Dave Ambrose

Digital copies are something new to us. 210 is the first issue we put on Magster, and our own subscription service.

It's not working. I'm trying to diagnose and fix it.

I'm so sorry. Sounds like you had some great years together and lots of good memories. I don't know why, but losing pets seems to hurt more than losing people. We've gone through a more than a few cats in our household, and I still think about them regularly.

Pat, The digital version is available on Magster, or you can subscribe to the digital version instead of the print version.

Unfortunately we don't have anyone in the UK. We'd love to have some though. If you have a local hobby shop, perhaps you can point them in our direction. Alternatively, we now have digital subscriptions that should meet your delivery needs.

My daughter quietly, but sternly, informed me that we would be disowned if we ever got a drum set for my grandson. She has a point. His drumming style would closely mimic Animal's from the Muppets.

The video talked about welding up the frame. Given modern welding technology, that makes a lot of sense. As for beauty, I think my personal favorite is still the SP 4449, though this one is definitely in the elite class.

I don't know. It probably has to do with how the ad is served. Google has been transitioning to new a new ad serving back end, so you may be seeing old vs. new (and supposedly improved) versions.

Derrick, You should be good. The subscription system shows your last issue as 217.

Several comments, then I think we're done. The limits are set where they are because, more often than not, people don't have the discretion to approach the limits wisely. In both these cases, we realize that they were intended to be humorous. Sometimes our attempts at humor (or humour) don't go the way we intended. We've all been experts at that at one time or another. Had we thought they were hostile, it's unlikely you'd be able to comment on this topic. That gets to the core of our problem. Sometimes humor turns hostile, and we don't want to be anywhere near that situation. So, we do our best to ensure it never has a chance to get headed that way. That's why we set the limits where we have. Regarding religious quotes in signatures: We do not want religious discussions here. I hope the reasons are obvious, but in matters of faith, you ultimately cannot prove or disprove anything. It usually ends up being needless and unresolvable conflict. That said, there are religious elements we do allow. What about someone who requests prayers for a loved one in Off Topic? Technically, that's religious but it's where we support a community member in need. For that reason alone, it's going to stay. As for quotes in people's signatures, we've been leaving them when they meet a few criteria. First, they're inconspicuous. They aren't right in your face and easy to ignore. Secondly, they don't try to prosthelytize or criticize people who don't share the poster's faith. Third, they aren't widespread. This is not permission to put your favorite quote in your signature. If it becomes widespread, we will have to step in and order their removal. If you have any questions, please PM me, and give me a few days to respond, especially over a weekend. I have two day jobs and a family. Thanks, Dave Ambrose

Between the US Postal Service, and Canada Post, the situation is a real mess, and unfortunately beyond our control. One of our readers just got their issue of 210 last week. We're working on better distribution for Canada, and hope to have something in place soon.

I get it. It's fun to push the rules sometimes. We've had a spate of incidents where we've needed to remove posts that were inappropriate. They were either personal attacks, or they contained inappropriate subject matter; frequently veiled political references, or sexual innuendos. It would be nice if people would take the hint, but they don't. We are instituting a new standard procedure for these instances. If we have to remove your post, we will put you on moderation for 30 days. Please don't misbehave a second time. Thanks, Dave Ambrose

Not yet. We're actively working on it though.

I have a hypothesis. Once upon a time, the software that figured out all these routes worked very well, and everyone was (reasonably) happy. Over the years, enough "special cases" were added such that the software doesn't work as well, so things get sent on these long, bizarre routes until the routing system does something semi-intelligent, or someone steps in, and sends it to the right place in spite of the routing instructions. Add to this the occasional package code misread, and it's probably a miracle that it works as well as it does.

There are a large number of flaming hoops to traverse in getting in there. We do have digital subscriptions available now. Check the subscription page for more info.

Issue 211 has been mailed. We think you'll like it.

Sorry you had that problem. I updated our list of acceptable manufacturers.

I used to use those motors in slot cars. They were very good. Ran like a bat escaping Hades wrath.

Yes. I just turned it on.

A lot of products are now either packaging all their units for individual shipment, or just packaging to ones they send to online retailers for individual shipment. I've also noted that Amazon has gotten very careful with their shipping, at least here. Even delicate things are arriving intact.

I took another tour of the ads and blocked a bunch. What happens is that an advertiser miscategorizes their ad a not adult when it should be. I report them, but the same ads pop up again under a different company, and the review cycle starts all over again. Don't even get me started about ad fraud.

I'm embarrassed to say that I don't either. I will find out.

Saw the new Dune move last week. Wow. Given the difficulty of adapting the book to a movie, it got a lot of stuff right. It didn't butcher the plot. The visuals were finely crafted, and the acting was first rate, tho I feel like the presentation of Duke Leto Atredes was a little problematic. I give it two thumbs up.

I hope you get well soon. I know how you feel. I had something similar going on a few years ago. Took 6 months to figure out what was wrong, and another year to treat it. Hang in there, and ask lots of questions.

I'm going to hypothesize that the hobby shops per capita number directly correlates with the length and temperature of the winters.