These Forums are stressing me out...

[schooltill30]

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I know that med school is the most competitive endeavor ever created by man, and I know that the admissions gauntlet is worse than that final test in Harry Potter 4 (if you don't know what I'm referring to, then you must be a premed 😛). I think it's safe to say that everybody who is even thinking about this crazy life knows what sacrifices it requires. If you don't know it, then you'll figure it out the hard way, having to teach HS bio classes for years to come.

I know all this, and this is why I visit SDN every day. All of my friends are partying finance majors while I'm figuring out how to cram 15 credits into one summer session. Nobody understands why I do this, and SDN provides a place where people like ourselves can empathize (not sympathize, thats for hypocrites).

This all being true, SDN is starting to give me grief, self-doubt, and a feeling that no matter how hard I many times I write down Bio lists, no matter how many unassigned physics problems I do, and no matter how many upper-level bios I attempt to pass, there will always be someone else that will do better. While I celebrate in graditude to whomever runs this crazy world that my GPA is a above that cliff-edge of 3.5, there is surely someone complaining that their 3.9 GPA might not be good enough to get them into the most outrageously expensive, internationally prestigious, ivy-league, coat-of-arms medical school. They will desperately ask for help in improving their pathetic grades, because all of their friends are getting 4.0's. I'm sorry for being a little bitter, but I think you get the point. I come to SDN to reaffirm that there are normal people out there as insane as I am, and that struggle like I do to keep up with the infinitely high standards.

I think that this forum could use a face-lift. Instead of threads about the hardest science course out there, we should post about the most interesting course, or even the easiest course. Who's was your favorite professor, or what was the most fun you had while taking OCHem. Please no more threads on GPA requirements, the lowest acceptable MCAT grades, and various other subjects that make me feel like giving up.

While there is definitely a need to share your frustrations with others (I'm actually doing that right here😳), it should not be the theme of this forum. There has to be some balance. I want to hear how people are surviving the system and succeeding, good news about acceptances, good experiences, fun times, and even random things on people's minds that show me that you guys are people too.

If you've read all this, thank you for listening. I hope my words had an effect. I guess I'll end with a funny story about crazy premeds (crazier than normal, I mean): Yesterday, the assistant dean of a local med school came to have an informal panel discussion with the premeds. Everything was going great until I looked around the room and saw group of people taking notes. Yes, taking notes. And I dont just mean scrap-of-paper-contact-information notes. I mean full out, 3 ring binder, multiple writing utensil, extra eraser notes. Seriously, people. He's just telling you that you need good grades. Detailed outlines not required. Hes not impressed by your note-taking skillzz. Anyhoo, thought that was amusing.

Thanks for reading, what do you guys have to say?

 

[inside_edition]

I know that med school is the most competitive endeavor ever created by man, and I know that the admissions gauntlet is worse than that final test in Harry Potter 4 (if you don't know what I'm referring to, then you must be a premed 😛). I think it's safe to say that everybody who is even thinking about this crazy life knows what sacrifices it requires. If you don't know it, then you'll figure it out the hard way, having to teach HS bio classes for years to come.

I know all this, and this is why I visit SDN every day. All of my friends are partying finance majors while I'm figuring out how to cram 15 credits into one summer session. Nobody understands why I do this, and SDN provides a place where people like ourselves can empathize (not sympathize, thats for hypocrites).

This all being true, SDN is starting to give me grief, self-doubt, and a feeling that no matter how hard I many times I write down Bio lists, no matter how many unassigned physics problems I do, and no matter how many upper-level bios I attempt to pass, there will always be someone else that will do better. While I celebrate in graditude to whomever runs this crazy world that my GPA is a above that cliff-edge of 3.5, there is surely someone complaining that their 3.9 GPA might not be good enough to get them into the most outrageously expensive, internationally prestigious, ivy-league, coat-of-arms medical school. They will desperately ask for help in improving their pathetic grades, because all of their friends are getting 4.0's. I'm sorry for being a little bitter, but I think you get the point. I come to SDN to reaffirm that there are normal people out there as insane as I am, and that struggle like I do to keep up with the infinitely high standards.

I think that this forum could use a face-lift. Instead of threads about the hardest science course out there, we should post about the most interesting course, or even the easiest course. Who's was your favorite professor, or what was the most fun you had while taking OCHem. Please no more threads on GPA requirements, the lowest acceptable MCAT grades, and various other subjects that make me feel like giving up.

While there is definitely a need to share your frustrations with others (I'm actually doing that right here😳), it should not be the theme of this forum. There has to be some balance. I want to hear how people are surviving the system and succeeding, good news about acceptances, good experiences, fun times, and even random things on people's minds that show me that you guys are people too.

If you've read all this, thank you for listening. I hope my words had an effect. I guess I'll end with a funny story about crazy premeds (crazier than normal, I mean): Yesterday, the assistant dean of a local med school came to have an informal panel discussion with the premeds. Everything was going great until I looked around the room and saw group of people taking notes. Yes, taking notes. And I dont just mean scrap-of-paper-contact-information notes. I mean full out, 3 ring binder, multiple writing utensil, extra eraser notes. Seriously, people. He's just telling you that you need good grades. Detailed outlines not required. Hes not impressed by your note-taking skillzz. Anyhoo, thought that was amusing.

Thanks for reading, what do you guys have to say?

is the cheese made of organic milk?

 

[dutchman]

I know that med school is the most competitive endeavor ever created by man, and I know that the admissions gauntlet is worse than that final test in Harry Potter 4 (if you don't know what I'm referring to, then you must be a premed 😛). I think it's safe to say that everybody who is even thinking about this crazy life knows what sacrifices it requires. If you don't know it, then you'll figure it out the hard way, having to teach HS bio classes for years to come.

I know all this, and this is why I visit SDN every day. All of my friends are partying finance majors while I'm figuring out how to cram 15 credits into one summer session. Nobody understands why I do this, and SDN provides a place where people like ourselves can empathize (not sympathize, thats for hypocrites).

This all being true, SDN is starting to give me grief, self-doubt, and a feeling that no matter how hard I many times I write down Bio lists, no matter how many unassigned physics problems I do, and no matter how many upper-level bios I attempt to pass, there will always be someone else that will do better. While I celebrate in graditude to whomever runs this crazy world that my GPA is a above that cliff-edge of 3.5, there is surely someone complaining that their 3.9 GPA might not be good enough to get them into the most outrageously expensive, internationally prestigious, ivy-league, coat-of-arms medical school. They will desperately ask for help in improving their pathetic grades, because all of their friends are getting 4.0's. I'm sorry for being a little bitter, but I think you get the point. I come to SDN to reaffirm that there are normal people out there as insane as I am, and that struggle like I do to keep up with the infinitely high standards.

I think that this forum could use a face-lift. Instead of threads about the hardest science course out there, we should post about the most interesting course, or even the easiest course. Who's was your favorite professor, or what was the most fun you had while taking OCHem. Please no more threads on GPA requirements, the lowest acceptable MCAT grades, and various other subjects that make me feel like giving up.

While there is definitely a need to share your frustrations with others (I'm actually doing that right here😳), it should not be the theme of this forum. There has to be some balance. I want to hear how people are surviving the system and succeeding, good news about acceptances, good experiences, fun times, and even random things on people's minds that show me that you guys are people too.

If you've read all this, thank you for listening. I hope my words had an effect. I guess I'll end with a funny story about crazy premeds (crazier than normal, I mean): Yesterday, the assistant dean of a local med school came to have an informal panel discussion with the premeds. Everything was going great until I looked around the room and saw group of people taking notes. Yes, taking notes. And I dont just mean scrap-of-paper-contact-information notes. I mean full out, 3 ring binder, multiple writing utensil, extra eraser notes. Seriously, people. He's just telling you that you need good grades. Detailed outlines not required. Hes not impressed by your note-taking skillzz. Anyhoo, thought that was amusing.

Thanks for reading, what do you guys have to say?

That was your first mistake.

 

[DrVanNostran]

While there are super competitive and intelligent people on this board, you will find everyone else if you look.

For example, me--the SDN Resident Failure. If you need to reassure yourself that you are a good applicant, etc just PM me and you will realize that you are pretty well off 🙂

 

[schooltill30]

is the cheese made of organic milk?

???

 

[MirrorTodd]

Relax man, you're aren't alone. I've got a 2.9 that I'm trying to raise after taking a 2 year break. I definitely wonder if I've got what it takes to go to med school. Especially since I'm pulling B's right now instead of the A's that everyone else is getting. We've all got our own little problems that we deal with. Try to get out of the pre-allo forum and visit some of the residency forums. Or better yet, check out the lounge. It's got a very relaxing appeal to it.

 

[xylem29]

I know that med school is the most competitive endeavor ever created by man, and I know that the admissions gauntlet is worse than that final test in Harry Potter 4 (if you don't know what I'm referring to, then you must be a premed 😛). I think it's safe to say that everybody who is even thinking about this crazy life knows what sacrifices it requires. If you don't know it, then you'll figure it out the hard way, having to teach HS bio classes for years to come.

I know all this, and this is why I visit SDN every day. All of my friends are partying finance majors while I'm figuring out how to cram 15 credits into one summer session. Nobody understands why I do this, and SDN provides a place where people like ourselves can empathize (not sympathize, thats for hypocrites).

This all being true, SDN is starting to give me grief, self-doubt, and a feeling that no matter how hard I many times I write down Bio lists, no matter how many unassigned physics problems I do, and no matter how many upper-level bios I attempt to pass, there will always be someone else that will do better. While I celebrate in graditude to whomever runs this crazy world that my GPA is a above that cliff-edge of 3.5, 1 there is surely someone complaining that their 3.9 GPA might not be good enough to get them into the most outrageously expensive, internationally prestigious, ivy-league, coat-of-arms medical school. They will desperately ask for help in improving their pathetic grades, because all of their friends are getting 4.0's. I'm sorry for being a little bitter, but I think you get the point. I come to SDN to reaffirm that there are normal people out there as insane as I am, and that struggle like I do to keep up with the infinitely high standards.

2 I think that this forum could use a face-lift. Instead of threads about the hardest science course out there, we should post about the most interesting course, or even the easiest course. Who's was your favorite professor, or what was the most fun you had while taking OCHem. Please no more threads on GPA requirements, the lowest acceptable MCAT grades, and various other subjects that make me feel like giving up.

While there is definitely a need to share your frustrations with others (I'm actually doing that right here😳), it should not be the theme of this forum. There has to be some balance. I want to hear how people are surviving the system and succeeding, good news about acceptances, good experiences, fun times, and even random things on people's minds that show me that you guys are people too.

If you've read all this, thank you for listening. I hope my words had an effect. I guess I'll end with a 3 funny story about crazy premeds (crazier than normal, I mean): Yesterday, the assistant dean of a local med school came to have an informal panel discussion with the premeds. Everything was going great until I looked around the room and saw group of people taking notes. Yes, taking notes. And I dont just mean scrap-of-paper-contact-information notes. I mean full out, 3 ring binder, multiple writing utensil, extra eraser notes. Seriously, people. He's just telling you that you need good grades. Detailed outlines not required. Hes not impressed by your note-taking skillzz. Anyhoo, thought that was amusing.

Thanks for reading, what do you guys have to say?

1) This is called subjectivity, perspective, and relativity - my frustration is people getting agitated by others who are "better" (or who are "something" that makes you bitter) - a wise man once told me, forget about others, rather than criticizing others, focus on the improvement of yourself. Are you telling me that you actually despise, resent, or even hate someone that you don't even know based on something as superficial as achievement? To each his/her own, everyone's got their own problems and issues to deal with - live and let be, don't compare.

2) To this, I personally feel like you're asking to hide the ugly stuff and to fill the forums with fluff and roses or something. At least, to fill it with things that will make you happy - well, for me, life is about dealing with uncomfortable situations that can only help you grow. Sometimes in life, you will face things that you don't want to hear, see, or do without choice - at least with SDN, you can click on the threads that you want to read, and avoide the ones about gpas and ivy-leagues.

3) Once again - to each his/her own. Focus on thyself.

Seriously, it really isn't that difficult. I still can't understand what people's problems are with feeling the need to judge others by calling them crazy, abnormal, overachievers, gunners, etc. Stop the hating?? Different people have different ways of doing things - it is called diversity, can you people (not the OP) not get over yourselves? Is it due to envy? Are you insecure with yourselves? Or do you geniunely find it funny like a comedic film? What is it? To me, it's like laughing at someone or judging some because of the way they look or talk, or where they are from.

that's my two cents...

 

[Timmythemic22]

1) This is called subjectivity, perspective, and relativity - my frustration is people getting agitated by others who are "better" (or who are "something" that makes you bitter) - a wise man once told me, forget about others, rather than criticizing others, focus on the improvement of yourself. Are you telling me that you actually despise, resent, or even hate someone that you don't even know based on something as superficial as achievement? To each his/her own, everyone's got their own problems and issues to deal with - live and let be, don't compare.

2) To this, I personally feel like you're asking to hide the ugly stuff and to fill the forums with fluff and roses or something. At least, to fill it with things that will make you happy - well, for me, life is about dealing with uncomfortable situations that can only help you grow. Sometimes in life, you will face things that you don't want to hear, see, or do without choice - at least with SDN, you can click on the threads that you want to read, and avoide the ones about gpas and ivy-leagues.

3) Once again - to each his/her own. Focus on thyself.

Seriously, it really isn't that difficult. I still can't understand what people's problems are with feeling the need to judge others by calling them crazy, abnormal, overachievers, gunners, etc. Stop the hating?? Different people have different ways of doing things - it is called diversity, can you people (not the OP) not get over yourselves? Is it due to envy? Are you insecure with yourselves? Or do you geniunely find it funny like a comedic film? What is it? To me, it's like laughing at someone or judging some because of the way they look or talk, or where they are from.

that's my two cents...

Umm...I agree with all the above, but to the OP couldn't a simple, "Quit your whining, Suzy" suffice?

 

[Green Pirate]

The world of medicine is full of gunners... at least you're exposed to it early here on SDN.

 

[NonTradMed]

SDN is *not* representative of the premed population. It is skewed toward people who are somewhat gunnerish, with a smattering of people who are wholly academically underqualified for med school (hence they seek advice on SDN). Take heart that most people out there who are competing against you for med school are not getting 4.0 and 35.

 

[baylormed]

I agree with the above posters that SDN is not at all representative of the overall community of pre-meds. Keep in mind that many people around here believe that anything below a 35+ MCAT and a 3.9 GPA will not get you anywhere, or that any salary below 250K/year is not enough to live with.

Go out, take a walk, stay away for a while when you feel like these forums are stressing you out. It's the healthiest thing to do.

 

[Pancho Villa]

I agree with the above posters that SDN is not at all representative of the overall community of pre-meds. Keep in mind that many people around here believe that anything below a 35+ MCAT and a 3.9 GPA will not get you anywhere, or that any salary below 250K/year is not enough to live with.

Go out, take a walk, stay away for a while when you feel like these forums are stressing you out. It's the healthiest thing to do.

or just eat chocolate....lots and lots and lots of chocolate.

 

[baylormed]

or just eat chocolate....lots and lots and lots of chocolate.

Or ice cream. And cake. And cookie dough.

...........Um, not that I have ever done that. I just know that because someone told me.

 

[Khanal007]

it almost bothers me when people attempt to censor stuff on this forum, like "no more school vs. school!!" or "lets make more threads on nice things". Control of the forum is important to a degree to keep things orderly, but to an extent. No one is forcing anyone to read SDN, read particular threads, or login to this site. Yes, SDN is not representative, yes, there are probably more competitive people on this site, and yes, you should take everything on here with a grain of salt. But to put it nicely, if it subject matter thats pertinent to medical schools, getting in, etc, offends anyone so much, then why why are they reading it?

 

[45408]

This all being true, SDN is starting to give me grief, self-doubt, and a feeling that no matter how hard I many times I write down Bio lists, no matter how many unassigned physics problems I do, and no matter how many upper-level bios I attempt to pass, there will always be someone else that will do better.

Just wait until you get to med school and you realize just how many of those people are out there.

 

[Pancho Villa]

Or ice cream. And cake. And cookie dough.

...........Um, not that I have ever done that. I just know that because someone told me.

mmmmmmmm......cookie dough.....

 

[Cirrus83]

lol, for what it's worth, med school (and getting into med school) is not in fact the most competitive endeavor ever created by man.

I think we all know that thumb wrestling is in fact, the most competitive endeavor ever created by man, closely followed by the Olympics, licking to the center of a Tootsie pop (no biting you cheaters!), astronaut love triangle stalking, and then finally, med school.

 

[darknation]

i understand what you mean ..... and really if you want to talk to a normal, struggling student them PM me, but with all these crazy gunners here / SDN resident jerks / people with no social or life skills you might get overwhelmed sometimes here...... for a more sane crowd, try www.premed101.com/forums

 

[schooltill30]

1) This is called subjectivity, perspective, and relativity - my frustration is people getting agitated by others who are "better" (or who are "something" that makes you bitter) - a wise man once told me, forget about others, rather than criticizing others, focus on the improvement of yourself. Are you telling me that you actually despise, resent, or even hate someone that you don't even know based on something as superficial as achievement? To each his/her own, everyone's got their own problems and issues to deal with - live and let be, don't compare.

2) To this, I personally feel like you're asking to hide the ugly stuff and to fill the forums with fluff and roses or something. At least, to fill it with things that will make you happy - well, for me, life is about dealing with uncomfortable situations that can only help you grow. Sometimes in life, you will face things that you don't want to hear, see, or do without choice - at least with SDN, you can click on the threads that you want to read, and avoide the ones about gpas and ivy-leagues.

3) Once again - to each his/her own. Focus on thyself.

Seriously, it really isn't that difficult. I still can't understand what people's problems are with feeling the need to judge others by calling them crazy, abnormal, overachievers, gunners, etc. Stop the hating?? Different people have different ways of doing things - it is called diversity, can you people (not the OP) not get over yourselves? Is it due to envy? Are you insecure with yourselves? Or do you geniunely find it funny like a comedic film? What is it? To me, it's like laughing at someone or judging some because of the way they look or talk, or where they are from.

that's my two cents...

Haha, more like 5 bucks!!

But seriously, I hear what you're saying. When I wrote that whole rant on Friday, I was in a pretty sucky, irritable mood. And I was irritated. Add the truth is that I do try to think like you, trying to ignore the things I can't control, and focus more on bettering myself. Some are just harder than others though....
And with regard to the premed story, I mean "amusing" as in I really had no idea why someone would want to take notes at a dean's recruiting presentation. I mean, I'm a religious Jew, I do things that many people would laugh out loud at on a daily basis. If my story, and the way I described it, could have been read to be offensive, then I apologize. It wasn't meant that way. I once read that humor is saying or doing something that is unexpected. Laughter is physiological response to something unexpected. That's why some people smile or laugh when they're nervous, or when they hear horrible news. I think that's why I found the story funny. Completely unexpected.

 

[BeatrixKiddo]

Play hard or go home crying. WANHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH WANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNH

 

[schooltill30]

Play hard or go home crying.
WANHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH WANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNH

Ok, I'm going to take xylem29's advice here and ignore you. I just want to know if you're going to use that line on your patients.

 

[mdm2fly]

Or ice cream. And cake. And cookie dough.

...........Um, not that I have ever done that. I just know that because someone told me.

mmmmm......pazookie

 

[ssquared]

I don't think the OP has been hanging around SDN long enough to see that there are quite often threads on what classes are the easiest, threads for acceptances, threads for interviews, threads on how much gunners suck, yadda yadda. I don't think people are coming to this forum looking for balance.

That being said, it's a great resource, glad you found it, but I'd wait until you've been here longer than say, a month, before you start spouting suggestions for improvements. That's why we have mods. 🙂

 

[psipsina]

Just wait until you get to med school and you realize just how many of those people are out there.

seriously . . . the sooner you make peace with your ego and admit that you are probably not the best and the brightest in this game the better it will go . . . for most of us mere mortals there will always be someone who it just comes easier to, or someone who is willing to try a bit harder than you and thats ok.

 

[Sarg's kid]

I agree with the above posters that SDN is not at all representative of the overall community of pre-meds. Keep in mind that many people around here believe that anything below a 35+ MCAT and a 3.9 GPA will not get you anywhere, or that any salary below 250K/year is not enough to live with.

Go out, take a walk, stay away for a while when you feel like these forums are stressing you out. It's the healthiest thing to do.

That's the truth. I took a nice1-2 month break from SDN, and it dropped my stress level quite a bit. Now I come by and spend 20 min max on here and then shut it off. This is like the gunner hall of fame. Just relax. If you feel your chest tightening while you're on SDN, then leave for a few days.

 

[greg1184]

Welcome to the world of Messageboards. A world filled with hyperbole, personal attacks, and trolls. It doesn't only apply to these forums, but to most of them.

 

[notdeadyet]

schooltill30- Don't take SDN so seriously.

There are lots of good people around here that give lots of good advice. There are also some folks who are very entertaining writers. And there are folks who crack you up with every other post.

But there are also a fair number of 20-year-old sad sacks whose idea of fun is beating their chest on anonymous forums to get respect they don't command in the flesh. You learn who these folks are pretty quickly.

Read SDN for entertainment purposes, but don't take any life changing advice or set your moral compass here. At the end of the day, it's just strangers pounding out one's and zeros.

 

[Critical Mass]

Please no more threads on GPA requirements, the lowest acceptable MCAT grades, and various other subjects that make me feel like giving up.

Agree with this, but for a different reason. Schools publish the objective criteria in the MSAR, so I've never understood why people come here for opinions when the facts regarding that stuff are already laid out.

If you already feel like giving up, you ain't seen nuthin' yet.

 

[brianmartin]

I highly recommend that anyone who get's stressed out reading SDN go to http://www.pandabearmd.blogspot.com/ and read Pandabear's blog 🙂

 

[BeatrixKiddo]

Ok, I'm going to take xylem29's advice here and ignore you. I just want to know if you're going to use that line on your patients.

I'm going to take Jesus's advice and turn hte other cheek here.

 

[undrcovrgunner]

schooltill30- Don't take SDN so seriously.

There are lots of good people around here that give lots of good advice. There are also some folks who are very entertaining writers. And there are folks who crack you up with every other post.

But there are also a fair number of 20-year-old sad sacks whose idea of fun is beating their chest on anonymous forums to get respect they don't command in the flesh. You learn who these folks are pretty quickly.

Read SDN for entertainment purposes, but don't take any life changing advice or set your moral compass here. At the end of the day, it's just strangers pounding out one's and zeros.

I like your take on things, notdeadyet.

 

[kelvin81]

schooltill30- Don't take SDN so seriously.

There are lots of good people around here that give lots of good advice. There are also some folks who are very entertaining writers. And there are folks who crack you up with every other post.

But there are also a fair number of 20-year-old sad sacks whose idea of fun is beating their chest on anonymous forums to get respect they don't command in the flesh. You learn who these folks are pretty quickly.

Read SDN for entertainment purposes, but don't take any life changing advice or set your moral compass here. At the end of the day, it's just strangers pounding out one's and zeros.

Well said and very truthful. I can't agree more.
schooltill30, just make sure not to let yourself get absorbed into SDN or let words from people on here get to you. It's just not worth it.

 

[schooltill30]

Well, thank you (or most of you, at least) for your words. Your advice will be heeded...

 

[BloodySurgeon]

Im not too impressed with the whole 4.0, ivy-league graduate. A person needs to prove that their more than just a number to earn my respect and admiration. Most pre-meds don't know how to think past what they were taught (or even worst, what they memorized from a book). I just hate when people give exact quotes of their past professors or readings and take it as their own without truely thinking about it. Any idiot can memorize, but using these knowledge in a practical and applicable means, are doctor-like qualities.

IMO, adcoms should have greater emphasis on a student's personality and experience in the application process. A physician's primary purpose is to care for their patients and in doing so, will need skills other than regurgitating (e.g. communicating). Unfortunately, this is not what we see. Choosing applicants based on their numbers, is an efficient and statistically safe means of accepting students. Why not? If they do well in undergrad, they will most probably do well in grad school. And if they do well in grad school, then the schools prestige and ranking goes up. So what's the problem? Well, how about afterwards? This is why California have some of the worst and some of the best doctors in the world--but I won't go off-topic now...

Anyways, doesn't it seems that the relentless competition and "gunners" tend to discourage and scare off the less committed students? If medicine is your true calling and is what you love, then I don't think there is anything anybody can do to change that. Although the pre-med life is strenuous, I enjoy everyday of it and know how to balance life with hard work-- and sometimes it comes hand to hand (like working in the hospital).

If reading the forums at SDN bother you, don't read them. If you like to talk about more interesting topics, by all means start new ones. It's as simple as that.

 

[BloodySurgeon]

Sorry for going off-topic from the OP.