Happy Atheist Forum

Getting To Know You => Laid Back Lounge => Topic started by: xSilverPhinx on September 05, 2011, 09:53:56 PM

Title: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on September 05, 2011, 09:53:56 PM
I'm from Brasília, which is the small planned Capital of Brazil, a symbol of modern architecture, is classified as a World Heritage (Unesco) and really pisses some people off.  8)
Especially those that feel a bit small in comparision, such as the southerners here, who live close to Argentina.  :-X

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aboutbrasilia.com%2Fimages%2Fbrasilia-10-miles-high.jpg&hash=9456046a7261e6e7162cb4cd92abf00c23d4de2a)

A plane's layout.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwwwdelivery.superstock.com%2FWI%2F223%2F1597%2FPreviewComp%2FSuperStock_1597-96188.jpg&hash=59cbff52f7e3a5c5b23f3cc80cdc79042f2efd2d)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imagensviagens.com%2Fbrasilia02b.jpg&hash=c6b0c9faa4883117d6f331801a75329656750db3)

It's close to impossible to go past the National Theatre and not want to climb those protruding blocks.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vidadeturista.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F04%2Faniversario-brasilia-2011-51-anos.jpg&hash=d1c2428c4104482777b15c70811e330c74519aa4)
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdirceurabelo.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fcatedral_wide.jpg&hash=0d135ea8556a57b3048a2abbaa598dcca1fe5bfe)

A cathedral.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F--JaOKjbiMSg%2FTkxXibM21yI%2FAAAAAAAAAFY%2FGzkeo-cBuho%2Fs1600%2FBrasilia-photo1744-5.jpg&hash=c2622098ecb16a35610bdb970edfad4ebba2419d)

The National Museum.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portaldoshopping.com.br%2Find_shopping%2Fshopp_associados%2Ffichas%2Ffichas02%2Fbrasilia.jpg&hash=89b95328f880eca5462f316ffa2d3ff8ec057459)

A shopping center.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ft2.gstatic.com%2Fimages%3Fq%3Dtbn%3AANd9GcQSQAUI0gxEbL_JnTI_0afGS5Sd1mvGshIcfnRWXxnAzEZebUtH3g&hash=d15a6e40eeb26394d902508612d2071b3e8fcc46)

The sphere facing down represents the Senate and the one facing up, the Chamber.

One of the architects who designed Brasília (who is still alive in fact) was an outspoken communist, and the city reflects that. Residential blocks of the same type look the same, from the South Wing  to the North Wing. Ironically, where the building above and Ministries are located contains a communist message, or so a student of architecture once told me.  

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1.r7.com%2Fdata%2Ffiles%2F2C92%2F94A3%2F2C1C%2FFABA%2F012C%2F1DBE%2F4799%2F54F7%2FEsplanada-Brasilia-AE.jpg&hash=6af095104161ad714d0b4a2dc09484068f582557)

Something about the grassy area representing a table, with the towers (power) on one end and the popular bus station (which is not in the photo) on the opposite end. Those buildings in between are Ministries. The Cathedral would be a chalice turned upseide down and the bells next to it (which is not in the photo) would be a fork.

Looks a bit like one of those Masonry conspiracy theory type explanations, but the guy studied in a serious univeristy and based his arguments on art criticism and interpretation.    
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on September 05, 2011, 09:58:46 PM
What a beautiful place to live.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on September 05, 2011, 10:23:12 PM
Well I live on the East side of Leeds (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leeds), West Yorkshire (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Yorkshire).

My house is in this picture.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg197.imageshack.us%2Fimg197%2F6462%2Fhomeair.jpg&hash=be868a6b0776a68b2c1cfa8316b5b594fc66f497)

In the picture below the blue line is my typical dog walking circuit.
The yellow spot is where I will sit and have a cigar when the weather is nice and the dogs get to run around.
The red rectangle is Temple Newsam House. (http://www.leeds.gov.uk/templenewsamhouse/)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg692.imageshack.us%2Fimg692%2F371%2Fhome3p.jpg&hash=2670cf8afffc0bcde1715ced05a1442ab329f987)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Xjeepguy on September 05, 2011, 10:46:02 PM
This is pretty much the whole town I live in. It's kinda hard to see the mountainous terrain from the overhead view, but I am in the middle of nowhere. Good ole Sissonville WV.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi140.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr19%2Frebelrc%2FSissonville2.png&hash=d0f22303fdeedd345509362ee242dba6529bb043)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: DeterminedJuliet on September 06, 2011, 02:15:57 AM
I just moved to Ottawa, but I'm from Newfoundland. It's a fairly remote place, with terrible weather, but I loved it there and I hope we move back there some day. *sighs with home-sickness*

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marketingmag.ca%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F06%2FNLT-What-else-would-you-expect.jpg&hash=f57bf87577af251f1541f2546ebfcd62f808a229)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usaro.net%2Ffotopage%2Ffotos%2Fnorthamerica%2Fnewfoundland%2Ficeberg.jpg&hash=0d6935f7fb2a40eafc2f7b2495336f97f75f89c8)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.quebecnature.biz%2Fhorsquebec%2Ftablelands-b.jpg&hash=70ce2f1fbeb5ae6b2e92690c7366eddb373dfcae)
This is an area called "The Tablelands" in Gros Morne national park. I went hiking there a few years ago, and it feels like you're walking on the surface of mars.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmembers.shaw.ca%2Fkcic1%2Fflowers%2Fnf.gif&hash=9a7f10e543ec1ba19a32238a27ac8522a861186f)
Our provincial flower is the "Pitcher Plant". Fun fact: it's carnivorous! (I also happen to have a tattoo of one of these plants on my foot :D)  

I could talk about Newfoundland all day  :P
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Sandra Craft on September 06, 2011, 03:59:05 AM
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on September 06, 2011, 02:15:57 AM
I just moved to Ottawa, but I'm from Newfoundland. It's a fairly remote place, with terrible weather, but I loved it there and I hope we move back there some day. *sighs with home-sickness*


I can see why!  I don't think I've ever seen such gorgeous scenery in my life.  This is a shot of downtown Long Beach, CA:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm7.static.flickr.com%2F6078%2F6118544455_82ed1d61d6.jpg&hash=b50c026a156b4273304bebb83d01adba86e9e3d5)

I used to have a beautiful photo of the beach close to me, taken at sunset and covered in a golden glow but I can't find it now.  I think LB's only real claim to fame is the energy we put into attracting tourists.  We have a Gran Prix, a Pride Parade that I think is considered the 3rd most popular in the States, and a Blues and Jazz Festival that's picking up a lot of momentum.  We also have a lot of smaller festivals that don't get the international attention of the other three, and at one time had a Carnevale but that sank out of sight some years ago.  Would have thought that would be more popular.

Something that isn't generally known, but often creates interest for us insiders, is that we also have unusually high numbers of both Southern Baptists and GLBT residents (in fact, the city's nickname is San Francisco South but that's not in the city hall brochure).  At one time the Baptists used to have a Family Pride Parade in an attempt to offer a godly alternative to Gay Pride, but that only lasted a few years.  It's hard to compete with Dykes on Bikes.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: OldGit on September 06, 2011, 09:36:09 AM
Here's a Google Earth shot of the little village where I have lived for the last 15 years.  It's between Hereford and Leominster; we're about 15 miles east of the Welsh border, although many government organisations, utilities etc seem to believe we're Welsh!

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi647.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu198%2FRamblingSyd%2FVillage.jpg&hash=70374ff8215251737174859cd1474796863c589c)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: The Magic Pudding on September 06, 2011, 11:40:57 AM
Well I assume you all know the story of the troublesome American colonists and their ungrateful rejection of the empire.  This caused a problem for the Brits as to what to do with the criminal class.  So they scoured the world for the most benighted hell hole they could find and sent their crooks there as an admonitory lesson to all.

Sydney served this purpose but after a couple of decades a new place was needed within NSW to dump irredeemable re-offenders, so in 1821 Port Macquarie was established.

Most of the attractions are natural, there is a koala hospital, McDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken and all the usual crap.  Something I like is that building isn't allowed too close to beaches, you don't have to ask permission to paddle down rivers either.  There's some remnant literal rainforest with some interesting wildlife.  Platypus can be found in nearby freshwater rivers, I haven't seen any wombats around but there's the occasional echidna.  Wallabies and kangaroos are extremely common.  Some nature reserves and national parks are close, others are a bit further away.

This is a thread about a day trip I made in January. (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=6733.0)


This is the country an hour inland where the Hastings River comes out of the hills.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FF1aPH.jpg&hash=9acd42426aae0a39d0764a390f64073f8467ad26)

Two pics of the river meeting the sea at Port Macquarie.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FVGyGZ.jpg&hash=9696941c910c5f80cc33266ae039667298027913)
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F2Wb76.jpg&hash=3eb5d7e55b1c55ffae0e5b1355c0cff9b03539a2)


Town beaches, there are long unbroken beaches to the north and south.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FzQpb5.jpg&hash=764ab869ee9a196ac8a87156af1ef33f3bb94417)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FZakHq.jpg&hash=e7f6a0e17ef50248d9e3ac0e79c89b04999f25a8)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FIT604.jpg&hash=15951978a9e23e7d19f8abe7088dfe9feb41cc13)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rydges.com%2Fimages%2Ffind-a-hotel%2FRNPMAC%2Fimage-gallery%2Flocation%2Flarge%2FPort_Macquarie.jpg&hash=2af2c455e5531d60f1f1017b0c31746072aee856)


Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on September 06, 2011, 11:48:18 AM
You deserve all the poisionous stingy thingies to balance out the karma of such beauty  >:(
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Gawen on September 06, 2011, 12:08:31 PM
Where I live is boring, small town, southwest, conservative and religious Americana. There is nothing of interest here.
There are no good photo shoots.
No industry.
No lakes or rivers.
No architecture.  
Lower than average crime rate. 75 registered sex offenders.
No hospital and two nursing homes.
Two high schools. American football is the second organized religion and high school football is taken very seriously.
Average income is $50,000, which I fall under considerably.
Average home value is $147,000, which I also fall under considerably.
There are 55 churches in the 74 square miles of the city.
The assistant city manager compares fire and police to public works employees (streets, water and sewer, parks and recreation, facility maintenance) as "Police and Fire are diamonds - PW are trash bags", direct quote.

It is quiet here.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Sandra Craft on September 06, 2011, 03:28:13 PM
Quotethere is a koala hospital

OK, I don't think anything beats a koala hospital.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on September 06, 2011, 04:20:00 PM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on September 06, 2011, 03:28:13 PM
Quotethere is a koala hospital

OK, I don't think anything beats a koala hospital.
You know I think you may well be right, I couldn't think of anything either.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on September 06, 2011, 06:30:47 PM
This thread is making me want to travel :(

Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on September 06, 2011, 02:15:57 AM
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.quebecnature.biz%2Fhorsquebec%2Ftablelands-b.jpg&hash=70ce2f1fbeb5ae6b2e92690c7366eddb373dfcae)
This is an area called "The Tablelands" in Gros Morne national park. I went hiking there a few years ago, and it feels like you're walking on the surface of mars.

There's a joke that goes around Brasília that says that if you removed all the vegetation from the preserved natural environments, it would look like Mars, because the soil is naturally red and very poor. But it couldn't beat this. Stunning scenery. Newfoundland looks very interesting.

Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: jsprouse on September 06, 2011, 08:00:35 PM
I am from Texas, where you can never predict what the weather is going to do. Except for this summer it has been nothing, but really hot. Not everything is bigger in Texas, but everyone feels like they have to drive a big truck anyways :)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Siz on September 09, 2011, 03:20:17 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on September 05, 2011, 09:53:56 PM
I'm from Brasília, which is the small planned Capital of Brazil, a symbol of modern architecture, is classified as a World Heritage (Unesco) and really pisses some people off.  8)
Especially those that feel a bit small in comparision, such as the southerners here, who live close to Argentina.  :-X


Truly beautiful!

I, however, am from a smeggy part of a putrid city in a miserable country. Just a molatov cocktail's-throw from the unwashed masses of looting, uneducated, miscreant London youth. The plan is to make my money in the big city then run for the hills... Meanwhile I'll stay here and moan about it in that inimitable English style...

And anyone who wants to tell me how lucky I am to live in such a country can come and experience for themselves how a Nanny-State can destroy a nation.

On the plus side, we've got Steven Hawking....

Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: DeterminedJuliet on September 09, 2011, 04:58:11 PM
Quote from: Scissorlegs on September 09, 2011, 03:20:17 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on September 05, 2011, 09:53:56 PM
I'm from Brasília, which is the small planned Capital of Brazil, a symbol of modern architecture, is classified as a World Heritage (Unesco) and really pisses some people off.  8)
Especially those that feel a bit small in comparision, such as the southerners here, who live close to Argentina.  :-X


Truly beautiful!

I, however, am from a smeggy part of a putrid city in a miserable country. Just a molatov cocktail's-throw from the unwashed masses of looting, uneducated, miscreant London youth. The plan is to make my money in the big city then run for the hills... Meanwhile I'll stay here and moan about it in that inimitable English style...

And anyone who wants to tell me how lucky I am to live in such a country can come and experience for themselves how a Nanny-State can destroy a nation.

On the plus side, we've got Steven Hawking....



I've never been to London, or anywhere outside of North America, actually. I'd love go there. I guess the grass is often greener  ;)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Siz on September 09, 2011, 07:45:26 PM
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on September 09, 2011, 04:58:11 PM
Quote from: Scissorlegs on September 09, 2011, 03:20:17 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on September 05, 2011, 09:53:56 PM
I'm from Brasília, which is the small planned Capital of Brazil, a symbol of modern architecture, is classified as a World Heritage (Unesco) and really pisses some people off.  8)
Especially those that feel a bit small in comparision, such as the southerners here, who live close to Argentina.  :-X


Truly beautiful!

I, however, am from a smeggy part of a putrid city in a miserable country. Just a molatov cocktail's-throw from the unwashed masses of looting, uneducated, miscreant London youth. The plan is to make my money in the big city then run for the hills... Meanwhile I'll stay here and moan about it in that inimitable English style...

And anyone who wants to tell me how lucky I am to live in such a country can come and experience for themselves how a Nanny-State can destroy a nation.

On the plus side, we've got Steven Hawking....



I've never been to London, or anywhere outside of North America, actually. I'd love go there. I guess the grass is often greener  ;)

True enough. It's always bloody raining....
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: fyv0h on September 10, 2011, 12:28:47 AM
Until i can afford to expat across the pond, I dwell in the quiet little town Nashville NC, where the tea is sweet, the air is clean, and the little old ladies poke you in your Atheist shirt with bony fingers until it hurts.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on September 10, 2011, 09:10:45 AM
Quote from: fyv0h on September 10, 2011, 12:28:47 AM
Until i can afford to expat across the pond, I dwell in the quiet little town Nashville NC, where the tea is sweet, the air is clean, and the little old ladies poke you in your Atheist shirt with bony fingers until it hurts.
That creates a wonderful mental image  :)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: fyv0h on September 11, 2011, 11:52:05 PM
True story too. In a grocery store stocking up on kool-aid, I had this little white haired half-pint of a lady get disgusted over my "Proud Atheist" shirt and start jabbing me while ranting on about damnation. I didn't know whether to be rude to her or help her cross the street, but ultimately I just laughed and she just poked harder and it just hurt more.  ???
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: fyv0h on September 14, 2011, 03:38:19 AM
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1081.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj342%2Ffyv0h%2F1980_1272507849212.jpg&hash=2fc4bf39e3c14c9c6b5a6e438ee9554fd56cd9d4)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on September 14, 2011, 05:35:53 PM
Bagpipes are inspiring ;D Freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeedooooooooooooooooooooooom!

(had to add that, just had to)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Willow on September 15, 2011, 10:32:38 PM
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi944.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fad284%2FWillowrobson%2FWythenshawe%2Fth_Houseinrow.jpg&hash=d11a1cb2854a5b3672b879a7c404b3fe3c50ab65) (http://s944.photobucket.com/albums/ad284/Willowrobson/Wythenshawe/?action=view&current=Houseinrow.jpg)
This is my house; the white one.
We live on a sprawling council estate on the outskirts of Manchester. 

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi944.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fad284%2FWillowrobson%2FWythenshawe%2Fth_Civic2.jpg&hash=894bea87b6047f19109f15d2cf9146ac78482d31) (http://s944.photobucket.com/albums/ad284/Willowrobson/Wythenshawe/?action=view&current=Civic2.jpg)
This is our local town centre, not Manchester City, but Wythenshawe Civic Centre.

Manchester is an industrial city in the North of England.  It grew rich on the cotton picked by African Americans and woven by poor Mancunian children.
Our estate was built after the second world war to allow the working class to move away from the bombed out inner city slums to modestly generous council houses like mine, which has three bedrooms and gardens front and back.

The council sold our house to the then tennent in 1983 and it has been a privately owned house since.  We bought it in 2006.

Manchester strives to improve its culture and commerce but remains northern.  The North/South divide in England is often understated and adversly affects the health, wealth and wellbeing of anyone born or living in the North.  I have always lived in the North.

Willow.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on September 16, 2011, 05:04:11 AM
Quote from: Willow on September 15, 2011, 10:32:38 PM
Manchester strives to improve its culture and commerce but remains northern.  The North/South divide in England is often understated and adversly affects the health, wealth and wellbeing of anyone born or living in the North.  I have always lived in the North.

What sort of North/South divide is it? Social?
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on September 16, 2011, 05:20:56 AM
Brasília is contained within this biome, the cerrado (which translates to "closed" or inaccessible"):

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ciflorestas.com.br%2Farquivos%2Fn_projeto_ano_30545.jpg&hash=bd96b6356650aff0d68221db6377a278159f7b81)



Behold. This is the South American savanna.   8) Much denser than the African bush, but very similar in it's vegetation, at least to the untrained eye. Both were molded from fire and draughts, a symbol for the resilience of life in less than optimal conditions (the natives of Brasília would find this sort of talk sort of ridiculous, but I think it's cool  :P ).  



(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.savingwater.co.za%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2010%2F10%2Fcerrado.jpg&hash=fe685a4ceb7355b20ee4791a17ed65ca22630c0c)



This is the ipê, symbol of the cerrado. They come in purple, pink, yellow, green and white...the latter of which I particularly like, though they're much rarer, because they look like Japanese cherry trees. They loose a good portion of their leaves during winter draughts and briefly flower till spring (with little or no leaves) when the rains come.


The cerrado is a Biodiversity hotspot (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biodiversity_hotspot), with these being among some of the fauna:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sabordocerrado.com.br%2Felementos%2Fanimais-cerrado.jpg&hash=02287776781032ba204efc8704358e9847b4499d)


8)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Willow on September 16, 2011, 12:44:02 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on September 16, 2011, 05:04:11 AM
Quote from: Willow on September 15, 2011, 10:32:38 PM
Manchester strives to improve its culture and commerce but remains northern.  The North/South divide in England is often understated and adversly affects the health, wealth and wellbeing of anyone born or living in the North.  I have always lived in the North.

What sort of North/South divide is it? Social?

It's socio-economic.  Northern accents don't have the same social prestige as Southern ones.  There is a hierarchy of accents, with accents like those of Stephen Fry or David Cameron at the top (Southern posh public school boys) and strong Northern accents at the bottom.  The South and particularly the South East attract comercial investment which means that investment in the North is made in terms of redressing the balance or supporting quaint cultural perculiarities of the regions.  Of course Northerners are fiercely proud of where they come from, most people are.

The class divide affect all parts of the country, and a strong Southern regional accent can set a person back too, but perceptions of Northerners make it harder for international organisations to locate jobs up north and I'm not explaining this very well, but it's all a bit shitter and we don't have the same international profile.  For most people outside of the UK, England is the South East.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Chronos on September 17, 2011, 01:11:47 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on September 05, 2011, 09:53:56 PM
I'm from Brasília ... One of the architects who designed Brasília (who is still alive in fact) was an outspoken communist, and the city reflects that. Residential blocks of the same type look the same, from the South Wing  to the North Wing. Ironically, where the building above and Ministries are located contains a communist message, or so a student of architecture once told me.  

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1.r7.com%2Fdata%2Ffiles%2F2C92%2F94A3%2F2C1C%2FFABA%2F012C%2F1DBE%2F4799%2F54F7%2FEsplanada-Brasilia-AE.jpg&hash=6af095104161ad714d0b4a2dc09484068f582557)

I have heard that the streets are unfriendly to pedestrians, and the two parallel streets in the photo often have pedestrian accidents. Is that still true?

Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Chronos on September 17, 2011, 01:16:28 AM
Quote from: Xjeepguy on September 05, 2011, 10:46:02 PM
This is pretty much the whole town I live in  ... Good ole Sissonville WV.

I know where that is -- I drive by it every few months. I wish I could remember the last name of the family that I knew many years ago that used to live there (and probably still does).  Was it Robeson?  I can't remember.

Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Chronos on September 17, 2011, 01:33:16 AM
This is a shot of our version of main street and an anamorphic archangel on the community bridge painted entirely using the trompe-l'œil technique.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmw2.google.com%2Fmw-panoramio%2Fphotos%2Fmedium%2F19293706.jpg&hash=f12fa21a76b8186cecba3eb721ca00b00bfdb57f) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick,_Maryland) (https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmw2.google.com%2Fmw-panoramio%2Fphotos%2Fmedium%2F19278824.jpg&hash=60570b521bb24bc88f49704582d8d12c496241e7) (http://www.panoramio.com/photo/19278824)

Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Xjeepguy on September 17, 2011, 05:06:48 AM
Quote from: Chronos on September 17, 2011, 01:33:16 AM
This is a shot of our version of main street and an anamorphic archangel on the community bridge painted entirely using the trompe-l'œil technique.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmw2.google.com%2Fmw-panoramio%2Fphotos%2Fmedium%2F19293706.jpg&hash=f12fa21a76b8186cecba3eb721ca00b00bfdb57f) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick,_Maryland) (https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmw2.google.com%2Fmw-panoramio%2Fphotos%2Fmedium%2F19278824.jpg&hash=60570b521bb24bc88f49704582d8d12c496241e7) (http://www.panoramio.com/photo/19278824)



I grew up just over an hour from there.....
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on September 17, 2011, 07:43:56 AM
Quote from: Chronos on September 17, 2011, 01:11:47 AM
I have heard that the streets are unfriendly to pedestrians, and the two parallel streets in the photo often have pedestrian accidents. Is that still true?

Yes, you could say that Brasília was not designed for pedestrians. They tried to remedy this, or make it less worse, by introducing a law that says that cars must stop when there are pedestrians at zebra crossings. An attempt to look civilized, think, though obviously the fact that just painting a few strips on the floor is way cheaper than installing traffic lights cannot be understated. One consequence of this is that actually more pedestrians started dying. Must be because of the Southerners that migrated there ::)

And no, the two roads that are notorious for people being hit by cars are the two main roads that cross the city from the South Wing to the North. Those in the picture go from East to West, and are not part of a populated residential area, just governmental buildings, in which most people have cars.

Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Melmoth on September 17, 2011, 12:48:03 PM
Not a lot to say really. I'm from the West Country, just outside Bristol, on the coast of the Severn estuary. Everyone speaks like a farmer or a pirate. It's the native land of Blackbeard, the British slave trade, cider and English country yokelism. This is the street I live on:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk613%2FJaddegout%2Froad1.jpg&hash=9ca36fe5da23b1583dfbdefb48bee9cbb11223de)

I'm a few doors along. The road on the right goes down to the coast, which looks like this:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk613%2FJaddegout%2Fsea.jpg&hash=ca68f054065b234be7bf5f96beb7bcb1e489eae1)

You can see the abandoned Battery Point lighthouse over in the distance there, which acted as a makeshift climbing frame when I was a kid. And here's my favourite pub, the Windmill:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Faphs.worldnomads.com%2Flocomocean%2F27253%2FIMG_2744.jpg&hash=8a0d2bd1e128f226d2806ebaff5eefbc9adf389b)

It's in a field near to where I walk the dogs. These two were taken last winter. Battery Point again:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk613%2FJaddegout%2Fdog1.jpg&hash=4986bf8efd03f0432dcb1e9a48e1be1635cd65c1)

And the big hilly land mass over there is Wales:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk613%2FJaddegout%2Fdog2.jpg&hash=a4c419cd2c7cfcceaaa71a6becadda400ad8143c)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Chronos on September 17, 2011, 12:54:59 PM
Quote from: Xjeepguy on September 17, 2011, 05:06:48 AM
I grew up just over an hour from there.....

So how did one end up in Sissonville, of all places?

Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Xjeepguy on September 17, 2011, 11:25:05 PM
Quote from: Chronos on September 17, 2011, 12:54:59 PM
Quote from: Xjeepguy on September 17, 2011, 05:06:48 AM
I grew up just over an hour from there.....

So how did one end up in Sissonville, of all places?



Was born here in WV, my Dad moved us to Cecil County MD when I was young. I just recently moved back home to WV and a simpler life. I liked MD, and still love my Ravens and O's, I just missed the mountains.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on September 18, 2011, 12:41:48 AM
Quote from: Xjeepguy on September 17, 2011, 11:25:05 PM
Quote from: Chronos on September 17, 2011, 12:54:59 PM
Quote from: Xjeepguy on September 17, 2011, 05:06:48 AM
I grew up just over an hour from there.....

So how did one end up in Sissonville, of all places?



Was born here in WV, my Dad moved us to Cecil County MD when I was young. I just recently moved back home to WV and a simpler life. I liked MD, and still love my Ravens and O's, I just missed the mountains.

I love mountains 8) Something that is unfortunatly lacking in Brazil.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: The Magic Pudding on September 18, 2011, 03:31:51 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on September 18, 2011, 12:41:48 AM

I love mountains 8) Something that is unfortunatly lacking in Brazil.

At least your continent has some.
But then earthquakes seem to be part of the package, I don't mind being without them.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on September 18, 2011, 08:32:22 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on September 18, 2011, 12:41:48 AM
Quote from: Xjeepguy on September 17, 2011, 11:25:05 PM
Quote from: Chronos on September 17, 2011, 12:54:59 PM
Quote from: Xjeepguy on September 17, 2011, 05:06:48 AM
I grew up just over an hour from there.....

So how did one end up in Sissonville, of all places?



Was born here in WV, my Dad moved us to Cecil County MD when I was young. I just recently moved back home to WV and a simpler life. I liked MD, and still love my Ravens and O's, I just missed the mountains.

I love mountains 8) Something that is unfortunatly lacking in Brazil.
And you're in the biggest flat bit in the country too, which makes matters worse.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: MariaEvri on September 18, 2011, 01:05:30 PM
Here I am too.
I am from Cyprus, which is the only country who s capital is half occupied. Or so we're tought!
I would post piccies, but must hurry
adios!
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on September 18, 2011, 08:22:20 PM
Quote from: The Magic Pudding on September 18, 2011, 03:31:51 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on September 18, 2011, 12:41:48 AM

I love mountains 8) Something that is unfortunatly lacking in Brazil.

At least your continent has some.
But then earthquakes seem to be part of the package, I don't mind being without them.

In the Southern part, only in Chile, I think. The rest are hills. ;D

Our geology is very old, and we're not close enough to any tectonic border to expericence any such landmass adventures.

Quote from: MariaEvri on September 18, 2011, 01:05:30 PM
Here I am too.
I am from Cyprus, which is the only country who s capital is half occupied. Or so we're tought!
I would post piccies, but must hurry
adios!

Cyprus, wow. I've met people from all over, but never one from there.  8)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: DeterminedJuliet on September 19, 2011, 12:58:40 PM
Quote from: MariaEvri on September 18, 2011, 01:05:30 PM
Here I am too.
I am from Cyprus, which is the only country who s capital is half occupied. Or so we're tought!
I would post piccies, but must hurry
adios!

I've heard it's beautiful. Please post pictures when you get a chance! :)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: KingPhilip on September 21, 2011, 05:58:32 AM
Hey all! I'm from a small, small, town called Logan located in scenic West Virginia. Also known as the poorest/2nd unhappiest state in the US. However, Logan does have Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. So there's that. :)
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.inquisitr.com%2Fwp-content%2F2011%2F09%2FLandau-Eugene-Murphy-Jr.jpg&hash=2c0d35e6d23d29e6fdef265994da358a2e942f97)

The area around here is ungodly mountainous, so much so that if you were to flatten all the mountains in WV, it would cover all of the US and some of Canada. It's awesome for anyone that loves the outdoors.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.landsat.com%2Fsamples%2Fcounty07%2FLoganWV07_1nc_o.JPG&hash=93ff8213a8d402a56a3414bd6faf3432210e1005)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.billyspostcards.com%2Fmedia%2Fccp0%2Fprodlg%2F61611%2Fimage201106160731.jpg&hash=6fd9c5f96d4984297dfc2fc3cdbbc3d4517c2e50)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpics4.city-data.com%2Fcpicc%2Fcfiles16938.jpg&hash=3f847e9ba3945fb4b54ba22f39d5b42994b3e566)

A curious feature of Logan is that its hotels are spontaneously combusting. Of the three major hotels around the town, two have burned down in the last six months or so. Including this one, located conveniently about 400 feet from my house.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wvmetronews.com%2Fimages%2FLogan%2520Motor%2520Lodge%25203.jpg&hash=4486ad741bca8e8b49831ab02acd6fc80fcc2996)

And that's Logan, not a lot to show as the whole of the town is about three streets. We recently moved, but I fly back enough that I still count it as my home. Not a bad little place I'd admit.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on September 21, 2011, 08:58:46 AM
Evidently somebody wants to kill the tourist trade!
Look very pictureskew.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Too Few Lions on September 21, 2011, 03:52:22 PM
Quote from: Melmoth on September 17, 2011, 12:48:03 PM
Not a lot to say really. I'm from the West Country, just outside Bristol, on the coast of the Severn estuary. Everyone speaks like a farmer or a pirate. It's the native land of Blackbeard, the British slave trade, cider and English country yokelism. This is the street I live on:
hi Melmoth, I live in that fair city built on cider, tobacco, piracy and slavery! I live a ten minute walk away from Brunel's suspension bridge, which is by far the best thing in the city (IMHO)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg689.imageshack.us%2Fimg689%2F3702%2Fcliftonbridge.jpg&hash=0b07b7b0384a80f45f8c44428a0a502ec52e9bd4) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/689/cliftonbridge.jpg/)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg32.imageshack.us%2Fimg32%2F7307%2Fcliftonsuspensionbridge.jpg&hash=f3ea9be23e528f663df12b195b99f23ad8b42075) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/32/cliftonsuspensionbridge.jpg/)

although it's grey and / or rainy most of the time, so tends to look a bit more like this;

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg189.imageshack.us%2Fimg189%2F308%2Fbridgerain.jpg&hash=504aea43212fc15bea16b6e362a064bf16d76e71) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/189/bridgerain.jpg/)

I struggle with the cold wet climate and am currently looking forward to selling my flat and doing some travelling around sunnier climes (ie anywhere else in Europe!) for a year or more, and will hopefully settle somewhere a little warmer and sunnier

Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on September 21, 2011, 04:24:08 PM
I quite liked the SS Great Britain and the walk down the river beside it.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg85.imageshack.us%2Fimg85%2F584%2Fdsc1880.jpg&hash=eb5a03a35667c0fb82d598ffa185af2d65785070)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Too Few Lions on September 21, 2011, 04:48:38 PM
yeah, it's quite nice down by the waterfront, particularly on a summer's day. Gotta confess that I'm quite looking forward to not living in a city for a while though, the traffic in Bristol is horrendous and because most of it's Georgian / Victorian houses that have been turned into flats, parking's a nightmare. I do dream of a nice simple life out in the country!
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: The Magic Pudding on September 21, 2011, 05:03:31 PM
Quote from: Too Few Lions on September 21, 2011, 03:52:22 PM
hi Melmoth, I live in that fair city built on cider, tobacco, piracy and slavery! I live a ten minute walk away from Brunel's suspension bridge, which is by far the best thing in the city (IMHO)

I struggle with the cold wet climate and am currently looking forward to selling my flat and doing some travelling around sunnier climes (ie anywhere else in Europe!) for a year or more, and will hopefully settle somewhere a little warmer and sunnier

I like the bridge without the lights.

I grew up in Sydney, maybe someday I'll take a deep breath and try to describe it.
Our society is supposedly built on rum sodomy and the lash but I suspect there's a flaw in that argument.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: hismikeness on September 21, 2011, 09:14:14 PM
I live in the Willamette Valley in Oregon, USA.

It's the green area.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domaineselect.com%2Fimages%2FImageMap%2FWillamette%2520Valley%2520AVA.jpg&hash=f29d9ff2c8ceb82d92958f74fcea9100afab2d59)

It is bordered by the coast range to the west, the Cascade range to the east, the Calapooya mountains to the south, and the Columia River to the north. Most people in Oregon live in this region, and it houses Portland, Salem and Eugene, the three largest cities in the state. The ending point of the Oregon Trail is inside the Valley, and the area is fertile land for farming.

The weather leaves something to be desired for a lot of people, but personally I like it. From October-ish through May, it is cool and wet, and the rest of the year is warm and dry. In between the change from winter to summer and summer to winter, there are two week transitional seasons that other more varied climates call "spring" and "fall". Those don't really happen around here. It's a 9 month winter and a three month summer. I've always told people that the rain the rest of the year is made up for in August. You just can't beat August in the Willamette Valley, IMO.

I can only imagine what it must have been like to be Lewis and Clark and get to the top of the Cascades and look down on the valley, especially if it was during the green season.

I live in a small farming town called Sublimity.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: MariaEvri on September 22, 2011, 06:31:45 PM
okay here's some piccies from home:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi333.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fm394%2FPoseidon_Simons%2F5.jpg&hash=c28b0c938fa0348e4a5da9fe369df4f4d9d6d315)
we might have water shortage problems, but after the rains, cyprus transforms from a brown dry land to a beautiful green landscape
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi333.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fm394%2FPoseidon_Simons%2F7.jpg&hash=d23040bf222f3b0ec5c3a6e12f838e2f6a5121d3)
Limassol
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi333.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fm394%2FPoseidon_Simons%2F8.jpg&hash=c580a3497c141496719f379ea872f33ff1088670)
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi333.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fm394%2FPoseidon_Simons%2F9.jpg&hash=5b84c6377f19e4cb29304c82e4b1487308e7e888)
medieval port at pafos
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi333.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fm394%2FPoseidon_Simons%2F10.jpg&hash=289f2929b6e439dcaf0969f151e0b0c12461fe40)
Limassol again. Building the future
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi333.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fm394%2FPoseidon_Simons%2F1.jpg&hash=e6971d96fa6b1f390593fa5aa0ba67a955dc57f5)
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi333.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fm394%2FPoseidon_Simons%2F2.jpg&hash=1e03785e6ae0409eb7a808758b9edf8740020fa8)
celebrating the new year
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi333.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fm394%2FPoseidon_Simons%2F3.jpg&hash=5f2b675b7a9ee3dac4f8b6cc682e975161ca98e0)
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi333.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fm394%2FPoseidon_Simons%2F4.jpg&hash=557aaa1aef38a05b1f29220dea0dbb418925f238)
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi333.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fm394%2FPoseidon_Simons%2F6-1.jpg&hash=0c52472f66c0e1be7f555f4a9e480ffe7b402447)

Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on September 22, 2011, 08:32:29 PM
Woot! I love Cypress.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on September 23, 2011, 03:54:13 AM
The scenery does look fantastic, makes me want to move from here.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on September 23, 2011, 09:30:03 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on September 23, 2011, 03:54:13 AM
The scenery does look fantastic, makes me want to move from here.
??? But aren't you there already? I'm confused  :(
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on September 23, 2011, 06:56:48 PM
Quote from: Tank on September 23, 2011, 09:30:03 AM
??? But aren't you there already? I'm confused  :(

Cyprus and Newfoundland both look very appealing. I love that type of scenery.  
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Ecurb Noselrub on October 06, 2011, 02:49:18 AM
I'm from Belton, Texas (central Texas).  Here's the official website of the city:  http://www.ci.belton.tx.us/ (http://www.ci.belton.tx.us/)

Belton is the county seat of Bell County, Texas. It's located on I-35, about 60 miles north of Austin.  Normally, it's beautiful this time of year.  But we've been through the hottest, driest 6 months in the past 85 years. Everything is dead or dying. Very sad.  I contend that it is because we elected Rick Perry as governor again.  God is punishing us severely.  My suspicion is that we can only appease God by impeaching Perry.  If the USA elects him as President, it will not rain anywhere for at least 4 years. Beware!

EDIT: Activated hyperlink - Tank
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: MathKat on October 06, 2011, 06:32:29 AM
I'm currently a stay at home mom, living in Woodland Hills, CA, part of the San Fernando Valley.  My son is 4. He is my main focus.  He started showing signs of autism when he was 18 monthes old and started in therapy a month before he turned 2.  Now you'd never suspect that he had those problems to begin with.  He's a well adjusted little boy in school.  He does have a private tutor as well, but at this point her purpose is to push him ahead of the game.

My husband works in Santa Monica as a web developer and is often gone for anywhere from 12 to 16 hours a day, which is what prompted me to decide to stay home at least until my son is in school full time.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: BullyforBronto on October 06, 2011, 12:52:23 PM
Quote from: MathKat on October 06, 2011, 06:32:29 AM
  My son is 4. He is my main focus.  He started showing signs of autism when he was 18 monthes old and started in therapy a month before he turned 2.  Now you'd never suspect that he had those problems to begin with.  He's a well adjusted little boy in school.  He does have a private tutor as well, but at this point her purpose is to push him ahead of the game.

Hi, MathKat,
Good luck to you and your son. You're doing the right thing with early intervention treatments. My son is on the spectrum, too. We've had him in speech, occupational and ABA therapy since he was 18 months, too. Now that he's five, he's beggining to 'get it,' as it were. Keep up the good work; it's a tough (and expensive) journey.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Norfolk And Chance on October 09, 2011, 11:13:54 PM
Well I live in a small town in North East England, and just to bust the stereotypes on this thread wide open, it isn't a miserable town, it isn't a miserable country and it isn't always raining.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Ildiko on October 13, 2011, 10:51:37 AM
Quote from: Norfolk And Chance on October 09, 2011, 11:13:54 PM
Well I live in a small town in North East England, and just to bust the stereotypes on this thread wide open, it isn't a miserable town, it isn't a miserable country and it isn't always raining.
It sounds lovely - do you take in lodgers?  :)

I was born in a small port town in Cornwall, not far from Penzance but on the north coast. After too many moves to count, I now live in a small town in the North East of Italy. But who knows where I'll be this time next year?
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Sir_Nuttingham on October 14, 2011, 12:45:38 AM
I'm from the proud small city of Nijmegen, The Netherlands, which inhabbits about 165.000 people (so that's onehundredsixtyfivethousand, I'm never sure if a dot's a dot or a comma in the US). It's the oldest city in the Netherlands, we celebrated our (estimated) 2000th birthday in 2002. The Romans founded the city, it being part of the northern border of the old Roman empire. Unfortunately there's no actuall buildings left of those times, only ruins and graves, but we do still have some buildings from the 7th-15th century period. It's the 10th city of the Netherlands. We have a well respected university, and the biggest outdoor festival of the Netherlands, the four-day marches, which attracts more than a million visitors in the third week of July each year.

Our town in the Netherlands has the nickname "Havana at the Waal" (the Waal being the river the city is located at). This is because it is one of the most politically left orientated towns of the Netherlands (I for myself being more liberal, which isn't left in the Netherlands, because left people here ACTUALLY are socialists and are not only called so in an insulting manner). Some people from abroad might know the Second World War battle "A Bridge too far". The Nijmegen bridge is the bridge that wasn't too far (see picture below). Here's some pictures:


The Waalbrug, which wasn't too far  ;). Built in 1936 and was the largest of it's type in Europe when built.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.plaats.nl%2Fvar%2F15%2Ffull%2F15991.jpg&hash=faf64994a2574269992476268454240797d8af04)



View of the historic downtown area:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.waalkade.nl%2Fimg%2FPanoramaWaalkade.jpg&hash=81be1b574bfe718595c06cbe16bd844ade312ab3)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kamranlips.nl%2FPict26.jpg&hash=b91e17ce2d72796a1787d4d2e7507ea8511ec0c0)


And us trying too be modern also, this is an office building of NXP chipmakers (big chance you have some of their chips in your remote control):

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fotografenwijzer.nl%2Ffiles%2F7%2F6118%2F52_degrees.jpg&hash=18fb0570d69a6683027f801871dacea67a709cd7)




In between, I've also lived in Madison, Wisconsin, USA for three years and now actuall live in Utrecht, of which I can also show more later, but Nijmegen being my home town at heart, I thought it would be most logicall for me to show.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on October 14, 2011, 07:13:25 AM
2000th birthday?  :o

I find old cities to be fascinating, there's a lot of living history there ;D

Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Asmodean on October 14, 2011, 08:39:23 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on October 14, 2011, 07:13:25 AM
2000th birthday?  :o

I find old cities to be fascinating, there's a lot of living history there ;D


I like old castles and the like. Unfortunately, not too many of those here :-(
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on October 14, 2011, 08:51:57 AM
Quote from: Sir_Nuttingham on October 14, 2011, 12:45:38 AM
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kamranlips.nl%2FPict26.jpg&hash=b91e17ce2d72796a1787d4d2e7507ea8511ec0c0)
Ha! I have sat there!

I love your country, super place to live  ;D
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on October 14, 2011, 05:36:45 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on October 14, 2011, 08:39:23 AM
I like old castles and the like. Unfortunately, not too many of those here :-(

There are none of those here. :(

Quote from: Tank on October 14, 2011, 08:51:57 AM
Quote from: Sir_Nuttingham on October 14, 2011, 12:45:38 AM
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kamranlips.nl%2FPict26.jpg&hash=b91e17ce2d72796a1787d4d2e7507ea8511ec0c0)
Ha! I have sat there!

I love your country, super place to live  ;D

It's a pity The Magic Pudding hasn't been around for awhile, you could ask him to place your tank right there in the middle...tank-was-here style. Could make for a weird postcard.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on October 14, 2011, 05:38:19 PM
I'm missing the pudding  :(
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on October 14, 2011, 06:15:04 PM
Quote from: Tank on October 14, 2011, 05:38:19 PM
I'm missing the pudding  :(

I'm wondering what happened, he was a frequent poster.  ???
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: MariaEvri on October 14, 2011, 06:20:29 PM
Quote from: Tank on October 14, 2011, 08:51:57 AM
Quote from: Sir_Nuttingham on October 14, 2011, 12:45:38 AM
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kamranlips.nl%2FPict26.jpg&hash=b91e17ce2d72796a1787d4d2e7507ea8511ec0c0)

I just love this kind of architecture!
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Asmodean on October 14, 2011, 06:36:48 PM
Quote from: Tank on October 14, 2011, 05:38:19 PM
I'm missing the pudding  :(
Yes, where is the other round and lumpy-like one?  :'(
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on October 14, 2011, 06:41:12 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on October 14, 2011, 06:36:48 PM
Quote from: Tank on October 14, 2011, 05:38:19 PM
I'm missing the pudding  :(
Yes, where is the other round and lumpy-like one?  :'(
I think we bore him now  :'(
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Asmodean on October 14, 2011, 09:06:50 PM
Quote from: Tank on October 14, 2011, 06:41:12 PM
I think we bore him now  :'(
We need to import us a coupla' trolls.  8)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on October 14, 2011, 09:45:50 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on October 14, 2011, 09:06:50 PM
Quote from: Tank on October 14, 2011, 06:41:12 PM
I think we bore him now  :'(
We need to import us a coupla' trolls.  8)
:-X
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Sir_Nuttingham on October 15, 2011, 01:04:48 AM
Quote from: Sir_Nuttingham on October 15, 2011, 01:04:01 AM
As a follow up after Nijmegen, I now live in the city of Utrecht, The Netherlands. It's the 4th city of the Netherlands. Here's some photo's:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schippie.nl%2Fdompics%2Fimages%2Fdom.jpg&hash=7258bcb2833765bcdd2aa594bbdc9552f3992515)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nlwandel.nl%2FAlbum%2FNS-Amelisweerd%2520%28Utrecht-Bunnik%29%2Fslides%2F04%2520Utrecht%2C%2520Oude%2520Gracht.jpg&hash=af54bd4523cb32e9f31eb671df72825ff6ced6f6)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hbld.nl%2Fupload%2Fimages%2FRabobank_Utrecht.jpg&hash=5a73df391d3ca3a731b231af3c0f21201020bf5c)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Jojo77 on November 09, 2011, 06:33:13 AM
I am from Syracuse ny. Also called central ny, or the finger lakes region.
We are known for the following:
~ Syracuse University
~finger lakes region
~ nys fair
~onondaga lake park
~snow
~Dinosaur BbQ
~Heids
~carosual mall or what is now being called destiny usa

Syracuse is not extremely large but not small either. Drive about five hrs one way and you reach NYC, five hrs or less the other way and you reach Canada. Syracuse was also once known for salt and was once known as salt lake city. Unfortunately, the lake has been polluted to the point where people cannot swim but improvements have been made and continue to be made in the minimizing of the polluted lake. Sooo this is where I am from...hopefully the lake one day will be something to be proud of to mention. : (
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xm1 on November 10, 2011, 05:06:12 PM
I am from west michigan.

We are known for the following:

lake effect snow

art prize for the glory of jesus (http://www.mlive.com/artprize/index.ssf/2011/10/artprize_2011_winner_of_250000_is_crucifixion_by_mia_tavonatti.html)

Every year I go visit my mother in boston for a week of drinking and amazing food and then i come home crying and squirming and cringing on the plane knowing it will be another year in nowhere and hope the plane just dives into some corn field.

The one thing good I can say about michigan is its a great place to grow stuff if you have the property for it.  And that is all i the good i will say.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Enrique on December 12, 2011, 11:01:24 PM
I'm from La Paz, México.

La Paz means BEACH.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F9%2F9d%2FLapazbajac.jpg%2F275px-Lapazbajac.jpg&hash=db22d70295342d7f12cd5da9bff950316ba226e3)
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-mI9Gvn8RVEc%2FTZx5OLDJIgI%2FAAAAAAAAF8Y%2FI3XzPtOG1NI%2Fs1600%2Fla%2Bpaz.jpg&hash=d43b5a48d683e78e2d7e2031e7fa3a89db1b7f22)
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-qZgrptIhiRw%2FTZx5PeWbF2I%2FAAAAAAAAF8c%2FfpBLVc2f2aY%2Fs1600%2Fla%2Bpaz2.jpg&hash=22d3bbd76c10826215c9793714a1cf2ec1d1716c)


Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on December 12, 2011, 11:13:30 PM
Stunning pics, especially the last one. Is the water warm there?
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Enrique on December 12, 2011, 11:24:34 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on December 12, 2011, 11:13:30 PM
Stunning pics, especially the last one. Is the water warm there?

Yes!.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi49.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff271%2FRiekike%2Fclimalapaz.png&hash=0a1e5bb78ec0432929aa52e4f1af9410040d38a8)

You will know.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Crocoduck on December 12, 2011, 11:45:40 PM
Enrique thats a beautiful place I live pretty far from the beach. I live somewhere in this valley.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg850.imageshack.us%2Fimg850%2F9435%2Fmountainv.jpg&hash=89e1bd27ed4529f357a2a3e2a5effde485746ac9) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/850/mountainv.jpg/)

Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on December 12, 2011, 11:48:59 PM
Talk about polar opposite  8)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Crocoduck on December 13, 2011, 12:01:47 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on December 12, 2011, 11:48:59 PM
Talk about polar opposite  8)
Yes but they both are beautiful in there own ways.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Enrique on December 13, 2011, 02:04:18 AM
Quote from: Crocoduck on December 13, 2011, 12:01:47 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on December 12, 2011, 11:48:59 PM
Talk about polar opposite  8)
Yes but they both are beautiful in there own ways.
what a beautiful place where you live, I've never seen snow in my life ):
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Asmodean on December 13, 2011, 02:10:02 AM
Quote from: Enrique on December 13, 2011, 02:04:18 AM
what a beautiful place where you live, I've never seen snow in my life ):
Snow is white, cold and usually accompanied by ice, which is ridiculously slippery when applied to roads.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Enrique on December 13, 2011, 03:16:48 AM
Quote from: Asmodean on December 13, 2011, 02:10:02 AM
Quote from: Enrique on December 13, 2011, 02:04:18 AM
what a beautiful place where you live, I've never seen snow in my life ):
Snow is white, cold and usually accompanied by ice, which is ridiculously slippery when applied to roads.

*Clap, clap*, you are smart.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: DeterminedJuliet on December 13, 2011, 05:14:39 AM
Quote from: Asmodean on December 13, 2011, 02:10:02 AM
Quote from: Enrique on December 13, 2011, 02:04:18 AM
what a beautiful place where you live, I've never seen snow in my life ):
Snow is white, cold and usually accompanied by ice, which is ridiculously slippery when applied to roads.

It loses its appeal very, very quickly  :P
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Happy_Is_Good on December 13, 2011, 05:53:39 AM
I am from this place:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.texasheroes.net%2FSam%2520Houston%2520statue%2520004.jpg&hash=a941db9ab02fba4297148f85e690509c069eadd9)

Now...some may consider Sam Houston a Redneck, but that really isn't the case.  First and foremost he was raised a Cherorkee Indian (Yeah...ain't that hard to believe!) and he was against the American Civil War - Texas Impeached him for his reluctance to defend slavary!

Anyways...He tried.  He won some.  He lost some.   But...he tried to do good things.

Don't we all?
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on December 13, 2011, 08:19:14 AM
Quote from: Enrique on December 13, 2011, 02:04:18 AM
Quote from: Crocoduck on December 13, 2011, 12:01:47 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on December 12, 2011, 11:48:59 PM
Talk about polar opposite  8)
Yes but they both are beautiful in there own ways.
what a beautiful place where you live, I've never seen snow in my life ):
Many years ago the company I worked for (In the UK) started an operation in Sydney, Australia and brought two Australian staff to the UK for training. We were all in quite a large and important policy meeting and somebody remarked that it had started to snow. The two Aussi guys literally leapt out of their seats and ran out, leaving the rest of us a little bit perplexed. So we followed them. They were out in the car park catching the snow flakes like a pair of kids. They then realised we were all watching them doing this. They'd never seen snow before. It was a very funny moment.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Asmodean on December 13, 2011, 11:03:11 AM
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on December 13, 2011, 05:14:39 AM
Quote from: Asmodean on December 13, 2011, 02:10:02 AM
Quote from: Enrique on December 13, 2011, 02:04:18 AM
what a beautiful place where you live, I've never seen snow in my life ):
Snow is white, cold and usually accompanied by ice, which is ridiculously slippery when applied to roads.

It loses its appeal very, very quickly  :P
...Especially when it loses its whiteness and cleanness, which is especially the case near roads, around which towns and cities tend to be built.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Squid on December 13, 2011, 12:59:27 PM
My current place of living is in a small town in south Texas:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.texasescapes.com%2FCentralTexasTownsSouth%2FCueroTexas%2FTexasCueroDeWittCoCourthouse10SMichaels0708.jpg&hash=d0148408f8a432157a9e853697fd6bd7ca7fbad9)

It's known for wildflowers, turkeys, cattle and other livestock:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcache2.artprintimages.com%2Flrg%2F22%2F2244%2FAG4ZD00Z.jpg&hash=7856c140d8655a87a5b903806ef57a671943fd5a)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstatusko.net%2Fwp-photos%2F20081019-213035-3.jpg&hash=ba159a844b4f995223f04222485833cf993e3b7e)

And some poor creature people keep claiming is the mythical chupacabra:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flaist.com%2Fattachments%2Fla_christine%2FElchpacabra.jpg&hash=5c34f780df031c0f636aa6f5de67230e9befe939)

There's been a recent boom in the oilfield here with the discovery of the Eagle Ford Shale which has contributed to a boom in local business, increase in traffic as well as bars and crime.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsnarkybytes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F04%2FIMAG0030.jpg&hash=7b19067317c9bc92eaeed1a373118248ff472bc8)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Melmoth on December 13, 2011, 02:24:28 PM
Quote from: Squid(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsnarkybytes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F04%2FIMAG0030.jpg&hash=7b19067317c9bc92eaeed1a373118248ff472bc8)

I love that gothic revival style you only seem to get in southern Unites States, round tower things on the corners of buildings etc. I'd love to go there just for the fantastic, weird architecture.

EDIT: woops. got the embed image thing wrong.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Crocoduck on December 13, 2011, 04:06:22 PM
Quote from: Melmoth on December 13, 2011, 02:24:28 PM
Quote from: Squid(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsnarkybytes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F04%2FIMAG0030.jpg&hash=7b19067317c9bc92eaeed1a373118248ff472bc8)

I love that gothic revival style you only seem to get in southern Unites States, round tower things on the corners of buildings etc. I'd love to go there just for the fantastic, weird architecture.

EDIT: woops. got the embed image thing wrong.

Look at all the pick up trucks with nary a car or mini van to sully the eye.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Asmodean on December 13, 2011, 04:32:34 PM
Quote from: Crocoduck on December 13, 2011, 04:06:22 PM
Look at all the pick up trucks with nary a car or mini van to sully the eye.
That black thing... Green... Whatever, to the right... What that?  ??? Looks like a smallish vehicle for some reason...
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: squidfetish on December 13, 2011, 04:38:54 PM
I live in Cornwall at the ass-end of the South West of England.  It's famous for tin-mining, surfing, educational underachievement and inbreeding.  Woop...  :P
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on December 13, 2011, 05:50:54 PM
Quote from: Squid on December 13, 2011, 12:59:27 PM
And some poor creature people keep claiming is the mythical chupacabra:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flaist.com%2Fattachments%2Fla_christine%2FElchpacabra.jpg&hash=5c34f780df031c0f636aa6f5de67230e9befe939)

Looks like a mummified dog. ???
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: squidfetish on December 13, 2011, 09:39:15 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on December 13, 2011, 05:50:54 PM
Looks like a mummified dog. ???

It doesn't look very well, whatever it is...  :-\
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Asmodean on December 13, 2011, 09:46:37 PM
Quote from: squidfetish on December 13, 2011, 09:39:15 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on December 13, 2011, 05:50:54 PM
Looks like a mummified dog. ???

It doesn't look very well, whatever it is...  :-\
Part of the reason is obviously that its body sort of... Fell off.  :-\
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Squid on December 14, 2011, 12:10:49 AM
Quote from: Melmoth on December 13, 2011, 02:24:28 PMI love that gothic revival style you only seem to get in southern Unites States, round tower things on the corners of buildings etc. I'd love to go there just for the fantastic, weird architecture.

EDIT: woops. got the embed image thing wrong.

The building there on the corner is now an antique store but was once a busy hotel in the late 1800s.  The old hotel (or whatever they called them in the 19th century) rooms are still intact upstairs and the lady who owns it uses it as storage.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xm1 on December 14, 2011, 01:51:06 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on December 13, 2011, 05:50:54 PM
Quote from: Squid on December 13, 2011, 12:59:27 PM
And some poor creature people keep claiming is the mythical chupacabra:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flaist.com%2Fattachments%2Fla_christine%2FElchpacabra.jpg&hash=5c34f780df031c0f636aa6f5de67230e9befe939)

Looks like a mummified dog. ???
i want to play with the hand puppet
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: squidfetish on December 14, 2011, 05:00:17 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on December 13, 2011, 09:46:37 PM
Quote from: squidfetish on December 13, 2011, 09:39:15 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on December 13, 2011, 05:50:54 PM
Looks like a mummified dog. ???

It doesn't look very well, whatever it is...  :-\
Part of the reason is obviously that its body sort of... Fell off.  :-\

That was a little careless...  :-\
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Asmodean on December 14, 2011, 08:08:36 PM
Quote from: squidfetish on December 14, 2011, 05:00:17 PM
That was a little careless...  :-\
The weirdest thing... The same happened to The Asmo at some point, apparently. But was so long ago, he doesn't remember... But there is hope for the bodiless thing yet!  ;D
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on December 15, 2011, 12:34:25 AM
Quote from: xm1 on December 14, 2011, 01:51:06 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on December 13, 2011, 05:50:54 PM
Quote from: Squid on December 13, 2011, 12:59:27 PM
And some poor creature people keep claiming is the mythical chupacabra:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flaist.com%2Fattachments%2Fla_christine%2FElchpacabra.jpg&hash=5c34f780df031c0f636aa6f5de67230e9befe939)

Looks like a mummified dog. ???
i want to play with the hand puppet

LOL

Not the kind of thing I would want others waving across my niece's face.  :o

They could try and take a DNA sample of that thing, to confirm that it is a canine (probably a dog, it looks a bit big to be a coyote) jerky.  
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Squid on December 15, 2011, 03:46:26 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on December 15, 2011, 12:34:25 AM
Quote from: xm1 on December 14, 2011, 01:51:06 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on December 13, 2011, 05:50:54 PM
Quote from: Squid on December 13, 2011, 12:59:27 PM
And some poor creature people keep claiming is the mythical chupacabra:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flaist.com%2Fattachments%2Fla_christine%2FElchpacabra.jpg&hash=5c34f780df031c0f636aa6f5de67230e9befe939)

Looks like a mummified dog. ???
i want to play with the hand puppet

LOL

Not the kind of thing I would want others waving across my niece's face.  :o

They could try and take a DNA sample of that thing, to confirm that it is a canine (probably a dog, it looks a bit big to be a coyote) jerky.  

There's an entire website on this thing complete with a shop to buy stuff:

http://www.cuerochupacabra.com/ (http://www.cuerochupacabra.com/)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Ecurb Noselrub on December 15, 2011, 03:51:36 AM
Quote from: Happy_Is_Good on December 13, 2011, 05:53:39 AM
I am from this place:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.texasheroes.net%2FSam%2520Houston%2520statue%2520004.jpg&hash=a941db9ab02fba4297148f85e690509c069eadd9)

Now...some may consider Sam Houston a Redneck, but that really isn't the case.  First and foremost he was raised a Cherorkee Indian (Yeah...ain't that hard to believe!) and he was against the American Civil War - Texas Impeached him for his reluctance to defend slavary!

Anyways...He tried.  He won some.  He lost some.   But...he tried to do good things.

Don't we all?

Huntsville, I-45.  Sam is one of my heroes.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Ecurb Noselrub on December 15, 2011, 03:54:40 AM
Quote from: Squid on December 13, 2011, 12:59:27 PM
My current place of living is in a small town in south Texas:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.texasescapes.com%2FCentralTexasTownsSouth%2FCueroTexas%2FTexasCueroDeWittCoCourthouse10SMichaels0708.jpg&hash=d0148408f8a432157a9e853697fd6bd7ca7fbad9)

It's known for wildflowers, turkeys, cattle and other livestock:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcache2.artprintimages.com%2Flrg%2F22%2F2244%2FAG4ZD00Z.jpg&hash=7856c140d8655a87a5b903806ef57a671943fd5a)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstatusko.net%2Fwp-photos%2F20081019-213035-3.jpg&hash=ba159a844b4f995223f04222485833cf993e3b7e)

And some poor creature people keep claiming is the mythical chupacabra:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flaist.com%2Fattachments%2Fla_christine%2FElchpacabra.jpg&hash=5c34f780df031c0f636aa6f5de67230e9befe939)

There's been a recent boom in the oilfield here with the discovery of the Eagle Ford Shale which has contributed to a boom in local business, increase in traffic as well as bars and crime.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsnarkybytes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F04%2FIMAG0030.jpg&hash=7b19067317c9bc92eaeed1a373118248ff472bc8)

Cuero, Texas?
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on December 15, 2011, 04:28:31 AM
That's very interesting, Y chromossome matches that of the Mexican Wolf, while the maternal, a coyote. It's not manged. Hmm...

What an odd creature. ??? They should try crossing the Mexican Wolf with the female coyote and see what happens.  
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Squid on December 15, 2011, 12:25:19 PM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on December 15, 2011, 03:54:40 AMCuero, Texas?

Yep.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: squidfetish on December 15, 2011, 03:47:16 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on December 14, 2011, 08:08:36 PM
Quote from: squidfetish on December 14, 2011, 05:00:17 PM
That was a little careless...  :-\
The weirdest thing... The same happened to The Asmo at some point, apparently. But was so long ago, he doesn't remember... But there is hope for the bodiless thing yet!  ;D

The next step in evolution, perhaps?   :o
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Chronos on December 17, 2011, 05:57:27 PM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on December 15, 2011, 03:54:40 AM
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstatusko.net%2Fwp-photos%2F20081019-213035-3.jpg&hash=ba159a844b4f995223f04222485833cf993e3b7e)

A blind man walking next to someone spraying paint on a turkey?

Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Asmodean on December 17, 2011, 05:59:14 PM
Quote from: Chronos on December 17, 2011, 05:57:27 PM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on December 15, 2011, 03:54:40 AM
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstatusko.net%2Fwp-photos%2F20081019-213035-3.jpg&hash=ba159a844b4f995223f04222485833cf993e3b7e)

A blind man walking next to someone spraying paint on a turkey's ass?



Fixed  ;D
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Squid on December 17, 2011, 06:22:42 PM
That would be the annual turkey race.  Each year in October the town has a festival revolving around the theme of turkeys.  Cuero used to have a huge turkey industry many decades ago.  This race in which two turkeys are run down the street is to remember how the farmers used to run the turkeys through town to to be slaughtered.  It's become a fairly big event each year, it's called Turkeyfest (http://www.turkeyfest.org/).
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: lomfs24 on December 26, 2011, 06:12:11 PM
I covered a bit of this in my introductory post but I suppose I could post a bit here as well. I am originally from central Montana. I went to a small school where my class was really 12 kids, 9 boys, 3 girls. About midway through my freshman year, I moved to a larger town in Central Montana and I don't really know how large my class was but it was a little mind boggling to begin with. At the end of my sophomore year of high school, my dad decided to up and move to Oregon. Central Point, OR to be exact. I don't really regret the move, I was afforded opportunities in school that I would have otherwise not had. I finished school there and stayed in Oregon for a couple years. I soon got home sick and returned to SW Montana. Where I lived for a period of years, started a family and had an OK job. I wanted to further my fire fighting career and moved to Northern New Mexico. That move turned out to be a big mistake and I was not happy there. In order to get out of that area I took a job as a full time EMT in Western Kansas where I am now. The town I live in is rather small by most standards. There is about 1500 people in this town with about 2500 people in the entire county. The little town is very religious. There are three questions that are asked to new comers and by those three questions you are judged. 1). What church do you go to? 2). Do you have kids? 3). Where do you come from? And in that order. If you say that you do not go to church or you do not have one, you are given a friendly invitation. And that pretty much sets the theme of how you will be treated and associated with in this town. I don't have many friends here aside from my boss and a couple others who are also not from this town originally. The town prides itself on, and is called the Christmas City. And they take their Christmas very seriously.

And that, in a nutshell, is where I am from.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: m.condon on January 14, 2012, 08:25:36 PM
I grew up in Michigan City Indiana, its a small democratic pocket in Northern Indiana. I spent alot of my time in Chicago and to this day it is my favorite city, except when its cold. I now live in southern Indiana which is completely different from Northern Indiana, I would say backward but I dont want to offend anyone
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on January 14, 2012, 08:27:31 PM
Quote from: m.condon on January 14, 2012, 08:25:36 PM
I grew up in Michigan City Indiana, its a small democratic pocket in Northern Indiana. I spent alot of my time in Chicago and to this day it is my favorite city, except when its cold. I now live in southern Indiana which is completely different from Northern Indiana, I would say backward but I dont want to offend anyone
I've spent some time working in Chicago and I liked it a lot.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Anne D. on January 15, 2012, 12:52:01 AM
Grew up in west central Wisconsin, USA, in the Chippewa Valley, named after the Chippewa tribe.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.rngweb.com%2Fmaps%2F1278.jpg&hash=f8071be7786dfd6f4f4fab8eaa3d15936304b7ae)


(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpics4.city-data.com%2Fcpicv%2Fvfiles18163.jpg&hash=46147c8b1016a2a2e1ec00a34ab5f7b3734d6e29)

Quite a while back, logging was big in the region. Here are Mr. Paul Bunyan and his blue ox, Babe, figures in regional tall tales:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.phototour.minneapolis.mn.us%2Fpics%2F7015.jpg&hash=d849e73b150376b7b7ad3d05260b2cff4b592cca)


Went to college in Madison, WI, and then moved to Austin, TX, where I've been the last 14 years:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.swrm2011.org%2Fimages%2FAustin-skyline.jpg&hash=b229c27aba1a94a73ab0ab9d554c5f5683eac4ca)

Austin's a fun town, and there's always something to do/go see, but I miss having seasons, especially fall.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Thunder Road on January 15, 2012, 01:43:44 AM
...
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Thunder Road on January 15, 2012, 02:16:14 AM
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi968.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fae166%2FRyanWeatherPA%2Fbensalem.jpg&hash=a31d23db02586f4680f5e11b9149a5d3df66c03d)

Welcome to Business-Friendly Bensalem, PA, USA!

Red- approximate location of my house.

Green- my former church and elementary school.

Orange- The original Lincoln Highway, built sometime around 1920. 

Purple- The Pennsylvania Turnpike, America's first superhighway.  Built in 1940 in western PA, the final leg through Bensalem opened in 1956.

Black- the former grounds of Eastern State Hospital, an asylum that was famous for the mistreatment of patients as late as the 1980s (athough it pales in comparison to the atrocities committed at nearby Byberry Hospital, which was just southwest of the southwest corner of my pic).  Now it is a Wal-Mart and other stores.

Blue- Philadelphia Park racetrack and casino, and home of Smarty Jones, the 2004 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner.  (He came in 2nd at the Belmont Stakes, narrowly missing the Triple Crown.)

Gold- Growden Mansion, now in disrepair, former home of the Galloway Family and where some people believe Ben Franklin's kite experiment took place.  Others say it was closer to Philadelphia, and many more say that he never really did the experiment at all (because it would have physically killed him if he had), but I have faith that it happened there, despite what science says!


Not circled is a warehouse in the southern end of the township, where the movie Signs was filmed (which I've actually never seen, believe it or not).  Also down there is the Kings Highway, which George Washington traveled numerous times, and the shrine established by Katherine Drexel.  Also for those of you familiar with Rita's Water Ice...their corporate headquarters are located in Bensalem.


Bensalem, and the whole Philadelphia area, is very Catholic.  When you ask somebody from Philly what part of the city they're from, they don't tell you a neighborhood, they tell you their parish.

Ok well that's about it for my boring, middle-class suburb.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: The Magic Pudding on January 15, 2012, 02:57:50 AM
Quote from: Thunder Road on January 15, 2012, 02:16:14 AM
Ok well that's about it for my boring, middle-class suburb.

Thanks for that, your boring can be of interest to someone unfamiliar with it.

And thanks Anne D too, that water looks very green.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: McQ on January 15, 2012, 03:49:03 AM
Quote from: Thunder Road on January 15, 2012, 02:16:14 AM
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi968.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fae166%2FRyanWeatherPA%2Fbensalem.jpg&hash=a31d23db02586f4680f5e11b9149a5d3df66c03d)

Welcome to Business-Friendly Bensalem, PA, USA!

Red- approximate location of my house.

Green- my former church and elementary school.

Orange- The original Lincoln Highway, built sometime around 1920. 

Purple- The Pennsylvania Turnpike, America's first superhighway.  Built in 1940 in western PA, the final leg through Bensalem opened in 1956.

Black- the former grounds of Eastern State Hospital, an asylum that was famous for the mistreatment of patients as late as the 1980s (athough it pales in comparison to the atrocities committed at nearby Byberry Hospital, which was just southwest of the southwest corner of my pic).  Now it is a Wal-Mart and other stores.

Blue- Philadelphia Park racetrack and casino, and home of Smarty Jones, the 2004 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner.  (He came in 2nd at the Belmont Stakes, narrowly missing the Triple Crown.)

Gold- Growden Mansion, now in disrepair, former home of the Galloway Family and where some people believe Ben Franklin's kite experiment took place.  Others say it was closer to Philadelphia, and many more say that he never really did the experiment at all (because it would have physically killed him if he had), but I have faith that it happened there, despite what science says!


Not circled is a warehouse in the southern end of the township, where the movie Signs was filmed (which I've actually never seen, believe it or not).  Also down there is the Kings Highway, which George Washington traveled numerous times, and the shrine established by Katherine Drexel.  Also for those of you familiar with Rita's Water Ice...their corporate headquarters are located in Bensalem.


Bensalem, and the whole Philadelphia area, is very Catholic.  When you ask somebody from Philly what part of the city they're from, they don't tell you a neighborhood, they tell you their parish.

Ok well that's about it for my boring, middle-class suburb.


I can see my house in this picture!

No, not really. But it ain't too far out of the photo. Born in Abington, grew up near Ambler.

And was catholic,too. Shocker!

Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on January 15, 2012, 09:31:01 AM
Quote from: The Magic Pudding on January 15, 2012, 02:57:50 AM
Quote from: Thunder Road on January 15, 2012, 02:16:14 AM
Ok well that's about it for my boring, middle-class suburb.

Thanks for that, your boring can be of interest to someone unfamiliar with it.


And thanks Anne D too, that water looks very green.

One person's mundane can be another person's WoW!

Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Asmodean on January 15, 2012, 10:18:43 AM
Quote from: Tank on January 15, 2012, 09:31:01 AM
One person's mundane can be another person's WoW!

No, WoW is evil. Here is a better one: One person's pest is another Asmo's beloved Small One.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Ali on January 15, 2012, 05:42:01 PM
I was born in Joplin MO (of last year's tornado fame.)  I don't really remember that much about living there, but I know that the apartment complex that we lived in before we moved was destroyed by the tornado.  A lot of my family still lives there, and a couple of them were injured in the tornado, but luckily all lived. 

http://www.joplinmo.org/

When I was 6, we moved to Ohio.  Our mailing address was Springfield OH, but we actually lived outside of the city of Springfield in a very rural area of Ohio, and actually much closer to a small town called St. Paris, which is where I went to school.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi46.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff131%2Faasaliman%2Fdeercreek.jpg&hash=7f202948764e3dd7898c57504fa1d9814dff88da)

The marker in the picture shows the house I grew up in.  My brother and I spent most of our time playing in those woods that you see across the street.  I still love being outside and wandering through nature as an adult, but I have a lot less opportunity to do so now.  The mountains in CO are beautiful, but you have to drive to get to them from where I am, so I have to make special trips when I have time.  As I mentioned, when I lived in Ohio, I went to a very small rural school in the closest town (St. Paris.)  My high school had about 400 students all told.

When I was 17 (a senior in high school), we moved to Highland's Ranch CO (a suburb of Denver). 

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi46.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff131%2Faasaliman%2Fmorningglory.jpg&hash=46168bc8eaefeb31a573066c3ab5a42cdc08aadc)

My graduating class was 847 people - twice as big as my entire high school in OH!  And it wasn't just the size difference - I moved from a very working class area of the mid-West to a pretty affluent suburban area of the country.  To say that I was a fish out of water in an understatement.

That was 1997.  Since then, I've lived all over the metro Denver area.  There are things that I love about living in a metropolitan area (I love love LOVE the food - all sorts of food I had never even dreamed of in rural OH - Greek, Vietnamese, Moroccan, Israeli...And the diversity of people.  I'm 1/2 Mexican and my family and the one Jewish family in the district were considered "exotic" at my high school.  But, there are also things that I hate about living here.  I hate the chain stores and restaurants.  In St. Paris and the surrounding areas, there were so many family owned businesses.  Our local grocery store was a family owned store named Cain's.  The restaurants were all family owned, as were the shops in "downtown" St Paris.  We didn't have a McDonald's, or a Wal-Mart.  It was a big deal when they put in a Subway in one of the gas stations, because that was the only "chain" restaurant in town.  Everyone had to go and give it a try!

I look out at the sea of "Best Buys" and "Bed, Bath, & Beyonds", and "Applebees" and "King Soopers" and it all makes me feel so freaking numb sometimes.  I was so impressed when I got here, because I was finally in a "big city" with "real stores" but now I just wish it wasn't all so much more of the same.  I miss the little stand on the side of Cain's that was only open during the summer where you could get homemade ice cream and the best coney dogs on the planet.  I miss the De La Rosa's General Store, and the way Mr. De La Rosa loved our family because we were the only other Mexicans in town.  I miss knowing everyone and knowing their families.  I can't even tell you the name of my across the street neighbors here in Denver.  It's just not like that here.  I miss the woods.

Wow, this got super maudlin and sentimental!  LOL!!!!   I guess I just don't think about all that stuff very much any more, but talking about it reminded me of the stuff that I kind of lost when I moved here.  But there are lots of good things here too.  I met my husband here, and my parents and brother are here, and his whole extended family is here, and I love them all dearly.  So there's that. 

Here I am, in my house in suburbia!
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi46.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff131%2Faasaliman%2FAlissa9292small.jpg&hash=3c8974bd504ffefac3b034215322ee2c015a9c1f)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi46.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff131%2Faasaliman%2Fpochard.jpg&hash=b5a5d7cfc7e2eb99bdca5989a420d88fb6b1ae77)

Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Anne D. on January 15, 2012, 06:25:57 PM
Hey there, RunFromMyLife  :). It's always nice to run into someone from the same neck of the woods.

Quote
Quote from: RunFromMyLife on January 15, 2012, 04:50:55 AM
I lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota for 9 years and then decided to move to the other side of the river and have been in St. Paul for the past two years. The Twin Cities are known for Bob Dylan, Prince, and Michele Bachmann and I pretty much can't stand all three of them.

I love the Twin Cities and have friends in St. Paul. Such a cool place to live. Re: being known for Michele Bachmann: Makes me sad how both Minnesota and Wisconsin seem to be leaving behind their progressive traditions.

(And you're probably already aware of this, but somehow you accidentally included Prince among those Minnesotans you can't stand. Surely, this was a mistake, as his rocking-ness is acknowledged by all :)  .)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Ali on January 15, 2012, 06:30:07 PM
Quote from: Anne D. on January 15, 2012, 06:25:57 PM

(And you're probably already aware of this, but somehow you accidentally included Prince among those Minnesotans you can't stand. Surely, this was a mistake, as his rocking-ness is acknowledged by all :)  .)

Mos def.  *nods solemnly*
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Thunder Road on January 15, 2012, 07:40:06 PM
Quote from: McQ on January 15, 2012, 03:49:03 AM


I can see my house in this picture!

No, not really. But it ain't too far out of the photo. Born in Abington, grew up near Ambler.

And was catholic,too. Shocker!



Oh neat.  I knew kids at my high school and a teacher too who were from Abington and Jenkintown and such areas.  Do you still live near Philly now?
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Anne D. on January 15, 2012, 09:12:04 PM
Ali, I love your avatar/icon. Really enjoyed reading your description of where you grew up and where you are now, especially the part about how the omnipresence of the big-box stores takes a toll on one's psyche. Sometime you'll have to share the story of why your dad called you Anne D. when you were little.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: McQ on January 15, 2012, 10:09:25 PM
Quote from: Thunder Road on January 15, 2012, 07:40:06 PM
Quote from: McQ on January 15, 2012, 03:49:03 AM


I can see my house in this picture!

No, not really. But it ain't too far out of the photo. Born in Abington, grew up near Ambler.

And was catholic,too. Shocker!




Oh neat.  I knew kids at my high school and a teacher too who were from Abington and Jenkintown and such areas.  Do you still live near Philly now?

I'm out in Lancaster County now. It's nice. Close enough to go back and visit family, Philly, etc., but a slower pace of life and wide open spaces.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Thunder Road on January 16, 2012, 03:51:05 AM
And I'm sure you get along well with the Amish too, no?

Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: McQ on January 16, 2012, 04:21:20 AM
Quote from: Thunder Road on January 16, 2012, 03:51:05 AM
And I'm sure you get along well with the Amish too, no?



I like them better than most of my other neighbors, actually. They are a very "live and let live" group of folks, believe it or not! It's the evangelicals around here that I can't stand.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Thunder Road on January 16, 2012, 07:48:44 AM
Quote from: McQ on January 16, 2012, 04:21:20 AM
Quote from: Thunder Road on January 16, 2012, 03:51:05 AM
And I'm sure you get along well with the Amish too, no?



I like them better than most of my other neighbors, actually. They are a very "live and let live" group of folks, believe it or not! It's the evangelicals around here that I can't stand.

Interesting!  And nice to know that there's actually a group out there that both claims to be peaceful and actually is.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on January 16, 2012, 07:51:50 AM
Quote from: Thunder Road on January 16, 2012, 07:48:44 AM
Quote from: McQ on January 16, 2012, 04:21:20 AM
Quote from: Thunder Road on January 16, 2012, 03:51:05 AM
And I'm sure you get along well with the Amish too, no?



I like them better than most of my other neighbors, actually. They are a very "live and let live" group of folks, believe it or not! It's the evangelicals around here that I can't stand.

Interesting!  And nice to know that there's actually a group out there that both claims to be peaceful and actually is.
There have been a nuber of TV programmes on the Amish recently and I have been impressed by the way they not only 'Talk the talk.' but 'Walk the walk.'
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Crow on January 16, 2012, 05:50:03 PM
Quote from: Tank on January 16, 2012, 07:51:50 AM
There have been a nuber of TV programmes on the Amish recently and I have been impressed by the way they not only 'Talk the talk.' but 'Walk the walk.'

Yeah Channel 4 seems to have an obsession with the Amish and Gypsy's for a good while now.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on January 16, 2012, 11:10:19 PM
Quote from: Crow on January 16, 2012, 05:50:03 PM
Quote from: Tank on January 16, 2012, 07:51:50 AM
There have been a nuber of TV programmes on the Amish recently and I have been impressed by the way they not only 'Talk the talk.' but 'Walk the walk.'

Yeah Channel 4 seems to have an obsession with the Amish and Gypsy's for a good while now.
Cheap to make and nice human interest?
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: pytheas on January 19, 2012, 07:51:44 AM
the nice bits
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ninty.gr%2Fattachment.php%3Fattachmentid%3D5656%26amp%3Bd%3D1310467289&hash=1b29dbb26a7c2a859c1adaf8856df3ecd35b0058)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5VcbfNmGbI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5VcbfNmGbI)
http://www.diafragma.gr/album/show_photo/40?album=giona (http://www.diafragma.gr/album/show_photo/40?album=giona)

the geography, the weather, the sun

------------------------------------------

the not-so-nice bits
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fattikosparatiritis.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fskoupidia.jpg&hash=d9eeb487251343cd8ff6fc381f55df1f27e10343)
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fkrotkaya.files.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F06%2Fparnitha1.jpg&hash=1146894ee6bf3b587d091bc5af38cc5cfeadcce5)

rife corruption, the lack of social consience and infrastructure
the level of "stupidity" is actively cultivated and maintained by the ruling classes and ghastly media
we are not abandoned, we are goaded, herded towards a wall
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Amicale on January 19, 2012, 08:38:05 AM
removed personal info.


Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Ali on January 19, 2012, 04:34:15 PM
Quote from: Anne D. on January 15, 2012, 09:12:04 PM
Ali, I love your avatar/icon. Really enjoyed reading your description of where you grew up and where you are now, especially the part about how the omnipresence of the big-box stores takes a toll on one's psyche. Sometime you'll have to share the story of why your dad called you Anne D. when you were little.

Oh thank you!  (Sorry, just saw this.)

It's pretty convoluted, but my dad always claims that when I was born, I looked like a Komodo Dragon.  So when I was really little, he called me Komodo.  Then he made up this song that he used to sing to to me (and sometimes still does) that goes "Alissa Anne de Komodo!  Anne of Komodo, the Dragon!"  (Alissa Anne is my full name).  So from that, I think maybe he called me Anne de Komodo for a while, and then it got shortened to Anne D.  Convoluted right?   ;D  I'm sure that's NOT why you are called Anne D.  LOL
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: SummerintheDam on January 19, 2012, 09:00:15 PM
Still pretty new to this site and just trying to get my 10 posts in.... :) Born in North Carolina, raised in Bakersfield (CA), which, if anyone has been to, would know why I no longer live there. :) Still have some family in Bako so unfortunately this is where my US holidays are spent when I go back to visit but at least it's warm and sunny (nevermind the pollution).... I currently live in Amsterdam (with my hubby and 2 daughters), but previously lived in Hong Kong for 10 years (after University)... So, small-town girl from Bako ends up spending a decade in Asia and now on my 2nd year in Europe.... and funnily enough this exposure has led me to question my christian upbringing.... :)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: The Magic Pudding on January 20, 2012, 12:48:43 AM
Quote from: SummerintheDam on January 19, 2012, 09:00:15 PMraised in Bakersfield (CA), which, if anyone has been to, would know why I no longer live there. :) Still have some family in Bako so unfortunately this is where my US holidays are spent when I go back to visit but at least it's warm and sunny (nevermind the pollution)....

Is it anything like this -

QuoteI was driving home early Sunday morning through Bakersfield
Listening to gospel music on the colored radio station
And the preacher said, "You know you always have the
Lord by your side"

And I was so pleased to be informed of this that I ran
Twenty red lights in his honor
Thank you Jesus, thank you lord
QuoteWell the preacher kept right on saying that all I had to do was send
Ten dollars to the church of the sacred bleeding heart of Jesus
Located somewhere in Los Angeles, California
And next week they'd say my prayer on the radio
And all my dreams would come true
So I did, the next week, I got a prayer with a girl
Well, you know what kind of eyes she got
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Anne D. on January 20, 2012, 01:31:14 AM
Quote from: Ali on January 19, 2012, 04:34:15 PM
Quote from: Anne D. on January 15, 2012, 09:12:04 PM
Ali, I love your avatar/icon. Really enjoyed reading your description of where you grew up and where you are now, especially the part about how the omnipresence of the big-box stores takes a toll on one's psyche. Sometime you'll have to share the story of why your dad called you Anne D. when you were little.

Oh thank you!  (Sorry, just saw this.)

It's pretty convoluted, but my dad always claims that when I was born, I looked like a Komodo Dragon.  So when I was really little, he called me Komodo.  Then he made up this song that he used to sing to to me (and sometimes still does) that goes "Alissa Anne de Komodo!  Anne of Komodo, the Dragon!"  (Alissa Anne is my full name).  So from that, I think maybe he called me Anne de Komodo for a while, and then it got shortened to Anne D.  Convoluted right?   ;D  I'm sure that's NOT why you are called Anne D.  LOL

What a cool story.  :D I'm told I resembled a conehead as a newborn. Much cooler to be a fierce Komodo dragon.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: SunshineSTATEofMind on January 20, 2012, 02:00:45 AM
Good afternoon! My name is Steph. Although I was never really religious in the first place, when I first started thinking about what I believed my freshman year of high school, I realized I did not believe in a god. For about two years I toyed with the language, merely because I didn't want to say 'atheist' as it was still too stigmatized for me. I said I was agnostic or shrugged off questions. I told a few friends my junior year of high school and my parents found out through me just a few years back. Now I am pretty open about it although I still haven't told any relatives. I share openly at college and have great conversations. Now I openly declare I am an atheist and I'm very proud of it! I've never felt such that I knew myself as much as I do now.

Hello to all! I'm glad to be on the forums.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Sandra Craft on January 20, 2012, 02:25:27 AM
Quote from: SummerintheDam on January 19, 2012, 09:00:15 PM
. . . raised in Bakersfield (CA), which, if anyone has been to, would know why I no longer live there. :)

Well, yes . . .

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7030%2F6728670569_874909362a.jpg&hash=4a1bae8c4878880b006892b37d365dc0a35bfb9a)

. . . and no.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7018%2F6728673375_04dc6396e3.jpg&hash=107508242cc88e70d63102c2128b9cf7b4491de8)

This is the problem with everywhere you go in CA, you have to know what to avoid and when and how to avoid it.  I think I saw Bakersfield in the worst way possible -- at 1:30 a.m. during a 45 min layover at the Greyhound Bus station.  You know all you need to know when you find out that the restrooms in the Bakersfield Greyhounds Bus station are upstairs.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Thunder Road on January 20, 2012, 03:12:13 AM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on January 20, 2012, 02:25:27 AM
Quote from: SummerintheDam on January 19, 2012, 09:00:15 PM
. . . raised in Bakersfield (CA), which, if anyone has been to, would know why I no longer live there. :)

Well, yes . . .



. . . and no.



This is the problem with everywhere you go in CA, you have to know what to avoid and when and how to avoid it.  I think I saw Bakersfield in the worst way possible -- at 1:30 a.m. during a 45 min layover at the Greyhound Bus station.  You know all you need to know when you find out that the restrooms in the Bakersfield Greyhounds Bus station are upstairs.

ok I'll bite.....what?
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Thunder Road on January 20, 2012, 03:30:32 AM
Quote from: SunshineSTATEofMind on January 20, 2012, 02:00:45 AM
Good afternoon! My name is Steph. Although I was never really religious in the first place, when I first started thinking about what I believed my freshman year of high school, I realized I did not believe in a god. For about two years I toyed with the language, merely because I didn't want to say 'atheist' as it was still too stigmatized for me. I said I was agnostic or shrugged off questions. I told a few friends my junior year of high school and my parents found out through me just a few years back. Now I am pretty open about it although I still haven't told any relatives. I share openly at college and have great conversations. Now I openly declare I am an atheist and I'm very proud of it! I've never felt such that I knew myself as much as I do now.

Hello to all! I'm glad to be on the forums.


Probably not the right thread to talk about this, but I will anyway.  :P

I felt the same exact way through almost all of high school.  Now in my first year at college I finally "came out."
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on January 20, 2012, 03:57:18 AM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on January 20, 2012, 02:25:27 AM
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7018%2F6728673375_04dc6396e3.jpg&hash=107508242cc88e70d63102c2128b9cf7b4491de8)

That's a cool pic 8)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Sandra Craft on January 20, 2012, 04:23:24 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on January 20, 2012, 03:57:18 AM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on January 20, 2012, 02:25:27 AM
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7018%2F6728673375_04dc6396e3.jpg&hash=107508242cc88e70d63102c2128b9cf7b4491de8)

That's a cool pic 8)

And it's just west of one of the ugliest cities in California. 
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: SunshineSTATEofMind on January 20, 2012, 12:23:34 PM
Quote from: Thunder Road on January 20, 2012, 03:30:32 AM
Quote from: SunshineSTATEofMind on January 20, 2012, 02:00:45 AM
Good afternoon! My name is Steph. Although I was never really religious in the first place, when I first started thinking about what I believed my freshman year of high school, I realized I did not believe in a god. For about two years I toyed with the language, merely because I didn't want to say 'atheist' as it was still too stigmatized for me. I said I was agnostic or shrugged off questions. I told a few friends my junior year of high school and my parents found out through me just a few years back. Now I am pretty open about it although I still haven't told any relatives. I share openly at college and have great conversations. Now I openly declare I am an atheist and I'm very proud of it! I've never felt such that I knew myself as much as I do now.

Hello to all! I'm glad to be on the forums.


Probably not the right thread to talk about this, but I will anyway.  :P

I felt the same exact way through almost all of high school.  Now in my first year at college I finally "came out."

Isn't it interesting how college brings out new dialogue? I think it may have a lot to do with the 'clean slate feeling'. I was like... I don't give a $&@! what anyone thinks about what I believe. Thankfully, that is carrying over to all other parts of my life... :)

Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on January 20, 2012, 02:55:10 PM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on January 20, 2012, 04:23:24 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on January 20, 2012, 03:57:18 AM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on January 20, 2012, 02:25:27 AM
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7018%2F6728673375_04dc6396e3.jpg&hash=107508242cc88e70d63102c2128b9cf7b4491de8)

That's a cool pic 8)

And it's just west of one of the ugliest cities in California. 

State of contrast? 8)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Anti-antidisestablishmentarianism on January 21, 2012, 06:28:18 PM
BFE.  Actually I am from a town called Rochelle Illinois that you may be able to find on a map, if you get a Really detailed map. It was actually a really good place to become an atheist.  All of the people that actually did go to church were fake, and had a love affair with Fox News esp. Glenn Beck.  That right there is enough to drive anyone away. The police were pretty friendly though.  They always helped me into the squad car  ;D  Side note: Magic you are fracking hilarious.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Mocha Chief on January 30, 2012, 09:00:36 AM
Lol I live in South Georgia. Pretty fun place. I have the Redneck accent lol XD
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Buddy on January 30, 2012, 01:53:21 PM
I don't think I've ever done this. Born in Malmö, few miles from the shoreline. Was able to to Copenhagen a few times a year. Fun, but too many Danes on bikes for my liking.  :P Moved to Philadelphia for about 6 months right before I turned twelve. Finally to about 45 minutes south of South Bend Indiana. I like Indiana, but it's too flat.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xXxWashburnxXx on January 30, 2012, 04:55:57 PM
I live in a suburb of Louisville, Kentucky which is on the border of Indiana and Kentucky. I have a redneck accent because it is a very redneck suburb.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Harmonie on January 30, 2012, 05:08:55 PM
I live in Northeast Oklahoma. I was born and raised there as well. There's nothing special about the place. The weather is noticeably more bipolar than other locations, but that's it.

I'd really like to move to the Northeast (US, not further NE in Oklahoma lol). I feel like I belong there. I definitely don't belong here, especially not if I become a teacher.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on February 02, 2012, 04:54:46 AM
I just came back from a trip to São Paulo, Brazil, visiting my grandparents. This is the city's emblem:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-UeGQg9pxa-Q%2FTWZ_s12NBlI%2FAAAAAAAAAA4%2Fe2LOQxDVYJY%2Fs1600%2Fbrasao_sao_paulo-769466.png&hash=36f8343c145b1d552f5d8aaae9fc3116d5b64a00)

I particularly like the latin motto, which translates to something like "I am not led, I lead".

Definitely one of the coolest out there.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: statichaos on February 19, 2012, 09:26:44 PM
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv259%2Fstatichaos%2FHollywood_Sign_PB050006.jpg&hash=662f8561f709334bdeb3b00700ea0572663049d9)

This kind of says it all.  I actually live in the neighborhood of Baldwin Hills, but I can see that sign from the landing on the outside staircase.  I absolutely adore this maddening, frustrating, and utterly fascinating city.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on February 19, 2012, 09:32:43 PM
Quote from: statichaos on February 19, 2012, 09:26:44 PM
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv259%2Fstatichaos%2FHollywood_Sign_PB050006.jpg&hash=662f8561f709334bdeb3b00700ea0572663049d9)

This kind of says it all.  I actually live in the neighborhood of Baldwin Hills, but I can see that sign from the landing on the outside staircase.  I absolutely adore this maddening, frustrating, and utterly fascinating city.
Gosh! To you get to see many of the entertainment 'upper class'?
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Magdalena on February 23, 2012, 06:22:51 AM
My grandfather was born in Barcelona, Spain in 1901 and moved to El Salvador in 1921. Him and my uncle raised me for the first 10 years of my life.
I was born in 1969 in El Salvador, that's a small country in Central America. I was brought to the states 33 years ago.
I have lived in Washington State, Florida and California. Right now I live in California, close to downtown LA. I like it here, it's sunny most of the time and there's people from all over the world, I like that.
It's hard to find atheist Latinos, if you tell a Latino that there is no god, they do the sign of the cross all over their body and run as if they've seen the devil.  :-\
This is why I come to the HAF, I can come out of the closet and I also learn a lot here. I mostly like to read people's comments, I don't post too much but I'm happy to be here with so many smart people, some not so smart, and even the evil ones like asmo. Well....that's a little bit about me. There's a lot more, but that is all for now.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on February 23, 2012, 06:27:33 AM
^^^ That reads like a teaser for a great novel/biography.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: The Magic Pudding on February 23, 2012, 06:45:59 AM
Quote from: Tank on February 23, 2012, 06:27:33 AM
^^^ That reads like a teaser for a great novel/biography.

Well I'm happy because she's happy to be with us not so smart people, about time we got some credit.  We make the smart seem relatively smarter.  One thing though, there are no evil ones like Asmo, his is an entirely unique form of evil.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Amicale on February 23, 2012, 08:42:39 AM
Some random awesome shots from around my city.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2Fbeautifulpark&hash=846c6efc563dc51b03d09df84fa82ea05aeace86)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2Fwowlights&hash=a6b4e1c61d2490007be5411490892484b8a46f9f)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Magdalena on February 24, 2012, 05:33:01 AM
Quote from: Tank on February 23, 2012, 06:27:33 AM
^^^ That reads like a teaser for a great novel/biography.

Thank you, I don't want to brag, but I will anyway.  ;)
If I had a dime for all the times people have told me to write my life story, I would have a whole dollar by now.  ;D
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Forsaken on March 03, 2012, 05:33:48 AM
Hi Everyone. I am from the Fiji Islands, a tiny island nation situated in the South pacific Ocean. Here are some photos from my country that might interest you.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcastaways-resort.net%2Ffiles%2F2011%2F04%2FFIJI1.gif&hash=d7b01e9650dfa72d4ca4a083c68edf7f7e870f46)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.realtravel.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2007%2F10%2Ffiji.jpg&hash=7654e82b8520ee8ad12aeecca85f49f1f6549eeb)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Sandra Craft on March 03, 2012, 05:37:31 AM
I am so envious right now. 
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on March 03, 2012, 08:24:17 AM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on March 03, 2012, 05:37:31 AM
I am so envious right now. 
Make that two of us!
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: DeterminedJuliet on March 03, 2012, 02:14:41 PM
Quote from: Tank on March 03, 2012, 08:24:17 AM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on March 03, 2012, 05:37:31 AM
I am so envious right now. 
Make that two of us!

Three!

Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: The Magic Pudding on March 03, 2012, 02:22:25 PM
The political situation is suspect and landscapes are presented in gif format, I'm reserving judgement.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Asmodean on March 03, 2012, 03:04:21 PM
Quote from: The Magic Pudding on March 03, 2012, 02:22:25 PM
The political situation is suspect and landscapes are presented in gif format, I'm reserving judgement.
Yes. Pudding wise. I do want a palm and some sand though  :(
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Anti-antidisestablishmentarianism on March 03, 2012, 06:00:31 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on March 03, 2012, 03:04:21 PM
Quote from: The Magic Pudding on March 03, 2012, 02:22:25 PM
The political situation is suspect and landscapes are presented in gif format, I'm reserving judgement.
Yes. Pudding wise. I do want a palm and some sand though  :(
palms are overated. I am surrounded by palm trees and still in a shithole.  Fiji looks awesome though.  much better than GA. I could easily see myself drinking a corona and lime while sitting on the beach on fiji.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Sandra Craft on March 03, 2012, 06:15:36 PM
Quote from: Amicale on February 23, 2012, 08:42:39 AM

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2Fbeautifulpark&hash=846c6efc563dc51b03d09df84fa82ea05aeace86)


I am an absolute sucker for bodies of water, it's what's kept me living on the CA coast despite the expense.  I can't remember if I've posted this picture before but it's one of my favorites.  I took this on Pacific Coast Highway, just outside of Port Hueneme:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm7.staticflickr.com%2F6081%2F6119037572_af10aa6783_z.jpg&hash=c85d2f691e4894b3e5a12b7bc89072fcce2a0dfe)

And here's the same area in color (but without the bird, which is a shame), proving that So. Cal. does still have some nice looking water:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7200%2F6949596819_4abaeaa2ff_z.jpg&hash=5ed220260d8b05a77c4ee061237cd7880138cd0a)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: DeterminedJuliet on March 03, 2012, 06:20:13 PM
Quote from: Anti-antidisestablishmentarianism on March 03, 2012, 06:00:31 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on March 03, 2012, 03:04:21 PM
Quote from: The Magic Pudding on March 03, 2012, 02:22:25 PM
The political situation is suspect and landscapes are presented in gif format, I'm reserving judgement.
Yes. Pudding wise. I do want a palm and some sand though  :(
palms are overated. I am surrounded by palm trees and still in a shithole.  Fiji looks awesome though.  much better than GA. I could easily see myself drinking a corona and lime while sitting on the beach on fiji.

I think people just get bored with what they're used to.  I used to have icebergs that floated by my backyard on an (almost) daily basis during certain parts of the year. Tourists flip their shit for them, but for the locals, it's like "meh. iceberg. neat, I guess". I've only seen palm trees twice in my life, so they're cool and exotic to me.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on March 04, 2012, 03:11:25 AM
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on March 03, 2012, 02:14:41 PM
Quote from: Tank on March 03, 2012, 08:24:17 AM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on March 03, 2012, 05:37:31 AM
I am so envious right now. 
Make that two of us!

Three!

Add one more: four!

Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on March 03, 2012, 06:15:36 PM
And here's the same area in color (but without the bird, which is a shame), proving that So. Cal. does still have some nice looking water:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7200%2F6949596819_4abaeaa2ff_z.jpg&hash=5ed220260d8b05a77c4ee061237cd7880138cd0a)

Is that relatively close to a city? That is clean looking water, and no garbage washed up on shore...
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Sandra Craft on March 04, 2012, 04:07:43 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on March 04, 2012, 03:11:25 AM
Is that relatively close to a city? That is clean looking water, and no garbage washed up on shore...


It's relatively close to Ventura, but that area has no beach and is so rocky with little way of getting to the water without risking your life that's it's also relatively people-free, hence the purity.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Amicale on March 31, 2012, 02:59:57 AM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on March 03, 2012, 06:15:36 PM
Quote from: Amicale on February 23, 2012, 08:42:39 AM

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2Fbeautifulpark&hash=846c6efc563dc51b03d09df84fa82ea05aeace86)


I am an absolute sucker for bodies of water, it's what's kept me living on the CA coast despite the expense.  I can't remember if I've posted this picture before but it's one of my favorites.  I took this on Pacific Coast Highway, just outside of Port Hueneme:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm7.staticflickr.com%2F6081%2F6119037572_af10aa6783_z.jpg&hash=c85d2f691e4894b3e5a12b7bc89072fcce2a0dfe)

And here's the same area in color (but without the bird, which is a shame), proving that So. Cal. does still have some nice looking water:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7200%2F6949596819_4abaeaa2ff_z.jpg&hash=5ed220260d8b05a77c4ee061237cd7880138cd0a)

I somehow JUST saw this now. Sigh. 3 and a half weeks late, and more than a dollar short.  :P

Those are GORGEOUS pics, BCE! Wow! I'd looooove to see that. Just gorgeous. You're quite the photographer!
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: chris on April 01, 2012, 06:01:16 AM
I moved to Oregon almost 20 years ago after spending most of my youth in San Francisco and Marin County, and most of my business career in Los Angeles, Chicago, Sacramento, and lots of travel to Boca Raton.  I had my fill of what cities had to offer.  I now live in the Siskiyou Mountain Range, a few hundred yards from the Rogue River, a fierce and wild river in an area still dangeous to those not careful of where they tread.  James Kim of Tech TV died a few miles from me in a sudden snowstorm, and his family was stranded a few years ago, while trying to take a shortcut to the coast.  Less famous people die every year for assuming civilization will protect them from the wilds.

But, with danger comes great beauty; the hills are alive with wild trout and salmon for those who know where to venture; massive redwoods tower above all just a few miles away, and the Pacific is just over this coastal range.  The Oregon coast reminds me of California before being overrun; rocky and fierce with patches of serenity and beaches, as gems to be found for the searching.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tom62 on April 01, 2012, 10:17:29 AM
I was born in this street
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.overtoomamsterdam.nl%2Findex.jpg&hash=96741811493380b4e9f2e4e2326ab55758d31cf6)
But didn't stay there for long, because 4 months later my family moved to the countryside.
This picture was taken not far away from our house . As a child I loved to row with my friends and to fish.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.panoramio.com%2Fphotos%2Foriginal%2F1269975.jpg&hash=26f1f44a05184a259e5e8f87b86b0371234c0f00)
I lived in that village (De Kwakel) for more than three decades.

In 1992 I decided to accept a job offer in Paris, France so for 3,5 years I lived in a small apartment located at this square: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiLMFn1OzhQ

The company then decided to create an European administration center in the small town of Nyon at the Lake Geneva (here some impressions of the region http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qavrs5E2FkA). This is where I met my wife, at that time she worked for an European organization that does this kind of stuff
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Finapcache.boston.com%2Funiversal%2Fsite_graphics%2Fblogs%2Fbigpicture%2Flhc_11_20%2Fl24_00808022.jpg&hash=14b85bb6f2edcd25240ed60da424fb2b979e7d2c).

In 2001 we both moved to the city of Jugendstil (Darmstadt, Germany)
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.young-germany.de%2Fuploads%2Fpics%2Fwaldspirale_in_Darmstadt_by_flickr_user_Joachim_S._Mueller.jpg&hash=5bb281be9a8f5bc97d4ecf4db18ef346641da1d5) (https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpcc-internationalisering.eu%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2010%2F01%2FDarmstadt_814168355.jpg&hash=3ec24e023db338e2aacba83e8f4a16d54bdd95e0)

My wife was however restless. So while, I remained in Darmstadt for awhile, she went to Lisbon, Portugal
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.destination360.com%2Feurope%2Fportugal%2Fimages%2Fs%2Flisbon.jpg&hash=97775073e754461dd67713413b43ff3ff4542cfc)

and after that to Washington,D.C.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fl.yimg.com%2Fa%2Fp%2Fi%2Fbcst%2Fyp%2Ftravelchannel%2F8708%2F84970328.jpg&hash=c642899fc67dad4a0ccef0364cd6ab684ac629bb)
At the same time of her move to the USA, I moved a bit closer to my work in Oberusel. FYI: to coordinate two moves between three different countries at the same time, was the most stressful thing that I'd ever done in my entire life.

So, here is where I'll still live till the end of this month.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fclaus-scheffel.de%2Fbilder%2Foberursel.jpg&hash=02a69c6b3ef1bb0d01b66f8183fb097476ee7575) (https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.moevenpick-hotels.com%2Ffiles%2Fgif1%2Ffrayy_map_238x2231.gif&hash=4ff0ee3043f673e63fa03d2fd44d5f1d65398b96)

My wife joined me there for several months (till last February), until she found a job at this place:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F6%2F6a%2FCollage_of_views_of_Warsaw_1_with_Stadium.png%2F406px-Collage_of_views_of_Warsaw_1_with_Stadium.png&hash=aa965f23c76d64177dcb414813e8a9cfefb394da)

But next month she'll start work in (and for) this city instead:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fen%2Fthumb%2F5%2F59%2FMunchen_collage.jpg%2F652px-Munchen_collage.jpg&hash=e264af88bdcc90d84b99f76e6191255e93e84747)

By then, I should already moved into our new house in Neu-Anspach
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.carlo.de%2FNeu-Anspach%2Fanspach.jpg&hash=c519a1a403033755a3727420f80ffd273c6b36db)


Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on April 01, 2012, 10:25:31 AM
^^^ I'd really liked to have moved around like that but families tend to root one to a particular spot.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tom62 on April 01, 2012, 04:18:29 PM
Quote from: Tank on April 01, 2012, 10:25:31 AM
^^^ I'd really liked to have moved around like that but families tend to root one to a particular spot.
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on April 02, 2012, 01:23:29 AM
Quote from: Tom62 on April 01, 2012, 04:18:29 PM
Quote from: Tank on April 01, 2012, 10:25:31 AM
^^^ I'd really liked to have moved around like that but families tend to root one to a particular spot.
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

This^ :)

You've really been around, Tom.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: lebrecht52 on April 07, 2012, 06:36:41 AM
I was born in Montreal Canada.
I came to Southern California in 1952.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Amicale on April 07, 2012, 06:55:02 AM
Quote from: lebrecht52 on April 07, 2012, 06:36:41 AM
I was born in Montreal Canada.
I came to Southern California in 1952.

I'm in Ontario. :) Montreal's a beautiful city, and I'd love to see California sometime as well. I'm really looking forward to hearing more about your life.

Take care, Mrs. Lebrecht! :)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: musicality on April 18, 2012, 10:37:04 AM
 :) I am from Southern California.
Nothing too special about it. But I am in love with the sunny skies and living near the beach aint have bad either!
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/32229_710819749607_24615432_40523945_5242459_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on April 18, 2012, 10:40:35 AM
Quote from: musicality on April 18, 2012, 10:37:04 AM
:) I am from Southern California.
Nothing too special about it. But I am in love with the sunny skies and living near the beach aint have bad either!
I wish I lived a little closer to the coast. Not that I should complain because in the UK it's impossible to be more than 70 miles from the coast.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Asmodean on April 18, 2012, 12:05:51 PM
Coast without palms is overrated. There is a lot of wind and fish. Loads of fish.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Firebird on April 20, 2012, 04:20:20 AM
I grew up in the definition of suburbia, Long Island New York. Most of Long Island is pretty conservative, especially the area where I grew up. A lot of rich white trash, to be blunt. We were most famous for Amy Fisher, the high school girl who shot her boyfriend's wife in the head back in the 90's:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amy_Fisher (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amy_Fisher)

I'm still not quite sure why my parents chose to live there; our liberal secular/Jewish family was horribly out of place.
I moved to the Boston area for school 14 years ago and never left, and met my wife here too. We live in Somerville, which is just north of the city. Love this town. There's a chance we may have to move soon, but it's not definite yet.

(https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSpSEPo1UAi010dbwiI-2LkqHdqbcDIKWpJgOex_mXQ0VUacmcndQ)(https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQWsDHoW22HkyfotRqvNZGySpIAFKPE9E_IJs2QrlUh1K-45QRZXA)
(https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSzb9wPEY9NSiPJxY5iUoRkRSSAojPeX2PzVmCoysLA-FMVWG8gMg)(https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRRHBGCGe1g2mVBe1JMAaULicj9IKaKrQHg8DwPmV-A0jxYtDrFwA)
The lower right image is Prospect Hill, where the first US Flag was flown. If you look closely, it's got the Union Jack colors embedded in it.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: texasatheist on April 23, 2012, 10:55:51 PM

I live in San Antonio TX.  More churches than gas stations (hypothetically but still debatable) and everything else is about religion.  Minor league team?  The Missions, after the missions that around the city of various historical significance (think Alamo!).  if the US is approximately 85% believers in general then here in TX it's probably closer to 95%.  Everybody is religious from the little fish on every small business' front sign or on every other car bumper across the state to religious culture coming up in discussions with complete strangers. 

On the street, I'll say what I believe and ask you not to discuss it with me.  With my family I'm a huge closet atheist afraid to lose them to some silly book.  Online I'm forced to conceal my identity due to repercussions with work and my clients or from my family discovering my true beliefs, or lack thereof. I don't fear for my life but I do fear loss of clients/income and never seeing my family again and in some ways I think that is worse.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Squid on April 24, 2012, 02:30:18 AM
Quote from: texasatheist on April 23, 2012, 10:55:51 PM

I live in San Antonio TX.  More churches than gas stations (hypothetically but still debatable) and everything else is about religion.  Minor league team?  The Missions, after the missions that around the city of various historical significance (think Alamo!).  if the US is approximately 85% believers in general then here in TX it's probably closer to 95%.  Everybody is religious from the little fish on every small business' front sign or on every other car bumper across the state to religious culture coming up in discussions with complete strangers. 

On the street, I'll say what I believe and ask you not to discuss it with me.  With my family I'm a huge closet atheist afraid to lose them to some silly book.  Online I'm forced to conceal my identity due to repercussions with work and my clients or from my family discovering my true beliefs, or lack thereof. I don't fear for my life but I do fear loss of clients/income and never seeing my family again and in some ways I think that is worse.

Another Texan!  I used to live in Converse.  I had a research job at Ft. Sam but got laid off in 2010.  Ended up back down in Victoria working a considerably lesser paying job for the State.  I did enjoy my time up there but I'm trying to work my way back up to Dallas....that way I can pester Whitney  ;D
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: texasatheist on April 24, 2012, 03:02:00 PM

Hey Squid, I drive by Victoria all time on my way to Houston.  Sounds like a nice place though!  Kidding of course.  Hope you make it back to Dallas, I'd love to move that way but our company doesn't have a branch there and I'm not willing to quit so I can move up there. 

Are you going to any of the meetup stuff here like the Separation of Church and State rally this weekend or anything else?  Perhaps we'll meet up at an event here in TX, I'm trying to be more actively involved with the community. 
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Buddy on April 24, 2012, 03:11:54 PM
I guess it is time that I did this.

Right now, I live in a little town in northwestern Indiana named Plymouth. The Yellow River runs right through the middle, and the downtown has been around since the 1800s. Population is 11,000 people.

This is Michigan Street, which is our main street. I live right off of it and I pass this area when I walk home from school

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.plymouthin.com%2Ffp%2Fpics%2F2.jpg&hash=b65d7957c248ebbb2e30a35f3fff4f5493b7e0b6)

This is our local park:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.plymouthin.com%2Fpg%2Fpark%2Fpark.jpg&hash=7a1551d80aba31c24e95cfd782255119e4ce9cf7)

This is the best diner in town:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.plymouthin.com%2Ffp%2Fpics%2F3.jpg&hash=6f32f0591afb06de3e4a77e34189dc0073ce69c3)

And this is our fire department:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.plymouthin.com%2Ffp%2Fpics%2F4.jpg&hash=a905717d7b9f4cc7b27aecc156e17bd93240130e)

Overall, it's a pretty nice place to live. I dislike the general flatness of it though.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Amicale on April 24, 2012, 04:17:21 PM
Budhorse, great pics! It reminds me SO strongly of a few smaller towns I've been in or lived in, I love smaller towns like that :)

Like the song goes, "Let's take a drive down the middle of Main where there's no lines to mark the lanes... and they've never heard of rush hour, and the tallest building is the water tower... and at the end of any westbound street, you can still see the sun go down. I'm moving to a small town..."  ;D
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Buddy on April 24, 2012, 04:21:24 PM
Quote from: Amicale on April 24, 2012, 04:17:21 PM
Budhorse, great pics! It reminds me SO strongly of a few smaller towns I've been in or lived in, I love smaller towns like that :)

Like the song goes, "Let's take a drive down the middle of Main where there's no lines to mark the lanes... and they've never heard of rush hour, and the tallest building is the water tower... and at the end of any westbound street, you can still see the sun go down. I'm moving to a small town..."  ;D

Thanks, but I just got those off the website. :D
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Amicale on April 24, 2012, 04:25:58 PM
Quote from: Budhorse4 on April 24, 2012, 04:21:24 PM
Quote from: Amicale on April 24, 2012, 04:17:21 PM
Budhorse, great pics! It reminds me SO strongly of a few smaller towns I've been in or lived in, I love smaller towns like that :)

Like the song goes, "Let's take a drive down the middle of Main where there's no lines to mark the lanes... and they've never heard of rush hour, and the tallest building is the water tower... and at the end of any westbound street, you can still see the sun go down. I'm moving to a small town..."  ;D

Thanks, but I just got those off the website. :D

Hey, I just figured something out! At one time, Indiana was about 15% prairie... and you live in a flat area.... and you have a little horse...

So... you have...

A little horse on the prairie!  ;D

*Ba dum tsshhh*
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Buddy on April 24, 2012, 04:49:02 PM
Quote from: Amicale on April 24, 2012, 04:25:58 PM
Hey, I just figured something out! At one time, Indiana was about 15% prairie... and you live in a flat area.... and you have a little horse...

So... you have...

A little horse on the prairie!  ;D

*Ba dum tsshhh*

LOL!
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on April 25, 2012, 04:33:28 PM
Quote from: Amicale on April 24, 2012, 04:25:58 PM
Quote from: Budhorse4 on April 24, 2012, 04:21:24 PM
Quote from: Amicale on April 24, 2012, 04:17:21 PM
Budhorse, great pics! It reminds me SO strongly of a few smaller towns I've been in or lived in, I love smaller towns like that :)

Like the song goes, "Let's take a drive down the middle of Main where there's no lines to mark the lanes... and they've never heard of rush hour, and the tallest building is the water tower... and at the end of any westbound street, you can still see the sun go down. I'm moving to a small town..."  ;D

Thanks, but I just got those off the website. :D

Hey, I just figured something out! At one time, Indiana was about 15% prairie... and you live in a flat area.... and you have a little horse...

So... you have...

A little horse on the prairie!  ;D

*Ba dum tsshhh*

Does it also run on caffeine? :D
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Buddy on April 25, 2012, 04:39:42 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on April 25, 2012, 04:33:28 PM
Quote from: Amicale on April 24, 2012, 04:25:58 PM
Quote from: Budhorse4 on April 24, 2012, 04:21:24 PM
Quote from: Amicale on April 24, 2012, 04:17:21 PM
Budhorse, great pics! It reminds me SO strongly of a few smaller towns I've been in or lived in, I love smaller towns like that :)

Like the song goes, "Let's take a drive down the middle of Main where there's no lines to mark the lanes... and they've never heard of rush hour, and the tallest building is the water tower... and at the end of any westbound street, you can still see the sun go down. I'm moving to a small town..."  ;D

Thanks, but I just got those off the website. :D

Hey, I just figured something out! At one time, Indiana was about 15% prairie... and you live in a flat area.... and you have a little horse...

So... you have...

A little horse on the prairie!  ;D

*Ba dum tsshhh*

Does it also run on caffeine? :D

Psh, I wish. Then feed costs wouldn't be as high
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Amicale on April 25, 2012, 04:41:20 PM
Quote from: Budhorse4 on April 25, 2012, 04:39:42 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on April 25, 2012, 04:33:28 PM
Quote from: Amicale on April 24, 2012, 04:25:58 PM
Quote from: Budhorse4 on April 24, 2012, 04:21:24 PM
Quote from: Amicale on April 24, 2012, 04:17:21 PM
Budhorse, great pics! It reminds me SO strongly of a few smaller towns I've been in or lived in, I love smaller towns like that :)

Like the song goes, "Let's take a drive down the middle of Main where there's no lines to mark the lanes... and they've never heard of rush hour, and the tallest building is the water tower... and at the end of any westbound street, you can still see the sun go down. I'm moving to a small town..."  ;D

Thanks, but I just got those off the website. :D

Hey, I just figured something out! At one time, Indiana was about 15% prairie... and you live in a flat area.... and you have a little horse...

So... you have...

A little horse on the prairie!  ;D

*Ba dum tsshhh*

Does it also run on caffeine? :D

Psh, I wish. Then feed costs wouldn't be as high

A horse who wants carrots instead:
"Hay hay hay hay??? Neigh neigh neigh neigh!"
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Squid on April 26, 2012, 01:22:36 AM
Quote from: texasatheist on April 24, 2012, 03:02:00 PM

Hey Squid, I drive by Victoria all time on my way to Houston.  Sounds like a nice place though!  Kidding of course.  Hope you make it back to Dallas, I'd love to move that way but our company doesn't have a branch there and I'm not willing to quit so I can move up there.

I'm hoping to find something up in that area and move up there afterward.  I have family and friends up there so I'd have somewhere to stay right away until I could get a place. 

QuoteAre you going to any of the meetup stuff here like the Separation of Church and State rally this weekend or anything else?  Perhaps we'll meet up at an event here in TX, I'm trying to be more actively involved with the community. 


I haven't been to anything in a long while.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: AlisonFox66 on May 02, 2012, 09:36:11 AM
I am from Alloa

Just realised that if you don't know the UK well you won't know where it is

It is a small town near Stirling which is in central Scotland
It is not quite in the highlands but quite close

We have some great hills nearby

We also have a newly opened railway line  to the town which must be unique in the UK
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on May 02, 2012, 09:40:33 AM
Quote from: AlisonFox66 on May 02, 2012, 09:36:11 AM
I am from Alloa

Just realised that if you don't know the UK well you won't know where it is

It is a small town near Stirling which is in central Scotland
It is not quite in the highlands but quite close

We have some great hills nearby

We also have a newly opened railway line  to the town which must be unique in the UK
Bloody hell you are in Scotland!!!  ;D
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: DeterminedJuliet on May 02, 2012, 02:54:38 PM
The downside of the internet is that I don't get to hear everyone's cool accents.  :(
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: The Magic Pudding on May 02, 2012, 05:02:29 PM
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on May 02, 2012, 02:54:38 PM
The downside of the internet is that I don't get to hear everyone's cool accents.  :(

I have to be careful when I request three kilos of thigh fillets please.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: harte.beest on May 13, 2012, 05:09:05 AM
I'm from tartarus
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Ali on May 14, 2012, 11:01:03 PM
Quote from: harte.beest on May 13, 2012, 05:09:05 AM
I'm from tartarus

QuoteTartarus is the lowest region of the world, as far below earth as earth is from heaven.
http://www.pantheon.org/articles/t/tartarus.html (http://www.pantheon.org/articles/t/tartarus.html)

Sooo....Australia?
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Anti-antidisestablishmentarianism on May 17, 2012, 09:35:03 PM
 I just remembered a fun fact. If you google Joan Allen you will find out that she was "Bourne" in the town that I grew up in!
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: markmcdaniel on May 18, 2012, 07:47:16 AM
I live in the Twin Cities Of Minneapolis and St. Paul in the State of Minnesota. This is a good place to live. The cities are clean and well run with good public transit. The theater scene if not quite London or New York but is world class with anybody who is anybody coming here to perform. We have lots of fine dining and a shopping mall with an amusement park and a good aquarium buried in it. We also have sports teams in all the major sports. There are also world class museums. When all of this pales there is hunting, fishing, and a host of year round outdoor activities.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Anne D. on June 01, 2012, 03:04:55 AM
Quote from: markmcdaniel on May 18, 2012, 07:47:16 AM
I live in the Twin Cities Of Minneapolis and St. Paul in the State of Minnesota. This is a good place to live. The cities are clean and well run with good public transit. The theater scene if not quite London or New York but is world class with anybody who is anybody coming here to perform. We have lots of fine dining and a shopping mall with an amusement park and a good aquarium buried in it. We also have sports teams in all the major sports. There are also world class museums. When all of this pales there is hunting, fishing, and a host of year round outdoor activities.

Totally love Minneapolis and St. Paul. You're a lucky duck.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: TheWalkingContradiction on July 08, 2012, 07:26:49 PM
Loved this thread!

Wow...  Brazil, Fiji, Australia...  So many interesting places here.  

A shout out to the folks from the Netherlands.  Although I am not Dutch and have never been to the Netherlands (even though I have been to Belgium three times and Luxembourg twice), I am from...  Brooklyn, New York.  That's Breuckelen -- broken land -- as the original Dutch settlers called an area of present-day Brooklyn to the north of my part of Brooklyn.  Later English settlers could not say Breuckelen in a Dutch accent and thus said Brooklyn.  As late as the American Revolution, only Dutch was spoken in the future Bay Ridge, the southwest Brooklyn neighborhood in which I live.  Popular legend has it that George Washington spoke to the local schoolchildren about America and democracy during the war, but I doubt that ever happened since he did not speak Dutch.

Bay Ridge: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay_Ridge,_Brooklyn

If you have ever seen Saturday Night Fever, you know my neighborhood.  Practically every venue in the movie is a place I can walk to in a few minutes.  The house John Travolta's character lived in is one block from my apartment.  Since the movie was supposed to take place in a neighboring neighborhood, Bensonhurst, it is very funny for Brooklynites to see Bay Ridge pass for Bensonhurst.  You may know the name Bensonhurst, as is the location of The Honeymooners.  You can see it in the original Welcome Back, Kotter opening credits.

The original Dutch name for Bay Ridge translates as Yellow Hook. (Older Dutch hoek means hook, spit of land, or inlet).  However, the name was quickly changed after the 1853 yellow fever epidemic.  Brooklyn still retains its more famous Red Hook, though--infamous in old novels for crime, prostitutes, street gangs, and the stereotypical Brooklyn accent.  And before you ask, yes, I can speak in both a neutral American accent and a modern Brooklyn/New York accent.  I can fake the old stereotypical accent.

Brooklyn was an independent city until 1898 and is now one of the five boroughs of New York City.  If it were still an independent city, Brooklyn would be America's fourth city (after New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago).

New York City has over eight million people--and that's only the city proper, not the metro area.  Two and a half million of them live in Brooklyn, and close to 79,000 people live in Bay Ridge (my Brooklyn neighborhood).  

Here is a map of the five boroughs of New York City.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:5_Boroughs_Labels_New_York_City_Map_Julius_Schorzman.png

Brooklyn is the yellow landmass (#2).  The more famous Manhattan is the blue one (#1).  I live in the part of Brooklyn closest to Staten Island (purple - #5).  Only The Bronx (red - #4) is on the North American continent.  The rest of the city is located on islands.  Brooklyn and Queens (orange - #3) join Nassau and Suffolk counties to form Long Island.    

Parts of Brooklyn have barely changed in more than a hundred years, and you can still find many ethnic enclaves.  You will see a little of that in some of my photos.

Here is the Verrazano Bridge, which links Brooklyn and Staten Island and thus makes driving through the Northeast USA more efficient.  I live about ten blocks (streets) from it and often take a walk along this shore:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FP1010155.jpg&hash=7866e3b99534798bedc28c05e54abd36ee66baef)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FP1010298.jpg&hash=9e1ea23657de32a46f4f6792d56dca803b0dfce3)

A Chinese restaurant in Bay Ridge that serves Halal food (food religious Muslims can eat).  This is a spin on the New York City Chinese restautants that have historically served Kosher food (food religious Jews can eat).  Notice that the writing is in English, Arabic, and Chinese since there is a large Chinese enclave and a large Arabic enclave.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FP1010342.jpg&hash=ea020b8ff244d8f80388bb2d59ef6bb3d1b7817e)

A separate entrance for women at the local mosque:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FP1010340.jpg&hash=bf8b356628801cdb2a45098e98084900c6096126)

One of many stores for Orthodox Jews and the Hasidim in a nearby neighborhood, Boro Park, that is largely populated by those communities.  I like the advertisement for a music CD that is probably in Yiddish: "Set your soul on fire."

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FP1010330.jpg&hash=9e62b5fe7e3e2fd8db58a533295afde8f4d20c91)

The blizzard of 2010 from my first floor apartment.  I had to call my sister to come over and dig me out so that I could open the door!

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FBlizzard-Dec26and272010-1-1.jpg&hash=cab8fa64b0ae0dd216b4e20a6d5edc46fafa7607)

Brooklyn-sized icicles:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FBlizzard-Dec26and272010-6-IciclegrowthbyeveningofDec26th-1.jpg&hash=040811a0a92f72a76e23d1f926304a52b36ac6e2)

Typical mid-20th-century attached brick houses in my neighborhood.  These houses are one block from me, and I live in the downstairs apartment of such a building:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FP1010210.jpg&hash=2a279a97fb314c9dbc3aa79dd0f087f3ecacd321)

Typical 19th-century brownstones of northern Brooklyn.  I took this photo in a neighborhood called Park Slope, which is basically the Greenwich Village of Brooklyn in terms of its many gay homeowners and renters, its many eclectic shops, and its uber liberal politics.  One can easily pay a million for one of these fashionable attached brownstones, which is waaaaaaay out of my price range (although typical of New York City prices) and why I can never afford to live there.  

They are really gorgeous and snug inside, with large rooms and high ceilings.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FP1010211.jpg&hash=acdd707c6b690686df426073b91ef53a9ed6076d)

The Georgian architecture of my alma mater, Brooklyn College:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FP1010220.jpg&hash=25b3d93a13e4c7f3df88431e0adfbc85f17f01fd)

An on-campus reproduction of an ancient Greek code of laws that has always caused much hilarity among the students.  I mean, what does it look like to you?

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FP1010229.jpg&hash=9d2295dfa8db10daac3b080c7bef16a09e4d294e)

Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Buddy on July 08, 2012, 07:42:05 PM
Very nice! Such beautiful pictures too.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on July 08, 2012, 10:40:02 PM
Very cool post, WalkingContradiction.  8)

QuoteThat's Breuckelen -- broken land -- as the original Dutch settlers called an area of present-day Brooklyn to the north of my part of Brooklyn.  Later English settlers could not say Breuckelen in a Dutch accent and thus said Brooklyn.

Well, you learn something knew everyday ;D
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Asmodean on July 09, 2012, 12:02:24 AM
Quote from: TheWalkingContradiction on July 08, 2012, 07:26:49 PM
An on-campus reproduction of an ancient Greek code of laws that has always caused much hilarity among the students.  I mean, what does it look like to you?

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FP1010229.jpg&hash=9d2295dfa8db10daac3b080c7bef16a09e4d294e)


That there..? A slab of stone, really. I suppose one could say it sort of looks like a house a little...  ???
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: TheWalkingContradiction on July 09, 2012, 03:20:58 AM
Thank you all for the replies!

Quote from: Asmodean on July 09, 2012, 12:02:24 AM
Quote from: TheWalkingContradiction on July 08, 2012, 07:26:49 PM
An on-campus reproduction of an ancient Greek code of laws that has always caused much hilarity among the students.  I mean, what does it look like to you?


That there..? A slab of stone, really. I suppose one could say it sort of looks like a house a little...  ???

Um...  Think of how HARD it was for the ancient Greeks to ERECT this COLOSSUS so that people would not SHAFT the SEMINAL laws.  
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: TheWalkingContradiction on July 09, 2012, 03:26:22 AM
Thank you all for the replies!
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Asmodean on July 09, 2012, 03:27:37 AM
Quote from: TheWalkingContradiction on July 09, 2012, 03:20:58 AM
Um...  Think of how HARD it was for the ancient Greeks to ERECT this SEMINAL COLOSSUS so that people would not SHAFT the law.  
A penis..? That's quite a stretch, really. I, for one, have never seen one quite as pointy or with a head that tiny compared to the shaft. Limited sample, to be sure, but still...
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: TheWalkingContradiction on July 09, 2012, 03:28:38 AM
Quote from: Asmodean on July 09, 2012, 03:27:37 AM
Quote from: TheWalkingContradiction on July 09, 2012, 03:20:58 AM
Um...  Think of how HARD it was for the ancient Greeks to ERECT this SEMINAL COLOSSUS so that people would not SHAFT the law.  
A penis..? That's quite a stretch, really. I, for one, have never seen one quite as pointy or with a head that tiny compared to the shaft. Limited sample, to be sure, but still...

Just saying what all the students say...
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Asmodean on July 09, 2012, 03:34:02 AM
Tell them that if their dicks look like that, than maybe they ought to pay a visit to their friendly neighbourhood urologist... Or some such.  :-\
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: The Magic Pudding on July 09, 2012, 03:37:39 AM
Thanks for the NY tour, well done TheWalkingContradiction Twaco.
Oh, twaco already means something, shame 'cause it had ring to it.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: TheWalkingContradiction on July 09, 2012, 03:48:41 AM
You both made me smile.   :)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on July 09, 2012, 03:51:42 AM
Quote from: TheWalkingContradiction on July 09, 2012, 03:48:41 AM
You both made me smile.   :)

Be careful, The Asmo will want you worshiping him soon and the Pudding will make you feel the incredible urge to try on some weird hat. 
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tom62 on July 09, 2012, 02:56:08 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on July 08, 2012, 10:40:02 PM
Very cool post, WalkingContradiction.  8)

QuoteThat's Breuckelen -- broken land -- as the original Dutch settlers called an area of present-day Brooklyn to the north of my part of Brooklyn.  Later English settlers could not say Breuckelen in a Dutch accent and thus said Brooklyn.

Well, you learn something knew everyday ;D
They named it after me ;D. My family name is "van Breukelen"'
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on July 09, 2012, 06:51:23 PM
Quote from: Tom62 on July 09, 2012, 02:56:08 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on July 08, 2012, 10:40:02 PM
Very cool post, WalkingContradiction.  8)

QuoteThat's Breuckelen -- broken land -- as the original Dutch settlers called an area of present-day Brooklyn to the north of my part of Brooklyn.  Later English settlers could not say Breuckelen in a Dutch accent and thus said Brooklyn.

Well, you learn something knew everyday ;D
They named it after me ;D. My family name is "van Breukelen"'

Really? Cool! :D

That would mean something like "from Broken land?"
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tom62 on July 09, 2012, 07:43:58 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on July 09, 2012, 06:51:23 PM
Quote from: Tom62 on July 09, 2012, 02:56:08 PM
They named it after me ;D. My family name is "van Breukelen"'

Really? Cool! :D

That would mean something like "from Broken land?"
Breukelen is a town in the Netherlands, in the province of Utrecht. So my name would mean "from the town of Breukelen" .
I didn't find the origins of the name Breukelen, but it could well be that it means "broken land", because in that area of the Netherlands, you've got thousands of acres of marshland.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Ali on July 09, 2012, 08:55:44 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on July 09, 2012, 03:27:37 AM
Quote from: TheWalkingContradiction on July 09, 2012, 03:20:58 AM
Um...  Think of how HARD it was for the ancient Greeks to ERECT this SEMINAL COLOSSUS so that people would not SHAFT the law.  
A penis..? That's quite a stretch, really. I, for one, have never seen one quite as pointy or with a head that tiny compared to the shaft. Limited sample, to be sure, but still...

Hahahhahahahahahaa.  Stretching penis.  Hahahahahahahahahahaaha (good to know that with age comes maturity, eh?)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Buddy on July 09, 2012, 09:09:29 PM
There is nothing wrong with a good penis joke. ;D
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on July 09, 2012, 09:26:00 PM
Quote from: Budhorse4 on July 09, 2012, 09:09:29 PM
There is nothing wrong with a good penis joke. ;D

Which reminds me, some people see themselves as a penis, but never a joke ;D
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Buddy on July 09, 2012, 09:33:29 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on July 09, 2012, 09:26:00 PM
Quote from: Budhorse4 on July 09, 2012, 09:09:29 PM
There is nothing wrong with a good penis joke. ;D

Which reminds me, some people see themselves as a penis, but never a joke ;D

Do they awkwardly stick out in public?
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: TheWalkingContradiction on July 09, 2012, 11:02:33 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on July 09, 2012, 03:51:42 AM


Be careful, The Asmo will want you worshiping him soon and the Pudding will make you feel the incredible urge to try on some weird hat.  

I love weird hats--and I already worship guys.  ;D
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: TheWalkingContradiction on July 09, 2012, 11:13:56 PM
Quote from: Tom62 on July 09, 2012, 02:56:08 PM

They named it after me ;D. My family name is "van Breukelen"'

I guess that makes you...  Tom of Brooklyn!   :) ;) :D ;D

The old Dutch Breuckelen is usually spelled like that, but I have also seen it spelled Breuck–Landt.

There are so many Dutch place names all over the city.  To name only a few...  The Bowery (from Dutch bouwerie - "farm"), Amsterdam Avenue, Coney Island (from Konijn Eiland - "Rabbit Island"), Staten Island (from Staaten Eylandt), and so on.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: The Black Jester on July 09, 2012, 11:15:12 PM
Quote from: TheWalkingContradiction on July 09, 2012, 11:13:56 PM
Quote from: Tom62 on July 09, 2012, 02:56:08 PM

They named it after me ;D. My family name is "van Breukelen"'

I guess that makes you...  Tom of Brooklyn!   :) ;) :D ;D

The old Dutch Breuckelen is usually spelled like that, but I have also seen it spelled Breuck–Landt.

There are so many Dutch placenames all over the city.  To name only a few...  The Bowery (from Dutch bouwerie - "farm"), Amsterdam Avenue, Coney Island (from Konijn Eiland - "Rabbit Island"), Staten Island (from Staaten Eylandt), and so on.

Cool factoids!
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: TheWalkingContradiction on July 09, 2012, 11:17:36 PM
Quote from: The Black Jester on July 09, 2012, 11:15:12 PM
Quote from: TheWalkingContradiction on July 09, 2012, 11:13:56 PM
Quote from: Tom62 on July 09, 2012, 02:56:08 PM

They named it after me ;D. My family name is "van Breukelen"'

I guess that makes you...  Tom of Brooklyn!   :) ;) :D ;D

The old Dutch Breuckelen is usually spelled like that, but I have also seen it spelled Breuck–Landt.

There are so many Dutch placenames all over the city.  To name only a few...  The Bowery (from Dutch bouwerie - "farm"), Amsterdam Avenue, Coney Island (from Konijn Eiland - "Rabbit Island"), Staten Island (from Staaten Eylandt), and so on.

Cool factoids!

:) :) :)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: TheWalkingContradiction on July 09, 2012, 11:18:52 PM
Quote from: Budhorse4 on July 09, 2012, 09:33:29 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on July 09, 2012, 09:26:00 PM
Quote from: Budhorse4 on July 09, 2012, 09:09:29 PM
There is nothing wrong with a good penis joke. ;D

Which reminds me, some people see themselves as a penis, but never a joke ;D

Do they awkwardly stick out in public?

Maybe we all need to bone up on our penis jokes.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on July 09, 2012, 11:20:03 PM
Yeah, I didn't even know that they were in fact englishised words from original Dutch. I feel incredibly ignorant right now. :P
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: TheWalkingContradiction on July 09, 2012, 11:32:47 PM
In my last picture post I showed you some typical Brooklyn scenes without going into the tourist traps and more famous buildings.  I would now like to show you some of my favorite Manhattan oddities without showing all the things you see in movies.  I teach in Manhattan and am as familiar with it as I am with Brooklyn.

Welcome to Paris!

Uh, I mean New York.  (The yellow taxi proves the location.)  These pretentious establishments on Orchard Street just off Stanton Street (on the Lower East Side) are not unique, either.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FOrchardStreetatStantonStreet.jpg&hash=775a0454b5354cc409094e50b0780b1d0bc177b8)

Naked guy and birds...  Uh, I mean, one of the statues in Columbus Circle (uptown) from the very early 1900s.  The many birds do distract a tad from his "heroic nudity." don't you think?

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FP1010134.jpg&hash=1172e8399a682ace346503b3a2b3c6d83c27f92c)

Hot guys sunbathing on one of the West Village piers.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FP1013551.jpg&hash=6a8139ecd3709da89d2c3997083e346c3ca27d59)

Pockmocks at 23 Wall Street across from the Stock Exchange - caused by a terrorist bomb in 1920 that was probably set off by Italian anarchists.  There were many casualities.  When I do walking tours of Lower Manhattan I take my students here, among other places, and also talk about things like the Oklahoma City bombing to show that Muslims/Arabs are not synonymous with terrorist acts.

Some more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wall_Street_bombing

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2F23WallStreetPockmarksfromthe1920bombing04-12.jpg&hash=d3999089c641b23308cc9e3bf27eb44aa77a26a6)

Graves from the 1600s, 1700s, and very early 1800s in the Trinity Church cemetery, which is right on Broadway and about two blocks from the Stock Exchange.  (I teach a couple of blocks from here.)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FTrinitygraves-4March22010.jpg&hash=387e347aad95054892912266e565d0f5ba06b25b)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FTrinitygraves-3March22010.jpg&hash=dcf6efe9c22c535ef5944ff5bff66f3c112e862f)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FTrinitygraves-1March22010.jpg&hash=e5992fbb9f23e640de980085c2cabbb3719db1d5)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: TheWalkingContradiction on July 09, 2012, 11:33:59 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on July 09, 2012, 11:20:03 PM
Yeah, I didn't even know that they were in fact englishised words from original Dutch. I feel incredibly ignorant right now. :P

Why should you feel ignorant?  I am sure there is a lot I do not know about the origins of place names in Brazil.   :)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Amicale on July 10, 2012, 03:05:07 AM
TWC, wonderful pictures! Thanks for sharing with us! :)

I might sound odd when I say this, but being a history buff, I really like cemeteries. *watches everyone back away*

Especially old graves like that. The up-close shots from the early 1800s are fantastic. One time I was looking through the cemetery close to my house, and I came across a grave from the mid 1700s - which was pretty remarkable, as the area supposedly wasn't developed until nearly a hundred years later, but individual small farming communities were in the area back then. Before my neighborhood was built, the whole thing was a cornfield/farmland for probably a couple hundred years.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Buddy on July 10, 2012, 03:07:59 AM
Quote from: Amicale on July 10, 2012, 03:05:07 AM
TWC, wonderful pictures! Thanks for sharing with us! :)

I might sound odd when I say this, but being a history buff, I really like cemeteries. *watches everyone back away*

Especially old graves like that. The up-close shots from the early 1800s are fantastic. One time I was looking through the cemetery close to my house, and I came across a grave from the mid 1700s - which was pretty remarkable, as the area supposedly wasn't developed until nearly a hundred years later, but individual small farming communities were in the area back then. Before my neighborhood was built, the whole thing was a cornfield/farmland for probably a couple hundred years.

Don't be ashamed! I love going to old cemeteries. Philadelphia and Key West have some of the best.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: DeterminedJuliet on July 10, 2012, 03:16:06 AM
I really enjoyed the "tour" TWC. I've never been to New York, so I find it really interesting to have a personalized view. :)

I think cemeteries are interesting, too. There are some pretty neat ones in Newfoundland from the 16th century (TWC, I'm a Newfoundlander who's currently living in Ontario. I get homesick and talk about "home" a lot. Just a head's up. haha.)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Buddy on July 10, 2012, 03:20:05 AM
There was a really neat cemetery in Malmö that I would visit often. It was old, had creepy statues and a rusty fence. Basically the whole package.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Icarus on July 11, 2012, 12:27:08 AM
Neatest thread on the whole forum. The pix of places all over the world are terriffic. I have spent way too much of my life traveling. I'm damned sick of it. I just want to stay home in my little cave with my two dogs. But Nooooo, you guys have to post all those spectacular pictures and now I want to go there to see for myself the wonders of worlds that I have yet to see. I am particularly impressed by Brasilia and a bit curious about Newfoundland. I mean we have some members in really scattered places like Cyprus, Greece, Fiji, Mexico, UK, Belgium, and of course, West Va. and Teyaxus.

I live in central Florida. It is beautiful if you know where to go. Tourist traps are not the real Florida.  We never mention the most pristine places to visitors for fear that the word will get out and the places will no longer be pristine.

We are a mixed bag of people who range from the redneck bubba character to brilliant astrophysicists that work for NASA as well as highly credentialed researchers in our numerous colleges. Our politics are distinguished only by abject stupidity. Our elementary and high school educational system is nothing to boast about although we have many  outstanding teachers who are thwarted by having to deal with narrow minded political jackasses  and the outcomes of the ill designed and poorly informed legislations. (On balance, we play pretty good football though)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Ali on July 11, 2012, 01:38:10 AM
Quote from: TheWalkingContradiction on July 09, 2012, 11:18:52 PM
Quote from: Budhorse4 on July 09, 2012, 09:33:29 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on July 09, 2012, 09:26:00 PM
Quote from: Budhorse4 on July 09, 2012, 09:09:29 PM
There is nothing wrong with a good penis joke. ;D

Which reminds me, some people see themselves as a penis, but never a joke ;D

Do they awkwardly stick out in public?

Maybe we all need to bone up on our penis jokes.

;D  I see what you did there.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on July 11, 2012, 04:35:55 AM
Quote from: TheWalkingContradiction on July 09, 2012, 11:33:59 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on July 09, 2012, 11:20:03 PM
Yeah, I didn't even know that they were in fact englishised words from original Dutch. I feel incredibly ignorant right now. :P

Why should you feel ignorant?  I am sure there is a lot I do not know about the origins of place names in Brazil.   :)

That doesn't really count, I don't know them either. ;)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: TheWalkingContradiction on July 11, 2012, 04:59:02 AM
Here is the last set of pictures I would like to post here.

Two of the advantages of living in Brooklyn (New York City) are The Met (The Metropolitan Museum of Art - one of the greatest museums in the world) and The Brooklyn Museum.  Rather than post links to the usual masterpieces, I would like to post my photos of pieces I have loved for decades.

First, from The Brooklyn Museum, here is a stunningly beautiful portrait of Lady Tjepu.  She is from ancient Egypt's New Kingdom--Dynasty 18, during the reign of Amunhotep III (circa 1390-1352 BC).  She is a little more famous than some of my other favorites, as she has been used on the cover of more than one Brooklyn Museum publication.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FP1010516.jpg&hash=89b8978801544526526135965ac77bb53b415192)

Next, also from The Brooklyn Museum, here is my favorite statue: a nobleman or priest named Metjetji. I have seen much Egyptian art in my life, but I have never seen such an incredibly lifelike statue. Just look at those eyes!

Metjetji lived in the Old Kingdom during the end of Dynasty 5 or the beginning or Dynasty 6 (circa 2371-2288 BC).

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FP1010524.jpg&hash=ddc6dd6fbb0adf4e1b6ba9153f2eb13943ed19e6)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FUntitled.jpg&hash=4e67aada44973fb9199ae8dd03cee78f05895fbc)

I can wander the Egyptian galleries in either museum for hours and never get bored.  Here is a typical room full of Egyptian art in The Brooklyn Museum.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FBM-Egyptiangallery-01-19-12.jpg&hash=3c1596677bfba02cad97769c5f0687632dcbe70a)

Ancient Egyptian artists had to be trained from an early age, and students often made clumsy errors during their training.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FP1011458.jpg&hash=32f4bbcb11a6edc73b41bc2fb72119b1406bd600)

One of The Brooklyn Museum's many examples of Ancient Egyptian pornography (which was more widespread than you may think).

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FP1010546.jpg&hash=17da0a6936104f6365d7682f3751c75abea58203)

In the "Ancient" Egyptian gift shop...

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FP1010555.jpg&hash=a67d78b277de0e212adb5bb503fdd27414bb5c74)

"Ancient" Egyptian Christmas decorations in the gift shop.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FP1010557.jpg&hash=541bcd002590ccba5f0231b93f40c9c474da5b87)

Wandering in the Greek and Roman galleries in either museum allows me to come into contact with young artists practicing new skills.  Sometimes it is fascinating just to sit on a bench and watch them.  Here is a recent shot from The Met.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FUntitled-1.jpg&hash=21397d74c6a2d6a81669ac07c8ab465c90a4c803)

Back to The Brooklyn Museum.  I adore this Chinese guardian lion, circa 1662-1722.  Such a marvelous face, shape, and color palette.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FBM-ChineseGuardianLion1662-1722-01-19-12.jpg&hash=dfe76fbb3b2e2adcb890d948e73fa9156647c7b3)

Back to The Met.  Here is my favorite ancient Japanese god, Fudo Myo-o.  He comes from the Heian Period, 12th century Kyoto.  
 
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FP1011473.jpg&hash=fd279ec451c8535559a9726e898136bcfa6b0a17)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FP1011476a.jpg&hash=0f6b1ea87e11f19364ca73ee79212b48d31a0b17)

Strolling through the Asian Art Wing of The Met is never a disappointment.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FP1011467.jpg&hash=0800e6d2ad2bbbaaaa0fb3acb91df03ce837225c)

Also in The Met...  Ganesha, who broke off his tusk and threw it at the moon in anger (India, probably Madhya Pradesh, 11th century).

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FP1014145.jpg&hash=3035fa56cd7eda4b7f5774fa423805fe6b2b9276)

-------

(Late edit: This next piece is in The Met.)

-------

This photo is about ten years old, but is one of my favorites of all time: Perseus with the Head of Medusa by Antonio Canova (Roman, 1804-06). You can see how impressed this couple is by... something.  (It ain't his sword.)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FP1010074.jpg&hash=9fda7926fb000c60b1b6dac7452d7b9625f999a1)

Perseus now stand in a different room--but it is still fun to watch people's reactions.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FPerseus-2008-June27.jpg&hash=ca48cf3117545977f33f582cf6ef2dea9e6465da)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Crow on July 11, 2012, 08:17:31 AM
Quote from: Budhorse4 on July 10, 2012, 03:20:05 AM
There was a really neat cemetery in Malmö that I would visit often. It was old, had creepy statues and a rusty fence. Basically the whole package.

Wait a minute! You moved from Malmö to the States, girl you crazy! Not that I have anything against the States but Malmö is really bloody cool and you can drive to Copenhagen which is also really cool, please tell me it was for NYC, Chicago or San Fransisco.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: TheWalkingContradiction on July 11, 2012, 12:28:13 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on July 11, 2012, 04:35:55 AM
Quote from: TheWalkingContradiction on July 09, 2012, 11:33:59 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on July 09, 2012, 11:20:03 PM
Yeah, I didn't even know that they were in fact englishised words from original Dutch. I feel incredibly ignorant right now. :P

Why should you feel ignorant?  I am sure there is a lot I do not know about the origins of place names in Brazil.   :)

That doesn't really count, I don't know them either. ;)

Maybe the origins of geographical place names is just not your 'thing' since there are other areas in which you are strong.

Math is not my 'thing' and I have always been really, really bad in it.  I came close to failing it many times when I was in school.  My sister is younger than I am, which means she was always in a lower grade.  Yet, she helped me with math when I was in high school.  She is now a math teacher, and as she puts it: "I got the math genes and you got the language genes."

I am sure you have the genes for many things in which you are talented even if you don't have a place names gene.   :)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: TheWalkingContradiction on July 12, 2012, 01:33:54 AM
Quote from: Amicale on July 10, 2012, 03:05:07 AM
TWC, wonderful pictures! Thanks for sharing with us! :)

I might sound odd when I say this, but being a history buff, I really like cemeteries. *watches everyone back away*

Especially old graves like that. The up-close shots from the early 1800s are fantastic. One time I was looking through the cemetery close to my house, and I came across a grave from the mid 1700s - which was pretty remarkable, as the area supposedly wasn't developed until nearly a hundred years later, but individual small farming communities were in the area back then. Before my neighborhood was built, the whole thing was a cornfield/farmland for probably a couple hundred years.

I --LOVE-- cemeteries!  In fact, when I went to Paris, one of the first things I wanted to do was walk through Père Lachaise Cemetery.

I know exactly how you must have felt when you came across that 18th-century grave.

Here in New York there are many very, very old cemeteries with interesting graves.  If you or anyone else would like some more close-ups of even older graves in the Trinity Churchyard or the St. Paul's Churchyard, both of which are only a couple of blocks from work, just let me know.  It would be my pleasure.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: TheWalkingContradiction on July 12, 2012, 01:39:17 AM
Quote from: Budhorse4 on July 10, 2012, 03:20:05 AM
There was a really neat cemetery in Malmö that I would visit often. It was old, had creepy statues and a rusty fence. Basically the whole package.

I recently listened to a BBC podcast that had some very scary things to say about the Fundamentalist Muslim community in Malmö.  Still, as an Arab-American, I a sure the scary part of the population is in the minority.

They also interviewed blond haired, blue-eyed (their emphasis) young Swedish woman who had converted to Islam and was wearing a headscarf during the interview in English.  She is a schoolteacher teaching Muslim children Swedish, and she had a fascinating perspective.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Buddy on July 12, 2012, 02:00:50 AM
Quote from: TheWalkingContradiction on July 12, 2012, 01:39:17 AM
I recently listened to a BBC podcast that had some very scary things to say about the Fundamentalist Muslim community in Malmö.  Still, as an Arab-American, I a sure the scary part of the population is in the minority.

They also interviewed blond haired, blue-eyed (their emphasis) young Swedish woman who had converted to Islam and was wearing a headscarf during the interview in English.  She is a schoolteacher teaching Muslim children Swedish, and she had a fascinating perspective.

Hmm. Never really paid attention to minorities in Malmö. Of course, I left before I was old enough to be interested in the news.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tom62 on July 12, 2012, 07:31:39 PM
Quote from: TheWalkingContradiction on July 12, 2012, 01:33:54 AM
I --LOVE-- cemeteries!  In fact, when I went to Paris, one of the first things I wanted to do was walk through Père Lachaise Cemetery.
I used to live at Place de la Réunion. Père Lachaise cemetery was just a few blocks away from my apartment.  It is like a city of the death.
Truly fascinating place. What I remember most were handwritten signs like "Jim is not over here, but there".
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Firebird on July 13, 2012, 05:42:44 PM
Wow, I really need to check out the Brooklyn Museum. My brother lives right by there, but I haven't gone yet. Should fix that next time I'm visiting family :)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: TheWalkingContradiction on July 14, 2012, 03:50:12 AM
Don't know if there is a more appropriate thread for this, so...

Since I have shown you where I am from, let me also show you where my cat and I live in Brooklyn.  This small apartment is considered large by New York City standards.  

First two photos: living room

Second photo: junction of the four rooms: living room, bathroom, kitchen and bedroom

Third photo: bedroom

I have lived here since 2002 and did the color coordinating (walls, rugs, carpets...)  Right now I am sitting on the living room couch as I type and will soon use my exercise bike.  Roscoe was on my lap before, but now she is snoozing in her cat bed across from me.

I should add that my parents, sister, aunt, and uncle are living it up in Hawaii for two weeks for my parents' 50th anniversary (a trip I subsidized).  My closest friend is in the Middle East for the summer, and the other friend I hang with is in California for the summer.  I'm teaching here in New York all summer and have not been out of New York in many years.  So, yes, I admit I am looking for attention right now...   ;)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FAPTA-Livingroom-01-21-12.jpg&hash=334d85206215d4c7987bdf8c07f35a5d6d3f1665)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FAPTD-Livingroom-01-21-12.jpg&hash=d9d91d2a8d5712906d10ec7944bda40476927d54)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FAPTM-Theotherthreeroomsfromthelivingroom-01-21-12.jpg&hash=12ef84360462603d92fa57174576653fb3766486)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FAPTR-Bedroom-01-21-12.jpg&hash=f48ca8dcb232f473345063fe6da43df65248e803)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on July 14, 2012, 03:55:12 AM
Your place looks nice and clean. I could never have a carpet like that with my dog and niece running around.  :o

Edited to add: And my brother. He's the type that puts his dirty feet on the sofa.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: TheWalkingContradiction on July 14, 2012, 04:05:57 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on July 14, 2012, 03:55:12 AM
Your place looks nice and clean. I could never have a carpet like that with my dog and niece running around.  :o

Edited to add: And my brother. He's the type that puts his dirty feet on the sofa.

Dirty feet on the sofa?  AHHHHHHHHHHH!!! :o :o :o   (Actually, my guests take off their shoes before entering, and we do put our feet on the sofa--but not our shoes.)

Thank you for the kind words.  I am a notorious neat freak, so the word "clean" is the best compliment you can give me.  How much of a neat freak?  Here, for example, is my bedroom closet.  (I have to keep books in boxes in it since the bookshelves in my living room and bedroom aren't big enough.)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FAPTT-Bedroomcloset-01-21-12.jpg&hash=dc734526ad4f0db8baa125022618ae4e6500015d)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: The Black Jester on July 14, 2012, 04:09:03 AM
Very tightly and efficiently organized.  I think I have closet-envy...
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on July 14, 2012, 04:20:56 AM
The hangers are organised by colour?  :o

I sort of...just throw my clothes in mine. Mess out of sight, mess out of mind. ;)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: TheWalkingContradiction on July 14, 2012, 04:24:31 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on July 14, 2012, 04:20:56 AM
The hangers are organised by colour?  :o

I sort of...just throw my clothes in mine. Mess out of sight, mess out of mind. ;)

I would love to lie and say that I organize my hangers and clothes by color, but anal as I am even I am not that anal.  Still, when I am hanging up clean clothes, I do tend to put hangers of the same color together naturally out of sheer anal thinking...   ;D

Organizing Roscoe has proven more difficult, as a cat cannot be organized.  And this cat sheds like you would not believe.  It just means I spend more time cleaning, but I always listen to music or podcasts while I do and have been known to sing along.  Roscoe runs and hides when I sing...

Love my Roscoe!  (She's on the same bed as in the previous bedroom picture, but the blanket is out.)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FRoscoe-2011.jpg&hash=cd1d0969fcfe506d53a8fe3a474f7e720228de2f)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Sandra Craft on July 14, 2012, 04:46:41 AM
Quote from: TheWalkingContradiction on July 14, 2012, 04:24:31 AM
Organizing Roscoe has proven more difficult, as a cat cannot be organized.  And this cat sheds like you would not believe.  It just means I spend more time cleaning, but I always listen to music or podcasts while I do and have been known to sing along.  Roscoe runs and hides when I sing...

Love my Roscoe!  (She's on the same bed as in the previous bedroom picture, but the blanket is out.)

I swear to Asmo (which is who we swear by around here), Roscoe reminds me of an old Hollywood actress but I can't put my finger on who.  Audrey Hepburn, maybe?  It's definitely something to do with the head tilt.

But on to keeping a place clean and organized around a cat -- I can vacuum the carpet every day and come up with the same amount of cat hair (how does a short-haired cat do that?), put away all her toy mice only to find them all over the floor 5 minutes later.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: The Black Jester on July 14, 2012, 04:52:50 AM
The weather in Juneau, Alaska is dreadful.  No, not the kind of dreadful of which you're likely thinking, the kind that will pass in a minute, and we'll all get on with our lives.  No, the weather in Juneau is of an altogether more miserable order, the moreso because it's...well, there's no other way to put this...it's permanent.  It's not merely that it's always 42 degrees (Fahrenheit) and drizzling, it's that it's the kind of 42 degrees that seeps into each crevice of your skeletal structure, promising that you will never, ever be warm again.  The best comparison is perhaps with the mood of a sullen teenager.  It doesn't storm in Juneau, nor squall, nor fitfully shower...the weather settles in for a good brood.  Suicides are high, as is teenage pregancy and alcoholism, each of which has been alternately proposed as the local official pasttime.  

Given this fact of my background, it is little wonder that I now live in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  I could easily expostulate on the virtues of the sunsets, or indeed of the sunrises.  And it is truly, stupifyingly, mind-bendingly, and I'm very nearly certain, illegally beautiful here.  I can do no better than to quote the late Douglas Adams, who once wrote of the place:

QuoteIf you've never visited or spent time in Santa Fe, New Mexico, then let me say this: you're a complete idiot.

But what I can myself most readily, most joyfully report, is that it is, to my continued and deep satisfaction, dry.  And dry in a way that seeps into every crevice of your skeletal structure, promising that you will never, ever be damp again.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: DeterminedJuliet on July 14, 2012, 05:00:55 AM
I'm tempted to post a picture of my closet, just for hilarity's sake. Also, with a toddler and two cats running around, my apartment stays clean for approximately .5 seconds after we clean it. 
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Buddy on July 14, 2012, 05:33:45 AM
Woah, we're posting pictures of our houses now? Better get some pictures of the barn since I practically live there now.  :D
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tom62 on July 14, 2012, 07:46:22 AM
Guess why I'm not sending pictures of our house. Our house is one of the most disorganized places in the world. My wife loves to collect stuff (shoes, clothing, scrapbook and photo stuff) for which simply we don't have enough room. Whole house is full of cartons that still need to be unpacked after our move, so i made her an ultimatum. You'll have to unpack and use that stuff within a year, otherwise we'll get rid of it.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: The Black Jester on July 14, 2012, 02:48:07 PM
Quote from: Tom62 on July 14, 2012, 07:46:22 AM
Whole house is full of cartons that still need to be unpacked after our move, so i made her an ultimatum. You'll have to unpack and use that stuff within a year, otherwise we'll get rid of it.

A useful rule, but ultimatums have the nasty tendency to backfire...I'm just sayin'...
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tom62 on July 14, 2012, 03:42:18 PM
Quote from: The Black Jester on July 14, 2012, 02:48:07 PM
Quote from: Tom62 on July 14, 2012, 07:46:22 AM
Whole house is full of cartons that still need to be unpacked after our move, so i made her an ultimatum. You'll have to unpack and use that stuff within a year, otherwise we'll get rid of it.

A useful rule, but ultimatums have the nasty tendency to backfire...I'm just sayin'...
Looks like that you know my wife ;D
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: En_Route on July 14, 2012, 03:50:44 PM
Quote from: Tom62 on July 14, 2012, 03:42:18 PM
Quote from: The Black Jester on July 14, 2012, 02:48:07 PM
Quote from: Tom62 on July 14, 2012, 07:46:22 AM
Whole house is full of cartons that still need to be unpacked after our move, so i made her an ultimatum. You'll have to unpack and use that stuff within a year, otherwise we'll get rid of it.

A useful rule, but ultimatums have the nasty tendency to backfire...I'm just sayin'...
Looks like that you know my wife ;D

I hope for your sake that he doesn't.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: The Black Jester on July 14, 2012, 03:53:25 PM
Quote from: En_Route on July 14, 2012, 03:50:44 PM
Quote from: Tom62 on July 14, 2012, 03:42:18 PM
Quote from: The Black Jester on July 14, 2012, 02:48:07 PM
Quote from: Tom62 on July 14, 2012, 07:46:22 AM
Whole house is full of cartons that still need to be unpacked after our move, so i made her an ultimatum. You'll have to unpack and use that stuff within a year, otherwise we'll get rid of it.

A useful rule, but ultimatums have the nasty tendency to backfire...I'm just sayin'...
Looks like that you know my wife ;D

I hope for your sake that he doesn't.

Particularly since I am known to be morally dissolute...
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: En_Route on July 14, 2012, 04:14:45 PM
Quote from: The Black Jester on July 14, 2012, 03:53:25 PM
Quote from: En_Route on July 14, 2012, 03:50:44 PM
Quote from: Tom62 on July 14, 2012, 03:42:18 PM
Quote from: The Black Jester on July 14, 2012, 02:48:07 PM
Quote from: Tom62 on July 14, 2012, 07:46:22 AM
Whole house is full of cartons that still need to be unpacked after our move, so i made her an ultimatum. You'll have to unpack and use that stuff within a year, otherwise we'll get rid of it.

A useful rule, but ultimatums have the nasty tendency to backfire...I'm just sayin'...
Looks like that you know my wife ;D

I hope for your sake that he doesn't.

Particularly since I am known to be morally dissolute...

I have heard tell that there are so many notches on your bedpost that it's in danger of collapse.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: TheWalkingContradiction on July 14, 2012, 07:10:51 PM
Quote from: The Black Jester on July 14, 2012, 04:52:50 AM
The weather in Juneau, Alaska is dreadful.  No, not the kind of dreadful of which you're likely thinking, the kind that will pass in a minute, and we'll all get on with our lives.  No, the weather in Juneau is of an altogether more miserable order, the moreso because it's...well, there's no other way to put this...it's permanent.  It's not merely that it's always 42 degrees (Fahrenheit) and drizzling, it's that it's the kind of 42 degrees that seeps into each crevice of your skeletal structure, promising that you will never, ever be warm again.  The best comparison is perhaps with the mood of a sullen teenager.  It doesn't storm in Juneau, nor squall, nor fitfully shower...the weather settles in for a good brood.  Suicides are high, as is teenage pregancy and alcoholism, each of which has been alternately proposed as the local official pasttime.  

Given this fact of my background, it is little wonder that I now live in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  I could easily expostulate on the virtues of the sunsets, or indeed of the sunrises.  And it is truly, stupifyingly, mind-bendingly, and I'm very nearly certain, illegally beautiful here.  I can do no better than to quote the late Douglas Adams, who once wrote of the place:

QuoteIf you've never visited or spent time in Santa Fe, New Mexico, then let me say this: you're a complete idiot.

But what I can myself most readily, most joyfully report, is that it is, to my continued and deep satisfaction, dry.  And dry in a way that seeps into every crevice of your skeletal structure, promising that you will never, ever be damp again.


I absolutely love this description.  It is worthy of classic literature, and that is not a mere random compliment.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: TheWalkingContradiction on July 14, 2012, 07:14:43 PM
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on July 14, 2012, 05:00:55 AM
I'm tempted to post a picture of my closet, just for hilarity's sake. Also, with a toddler and two cats running around, my apartment stays clean for approximately .5 seconds after we clean it.  

When I was younger, I stole a line from one of my professors.  "No children, no pets.  Good life."  Despite the daily extra cleaning Roscoe gives me, though, she is a delighftful addition to the household.  At the end of August she will have been here one year.

Still, that does not mean I want another one or, for that matter, a toddler.  Although I am very good with children, I have my own quote: "I love children--as long as they belong to someone else."
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: TheWalkingContradiction on July 14, 2012, 07:18:43 PM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on July 14, 2012, 04:46:41 AM


I swear to Asmo (which is who we swear by around here), Roscoe reminds me of an old Hollywood actress but I can't put my finger on who.  Audrey Hepburn, maybe?  It's definitely something to do with the head tilt.



I swear to Asmo that I know exactly what you mean!  Since the other pictures I have posted of Roscoe are a few months old, here is a picture of her on the same bed that I took ten minutes ago to send to the vacationing family in Hawaii and post here.  Flirty cat!

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1155.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp544%2Fmaj280%2FRoscoeflirts-07-14-12.jpg&hash=7062111496c9b820ee782459b7f7420321e9a8d8)

Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: TheWalkingContradiction on July 14, 2012, 07:22:25 PM
Quote from: Budhorse4 on July 14, 2012, 05:33:45 AM
Woah, we're posting pictures of our houses now? Better get some pictures of the barn since I practically live there now.  :D

I would love to see photos of other people's homes/rooms.  It helps to get to know all of you.

-----

To all: Is there a thread in which members post their pictures?  Would love to put faces to screen names.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: TheWalkingContradiction on July 14, 2012, 07:28:05 PM
Quote from: Tom62 on July 14, 2012, 07:46:22 AM
Guess why I'm not sending pictures of our house. Our house is one of the most disorganized places in the world. My wife loves to collect stuff (shoes, clothing, scrapbook and photo stuff) for which simply we don't have enough room. Whole house is full of cartons that still need to be unpacked after our move, so i made her an ultimatum. You'll have to unpack and use that stuff within a year, otherwise we'll get rid of it.

I hear you.  My parents and sister are pack rats, and when I lived at home my bedroom was the only isle of calm in a sea of chachkas, oversized wall hangings, more shoes than Imelda Marcos has ever dreamed of tossed everywhere, gongs...  

Last week one of my ESL classes was working on "The Shoe of Jewels," which is the Vietnamese Cinderella (and predates the Western one).  I told them the story about how I had scrubbed the floors when I was sixteen--only to have my parents come back from a party and walk on them with muddy feet.  As I described having to discipline my parents, the class roared with laughter.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: DeterminedJuliet on July 14, 2012, 07:29:59 PM
Quote from: TheWalkingContradiction on July 14, 2012, 07:22:25 PM

-----

To all: Is there a thread in which members post their pictures?  Would love to put faces to screen names.

There's no real dedicated thread for pictures of people (not everyone feels comfortable sharing them online).
The last time a few pictures floated around was in the icons (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=8695.0) thread, I think. Actually, I was thinking the other day about how I wanted to take down the pictures I had of myself here, so get a look while you can.  :P
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: The Magic Pudding on July 14, 2012, 07:37:11 PM
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on July 14, 2012, 07:29:59 PM
Quote from: TheWalkingContradiction on July 14, 2012, 07:22:25 PM

-----

To all: Is there a thread in which members post their pictures?  Would love to put faces to screen names.

There's no real dedicated thread for pictures of people (not everyone feels comfortable sharing them online).
The last time a few pictures floated around was in the icons (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=8695.0) thread, I think. Actually, I was thinking the other day about how I wanted to take down the pictures I had of myself here, so get a look while you can.  :P

There is this one http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=8695.0

And don't you go wiping these pics 'cause I pointed you there.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Siz on July 14, 2012, 08:05:49 PM
Quote from: TheWalkingContradiction on July 14, 2012, 07:18:43 PM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on July 14, 2012, 04:46:41 AM


I swear to Asmo (which is who we swear by around here), Roscoe reminds me of an old Hollywood actress but I can't put my finger on who.  Audrey Hepburn, maybe?  It's definitely something to do with the head tilt.



I swear to Asmo that I know exactly what you mean!

Definitely Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffanys
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ft1.gstatic.com%2Fimages%3Fq%3Dtbn%3AANd9GcRg9sBKohu82lT4LyIaM3SHElFqKWJfDvoqe99yr3jdo5MGhLwsxDEbOFjB&hash=cb5ac3c0b9c52350207227b6ac2c659bc3f7d392)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: TheWalkingContradiction on July 14, 2012, 08:17:24 PM
Quote from: The Magic Pudding on July 14, 2012, 07:37:11 PM
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on July 14, 2012, 07:29:59 PM
Quote from: TheWalkingContradiction on July 14, 2012, 07:22:25 PM

-----

To all: Is there a thread in which members post their pictures?  Would love to put faces to screen names.

There's no real dedicated thread for pictures of people (not everyone feels comfortable sharing them online).
The last time a few pictures floated around was in the icons (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=8695.0) thread, I think. Actually, I was thinking the other day about how I wanted to take down the pictures I had of myself here, so get a look while you can.  :P

There is this one http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=8695.0

And don't you go wiping these pics 'cause I pointed you there.

Sorry...  "Wiping" the pics?  This is yet another Internet term I don't know.

But if they are dirty, you've picked the right anal retentive to clean them!   :) ;) :D
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: TheWalkingContradiction on July 14, 2012, 08:29:11 PM
Quote from: Scissorlegs on July 14, 2012, 08:05:49 PM

Definitely Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffanys
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ft1.gstatic.com%2Fimages%3Fq%3Dtbn%3AANd9GcRg9sBKohu82lT4LyIaM3SHElFqKWJfDvoqe99yr3jdo5MGhLwsxDEbOFjB&hash=cb5ac3c0b9c52350207227b6ac2c659bc3f7d392)

Roscoe hisses: "Exucsssssse me.  I'm prettier!"
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: TheWalkingContradiction on July 14, 2012, 08:32:54 PM
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on July 14, 2012, 07:29:59 PM
Quote from: TheWalkingContradiction on July 14, 2012, 07:22:25 PM

-----

To all: Is there a thread in which members post their pictures?  Would love to put faces to screen names.

There's no real dedicated thread for pictures of people (not everyone feels comfortable sharing them online).
The last time a few pictures floated around was in the icons (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=8695.0) thread, I think. Actually, I was thinking the other day about how I wanted to take down the pictures I had of myself here, so get a look while you can.  :P

Just saw them--and you're gorgeous!  (And when a gay man says a woman is gorgeous, you know it's true!)

Don't take them down.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on July 14, 2012, 08:55:39 PM
Quote from: TheWalkingContradiction on July 14, 2012, 08:17:24 PM
Quote from: The Magic Pudding on July 14, 2012, 07:37:11 PM
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on July 14, 2012, 07:29:59 PM
Quote from: TheWalkingContradiction on July 14, 2012, 07:22:25 PM

-----

To all: Is there a thread in which members post their pictures?  Would love to put faces to screen names.

There's no real dedicated thread for pictures of people (not everyone feels comfortable sharing them online).
The last time a few pictures floated around was in the icons (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=8695.0) thread, I think. Actually, I was thinking the other day about how I wanted to take down the pictures I had of myself here, so get a look while you can.  :P

There is this one http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=8695.0

And don't you go wiping these pics 'cause I pointed you there.

Sorry...  "Wiping" the pics?  This is yet another Internet term I don't know.

But if they are dirty, you've picked the right anal retentive to clean them!   :) ;) :D
As we allow members as young as 13 we don't allow nudity on the board. The youngest member ATM is 16.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Buddy on July 14, 2012, 08:58:32 PM
Quote from: Tank on July 14, 2012, 08:55:39 PM
Quote from: TheWalkingContradiction on July 14, 2012, 08:17:24 PM
Quote from: The Magic Pudding on July 14, 2012, 07:37:11 PM
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on July 14, 2012, 07:29:59 PM
Quote from: TheWalkingContradiction on July 14, 2012, 07:22:25 PM

-----

To all: Is there a thread in which members post their pictures?  Would love to put faces to screen names.

There's no real dedicated thread for pictures of people (not everyone feels comfortable sharing them online).
The last time a few pictures floated around was in the icons (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=8695.0) thread, I think. Actually, I was thinking the other day about how I wanted to take down the pictures I had of myself here, so get a look while you can.  :P

There is this one http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=8695.0

And don't you go wiping these pics 'cause I pointed you there.

Sorry...  "Wiping" the pics?  This is yet another Internet term I don't know.

But if they are dirty, you've picked the right anal retentive to clean them!   :) ;) :D
As we allow members as young as 13 we don't allow nudity on the board. The youngest member ATM is 16.

Me!!!!!!  :D
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Asmodean on July 14, 2012, 09:11:45 PM
Quote from: Tank on July 14, 2012, 08:55:39 PM
As we allow members as young as 13 we don't allow nudity on the board. The youngest member ATM is 16.
Wait, you have to be over 13 to see naked people..? Porn I get, but just nudity..?  ??? Is this some weird American laws again?
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on July 14, 2012, 09:17:41 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on July 14, 2012, 09:11:45 PM
Quote from: Tank on July 14, 2012, 08:55:39 PM
As we allow members as young as 13 we don't allow nudity on the board. The youngest member ATM is 16.
Wait, you have to be over 13 to see naked people..? Porn I get, but just nudity..?  ??? Is this some weird American laws again?
Whitney's forum, Whitney's rules.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on July 14, 2012, 09:19:56 PM
Quote from: Tank on July 14, 2012, 09:17:41 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on July 14, 2012, 09:11:45 PM
Quote from: Tank on July 14, 2012, 08:55:39 PM
As we allow members as young as 13 we don't allow nudity on the board. The youngest member ATM is 16.
Wait, you have to be over 13 to see naked people..? Porn I get, but just nudity..?  ??? Is this some weird American laws again?
Whitney's forum, Whitney's rules.
I think it's based on the expectations of what one will see in mainstream American cinema, but I could be wrong.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Asmodean on July 14, 2012, 09:37:49 PM
Quote from: Tank on July 14, 2012, 09:19:56 PM
I think it's based on the expectations of what one will see in mainstream American cinema, but I could be wrong.
Ah. I think people tend to get naked more often in our own Euromovies, no..? No big deal, if you ask me - it's just... Naked people.

Oh, and where is Whitney? Tank, The Asmo is suspicious of your evil intentions.  ???
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on July 14, 2012, 09:44:44 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on July 14, 2012, 09:37:49 PM
Quote from: Tank on July 14, 2012, 09:19:56 PM
I think it's based on the expectations of what one will see in mainstream American cinema, but I could be wrong.
Ah. I think people tend to get naked more often in our own Euromovies, no..? No big deal, if you ask me - it's just... Naked people.
I agree, it's an American forum so American prudery rules :(

Quote from: Asmodean on July 14, 2012, 09:37:49 PM
Oh, and where is Whitney? Tank, The Asmo is suspicious of your evil intentions.  ???
Moi! Evil?  ;)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Asmodean on July 14, 2012, 09:53:58 PM
Quote from: Tank on July 14, 2012, 09:44:44 PM
Moi! Evil?  ;)
You ATE her, you rusty old bucket of military technology, didn't you?! CONFESS!  >:(
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: DeterminedJuliet on July 14, 2012, 09:58:29 PM
Quote from: Tank on July 14, 2012, 09:19:56 PM
Quote from: Tank on July 14, 2012, 09:17:41 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on July 14, 2012, 09:11:45 PM
Quote from: Tank on July 14, 2012, 08:55:39 PM
As we allow members as young as 13 we don't allow nudity on the board. The youngest member ATM is 16.
Wait, you have to be over 13 to see naked people..? Porn I get, but just nudity..?  ??? Is this some weird American laws again?
Whitney's forum, Whitney's rules.
I think it's based on the expectations of what one will see in mainstream American cinema, but I could be wrong.
When I participated in a Newfoundland youth forum, we had similar rules. I think it was mostly to avoid flack from parents, though. A couple nude-pics is rarely worth a parental ruckus.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on July 14, 2012, 10:20:00 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on July 14, 2012, 09:53:58 PM
Quote from: Tank on July 14, 2012, 09:44:44 PM
Moi! Evil?  ;)
You ATE her, you rusty old bucket of military technology, didn't you?! CONFESS!  >:(
Tanks don't eat, they crush.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Buddy on July 14, 2012, 10:34:57 PM
I think after the whole mankini thing, nudity can't be much worse.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: DeterminedJuliet on July 14, 2012, 10:37:53 PM
Quote from: Budhorse4 on July 14, 2012, 10:34:57 PM
I think after the whole mankini thing, nudity can't be much worse.

errr...(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fufplanets.com%2Fimages%2Fsmilies%2Femoticon_ShiftyEyes.gif&hash=c17511b54b66a7e80d9719767628e52a01dd5243)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on July 14, 2012, 10:38:54 PM
Ladies stop teasing the gentlemen into doing something they may regret!
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Crow on July 14, 2012, 10:39:46 PM
Quote from: Budhorse4 on July 14, 2012, 10:34:57 PM
I think after the whole mankini thing, nudity can't be much worse.

I thought I already proved this point wrong.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Asmodean on July 15, 2012, 12:25:43 AM
Quote from: Tank on July 14, 2012, 10:20:00 PM
Tanks don't eat, they crush.
Well, His Grayness knows you are somehow behind Whitney's disappearance. (https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.whyzzat.com%2Fstyles%2Fflexile%2Fxenforo%2Fsmilies%2Fuowadmin.gif&hash=6e129a38aa2353513528b2348b7b1af2c5a3743d)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: technolud on July 15, 2012, 01:30:56 AM
This is my favorite radio show, since 1970 something:

http://www.wfuv.org/programs/idiotsdelight

Vince Scelsa representing the last and best of the 1960's.  America at a good time.

Try it out if you want to hear something positive about the states.



Vin Scelsa's Idiot's Delight

Free-form radio like no one else can do it, every Saturday night on FUV.

Respect The Elders.
Embrace The New.
Encourage The Impractical and Improbable,
Without Bias.
- David Fricke

Vin Scelsa's Idiot's Delight® has quite a cult following in the NYC area - Vin's been on the air here for over 35 years. He's found his broadcast home on WFUV Saturday nights from 8-10pm. What Vin does is like no other show on the radio dial - or on television, the Internet or anywhere else, for that matter.

Famous for spending long, in-depth time with his guests, Vin's "interviews" go beyond the usual "promo tour" fare - listening to Idiot's Delight is like eavesdropping on a private intimate visit between friends, complete with impromptu studio performances.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: The Black Jester on July 15, 2012, 04:31:12 AM
Quote from: TheWalkingContradiction on July 14, 2012, 07:10:51 PM
I absolutely love this description.  It is worthy of classic literature, and that is not a mere random compliment.

Thank you, TWC!  :)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: bisbell6 on July 15, 2012, 11:49:45 PM
I'm Keri, and I'm new, having just posted an intro earlier today and am looking at all the fantastic photos people have posted of where they are from!  I am from Seattle, Washington - the Pacific Northwest of the U.S.  It's a cool state - the only one that has both a rainforest and a desert!  The city is on Puget Sound, an inlet on the Pacific Ocean.  Seattle is the home of Jimi Hendrix, Grunge, The Space Needle, Boeing and Microsoft.

Currently I live in a small town of about 6,000 people, about 80 minutes northeast of Seattle called Duvall.  It's all cows and veggies out here.  I have a little cabin in the woods in the foothills of the Cascade mountains.

I don't know how to post photos, but I'd like to if anyone has the time and inclination to teach me!
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on July 15, 2012, 11:53:35 PM
Quote from: bisbell6 on July 15, 2012, 11:49:45 PM
I'm Keri, and I'm new, having just posted an intro earlier today and am looking at all the fantastic photos people have posted of where they are from!  I am from Seattle, Washington - the Pacific Northwest of the U.S.  It's a cool state - the only one that has both a rainforest and a desert!  The city is on Puget Sound, an inlet on the Pacific Ocean.  Seattle is the home of Jimi Hendrix, Grunge, The Space Needle, Boeing and Microsoft.

Currently I live in a small town of about 6,000 people, about 80 minutes northeast of Seattle called Duvall.  It's all cows and veggies out here.  I have a little cabin in the woods in the foothills of the Cascade mountains.

I don't know how to post photos, but I'd like to if anyone has the time and inclination to teach me!

Tutorial here http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=7484.0
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: bisbell6 on July 16, 2012, 02:06:39 AM
One more time... sorry for the previous mistake!  I'm new at all of this... Seattle, Wa - my home town

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1266.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj530%2Fbisbell6%2FLocationPhotoDirectLink-g60878-i25602581-Seattle_Washington.jpg&hash=4322bea27fa127f42dc4793256d48d2c9371968c)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: bisbell6 on July 16, 2012, 02:09:32 AM
And where I live now - my community, Lake Margaret:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1266.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj530%2Fbisbell6%2F550705_4052355070053_1699837193_n.jpg&hash=1a56b61a70c2b9bacd98bbc1501b00cf0c2bbca7)

My home:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1266.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj530%2Fbisbell6%2F578383_3806130074582_1188865129_n.jpg&hash=78ebf261cc21cf92a7f9e3dac7f6d910d02bc7e0)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Amicale on July 16, 2012, 02:33:54 AM
Keri, welcome! Those pictures are gorgeous! I have a couple friends who live very, very close to you, and they'd agree with your assessment of the area being full of cows and veggies.  :D

I really love the scene of the houses along the water, it reminds me of a small town I visited often when I was younger, my friend's back yard went down to a river (as of course did the yards of her neighbors). And the house you live in is so CUTE! I bet it's peaceful!
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Amicale on July 16, 2012, 02:43:39 AM
I'm in Ottawa Ontario right now, and there are a lot of gorgeous places here.

The Parliament building:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.topix.com%2Fgallery%2Fup-I96SBJJLQHMJDLQQ.jpg&hash=0632e1005aeff703c1cd639f16c121b1d260231a)

The sunset Skate on the Rideau Canal:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.canadascapital.gc.ca%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fimagecache%2Fimage-full%2Fuploads%2Fpage%2Fimages%2Frc_05_sunset_skate_canal_wl-.jpg&hash=e0540577783e59507b1c8a9471bfb27186fe6d38)

The Chateau Laurier hotel in springtime:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fweddingmapper.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fassets%2Fphotos%2F0%2F83%2F63820_l.jpg&hash=120ce1a0320798fc2e65634f52b90caa44aaa23f)

One more Parliament shot, in autumn:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1.trekearth.com%2Fphotos%2F13586%2Fdscn7233-resized.jpg&hash=ff976c6a77d20d7ad99706e3d90101c0ffc05e3c)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: DeterminedJuliet on July 16, 2012, 04:12:11 AM
We also have a giant spider statue-thingy!
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/321513_10150304158658091_1926485921_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Sandra Craft on July 16, 2012, 04:34:09 AM
Now that I love.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Amicale on July 16, 2012, 05:11:30 AM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on July 16, 2012, 04:34:09 AM
Now that I love.

Me too! It's right outside the art gallery downtown. I have a picture somewhere here of me hugging its leg. I'll have to look for it tomorrow, I think it's on the other computer.

BCE, I love your new avatar.  :D
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: bisbell6 on July 16, 2012, 06:11:23 AM
Wow!  Those are some awesome shots of Ottawa.  Very nice, amicale!  Indeed, where I live is truly peaceful, and I feel lucky to be here.  I even really like the cows and veggies! 

Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Asmodean on July 16, 2012, 06:39:11 AM
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on July 16, 2012, 04:12:11 AM
We also have a giant spider statue-thingy!
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/321513_10150304158658091_1926485921_n.jpg)
The dreadfully ugly minivan spoils it though... Is that a Toyota? Those lights look like I've seen them before...  ???
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: The Magic Pudding on July 16, 2012, 10:12:29 AM
Quote from: bisbell6 on July 16, 2012, 02:06:39 AM
One more time... sorry for the previous mistake!  I'm new at all of this... Seattle, Wa - my home town

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1266.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj530%2Fbisbell6%2FLocationPhotoDirectLink-g60878-i25602581-Seattle_Washington.jpg&hash=4322bea27fa127f42dc4793256d48d2c9371968c)

Why did they build the city there, didn't they notice the volcano?
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: OldGit on July 16, 2012, 11:25:14 AM
bisbell, your home area is lovely, as nice as I've ever seen.  I'm from Herefordshire, in the west of England, right up against the Welsh border.  I'll dig out some photos later - I can't access my Photobucket album for some reason.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on July 16, 2012, 04:13:13 PM
Very nice! I think that if the word 'peaceful' could sum an image up, it would be the ones you posted.

QuoteMy home:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1266.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj530%2Fbisbell6%2F578383_3806130074582_1188865129_n.jpg&hash=78ebf261cc21cf92a7f9e3dac7f6d910d02bc7e0)

Glass windows with no jail bars?  :o No need to shut oneself in as if being besieged by real and imagined thieves?
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Ali on July 16, 2012, 04:42:28 PM
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on July 14, 2012, 05:00:55 AM
I'm tempted to post a picture of my closet, just for hilarity's sake. Also, with a toddler and two cats running around, my apartment stays clean for approximately .5 seconds after we clean it. 

You and me both, sister.  Also, Husband is home all day because he's a teacher and it's summer, so things are more dire than the rest of the year.  It breaks down like this: he's home all day, which, if it were me, would mean that I would get the house sparkling clean and spanking neat.  But he's the yin to my yang, so instead of spending his days cleaning and scrubbing, he spends his days dragging stuff out and not putting it back.  Which I then get really sullen about, and refuse to pick up because he's a grown man and home all day and I'm not the maid, do I look like your maid, I'm NOT the maid....

Also, we had a flood, and the house is nowhere near being fixed yet.  >:(
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Asmodean on July 16, 2012, 05:22:45 PM
...So there is a sock in the fridge and another over the shower head... Big deal!  ::)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Ali on July 16, 2012, 06:34:50 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on July 16, 2012, 05:22:45 PM
...So there is a sock in the fridge and another over the shower head... Big deal!  ::)

I'm sick of cold, wet socks. 
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on July 16, 2012, 06:39:21 PM
Quote from: Ali on July 16, 2012, 06:34:50 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on July 16, 2012, 05:22:45 PM
...So there is a sock in the fridge and another over the shower head... Big deal!  ::)

I'm sick of cold, wet socks. 
:-X
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Asmodean on July 16, 2012, 07:15:03 PM
Quote from: Ali on July 16, 2012, 06:34:50 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on July 16, 2012, 05:22:45 PM
...So there is a sock in the fridge and another over the shower head... Big deal!  ::)

I'm sick of cold, wet socks. 
Prefer the ones crusted at one end?  ;D
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Ali on July 16, 2012, 08:30:09 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on July 16, 2012, 07:15:03 PM
Quote from: Ali on July 16, 2012, 06:34:50 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on July 16, 2012, 05:22:45 PM
...So there is a sock in the fridge and another over the shower head... Big deal!  ::)

I'm sick of cold, wet socks. 
Prefer the ones crusted at one end?  ;D

Gross.  ;D
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: TheWalkingContradiction on July 16, 2012, 10:22:30 PM
Quote from: bisbell6 on July 16, 2012, 02:09:32 AM
And where I live now - my community, Lake Margaret:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1266.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj530%2Fbisbell6%2F550705_4052355070053_1699837193_n.jpg&hash=1a56b61a70c2b9bacd98bbc1501b00cf0c2bbca7)

My home:

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1266.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj530%2Fbisbell6%2F578383_3806130074582_1188865129_n.jpg&hash=78ebf261cc21cf92a7f9e3dac7f6d910d02bc7e0)

These photos are just plain wonderful.  Lucky you to live there!  For some reason, though, I hear German music in my head when I look at them.  The top photo reminds me of Switzerland.  The second, which is a stunningly beautiful house, makes me think of (for some reason)...  The gingerbread house in Hansel and Gretel.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: bisbell6 on July 17, 2012, 04:54:48 AM
I promise I don't eat children.   ;D
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Buddy on July 17, 2012, 05:33:31 AM
Quote from: bisbell6 on July 17, 2012, 04:54:48 AM
I promise I don't eat children.   ;D

You won't get into the Asmo's rank with that attitude!
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Asmodean on July 17, 2012, 05:48:19 AM
Quote from: Budhorse4 on July 17, 2012, 05:33:31 AM
Quote from: bisbell6 on July 17, 2012, 04:54:48 AM
I promise I don't eat children.   ;D

You won't get into the Asmo's rank with that attitude!
Not at all.  >:(
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: *Ace* on December 14, 2014, 02:19:06 PM
The confines of Indiana, USA. Fort Wayne, to be more specific. It's become a bit hipper over time but is still small-minded mid-America in a very conservative state. Sigh. Oh, and we have a nickname dating back to the 19th century: City of Churches. There's one on every other street corner it seems. According to wikipedia, we have 360 churches in a city of 257,000 people.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on December 14, 2014, 03:49:56 PM
Quote from: *Ace* on December 14, 2014, 02:19:06 PM
The confines of Indiana, USA. Fort Wayne, to be more specific. It's become a bit hipper over time but is still small-minded mid-America in a very conservative state. Sigh. Oh, and we have a nickname dating back to the 19th century: City of Churches. There's one on every other street corner it seems. According to wikipedia, we have 360 churches in a city of 257,000 people.
700 people per church and nearly one church for every day of the year. You have my deepest sympathies!
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: *Ace* on December 14, 2014, 03:57:47 PM
Quote from: Tank on December 14, 2014, 03:49:56 PM
Quote from: *Ace* on December 14, 2014, 02:19:06 PM
The confines of Indiana, USA. Fort Wayne, to be more specific. It's become a bit hipper over time but is still small-minded mid-America in a very conservative state. Sigh. Oh, and we have a nickname dating back to the 19th century: City of Churches. There's one on every other street corner it seems. According to wikipedia, we have 360 churches in a city of 257,000 people.
700 people per church and nearly one church for every day of the year. You have my deepest sympathies!
Haha, thanks!
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on September 29, 2018, 12:48:19 AM
I'm bumping this ancient topic for newcomers.  8)
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Tank on October 02, 2018, 10:53:35 AM
Thread necromancy!
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on October 02, 2018, 09:46:36 PM
Quote from: Tank on October 02, 2018, 10:53:35 AM
Thread necromancy!

:zombie:
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: No one on October 03, 2018, 12:48:46 AM
The third stone from the sun. Perhaps you've heard of it.
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: Bluenose on October 03, 2018, 01:51:50 AM
Terra Australis Incognita, at least that's what it was called until the latter part of the 18th century, except by those who already lived here for anything up to 100,000 years or so...
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on October 03, 2018, 01:58:34 AM
Quote from: Bluenose on October 03, 2018, 01:51:50 AM
Terra Australis Incognita, at least that's what it was called until the latter part of the 18th century, except by those who already lived here for anything up to 100,000 years or so...

Just like the American continent was 'discovered' around 500 years ago...
Title: Re: Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Post by: xSilverPhinx on October 03, 2018, 02:03:23 AM
Quote from: No one on October 03, 2018, 12:48:46 AM
The third stone from the sun. Perhaps you've heard of it.

I...have, and I know it's a very big stone. :grin: