And with Scott’s help—we managed to get the weight of the marine tank canopy reduced by about 90% which means easy off-on. Feeding is still an adventure—I have to get a short ladder and climb up to drop food in, but that’s not too bad.
OTOH, FINITY made the leap higher than my head in one bound, only to discover we had sawed the top of the canopy out, so it’s hollow. We yelled. FORTUNATELY the top has glass access panels in an otherwise glassed in top—and Finity, roundly cursed at, leapt for the ground, which has to have stung her little feet. I hope she remembers THAT was not successful.
This is the first time I have really been able to access and service my tank in 2 years. I’ve got the water back in balance, the fishes are happy, the glass is clean, or as nearly so as elbow-grease can manage in one go with a strong magnet cleaner and 5/8ths inch glass. Pushing that magnet cleaner is work! But it’s pretty again. I haven’t been able to say that about my tank in 2 years. But the fish and snails have survived, and I now have installed one mushroom rock—actinodiscus mushrooms, purple with greenish iridescence, and capable of reproducing like mad if happy. And they have spread out in evident happiness.
Finity, I hope, now knows the that the tops of both fish tanks are a no-no.
Lines are tough. A currently common extra-wide monitor is 3440 pixels, and I’ve seen listings up to 6016 wide. Which will be wider tomorrow. All this reacts with whether you’re running full screen and at what (de-)magnification.
So maybe we can all leave this in CJ’s more-than-capable hands now and space the untactful comments?
So you put this lockdown to extremely good use! A couple of thumbs up to you, more fun than I’d want to have! I’ve been making good use of my new Apple MacBook, old HP died. Used it to order one of your Closed Circle T-shirts just now, help to support the fish tank? Actually, this was meant as a comment to Cj but I see it landed on Walt’s comment – sorry, guy!
No problem. Reply to the original post is Comment at the bottom of the page.
I kept a freshwater tank in my teens, mostly a few small schools of tetras, a few odd scavengers, and a lot of Chinese Algae Eaters scrubbing the sides of the tank; they have a sucker/scrubber mouth and they can nibble along the side of the tank cleaning it. Not colorful, but nice-looking, vaguely shark-like with a full set of sharply defined fins.
I wonder if BCS needs to better establish dominance over the kitten. Maybe the older cat is too old or timid to do so. Gloves or layered socks might allow safe play-fighting. Kitten teeth and claws are sharp!
I forget who mentioned the cat was an Urchin, full of sass and pointy ends.
@BCS When I was raising my cats from kittens, if biting started (even play biting), I made “baby kitten” noises — a “mew” in as high a pitch as I could manage, intended to sound like a kitten in extreme distress. It appeared to startle them and they invariably quit biting and chilled out. Not sure why it worked, but it did. Worked on them at any age.
That was me prepping for colonoscopy which was today. Right now, I feel like I am owed damages. Or at least pizza.
one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one two two two two two two two two two two two two two two two two two two two two two three three three three three three three three three three three three three three three four four four four four four four four four four four four four four four four four four four five five ….etc
Sorry, my scientist wanted to test how lines from the blue input box (at max width) match up to the number of words per line for posted thoughts (although they are somewhat variable) .
I’ll deleted this if I can !
/oops can’t delete. sry. But interesting result.
It was a valid hypothesis!
Do hypothesis actually have to be valid?
Not before you test them; after they either are or they aren’t – if they aren’t disproven I’d call them valid 🙂.
What I learned from Aja Jin’s test (glad you didn’t delete it!) is that one line on his computer screen equals two lines and about seven characters on my phone screen (assuming the first line was filled with ones), so that gives me the limit to edit for.
The comment box shows shorter lines than when it’s published, so if I aim to stay below 22 lines in my phone comment box I should keep within the limit. I’ll do my best!
In terms of strict line count, as displayed on-screen it also depends on the indention level caused by the number of “generations” of replies down from the original post. The right margin is fixed, left indented, lines shorten. Character count would be accurate, but tedious. But like obscenity, I think we know abuse when we see it. And see it we do!
@Tommie: if you break apart the word, hypo- (under) thesis (academic paper), it somewhat tells you it’s not necessarily valid. It’s less than a thesis.
@BCS: City apartment rates falling:
https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/16/success/rents-are-dropping-us-cities-coronavirus/index.html
@Aja Jin: I remember when lines were always exactly 80 characters. An ugly fixed-width font, but simple for forms.
VT100 days !
I’m currently several months behind on this blog again, but I’m also rereading Nemesis Games on my Kindle during work teabreaks. I’m at this point about 79% through the book, where Amos & Peaches are trying to get a ship so they can get off Earth. Their group has just been confronted by a pair of security merchandise cops. Actually they spotted Eric first ( he’s the boss of the drug crew that Amos persuaded to help them. ) . Erich has a disabled arm, so the first cop starts yelling at him (quite abusivly) tells him to get on the ground or he’ll fuck his eye sockets. Amos comes out and points out that the cops are outgunned and outnumbered. Does a number on the abusive cop, but goes easier on the quiet one. As he does all this he’s calling back to Peaches, ” See this what I mean, these guys are probably good upstanding citizens”, I’m adlibing a bit here as I can’t read the book and type here at the same time. “at least, when they have bosses about. Owners, Shareholders, and such”, (side note here–Earth was plummeted by multiple rock hits that has started a planetary wide catastrophe), “take all that away however, and what you have are guys with guns. and guys with guns do guys with guns things” .
Comments Merchandise should have been Mercenary. I was making dinner at the time and missed the word switch. Also, plummeted should have been pummeled.
Comment – I’ve just seen something about a ten line limit, and my post broke that spectacularly with twenty lines. Sorry, I wasn’t aware at the time, and its already too late for me to edit. Really Sorry. I just thought that it was an interesting reflection of Real Life imitating Fiction, given current events these last few weeks. Again Sorry 🙁
You’ve been gone for a while, so maybe you have a reserve of unused lines available LOL.
We’re kinda loose about that by a few lines or so—no problem on first post. 😉 In the words of ‘Pirates’ its more like guidelines. 😉 Welcome!
Deesha, that rule was not put there because of those who merely post too much on occasion.
To Chuck or whoever is maintaining the blog’s CSS styles and scripting — When I go in and try to edit, the top portion, ?? number of lines, are covered by a header bar so I can’t see what the text is.
Also, the text in the edit box (when you go back in to re-edit) is too small for me to see, so I am guessing. I don’t know if this is possible to get to n the stylesheets for the theme/skin, but could the edit textbox get a font-size increase, please? medium or 12pt or greater than or equal to 100% of the body and p font-size should work, whichever way it’s set. Thanks. Also the Save and Cancel command buttons.
Deesha — The 10 line limit is because of my posts, bluntly. Not your fault, no worries.
I was very surprised to see the US Supreme Court ruled that LGBT folks could not be fired from their jobs for being so, two cases similar this week. A big step forward for those of us who are not so straight. Amazingly, two of the Justices in favor were the Chief Justice and a Justice (Judge) appointed by the current WH officeholder, a conservative judge.
My spouse and I were delighted to hear of the US Supreme Court’s decision: it brings hope and protection to people and was a breath of fresh air.
The hard part is all sides living up to what we claim we believe as a country and the laws we make, good or bad, to uphold that. It’s Juneteenth tomorrow. It’s over 50 years since the Civil Rights Act. Yet the past few weeks have shown how very far we have to go before everyone can be part of that dream of equality, where it doesn’t matter, where we all belong.And none of us are perfect. At the same time as some neighbors had a serious discussion last night, one neighbor’s car stereo was playing a rap song laced with the N-word, which to me is just as toxic within and outside of the black community as that other F-word (fa**ot) is for the gay community. How can any of us make progress when we do such things to ourselves, and when others do terrible things to this one and that one, and cold so easily do it to others, the danger no one seems to see?
I long for better. We show so much good potential right on top of so much bad potential. I wish I could be more patient aboutt it.
So why not abide by the rules/guidelines? Do you want herself to impose a time-out on you? Don’t you believe she will?
The Little Nipper (new kitten) has now been here 7 weeks. Had to reschedule vet appt. to Monday, follow-up on deworming plus 2nd round of vaccinations.
Still trying to get the kitten not to bite or nip, nibble, gnaw, in play, starting play, trying to make friends. He just doesn’t get it, and Goober is too non-assertive, has only held him down a few times. Only hisses, grumbles, whines, etc. and retreats when he can’t take it anymore, bless his pointed furry head. He’s strong enough, still 4x the kitten’s weight and size. Goober is just a pacifist or omega, too much a gentleman for his own good.
I keep trying. Had to start over I my approach, and maybe gaining on it. Maybe. I am determined. He was dumped at about 4-5 weeks old and undersized, scrawny due to parasites, under socialized. I wonder when he was taken from his mom and littermates. I figure if I can’t get him to quit nipping, his one bad habit, then it’s me and not him. I feel obligated, plus I’m very attached, and so my frustration is getting a reality check. He is otherwise a good, sweet, and beautiful kitten, and when he behaves, he’s very good, soaks up attention, still has separation anxiety issues. So far, Goober tolerates him; they are not friends yet.
I _think_ my lease is renewed properly, but there may have ben a glitch in electronic signing the forms. Tomorrow, I get to call the apt. office to be sure if it went through properly, and make sure I can get a physical copy as well as the digital files.
So, I’m nominally renewed for another year in the apartment, but now there may be a fee for early termination. (I’m unclear on that.) However, no rate nacres because I renewed before the current term was up.
I couldn’t reach anyone by phone, had to leave a voice message. The other number says temporarily disconnected, while the new main number gives a phone menu only half the time. Oh, the joys of the internet age combined with a global pandemic. Ouch. — But good, I have a place to live for a year longer, as long as my savings and income do OK. Yikes.
Bad night, kitten seriously misbehaving, and any summary I try is too long. He chased Goober onto the counter and stovetop, and I broke it up. He’s in the bathroom and finally quieted down from meowing to be let out. I’ve tried everything, can’t get him to learn, and worried it’s getting adversarial, teaching him worse, or I may have just broken the bond with him. I don’t expect the vets can foster and train him for a couple of days. I may have to give him away. I’ve been fighting that idea for over a week. The nipping / biting is only getting worse, not stopping, but it’s his only bad habit. But tonight with Goober and me was too far. Likely, I’ll keep him in the bathroom over night, and see in the morning if the vet’s can help any. My patience is almost gone, I’m angry and heartbroken, but this is not as severe as Curry’s aggression. I wish he could learn and stay. I don’t see why he can’t quit it and us go back to a good relationship. And I’m worried it’s me. If I give him away, then it will be just Goober until he’s gone, then maybe a break for a while.
@BCS, did you notice this post, an answer to your nipping kitten posts on the Hawthorn hulls blog?
Crop Tiger on June 15, 2020 at 8:56 pm
BCS, please email me about your kitten situation. nightfall24@juno.com
Maybe Crop Tiger can help.
I totally missed that. Thanks, Hanneke. Two topics back and a few days ago. I’ll contact Crop Tiger him/her.
I’ve had maybe two to three hours’ sleep. Goober woke me after 4am; I fed them separately, emptied letterboxes, checked on the kitten, went to he dumpster and mailbox before 6:30am. I chanced letting the kitten out into the apt when I got back in.
He’s pestered Goober, both have explored the whole apt. to see if anything’s changed. He thinks he’s playing; Goober and I, not so much. But I’m relenting to give him a chance again. Still want to call the vet, but figure it’ll still be Monday, so we have the weekend to try to work things out.
Guaranteed I need some sleep, so after email, bed for me. I’m not confining the kitten, taking a chance. He seems to be doing OK with me, back to usual.
Good news, maybe. The apts. called; no, they didn’t get everything signed, so confirmed with me and they are resending. So I’m still on track for renewal before my lease is up and the rate increases.
The kitten is doing OK today, still nippy but not as bad. I’ve played with him, trying to war him out. He’s hidden a few toys this week, LOL. So, we’re OK for now; vet checkup Monday. — His cute, adorable, good potential side is showing today. Sure hope we can get his behavior solved. He’d fit in fine, if he can just learn not to nip / bite and get along with Goober and with me. If he will want a nap and petting with me, it’ll be positive reinforcement and good bonding after a rough night before.
Food didn’t agree with me; milk or cheese may have been off. (Not lactose intolerant.) I slept most of the day after a mostly sleepless night. Doing better. — Quiet around here so far, Juneteenth.
@ BCS Did you see my post re nipping kittens way above? — 3 or 4 from top. Free to try. Always worked for me.
Sorry I hadn’t replied. I keep trying the, “Ow! No biting,” and variations, but my voice tends to go lower with that when in warning / threat mode. I can try it higher after that.
The kitten had earned himself a stay in the bathroom a coul=ple of nights ago. Yesterday and today, he’s behaved somewhat better, but still has nipped too hard a few times, and still is hassling Goober some. He _might_ be improving. It seems to have made a difference that he could be sequestered but then “rescued” (let out) without more dire consequences, and forgiven, treated well after. Whether it got through to him that chasing Goober clear into the kitchen onto the counter and stove wouldn’t be tolerated, or that nipping me too hard and ignoring “ow” wouldn’t be tolerated either, not sure yet. But at least I’m willing to keep trying and give him another chance.
“Ow! No biting,” sounds much like human; English in particular.
Try cat, “Hsssss!” (Practice a bit in private so you get the sound right.)
You might also try grabbing the scruff of his neck–not to pick him up, but to replicate the dominant action of his mother. Goober isn’t getting the job done.
When we’ve had misbehaving cats, DH would grab them by the scruff and pin them on the floor, couch, chair or bed, while hissing at them, then immediately release. Only took a couple of those episodes before the cats got the point(y ends!)
I’ve found the last part where I was reading, and have now progressed it to May 5th. Ouch, there were some things said there 🙁 .
Mention was made of Facebook, and I would like to say that yes I have a Facebook account too. I only post the occasional thing on `My` page, and most responses are from family. although I get the occasional response from friends.
Regarding Facebook friends, or any friends at all for that matter, but specifically friends on Facebook, I don’t have that many. I have a deliberate policy of not accepting friend requests from complete strangers. if friends want me for a friend. they should have the courtesy of sending me a message. Something along the lines of “Hi. I read your post on ( group post ) and found it interesting, ” etc, etc.
I’m in a couple of Groups in Facebook, so Blue? if you join Facebook, something to consider.
Comment – Facebook Groups, there are loads of them. I’m in a Jonathan Livingston Seagull Group where I post occasionally, and respond to others too. I’m in Transgender Scotland ( its a private group ) , Magnum ( that’s a musical group in the UK), and also in a couple of groups pertaining to Folkestone ( I used to live there for a time ). I post comments occasionally on public pages, like Empowered Trans Woman, and will also post comments on CJ`s page, There’s others I could visit, I simply have a limit on how far I can spread musket. So please, join Facebook , explore, send a friend req, but msg me first, or I won’t respond. I’ve had too many iffy friend requests that I put down, mostly to others seeing my public posts in the likes of Empowered Trans Woman. It’s a public page not a private group so it attracts a certain undesirable element there too.
Thanks, Deesha. If I join FB, I’ll let you know there and here. If and when I get my websites and blog up again, I’ll also let folks know.
Mostly good news: Got the apt lease renewed for a year, but they misheard Goober’s name as “Duber,” so I’ll send in a correction. But ouch, they now have an early termination fee eqvt to two months’ rent. I need to reread the clauses there; it looks like you pay that no matter what.
Got the cats to the vet this morning, and both are fine. The new kitten (going with Ned but still I think he needs a more fitting name) got his 2nd shots and dewormer, and Goober got his 2nd dewormer. Ned’s doing well on growth now. He’ll be back in a month for 3rd and last shots, and he hasn’t been tested for FIV/FeLV, apparently, so will be tested then. Fingers crossed. (Neither appear active if he is carrying, though. He’s still young to test.) He did slightly better about nipping, so maybee he’ll get trained out of the habit. We got rained on heavily, dousing the cats, soaking me, getting back home, but all’s well. Kitten got an extra dose of flea medicine at the neck, as the prior didn’t herp him, different brand this time.
So we should be OK through the next monthly pymts, and I’m already due to order more groceries, since the last order was so incomplete. End of month will be 3.5 months with no house, when the closing was to have been. Wacky. I need to know if we are still OK on it or need to start over on another. Shutdowns are still in effect. Just nuts.
The cats and I are glad to be home and dry.
Still think you should keep bugging your friend and the people selling the house; remind them periodically that you are still interested. Also mention to the people running the apartment complex that you still have a number of broken things that are their responsibility. I would use that as a lever when leaving time becomes imminent, that you are capable of putting their monthly payments into escrow until and unless they pony up and start repairing stuff, let alone holding 2 months of rent. *shakes head*
CJ, this remodel has been going on for so long I forget which work was actually being done. I seem to remember basement and the chaos was from displaced boxes that were shifted to the rest of the house, especially the living room?