In you mind, what are you first?

Zster comments on Jun 9, 2019:

Human, humanist, and individualist. The country of my birth is a shameful embarrassment at the moment.

GOP Lawmaker: Reducing Carbon Dioxide Emissions Would Kill My Vegetables - The Intellectualist

Zster comments on Jun 9, 2019:

The stupidity hurts...

[cnn.com] Pompeo suggests people should move if they don't like climate change. - Is he a moron?

Zster comments on Jun 9, 2019:

Yes, this man is indeed a moron.

A great way to start off Sunday, or any day... (greetings from Jasper).

Zster comments on Jun 9, 2019:

Here is what he looks like with visible ears: (:

My buddy and I traveled to Union County today to find a copperhead for me to photograph.

Zster comments on Jun 9, 2019:

Wow! Gorgeous snake!!!

What's your work atmosphere like? Team players or back stabbers?

Zster comments on Jun 6, 2019:

Back stabbers pretending to be teamplayers, so that they can get close enough to drive that stab clear through. Glad to be retired from that crap.

House Democrats Move To Increase Lawmaker Pay

Zster comments on Jun 4, 2019:

Hell no!!! I'd get fired for failing at my job as congress does, not given a damned raise!

Life Lessons Learned.

Zster comments on Jun 3, 2019:

1. No one can honestly please everyone. 2. Be your authentic self. This helps one to efficiently figure out who dislikes the real self so that time wasted on such persons can be minimalized. 3. Liars often win. If you choose a truthful path, expect to sometimes (often?) lose to those who don't. People tend to believe what they most want to, not necessarily what's true.

This is how internet, cable TV and phone companies treat their customers.

Zster comments on Jun 3, 2019:

That was my experience with DirecTV. Things got much better once I cut the cord! (:

It's easy to grow and dry Italian Parsley

Zster comments on Jun 2, 2019:

I pop mine in the dehydrator for a few hours. I already put up several jars of numerous herbs.

Hi Everyone. Past Memorial Day now, what are your summer plans?

Zster comments on Jun 1, 2019:

Weird Al Yankovich in St. Augustine, then Twenty One Pilots in Birmingham. Trip to IN to collect family antique furniture in preparation for moving each kid into an apartment. (One moves in July, the other in September). Wrap summer up with Drum Corp Intl Regional finals. Lots to look forward to!

What's your favorite song from childhood?

Zster comments on May 31, 2019:

Childhood for me was the 1970s. I have a fave five (or more), or so, but will put Chicago on top for this question... "Saturday in the Park" Chicago "Car Wash" Rose Royce "Sunshine" Jonathon Edwards "Ticket to Ride" Vanity Fair "Train in Vain" The Clash "Year of the Cat" Al Stewart https://youtu.be/_Mnw9uiYggU

Good morning and TDIF! So after yesterday's question, I'm going easy on you all :) What's the ...

Zster comments on May 31, 2019:

Canned fish, especially tuna (though salmon is no treat either). The odor can run me out of Dodge on a rail, very quickly! It resembles bad cat food. The other answers (pig feet, insects, monkey brains, etc) are good contenders, too.

First Kiss?

Zster comments on May 30, 2019:

For some reason, I got quite a few kisses from pretty wonderful boys when we were in the first grade, mostly after some clandestine hand holding behind the bushes on the playground (or in my grandparents' yard). I entered a decade long dry spell after that.

Guten Morgen :) After a pretty good night's sleep, I'm ready to take on the day, which I am sure ...

Zster comments on May 30, 2019:

I do, but need to update now that my kids are no longer dependent.

One of my favorites by Aerosmith [youtu.be]

Zster comments on May 29, 2019:

That totally rocks! Here's one of my faves, from back in the day... https://youtu.be/0KoZoJFjea8

Stress relief... what works for you to chill out from stressful life events?

Zster comments on May 25, 2019:

Soothing music, a purring cat on my lap, and an exquisite cup of hot tea.

Name a movie, but replace one of the words in the title with 'asshole.'

Zster comments on May 25, 2019:

Raiders of the Lost Asshole Blazing Assholes Mutiny on the Asshole / Asshole on the Bounty

What is the best sex you ever had, and what made it that way?

Zster comments on May 25, 2019:

My very best was very intimate and special, which wont be shared, but... we tried something new/experimental that did not work as imagined. The reality was rather hilarious and had us both cracking up hard. I never knew that laughter could be an aphrodisiac, but that time it sure was!

If you can categorize it, are there some typical reason(s) you end relationships or have them ended ...

Zster comments on May 20, 2019:

Cheating, insecurity, assuming that I am/will cheat (probably because HE would/was), being mean to my friends, kids, pets... Trying to control me (asking me to dress down, hide my hair, etc).

Hey, my rating is now officially 7.7. Only five more years to 8 for the t-shirt and pen!

Zster comments on May 18, 2019:

Not sure Ag is still sending shirts. I hit 8 more than a month ago, but... nada.

Walmart ups the delivery game with next day shipping - AOL Finance

Zster comments on May 14, 2019:

Amazon is already shortening Prime shipping to 1 day, announced a few weeks ago. Of course, they are honoring their current two day prime shipping less and less, so I doubt they'll be sending much next day.

For previous believers, what was it that made you unconvinced about god and religion?

Zster comments on May 13, 2019:

Two books gifted to me from my father: "A Friendship with God" (Walsh) and "A New Christianity for a New World" (Spong). Both gave me "permission" to critically assess the crapola being spewed from thr pulpit. Once that ball got rolling, there was no stopping it.

I had a revelation in the middle of the night.

Zster comments on May 13, 2019:

Shouldn't non-alphas predominate in very large numbers? I don't see them as being hate worthy or deserving of abuse as that means nearly everyone is. Perhaps your abusers are just assholes, taking advantage of your pack friendly nature. Bullies suck that way. It's as if my kindness has put a bullseye on my back my entire life! So sorry you've had to deal with it.

Ethical dilemma regarding other people's stuff

Zster comments on May 13, 2019:

IF anything positive can be gained by reading through them or certain other family members reading through them (understanding? closure?) maybe... If only heart ache or dredging up pain of the past lies in it, discard.

Good morning and happy Monday! I hope you all had a great weekend! Today's question: What do ...

Zster comments on May 13, 2019:

Kindness. A person can be honest and loyal, but mean, which is worse than being alone for me.

Have you seen the insurance ad that claims Americans on average live in eleven different places?

Zster comments on May 13, 2019:

Eleven! 10 in Indiana and 1 in GA (same house the last 21 years).

Good morning! Today's question: What is the greatest accomplishment of your life?

Zster comments on May 11, 2019:

Getting my kids raised by mysrlf. Had not planned on any children or living without my late husband but... we did it! (Making it all the way through school AND working for 20+ years in that field come a close-ish second.)

I was forced into retirement at age 55 due to serious injuries from a car accident, which was not my...

Zster comments on May 11, 2019:

Did the late diagnosis rectify things? Is your premature retirement at all enjoyable now?

This writer explains why millennials ‘refuse to grow up’ in viral thread. | GOOD

Zster comments on May 10, 2019:

Shit! Lee's movies are FOR adults, (and older kids who can enjoy them without being messed up by the often dark plots). I am guessing that Bill has not had any quality playtime in his life. He should try it! If not, no biggie, but... if the rest of us still enjoy goofing around, while meeting our responsibilities, what's that to him? LOVED the comments to the article, BTW. I've always wondered why it was considered "proper" to sacrifice so much of our life to the fattening of corporations and their execs, while starving ourselves and our families of quality living time. I am almost 55. I did my corporate time and made just enough to enjoy life with my loved ones. I am playing nearly full time now and loving it! I wont be living a rich lifestyle, but there are worse things.

Would you be a slide or stairs person?

Zster comments on May 8, 2019:

Slide, all the way!!!

On average, how many text messages do you send in a day?

Zster comments on May 8, 2019:

10 to 25. Text is a great way to reach my 20ish aged kids and several of my friends.

Longest serving Republican switches parties because of trump.

Zster comments on May 5, 2019:

Wow! There are actually a few politicians left who are not motivated by greed and self interest? Amazing. That took courage!

I am planning a 5 day road trip from my home state of Maryland.

Zster comments on May 4, 2019:

The Fed and state highways in Georgia are nicely paved and well maintained. You really can't go wrong on any if you choose the ones away ftom the major metro areas. I highly recommend taking 441/23 out of the Smokeys, sticking to 441 through Dillard, GA to Commerce/Banks Crossing. There are several towns along that route for stops. Athens and Savannah are terrific day trip or over night spots, esp if one wants to avoid Atlanta and Macon. I know of a nearly nonstop road route between the two, if interested.

Well looky here

Zster comments on May 4, 2019:

Yeah, because only the eco-activist kids are the ones that celebrate spring break drunk on the beach... 🙄

I had a visitor today. Isn't he a beauty?

Zster comments on May 1, 2019:

Black rat snake. A good type to have if you'd prefer to see fewer rodents around.

Thank you to everyone who supported me during my suspension.

Zster comments on Apr 30, 2019:

I am so glad to have you back and seriously concerned that the suspension was deliberate and not due to bugs/site glitches.

What scent triggers a memory for you?

Zster comments on Apr 29, 2019:

Live pine trees, beef roasting in the oven, freshly mowed grass, campfire, freshly plowed earth, salty ocean air... to name a few.

I don't want to give any spoilers in case any didn't see Game of Thrones last night.

Zster comments on Apr 29, 2019:

Indeed it was! I was exhausted by the end. You picked the right photo to post with this...

We need 50,000 members. Spread the word!

Zster comments on Apr 28, 2019:

What do we win at 50,000? World peace?

Hmm as we obviously will never have a best of category - what about a best of group - best painting ...

Zster comments on Apr 28, 2019:

If not a seperate "best of" group, "best of" posts within this now new-and-improved forum works... (:

This is an incredible idea...from a child. [6abc.com]

Zster comments on Apr 28, 2019:

Sounds like a great idea. No photo or vid of an example 3D crosswalk shows in the video for me, though.

I’m not sure if this is an ageism thing or not and would welcome your opinions.

Zster comments on Apr 28, 2019:

My first thought is that different people read your post than read hers.

Semen-eating anal worms. [patheos.com]

Zster comments on Apr 25, 2019:

What sort of masochist clicks on a post like this? ?

I wish I could leave this blank. No words needed.

Zster comments on Apr 25, 2019:

That is both fantastic and sad at the same time!

Good day my friends! Thanks @FlippantLlama for the suggestion to start over! So here it goes: ...

Zster comments on Apr 25, 2019:

Lin Manuel Miranda. I cannot imagine not having an absolute blast with him at the table! (:

Is this good advice for the Republicans? Do we care? [commondreams.org]

Zster comments on Apr 24, 2019:

I especially like this: "So a smart party would up its game, would quit manufacturing demons and start manufacturing ideas. Start manufacturing hope."

How do you add beauty to your life?

Zster comments on Apr 24, 2019:

In LOTS of ways! I add a lot of color around the home, a vibrant clash of rainbow hues. I adorn myself with my fave colors and a touch of shine/iridescence/sparkle. I add fragrance to myself and my home, from natural flowers to spicy incense. I feed the birds, drawing their colors, songs, and antics to my windows. I share my home, indoors and outdoors, with an assortment of interesting plants. I incorporate unusual flavors in my cuisine. I try to listen to music every day... etc.

I wonder if there is a certain falseness when someone chooses not to identify themselves; when they ...

Zster comments on Apr 24, 2019:

You are aware that in some professions or geographies, it is not at all rare or unusual for people to be fired for what they say on social media, right? Sometimes the privacy is not about you, but very much about self preservation, which we all have the right to do.

How many of you were happy with your taxes this year after Trump's big tax cut?

Zster comments on Apr 22, 2019:

I paid triple the Federal taxes that I've been paying for years and more than double the usual to the state and no, there were no big sales, income changes, etc. Total BS! I'm still raising my kids, going solo!

Good morning, my friends! A little over a year ago I kept seeing an ad on my Facebook feed for ...

Zster comments on Apr 21, 2019:

I wanted to be amongst folks with whom I could be my authentic nonbelieving self, without being lectured or attacked over my disbelief. The site has largely delivered, though the meanness, while less frequent here than on other social sites IS still a force to contend with.

At what age should you stop buying guitars, thinking you will join the Stones on tour?

Zster comments on Apr 20, 2019:

That depends on how old you are they stop. At this rate, never!!!

Good morning! It's partial moving day today for Chuck into our townhouse.

Zster comments on Apr 20, 2019:

Eight times. Six moves in central Indiana, two in northern Georgia. Only one move was not during my adult life.

Does anyone have land lines anymore?

Zster comments on Apr 20, 2019:

Yes. We live in a cellular dead zone.

Just to Note: I think I was just Blocked by someone.

Zster comments on Apr 19, 2019:

If blocking is meaningless and trivial, why post about it?

Happy Friday! I'm off today, up since 4:45 am, and we have already been out to breakfast, grocery ...

Zster comments on Apr 19, 2019:

I find most weather thrilling, even land falling hurricanes (We live inland several hours and miss the surge). I do find tornado warnings for my specific location a bit more tense. I have a good safety plan, including a basement to shelter in, but the thought of losing the house is a sobering one.

10 years have passed. You're older now. What do you miss that age has all but stopped?

Zster comments on Apr 18, 2019:

The people who are disappearing from my life (mostly through death). I greatly enjoyed having the older generations around.

Good morning! Last day of work for the week for me, as the courts are closed for Good Friday, so ...

Zster comments on Apr 18, 2019:

I became disillusioned about the kindness of people in general. With folks getting to hide behind anonymity, polite veneer quickly fell away, and many became hateful aggressors. Closely connected to that, I resent generalizing name callers. In the early months of this site it was not much of a problem, but now it's almost as bad as FB. Some think that "fucking libtard" tells them all that they need to know about me when they have zero inkling of where I stand regarding most issues or why. Fortunately, I've got my settings tuned to filter out the vast majority of the most hate triggering topics.

Trending. What all the guys will be wearing this season. 😝

Zster comments on Apr 17, 2019:

Seems to require a rather small package to make this junk drawer work... While the fashion is quite artistic, I am not sure how many guys would so comfortably advertise such compactness.

Good morning! Here's a two part question: what is your favorite part about social media?

Zster comments on Apr 17, 2019:

How it can connect people, that I already know or have never met, over great geographical distances. Cold calling people in other countries tends to result in crazy huge phone bills.

Statins! Effective in half of those who take them.

Zster comments on Apr 16, 2019:

Potential benefit vs occurence of severe side effects do not make it worth it for several members in my family...

Going after the fearful vote? [axios.com]

Zster comments on Apr 16, 2019:

A lot like data was used to get the leave vote in "Brexit", supposedly. https://m.imdb.com/title/tt8425058/

Name something that age has taken from you.

Zster comments on Apr 16, 2019:

The ability to eat numerous foods. What can be tolerated now is an ever narrowing list.

Good morning! Today is a weird and sad day for me, but it's getting a little easier as the years go...

Zster comments on Apr 16, 2019:

Talking about my missing loved ones with someone else who also misses them can help. Time helps me to live with the hole that each leaves behind.

Double standard...why is the word penis used a lot in comedy shows but the word vagina is taboo?

Zster comments on Apr 15, 2019:

??? I hear vag or vagina used almost the same amount as penis. Maybe it was not so ten years ago, but current comedy seems to use both pretty similarly.

I agree with Dan Rather, a great loss.

Zster comments on Apr 15, 2019:

Nicely said. I am very glad to have gotten to see it before this happened.

Howdy all!!! Hitting 58 this August. Hoping to chuck it all at 59.5. What say all?

Zster comments on Apr 15, 2019:

Turning 55 in 3 weeks. I was planning to retire then, but had my job cut Dec 31st, with a decent severance. Being out of the rat race has been wonderful! I am doing what I want, when, how, and with whom I want. I have time to cook from scratch, plant a garden, and spend time with family. Just had the healthiest doctor's appointment of my life. Being done with the BS might have seriously extended both the quantity and quality of my life!

Don’t you just hate signing up for a dating site only to find out all the profiles you look at are...

Zster comments on Apr 14, 2019:

In cases where you don't knowcthat until you pay, yes!

Soooo.

Zster comments on Apr 14, 2019:

Unless something's changed, it functions as a dating site, too. Not everyone here is seeking dates. Many are, though.

Good morning! I will finally have the opportunity again a few times coming up, to bake some yummy ...

Zster comments on Apr 14, 2019:

I am much more of a pie person than cake person as cake and frosting are too sweet for my taste. However, there is a famous cake place here that makes incredible strawberry and raspberry cakes! Of the pies, I adore custard pie, in a pastry crust. Of the pies that I make, blueberry buttermilk pie rules. My birthday is in three weeks. Not sure which I will get!! http://ceciliascakes.com/signature-cakes

The Bee Gees - one left, how sad. Any fans out there? Favorite songs? So many.

Zster comments on Apr 13, 2019:

I think of Barry often, having outlived so many talented brothers. I liked their stuff back in the day, though our local radio stations played them nearly to death. "Jive Talkin'" and "Nights on Broadway" still get cranked up! (;

Are you one who does this?

Zster comments on Apr 13, 2019:

Yep!!!

So true for me, anyone else?

Zster comments on Apr 13, 2019:

I don't exactly fo nothing, but have LOVED being home with my kids, animals, and nature, actually living my life!

Any wild bird enthusiasts out there who can recommend a good hanging wild bird feeder?

Zster comments on Apr 13, 2019:

I started out with a hopper style feeder, with perches suitable for small and medium sized birds, and a floor that is well perforated to allow rain drainage, preventing molding of the seed. Something like this: https://birdhousesandbaths.com/products/professional-cedar-large-hopper-feeder

So, Connie might not pose a question today.

Zster comments on Apr 13, 2019:

I don't enjoy having to cut everything. I would love to have all the ingredients pre-prepped and just build and cook the meal. Clean up is worse though. I doubted that was within the scope of this question.

I got a tech question for y'all. Do y'all prefer blu rays?

Zster comments on Apr 12, 2019:

Streaming only w NetFlix and Prime (and HBO Now while GoT airs).

While I'm not running late this morning, I don't have much time either.

Zster comments on Apr 12, 2019:

iPhone, but... I've had Macs since the 1980s and so iPhones to be compatible with that. I worry about the future of Apple, though and wonder if a switch to android will have to happen in the future. My kids both have android phones and pcs and have had less tech issues than I have lately.

How many men and women here have had the experience of turning 50 and finding that they suddenly no ...

Zster comments on Apr 12, 2019:

My workplace pretty much axed every person over fifty on Dec 31st, except for the execs. Last I heard, my group got permission to hire a summer intern to make up the productivity deficit. Yeah, let me know how THAT goes...

Bad man but meaningful words

Zster comments on Apr 10, 2019:

I wash my black clothes first. My white items do not require folding and so can sit in the dryer overnight. (;

Main page layout evolution You'll now see a gold button if you have new group posts since the ...

Zster comments on Apr 10, 2019:

So, what about groups we do not belong to? Is the default going to be not seeing them on the general page, or seeing them? Will we be able to turn off viewing of groups we are not wanting to follow? There definitely are some that I am not interested in reading about. I prefer a streamlined approach, if possible.

Can a man be friends with a woman without it being sexual?

Zster comments on Apr 10, 2019:

I've always thought so, BUT my personal experience has NOT supported that idea.

What you hate more in a person?

Zster comments on Apr 10, 2019:

Meanness and disrespect

I'LL SAY THIS FOR THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION -- It has proven just how corrupt and broken the ...

Zster comments on Apr 9, 2019:

"It has proven just how corrupt and broken the government is in this country. " Not only that, it has also proven how corrupt and broken much of christianity is in this country as well. Nice to have both out in the open, IF the populace is willing to do something about both.

A world without war?

Zster comments on Apr 9, 2019:

Sadly, that's what I'd expect cowardly greedy humanity to do.

When I see her in bloom, for a few moments I can forget all the aches and pains, the unhealed hurts,...

Zster comments on Apr 8, 2019:

The "northern" magnolias down here boasted more blossoms per cu ft than I've ever seen before. Enjoy the show!

Don't know the species, but this little guy was on my fence today.

Zster comments on Apr 7, 2019:

My first guess was ichneumon wasp... There are some species with ashorter abdomen like that. Nice picture!

Bath time for Akasha, AGAIN!!!! This has been a tough shedding issue, which I had never had with her...

Zster comments on Apr 7, 2019:

Yikes! Sounds worriesome... I hate tough shed winters.

Are you gonna get that damn filter primed or do I need to make it happen?!

Zster comments on Apr 7, 2019:

The boss? (;

Good Saturday morning! I hope all of you will have a great weekend! Chuck and I have a lot of ...

Zster comments on Apr 6, 2019:

Money is tight now, so I am not sure when, but the kids and I really want to take an unstructured, open ended road trip across the US.

Saw this on my way back from the bank this morning.

Zster comments on Apr 5, 2019:

It's been quite the spring here, too. I am not sure that I've ever seen the trees loaded with such a density of flowers!

Good morning and happy Friday! A friend of mine posted a question about favorite childhood smells ...

Zster comments on Apr 5, 2019:

One??? I have a sensitive sniffer and tons of favorite fragrances! (newly cut lawn, freshly work soil, salty ocean, baking bread, my parents' "fancy night out" colognes, etc...), but one really popped into my mind first: The absolutely delectable aroma of beef slowly roasting in the oven when I first opened the door to the house as I got home from school. This guaranteed an amazing dinner in store, if I could just wait until my dad got home. (worth it!).

Does anyone work from home?

Zster comments on Apr 3, 2019:

I am starting a largely online business from my home. I have a set schedule: hours when I am "at work" and hours when I am off. So far, it wirks. My late husband slso ran his business from home, but was on the clock 24/7, which sucked for the family. If such is likely to happen to you, you might want to consider a separate building or some such as your office.

Pie > Cake Discuss.

Zster comments on Apr 2, 2019:

Pie!! I can barely swallow most cakes due to their overly high sugar content. Give me a lightly sweetened pie any day. Also, pie crust is the bomb, savory or sweet!

Beards...yes...or no.... [ev.ie]

Zster comments on Apr 2, 2019:

Love beards! I did not think I cared for my husband's until he shaved it off. Then I wanted him to put it back...

[youtu.

Zster comments on Apr 1, 2019:

I cannot imagine what you are feeling, with the connection to that particular plane and crew. There are no words that I can think of that could help.

While the like feature is disabled isn't it odd to realize just how much those bits contributed to ...

Zster comments on Apr 1, 2019:

Funny, I've just kept on "liking" like crazy. I never go back to see how they look. If they are now invisible, y'all just wont know, I guess. It'll be a mystery... Buwahahahahaha!

Hi all! Today is my first day on Medicare (NOT an April Fools joke).

Zster comments on Apr 1, 2019:

I became unexpectedly "retired" via corporate cutbacks on Dec 31st. I was aiming to retire four months later, and so am in decent financial shape EXCEPT for medical, which runs out in June and has no replacement. That said, I am hoping to launch an art business, considering any income that might generate as supplemental. My state just voted for more "no medical" for another four years, so I am crunching to get that business launched. My kids (22 and 19) are, like yours starting to get on their feet, but are not quite there yet. Meanwhile, I am getting my house back in order and enjoying much needed time with friends and family. So far, it's been fabulous!

Curios how the new tax laws are affecting your 2018 returns.

Zster comments on Apr 1, 2019:

Terrible!!! My Fed taxes increased by $5000 (65%). My state taxes tripled!!! I do NOT see any improvements for having charged us so much more, not even increased military spending, (which I am used to swallowing). ?

Iove this site and many things about it, but I wonder why people it my case especially older are ...

Zster comments on Apr 1, 2019:

I have no idea how old someone is (from the microscopic thumbnail that I see with the posts), until I go to their profile, which will register as a visit. Besides, this is a community, not just a dating site, so what does age matter between platonic adults?

Ladies if you were in a relationship, and your man found out he had prostrate cancer, and had it ...

Zster comments on Mar 29, 2019:

Does he still experience sexual pleasure? If yes, I presume that he'd like sex to continue to be part of his life. (Or he could opt gor a sex free relationship). If he will no longer be capable of sexual sensation himself, would he still want a sexual relationship with a partner, or would no-sex pose less pressure and fewer potential esteem issues? Given my experience, a truly sex free relationship does not sound like a terrible option. Some people have reason to not want or not be able to go there anymore, although a loving relationship is still desired (and possible). OR, a sexual relationship, sans penis, can be perfectly satisfying. I have been without a partner for over a decade. Know what I miss most? The element of spontaneity that a partner provides. One can buy sex toys for all kinds of tickles and penetrations, but, without a partner, always knows what's going to happen! When a partner has that control, the unknown and anticipation are hot! So, loss of the erection does NOT have to unman him. The brain is a huge part of the game for many of us. Many scenarios, many possible results. I would take it one day at a time and keep an open mind, trying different approaches if others fail.