Blade-of-the-Moon's Art

[Jose S.M.]

That was definetly a very hard day, I'm sorry for that.

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

Good lord, that's an awful day. Also, disgusting.

i totally agree...ugh

I don't even want to think about what that kid's house looks or smells like. Kind of ironic that it comes at the same time your trying to build a restroom. Depending on how you define a restroom, they can be quite cheap.

the irony didnt escape me to be sure .  it was def human, dont ask me how i know.   Oh the county has very specific guidelines for what they want.   I have porta potties and i tried getting a large pre built storage building  to serve fr one ..that didn't fly either.

That's awful. How parents/kids like that exist I have no idea.

Also if you're looking for legal help, you're gonna want to make your restroom T. rex-proof.

zzzzzzz sorry you said "legal" and i nodded off there.  seriously i am not wired for technical, legal, politic speak. :/

That was definetly a very hard day, I'm sorry for that.

if one thing had gone wrong i dont know what i woulfd have done.   at the moment i've an interview with ch 5 news again tomorrow morning we need the exposure i just hope i'm up for it.

[BlueKrono]

I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather, and your overall crappy day. Good luck with the interview tomorrow. That actually sounds exciting.

[Pachyrhinosaurus]

That's awful. How parents/kids like that exist I have no idea.

Also if you're looking for legal help, you're gonna want to make your restroom T. rex-proof.

zzzzzzz sorry you said "legal" and i nodded off there.  seriously i am not wired for technical, legal, politic speak. :/

Sorry, It was meant to be a joke about keeping visiting lawyers safe in the event of a tyrannosaur attack.

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

That's awful. How parents/kids like that exist I have no idea.

Also if you're looking for legal help, you're gonna want to make your restroom T. rex-proof.

zzzzzzz sorry you said "legal" and i nodded off there.  seriously i am not wired for technical, legal, politic speak. :/

Sorry, It was meant to be a joke about keeping visiting lawyers safe in the event of a tyrannosaur attack.

i'm sorry i didnt mean to sound upset, the first part was a joke and the 2nd bit was me lamenting my lack of understanding and inability to comprehend such things.  honestly the govt makes so little sense to me  , there isnt hardly an ounce of common sense to be found.    I'd put a real t-rex in every restroom if it only ate lawyers lol

I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather, and your overall crappy day. Good luck with the interview tomorrow. That actually sounds exciting.

thank you.

"crappy" is a good word for it...especially the last of it.

it went well Cassandra was out here for a few hours, we walked around and explored awhile. its a shame she is moving to OKC after this weekend, so i was her last story, shes been an awesome friend of the park.

it will air tonight and hopefully there will be a link i can share.

[Doug Watson]

Finally, I present you with Doug the Chasmosaurus

Great job Chris and I am honoured that you would name him after me for the little bit of help I provided. A lot better than my name being associated with the Canadian Pop band "Doug and the Slugs." 

Once again my deepest condolences on the loss of your Grandfather and to have that happen while you are dealing with the bureaucrats. It is a shame there isn't lawyer willing to offer some free help (stop laughing) or a retired lawyer with time on his or her hands. Maybe you could ask on Facebook, couldn't hurt, you could offer to build a dino for them in trade.

[Doug Watson]

Just had an idea for dealing with your fund raising events. Suggest to the bureaucrats that from now on they will be limited to 500 preregistered participants only. You could then advertise on your Facebook page that participation in the event is first come first served and entry will be restricted to people carrying an official confirmation e-mail. People would have to let you know in advance how many would be in their group and anyone without a confirmation e-mail would be turned away. I know more work for you in managing the confirmations but to me it seems to be a possible answer.

[BlueKrono]

Unfortunately I don't think there's enough parking there for 500... or even 100. What's the biggest group you've ever had there Chris?

[Doug Watson]

Unfortunately I don't think there's enough parking there for 500... or even 100. What's the biggest group you've ever had there Chris?

and I quote Chris from his reply # 3170 "We had one event, Trick or Treat with the Dinosaurs that blew up on facebook to 3200 people. we had never been this large before or since at any event. the last numbers were 500 or so for the previous year.  basing every requirement around it is ignorant."

That is why I suggested 500 since that is the normal number he argued in front of the board.

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

It's a great idea Doug and one we do currently implement,  we have since that Trick or Treat with the Dinosaurs event, we ask for reservations, have a cap on each day/night . I had only asked for names to reserve, but then people wouldn't show so we asked for a 5.00 donation upfront to hold their place. That hasn't worked out so well.  There really is no difference in how we are handling our event vs parties and field trips. so I don't understand the issue?

In regard to the numbers let me explain.  We did 500 over a 6 hour period. That's people not cars, you get a van or bus and numbers climb quick.  Our largest since then has been a field trip with 100 kids and several misc parents/teachers.   Our problem occurred when 3200 showed up over a 4 hour period. cars were dropping folks off and leaving them and we had huge blockages.

Dino Park in the Dark, we did 15-20 cars a night from 9-11pm
The Funhouse Haunted Attraction averages 70 people a night from 7pm-11pm.  about 14 an hour.  not really busy.

here is the link to the video i promised :  http://www.wcyb.com/http:/www.wcyb.com/news/tennessee/sullivan-county/bluff-citys-dino-park-doesnt-have-to-shut-its-doorsyet/507364764

I'm focusing on two things now,  the non profit status/ 501c3 that a friend is helping me with,  I've been told it's time consuming and costly.   The other is the restroom. I've no idea how to start. I was told to lay the pipe and it would be inspected.  I have no idea where to lay it. I need a blueprint and I think securing one of those will also be costly maybe involving a contractor to build it for us.

[amargasaurus cazaui]

You will need a city inspector to first locate, and show you where the city sewage line is and where it can be tied into...as well as permits for doing this. You also will likely need to make arrangements to have each step of this work inspected and signed off.....and verified the incoming line is leveled properly , has the correct flow rate, and is secured inline with the existing line properly. City inspectors take sewage flow issues highly seriously, as mistakes can cause backflow, blockages and possible health ramifications.
   Once you locate the existing line, and understand where it can be accessed and have permits to do so, you will need someone capable of trenching a hole that is straight, the proper depth and length without damaging any intersecting water, gas, or electrical lines. (So hiring another locator to locate all possible conflicts will be needed)  Once you have the proper trench, you will need to find what bedding material is required, beneath the pipe....likely a soft grain sand....and hire a contractor to place the actual pipeline. At this point it would be inspected to make sure the facilities you have are properly tied to it, as well as where it joins the city main itself. Then the trench is backfiled, again likely with sand to cover the actual pipe and then normal backfill material from the ditch.
   These types of work are normally done prior to installing any sort of facility so this is basically backwards and expense loaded, with the likely issue of conflicting lines for power, water, gas, and possibly telecommunications fiber optics ......

[Doug Watson]

It's a great idea Doug and one we do currently implement,  we have since that Trick or Treat with the Dinosaurs event, we ask for reservations, have a cap on each day/night . I had only asked for names to reserve, but then people wouldn't show so we asked for a 5.00 donation upfront to hold their place. That hasn't worked out so well.  There really is no difference in how we are handling our event vs parties and field trips. so I don't understand the issue?

In regard to the numbers let me explain.  We did 500 over a 6 hour period. That's people not cars, you get a van or bus and numbers climb quick.  Our largest since then has been a field trip with 100 kids and several misc parents/teachers.   Our problem occurred when 3200 showed up over a 4 hour period. cars were dropping folks off and leaving them and we had huge blockages.

Dino Park in the Dark, we did 15-20 cars a night from 9-11pm
The Funhouse Haunted Attraction averages 70 people a night from 7pm-11pm.  about 14 an hour.  not really busy.

here is the link to the video i promised :  http://www.wcyb.com/http:/www.wcyb.com/news/tennessee/sullivan-county/bluff-citys-dino-park-doesnt-have-to-shut-its-doorsyet/507364764

I'm focusing on two things now,  the non profit status/ 501c3 that a friend is helping me with,  I've been told it's time consuming and costly.   The other is the restroom. I've no idea how to start. I was told to lay the pipe and it would be inspected.  I have no idea where to lay it. I need a blueprint and I think securing one of those will also be costly maybe involving a contractor to build it for us.

It sounds like you have been reasonable to me. You think dealing with small government would be easier but sounds like some people just like flexing their power.
If you get non profit status will you then be eligible for Legal Aid? I think you need that to make sure they stop changing the parameters.

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

You will need a city inspector to first locate, and show you where the city sewage line is and where it can be tied into...as well as permits for doing this. You also will likely need to make arrangements to have each step of this work inspected and signed off.....and verified the incoming line is leveled properly , has the correct flow rate, and is secured inline with the existing line properly. City inspectors take sewage flow issues highly seriously, as mistakes can cause backflow, blockages and possible health ramifications.
   Once you locate the existing line, and understand where it can be accessed and have permits to do so, you will need someone capable of trenching a hole that is straight, the proper depth and length without damaging any intersecting water, gas, or electrical lines. (So hiring another locator to locate all possible conflicts will be needed)  Once you have the proper trench, you will need to find what bedding material is required, beneath the pipe....likely a soft grain sand....and hire a contractor to place the actual pipeline. At this point it would be inspected to make sure the facilities you have are properly tied to it, as well as where it joins the city main itself. Then the trench is backfiled, again likely with sand to cover the actual pipe and then normal backfill material from the ditch.
   These types of work are normally done prior to installing any sort of facility so this is basically backwards and expense loaded, with the likely issue of conflicting lines for power, water, gas, and possibly telecommunications fiber optics ......

We  have the water line located, it ways from the road. the site was my aunt's old trailer so it already has field lines and a nice large EPA approved septic tank.  the inspector has signed off on the site as ready to build after i acquired the building permit.  there aren't any other lines there except a power cable we installed so we know where it is.   I think the steps i need to figure out are layout,  pipe placement for sinks, 3-4 toilets, and possibly a urinal.  then we need to dig, lay pipe and have it inspected.  after that gravel and a concrete truck.  my problem is i know nothing about plumbing pipe or doing a siteplan  / blueprint of the whole thing so everything is exact and lines up.

It's a great idea Doug and one we do currently implement,  we have since that Trick or Treat with the Dinosaurs event, we ask for reservations, have a cap on each day/night . I had only asked for names to reserve, but then people wouldn't show so we asked for a 5.00 donation upfront to hold their place. That hasn't worked out so well.  There really is no difference in how we are handling our event vs parties and field trips. so I don't understand the issue?

In regard to the numbers let me explain.  We did 500 over a 6 hour period. That's people not cars, you get a van or bus and numbers climb quick.  Our largest since then has been a field trip with 100 kids and several misc parents/teachers.   Our problem occurred when 3200 showed up over a 4 hour period. cars were dropping folks off and leaving them and we had huge blockages.

Dino Park in the Dark, we did 15-20 cars a night from 9-11pm
The Funhouse Haunted Attraction averages 70 people a night from 7pm-11pm.  about 14 an hour.  not really busy.

here is the link to the video i promised :  http://www.wcyb.com/http:/www.wcyb.com/news/tennessee/sullivan-county/bluff-citys-dino-park-doesnt-have-to-shut-its-doorsyet/507364764

I'm focusing on two things now,  the non profit status/ 501c3 that a friend is helping me with,  I've been told it's time consuming and costly.   The other is the restroom. I've no idea how to start. I was told to lay the pipe and it would be inspected.  I have no idea where to lay it. I need a blueprint and I think securing one of those will also be costly maybe involving a contractor to build it for us.

It sounds like you have been reasonable to me. You think dealing with small government would be easier but sounds like some people just like flexing their power.
If you get non profit status will you then be eligible for Legal Aid? I think you need that to make sure they stop changing the parameters.

Thats it exactly.  our P&z Director has this on her facebook : " never underestimate a woman with a degree in planning "

i'm going to look into it, honestly if i had invested all i've spent on a good lawyer i'm about certain this would all be over by now. 

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

While i'm sitting here today trying to get over food poisoning, i figured i would share some other projects, mostly non dino though.

First up, my fair Spanish ladies and gentlemen of fortune, i present Mack the Knife! An animated 2'x3' zombie shark head :

[Mamasaurus]

I'm truly sorry to hear about so much misfortune.  I've had the displeasure to personally know two children like that (not my own), and they are a terror to their parents.  Occasionally the kids are wired that way no matter what the parents do, but most become that way through utter lack of discipline or any imposed self control.  If they are of potty training age (the later stages), whatever it is they're doing trumps the inconvenience of stopping and looking for a potty. 

I'm not excusing the kid's actions at all, but it is entirely the parent's fault for not being aware of their child.  It makes me mad to see such complete lack of consideration.

I can also empathize with your grandfather. My husband's grandmother passed away a few weeks ago, and I knew her well.  There are never really any good words to say...my deepest condolences for your loss.

As far as the bathroom construction. My husband works at a surveying and engineering firm, and it always saves way more money and headaches to have it done right from the start.  That's good that you have something there to work with that the inspector has signed off on. So that saves a lot. . You'll want to talk to an engineer about pipe layout.  I remember drawing up a few sewer plans back when I used to work with my husband at the office.  His boss is the engineer at the place. 

It was all very simple and almost cookie cutter. They have the formulas on where things should go, and he would send his crew to the location to gather exact points on the terrain and where the pipes are.  Having your pipes already located will really make their job easier, so it's good you have that done already.

Once the have the points on where everything is, he has a bunch of drawings that are almost like a template.  He just calculates the precise numbers with mathematical formulas.  All I ever did on the drawings was move a few symbols around and change the numbers.

Granted, I was technically the secretary at the time, and someone else did the more technical drawing part.  But that's what I know. I could ask my husband for more details if you like. He knows a lot more than I do. . And in any case, I'd highly recommend talking with an engineer about the plans, and hiring a contractor to lay in the pipe.  It's just not worth the headache later on down the road.  Ask me how I know

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

I'm truly sorry to hear about so much misfortune.  I've had the displeasure to personally know two children like that (not my own), and they are a terror to their parents.  Occasionally the kids are wired that way no matter what the parents do, but most become that way through utter lack of discipline or any imposed self control.  If they are of potty training age (the later stages), whatever it is they're doing trumps the inconvenience of stopping and looking for a potty. 

I'm not excusing the kid's actions at all, but it is entirely the parent's fault for not being aware of their child.  It makes me mad to see such complete lack of consideration.

I can also empathize with your grandfather. My husband's grandmother passed away a few weeks ago, and I knew her well.  There are never really any good words to say...my deepest condolences for your loss.

As far as the bathroom construction. My husband works at a surveying and engineering firm, and it always saves way more money and headaches to have it done right from the start.  That's good that you have something there to work with that the inspector has signed off on. So that saves a lot. . You'll want to talk to an engineer about pipe layout.  I remember drawing up a few sewer plans back when I used to work with my husband at the office.  His boss is the engineer at the place. 

It was all very simple and almost cookie cutter. They have the formulas on where things should go, and he would send his crew to the location to gather exact points on the terrain and where the pipes are.  Having your pipes already located will really make their job easier, so it's good you have that done already.

Once the have the points on where everything is, he has a bunch of drawings that are almost like a template.  He just calculates the precise numbers with mathematical formulas.  All I ever did on the drawings was move a few symbols around and change the numbers.

Granted, I was technically the secretary at the time, and someone else did the more technical drawing part.  But that's what I know. I could ask my husband for more details if you like. He knows a lot more than I do. . And in any case, I'd highly recommend talking with an engineer about the plans, and hiring a contractor to lay in the pipe.  It's just not worth the headache later on down the road.  Ask me how I know

Totally understand,  I wouldn't blame a young child anymore than I would place blame on a dog, it's what comes natural. The parents however, could have cleaned it up, told me, left s note..I mean I don't know how many folks walked in there and ran out between when it was done and we closed. 

Thank you, means a lot. Many here among my own family seem to have treated the whole funeral as any other get together and a chance to stand in the spotlight.

How do I find an engineer?  I was told we could build it all ourselves by the Director, but that hardly seems to be the case..I mean maybe if I did this for a living I could take it on.   Finding a good reputable contractor really seems like our best option now if we can afford it.

[Megalosaurus]

I haven't seen it moving yet, but I'm already scared of it 

(The Jaws movies made me to fear to enter the beach).

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

I haven't seen it moving yet, but I'm already scared of it 

(The Jaws movies made me to fear to enter the beach).

well that's the reaction i was looking for lol 

sharks don't much bother me at the beach, but stingrays, crabs, hidden sharp objects keep me from going any farther than the breakwater. 

couple other kreatures i'm working on..those with an eye to anatomy perfection may wish to avert their eyes...

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

i have the custom parts of the Rex done now :





still more paint then staining to do.  tempted to " corpse" him up as well.

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

Thank you! lol   Hopefully in the dark , for a second our patrons will think so too!