[welcome to 2004!] 1/1/2004 1:55:00 AM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |tired]
[Current Music |tv - something]

Rusty and I actually got a babysitter and went to a party! I even wore makeup and non-Chucks, imagine. It was nice to get out without the daughter and enjoy each other like grownups again. There was much food and booze, and the standard noisemakers and paper-blower-thingies. Dawn said it was the most sociable that she'd ever seen me, and she was probably right - we were downright festive! Anyway, I hope everyone had a nice evening and a great year to come.

   

Comments:
From: [info]titancia
Date: 1/1/2004 2:07:21 AM

Happy New Year!!

(ooh, another Dawn! I just love that name. ;P)
From: [info]allmyvoices
Date: 1/1/2004 9:39:18 AM

happy new year.... glad you enjyed the end of 2003. :)
From: [info]muridae
Date: 1/6/2004 12:31:50 PM

Ooooh! You were festive! And social! Congratulations! :D

[bah] 1/2/2004 1:35:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |hungover]
[Current Music |tv - abc soaps]

I suck.

   

[coolness] 1/2/2004 3:55:00 PM

purple_stardust


Pholph's Scrabble Generator



My Scrabble© Score is: 19.
What is your score? Get it here.
   

[well, hell] 1/4/2004 4:15:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |tired]
[Current Music |tv - football]

I've got absolutely nothing to say.

   

[football] 1/3/2004 3:55:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |football]
[Current Music |tv - football]

Football, football, football.

   

[why i love rusty] 1/4/2004 9:00:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |mooshy]
[Current Music |tv - football]

He just left a football game to go get me spray cheese. Because I neeeeed it.

   

Comments:
From: [info]sunshyncat
Date: 1/5/2004 11:18:39 AM

That's love :)
From: [info]sarahdotcom
Date: 1/5/2004 3:14:06 PM

That's nice. Although spray cheese sounds scary! What is it?
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/5/2004 3:27:18 PM

"Easy Cheese"
It IS kinda scary, lol! It's a cheese spread (like Cheez Whiz, do you guys have that?) but in a can with a nozzle (like a cake decorating tip), so you can spray it onto crackers. Here it is: http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=product&m=product/product_display&u3=******4400004551*** :)
From: [info]muridae
Date: 1/6/2004 12:25:31 PM

:D

[phantasy star 1 stats] 1/5/2004 4:10:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |blech]
[Current Music |tv - fox - judge judy]

Alis (25): Laconian Sword, Diamond Armor, Laconian Shield
Myau (25): Silver Fang, Thick Fur, Gloves
Odin (25): Laconian Axe, Laconian Armor, Mirror Shield
Noah (25): Wand, Frad Mantle, Laser Shield

Still need to finish getting the stuff from Dezoris (Laconian Armor, Laconian Shield, AeroPrism, Eclipse Torch, Laerma Nut). I really dislike Dezoris; it takes forever to get anywhere since it's all little patches of clearing, separated by ice* and connected by confusing caves. I hate caves.

* [info]muridae, do you remember this game? I have bought the Ice Digger, but it doesn't seem to actually dig through ice. Are there only certain places that it will work?

   

Comments:
From: [info]muridae
Date: 1/6/2004 12:25:05 PM

Don't remember. I'm not even sure if I got that far in the game. But I bet you could find the answer on GameFAQs!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/6/2004 1:54:01 PM

Yeah, I had PS 1-4 for Sega, but I didn't like 1 and 2 at the time, and I tried to play 3 but was never able to finish it. PS4 was the only one that I ever finished, so now it's like a challenge - I *will* finish these damn games, whether I like 'em or not! I wish they'd come out with PS4 for GBA; I loved that game.

Speaking of PS4, look at this: http://www.camineet.net/ps4cast/ - someone has figured out who should play the different characters in the hypothetical movie, and some of them are so funny. I particularly liked their choice for Raja. =D

[to do / done] 1/6/2004 5:25:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |headachey]
[Current Music |tv - abc news]

* phantasy star 1: get the hell out of dezoris
* laundry: my stuff, sarah's stuff, kitchen stuff
* upload scrapbook layouts to artsy fartsy website
* finalise rattery waiting list, email remaining adoptors
* install cd-rw drivers and software to susan's pc
* copy susan's documents and put on loaner pc
* sweep living room and dining room floors

   

[oy vey] 1/6/2004 3:05:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |befuddled]
[Current Music |tv - abc soaps]

The Weird Jews are giving me a Bad Headache.

   

Comments:
From: [info]sunshyncat
Date: 1/6/2004 4:31:59 PM

Is it the vegetarian issue? I haven't the time or the inclination to sort through all those comments ;)
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/6/2004 5:29:22 PM

That too, lol. No, just the general attitude of certain holier-than-thou members, really grates on my nerves.
From: [info]sunshyncat
Date: 1/6/2004 5:57:04 PM

I just joined yesterday, but I'm not sure if I'm going to stay a member. It seems like a high-strung group (especially for a name like weirdjews ;)
From: [info]angel_renewed
Date: 1/6/2004 5:59:59 PM

Don't get me started. It's really just a few people. Unfortunately, they yap. a LOT. I'm a mod over there and MY head is spinning.
From: [info]sunshyncat
Date: 1/6/2004 6:10:44 PM

I'll stick with it for awhile. Drama isn't necessarily a bad thing :p
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/6/2004 7:05:10 PM

What she said. There ARE a few of them that are high-strung and radical, but for the most part they're a really cool bunch of people. Unfortunately, as with any other group, it's easier to notice the assholes.
From: [info]grimkitten_
Date: 1/6/2004 8:00:15 PM

what's going on in there now?? *sigh*
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/6/2004 8:25:36 PM

Oh, just the same ol' attitude problems. Gorgeous icon, btw!
From: [info]grimkitten_
Date: 1/6/2004 8:37:30 PM

I found ze trouble. ughness. I wish that I and the rest of the mods would just turn into big time fuckwads and start banning the people we don't like. heh That'd solve a lot.

Oh, and sehr danke! ;)
From: [info]topi
Date: 1/7/2004 12:59:30 AM

ooh ooh let me be a moderator!!!
If I had the unholy keys to the universe, I'd annoit you my queen and we'd rule over all of the small leftist turds who call themselves Jews. Yeah...that's good flame bait. heh.
From: [info]grimkitten_
Date: 1/7/2004 1:04:36 AM

YAY, I GET TO RULE OVER LEFTURDS!
hehehe You rock so much sir Topi. You never fail to make me laugh.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/7/2004 7:14:23 AM

Re: ooh ooh let me be a moderator!!!
Oh, yay! Will there be public stonings? I vote for public stonings! =D
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/7/2004 7:13:18 AM

Did you read the point I made in Rose's journal? I think there ARE a coupla points that Pester (and a few of the other mouthy OJ's) are shaky on... like proselytizing for her sect (if not her religion), and being resentful of others' levels of practice.

I don't even see why she (and others) want to be in WJ's. She doesn't seem particularly weird to me (or at least, not the way Brandon decribes, anyway). It seems like she is (or wants to be) your typical nice Jewish girl next door. I can't imagine that she'd want to be around such heathens. ;)
From: [info]grimkitten_
Date: 1/7/2004 11:52:41 AM

Yes I did read it and I agree with you. And I have no clue why she, or a few others, want to be a part of WJ.

We are all talking about it on , hopefully something will be resolved soon.
From: [info]thanny
Date: 1/6/2004 10:55:58 PM

oh man, there's some nice drama! ahh there's nothing more entertaining than people fighting over what god thinks. riveting!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/7/2004 7:00:26 AM

LOL! Yes, and I'm sure that G-d appreciates them defending his honour! =D

[to do / done] 1/7/2004 4:05:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |up too early]
[Current Music |tv - abc stuff]

* update our amazon wishlist
* finish with loaner pc for susan
* load and run dishwasher, put away
* wash and dry a load of rusty's clothes
* clean the rat cages and hang new hammocks
* move my baby keeper boys into ze big rat cages
* sweep out ratroom and run igloos through dishwasher
* clean goldfish aquarium and start brine shrimps
* organise another section of craft supplies
* make a batch of homemade croutons
* clean and organise pantry shelves
* start 5-cheese mac for dinner
* potty-train the daughter

   

[well thank g-d for that] 1/7/2004 10:00:00 AM

purple_stardust


Purple_stardust in Rustyspike Et Al
Alight with passion, this heart-rending classic, set in wartorn Poland in 1940, strives for a new angle in the story of two partners, [info]rustyspike (Freddie Prinze Jr.) and [info]purple_stardust (Marisa Tomei), who find themselves relying on each other because the worst scenario one could imagine is triggered by his mean rival, [info]muridae (Minnie Driver).

Nudity is kept to a tasteful zero.

Produced by ianiceboy
   

[laurie-only filter] 1/7/2004 3:35:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |freaked out]
[Current Music |tv - abc soaps]

Something *really* weird is going on with my mother. I won't go into the gruesome details - partly because I'm not even sure of them all yet - but if there were an after-school special about the situation, I think that it would probably be called My Three Moms. Egad.

   

Comments:
From: [info]muridae
Date: 1/8/2004 1:29:59 PM

Three moms is approximately one or two moms too many. I'm very curious...
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/8/2004 1:48:01 PM

She has been hanging out with a lesbian couple for some time, just as friends. They're the ones who had the New Years party that we went to. After (and to some extent, AT) the party, the three of them starting behaving differently. There was a lot of weird flirting at the party, and since then she has been staying at their house A LOT. Like, for days at a time. I don't know for a fact that there is anything physical going on, but it's definately gone well beyond normal adult friendships. :\

[today] 1/8/2004 1:15:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |lazy and oaf-like]
[Current Music |tv - abc soaps]


There is no "to do" list today, because I don't plan to do anything. Okay, that's not entirely true... I do plan to play Billionaire. I love this gave. It's a Monopoly rip-off, but you can name your properties and what they sell, which amuses me endlessly. Yes, I am easily amused.

I should be doing things. I need to re-bundle the aquarium plants and put some sinkers on them so that they don't float around the tank aimlessly, but I don't feel like it. And I really should organise all this craft stuff so that I could actually find and use some of it without anguish. I also need to sort out my photographs and scrapbook stuff so I can do that again, especially since now I have a big table to work on. I should do more laundry too, but I really don't feel like that. I feel like doing absolutely nothing today. I feel like a lazy oaf, but I don't care.

Right. Billionaire it is, then.
   

Comments:
From: [info]sunshyncat
Date: 1/8/2004 2:09:23 PM

Those scrapbook pages are too cute!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/8/2004 2:36:29 PM

Thanks! :)

I need to do some of my daughter. I bought a lot of cute "It's a girl!" type stuff, and then never got around to using it (ironically because I didn't have room in the apartment because of the baby paraphenalia, lol).
From: [info]sunshyncat
Date: 1/8/2004 2:39:57 PM

My brother has a baby book filled out in detail. I have a blank baby book that my mother never filled out. It's the curse of the second child ;)
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/8/2004 2:48:13 PM

Oh, definately. My poor middle child has it the worst. I took a TON of photos of my first son because he was my first baby. The second son came along and got NOTHING, lol. I used to take a lot of my daughter (third child but the first girl) but now I've even slacked off on that.
From: [info]sunshyncat
Date: 1/8/2004 2:56:36 PM

lol. I think I take more pictures of my 4 nephews than my brother and sister-in-law do (and I only see them every 1-2 months). Then again, they are pretty busy... with four boys and all ;)

[a random survey] 1/8/2004 5:35:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |headachey]
[Current Music |tv - abc news]

Gakked from [info]buuunnnnnny...

Name five things in your purse:

LL Bean army knife, keys, checkbook, ear plugs, emergency spork.

Name three things in your "secret" drawer:

Diaphragm, oils, unused handcuffs (we're pretty boring).

Name three favorite posters/pictures on your wall:

I don't have any up yet.

What do your bed sheets look like?:

Grey jersey ("tee-shirt") sheets with cat hair.

What is in your refrigerator?:

You don't want to know.

Name three things in your bathroom (the toilet and the shower don't count you bastards):

Rubber duckies, a giant philodendron, several cats.

Three things on your floor:

Most of my possessions. A random three: Susan's PC, Lego blocks, some video games.

Three things you wish you had in your room:

Piles of cash, a water bed, and David Bowie (I'd get into the "secret" drawer, then!).

   

Comments:
From: [info]sioranth
Date: 1/8/2004 7:12:18 PM

Emergency spork? How often does an emergency call for one of them? lol
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/8/2004 10:41:27 PM

Any time I go out to eat... I can't stand to eat with metal utensils. :)
From: [info]sioranth
Date: 1/8/2004 10:47:18 PM

lol It's that OCD thing, eh?

[oh who the hell cares] 1/8/2004 5:45:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |annoyed]
[Current Music |tv - abc news]

For those of us in the DC metro (aka Washington Redskins) area, I'd like to propose a new drinking game. Everytime someone on TV mentions Joe Gibbs and/or how he's come to save Redskins football, we all take a shot. We'll be completely shit-faced in fifteen minutes.

   

Comments:
From: [info]cecerose
Date: 1/8/2004 6:35:31 PM

Yo. Pester's pissing me off again, in jbcs.

I'm this close to wanting to ban her (with your agreement of course)...GRRRR.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/8/2004 7:10:26 PM

Ban 'er. You'll get no arguments from me!
From: [info]cecerose
Date: 1/8/2004 7:13:15 PM

"Why Judaism?"

Pester: "Because it's true."

Not "Because I believe it's true...."

Well, hmmmm. Should we make an annoucement or just email her and then ban her or what?

I bet Thane'll be pissed. Oh well.

Whatdaya think?
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/8/2004 9:14:11 PM

Public stoning!!! Didn't they do that in the Torah? ;)

Hmmm. If anyone else had said it, I don't think it would tick me off so much. But jesus, there's just something about her, she could say "the sky is blue" and I would want to smack her. Shit. You know, I think we're BOTH too fed up with her to be objective. Okay, I would let that one slide with a reminder.

However, unlike WJ, I think we should consider attitude and disruptiveness as potential grounds for discipline/banning. She can't keep her mouth shut, and she'll hang herself eventually.
From: [info]cecerose
Date: 1/8/2004 9:29:35 PM

Oh. Well, that is Torah, right? She couldn't object?

Here's what I'm thinking...

Let's see what she says to our challenges.

If she act predictably, we can ask her to leave. If she refuses to leave, we say you have clear understanding of what our guidelines are here -- you'll be warned three times if your comments or posts result in pointless, arguements and are disruptive.

I really want this to be about her behavior. Not what she believes.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/8/2004 11:51:56 PM

She is giving me a headache.
From: [info]cecerose
Date: 1/8/2004 11:54:39 PM

Well, I told her what our expectations are of her again, told her she'd get three warnings and then she'd be banned.

Let her hang herself.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/9/2004 8:54:36 AM

I hope she cracks soon; the run-on sentances and sporatic punctuation are killing me! =D
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/8/2004 9:27:35 PM

Oh! Holy shit! I just had an idea. Stay tuned...

*evil grin*
From: [info]cecerose
Date: 1/8/2004 9:30:05 PM

<---tuned. =0)
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/8/2004 9:45:43 PM

Go look. *snicker*
From: [info]cecerose
Date: 1/8/2004 10:19:04 PM

WAH!!! I don't see it...did you post another comment?
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/8/2004 10:31:49 PM

No, silly... this post: http://www.livejournal.com/community/jbcs/80090.html :)
From: [info]cecerose
Date: 1/8/2004 10:40:14 PM

Oh....you ARE EVIL...

well, let's see what pester the molester has to say... =0p
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/8/2004 10:42:48 PM

you ARE EVIL

Why, thank you! :)
From: [info]artmomz
Date: 1/8/2004 7:24:00 PM

When I lived in that area, it was pretty bad. I felt like an outcast, because I didn't get it at all.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/8/2004 10:36:33 PM

I hate it. I don't get it either, and even if I did, I wouldn't like those tacky-ass Redskins.

[today] 1/9/2004 3:15:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |chilly]
[Current Music |tv - abc soaps]

It's too fucking cold.

   

[today] 1/10/2004 9:15:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |drunk]
[Current Music |tv - football game]

Drunk.

   

[no entry] 1/11/2004 9:15:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |drunk]
[Current Music |n/a]

Ooops.

   

[to do / done] 1/12/2004 1:15:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |hungover]
[Current Music |tv - abc soaps]

* lament the fact that i'm old and can no longer handle my alcohol

   

Comments:
From: [info]cecerose
Date: 1/12/2004 1:26:54 PM

Well, as someone reminded me, you're only young once.

It's all downhill from here baby.

Thanks for not beating the shit out of me because of Pester.

At least Marlowe1 was smart. He didn't join jbcs.

So much for the theory that my beinb pissed off at Marlowe1 might have been a manifestation of a secret crush or attraction. That's definitely not true for Pester...
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/12/2004 1:37:59 PM

Oh please. She's a zealous little twit, I'm happy that you made her go away. At least Tim knew when to shut the hell up.

* still waiting to hear from the LiveJournal PTB *
From: [info]cecerose
Date: 1/12/2004 1:40:20 PM

* still waiting to hear from the LiveJournal PTB *

PTB? Que?
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/12/2004 1:41:45 PM

Powers That Be. About the moderating thing.
From: [info]cecerose
Date: 1/12/2004 1:44:02 PM

Hmmm. Meaning? Was I reported to the powers that be?

If so, would it help that that Pester and I worked out an agreement? And that I didn't ban her?

From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/12/2004 1:47:14 PM

No, no, no... I take it you didn't get my email this morning? In reference to moderator privileges, I said:

Uh-oh... I can't either - I was madnessie then. Well, I just sent an email
to the Live Journal gurus, explaining the situation and asking them if they
could help, so I'll let you know if they have anything brilliant to say.

In the meantine, the annoying duo seems to have left of their own accord.
Feeling a bit snarky yesterday, were we? =)

---Renee
From: [info]cecerose
Date: 1/12/2004 1:50:11 PM

Yeah...I didn't get that email.

Hee. I'm looking forward to some peace and quiet and interesting discussions without narrowminded ideological zealots.

Yes a bit snarky I'm afraid. ;oP
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/12/2004 2:02:17 PM

Well, shoot. I wonder if my email account is being nutty? I sent a couple to my mom and SHE got them, but it could just be something quirky with your address... I've had that before (usually with AOL though).

Yeah, I think the community will be a lot better without her. In theory, I appreciate the Orthodox input, but not at that price. She really reminds me of the Peta people, and she freaks me out. It's that rabid, black and white, non-thinking, non-yeilding devotion to anything that's rather off-putting. Oh well, she's young, maybe she'll chill out when she grows up a bit.

And we're all entitled to be snarky once in a while. :)
From: [info]cecerose
Date: 1/12/2004 1:40:45 PM

Thanks, btw...*sigh*.

[filtered post] 1/12/2004 6:55:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |all powerful and shit]
[Current Music |tv - abc news]

Sheila: I finally figured out how to ban Pester and Dream_King from posting in JBCs. Heee!

   

Comments:
From: [info]cecerose
Date: 1/12/2004 7:17:12 PM

Two Thumbs Up. You DA MAN!
Woo Hoo!!!!!

Thank G-d.

Oh get this. Pester has cofounded a community for those converting halachically. Good for her. Just as long as she stays out of my hair.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/12/2004 7:20:56 PM

Snoopy minds think alike...
Hahahahaha! I just posted about that to you! She cracks me up, and her goober boyfriend too.
From: [info]cecerose
Date: 1/12/2004 9:57:45 PM

Re: Snoopy minds think alike...
LOL! So -- how'd you ban them Renee? Oh mighty ban-meister!!!

"I am not worthy...I am not worthy...I am not worthy..."
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/12/2004 10:06:03 PM

Re: Snoopy minds think alike...
I logged in as JBCs and then deleted one of their comments - on the "are you sure?" page, there was a little box asking if I wanted to ban them from future posting, and I said HELL YES! =)

For future reference, you can see all our banned members at the bottom of this page: http://www.livejournal.com/editinfo.bml - so far we have dream_king, pester, and polishassault.

[another filtered post] 1/12/2004 7:15:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |amused]
[Current Music |tv - abc - wheel of fortune]

- Hey Sheila, think we should join? *evil grin*

   

Comments:
From: [info]cecerose
Date: 1/12/2004 7:18:42 PM

Yo Renee. Let's go hang with the gerim!
OH yeah, bbbbbaaaaaayyyyybeee!!!!

Not. Feh.

It feels good to take some cheap shots at them, even if it's only in private.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/12/2004 7:23:44 PM

We're not worthy!
I should send one of my alternate personalities over to check things out. I'm sure she wouldn't let either of us join anyway, shiftless heretics that we are.

[idea stolen from topi] 1/13/2004 7:15:00 AM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |up too early]
[Current Music |tv - abc - good morning america]



Please note, this is who you think should be president, not who you think will be president. Yes, I'm very bored. And I miss my cable news channels.

   

Comments:
From: [info]jvmatucha
Date: 1/13/2004 6:19:13 PM

I said Kucinich, but I think the Democrat with the best chance of beating Bush is Wesley Clark. All the Dems, progressives, and lefties out there are really fired up about getting Bush out of the White House before he completely destroys this country. The Green party even annoucned they were not running a presidential candidate, so they wouldn't draw votes away from the Dem candidate.

No cable news? Oh my!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/14/2004 12:06:27 PM

Yah, it sucks muchly. I thought I would miss Trading Spaces and the Food Network, but it's cable news that will probably crack me.

(I love your icon; I have four cats that look just like that!)

[filtered for snarkiness] 1/13/2004 7:45:00 AM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |amused]
[Current Music |tv - abc - good morning america]

"I'm not shomer nagia/negia, though I'd like to be."

What? Does this mean she's only upholding the parts of the Torah that she likes?!? Is she some sort of Reform slacker now, only picking out the parts that suit her? Torah is okay to preach to other people, but not when she wants to make kissy-face with her goober boyfriend?

So there you have it. She's a pain in the arse AND a hypocrite.

   

Comments:
From: [info]grimkitten_
Date: 1/13/2004 9:24:08 AM

A lot of her posts on her own journal begin with "I'm updating and it's shabbos, shame on me", or something to that effect. Hypocrite, I'd say!!!!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/13/2004 10:31:53 AM

Yeah, I noticed that too... you know, the only thing that annoys me more than the self-righteous, are the self-righteous hypocrites.
From: [info]cecerose
Date: 1/13/2004 11:32:36 AM

Shomer Negia isn't halacha, per se, to be fair. It's a fairly strict interpretation. For instance, since she and her goober boyfriend aren't married, they can still have sex -- it's just not as bad as adultery.

But yah, I great. She's pinheaded, narrowminded, self righteous self serving hypocrite.

[my own little wet dream] 1/13/2004 8:25:00 AM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |all drooley]
[Current Music |tv - abc - good morning america]

I want this in a bad way: Nano Cube Aquarium.

   

Comments:
From: [info]missfox
Date: 1/13/2004 8:41:27 AM

I saw those at a store the other day! They look excellent with stuff in them... since you can see the fishies at all angles and it's well lit, etc. Damn cool. They're more expensive here, but that's probably just the exchange rate.
Get one!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/13/2004 10:28:48 AM

You're such an enabler! =D
Oh, that's great to know, thanks! I'd love to have a reef tank but don't have room for a huge setup. And really, I only want a couple anenomes, a cleaner shrimp, and a clown fish. I'll have to do some research on what I can keep together.
From: [info]missfox
Date: 1/16/2004 8:33:28 AM

Re: You're such an enabler! =D
I'm the same way. We have a brilliant exotic fish/pet store here, and I always go there to gawk at the pretty little things. Those Nano things look awesome though. If I ever got an anenome, I'd be too tempted to like, pet it. ;)
From: [info]muridae
Date: 1/13/2004 10:38:44 AM

They have one of those set up at The Hidden Reef. Very cool little tanks, but I'd be really concerned about water quality in a small tank like that. It would be pretty easy for things like the salt levels to get out of whack in a little tank.

They're really pretty.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/13/2004 10:49:26 AM

That's what I thought too, but a lot of people online seem to do it without problems. I saw one today that was only 2.5 gallons! I just don't know. I'd so love to have a reef tank, but I've got no room for another huge aquarium. :\
From: [info]muridae
Date: 1/13/2004 10:50:26 AM

Well, I think you should go for it. The worst that could happen is that it won't thrive, right?
From: [info]sunshyncat
Date: 1/13/2004 11:02:35 AM

Drs. Foster and Smith can really get you in trouble ($$$). Sometimes I fill out the order form from the catalog with all the things I want to get and then don't actually mail it in. That sastifies me in a strange way ;)
From: [info]kimikohime
Date: 1/13/2004 12:15:20 PM

ooh, we sell something similar to that at work. But this one is much cheaper. I want one myself!

[to do / done] 1/13/2004 3:55:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |hungry]
[Current Music |tv - abc news]

* put away holiday stuff, tear down tree
* pick up daughter's toys from living room floor
* clean off little table in living room, replace chair
* sweep living room floor, generally straighten
* re-bundle aquarium plants, weight down

   

[nano reef links] 1/13/2004 11:10:00 AM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |oogley googley]
[Current Music |tv - abc stuff]

* Nano-Reef.com
* Gil & Liza's Nano-Reef
* Reef Central: Nano Reef Forum
* The Nano-Reef Project
* ReefAquarium.info

   

[filtered post] 1/13/2004 5:35:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |bored]
[Current Music |tv - abc news]

Well colour me impressed; Pester has called in the reinforcements. Whatever.

   

Comments:
From: [info]cecerose
Date: 1/13/2004 5:43:36 PM

Whatever. Fact is I can't stand whatherface either. Heh.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/13/2004 5:48:22 PM

Eyelid never bugged me nearly as much as the Incredibley Orthodox Duo, or even Marlowe1. But it does bug me when she comes in to relay a message from the IOD, and she isn't even a member of the group.
From: [info]cecerose
Date: 1/13/2004 5:55:18 PM

Yeah, but I'm not surprised. She never bothered me as much as the other three, but she's still pretty annoying and judgemental.
From: [info]grimkitten_
Date: 1/13/2004 7:23:23 PM

She yelled at me once for yelling at marlowe1. bitch.
From: [info]cecerose
Date: 1/13/2004 9:51:37 PM

Witch!
Yeah! her and her little dog too! ;0P
From: [info]grimkitten_
Date: 1/13/2004 9:59:03 PM

Re: Witch!
haha!

[nano news] 1/14/2004 10:45:00 AM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |nano nano nano]
[Current Music |tv - abc stuff]

Note the new icon. Because every obsession deserves an appropriate icon...

Anyway, I explained to my dear patient husband that I neeed a Nano Cube, and after showing him online reef photos until his eyeballs bled, he seems receptive. Or maybe he's just finally realised that giving in to an obsession is the quickest way to shut me up. In either case, I have definate plans to get the Nano Cube, and am trolling the websites for ideas and information.

I have some general ideas of what I want: corals and an anemone in shades of pink and purple, perhaps some polyps, a purple sea urchin, a red-and-white cleaner shrimp, hopefully a hermit crab, and of course a lovely little clownfish, either clarkii or false percula. I'm looking at the compatibility of the different species now. It's all very exciting.

   

Comments:
From: [info]muridae
Date: 1/14/2004 10:54:48 AM

Anyway, I explained to my dear patient husband that I neeed a Nano Cube, and after showing him online reef photos until his eyeballs bled, he seems receptive. Or maybe he's just finally realised that giving in to an obsession is the quickest way to shut me up.

*cough*

Verra cool! I'm glad you'll be getting one. Those red and white shrimp are the awesomest.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/14/2004 11:41:09 AM

I don't know when I will get it (it's largely dependant on finances), but hopefully soon. If nothing else, I can get it one piece at a time, which would be good anyway, so it will have plenty of time to cure. I'd at least like to get the tank and the live sand and rocks, so it can start cycling. And also, I need to find a really good fish store. The petstore in town sells saltwater, but I don't like them for other reasons. :\
From: [info]artmomz
Date: 1/14/2004 11:22:38 AM

::snickers:: You're my hero...
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/14/2004 11:41:38 AM

LOL! I should start offering seminars... ;)
From: [info]catmoran
Date: 1/14/2004 12:04:29 PM

Too cool.

There's a specialty fish/aquarium store not too far from where I live, and I've been known to go in just to stare at the coral tanks. I'm pretty sure they've got halogen lighting to make the colors more intense. Will you be able to do that with your mini reef?
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/14/2004 12:13:33 PM

I'm not sure! I know there ARE things you can get to "upgrade" the Nano Cube, but I don't know if halogen lighting is among them. Probably, though - I have seen a lot of talk of NC modification on the forums, and it seems like you can do some pretty extensive stuff, if you've got the time and money.

I also like to oogle the saltwater tanks. Everytime I go into the LPS to buy crickets, I have to go back and drool over all the coral and inverts and amazing technicolour fishies.

*swoon*
From: [info]angel_renewed
Date: 1/14/2004 5:24:59 PM

You don´t want to mix an anemone and other corals in the same tank, though. The anemones ´walk´ over the other corals and kill them! We just got back from scuba-snuba diving in Cozumel, Mexico. Saw many cool fish and even an anemone.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/14/2004 5:56:18 PM

Really! No corals at all? What about polyps and such? I have found the tank I want (the uber-cool Nano Cube), and have been trolling every reef forum I can find, looking to see what people with similarly-sized tanks keep in theirs.

Any good *basic* books to recommend on the subject, particularly pertaining to nano or micro reefs, but even saltwater in general? I have The Successful Mini-Reef Aquarium by U. Erich Friese, but it's kinda like, way the hell over my head at this point. I would also appreciate any advice you have on keeping clown fish, either false percula or clarkii.

We just got back from scuba-snuba diving in Cozumel, Mexico.

I am insane with jealousy. I hope you took mass quanities of photos for us vacation-deprived folks...?
From: [info]angel_renewed
Date: 1/19/2004 9:52:01 AM

Anemones are mega, mega hard to keep alive. They have a tendency to die and sour the entire tank (often releasing enough ammonia to kill everything in the tank). I'd go for keeping the easier corals first. With the lights on the Nano-cube, you could keep mushrooms and soft corals - such as leathers. The light provided is only 24watt. That's 2 watt per gallon. Anemones need more like 8 watt per gallon. Even if you COULD get a light that powerful on there, you'd likely overheat the tank :-/

As for percs, well they are pretty easy to keep. Mine survived my vacation just fine. Clarkiis get too big for a 12 gallon. Really, I'd just keep 1 false perc in a tank that small.

If I were doing a 12gallon nano, I'd start off with 12-15 pounds of live rock and leave it in there for 4 weeks. Then, I'd add a few actinodiscus mushrooms. They're very cheap, hardy corals that don't need a lot of light. I'd leave those in for a few weeks while I had a clown (false perc) in quarantine. After a good 2-3 weeks quarantine (minimum), I'd move the clown into the tank. Then, I'd add a small leather frag. Finally, I might add a small goby or another small perc (after QT). You're really going to be limited in a tank that small to 1-2 fish and a few corals.

As for books: I like the Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Bob Fenner.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/19/2004 10:22:58 AM

Thanks so much! I have been scouring the nano-reef.com forum, and there are apparently "upgrades" to the NanoCube's original lighting. Obviously that doesn't make anemones any easier to keep, just wanted to let you know that I'm aware of the NC's stingey lighting issue, and plan to correct it at some point. :)

We will only be doing one false perc, unless - as is likely to happen - the obsession takes hold and we go ahead and get a 29g or larger tank. We're already talking about that, namely where to PUT it. Our biggest problem with this hobby is the fact that we live in a Victorian house with weird little walls and angles and such. Our 50g goldie tank is already up against the only "long" un-windowed wall that we have downstairs. Which reminds me, is it okay to put the tank in front of a window, if that window is covered by a heavy-ish drape?

Thanks for the book rec., will go look for it on Amazon!
From: [info]angel_renewed
Date: 1/19/2004 10:24:38 AM

The real issue with windows is that the natural lighting heats up the tank, so you should be okay with a heavy drape.

[nano forums] 1/14/2004 10:35:00 AM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |nano nano nano]
[Current Music |tv - abc stuff]

* Mini-Bows
* Nano-Reef.com
* Reef Aquarium Guide
* Reef Central
* Reefs.org

   

[got crabs?] 1/14/2004 11:45:00 AM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |crabby]
[Current Music |tv - abc stuff]







I found the pics online but now I can't find them again. But aren't they insanely CUTE?!?
   

Comments:
From: [info]artmomz
Date: 1/14/2004 11:58:26 AM

They are very stylish...such beautiful colors...yum
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/14/2004 12:02:39 PM

You cannot eat the crabbies... even though the first one does look a lot like amethyst. ;)
From: [info]artmomz
Date: 1/14/2004 12:17:05 PM

dang it!! Maybe just one lick then?
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/14/2004 12:22:40 PM

Well, if the crab doesn't mind, I guess it's okay with me... ;)
From: [info]grimkitten_
Date: 1/14/2004 12:32:50 PM

you crabophile you!

;P
From: [info]artmomz
Date: 1/14/2004 12:34:27 PM

Eew...that sounds so dirty!
From: [info]grimkitten_
Date: 1/14/2004 12:36:35 PM

lol

;)
From: [info]grimkitten_
Date: 1/14/2004 12:11:54 PM

wow, they are insanely cute!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/14/2004 12:14:50 PM

Aren't they?!? The second one has a little mohawk! *squeels*
From: [info]grimkitten_
Date: 1/14/2004 12:17:35 PM

damn you and your nano aquarium posts! You're making me want fishies and cute little crabbies and I don't have time for that! ;P
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/14/2004 12:43:34 PM

Oooops... sorry. Well then, whatever you do, don't look in the photo gallery section at Reefs.org.

*evil cackle*
From: [info]grimkitten_
Date: 1/14/2004 12:57:45 PM

renee=evil

FISHIES!!!!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/14/2004 1:12:41 PM

renee=evil

Yeah, I get that a lot.

Well, look at it this way - a saltwater tank would provide all sorts of practical experiece in macro photography, a valuable skill which could potentially further your career.

There, how's THAT for spur-of-the-moment rationalisation? =D
From: [info]grimkitten_
Date: 1/14/2004 1:16:30 PM

ahahahaaaa!

I love the way your brain works! Fish make great photographic subjects!!!! FISHIES!!!!!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/14/2004 1:27:19 PM

See? Sell one photo and they're a tax write-off. =)
From: [info]sunshyncat
Date: 1/14/2004 1:14:07 PM

ARGH!! Stop! Making! Me! Want! Fish!

If I come home with a beta, you're in big trouble, missy!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/14/2004 1:31:51 PM

I will not stop until everyone on my friends list has FISHIES!!!!!

(Actually, bettas are inexpensive and really easy to keep... ;)
From: [info]sunshyncat
Date: 1/14/2004 1:35:08 PM

Fish don't last as long as plants with me. I always forget them :(

Maybe Reggie is a better fishy parent... wait... what am I saying? We are NOT getting fish! Darn you!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/14/2004 1:48:07 PM

I had WAY better luck with bettas than I ever did with plants. Just saying. ;)
From: [info]sunshyncat
Date: 1/14/2004 1:51:36 PM

Bettas have died under my care... within a few months... I'm a bad fishy mommy :(

[nano photo] 1/14/2004 3:00:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |obsessed]
[Current Music |tv - abc soaps]

Some beautiful photography here, Mon: www.vibrantsea.com, including the most adorable little purple and white harlequin crab, a fuzzy purple lobster, and a stunning purple tube anemone. :)

   

Comments:
From: [info]grimkitten_
Date: 1/14/2004 3:17:43 PM

Okay FINE. Getting fishies is now on my long-term goal list! See what you did? lol

;P
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/14/2004 3:30:03 PM

YAY!!! I figure fishies are like any other bad habit; it's more fun if you can get others to share in the addiction. =D
From: [info]catmoran
Date: 1/14/2004 3:26:17 PM

The fuzzy purple lobster cracks me up. It's weird, yet it's really really cute.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/14/2004 3:31:23 PM

Isn't it though? So much of this stuff looks like it was designed by Dr Seuss.
From: [info]missfox
Date: 1/14/2004 4:22:45 PM

they're all so pretty!

[the obsession takes hold] 1/15/2004 4:55:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |obsessed]
[Current Music |tv - abc stuff]

I went to Winchester's Petsmart and bought a copy of The Simple Guide to Marine Aquariums. Stopped at the two other pet stores in Winchester too; one had a very small and crappy-looking saltwater selection, and the other had gone out of business. Bummer.

I also stopped at the fish store in town to check out their saltwater goodies. I hate this store (the goldfish are over-crowded, the reptiles are fed live rodents, and the owner looks like a child molester), but they do have a lot of saltwater fish. There was a small tank of percs, unfortunately no indication if they were captive-bred or caught in the wild. I will have to go back when I have time to look, and ask them about the perculas, and also about their live rock.

Then I came home and ordered a book called Clownfishes, which got good reviews. Oh yeah... and I ordered the Nano Cube; it should be here next week. Heee!

   

[because i was bored...] 1/15/2004 11:55:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |tired]
[Current Music |tv - cbs - david letterman]

The Lubavitcher Rebbe

You are a Jew, and you knew the result of this quiz
before you even took it. Why did you bother?

Am I An Anti-Semite? brought to you by Quizilla
   

Comments:
From: [info]grimkitten_
Date: 1/16/2004 12:32:08 AM

Hey...I only got "congratulations Abe Foxman is not spying on you". :(
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/16/2004 12:20:13 PM

You poser. ;)
From: [info]grimkitten_
Date: 1/16/2004 8:41:55 PM

haha yeah.

[to do / done] 1/16/2004 3:45:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |slovenly]
[Current Music |tv - abc stuff]

* load and run dishwasher
* straighten rat room, sweep up
* email people about weekend meetings
* clean old folk cage and rearrange girl rats
* put away laundry, straighten, sweep
* start a jewish link repository
* update ghostie website

   

Comments:
From: [info]missfox
Date: 1/16/2004 1:26:04 PM

you run a ghost website too?
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/16/2004 1:36:40 PM

Yeah... I run so many website, even *I'm* starting to lose track. There's my website (mostly subdomains at this point, but I'm working on re-designing my old personal site), the rattery website, my crafts website, Susan's ghost website, my mom's hypnotherapy website (still offline), and a friend's sex book website. I'm also working on a fish website, my daughter's website, and a repository for online Jewish information website. Yeesh.
From: [info]missfox
Date: 1/16/2004 10:36:35 PM

wow, that's brilliant though. If you can do it, why not? I wish I had more time, school just eats it... otherwise I'd probably be like you! lol

[friday five - self expression] 1/16/2004 12:35:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |snuffley]
[Current Music |tv - abc stuff]

1. What does it say in the signature line of your emails?

«·´¨`·.¸¸.* purple_stardust *.¸¸.·´¨`·»

2. Did you have a senior quote in your high school yearbook?

No. I hated high school, and I hated their stupid yearbooks.

3. If you had vanity plates on your car, what would they read?

Rat Taxi. When I get a cooler car, I'm actually going to get that one.

4. Have you received any gifts with messages engraved upon them?

No, I don't think so. Kinda sucks, I like engraved stuff.

5. What would you like your epitaph to be?

"I told you it was serious."


[friday five.org]

   

[new toy] 1/16/2004 12:45:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |easily amused]
[Current Music |tv - abc stuff]

SereneScreen's Marine Aquarium 2 makes a nice temporary distraction while I wait for my NanoCube to arrive. I now have five virtual perculas and a happy purple tang! =D

   

[today] 1/17/2004 8:35:00 AM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |tired]
[Current Music |tv - nbc - today]

I have a woman coming over to pick up her ratlet, so I guess I should shower and straighten the house up a bit. After that, I'll have the rest of the day to ogle reef photos and plot, erm, plan.

Rusty is funny. He has his heart set on a Green Mandarin as our second fish (second to my Clownfish, of course). I've heard conflicting information about the mandarin, specifically that it's very easy to care for, and also that it's very difficult to keep in a small tank because of some sort of feeding issues. So I tell Rusty this, and suggest a lovely Bangaii Cardinal instead. No way, he says - he must have a Green Mandarin. And here's the funny part. If it turns out that you can't keep the Green Mandarin in a nano reef, well, then we'll just get a BIG saltwater tank. And put it where? I do not know. But I like the way he not only gives into the obsession, but makes it his own. He eyeballed my goldies' nice 50 gallon tank, but was quickly shot down.

Coming up tomorrow: a huge batch of my super spectacular spaghetti sauce.

   

Comments:
From: [info]artmomz
Date: 1/17/2004 6:32:00 PM

I love that...especially when they don't even realize what just happened.

[today] 1/18/2004 5:15:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |frazzled]
[Current Music |tv - football game]

We tried to get to Breezewood PA to deliver a ratlet to [info]jacquez, and instead got stranded on I-70 a few miles outside of Hancock MD. There was sleet and snow and we were all over the road and even Rusty was freaking out and of course I was freaking out. We called 911 and were transferred to the state police, who told us that the salt trucks should be on the way, but then a tow truck driver stopped and told us that Maryland had no salt trucks prepared. Nice. Finally we decided to try again and very slowly and precariously made it to Hancock, where we got on another road and eventually made it home. For the record, I fucking hate Maryland.

Anyway, I'm sorry we couldn't make it, Laura. I'll make it up to you, I promise.

   

Comments:
From: [info]jacquez
Date: 1/18/2004 5:30:37 PM

Eek. [info]nlanza said you guys were stuck, but he didn't say how badly! We made it without much trouble, played some pinball, and came home - the PA turnpike, though wet in bits, actually wasn't too bad, though we saw some worrisome accidents along the way.

Glad y'all made it home safely!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/18/2004 5:45:19 PM

Thanks, you have no idea how glad I am to BE home! Yeah, we just sat there for well over an hour, wondering whether we should "make a run for it" or wait for the hypothetical salt trucks. I was doing okay until Rusty started freaking out, and since he's usually so good in bad weather, I figured if he was freaking out, it must be *really* bad. Sheesh. But really, it's freaking I-70, a main interstate in MD, don't you think they'd be a *little* more prepared? Of course, after we were out of harm's way, we were all snide: "Welcome to West Virginia; we have salt trucks."

I'm glad you guys made it home safely too, I was worried that it would be a lot worse further north!
From: [info]allmyvoices
Date: 1/18/2004 5:37:36 PM

glad you made it home safely.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/18/2004 5:45:57 PM

Thanks! I am too! :)
From: [info]allmyvoices
Date: 1/18/2004 5:38:54 PM

glad you made it home safe.

[eeek!] 1/19/2004 3:35:00 AM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |awake]
[Current Music |tv - real estate]

Scary real estate midgets on TV. I really miss my cable news.

   

[introductions] 1/19/2004 10:55:00 AM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |amused]
[Current Music |tv - abc stuff]

[info]topi, meet [info]maryshelley. [info]maryshelley, meet [info]topi.

There. Go talk about how awful Clinton was, or something. :)

   

Comments:
From: [info]topi
Date: 1/19/2004 11:02:50 AM

I added her to my friends list.

[jbcs filter] 1/20/2004 11:35:00 AM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |poopy]
[Current Music |tv - abc stuff]

The JBC Jewish Link Repository - what do you guys think?

   

Comments:
From: [info]cecerose
Date: 1/20/2004 12:01:33 PM

That is beautiful!!!!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/20/2004 12:03:33 PM

I shall post it then, for all to see!

(If you see any errors or mistakes in organisation, let me know... I haven't met my full coffee requirements yet this morning. :)
From: [info]cecerose
Date: 1/20/2004 12:25:19 PM

cool beans, renee!

<---hasn't had her caffeinne requirements met either.
From: [info]grimkitten_
Date: 1/20/2004 11:07:26 PM

Very good! What a huge set of links! Two thumbs up girlie.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/21/2004 1:29:01 AM

Thanks. :)

[to do / done] 1/20/2004 12:05:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |blech]
[Current Music |tv - abc news]

* load and run dishwasher
* divide and freeze leftover spaghetti sauce
* make a saltwater fish link site for future reference
* finish jewish link repository for jbc group
* make a batch of croutons

   

[new rats] 1/21/2004 1:35:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |tired]
[Current Music |tv - abc soaps]

Sandy (my co-breeder) came up today with new rats - two black dumbo varigated girls and a fawn girl, and a black hairless dumbo boy and a fawn white-side tailless boy! He's my first tailless, so I'm very excited. Their original breeder (Diana) didn't exactly knock herself out socialising them, so they're all a bit skittish, but they seem nice enough, just shy. I'm keeping them downstairs for the time-being so that I can give them some extra attention.

   

[nano stuff] 1/21/2004 1:55:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |excited]
[Current Music |tv - abc soaps]

In fishie news, I'm still not-so-patiently waiting for my Nano-Cube to arrive. Today I got my book about Clownfishes from Amazon. It looks really good so far! I am also waiting for The Conscientious Marine Aquarist that I ordered from Barnes & Noble. New books, hooray!

I also added some more stuff to my Fishie Links page.

   

[i need help] 1/22/2004 10:15:00 AM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |impatient]
[Current Music |tv - abc stuff]

Barnes & Noble just emailed me to say that shipment of The Conscientious Marine Aquarist has been delayed, and should now ship within 1-4 days (instead of within 24 hours as they originally claimed). I checked Amazon, but they say 2-3 days, and it always seems to take Amazon forever to ship. Dammit. I am tempted to cancel the order entirely and just go to Border's tomorrow, but with my luck, Border's wouldn't have it and I would just have to come home and order it again anyway. I'm still waiting for my Nano-Cube; unfortunately Fosters & Smith doesn't offer package tracking so that I can obsessively check the location of my new toy. Dammit again.

To pass the time, I have rearranged my Fish Links to make them shaped like fishies.

   

Comments:
From: [info]allmyvoices
Date: 1/22/2004 10:39:48 AM

i love the way you did the links like fishies. so cool about your nano-cube. you must be so psyched.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/22/2004 2:05:39 PM

I *am* excited! I've wanted a saltwater tank for about ten years, I can't believe I'm finally gonna try it! =D
From: [info]angel_renewed
Date: 1/22/2004 10:54:53 AM

I haven't seen the book in most stores. I think I got mine through B&N. Patience is a virtue. You will find with saltwater tanks that impatience is the single *biggest* cause of failure. This is me speaking from experience. If you did want to get a jump start, you could always start buying some live rock and curing it in rubbermaid bins. How are you planning on getting the live rock and/or sand for your tank? It's cheaper to mail order it, but the best places usually offer more rock than you'll need (ie..30 pounds or so).

If you lived closer, I'd go in on an order with you.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/22/2004 3:18:37 PM

I'd really be happy just getting it started a this point, since it takes so long to cycle. Also, there is less chance of the cats knocking it on the floor, if it's filled with heavy water and rocks. And speaking of rocks, yeah, I noticed the huge quantities the online folks sell it in. I *wish* I had a tank that needed 44 (or more!) pounds of live rock. I found Figi at my LFS for $5 per pound - do you think Figi will be okay?

Okay, so I have the tank now. What do I do first, buy the salt mix and distilled water (and the salt meter thingie)? If I go ahead and buy the live rock now, can I cure it in the tank, or should that be separate? Should I put live sand in now, or can that wait?

Help?
From: [info]angel_renewed
Date: 1/22/2004 3:27:08 PM

I would get the water (RO from your pet store is best) and salt now. Get a floating hydrometer, NOT one of those plastic boxes. You should be able to get a floating hydrometer/thermometer combo for about $5 at Petco type places.

Put the water in and then add the salt per the instructions. Turn on all the equipment and let it settle for a day. This will get the temp right and allow the salt to dissolve. Make sure the SG is around 1.023, if you want corals. If not, you can hang around 1.018-1.020.

Tomorrow, I'd get some sand. Go for aragonite sand. Petco sells 'live sand' in a bag. It's not really that 'live', but for a tank your size, it should be more than enough. You'll want less than an inch of sand (10lbs should work). Add that to your tank (after rinsing it if you're not getting the live sand) and let it settle. It'll be dusty for a day or so.

Once the dust settles (probably over the weekend), you can add Live Rock. Fiji Live Rock is fine. You'll want about 15 pounds total. You can get 5-7 pounds of Live Rock and some base rock, if costs are tight. The base rock will be 'cultured' by the live rock over time.

I wouldn't add *any* fish for at least 3-4 weeks. The Live Rock will need to settle (even with a short transport things will die off). Start testing your tank 3-4 days after you add the Live Rock. Test first for Ammonia and Nitrite. When you see the Ammonia crash (it'll go up first, then down), start testing for Nitrite and Nitrate. When the Nitrite crashes, wait 3 - 4 days and add your first coral or fish. I'd add a mushroom coral first and QT a clown while that's settling in, but that's me.

HTH.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/22/2004 3:57:32 PM

Got it, thanks. No wait! The floating hydrometer - is that the same thing as a specific gravirty meter? Because that's what I had written down that I needed to measure the amount of salt in the water. I still need to buy the test kits too, even though I don't plan to add anything for a month or so, unless maybe a snail. What is the deal with "curing" the rock? Does it (or can it) cure while the water is cycling?

Thanks so much for your help in this. I'm sorry to keep bugging you with questions, but you're the only person I know (well, kinda) who actually has a saltwater tank. Ten years ago, when I actually socialised, I knew people who did, but I didn't keep in touch with any of them. *sigh*
From: [info]angel_renewed
Date: 1/22/2004 4:02:37 PM

Yes, the floating hydrometer measures specific gravity and temperature at the same time. It's more accurate than the swinging arm boxes.

Yes, you still need the test kits. You need to know that the water is safe before you add any lifeforms and the only way to do so is to chart the Nitrification Cycle (thus 'cycling').

Curing Live Rock is the process of making sure all the dead/dying stuff has come off the rock. It's not such a big deal if you get pre-cured rock locally, as it will have already been in your dealer's tank (I would imagine). If you mail order rock, it comes wrapped in newspaper and full of dead/dying stuff. If you were to add it directly to the tank, TONS of ammonia would be released.

You actually *want* to put your live rock into your tank. That's what will start the cycle. The lifeforms on the live rock will release ammonia (more so if some of them die), which will feed bacteria to convert ammonia to nitrite. The nitrite will feed the bacteria to convert nitrite to nitrate. Nitrate is much less toxic than ammonia or nitrite. So, yes, put the live rock in once you've got the salt and sand situated.

Plus, watching all the neat stuff on the live rock will give you something to do for the next month. We had fun seeing all the neat things come out of hiding. Good Luck! I want pictures!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/22/2004 4:12:25 PM

Ahhh... okay. Yeah, it will be quite a while befoore I have any real lifeforms, but when I do, I can assure you that you'll be seeing LOTS of pictures. You know how I am. I actually took a picture of the stand - no tank yet, just my daughter's plastic toy Nemo - but decided even I wasn't THAT much of a dork to post it. =)

I am interested in the live rock process, but after reading a bit about mantis shrimp (thumbsplitters!), I'm kinda nervous, too.
From: [info]angel_renewed
Date: 1/22/2004 4:14:57 PM

If you are getting your live rock from an LFS, see if you can get it from a tank that has fish in it. That's what we did. It drastically reduces the likelihood of getting a mantis. Even if the tank doesn't have fish, you're much less likely to get a mantis in live rock from an LFS, as long as they've had it curing for a bit.

Plus, that month with no fish in the tank will give you plenty of time to see one. In a 12g, pulling one of those out would be much easier.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/22/2004 4:16:54 PM

Ohhhhh... that's a good point, thanks!
From: [info]angel_renewed
Date: 1/22/2004 4:32:15 PM

If you are getting your live rock from an LFS, see if you can get it from a tank that has fish in it. That's what we did. It drastically reduces the likelihood of getting a mantis. Even if the tank doesn't have fish, you're much less likely to get a mantis in live rock from an LFS, as long as they've had it curing for a bit.

Plus, that month with no fish in the tank will give you plenty of time to see one. In a 12g, pulling one of those out would be much easier.
From: [info]artmomz
Date: 1/22/2004 1:40:01 PM

You can search Border's inventory before showing up, and you can even put the book on hold. First, you have to choose your closest Borders:

http://www.bordersstores.com/search/search.jsp
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/22/2004 3:10:38 PM

That is SO COOL, thank you!!! And they have it, even! =D
From: [info]artmomz
Date: 1/22/2004 3:12:37 PM

I thought you might enjoy it. It serves my gotta-have-it-now needs well.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/22/2004 3:13:36 PM

Oh yes, I know those needs well. =)

[petition] 1/22/2004 1:35:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |annoyed]
[Current Music |tv - abc soaps]

I would urge everyone to check out this petition, urging the folks at LiveJournal to bring back invite codes. Since they stopped using them, there has been a rash of people joining and making trouble in communities and in users' private journals, and then when they're banned, starting over with a new free username. The troll factor has gone WAY up in recent months, and it's a hassle to moderators and generally offensive to readers. Please check it out.

   

Comments:
From: [info]jvmatucha
Date: 1/22/2004 1:46:26 PM

Signed!

This place doesn't need to become like the Yahoo! message boards, that's for sure!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/22/2004 1:58:40 PM

Yay! The Jewish groups are the worst so far, but I'm sure it won't end there. :\
From: [info]s8venus
Date: 1/22/2004 1:47:29 PM

Done and done
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/22/2004 1:58:54 PM

Cool, thanks! :)
From: [info]artmomz
Date: 1/22/2004 2:50:06 PM

For some reason, the petition site is being incredibly slow. I might have signed it multiple times by not...

I'll try again later.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/22/2004 3:20:46 PM

OMG, I think we killed their servers! =D
From: [info]instantclarity
Date: 1/22/2004 8:17:23 PM

Signed. I'm sick of the asshole trolls who pop up in political communities, as just one of several examples.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/22/2004 9:16:24 PM

Indeed. They're awful in the Jewish communities, and as soon as we ban 'em, they just sign up with a new (free) username and start all over again.
From: [info]grimkitten_
Date: 1/22/2004 11:01:35 PM

Did it. I hope they listen!

[nano-cube update] 1/22/2004 1:55:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |excited]
[Current Music |tv - abc soaps]

Impatience won out and I called Fosters & Smith to ask for a tracking number. They gave me one, and when I checked FedEx, it said that my package had been delivered yesterday. WTF? So I called Fosters & Smith back and told them what it said, and that while it may have been delivered, it hadn't been delivered to me. They said they'd deal with FedEx, and meantime they would send another Nano-Cube, expidited shipping at no charge. Of course, about an hour later, FedEx showed up with my package. I still have no idea why their tracking service had it down for being delivered yesterday, but I was very happy with Foster & Smith's customer service. I called them back to cancel the reshipment, and thanked them for their help.

And now I have my Nano-Cube, hooray! I guess the first thing I need is salt mix and distilled water, and then live rock and sand. I wish my book would get here...

   

[oh good grief] 1/22/2004 5:55:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |amazed]
[Current Music |tc - abc news]

Art Garfunkel, part of the folk music duo Simon and Garfunkel, was ... caught with a small amount of marijuana in his jacket pocket and was charged with possession of marijuana, a violation, reported the Daily Freeman of Kingston...

Really, do these police officers have nothing more pressing to do than arrest 60-year-old folk singers on minor pot violations? There aren't any real criminals in upstate New York? Bah.

   

Comments:
From: [info]missfox
Date: 1/22/2004 10:03:21 PM

what a menace to society....
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/22/2004 10:19:22 PM

I fear for my children.
From: [info]missfox
Date: 1/22/2004 11:00:07 PM

lol!!!

[one more nano post] 1/22/2004 9:15:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |tired]
[Current Music |tv - will & grace]

I went to the LFS and bought my hydrometer and salt mix and crushed aragonite coral/sand stuff. Spoke with the creepy fish expert, which only served to confuse me more. I rinsed my substrate and put it in, so now I need to mix up my saltwater and wait for the dust to settle.

But first, pizza calls.

   

Comments:
From: [info]angel_renewed
Date: 1/23/2004 7:07:50 AM

Be VERY careful of what the LFS people tell you. I lost probably about $200 of livestock and bought at least that much wrong stuff because of them. They usually don't know as much as they claim AND they have a vested interest in selling you things. Much better to listen to people on the boards at www.wetwebmedia.com.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/23/2004 7:22:50 AM

Yeah, I've already determined that he was full of shit. He basically told me that I didn't need to buy RO/distilled, that the tap water in this area was fine if you dechlorinate it, and that if you DID use RO/distilled, you'd lose valuable trace minerals and have to add them back... except, there are also trace minerals in the salt mix. So I bought the distilled.

He also told me that because his live rock was cured and ready to go, I could basically just start throwing fish in - and I knew THAT was wrong! So now I'm looking around for a new (semi-) LFS. I never liked that one anyway, for various non-fish-related reasons.

Speaking of live rock. I did look at it when I was there and was decidedly unimpressed. When I see the online samples, they're always pretty and purple. This stuff (Figi, they think) was tan and blah and didn't seem to have any growth on it. If it was cured, wouldn't stuff be already growing on it? Is it normal for cured rock to look so blah? If I put in my tank, would it turn purple?
From: [info]angel_renewed
Date: 1/23/2004 7:50:31 AM

Welll....
Generally the rock you get in an LFS doesn't have fancy growth on it. I bought a bunch of really dull rock at a store near me. In the end, it turned out to be KEWL because I now have a Hammer Coral growing out of one of the pieces. That's a stony coral that's probably worth $30 or so. Neat.

The reason most LFS live rock sucks is that they don't keep it under proper lights. Usually, it's kept under standard NO flourescents or under no light at all. Cured, however, means that all that was going to die off has done so. Cured rock can still be ugly.

Still, there should be some coralline algae on the live rock (that's the purple stuff) locally. You may want to consider ordering from these people:
http://www.drmaccorals.com/sys-tmpl/fijirock/

They do by the pound. Their stuff is HIGHLY rated, and they're close to you. So, the die-off would be minimal, as would the shipping charges. You would probably want fully cured rock, just to make your life easier. I've considered ordering from them if we get more rock.

Just got done feeding my babies and going on an aiptasia killing spree in the 29 gallon, myself.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/23/2004 8:05:16 AM

Free coral, cool! How long did it take before it started to grow stuff? My LFS *definately* didn't have it under good lights, in fact, it's more like it's kept in a drawer! There are a couple of other places not too far away; I'm going to check with them before I give the creepy guy any more money.

Dr Mac looks awesome! If I can't find anything pretty nearby, I may just get a few pounds of the ugly stuff to get it started cycling, and then order some of the prettier stuff to put on top of that.
From: [info]angel_renewed
Date: 1/23/2004 8:39:39 AM

The coral started growing within the first week or two, even under standard lights. Once I got it under nicer lights, it really bloomed. It has maybe 2" polyps now.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/23/2004 7:27:23 AM

Oh! One more thing: the quarantine tank. I won't need it for fish for a while, but I may get it for extra live rock. Does it need to be set up the same way the main tank is? I mean, the lights and filters and everything? In other words, do I need to run two complete systems in order to Q any future fish?
From: [info]angel_renewed
Date: 1/23/2004 7:57:02 AM

No No No!
Your QT should be bare bottom. No substrate and No live rock. You want to be able to put medication in it. Most meds are made with copper and will kill anything on the live rock, thus releasing ammonia into the tank. Ideally, you should pick up a 10gallon for your QT. I'd put an HOT (hang on tank) filter on it or one of those Duettos sponge filters that go in the tank. You will want a heater. Also, cut a few pieces of heavy PVC pipe for hiding spots. Take the filter material from the QT and place it into your main tank (will be dodgy with a tank so small) to let it culture with good bacteria.

As for lights, they'll tell you that you can use an incandescent light. You can, but I found it hard to see the fish clearly. So, I ended up getting a flourescent hood. Speaking of, if you do end up getting a 20g QT, I have an extra flourescent hood. I'd ship it down to you for the cost of shipping. I took it off my clown tank, which now has the uber-fancy CSL 130watt w/moonlite gizmo.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/23/2004 8:10:06 AM

Gotcha! No stuff in the Q tank! Is your hood for 20L or 20T? As I recall, there isn't much difference in price between 10 and 20 gallons...
From: [info]angel_renewed
Date: 1/23/2004 8:40:03 AM

Mine's for a 20T.

[rock and roll, baybeee] 1/23/2004 12:45:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |headachey]
[Current Music |tv - abc stuff]

I looked at the LFS's live rock last night, and was decidedly unimpressed. It was tan and blah and boring, so this morning I started calling every other fish store within a 30-mile radius.

Store #1 - the second-closest - wasn't open yet. I hate stores that don't open early.

Store #2 - was open, and the fish dude told me that they carried "semi-cured" Figi rock for a shocking $8 per pound. I thought that this was an absolutely ridiculous price, and moved on.

Store #3 - was open and carried both Figi and Tonga for $5.99 per pound, so that's where I headed. I ended up getting 10 pounds of Figi. It has really pretty purple growth on it; I hope that doesn't all die off. I haven't arranged it yet; just rinsed it and dropped it into the tank.

I'm almost afraid to start arranging it; I'm so anal anyway, and I could see myself spending months getting the rocks just right. Marine Feng Shui, baby... who needs fish.

   

Comments:
From: [info]catmoran
Date: 1/23/2004 12:58:18 PM

Marine Feng Shui, baby... who needs fish.

lol! Well, you'll have some time to rearrange things while the bio filtering gets going, right?
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/23/2004 1:36:46 PM

Yeah, it'll be a while... I think in about 2-3 weeks, I get to buy a snail!
From: [info]titancia
Date: 1/23/2004 5:13:41 PM

lol...What exactly are you doing with the tank? Getting a fishie?
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/23/2004 6:27:52 PM

A clownfish, eventually, and some corals. :)
From: [info]titancia
Date: 1/25/2004 5:54:43 AM

Coolios!

[one more thing] 1/23/2004 4:25:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |annoyed]
[Current Music |tv - abc stuff]

I stopped and picked up The Conscientious Marine Aquarist via Border's local reserve thingie - thanks again for the tip, Artmomz! Next I want to get Aquarium Corals by Eric Borneman.

I'm taking a break from the rocks; I had them into a halfway decent cave-shape once, kept messing with it, screwed it all up, couldn't get them back the way I had them, and now I've gotten the water all cloudy and I can't see to mess with it any more. Bugger.

   

Comments:
From: [info]angel_renewed
Date: 1/23/2004 4:28:20 PM

I have Aquarium Corals. Good book!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/23/2004 6:51:48 PM

Oh good! I have heard some good things on the forums, and it got good reviews at Amazon. I love looking at coral.
From: [info]titancia
Date: 1/23/2004 4:40:59 PM

Bugger this! ^_^
From: [info]grimkitten_
Date: 1/23/2004 4:51:05 PM

I can't wait until you start posting pics of your new fishies!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/23/2004 6:26:57 PM

I can't wait until I have some to take pictures of! =D
From: [info]artmomz
Date: 1/23/2004 7:44:19 PM

Hey...you got it!!

[hitchhiker!!!] 1/23/2004 7:04:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |excited]
[Current Music |tv - abc - wheel of fortune]


I was messing with my live rock (AGAIN!) and I found a teeny-tiny shell attached to the rock. Awww, a cute little snail, I thought. So I brushed him off and took a picture... only when I looked at the photo (thank G-d for macro!), did I realise that my little friend is actually a tiny blue-legged hermit crab!!! He's so CUTE. Shell and all, he's only about a half inch long, and at least 95% of that is shell! I hope he doesn't die, since the tank is in the cycling process...

Update: Crablet found a nice hole in the rock, and has been happily digging for some time - eating, I assume. I hope he stays out front where I put him; I don't want him to get lost.
   

Comments:
From: [info]sunshyncat
Date: 1/23/2004 7:12:34 PM

They can't live under water... can they???
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/23/2004 7:14:56 PM

There are two (at least) different kinds of hermies: marine and land. They act pretty much the same (changing shells, etcetera), only the environment is different. :)
From: [info]sunshyncat
Date: 1/23/2004 7:17:39 PM

Oh, okay. I have a story about accidentally drowning some land hermit crabs when I was five (I meant well). I don't think I'll post it, though. People are going to start to think I'm abusive to animals or something ;-/

btw- he is really cute. I hope he survives :)
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/23/2004 7:21:25 PM

LOL! Well, if it makes you feel better, I could see a little kids confusing hermit crabs and water-type crabs...

Thanks for the good wishes, I hope he does too!
From: [info]grimkitten_
Date: 1/23/2004 7:29:16 PM

awwwwwhhh! How cute is that?!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/23/2004 8:12:46 PM

Isn't he?!? His name is Crablet. :)
From: [info]artmomz
Date: 1/23/2004 7:43:11 PM

*BONUS!*
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/23/2004 8:13:21 PM

I know, I was all excited... "look honey, a free crab!" =D
From: [info]artmomz
Date: 1/24/2004 12:54:23 AM

Dang it...now I want a marine crabbie too, but that would mean getting yet another set-up...

My husband would kill me. He just discovered that I have 4 crabs in my tank. I don't know how many he thought I had.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/24/2004 8:49:57 AM

Your husband WOULD kill you! Still, it's so cool. And this guy is just so freakishly tiny. His whole body (if he were naked) is about the size of one segment of a regular (like you see in stores) hermie's leg. I hope he grows up!
From: [info]instantclarity
Date: 1/23/2004 8:39:18 PM

Awwww, it's cute!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/23/2004 9:27:21 PM

Thanks! He's Crablet! :)
From: [info]instantclarity
Date: 1/23/2004 11:38:50 PM

I like that. :)
From: [info]missfox
Date: 1/23/2004 9:14:33 PM

that's quite cool. :) lucky you didn't squish him or something. S/he sounds very tiny!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/23/2004 9:30:41 PM

I know, and it's a wonder, too... when I first saw the shell, I assumed it was empty! It was only after I found the shell on the rock again (when I knew I'd thrown it on the aquarium floor), that I assumed it was a snail, and not until I took that picture did I realise it was a crab. He's THAT tiny; he only looks like a crab with macro! Poor little Crablet...
From: [info]copperpoint
Date: 1/24/2004 3:43:44 PM

What's a "live rock"?

And make sure you have lots of shells around for crablet just in case he wants to trade up.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/24/2004 7:41:43 PM

Live Rock: http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/filterselection/a/aa111901.htm - basically, the rock isn't live, but it's got zillions of inky-dinky living things ON it.
From: [info]copperpoint
Date: 1/24/2004 8:16:47 PM

Ah. Like, for example, a small hermit crab.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/24/2004 8:20:36 PM

A veeeery small hermit crab, yes. I've also found a couple of what appear to be VERY small feather dusters. (http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/scateg.cfm?siteid=23&pCatId=504). It's all very exciting, seeing new stuff just *appear* every day.
From: [info]closertofine
Date: 1/24/2004 6:15:01 PM

That is so cool! And he's adorable!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/24/2004 7:42:11 PM

Thanks! I hope he survives the tank cycling! :)

[snowbound] 1/24/2004 9:56:00 AM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |annoyed]
[Current Music |sega - phantasy star 4]

We've gotten about six inches of snow since last night. It's still snowing. It's supposed to snow again (still?) tomorrow. I really hate snow. I need to move to some cool-but-snowless place.

On the other hand, we have the Sega hooked up, plenty of wine, and popcorn.

   

Comments:
From: [info]grimkitten_
Date: 1/24/2004 10:02:33 AM

oooh, snowdays with video games, wine and popcorn. It sounds quite lovely to me!! :)
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/24/2004 7:45:20 PM

It's not bad, actually. It's not like I really wanted to GO anywhere. :)
From: [info]closertofine
Date: 1/24/2004 5:45:02 PM

I guess we're supposed to get some tomorrow. Maybe. They really don't seem to know. I hope we get lots and lots!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/24/2004 7:48:58 PM

They (the weather goons) have gotten it ALL screwed up two weekends in a row. Last weekend the said it'd all be over by 11am and we got stuck in a blizzard later that afternoon, and we were supposed to get 1-3 last night, but we had 6 or so when I woke up and it was still snowing! I hope your weather goons are better than ours. :\

[more snow] 1/25/2004 3:05:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |i hate snow]
[Current Music |sega - shining force 2]

They're calling for another 8-10 inches of snow today/tonight. Oh joy. :\

   

Comments:
From: [info]arkady
Date: 1/25/2004 3:09:35 PM

They're forecasting temperatures of -14°C and blizzards for London on Wednesday. That's going to make my job... interesting.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/25/2004 3:19:14 PM

Oh, yuck. Does it snow a lot in England?
From: [info]arkady
Date: 1/25/2004 3:25:36 PM

Some areas get more than others, but the end of January right through February and often into March is our main snow season. The snow played real havoc with the trains last February; it's very rare for temperatures to dip below -5°C though. London doesn't normally get as much snow as the surrounding countryside, but the Met Office has issued blizzard warnings for this week and we're getting hourly rail-ice forecasts at work.

St.Albans actually looks very pretty when it snows, but all the public transport grinds to a halt. If the snow is as bad as they say, I might get snowed in at work and stranded in London!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/25/2004 5:02:02 PM

It's odd; I don't remember ever seeing a snowy picture of England! I always assumed it didn't snow much there.
From: [info]arkady
Date: 1/26/2004 4:15:44 AM

Tell you what - when the snow hits I'll get some photos of it and post them on my LJ. :-)

No doubt [info]reddragdiva will do his excited arm-waving "SNOW!!!" act again; he's Australian, and never saw snow until last winter....
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/26/2004 8:19:08 AM

Oooh, that would be great, thanks! Snowy England would be really pretty.

Seeing snow for the first time if you'd grown up without it must be really weird...
From: [info]topi
Date: 1/25/2004 5:27:35 PM

You are so lucky. I envy you. heh.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/25/2004 6:28:43 PM

Well then, I'll just put it in a box and mail it all to YOU. =}
From: [info]grimkitten_
Date: 1/25/2004 6:19:01 PM

The roads here are TERRIBLE! I had to leave work early, so did a lot of people. Grrrr...stoooopid snow!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/25/2004 6:30:24 PM

I *know* ... and what really sucks is, I can't even move to some snow-free region, because I can't stand the heat! I'm screwed, I tell you.

[visited states thingie] 1/25/2004 4:25:00 PM

purple_stardust




* create your own visited states map *
   

[argh] 1/25/2004 9:15:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |annoyed]
[Current Music |sega - shining force 2]

Oh, what fresh hell is this. I've got that stupid Eddie Murphy song "My Girl Wants to Party All the Time" stuck in my fucking head. To make matters worse, that's the only line I know of it. I think I shall jab a knitting needle in my ear. Out! Out, demons of idiotic 80's dance music!

   

Comments:
From: [info]topi
Date: 1/25/2004 9:36:04 PM

Girl, I can’t understand it, why you wanna hurt me
After all of the things I’ve done for you
I buy you champagne and roses, put diamonds on your fingers (Diamond on your fingers)
And still you hang out all night, what am I to do

My girl wants to party all the time
Party all the time, party all the time
My girl wants to party all the time
Party all the time, she parties all the time

Ooh...hoo...hoo...
Party all the time
She likes to party all the time
Party all the time

Ooh...hoo...hoo...ooh...ooh...
Party all the time
She likes to party all the time
Party all the time

Girl, I seen you at the clubs, just hangin’ out and dancin’
You give your number to every man you see
You never come home at night because you’re out romancin’
I wish you’d bring some of your love home to me

But my girl wants to party all the time
Party all the time, party all the time
My girl wants to party all the time
Party all the time

My girl wants to party all the time
Party all the time
My girl wants to party all the time
Party all the time, yeah

She likes to party all the time
Woo, woo, ooh...hoo...hoo...
She likes to party all the time, yeah
Hoo...ooh...ooh...ooh...ooh...

She lets her hair down, she likes to party down
Party all the time
She likes to party, she likes to party down

Ooh...hoo...
Party al the time

Party all the time
Ooh, hoo, sing
Party all the time



heh.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/25/2004 9:39:07 PM

Thank you sooo much. NOT. =P
From: [info]artmomz
Date: 1/25/2004 10:56:04 PM

omigosh!!! :D
From: [info]jvmatucha
Date: 1/25/2004 11:50:09 PM

Stop that! Stop that! Bad LJ user!
From: [info]artmomz
Date: 1/25/2004 10:57:04 PM

I had no clue he had a song...and now sadly, I remember it. Argh!!!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/25/2004 11:19:09 PM

Hooray! Misery loves company. ;)
From: [info]jvmatucha
Date: 1/25/2004 11:50:50 PM

I once had Madonna's "Star Light, Star Bright" stuck in my head for like, two days, and I was ready to jump off a birdge to make it stop.

From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/25/2004 11:55:44 PM

That's pretty bad, but the WORST song to get stuck in your head is "Puff the Magic Dragon". Trust me.
From: [info]topi
Date: 1/26/2004 12:33:25 AM

Puff the Kosher Dragon

CHORUS:
Puff, the Kosher dragon, lived in Palestine
And frolicked in the synagogue
And drank Shapiro's wine
Little Rabbi Goldberg, loved that Kosher Puff
And fed him lox and matzah balls
And other Kosher stuff.

Then one day it happened
Puff was eating pork,
So little Rabbi Goldberg took that dragon for a walk,
Gently he explained kosher dragons don't eat meat
That comes from little piggies who have dirty little feet.

Now Puff became Bar Mitzvah, put on Tefillin every day
Wrapped in his Tallis, oh that's the way he prayed
Made Brochos before eating, and he bentched after every meal
Imagine how religious it made that dragon feel.
Oh

Now, there were some people, who did things just for spite
They'd curse Jews and attack them, just to get into a fight
When Puff the dragon heard this, He roared a mighty roar
Now, those wicked people aren't with us any more.
Oh

Now, Puff the Kosher Dragon found himself a bride
Now, little Kosher dragons are his source of joy and pride
They'll grow up doing Mitzvos, learning Torah and dovening, too
And Rabbi Goldberg teaching them, what Kosher dragons do.
Oh

Now, you who may be listening, may think we're making fun
But deep down in this story, there's a moral for everyone
If a dragon can
wear a Kippa, keep Shabbos and Kosher, too
Then you can learn, like Puff did, how to be real good Jews.
Oh
From: [info]topi
Date: 1/26/2004 12:34:57 AM

Palestine in this case is meant to be Israel proper and not the fairy tale creation that is fostered by the palestians. cough cough...
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/26/2004 12:42:37 AM

Heeee! =D
From: [info]topi
Date: 1/26/2004 12:36:01 AM

I am not evil enough to post Madonna lyrics...
From: [info]lunza
Date: 1/26/2004 1:05:56 AM

It could be worse...
It could be "Boogie in your Butt" (also by Eddie Murphy)
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/26/2004 1:28:57 AM

Re: It could be worse...
I seem to have missed that... and I hope it stays that way! =D

[nanoland v.3 - day 3] 1/26/2004 6:55:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |obsessed]
[Current Music |sega - shining force 2]


Ammonia: .5-1.0ppm - Nitrates: 5.0ppm - Nitrites: 0ppm
   

Comments:
From: [info]grimkitten_
Date: 1/26/2004 7:03:44 PM

oooh!! Keep us posted!! :)
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/26/2004 8:27:37 PM

But of course, ad nauseum. ;)
From: [info]da_fizzies
Date: 1/26/2004 7:08:25 PM

Rock On!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/26/2004 8:28:37 PM

Thank you, Raver and Hippie... you cute little buggers, you.
From: [info]catmoran
Date: 1/26/2004 7:26:53 PM

That's a really elegant formation.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/26/2004 8:26:50 PM

Thanks! :)
From: [info]artmomz
Date: 1/26/2004 9:03:03 PM

It's a happy place...
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/26/2004 9:29:35 PM

I hope the fishies will agree! =)

[crablet update!] 1/26/2004 11:45:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |excited and relieved]
[Current Music |tv - cbs - david letterman]




I thought that something had happened to Crablet; I'd found his empty shell and no sign of him since. He turned up this evening, however - turns out he traded in his brown striped shell for a handsome white ensemble. He's one stylin crab, ladies. Problem is, he found his new shell in the sand and coral substrate mix, and there are a million other white shells just like it in the tank! He's going to be a very hard little crab to keep track of. Anyway, I took this opportunity to get some new photos of him. The first is a picture of the whole tank; Crablet is circled in red. The second is a close-up. Is he not the tiniest crab EVER? I really hope he survives.
   

Comments:
From: [info]sioranth
Date: 1/27/2004 3:22:36 AM

Omg - he is SO cute! I'd lose him no matter what color shell he was wearing though lol
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/27/2004 5:59:52 PM

Yeah, I hope he gets bigger, so I can actually FIND him periotically. =)
From: [info]arkady
Date: 1/27/2004 5:10:12 AM

Awww. He's so cute!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/27/2004 6:00:47 PM

Thanks! He tickles me; I've never seen them smaller than one inch at the petstores.
From: [info]grimkitten_
Date: 1/27/2004 5:11:17 AM

awhh! Crablet is SO cute!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/27/2004 6:01:44 PM

Yeah he is! I need to find him some more shells for when he gets a bit bigger!
From: [info]missfox
Date: 1/27/2004 8:49:45 AM

that is the funniest thing ever! He's so cute! Can you do anything to that shell to mark it? put a twist-tie on it or something? lol. he'd probably just switch on you though, when he catches on...
From: [info]buuunnnnnny
Date: 1/27/2004 10:43:51 AM

Marking it isn't a bad idea. What about using a non-toxic waterproof marker?
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/27/2004 6:03:47 PM

That's a really good idea! I wonder if a Sharpie would mess with the water? They're supposed to be non-toxic...
From: [info]artmomz
Date: 1/27/2004 8:37:14 PM

Oh ho! So cute!!!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/27/2004 9:01:00 PM

Isn't he TINY?!? He has a big attitude though; I picked him up to take that picture, and he waved his little arms and legs at me like he was gonna really DO something. Silly Crablet. :}
From: [info]artmomz
Date: 1/27/2004 9:41:10 PM

I can totally picture that...the lil scrapper!
From: [info]muridae
Date: 1/27/2004 10:43:13 PM

Awwwwww!!!!

[best. quote. ever.] 1/27/2004 5:35:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |amused]
[Current Music |tv - cbs - weather coverage]

Compliments of [info]merlaan:

"I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves." --- August Strindberg, A Madman's Diary, 1895

In other news, more snow. :[

   

Comments:
From: [info]laurapalmer813
Date: 1/27/2004 6:17:13 PM

Ooo. That is a good quote!
From: [info]allmyvoices
Date: 1/27/2004 7:42:48 PM

rotflmao!!!!!
From: [info]cellio
Date: 1/27/2004 8:59:40 PM

Great quote!

[gip] 1/27/2004 10:25:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |amused]
[Current Music |sega - shining force 2]

I'm up to 40 user icons out of my possible 50. Hmmm... maybe I need a Crablet icon! =}

   

Comments:
From: [info]missfox
Date: 1/28/2004 9:00:28 AM

you most certainly do... for your Crablet updates! :)
From: [info]grimkitten_
Date: 1/28/2004 10:24:46 AM

omg, I had a dream about crablet last night! woah...too much LJ for monica!

Anyway, crablet started out his normal size, then we put him in a HUGE tank and he switched shells and he was like 300 times the size he is now...he was a big fat monster! LOL
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/28/2004 10:34:50 AM

Killer Crabs from Outer Space! I wonder where we found empty shells that big...? I'd like to have that huge tank, though.

And yeah, I think you might want to cut back on LiveJournal... =D
From: [info]artmomz
Date: 1/28/2004 11:37:04 AM

Of course!! :oD
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/28/2004 11:57:52 AM

Working on it now... unfortunately, the process of making animated .gifs completely escapes me (I've tried, it just never works for me), and I really wanted blinking text on this one. Grrr...
From: [info]artmomz
Date: 1/28/2004 9:14:48 PM

I just got home and plopped in front of my usual spot. I guess it didn't work out? I've never attempted animated text in an animated gif, but perhaps maybe I can help?
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/28/2004 10:32:54 PM

I made this one, but I'm not entirely satisfied with it. I just wanted the original photo of Crablet with a purple border and some sort of appropriate animated text (though I have no idea what, really). And somewhere along the way, the base photo got mottled little black specks in a couple of the frames), but I was too lazy and fed up to go back and start all over. *sigh*
From: [info]artmomz
Date: 1/28/2004 11:58:15 PM

Let's try this one...

From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/29/2004 12:27:40 AM

I <3 YOUUUU...
*squeels!*

That is so absolutely freakin' PERFECT, thank you!!!

*squeels again and scurries off to change icons*

[to do / done] 1/28/2004 6:15:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |blah]
[Current Music |tv - abc news]

* wash my scroungy-ass hair
* attempt an animated crablet icon
* shovel snow and ice off our sidewalk
* shovel neighbour's sidewalk (little old lady)
* email guy (jonathan) about remaining male ratlets
* remove old/weird/rotten stuff from fridge
* soak dirty dishes, straighten kitchen
* wash and dry a load of laundry
* make a batch of croutons

   

Comments:
From: [info]jvmatucha
Date: 1/28/2004 2:08:49 PM

Kewl! You make your own croutons? Me and my mother were thinking about making a batch of Sourdough starter.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/28/2004 2:19:47 PM

I do now... I inadvertantly bought a bag of croutons that taste like driveway gravel. Since I'm a cheapass and refuse to buy more croutons while I still have these coutons, and yet I want to EAT croutons that DON'T taste like driveway gravel, I started to make my own. They're really easy to make; you basically let your bread go a bit stale, and then you cut it into cubes and toss in a butter mixure. You can put whatever you want in the butter - I've made garlic and Italian so far - and then throw 'em in the oven on low heat until they get crunchy. And they're WAY tastier (I think) than the store-bought kind.

I've never made sourdough starter, is it hard? I love homebaked bread.
From: [info]jvmatucha
Date: 1/28/2004 4:23:44 PM

Sourdough starter, which is an essential ingredient in making sourdough, naturally, isn't hard to make mecessarily, except that it takes anywhere from a five days to twelve days to make it, depending on which recipe you're using. It's ingredients are very basic, you just keep having to let it sit for two days at a time. The recipe is kinda' weird.

I'm gonna try that crouton idea!

[gip] 1/29/2004 12:35:00 AM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |tickled]
[Current Music |tv - cbs david letterman]

Many thanks to the wonderfully talented [info]artmomz for the new Crablet icon. *squeee!*

   

Comments:
From: [info]artmomz
Date: 1/29/2004 12:44:55 AM

I'm happy you're happy... :oD
From: [info]grimkitten_
Date: 1/29/2004 7:45:06 AM

that's a great icon!

[to do / done] 1/29/2004 1:00:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |nauseated]
[Current Music |tv - abc soaps]

* get my laundry from yesterday out of dryer
* venture out on snowy roads, grind teeth, develop ulcer
* go to post office and pick up dvds, go to bank and deposit money
* stop at lfs#2 for water test kits, 50w heater, empty shells for crablet
* soak dirty dishes, load and run dishwasher, straighten up kitchen
* convert cheesy paper dvd boxes into plastic keepcases
* hardboil eggs to make deviled egg mix later

   

[to do / done] 1/30/2004 7:35:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |headachey]
[Current Music |tv - abc - good morning america]

* unload (and reload) dishwasher
* install heater in nano, check water parameters
* convert cheesy paper dvd boxes into plastic keepcases
* go to walmart and local pet shop, get groceries
* make a batch of deviled egg mix

   

[water parameters: one week] 1/30/2004 9:05:00 AM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |perplexed]
[Current Music |tv - abc stuff]

Ammonia: .25ppm / Nitrate: 0ppm / Nitrate: 40ppm / Salinity: 1.022 / PH: 8.0

   

Comments:
From: [info]muridae
Date: 1/30/2004 10:56:46 AM

What the heck?

That's weird.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/30/2004 1:00:11 PM

Re:
Which part? I know what the Ammonia / PH / Nitrite / Nitrate params should be, but this alkalinity and hardness/buffering business confuses me. And I
still need to get a calcium test.
From: [info]muridae
Date: 1/30/2004 1:02:43 PM

Re:
The part where you have almost no ammonia or nitrites, but plenty of nitrates. Is it the live rock that is doing that? I mean, normally you would have gone through the whole cycle before you had such high nitrate readings.

But I've never had live rock in a tank, so I dunno.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/30/2004 1:11:41 PM

Re:
I *think* so, yeah. I think it's cycling so fast because I got really good liverock out of established fish tanks; it already had all sorts of nifty bacteria and weird microscopic critters on it - kinda like when you "seed" a new tank with gravel or water from your old tank. The bummer is, nitrates should be a lot lower for a reef tank.

[more nano stuff] 1/30/2004 4:10:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |chilly]
[Current Music |tv - abc stuff]

I bought a bunch of kitchen stuff for the nano tank: measuring spoons and cups, tongs, long spoons, a turkey baster. That Walmart cashier probably thought I must really love cooking.

I also stopped at the petstore and bought a small Astrea "conehead" snail, henceforce to be known as Beldar. He may end up being a sacrificial snail if the tank isn't completely cycled, however, the diatoms and the hair algae are out of control in there. I hope he's hungry!

In other news, it turns out that I'm allergic to the synthetic saltwater - every time I stick my hands in the tank, I break out up to my elbows and look like I have leoprosy. Nice.

   

Comments:
From: [info]muridae
Date: 1/30/2004 11:06:11 PM

In other news, it turns out that I'm allergic to the synthetic saltwater - every time I stick my hands in the tank, I break out up to my elbows and look like I have leoprosy. Nice.

Ooh, sexy.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/31/2004 9:20:04 AM

Re:
If I lived in a leper colony, I would be so hot.
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 1/31/2004 3:54:41 PM

Re:
Are you still packing? Rusty is at work and nobody is posting and I am so booooooooooooooored.

[new toy] 1/30/2004 7:45:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |bored bored bored]
[Current Music |tv - abc - jeopardy]






*HUGS* TOTAL!
give purple_stardust more *HUGS*

Get hugs of your own
   

[cold and clammy] 1/31/2004 1:15:00 PM

purple_stardust
[Current Mood |annoyed]
[Current Music |tv - who the hell knows]

A little white clam has appeared on my live rock. Who is this small clam? Why is he here? What does he want? I do not know. But I am annoyed by his very presence. Go away, small clam!

   

Comments:
From: [info]grimkitten_
Date: 1/31/2004 5:19:26 PM

Why don't you like poor mr. clam??
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 2/1/2004 11:50:38 AM

Re:
He has no face. Animals without faces oog me out.
From: [info]jvmatucha
Date: 2/1/2004 12:51:25 AM

Yeah, You were delighted by the appearance of Mr Crablet. What's wrong with a clam? Is it a fish geek thingy we don't know about?
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 2/1/2004 11:51:45 AM

Crablet has a face. The clam has no face. If you're going to pretend to be an animal, you should at least have a face.
From: [info]jvmatucha
Date: 2/1/2004 5:00:23 PM

Re:
Oh foo! I think you just have some sort of clam prejudice. I think clams are neat!
From: [info]purple_stardust
Date: 2/1/2004 6:30:59 PM

Re:
Yeah, some of them are pretty neat, even if they ARE faceless freaks of nature. This one is just a plain little white clam, however.