Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm actually a 47 year old mom of a 9 and 11 year old.
I have worked like a dog since the start of VPI in 1989, 16 years ago. I think that in life if you do not understand the history of what has transpired then you can not appreciate the opportunity that has been given. I personally have known Ralph, Pete, Kevin, Dan and Collette, and numerous other herpers working with a variety of species, for between 10 and 30 years. If you want to talk about time spent, dedication to this hobby, and devotion to animals, all of these individuals have gone above and beyond. You are correct, it does not take a rocket scientist to breed a ball python. But it took ten years of breeding ball pythons for it to be that way. Tracy/VPI

I never meant to come off as "Anti Big Boy", I believe if you read through a few of my posts I mentioned the fact that it's great people can do so well off of selling snakes.. I believe there are many respectful large scale breeders, you and a few others in particular.. I just don't believe that others should be treated with MORE respect than the little guy just because of the hand they were dealt... Been around a long time? That's awesome, but hypothetically, I'm young and don't have the ability to go back in time and start my interest in snakes at the age of 8, we haven't had the same opportunities as the older players.. Does that automatically make the veterans better than the newbies?? You guys were pioneers, and that's great, I'm thankful for that.. I'm sorry if it looked like I was attacking, but I just believe people should be treated equally and "Icon" status is bull. People are people, rich, poor, movie stars or librarians... All the same no matter what you do.
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Joe Lydon

>>I never meant to come off as "Anti Big Boy", I believe if you read through a few of my posts I mentioned the fact that it's great people can do so well off of selling snakes.. I believe there are many respectful large scale breeders, you and a few others in particular.. I just don't believe that others should be treated with MORE respect than the little guy just because of the hand they were dealt... Been around a long time? That's awesome, but hypothetically, I'm young and don't have the ability to go back in time and start my interest in snakes at the age of 8, we haven't had the same opportunities as the older players.. Does that automatically make the veterans better than the newbies?? You guys were pioneers, and that's great, I'm thankful for that.. I'm sorry if it looked like I was attacking, but I just believe people should be treated equally and "Icon" status is bull. People are people, rich, poor, movie stars or librarians... All the same no matter what you do.
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>>Joe Lydon

You guys "were" pioneers?????

Ummmmm...... They still are......

There is NO "WERE" in my future.. I am just getting going!!!!

I still have all sorts of things coming......

You'll see!!!!

Thanks - Kev@NERD
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www.newenglandreptile.com

While previewing my post, I was going to change the "were" to "are", but I was speaking in the past tense about what you've done in the begining... Kevin, YOU are the leader of the pack... Do I see you ranting and raving about how great you are?? NOPE!! Your lack of self glorification speaks much about you, you seem humble.. And as far as your animals, there is no need for hyping them up, they do that when you look at them..
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Joe Lydon

>>While previewing my post, I was going to change the "were" to "are", but I was speaking in the past tense about what you've done in the begining... Kevin, YOU are the leader of the pack... Do I see you ranting and raving about how great you are?? NOPE!! Your lack of self glorification speaks much about you, you seem humble.. And as far as your animals, there is no need for hyping them up, they do that when you look at them..
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>>Joe Lydon

I really appreciate that! Thank you!

Kev@NERD
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www.newenglandreptile.com

I'd have to agree with Joe. I see YOU as being the leader of the pack. I don't know the official count, but I'm sure you have the most 'Designer Combos' to your credit.

When I need to show a non-herper or newbie herper the variation in Balls I go to your webpage to do it.

Now, update your Ball Python photo galleries on the NERD webpage. Has to be dozen or more new combos to add. LOL

Kudos to you Kevin 'Modest Man' McCurley. I'm more impressed by someone who let's their actions/accomplishments speak for themselves rather than someone who has to brag and insult others to show their 'dominance.'

Happy Herping, and get that site updated! LOL

BackBeat
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"Have you hugged your drummer today?" --- Me

>>I'd have to agree with Joe. I see YOU as being the leader of the pack. I don't know the official count, but I'm sure you have the most 'Designer Combos' to your credit.
>>
>>When I need to show a non-herper or newbie herper the variation in Balls I go to your webpage to do it.
>>
>>Now, update your Ball Python photo galleries on the NERD webpage. Has to be dozen or more new combos to add. LOL
>>
>>Kudos to you Kevin 'Modest Man' McCurley. I'm more impressed by someone who let's their actions/accomplishments speak for themselves rather than someone who has to brag and insult others to show their 'dominance.'
>>
>>Happy Herping, and get that site updated! LOL
>>
>>BackBeat
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>>"Have you hugged your drummer today?" --- Me

I will hug my DUMMER TODAY!!

My band CROTALUS is playing a local show today!

I WILL UPDATE AND REDO THE ENTIRE NERD WEBPAGE!!!

It is sooooooo outdated.... I am EM BARE ASSED!!!

We are working on a new site will all of the new cool stuff!!!

Thanks for the kind words!!!!!

Kev@NERD
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www.newenglandreptile.com

In terms of "icon" I agree with you it does not apply to any ball python breeder! But acknowledgment does not imply that someone is better than someone else. It is simply appreciation of work ethic, dedication, accomplishment, talent etc. I respect and acknowledge the work of the individuals who were pioneers in the captive breeding of reptiles, my husband Dave Barker, being one of them-Frank Retes, Eugene Bessette, Trooper Walsh, a list too long to write here, they figured out how cycling animals worked, egg incubation fundamentals etc etc, which all of our work was based on. These people weren't given some great advantage--they dedicated themselves and worked hard and shared their information-from which we have all learned from. When you see a Dr., or any other professional or business owner do you think-oh he just got to be one because it was handed to him? When you see an athelete-do you think he got to be in the NFL because he was "lucky"? I don't think so. Now if someone is a jerk-is dishonest, or has a bad value system, well that is another issue. There are many talented and hardworking individuals that may not be people you would like to associate with, do business with, or respect. Two variables (aside from pricing, knowledge, and experience), from which to choose from when supporting a reptile breeder: ethics and integrity. Tracy/VPI

Tracy, you don't have to justify yourself to these folks. You and Dave are God and Goddess in my book. I've admired your work and dedication for years, since I saw you both speak at the herp show in Houston over a decade ago. I bought the light colored from you then, and the darker one from Ty Kubin and the clutch is this years result.

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1.1 Jungle Carpet Python
1.1 Ball Python
1.1 Corn Snake
0.1 Gray band Kingsnake
0.1 Desert Kingsnake
0.1 Pueblan Milksnake
1.0 Bullsnake
1.0 Rhodesian Ridgeback (Hondo)
0.1 Spouse (WC)
3.5 hatchling ball pythons

"Two variables (aside from pricing, knowledge, and experience), from which to choose from when supporting a reptile breeder: ethics and integrity."

Perfectly said! =)

Chris
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mean people suck

"You are correct, it does not take a rocket scientist to breed a ball python. But it took ten years of breeding ball pythons for it to be that way."

You are so perfectly quoteable! (I love it!)

Chris =)
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mean people suck

Having known Tracy since she was 19 year old Tracy Miller in Baltimore, (we didn't socialize much, lol) she has come a long way in knowledge and achievements. The dynamic duo of her and Dave have been at the forefront of herp work for years. The years of Trooper, Bela, Jack Cover, Sheff Edwards, and many early pioneers in this area, plus outside the Balto/DC area, set the groundwork for those to follow. I kept herps from the time I was 8 years old...50 years ago, and never lost interest. I'm constantly amazed at the advances in the past 17 years since I left. (got out for 15 years, now back) Nothing moves quickly in reptile breeding, and animals I only dreamed about then are now in my possesion to work with, even if some aren't expensive. The love of the animals it why I do it. I suspect it's the same with the Barkers, Bells, Kevin and crew, Ralph and Pete.
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1.1 Blackheaded pythons
1.1 Woma (Juvie female)
2.1 Aussie Olives
1.1 Timors
1.0 Angolan Juvie
1.1 Savu
1.1 Juvie Bloods
1.1 Juvie Balls
1.1 IJ Carpets
1.1 Coastal Carpets
1.2 Macklotts
1.1 Papuan Olives
1.0 Jungle Carpet
2.2 Scrubs (on breeding loan)
0.1 Jungle/Diamond cross
0.1 child, CB
0.1 wife, WC

none of these breeders where givin anything. your acting like that breeding reptiles is a thing of the past and you missed the boat b/c of your age thats bull. in twenty years there will be another list of "big boys" just like today. with lack of respect and seeing that you've givin up already,i doubt you'll be on that list..
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billy jean king
BugBusters

You were speaking to whom?
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1.1 Blackheaded pythons
1.1 Woma (Juvie female)
2.1 Aussie Olives
1.1 Timors
1.0 Angolan Juvie
1.1 Savu
1.1 Juvie Bloods
1.1 Juvie Balls
1.1 IJ Carpets
1.1 Coastal Carpets
1.2 Macklotts
1.1 Papuan Olives
1.0 Jungle Carpet
2.2 Scrubs (on breeding loan)
0.1 Jungle/Diamond cross
0.1 child, CB
0.1 wife, WC

Was that reply directed towards me? I'm not sure I followed it. I never said that they were given anything. They worked had to work out all the kinks so that we don't have to. And I don't think breeding reptiles is a thing of the past. I still plan on breeding a variety of snakes. And yes, there will be a new generation of big breeders. I am so totally confused. Maybe you were not referring to me. That would explain the confusion.

Either way...you're right. It's about respect.

Chris
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mean people suck