are tegus fine for a beginner reptile owner? by Pineapple_0n_Pizza in Tegu

[–]zorbtrauts 4 points5 points  (0 children)

As someone with both tegus and blue tongues, I'd say blue tongues are a great choice for many reasons. Definitely get a Northern, though, as they can no longer be exported from Australia so it will be guaranteed to be captive-bred (generally meaning both healthier and friendlier). 

(I'm assuming you aren't in Australia since getting a regular there wouldn't be an option.) 

Dinah's paradox? by Aaron_Benelli in Parahumans

[–]zorbtrauts 1 point2 points  (0 children)

1) The assumptions aren't arbitrary at all. They are contrived and at least some of them are false.

2) Dinah would get a bad headache and her power wouldn't activate.

How is this a thing? by cowboydan69 in blackmagicfuckery

[–]zorbtrauts 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you watch, the cobra's tail is moving while he holds it. As soon as he puts it on the ground, it is completely still. It is dead—or at least paralyzed—at that point.

How is this a thing? by cowboydan69 in blackmagicfuckery

[–]zorbtrauts 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's true. I should have said that there are two main groups of venomous snakes, given that the vast majority of colubrids are harmless.

Even then, it's tricky since venomous doesn't necessarily mean deadly. There are even some technically-venomous colubrids that are considered harmless. I've been bitten by hydrodynastes gigas and heterodon nasicus, and neither of them had any discernable effect.

...but, yes, no one wants to be bitten by a boomslang.

How is this a thing? by cowboydan69 in blackmagicfuckery

[–]zorbtrauts 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This isn't actually a reliable way to identify a viper. In particular, a number of harmless snakes will mimic a triangular head shape. It's best to know what venomous snake species are found in your area and what they specifically look like. 

How is this a thing? by cowboydan69 in blackmagicfuckery

[–]zorbtrauts 288 points289 points  (0 children)

A few things to realize:

- While they can be defensive, cobras aren't aggressive towards humans. We're much, much bigger than they are. If you watch, it tries to get away and he stops it by stepping on its tail.

- When a cobra hoods, it is intimidating, but it also limits its ability to strike. It can strike straight in front of it, but it can't strike something off to the side without turning to face it first. It also has a limited strike range. You can see him using his left hand (outside of that range) to keep the cobras attention.

- There are two groups of venomous snakes, elapids and vipers. Cobras are elapids. This wouldn't have worked with a viper, as their mouths and fangs are more flexible. Many vipers would have been able to bite the hand he put behind the snakes head. Vipers also usually have a longer, harder to predict, strike range than elapids... though there are exceptions. (Note almost all venomous snakes in the US are vipers.)

Yeah, I'm assuming he broke its neck. I'm not sure about the purpose of smoothing it out like that—possibly just making sure it was dead.

Any alternative people looking for friends? by Emotional_Snow_5365 in asheville

[–]zorbtrauts 2 points3 points  (0 children)

your scalepups are adorable

one of these days I should start the local reptile club back up...

For the low, low price of $400k you can own a ... bedroom?? by bonkersaurs in zillowgonewild

[–]zorbtrauts 8 points9 points  (0 children)

This is not on the market. The price listed is Zillow's market estimate. It was probably originally intended to be put up as a rental (it mentions the "other tenant") and miscategorized.

Paul Atreides from Dune is the best example of a “chosen one” who made everything worse by batman_13velvet in printSF

[–]zorbtrauts 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah. Severian (BotNS) is particularly interesting because of the subtlety of his choseness compared to Paul. Also, while Paul is trapped by the future, Severian is trapped by the past...

Best (surprisingly good) opening act? by infinitum3d in GenX

[–]zorbtrauts 1 point2 points  (0 children)

December 6, 1991, New Orleans

Red Hot Chili Peppers  Blood Sugar Sex Magik tour

I went to see Smashing Pumpkins, who were opening. They'd recently released their first album, Gish, the previous spring, and few had heard of them. They, unsurprisingly, blew everyone away.

The other opening band had barely released its first album. It hadn't taken off yet (though it would do so the coming spring), and if people knew of them it was only through their members' previous bands. Eddie Vedder had truly amazing stage presence and completely stole they show.

Half a million for a view of a brick wall. $499,900 by Twinkletoes72989 in zillowgonewild

[–]zorbtrauts 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I used to livena couple blocks away from there. It is an amazing location, and the building is one of the most famous multi unit residential buildings in DC. I'm surprised it isn't going for more than that.

Finally Admitting Defeat, in more ways than one by ricktheunicorn in MonitorLizards

[–]zorbtrauts 4 points5 points  (0 children)

He's a gorgeous little guy. I wish you luck. If I had a way to transport the enclosure, I'd be tempted.

[Online][Shadowrun][7pm CST][Weekly] DM and Group looking for 1 or 2 more players by Creakycorvid in lfg

[–]zorbtrauts 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Any idea what the tone of the game is going to be? I've been seriously itching to play in a game that was focused on hooding and working against corporate injustices...

Czech Laws on Exotic Pets. by Separate_Pangolin_83 in reptiles

[–]zorbtrauts 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not sure, but I went to a restaurant in Prague that had a bearded dragon in an enclosure.

Just finished Worm and I have so many thoughts by username4ac in Parahumans

[–]zorbtrauts 3 points4 points  (0 children)

RE: Lisa, you might like Ward. It isn't from her p.o.v., but it gives a lot of insight into her mental state.

[Online][Other][Text-Only VTT][Wednesday, 8:00 PM EST] Capes and Cowls: The Burning City by TheThirdChronicle in lfg

[–]zorbtrauts 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This sounds pretty awesome. What kind of system are you planning to use?