Fisher of Men

I've always wondered if it's the most common pencil, why is it called #2?. . . and I've never personally seen a #1 pencil. RW- Devan or couch? (or sofa) It's couch in my house, although my wife's grandmother still calls it a devan. Speed, I didn't think about "q-tip". Keep'em coming guys. I didn't expect the "dialectual" terminology, but that's very interesting. Having never traveled very far north, I never quite realized there were so many differences. I have seen a #1 pencil, and my mother still uses them to this day. They have softer lead and tend to smear around on the paper when something rubs over them, typically an arm or shirt sleeve... #2 Refers to the softness of a pencil. #2's are most comonly used for tests because they rub off a lot of lead when you use them, thus making it easier for the scantrons to read. Pencil hardness is most commonly used by drafters to create different line weights. A harder leaded pencil creates a fainter, lighter line, while a softer leaded pencil creates a darker, thicker line. There are 5 different lead types: B (#1) HB (#2) F H 2h Hmmmmmm. . . now I know. :-?

Although I'd like to see the Rays have an opportunity to win one, I think the Sox are dialing it in and will beat them out. I've never been much of a Dodgers fan, but I think they will pull it off and go to the series. Sox win in five.

I've always wondered if it's the most common pencil, why is it called #2?. . . and I've never personally seen a #1 pencil. RW- Devan or couch? (or sofa) It's couch in my house, although my wife's grandmother still calls it a devan. Speed, I didn't think about "q-tip". Keep'em coming guys. I didn't expect the "dialectual" terminology, but that's very interesting. Having never traveled very far north, I never quite realized there were so many differences.

Now that we've started several "useless winteresk" threads, why not start another. In the "What do you call it?" thread, someone posted about "namebrand associated products" (i.e. Coke, Kleenex, etc.) Here are a few that I thought of: -Crescent Wrench (technically known as an adjustable wrench) -Skil Saw (circular saw) -Sawzall (Milwaukee tool reciprocating saw) -Xerox machine (I've mentioned to my middle school students about "xeroxing" something several times and they have no idea that I want to copy something) Can you think of others?

Thanks for standing up and being honest, Bassboss. I appreciate that. You are forgiven. Now that we're being honest, I'm really only 18, not 38. I'm sorry for the charade, guys. . . I couldn't help myself. I have now learned the error of my ways. That wife I always talk about is really my mom and the daughter, well she's my little sister. . . is anybody buying this? :-/. . . I thought not. At least I tried. ;D Welcome aboard Bassboss. . . Snapper G rest in peace!

If your in-laws are from Dallas, that doesn't count. Dallas has had so much influx of Northerners over the years that the "Texas" dialect has all but disappeared in some circles there. Go over to Ft. Worth and ask somebody about a "coke". Really though, I DO hear the word "cold drink" used around Texas in other parts of the state as well.

I'm with you on the "Coke" thing, but I think the 99.9% of Texans is dropping. I am disturbed that I hear the word "soda" more and more (even locally). I know that's kind of stupid, but that's a piece of Texas heritege that I'd like to see around a while longer. BTW- Once before someone posted a color coded map showing what soft drinks are called nationwide. "Soda" was mostly western, "Soda Pop" scattered throughout, "Pop" was a pre-dominantly northern term (although residents in Oklahoma use it), "soft drink" was scattered, and "Coke" was used mostly in Texas and some of the south/mid-south. I'll stick with "Coke". 8-)

What about sponsoring a local t-ball or soccer team or something? I've never known the return on that, but I do respect businesses that help out their community. Also, perhaps buying a champion market animal at the local stock show? Just a couple of quick ones that were on the top of my brain. -Fisher Another: Oriental trading has alot of business oriented "give-away" items (Cups, notepads, pens, etc.). Perhaps handing these out at a local festival, etc.? Jake, more specifically, what part of the metroplex is the shop located in. I'm sure local economy plays into this somehow. Its in the Keller/Fort Worth border, close to Roanoke and North Richland Hills. We have been asking around so to speak and most of the businesses have been saying the same thing as us, its dead. Im hoping it will pick back up soon, it sucks to see my boss work so hard and so good and have so little business. Like Mike said, are there many new Kwik Kar, Pep Boys, Firestone, etc. service centers in the area (new Wal-mart nearby)? These places could have taken some of his business. I'd be willing to bet that many people just aren't having their cars serviced as much as they used to due to the high gas prices and slumping economy. He also makes a great point about your job. Keep your options open regarding further employment. If the business continues to go south, you might be looking for something else soon.

What about sponsoring a local t-ball or soccer team or something? I've never known the return on that, but I do respect businesses that help out their community. Also, perhaps buying a champion market animal at the local stock show? Just a couple of quick ones that were on the top of my brain. -Fisher Another: Oriental trading has alot of business oriented "give-away" items (Cups, notepads, pens, etc.). Perhaps handing these out at a local festival, etc.? Jake, more specifically, what part of the metroplex is the shop located in. I'm sure local economy plays into this somehow.

Just read the thread today. You can do this, Russ!! I'll keep you in my prayers. -Fisher

It's been in the 3.70's and 3.60's since the hurricane here (rural DFW). I noticed that it had dropped to 3.49 at Murphy USA last night. It's probably in the 3.30's in the metroplex though. Our county seems to gouge us even though we are in a rural area. The claim has always been that Dallas and Tarrant county gas is supposed to be higher due to a "summertime" additive to control emissions, but their prices are usually 10-20 cents cheaper than ours. Can anyone say $2.99 a gallon? (to think that's cheap) :

Thanks for sharing the pics and the story. It is no secret that my favorite fishing partner is my wife, and, yes it's hard to beat a day in the boat with her. We will celebrate 20 in a couple of more years. I wonder if I'd get in trouble scheduling a fishing trip? :-/

That's the way to be, bud. The golden rule. Keep it up!!

They all have to go sometime, and more and more will be leaving us soon. I remember all of them how they were around 30-40 years ago, like they never aged. I guess that's why we're so shocked when they pass.

Muddy, I really see the sincerety of your post and sense your emotional connection to the place. Just remember that those memories will not go with Shea. You'll always have them in your heart forever.

It's great to hear that it worked out for you, although I think that could have backfired with alot of girls. Maybe this date will give you some confidence to be more forward with the girls. I regret a little that I was like you and never asked many girls out. I nearly missed out on my wife until some friends urged me to call her. All they can do is say no. As far as your date, I hope it all goes well. Remember to be yourself and treat her kindly. If you treat her like a lady, I guarantee you'll stick out to her. As a teacher, most teenage guys seem like jerks today and treat girls pretty bad (as I have observed). Keep us informed on how it goes. Good luck!!

40% drop and I still couldn't afford a home there.

Rooster, Think of it from a non-hunter/non-angler's perspective, perhaps that of a little old lady who's neither for or against hunting/angling. Let's say she hear's the bloody account of "killing" a deer at the local cafe from across the room. Her normally "non-interest" may turn to opposition. If this happens to very many people, and they start writing local politicians, it might lead to some opposition to our "privilege" to hunt or fish. I understand that other anglers/hunters may not be offended by such talk, but we should be courteous and considerate to those who are "neutral" to our sport(s). I'm not condoning having to "walk on eggshells" regarding our sport(s), but we don't need to give the opposition any ammunition on their behalf. God bless, Fisher

I think Burley has finally went off the deep end. or too much of this. . .

Loved it!! Although with the premature celebration of the fans and some players, I wasn't sure if OSU could pull it off. You should NEVER dump gatorade on your coach with more than 2 minutes left. . . for sure if you're playing USC.

Back in high school I delivered/repossessed furniture for a rent-to-own business. We walked into some pretty disgusting homes. Some were so bad we could stay inside for more than a few seconds. We'd have to take a breather before finish an install on a fridge or window unit AC.

"Rip some lips" That one puts a burr under my saddle. I know it's not mean't that way, but it just sounds unethical as if to indicate we are hurting fish. Being a hunter/boater/angler instructor all these years has led be to be choosy how I talk about our sports in front of non-participants. (I.e. "harvest" or "bag" or "take" a game animal instead of "kill") I guess another would be "filled the boat". This might lead a non-fisher to believe we are exeeding our limit and violating the law.

It's good to know the local What-a-burger is doing well! These types of people do have mental problems. It's called hoarding. I've seen similar houses on TV before. My science teacher partner has the same problem, only not with trash. She keeps everything! Her room is stacked with file folders and boxes with all kinds of stuff. I've been trying to get her to throw things away for years now with little success. She can't help it. Inside her house there are stacks and stacks of books, videos, and more papers, etc.

You never drive by this place normally? Why not just take the recycling in when you or your wife are out running errands? As for the recycling company making money on it in your old community, why does that bother you? You're just throwing it away so why shouldn't someone else take advantage of you tossing it? No, I don't frequent either community. My job is right across the street from my home and we do business in the town in the other direction. I don't have a problem with someone else making money with my trash. Just don't charge me money to do it! >

Well, in my book it's called lying. If it's called sick leave, you are supposed to be sick. Be the man and be upfront about it. If you're going fishing, say, "I'm going fishing!" If you're going to the fair, say "I'm going to the fair." It's just common courtesy and respect to your fellow employees. In the school system here, we have "discretionary" and "non-discretionary" personal leave. Either way, you shouldn't lie to your employer. Things like that will come back and bite you, as it may well do with these people. Muddy, You're not likely to leave a video tape of the evening news on the boss's desk are you? 8-)