy!

Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,Mingulay
Date: 03 Nov 04 - 06:07 AM

Just read and posted.

Practising what with Breezy? The Black Arts, clog dancing or not knowing John Heslop?

Cambodia the Shining Path.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,skipy
Date: 03 Nov 04 - 06:32 AM

Sendero Luminoso (Peru)

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,Mingulay
Date: 03 Nov 04 - 06:42 AM

My apologies O great one. Don't know what made me type Cambodia. I did, of course, mean Camden. A grove error.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,Skipy
Date: 03 Nov 04 - 06:57 AM

The thames - the path from grove to camden.

Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,Mingulay
Date: 03 Nov 04 - 07:15 AM

"From Grove to Camden". Isn't that a John Denver song?

Cobbles the rough path.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,skipy
Date: 03 Nov 04 - 08:07 AM

Granite cobbles - A Path Through the Japanese Garden.
Bryan Albright, Constance Tindale, Constance Tindal.

The Crowood Press.
ISBN 1861263163
Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Big Mick
Date: 03 Nov 04 - 09:50 AM

Waiter ..... I'll have what they are having, thanks.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,Mingulay
Date: 03 Nov 04 - 10:58 AM

Waiter.... send him a jug. Put it on the institution account.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Big Mick
Date: 03 Nov 04 - 11:11 AM

LOL

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,Skipy
Date: 03 Nov 04 - 11:15 AM

Send me 2 big jugs, I like big jugs

Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,Mingulay
Date: 03 Nov 04 - 11:46 AM

Yes Skipy, we know what you like, hence the reasoning behind NMD. How many self inflicted black eyes have you caused among the female population over the years?

Won't be playing any more now until next week as I am off to Flanders in the morning and must get my beauty sleep (and Euros).

Do try and keep the standards low.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: skipy
Date: 03 Nov 04 - 05:43 PM

I promise to keep the standards low!

Enjoy, skipy

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 08:06 AM

All this transatlantic talk of ass v arse reminds me, at this festive time, that Jesus went riding into town on his ass rather than sliding into town on his arse...

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 08:42 AM

That may have been at Easter, rather than Christmas

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: MartinRyan
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 08:59 AM

Or even Christm-ass...

Regards

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 09:10 AM

Mary rode a donkey (or 'dunky' if you were badly brought up) into Bethlehem. Jesus rode an ass into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (week before Easter). Balaam couldn't shift his ass at all... I would suggest prunes.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Barry Finn
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 09:22 AM

I'm just glad that no one's riding my ass anywhere.
Happy Holidays

Barry

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Wesley S
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 09:26 AM

Actually Liz there is no mention in the bible of Mary riding a donkey or anything else to Bethlehem. As far as we know from those accounts she walked.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 11:01 AM

Having been given the gift of music, is in itself, an honor, and a privilege. How one respects, develops that gift, both humbly, and respectfully, would determine whether or not one is in an 'elite' group, given the high calling one can achieve using that gift. Merely picking up an instrument, and fancying one's self, as an elitist is nothing at all.
Often, those who have 'control issues', are the one's complaining about others being controlling...because it encroaches upon THEIR sense of control!
I know I have had differences with some on here, and I've had agreements as well...but I've also had other points of view, that were presented on here, that I've found enlightening, because of the exchange of ideas. some, I've found well thought out, some well articulated, but in error, some right on and some right off....but as said in Proverbs.."A wise man hears all, before he answers"..and,"There is wisdom in a multitude of counselors".
P.S....I hope you both respect the gift of a vocalist, by not smoking around them(you elitists)....I don't sing anymore, mostly compose, and arrange, and engineer now...got an extra smoke?

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 12:01 PM

To clarify the debate on Assholes and Arseholes...... We Brits have arseholes and asses have assholes... hope that's clear......... ROFLOL.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 12:02 PM

Bum'oles

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Little Hawk
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 12:11 PM

Oh, my! Now THERE's a riveting thread title. ;-) Shall we all rush forward in a rage like bulls provoked by the waving of a red cape, pounding the keys with an infuriated defence and rebuttal? Or shall we not?

Decisions, decisions.... (yawn)

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Megan L
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 12:12 PM

No dear boy you don't have the right name to indulge in that sort of behaviour :)

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Sleepy Rosie
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 12:14 PM

Bumholes are definately the funniest. And at the risk of being boring (probably more of an inevitability than a risk) I proffer the scientific take on Science Bumhole

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Ebbie
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 12:21 PM

My gracious, GtS, I've never seen so many commas.

************

Somewhere - did I dream it?- it seems to me that I have read that 'arsehole' began with the monarchy in then-Great Britain and the 'commoners' co-opted it. Until then, if I recall rightly, both sides of the ocean pronounced and wrote it as 'ass'.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Jeri
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 12:27 PM

Have you been to Bethlehem
Like the shepherds and three wise men
And Mother Mary, way-back-when
Riding on a donkey

Way, hey, etc.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,Slag
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 07:56 PM

I was contemplating informing Johnny Mac that the term was "bung-holes" but then I reconsidered in view of the cross-Atlantic cross-talk and, well, yes, "bum-hole" fits perfectly (wry grin spreading) oops, there I go again (no matter what I say now I'll just get in deeper and deeper). In the American mid-west "arse" was a semi-decent way to say "ass" and not draw too much heat. It was like announcing "I don't REALLY talk this way but I must in this case..."

I don't know at what point in history the lowly beast-of-burden's name got confused (or maybe just "fused") with the that which sat upon it, but it did. Eventually along came the "horse's ass )or arse if you prefer) and there was NO confusion here. The term was plainly understood.

If a horse mounts an ass its offspring is not a horse's ass but mule (sterile male). If I remember right if an ass mounts a horse then the offspring is a sterile female called a "jenny". I've never heard anyone proclaim "Well I'll be a horse's jenny!" but I have heard the term "mule" to describe various sorts of behavior and attitude. It runs from stubborness to smuggling illegal drugs, from strength to stupidity and so on. Oh! I seem to recall that it also describes or symbolizes an American political party. I don't know if that is because of the loud, obnoxious braying, the stubborness or perhaps all of the above.

Now before you get all partisan on me I also seem to recall a video of an elephant with its trunk up another elephant's "arse" for an unholy amount of time. When it finally pulled it out it immediately stuck whatever treasure it found there, in its own mouth and finished the job of digestion (or recycling).

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Bobert
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 08:30 PM

I gotta agree with GfS on the smokers... I had this regular gig up at a local lodge at a ski resort but seems that the folks who came to hear me (or not) we more interested in gettin' drunk, which is kinda okay, and smoke the joint up, which sucked... It also sucked that them ski lodge managers were mean and made ya' play exactly 2 hours and 50 minutes if your were gonna get paid... That's a lot of playin'... But the smoke is what drove me to quit 'um....

Now if it had been pot smoke, hey??? But it weren't... It was that nasty gigarette/cat-box variety of smoke... Nasty... Very nasty... Don't miss that gig joint at all though looks as if I got some gigs at a biker joint comin' up in the spring buit at least they are 2 hours and yer outta there... I can live with that... I think??? Might quit them, too, if the smoke is too bad... 'Er some biker chick decides that she'd like her biker dude to try to put a whup on me fir some reason, like she is drunk...

I donno...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 08:38 PM

Well its an unorthodox position, but after a couple of gin and tonics, and if its that sort of party.......

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Azizi
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 09:11 PM

This thread is a real blast from the past. I found it quite interesting to read for a number of reasons, though I got lost a number of times and I'm not sure if I have found my way back to the main point yet. Now what was the main point?

Oh yes...

Fwiw, I'm thankful that my early experiences with Mudcatters were that they {you} were welcoming and open to answering my questions about Blues music that {I found out later} had been asked numerous times in previous threads. If folks here had been rude and off-putting, I wouldn't have stuck around-and what a loss that would have been :o}

I hope that anyone who has been turned off by any initial or subsequent exchanges with Mudcatters mistook attempts at witticism for rudeness. Sometimes online examples of wit, humor, and snark don't translate very well. For instance, some folks might think my "what a loss comment" above meant that I thought too highly of myself, but that wouldn't be the case...

'cause how could I think too highly of myself?

LOL!

Happy New Year, y'all!

-Ms. Azizi

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Bobert
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 09:44 PM

Well, MiziAzizi, I hate to blow my own horn here but when I came here a couple years after Columbus crashed his boat into Plymouth Rock, or whatever Columbus did, I would start these threads about this or that and I'd get this, "Well, we've allready discussed this stuff" so after a couple months of that I said, "Who cares??? There are new folks here who might wanta discuss it again" and, hey, maybe it was the way the stars aligned, I donno... But after that they didn't say that no more and let the discusssions go on... That was a good thing... I probably didn't have nuthin' to do with it but it was a good thing, no matter...

Now ya' opened up one of my sore subjects and that is the "blues"... There really ain't many blues folkies here.... There's Roger in Baltimore... There's Max, when he blesses this joint with his presence... There's P-Gator, who is like a walking blues historian and then...

...there's me... That's about it... The rest are into other styles of folk music...

Oh yeah, Tweed, when his sorry butt shows up but he's been a real slacker...

Okay, Kandu, too but he bolted after that 10 million "Mother of BS" thread he started back a long time ago...

But other than us, that's it fir the blues and that ain't many...

But nevermind the blues and Mudville 'cause this is New Years Eve and I ain't out playin' but doin' what every good patriot is doin' tonight and that is, ahhhhh, drenking a chilly one and going to bed at 11... lol...

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Ebbie
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 10:35 PM

Slag, mules - real ones - are also demonstrably smarter/wiser/cannier than the typical horse, much as it pains me to say it. I've been a horse person all my life.

It could be that a horse bonds more closely with a person so is more trusting of that person's opinions while a mule takes for granted he or she is the smartest one present. I've seen dogs like that, too. *g*

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Zen
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 11:14 PM

There are other bluesers besides those you mentioned Bobert, you'll be pleased to hear, including me!

Zen

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,Slag
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 11:55 PM

Sorry about fatfingering the Enter Key.

Thanks Ebbie. I think you are right. I've also heard that sometimes a mule or a jenny may be fertile. I know mules are stronger and have more endurance, more sure-footed and you can throw "smarter" right in there on top.

I wasn't really trying for erudite. I was just being a smart-ass!

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 06:50 AM

One of the first threads I opened was met with instant aggression. I simply started a BS thread to notify Catters of a CND demonstration around Lakenheath.

It was attacked about the ungreen prospect of having a coach carrying demonstators. There was attack for supporting the CND which launched a war on terrorism political hoohaa. The experience very nearly put me off MC. Had it grown to the heated proportions of some threads do here, I may have crawled away never to return.

Other occassions I have been smacked for accidently mistimed responses. It happens every so often that you are pipped at the post. Also if you do not have a lot of time to play on the MC, you are forced to scan through and not read fully every post on long threads where you want to make a contribution, raise a question, offer an opinion. This can lead to repetitions, ill considered conclusions, erroneous assumptions, etc.

It does not help that in some cases the most admirably knowledgeable Catters can be the least helpful and friendly.

Mudcat has been and continues to be a social learning experience (positive and negative) for me. I think I will stay.

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Bobert
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 08:35 AM

Welcome to the jam, Zen... Pull up a chair and let 'er rip...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 10:40 PM

My Gawd!!..Bobert has agreed with me on something...I'm so happy I'm going to write a symphonic piece(again), take a shit....and have a smoke!!

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Escapee
Date: 02 Jan 09 - 02:32 AM

An ass mounting a horse produces a hinney. A jenny is a female donkey, the opposite number to jack-ass. For muckey going, give me a calm sure-footed mule. They were good enough for Festus (Remember " Gunsmoke ?" Mules and hinneys are not always sterile, but often enough that it doesn't make much difference
Fair winds (up wind of the mules and hinnys)
SKP,Glad to help clarify another important question

Subject: RE: BS: mudcatters are up their own a**holes
From: Ed T
Date: 02 Jan 09 - 11:55 AM

My neighbour used to be a good guy. But, his wife died and he remarried. For some reason, he is nice no longer. Kind of a "born again asshole", I suspect