This page is for is someone has a question that they'd like to ask everybody. Put most recent questions at top and put most recent replies under the corresponding question at the top. This could lead to interesting results. Reply
| Q2: | newest question |
|---|---|
| A2: | latest answer to this question 2 |
| A1: | oldest answer to this question 2 |
| Q1: | oldest question |
| A3: | latest answer to this question 1 |
| A2: | just another answer to Q1 |
| A1: | oldest answer to this question 1 |
See also: SexQuestions, RelationshipQuestions, TwoSquaresInWI, PersonalQuestions, PhilosophicalQuestions, IHaveASeriousUrgentQuestion, MorbidQuestions, WebsiteMakingQuestions, EducationQuestions Reply
Q988: Girls: what are your feelings when guys whistle or catcall at you? (like is it flattering or scary, and why?) Reply
A1: I find that it really depends, like when I'm with a bunch of friends and the guys don't seem at all threatening I don't really mind, infact it can be kind of fun, like we can laugh at them and it feels like it directed at the group not just one of us. However at my old house when ever I'd walk home from babysitting I'd always get wistled or catcalled at by guys driving by, a lot of the time they would be older guys in beat up pickup trucks, I didn't like it at all. It was kinda scary. Reply
A2: It really depends how it's said. If it's like, a genuine compliment, I appreciate compliments. Not objectification. And you can usually tell which one it is, just by how they say it. Reply
A3: I don't mind whistling at all, I just smile adn keep walking, its flattering in a weird way. Cat calling....I hate it. I've had guys mutter rude things to me on the side walk, yell things across streets, hanging out of car windows, cornering me in bus stops.... I'm sick and tired of it. Its horrible. Even if its meant to be flattering, all it does is make me feel dirty and scared and angry. Don't objectify me into a sex object. Don't stick out your tongue and thrust your pelvis at me. Don't think it makes me feel good to yell 'I'd tap that ass'. I hate feeling that when I walk down the street, even to get a pint of milk, that I am being observed and judged and sized up in attractiveness. I hate feeling that I'm constantly on show, and that if I look nice, I get masturbation gestures. And getting asked 'whats your name beautiful' does not make me think you want to get to know me any better than my tits and ass. Reply
Q987: I heard someone talking the other day about how she can tell if someone is Jewish by her/his last name. I found that a bit puzzling. Is this true? Then, I was listening to a song from a musical in which the person is singing about how he's dated every Jewish girl in New York City and a lot of the last names sounded German — Schwartz, Minkus, Katz, Weiss. —CaitliN Reply
A2: Not so much an answer as another question.... The Last Five Years? Reply
A1: A lot of American Jews do have German and Eastern European names, because many of the Jews in those areas fled to America in the early 1900s and around WWII. Another factor is that religious Jews only marry other Jews, so Jewish names have a tendency to stay with Jewish families. I heard something once about Eastern European Jews being forced to take last names that were difficult to pronounce or demeaning or something, which is why Jews might have different last names than other Eastern European immigrants, but I can't remember any specifics about that. Some Jewish last names are also rooted in Hebrew words, like Cohen (and varients—Kahn, etc). But of course, as is obvious to anyone who thinks about it, there are plenty of people who have German last names who aren't Jewish, and plenty of Jews who have non-German last names. —Marina Reply
Q986: Perhaps a dumb question, but how the heck do you bring a sleeping bag to camp when you fly? Reply
A3: I personally take a large suitcase, put my smallest sleeping bag in it, look at them, and proceed to pack light. Of course, I then freeze overnight at camp. Oh well? ~BlueberryEmily Reply
A3: If you can get your hands on a compression sack, it'll do wonders. It's a bag with a bunch of straps you wench down - I can get a large -50 degree bag down to about a foot square. Just don't leave it in one for too long, it'll compress the insulation. ~Evans Reply
A2: What Cassia siad, or stuff it inside of a duffle bag, if you have one. That's what I do. Reply
A1: If you don't have the bag that came with it, and it doesn't roll up nicely, then you tie it with rope/cord and check it or carry it on the plane with you. —Cassia Reply
Q985: I'm going to college in the fall, and I have never attended public school, I have always been unschooled, I have sat in a few of my friends classes but other then that this is totally new for me, I was just wonder if anyone has any experience with never being to school and then going to college to share with me? bad experience? good? or anything simalur to this, just anything, I'm little nervous, but totally excited =) -FionaC Reply
A5: Well, never going to any kind of school or remotely related experience wasn't really that bad. All in all, I think college is fairly easy, although maybe not the definite best method of education. Anyway, I tried to take 3 classes at the local community college, but I ended up only taking 2 (basic drawing and English 150, they canceled the computer repair class I was going to take.) I would have to say, the one thing I did to make things harder on myself was not taking careful enough notes, mainly of exactly what we had to do for homework and when. And not keeping a little bit ahead of my homework, when I take classes there again I'm planing to keep a little ways ahead of where I need to be, it gives you breathing room when you get stick, or otherwise are forced to miss a class or two. Um, yeah, that is just about all I have to say about it, just uh,college is easy, have fun, and don't take it/things too seriously, it just stresses you out. :P yakri~ Reply
A4: Me, me! I also eased into it a bit, took some community college theater classes when I was 14 and 15, then started taking more academic classes when I was 18. In general I would say that a lot of the things that were difficult for my classmates (figuring out the reason why we follow this mathmatical rule, coming up with ideas for projects) were easier for me, and a lot of things that were very easy for my classmates (essay structure, not burning yourself out studying) were more difficult for me. My one piece of advice is get to know your professors. They have office hours. Take advantage of it. Seriously, they seem scary but when they find someone who's interested enough in their class to come see them outside class hours they are like cuddly kittens. If you don't understand an assignment, or want to do something slightly different, or don't understand why you got an unexpectedly low grade, or just want to discuss that one really cool concept a little more, go see your professor! —Marina Reply
A3: Ooh, me, me. I started by easing into it, but also taking classes the first two terms that really truly interested me. Intro to drawing, psychology, photography. It was a good way to transition. Jumping straight into a class that you might end up hating isn't a good option. Also, ratemyprofessor.com can be really helpful - avoid professors that get bad reviews if you can. There's nothing worse than a class you are interested in with a bad professor. Also, definitely concentrate on time management. Set aside a little time every day to work on homework - but also don't lose track of your interests outside of school —Molly Reply
A2: I did something similar to Cassia, I started with one class to see if I liked it and then took more. I guess what I think is usefull to know is to use your teachers and relax. When I first started, I had no idea exactly what people looked for in an essay, how much outside reading was necessary and all that jazz, so it was really usefull for me to go to one-on-ones with the teacher. As for relaxing... my first semester I was, dare I say, completely anal. I was paranoid that everything was going to be sooo much harder than it was, so I actually studied (lol!) and spent hours overdoing my homework and was twenty minutes early to class adn did loads of extra work. Which in its way was a good thing, because as unschoolers, isn't it our goal to learn, to go above and beyond what society deems necessary as knowledge? But then again, it also was SO not necessary for the class, and I really stressed myself out and looking back, I was kinda an idiot. :D Now I do less work, but structure my time and energy better so that I know I'm actually learning instead of cramming. So chilling, essentially, is a good thing. :D What classes are you taking? I hope you have funsies!!! :D —Bean Reply
A1: Hi, that's me! I eased into a it by taking one class per semester for a couple of semesters, which was a really nice way to get acclimated. I didn't keep easing into it, though. After one one-class semester, I went full-time. That transition was pretty crazy, but not because I didn't know what I was doing, just because I was going from not so much work to a LOT of work. As for the first transition, the first college class...it was general psychology, which is my one true love, so it wasn't too bad. I look back at some of my papers from then and I kind of wince, simply because my content wasn't bad, but my form was so, so very wrong because I wasn't really sure what I was doing. Part of the reason it wasn't too bad was because, I believe, I talked to my first teacher and was like first college class ever, plz halp,
and she did. I asked her a thousand stupid questions, not about psychology, but just about how to write papers and what was expected and formatting and other college related stuff. Anyway, I am totally rambling at this point. I guess my advice is just to talk to your teacher(s) and let them know that you're new to this, and will be probably asking a bunch of stupid questions. But honestly, if you've ever done any research, written anything, or learned, it won't be THAT difficult. —Cassia Reply
Q984: Question solved! Reply
Q983: I'm looking for party themes and thought I would ask y'all unschoolers. I think you have better, more creative ideas than the standard themes of Vegas, Mardi Gras, pirates, tropical, disco, etc. Suggestions? Reply
A3: A color party! People dress up in a certain color, bring a food of that color and maybe invent a game or story or something around it. Or a backwards party...wear pajamas in the day, eat breakfast at night, serve upside down food, play take the tail off the donkey. Or have a international party, everyone picks a country. Or, me and my friends do this a lot, where there is a house and each room has a different theme and drink and game. So say you do pick vegas, play a card game, have shots, decorate with cards and dancing girls kinda thing. —Bean Reply
A2: Crazy hat party! Fairy's, 90's, mystery, garden party, teddy bear picnic, I dunno... kinda ran outta ideas after crazy hat party ahah -FionaC Reply
A1 Depends on what/who the parties for? Also how much money you have spend on it and/or how crafty you are.... KelseyA Reply
Q982: I'm starting to get cold feet about going to camp this year. I've never been before. Did anyone else feel this way before they ever came to camp or is it just me? I'm just stressing out a bit. Reply
A2: Yes, I totally felt like that. I damn near decided not to go in about, well about now I guess. I was terrified of being away from my family (it was the first time I'd been away for more than about 2 days) and afraid to not know anyone. And I can honestly say camp was/is the best thing that ever happened to me. '09 will be my 3rd year and I wouldn't trade these weeks for the world. I met people who changed my life and have learned so so much about myself that I don't think I would have learned without the support I got/get. I don't know if you're planning on going to OR or VT (I'm going to be in VT, both sessions) but either way feel free to email me at mouse300 at mac dot com if you have questions or just want more of my thoughts on it. :) —Signe Reply
A1: Definitely not just you. I was really nervous before I went to camp my first year - mostly because I felt like I wasn't going to know anyone except for one person and because I thought I wouldn't fit in. I was incredibly wrong. Now, not only are most of my best friends camp people, but I'm in love with and going to live with camp people. See, basically everyone fits in at camp. You have to really work to not fit in at camp. You're probably going to keep your cold feet for a while, including the first day or two of camp, but trust me, they will go away by the end of the camp week, and you will almost definitely be pleased that you went. :) —Cassia Reply
Q981: Answer found! Reply
Q980: I'm looking for housing right now, emailing people about rooms and such. I'm just looking for general advice for how to go about doing it all — meeting people, asking questions, what to look for, things to beware of, what I should or shouldn't say or do when talking to potential housemates, etc. Grazie. —CaitliN Reply
Q979 Well, I have another question, which I hope is a little less pointless and self evident than some of my previous questions...
For those of you homeschoolers out there who like, or have needed to learn mathematics, how did- or how would- you go about doing it in the most interesting manner possible? My goal is to learn all the math necessary to understand a college level physics class by spring 2010. Currently I am part way into learning algebra, I'm not sure how better to describe my current progress as I've just being rolling through practice books, I think in school terms I'd be roughly halfway through algebra 1. My problem is that, although I like USING mathematics, I hate LEARNING mathematics, at least as it is conventionally done (I have been driven to near insanity at times while doing the same thing different ways on a sheet of 50 problems, it's just minding numbingly annoying). So I'm wondering if anyone has a more interesting way to go about learning math then working through endless under explained problems such as seen in books like The key to -insert math subject here-
series. yakri~ Reply
A2: Yay Algebra Unplugged! :) The only other suggestion I have is that you don't have to do all the exercises in the workbooks. If you feel like you understand it, stop doing it. Because you're doing it on your own, if later on you realize you don't understand or remember as well as you thought you did, you can always go back and do some more. —Marina Reply
A1: I can totally sympathize with this. I can do the endless exercises in workbooks, but I get hellishly bored. A book I have not read myself but was recommended (by Marina, I believe?) somewhere else on this page or maybe over on EducationQuestions is Algebra Unplugged by Jim Loats and Kenn Amdahl. -JuliaL Reply
Q978 So.. Is it normal to have someone you know to say Hi
to, or smile at, once or twice a week? Do normal
people get hugs more than once every few months? Do normal
people have more than 2 people they AIM at least once a week? Do normal people have special others with a computer that works within walking distance? Have all normal 14 y/o boys sat and stared at a noose for hours, trying to decide to use it, several times a year? Reply
A1: I think there are many people who experience what you describe, and many who don't—but it doesn't matter whether it's normal because what matters is that you sound really unhappy about it. I don't know where you live or what your situation is, but I really encourage you to use whatever resources you have to find more support systems—a therapist, meeting new people, hiking and being meditative in the outdoors, really good books on the meaning of life—whatever you can find. And please, next time you're staring at a noose, call the suicide hotline: 1-800-784-2433. There are lots and lots and lots of resources and support, and you deserve every bit of it. Love, —Marina Reply
Q977: What are the natural alternatives to using antibiotics for a bladder infection? I keep getting them, and I really don't like using antibiotics that much... I've done all the research on the internet and libraries and stuff, but I would like personal experiences....whats worked for you? I'm particularly interested in apple cider vinegar, as that seems to work for a lot of people, but I would love to hear about any cure!! Thanks in advance. :-) Reply
A2: Cranberry juice can work pretty early on for UTI's but if its a very well set in infection it probably won't help. Prevention wise, it's been shown to help some women (men do not often get uti's because the length of the urethra is longer and keeps bacteria from entering the bladder. The more water you drink on a regular basis, the better to stop them from coming back. If you have had an infection for a long time, you may be knocking it down and it's returning after the bacteria multiply again to cause symptoms. Antibiotics aren't *bad*; I understand why people don't want to use them, but they have their purpose, and a UTI can cause serious health issues if left untreated. Bladder infections can pass to the kidneys through the ureters and then cause really bad problems for you. Not to scare you into antibiotics, but, if you've waited a long time to treat it, don't wait any longer. Reply
As for preventative ideas you can start doing when you're clear
of an infection and I'm assuming you're female, always wipe front to back after peeing, always (and I mean *always*) drink atleast a glass of water and pee after sex (should that apply... heh) and drink more water consistently throughout the day. Avoid bubble baths if you take those, it can frequently cause UTI issues for sensitive people. Reply
I suffered uti's constantly when I was younger, by doing pretty much all of the things above, I've had two in the past 3 years, and those were due to stress causing me not to drink enough water. I have always had them treated with antibiotics when they pass the point of excessive water drinking helping. Good luck. —CeCi Reply
A1: I don't have a cure for them, nor have any personal experiences, but know alot of people who get them, but cranberry juice is really good when you have them, and to prevent them in the future, also maybe cutting out some of the stress in your life might help you not to get them as offten. Reply
Q976: Yes, I have another question. In the IT/Computer programing/PC maintenance & repair industry's exactly how helpful is a college degree? Both when finding your first job in the field and after you have some experience. And, own their own, and in comparison, how helpful are certificates? yakri~ Reply
A3: One way to find out would be to look at job advertisements for jobs you're interested in and see what their qualifications are. I do think that, more than in many other industries, the computer industry is going to focus on whether you can do something. Certificates and degrees are one way of showing you've studied something; if you study it on your own, you need other ways to prove you know how to do it. Perhaps another way to look at it is whether a degree or certificate program is the best way to learn what you need to learn to do a job well. —Marina Reply
A2: Quick answer: I don't really know. I know from experience that if you have skills in computer repair/maintenance and let people know about it, it's possible to find yourself in situations where others will pay you to have you fix things for them. I would think that it would be possible to network your way to a decent source of income this way, but haven't personally taken it that far. As far as certifications, I talked with a fellow in the I.T. field about this quite a bit once, and he said three things that I can remember offhand: The A+ certification is so easy to get that it's not worth much, the Microsoft certification (at least the MCSE) is so trivial that it's actually a detriment to your credibility, and Cisco certification is actually very well-regarded and worth a great deal, though it's not easy to become Cisco-certified. Oh, and his biggest suggestion to people looking to expand their computer skills and capabilities was to play around with Linux — install it on a system and try to troubleshoot it and learn as you go. Hope at least some of this is helpful! E-mail if you want to talk more. -AndyP Reply
A1: Computer programming and computer repair are *very* different things! Reply
Reply
- I know that, but they are related (in the sense that both involve computers and interest me at least).
Q975: So I keep hearing that things like visiting a foreign country help with college or job applications. But mostly I hear it in the abstract, from someone who knows someone who heard about someone doing that, or reading it in a book or article, that kind of thing. So I'm going around a few places on the 'net and asking this question, does it help? If so, exactly how much does it help? How helpful is it to college applications? Job applications? Come to think of it, this is more like a quiz. :o Anyway, here is what I'm planning to do, assuming all goes well, and my goals don't change along the way. For the next three years I'm going to work on saving up $5000+, while attending community college and doing volunteer work as well. The reason for this is because, in three years me and two friends are going to go on a 5-8 month trip across Europe. We might end up bringing one or two more people along, but it's probably going to be just us, anyway... we figure we should be able to cover the basic costs of living (food, water, and maybe a roof and transportation once in a while) with around $5000 per person. We will be getting around by biking and taking trains for the really long treks, and we plan to mostly stay in our tent or youth hostels nights. We will be going from Ireland, all the way into parts of Russia(we'll be cutting a zig-zag path to hit places like Italy and Greece), and with a pit stop in japan on the way home. Our trip will actually be mostly during the winter, we will probably start somewhere from October to January. After this, I currently plan to live in Japan for a year. I'll most likely do this by going to a college in California (or somewhere else maybe) and become a exchange student to Japan as quickly as possible. Barring that, I may try and alternative method, but that's the one I'm most likely going to take. After that I'll probably finish up college (Hopefully in one year, if I do enough community college now), and look for a job in whatever field I am interested in at the time. Well, lets get back on track, the main reason for this question was due to a recent friendly argument, in which I thought that having traveled through several foreign countries over five months would add a great deal to a college application, or maybe even a job application, than having completed HS or having a GED, and my friend disagreed. So I became curious as to just how helpful this is in the job/college application area, since I've only 'read it in books' or in 'internet articles' and I'd like more first/second/third hand opinions on the matter. And to be sure, I have no doubts about the life education benefits that doing something like this would have. _ yakri~ Reply
Reply
- I forgot one very important sub question. I know that there are various scholarships and such for doing things like this, though I don't know of any specifically. Does anyone know of any programs or what-not that might give scholarships to/sponsor three guys traveling across Europe? Unfortunately, the lot of us will be 18 or over at the time, so most of the youth ones won't apply to us. Also, any that we could work on/apply for all three years in advance would be nice. I don't really expect anything to come from this bit, but it'd be nice to have to get less of the needed cash from working shitty part time jobs and from our parents. yakri~
A2: It depends on what you do while traveling. If you're drinking your way across Europe, no, it's not really going help with any application. If you're teaching English, or hanging out with diplomats, or building schools, or organizing festivals, or climbing mountains, or just traveling but documenting it with amazing photos or a blog with detailed and meaningful essays, then depending on the college or the job, it might help. Reply
Jobs specifically will look for ways you've proven you can do the job. Unless the job is traveling around Europe
, just traveling around Europe won't qualify you for any job. It depends on what you do. Colleges are a little more likely to look at life experiences
but they'll still ask you to show what you got out of them. Reply
In regards to your sub-question, your best bet for sponsorship is relatives and friends. I planned my Europe trip far enough in advance that all I asked for for my birthday and holidays and graduation was travel money, and got a significant total from probably twenty different people. I do have a book called Work Your Way Around The World
although it's relatively discouraging regarding Americans working in western Europe. —Marina Reply
A1: This is an interesting question to me, so I'm going to try and answer some of it, but probably not all of it. I've read and thought a lot about travel and college applications and non-traditional educational backgronds, so I hope I can help. Reply
My initial reaction is that it depends. Helpful, right? Well, for college applications I would say it is likely to be an asset. You would be showing initiative and independence. However, some colleges would rate this sort of experience more highly than others. My school (Hampshire College) would probably love this. Other schools (A UC, maybe) might like it but prefer that it had more structure: a purpose achieved or an academic bent. Compared to a diploma or GED? I don't think they would be equal
in any school's eyes, particularly since this sort of gap year is becoming more commonplace. Again, it depends on the school. If you put together a well-thought out and structured transcript of sorts which included this sort of travel, you might do very well. A lot of what colleges look for is not just the experiences, but how you learned from them and can communicate about them. Reply
On a job application.... again, it depends. What sort of job would you be applying for? A corporate job might not care about your travels, or even consider them a drawback, as they don't want to go through the hassel of hiring you only to have you leave again. And the time spent traveling, if your resume is short, is time you didn't spend gaining experience for their work. But a small business or a non-profit or a firm of sorts might be interested in someone who has traveled, if they are interested not just in getting the job done, but having a team member and partner join them. The same ideas as before apply: initiative, independence, and especially communication. Reply
Your plans sound fantastic, and unfortunately I don't know anything about funding. I would suggest from personal experience, that working the shitty part-time jobs in order to reach your goal might make the experience all the more fulfilling, because you would have some context for the freedom of traveling. It's like the idea that you can't be happy if you don't know what sadness is. Three years is ages from now, so keep researching and reading. As far as long-term travel goes, you might check out the book Vagabonding by Rolf Potts and the website Bootsnall, which has a forum section dedicated to long-term travel. Good luck! —Julia Reply
Q974: How seriously should you take what someone says when they are drunk? I know when I drink, I become MORE honest - there's no more filter between what I think and what I say. But I never say things that I wouldn't also think when sober. This question isn't in regards to strangers behaviors', either - I'm just wondering how I should take things that close friends have said after they've had a few? When drinking, issues/emotions tend to come up and I wonder if those are things I should address in sobriety, or just ignore as side effects of alcohol.. Reply
A1: Well... I don't know how you should take it, but in the past I've taken it as a kind of secret. Almost a secret between me and their drunk self, to be kept from their sober self? I don't know, that sounds kind of weird. But if I were to bring up something somebody had told me while they were drunk, I would treat it like asking them about something they said in confidentiality—Hey, could I ask you about something you said the other night at the bar?
not Hey, can I ask you something about that cocaine overdose you told me about the other night at the bar?
I would never push someone to talk about something they said while drunk, unless I felt like they were a danger to themselves or others. But like you, I don't say things drunk that I don't think sober. Other people may have very different opinions and preferences. —Marina Reply
Q973: Tech question: I have 9 VOB files I want to put on a DVD. However, the program I use doesn't allow me to burn multiple clips as one continuous video and also I don't know how to use these kinds of files. Is there an easy, downloadable program I can use for this? Reply
A2: What program are you using? iMovie should allow you to cut them into one video and then export it to iDVD, though I'm not 100% positive about the file types. Reply
A1: First, do you have a Mac or PC? Reply
Reply
- oh yeah, I have a mac.
Q972: Farm/garden people! I have 12 little pumpkin plants that need to be transplanted to my garden soon. And I'm wondering if 12 is too many. It probably is. How many should I plant? Pumpkins can kind of take over everything, can't they? —CaitliN Reply
A2: Firstly, pumpkins are very frost sensitive - I don't know what the elevation of Arcadia is, but make sure any frost danger is past before planting out. On farms I have typically planted them in rows, 3 feet between in the row, and the rows 6' apart. If your soil is very fertile and they are jack'o'lantern types, you may do them on a 6' by 6' grid. You can always plant them closer and prune back the vines, so I would go for closer spacing. —Mike Reply
A1: Yes they can (they do have vines after all) most people either have a pumpkin patch (completely separate from the rest of the garden stuff) or they plant the pumpkins at one end of the garden at least 5 feet from every thing else. As for spacing if I remember correctly, I believe that they should be placed about 2-3 feet away from each other. But I would suggest that you look it up in book or online. -KelseyA Reply
Q971: Is there a Wiki site up right now where people can list places to live/work and volunteer? I'm thinking along the lines of WWOOF farms or something similar, places that people had actually been to and could recommend and talk about. —Betsy (again) Reply
Q970: Where should I move to this fall? It can be pretty much anywhere in the continental United States, so long as it's not horrifically cold and/or rainy. —Betsy Reply
A2: New York's Hudson Valley! It gets pretty cold in the winter but when I went in October, it was very comfortable. I'm not sure where you live right now but perpetual sunshine and heat does get old. Of course, I love rain...so I'm not sure how much help this was. But New York was awesome. Hippie towns, nature, historical sites, easy access to NYC, beautiful scenery. I know it's all a matter of personal taste, but what more could you want? Reply
A1: Aw shucks, I guess that rules out suggesting up here in rainy north California, or Oregon. (Rain lovers unite!) Anyway, going off what mystery poster X asked you, if you DON'T have a job it would be prudent to just move to where ever you can find a job, not being picky about where in the USA you want to work will up your chances a lot. If you do have a job and it doesn't matter where you go for it, I guess you'll be moving where ever is either the cheapest or the nicest? Well, I don't know about cheap, I'd recommend the California bay area, out of the three places I've lived for a long time, it's definitely my favorite, although Crescent city CA is beginning to grow on me. Also, I've been around a bit in Flagstaff AZ and Phoenix AZ, and their both pretty nice, though I liked Flagstaff better, and they are both definitely warm places to live. Also, I rather liked living in Seattle and Bainbridge island but they are both pretty cold and rainy, hell, it even snowed while I was in Seattle, that was fun. PS. riding on a ferry at night, in the rain is awesome. _ Hope that helped a little, yakri~ Reply
Q969: I have a friend who is going through a really rough patch. She and I are both really busy, school is frustrating, she's having sexual identity issues (read: crushing on a very straight girl and having to keep it secret from almost everyone), body image issues, her parents are having issues (read: she keeps finding her dad's porn), and her mother is obsessive, controlling, and often just plain crazy. She's been battling with depression and suicidal thoughts for several years now and is untreated (and, as far as I know, undiagnosed). Her family is giving her ZERO support, and in fact making the problem MUCH worse. My question is: What can I do to support her and let her know I'm here for her? I've been trying to let her know as often as I can that I'm here, that she can call me, etc, and giving her hugs and subtle compliments. I also invite her over to my house as often as I can to let her escape the madness that is her everyday life, but our respective schedules and her mother combine to make that very difficult. Is there anything else I can do? ~BlueberryEmily Reply
A1: I don't really have suggestions as to anything more you can do, but it sounds like you're being really supportive of your friend. I don't know what kind of area you're in (where you live in the world), but if you're able to help her by maybe helping to find resources for low/no cost counseling centers in your area, that might be helpful if it's something she's mentioned. I wouldn't go and say well I think you need counseling, so here!
but if she's mentioned talking to someone or if you have a good way to kind of work it in to the conversation, a lot of the time it can be helpful to make the process of getting counseling as stress-free as possible. Getting information handed to you instead of having to take the initiative to find it yourself can help a lot. All of that having been said, though, I think that it sounds like you're a really great friend by letting her know (repeatedly!) that you're there for her. That's really one of the best things to hear when you're in a crappy position like that. Good luck to you and to your friend. -FionA Reply
Q968: I've heard that there are differences between West and East coast NBTSC, and I just wondered, for those who've been to both, would you say there's a big difference in camp culture between the two? What are the differences? Thanks! Reply
A2: Everything is just like Cassia said. I myself didn't notice a huge huge difference, but that also might depend on the person, and how you are at camp (but that is really applicable to anything at camp). I also only went one year to East Coast. —Ellen Reply
A1: It's a pretty huge difference. It's kind of hard to describe what the difference is, but I'll try. West coast is definitely a lot more rowdy than east coast is. East coast is way more mellow than west. I've also noticed that there are a lot more spontaneous, huge group activities/events at west coast than east (boffer wars and shower parties, anyone?). Beyond that, I can't really describe what's so different, just that it is. Personally, I prefer west coast (sorry, east coasters - I love you anyway) because it was a lot more exciting for me, and I felt like there was much more to do, but they're both really fun. —Cassia Reply
Q967: Has anyone had their payment confirmed for camp? I paid the $530 + 3% via PayPal about two weeks ago and it still shows me owing that amount on the registration site. I'm not freaking out because I realize they're handling a LOT of money right now and it's going to take awhile to sort out, I'm just wondering if anyone's gotten their payments confirmed yet. Thanks. Reply
A1: I haven't made big payments yet, but my deposit was overlooked in the chaos a couple weeks ago (a problem easily fixed, yay!). If it hasn't been confirmed in a week or so shoot Sarabeth and email just in case. Reply
Q966: When are we supposed to make travel arrangements for camp? Not that I have the money right now, but for some reason I thought that we get some sort of packet in the mail with information on different travel options and then we pay for plane tickets (or train, bus, whatever). I'm just looking at the list of things I have to buy and it's really overwhelming. Reply
A2: A current camper, perhaps Cassia, can correct me but I believe they still send you a travel directory, that will list all the campers attending your session, what city/state they live in, and how they are planning to travel - bus/train/plane. Is the Travel Directory still sent out? I haven't been a camper for about 5 years now so they may not send it anymore... but it's a great way to network with other folk in your state and at least book yourselves on the same flights/trains. —Mike Reply
A1: Other than being able to pick you up at specific places (these depend whether you're going to Vermont or Oregon), camp staff don't help you with any travel options. You have to arrange your own travel, and make sure that you can get yourself to either Farm and Wilderness or Camp Myrtlewood (depending on your coast), or one of the places that a staffer will pick you up from. How you get to those places is up to you. You don't give money to any NBTSC staffer to pay for travel arrangements, and there is no such packet. As such, once you know where you are going to be picked up from/if you are going to get yourself to the actual campsite, you can make your travel arrangements whenever you want to. —Cassia Reply
Here are some travel options to considermemo at some point. So I guess as long as I arrive at the airport in Eugene early, I'll be fine?
Reply
- Yes, you'll be fine. Somewhere on the NBTSC website, maybe in the full brochure, they list the times that you have to be at certain places to be picked up, and when the drop-off times are. I THINK that the Eugene airport pick up time is around 1-2, maybe 3 pm, but don't quote me on that. I know that the information is there somewhere, I'm just not sure where off the top of my head. —Cassia
Q965: Anyone know what ''lj-toys.com'' is? I have a few videos on youtube and when I look to see the sites that have linked to them that address comes up a lot but I can't access it. I'm really curious why this apparently non-existent site would be linking to my videos. Example: this address. —CaitliN Reply
Another explanation could quite possibly be is that this link is just a “slave” link, where the actual site is exclusive to those that can track it down, and the link basically serves for the links they put on the site (I’ve seen lj-toys.com linked to videogum.com somehow)That seems rather likely to me, other then that, I've got no clue. yakri~
A1: By all appearances, it's the web domain that LiveJournal uses when people embed YouTube videos in their LiveJournal posts. So if somebody writes a LiveJournal post with one of your videos in it, lj-toys.com shows up in your pages that have linked to you
list. I don't know exactly why LiveJournal doesn't just use livejournal.com for this. Anyhow, lj-toys.com appears to be owned and controlled by LiveJournal, and used by the site to handle video embedding. And you're right, going to lj-toys.com doesn't work — it is programmed to throw out an error. The effect of this is that it's harder to see exactly who is embedding your videos into their LiveJournals. It may also have some other function that I'm not aware of. Reply
The link you gave eventually leads back to your LiveJournal — you must have put this video in one of your posts. I found this out in the following way (and this wouldn't always work but it did for me here): Looking at the example address you gave, there's a part that says journalid=
I took the number immediately following that (6554939), copied it, and pasted it into Google along with the word livejournal
. A few results came up. I clicked on the cached
link by one of the results (the normal link didn't seem to work) and got a whole page of web jumble code (unstyled XML). It looks confusing, but no matter — just do a search in your browser (control-f in Firefox) and paste in your journalid number (6554939) again. It should be able to find it at least once amidst all the craziness — it'll be part of the web address for a profile picture. Reading backwards from that point, the first lowercase word that seems like a LiveJournal username should be the username of the person who linked to your video, and you can access their journal (if it's public) by going to theirusername.livejournal.com. Reply
You may also be able to use LiveJournal's search function with the journalid number. The good LiveJournal search requires you to be logged-in, and I'm not a LiveJournal member, so I didn't test this out. If it works this way, it would be easier than the rigmarole that I wrote about above! Reply
Whew! That was fun. Hope this answers things... I believe every LiveJournal user has one specific journalid, so that every time you see 6554349 as having linked to one of your YouTube videos, you'll know it was you. And if it comes up as somebody else, look 'em up! If you have other questions or if my description is not making sense, ask! -AndyP Reply
Q964: I've decided that I need to get a job, but I have a few problems with what type of job to get. I live in Quebec, and am not fluently bilingual, so that creates some issues. I'll be 18 in a month, so age isn't a problem. Any suggestions for non-traditional type jobs, something where language wouldn't be a problem, and also preferably something that doesn't involve big business. Thanks a bunch for any suggestions! —Idzie Reply
Q963: I really want to run a workshop at camp this year. Right now all I can really think of is some sort of discussion (possibly about books). Do those of you that know me have any other suggestions for things I have to offer? I'm terrible at seeing in myself what other people can see in me. ~BlueberryEmily edit: those are all really great suggestions, and I'll definitely consider all of them - keep them coming if anyone has more ideas! Reply
A5: some sort of honesty disscussion maybe, you are very good at that stuff, and also I would totally go to, and think you would be good at, the sessions Cassia and Andy suggested. ~DanielleT Reply
Reply
- An honesty discussion would be really interesting, and I'd definitely want to go. Being honest/honesty is an interesting topic, it's always better for you and everyone else to be honest, but it's tough nonetheless. Yakri~
A4: Being an unschooler while being in school! ...and I was just going to say I'll totally help you lead it if you want!
, then I thought, and then I almost cried. ANYWAY, I think you'd be excellent at that. —Cassia Reply
A3: The first thing that comes to mind for me is some sort of being comfortable in the age you are
discussion, because it's something I perceive you as being good at. Or just a discussion on age in general, and what people feel or think about it, and how society in general can assume that people will act a certain way because of their age when that's not always the case, and... am I making sense at all? Would this be a totally pointless or terrifying idea? Or just utterly not something you ever think about? It was the first thing that I thought of, anyway, so I thought I'd throw it out there. -AndyP Reply
A2: A workshop talking about books actually sounds quite fun. There is a lot to be said about our paper friends. Yakri~ Reply
A1: I don't know you, but I can honestly say that I could spend hours sitting under a tree with a group of people, talking about books. So that would be fine with me. -CarlyB Reply
Q962: Has anyone had their registration confirmed yet? I sent my forms and deposit the day after registration opened, and the registration site is still telling me I haven't been confirmed. Reply
A4: Mine has been confirmed now. Reply
A3: yeah me too, also glad to hear its not just me, I was getting worried...~WinstonWLumpkinsIV Reply
A2: I sent mine in the day after registration opened as well and have still not heard back. I'm glad to hear it's not just me though. Reply
A1: I sent mine in on the 2nd as well and have not been confirmed. I suspect they are a bit backed up, though. Reply
Q961 Online jobs. That is the topic of my question. Basically I'm having a hard time finding work where I live, and I'm wondering if there is anyone here who has experience with working online. I figure it's most likely impossible for me, but worth asking after. And mind, I don't mean one of those ad clicking things. Although if anyone from camp has actually used one and had it pay out it might be worth considering. I'm looking for some kind of online job you could do with just intermediate computer skills. Although I and my father are working on getting some web design contracts (so to speak) locally, this isn't really a good place for that kind of thing. And I don't have the knowledge or experience to make professional web pages for people, and neither does my dad. Although apparently we know enough to be underpaid for it by people we already know. *shurg* I'm working on that and some other things but their all pretty distant at the moment. And I can't get work here, and I do need money, so it would be nice if anyone had some experience working online. And if anyone has any experience in doing work online in any sort of professional capacity, (I.e what I'm saying I can't do now, like web design, or something else it is possible to get done over the .net) because it's something I'm considering doing professionally at some point. yakri~ Reply
A1: The only thing I can think of right now is copy-editing. I'm not sure what kind of skills/market are involved, but it might be worth looking into. —Julia Reply
Q960: Long term relationships: how do you keep it fresh, especially when you're living together? Tips and tricks for staying loving, positive, and happy? Reply
A2: Try new things together, be honest with each other, don't forget to be verbally grateful for the little things. Have a picnic, write a cute note and leave it somewhere where they'll find it. When you're living together be sure to spend time doing your own seperate things sometimes. When I go to blues dance weekends or Justin visits friends far away it can be exciting and freshening to be back together. Have fun! -KaylaC Reply
A1: Wow, that's a big question, and one on which many books have been written. :) The big thing that comes to mind for me is staying honest with myself. I'm not sure how to phrase this to make sense, but I find that when I have the most difficult time being fully with my partner is when I'm dulling my own feelings—when I'm angry or upset or annoyed or some feeling that I don't want to deal with or don't think makes sense
, that's when I'm most likely to feel dissatisfied with my relationship. So... keep it fresh by keeping yourself fresh. Keep it loving, positive, and happy by being loving, positive, and happy yourself. Which is a big question on its own, so I'm afraid I don't have tips or tricks
. ;) I'm up for talking about this any time, by the way, I love talking about relationships. marina at nbtsc dot org. —Marina Reply
Q959: has anyone used Megabus? I could get from Boston to Philly for about 20 bucks..... but like do you know if Its a good Idea? ~WinstonWLumpkinsIV Reply
A2: I've used it many times from NY to Boston with no real problems (other than delays). It's safe as any other bus company. If you book it far enough in advance, you can get some really good deals (I've gotten 15 dollars round trip to Boston). —Jesse N. Reply
A1: I've used them in the Midwest, going from Minneapolis to Chicago and back again. It's not super deluxe or anything, but it works and I'd definitely do it again. The seats are regular coach bus seats, so they're fine, and there was enough room to take luggage. The bathroom wasn't great on the way out, but on the way back it was OK. I don't know how long a trip it is from Boston to Philly, but the trip I did was about 7 hours each way. A couple years ago, for New Year's, the bus to Minneapolis never actually found its correct stop — the driver didn't actually know the way — and it ended up dumping everybody out about three blocks away from where it was supposed to stop. Other than that, which only happened that one time as best I know, I've had good experiences with it and heard generally good things. -AndyP Reply
Q958: When does camp registration usually open? February
is too vague for someone who is freaking out about not registering in time. Reply
A5: Registration is open. Reply
A4: Original poster here...the website now says approximately February 1st
. Yay! I would have checked that day, anyway, but it calms my nerves a bit. Reply
A3: Someone will probably post on Wiki, and I know I personally will change my facebook status :) Also, if I remember correctly, last year they sent out an email a few days after it opened. ~BlueberryEmily Reply
A2: I would just keep your eye on it. I think everything filled up pretty fast last year. I was just gonna start looking (for my sister, not me) on a fairly regular basis starting Feb. 1. —Ellen Reply
A1: Don't worry about it. The important date is in late March, and all applications sent before then get equal consideration. —Rebecca Reply
Q957: How do you personally justify partaking in what could be called unethical things — eating at Burger King, shopping at Wal Mart, etc? As I learn about the practices of fast food corporations, I wonder more and more how anyone can eat there so that's one reason why I'm asking — but I am not always free from the guilt of, say, buying a rolling pin made by poorly paid workers in foreign lands from unsustainably harvested wood and it frustrates me to not feel like I can justify it. Reply
A8: I feel that it isn't justifiable. Even though I'm working on a farm and growing a lot of my own food, I still have wrappers and things that I throw away. I still ride in cars and live on the grid. I take showers that are hot and even long sometimes. I guess the way I live with it is that I try to numb how I feel about it. I also am working toward learning how to be as self sustaining as I can be. I'm hoping someday I'll have a farm of my own. Then I hope to have solar panels and wind mills and composting toilets and prevent erosion through rotational grazing and reuse things as much as possible. But as far as long distance transportation goes, I don't know what to do about that unless someone invents new technology. I guess you meant giving money to non sustainable corporations who use sweatshops and factory farms, but there's a way in which throwing things away is unethical in itself. Because really, we are going to run out of places to put all of our trash, and then what? It's small minded to think that we can keep putting things into trashcans forever without some kind of retribution. I've heard of a place, in connecticut I think, that destroyed trash which somehow created energy. If something like that were in place for all of the things we can't recycle or compost, then throwing stuff away could be alright.... I'm going to stop now. -KaylaC Reply
A7: I don't really think about it much. I refuse to shop at Wal-Mart and have for several years now. On the other hand, I eat quite a bit of fast food, and don't really think about the ethics of it. One of my goals for the next few years is to live a more ethical and greener
life. Reply
A6: The way I look at it, all of us are born into a society where it is absolutely impossible to live entirely ethically without cutting yourself off from society. I spent some time kicking myself for doing anything at all, since pretty much everything, from eating to taking a pill for your headache, harms someone, either human or non-human. But the truth is, it wasn't our choice to be born in to such an unethical society/civilization, and we're not the ones who have made things so bad. And honestly, with the percentage of water/energy/etc. used by the common people versus by corporations, we're not even contributing much to it. So at this point I simply try and live as ethically as I can (buying mostly secondhand clothes, locally grown food, etc.) because that's what I feel is right, and don't kick myself for occasionally eating lunch at Subways or buying new clothes. Anyway, very interesting subject! —Isabelle Reply
A5: Bean took the words out of my mouth. I do what I can as both a realistic human being, and at the same time supporting my own needs. I couldn't spend every waking moment feeling guilty for the bad
things that I do, and instead I praise myself for the good things that I do. —Molly Reply
A4: I try to live guilt free. So I buy local and fair trade food thats been ethically produced. I wear all my clothes until they are no longer appropriate in public, then I buy new ones, usually from thrift stores. I always walk. I turn off lights and recycle and wear an extra sweater instead of cranking the heat. So thats nice, I enjoy all of that. But then there is that inevitable once a year craving, and I get a cheeseburger from McDonalds. Or I need a dress to go out and I buy from a chain store that probably uses cheap inhumane labor. Or its pissing down rain and sleet and getting dark, I get a bus or a taxi. Or every now and then I decide that fuck everything, I'm alone in the house at night and thinking creepy thoughts so I'm going to turn on every goddamn light at once. And I don't feel guilty. Because it doesn't matter. I would rather live my life as ethically as I can, improving every day and feel good about that, than agonize over trying to justify getting one factory farmed, chemically enhanced, grease ridden burger from the small business ruining corporation McDonalds. We all try to live the ethical life to the best of our abilities and as long as its a constantly improving affair, I say lets eat a freaking cheeseburger! —Bean Reply
A3 I just had to reply to this one. I don't really worry about the ethics of doing things like not using so-called green energy to power my appliences or eating at burger king or similar places. (although I avoid that if at all possible, burger king, eww uck.) I mean, I'm not exactly all for polluting our atmosphere and burning down the rainforests, I mean, we kinda need the former to stay alive, and we need the latter to keep the former and so on. However I'm not at all bothered by the ethics as it were, of the matter. (now if you actually understand what I mean from all that, you get a cookie!) As to why? Well, to me, it seems that there are much more important things to worry about then the fact that half the parts in my computer were probably made in some chinese sweat shop. I guess what I'm trying to say in the most convoluted way possible, is that I'm not bothered by that other stuff. I'm more worried about people, both in general, and on a person to person basis. Yeah, deffienently lots of cookies if you get what I'm saying here. yakri~ Reply
A2: Since I don't live off-grid and grow and make all my own food and clothing, there's not much I do that is 100% ethical. The power that's running my computer right now is not wind or solar. The organic macaroni and cheese I had for dinner was mass-produced and shipped long distances. For me, everything I do is a trade-off and has to be individually evaluated. For instance, I live on-grid in a city so that I can take public transportation to my job at a nonprofit organization that I genuinely feel is making people's lives better. More often, my justification for paying for things made with practices I don't agree with (at Burger King, Wal-Mart, etc) is that they're cheaper. When I can afford to go elsewhere, I try to do so. It's true a lot of the time the things I buy because they're cheaper are technically luxuries—I wouldn't die if I skipped a meal. But... yeah, it's a tradeoff. I guess because my choices rarely include a choice I would consider 100% ethical, it's easier to choose something 50% ethical sometimes. Ultimate answer? I'm really not sure, and I'd love to talk about it more sometime. :) —Marina Reply
A1: I try and remember all of the unethical things that I make a point not to do. About 75% of the time, I act in ways that I find ethically acceptable - buying local, organic, homemade, used, getting stuff for free, never eating at McDonald's, never shopping at Walmart, almost never buying any clothing new, etc. etc., so I feel pretty okay with myself when I do ethically questionable things like buy from Victoria's Secret. The way I see it, I am a pretty friggin' responsible consumer, and I make up for a lot of people who aren't. I don't feel do guilty for the one time out of four when I do something that isn't as ethically squeaky-clean as I'd like. (I'm using the word ethically
here as you used it, in terms of buying and being a consumer, not in any other way, just for the record.) —Cassia Reply
Q956: Ok, whats the cheapest way to get from Philly to Pittsburgh useing public transport of some kind, (I am not hitch hiking, as that is mostly hiking now adays. ~WinstonWLumpkinsIV Reply
A2 Go to craigslist, go to the pages for pittsburgh and philly, go to the rideshare section. If you're really really lucky, it may turn out that someone else is going the same place as you are! If you're only normally lucky, it may turn out that you can find some partway rides. Or post your own request for a ride. Reply
A1: Either Amtrak or Bus, can't say which 'cause I didn't look. But then I don't know when you are wanting to do this, and that affects the price. You could also look around for some kind of ride sharing thing, I don't know if such a thing is in common practice but they do exist. Reply
Q955: Related to the previous question: does anyone have recommendations for good movie ripping programs for PC? Thanks! Reply
Q954: I've been using Handbrake to copy videos onto my computer but I messed with the settings one day and now it's only copying half or less of each video. Are there any other programs I could use (on a Mac) that are just as good/easy to use? (I loved this program up until now...booo) —CaitliN Reply
A2: My thought is the same as Yakri's — if the program doesn't have a reset to default settings
option, uninstall the whole thing and then reinstall it. If it's currently failing halfway through on DVDs that it has ripped correctly before, then a reinstall should restore the default settings again and I'd guess it would work. If now you're finding a few DVDs that don't rip right, but other ones that have ripped successfully before still do, then I'm guessing that Handbrake is being foiled by some sort of copy protection on the DVDs that aren't working. There are ways around this (a Google search turns up general suggestions of using MacTheRipper or another program to pull the DVD to the hard drive, then processing it with Handbrake), but I haven't used these and haven't looked them up very much. Good luck! -AndyP Reply
A1 Try resetting the settings to default. Or completely uninstalling the program and reinstalling it, before you ditch it and move on. I'll look up some nifty ones later, but you should try that for now. yakri~ Reply
Q953: I have a lot of friends who are planning on going to state or community college for a couple years before transferring to their (more expensive/selective) college of choice. What's the logic behind this? Is it just easier to get accepted or get scholarships if you have some kind of collegiate experience under your belt? Reply
A2: I'm not sure about more scholarships, but certainly different scholarships are available (and possibly with less competition). Phi Theta Kappa is the two-year college honor society and they have a ton of scholarships available, I believe both at two year colleges and for transfer students. Whether or not it's easier to get accepted depends on the school you transfer to; in California it's incredibly easy to transfer from a community college to a UC or Cal State. But private colleges sometimes have fewer openings available for transfer students, so it could be more difficult to get accepted there. State schools like the UC system and Cal State are also more likely to require a standardized transcript and GPA, which a lot of homeschoolers don't have but can get through a two-year college. Reply
And one last benefit: Large universities frequently have giant lectures for their required general ed classes. Community colleges are more likely to have 20-30 student classes. If you know you're going to be taking Bio 101 wherever you go, you might actually have a better learning experience in a smaller classroom at a community college than in a giant lecture at a university. Again, of course, it depends on the college. —Marina Reply
A1: It's easier, it's cheaper, and it's a especially good way to transition for unschoolers. You knock out all your basic prereqs in 2 years for super cheap, and then you just get to really invest your money into mostly just classes surrounding your major when you go to real
college. Also, the acceptance rate for transfer students is way high because you've already proven that you can handle college. If you have any questions just ask, I'm getting my associate's this spring —Molly Reply
Q952: Is it possible to have sore heart muscles after vigorous exercise? I mean, my leg muscles will burn the day after doing a bunch of lunges, but my heart never feels like that. And hearts work pretty damn hard. —CaitliN Reply
A3: My boyfriend the nurse says the muscle tissue of the heart is actually different than the muscle tissue of the legs, which probably has something to do with why it reacts differently to hard work. —Marina Reply
A2: I'm inclined to say that it can happen, but that it would be a sign of some form of health problem rather than merely as the result of strenuous exertion. Reply
A1: I don't believe so. Your heart works basically the same way as any other muscle, including how it handles stress. The more you exercise, the stronger the muscle becomes, making blood circulation and cardiovascular capacity improve. However, the muscles in your heart are so tuned for constant motion, I don't think you're capable of working a heart to the point of noticeable muscle-tears like other muscles. However, muscles in your chest/lungs can certainly get sore from breathing hard. Reply
Chemistry. Ohhh chemistry. Uhm, anybody out there who has experience with doing chemical experiments at home? I mean seriously, not like guess what I blew up...
or those cool soda and vinegar volcanoes. I'm taking a chem lecture class at a local college but I dropped the (optional) lab because it was truly deadly boring. I've done other labwork before, and I'd like to do some home experiemnts now. Suggestions? Reply
A1: Mix random chemicals together and see what happens? . . . I'm kidding, seriously don't do that unless you have a death wish. I'd look around online, I'm sure there are whole sites dedicated to chem experiments, some of which no doubt you could safely do at home. Reply
Q951: I am a female.
I am unbelievably spoiled.
No, really.
I know that if I actually WANT something, I can get it. No force in the world can stop me from getting what I want. It's sorta like The Secret
if any of you have done any learning about that.
I know I can get what I want, and I've gotten everything I've wanted recently (Because I usually only want the things I know I can get) but, it's not because I myself have been getting it for me.
Other people have. Thus, making me spoiled in a bad way.
I'm terrible at buying things for other people, making things for other people, or being able to get across my point of how thankful I am.
So, recently, I've been forgetting to say thank you and try to get my point across. If people don't get it anyways, what's the point?
If people want to spoil me then go right ahead. I'm not going to stop you from making me happy.
But, I'm not happy anymore. I'm terribly upset.
I've started getting to the point where I'M the one pointing out how spoiled I am. And constantly asking my parents or siblings for something. I'm good at repaying my sisters, but not so much with my parents. There's only so much I can give them that they'll actually want.
Back rubs, foot rubs, loves and hugs, buy them random shit that they say they want(or that I find that I know they'd want).
But it's gotten even worse.
I think my parents are getting TIRED of spoiling me. because I'm becoming a bit of a brat. I really don't like this, but I can't seem to stop. It's only been REALLY bad for the past few days.
My dad has been home a lot recently, and he tends to clean while he's home 'cause he feels like he doesn't do enough. So, I can't even clean the house anymore.
What do I do?! how do I stop being a little spoiled brat? It's bother me, too, incase you haven't noticed. I feel like it's annoying people, and I want to self support myself, but I'm not able to do that just yet, so I've let others take care of me, and it's gone WAY too far.
So, Grand final question. Reply
How the hell do I stop being spoiled, and keep myself happy? Reply
A3: So here's the thing, I don't think there is anything WRONG with being spoiled, if the people around you who care about you are able, for whatever reason, to give you whatever you want, why shouldn't they? If it's a question about you or some little kid sitting on the ground somewhere in some far off poor place getting something then it's clear what the right choice is, but from what you wrote, I would hazard the guess that that isn't the case. Don't feel bad about being happy due to stuff, your stuff is a GOOD THING, a blessing, don't think of it as a curse. Reply
Good luck, whether you think I'm full of shit or not : ) Reply
A2: I don't think getting what you want makes you spoiled; I think acting like you deserve whatever you want makes you spoiled. Saying thank you, writing thank you letters, giving back to those who give to you, and not asking for things as much all go a long way towards not acting spoiled. —Marina Reply
A1: If it where me i would get a job, and have a talk with my parents about it maybe ask them to put a limit on what they will just give you and what you have to work for, and try to be as self suficiant as possible, good luck ! Reply
Q950: !! I just got the settlement from the accident last year, & I have a dream. Reply
I want Reply
to build Reply
a tree house. Reply
To live in. Reply
In the bay area. Reply
I have the resources & tenacity to do this, but.. I need a tree. Reply
My brain is hurting itself trying to figure out how I can convince someone to let me build a beautiful arboreal abode on their property. Reply
If ANYONE has ANY connections to property owners or crazy old hippies in berkeley, oakland, or SF, PLEASE let me know. Reply
my heart feels like it will explode. Not only would this provide me with a simplistic living space that I could build with my own hands, but I could reliably shape it to my needs, come and go as I please, build it out of mostly reconstituted materials, experiment with alternate uses for urban space, but.. I mean, I'd get to living in a freaking tree house! It would be amazing! Reply
help advice encouragement please please please. Reply
Q949: Disregard. Problem solved. Reply
Q948: I am going to the Life is good unschooling confrence 2009 and was wondering if anybody else is planing on going?. ~DanielleT Reply
A1: I know the Golds (Qacei, Conor, F1's) usually go. They'll be at the new years party if you haven't met them before. Reply
Q947: Two Vermont sessions this year? What's that all about? Reply
A3: Yeah, (I concur with both below) I'd say it is almost certainly a result of having session three overfill itself, they don't want to turn people away and there is only so much space at Indian Broke. Reply
A2: I've been hearing a lot of people ask (myself included) Grace for a second session. I also heard that it was supposed to happen this year but obviously didn't for one reason or another. whatever the reason i'm wicked excited that it's here. Wild horses couldn't stop me from going to both! Reply
A1: I think it's because Vermont is getting pretty popular, thats the only reason I could see. Reply
Q946: This is for any of you who own digital cameras, my sister is searching for a digital camera for Xmas, specifically one that can take pictures quickly. Our current camera takes the picture almost a full second from when you press the button. So anything faster then this would be good. Since I'm the tech savy one in the family I'm looking for the fastest camera under 200$ (preferably closer to 100$) I can find. I'm not an expert on digital cameras, so any help on what spec's are important would be nice, also if you have any cameras to recommend that would be great too. And camera that you can carry around in your pocket and use to quickly capture the moment is the goal. yakri~ Reply
A3: If you want a digital camera with the least shutter lag possible, I think your best option would be an SLR, which seems to be out of your price range. I ditto Isabelle on Canons — I've used many kinds: my family had one, my sister has one, and now I have one. It's an .A720 IS and it's been great for me — smaller and cheaper than an SLR, with manual controls (though they're via an on-screen menu), very minimal shutter lag, and excellent pictures. I've liked all the Canon digitals I've used. Another site to look at for camera reviews is DP Review, which my family has found really helpful and well-written — plus, they seem to review almost everything that comes out. Reply
Specs I'd look for: At least 3x optical zoom is nice. ISO speeds of 400 or higher can come in handy in some (dark) conditions. I've really enjoyed having the image stabilization (hence the IS designation on my camera) and have found it to work crazy well. Face Detection
is really pretty worthless as far as I can tell and I wouldn't bother looking for it in a camera. And I'd either plan on getting a camera with rechargeable batteries or buying rechargeable batteries to use with it. If you haven't looked at the Canon Digital Elph cameras, look at them, because they are very small and I've found them to be great. Anyway. Hope this helps! -AndyP Reply
A2: I'm shopping for a digital camera for my Mother, as a gift for the same occasion you mentioned, I found that Consumer Reports (web site being the same with .org appended) had not only listings of the operational characteristics of many cameras in your price range, but also ratings of the best places to buy them, and explanations of what the technical terms meant. Reply
A1: I personally like Canon camera's a lot. As for speed, that really depends on the setting on the camera, as well as the camera itself. My old point and shoot camera, for instance, had a fast shot mode, but when using that mode the quality of the image was reduced. I'd suggest looking around on the main brands sites (my personal favorites are Canon and Nikon) at the specs for each of the lower end camera's. It should tell you how fast a start up time it has, as well as the lag time for each shot. I wish I could give you more specific information, but the camera's I've been looking at lately are pricey ones! —Isabelle Reply
q945: is there a page already in existence on wiki that has something like people's top 10 list of books to read? -frankie Reply
A1: Here's the best I can find: WhatAreYouReading, BooksYouShouldRead, and RecentlyReadBooks. No specific top-ten seems to have been created yet, but that seems like the intention of BooksYouShouldRead, which looks like it's pretty much blank now and waiting to be filled in. Hope these are helpful... -AndyP Reply
Q944: I need suggestions for unschoolish things to do while still in school. There's this girl on my soccer team who I've been talking to, and she's really cautious of quitting school entirely so far, but is bored and wants some crazy things to do. We're in a pretty rural area, without easy transportation, so that makes it harder. Any ideas? -Julie Reply
A1: I was trying to think of some things, but then I got stuck on the idea of unschoolish things
because to me, unschooling is doing what you love and what you're interested in. And I don't know what your friend loves and is interested in! But whatever that is, she should do it. :) —Marina Reply
Q943: At what point do you decide that food is beyond edible? I, for one, toss all moldy bread immediately, but am happy to scrape the fuzz off my cheese and continue eating. Anything slimy or even remotely off-smelling is a no. I used to be really picky about vegetables and fruit as well, but lately I've been figuring that as long as I cook it its probably not going to kill me. The cauliflower that I put in my stir-fry tonight was pretty thoroughly brown and spotty on top, but it tastes just fine. Anything that's gone unrefrigerated is usually decided on a case-by-case basis. How about you? —Julia Reply
A3: I definitely toss anything smelly. With cheese and fruit, one or two spots I'll cut off, but more than that and I'll toss it. Meat I'll toss if it's smelly or slimy or discolored or has been in the fridge more than four days regardless. Leftovers I'll toss at one spot of mold. —Marina Reply
A2: eh heh heh. I'll eat almost anything, but I don't like things that might be off, so I usually get rid of the grim bits and put the good bits in something. Bread thats a bit moldy I scrape off the mold and freeze it for stuffings or bread pudding or some such. Fruit thats gone soft, but not oozy I'll stick in a pie or oatmeal or something, making sure I cook it really well. Veggies I'll eat unless they're really, really gone. Cheese just cut off the bad bits. From what I know, things gone slightly off won't make you sick, they'll just taste a bit weird. Meat is one of the exceptions tho! I never eat meat that seems off - its teeming with nasty little bacterias. Oh, and soups are the golden savior for slightly gone off things - chuck everything in with spices and such and you won't be able to taste the difference! :D —Bean Reply
A1: Oooh we were just debating this a couple weeks ago at the Winch in cooking group when we made the decision to cook with carrots that had mold on them. We scraped it off. It depends on the food, for me. Usually if it smells, I toss it. If it's dairy I'll generally toss it although cheese is an exception. Reply
Crossposted to Livejournal Anyone have any experience with herbal/natural antidepressants/strategies? I'm starting to feel the time zone and nasty Oregon weather and I so do not need to relapse right now because my life is going really well. I'm determined, in fact. But I also don't want to go back to standard treatment (I was in therapy for 2 years and prozac for a year) because I just don't feel like it would be effective and I'm not in the place for it. Current plan is to regulate my sleep, keep exercising, start fish oil, start st. john's wart, and keep my social life. Anything I'm missing? —Molly Reply
A4: One thing that's actually been helping me lately with the time change is getting up early. If I wake up at 7 and go to bed at 9, I get more daylight hours than if I slept in til 10 and went to bed at midnight. And getting outside when it's the least bit sunny! —Marina Reply
A3: Alright, this is probably going to be totally not helpful but I'm still throwing it out there. I find it easiest just to love grey days and grey weather, instead of overcoming them. There's a certain softness about a grey day that's so lovely. One of the mental exercises that I love to do is to look somewhere familiar — outside a window, say — and let your mind wander and imagine what it looks like in sunlight. See the blue sky and the warm ground and the lines of sunlight so sharp and yellow. And see the shadows and the way that the contrast makes your eyes happy, and it will be almost automatic to relax and breathe deeply. And do that. Your brain can do this almost anywhere — it's amazing how well our bodies 'know' the feeling and even the exact look of sunlight and can recreate it when we ask them to. Then realize that THAT'S the real world, and the clouds are only filtering it, and above, the sun is still there and just as brightly shining as you imagined it. It gives you a new perspective on cloudy days. Reply
Hey, I'm from Minnesota, and we get long and dark winters. Hugs. -AndyP Reply
A2: I actually agree with yakri about music. I tend to really like dark music, but I know that if I'm heading towards depression again that I need to change up my music list. I even have a set of very cheerful, uplifting songs that I listen to first thing in the morning sometimes so that I'll have positive energy in my head all day. Beyond that, maybe journalling or something to keep track of what's going through your mind? When I recognize negative thoughts it's easier for me to keep my mood in balance. But, it sounds like you're heading in the right direction, so good luck! I struggle with winter every year, and I know it takes a lot of practice to stay healthy, but I think its possible. —Julia Reply
A1: Well, I don't really have a lot of first hand experience with depression, or anti-depressants. As I'm a bubbly happy person most of the time, excluding when I'm bored or the occasional hour or two of dark brooding in the middle of the night. And that hardly counts. And point out the obvious (talk to friends, be social, etc etc.) is of course pointless. Still, I guess that I've got something to say anyway. Music is the key to maintaining a cheerful outlook, that's what I think anyway. Listening to bright upbeat music just makes you feel better. _ I listen to generally happy songs all the time, it really helps me keep a favorable outlook on life. And I think your on the right track with sleep and exercise. I used to be pretty lazy and out of shape, and since I changed my ways to include lots of exercise and healthy living, I've never felt better. Well, I guess I haven't had much useful to say. And I don't know what it is that's got you down. But, you are a wonderful person, and I am sure that you will be be able to overcome this. *hugs* yakri~ Reply
Q941: I've realized I am way too much of a people pleaser. It's gotten to the point where I don't enjoy hanging out with other people at all anymore. I'd rather just hang out alone, because at least then I decide what I do and when I do it, and I have a much better time. But I've been like this my whole life and I don't know how to change. I've only now just decided that I'm sick of being this way. I don't know where to start or how to be myself
because my sense of self changes so much depending on who I'm around. And I feel bad when I people-please, but I feel absolutely horrible if I voice my opinion on what activity I want to do. I am so terrified of turning into that person
who is a demanding, overbearing jerk who everyone secretly hates. But I realize I am way to far on the other end of the spectrum. But when I do stick up for myself, people get annoyed (I assume because no one ever expects it). So.. help?? Reply
A2: My favorite way of changing my personality or habits is to pretend I've already changed. So, like, in this case, I would pretend I'm already good at sticking up for myself when I'm with friends. It sounds ridiculous, but it kind of works. Another thing to try is working in teeny steps at a time. Maybe make a suggestion a little more often than you otherwise would, or argue for your idea ten seconds longer before backing down. Don't kick yourself for taking it slow—changing your habits is difficult, and anything at all you do to get yourself closer to your goal is great, no matter how small. You might be surprised at how quickly it gets easier. Reply
As far as people getting annoyed at you, I think that's a difficult line to walk and always will be. But I think the biggest difference between people who are overbearing and people who stick up for themselves but aren't annoying is just keeping other people in mind. It's not a choice between I get to have fun OR you get to have fun
. Your goal should be everybody getting what they want, yourself included. And, you know, sometimes you compromise and sometimes you decide something is a dealbreaker. —Marina Reply
A1: I'd say work on getting in touch with yourself when you're alone. I'm a journaler, so I would recommend trying to pinpoint the feelings that lead you to please others over yourself and try to trace them back to their root - whether it's an experience you had or just a more deeply hidden feeling. I go back and forth between people pleasing and shutting everyone out - and I do this because I am afraid of taking up space etc, which leads me to believe that my subconcious either doesn't think I'm worthy of that space or that it's afraid something will happen to me if I take up that space. I'm still wading through those possibilities. Along with that, I realize I don't trust others to be able to say no to something they don't want to do because I know I have so much trouble saying no. Those are my base causes for people pleasing/not voicing my opinions, and regardless if you see yourself in those, the point is that there is always (in my opinion) some belief about ourselves underlying our social (and general) insecurities. ::hugs:: ~Newt Reply
Q940: What are the chances of having a fling at camp? I'm hoping to attend Session 1 or 2 next year, and although that's not why I want to go...you know. :) Reply
A9: I've never had a real fling at camp. I've been dating a person I met at camp since my first year, and we're mainly monogomous, so I haven't been available. And my first year I was too shy. But anyway, from what I hear your chances are pretty good since you're on the west coast ; ) -KaylaC Reply
A8: First of all, I just want to say that I wanted ask this question, so many years ago. But I didn't have the guts to do it. So, props to the anonymous poster. Ellen really said it all, but I'd like to stress two points: 1. Attachment, it really can happen in a week. And it can be wonderful. But, you need to set yourself rules/expectations for your fling, and if you really want it to be just a fling, you're gonna have to work for it. And don't be discouraged by distance, if you decide you want more. It can be done. But this is not a recommendation. 2. Your fling is not the whole of camp. So you have this amazing beautiful person, and you just want snuggle and kiss and talk and spend all your time with... I'm not saying don't do it, but I have often wished that I'd spent less of my time flinging/searching and more of it basking in the other glories of camp. —Garrick Reply
A7: I have had three camp flings in the three years I attended camp. Getting the boy/girl is the very least of your concerns. I think, if you want it to happen, it just kind of happens (that's my experience) Here is what I have learned:
Decide what you want. Do you want it to be just at camp, or more? Camp is a place of really heightened emotions. Because of this, it is very easy to get attached to someone really fast. The lines blur really easily. You find yourself thinking, I really like this person. Maybe it could continue...
Not that those are bad thoughts or good thoughts, it is just want happens. Many people I know have had very fulfilling relationships that continued on after camp. I myself have done that, and it was a good experience (my current boy is still 30 minutes away, which is increasingly frustrating!). But...It can also get really messy when you are hundreds of miles away from someone. It is frustrating. There is a lot of pining. So...Are you the kind of person who wants to deal with that?
I feel like I'm making it kind of doom and gloom-y, but I've experienced and seen when flings get a tad messy. So, my basic advice is: know what you want from the fling. When you know what you want, it is so much better! Because, kissing, snuggling and all the other things that come with a fling are A-mazing. Believe me, camp has opened my eyes to just how wonderful kisses are. Also, make room for other people! It's very easy to get wrapped up in the boy/girl you are kissing!
—Ellen Reply
A6: I agree with both Cassia and A4: it definitely depends on how good
you are at it, and it definitely doesn't need to be the biggest part of Camp for you. The only fling I ever had that was more than a one night thing repeated itself for several years, became a relationship at one point, and is now a close friendship...basically, this was a person I really liked and whatever it was that brought us together outlasted the romantic feelings. And what Cassia said, about being good at it? I suck at those sorts of things. I am timid, untrusting/disbelieving and uncomfortable in my body in romantic/sexual situations so getting from flirting to hooking up does not come easily. But I can tell you this: when I went to Camp with my heart wide open to honest love in all forms, I made the best friendships of my life. ~Newt Reply
A5: I don't know about the chances of having a fling, but my personal reaction to this question is a piece of advice from my personal experience this past year: don't get caught up in crushes/flings. There's so much more to camp and so many awesome people there... and I got too caught up in crushes and missed some of that. So, just be careful. Crushes are lots of fun, and though I've never had a fling it seems like those are tons of fun too, but... just don't let that be your entire camp experience, neh? Reply
A4: it depends on how good at it you are, I've been going 3 years, never had one, we-eel I guess that depends on your definition of the word, but just one and I botched it, some people have 4 every session. Reply
A3: If you're looking for one, it's pretty likely. Even if you don't have a fling, though, there are certainly lots of gorgeous people to oogle over. —Cassia Reply
A2: I have been at camp 5 years and I myself have never had a fling, but I know alot of people do so theres a big chance, but I don't think it's a good idea to goto camp hoping for that, just play it as it goes, if it happens it happens, your less likely to feel left out if you just enjoy whatever happens! even if thats just friends or crushes. =) -FionaC Reply
A1: Well, I didn't have one myself, but I did have my first platonic crush at OR 2 this year. I did notice a couple other people who hooked up at camp this year though. And camp sure would be a good place to have a fling, because everyone there is so awesome! _ I guarantee you this though, you will at least make some great friends there. yakri~ Reply
Q939: Okay. This is a bit of a follow-up to number 937. Also, I suppose it is mostly targeted at girls. How do you take care of your faces/hair/nails/skin? What exactly do you do in front of the mirror morning or night, and how do you feel about/while doing it?It might seem like a really, uhhh...non-question, but I'm sort of baffled by the whole idea of the beauty regimen. I'm a girl, but I've been raised by alternative types and my mother (and all my close female friends) pretty much are soap and water types. So clue me in please! Reply
A7: This question is really cute! Mainly I don't do anything. I am living on a farm right now. But I do put olive oil mixed with sea salt and lavendar on my face after showering because it gets dry really easily. When I'm not on a farm I have somewhat more of a hair routine. I spread a very small amount of gel onto my fingertips and shape the curls in my hair a bit after squeezing my hair dry from showering. I then sometimes use clips to get my hair to do what I want. But not all the time, and that part is a little more complicated, so I won't write it all out here. -KaylaC Reply
A6: I used to wear tons of make up but as I've gotten older I've gotten a bit more relaxed about it. I shower and wash my hair and use a facial scrub and brush my teeth and put on green brown or glittery mascara and lip gloss every morning. I always wear at least one necklace and a lot of rings and earrings and usually plan out my clothes the night before. I paint and clip my nails about once a week which is not really often enough because by the time I get around to them they always look garish and flaky. Oh, and I use red henna on my hair every couple weeks and get it cut once a month, and I work out every couple days, again not often enough but whatever. If I'm going to a party or out dancing I'll do the whole eyeshadhow foundation body glitter etc. Oh, and I always shave and wear lotion, deorderant and light perfume that I've made myself or that I have left over from South America. If I have time on my hands I may experiment with barrettes and hair bands or pluck my eyebrows or whatever. Reply
All of this takes about an hour or so a day if you factor in my sporadic work outs and epicly long showers. Reply
wow... looking at this list I guess I do a hell of a lot in the beauty department huh? But it's fun! Reply
A5: Compared to a lot of people I don't do much. I shower in the morning and wash my face with some acne stuff that's really nice. I also wash my hair. I wash my face at night too before I go to bed. I clip my nails when they get too long and annoying. Sometimes I put on mascara and eyeshadow. I also use chap stick when my lips are dry. That's really about it. Usually it takes about 10 to 15 min a day. :) -AnyaA Reply
A4: I usually don't wash my face except when I shower, which is more in the summer and less in the winter, every 2-8 days. When I get out of the shower I put on a mixture of aloe, almond oil, and tea tree oil (the second two I have pre-mixed to dilute the tea tree oil. The ratio is something like 7-2-1, but slightly more aloe in the summer), to keep my skin from flaking and breaking out. That works for me year-round. I wash my hair like once a month, but usually just rinse it. I cut my nails short when one of them starts to break. My morning looks something like this: Glare at my hair in the mirror and splash some water on it, brush my teeth, wash my hands, put on brown or grey eyeliner and earrings if I have time. I used to wash and condition my hair every other day, buy special soap for my face, put on three different kinds of lotion/toner, put cover-up on my entire face, make up my eyes and lips, and constantly worry about the state of my hair. Too much work, and I hate how it looks now. Edit: I still constantly worry about my hair. —Rebecca Reply
A3: I spend literally five minutes in front of the mirror morning and night - I use Burts Bees cleansers, they feel awesome, are all natural and smell nice. Then I put cocoa butter on my face, and if I'm feeling like it, some mascara and maybe sparkles or eyeshadow. Can't be bothered with foundation or blushers or any of that - it can look nice but it also can look really horrible and pankaky and I just don't have the patience of desire to figure it all out. Just in general, I think cleansers are better for your face - most soaps are really harsh, they rip the oils out of your skin. You can definitely replace the moisture with lotions or what not, but its just not a good idea to constantly be taking away and replacing. For my hair I do an olive oil treatment once a month or so to keep it happy, and just don't wash it every day. And every day I tell myself I'll learn how to do something cool with my hair, something really pretty....and walk out of the bathroom with a ponytail. Every time. Fail. —Bean Reply
A2: I find make up and getting dressed and doing my hair a ton of fun. When I first wake up, I rarely do anything with my face unless I'm going out right away. I try to remember to put lotion on my face but usually forget to and just do it at night. (Lotion totally saves my face from acne.) When I'm leaving the house, I often put on eyeliner and occasionally eyeshadow. This spring I went through a lipstick phase. I sometimes draw spirals and dots around my eyes with sharpie or eyeliner. I've never worn cover-up/foundation because I like using make up to add to not cover up, plus I have freckles and would look funny with those gone. I do want to go get some cover-up, though, so I can cover up blemishes
and (ahem) hickies, but I'm intimidated by the whole matching skin color thing. Anyway - that's my mostly-random spewing of what I do as far as beauty
. ~Newt Reply
A1: I'm more or less an alternative, soap-and-water type myself, but I learned how to put makeup on—for myself and others—doing theater. I wear it maybe twice a month, tops, because it is REALLY annoying when you're not used to having to deal with it. The second best way (the best obviously being to find someone IRL to teach you) to learn to put the stuff on is instructional videos online (you can find instructional videos for anything online if you know where to look.) I'd recommend trying to find something with better quality than youtube, though... Reply
Since I grew up and currently circulate in a fairly alternative group, I don't know a lot of the girls that put ten kinds of gunk on their faces every morning (no disrespect meant to those who do, it just... seems silly.) My sister has experimented with a couple kinds of anti-acne cream and probably wears makeup more often than I do, but I doubt either of us even OWNS coverup. Reply
Last paragraph, I promise. It's probably mostly because I'm not used to it, but after the first ten minutes of wearing makeup, when the glamor has worn off, I feel really euchhh about having this gunk on my face. And if you ever wear mascara, make sure you have something to take it off. Mascara's a BITCH. (Something a little beyond water, soap and tissue. That gets off most if you're persistent, but not even close to all of it.) Reply
Anyway, this has been a bit rambly and er, opinionated, but I hope it helped a little anyway. -JuliaL Reply
Q938: Has anyone started a fire with a traditional tinderbox (or something of that ilk)? How long did it take you the first time? If you do it regularly, how fast did you get better at it? Do you know if the materials are easily acquirable? I've done a bunch of research on Wikipedia, but I need at least second-hand experience more than dry facts. Any help is appreciated. -JuliaL Reply
A1: I have started fires using a bow drill and a hand drill. A bow drill is much easier and faster. The first time, with a hand drill, it took probably 30 minutes? With a bow drill the first two times probably about 10 minutes, and then 5 minutes thereafter. The most common problem I've had is not in getting a good ember, but not having enough tinder and very small kindling to grow the ember into flame. I've always used cedar for both the drill shaft and hearthboard. If using the hand drill method, it's best to have a partner across from you so you can alternate spinning the drill shaft. Further questions? Email me from my page. —Mike Reply
Q937: Vanity question here...I'm looking for a really nice all-natural facial toner/moisturizer. I have kind of uneven, dry skin and I spent too much time in the sun without sunscreen when I was little. So...Suggestions? Reply
A1: Aubrey Organics. They have several different lines for different types of skin so you can figure out and choose which ones you need (and they sell travel size sample packs, too, which is how I got turned on to them), and they are not too expensive. I use their line and everyone I know who has absolutely raves. Let us know how it works for you if you try it. :) -RachelH Reply
G936: I've decided that I want to look into professional photography. I've thought about it for a bit, and I love the feeling of taking pictures that feel important to me- It's weird, but I feel connected to them. Anyway, I was wondering about cameras- I don't know how to start because they're expensive and I'm not sure if I should commit right away, or maybe take classes, but I think I'll need my own camera for that- so really, any guidance, stories about how you started off, random misguided suggestions- anything would be great. —Lani Reply
A1: Think about lenses. Spend at least as much thought, and perhaps as much money, on glass as on the camera body. Learn to understand online reviews. Find good, affordable lenses and get the camera that lets you use them. To me, this means film Nikons and digital Canons; to you it may be something else. You linked to a portfolio a while back, right? If that was you, don't worry about classes; you're better than most photography teachers. Reply
Q935: Alright so I’m not sure this quite the right place for this, but as far as I know there isn’t an I Have An Ethics Question page. I went to a party at a friends house over the weekend, and while I was there an unknown person threw a beer bottle though the left rear window of my car. Nobody knows who threw it, if I had to guess I’d say that whoever it was had drunk the contents of that bottle and a number of others, they may not even know they threw a bottle or that it hit something. In any case the insurance covered it but there was a $50 dollar deductible. My friends mom whose house this was at, felt very bad about what happened and gave me $50 to pay for it. The only problem with this is that I’m sure that I can afford to pay it way better than she can. My question is, should I gave back all or some of the money? Why or why not? Reply
A1: As far as my experience goes, feeling like a good person is more important than having enough money (at least to anyone who cares about feeling like a good person.) Your friend's mom is giving you money so she feels like a good person. The real question here is how guilty you'll be for accepting money from her. If you feel uncomfortable accepting her money, I recommend that you explain that to her and suggest something along the lines of a fifty-fifty split. Or whatever works for you. If, on the other hand, accepting that money isn't going to keep you awake at night, I'd recommend thanking her heartily and going on your merry way. Reply
Q934: I'm doing character research and want to see movies from the 30s and 40s that feature uptight women (sweet, shy, and intelligent also apply) as the lead romantic characters. Suggestions? —CaitliN Reply
Q933: do you prefer telephone calls to snail mail, or Email for that matter, to summarize what is you favorite type of long distance communication? Reply
A3: I love snail mail because it feels really personal and it's just so exciting to find things in your mailboxes that have your name on them, but like Blueberry said it isn't the best way to stay in touch with what's actually happening in people's lives. I think my primary form of long-distance communication is Livejournal, actually. Eheheh. Heh. Next is email. I like it because it keeps things up-to-date, but ehh... it's just so electronic. Pretty much the same way I feel about IM these days. I'm not that big on phone calls because I find it really difficult to have a semi-decent conversation on the phone, at least at my house; I think it's because to have a semi-decent conversation I need to be physically comfortable, and my phone is up on the wall next to a chest-of-drawers and big piles of clutter, and if I pulled a chair over there it would be in everybody's way. Mrr. -JuliaL Reply
A2: i like phone calls the best because you can here peoples voice so it is easier to tell if they are joking or being sarcastic or somthing i can be acward on the phone but that genrally goes away after a while but i love e-mail and aim to and snail mail can be really cool so basicly ass long as we are talking i dont care how :)~DanielleT Reply
A1: It depends on the nature of the relationship. I really enjoy snail mail and am trying to sustain a few camper-penpals, but letters aren't that good for really staying in touch with someone's life. For every-so-often communications, especially lengthier ones, email definitely. But with my closer friends I prefer IM or texting, because they seem slightly more personal. I really love IMing people. <3 I'm not a fan of phone calls at all. Also, anyone who wants to write me a letter or an email definitely should! ;) ~BlueberryEmily Reply
Q932: I've gotten very interested lately in age differences in friendships lately, and I'd be really interested to hear what any campers have to say to these questions, seeing as I think (non-adult) campers are a little more open to having age-diverse friendships than others—though that doesn't mean I wouldn't be interested in hearing from them, too! Reply
So, with regards to friends you consider true peers, not things like mentors, or say, the neighbor kid, how much does the age range vary? Are most older or younger, significantly such (say, +/- more than one year), an even split, or are most of your friends around your age? What's the age difference between your youngest and oldest friend and yourself? EDIT: I'd like to add few things, based on people's responses. A couple of people have mentioned parents of friends and such, and I don't want to second guess anyone, but to be certain, are these friendships the sort where you, say, would go get coffee with said friend and hang out, that sort of thing? That's the sort of friendship I'm thinking of, though if it isn't, I could have been clearer about it initially. Also, camp friends are more than fine, and while different from my original question, hearing about romantic relationships would be also be interesting. Finally, if you could mention your age, that would be handy to help me get a sense of things in each instance, thanks! Keep the answers coming, this is outright fascinating! Reply
A9: I'm 17, my friends have been in a fairly wide spread for a while now, I think, the youngest person I am friends with at the moment is 13, and the oldest is 19, although, that's discounting some people who I think would qualify as mentors rather then peers. And my half brother who I consider a friend, but I suppose he doesn't count since he is family. (He is 20 years older then me or so). That's about it for my 'real life' friends. I think the reason for the mostly even spread up and down the age ladder is because I get along with just about everyone for my part. And I haven't had the chance to get to know many people much older than me. As for people I have gotten to know fairly well on the internet. That group is a varied and numerous as the stars in the sky. the youngest I remember being 10 and the oldest being 44, although most of them I didn't get to know all that well. Out of the people I have gotten to know well on the internet, the age group is more along the lines of 13 to 30 or so, the real amazing part is where they all come from, I've gotten to know people from all over the world, its great! Now as for romantic relationships, I'm 'mainly' attracted to people with in 1 year either way from my age, 2 being not that uncommon, but after that the closest it gets is a platonic crush, and that's still within 10 years upwards and 2 years downwards. I'm willing to make friends with just about everyone, I'm just not so great at actually doing it. _ yakri~ Reply
A8: I'm 19. ;) My friends have been, for the most part, older than me. The largest difference in age I've had in a friendship is probably around 15 years. (older than me). I tend not to hang out with younger people, I don't know why. Lately, the age gap seems to be disappearing and most of my close friends are now within 2 years of my age. Its frustrating tho, it seems that age differences in friendships are really looked down on, like they're dirty or strange, but I think they're quite wonderful. Seriously, I learn so much from, and enjoy the company of adults so much!! It can be awkward, but in general I'm all for age gap friendships. :D To the romantic relationships...for me I was 18 and the guy I was seeing was 26. Voila! —Bean Reply
A7: I've thought about this quite a bit since camp as well... my thoughts are all disorganized, though, so I'm going to answer sort of oddly. My real life
close friends are all between the ages of 14 and 18, me being 16... though I think a major part of that is the fact that I, unlike the majority of campers and therefore Wiki, am schooled. All my real life
friends are within a grade of me in school. I have internet friends
that I roleplay with that are between the ages of 17 and 22, I think. My camper friends are between the ages of 13 and ... hmm, I was going to say 19, but I would have coffee with Marina... but I think she's the oldest, and all the others are 20 and under, if I remember correctly. I tend to gravitate toward people a year or two older than me, in general, both at camp and in real life
.
The other reason I've been thinking about this is because I was thinking about romantic relationships... particularly at camp. It seemed (to me at least) that most people (even those with noticeably younger or older friends) having flings or in relationships did so within a few years of their own age... but I don't know. Um. I think that's everything I was going to say. ~BlueberryEmily Reply
A6: I do not have a large circle of friends, but the ones I do have are all younger (I'm 17 and my friends are between 14 and 16). For a while I found that strange, and wondered why considering I do not think I'm young for my age
. I've finally figured out that it has more to do with my self confidence than anything. I'm completely comfortable talking to those younger or considerably older than me, but with people my age I get extremely shy, wondering what they think of me, and if they're judging me. Somehow, with younger people I don't think of that, and feel I can simply be myself! I really want to try and get over that irrational fear, and try to have friends who are a wide variety of ages! Reply
A5: This is a weird answer. I have a LOT of friends that are younger than me in the real world. For example, one of my best friends in the world is 15, and I'm 19. In fact, I can think of one person who I hang out with on a regular basis who is older than me. No, two. I have friends that are younger than 15, but she's the one that stands out the most. Oddly, I tend to be friends with people who are older than me (again, I shall use Marina as an example, 'cause she's so goshdarned friendly) most when I don't see them often and talk to them a lot on the internet or the phone or what have you. I guess it's because it's easier to think of someone as a peer instead of someone who's older than you when you're not actually face to face with them. My oldest good friend is probably Zephyr's mom, Kimberly. She's 40. I definitely am friends with people who are older than her, though. Again, they're just not close friends. I'm really exhausted, and I'm not sure how much sense this post actually made. —Cassia Reply
P.S. - In answer to the edit, it is a well known fact among my friends that I get along better with Kimberly when Zephyr is nowhere to be seen. I wouldn't actually get a coffee with her because I hate coffee, but yes, I think we have that kind of friendship. Reply
P.P.S. - I have never been in a romantic relationship with someone older than me. I've only ever seriously pursued someone older than myself once. Reply
A4: Most of my friends outside of camp range from about eleven to early fifties. They're sort of arranged in a bell curve; there are more closer to my age and fewer as one gets farther out. My adult friends tend to be homeschooling moms, and my much-younger friends tend to be friends that my family has known for a long time (but that doesn't mean I love them any less.) I have two siblings who are three and six years younger than I am, so I get exposed to a lot of people younger than I am but they tend to be Fishy's friend soandso
or Erik's friend whatsisface
when I talk about them. Reply
Also, I noticed after camp this year that I started to refer to some of the camp staffers (like Marina and Zen) as my friends in casual conversation rather than as camp staffers. I think this happens more with staffers that are closer to camper-age, and knowing them on the wiki first probably also helped. Reply
Anyway, there's my two cents. -JuliaL Reply
A3: Cool question. My friends are fairly evenly distributed in a range of ages from 15 to 68, and I'm 17. I suppose some of them are technically mentors, but but I have a hard time categorizing like that since my relationship to each of my peeps is very different and individual. Also, I tend to be a litle bit of a social chameleon: with each person or group of people, I am true to a different part of my own personality. I have one kind of friendship with the 68 year old new england farmer, another with the 30-something mother/cheesemaker/herbalist, another with the 20 year old gay black college boy, etc. Quite liberating... By the way, I've only recently been able to relate easily to my age-peers (late teens-mid twenties). I used to be a nervous wreck around most of them, but now I'm finally starting to enjoy their company as much as that of adults. Wooo! Reply
Sincerely, a person who loves to analyze different species of social interaction. Reply
a2: For the past couple of years I have been mostly hanging out with people 2-3 years older then me, and the majority of my friends right now are 19 and i'm just turning 17, other then that I have a few friends my age, and a couple younger, but I have never really clicked with the people my age in my neighbourhood, except a small number that I was friends with, in some ways it sucks that most of my friends are 19 now because they can all goto the bar and I can't, and they sometimes forget, but other then that I feel like I connect with them better, we have some great talks, but it's great t change it up and have one of those days when I feel alot younger again with my friends 2 years younger then me. this is not including camp friends, just people in my city. -fionaC Reply
a1: i am 14 i really like age difference in friendships i feel like i learn alot from both my older and younger friends and i like the different perspective on life the majority of my friends are older than me by around 5 or 6 years and i think that its because my sister is about that much older than me and i can relate to and feel comfortabal with people that age i woried for a while that it was because i am a younger sibling and felt like i needed to be taken care of
but i have found that most of my friendships are fairly give and take i dont have many younger friends who are not campers and when i do its genrally a sibilling type of relationship wich i like also but it is deffinitly different
so i would say my oldest friend is 6 years older than me and my youngest is 1 year younger than me ~DanielleT Reply
Q931: For those of you who have gone to both Oregon and Vermont camp locations, which did you prefer? Where did you have the most fun? Is it terribly hard to get to Vermont from a southern/faraway state? How did you get to Vermont? Are there any campers from southern states? This is like five questions, sorry. —Prospie Reply
A1: (Disclaimer: I'm not sure how helpful this will be, since I've only gone to the West coast.) I talked to one person at the Oregon sessions who liked Vermont better—although she said that might be mostly because she had been going to only Vermont for a few years. A couple other people said they liked Oregon better. Everybody I've talked to about it agrees that there's a really different vibe depending on where you go, although I think there's starting to be more and more cross-pollination. Reply
As for being hard to get to, that depends on how you define hard to get to. People come all the freaking way from New York and Hawaii for the Oregon sessions and don't consider it particularly difficult. I guess it also depends on whether you mean finance-wise or convincing-your-parent(s)-that-you-won't-die-from-taking-public-transportation-wise. -JuliaL Reply
Q930: If you had a large quantity of mostly plain old boring but some really cool looking buttons, what would you do with them? —Rebecca Reply
A4: I have made bracelets and necklaces. Also, I have taken a plain ol' purse and sewn them on every where making it look so much cooler. —Jen Reply
A3: If they're regular shirt buttons, I'd make them into earrings. I could use more buttons for earring making. And when I got bored of earrings, I'd glue some to a belt, like Molly said. And if I had enough left over, and the patience for it(unlikely), I'd make A DRESS ENTIRELY OUT OF BUTTONS. ...Somehow. :D —Qacei Reply
A2: I'd hand them out to people and say something along the lines of Be creative
but then again, I'm an odd duck who thinks getting odd looks from people is fun. ;) —CeCi Reply
A1: Like, button buttons? Shirt type buttons? Flap of a messenger bag, making them into a mosaic. Or a belt. Maybe a vest or shirt cuff decoration. Use in art? —Molly Reply
Edit This Page Show Changes Archives Add Archive Tag Revisions Random Page List of Pages Recent Changes Main Page Log in