u/Kazmera

Okay, so I know movie references and pop culture existing in the Marvel universe isn't exactly uncommon, but I saw Spider-Man the other day and they were quoting Lord of the Rings. Specifically, they were quoting Frodo and Gandalf. And it just got me thinking...

Magneto is Ian McKellen.

So somewhere in the Marvel universe, Lord of the Rings exists as a movie, Ian McKellen is presumably an actor who played Gandalf, and Magneto is also a real person who exists in that same universe or multiverse.

Obviously I know Ian McKellen is Magneto in-universe and this isn't actually a plot hole or anything. And I know we aren't so unfamiliar with it being that RDJ played Iron Man and now Doom. It's just a really weird thought process once you put the pieces together. Peter could literally meet Magneto and, from his perspective, Gandalf is standing right in front of him.

I don't know why, but the thought of Peter knowing who Gandalf is and then eventually meeting Magneto just cracks me up.

So I’ve been ordering the same grocery items from Amazon to my house for years with no issues at all. Earlier today, quite literally like 20 minutes ago, I placed an order like normal, but right after I realized I had the wrong payment method selected, so I canceled it immediately.

Now when I go to reorder the exact same stuff to the same address, it won’t let me. It just says the items can’t be shipped to my address and tells me to pick a different delivery location. The only way it’ll let me order them now is through Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods, which I’ve never had to use before for these items.

Nothing changed with my address or anything. Has anyone else run into this or know what’s going on?

I was just doing my bi-annual Game of Thrones watch (not S8) and was curious what everyone's favorite episodes are? For me its:

1: Hardhome (S5 E8)- IMO this is my favorite episode solely for the last half of it. When I watched it the first time I was NOT expecting that epic of an ending with the White Walkers show of force. The looming threat since S1 E1 finally bears its fangs. The eerie music score and visuals fit PERFECTLY with the white walkers arrival. I loved the old Night King's look, it looked much more sinister than the Night King we got in the later seasons. Was not a huge fan of his changed look but oh well. Then the beautiful cut at the end where all you can hear is the winter winds blowing. Sends a chill up my spine everytime I hear it. 10/10 for me.

2: Fire and Blood (S1 E10)- Coming in at second was Fire and Blood, post Ned episode. You feel the raw emotion of the Starks in their hours of grief. Bonus points because the Stark theme is SO beautiful. You can hear their pain in the music. Then the resurgence and rise of Robb Stark as he comes into power. Such an empowering episode for such a somber start. Then of course...baby dragons!

3: The Rains of Castamere (S3 E9)- Third for me is the notorious Red Wedding...The Rains of Castamere. The episode that shocked the world! (at least for non-book readers 🤣) I remember when I watched this episode for the first time I had absolutely ZERO clue what was going to happen, I recall sitting there with my mouth open for a solid 15-20 seconds when the credits rolled. I was in total and utter disbelief. I actually remember my mom and dad watching it before me because I had not had the chance to watch it when it was released, I had watched it a few days later and remember hearing them screaming "OMG" and "Can they do that?!?!". I didn't quite understand at the time but at the end it all made sense... 😭Game of Thrones really locked in THAT show where nobody is safe after this episode. The brutality of the Starks betrayal hit so deep. Then the music score and how Walder Frey had his musicians play "The Rains of Castamere" before setting his plan into motion. Chefs Kiss

4: The Children (S4 E10)- Fourth would be The Children, I loved the focus on the title of this episode...the children. All the children are the focal points of this episode. Tyrion's escape and confrontation with Tywin. Ultimately leading to the death of one of the most iconic and aura farming characters in the show, Tywin Lannister. Brienne and Sandor's standoff and fight over Arya. Bran reaching the Three-Eyed Raven and the children of the forest. Jon and his negotiations with Mance Rayder. It's all about the children and plays to the title SO well and how the new generation of children are breaking free from the past, making the title meaningful on both a literal and symbolic level!

5: The Winds of Winter (S6 E10)- Finally, in fifth place would be The Winds of Winter and my goodness do we start out with a bang. (literally and metaphorically) Cersei's scheme coming into action and removing all her enemies in Kings Landing was SUCH a power move. The soundtrack "Light of the Seven" was one of Ramin Djawadi's BEST pieces. It had such a build up to the wildfire explosion that sent a chill down my spine. Then Arya's reveal and revenge against Walder Frey was just perfect! I was not expecting her to show up there. Such a satisfying end to a scummy character. Then of course Jon's reveal to be Stark/Targaryen and naming of King. I shed so many tears during that scene. Ultimately ending with Dany FINALLY leaving for Westeros and Varys with his time machine.

Let me know yall's favorite and why, I would love to hear everyone's opinion! 😄

I haven't been in high school since 2011 but I've always wondered why high schools don't have a course or class that teaches kids all the things that they will need in life? Filing taxes, changing a tire, creating a resume, how to fix a tie on a suit or dress shirt, so so many simple things in life that young adults need to do that are so clueless to do once they are out on their own. I don't know if maybe high schools offer it now but I remember not having access to it during high school back then. Is it just assumed its something that parents should be doing?

So i recently book a flight through expedia to travel to seattle > taipei > cebu. The first flight is through alaska airlines, 2nd and 3rd flight are through starlux. I contacted both flights to talk about taking my cats. Alaksa airlines was pretty straight forward but when I called starlux after a long call they informed me that they can not take my cats due to it being a connecting flight with alaska airlines? I am very confused about this as I don't understand why it matters what my initial flight is? Has anyone else experienced this?

I've been trying my way through all the Ghost Whey flavors. I finally picked up Fruity Cereal Milk without expecting much and WOW I was blown away.

It smells just like those strawberry wafers you get at the grocery store, and it tastes like Fruity Pebbles. It's easily my favorite flavor so far.

Here's how I'd rank the ones I've tried:

1. Fruity Cereal Milk
2. Chips Ahoy! (very close second)
3. Lucky Charms
4. Trix
5. Count Chocula
6. Cinnabon (it was okay)
7. Nutter Butter (wasn't a fan)

What do yall think? What are your favorites? I am hoping one day Ghost will partner with Captain Crunch! 😆

Why is Tristram's cathedral/catacombs so freaking huge? I've been playing D2 for years since it came out 2000 and absolutely love the game, but I never really got deep into D1 because it used to petrify me as a kid. I have vivid memories of having nightmares from The Butcher. Not sure why I was playing it at 7-8 years old but here we are...

One thing that's always fascinated me is the sheer size of the dungeon beneath Tristram. Why are the cathedral, catacombs, caves, and hell levels so massive? Was it always there, or did something create/expand it after Diablo arrived?

Also, what's the deal with the portal to Hell? Is it an actual gateway to Hell beneath Tristram, or more of a corruption caused by Diablo being there? I'd love if someone could explain the lore behind all of this. The atmosphere of Diablo I is incredible, and now that I'm older I'm finding myself way more interested in the story than I ever was as a kid. I could probably just do a google search but I'd love to hear yall's explanations. :)

I'll be moving to the Philippines permanently early next year, and I'm curious how long-term expats deal with the humidity.

How do you deal with, pardon my French, swamp a**?

When I've visited before, I was using Gold Bond powder and it helped for a little while, but nothing that seemed like a long-term solution. I'm not some obese guy either, I'm fairly fit, 34YO, around 5'11" and 180 lbs. I work out several times a week and normally don't sweat excessively, but Philippine humidity apparently takes that as a personal challenge. Within minutes of being outside, my butt, groin, and thighs are fighting for their lives. 😅 It feels like I'm drenched almost immediately.

Meanwhile, I'll see a local casually walking around in a hoodie, sweatpants, and a jacket, sipping a hot coffee, looking completely comfortable while I'm over here questioning whether humans were meant to contain this much moisture.

I was showering multiple times a day when I was there, which helped temporarily, but I'm wondering if there are any tricks, products, clothing brands, powders, underwear, routines, etc. that longtime expats or locals use to manage it.

Does your body eventually adapt after living there for a while, or is it just something you learn to live with?

Would appreciate any advice from people who've been through the adjustment.

I'm cautiously optimistic about ILL, but I'm trying to keep my expectations in check.

Aside from the dodgy and strange dialogue, a lot of the footage they've shown looks almost too good. Some scenes genuinely look like pre-rendered cinematics rather than actual gameplay.

The concept, atmosphere, and body horror all look fantastic, but we've seen plenty of games over the years show off incredible trailers that ended up being very different from the final product. I hope I'm wrong because if even 80% of what they've shown is representative of actual gameplay, ILL could end up being one of the best horror games in years. What are yall's thoughts? Do you all think it was actual gameplay or are we being duped again like "The Day Before" did to us on steam?

People who take up multiple spots in an already full parking lot drive me insane. I don't care how nice your car is if the lot is packed, you're just making everyone else's day harder because you think you're special. Absolute selfish behavior. Every week finding a spot for the gym is a nightmare because of people like this.

If you're in the Philippines, or really anywhere that has a lot of stray dogs, be kind to them and I promise you it will go a long way!

Not all strays are friendly, obviously, and you should always be careful. But most of the ones I've come across are good dogs. They're usually just wary of people because a lot of people ignore them or treat them poorly.

If you're walking around an area where they're common, bring a few treats or snacks with you. It doesn't cost much, and can easily make a friend for life.

If a stray or pack of strays gets to know you, they remember your scent. I've had strays recognize me days, weeks, or months later. And if you end up befriending a dog or a pack that hangs around the area, they'll often keep an eye on you. I've seen them follow people home, chase off aggressive dogs, and bark at sketchy people getting too close. They will ALWAYS have your back.

They're not all cuddly and they're not all safe to approach, but most of them are just dogs trying to get by. A little kindness goes a long way. Same goes for cats too! Anyway that's my PSA.

I don’t know if I’m the only one who feels this way, but I’m so exhausted by politics being injected into every aspect of life now. Whether someone is Democrat or Republican, when people make politics their entire personality it becomes draining to be around. You can’t go anywhere without hearing “Dems did this.” “Republicans ruined that.”

Family gatherings, hanging out with friends, social events, someone always brings up politics and completely kills the vibe. It feels like nobody can just exist in the moment anymore without turning everything into a debate or ideological argument. I genuinely don’t understand the mindset of wanting every conversation to revolve around political points 24/7. It’s exhausting.

I’m not even saying people shouldn’t care about politics. Obviously it matters. But when every conversation, every event, and every interaction becomes politically charged, it just becomes mentally exhausting. Sometimes I just want to exist for a few hours without hearing why one side is evil and the other side is destroying America.

Ive been in the Philippines for several months now and something I notice is that any kind of soda that comes from restaurants almost always is flat or goes flat after like 5 minutes. Especially when you go to a place and they have the cups with the flimsy plastic wrap overtop. Its guaranteed to be flat. Canned or bottled drinks are fine. But anytime otherwise its flat.

Is it just the climate? Maybe the high humidity causes it to go flat fast? I guess its a good thing because of it I only get bottled water now when I go out. 😂

I let myself go for a few years and by December I had hit over 210 lbs. I know for some people that’s a goal, but for me, someone who had never been over 185, it honestly crushed my mental health. I didn’t feel like myself anymore.

Around that time I started listening to David Goggins. Hearing him talk about discipline, suffering, and pushing past limits really hit something in me. One quote especially stuck with me:

“It’s so easy to be great nowadays because most people are weak.”

That mindset changed me. A lot of people quit when things get uncomfortable. They don’t push the extra mile, the extra set, the extra rep. I realized I had become one of those people, and I didn’t want to stay that way.

So in December I made a decision: the 210-pound version of me wasn’t who I was going to be anymore.

Since then I’ve been in the gym 5 days a week. Pushing harder. Going farther. Holding myself accountable even on the days I don’t want to. Funny enough, I don’t even listen to music when I train anymore. I listen to motivational speeches and quotes. That stuff keeps me locked in mentally.

Today I’m back down to 184 and honestly feel better than I have in years. Stronger physically, but more importantly mentally.

If anyone out there is looking for motivation, just know this: you’re capable of way more than you think. Everybody has greatness in them. The real question is how badly do you want it?

Stay hard.

We know how deplorable that scene was where Stannis and Melisandre sacrificed Shireen to the Lord of Light. Saw a comment from a post and was peaked my curiosity. You could see the scenes leading up to Shireen's death and how snow banked Stannis' army was, not far from Winterfell. The snow DID seem to melt and stayed melted for the most part leading into the Long Night.

If the snow had not melted, how successful would Jon and his army be at sieging Winterfell whilst snow banked? Or do we think Ramsay would still be bold enough to face them even with a blizzard blaring down on them? My guess is that Ramsay would hold up in Winterfell and beat Jon through attrition. Or maybe Jon doesn't even attack at all. How would the story change?