Oh. Thanks, Izuel. I was guessing maybe it was something they used in the movies for special effects, so I was pretty far off. It made a neat subject for a picture.

I have no idea what a flash bang is, but think that's a really neat image. --Terri

Plus, you get the double-meaning of "hex". Could be six, could be curse. Maybe it's a hexapus because he has six legs, or maybe it's really because he can put a hex on you . (For those who might remember SCTV, this is where Count Floyd is supposed to say "Oooh, scary!")

Or perhaps Twilly? Actually, I've been referring to it as a "Cring". You see, I'd been trying to come up with a name for the species, and was inspired by a recent flame war I've been playing in on Usenet. This fellow thought he was really slamming me, but he spells so poorly that his witticism kind of fell short. Anyhow, we think he was trying to spell either "cringe" or "crying", but it came out as "cring". Someone asked what it meant, and I responded that it was an alien race that lives out by Antares. Others insisted it's a sound like a bicycle bell. Since then we've been using the word "Cring" as a multi-purpose expression, like aloha. Yes, picking on someone's typos is incredibly childish. But I am pretty childish sometimes, and besides, I think my dude looks like a Cring. --Terri --Terri

Well, Keith, I think we know who the next person on my blame list is going to be. Did some more work on him last night. The next time you see him, his legs will probably bend the other way, like a bird. It'll make more sense, I think. He's going to be a tool user whose feet double as hands, so I think a different orientation will look less awkward. Also, I think he's male because of his bright coloring. Really gets the babes, you know. Females and juveniles would probably be drabber colors, for camouflage. It's probably a big coming-of-age thing when a guy hits puberty and starts to change colors.

If anyone is interested, we've been playing with some beginner animation challenges over in the Carrara forum (really simple stuff). Look for the words "Animation Challenge" in the subject line. Maybe some of the challenges will be adaptable for Poser. I've been using "The Animator's Workbook" by Tony White as a guide. --Terri

Some example links: http://finvarra.www1.50megs.com/Guide.html http://www.b-movie.com/hof/hof.html http://www.endofline.com/EdWood/links.html (Ed Wood flicks are a trip to watch)

Sorry, I use a little too much slang sometimes. Please, anyone, let me know when I do this. Basically, a B-movie is a low budget movie. I like watching cheesy (bad) movies, it's one of my biggest vices, so of course I must inflict my terrible taste on the rest of you. B-movies typically have implausible stories, sensationalized topics, and my favorite have silly monsters. They're called B-movies, to indicate they're a lower grade than "A" movies. A bunch of B-movies were made in the 50's, partly to fill in the demand created by the popularity of drive-ins. Of course, people still make B-movies today. Just think low-budget. Most of the ones I'm familiar with were sci-fi, but that is not the only genre. Women in prison movies, biker movies, law-breaking teenagers are also popular B-movie themes. Some sci-fi B-movies I can think of are: I Married a Monster From Outer Space Teenage Werewolf It Conquered The World Plan 9 From Outer Space Teenagers From Outer Space (yes, a sure tip-off is the phrase "from outer space") If you've ever watched Mystery Science Theatre, you've seen B-movies. It's the kind of stuff that shows up on late-night TV. I hope that helps; you probably know what B-movies are, you just call them something else. Let me know if you want me to come up with some more examples. Sorry about being unclear. Everyone hear speaks such great English, I forget sometimes that it's not everyone's first language. --Terri

I've always gotten excellent feedback when I've sent warez/bootleg notices to safeharbor@ebay.com. Dunno about other addresses.

The Spline Modeller That Would Not Die OK, that one's obviously not based in reality. My Carrara dies all the time. I've been trying to think of a good "Micky Spillane" title. Or one involving the Teen Menace. Hmmm. The "Spline Menace" kind of sums up my feelings pretty well.

FWIW, I've bought quite a few software packages on eBay, but only stuff that's still sealed in the original box. I've bought Poser, Carrara and Photoshop that way, and was able to register them (at least, I went through the registration process, and didn't get any indication that the registration was invalid). I also tend to only buy software from people with a lot of positive reviews. So far I haven't been burned, but there's always tomorrow. Also, I keep out an eye for warez, and let eBay know about it (by sending the auction link to safeharbor@ebay.com). Ebay is very good about following up on complaints. You get a canned response when you send the message, and then you get a more personal response a day or so later, explaining what sort of action they took. As always, buyer beware.

BTW, Chip, I tried, but couldn't think of a good "RDS" B-movie title, when I was making the "It Came From Carrara" picture. Just so you know I wasn't trying to snub RDS users on purpose. This time. Maybe something like "RDS True Confessions" or "I Married an RDS User From Outer Space", would have worked. --Terri

Gosh, litst, I was just settingling down to a nice batch of cheddar-garlic biscuits. Guess you don't want me to mail you some? By the way, I showed my brother that picture you posted of you (I assume it was your post cheddar hulk phase) and he giggled for about five minutes. And I got to tell you, a giggling grown man is a little disturbing. --Terri

If it makes you guys feel any better, the spline modeller and I are still having a bit of a falling out. We just don't seem to communicate. Plus, it's always leaving the cap of the toothpaste. --Terri