The Clockwork Mansion

Gahhh

after all her work they turned her away?  why?

and then her computer dies...

*sighs*
poor amber

*gasp* How could they turn her away!? I demand answers!!

*goes to deliver muffins to the people that turned her away*  :rj

*gets her assasination gear* tell me to go and i'll get to work...

What the frikk?!

What happened? Why would Canada deny Miss Amber for?  I thought everything was going smoothly. Not good... not good at all...

Does anybody else have the urge to sing the "Blame Canada" song from South Park now?  >.>

It's explained in the comics rant...

not very clearly mind you

Awww, sux0rz. :cry  Canada still rocks, though!  Wonder why they wouldn't let her in. :|

Ah the benefit of running a socially invested business.

So where's the paypal link  :B

It is because she made fun of hockey.  Being Canadian seems to work on a point system.

Still, can we get any more info about the computer dieing?  There are so many PC nerds on the forums that someone might be able to help.

O Canada! My not-so-native land!
Why must you be so anal-retentive?
With raging heart I see thee laugh,
At my predicament.
I've come so far, O Canada,
Why won't you let me in?
I promise I won't commit any crimes!
O Canada, I wait at your border!
O Canada, I wait at your border!

Hockey = best sport on Earth, no wonder they didn't let here in. :eek

Well, all I can say is that sucks.

I hope things work out.

Where's Norm the genie when you need him...

Canada is normally not this uncool. Well, I mean, it's cool as in temperature year-round, but it's normally a fun place...

Damn this sucks D'moon tell Amber some cash is on its way (not much but I hope it helps)

Well that kind of sucks. It's true though, we're highly protective over our syrup. However, hockey is lame. The only hockey I've ever watched was the Winter Olympics four years ago when Canada's men and women teams won. I remember eating icecream that was designed like a Canada flag...

This is probably why:
10 things to know before coming to Canada. (http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b162/UnholyChronus/?action=view&current=IamnotCanadian.jpg&refPage=&imgAnch=imgAnch1)

But seriously... I don't know... we're quite picky about who moves here... and I don't know why.

Quote from: Fresnor on July 19, 2006, 12:36:50 AM
Does anybody else have the urge to sing the "Blame Canada" song from South Park now?  >.>

:yeahthat and the movie Canadian Bacon. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109370/)

Alright, I be Canadian, and last time I checked you're free to mozzy along so as you know what do to.

There are some requirements, buuut I don't know/remember the deal. I believe if its a vacation, you don't need to worry. But if you plan to live in Canada aka become a "resident" you need to become a Canadian citizen and there is a test required etc.

Shame Amber didn't get in, prolly because of some stupid reason and the border patrol was PMSing.

Last time I tried to "mosey" into Canada they seemed convinced my dad was concealing some type of weapon.

Quote from: Fresnor on July 19, 2006, 12:36:50 AM
Does anybody else have the urge to sing the "Blame Canada" song from South Park now?  >.>

Actually I was thinking of the Hate Canada song from MST3K.

I hope the "CIA spy" bumper sticker I secretly stuck onto Amber's car didn't cause the problem.  :erk

Quote from: Disheveled on July 19, 2006, 02:07:37 AM
Last time I tried to "mosey" into Canada they seemed convinced my dad was concealing some type of weapon.

I advise that, next time, he should leave the katana at home.

She didn't get in because they're trying to take over the world too.

http://www.megatokyo.com/index.php?strip_id=200

They don't want the competition.

I knew it! Canada shall cosume you all!!! :twisted

Mab here...I'm on wildy's comp at the time...urgh...since Dmoon was very vague, I figure I'll go into the details.


What basically happened is that of all the times I've been crossing into Canada...usually with carfulls of stuff...I happened to get the one border guard who was apparently not a happy person.  She noticed that my lisense, my plates, and my residence were all different places and decided it was suspicious enough to flag.  And since I wasn't expecting it, the questioning from the Immigration guy completly nailed me moreso.  I also was lacking some of the paperworks, and that combined with the fact I choke under pressure...basically made me look suspicous and turn me away until i provide proof of several things.  They didn't even believe me about who Mason was...though I admit my brain locked and when they asked where he worked, I said Verizon, which while true...I forget that the company is called Teletech and they hire themselves out to Verizon...

So basically I need several things revised to show I'm not terrible.  Half of which are things that can likely be resolved in the course of a week.(some of them being things I simply didnt think about taking cause I didnt expect the Spanish Inquisition)  The only real problem is one of them is proof of employment...and DMFA isnt exactly the symbol of a steady income.  I have a plan for that...but overall I'mkinda just meh.l

To be honest...the biggest and worst blow is actually teh computer. From what it looks like...the hard drive or something got jostled on the trip and it caused the problem.  I'll find out this Friday if the hard drive is even recoverable...but you all can probably guess that losing everything on it(including all the high rez and files not put online) combined with the 14 hour drive of disapointment and this rejection...it was more or less the thing that broke me.  The Canada thing is a setback...but survivable and I can resolve...but combined with the computer dieing...it cant help but feel like this is a cosmic kick to the balls.  Cause I can't even do anything at this moment. No comics...no arts...nothing to distract me from the fact i've been leveled with SUCK.

At the moment, I'm thinking of heading back to Indiana. Most of my paperwork is there...and it will be easy enough to revamp most of the things I'm lacking. Since I own my own car, I should be relatively better financial-wise...but I still need to get bank statements to be safe.

But honestly...right now everything just really hurts.  My legs from the drive...my head...but mostly that thing deep down inside my gut when I try to think about all that has happened.  I'm still not entirely sure how I go about resolving things(Do i have to go back to that exact guy? Or can I go to any immigration office at a customs?)  But the computer is probably the worst blow.  And I realize that heh...it all sounds so horribly lame and like a real-furry-artist...I really wish Mike didn't try to do a call out for money...cause it sounds so cliche and laughable that "oh look. Amber is in another financial bind, lets get the nice readers to give her more money."  I can see why Netami normally has his opinion of me...I really am quite a stupid sight...only a month after my last financial hurdle here comes another.

I guess it all boils down to priorities...and currently my main one is getting my comp running so I can update(and I even did a comic in advance so I coulod update!!  Its...ironic I guess) and then getting enough stuff together so I can prove to Canada I'm not a lying vagrant.  So basically, I guess I'll be doing my last ditch of all efforts.

once I get my computer up...if I get my computer up..., I'm going to auction off the original DMFA strips.  probably in batches...not sure of the amount.  Probably betweeb 10 and 50.  Or Maybe entire arcs...that should hopefully raise enough that I can present a decent financial front.

I'm just tired...and probably rambling.    The drive was a drain...I havent eaten in 24 hours and I'm not even hungry...my spirits have been curb-stomped and I keep going through my head various what ifs...

I didnt even know I could screw things up so majestically in the span of 1 day. 

Oh please, I'm pissed at you over something that happened like five years ago and was none of my business. I've been squeezing blood from a turnip for about four of those years. You're an established artist and there's no goddamn shame in getting money for hard work. I believe there's been about TWO incidents where I felt like you were abusing your "benefactors" ((I was also under the assumption that you had no income besides donations. The telecom thing was sort of a shock.))

Your computer problem sounds like a loose hard-drive, and even if it's not the only way you could seriously lose everything is if you decided to pack it next to a magnet. I don't know who is local to you besides Slavkei (And he's savvy enough to look for that), but don't do anything you'll regret later just because things appear to be fucked up.

Give us a number to shoot for. My last post was not sarcastic and I am going to be pissed at you if you don't take our charity with pride.

Its possible to be polite and anal at the same time that describes Canada customs for you. I work for a similar industry airport security.

Typical American Traveler: "but I got through L.A. with it" or "it's legal in the US"

Airport Security or Canada Customs: "you are not in the States the rules are different here now would you kindly surrender the item"

T.A.T. " I'm a American citizen. I have rights I know this is allowed in the US it should be allowed here too"

A.S. / C.C. "once again sir your not in the US anymore, you are now subject to Canada's rules. now will you please surrender the item before you get into more trouble"

T.A.T" ***** here take the ****** thing I hope you enjoy it. ******."  (storms off in a huff)

A.S. / C.C  "Have a nice trip"

sadly this happens several times a day at airport security. I'm sure Canada Customs gets it far more often than us.

Now Amber for you next attempt at the border. try being care bear nice even if it makes you teeth fall out. they'll think you belong and pass you right through :mowcookie

(Edit: trust me there are a few Canada Customs agents the make Snape look like a saint not all Canadians are super nice people. however most of us are nice I hope your next attempt you get a nice border agent)

 :cuss   RARG!!!! stupid stupid STUPID, Border people!!!!!

i am so freakin' embarrased to be a canadian right now.......those customs and immigrations retards! i could barely even get into my own freakin country sometimes >__<  !!!!

anyways, i am going to phone those bastards as soon as buisness hours begin, hey dose anybody know wich border crrosing station  she used? that would be helpful info...

*sigh* I will do my best to try to straighten this out from the inside,  i'll also get Jamesstarunner , and we will totaly try to help out in any way

to Amber: im sorry you got turned away like that,  not all canadians are like those border people retards. once we get you in here, if you ever find yourself in Alberta , feel free to email me  and drop by, we'll have a vist. ^_^

Quote from: Wildy on July 19, 2006, 04:21:42 AM
To be honest...the biggest and worst blow is actually teh computer. From what it looks like...the hard drive or something got jostled on the trip and it caused the problem.  I'll find out this Friday if the hard drive is even recoverable...but you all can probably guess that losing everything on it(including all the high rez and files not put online) combined with the 14 hour drive of disapointment and this rejection...it was more or less the thing that broke me.  The Canada thing is a setback...but survivable and I can resolve...but combined with the computer dieing...it cant help but feel like this is a cosmic kick to the balls.  Cause I can't even do anything at this moment. No comics...no arts...nothing to distract me from the fact i've been leveled with SUCK.

Jesus.  I hate to say it, but this is exactly why I wanted to buy the master copies for what is still extant.  I'm too late as ever :(
How much of it is burned onto CD/DVD?

The drive iself should be recoverable to the point of extracting data from it, although it may require a cleanroom job if the mechanism is physically damaged.
Get a quote for it, up to and including cleanroom recovery - I should be able to underwrite the cost, although I'll expect DVD copies for that kind of money ;)

And please, please, don't sell the physical strips until they have been scanned in.

When I think I'm planing to migrate to Canada within some years : that doesn't reassure me at all.  :tired I thought it was easy to migrate to Canada, I'm so naïve...
I know that what I'm going to say will be useless but anyway : I'm sorry to learn all that, sorry for what happened in the border, sorry for your computer. I hope everything will go right quickly and you'll be able to make your way to Canada next time. And I hope the hard drive will be recoverable.

I'd really like to learn more about your computer, because everyone seems to be assuming it's the hard-drive which very well may not be the case.  It could be as simple as a loose stick of memory.  And even if your hard-drive did get corrupted somewhow, but not physically damged, you could still gets the files transfered to another hard-drive, no problem.

Sorry to hear about all this crap happening at once, I can't imagine what you must be going through, but you'll feel so much better once you get settled in and everything.  It's just a little complication/miscommunication, right?  Nothing to get you banned from Canada or something.

Sorry I can't help out by sending money or something (I'm dead broke), but I can quote a song! A very good song by a very good band!  "You worry too much / You make yourself sad; You can't change fate / But don't feel so bad; Enjoy it while you can / It's just like the weather; So quit complaining brother; No one lives forever!!"

Hmm... that seemed to make more sense when I first thought of it...

Sic Piff on the border patrol!  After a trip that long he can use the exercise.

Quote from: Vaguely Creepy on July 19, 2006, 02:20:34 AM
She didn't get in because they're trying to take over the world too.

http://www.megatokyo.com/index.php?strip_id=200

They don't want the competition.

I was thinking of this: http://www.megatokyo.com/index.php?strip_id=10.  Would she have to face a hockey player or a Mountie?

Quote from: ×HaZ×MaT× on July 19, 2006, 05:47:56 AM
I'd really like to learn more about your computer, because everyone seems to be assuming it's the hard-drive which very well may not be the case.  It could be as simple as a loose stick of memory.  And even if your hard-drive did get corrupted somewhow, but not physically damged, you could still gets the files transfered to another hard-drive, no problem.

Yes, I jumped the gun on that.  The first step would be to establish whether it's the drive that's failed or anything else.  Follow my suggestion above ONLY if the disk unit itself is physically damaged, i.e. it isn't spinning or is making clicking sounds.  Then, and only then, do you panic and look at data recovery centres.

P.S.  In the happy event that it's some other component failed, or the thing has simply come unplugged, I'd still like to acquire copies of the full-res files in case it does happen.

Pesky wannabe illegal immigrants...  :cuss

:mowsad  :mowsad Uhm, wait, I was joking!  :mowignore :mowninja Don't hurt me, please... NO!  NOT my brain! I need it!  :mowcookie :mowcookie   :zombiekun2 Need brains...

Quote from: Tapewolf on July 19, 2006, 06:05:30 AM
Yes, I jumped the gun on that.  The first step would be to establish whether it's the drive that's failed or anything else.  Follow my suggestion above ONLY if the disk unit itself is physically damaged, i.e. it isn't spinning or is making clicking sounds.  Then, and only then, do you panic and look at data recovery centres.

P.S.  In the happy event that it's some other component failed, or the thing has simply come unplugged, I'd still like to acquire copies of the full-res files in case it does happen.

if a hard drive is physically (mechanically) dead forget it, do you realize how much those cleanroom recovery cost? I'm being optimistic if I say 5 and add at least 3-4 zeros to it..... unless the data is extremely important and costy, you will probably not see mister regular ever ask for such a thing.

QuoteFrom what it looks like...the hard drive or something got jostled on the trip and it caused the problem.

QuoteI'll find out this Friday if the hard drive is even recoverable.

Tapewolf and HazmaT are right. Ive had similar problems once but i got off lightly with only a broken master-boot sektor (which also makes it appear broken). Gornemant is right on the financial issue though.

QuoteAnd I realize that heh...it all sounds so horribly lame and like a real-furry-artist...I really wish Mike didn't try to do a call out for money...cause it sounds so cliche and laughable that "oh look. Amber is in another financial bind, lets get the nice readers to give her more money."

No. No it doesnt. To be precise it sounds more like "My computer broke down and ive lost alot of work" so there now actually is a reason to donate for our favorite artist.

QuoteI really am quite a stupid sight...only a month after my last financial hurdle here comes another.

:< Please stop saying that. Its not even nearly your own fault and you blaming yourself makes me sad (and i dont think im alone here).

QuoteI'm just tired...and probably rambling.    The drive was a drain...I havent eaten in 24 hours and I'm not even hungry...my spirits have been curb-stomped and I keep going through my head various what ifs...

You want something cliche and laughable? Here it is: I beg you to calm down, even get some rest.(But i asume the people closer to you do a much better job than me on this)
This has been a heavy impact (but not your fault), and nobody is going to blame you for not updating for the time it takes you to solve it. There is no need to hurry.

QuoteI didnt even know I could screw things up so majestically in the span of 1 day.

Theres one huge error in this one, and i hope by now you dont need my help to spot it.

Quote from: Gornemant on July 19, 2006, 06:32:00 AM
if a hard drive is physically (mechanically) dead forget it, do you realize how much those cleanroom recovery cost? I'm being optimistic if I say 5 and add at least 3-4 zeros to it..... unless the data is extremely important and costy, you will probably not see mister regular ever ask for such a thing.

That's a bit more than I've seen, but I have only been able to get ballpark figures thus far.  Have you actually had the service done?  I note you didn't specify the currency either, although you're probably thinking in terms of euros.  I was thinking in terms of three zeroes maximum, but note that I did say 'get a quote' not 'get it done'.

I'm so sorry to hear that, Amber. Make sure you don't let anyone format your hard drive until they've rescued every possible byte from it. Insist on that. Some things may be still recoverable. If you have a friend who knows about computers and can take a look at yours, ask him/her first.

What happened to you at the border was frustrating, but you're neither a criminal nor an illegal immigrant, so you should be able to find something that proves it. It reminds me of all the trouble I had to go through to get the US visa.

Mab here again

Right now momst things are banking on what the computer issue is.  Someone is coming out this Friday to do a full check on it, and then I'll likely know for sure what the issue is.  My biggest estimation is that something either happened on the trip that caused it to get jostled(there was one bump in particular that I recall caused a rather loud thnk), or a quick storm that came through when I was writing to Mason caused it to fry.  I could note that the computer for a bit did turn on and worked for a while...it was when I left to make a phone call and I returned to find it in its danger state.  I dont know the details of the code lingo, but from the sound of it there are several possible factors causing it...each staging from a simple solution to full computer revamp.  Once I know that, i can really set offand give a good estimate of cost damages.

The car repair beforehand and the trip was an extreme  unhappy with my bank.  I had to spend around $50 alone just because of stupid technical issues involving a phone card...just so I could spend five minutes telling Mason's brother I wont be able to make it.

As for the Canada issue, the guard really was zilch in help.  the only number they even gave me was $10,000, which I honestly couldn't say I had that on hand.  A few people have said that the average good amount to have is between $2000-$4000, as what the border is wnating is financial proof that I could afford to leave the country at any point.  They also mentioned that owning my own car can be used as proof as well...but since I dont know details and mybrain is still shot...I dont know by how much.

Right now I can't honeslty give an estimate or a goal because I'm still trying to figure out what all the heck has happened and what I'm suppose to do next.  I suppose first priority is the computer.  Dmoon and friends have been working out a strategy to knock off all the quotas on the list the guard gave me.  (Ten to one though says that when I do retry, the guard I go to will not even give a care and just wave me through)  I have to renew my stickers and get a new lisense, but this time I'll make sure they both match.  Not sure how much that costs yet...not to mention gas and probably should factor food.

Thankfully I think my hosting server at Xepher is more than understanding if I ask to miss a couple month payments.

I need to find out if I need to present the evidence to that particular customs office, or if I can go to any customs and immigration to handle it.  Regardless...with all the events that have happened, my mental facilities are a bit shot and worn as is.  hopefully come the weekend I will have a full outline of what all is needed...but right now I'm in a bit of a daze and cant' think really straight.  Everything is still kinda "doom doom you sucketh Amber doom"

That's quite a tale of incredible sucktitude. * hugs Amber *

I hope the damage to the pc is limited and easily fixed. Have a trusted & competent computer-geek look at it, if you have one near you.
If the hard disk has failed, be prepared: professional data recovery is (very) expensive.  :<

A (belated) tip for anyone else hauling their comps anywhere: back everything important up on cd-r's of dvd-r's. Their cheap, and if packaged well (in a cd-case, and cd-case packed in a case surrounded by padding, and not stashed under ass-loads of other stuff) should survive just about any trip to anywhere.

I'm paranoid about damaging my computer-hardware on trips, so whenever I have to haul my pc to anywhere, I do the following:

I remove the hard disk, put it in an anti-static plastic bag, seal it, and carry it in a seperate sturdy, well-padded box.
If the cpu-cooler is on the hefty side and goes over the recomended weight-limit for the processor or the mainboard, I remove that one as well, and give it the same treatment as the hard-disk.
The rest goes into the box the case came in (I keep it around just for when I haul my rig around). It's sturdy, and has styrofoam packing material that fits perfectly around my pc.
when I reach my destination, I check the insides of the pc for any loose memory-modules, connectors and cards, and replug my hard-disk and cpu-cooling.
This was probably more useful before the migration, so yeah, I suck.  :(

I hope you get the paper-work sorted out quickly.

Also, if the Canadians won't accept "web-comic artist' as a proper job, describe it as 'internet-enabled illustration artist / writer'. ;)

Also, I hope that Canadian border-basterd gets assaulted by polar bears, wolves, eskimo's, seals, trees, hail, snow, ice, marauding french-speaking woodsmen, and mooses.

For now, I'd say get some sleep, call your mom / family / friends for support (that's what they're for), and then try again.

Quote from: Stig Hemmer on July 19, 2006, 06:11:56 AM
Pesky wannabe illegal immigrants... :cuss

:mowsad :mowsad Uhm, wait, I was joking! :mowignore :mowninja Don't hurt me, please... NO! NOT my brain! I need it! :mowcookie :mowcookie :zombiekun2 Need brains...

* squashes Stig Hemmer like a bug *

I have to say that I agree with Netami that you, Amber, shouldn't panic and Hazzy.  Most computer problems actually seem ten times more serious than what they actually are.

[You might've already gone over all this but I'm going over it just for the sake of completeness.]

Based upon the hard drive analysis, I'm guessing that it looks like the hard drive because something's going funky on boot.  Memory can also cause things to go funky on boot, it can even make the computer believe that a hard drive's boot sector is fried.  I've actually seen that, it's as scary as ... fornication.

So I'd say you need to do a few things, Ambs.

First of all, get Memtest on a disk.  The good Memtest.  The worthy Memtest.  The one that's really good at finding problems.

This version of Memtest (http://www.memtest.org/).

Slap that on a disk, tell the computer to boot from the disk drive and leave it running at least overnight.  If you can go 24 hours without any issues, then it means your RAM and CPU are fine.  If something happens within the first few hours, from personal experiences that's usually the RAM.  If something happens past the overnight mark, that's troublesome because it could be the RAM or the CPU cache.  So that can require a lot of swapping around.

If there is a RAM problem, try removing the sticks one at a time, then two at a time, rebooting each time.  See if you can track down a problem stick.  If it might be a CPU issue, try temporarily replacing the CPU if you can find a friend with a CPU that you can borrow.

If however Memtest turns up nothing at all (eeee!), try snagging a cheap 10gb hard disk from somewhere, they're pittance these days.  I'd even donate the amount for you to buy one, no worries there.  Anyway, get one of those, slap it in and try installing an OS on it.

If you still have problems with the cheap HDD, then the problem is likely elsewhere, in which case you should try putting the HDD in another computer, again you'll need a friend with a computer for this to be tried.

If you determine that the hard drive is fried, then cleanroom extraction might be the only way to get the data back but as Netami said, unless you actually had a magnet sitting next to the HDD, it's very unlikely it's destroyed for good.

Hell, I've seen a friend of mine rebuild a hard-drive by having the damaged disk and another hard drive of the same model and the thing has worked after.  So really, don't sweat it.

To be honest, I'd say that viruses are a greater worry than any physical damage and I doubt you'd have a coincidental strike like that.

I apologize if I'm not making too much sense, the heat here is frying my brain but the long and short of it is (to paraphrase a PC magazine columnist over here); if it isn't broke, don't fix it, if it is broke, don't panic.

So I'll leave it at that and I really hope you don't panic yourself overly about this Amber.  PCs are sturdier things than most people give them credit for.

----

Hm, based on Amber's recent post, that doesn't sound too much like it's hard drive based.  It's too ... intermittant?  It sounds more like a loose RAM stick that finally worked its way out, bad RAM or something related to the CPU's cache, definitely something memory related.

What happens when you boot it up currently, Amber?

----

Oh and I'm assuming memory because frankly, I've been involved with a lot of PC repairs.  I work on PCs for friends and family and I work with a friend who has a store ... but I don't know anywhere near as much as him, I just sit and watch a lot.  The thing is, it seems like 90 per cent of the problems I've seen over that time are memory based.  Memory always seems to be the first thing to go or the most likely thing to be faulty.

It could even be that an electrical surge has damaged the motherboard or something insane like that (since a storm was mentioned) but ... my instincts are screaming memory.

Quote from: Vidar on July 19, 2006, 07:06:59 AM
If the hard disk has failed, be prepared: professional data recovery is (very) expensive.  :<

There are some cheaper alternatives. You can plug the hard drive to another computer (assuming you can borrow one) and see what you can get out of it. And while you're at it you can run recovery tools like Scandisk, and there was a very good one by Mc Afee, but I'm not sure if it's still available. And there's always the option of using a bootable disk, run the machine from the disk on DOS, Linux or whatever, and retrieve as many important files as possible (it tends to work better than Windows for that purpose).

Quote from: Wildy on July 19, 2006, 07:06:16 AM...PCs are sturdier things than most people give them credit for...

I once dropeed my computer down the last two steps of a flight of stairs and everything worked fine afterwards, so I wouldn't worry about a little bump in the road. :D

Quote from: Gabi on July 19, 2006, 07:16:02 AMThere are some cheaper alternatives. You can plug the hard drive to another computer (assuming you can borrow one) and see what you can get out of it. And while you're at it you can run recovery tools like Scandisk, and there was a very good one by Mc Afee, but I'm not sure if it's still available. And there's always the option of using a bootable disk, run the machine from the disk on DOS, Linux or whatever, and retrieve as many important files as possible (it tends to work better than Windows for that purpose).

They're talking about extensive physical/mechanical damage, to the point where the disk no longer spins or something extravegant like that.

Quote from: Tapewolf on July 19, 2006, 06:43:24 AM

Quote from: Gornemant on July 19, 2006, 06:32:00 AM
if a hard drive is physically (mechanically) dead forget it, do you realize how much those cleanroom recovery cost? I'm being optimistic if I say 5 and add at least 3-4 zeros to it..... unless the data is extremely important and costy, you will probably not see mister regular ever ask for such a thing.

That's a bit more than I've seen, but I have only been able to get ballpark figures thus far.  Have you actually had the service done?  I note you didn't specify the currency either, although you're probably thinking in terms of euros.  I was thinking in terms of three zeroes maximum, but note that I did say 'get a quote' not 'get it done'.

Had that done at my previous job, user was stupid enought not to backup his stuff or save it on the server, revocer was around 34'000 euro (50'000 swiss francs) for the most important files (because yes, they also go "the more files you want restored the more you pay for it).
You have to keep in mind that those clean rooms are pretty costy, there shouldn't be the slightest dust in there, it's a sterilized environnement, (don't remember exactly but I think the drive itself is taken appart in a vacuum). In short that's not something you can do in your garage :p

Though I wouldn't jump on the broken drive too fast either, usually there are symptoms preceding the actual drive "death" (or at least in most cases), usually system instabillity, inaccessible files, extreme slowlyness, loud noise and so on, depending on what's actually broken. That and there can be so many other issues with the computer as stated before.
So for now we'll all just wait since there's already someone else on it with a second computer to plug the hard drive in and check the computer on site.

Rowne, Memtest is not a cpu burner...
and I didn't see one "minimum configuration" yet...

edit:
that and I doubt she's quite in the mood to check the computer now and describe in details what happens when it boots, check connections etc...

Oh, that reminds me ...

If the hard drive does seem to be okay then I'd definitely recommend buying some kind of backup device.  Even a redundant DVD burner.  There's software that can image to a DVD on a scheduled basis, making daily or even multiple times per day backups.

I know that personally, if I wasn't making daily backups, I would go quite, quite mad.  A backup is truly about the only thing I can rely on.  When data is backed up multiple times, I know that I can rely on at least one of the backup media items to retain my data.

Backing up and even backing up redundantly can be a life-saver.  I know it's a lot of money to be shelling out Amber and I know you're broke right now but I really recommend it.

Quote from: ×HaZ×MaT× on July 19, 2006, 07:20:36 AM

Quote from: Wildy on July 19, 2006, 07:06:16 AM...PCs are sturdier things than most people give them credit for...

I once dropeed my computer down the last two steps of a flight of stairs and everything worked fine afterwards, so I wouldn't worry about a little bump in the road. :D

Last week I dropped portable HDD (Unit 01) one foot onto carpet.  Total mechanical failure (i.e. cleanroom job).  Fortunately it was a backup image of the main system, so I just got it replaced, but nonetheless it sucked to be without a backup.  I have two of these now and burn stuff onto DVD as well.

Quote

Quote from: Gabi on July 19, 2006, 07:16:02 AMThere are some cheaper alternatives. You can plug the hard drive to another computer (assuming you can borrow one) and see what you can get out of it. And while you're at it you can run recovery tools like Scandisk, and there was a very good one by Mc Afee, but I'm not sure if it's still available. And there's always the option of using a bootable disk, run the machine from the disk on DOS, Linux or whatever, and retrieve as many important files as possible (it tends to work better than Windows for that purpose).

They're talking about extensive physical/mechanical damage, to the point where the disk no longer spins or something extravegant like that.

Yes.  On balance, that was a case of jumping the gun.  If it's a controller failure, you can replace the logic with another board from a compatible model, but this is not usually caused by a knock.  If it's intermittent, it's not a head crash (worst case scenario) and the data should be easily recoverable.

If Windows has eaten itself, or the boot block has been mangled etc, someone with another disk drive an a Knoppix boot CD should be able to copy it all off.
I do have a tendency to assume the worst - it's part of my nature.

And yes - do what Rowne says - get a backup device.  Assuming we don't have to have a 'recover Amber's HDD' fund drive, I'll donate the amount I spent on my portable disks (DVDs are a good idea too, mind).

Quote from: Wildy on July 19, 2006, 04:21:42 AM
(some of them being things I simply didnt think about taking cause I didnt expect the Spanish Inquisition)

Sheesh. The perfect opening, and nobody is doing the "Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!" joke? You guys are lame :P

Quote from: Tapewolf on July 19, 2006, 07:34:35 AM
If Windows has eaten itself, or the boot block has been mangled etc, someone with another disk drive an a Knoppix boot CD should be able to copy it all off.
I do have a tendency to assume the worst - it's part of my nature.

Minor problems in that category could also be handled by hooking up the old HD as Slave to Wildy's computer. Requires some fiddling with the IDE cables, but it's usually the fastest alternative to check up on a HD. Knoppix is nice and stuff, but despite trying to be as newbie-friendly as Linux can be, it can have some minor speedbumps if you're not used to it. And depending on your connection, downloading the CD image might take "a while", too. ;)

All jokes and smilies aside, I hope your stuff gets sorted out soon. Nobody deserves such a double-blow of suckitude. Especially not in the sectors that are important to you: Living/Home and PC/Art. Wish ya the best! :)

EDIT: Whoa, who drugged the :) smiley? O.o

HEY WELCOME TO THE FORUM SID.

I have a feeling her HD is going to be just fine and she isn't going to sell her originals because SOONER OR LATER, someone is going to repost the paypal link and give us a number to shoot for.

Quote from: Sid on July 19, 2006, 07:59:56 AM
Minor problems in that category could also be handled by hooking up the old HD as Slave to Wildy's computer. Requires some fiddling with the IDE cables, but it's usually the fastest alternative to check up on a HD.

Wildy's computer: in fact an Apple laptop  :raspberry

Quote from: Tapewolf on July 19, 2006, 07:34:35 AMLast week I dropped portable HDD (Unit 01) one foot onto carpet.  Total mechanical failure (i.e. cleanroom job).

Hmm...  No offense, but it must've been pretty crappy.  :| I dropped my MP3 player out of my friends truck door (2ft) onto asphalt and had some scratches on the cover.  Dumb-luck, I guess.

As for getting a backup device, I would just get another hard-drive, preferably USB.

Quote from: Netami on July 19, 2006, 08:04:41 AM
HEY WELCOME TO THE FORUM SID.

I have a feeling her HD is going to be just fine and she isn't going to sell her originals because SOONER OR LATER, someone is going to repost the paypal link and give us a number to shoot for.

Thank you!
And the Paypal link is on the site ("Feed the Mows - PAYPAL"), though... unless I'm missing something here... never tried it myself, so it's a possibility.

Quote from: Gornemant on July 19, 2006, 08:09:31 AM

Quote from: Sid on July 19, 2006, 07:59:56 AM
Minor problems in that category could also be handled by hooking up the old HD as Slave to Wildy's computer. Requires some fiddling with the IDE cables, but it's usually the fastest alternative to check up on a HD.

Wildy's computer: in fact an Apple laptop  :raspberry

*facefaults* That was HER laptop on those AC photos? Argh... of course... she mentioned using a Mac... damn, I can be slow sometimes... *slightly jealous of Wildy's mobile power*
Well, it's still possible that she has an external drive case (the IDE-to-USB sort). I use one myself (hooked up to a Mac Mini that is about equally un-upgradable as a laptop) and can say that it can read FAT32 at the very least. Not sure about NTFS, though *frowns*

Not-really-EDIT:
Wow, so this is the Anti-Ninja thingy people talked about... o.o

Quote from: ×HaZ×MaT× on July 19, 2006, 08:16:40 AM

Quote from: Tapewolf on July 19, 2006, 07:34:35 AMLast week I dropped portable HDD (Unit 01) one foot onto carpet.  Total mechanical failure (i.e. cleanroom job).

Hmm...  No offense, but it must've been pretty crappy.  :| I dropped my MP3 player out of my friends truck door (2ft) onto asphalt and had some scratches on the cover.

As for getting a backup device, I would just get another hard-drive, preferably USB.

That's great for daily backups of your data, but not so great for transporting over large distances, as Ambers hard disk so aptly demonstrated. For packing large quantities of data for a long trip, there I would use only 1 option: dvd-r's. They're more shock-resistant then hard disks. Remember: hard disks have moving parts, and are made to survive sitting in a pc-case that sits somewhere on a desk, not made for travel, bumping around a lot, or much movement at all.
Dvd's don't have this problem: no moving parts.

Quote from: Gornemant on July 19, 2006, 06:32:00 AM
if a hard drive is physically (mechanically) dead forget it, do you realize how much those cleanroom recovery cost? I'm being optimistic if I say 5 and add at least 3-4 zeros to it..... unless the data is extremely important and costy, you will probably not see mister regular ever ask for such a thing.

Interesting. Watching a geek mailing list I'm on, recently someone was suggested ~1500 GBP to recover data from a disk.

But yeah - it depends on how dead it is, and how urgently you want the information back. If you're willing to pay, you can strip information back to 50 or more levels of deleting files off the disk on the same physical space. That's kinda expensive, tho it does explain why the military idea of a "cleaned disk" is dropping thermite on it and waiting for it to melt... :-)

 :erk Seems like everyone I know is having problems....But I do hope everything will get better soon or else i have to punch fate in the....Well where it is...Sides rember Amber I just hope things will get better soon....Many hugs and wishes...
                                                      Love Zedd  :rose

well I'm not that far away with 5K X3

Hm, so the harddisk got bumped (or fried), then WORKED for a few minutes and then just shut down? Ive never heard of that before. Considering that harddisks turn at rates of 7000 rpm, thats sounds unlikely to me.
Which makes me wonder about your definition of dead:

Does it react to the power switch?

Do the fans turn?

Doesnt it complete booting (with some cryptic message) ?

Are you able to reach the BIOS (del during the bootup)?

QuoteI dont know the details of the code lingo, but from the sound of it there are several possible factors causing it...each staging from a simple solution to full computer revamp.

If it helps to make you less desperate, could you possibly give any more information?

What do you mean with "danger state"?

Oh, and ive had several "serious" error messages for quite a while, but it ended up being just some buggy media player i installed messing things up. So heads up, the nerd patrols going to translate all that code lingo, if you let em have it.

Quote from: ×HaZ×MaT× on July 19, 2006, 07:20:36 AMThey're talking about extensive physical/mechanical damage, to the point where the disk no longer spins or something extravegant like that.

In that case, yes, but Amber said she managed to start it once. I doubt the damage is so extensive. Moreover, I wouldn't be so sure if the problem is the hard disk. It could be the power source, the cooler, the microprocessor, the motherboard... the last 2 are very expensive, but at least once you get the money, you can get something that completely replaces what you lost.

And yes, I strongly recommend making backups of everything that can't be replaced, especially art (all forms of art, I mean).

I'll just repeat myself

Quote from: Gornemant on July 19, 2006, 07:21:47 AM
So for now we'll all just wait since there's already someone else on it with a second computer to plug the hard drive in and check the computer on site. That and I doubt she's quite in the mood to check the computer now and describe in details what happens when it boots, check connections etc...

geeez D:

Okay, take it easy! We were just trying to help! >_>

Quote from: Gabi on July 19, 2006, 08:59:20 AM
Okay, take it easy! We were just trying to help! >_>

I know, though you do realize the cacophony of a dozen tech guys + random geeks that fix the familly computer every now and then trying to fix a computer that's too far away for them to go to anyway O:)

Random interjection here.  I once knew of someone who had an issue with his hard disk.  He put it in the freezer for a day and when he hooked it back up it was fine.  No idea how the freezer helps.

Quote from: ShadesFox on July 19, 2006, 09:14:40 AM
Random interjection here.  I once knew of someone who had an issue with his hard disk.  He put it in the freezer for a day and when he hooked it back up it was fine.  No idea how the freezer helps.

Maybe the hard disk had stopped working because it was too hot?

But it could get wet in the freezer. That's too risky.

Anyway, I understand, Gorn. But, as I said in the chat, I don't think a discussion about computer repairs can hurt, and Amber doesn't have to read it if she doesn't feel like it.

Well, unless we have more info theres no use in randomly guessing what might have happened.
ive heard of the freezer trick before, but just in connection with scratched cds/dvds. But the moist is definitly a problem with harddisks, so i doubt thats a good idea for an experiment.

Btw, im not trying to fix it, im just trying to help her cheer up by trying to find things that speak AGAINST all her work having been ereased for good. Seems more productive to me than the discussion about thoussands of dollars needed for cleanroom recovery. But hey, im used getting yelled at.

eh heh, 'scuse me, sometimes I'm pretty tactless, don't take me serious because it's bold  :P

freezer? maybe deformation due to overheating, though cold also helps in conductivity.

and I didn't say anything about stoping the discussion on computer repairs  :U just saying that it's pretty pointless to ask the same questions 10 times over xD

As an update:

We pretty much have it planned out how to get her converted to an Indiana citizen en toto, so that she can show up at Canada with a unified home base.

As for her being employed, worst comes to worst I'll make up a "contract" with her from the company I work for, bringing her on as an independant artist on my crew.

And yes, the "Feed the Hungry Mows" button is what you use to donate, and it works currently. I double checked it.

As for the computer, it could be a number of things, including the HDD. I had a similar problem with my HDD, and it ended up being Windows being gobbled by a worm... and then getting hit by a lightning bolt. Suffice it to say, that computer it completely retired.

If we have to, I can have the HDD copied on the forensice imaging device my company has. It'll cost as little as 50 bucks or as much as 150 bucks (USD), but that's it. It'll even work on non-functioning drives.

(thinks) I think I ran outta stuff.

cool beans, thanks for the update :-)

Sweet. Access to the hardware to do funky stuff is all good (tm)

BTW - in respect to the freezer trick - generally it's prefixed by "wrap it in an antistatic bag and a plastic bag, in that order" in order to avoid getting it wet. And what it does is the bearings tend to get warm and freeze up - putting it in the freezer cools the ball bearings down, shrinking them to the point that they "unfreeze" - counter-intuitive at first glance, but it makes sense if you think about it.
Once the bearing shrink, they unlock, and the drive starts working again. Generally it's a good idea to use that as a last resort, and to drag all your data onto replacement hardware ASAP...


As Gorn and Dmoon have said, tho - it's in hand. So all we're doing is kibbitzing on methods, passing the time, shooting the breeze, and hoping things will work. :-) No pressure on anyone :-)

What Gorn said. :) I hope everything works out fine.

I believe the only good thing that happened on that fateful day was that Gorn's chocolate box arrived.
...
Let's hope it helps. D:

Quote from: FireKatKid on July 19, 2006, 10:35:22 AM
I believe the only good thing that happened on that fateful day was that Gorn's chocolate box arrived.
...
Let's hope it helps. D:

it all happened because I didn't get the souls requested yet! D: GIMME MY SOULS!  :zombiekun2

How about the souls of the border guards and other government officials. My Dad just got done fighting with them over his status from changing countries 60 years ago. They just like randomly come up with paperwork you have to find just to torture you, like parents and grandparents wedding certificates (not the one the church gave them but the one the church sent to the courthouse just so you don't have it and need to pay to get a copy) and kindergarden transcripts (do kindergardens even produce transcripts?)

Bah... they surely don't have souls and if they did they'd taste nasty.

 >:3

Ya see, this is why you should migrate to Mexico.  They require $10,000 too, I'd wager... but in their money, which is about $1.28 US.   :3 

The only other requirement is that you not sell or transport drugs... to anywhere but the US.  Other than that, they don't care.  And you can get endentured servants really cheap too!   >:3

Neni and I wish you the best and hope all things work out.  I wish there was something I could do, but the entire country is a barrier.  Hopefully I can add to the donations.   

QuoteSomething about her making fun of hockey or their freaky colored money...

Hush, you! Our money rocks! 

Sorry, Amber, about our borders... We're just trying to keep all the freaky terrorists and furries out.   xD

I'm supposing that's "freaky furries" considering there's a few cons up there ;p

Anyways, good luck Amber and I'll cross fingers for you.

Quote from: Supercheese on July 19, 2006, 01:04:57 AM

Canada is normally not this uncool. Well, I mean, it's cool as in temperature year-round, but it's normally a fun place...

speek fer yerself, is's gotta be 30 degrees C' out here..


this reminds me of a joke this one comedian said on Just for Laughs

"I know that you sneeky Canadians did with all your mean people, you took all of em' and put them on the border!"

or something like that...

Quote from: Wildy on July 19, 2006, 07:06:16 AM
As for the Canada issue, the guard really was zilch in help.  the only number they even gave me was $10,000, which I honestly couldn't say I had that on hand.  A few people have said that the average good amount to have is between $2000-$4000, as what the border is wnating is financial proof that I could afford to leave the country at any point.  They also mentioned that owning my own car can be used as proof as well...but since I dont know details and mybrain is still shot...I dont know by how much.

Actually, those are two different things. Unless you're already resident, virtually all countries will want proof of your ability to leave before they let you in. One of my cousins had a similar problem when he tried flying out to visit an aunt without purchasing a return ticket. Essentially, you need to provide them with a date of departure and evidence that you'll be able to return home. The $10k number you got from customs is what they'll want as proof of your ability to stay.

Canadian customs will need proof that you have at least C$ 10168 on hand or in the bank before they let you in on a permanent basis. That's a hard number that some beancounters in immigrations pulled out of their butts to represent your financial ability to settle in our country.

Off hand, I can think of two ways around that limitation. One is to have a job waiting for you in Canada. You'll need a work visa first--which you can convert to residency or citizenship at a later date. Self-employment doesn't count. The other method would be to legally marry Mason before you move in permanently. Spouses are exempt from the financial requirements to entry (although immigrations may want evidence that you are actually madly in love with each other and not just marrying to get into the country).

All the computer and money talk aside...

I found todays comic funny. :mowhappy

wow that's a big load of suckitude at once

as for the PC it could also could be a bad sector problem. if a bad sector hits a part of the OS, the PC will likely refuse to boot and sometimes even files that are in bad sectors are at times recoverable (even if partially)

yeah, what it's needed right now is a PC you can plug the HD as secondary drive and then get someone who knows to recovery everything you can.

as for the migration. I don't know anything about it, specially on a country in the north of my opposite hemisphere, so I cant only wish good luck

Heh. There's like 8 computer geeks here wishing they could get their hands on that computer.

Alright, there's just so much I know about everything here.  :)

First, the hard-drive-in-freezer thing was to relieve a specific problem with certain drives and a condition called stiction, where the lubricants got so hot, they no longer were effective and the drive just seized up on the spindle. Cooling it down let it run long(er) to rescue the data.

Next, all the official information from Canada is at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/faq/immigrating-1.html. I'm not sure if her chances are better at going skilled or business. (Business is where the 'self-employed and creative' types go.)

Amber, when i get my Birthday money from all my relatives, i'm gonna find a way to get it to 'ya...my trip to Michigan can wait until you get to canada safely.

Who knows a way that a 17-year old can get a paypal account?

O_O I think Amber would probably be mad at you if you sent her your birthday money. Something tells me she'll feel SOOOO guilty.

teh only way i'll be stopped is if i can't get a paypal account or i get less than $10 for my birthday (which would suck)

Paypal is a bitch if you don't have a check or credit card. You're only seventeen so... Just keep yer birthday porn monies.

Quote from: Netami on July 19, 2006, 07:15:16 PM
Paypal is a bitch if you don't have a check or credit card. You're only seventeen so... Just keep yer birthday porn monies.

i'll bribe my dad to make me one..i have a credit Card >w<

You wouldn't be the only one though, I bet, Xze.  After all this I can see how much and how desperately Amber needs a backup device.  Whether it's a tape drive, a redundant DVD burner or whatever other nifty backup tech I can think of, she needs something that can run daily backups.

I think that's even more important than getting the computer repaired to be honest.  There is no greater torture than data loss and there is no greater boon than having a DVD sitting around in a DVD drive that backs up until its full, tells you so and then takes another DVD to fill.  *Cough.*

I feel so bad for Amber though.  Only once in my life have I ever had serious data loss and it's one of the worst forms of torture I've ever endured.  I've endured some crazy kinds of torture that would drive most insane but only two have affected me on a long term basis.  A departed pet and lost data.

That's why I'm so passionate about helping.  After my first serious run-in with data loss, I setup the system I've spoken of above and since then, I have had a couple of hardware dives, one which even took out a partition but it hasn't mattered because my data has been copied repeatedly over numerous DVDs.

I think I must have stacks approaching upon a 1,000 CDs and DVDs of pure backupness now.  :p

And considering that a decent tub of DVDs is cheap (I can get 50 for a tenner here in the UK) and they'll last a good, long while, anywhere between two weeks and a number of months depending on what's being backed up, it's a really good investment and great for sanity.

So prevention against this ever happening again is as important as getting it fixed now.  I just had to stress that again, it's really important.

I hope it's nothing serious though, I've seen comics destroyed by data loss and to be honest, DMFA is my favourite.  It's the only comic I check in for personally quite often instead of letting the Webcomic List manage my alerts 100 per cent as I do with other comics.  It'd be a great loss in my opinion.

So yeah, this is why I want it to be memory or something simple.

So ... not much to add but if Amber needs money, she's got it from me, too.  I just hope she'll buy a good backup system.

Amber needs to look on the bright side, at least her unborn child will have dual citizenship...
and thus can never be turned away from the Cannadian Border.  Why Didn't Amber go with her boyfriend/fiance, its not like it's hard to pass for Canadian.  Amber could've always borrowed a cap representing some lame hockey team from tailsteak (i.e. the maple leafs) and crossed that way.  Also an american birth certification card works occasionally...at least it did in the past.

As far as backups, if she wants my company offeres an off-site secure backup program. Works quite nicely, actually.

Alright, being the fool that I am, I'm going to post blindly by not reading anyone else previous statements (Save Widly's aka Amber's).

First off, the harddrive will be recoverable, I have had the exact same thing happen to me. A good sign is that you got it to turn on and find data on it. That means your files are not compromised. However, there could be issues with the bootrecord (Simple fix at Staples... which is a Canadian store) or maybe the filestructure died. Maybe a hardware failure or it overheated. The processor could be shot, but hey! You can recover all of your data.

Next on my little blurb list is the fact that I am very sorry that I cannot donate and help your cause. Reason being is that I'm a little broke teen with little to go on other then my rare webdesign offers. But I can donate you one thing, I do make enough to afford a yearly host that can support the load of your site's bandwidth, visitors, specifications. If your host turns the other way, I am willing to mirror / host your site in the meantime, or even permanently. I have always wanted to help people I respect but money has never been an option, and sadly so was my help. This is the only way I can, so if you need a hand, I can help you in that area.

Now I want to address this gross Canadian stereotype that appears to affect everyone's judgement. I am a Canadian, and I have been to the US. I can honestly say that we are no different in terms of the general way people are/react. Just because its Canada doesn't mean its all Lollipops and Gummiebears. You still have to deal with assholes (Pardon my French), and others who will just hate you for the sake of it. Border patrol are people that are not to be taken lightly just because you plan to get into Canada. They are just as concerned as US security and they will stop you if they believe something needs to be sorted out. Shame you got the officer who thought that the world was out to get him. This brings me to another statement, phone the customs office and request information and ask where you show your proof of existence, etc.

I am pleased to find out that you are moving to Canada, but don't believe that we are what everyone has made us through crappy media and stereotypical jokes. If anything, we support ourselves as a community, have cheaper currency, lower (not low, but lower) crime rates, and discretion is less (from what I gather). I have been told that we have cleaner streets, and nicer police, but I don't exactly support it.

Good luck Amber, and please don't feel like its all down the drain, things will pick up. After all, it is Canada.


PS. Computer repair is less then $20 if my reason is correct
PSS. Patrol isn't that hard, you'll make if next time provide Senior PMS isn't on duty
PSSS. WE DON'T SAY ABOOT! (Comical relief?)

tape drives are too retardedly expensive, I don't think it's a good idea

good backup choices are:

DVD-RW
External HD
SD cards or Pendrives

the first one would be the cheap one, backing up data would be slow but would be quite safe. it must be made sure the DVDs are kept in good conditions, away from scratches.

the second one has a reasonable price, and is easy and fast to backup and recover data, and able to store mostly anything without need of a second unit, however it's susceptible to impacts

the last one is fast, reliable, and portable, but all this comes at the expense of storage, since it's a lot more expensive. but a great choice if the backup doesnt surpass 1GB, since 1GB pendrives are dirt cheap nowadays

Quote from: Forgotten on July 19, 2006, 09:17:35 PMPSSS. WE DON'T SAY ABOOT! (Comical relief?)

Oh, I suppose you don't say soory, either?  :rolleyes  Don't lie to me, I have realtives in Canada! :lol  I've only ever been to Quebec (French Canada)  and the whole time I was there it was kind of unsettling because it felt like everyone was staring at me. :(

www.indy-backup.com

Another note about migrating to Mexico as advantageous over Canada is that they don't care if you plan on overstaying your visit... since that just means you'll be spending all your money there and end up dirt poor and living on refried beans for the rest of your life... without the benefits of Beano!   :mwaha

Quote from: Alondro on July 19, 2006, 09:57:35 PM
Another note about migrating to Mexico as advantageous over Canada is that they don't care if you plan on overstaying your visit... since that just means you'll be spending all your money there and end up dirt poor and living on refried beans for the rest of your life... without the benefits of Beano!   :mwaha

Careful of the Police in Mexico. They always try to get tourists to fight so they can throw em in jail and make em pay bail. D:

Quote from: ×HaZ×MaT× on July 19, 2006, 09:37:06 PM

Quote from: Forgotten on July 19, 2006, 09:17:35 PMPSSS. WE DON'T SAY ABOOT! (Comical relief?)

Oh, I suppose you don't say soory, either?  :rolleyes  Don't lie to me, I have realtives in Canada! :lol  I've only ever been to Quebec (French Canada)  and the whole time I was there it was kind of unsettling because it felt like everyone was staring at me. :(

you might blame the french for this, ou sounds like oo in french, I bet I can find a good bunch of people around here with a horrible accent that do exactly the same (though soory would be pushing it a bit far...) :P

You have incredible timing, Amber.  If you heading to Indiana on almost any week other than this one, I would have been glad to give your computer an examination for free (I'm in NW Indiana).  I couldn't guarantee I'd be able to fix it, but I could've at least narrowed down the problem somewhat.  Unfortunately, tomorrow I'm taking off for San Diego to visit family and I won't be back until the 31st, so I couldn't do anything until August 1st.  I'd donate if I had any spare funds but the trip I'm taking will likely drain me quite a bit (always does).

Regardless, I wish you luck in fixing all this, and, despite my extreme jealousy that you're moving to Canada, I do hope you get to where you want to be with all due haste and safety.  If I can offer any relevant help, advice, or information as the situation changes, I'll post.

-Cvstos

Try crossing at Alberta the whole Provence is desperate for workers. They would probably pay you to move here

Mab here:

Hopefully come Friday I can find out the extent of the PC issues. As of the time, I've had every spectrum of possibilities from full recovery to multi-k impossibilities...so I admit I'm a bit doom and gloom still.  At this time I'm still bracing for worst case scenario.

As for Canada, my current plans are to head back to Indiana for a couple weeks and stay with my brother and/or my mom.  Between the two, I should be able to get enough paperwork to cover every item on that list given.  Then I've asked Mason to come down the couple days before I go up and he will drive up with me as we head to the Port Huron(I think thats the one) border...cause Indiana to Canada has an insanely easy route where you just take I-69 the entire trip.  Hence the reason I need to find out if I can just go to any immigration office rather than the one in Buffalo/Niagra.

(Though knowing my luck, odds are the next guard I go to wont even care and I'll just get waved through...*clawhand*)  ultimately I think the rejection happened simply down to bad luck.  A few circumstances that while were not actually anything wrong, they seemed suspicious(like the liscense/plates/residencce being different) and me being grilled for something I wasnt expecting...and possibly just a bad day/disposition on the border guards part...it just fell down into that situation.

First issue at hand for me is the computer.  Then the move to Indiana...then Migration attempt 2.  Now that I have a better scope of what to expect, and a more solid gameplan, it should go without any issue.  Its just right now I'm a bit of a grumpy butt.  It's really aggravating sitting around with nothing to really do.  This prolly sounds lame, but I've been kinda scared to try drawing at the time just because I'm worried that might poop out on me in some form as well with all thats been going on.

If all goes best, DMFA will be back up by Monday. Worst case scenario, DMFA will still be back..it just might be a bit longer. 

Hopefully come Friday evening I will have good news.  Thanks to everyone who has suggested advice or just gave some nice words.

Quote from: Mab on July 20, 2006, 05:30:57 AMThis prolly sounds lame, but I've been kinda scared to try drawing at the time just because I'm worried that might poop out on me in some form as well with all thats been going on.

Why do I come to think of goth Mab. :P

You know, when there is nothing else you can do, take a nap. :D

*Charles hmms*  When times get tough, there are always lions to hug!  Squeeeee!!  *hugs Charline!*   :mowhappy   Wait a sec... *thinks that something is amiss, but due to his intense sleep deprivation he doesn't comprehend the doom*  Darn, if only I'd gotten some sleep I could figure this out...

*Charline raises claws, growling ferociously*  Don't worry, meat.  I'll make sure you rest in pieces from now on!    :bat

Hey Amber

Good to hear you feeling a bit better after all the badness that happened.

As all the other computer geeks have said the computer is probably fine, every once in a while something wiggles loose on those long trips (and sometimes they were never connected well in the first place). Hopefully you've got a competent computer friend comming over they'll pop off the case, reseat (detach and reattach) a few components and your all good. [and probably disloge a dustball or too while in there]

If not there's plenty of recovery options, lots of software to try before those expensive clean rooms. We'll say everything is peachy and not even go there.

Hopefully the border will be easier now, I'd still expect them to have a few questions you since this is not a day trip. Even on days trips most days are simple, but then there are those other days. Hopefully even easier with your beau with you for moral support or physical evidence. Just leave those red flags at home ;)

Later and best of luck.

Alright,
What I want to know is - where is this Mason person, and why isn't he around helping you out?  Seriously, if I had a fiancee who was having all this trouble, I'd be dropping everything to go help.  I'm starting to wonder about this guy.

Quote from: Rafe on July 20, 2006, 10:36:55 AM
Alright,
What I want to know is - where is this Mason person, and why isn't he around helping you out?  Seriously, if I had a fiancee who was having all this trouble, I'd be dropping everything to go help.  I'm starting to wonder about this guy.

I'm sure there is a very good reason for his absence, afterall, we aren't aware of all the details on what's going on here. 

Quote
Then I've asked Mason to come down the couple days before I go up and he will drive up with me as we head to the Port Huron

remember there are things in RL that could stop him from rushing down.  Work and all that.  It wouldn't do to have him rush down only to get fired from work.

Hey, some things are more important than work. 
Amber, let me know if you need a surrogate, somewhat angry, overprotective older brother.

(double post -where's the damn delete?)

and what good would it do Amber if Mason got fired for taking off?

Do you think She'd be happy that her husband to be is now unemployed?  leaving them in a fairly untenable finacel situation?  With the loss of a job I doubt they could keep there Canadain apartment.  the loss of an income can do alot of damage.   Trust me I know a bit about that.

Quote from: thegayhare on July 20, 2006, 11:56:48 AM
and what good would it do Amber if Mason got fired for taking off? 

Maybe he'd get a job at a place where they treat their employees as humans with actual lives and occassional emergencies.  Things like this happen when you're married.  [Rafe-still feeling over protective]

Yes but they arn't married yet,  If they were then it would be differnt.   

I need the day off cause my girlfreind has an emergancy is rather differnt then I need to leave the country for  several days because of a non medical emergancy.

If it were a matter of a day or two most places wouldn't  have a big problem but this would take a while just for him to get thre and back and to make the trip before mab knows where she's going to be for any period of time is also rather silly.  Right now he's probably arranging for the time off, so that the comapny has time to find some one to cover his job. 

While I'm sure he'd love to drop everything and rush down I doubt it would make anyone happy in the long run.  It's not that critical of an emergancy. It's disapointing certainly, but it's not life threatening.

Quote from: thegayhare on July 20, 2006, 01:01:26 PM
Yes but they arn't married yet,  If they were then it would be differnt.

While I fully agree with your other points (I had something quite similar typed up, but the Ninja-Warning showed me that it would've been redundant), I disagree there. Even if the were married already, I don't see him being able to just take off a few weeks from one day to the next. Especially since there isn't much he can do right now, other than giving huggles and sympathy.

Amber has a place to live, doesn't seem to be starving and already has a fairly good emergency plan. If Mason joined her now, what could he possibly add (other than huggles)? This isn't really about being married or not. It just doesn't strike me as the sort of "OMG MUST GO NOW" emergency where people can vanish for a short time (even then, a few weeks would be an entirely different question) after getting the news. Yeah, sure, it's bad and sucks a lot... but Amber hasn't fallen down the old mineshaft yet. *pats Lassie's head*

Quote from: Rafe on July 20, 2006, 12:36:25 PM

Quote from: thegayhare on July 20, 2006, 11:56:48 AM
and what good would it do Amber if Mason got fired for taking off? 

Maybe he'd get a job at a place where they treat their employees as humans with actual lives and occassional emergencies.  Things like this happen when you're married.  [Rafe-still feeling over protective]

I thought you weren't allowed to post unless you were advertising, pointing something out about a stupid comic tidbit, or telling people to donate money?

Quote from: Sid on July 20, 2006, 01:11:40 PM
Yeah, sure, it's bad and sucks a lot... but Amber hasn't fallen down the old mineshaft yet. *pats Lassie's head*

(http://24.106.113.210/otown/LassieAmber.jpg)

Dude, that's an ARM!  :U

Seriously though Rafe, you know Amber and her situation better than most of us. It falls within logical bounds that a sudden emergency would only serve to harsh job tension and then Amber would just feel worse over "nothing" even if it's the contrary. He's coming out to help her when she attempts again and I'm sure he's been supporting her via calls and such.

Well, to be serious for a moment, Amber is a very good friend of mine and I tend to worry about her more than I probably should, and I end up acting like some overprotective "nobody is good enough for you" older brother. 

But, as most of you have probably figured out, Amber has good deal of brains and common sense, so I guess I shouldn't worry too much.  Plus, she has my phone number if she has any problems on the way to Indiana or Port Huron.

http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_265.php
Come on, peeps, I know we all thought about that. :P

I'm sorry to hear of your troubles, Amber.
I hope your problems will be solved fast and economic.

Don't worry, she already has plenty of "nobody is good enough for you" family members.  ;)

It wouldn't do anyone any good for Mason to be taking off right now.  While I'm sure it would be nice to have him around, nearly all aspects of the paperwork can be completed with him in Canada.  And, quite frankly, it is probably better he's in Canada, because he can do calling up there if we need him to, and would not have to pay international rates.  If he came down now it would only increase trip costs, and he would lose hours on his paycheck.  Might as well save those time-off favors for the honeymoon ;)

*steals Wildy's comp*

Yeah...as some have said...while Mason did offer to drive on down...it really wouldn't have done much other than hugs and moral support.  Right now what I'm in need of is just pure and simple paperwork, most of which can be done in Indiana in the course of a week or two. Some of which can be resolved probably in a single day.  Once I get that under control, I'll send for Mason and then he will come down so we can drive up together.  Hopefully with the file of papers, Mason's help, and a fresh start, it wont take long to straighten out the misunderstanding and get everything resolved.

Tomorrow I will find out finally what the situation with the comp is.  Which means either I will have something hopefully fixed by then, or I will be in the process of getting a new pc.  I'll likely head out to Indiana Monday or Tuesday morning.  By next Saturday I should have 80% of the paperwork and legalities under belt and the other 20% in processing.  I might wait one extra week to get a bit extra and try to resolve a few other issues before Mason comes down and I hit Migration Attempt 2.

As it stands, my biggest hurdle is ironically enough just my damaged pride/esteem.  overall it was just a heavy moral blow and its still leaving me actually scared about trying again.  I'm sure spending a week or two with my bro and family will do a lot to rebolster my confidence, but at my current state this is the kind of thing where if it wasnt so important to me and Mason...I'd totally be hiding under blankets swearing I'd never even go near Canada out of fear of what they might do to me.

But anyways. Heres hoping tomorrow brings the first good news of many after this week of mass suckitude.  Thanks to everyone who has been supportive and helpful on this issue.

Quote from: Amber Panyko on July 20, 2006, 07:11:37 PM
Tomorrow I will find out finally what the situation with the comp is.  Which means either I will have something hopefully fixed by then, or I will be in the process of getting a new pc.

Things seem to be looking up a bit, then.  Fingers crossed on the PC that it's not that one irreplaceable part.  And good luck with the Canada thing also.

$35 so far for my b-day...and i'm working on getting a paypal account...
Hang on, Amber! Xze will try to help you!

I know you have a lot to do Amber, but take a day or two for yourself. Go to a movie. Eat a picnic lunch in the park. Eat dessert first. Anything you enjoy.

I know when some screwed up incident like that happens, it can seem to replay over and over. It can help a lot to distract yourself for a few hours and clear your head.  :mowmeep

Oddly enough, the only two webcomics I read have major issues.


From "Concerned"

QuoteMY COMPUTER IS ROYALLY SCREWED. WILL BUY NEW ONE THIS WEEKEND IF OLD ONE CANNOT BE FIXED. ALSO, FORUMS ARE DOWN. A FINE WEEK ALL TOLD.

I keep trying to think of something witty and/or funny to say about the situation, but I keep failing to come up with anything I'm not afraid might get taken the wrong way.  I suppose then I'll have to settle for just offering my heartfelt condolences and best wishes.  Your fans wish you the best Amber, and a little kink like this won't matter in the long run, even if it does suck temporarily. 

Quote from: Evil.Iguana on July 20, 2006, 10:50:53 PM
I keep trying to think of something witty and/or funny to say about the situation, but I keep failing to come up with anything I'm not afraid might get taken the wrong way.  I suppose then I'll have to settle for just offering my heartfelt condolences and best wishes.  Your fans wish you the best Amber, and a little kink like this won't matter in the long run, even if it does suck temporarily. 

You're telling me! We all wish we can say something about the situation that can help Amber get over her "Phear of Canadia" or even donate. After my long rant the only stress-reliever I pulled was a cheesy "We don't sat aboot"... That's a French pronunciation misconception FYI (so Quebec and Montreal count).

Buuut we can all just wait for the best. Thats all it real boils down to, support Amber in ways we can and wait.

Quote from: Evil.Iguana on July 20, 2006, 10:50:53 PM
I keep trying to think of something witty and/or funny to say about the situation, but I keep failing to come up with anything I'm not afraid might get taken the wrong way.

Umm... how about...

The guard just ran out of syrup, is all! :D

The guard missed his possum lodge meeting and was cranky.   :ferret

Regal is absolutly right, but i know these feelings are all to easy to slip into when your turning things forward and backward in the head. I hope Amber has got someone close to her who can help her think of something else. Fanbase is all fun and stuff, but a forum cant match some personal aid when it comes to these things.

Wishing Amber much luck for tomorrow!

Compthulu Update

well guys...basically what I worried has happened...its a total hard drive scramble.  While the drive isn't an unmoving lump and can be spotted, basically all the fileworks on it are scrambled and/or fried.  On top of that, the motherboard is pretty much on its final legs meaning at this stage and point....its looking like I will in fact be better off just getting a new computer.

(I think it goes without saying when a person who has been repairing comps for a living since 1998 goes "oh shit" when he sees what has happened...that you are in for a fun ride)

So yeah...total data loss.  I'm sure a general "you should have backed up" is in effect.  One redeeming factor is my older compy...the one that I left with my brother...likely has some of the really old files. However, as some of you probably are going to grimace at, the thing lost and likely unsalvagable is in fact the high rez versions of a good chunk of DMFA comics(including all of Abel's Story) and a hefty chunk of Mab's Land art.

Then there is all the annoying software lost: While I own Photoshop, my two filter programs (Eye Candy and another who's name is eluding me at the time) are gone, I've lost CuteFTP, my fishy screensave(Yes I know I'm just wangsting now), and my scanner cd is gone astray(though luckily it seems Microtek is nice enough to offer downloads so it might not be total loss there)

But yes.  Sucky-tastic for meeeee...and I think the second to worst part is I'm honestly too freaking down and tired already to put up a fight or a fuss.

So the gameplan is as of now, I'll be going to Indiana ASAP...and while there I will likely buy a new pc and start the long process of trying to get up and running again.  With some good fortune, I will be up and running and at least making some new comics by next week.  Cause I'm a mini-workaholic and I'll be danged if I'm gonna quit doing DMFA just because the universe is using me as a cosmic hackey-sack.

I dunno...I might send the hard drive itself off to a couple people who said they'd love to try to salvage...but as of this time, yes its the worst case scenario and has now put me in a spot.  Odds are getting a new comp will take a chunk out of my finances...and considering how I am trying to show financial stability to Canada...it almost feels like a competition of whats more important.

It really is somewhat...laughable...how ones life can suddenly go completly topsy turvy in a matter of a few days.

Urgh...I keep telling myself I have a plan...but honestly i dont have a clue anymore what I should be doing. I just feel dead inside but am too tired to really feel anything anymore about it.

I'll update again later when I have talked with Dmoon about travelling.

I'm going on the assumption that the person who is working on my computer and making frustrated noises is well aware of the benefit of recovery programs.  As I said, as of this time I'm going on the assumption that yes, the hard drive is toast, the motherboard is pretty much also, he will take it with him to his coworkers and friends to try alternate possibilities...but at this time I'm going to take bullet and try to stop clinging to the hope that my hard drive will miraculously recover and instead work as if I am never going to get those files back.

Onto other things:

Netami: I'm really not sure the average cost.  I've been hearing numbers from $600 and up...at this exact moment I will likely be able to field the costs of a new computer if need be.  Right now though I've been getting hit left and right with computer strategies and what I should/could/might do in regards to a new system.  Between that and the Canada...I'm drawing a blank.  Part of me wants to say that between all three things, I should try to shoot for close to $3000 ($1000 for estimated computer stuff, $2000 for the Canada fee) but I feel like thats asking way too much.  Then again, the donation tally thus far is around $1800 I believe.  I had originally hoped that the hard drive would have been recoverable and that would have been that...

Tapewolf:  I am gonna apologize in advance, but I'm a bit crabby.  Please please please...do not talk about various methods for me to save the high rez files...especially if they include talking about rescanning and colouring the old archives at this time.  Yes, I am unhappy I've lost the files...but right now I'm a bit more concerned about future comics and getting back on my feet rather than how to preserve the hi-rez history of DMFA.  Once I am back updating and in a schedule that isn't "oh snap the world is trying to crush me", then I can sit down and seriously start to figure something out in regards to the archives.  Really at this moment I'm half tempted to say the hi-rez files can bite me...

Once I get a computer up and running, then I can prolly worry about most software I lost.  Odds are that will get resolved in a single evening.  Really the major downfall is my personal stuff.  My MP3s, game files, (porn), the website images that are long since gone.

I'm not sure of costs...not sure of delays...not sure of much of anything right now.  I want to say that I can get a new compy up by Wednesday and be updating again by Friday...but I really dont know anymore.. It seems everytime I set a plan or strategy something new hits me left field.

On good news though, the budgie is doing great!

3000 is fine. Have you really come to expect anything less from your fanbase after all this time?

A thousand bucks will get you a kick ass computer no matter where you buy it, so I'm not too worried about happy financial planning. All you should be lamenting about is a huge amount of lost work and I guess porn.

Quote from: Amber Panyko on July 21, 2006, 06:27:40 PM
...  (porn)...

Very important: the internet runs on porn.
In the future, the size of a hard disk will no longer be measured in gigabytes, but in the amount of porn it can hold.

Quote from: Amber Panyko on July 21, 2006, 06:27:40 PM
On good news though, the budgie is doing great!

YAY! Hurrah for the birdy! :choco

Its like this..don't get me wrong....I am unhappy at the data loss...but I can't honestly say I want to spend multi-k potential just to retrieve some high rez files, a few MP3's, and various things.  Especially when I am at the same time trying to save money for a move to Canada and a wedding in a few months.  In terms of my priorities, saving the files is taking the official backseat.

At this time, I'm working with Mat on putting together a computer.  It's hard for me since my first impulse is to rush out and grab a PC simply beccause it feels really awkward without one.  However in the long term, I suppose waiting a few extra days for a higher quality machine would be far better for everyone and everything.  Mat's taking my old tower for the time and will likely use some of the better parts from it in the new one...though I really dont know all of what goes into the computer.  I'm still in "yay. At least Microtek has my scanner program on downloads." mode combined with "I still cant believe this week happened"  It's been really frustrating overall...combined with the fact I cant do any of the things I want to do. I'm not sure how long guest comics will hold...but if any of you artist peeps out there wanted to throw some around, this would be a great time.

Current timeframe is that I can do some updates from Dmoons comp by Wed-Fri at best...at worst, I dont know how long I'll be out. 

In terms of the new compy-to-be, the only thing I really remember him speaking of was the DVD thingie burner...and also installing some form of dual hard drive that acts as a mirror to the main in case one of them goes bad. (I also heard the term RAID...but meh if I know)  I will say now I know little to zilch about atual hardware...so any technobabble about system stuff is going right over my head.

I'm pretty much going to put down $1000 of the money into an upgraded system.  I might need to use some of that for a new monitor though since Mat noticed(and I did too when he showed me) that the one I have has been fading in and out and flickering.   He's currently going to go around and get price estimates and give me a final tally early in the week.  Who knows...maybe I cna get one that looks pretty too.

Right now though, I am likely going to focus more on the drive to Indy...another 8-9 hour trip. From there I can work out further PC things as well as start working on all my paperwork for canada try 2.  At this point in time, all i can do is sit and try to keep myself occupied despite having all my stuff either in a car, or broken. XP

Quote from: Moonfire on July 19, 2006, 05:28:38 PM
Next, all the official information from Canada is at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/faq/immigrating-1.html. I'm not sure if her chances are better at going skilled or business. (Business is where the 'self-employed and creative' types go.)

Uh... none of the above?   :mowtongue The application process for either of those could easily take years and would require a history of full-time employment and/or income levels that Amber probably doesn't have (not to mention that pesky $10k minimum bank balance). It would be best for Mason to sponsor her as a family member (spouse) after they get married.

While familiarizing oneself with all of the regulations is a very good idea, a little professional advice may be prudent when dealing with such important matters as... say... moving to another country. Also remember that the US does not recognize dual citizenship and is quite picky about residency status--if she doesn't sort things out on both sides of the border, Amber could have complications crossing back in the other direction as well.  :mowdizzy


My guess is that Amber had so many problems at the border because she declared her intention to "move to Canada" or some such, which isn't a terribly wise thing to do unless you already have your immigration papers in hand with all the I's dotted and T's crossed--and she can't really do that until after she ties the knot. The guard would probably have waved her through if she had told him she was going up to spend time with her fiancé. "Visitors" and "residents" are bound by very different rules.

Quote from: Amber Panyko on July 21, 2006, 06:27:40 PM
Part of me wants to say that between all three things, I should try to shoot for close to $3000 ($1000 for estimated computer stuff, $2000 for the Canada fee) but I feel like thats asking way too much.  Then again, the donation tally thus far is around $1800 I believe.

Um... what "Canada fee"? There's no fee for an American citizen to get into our country, and Canada cut its immigration fees in half a few months ago (now $550 up front for a family-sponsored application and another $490 when approved--which will take months, and you shouldn't have to pay any of it until after the marriage anyway). Unless you're also counting the costs of moving, marriage, and/or lawyers, that's a lot less than $2000.

Either way, I'm sure we can scrounge up the cash you need. What are fans for?  :mowcookie

Quote from: Forgotten on July 21, 2006, 04:25:28 AM
You're telling me! We all wish we can say something about the situation that can help Amber get over her "Phear of Canadia" or even donate. After my long rant the only stress-reliever I pulled was a cheesy "We don't sat aboot"... That's a French pronunciation misconception FYI (so Quebec and Montreal count).

Actually, no... the "aboot" thing is a misperception of Canadian raising, a linguistic phenomenon much more common in southern Ontario than Quebec. Our pronunciation of "about" (as well as "sorry" and numerous other words) is in fact slightly different than that of most Americans. In many parts of Canada (and bits of the northern US), speakers raise their tongues slightly on certain gliding vowels (like the "ou" in "about"). While locals can easily distinguish "about" from footwear, others can mistake it as such because the vowel is higher than they're used to hearing.

Now you know, and knowing is half the battle, eh. :mowhappy

Once I get to Dmoons house(either today, tomorrow, or Monday) I can likely hobble together some form of counter for the main site.  (The amount currenty though has gone up to 2400 since yesterday due to about 600 in donations.  I admit though my math sucks and thus have no calculator to factor the paypal fees and donations of $5-$10 properly.)  That or if Dmoon wants to try updating the site with some status update, thats his call.  I'd kinda prefer something new be said rather than the message from Wednesday. X_x

Once Mat is done dismantling my old tower, odds are he'll send the old hard drive along with the new and improed compy...so I'll likely let Dmoon have at it, and if there is no hope there, I'll send it off to one of the random people who have asked for it.  But yeah...I'm currently not holding my breath and am more trying to shuffle into a mindframe to keep a chin up and work towards future things.  I just knew I should have updated Matilda's wallpaper when i first got it rather than wait till I was in "Canada"...

But yeah...much to do...I really am missing my good old fashioned rut er...schedule of updates.  I'm just really worried that I'm gonna fall off the map and turn into those comics where the last message you get is "I'll be back soon!" and then its been 2 years with no sign of them...

You mean those jerks over at Elf Only Inn.  D:

Yeah I dont see that happening.

Quote from: Amber Panyko on July 22, 2006, 06:57:21 AMBut yeah...much to do...I really am missing my good old fashioned rut er...schedule of updates.  I'm just really worried that I'm gonna fall off the map and turn into those comics where the last message you get is "I'll be back soon!" and then its been 2 years with no sign of them...

Aw, don't worry... several people here know where you live  >:3
...
No, wait... you're going to move...  D:

BWAHAHHA>...*takes the money and runs*

Quote from: Sid on July 22, 2006, 07:17:47 AM

Quote from: Amber Panyko on July 22, 2006, 06:57:21 AMBut yeah...much to do...I really am missing my good old fashioned rut er...schedule of updates. I'm just really worried that I'm gonna fall off the map and turn into those comics where the last message you get is "I'll be back soon!" and then its been 2 years with no sign of them...

Aw, don't worry... several people here know where you live >:3
...
No, wait... you're going to move... D:

Ya, but how hard could it possibly be to find someone in Canada?  It's not like anyone actually lives there. :lol

I'll kick darkmoon and send him to work on a counter.  I bet he would have a blast wit that.

Quote from: Amber Panyko on July 22, 2006, 07:26:31 AM
BWAHAHHA>...*takes the money and runs*

tags the Amber with GPS then sets back and watches her from the Orbital Ribbon Platform.

Okay.  Most (not all, for some reason) of the hardware related stuff has been moved into a new thread.  KEEP IT THERE.

Any new hardware related comments in this thread WILL BE DELETED and sent to the abandoned mine for all to mock, since obviously those people cannot follow directions. ;)

Sorry, couldn't see the new post.  Hotel connection interrupted the "new post" warning.

Quote from: Damaris on July 22, 2006, 09:12:42 AM
I'll kick darkmoon and send him to work on a counter.  I bet he would have a blast wit that.

I also still have that Dynamic War Counter somewhere, I think. Dunno if you're going with regular images or PHP, but if you wanted to go for PHP anyway, I could tweak it for as-counter usage in a couple of minutes. *shrugs*

I certainly don't want to take away Darkmoon's joy of coding and dunno if this is what he had in mind, but it's something Amber (or whoever) could update from just about any browser on the planet. Just an offer since I got the stuff here.

EDIT: Eep, nevermind, just noticed the additional counter on the site. Nothing to see here, please move on...  :zombiekun2

Aw. Poor Amber. I hope everything works out.

I wish I could help you yanks overthrow Canada, but as a fellow member of the Commonwealth, it would feel wrong. But one day, one day I'll be banished. And not even Vincent Price can save you, Canada. *Bides time* Boycott maple syrup! We'll have their economy on its knees.

I don't think this counts as a hardware issue but...

Ohh Amber lost porn...

Well if she likes I could send her a copy of my private collection when I send her cookies...

It's mostly boys, and I doubt it'll have anything of what she lost but with over 11,000 images I'm sure I've got something she'll like

What the hell is up with the number of 5 page comic threads lately?

Le Gasp!

Amber had Porn on her PC?!

*gasps as well*
XD
hehe silly amber

Quote from: Lone_Wolf on July 22, 2006, 09:46:59 PM
Le Gasp!

Amber had Porn on her PC?!

Didnt you know? porn files grow in uninhabitated areas of the harddisks over the years.

And we all know that Ambers done pron comissions (http://missmab.com/Comics/Vol_272.php) before! Did you think a professional like her would do that without reference?

Quote from: topher chee on July 23, 2006, 02:18:35 AM
*gasps as well*
XD
hehe silly amber

Someone hasn't been reading the archives ;)
http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_133.php

It's always funny when the masses discover that their esteemed leader is pretty much exactly the same kind of person that they are.  Well, outside of nation politics anyway.  Then they're nutty fascist/neo-liberal crazies but I won't get into that.  In social circles like web comicry though, the artists [leaders] are just like us.

In fact, the only person who's not like us is probably me, since I don't have a huge collection of porn and therefore I'm feeling rather left out.

Awww, poor Rowne. :(

Maybe we could all chip in and send you some?

:eek  ...not that I would have any on my computer, of course...  :neko :redface

...

*vanishes*

(Y'know, I think we need a "shifty eyes" emote...)

Quote from: LionHeart on July 23, 2006, 10:00:05 AM
Maybe we could all chip in and send you some?

Whatever - just don't do it here

Yeah, this thread has really improved since the hardware stuff was forked off  :S

With all due respect, I fail to see how it could be better or worse.  If we're talking about relatively and inherantly pointless and/or silly nature of these posts, didn't you make one of those at the end of the last page, Tape?

Unless I'm missing something, of course.

Anyway, even if I were in any particular need of porn, I'm not sure what porn I would use since none of it is really applicable to me.

Quote from: Rowne on July 23, 2006, 10:21:27 AM
With all due respect, I fail to see how it could be better or worse. 

Well before it was about rescuing Amber's data.  Now it's about porn.  I suppose whether that's better or worse is a matter of taste :twisted

Odds are the irony of the universe would make it so the only recoverable items would be my Banana Phone MP3 and 2 porn pictures.

Anyways, update on the situation:
I'm now in Indiana at my bros house.  Spending today just trying to un-die from the trip.  Then its off to start getting my ducks in a row and paperwork started. Also will hopefully get an update on the compy situation today or tomorrow.

The trip went pretty boring and uneventful so I guess thats a good thing.  Piff is doing well.  Once I get some sort of a setup going on, I might try to start drawing some stuff....though right now I'm still kinda in "arrrgh...9 hour drives bite" mode.

Uh-oh. :eek  I don't think Canada accepts ducks, even if they are in a row.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think they prefer loons. ;)

Quote from: ×HaZ×MaT× on July 24, 2006, 10:47:28 AM
Uh-oh. :eek  I don't think Canada accepts ducks, even if they are in a row.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think they prefer loons. ;)

Or geese (gooses? gause?). Canadians do accept those, for whatever reasons.  :kruger

The plural of goose is geese, but the plural of moose is not meese.  ...I'm not sure what the plural of moose is; mooses? :|

The plural of moose is moose. The plural of deer is deer. The plural of fish is fish. The plural of insanity is banana.

Quote from: Aridas Soulfire on July 24, 2006, 11:37:46 AMThe plural of insanity is banana.

That's quoteworthy.  I'm going to find someone RL today to say that to.

This reminds me of a rant I made a while back about how people are taking everydayh words these days and giving them illicit meanings.  Such as douche, when did douche become dirty?  The dictionary disagrees.  This is why I fear that come 2030, the biggest insult is going to be armchair because the armchair is the dirtiest form of orgy known to man.

After that rant, I started using armchair as a valid insult.  People still look at me oddly.

Pfft. I have the bananananananananaphone mp3. If you really want it back, I can sort that, -no- problem :-)

Quote from: Vidar on July 24, 2006, 11:12:09 AM
Or geese (gooses? gause?). Canadians do accept those, for whatever reasons.  :kruger

So... if they prefer gause to ducks... does that mean if you're a shifty character trying to get into Canada, they'll degause you?
*runz*

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on July 24, 2006, 12:30:41 PM
Pfft. I have the bananananananananaphone mp3. If you really want it back, I can sort that, -no- problem :-)

Yeah, just make a list of things you lost and would like to get back.
We'll then see to it if anyone has it saved on ones computer.