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HF Secret Santa 2016 - Make Santa Great Again Edition

Nov 1, 2016#1

Tress

I know it may seem a bit early, but I thought I would get ahead of it this year. If you want to ignore this for a few weeks, be my guest.

What is it?
It's a Secret Santa between your fellow halforumites. Everyone who signs up will be randomly assigned another participant. You are then tasked to buy that person a gift. As a recipient, you should leave a few hints in a post to this thread as to what sort of interests you have.

Rules and Info

To sign up, send me a PM with your email address, shipping address, and any gift rules/restrictions. Be sure to specify whether or not you would accept NSFW or "adult" gifts (such as alcohol/sex themed gifts). Also, please specify if you are unwilling/unable to ship internationally.
International people are allowed. If you would prefer not to get an international person, indicate so when you sign up. It may be the case that if you restrict your choice to local shipping then matching might not work out and you may be left out - I'll let you know once the matching is complete if that's the case. So far we've always been able to match everyone that wanted to participate and meet their shipping requirements.
-International Shipping Links: USPS, Customs Forms
-Tips for shipping in and out of Canada
-Remember to allow extra shipping time when shipping outside of your home country
Who can sign up?
To keep things fair, only those with a join date earlier than April 15, 2016 and more than a handful of posts will be allowed to participate (for obvious reasons). If you would like to participate and don't fall under the requirements then you will just have to wait until next year. The final say of who can join this activity will be entirely up to Dave so there may be exceptions, but the final word is final. Don't complain if special dispensation is not made for you. This goes for those who may be disincluded as well.
The deadline for signing up will be November 28th. After that day, Santas will be randomly assigned by computer. You will be sent an email or PM shortly after with the information of whom you will be drawing a gift for.
Recommended gift value is $5 to $25. Feel free to spend as much as you want, just be aware that the more you spend, the less likely you will receive a gift of equal value. Also, homemade/handmade gifts are allowed, and even encouraged (no homemade food please).
ABSOLUTE FINAL DEADLINE FOR GIFTS SENT IS DECEMBER 15th! PEOPLE WHO DO NOT SEND GIFTS BY DECEMBER 15th WILL BE TIED DOWN AND LEFT TO DRY OUT IN THE DROUGHT-RAVAGED CALIFORNIA COUNTRYSIDE. NO EXCEPTIONS. If you are not CERTAIN you will be able to send a gift, then don't sign up.
Do not complain about your gift, conversely, try to send something you think the other person will like.
You MUST post pictures of your gift when you receive it. No exceptions.
UNLESS SPECIFIED AS SOMETHING THEY WOULD LIKE, PLEASE DO NOT SEND NSFW OR ALCOHOLIC GIFTS. Please note that many states/nations have rules about shipping alcohol, so when in doubt, choose another gift.
CAN I SHIP SOMETHING STRAIGHT FROM AMAZON OR SOMETHING?
Yes you can, and it's a good idea to shop at your person's home country's Amazon site (www.amazon.ca for instance) if you want to save a bit on shipping.
SHIP WELL IN ADVANCE
Get your act together NOW and ship your stuff by Dec 15th to make sure it arrives before the crazy Christmas rush that always happens at the latter half of December.

As people sign up, I will post a list showing their names. When we move on to the next step, I'll be sure to update that too.

Santa List:

Tinwhistler
Steinman
Denbrought
Chad Sexington
Cog
Hylian
Dave
jwhouk
Squidleybits
PatrThom
Emrys
GasBandit
blotsfan
Celt Z
MadeYaBlush
Dei
Bubble181
Evilmike
Sparhawk
BErt
JCM

Nov 1, 2016#2

Emrys

I'm in.

Nov 1, 2016#3

Dave

I'm in!

Nov 1, 2016#4

strawman

I'm in!

Nov 1, 2016#5

evilmike

I'm in.

Nov 1, 2016#6

Denbrought

I'm in.

Nov 1, 2016#7

Tress

Please remember I need an address via PM, or I can't add you to the list.

Nov 1, 2016#8

Chad Sexington

Oh, free stuff?

FREE STUFF

Oh, also the spirit of giving, etc, etc.

Nov 1, 2016#9

Tinwhistler

I'm in

Nov 1, 2016#10

blotsfan

I'm in. Same info as last year.

Nov 1, 2016#11

Hylian

I'm in

Nov 1, 2016#12

PatrThom

FINALLY!

...I'm in. I'll PM you my info once I get home from work.

--Patrick

Nov 2, 2016#13

Squidleybits

I'm in this year

Nov 2, 2016#14

Tress

Still need info from @Emrys , @evilmike , @blotsfan (sorry, I don't keep records from year to year), and @PatrThom.

And we need more people! Everyone is welcome.

EDIT: Thanks Pat, got it!

Nov 2, 2016#15

Emrys

Tress said:
Still need info from @Emrys , @evilmike , @blotsfan (sorry, I don't keep records from year to year), and @PatrThom.

And we need more people! Everyone is welcome.

EDIT: Thanks Pat, got it!

Done. I had to figure out which secret base I was going to use at that time.

Nov 2, 2016#16

GasBandit

I've never participated, in all these years.

What the heck, I'll try this year.

Nov 2, 2016#17

Dei

GasBandit said:
I've never participated, in all these years.

What the heck, I'll try this year.

You're going to give people your name and address? :O

Nov 2, 2016#18

PatrThom

Dei said:
You're going to give people your name and address? :O

You mean he hasn't given it to you yet? Not even his phone number?

OH another warning. Don't forget to include your phone number when you PM @Tress. Some shipping places need it in case they run into delivery problems. Especially an issue if you draw someone's name who lives in another country.

--Patrick

Nov 2, 2016#19

Bubble181

Still on the fence. I want to, but budget's limited this year. Can I get someone who's not across the ocean?

Nov 2, 2016#20

strawman

Bubble181 said:
Still on the fence. I want to, but budget's limited this year. Can I get someone who's not across the ocean?

You should be able to order at the amazon in the person's country that you get. That should eliminate shipping/customs/vat/etc costs. It's what I've always done when I got canuckistanians.[DOUBLEPOST=1478114578,1478114464][/DOUBLEPOST]

Dei said:
You're going to give people your name and address? :O

He just never wanted me to have it, but now that tress is doing it...

(Although technically at one point I had access to it anyway - if I remember correctly his real name starts with one of the first 26 letters of the alphabet.)

Nov 2, 2016#21

GasBandit

Dei said:
You're going to give people your name and address? :O

Several enterprising halforumites already have that.

Nov 2, 2016#22

Made Ya Blush

I'm in, Will pm info once home. Moved recently and don't actually know my address off hand

Nov 2, 2016#23

Bubble181

stienman said:
You should be able to order at the amazon in the person's country that you get. That should eliminate shipping/customs/vat/etc costs. It's what I've always done when I got canuckistanians.[DOUBLEPOST=1478114578,1478114464][/DOUBLEPOST]

He just never wanted me to have it, but now that tress is doing it...

(Although technically at one point I had access to it anyway - if I remember correctly his real name starts with one of the first 26 letters of the alphabet.)

A) Yes, I know, I've participated quite a few times. Have sent to Canada, US and China in the past

I was joking about the latter part.

B) Which alphabet, exactly? He's got German ancestry, his name could conceivably start with an ß.

Nov 2, 2016#24

strawman

Bubble181 said:
B) Which alphabet, exactly? He's got German ancestry, his name could conceivably start with an ß.

That would be telling...

Nov 2, 2016#25

GasBandit

Bubble181 said:
B) Which alphabet, exactly? He's got German ancestry, his name could conceivably start with an ß.

Not quite German. Dutch-Scottish (and if you push back further, Norman). I'm a ginuwine American mutt.

Nov 2, 2016#26

Bubble181

stienman said:
That would be telling...

Useless Fact of the Day: there are no words or names starting with an ß in any language, and as such, it's the only Romanized letter that doesn't have a capital version.[DOUBLEPOST=1478115553,1478115518][/DOUBLEPOST]

GasBandit said:
Not quite German. Dutch-Scottish (and if you push back further, Norman). I'm a ginuwine American mutt.

I know, but the Dutchies don't have any extra letters so the crappy joke wouldn't work.

Nov 2, 2016#27

drifter

GasBandit said:
Not quite German. Dutch-Scottish (and if you push back further, Norman). I'm a ginuwine American mutt.

Yabuuuddy

Nov 2, 2016#28

Celt Z

I'm in.

Nov 2, 2016#29

Hailey Knight

The grue option could've been "my grue love gave to me ..."

Just sayin

Nov 2, 2016#30

Tress

Zero Esc said:
The grue option could've been "my grue love gave to me ..."

Just sayin

I know. It was late, and when I saw that I couldn't go back to change it.

Humor fail.

Nov 10, 2016#31

jwhouk

All right.

I'm posting this early because I'm about to head back to the salt mines in less than 48 hours.

My Amazon Wishlist: https://amzn.com/w/1FHYFSSYHXISZ

Barring that - you cannot go wrong with LEGO or OYO Sports (http://www.oyosportstoys.com/) stuff.

Nov 10, 2016#32

Bubble181

Ah well. I'll join again. My gift better include a winning powerball ticket!

(don't send me powerball tickets - they're impossible to get paid out when you're not in the USA)

Nov 10, 2016#33

blotsfan

Conversely, I'll take as many winning powerball tickets that you can send.

Nov 10, 2016#34

Tinwhistler

I'd be happy with just one

Nov 10, 2016#35

Celt Z

If someone has a Delorean and can fix the Biff Tannen timeline we're stuck in, I'm okay with not getting cash. (Sorry, Cubs.)

Nov 10, 2016#36

blotsfan

Tinwhistler said:
I'd be happy with just one

Oh. I got a jackpot and a $4 winner. I was going to send you both but I guess you'll be fine with just the $4.

Nov 11, 2016#37

Tinwhistler

blotsfan said:
Oh. I got a jackpot and a $4 winner. I was going to send you both but I guess you'll be fine with just the $4.

$4 more than I had before

Nov 11, 2016#38

Cog

I put my address because I though it would be fun to receive something by mail for once, but anything digital would be nice too. Please, for whoever I will get, please post a wishlist because I suck at picking presents.

Nov 11, 2016#39

Tinwhistler

http://a.co/8eLKyz1

My wishlist, for whoever I get matched with.

Of course, I'm always happy to be surprised by anything

Nov 11, 2016#40

PatrThom

Tinwhistler said:
http://a.co/8eLKyz1

My wishlist, for whoever I get matched with.

Of course, I'm always happy to be surprised by anything

Anything? That opens up a lot of possibilities. A crate of oranges, a cannoli, a horse's head...
(no I still haven't actually seen the movie)

--Patrick

Nov 11, 2016#41

Tinwhistler

PatrThom said:
Anything? That opens up a lot of possibilities. A crate of oranges, a cannoli, a horse's head...
(no I still haven't actually seen the movie)

--Patrick

(Shrug) if someone wants to mail a horse head, and have pics of their shitty gift splashed up on HF, more power to them

It's secret santa. I'm gonna be happy with whatever I get. You don't look a dead gift horse head in the mouth.

Nov 11, 2016#42

PatrThom

DarkAudit said:
Then your weekend plans are all set.

Yes.
I'll be working Sat from 11:30a-10:30p and Sun 9a-10p. Oh, and that means missing my kid's birthday party on Sat.
But Sat is the first (and probably only) day of venison at Arby's, so I got that going for me, which is nice.

--Patrick

Nov 11, 2016#43

Dei

DarkAudit said:
The first day of deer season is practically a state holiday in WV, so I'm a bit disappointed we weren't included.

Well maybe they figure you know too much about how deer meat should taste for their own good. I mean, fast food venison probably won't be that great, right?

Nov 11, 2016#44

PatrThom

Dei said:
fast food venison probably won't be that great, right?

They SAY they are partnering with local deer farms for each of the promotions, so we'll see.

--Patrick

Nov 12, 2016#45

David

I'm in!

Nov 12, 2016#46

PatrThom

Dei said:
fast food venison

They were supposed to be running the promotion for three days. They ran out in under twenty minutes. I never even got in the door.
Thank goodness I didn't also want a Nintendo.

--Patrick

Nov 16, 2016#47

Sparhawk

I'm in, again.

Nov 16, 2016#48

Celt Z

Sparhawk said:
I'm in, again.

Nick's prom night? :awesome:

Nov 17, 2016#49

Made Ya Blush

To whomever draws my name:

Magnet for my new fridge as I collect them.

Something home made

Amazon product

View the above link for my Amazon wish list, I also am registered at Hudson Bay for my upcoming wedding.

In the end anything that won't break the bank would be nice.

Nov 17, 2016#50

Dave

They changed their API. Amazon doesn't link real well any more.

Nov 18, 2016#51

PatrThom

Speaking of Amazon, don't forget that non-Prime people can sign up for Prime TODAY ONLY for $20 off the normal price.
Could be handy to avoid shipping delays for your secret Santa recipient.

--Patrick

Nov 21, 2016#52

BErt

Had to be sure I'd be able to so I'm late, but yes I am in again

Nov 21, 2016#53

Tress

...and BErt makes twenty. Please check to make sure your name is listed in the first post. Eveyone else, you have a few days left![DOUBLEPOST=1479783128,1479783026][/DOUBLEPOST]IMPORTANT QUESTION: Should I move the deadline up to the 23rd, allowing me to get everyone their names before Black Friday shopping?

Nov 21, 2016#54

strawman

The earlier the better for me.

Nov 21, 2016#55

JCM

I'd love to participate, although I'll be away, vacation month, with no one at my shipping address from the 15th of December until the 16th of January. Would that be a problem?

Nov 21, 2016#56

Chad Sexington

stienman said:
The earlier the better for me.

Yep yep

Nov 21, 2016#57

Tress

JCM said:
I'd love to participate, although I'll be away, vacation month, with no one at my shipping address from the 15th of December until the 16th of January. Would that be a problem?

I think that it would be okay. The person who is assigned to you just needs to get on it, and send it out right away.

Nov 21, 2016#58

Denbrought

Tress said:
I think that it would be okay. The person who is assigned to you just needs to get on it, and send it out right away.

Wouldn't it be safer to ship later on purpose? Any delay could mean the package sits for a month, or is returned to sender.

Nov 21, 2016#59

Tress

Denbrought said:
Wouldn't it be safer to ship later on purpose? Any delay could mean the package sits for a month, or is returned to sender.

You're probably right.

Nov 22, 2016#60

Tress

Okay folks. Some people think it's a good idea and no one is opposed. I like the idea myself.

TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY TO SIGN UP FOR SECRET SANTA 2016.

YOU HAVE UNTIL 10 PM (PST).

Then people will get their assignments by the end of the next day.

Nov 22, 2016#61

Sparhawk

Cool Beans.

Nov 22, 2016#62

Tress

Bubble181 said:
Still on the fence. I want to, but budget's limited this year. Can I get someone who's not across the ocean?

Did you ever decide? I can try to make arrangements for keeping it in Europe, if need be.

EDIT: never mind, I see you joined. Sorry, I'm tired.

Nov 23, 2016#63

Tress

LAST CALL!

Nov 23, 2016#64

blotsfan

YOU DONT HAVE TO GO HOME BUT YOU CANT STAY HERE

Nov 24, 2016#65

Hailey Knight

Not sure where else to put this, but I figured it might be helpful to some of you:

From now until November 28, use the promotion code HOLIDAYBOOK on Amazon to get $10 off a book order of $25. Only works for print books going to the same location at the same delivery speed, but it works.

Nov 24, 2016#66

Tress

FYI Thanksgiving is a bit stressful for me this year, but I will have those assignments to you by the end of the day. I just imagine it will be in the evening rather than anytime soon.

Nov 24, 2016#67

PatrThom

Tress said:
FYI Thanksgiving is a bit stressful for me this year, but I will have those assignments to you by the end of the day. I just imagine it will be in the evening rather than anytime soon.

Dude, you're already moving the schedule up for everyone.
Just enjoy the holiday, we'll all wait.

--Patrick

Nov 24, 2016#68

JCM

What PatrThom said, enjoy your Thanksgiving and family to the max

Btw, if anyone wants to avoid the nightmare of international shipping, I pretty much love any weird and obscure book, movie or game, and my iOS/steam/Xbox live account is juliocezarmari, the more obscure or weird, the better.

Nov 24, 2016#69

Tress

Names and info are going out now...

Nov 25, 2016#70

Tress

Okay! Everyone should have received a name and contact info for Secret Santa 2016. If there's a problem, if you think you signed up and didn't get a PM with info, or if you have questions, please let me know.

The next step is to have your gifts in the mail by December 15th!

Nov 25, 2016#71

Anonymous

Dear @BErt,

"no restrictions" is great, but unless you want a 20-pack of warm woolen socks, you might want to list some interests or hobbies

Nov 25, 2016#72

PatrThom

Anonymous said:
Dear @BErt,

"no restrictions" is great, but unless you want a 20-pack of warm woolen socks, you might want to list some interests or hobbies

Maybe he actually wants the 24-pack?

--Patrick

Nov 25, 2016#73

Dave

As always with me, I don't care what it is as long as it's from the heart.

Nov 25, 2016#74

PatrThom

Dave's apparently getting a pint of blood this year.

--Patrick

Nov 25, 2016#75

Dave

Nov 25, 2016#76

Bubble181

PatrThom said:
Dave's apparently getting a pint of blood this year.

--Patrick

Why not the whole bit?

Nov 25, 2016#77

Dave

Good point. If you send me food items, I can't eat a lot of it on my diet.

Nov 25, 2016#78

BErt

Anonymous said:
Dear @BErt,

"no restrictions" is great, but unless you want a 20-pack of warm woolen socks, you might want to list some interests or hobbies

I don't think I've owned 20 pairs of socks throughout my entire life...

Okay... I like Detroit area sports - specifically the University of Michigan, retro gaming stuff (especially Legend of Zelda), Marvel movies, Batman, horror movies, Star Wars, Game of Thrones, Walking Dead, Steven Universe, Rick & Morty... Size L tshirts would be great. Other than that, books are always welcome...anything sci-fi, suspense, or mystery. Or just anything geeky in general.

I hope that helps. I really am not picky and I love to be surprised...I'd be happy to get something home made if you're the creative type or something from your local area even.

Nov 25, 2016#79

Anonymous

@Emrys you got a wish list?

Nov 25, 2016#80

Dave

I saw something on Amazon she might like. PM me and I'll give you a link.

Nov 25, 2016#81

Emrys

Dave said:
I saw something on Amazon she might like. PM me and I'll give you a link.

It better be a doomweasel, a laser gun, or a consort.[DOUBLEPOST=1480101861,1480101826][/DOUBLEPOST]

Anonymous said:
@Emrys you got a wish list?

Yes, cheri, I'll post the link tonight.

Nov 25, 2016#82

Bubble181

Emrys said:
It better be a doomweasel, a laser gun, or a consort.

....."or"....?

Nov 25, 2016#83

Emrys

Bubble181 said:
....."or"....?

Well, hopefully my Secret Santa would be generous and get me all three but there's no need to get greedy about it.

Nov 25, 2016#84

blotsfan

Emrys said:
Well, hopefully my Secret Santa would be generous and get me all three but there's no need to get greedy about it.

I was thinking a combination of the 3. A doomweasel equipped with lasers that has been trained to provide...services.

Nov 25, 2016#85

PatrThom

blotsfan said:
trained to provide...services.

"Tidings of consort and joy."

--Patrick

Nov 25, 2016#86

GasBandit

blotsfan said:
I was thinking a combination of the 3. A doomweasel equipped with lasers that has been trained to provide...services.

Nov 25, 2016#87

Anonymous

Oh @GasBandit, your gift is on its way. Should get there around the 12th.

Nov 25, 2016#88

Emrys

Anonymous said:
@Emrys you got a wish list?

Here you are, wonderful anonymous person.

Nov 25, 2016#89

Anonymous

Emrys said:
Here you are, wonderful anonymous person.

Estimated delivery: Dec 5 2016 - Dec 7 2016

Nov 26, 2016#90

Anonymous

@GasBandit - December 12th is the ship date.

Nov 26, 2016#91

Anonymous

@Hylian - estimated delivery is December 6th.

Nov 26, 2016#92

Hailey Knight

Anonymous said:
@GasBandit - December 12th is the ship date.

Is it a walkthrough for Overwatch?

Nov 26, 2016#93

Anonymous

Zero Esc said:
Is it a walkthrough for Overwatch?

Nov 26, 2016#94

PatrThom

Some see this as @GasBandit getting a Mei t-shirt.
*I* see this as him getting a new intern who is not only male (for a change), but is also a Mei main.

--Patrick

Nov 26, 2016#95

Anonymous

@evilmike , do you have one of these magic wish lists?

Nov 26, 2016#96

Anonymous

@Cog , do you have one of these magic wish lists?

Nov 26, 2016#97

Cog

Anonymous said:
@Cog , do you have one of these magic wish lists?

Sorry, I don't have one. Any gift would be fine, if it is something I could use. I don't like (how do you say this?) ornamental things?

If sending something to Ecuador is too much trouble, a digital game would be fine. I do have a wishlist in steam. My id is cognositivo. If you really want to send me something by mail, I would recommend using a national postal service, so you won't have to pay extra taxes.

Nov 26, 2016#98

PatrThom

Cog said:
I don't like (how do you say this?) ornamental things?

Tchotchkes (or maybe "baubles")

--Patrick

Nov 27, 2016#99

Anonymous

@Bubble181

Your gift will go to the US Postal Service tomorrow (Monday) and I will try to keep you updated to progress as I get it.

Nov 27, 2016#100

Anonymous

@blotsfan Amazon says guaranteed delivery by the 30th.

Nov 27, 2016#101

evilmike

Anonymous said:
@evilmike , do you have one of these magic wish lists?

Anon, I've been a little tied up with the holiday, I'll have some answers for you tonight.

Nov 27, 2016#102

Anonymous

@PatrThom any wishlist you might have would be much appreciated.

Nov 28, 2016#103

PatrThom

I don't know why, but this didn't show up on my alerts list for reasons unknown.

I'm terribly sorry, Secret Anon Santa person, but I've never put together any kind of wish list. Please don't get anything dangerous, contentious, or messy. Food/drink is fine, non-outfit clothes are fine (i.e., T-shirts and the like but no ties), movies and other media are fine (though I warn you we already have well over 7500 books/CDs/DVDs/etc. yes really). I don't wear jewelry, don't smoke/vape, don't wear glasses (yet-probably soon), and I am terminally starved for free time (so probably no kits/puzzles/games).

I hope this helps. If it's not enough, I'll try to cobble together an Amazon wish list or something to inspire you.

--Patrick

Nov 28, 2016#104

Anonymous

@BErt, your package is on its way. UPS tracking is being annoying but it should arrive somewhere in the next 10 days.

Nov 28, 2016#105

evilmike

Anonymous said:
@evilmike , do you have one of these magic wish lists?

http://a.co/gZqdy4n

Nov 28, 2016#106

Anonymous

@Denbrought , do you have one of these magic wish lists?

Nov 28, 2016#107

Anonymous

@Tinwhistler do you have a wish list or anything in particular you are desiring?

Nov 28, 2016#108

strawman

Dear secret santa recipient,

You didn't include any wishlists or suggestions in your SS2016 entry, and the forum search engine is broken so I can't stalk you, so you're getting sauna pants.

Don't hate the player - hate the game.

Best regards,
stienman

:awesome:

Nov 28, 2016#109

Tinwhistler

Anonymous said:
@Tinwhistler do you have a wish list or anything in particular you are desiring?

Yup

http://a.co/bMslyCL

Lots of price ranges in there, too. I'd be happy with anything from the list. And it should also give a good indication for the kind of stuff I'm into if you want to go "off list"

Nov 28, 2016#110

Anonymous

@stienman - Your package should arrive Dec 7.

Nov 28, 2016#111

evilmike

stienman said:
Dear secret santa recipient,

You didn't include any wishlists or suggestions in your SS2016 entry, and the forum search engine is broken so I can't stalk you, so you're getting sauna pants.

Don't hate the player - hate the game.

Best regards,
stienman

Is it still broken? I was doing some research this morning and the results seemed fine.

Nov 28, 2016#112

Anonymous

@Tinwhistler your gift should arrive on Dec. 1st

Nov 28, 2016#113

PatrThom

stienman said:
the forum search engine is broken so I can't stalk you

Since the "posted by" option doesn't work the way it's supposed to, I've found that using the person's name as one of the search terms is a close second.
e.g., ["always wanted" stienman]
It's less efficient, but it's a better alternative than using the "posted by" option.
Of course ["always wanted" stienman site:halforums.com] is a good option with Google as well.
If you want you can also effectively narrow it by using the person's tagline instead of their name, so ["always wanted" "GRATUITOUS AMOUNTS OF ENERGY"] should only show instances of "always wanted" in proximity to actual posts by stienman, instead of also showing times when someone else says, "I've always wanted stienman to officiate our wedding" or "Looks like stienman is getting that daughter he always wanted."

--Patrick

Nov 28, 2016#114

Tinwhistler

I just click the user name to go to their info page, and click on "postings" and start skimming.

Nov 28, 2016#115

Anonymous

PatrThom said:
I don't know why, but this didn't show up on my alerts list for reasons unknown.

I'm terribly sorry, Secret Anon Santa person, but I've never put together any kind of wish list. Please don't get anything dangerous, contentious, or messy. Food/drink is fine, non-outfit clothes are fine (i.e., T-shirts and the like but no ties), movies and other media are fine (though I warn you we already have well over 7500 books/CDs/DVDs/etc. yes really). I don't wear jewelry, don't smoke/vape, don't wear glasses (yet-probably soon), and I am terminally starved for free time (so probably no kits/puzzles/games).

I hope this helps. If it's not enough, I'll try to cobble together an Amazon wish list or something to inspire you.

--Patrick

If I were to go that route, what size?

Nov 28, 2016#116

PatrThom

Anonymous said:
If I were to go that route, what size?

42/Large/Grande (American), though probably XL/XG in Japanese sizes.

--Patrick

Nov 29, 2016#117

strawman

PatrThom said:
42/Large/Grande (American), though probably XL/XG in Japanese sizes.

--Patrick

Unless you've doubled your weight since I saw you those would be baggy on you. Do you get larges just for the length?

I'd say you're more of a medium long...

Nov 29, 2016#118

Anonymous

@PatrThom youre getting two separate packages but they should both be there by the 7th

Nov 29, 2016#119

PatrThom

stienman said:
Unless you've doubled your weight since I saw you those would be baggy on you. Do you get larges just for the length?
I'd say you're more of a medium long...

I'm a medium thick, but a large wide. My shoulders are wide enough that the seams fall too short on a medium, so "large" it is.

--Patrick

Nov 29, 2016#120

Bubble181

PatrThom said:
I'm a medium thick, but a large wide. My shoulders are wide enough that the seams fall too short on a medium, so "large" it is.

--Patrick

I know the feeling. Well, less and less, but that's for another thread

In dress shirts there's often a trimmed/centered/slim fit option, but on t-shirts that's sadly often absent.

Nov 29, 2016#121

Dei

I've always been broader shouldered. It's usually not a huge deal, but some brands won't fit right around my shoulders without being hopelessly baggy.

Nov 29, 2016#122

Dave

So I came home today to find a package on the table. I've ordered a lot of stuff lately and this felt like a book, so I figured it was for my daughter's school. Those expensive things that I have to buy every semester. But no! I didn't recognize it. So I looked at the card.

Whoa! My secret Santa is very fast! And what is it? Well, it *IS* a book.

Which for some reason always shows upside down no matter how I orient and save the picture. Stupid iPad.

Anyway, it's called The Eternaut and I've never heard of it until now! It was published by an Argentinian in the 1950's so this is going to be a very interesting read.

Thanks, Secret Santa! I love it!

Nov 29, 2016#123

Anonymous

Dave said:
So I came home today to find a package on the table. I've ordered a lot of stuff lately and this felt like a book, so I figured it was for my daughter's school. Those expensive things that I have to buy every semester. But no! I didn't recognize it. So I looked at the card.

View attachment 22659

Whoa! My secret Santa is very fast! And what is it? Well, it *IS* a book.

View attachment 22662

Which for some reason always shows upside down no matter how I orient and save the picture. Stupid iPad.

Anyway, it's called The Eternaut and I've never heard of it until now! It was published by an Argentinian in the 1950's so this is going to be a very interesting read.

Thanks, Secret Santa! I love it!

Expect another tomorrow.

Nov 29, 2016#124

Dave

Too bad we Admins can see who posts anonymously, Cog. :rofl:

[DOUBLEPOST=1480461658,1480461634][/DOUBLEPOST]And thanks, man! I'm going to start reading it tonight.

Nov 29, 2016#125

Cog

Next year, I'm just going to announce it to everybody since the beginning.

Nov 29, 2016#126

blotsfan

Dave said:
Too bad we Admins can see who posts anonymously, Cog.

Seriously? Thats unsettling.

Nov 29, 2016#127

Dave

Nah. Just the Admins can see this. Nobody else. So it's because I'm special. :-D

Nov 29, 2016#128

blotsfan

I thought it was truly anonymous.

Nov 29, 2016#129

Dave

blotsfan said:
Seriously? Thats unsettling.

It's always been that way. And note we've never - EVER - used it for evil, nor will we.

Nov 29, 2016#130

jwhouk

The Argentinian thing gave it away too, Cog.....

Sent from my Nextbook on Tapatalk

Nov 29, 2016#131

Cog

jwhouk said:
The Argentinian thing gave it away too, Cog.....

Sent from my Nextbook on Tapatalk

That's racist!

I found out about this comic from somewhere in the forum. I don't remember who mentioned it.

Nov 29, 2016#132

GasBandit

Dave said:
Too bad we Admins can see who posts anonymously, Cog. [DOUBLEPOST=1480461658,1480461634][/DOUBLEPOST]And thanks, man! I'm going to start reading it tonight.

I was gonna say something, but I didn't want to shatter the illusion.

blotsfan said:
Seriously? Thats unsettling.

Yes. We don't have a choice. To an admin, it says "posted anonymously by (user)" at the top of any anonymous post.

We keep your secrets.

Nov 29, 2016#133

Dave

Plus, I don't think we've ever hidden this. I swear we've talked about it before. This isn't something that's just changed. I feel bad that someone is unsettled.

Nov 29, 2016#134

blotsfan

It's ok. I guess in the future I'll just make new anonymous users when behind 7 proxies.

Nov 29, 2016#135

Celt Z

Dave said:
Plus, I don't think we've ever hidden this. I swear we've talked about it before. This isn't something that's just changed. I feel bad that someone is unsettled.

I don't remember what it was for, but i do remember both you and Gas mentioning this in the past.

Nov 29, 2016#136

jwhouk

It was because of Shego, right?

Sent from my Nextbook on Tapatalk

Nov 29, 2016#137

Dave

Might have been. There was also a child porn thing a few years ago where I called the cops on a user. Not sure I've ever talked about that before. I won't go any further, but suffice it to say that I had to scour the DB and pull some conversations for the police.

Nov 29, 2016#138

GasBandit

blotsfan said:
It's ok. I guess in the future I'll just make new anonymous users when behind 7 proxies.

Heh, well, unless you actually are switching to a proxy (or changing your IP in some other way) when you use an alt account, I got bad news for you on that front, too

Nov 29, 2016#139

Anonymous

Dave said:
Too bad we Admins can see who posts anonymously

The tyrannical admins have uncovered our deepest secrets! :aaah:

Nov 29, 2016#140

Emrys

Anonymous said:
The tyrannical admins have uncovered our deepest secrets!

That we're all crazy? I think they already knew that.

Nov 29, 2016#141

Celt Z

I thought that was a member requirement!

Nov 29, 2016#142

Bubble181

Anonymous said:
The tyrannical admins have uncovered our deepest secrets!

That we're all JCM? They already know that.

Nov 29, 2016#143

PatrThom

Bubble181 said:
That we're all JCM? They already know that.

I don't know why @JCM insists on this charade of buying presents for ~~myself~~ himself every year anyway.

--Patrick

Nov 29, 2016#144

Anonymous

Anonymous said:
@Denbrought , do you have one of these magic wish lists?

So was this a no @Denbrought ?

Nov 29, 2016#145

Denbrought

Anonymous said:
So was this a no @Denbrought ?

Err, sorry, left this open on my work machine to respond to after work, except I forgot to.

I technically have two Amazon wish lists, but they're pretty barren: http://a.co/0f1frgI and http://a.co/b9nl4LJ. I can add more to them in the next 1-2 days if that makes things easier.
I also have a Steam wish list, I'm Denbrought on there.

Info dump might be helpful if the above are not. Books and e-books both welcome, though I prefer non-fiction. Topics of interest include programming, electronics, miniatures, knitting, world history, geography, mathematics (and most other subjects, come thing of it). Developing an interest in sautering (electronics) and basketweaving but have not purchased supplies/tools for either yet. I have plenty of clothing and things relating to Spain. I have two cats, both 8-10lb. I drink, mostly scotch.

Nov 30, 2016#146

strawman

Denbrought said:
Developing an interest in sautering (electronics) ... but have not purchased supplies/tools

And if you're going to go that direction a cheap soldering iron isn't worth it, so might not be a good secret santa gift, but here's the minimum soldering iron I'd recommend, and here's the unit I use and prefer. You could get an accessory or two, though, within the budget. I stopped using wet sponges years ago and prefer this type of tip cleaner. It doesn't cool the iron down nor damage the tip nearly as much as water does, and I never have to go find water before I can use the soldering iron.

I also always have the following items at my soldering station:

Scribe - pushing tiny things around. More useful for surface mount stuff, but also great for scratching/cleaning/checking dirty surfaces prior to soldering.
*Forceps - these locking pliers are cheap and hold solder wick, wires, etc without having to use your hand grip or burn yourself holding a component too close to the heat.
*Solder Wick & desoldering tool - I don't use the tool, but use the wick all the time. Lots of others use the tool a lot, though, so it's something you have to try.
Wire wrap tool - Great for quickly wiring stuff together, and has a 30awg wire stripper so you can easily make jumpers and modify existing circuit boards quickly.
Wire wrap wire - Used with above. 30awg (ie, very, very thin) solid core insulated wire.
Tweezers - Mostly for surface mount, but also for manipulating 30awg wire and other things, so still might be useful for beginners.
*Lead solder - You could go lead free, but it's a steeper learning curve because it's much more difficult to get good joints.
*Flux pen - The solder above has flux inside, but some joints need more, and sometimes you need to heat a joint without adding solder. When in doubt, add flux.
*Wire cutter - Needed to trim wires after soldering. Don't use on steel or piano wires, it'll make you sad. This is a flush cut version, much nicer for this work than most wire cutters.
Wire stripper - Beats stripping wires with your teeth. This size is useful for small electronics work, not household wiring.
*Precision Screwdrivers - The English language does not contain the words to convey the horror that occurs when people use the wrong screwdriver on tiny screws.
Exacto knife - Cutting PCB traces, stripping wires in the middle, moving things, circuit post mortems. You may rarely use it, but when you need it it's the only thing that'll do.
Antistatic mat - Most of the time static isn't an issue. When it is you can't tell, and you'll tear your hair out debugging a problem caused by a static shock.
Binocular zoom boom microscope - Probably only necessary for surface mount work, but also excellent for inspection and removing splinters. Also a big investment, but I wouldn't be without one.

The asterisk is next to those things I would focus on first. I always have a 5" length of solder wick in the forceps, with only 3/4" extending from the forceps. And, again, I don't have or use a desoldering tool. They're just too fiddly. Instead I heat up the joint and remove the wires, clean up as much as I can with solder wick, then pick up the board, heat the hole with the iron, and blow really hard through the hole. Try to avoid getting molten solder on anything important, like small children. It clears the hole far better than the soldering tool for me, though. As far as the screwdrivers go, you might be tempted to get the interchangeable bit sets or similar, and this kit is large, but once you have a soldering iron you tend to try to repair toys and electronics, or at least take them apart for exploring, and a lot of mass manufactured items have deep small holes for screws. This set has long thin shafts for the screwdrivers and will fit down into most recessed screw holes.

Surface mount soldering is when you don't have holes in the circuit board, and you use very, very small components soldered directly to the flat copper traces on the circuit board. Most small consumer items use surface mount, but electronic hobbyists can still do a lot of work with through hole circuits without having to touch surface mount. Due to its size it's harder to do well, but almost all surface mount can be done without the expensive equipment if one is patient.

Nov 30, 2016#147

Denbrought

Thank you! That's a more comprehensive and useful guide than I've found online, or gotten out of other hobbyists I've prompted. Time to draft a budget for next year.

*Makes notes to ask engineers about engineer-y stuff more often*

Nov 30, 2016#148

Bubble181

stienman said:
Try to avoid getting molten solder on anything important, like small children.

Why? With supply so high, I'd imagine the cost is hardly worth the bother of avoiding it.

Nov 30, 2016#149

strawman

Bubble181 said:
Why? With supply so high, I'd imagine the cost is hardly worth the bother of avoiding it.

They tend to run around and scream, which is very distracting.

Nov 30, 2016#150

GasBandit

I just want to go on record and say using a desoldering tool is fun. It's like a bolt action sniping vacuum cleaner!

Nov 30, 2016#151

PatrThom

I want to go on record and say that, as a hobbyist solderer, it's really not that difficult a thing to learn.
I will also say, however, that you will almost unavoidably become familiar with the scent of roast human.

--Patrick

Nov 30, 2016#152

Bubble181

PatrThom said:
I want to go on record and say that, as a hobbyist solderer, it's really not that difficult a thing to learn.
I will also say, however, that you will almost unavoidably become familiar with the scent of roast human.

--Patrick

aka,"barbecue".

Nov 30, 2016#153

Emrys

Bubble181 said:
aka,"barbecue".

AKA doomweasel food.

Nov 30, 2016#154

strawman

Repeat this mantra whenever you turn on the soldering iron:

If it falls, don't catch it.

I keep my iron at 700C, so its already too late if you don't instinctively train yourself to recoil from a falling soldering iron.

Also cotton fabrics are your friend.

My station stays at the very back of the bench so the iron cord doesn't hang over the edge of the table, and having a dedicated stand for it is important for me. Between those two things I don't recall the last time I burned myself.

Nov 30, 2016#155

Denbrought

stienman said:
If it falls, don't catch it.

This got drilled into me during an infancy of helping in the kitchen. I jump away from falling metal things, because OH GOD KNIVES. Hopefully the instinct transfers over.

Nov 30, 2016#156

PatrThom

stienman said:
I keep my iron at 700C

...
wouldn't 400C be enough? Seems dangerous keeping it hot enough to melt aluminum.

--Patrick

Nov 30, 2016#157

GasBandit

PatrThom said:
...
wouldn't 400C be enough? Seems dangerous keeping it hot enough to melt aluminum.

--Patrick

Yeah but what if he needs to melt aluminum?

Nov 30, 2016#158

PatrThom

GasBandit said:
Yeah but what if he needs to melt aluminum?

Much easier to use an arc furnace.

--Patrick

Nov 30, 2016#159

GasBandit

PatrThom said:
Much easier to use an arc furnace.

--Patrick

Yeah but what if he needs to melt aluminum for under $100?

Nov 30, 2016#160

PatrThom

GasBandit said:
Yeah but what if he needs to melt aluminum for under $100?

Then he can get an arc furnace time share.

--Patrick

Nov 30, 2016#161

strawman

PatrThom said:
...
wouldn't 400C be enough? Seems dangerous keeping it hot enough to melt aluminum.

--Patrick

Unit failure. Should be 700F. Here's my answer to how hot a soldering iron needs to be.[DOUBLEPOST=1480537574,1480537346][/DOUBLEPOST]

PatrThom said:
Then he can get an arc furnace time share.

--Patrick

Pft. I'mma make my own if I need one.

Nov 30, 2016#162

GasBandit

PatrThom said:
Then he can get an arc furnace time share.

--Patrick

... you can do that?

I might need to look into that.

Nov 30, 2016#163

strawman

GasBandit said:
Yeah but what if he needs to melt aluminum for under $100?

This is better than the arc furnace, though, for low temperature metals:

Nov 30, 2016#164

GasBandit

stienman said:
Pft. I'mma make my own if I need one.

Never mind, I'll look into THAT instead.

Nov 30, 2016#165

Dei

I know that one of my friends has extremely nerdy teenage sons, and they built one with their dad.

Nov 30, 2016#166

Tinwhistler

@Hylian

Got the gifts today! Thanks!

I'll post pics a little later in the evening.

Nov 30, 2016#167

Bumble the Boy Wonder

Aw man..

Nov 30, 2016#168

Dave

Bumble the Boy Wonder said:
Aw man..

Bumble!!

Nov 30, 2016#169

strawman

Bumble the Boy Wonder said:
Aw man..

You should totally set up your own secret santa. Send your name/address to @Dave, and tell people to PM him for it, then promise a drawing for everyone who sends you a gift with a legible return address.

Nov 30, 2016#170

Bubble181

stienman said:
You should totally set up your own secret santa. Send your name/address to @Dave, and tell people to PM him for it, then promise a drawing for everyone who sends you a gift with a legible return address.

Heck, I'd send something.

Nov 30, 2016#171

Dave

I would, too.

Nov 30, 2016#172

blotsfan

I'd volunteer and then sell his information to scammers

Nov 30, 2016#173

BErt

blotsfan said:
I'd volunteer and then sell his information to scammers

Ah, the gift that keeps on giving

Nov 30, 2016#174

PatrThom

stienman said:
This is better than the arc furnace, though, for low temperature metals:

This is the one I actually expected you'd use, assuming you had any need for such a thing.

--Patrick

Nov 30, 2016#175

strawman

PatrThom said:
This is the one I actually expected you'd use, assuming you had any need for such a thing.

--Patrick

Eventually.

Nov 30, 2016#176

Dave

Okay, @Cog, my second gift is hilarious!

Yes, folks, that's Donald J. Trump toilet paper. :rofl:

[DOUBLEPOST=1480543221,1480543200][/DOUBLEPOST]Made in China.

Nov 30, 2016#177

Hylian

stienman said:
You should totally set up your own secret santa. Send your name/address to @Dave, and tell people to PM him for it, then promise a drawing for everyone who sends you a gift with a legible return address.

I'd send something

Nov 30, 2016#178

blotsfan

Got me a hockey-themed Secret Santa package:

Starting with the typical Halforums maturity and sophistication:

A book of hockey trivia which I'm gonna get everything right (and lie if I don't)

And something written by a good ol ontaryah boy (possibly less mature than the first one).

Thanks @Tinwhistler!

Nov 30, 2016#179

Dave

Hockey Stories and Stuff. Great title!

Nov 30, 2016#180

Tinwhistler

Pic as promised

Ray Bradbury always has a place on my shelves. And we never have enough coffee mugs. Thanks @Hylian! My wife hates shopping off of my wishlist, because she says that it doesn't feel as 'personal' for some reason. I always tell her "Everything on my wish list is something I want. You'll never go wrong buying from it".

Thanks again!

Nov 30, 2016#181

blotsfan

Tinwhistler said:
My wife hates shopping off of my wishlist, because she says that it doesn't feel as 'personal' for some reason. I always tell her "Everything on my wish list is something I want. You'll never go wrong buying from it".

And this was the year she gave in and got you a prescription coffee mug and a copy of the Martian Chronicles.

Dec 1, 2016#182

Anonymous

@Bubble181 , USPS is saying your package has left Chicago, not sure on any final delivery date though.

Dec 1, 2016#183

Tinwhistler

blotsfan said:
And this was the year she gave in and got you a prescription coffee mug and a copy of the Martian Chronicles.

And this was the year I finally got something off my wishlist that I didn't buy myself

Dec 1, 2016#184

Anonymous

@evilmike - check your mailbox late next week.

Dec 1, 2016#185

Anonymous

Wow! @Bubble181 , the package left Warsaw, Poland this evening.

Dec 1, 2016#186

Anonymous

@Bubble181, tracking has now notified me that the package is in your city of Brussels. So keep your eye on the mail, or don't spend too much time in the shower since that seems to be when they always try to deliver to you.

Dec 1, 2016#187

strawman

A rogue amazon package appeared!

stienman used steak knife.

It was effective!

@GasBandit used gift!

It was effective!

stienman's Christmas spirit was lifted!

Gasbandit uses geeky novel!

It looks interesting!

stienman is dazed!

Gasbandit uses programming puzzles!

It's super effective!

Gasbandit wins this round!

This is great, the novel looks like a fun read, and the programming book is something I looked at just days ago and went back and forth on buying, ultimately deciding not to get it for financial reasons despite wanting it.

Thanks so much Gasbandit!

:banana:

Dec 1, 2016#188

Dei

That book is also another book I'd recommend as an audio book.

Dec 1, 2016#189

GasBandit

stienman said:
A rogue amazon package appeared!
View attachment 22683

stienman used steak knife.

It was effective!

@GasBandit used gift!
View attachment 22684

It was effective!

stienman's Christmas spirit was lifted!

Gasbandit uses geeky novel!

View attachment 22685

It looks interesting!

stienman is dazed!

Gasbandit uses programming puzzles!

View attachment 22687

It's super effective!

Gasbandit wins this round!

This is great, the novel looks like a fun read, and the programming book is something I looked at just days ago and went back and forth on buying, ultimately deciding not to get it for financial reasons despite wanting it.

Thanks so much Gasbandit!

You should be getting one more package, that, contrary to my explicit directions, was shipped in a separate package a day later.

I WILL HAVE SOMEONE'S HEAD FOR THIS

Dec 1, 2016#190

strawman

GasBandit said:
You should be getting one more package, that, contrary to my explicit directions, was shipped in a separate package a day later.

ooooOOOOOooh!

:minionhappy:

GasBandit said:
I WILL HAVE SOMEONE'S HEAD FOR THIS

Now I'm concerned about the contents of the next package...[DOUBLEPOST=1480644349,1480644317][/DOUBLEPOST]Oh, but if it does go that way feel free to keep the teeth, I know how you like 'em. :awesome:

Dec 1, 2016#191

Dave

What's in the boooooox?

Dec 1, 2016#192

strawman

Dave said:
What's in the boooooox?

Dec 2, 2016#193

strawman

/wrestling announcer voice
FAR BETTER THAN A SEVERED HEAD IT'S ANOTHER GIFT FROM THEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE @GasBandit

LET'S GET READY TO RUUUUUMBLEEEEE!

Thanks so much, this has all been wonderful!

Dec 2, 2016#194

Bubble181

I want that too :-(

Dec 2, 2016#195

strawman

Bubble181 said:
I want that too :-(

You'll just have to come visit so we can watch it together.

Dec 2, 2016#196

Bubble181

stienman said:
You'll just have to come visit so we can watch it together.

Ah, good, you still haven't figured out you've had an extra mouth to fill for the past 6 months :whistling:

Dec 2, 2016#197

Anonymous

@Bubble181, USPS is saying that the package has cleared customs! HAAHAHAHA! They didn't find the secret compartment!

Dec 2, 2016#198

Bubble181

Anonymous said:
@Bubble181, USPS is saying that the package has cleared customs! HAAHAHAHA! They didn't find the secret compartment!

That makes no sense - there's no customs between Warshaw and Brussels. Customs would've been on the border of the Schengen zone. Either way, I'll be expecting it Monday

Dec 2, 2016#199

BErt

I got a thing! Yoshi helped deliver it...

Ooh...this must be good ...

OOOOOOH...

OMG!

...it's amazing, because i didint mention this but I actually do collect watches (usually larger diver styles - this certainly qualifies)

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I have a name on the receipt but i cant place it to a user :/
But you done did good Santa!!!

Dec 3, 2016#200

mikerc

BErt said:
I got a thing! Yoshi helped deliver it

Did anyone else initially think this referred to @Yoshimickster?

Dec 3, 2016#201

Anonymous

BErt said:
i cant place it to a user :/
But you done did good Santa!!![/spoiler]

You can't place "The Owl" as a user? Really?

Dec 3, 2016#202

MindDetective

Anonymous said:
You can't place "The Owl" as a user? Really?

JCM?

Dec 3, 2016#203

BErt

Anonymous said:
You can't place "The Owl" as a user? Really?

Nothing in the box actually said that, so not sure if serious. I did actually figure it out a little bit ago when i stopped being stupid and realized what the address was.

Thank you @Bubble181!!!

Dec 3, 2016#204

Bubble181

Huh, there was supposed to be a card with a message in the box, signed "the Owl". I wonder what happened there.

Either way, I'm very happy you like it

Dec 3, 2016#205

BErt

Nope, no card, just a receipt. Of course you realize that i now know all your secrets...that you're actually an altogether different bird

Dec 3, 2016#206

PatrThom

stienman said:
/wrestling announcer voice

You're looking for Michael Buffer. Dunno why, I just haven't been able to forget his name since he guest-announced David Letterman's Top Ten List one night.

--Patrick

Dec 5, 2016#207

Anonymous

@Sparhawk, would you appreciate food from strange and exotic locations as a present?

Dec 5, 2016#208

Celt Z

Tim Hortons doesn't count.

Dec 5, 2016#209

Emrys

Celt Z said:
Tim Hortons doesn't count.

It doesn't?! Dammit!

Sorry, doomweasels!

<erase erase erase!>

Dec 5, 2016#210

Anonymous

@Emrys

I ordered your stuff at the same time but apparently it's coming in two boxes. Neither of them are marked as shipped but they both say Dec. 5 - 7. I ordered them a week ago. Not sure what's taking them so long.

Dec 5, 2016#211

Sparhawk

Anonymous said:
@Sparhawk, would you appreciate food from strange and exotic locations as a present?

Sure, I'll give it a try.

Dec 5, 2016#212

Anonymous

@Hylian - Amazon said your package was delivered to the receptionist/someone at the front desk.

Dec 5, 2016#213

Hylian

Anonymous said:
@Hylian - Amazon said your package was delivered to the receptionist/someone at the front desk.

Thank you!

The front office was closed by the time I got home but I will grab it tomorrow!

Dec 7, 2016#214

Bubble181

So, my gift went from Chicago, to Warsaw, to Brussels, through customs, in two days...And now, three days later, it still hasn't arrived. Gotta love the Belgian postal service. Brussels sorting center is about 10 miles from my house -_-

Dec 7, 2016#215

blotsfan

Dec 7, 2016#216

Hylian

I got my gift! (sorry for the delay in pics work has been busy)

There was no name on it so I am not sure who gave me this wonderful gift but thank you!

Dec 7, 2016#217

Anonymous

@GasBandit - The delay is on the part of the shipper; hopefully it'll be in in your grubby little paws before Christmas!

Dec 7, 2016#218

GasBandit

Anonymous said:
@GasBandit - The delay is on the part of the shipper; hopefully it'll be in in your grubby little paws before Christmas!

Gotcha. No worries.

Dec 7, 2016#219

Anonymous

@Squidleybits keep twiddling your thumbs, tapping your fingers, and sighing dramatically, nothing is shipped yet.

Dec 7, 2016#220

Celt Z

Hylian said:
I got my gift! (sorry for the delay in pics work has been busy)

There was no name on it so I am not sure who gave me this wonderful gift but thank you!

That was me! You're welcome and merry christmas! (There was supposed to be a note inside, grrrrr.....)

Dec 7, 2016#221

blotsfan

blotsfan said:

And in a fitting display of karma, my new laptop was delivered to my house but no one was there to sign for it so it didn't get delivered. Maybe tomorrow.

Dec 7, 2016#222

Dave

You know, whomever has that Secret Santa account should share it. So everyone could post and nobody would know where it's coming from.

Dec 7, 2016#223

GasBandit

Dave said:
You know, whomever has that Secret Santa account should share it. So everyone could post and nobody would know where it's coming from.

Hah, whoever it is REALLY didn't want to be identified. They registered via a Choopa VPN (and post from it) that doesn't match any other user, using a notsharingmy.info e-mail address, and then to top it all off posted ANONYMOUSLY so it doesn't even say "Secret Santa" on the post to non-admins.

Dec 7, 2016#224

Bubble181

GasBandit said:
Hah, whoever it is REALLY didn't want to be identified. They registered via a Choopa VPN (and post from it) that doesn't match any other user, using a notsharingmy.info e-mail address, and then to top it all off posted ANONYMOUSLY so it doesn't even say "Secret Santa" on the post to non-admins.

Well, yeah, this is the first I've heard of there even being a SS account.

Considering the amount of trouble they went to, though, I'd say you can restrict it to maybe 4 or 5 users

Dec 7, 2016#225

GasBandit

Bubble181 said:
Well, yeah, this is the first I've heard of there even being a SS account.

Considering the amount of trouble they went to, though, I'd say you can restrict it to maybe 4 or 5 users

Even further than that using process of elimination, probably, but I'm too lazy/busy to care.

Dec 7, 2016#226

Dave

I don't even care who it was, although it was genius. But if everyone is Secret Santa, NO ONE is.

Dec 7, 2016#227

blotsfan

GasBandit said:
Hah, whoever it is REALLY didn't want to be identified. They registered via a Choopa VPN (and post from it) that doesn't match any other user, using a notsharingmy.info e-mail address, and then to top it all off posted ANONYMOUSLY so it doesn't even say "Secret Santa" on the post to non-admins.

Amateur. I just hacked blotsfans' account and posted from that.

Dec 7, 2016#228

Secret Santa

1. Using incognito mode go to simpleproxy.net then type halforums.com into the box, click 'Now go'
2. Sign in to halforums username: "Secret Santa" password: "keepmysecret"
3. Please to not be abusing this account.
4. !!!LOG OUT!!! System may do weird things if people are logged into this account at the same time, so use it quickly and log out asap.

Dec 7, 2016#229

strawman

GasBandit said:
Hah, whoever it is REALLY didn't want to be identified. They registered via a Choopa VPN (and post from it) that doesn't match any other user, using a notsharingmy.info e-mail address, and then to top it all off posted ANONYMOUSLY so it doesn't even say "Secret Santa" on the post to non-admins.

/bender Neat!

Dec 7, 2016#230

Dave

Thanks, Secret Santa!

Dec 7, 2016#231

PatrThom

Dave said:
You know, whomever has that Secret Santa account should share it. So everyone could post and nobody would know where it's coming from.

I was going to suggest this very thing! Except that it would've been @Tress doing the posting because he already knows who got whom anyway.

--Patrick

Dec 7, 2016#232

Secret Santa

@Denbrought you should have had two boxes delivered

Dec 7, 2016#233

Anonymous

@PatrThom it looks like UPS doesn't go to your house so its in the hands of the USPS now. I'm not quite sure where your package is, but it could be a bit of a longer delay. If its not there by next week I'll do some calling. Sorry about this.

Dec 7, 2016#234

Sparhawk

Anonymous said:
@PatrThom it looks like UPS doesn't go to your house so its in the hands of the USPS now. I'm not quite sure where your package is, but it could be a bit of a longer delay. If its not there by next week I'll do some calling. Sorry about this.

UPS has a deal with USPS called SmartPost, basically UPS gets it to the local postal facility (or whatever one services the address) and then the postal service finishes the delivery.

Dec 7, 2016#235

PatrThom

They do deliver, but what they usually do for packages under 50lb (or whatever the limit is) is that UPS delivers to the local post office, then USPS goes that last mile. This usually adds an extra day, even though the post office is literally less than half a km from my house.

--Patrick

Dec 8, 2016#236

Anonymous

@evilmike - Check The Mail today.

Dec 8, 2016#237

Anonymous

@Bubble181, just got notified that the package was delivered.

Dec 8, 2016#238

Bubble181

Anonymous said:
@Bubble181, just got notified that the package was delivered.

Yep. Doing the night shift is the best way to assure a mailwoman will come ringing at the door at 11am right in the middle of your sleep schedule. Pics etc later when I'm properly awake

Dec 8, 2016#239

Bubble181

It's a box!

It's...someone who thinks I like Pugs?

It's a trivet! (yeah, I had to look that word up, I admit, though I knew what it was for

) More pictures in the next post, because apparently the forum doesn't like me all of a sudden.[DOUBLEPOST=1481215208,1481214937][/DOUBLEPOST]Like I said, trivet! However, the forum thinks this picture posts a security risk? Don't ask me why. You can see it at this place.

There's also a bell!

I admit, I'm not entirely sure where or how I'm going to use this. My girlfriend vetoed the idea of my using it as a "fetch me a drink, woman" bel lto attach to my home office. Pfffbt.

Thanks, who-I-can-only-assume-is-@Sparhawk !

Additional question: what's the -rama- for? Ramadan isn't this season at the moment, but I can't think of any other holiday with "ram" in there.

Dec 8, 2016#240

PatrThom

Wife sent me a picture of an unexpected box which has arrived.
She says it sounds "sloshy."
I sure hope that's intentional.

--Patrick

Dec 8, 2016#241

Sparhawk

Bubble181 said:
It's a box!

View attachment 22748

It's...someone who thinks I like Pugs?

View attachment 22749

It's a trivet! (yeah, I had to look that word up, I admit, though I knew what it was for ) More pictures in the next post, because apparently the forum doesn't like me all of a sudden.[DOUBLEPOST=1481215208,1481214937][/DOUBLEPOST]Like I said, trivet! However, the forum thinks this picture posts a security risk? Don't ask me why. You can see it at this place.

There's also a bell!

View attachment 22750

I admit, I'm not entirely sure where or how I'm going to use this. My girlfriend vetoed the idea of my using it as a "fetch me a drink, woman" bel lto attach to my home office. Pfffbt.

Thanks, who-I-can-only-assume-is-@Sparhawk !

Additional question: what's the -rama- for? Ramadan isn't this season at the moment, but I can't think of any other holiday with "ram" in there.

Yes, it's from me. the "rama" is actually part of a parody song that I heard years ago, sung to "Have a holly-jolly Christmas" and it just crushed all the holidays in this time of year together.

Dec 8, 2016#242

Anonymous

PatrThom said:
Wife sent me a picture of an unexpected box which has arrived.
She says it sounds "sloshy."
I sure hope that's intentional.

--Patrick

Kind of rude for her to open it up, but yeah. Its a CD from my favorite band.

Dec 8, 2016#243

Anonymous

PatrThom said:
Wife sent me a picture of an unexpected box which has arrived.
She says it sounds "sloshy."
I sure hope that's intentional.

--Patrick

I told those doomweasels to pack a litter pan!

I mean.... um.... move along, nothing to see here.

Dec 8, 2016#244

Emrys

I got my Secret Santa boxes in the mail and opened them up (with a little help from the weasels)...

<squeeeeeeeeee!>

I got books! Sideways books, which are even better!

Weasels is so cool! Weasels plotting world domination! And they said I was mad! I'll show them mad! Mwahahahahahaha!

I read it to myself, to the upstairs weasels, to the downstairs weasels, to myself again.

I'm saving The Dame Was a Tad Polish for this weekend and am going to read it back-to-back with The City of Smoke & Mirrors. If only I knew the author so I could get them autographed (would you mind, @ThatNickGuy?)

Thank you so much, @Dave! Your house will be the last to fall during The Scampering!

<squeeeeeeeeeeexplode!>

Dec 8, 2016#245

Dave

Yay! You got it! I seriously debated the Weasels book as it's a kid's book and is kind of short, but I figured if anything is up your alley that would be it. Glad you liked it!

Dec 8, 2016#246

Emrys

Dave said:
Yay! You got it! I seriously debated the Weasels book as it's a kid's book and is kind of short, but I figured if anything is up your alley that would be it. Glad you liked it!

The illustrations are amazing! The lead weasel looks like Ernst Stavro Blofeld stroking a white mouse. They drink coffee and run around like... well, like weasels.

And (spoiler alert) they take over the world! Mwahahahahahahahaha!

Dec 8, 2016#247

ThatNickGuy

Emrys said:
I'm saving The Dame Was a Tad Polish for this weekend and am going to read it back-to-back with The City of Smoke & Mirrors. If only I knew the author so I could get them autographed (would you mind, @ThatNickGuy?)

Well holy crap, that's so awesome of @Dave to gift that to you! And I'd be happy to sign them. Though I have no idea how we can make that work.

Dec 8, 2016#248

PatrThom

ThatNickGuy said:
Well holy crap, that's so awesome of @Dave to gift that to you! And I'd be happy to sign them. Though I have no idea how we can make that work.

Road trip!!!

--Patrick

Dec 8, 2016#249

Emrys

ThatNickGuy said:
Well holy crap, that's so awesome of @Dave to gift that to you! And I'd be happy to sign them. Though I have no idea how we can make that work.

We'll work something out.

Dec 8, 2016#250

evilmike

Anonymous said:
@evilmike - Check The Mail today.

Got a package today. Will have pictures up soon.

Dec 9, 2016#251

Anonymous

Ecuadorian online stores hate me, mind sending me your steam account email @Cog ?

Dec 9, 2016#252

Cog

Anonymous said:
Ecuadorian online stores hate me, mind sending me your steam account email @Cog ?

There are no ecuadorian online stores

. (Well, there are, but only very few accept online payment).

My steam profile is http://steamcommunity.com/id/cognositivo

Dec 9, 2016#253

jwhouk

For whomever my SS may be: if you're intimidated by prices on my Amazon Wish List, Google Play gift cards would be useful.

Dec 9, 2016#254

Anonymous

Cog said:
There are no ecuadorian online stores . (Well, there are, but only very few accept online payment).

My steam profile is http://steamcommunity.com/id/cognositivo

Cog said:
There are no ecuadorian online stores . (Well, there are, but only very few accept online payment).

My steam profile is http://steamcommunity.com/id/cognositivo

Found that out the hard way, http://i65.tinypic.com/5xj1pe.jpg

Gifts bought, awaiting your Steam friend approval.

Dec 9, 2016#255

JCM

*humming the Game of Thrones opening theme as he turns the pages

Received this at work yesterday

Dec 9, 2016#256

Anonymous

JCM said:
*humming the Game of Thrones opening theme as he turns the pages

Received this at work yesterday

Well that was unexpected. They said it wasn't going to be there until Monday!
Now I don't get to post Christmas is coming... anonymously.
You said you liked unusual books, I'm hoping this qualifies.

--Anonymous

Dec 9, 2016#257

Cog

Anonymous said:
Found that out the hard way, http://i65.tinypic.com/5xj1pe.jpg

Gifts bought, awaiting your Steam friend approval.

Thank you! You managed to buy the games that I wished the most from my list! Also, I knew it was you.

Dec 10, 2016#258

PatrThom

Dear Secret Santa.
A second package has arrived, however due to this time of year being what it is, and my luck with drawing clopens (11-10 yesterday, 7:30-6:30 today, then grocery shopping), I will not have the time to unravel this mystery until tonight at the earliest, and pictures will likely not be coming until Wed (my next day off).
...but I look forward to it.

--Patrick

Dec 12, 2016#259

Denbrought

Secret Santa,

My household received your gifts, but I have been (and am) traveling, so I will be unable to open and enjoy them before the 18th. Thank you

Dec 12, 2016#260

Anonymous

@GasBandit - your gift is en route via FedEx.
X

Dec 12, 2016#261

GasBandit

Anonymous said:
@GasBandit - your gift is en route via FedEx.
X

Cool Cool.

Dec 12, 2016#262

Dei

Dear Secret Santa, I got part 1 of your gift a few days ago, but haven't received a part 2. I am just making sure I shouldn't have yet.

Dec 12, 2016#263

Anonymous

Dei said:
Dear Secret Santa, I got part 1 of your gift a few days ago, but haven't received a part 2. I am just making sure I shouldn't have yet.

It looks like the second package has been delayed.

Dec 13, 2016#264

Secret Santa

@GasBandit FedEx should have it out to you sometime today.

And you better get the joke, son.

Dec 13, 2016#265

GasBandit

Well, look what was waiting for me outside my door today when I got to the office!

It's very tightly packed in a cooler surrounded by lots of cold packs.

Why, it's one of my most favorite things in the world... MEAT and meat flavored accoutrements.

Well, I'm happy to get it... though I'm not sure the joke I'm supposed to understand here, unless it involves sending Wisconsin smoked sausage to Texas, or maybe it is a reference to how Wisconsin smoked A&M in volleyball back in September

Thanks, Santa!

Dec 13, 2016#266

strawman

GasBandit said:
Well, I'm happy to get it... though I'm not sure the joke I'm supposed to understand here

If I had to guess, I'd go for https://www.halforums.com/threads/ama-the-kaggie-files.29396/page-15#post-1299623

Dec 13, 2016#267

GasBandit

I'll be checking thoroughly for hair.

Dec 13, 2016#268

Celt Z

Darn, if only there had been a way to put little wigs on all the sausages....

Dec 13, 2016#269

BErt

You ever get a secret santa sausage and find it's got hairs growin all over it?

That was awesome GB santa, well done!

Dec 13, 2016#270

Tress

Heads up: The shipping deadline is Thursday!

I know many of you have already sent your gifts, and many people have received them. To those people, thank you!

However, if you haven't sent your gift yet then you have TWO days left.

If there's a problem, or you think you can't make the deadline, send me a PM.

Dec 13, 2016#271

Anonymous

@Sparhawk, your gift went out last week. Look for it just before Christmas, unless it gets delayed at a border somewhere, then look for it just after Christmas.

Dec 13, 2016#272

PatrThom

GasBandit said:
Well, look what was waiting for me outside my door today when I got to the office!

Are you sure that's your office? The hallway looks way too clean, given how you've described the place.

--Patrick

Dec 13, 2016#273

strawman

PatrThom said:
Are you sure that's your office? The hallway looks way too clean, given how you've described the place.

--Patrick

I suggest the makeshift ramp be included in every workplace picture.

Dec 13, 2016#274

GasBandit

They have people clean the hallway twice a week.

And they covered that ramp with the same faux wood laminate as the rest of the hallway floor.

Dec 14, 2016#275

jwhouk

"Ever get a box of sausages from a Wisconsinite and there was cheese with it?"
Glad you liked it! Nueske's is closer to me than it is Krisken, and it was the first thing I thought of when I got your name.

Dec 14, 2016#276

GasBandit

jwhouk said:
"Ever get a box of sausages from a Wisconsinite and there was cheese with it?"

Only once, and the cheese is BACON FLAVORED.

Dec 14, 2016#277

PatrThom

Intern: "Hey @GasBandit, could you take a look at..."
Gasbandit: <growls> "Can't talk. Eating!" <munch> <munch> "BRING ME MORE CLUB CRACKERS!"

--Patrick

Dec 14, 2016#278

jwhouk

Oh yeah, it was the Bacon flavored cheese. Had to, of course.

Dec 14, 2016#279

Squidleybits

I didn't know that bacon flavored cheese was a thing. I need to learn more!!

Dec 14, 2016#280

GasBandit

Squidleybits said:
I didn't know that bacon flavored cheese was a thing. I need to learn more!!

Back in college, this stuff was like crack to me:

Dec 14, 2016#281

GasBandit

Though, now I feel I should warn you - what made me stop using it was that, as an experiment, I sprayed out a huge amount of it onto a slice of bread and left it sitting on my lawn next to a fire ant mound.

The fire ants didn't eat it.

It didn't rot away. Not a speck of mold, even.

For weeks.

Until I had to get rid of it to mow. Still a pristine pile of "cheese product" on a very very very stale slice of bread.

At that point I decided maybe I better not put any more of that in my face.

Dec 14, 2016#282

Dei

I used to eat the (non bacon) cheddar cheese so much as a kid. Now I look at it and wonder what I was thinking. I can't even convince my kids to try it.

Dec 14, 2016#283

Squidleybits

I love Cheez Whiz so I'm willing to try tube cheese

Dec 14, 2016#284

PatrThom

GasBandit said:
Though, now I feel I should warn you - what made me stop using it was that, as an experiment, I sprayed out a huge amount of it onto a slice of bread and left it sitting on my lawn next to a fire ant mound.

The fire ants didn't eat it.

It didn't rot away. Not a speck of mold, even.

For weeks.

Until I had to get rid of it to mow. Still a pristine pile of "cheese product" on a very very very stale slice of bread.

At that point I decided maybe I better not put any more of that in my face.

Shades of StinkyMeat!

--Patrick

Dec 14, 2016#285

jwhouk

By the way: it came with crackers.

Dec 14, 2016#286

blotsfan

But that doesn't contain animal flesh!

Dec 14, 2016#287

GasBandit

jwhouk said:
By the way: it came with crackers.

They're really good.

Dec 15, 2016#288

Emrys

The crackers contain potassium benzoate.

Dec 15, 2016#289

GasBandit

Emrys said:
The crackers contain potassium benzoate.

... can I go now? :/

Dec 15, 2016#290

Anonymous

@Celt Z I worked on your gift up to the last minute, but it has been shipped today with an expected delivery of Monday, USPS.

Dec 15, 2016#291

Emrys

GasBandit said:
... can I go now? :/

No.

Dec 15, 2016#292

Anonymous

@jwhouk Two packages are headed towards you. Both FedEx and USPS expect to deliver one each on Saturday.

Dec 15, 2016#293

Secret Santa

@Squidleybits a box is headed towards your ho ho home

Dec 15, 2016#294

Squidleybits

Awesome! Thanks Santa

Dec 17, 2016#295

jwhouk

Anonymous said:
@jwhouk Two packages are headed towards you. Both FedEx and USPS expect to deliver one each on Saturday.

...

Code:

...WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS
EVENING...
 
* AFTER A LULL IN THE SNOW THIS MORNING...PERIODS OF MODERATE SNOW
WILL AGAIN DEVELOP AND CONTINUE THROUGH THIS EVENING. TOTAL
SNOWFALL IS EXPECTED TO RANGE FROM 5 TO 8 INCHES.
 
* GUSTY NORTHWEST WINDS WILL LIKELY LEAD TO BLOWING AND DRIFTING
SNOW THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING.
 
* HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS ARE IMMINENT...SO MOTORISTS SHOULD
USE EXTREME CAUTION.
 
* SIGNIFICANT AIR TRAVEL DELAYS ARE ALSO LIKELY ACROSS THE
REGION.
 
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
 
A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW MEANS
SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. THE
COMBINATION OF SNOW AND STRONG WINDS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY
DIFFICULT. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL...KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT...FOOD...
AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. THE LATEST
WISCONSIN ROAD CONDITIONS CAN BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 511.

Dec 17, 2016#296

PatrThom

I can't ever see those without hearing them read in the NOAA machine voice.

--Patrick

Dec 17, 2016#297

Secret Santa

Squidleybits said:
Awesome! Thanks Santa

Falcon one to cat scratching post, the package has left the US, I repeat the package has left the US.

/removes hat slowly

May Canada Customs and Canada Post have mercy upon your contents.

Dec 17, 2016#298

Squidleybits

Secret Santa said:
Falcon one to cat scratching post, the package has left the US, I repeat the package has left the US.

/removes hat slowly

May Canada Customs and Canada Post have mercy upon your contents.

I love Border Security lol!

Dec 17, 2016#299

jwhouk

Part one of said gift arrived this morning! Photos and descriptions will be posted when part two arrives (hopefully)...

Dec 17, 2016#300

Dei

I got what I can only assume was part two to my Secret Santa gift today, so now I will post a pic!

Thanks Secret Santa! I love them.

Dec 17, 2016#301

jwhouk

FedEx delivered the first package (and my kitten decided to inspect it herself):

She wasn't impressed by what was inside...

But I was - Robin Yount and Rollie Fingers!

And then, I checked the mail - and there was another package!

This one was really neat: a Predators Calendar!

(Too bad that the guy on the cover with the "C" on his chest is no longer a member of the team...)

Thanks Secret Santa!

Dec 17, 2016#302

Squidleybits

Your kitten is super cute!!! Her coat looks very much like my Sid's.

Dec 19, 2016#303

Celt Z

Secret Santa gift came today! Or should I say, not-so-Secret Santa anymore (love the card, @Dei !)

*drumrollllllll* And the small gift is....

Mini Steven! Love it! Trying to decide if he should go on my keys or on the shelf with the other Steven figures.

But the second gift is .......EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

I LOVE IT SO MUCH!!! You did such a great job! So happy!! I love handmade stuff!
It's going it a special spot, on the comics shelf with my Sailor Moon comics (and previous Secret Santa from @LittleSin )

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Dec 22, 2016#304

Secret Santa

Squidleybits said:
I love Border Security lol!

I guess they can see into the future:

"Your item could not be delivered on December 22, 2016 at 6:00 pm in CANADA due to the addressee not available at time of delivery. It is being held while the addressee is notified."

Maybe it's going out for delivery today, or maybe they tried delivery last night.

Dec 22, 2016#305

Squidleybits

So weird!

Today would have been my grandfather's 90th birthday and our family and my uncles all have reservations at 6:00pm tonight to eat at his favourite restaurant. So, we won't be here.

Dec 22, 2016#306

strawman

Canada Post: Apologizing in advance.

Dec 22, 2016#307

Squidleybits

It's plausible that they foresaw our plans tonight or they tried to deliver it to our local post office last night after its closed. Any parcel with tracking or medium to large non-tracked parcels are delivered up there and we get a slip in our mailbox a day later.

Dec 22, 2016#308

jwhouk

So - there was nothing on either receipt saying who was my SS.

Dec 22, 2016#309

Squidleybits

I was out at the doctor's office and on my home I checked the mail. I have a parcel that will be available for pick up tomorrow afternoon

Dec 22, 2016#310

Denbrought

jwhouk said:
So - there was nothing on either receipt saying who was my SS.

Yeah, add taking credit to the list of things I'm terrible at doing.

Dec 23, 2016#311

Chad Sexington

A package slip was left yesterday. I will try to make it to the post office on time today but if not, I won't get my gift until... the 29th probably? I am going out of town for a few days.

Dec 23, 2016#312

Sparhawk

What's this?!? A package from the Great White North had arrived!

What is inside? A card!

I just had to show the cover card, it's unique!

MOOSE!

It's from the Doomie Queen herself!!

What kind of goodies are here? FOOD!!!!

And a page of stickers!

Thanks @Emrys ! I'm looking forward to trying it all!

Dec 23, 2016#313

Sparhawk

Don't know why that one picture doubled. Here is the one that should have been there.

Dec 23, 2016#314

Bubble181

...You sure you don't want to blur your address on that first one? I mean, some people here might get ideas.

Dec 23, 2016#315

Sparhawk

Honestly, I've really never hidden myself, and I don't think that I've mad anyone overly mad here (except possibly @Dave , since I'm up against him for the football championship). It's out there, been out there, and it's who I am. Plus I'm probably moving soon.

Dec 23, 2016#316

Bubble181

Well, maybe you're right. I imagine Shego doesn't like the easy targets.

Dec 23, 2016#317

Squidleybits

Happy Day! Secret Santa's delivery arrived!!

Pud can't resist a box!!

What's in here??

Lulu can't wait for the box to be free for her!

I love it!! Thank you Santa!! I can't wait to try out my new markers and now I have a cat for my desk. That won't steal stuff

Santa totally outdid themselves with the rest of my gift! I had to get out my macro lens and my kids helped me make a light box. I will edit the pictures and share them here soon!

Thank you Santa!!

Dec 23, 2016#318

Squidleybits

Team Mew:

[DOUBLEPOST=1482540517,1482540427][/DOUBLEPOST]VS Team Mewtwo:

Oh Pud...

Dec 23, 2016#319

strawman

I'm glad you like them! I'm no artist, but I've heard that sometimes it's nice to have a set of markers that aren't your 'nice' set so you don't feel bad abusing them in situations where you don't want to risk your good tools. Hopefully these provide some fun, and if nothing else they could be something for your kids.

Regarding this:

Squidleybits said:
Team Mewtwo:
View attachment 22879

I left the supports on mewtwo because the arms were so tiny and I was worried they'd break in shipping. They can generally be removed by hand, but with the small arms you might need to use little jewelry wire cutters or an exact knife to separate the supports from mewtwo. If you do happen to break something the plastic welds back together with acetone (nail polish remover).

Due to the issues with printing mewtwo you ended up with a pikacthulu. I left them on for fun, but again a little work with the exacto knife should remedy that if the threads are causing madness.

Dec 23, 2016#320

Squidleybits

I thought he was standing on a throne! I think I'll leave them there

Thank you so much! They are super awesome and I can't imagine how much work you put into them. You're the best!!

Dec 23, 2016#321

Emrys

Bubble181 said:
...You sure you don't want to blur your address on that first one? I mean, some people here might get ideas.

Now that I have his address, he's getting a weasel for his birthday.

Dec 25, 2016#322

Hailey Knight

stienman said:
I left the supports on mewtwo because the arms were so tiny and I was worried they'd break in shipping. They can generally be removed by hand, but with the small arms you might need to use little jewelry wire cutters or an exact knife to separate the supports from mewtwo. If you do happen to break something the plastic welds back together with acetone (nail polish remover).

Due to the issues with printing mewtwo you ended up with a pikacthulu. I left them on for fun, but again a little work with the exacto knife should remedy that if the threads are causing madness.

Dude, you made that whole set?! That's fantastic.

Damn, I'm glad I never participate; I'd be entirely outclassed.

Dec 25, 2016#323

strawman

Zero Esc said:
Dude, you made that whole set?! That's fantastic.

Damn, I'm glad I never participate; I'd be entirely outclassed.

Well, lest anyone think more of me than I deserve, the models are already available free online, so all I did was download them (you wouldn't download a car... ) and print them. I did have to do a little more advanced print settings for mewtwo, but everything else was literally double clicking on each file and hitting print.

The newer printers are very very user friendly.[DOUBLEPOST=1482711907,1482711842][/DOUBLEPOST]Here's the model I used:

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1482617

Dec 25, 2016#324

Dei

stienman said:
Well, lest anyone think more of me than I deserve, the models are already available free online, so all I did was download them (you wouldn't download a car... ) and print them. I did have to do a little more advanced print settings for mewtwo, but everything else was literally double clicking on each file and hitting print.

The newer printers are very very user friendly.[DOUBLEPOST=1482711907,1482711842][/DOUBLEPOST]Here's the model I used:

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1482617

Stealing to make a Pokemon set to play against my son's Minecraft set that we're spending all day printing.

Dec 25, 2016#325

Squidleybits

Awesome!!

I'd love to see a picture of the minecraft set.

Dec 25, 2016#326

Dei

Squidleybits said:
Awesome!!

I'd love to see a picture of the minecraft set.

Well, this is as far as we've gotten due to a bunch of newbie learning errors, but it's a start.

Dec 29, 2016#327

Dei

Squidleybits said:
Awesome!!

I'd love to see a picture of the minecraft set.

I did paint some of them, but here's half a chess set.

Dec 29, 2016#328

Squidleybits

Those are awesome!! I need to show our kids!!

Jan 4, 2017#329

Chad Sexington

HEY!

I finally went to the post office. Here is a veritable PILE of gifts from the wonderful @MadeYaBlush

Thank you so very kindly!

Gaze in wonder at my gifts literary and comfortable!

[DOUBLEPOST=1483576050,1483575988][/DOUBLEPOST]Hm user tag did not work...

Jan 4, 2017#330

GasBandit

Chad Sexington said:
Hm user tag did not work...

That's because there are spaces in @Made Ya Blush

Feb 1, 2017#331

Anonymous

Hey @PatrThom...I figure its too late for photos, but did you like it?

Feb 1, 2017#332

PatrThom

It is not too late, I have the photos, but as per usual I have not had time to assemble them. Every day I visit the forum is another day I feel a little guilty for not getting it together yet. Check back Sunday!

--Patrick

Feb 6, 2017#333

PatrThom

PatrThom said:
Check back Sunday!

When I wrote that, I had assumed I had Sunday off.
I did not.

--Patrick

Feb 6, 2017#334

strawman

@GasBandit Wanted to let you know I finally read this book and really enjoyed it! Thanks again!

stienman said:
Gasbandit uses geeky novel!

View attachment 22685

It looks interesting!

stienman is dazed!

[DOUBLEPOST=1486397121,1486396983][/DOUBLEPOST]Oh, I was able to reuse the gift bags and tags for a white elephant gift party before Christmas as well. It was fun watching people's expressions as they read, "From the GASBANDIT? What's that?" for the two gifts I brought.

Feb 6, 2017#335

GasBandit

stienman said:
@GasBandit Wanted to let you know I finally read this book and really enjoyed it! Thanks again!

[DOUBLEPOST=1486397121,1486396983][/DOUBLEPOST]Oh, I was able to reuse the gift bags and tags for a white elephant gift party before Christmas as well. It was fun watching people's expressions as they read, "From the GASBANDIT? What's that?" for the two gifts I brought.

Hah! Maybe I should try to start a national trend of white elephant/secret santa gifts being FROM THE GAS BANDIT.

Nov 21, 2017#336

Dei

>.>

Nov 21, 2017#337

blotsfan

<.<

Nov 21, 2017#338

Sparhawk

Nov 21, 2017#339

Tress

Ummm... hi! Give me a few minutes...

Nov 30, 2017#340

PatrThom

PatrThom said:
It is not too late, I have the photos, but as per usual I have not had time to assemble them. Every day I visit the forum is another day I feel a little guilty for not getting it together yet. Check back Sunday!

Oh, hey! Look at the time!

Ahem.

Anyway...
...look at this! Here are a couple of packages that appeared on my doorstep a while ago.

I was not expecting these, so they are probably from my secret Santa!
Wait, what does that say on the bag?

Well, that covers it...for the majority of cases, anyway. But what's inside of it?
...laundry? Someone wants me to do their laundry? Wait, there's a note:

Ok, so there's a design, and I should avoid baking it unnecessarily. But what does it say?
Let me just take a step or two back, and...

AHAHAAHAHAHAAAA Oh, secret Santa, you have no idea how hilarious this is. See, on the forum, I may have a reputation for "doing the thing," but at work, I have a reputation for "Patrick-ing" people. That's how you know you've really made it in the world, when your name becomes a verb. I've never watched Spongebob ('tis true!), but of course I know the meme...and so does everyone at work.
(Note: I wore this to work during a mandatory everyone-has-to-be-there meeting, and was told I could wear it any time I wanted, which is technically against company policy, but that just goes to show you how much of a hit it was with my coworkers).
So ok, there's a shirt. But what about this box?

Welp, no avoiding it. Time to crack it open. A quick trip to the knife block later, and...

"Christmas Central," huh? That's a new one. I mean, I've of course heard of Bronners (because you can't escape their ads around here), but CC's a new one. But of course the invoice isn't the reason I opened the box. Let's see what's inside of these pupae, shall we?

...it's pop! Wait, no, it's not pop. Maybe it's soda? No, there aren't any bubbles. Crystal Beach loganberry? What's that?
A quick trip to Google and...it's apparently a mixer of some sort. In appearance, it reminds me a lot of Ribena. Its smell is a dead ringer for Cheerwine. Its flavor, however, is more what I imagine a Merlot would taste like if you removed all the alcohol and tannins.

So there we have it. One outrageously apropos shirt and two bottles of curiously berry refreshment.

(why yes, that IS a Super Mario 64 cartridge sitting next to a Nintendo64 behind the shirt. I think the cart actually in the machine is a v1.0/v1.1 version of Ocarina of Time)
The shirt has already won me fame, if not fortune. Thank you, secret Santa, for knowing me so well without knowing me.
Now we shall have to find these bottles some friends. It's not like we have any shortage of suitors...

(this is about half the collection. I didn't want to take up the whole table, and couldn't get it all in frame anyway)

Note: To date, I have not tried mixing it with anything, though our son seems to enjoy it when mixed with Sprite/Slice/7up/etc. Of course, he'd drink a glass of straight up sugar if you poured water over it, soooo...

--Patrick

Nov 30, 2017#341

blotsfan

I'm glad you like it! Though if you haven't killed it yet, while loganberry is delicious, I've never found it to be a particularly good mixer. I hope you find something that works for you though.

And that Spongebob reference is the very first thing I think of when I see your name, so I'm glad the people around you appreciate that too.

Nov 30, 2017#342

Dei

blotsfan said:
I'm glad you like it! Though if you haven't killed it yet, while loganberry is delicious, I've never found it to be a particularly good mixer. I hope you find something that works for you though.

And that Spongebob reference is the very first thing I think of when I see your name, so I'm glad the people around you appreciate that too.

I have never really liked Loganberry. I'll drink it, but I'm not thrilled with it. My husband on the other hand drinks nothing but Loganberry whenever we visit my parents.

Nov 30, 2017#343

Bubble181

I have no idea wat kind of fruit a loganberry is.

Nov 30, 2017#344

blotsfan

Bubble181 said:
I have no idea wat kind of fruit a loganberry is.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loganberry

An obscure berry mostly just used to make a soft drink that is pretty much only available in the Buffalo/Niagara region.

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