...Well, let's just say that it was a learning experience! :roll:

...Dlane1953:Still, fun to watch. Where else could you see women so extravagently made up and overdressed that in comparison, Dolly Parton looks like a subtle, natural beauty? And what about those plaid sports jackets on those guys? (And these are men with money; what more proof do we need that money can't buy taste?) :lol:

...Greysolon: it's almost laughable how obvious it is Clorox bought the Burt's Bees product line to convey a green image.Ha! That's a good one! :lol:

...Sherapop:Dulcemio:Grain-free brands of pet food that I (and my cats) like:ORIJEN (super high quality kibble)STELLA AND CHEWEY (I use their freeze-dried raw)NATURE'S VARIETY (I use the frozen raw duck and chicken of this brand, have also used the grain-free kibble)LOTUS (I use the grain-free kibble)I'm not a big fan of canned food, because it's the most processed and cooked, so the least "alive," but grain-free canned is better than non grain-free. In canned I have used WELLNESS AND WERUVA.Please note that these will not likely be available at big pet chains or supermarkets, but they are well-established brands nonetheless. You just need to go on their websites to see where to purchase in your area.Also please note, yes, these brands are more expensive than Friskies and Purina, but, (1) animals need and eat much less of these foods because they are richer in protein and nutrients, so the cost difference is a wash. And (2) more importantly, the money and stress you will save yourself not dealing with chronic health problems makes it more than a wash.BTW, the prescription food my old vet had my tomcat on not only didn't cure his bladder crystals, it made him sick. They were suggesting a surgery where they snip off the top section of his urethra! Thank GOD I found grain-free!!!How do you feel about Merrick? I just ordered it at Amazon. It contains sweet potatoes and blueberries, but the ratings are stellar from the customers, all of whom are concerned to avoid grains...Have you tried it? Pray tell! :idea:I have been REJOICING that The Emperor LOVES his new grain-free food! He scarfs it down like there's no tomorrow! I hope that I can use this to manage his diabetes--that would be wonderful... He already seems happier and healthier!!! :D

...Apicius:Sherapop:I learned this lesson the hard way at the salon de parfum recently. After suffering for months under the tyranny of a troll whom I was trying to pacify and socialize, I finally let him go. Only now has my peace returned.Just say "No" to trolls. No acknowledgement. No reply. :twisted:A wise decision!With all respect, Sherapop, but your troll was a stupid one since all he did was insulting you.The more dangerous and intelligent ones create users in perfume communities, spend a lot of time and energy to be good friends with as much people as possible, even donate money. At some point, maybe after years, when they think they have achieved a "position" they start picking at and insulting a few other users. When they finally get sacked, they leave behind a horrible mess of frustration and disappointment, and many users put the blame on the webmaster for banning such a nice person!One of that kind was best friends with all the ladies at the German site, but he became sarcastic and disrespectful whenever a male user posted an elaborate review - and so I think I was one of his preferred victims. I never reacted and at some point he lost interest and simply ceased to visit Parfumo.The salon de parfum is my first blog, and to be honest, I really did not understand the troll concept. Trollman occasionally made relevant points, so I attempted to corral him into socially acceptable behavior, since I felt that he had potential to change, and his lame attempts at insults never really bothered me. (You may have noticed that I have no dearth of self-esteem. :lol:) Unfortunately, other people were bothered by his rude behavior, and that's why he became a big problem.My real weakness, I suppose, was to feel sorry for him. Fortunately, Bryan Ross (From Pyrgos) broke down the options for me, and I finally realized that the only solution was to refuse ever to publish him again. Bryan was right, and now the salon is troll-free once again... :D

...Dolby:Ok, to update ...I just called The Royal Mail "dangerous goods" customers helpline and was told that all parcels are screened and that no perfume is allowed internationally either by airmail or surface mail.Goods are destroyed (yeah right) and the only thing you can do about it is cry for your loss.To add to this crazy situation, Royal Mail is a separate company to the Post Office ... How so very handy to drive you round the loop even more.Then called Royal Mail's customer helpline explaining that the guys at my local post office knew what I was sending and told me that it was ok by surface mail.Am to send them the customs form and they will decide on compensation if appropriate (too fecking right it is but not holding my breath)Will keep you ... PostedAre they monitoring only outgoing mail? Or incoming as well???? :shock:

...Tonight's feature was ArgoA pro-CIA film????? :roll: Ben Affleck needs to read Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA, by Timothy Weiner...

...How aboutCaron "Narcisse Noir" :?:

...Dolby:Thanks Franfan, although them destroying the goods is something I am taking with a huge pinch of salt.Methinks some Royal Mail and customs workers are making a very nice sideline business indeed, either keeping the stuff for themselves or selling it on Ebay ... and then sending those things to the buyers using the very same postal services that prohibit said goods in the first place.You know, might as well add insult to injury.Maybe it's time for all of us to get jobs working for the postal service... :lol:

...Dolby:Ok Guys and Girls, I have just found to my grievance that the rules do not only apply to Airmail.This morning, I got back an empty box that I posted very securely abroad via SURFACE MAIL !!We are screwed. Bastards!The world of Perfumistas is becoming a risky one indeed. :evil:What a nightmare! I do hope that my candy box ploy works. This is getting ridiculous.The worst part is that there is rampant confusion. I was returning a damaged product to Fragrancenet.com, so they provided an RMA and a mailing label to slap on the box, on which is clearly written the word FRAGRANCE. I called USPS to inquire what precisely the policy is and was told by the person who answered the phone that it is illegal to mail perfume. I pointed out that the company had originally mailed the package to me and provided a label for return through the mail. He said, "Well, maybe you should forget what I said." To make a long story short: basically the guy told me TO LIE when I go to the counter. Now I'm going to follow his advice rather than feel guilty every time they ask me "No perfume...." which by the way they now explicitly articulate. Before they would just ask "nothing hazardous", now they actually say "no perfume".I'm mailing the mystery vials in emptied caramel nips boxes, but I'm going to include candy at both ends so that if they actually open them, they'll see candy... Wish me luck!!! :?

...I should clarify: BRAVE was meant to be BRAVA, BRAVA!!!! :lol:

...Cincy:I just got on to type out OPIUM and Fran beat me to it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!BRAVE!!!!!:lol:

...Greysolon: Remember they are all common words! I thought Beige would stump everyone... :PSorry--I did not read the rules! :roll:

...Dlane1953: there are a number of correct answers for some of them I see.Please share your list, Diane! :)

...Is there a perfume called "Boss Sun"????? :?

...10 is "Poison"! :roll:

...Greysolon:MISSING VOWELSThe following are all well known fragrances by well known designer label houses. All are common English words and each answer is a single word. Simply fill in the missing vowels to reconstruct the fragrance names. For instance:WKND = WEEKEND (Burberry)Note: Some names may start with vowels! Just remember, you will only use vowels to complete the names! Some should be quite easy, others more difficult!1. BLACK2. CRAVE3. KINGDOM4. ETERNITY5. BSSSN6. FAHRENHEIT7. BEIGE8. BANG9. APOM10. PSN5 and 10 have me stumped!!!!

...Cincy:Watch your thoughts for they become your words, choose your words, for they become actions, understand your actions, for they become habits, study your habits, for they become your character, for it becomes your destiny.Aristotelian wisdom! :)

...Cryptic:Cincy:Ok, I think I get it, so you feed the troll by responding? They don't care if it is a negative reply. They just want a reply. Please correct me if I am wrong.Bingo! Unfortunately, it is easier said than done.I learned this lesson the hard way at the salon de parfum recently. After suffering for months under the tyranny of a troll whom I was trying to pacify and socialize, I finally let him go. Only now has my peace returned.Just say "No" to trolls. No acknowledgement. No reply. :twisted:

...Apicius:I usually edit my review in such a case, put a line at the end and write al little bit underneath, explaining that my opinion has changed and why.That's what I do, too. I feel that my earlier opinion was valid for me at the time when I wrote it, so I don't want to completely annihilate it, but it's good to add more information as it emerges... :wink: