Blackdog? Moderator? Go figure!

Blackdog · Oct 26, 1999

I have to say that I was greatly surprised at being asked if I would co-moderate the GH Forum. Craig, I am deeply honored and will do my best to do it right.

I guess it's a good idea to let the forumites know who, and what, I am.

When I'm not getting in my wife's way at home, I run the Technical Control Center for an airline in So. Florida. I'm not going to mention which airline, let them pay for their advertising like everybody else.

I'm nearly 52 and didn't get to live this long from being smart, just lucky. I've been married for 27 years to the best woman on the planet. Again, no skill on my part, just very lucky. I was fortunate enough to have lived and worked in over 20 countries between 1967 and 1998, mostly in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle-East. Now I've settled down to live a "normal" life in FL with my wife, 2 Black Labs (thus the screen name Blackdog) and a Terrier of mixed parentage.

I'm not an expert on knives, but have been amassing them since my teens. I've never been without one, whether as a tool or a means of self defense. I have about 70 knives of various configurations on tap at the moment and have probably given away that many as gifts. I think everyone can benefit from a good piece of sharp steel.

Welcome to the GH Forum. We all have knowledge to share and something to learn. No reason we can't have a hell of a good time doing it.

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When the world is at peace, a gentleman keeps his sword by his side.......
Sun-Tzu 400 BC

Craig Gottlieb · Oct 26, 1999

Blackdog: As Berkley said . . . he doesn't envy you for your new job! Of course, maybe he means you have to deal with me so much now

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor

Berkley · Oct 26, 1999

Blackdog,
Being a moderator on Craig's forum may give you an idea what it feels like to work in the circus: The good news is, you get to walk in the big parade! (The bad news is, you get to carry a shovel behind the elephant....)

Berk

Blackdog · Oct 26, 1999

Berk,

Not a problem. At least we'll all be marching in the same direction. Besides, it'll give me a chance to work on my diplomicy and humility.

Now where's my boots and that big bucket??

Blackdog

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When the world is at peace, a gentleman keeps his sword by his side.......
Sun-Tzu 400 BC

coyote · Oct 26, 1999

Hey blackdog I don't think that your job on this forum will be too bad after all we should all be polite. We are all running around with Kukris you have to be polite.

Blackdog · Oct 26, 1999

Coyote,

I couldn't agree more. An armed society is a polite society. As an added bonus, holding a Khukuri just naturally makes you want to chop something up. While you're chopping things like tree limbs and firewood (and the occasional piece of your lawn sprinkler system

) into pieces, all the tension and agression seems to melt away. Who wants to fight when you can turn your local park into an acre of cleared land??

I think we're on to something here. I'm going to tell my wife I need to buy more Khukuris to cure my nervous condition.

Blackdog

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When the world is at peace, a gentleman keeps his sword by his side.......
Sun-Tzu 400 BC

Craig Gottlieb · Oct 27, 1999

Of course, the shovel has to be big to keep up with my diet!

And yes, we do have to be polite - my wife always asks us what the plan'll be when a mob shows up at my doorstep, armed with khukuris and torches, demanding that I be turned over to them!

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor

Blackdog · Oct 27, 1999

That's an easy one Craig. If the mob shows up, you invite them to look at the storage room where your blades are stashed. The sight of a multitude of Khukuris, of various sizes and styles, would overcome even the most hardened of rioters.

Hell, you could probably take Marya on a 3 day excursion to Vegas and the now pacified mob would still be there when you got back, eyes glazed over, gently caressing and oiling the blades. Your problem wouldn't be escaping, it would be getting the crowd out of your place.

BTW, Need someone to babysit your collection when you go away?

Blackdog

maddog2020 · Oct 28, 1999

Congrats AL (I am too use to calling you blackdog....lol)! Way cool.....I am sure you will do a great job, and help out Craig with this 'new' forum.

Ray 'md2020'

Blackdog · Oct 28, 1999

Thanks Ray. Dealing with folks like you on the BladeForums is what makes it a great place to be.

I figure that as a moderator my function, for the most part, will be to give things a "nudge" once in a while if they stray to far off track. As for the occasional flamer, troll or troublemaker; I've noticed that the forumites usually do a "slam dunk" on them before a moderator ever has to get involved.

The cooler and more intelligent heads prevail 99.99% of the time. That's why I love it here.

Blackdog