My real name is a type of bird. I started using the name birdi online, in various forms, 7 years ago. Apparently there are others who use the same handle, so I guess I'm not the only one with the same idea. I tried a bunch of names last week for a new ebay ID. birdibirdi was already taken. I'm cautious about using my real name online. Can't really say why, just sort of afraid of what the internet might bring to the unwary.

I don't talk much. I write much better than I speak. So I guess I pour it out here, on a keyboard, to unknown readers 'out there'. My parents wrote a monthly column for a newsletter of their dog breeding organization. I guess it seems normal to me to chat about hobby stuff because of that.

I think it's cool Jake the way you can look at an ancient bead and say "that's real" or "not real". You seem so sure while I am befuddled by the topic. I suppose it's in the details, but you must have learned by looking at countless beads. Thanks for sharing what you have learned.