packsaddle

Did anyone else get a message that SCOUTER_Terry had replied to this thread? Then I looked and there was nothing there...do, do, do, do, (twilight zone theme). fishfry, sorry fella but every time I see your moniker I get hungry.

Welcome Eric, There are other boys here, quite a number of adult leaders, and just a few curmudgeons. Try to keep a sense of humor and you will hear some gems. Glad to meet you.

Another thought about ticks: I have a theory about body hair. My theory is this. Body hairs have very sensitive nerves associated with them (one of the reasons that nose hairs are so doggone annoying). I think this is one of the reasons certain individuals shave their skin (or get those exquisite wax jobs) - those hairs are not unsightly, they tickle (no pun intended). But a tick, as it wanders but fails to bump into non-existent hairs on such skin, is less likely to be noticed than for those of us who are hirsute. It would be interesting to see if this skews the incidence of Lyme disease, for example. This calls for an experiment....

The 'flowers of sulfur' thing, I'm not sure it really works, and I've tried. Picking wild plums early in June and blackberries in late June. But it is only intended for chiggers and ticks. Chiggers! Now those are nasty things to get right before you have to give a public speech or similar visible presence. It feels so good to scratch that resistance is almost impossible. And they seem to find the tenderest places. Mmmmmmmm, goooooood. But ticks, I just pull them quickly and if there's an infection I get the antibiotics and wipe the old slate clean, so to speak. Couple dozen so far this year, no infections yet.

Our CO is so grateful not to have to rely on their congregation for leaders, they will sign 'my ilk' on as long as we are willing. Eeeeeeee Haaaaaaa!

You folks ought to view a movie called, "Pure Luck". You might be able to relate to it. It's a funny movie, starring Martin Short, Danny Glover, Sheila Kelley.

You may want to ask to see a copy of the actual insurance policy. I'd be interested in hearing their response.

Twocubdad, I'm not on the attack here. I can't judge your specific experiences because I don't really know them myself. However, I entertained a reaction similar to yours regarding my children for a short while. My reaction at that time was properly termed, 'denial', ...not the river in Africa. If the 'diagnosis' is delivered by a teacher or impatient parent of another child...or for that matter school guidance counselors, I might be suspicious. But if it is the result of careful testing by experienced pediatric psychologists or similar-level professionals, believe it. It is a real thing and regardless of statistics, it has an impact on the individual boy in a way that is specific to him. And leaders must address it on the individual level most of the time. The earlier the child begins to get some understanding by surrounding adult authorities, the more likely the child is to succeed. While it isn't very easy for us as adult leaders...it is much more difficult for the boy. Hang in there.

NJ, sometimes you are just asking for the gom jabar.

Can't remember why I joined Cubs, that one is stuck in cholesterol someplace. I stayed through Eagle and left for college. Years later when the previous cubmaster told me it only required one hour per month, I believed him (thanks for the reminder FOG). I can't even remember when that happened but it was also quite a while back. The question could also be: why did you get married, have kids, go to graduate school? The only credible answer I've been able to identify is - we can't help ourselves.

Rooster7, I understand your arguments. I think the point was something different, however. As I understand NJ's point, present BSA policy simply has no effect on the acts you are so anxious about. It only affects a person who is open and honest enough to 'avow' a status. It doesn't even address behavior necessarily because a gay person doesn't necessarily have to act on those feelings. And if I follow NJ's logic, the person who is open and honest is unlikely to be the one you should worry about. Because with respect to the acts you want to avoid, BSA policy neither identifies perps in advance, nor prevents them from engaging in the acts if they are so inclined. All of the things you describe are out there as potentials regardless of the policy. BSA policy or not, those guys are there or they aren't. And you won't know until it's too late.

Chastened....I confess, it is a cheap (but corrupted) source of aromatic hydrocarbons. In the past I used it to remove grease from my hands. Worked great, too. OGE is correct. For that matter all organic solvents (with the possible exception of ethanol) are nasties. Be careful.

There are 'permanent' fabric glues that are not water soluble. However, they may be soluble in another solvent, perhaps those used in dry cleaning (hint, hint). Might be worth a test try with some acetone or other solvents (paint thinner, gasoline?) I use the water soluble glue to hold the patch perfectly in place while sewing on a machine. Then the first wash, and glue is gone.

the part that kept getting cut off: Public reaction: would vary, but probably no worse effect than present policy. Message: Fairness, local community standards. Core values: assuming fairness is one of them, they would be intact.

The role model question: I consider this to be less of an issue for gays than for the more obvious fat waddling smokers who are leaders now. The 'who decides' question: You believe that COs would not like to make this decision for themselves but would rather be subject to the dictates of a central authority? Tent mates: Who snores the loudest? (and no matter what you think, it ain't me.) Showers: Adults are already separated from boys. Adults, among themselves, ought to be able to sort things out whether gay or straight.(This message has been edited by packsaddle)

That IS impressive! I just thought of another potential source. Check with some local well drillers and see what kind of core samples they have that they might give to you. If anyone is going to hit rock around there it should be those guys. Take an old file with you to test the cores for sparks. If all else fails, send the PM. I'm serious about the rocks. OK, maybe just a few pounds.

Assuming the mantles are intact, they should have no effect. I also believe there is a blockage, perhaps some dust or other debris in the jet or valve. A good cleaning should do it. If you disconnect the supply line from the tank, you must take care that some protective cover is installed on both disconnected ends to prevent fouling. Around here, a couple of hours is all it takes for a wasp to stuff the hole full of mud. What a mess!

Much experience here. I assume you roll LD and ADHD into the milieu because there is such a broad spectrum of phenotypes. For the group as a whole, I give every one of the boys the same opportunities. If they are having problems associated with this topic, I have usually been informed of it by the parents up front and I try to keep them (the parents) involved and as informed as possible. On an individual basis, if a boy is having a tough time, I will ask him to stop for a moment and to make eye contact with me while I repeat what was said. Then I ask him to explain the task, if that was the topic. If he missed something we do the iterations. We (the leaders) watch activities carefully to try to spot potential problems and ask the boys to rethink things before they get in too deep. We've had a couple of rough cases but it has been pretty good overall. As a leader, it helps a lot to have lived through the experience with one of his own, but every boy is different. They're all just great in my book.

I agree. The transgender (assuming you mean 'sex change') possibility isn't much of an issue to me either. However, some might see it as a problem if, say, Ed Mori had the operation and as a ravishing female figure, began to pursue Rooster7 romantically. Or the other way around. Such whimsy, I do declare. But, in effect (anatomically, at least), it would still be a heterosexual thing unless BSA insists that COs examine chromosomes in addition to the background check. So his question could be, "What really counts anyway, behavior, anatomical traits, or genetics?" If that is the question, the 'avowed' policy is rather mute.

Welcome to the campfire. In defence of geezers, I take great pleasure in driving home the lesson to the boys that old people rule. I do this during a free dive competition. The cockier they are, the better. Most don't even make it to 20 feet. Don't know how much longer I'll be able to keep this going though.

Big_Dog, you have opened my eyes and I have SEEN THE LIGHT! I am indeed intrigued. What was it that Cassanova said, 'We must not let prejudice limit the possibilities...' or something like that?

Oops, Sorry everyone. "Algebra" was the Little Rascals' mule, the one that chased people when they sneezed. Episode, 'Honkey Donkey'...definitely a must-see (BTW, has nothing to do with politics).

Interesting observation. But I note that, like the gay leader thing, our failure to identify something doesn't mean that it doesn't exist. I add that as we make more careful observations, neurobiology has shown stages of brain development that extend well into the age we associate with 'young adults'. I suspect this has always been the case. I'm not so sure, OGE, that the old days were as simplistic as you seem to portray them.

We file them for EVERYTHING. So.. we sometimes get the comment from the council, "You don't need one for this." And we respond, "Just trying to stay in practice." Not a problem.

Oh, now you've gone and done it - criticized the uniform. Lack of flair? FLAIR!? Surely you jest. (I know, "..don't call you Shirley") The uniform is just fine. I like the fit and feel of it and it has just the right amount of flair. Ok, it's a little pricey but big deal! Lay off the uniform.