OK it took some work but I managed to dislodge the stick.
For what it's worth, you are right there wasn't much point to the post or certainly nothing to warrant any serious discussion. Being new and all, I think my intent was just to post something benign, so as to familiarize myself with the people and environment here a bit.
Obviously I got a bit hypersensitive. Another way to say it is, no one likes a crybaby, and I see how I might have represented myself that way.
I have since been fortunate to have a couple members explain to me a few things about getting used to the culture here and that was helpful.
"It is what it is"