u/BrooklynDoug

Sorry we missed the local parade. We still want to visit the area tomorrow and get a great Italian lunch. What's the go to? The best lasagna is a plus, but not a deal breaker. Thanks.

Growing up, Hampton Inn was the high end of interstate travel. You can eat off the floor at my mom's house, and this hotel met her standards for cleanliness and comfort. As an adult myself, and travelling with my wife, they were still very good.

Then Covid? Did private equity take over? Or have I just had some bad luck?

The last few times I've stayed, I've noticed a slight dip in quality. Like the rooms weren't quite as well maintained. Like some things I can't quite remember or put my finger on.

This past weekend, maintenance had to reattach the AC interface because it was falling off, and we couldn't cool the room. They didn't leave any extra toilet paper. And it felt clean, but there may have been a pet in the room before us, and my wife could pick up on that scent with her allergies. I could have shrugged all of these things off at a Super 8 with Super 8 prices. But for Hampton Inn prices, I expect better.

The kicker was the hot water. It cut off on my wife mid shower. Then later in the evening when I was ready for a shower, there was no hot water at all. The receptionist said I should turn on the hot water in the sink and tub at the same time and wait. This worked. But what? Again, I could have laughed this off at a Super 8. But why would I pay extra for this?

I started leaving a can of food out in my backyard for a single stray a few months ago. Now I have four cats who frequent my backyard.

So far, I haven't noticed any poop or anything like that. I noticed my welcome mat has been scratched up, but I can live with this. Bottom line, I'd rather have four cats occasionally in my backyard than a single mouse ever in my kitchen. So I don't mind spending a few bucks a month to employ these part-time security guards.

Oh, and I've slowed from around one can each day to maybe two or three cans each week. I don't want them thinking this is their home, and I need them to stay hungry for rodents.

What's the long term downside?

It's empty. Google Maps says it's permanently closed. It was great, and it seemed to always have people in it.

Are they just rebranding and reopening? Did they move?

I'm a Gen X man raising two teenage boys. I open the car door for my wife, and she appreciates it. I think it's OK for a man to take pride in his barbecue or to have a signature chili recipe to serve when the guys are over watching a game. I actually thought of this question as I was making egg salad, and I remembered my dad and uncle would get competitive over whose was the best. Around the house, I include my boys when it's time for basic maintenance and repairs. Of course, I would do this with daughters too, so I'm not sure this counts. Maybe I'm asking what masculine even is.

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For the record, I think Mr. Rogers is the epitome of manhood. Assuming the rest of us will never reach his level of confidence, what are some other harmless, masculine things I can do and model for my kids.

There's a new sign above it, and it was shuttered. Google maps says temporarily closed.

Does anyone know if it's gone for good? I'm hoping they're just remodeling and changing their name.

I teach in a middle school computer lab, and I want to show basic examples of what our movie making software can do. I'll have time over the summer to make the worst movie ever entirely of tired tropes. Please help.

Starting off -

He's right behind me, isn't he.

Say that again. No, before that. After that.

The judo chop knockout blow.

Two days to retirement.

Riding the shockwave of an explosion.

Walking away from an explosion with no expression in slow motion.

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You get the idea. Thanks.

New Girl and Cougar Town are my top picks. The titles have nothing to do with the show (at least once it gets rolling). And because I misunderstood the show's premise, I avoided it.

Both shows are hilarious btw. But I only know this because my wife started streaming them many years after they first aired.