Feed aggregator

Dear Readers,

Here's a switch: Papabear is going to ask you for advice and input on something that happened to him that has him quite upset.

A couple months ago, I was staying with friends in another state, trying to resolve a business issue. They were kind enough to take me in and save me the hotel expense. Also, one of them had a car and was nice and let me drive it on occasion. Anyone who has rented a car lately knows how much money they cost, even for a few days.

Noticing that the tires were all bald (and knowing that my friends had no money to spare for repairs--none), in appreciation I took the car to a garage and had four brand new General tires (guaranteed for 75,000 miles, so good ones) put on and paid for an alignment, too. I took the car back and presented my gift, which I thought was appreciated.

Today, months later, I found out that it was not appreciated. The owner of the car is apparently pissed at me for doing work on the car without asking first.

So, my question to you, dear readers: was I out of line? Was I presumptuous? I thought it would be a nice surprise (I, personally, enjoy good surprises), but I guess it was not.

Thanks for your thoughts.

--Papabear

submitted by kheetah
[link] [2 comments]

submitted by ddddsuper
[link] [4 comments]

submitted by VentKazemaru
[link] [11 comments]

submitted by skruluce
[link] [comment]

When someone can tell me how this is good reporting at all I'll be a little less flabbergasted.
http://blogs.westword.com/showandtell/2012/08/reader_furry_costumes_are_crie.php



"The furrys were in town this weekend for Rocky Mountain Fur Con 2012: Furry Apocalypse, and if looking at their costumes made you want to get a dust-buster, you weren't alone.

Says Rusty:

Those aren't costumes - They're cries for help!

But little.candyheart replies:

Wow, way to take something fun like a niche convention and write such a mean spirited and unfunny little article about it. You don't seem to write with the air of someone who actually cares about their audience or the subject their are writing about. Shame on you for reporting on something unique in such an unprofessional manner. Furrys are weird, sure. That doesn't mean their events deserve your slander.

Was this slide show fair or unfair to furrys? You be the judge: See our complete Furry slide show here."

First time visitor. Don't really understand the furry scene, but since you are generally furry in texture (I think) I thought you might be able to help:-)

I am looking for a fur suit for my husband to wear. I don't want him to pretend to be an animal or anything I just like the soft fluffy feeling.

It has to be head to toe (or neck) and very very soft. I don't want real dead animal fur just something super soft and fluffy. Bunny heads tails or such like not important.

Do you know where I can purchase such an item?

submitted by Furrythrow
[link] [22 comments]

The next two parts of the world both are very close to each other, share enough similarities, and have small enough furry populations that I wasn’t sure whether I should put them both in a single article or separate them. The article would have simply covered “Oceanic countries”: Australia and New Zealand. I added a post script to the introductory emails I sent out, asking whether it would be prudent to cover both countries in a single article or to separate them.

The first response strongly suggested that I don’t write about them both in the same article, noting that Kiwis (the international nickname for New Zealand residents) in particular don’t like being lumped together with the Australians. Another response compared the two to argumentative siblings and said he didn’t think Kiwis would like “being lumped together with their dumb brother”.

I can only imagine if I had just written about Oceania as a whole that I would have incited some kind of hilarious international furry feud.

Barring that, I did learn a lot just from the introduction responses from the Kiwis. First of all, that “Kiwi” is a term referring to New Zealand residents. Kiwis, as you might know, are adorable flightless birds the size of a chicken native to New Zealand. The term came into widespread use after World War II.

Pictured: national mascot, several pounds of concentrated cuteness.

The responses I got to “The 11 Questions: New Zealand Edition” came from some interesting folk, to be sure. Two sets of responses come from anonymous New Zealand residents. Others came from Gunge, a rather surrealist artist, and Lyctiger, the chair of FurcoNZ, New Zealand’s big furry gathering. Without further ado, here’s a summary of what the Kiwis had to say about their furry culture.

“Furmeets”, small gatherings of 10-40 or 50 furries, usually at a furry’s house, are popular in America. Do those exist in New Zealand, and if so, are they prevalent?

Geographical separation plays a significant part. Cities usually form their own small communities with some separation even within these groups. Larger meets used to have up to 30-40 furs at house parties, but small groups of between 5-20 people are far more common. Cities also organize their own outings to things like laser tag and movies. To put this in perspective, New Zealand is over 1,600 km/990 miles long and at most 400 km/250 miles wide. For an island, this geography is interesting. Living in the center of the island can mean you can still be nearly 500 miles from some parts of the country. Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city with 1,377,200 residents (31% of the country’s population), is very close to the top of the country. To get from Auckland to Christchurch, according to Google Maps, is a 14 and a half hour journey covering over 1,000 km (over 600 miles) that even involves ferrying across the Cook Strait, which is 22 km/14 miles at the narrowest point and is considered one of the most dangerous sections of water in the world. (Fun fact: giant squid sometimes wash up there.) Given the time it can take to visit other cities, it’s perfectly sensible.

Might be worth it to come say hi to these guys!

How important is sexuality to Kiwi furries?

Due to recent issues with the media, Kiwi furries tend to have a straight-faced “public stance” with this topic, just like many American furries. In general, yes, it is important, just as it is anywhere. It’s a driving force, but is kept behind closed doors. The longest response I received was about the importance “furry” plays to transgenders, genderfluids, and those with other alternative sexualities like that. It’s something I’ve heard plenty of before, and has even been explored elsewhere on adjective|species: furries get a lot of comfort with their sexuality from other furries.

Is there a skew towards gay/bisexuals in the fandom like there is in the American fandom?

Significantly more male members than female members, and Kiwis generally believe that the furries are significantly more skewed towards bi/homosexuality than the general population. Nothing really surprising here.

How do Kiwi furries see the American furries? What do they think of us?

I have to admit, I love the direction this takes people in. Lyctiger mentioned that some might be jealous that more meets/events/gatherings are had here than in New Zealand. Pretty fair. America has a convention almost monthly, considering the country as a whole. He also gave some quick praise to how Americans have treated Kiwis in the past, saying that “American furs are quite nice, kind and welcoming of us (probabally because we are an exotic species!).” Another response noted that the crowds here are really sprawled out and sparse, as opposed to the close-knit communities formed in New Zealand. Living in the American Southwest, where the next large city is 450 miles away, I can understand that.

Exotic species = exotic conventions.

Do furries in New Zealand have a strong internet presence? How important is social networking over the internet?

The responses here were interesting. One respondent mentioned that their city has a Skype group for its furries. In addition, the New Zealand IRC channel on Furnet is very popular. There’s a central information sire (furco.org.nz), a mailing list, and, like most nationalities, a FurAffinity group. Lyctiger makes a note that these don’t all overlap. Many IRC regulars, for example, aren’t a part of the group on FurAffinity. Overall, I’d consider the internet presence pretty strong, especially compared to my own experience, and it might reflect the close-knit sort of community.

What differences do you think there are in the artistic styles of Kiwi and American furries?

Most agree that there really isn’t a distinctive difference in New Zealand’s furry art. One mentioned that Maori culture might have an influence, but I believe this is more likely topical and I personally couldn’t find any examples.

What does the fandom mean to you?

The responses to this question were probably the most divisive. For some it’s work, for some it’s a hobby, for some, as Gunge mentions, it’s “much less social, more just animals are pretty cool looking.” For some the suiting is the most important, for others it’s the art. For others, it’s a support for their sexuality. It’s very representative of the things people do with “furry” as a whole, but sort of condensed into a smaller population.

What does the fandom mean to those in your region/locally?

It’s the same across the board; no really strong opinions here. It’s simply a community thing to do and a sort of outlet to meet new people. The term “hobby” was used more than once. Very simple and low-maintenance.

After days of searching, I couldn’t find any culturally-inspired New Zealand furry art. You’ll have to settle for another kiwi.

How is furry seen as by non-furries in New Zealand?

One of the four noted that most people don’t really know what it is. Not surprising. Interestingly, the other responses noted a positive connotation, a negative connotation, and a half-and-half connotation. Straight split across the board, folks! As I understand, New Zealand has had issues with the media in the past, and for a smaller community that doesn’t sit well at all. As Gunge notes, the average reflection could be “so basically cartoons with a twist that’s pretty neat I guess”. Lyctiger pointed out that some might have a bad impression from the media’s focus on the “sex and wild parties” which has seen plenty of screen time, especially here in America. To those who might be more directly involved with publicity, i.e. the directors of FurcoNZ and such, it might feel like an uphill battle, but for the average person it shouldn’t be as bothersome.

What do people do in fursuit in New Zealand? Community activities? Furmeet activities? Just private/conventions?

Naturally, the quick answer by all nationalities has been the same for this: “conventions”. But, one might make note of the fact that New Zealand’s big national gathering, FurcoNZ, is held at an outdoor lodge, and for at least two of the years “fursuiting at a convention” in New Zealand could translate to “abseiling in a fursuit”, which isn’t exactly the same as “fursuiting at a convention” here in America. There are some other noted activities, such as zoo outings (a Halloween “Boo at the Zoo” event was mentioned twice), but this wholly depends on the fursuiter. One of the anonymous respondents noted that they wear theirs only at private gatherings. Lyctiger makes a note that, personally, it’s more about the performance aspect, and judging the answers from the other respondents this seems to be a big factor. Across the board, in other countries, I suspect that this will be a recurring theme.

Fursuiting: EXTREME EDITION

How are fursuits different in New Zealand from America?

While many reflected on the diversity of fursuits both in New Zealand and within the fandom as a whole, one respondent noted that there might be a better overall quality to the suits, excluding the non-commercial DIY works due to having a handful of fursuit makers. However, this doesn’t necessarily factor in. As Lyctiger noted, fursuit enthusiasts tend to take one of two options. With enough money, price becomes less of a restriction, and a fursuiter will buy a suit from anywhere on the planet as long as it’s in a style they desire. On the other hand, without as much money, they’re likely to consider creating their own. The savings on shipping doesn’t seem worth it if you can’t get the type of suit you want when you’re spending potentially thousands of dollars, after all.

And that’s the Kiwi furries. Since New Zealand is certainly the smallest place I’ve researched into it was insightful to learn about how their fandom is developing. It’s also one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and the photos from FurcoNZ certainly reflect that. They’re an interesting bunch and it’s been a pleasure taking a look at what they’ve been up to. Stay tuned; I’d like to cover the other major half of Oceania soon enough!

submitted by FortBriggs
[link] [1 comment]

Grab your bridle and prepare your nerd-glasses, it's time to delve into the Brony Phenomenon! With three different perspectives on this new craze sweeping geek-cultures at large everywhere we deliver our thoughts on the whole phenomenon. On top of that there's Giant robots you can actually buy, the Olympic mascots, Maaaaaaaaars, sneeze-guard canines and some interesting listener questions from last shows topic. ActFur S4 Ep05 – Ponylicious - Grab your bridle and prepare your nerd-glasses, it's time to delve into the Brony Phenomenon! With three different perspectives on this new craze sweeping geek-cultures at large everywhere we deliver our thoughts on the whole phenomenon.

Hey, some of you may have been seeing me lurk around here recently, and I would like to speak up. I write my stories for the enjoyment of others. However, I do not feel like enough people are enjoying them. Plus I would really like some good critique. All my stories are on my FA www.furaffinity.net/user/muteek Please read them and enjoy!

submitted by CaryDaWolf
[link] [6 comments]

Finally a video to show you how to draw like the pros – furry style. Many thumbs up for LatinVixen and starting this great idea to help others in the fandom learn. I always find that rare, because most keep their talent hidden not to teach others. Maybe in fear of “their might be someone better than me” hence maybe why we do not see trainings often.  FirestormSix for instance did a panel back a few months ago and taught fursuiters how to care, fix and wash your fursuit. So to all those out there showing your talent off for others to learn I give you a high paw!

submitted by ultimateMFZ
[link] [1 comment]

submitted by andylaub
[link] [22 comments]

And their website has exceeded bandwidth. I hope that man gets rich off his brain child.

submitted by HappyWulf
[link] [7 comments]

submitted by tabsterleir
[link] [1 comment]

submitted by Roflawl2009
[link] [3 comments]

submitted by Redalert337
[link] [3 comments]

Word is out around Hollywood that 80′s favorite ALF will be coming to the big screen finally. In case you need a refresher: “ALF stands for Alien Life Form, and the ’80s sitcom centered on a friendly furry alien creature (a puppet) who crash landed on Earth and took up with the Tanners, a suburban family. ALF, whose name was later revealed as Gordon Shumway, is sarcastic and has an appetite for cats. He courts trouble with government forces that are on his tail.” According to the article in Hollywood Reporter (and elsewhere), Jordan Kerner — who produced last year’s hit movie The Smurfs — was pegged by Sony Pictures to produce the new picture. Again, it will be a live-action feature film with ALF himself as a CGI character. Tom Patchett and Paul Fusco, creators of the original TV series,  will be involved as co-producers. Paul Fusco was also ALF’s main puppeteer and voice actor, and he’s expected to be the character voice for the new film as well. So far there’s no word as to a main script writer, a director, or a planned release date… but watch your cats just in case.

image c. 2012 Alien Productions

Dear Papabear,

I've been in a relationship for about 3 years, but then my mate and I recently broke up due to an argument. I was angry that night, but I woke up the next morning regretting our decision to end it, so I talked to him about it. He said he didn't want to get back with me until he matured a little. I understand his decision and I'll wait for him, but I'm afraid of one of two things happening:

1. Once he matures, he'll realize I'm not good enough for him and move on, or

2. He'll take too long and I'll move on.

I'm afraid of moving on, I've loved this man for so long and I don't want to imagine my life without him. To make matters worse, one of my friends confessed that he has a crush on me. I really don't know what to do! With college being just around the corner, my life is changing quickly and this doesn't make anything better. 

Sincerely, a stressed wolf.

* * *

Dear Stressed,

If you are afraid of moving on, then the second option you outline seems unlikely; don’t worry about that one.  As for number one, if you really have such bad self-esteem that you don’t think you’re good enough for your former mate, he will probably pick up on that feeling and not come back to you. You sound pretty certain you are not up to his standards, and that kind of attitude will sabotage a relationship really quickly.

Next you say that someone having a crush on you “makes matters worse.” Wow, what a negative way of putting it. It should be flattering to you that someone is attracted to you, but I know what you really mean is that this makes matters more complicated. Of course, it wouldn’t actually make things more complicated if you were not enamored by this other potential suitor, too. You see, if you were not attracted to this other person, it would be a non-issue because then you could just say, “I’m very flattered you feel this way about me, but, I’m sorry, I’m still in love with my ex and I hope we get back together.” Or something to that effect.

Sounds to Papabear that what you are truly afraid of is change: your breakup with your former mate and your upcoming college years and the prospects of other possible relationships.

My dear wolf friend, do not be afraid of change. If you become paralyzed with fear because things are changing, you will not be able to live your life. Change happens, and a big part of maturing is dealing with that change, adapting to it, and growing as a person. If we do not grow, we stagnate and wither away.

Now, if true love really resides within your heart for the mate you broke up with, the two of you will get together, inevitably.  But don’t cling to your former love just because you were comfortable with that person and are afraid of change. Perhaps the two of you need to go off to school and mature, as you said, and then you will come back together and reestablish your relationship. But perhaps not.

Either way, it is time for you to look ahead and not behind. Get ready for college and find something to study that you really love. You need to focus on your future right now, make new friends, experience new adventures.  Learn to get excited about change and all the possibilities change can bring. This will make you a stronger person, someone who believes in furself and feels worthy of love. At that point, love will come.

Hugs,

Papabear