Just wanted to share to whoever finds this helpful as I found other posts also did for me when I started.
Context:
Just passed security+ 701 last week. Started studying for A+ last year around October so roughly about 2 months studying for each exam so 7/8 months to get all certs. Average 4 hours a day studying 5 days a week. There were days I felt burnt out so took some more days off. (No IT background , passed each exam first time so its possible)
Resources used/Tips:
'Professor Messer' on YouTube he goes over all the exam objectives and his lessons are concise and easy to understand. https://www.youtube.com/@professormesser
'PowerCert Animated videos' on YouTube also helps with explaining specific concepts and topics with animation which makes it very easy to visualise and understand. https://www.youtube.com/@PowerCertAnimatedVideos
'ankidroid' mobile app on google play store to create my own flash cards from my notes and regularly go over them to help retain the info learnt. There is also a web version 'ankiweb' if you are unable to get the mobile version.
I also used ChatGPT to explain/simplify concepts I didn't understand. HIGHLY USEFUL honestly farrrr better than just searching google.
Once I am done with learning I used 'Examcompass' to also test my knowledge and see if there is any learning gaps. (Note that the questions are not phrased like the exams but are instead just meant to test your knowledge.) https://www.examcompass.com
The last thing is, I bought Jason Dion practice exams for the exam that I am taking on Udemy website and went through them (The questions are meant to be tailored to be like the real exam and that is very helpful) He also goes over the answers and explains why the answer is correct and why the others are wrong. Very Important to understand the why and not memorise answers.
Exam tips: 'Flag' the PBQs (they are the first 4 or 5 questions you get) and come back at the end to do them as they can seem overwhelming at first glance and you might end up wasting too much time on them or it might put you off and you'll feel you jammed before you even get to the questions and at that point you might even given up mentally. (Almost happened to me on my first exam and so I learnt my lesson)
I found that the real exam questions are worded in a way that can make it a lot more complicated and confusing which can put you off so be aware and read the questions more than once! Recognise any key words/concepts that will help you narrow down the possible answers through process of elimination (give yourself a reason why it cant be this answer or that answer). E.g. if the question is about wireless networks then the answer is unlikely to be about cat6 cables. Also for some questions you might get to 2 answers that are both valid so choose the best/most suited answer based on the scenario/context of the question.
Closing point:
I honestly thought I failed each exam and was surprised each time with a pass. I am religious and I believe my faith certainly also played a part not even kidding! Once I had finished prepping the best I could, I just left it to God and trust and prayed that all goes well with the exam. It certainly helps relief some tension and pressure. Of course faith without works is dead, still got to put in the work and he will get you across. (Passed within less than 20 marks from the pass mark for all exams)
Now time to start looking for work I'll share my experience with that also once I'm through God willing! 😊Christ did it all !

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Hey Sportsfans — it's time for Week 7 of baseball Power Rankings: These baseball numbers have been forwarded directly from Manfred's office. They are accurate and caanot be questioned.
Every voter has their own style / system and the only voting instructions are these:

"To an extent determined individually, you must take into account how strong a team is right now and likely to be going forward. You must, to some degree, give weight to the events and games of the previous week."

TRANSPARENCY: This link will show you who voted each team where and has added neat statistics!
Please check this space shortly for a link to the Auxilliary Post for added details and stats!
If something is a little messed up, feel free to pester me let me know.
Total Votes: 30 of 30. Another Perfect Vote!.

#		Team	Δ	Comment	Record
1		Dodgers	0	The Dodgers started off a mediocre road trip by sweeping the Marlins in dominant fashion, followed by a sleepy series against the padres. My early season prediction of the Dodgers's infield defense being the biggest issue was completely wrong. Mookie looks natural at short, and Muncy has been playing pretty darn well at 3rd. We will be using our prayers this week to pray that Shohei is going to be okay	27-15
2		Phillies	+1	It's tough to end the week on a walkoff loss to the Marlins and feel good, but it's hard to complain about a 4-2 stretch. Nick Castellanos might finally not be the worst hitter in baseball after he says he started treating hitting like glorified batting practice again. Ranger Suarez has arguably been the best pitcher in baseball, pitching to a 1.5 ERA and an astounding 0.72 WHIP with team wins in each of his starts. Somehow this performance isn't even all that surprising for a guy with a 4.18 ERA last year. He was this dominant in a half season between the bullpen and rotation in 2021 and has a career 1.62 ERA in 7 postseason starts and 2 relief appearances. This week: another weird scheduling quirk as they play a 4 game set against the Mets with the first two at Citi Field and the next two in Philly before the Nats come to town for a 3 game series.	28-13
3		Orioles	-1	I was hoping the Orioles would go 5-1 this week but they went 4-2. Still nothing to be super upset about. I think the main concerns right now are Mullins is hitting under .200 and Santander still not hitting the way he can. Yesterdays game was just not great so hopefully it was just a one-off and can be flushed and they move on. Blue Jays and Mariners are in town this week so it doesn't get any easier.	26-13
4		Yankees	0	Our pitching is so good right now. Anyone in the rotation could pull a Glasnow and write their number on a ball for a cute girl, and she’d call. Doesn’t even have to have their name. She doesn’t care if its’s Nestor Cortes or Clarke Schmidt. Yankees starter? She’s calling, and she’s shaving her legs beforehand. If we signed Pete Davidson for some spot starts there'd be a second baby boom. By the way, my nickname for Clarke Schmidt used to be Farte Schidt. He has very much made me eat my aforementioned schidt this year, and officially has the second-best starter ERA behind Luis Gil, as we all predicted. In other news, Judge and Stanton both have their pop at once, Soto is doing what Soto does, and Verdugo is playing sneaky good right now. We also officially took the season series against Houston 6-1, which feels GREAT. If only they were a playoff team so we could finally bounce them this year. Oh well. A Yankees-A’s ALCS it is.	27-15
5		Braves	0	The walk off loss hurts, but can't be too upset with a 4-1 bounce back week! Big time perfromance from our SP. Giving up only 4 ERs in 23.2 IP (1.52 ERA) in these 5 games. Our bats are not what we have come to expect, but that can't last much longer. Signs of life from Acuña and Olson and continued performance by Ozuna. If by the end of May we don't see massive improvement to our offensive numbers, I will be surprised. Until then, buckle up because the offense is coming.	24-13
6		Twins	+3	Another great week, Sausage be praised! We took series from the Blue Jays and Mariners with both blowouts and well-pitched close games. I think it's safe to say that the team has found its groove, and this is how the Twins can be expected to perform moving forward. The only blip has been that the bullpen is having a slight slump, but that will even out shortly.	24-16
7		Brewers	0	Paul Who? The only starting pitcher debut I care about is BOBBY GAS who threw 6 innings of 2 hit, 0 run ball in a win against the Cardinals. He fills a much needed spot in the Brewers rotation, and likely would have been up sooner if not for an injury of his own. Rhys Hoskins also had a monster week, racking up 3 HR and 9 RBI in hist last 5 games. I had my doubts this young lineup and shaky rotation actually could be a contending ballclub over 162 games, but I'm not going to argue with the results.	24-16
8		Guardians	-2	Another bad week. The Guardians had rough series against the Tigers and the mighty World Champion favorite White Sox. This coming week, we play the reigning World Series champs and the hottest team in our division. I'm not worried. Not at all.	25-16
9		Cubs	-1	The Cubs went 3-3 this week in what felt like a complete microcosm of their season. While they did get Justin Steele, Cody Bellinger, and Seiya Suzuki back from injury, they lost Dansby Swanson and Yency Almonte, who had been a rare reliable bullpen arm. Christopher Morel also had a scare after tweaking his knee sliding into sexond, but fortunately is alright. Otherwise, the offense remained inconsistent, the starting pitching was outstanding, and the bullpen was abysmal at worst and heart-stopping at best. While he didn't continue his usual dominance against them, Ian Happ extended his streak of 62 consecutive games reaching base vs the Pirates. This week, the Cubs travel to Atlanta to take on the Braves before hosting the Pirates for 4 games.	24-17
10		Royals	+2	The Royals have a chance to be in first place by themselves this late in the season for the first time since 2016. It feels like a lifetime ago. Yes, it is just seven weeks into the season but hopes are usually gone by this point. Maybe this year can be different.	25-17
11		Mariners	0	Apologies for any typos, doing this from mobile is miserable. Not the best week, but given the pitching hiccups I can't complain too much. Woo is back (and hopefully staying back, him getting pulled was a bit of a scare.) The next few series are another gauntlet, and if the M's can make it through playing relatively well they'll be in a good positon to take advantage of their schedule for the end of the month and early June. Up next: 3 vs. Roy L's, 3 @ Oreo L's	22-19
12		Padres	+2	The San Diego Madres beat LA on both día de las Madres (friday) as well as Mother’s Day, wherein both we got great pitching performances from King and Darvish respectively. Arraez capped off the walk-off win on friday, and it was nice to see Bogaerts get one deep on Sunday. So far in ‘24 the Padres haven’t lost a series to the Dodgers, whether in LA, San Diego, or South Korea. It’s a bit cathartic, though I do wish there was less blue in the stands this weekend though. Really interested to see how they come out against the rocks, as SD was only able to split the 4-game series earlier in the season. This one lines up between the series’s vs LA and ATL, it could be a bit of a trap, hoping the Pads continue their series winning streak (which is now at 4) and just take care of business.	22-21
13		Rangers	-3	The baseball gods are unforgiving. Sacrfices have to be made and will continue to be made to the baseball gods. Oh dear baseball gods please forgive our hubris for thinking the baseball suffering was over. It was not but also, flags fly forever.	22-20
14		Red Sox	-1	The Sox have not been having a good May. Losing Casas has been brutal, and the expected bump in performance from Vaughn Grissom at 2nd hasn't happened (well, at least not yet). As a team we have a decent looking triple slash, but situationally they've been horrible. In high leverage PAs, the Sox are hitting .195/.264/.272 in 247 PAs. We have loads of talent, but there's always some issue whether it be defense or clutch hitting that holds us back from being truly competitive.	21-19
15		Tigers	0	The City Connects... phew phew phew. Looks like we got tire tracks laid on us after a truck ran us over. No thanks. I hate it... and that's not even mentioning the dumb hat. In terms of actual baseball, though, Tarik Skubal is still Skuballing. This week: 3 vs. MIA, 3 at ARI.	20-20
16		Rays	0	It was a .500 week for the Rays, and the good news is things are looking better, but only like maybe? Randy and Yandy seem to be coming back a bit; glancing at the lineup's batting avg in the game threads isn't painful anymore. Ben Rortvedt is over .300 in the catcher position which is unheard of for this team. The bad news is pitching is only bouncing back from abysmal to below average. A week against division opponents on the road will test if that improvement is here to stay or if it was just a new uniform bounce.	20-21
17		D-Backs	+3	The Diamondbacks have been winning more games of late but are still underperforming their Pythagorean record and are 3 games below .500 despite a +17 run differential. Reinforcements should be coming back from injury soon which should help.	19-22
18		Mets	-1	I prewrote a big and extremely negative blurb about the Mets getting swept by the Braves. That did not happen, Brandon Nimmo hit a walk off homer on Sunday Night Baseball immediately as I was about to close my computer. Never been so glad to be wrong. Bring on the Phillies and Marlins.	19-20
19		Nationals	0	Two large accomplishments for the Nats in the last week - 1) For the first time since 2021, the Nats climbed over .500 with an opening win over the Orioles in a 2-game series. 2) Patrick Corbin recorded a win this week vs the Red Sox (his first since 9/11/23 vs the Pirates). The Nationals quickly slid back under .500 losing the 2nd game vs the Orioles and then 2 of 3 against the Red Sox. James Wood is hitting everything in AAA (over 1.000 OPS) so there are lots of calls for HRCHU.	19-20
20		Blue Jays	+1	Very up and down week for the Cyrulean Winged Creatures of Ontario. A 1-1 split with Philly and a 1-2 tilt vs Minnesota extended a too-long stretch of not winning series. Turns out, the combination of bad offense and a bad bullpen is bad. But there have been some glimpses of hope, at least. Alek Manoah threw a gem on Sunday, giving up 0 ER and 1 BB over 7 IP with 6 Ks. Also, Vladdy is hot as shit right now; since the last week of March, he's been hitting over .400 with a nearly 1.000 OPS. Still, the Jays in general continue to underperform and hover just below .500. Mid-May is not the time to freak out and this team is in too deep to consider a full tear-down even in a lost year, but things will be getting worrisome if they can't pull out of this middling stretch that has defined the first quarter of the season.	18-22
21		Giants	+4	Believe it or not, the Giants had a winning week. They continue their flirtation with being a decent team. However, we would like the world to know about several issues	19-23
22		Athletics	0	Happy Mother's Day, say hi or I'll drop by. Rough week, our bullpen had some awful games esp w/ Kotsay's choices. Will possibly fall below the Astros this week as we play them along with the Royals, and unlike last year I don't think we're a better team than KC. Toro and Harris have been playing well with Soderstrom getting some reps in (A+ defense from them), but Gelof will likely return and change something there.	19-23
23		Reds	-5	What is the meaning of suffering? This question has stumped philosophers throughout the ages, but nobody has come up with an answer. On the opposite side of this, we have also been in search of evidence of the divine, and we’ve searched for it in things like the miracle of our world. But again, we haven’t found anything. What if we’re looking in the wrong place? What if suffering is the greatest proof of a divine presence? Suffering is an art. Perhaps the greatest art ever devised. Devised by who or what though? Some greater power looming over us all? Some great cosmic being who looks upon us the same way as we do ants? Some primordial consciousness created trillions of years ago in the Big Bang that’s been merely existing all this time and only gets enjoyment out of the suffering of others? How do we figure this out? Who do we ask? I have a suggestion, we can ask baseball fans. We are connoisseurs of suffering. Ask an A’s fan about the meaning of suffering and you’ll get your answer just by looking into their eyes. Ask a Rockies fan, or a White Sox fan, or even a long dead Expos fan. It’s weeks like this that make me ask why do people even like baseball. Why do I even like baseball? Well, I remember my grandfather, since I live in the midwest we always called him Papaw, and he was the biggest baseball nut I know. He got me into baseball at a young age, and I remember one day asking why he loved it so much. When I say he was a baseball nut, I mean he was a season ticket holder, bought all the merchandise, had books about baseball and biographies written by baseball players, he had all of it. He could tell you everything about the sport with ease. So I asked him why did he love baseball so much because at that time I found it boring, and you know I still to this day remember his response. He told me baseball is 3 hours of nothing happening, but when something did happen, it was the most beautiful sport god ever created. I loved that man. Anyway this is all a long way to say the Reds suck ass right now.	17-23
24		Astros	0	Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there, especially yours. I'll visit her later, don't worry. The Astros continue to take 1 step forward and 3 steps back. Kyle Tucker is the man and we should extend him immediately. Our pitching is still mostly trash and no one deserves an extension.	15-25
25		Pirates	-2	Paul Skenes made his highly-anticipated debut on Saturday, and it was one of two games the Pirates won last week. And they only won that game after first blowing a 6-1 lead thanks to 6 (SIX!) walks with the bases loaded. At one point. Kyle Nicolas threw 12 straight balls with the bases loaded. The bullpen was so depleted that Nicolas had to pitch the next day after Aroldis Chapman gave up 2 runs and 2 walks in the 10th inning, only for Nicolas to give up another run on a wild pitch. The Pirates then hit a 2-run homer in the bottom of the inning and lost 5-4. So yeah, that's how things are going in Pittsburgh right now.	18-23
26		Cardinals	0	Bro, I'm straight up not having a good time.	16-24
27		Angels	0	Hot and then cold and then hot again, Jo Adell hit three homers this past week. With a wRC+ on the season now standing at 134 and a wOBA of .363, the next step for him is now maintaining a level of consistency. With a bottom-ranking farm system, his future may not ultimately be in Anaheim. The looming rebuild is going to be a long and slow process and at the age of 25, it is hard to see much point in keeping him if someone else starts looking his way.	15-26
28		Rockies	+2	We have the longest winning streak in baseball. We just swept the defending champs. I'm pretty sure that means Rocktober is coming. In all seriousness, the Rockies finally gelled for the first time this season. The Rangers didn't play poorly, the Rockies just played well. The concern now is what kind of "Coors Hangover" we'll see.	12-28
29		White Sox	0	The White Sox had a shockingly good week while clinching the season series against the Rays and winning 3 of 4 from the Guardians over the weekend. They have been playing objectively better baseball lately (which means that their 72 wRC+ season stat was at 84 last week, and their pitching has been middle of the league since the start of May). It's not much, but it's something. Myself, I'm excited to attend my first ball game of the year tonight. Of course, I'll be going to the Schaumburg Boomers home opener.	12-29
30		Marlins	-2	So the fish still cant produce runs but at least we got burger back. Luzardo looks much better in his return to the bigs but oof braxton garrett. Somehow miami managed to squeeze out a win this week against two top teams but well see how they do against the tigers and mets this upcoming season.	11-31

I have a suspion that its the legacy of the dragonborn but I'm not entirely sure I have no idea what it is also lotdb started playing dungeon music after I did the robbery quest which usually happens after completing it I pulled my load order from loot so maybe one of yall will have the answer also I tried the music removal command but it persists I don't mind lotdb interior music messed up but hearing solstheim music on a loop in regular skyrim is annoying especially the same song over and over again the only thing I did was add community shaders recently for parallax heres my load order
0 0 Skyrim.esm
1 1 Update.esm
2 2 Dawnguard.esm
3 3 HearthFires.esm
4 4 Dragonborn.esm
5 5 ccasvsse001-almsivi.esm
6 6 ccbgssse001-fish.esm
254 FE 0 ccbgssse002-exoticarrows.esl
254 FE 1 ccbgssse003-zombies.esl
254 FE 2 ccbgssse004-ruinsedge.esl
254 FE 3 ccbgssse005-goldbrand.esl
254 FE 4 ccbgssse006-stendarshammer.esl
254 FE 5 ccbgssse007-chrysamere.esl
254 FE 6 ccbgssse010-petdwarvenarmoredmudcrab.esl
254 FE 7 ccbgssse011-hrsarmrelvn.esl
254 FE 8 ccbgssse012-hrsarmrstl.esl
254 FE 9 ccbgssse014-spellpack01.esl
254 FE a ccbgssse019-staffofsheogorath.esl
254 FE b ccbgssse020-graycowl.esl
254 FE c ccbgssse021-lordsmail.esl
254 FE d ccmtysse001-knightsofthenine.esl
254 FE e ccqdrsse001-survivalmode.esl
7 7 cctwbsse001-puzzledungeon.esm
8 8 cceejsse001-hstead.esm
254 FE f ccqdrsse002-firewood.esl
254 FE 10 ccbgssse018-shadowrend.esl
254 FE 11 ccbgssse035-petnhound.esl
254 FE 12 ccfsvsse001-backpacks.esl
254 FE 13 cceejsse002-tower.esl
254 FE 14 ccedhsse001-norjewel.esl
254 FE 15 ccvsvsse002-pets.esl
254 FE 16 ccBGSSSE037-Curios.esl
254 FE 17 ccbgssse034-mntuni.esl
254 FE 18 ccbgssse045-hasedoki.esl
254 FE 19 ccbgssse008-wraithguard.esl
254 FE 1a ccbgssse036-petbwolf.esl
254 FE 1b ccffbsse001-imperialdragon.esl
254 FE 1c ccmtysse002-ve.esl
254 FE 1d ccbgssse043-crosselv.esl
254 FE 1e ccvsvsse001-winter.esl
254 FE 1f cceejsse003-hollow.esl
9 9 ccbgssse016-umbra.esm
10 a ccbgssse031-advcyrus.esm
254 FE 20 ccbgssse038-bowofshadows.esl
254 FE 21 ccbgssse040-advobgobs.esl
254 FE 22 ccbgssse050-ba_daedric.esl
254 FE 23 ccbgssse052-ba_iron.esl
254 FE 24 ccbgssse054-ba_orcish.esl
254 FE 25 ccbgssse058-ba_steel.esl
254 FE 26 ccbgssse059-ba_dragonplate.esl
254 FE 27 ccbgssse061-ba_dwarven.esl
254 FE 28 ccpewsse002-armsofchaos.esl
254 FE 29 ccbgssse041-netchleather.esl
254 FE 2a ccedhsse002-splkntset.esl
254 FE 2b ccbgssse064-ba_elven.esl
254 FE 2c ccbgssse063-ba_ebony.esl
254 FE 2d ccbgssse062-ba_dwarvenmail.esl
254 FE 2e ccbgssse060-ba_dragonscale.esl
254 FE 2f ccbgssse056-ba_silver.esl
254 FE 30 ccbgssse055-ba_orcishscaled.esl
254 FE 31 ccbgssse053-ba_leather.esl
254 FE 32 ccbgssse051-ba_daedricmail.esl
254 FE 33 ccbgssse057-ba_stalhrim.esl
254 FE 34 ccbgssse066-staves.esl
11 b ccbgssse067-daedinv.esm
254 FE 35 ccbgssse068-bloodfall.esl
254 FE 36 ccbgssse069-contest.esl
254 FE 37 ccvsvsse003-necroarts.esl
254 FE 38 ccvsvsse004-beafarmer.esl
12 c ccBGSSSE025-AdvDSGS.esm
254 FE 39 ccffbsse002-crossbowpack.esl
254 FE 3a ccbgssse013-dawnfang.esl
254 FE 3b ccrmssse001-necrohouse.esl
254 FE 3c ccedhsse003-redguard.esl
254 FE 3d cceejsse004-hall.esl
13 d cceejsse005-cave.esm
254 FE 3e cckrtsse001_altar.esl
254 FE 3f cccbhsse001-gaunt.esl
14 e ccafdsse001-dwesanctuary.esm
254 FE 40 _ResourcePack.esl
15 f Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch.esp
254 FE 41 unofficial skyrim creation club content patch.esl
254 FE 42 Unofficial Elven Hunter Armor Patch.esl
254 FE 43 Unofficial Daedric Mail Armor Patch.esl
16 10 MajesticMountains_Landscape.esm
17 11 LegacyoftheDragonborn.esm
254 FE 44 MajesticMountains_Moss.esp
18 12 ApachiiHair.esm
19 13 Skyrim Extended Cut - Saints and Seducers.esp
20 14 RealisticWaterTwo - Resources.esm
21 15 Water for ENB.esm
22 16 RigmorCyrodiil.esm
23 17 Midwood Isle.esp
24 18 BSAssets.esm
25 19 BSHeartland.esm
26 1a BS_DLC_patch.esp
27 1b Campfire.esm
28 1c RaceCompatibility.esm
29 1d Falskaar.esm
30 1e JSwordsD.esm
31 1f Phenderix Magic World.esm
32 20 DBM_CC_HallOfWonders.esp
33 21 Wyrmstooth.esp
254 FE 45 KittySpellPack01.esl
34 22 evgSIRENROOT.esm
35 23 Schlongs of Skyrim - Core.esm
36 24 wraithguardvaultfixer.esp
254 FE 46 StormCalling.esl
254 FE 47 TrueHUD.esl
254 FE 48 Ghostlight.esl
37 25 High Poly Head.esm
254 FE 49 EVGAnimatedTraversal.esl
254 FE 4a Supernova.esl
254 FE 4b Aero.esl
38 26 DynDOLOD.esm
39 27 SkyUI_SE.esp
40 28 Immersive Sounds - Compendium.esp
41 29 TrueStormsSE.esp
42 2a Obsidian Weathers.esp
43 2b SMIM-SE-Merged-All.esp
44 2c Weapons Armor Clothing & Clutter Fixes.esp
45 2d JKs Skyrim.esp
46 2e Landscape Fixes For Grass Mods.esp
47 2f Cutting Room Floor.esp
48 30 AI Overhaul.esp
49 31 Helgen Reborn.esp
50 32 Hothtrooper44_ArmorCompilation.esp
51 33 MrissiTailOfTroubles.esp
254 FE 4c MajesticMountains.esp
52 34 SU04SachilFollower.esp
53 35 AX ValSerano.esp
54 36 Wintersun - Faiths of Skyrim.esp
254 FE 4d DBM_CC_SunderWraithguardPatchV4.esp
254 FE 4e CC Misc Patches - Saints and Seducers.esp
254 FE 4f DBM_ISC_Patch.esp
55 37 ZIA_Complete Pack.esp
56 38 No Werewolf Aggro SE.esp
254 FE 50 JKs Skyrim - AI Overhaul Patch.esp
254 FE 51 DBM_HelgenReborn_Patch.esp
254 FE 52 DBM_CC_DivineCrusaderHOWPatch.esp
254 FE 53 BSHeartland - Unofficial Patch.esp
254 FE 54 Water for ENB - Patch - Beyond Skyrim.esp
Bruma - iNeed Patch.esp
57 39 Immersive Weapons.esp
58 3a WZOblivionArtifacts.esp
254 FE 55 DBM_OblivionArtifacts_Patch.esp
59 3b RigmorCyrodiilPatch.esp
60 3c Arcanum.esp
WACCF_Survival Mode_Patch.esp
254 FE 56 ECSS - Staff of Sheogorath Patch.esp
254 FE 57 Innocence Lost - Quest Expansion.esp
254 FE 58 Landscape For Grass Mods JK'S Skyrim.esp
254 FE 59 DBM_CC_RareCuriosHOWPatch.esp
254 FE 5a DBM_CC_FishingHOWPatch.esp
254 FE 5b DBM_IW_Patch.esp
254 FE 5c DBM_CC_GhostsoftheTribunalHOWPatch.esp
254 FE 5d DBM_Wintersun_Patch.esp
61 3d Fossilsyum.esp
62 3e HearthfireMultiKid.esp
254 FE 5e Honorhall Fixes and Expansion.esp
254 FE 5f Infiltration - Quest Expansion.esp
254 FE 60 Wintersun - Mrissi Patch.esp
254 FE 61 The Heart Of Dibella - Quest Expansion.esp
254 FE 62 DBM_JKSkyrim_Patch.esp
254 FE 63 DBM_CC_TheCausePatch.esp
254 FE 64 DBM_CC_TheContestPatch.esp
254 FE 65 DBM_CC_DuskDawnHOWPatch.esp
254 FE 66 DBM_CRF_Patch.esp
254 FE 67 ECSS - Shadowrend Patch.esp
63 3f Convenient Horses.esp
254 FE 68 DBM_JaysusSwords_Patch.esp
254 FE 69 DBM_CC_GallowsHallPatch.esp
254 FE 6a DBM_Fossils_Patch.esp
Water for ENB - Patch - Landscape Fixes for Grass Mods.esp
254 FE 6b DBM_CC_SaintsSeducersHOWPatch.esp
254 FE 6c DBM_CC_LordsMailPatchV2.esp
254 FE 6d DBM_CC_GoldbrandHOWPatch.esp
64 40 The Paarthurnax Dilemma.esp
BSHeartland - Arnima Patch.esp
Falskaar - iNeed Patch.esp
65 41 qasmoke aecc cheat room.esp
254 FE 6e DBM_WACCF_Patch.esp
254 FE 6f SUDs.esp
JKEEKBanneredMare - Skyrim Unique Drinks Patch.esp
Lucien-AnniversaryEdition-Patch.esp
Water for ENB - Patch - Beyond Reach.esp
Water for ENB - Patch - JKs Bannered Mare.esp
254 FE 70 AX ValSerano-USSEP.esp
Water for ENB - Patch - JKs Ragged Flagon.esp
254 FE 71 Landscape For Grass mods - Helgen Reborn Patch.esp
254 FE 72 DBM_ZimsThaneWeapons_Patch.esp
254 FE 73 DBM_Falskaar_Patch.esp
66 42 morthalbarrow.esp
254 FE 74 AI Overhaul - Cutting Room Floor Patch.esp
254 FE 75 JKs Skyrim_RWT_Patch.esp
254 FE 76 Majestic Mountains - Creation Club Landscape Patch.esp
254 FE 77 CC Misc Patches - Dead Man's Dread.esp
254 FE 78 DBM_CC_Cause_CuriosAddon.esp
254 FE 79 DBM_CC_AADragonplateHOWPatch.esp
254 FE 7a DBM_CC_DeadMansDreadHOWPatch.esp
254 FE 7b DBM_CC_DMD_OAPSynergy.esp
254 FE 7c DBM_CC_StendarrsHammerHOWPatch.esp
254 FE 7d DBM_CC_NetchLeatherArmorHOWPatch.esp
254 FE 7e DBM_CC_StaffOfHasedokiHOWPatch.esp
254 FE 7f DBM_Wyrmstooth_Patch.esp
254 FE 80 DBM_CC_SaS_CuriosAddon.esp
254 FE 81 DBM_CC_GoblinsHOWPatch.esp
254 FE 82 DBM_CC_TheBowOfShadowsHOWPatch.esp
254 FE 83 DBM_CC_Fish_CuriosAddon.esp
254 FE 84 DBM_CC_RedguardEliteArmamentsHOWPatch.esp
68 44 Apocalypse - Magic of Skyrim.esp
254 FE 85 DBM_CC_MyrwatchPatch.esp
254 FE 86 DBM_CC_FarmingPatch.esp
254 FE 87 Falskaar - Fast Travel.esp
254 FE 88 DBM_CC_HendraheimPatch.esp
254 FE 89 DBM_CC_TundraHomesteadPatch.esp
254 FE 8a DBM_CC_ShadowfootSanctumPatch.esp
Water for ENB - Patch - The Isle of Valefrost SE.esp
Water for ENB - Patch - The Republic of Maslea Chapter One.esp
Water for ENB - Patch - Vominheim.esp
69 45 Veydosebrom Regions.esp
254 FE 8b HIMBO.esp
254 FE 8c RaceMenuMorphsHIMBO.esp
70 46 DiverseDragonsCollectionSE.esp
254 FE 8d Additional Dremora Faces.esp
254 FE 8e SU04SachilFollower - LegacyoftheDragonborn.esp
254 FE 8f SU04SachilFollower RaceCompatibility Dialogue.esp
254 FE 90 Dremora Lines Expansion.esp
254 FE 91 Airgetlam.esp
71 47 Attack_MCO.esp
254 FE 92 Frost Meshes Patch.esp
254 FE 93 ZimsImmersiveArtifacts_WACCF_Patch.esp
254 FE 94 CuttingRoomFloor_WACCF_Patch.esp
73 49 aessmeltingandtanninglevelsmithing.esp
74 4a aessmeltdown.esp
75 4b New quest sound pc.esp
254 FE 95 HelmetHider.esp
76 4c RaceMenu.esp
77 4d XPMSE.esp
78 4e SOSRaceMenu.esp
79 4f Summermyst - Enchantments of Skyrim.esp
254 FE 96 Phenderix Magic World - Leveled Lists Add-On.esp
254 FE 97 scar-adxp-patch.esp
80 50 SkyrimIsWindy.esp
81 51 SOS - Smurf Average Addon.esp
82 52 Growl - Werebeasts of Skyrim.esp
83 53 Schlongs of Skyrim.esp
84 54 SkyrimBordersDisabled.esp
85 55 TheEyesOfBeauty.esp
86 56 Slof's Fluffy Khajiit Tails.esp
254 FE 98 ECSS - Beyond Skyrim Music Patch.esp
254 FE 99 ECSS - Ruin's Edge Patch.esp
254 FE 9a ECSS - Book Covers Skyrim Patch.esp
254 FE 9b evgSIRENROOTthecausepatch.esp
254 FE 9c evgSIRENROOTtraversalpatch.esp
87 57 DHSpell.esp
254 FE 9d Precision.esp
88 58 RaceCompatibilityUSKPOverride.esp
254 FE 9e SturdyLockpicksMult5.esp
254 FE 9f TrueDirectionalMovement.esp
89 59 WetandCold.esp
90 5a RaceMenuPlugin.esp
91 5b True Storms - Obsidian Weathers - Patch .esp
92 5c BloodmoonRising.esp
93 5d growltweak.esp
94 5e WerewolfPerksExpanded.esp
95 5f Werewolf_Perks_Unleashed.esp
254 FE a0 WPU-Growl_Tweaks-Patch.esp
96 60 UIExtensions.esp
254 FE a1 TAAFlickerFixer.esp
254 FE a2 CC Misc Patches - Necromantic Grimoire.esp
254 FE a3 CC-NecromanticGrimoire_WACCF_Patch.esp
254 FE a4 CS_LegendaryArmors.esp
254 FE a5 CC Misc Patches - Saturalia Holiday Pack.esp
254 FE a6 CC Misc Patches - Shadowrend.esp
254 FE a7 CC Misc Patches - Stendarr's Hammer.esp
254 FE a8 CC Misc Patches - Sunder and Wraithguard.esp
254 FE a9 CC Misc Patches - The Cause.esp
254 FE aa CC Misc Patches - The Contest.esp
254 FE ab CC Misc Patches - The Gray Cowl Returns.esp
254 FE ac CC Misc Patches - Umbra.esp
254 FE ad CC Misc Patches - Rare Curios Additions.esp
97 61 noCamColl_2_SE.esp
254 FE ae MCMHelper.esp
98 62 Nemesis PCEA.esp
254 FE af BALLS - Chapter 1.esp
254 FE b0 Dynamic Activation Key.esp
99 63 ImmersiveInteractions.esp
100 64 High Poly Head Vampire Fix.esp
101 65 Female Beards.esp
102 66 Hothtrooper44_Armor_Ecksstra.esp
103 67 Extra Effect x3.esp
104 68 Less Tedious Thieves Guild.esp
105 69 JiubQuestMarkers.esp
106 6a Brows.esp
107 6b Beards.esp
254 FE b1 JSwords-ImmersiveWeaponsPatch.esp
254 FE b2 DifficultyMCM.esp
108 6c Footprints.esp
254 FE b3 Footprints - ENB.esp
254 FE b4 DBM_SMIM_Patch.esp
254 FE b5 CC Misc Patches - Plague of the Dead.esp
254 FE b6 Bandit Lines Expansion.esp
109 6d BlendedRoads.esp
254 FE b7 CC Misc Patches - Forgotten Seasons.esp
254 FE b8 CBBE.esp
110 6e RaceMenuMorphsCBBE.esp
254 FE b9 CC Misc Patches - Dawnfang and Duskfang.esp
254 FE ba CC Misc Patches - Arcane Accessories.esp
254 FE bb CC Misc Patches - Arcane Archer Pack.esp
254 FE bc DBM_CC_BittercupHOWPatch.esp
254 FE bd CC Misc Patches - Bittercup.esp
254 FE be CC Misc Patches - Bloodchill Manor.esp
254 FE bf CC Misc Patches - Bone Wolf Additions.esp
254 FE c0 CC Misc Patches - Bow of Shadows.esp
254 FE c1 CC Misc Patches - Chrysamere.esp
254 FE c2 CC Misc Patches - Civil War Champions.esp
254 FE c3 CC Misc Patches - Divine Crusader.esp
254 FE c4 CC Misc Patches - Fearsome Fists.esp
254 FE c5 CC Misc Patches - Gallows Hall.esp
254 FE c6 CC Misc Patches - Ghosts of the Tribunal.esp
254 FE c7 CC Misc Patches - Goldbrand.esp
254 FE c8 CC Misc Patches - Headman's Cleaver.esp
254 FE c9 CC Misc Patches - Lord's Mail.esp
254 FE ca CC Misc Patches - Ruin's Edge.esp
111 6f Summermyst - WACCF Patch.esp
254 FE cb CC Misc Patches - Fishing.esp
254 FE cc 3BBB.esp
254 FE cd DBM_CC_GotT_CuriosAddon.esp
254 FE ce DBM_CC_Gob_CuriosAddon.esp
254 FE cf DBM_CC_ForgottenSeasonsHOWPatch.esp
254 FE d0 DBM_CC_Wilds01BackpacksHOWPatch.esp
254 FE d1 DBM_CC_FS_CuriosAddon.esp
254 FE d2 DBM_CC_Bitter_CuriosAddon.esp
254 FE d3 DBM_CC_AADaedricMailHOWPatch.esp
254 FE d4 DBM_CC_FearsomeFistsHOWPatch.esp
254 FE d5 DBM_CC_CB01EliteCrossbowsHOWPatch.esp
254 FE d6 DBM_CC_ACArcaneArcherHOWPatch.esp
254 FE d7 DBM_CC_ACPlagueOfTheDeadHOWPatch.esp
254 FE d8 DBM_CC_PotD_CuriosAddon.esp
254 FE d9 DBM_CC_SpellKnightArmorHOWPatch.esp
254 FE da DBM_CC_NixHoundHOWPatch.esp
254 FE db DBM_CC_HeadsmansCleaverHOWPatch.esp
254 FE dc DBM_CC_DwMudcrabHOWPatch.esp
254 FE dd DBM_CC_CB02ExpCrossbowsHOWPatch.esp
254 FE de DBM_CC_AADaedricPlateHOWPatch.esp
254 FE df DBM_CC_AASilverHOWPatch.esp
254 FE e0 DBM_CC_AAOrcishScaledHOWPatch.esp
254 FE e1 DBM_CC_AAElvenHunterHOWPatch.esp
254 FE e2 DBM_CC_AAEbonyPlateHOWPatch.esp
254 FE e3 DBM_CC_AADwarvenPlateHOWPatch.esp
254 FE e4 DBM_CC_AADwarvenMailHOWPatch.esp
254 FE e5 DBM_CC_AADragonscaleHOWPatch.esp
254 FE e6 DBM_CC_Wilds05SaturaliaHOWPatch.esp
254 FE e7 DBM_CC_Wilds04PetsHOWPatch.esp
254 FE e8 DBM_CC_Wilds02WildHorsesHOWPatch.esp
254 FE e9 DBM_CC_VigilEnforcerArmorHOWPatch.esp
254 FE ea DBM_CC_UmbraPatchV2.esp
254 FE eb DBM_CC_StavesHOWPatch.esp
254 FE ec DBM_CC_StaffofSheogorathPatchV2.esp
254 FE ed DBM_CC_ShadowrendHOWPatch.esp
254 FE ee DBM_CC_RuinsEdgePatchV2.esp
254 FE ef DBM_CC_NordicJewelryHOWPatch.esp
254 FE f0 DBM_CC_NecromanticGrimoireHOWPatch.esp
254 FE f1 DBM_CC_NchuanthumzPatch.esp
254 FE f2 DBM_CC_HOWTemperingEnabler.esp
254 FE f3 DBM_CC_HorseArmorDLCSteelPatch.esp
254 FE f4 DBM_CC_HorseArmorDLCElvenPatch.esp
254 FE f5 DBM_CC_GrayCowlReturnsPatchV2.esp
254 FE f6 DBM_CC_Fish_CRFSynergy.esp
254 FE f7 DBM_CC_CivilWarChampionsHOWPatch.esp
254 FE f8 DBM_CC_ChrysamerePatchV2.esp
254 FE f9 DBM_CC_Chry_IWSynergy.esp
254 FE fa DBM_CC_BloodchillManorPatch.esp
254 FE fb DBM_CC_ArmsOfChaosHOWPatch.esp
254 FE fc DBM_CC_ACBoneWolfHOWPatch.esp
254 FE fd DBM_CC_ACArcaneAccessoriesHOWPatch.esp
254 FE fe DBM_CC_AASteelSoldierHOWPatch.esp
254 FE ff DBM_CC_AAStalhrimFurHOWPatch.esp
254 FE 100 DBM_CC_AAOrcishPlateHOWPatch.esp
254 FE 101 DBM_CC_AALeatherHOWPatch.esp
254 FE 102 DBM_CC_AAIronPlateHOWPatch.esp
254 FE 103 SOSPhysicsManager.esp
112 70 cheat room.esp
254 FE 104 cheat room edit.esp
254 FE 105 cheat room music.esp
254 FE 106 FeralEyes.esp
254 FE 107 DBM_IA_Patch.esp
113 71 HearthfireMultiKid_LastName.esp
254 FE 108 AX ValSerano-CC.esp
254 FE 109 AX ValSerano-SOSLight.esp
114 72 Chesko_WearableLantern.esp
254 FE 10b BALLS - Vanilla LS Remover.esp
254 FE 10c wintersun - custom race support.esp
254 FE 10d Wintersun - ZIA Patch.esp
254 FE 10e Werewolf Killcam Remover.esp
254 FE 10f Wintersun - Gallows Hall.esp
254 FE 110 Wintersun - GotT Lite Patch.esp
254 FE 111 Water for ENB - Patch - Wyrmstooth.esp
254 FE 112 Water for ENB - Patch - Midwood Isle.esp
254 FE 113 Falskaar - Bug Fixes.esp
254 FE 114 Water for ENB - Patch - Falskaar.esp
115 73 unleveled_items.esp
254 FE 115 Falskaar - Bruma Patch.esp
254 FE 116 Innocence Lost QE - USSEP Patch.esp
254 FE 117 NPCs React To Invisibility - Bow of Shadows Patch.esp
254 FE 118 NPCs React To Invisibility.esp
254 FE 119 Simple Fishing Overhaul.esp
254 FE 11a NPCsReactToFrenzy.esp
254 FE 11b Infiltration QE - CRF Patch.esp
116 74 [Dint999] FacePartMod.esp
117 75 Complete Crafting Overhaul_Remastered.esp
254 FE 11c Hothtrooper44_ArmorCompilation_CCOR_Patch.esp
254 FE 11d Immersive Weapons_CCOR_Patch.esp
254 FE 11e Beyond Skyrim Bruma_CCOR_Patch.esp
118 76 Immersive Jewelry.esp
254 FE 11f Immersive Jewelry_CCOR_Patch.esp
254 FE 120 ImmersiveSoundsCompendium_CCOR_Patch.esp
254 FE 121 CC Misc Patches - Complete CCOR.esp
254 FE 122 Saints&SeducersExtendedCut_CCOR.esp
254 FE 123 CCOR_Campfire_Patch.esp
254 FE 124 CC-FearsomeFists_CCOR_Patch.esp
254 FE 125 CC-Fishing_CCOR_Patch.esp
254 FE 126 CC-NordicJewelry_CCOR_Patch.esp
254 FE 127 ImmersiveJewelryXSummermyst - Unrestricted.esp
119 77 DAB_IJ_Weight_Patch.esp
254 FE 128 DBM_CCOR_Patch.esp
254 FE 129 DBM_ImmersiveJewelry_Patch.esp
120 78 Complete Alchemy & Cooking Overhaul.esp
CACO - iNeed DD Patch.esp
CACO_Survival Mode_USSEP_Patch.esp
254 FE 12a CACO_Beyond Skyrim Bruma_Patch.esp
254 FE 12b CACO Rare Curios Patch.esp
254 FE 12c CC-Fishing_CACO_Patch.esp
254 FE 12d Saints&SeducersExtendedCut_CACO.esp
254 FE 12e CACO_Wyrmstooth_Patch.esp
CACO_Moonpath_Patch.esp
254 FE 12f SkyrimIsWindy_CACO_Patch.esp
254 FE 130 CC-TheCause_CACO_Patch.esp
254 FE 131 CuttingRoomFloor_CACO_Patch.esp
CACO_Wintersun_CustomRaceSupport.esp
254 FE 132 CACO_Falskaar_Patch.esp
254 FE 133 CACO_Growl_Patch.esp
254 FE 134 CACO_USSEP_Patch.esp
254 FE 135 CC-Bittercup_CACO_Patch.esp
254 FE 136 CC-BloodchillManor_CACO_Patch.esp
254 FE 137 CC-BowOfShadows_CACO_Patch.esp
254 FE 138 CC-ForgottenSeasons_CACO_Patch.esp
254 FE 139 CC-Goblins_CACO_Patch.esp
254 FE 13a CC-Nix-Hound_CACO_Patch.esp
254 FE 13b CC-PlagueOfTheDead_CACO_Patch.esp
254 FE 13c CACO_Wintersun.esp
254 FE 13d SUDs_CACO_Patch.esp
121 79 Alternate Start - Live Another Life.esp
COTN Winterhold - Alternate Start Patch.esp
254 FE 13e AltStartRWpatch.esp
122 7a RealisticWaterTwo.esp
RealisticWaterTwo - Beyond Reach.esp
254 FE 13f RealisticWaterTwo - Falskaar.esp
123 7b RealisticWaterTwo - Waves - Falskaar.esp
254 FE 140 RealisticWaterTwo - Beyond Skyrim Bruma.esp
124 7c RealisticWaterTwo - Waves - Wyrmstooth.esp
254 FE 141 RealisticWaterTwo - Myrwatch Patch.esp
zPatch.esp
125 7d DynDOLOD.esp
254 FE 142 Occlusion.esp
I believe some of these are disabled like 5% but the majority is enable

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If you’d like to add an event to our calendar, submit an event here. Please check with the event organizers to see if events change due to weather. Have a great week!
See the full weekly calendar on our website.

Noteworthy Events

The Lion King at DPAC

• Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, this landmark musical event brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway.
• Wed, May 15 - Sun, June 9
• $29.50+

Adult Recess at CCB Plaza

• Let your inner child shine as you play games, make crafts, and enjoy the fresh air during your lunch break!
• Wed, May 15
• 12-2 p.m.
• Free admission

Duke Baseball vs UNC at Jack Coombs Field

• Thu, May 16 - Sat, May 18

Bimbé Celebration at Rock Quarry Park

• This family-oriented event is a celebration of African and African American history, culture, arts, and traditions. This year's headliner: Monica!
• Sat, May 18
• 1-7 p.m.
• Free admission

Peter Pan at The Carolina Theatre

• This adventure begins at the London home of the Darling family, a typical evening in 1912, as the weary parents try to settle their children down for bed while the young ones insist on staying up late. Little do Wendy, John, and Michael know that a fantastic journey awaits them that night.
• Sat, May 18
• 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
• $32+

DPW Limit Break at Durham Convention Center

• Wrestlers from all over the world will gather in one place for a night you won't forget.
• Sun, May 19
• 7 p.m.
• $25+

Multi-Day Events

The NGIN Cityscapes Summit at Durham Convention Center

• Hosted by national nonprofit, New Growth Innovation Network, prepare to connect with like-minded professionals and engage with purpose-driven organizations. Immerse yourself in workshops and captivating keynotes from renowned speakers, featuring three tracks of insightful sessions: Inclusive Capital, Community Wealth Building, and Reimagining Systems.
• Wed, May 15 - Fri, May 17
• Registration fees vary

Durham Greek Festival at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church

• Enjoy fabulous Greek food, desserts, wine and beer in a festive outdoor atmosphere. Continuous Greek music and scheduled folk dance performances.
• Sat, May 18, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Sun, May 19, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
• Free admission

Historic Buildings Open House at West Point on the Eno Park

• Enjoy a look inside the historic McCown-Mangum House, Photography Museum, and Mill.
• Sat, May 18 and Sun, May 19
• 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Free admission

Movies at The Carolina Theatre

• Libeled Lady
• Dirty Harry & Assault on Precinct 13
• Cat City
• Back to Black
• Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
• UHF

Monday, May 13

2 p.m.
Board Game Night at The Glass Jug in Downtown Durham
5 p.m.
Arts & Drafts at Fullsteam Brewery
6 p.m.
Disc Golf Putting League at The Glass Jug in RTP
6:30 p.m.
Trivia Night at Ponysaurus Brewing Company
7 p.m.
Community Board Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery

Tuesday, May 14

Events at Durty Bull Brewing Brewing Company

• 12-8 p.m. - Food Truck: Mike's Vegan Cookout
• 7-9 p.m. - Bull City Beer Runners Run Club
• 7-8 p.m. - Puzzled Pints Game Night

Events at The Glass Jug Beer Lab in Downtown Durham

• 5:45-6:30 p.m. - Community Zumba Classes
• 6-8 p.m. - Music Bingo

Events at The Glass Jug Beer Lab in RTP

• 6-8 p.m. - The Glass Jog Run Club
• 6-9 p.m. - Stitch & Sip

5:30 p.m.
Boxyard Run Club at Boxyard RTP
6 p.m.
In Other Words at Arcana
Duke Baseball vs College of Charleston at Jack Coombs Field
Bring Your Own Vinyl with Jaffar at Rubies on Five Points
Women on the Wall at Triangle Rock Club - Durham
6:30 p.m.
Trivia at Durham Food Hall
Pony Ride at Ponysaurus Brewing Company
7 p.m.
Trivia at Beer Study Durham
Not Rocket Science Trivia at DSSOLVR Durham
Tuesday Blues Jam at The Blue Note Grill
8 p.m.
Comedy Night at Bull City Ciderworks
Jeremy 'Bean' Clemons Trio at Kingfisher
Enter Shikari at Motorco Music Hall
Vision Video + Tears For The Dying at The Pinhook

Wednesday, May 15

Events at Atomic Empire

• 6:30 p.m. - Dragon Ball Fusion World Release Event
• 7 p.m. - Flesh and Blood Armory Event

Events at Boxyard RTP

• 12-2 p.m. - Hear & There: Daniel Delorenzo
• 5:30-8:30 p.m. - Game Night

Events at ZincHouse Winery & Brewery

• 7-8 p.m. - Signature Wine Tasting
• 7-8:30 p.m. - Laughs Comedy Night

9 a.m.
Senior Short Game Clinic at Hillandale Golf Course
10:30 a.m.
Storytime on the Roof with Durham County Library at The Durham Hotel
12 p.m.
Adult Recess at CCB Plaza
3 p.m.
Durham Farmers’ Market at Durham Central Park
4 p.m.
Whiskey Wednesdays at Alley Twenty Six
5 p.m.
Free Wednesday Wine Tasting at Beer Study Durham
5:30 p.m.
Ride of Silence at CCB Plaza
6 p.m.
Queer Craft Night and Tarot with Joy at Arcana
Bimbe Community Block Party at Holton Career & Resource Center
Come Take a Flight With Us: A Bright Black Workshop at Proximity Brewing Company
Free RTP Business Rockstar Connect Networking Event at Sheraton Imperial Hotel
Sweet Social: Auntie's African Ice Cream at The Durham Hotel
6:30 p.m.
Trivia Night with Pickle at The Glass Jug Beer Lab in RTP
7 p.m.
Bottle Swap: Homebrew Club at Durty Bull Brewing Brewing Company
Skip The Small Talk: Speed Friending Event at Fullsteam Brewery
Hammered Trivia at Hi-Wire Brewing
Karaoke Night at Mavericks Smokehouse
Music Bingo at Ponysaurus Brewing Company
3rd Wednesday Jazz Jam Session at Succotash Southern & Creole Kitchen
Brett Chambers Open Mic at The Blue Note Grill
8 p.m.
Air Hockey Tournament at Boxcar Bar + Arcade
Trivia Night at Bull McCabe's
Karaoke at Moon Dog Meadery
The Weeks at Motorco Music Hall
Blends With Friends at The Pinhook

Thursday, May 16

Events at Boxyard RTP

• 7:30-8 a.m. - Bike Durham: Bike to Work
• 12-2 p.m. - Taking Back Thursday: Sheila Casalett

Events at Durty Bull Brewing Brewing Company

• 12-8 p.m. -Food Truck: Mike's Vegan Cookout
• 7-9 p.m. - Thursday Trivia with Nick

8:30 a.m.
Harnessing the Power of AI to Ensure Equitable HR Practices at RTI Holden Building
9:30 a.m.
Guide Supported Canoeing, Kayaking, and Standup Paddleboarding at Eno River
12:15 p.m.
Midday Meander: A Strolling Conversation at Sarah P. Duke Gardens
3 p.m.
Guided Museum Tour at 21c Museum Hotels Durham
5 p.m.
Thirsty Thursdays at Dashi
Righteous Roots Reggae Show at The Glass Jug Beer Lab in RTP
5:30 p.m.
Walking Club with Bull City Strollers at The Glass Jug Beer Lab in Downtown Durham
6 p.m.
Queer Trivia at Arcana
Vinyl Night with DJ Deckades at Gizmo Brew Works
6:15 p.m.
Pony Run at Ponysaurus Brewing Company
6:30 p.m.
AfterHours: Science of Beer at Museum of Life and Science
Line Dance Classes at Mystic Farm and Distillery
Space Code Youth Open Mic at NorthStar Church of the Arts
Boulders & Brews Meetup at Triangle Rock Club - Durham
7 p.m.
Trivia Night at Beer Tooth Taproom
Bimbé Cypher at CCB Plaza
Bring Your Own Vinyl Night at Congress Social Bar
Duke Baseball vs UNC at Jack Coombs Field
Summer Jazz Jam (Curated by Al Strong) at Missy Lane's Assembly Room
Community Board Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery
Al Strong Presents Jazz on the Roof at The Durham Hotel
7:30 p.m.
Trivia Night with Big Slow Tom at Clouds Brewing Brightleaf Square
Reverend Billy C. Wirtz / Armand Lenchek & Carter Minor at The Blue Note Grill
Pillow Talk: Speed Dating and Conversations About Sex / Sexuality at The Pinhook
8 p.m.
Weekly Single Mingle at Boxcar Bar + Arcade
Trivia at Fullsteam Brewery
Danny Lopriore at Motorco Music Hall
9 p.m.
DJ Halo Presents: No Requests at Rubies on Five Points
9:30 p.m.
Karaoke Night at The Tavern

Friday, May 17

Events at Atomic Empire

• 6:30 p.m. - Lorcana: Ursula’s Return Release Event
• 6:30 p.m. - Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate Draft

Events at Durty Bull Brewing Company

• 5-9 p.m. - Food Truck: La Republica Taco Truck
• 8-11 p.m. - Open Mic Stand-up Comedy

Events at Mettlesome

• 7:30-9 p.m. - Wit: An Improv Comedy Game Show
• 9-10 p.m. - Hush Hush

Events at Moon Dog Meadery

• 6:45 p.m. - Lindy Hop Lesson + Dance
• 7:30 p.m. - Djam
• 9:30 p.m. - Bachata Dance Night

Events at The Blue Note Grill

• 6-8 p.m. - The Duke Street Dogs
• 9:15 p.m. - The Beautiful People Club

10 a.m.
Tasting at Ten at Counter Culture Coffee
12 p.m.
Co-Working Social at The Glass Jug Beer Lab in Downtown Durham
4 p.m.
Late Spring Tree Ramble at Sarah P. Duke Gardens
5 p.m.
Guided Museum Tours at 21c Museum Hotels Durham
Food Truck Friday at The Glass Jug Beer Lab in RTP
5:30 p.m.
LOJO: Log Off, Jam On at Boxyard RTP
6 p.m.
Aly J & Kevin Clark and Tarot with Kathleen at Arcana
Third Friday Art Walk at Downtown Durham
Friday Night Makes at Durham Arts Council
May Third Friday at Durham Arts Council
Counterpoints Exhibition Reception at Durham Bottling Co.
Third Friday at Golden Belt Arts
Duke Baseball vs UNC at Jack Coombs Field
Screenprint Roundup at The Fruit
The Patio Dance Parties : Clueless Fridays at Unscripted Durham
6:30 p.m.
Kayla Waters (Hosted by Marcus Anderson) at Missy Lane's Assembly Room
7 p.m.
Live Vinyl Spinning by PhDJ at Beer Study Durham
Early Show: John Howie Jr. / Ramona and The Holy Smokes at The Pinhook
7:30 p.m.
Evening Eno Exploration Paddle at Eno River
Evan Ringel & Ariel Pocock at Sharp 9 Gallery
8 p.m.
Pass the Aux at Boricua Soul
Stereo Reveries at DSSOLVR Durham
Karaoke! at Fullsteam Brewery
Cheekface at Motorco Music Hall
Dance Blues Friday at Studio 5
9 p.m.
Kayla Waters (Hosted by Marcus Anderson) at Missy Lane's Assembly Room
10 p.m.
The Floor: Special Guest THEYDYLIKE at Rubies on Five Points

Saturday, May 18

Events at Atomic Empire

• 11 a.m. - Pokémon TCG: League Cup
• 1 p.m. - Lorcana: Ursula’s Return Release Event
• 2 p.m. - Game Designers of North Carolina Meetup

Events at Boxyard RTP 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Will & Well: Grand Opening

• 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Saturdaze: DJ k.ward

Events at Durty Bull Brewing Company

• 1-8 p.m. - Food Truck: Death By Taco
• 3-7 p.m. - 3rd Saturday Vintage + Maker Market
• 5-9 p.m. - Home Brewed: CNOTE Art Spectacular

Distillery Tours and Tastings at Liberty & Plenty

• Every Saturday, 10-10:30 a.m. and 11-11:30 a.m.

Events at Mettlesome

• 7:30-8:30 p.m. - House Party
• 8:30-9:30 p.m. - Harold Night
• 9:30-10:30 p.m. - Mint Condition Standup Showcase

Events at The Fruit

• 5-8 p.m. - Menace To Society Album Listening Party
• 7:30-10 p.m. - HUMP! Film Festival
• 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. - Puro Perreo Pari

Events at The Pinhook

• 7:30 p.m. - Boogie Burly Nights... A Groovy 70s Show
• 10:30 p.m. - Drake and Friends 2

Guided Walking Tours with Triangle Adventures

• 2 p.m. - Downtown Durham Walking Tour
• 4 p.m. - Durham African American History Tour
• 6 p.m. - Downtown Durham True Crime Tour

7 a.m.
Lookin For A Cure at Bull City Running Company-South
8 a.m.
Durham Farmers' Market at Durham Central Park
parkrun Durham at Southern Boundaries Park
9 a.m.
South Durham Farmers' Market at Greenwood Commons Shopping Center
9:30 a.m.
Guide Supported Canoeing, Kayaking, and Standup Paddleboarding at Eno River
10 a.m.
Pop Up Record Show at Beer Durham
Durham's Home Goods Market at Black Wall St Gardens
Bear Awareness Week at Museum of Life and Science
10:30 a.m.
Mother's Day Brunch at The Durham Hotel
11 a.m.
Battle of the Blades 2024 at Historic Durham Athletic Park
12 p.m.
Springtime Outdoor Market at Boxcar Bar + Arcade
Crafternoons at Gizmo Brew Works
Preservation Durham Annual Home Tour: The Rambling Ranch at Orchard Park Picnic Shelter
1 p.m.
Duke Baseball vs UNC at Jack Coombs Field
Say It With Glass Workshop - Sam Nguyen at Moon Dog Meadery
Bimbé Celebration at Rock Quarry Park
2 p.m.
Closing Reception — Dan Gottlieb: Figure Ground at Craven Allen Gallery
Durham "Bullpen" Treasure Hunt - Walking Team Scavenger Hunt! at Fullsteam Brewery
3 p.m.
A Beautiful Noise Spring Concert by the Common Woman Chorus at Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Peter Pan at The Carolina Theatre
4 p.m.
Family Fun Saturday: May Flowers at Guglhupf Restaurant
5 p.m.
Rooftops and Alleyways Community Canvas Wall Brawl at Dashi
Durham Blues & Brews Festival at Durham Central Park
Hops & Blues at The Glass Jug Beer Lab in RTP
6 p.m.
The Moon Unit and Tarot with Emily at Arcana
Peter Pan at The Carolina Theatre
6:30 p.m.
Kayla Waters (Hosted by Marcus Anderson) at Missy Lane's Assembly Room
7 p.m.
A Beautiful Noise Spring Concert by the Common Woman Chorus at Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Crones of Anarchy: Blues, Rock, Americana at Succotash Southern & Creole Kitchen
7:30 p.m.
Jim Ketch Swingtet at Sharp 9 Gallery
Big Birthday Dance Party: Combo Platter with 2 Sides at The Blue Note Grill
8:15 p.m.
BBYMUTHA: Sleep Paralysis Tour 2024 at Motorco Music Hall
9 p.m.
Kayla Waters (Hosted by Marcus Anderson) at Missy Lane's Assembly Room
10 p.m.
Fortune Factory Presents: Taurus Dance Party at Rubies on Five Points

Sunday, May 19

Events at Atomic Empire

• 11:30 a.m. - Star Wars: Shatterpoint Tournament
• 12 p.m. - Battletech Campaign Day
• 1 p.m. - Lorcana: Ursula’s Return Release Event

Events at Durty Bull Brewing Company

• 2-4 p.m. - Hammered Trivia with Casey
• 4-8 p.m. - The Blood Connection Blood Drive

10 a.m.
Jazz Brunch at Lula & Sadie's
10:30 a.m.
Al Strong Presents Jazz Brunch at Alley Twenty Six
12 p.m.
Preservation Durham Annual Home Tour: The Rambling Ranch at Orchard Park Picnic Shelter
Sunday Dollar Bin Sale for Charity at Rumors Durham
Supernatural Sunday - Psychic Affair + Healers Market at Weldon Mills Distillery
Farmers Market at ZincHouse Winery & Brewery
12:15 p.m.
Public Tour at Duke Chapel
2 p.m.
Hillandale Golf Beginner Clinic at Hillandale Golf Course
3:30 p.m.
Davis Dance Company Spring Recital 2024 at The Carolina Theatre
4 p.m.
Showings at Scripps: Miguel Gutierrez at ADF's Samuel H. Scripps Studios
Carmina Burana at Baldwin Auditorium
Día de las Madres Kermes at El Futuro’s Therapeutic Green Space
String Break at Fullsteam Brewery
6 p.m.
Emma Jane's EP Release Show and Tarot with Joy at Arcana
Davis Dance Company Spring Recital 2024 at The Carolina Theatre
6:30 p.m.
Open Mic Night at Moon Dog Meadery
7 p.m.
DPW Limit Break at Durham Convention Center

Running Art Exhibit

Hometown (Inherited): Ten Year Retrospective at The Fruit

• This project examines the changing landscape of our city through a series of forty mixed media pieces the artist has created since 2014.
• Third Friday openings on Apr 19 and May 17, 6-9 p.m.
• Drop-in by appointment and Wednesdays 4-7 p.m.
• Free admission

Dan Gottlieb: Figure Ground at Craven Allen Gallery

• Each piece begins as a photograph, which is then printed on acrylic and worked with a variety of paints and compounds to create a unique surface.
• Sat, May 4 - Sat, May 18
• Free admission

Constellations: 40 Years of Explorations within Sacred Geometry by Steven Ferlauto at Horse & Buggy Press and Friends

• Sacred Geometry is an ancient field of physics whose equations are expressed through shape. Shape is a way to explore the universal fabric of our existence.
• Sat, May 4 - Sat, June 1
• Free admission

It Ain’t All Black And White at DAG Truist Gallery

• It Ain’t All Black and White is a photography exhibition that encourages us to consider emotions such as serenity, apprehension, yearning, and more.
• Captured by 11 dynamic photographers dedicated to documenting the fullness and complexity of Black life, this exhibition offers each of us an opportunity to see ourselves with renewed attention.
• Thu, Apr 25 - Sun, June 2

María Magdalena Campos-Pons: Behold at Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University

• María Magdalena Campos-Pons: Behold is a monographic exhibition of a visionary voice in photography, immersive installation, painting and performance.
• Thu, Feb 15 - Sun, Jun 9
• Every week, Tue-Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun 12-5 p.m.
• Free admission

Counterpoints at Durham Bottling Co.

• Counterpoints is a curated showcase of local AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) artists, delving into the convergence of AAPI identity and mental health. Inspired by the intricate layers of musical counterpoint, its purpose is to weave together diverse narratives and confront the stigma surrounding mental health within our communities.
• Wed, May 1 - Sun, June 16
• Mon - Fri, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Cameron Elyse's Divine Nine Legacy Memoir Exhibition at Hayti Heritage Center

• The Divine Nine Legacy Memoir delves deep into the history of the National Panhellenic Council (NPHC) or "Divine Nine," a collective of nine Greek Letter organizations founded on May 10th, 1930.
• These organizations were born out of the necessity to provide a voice for Black American students within the collegiate space. United by principles of service, community, brotherhood, and sisterhood, the Divine Nine work collectively to uplift society through acts of service to underserved areas across the nation.
• Fri, Apr 19 - Sat, June 1
• Free admission

Round 1, Pick 7 - JC Latham, OT, Alabama:
NFL: General manager Ran Carthon is putting his stamp on the team with this pick. Taking Latham tells me the Titans want to continue playing bully ball and dominate at the point of attack despite surrounding their young quarterback with pass-catching talent in free agency. The 6-foot-6, 342-pound tackle can overwhelm and overpower opponents on the edges, which should excite second-year quarterback Will Levis.
CBS Sports: B+. He is a right tackle and they need a left tackle, so it will be interesting to see how they play it. But he’s a violent player wherever he plays. They cross-train at Alabama at both left and right, so he should be able to make a smooth transition.
ESPN: Latham played mostly right tackle at Alabama but will switch sides in the NFL. He was a highly-rated left tackle coming out of IMG Academy but switched to right tackle because Evan Neal was already entrenched on the left side. Latham's mix of size, heavy hands and footwork should allow him to fit in there. But it's a risk to use a top-10 pick on a player and switch his position. The Titans have used three picks within the first three rounds on offensive linemen since 2020. Could Latham be the one that finally pays dividends?
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: Hopes he can convince his squirrel army to come with him.
Round 2, Pick 38 - T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas:
NFL: Our first mini-shocker of the day. The massive Sweat was believed to be a possible top-50 pick at one point, but that was prior to his recent arrest. Credit to the Titans if they did the requisite work on Sweat's character in the past few weeks. He's a massive human being capable of closing down two gaps by himself, but some teams felt Sweat might be available entering Round 4 based on recent developments.
CBS Sports: C-. Monstrous NT who finally demonstrated a glimmer of pass-rush capability with hand work as a senior. Not as good against the run or double teams as his size indicates. Probably two-down player in the NFL. Tennessee did need more size inside along the DL, but this is too early for a limited player.
ESPN: Sweat is another move for the Titans to address the trenches. At 6-foot-5, 366 pounds, Sweat will pair with Jeffery Simmons along the defensive line giving the Titans a formidable duo to attack the quarterback and stop the run. Sweat consistently made plays behind the line of scrimmage as shown by his eight tackles for a loss and two sacks. Sweat was booked into jail after an arrest for driving while intoxicated earlier this month, but the Titans are confident he will be fine with Simmons and former Texas teammate Keondre Coburn as leaders in the locker room.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: Jumped his family mini-van like the Dukes of Hazzard.
Round 4, Pick 106 - Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina:
NFL: Nice value here for a linebacker who does almost everything fairly well and can be a tone-setter in the locker room. Gray will be a quality special-teamer at the very least, but he carries starting potential down the road. He's aggressive and instinctive.
CBS Sports: A-. One of the younger prospects in the class who comes with plenty of experience. More fluid in coverage than he is with sheer explosion and range to the football against the runs. Has to improve beating blocks in traffic en route to the football. Long limbs. Upside is there.
ESPN: The Titans address a need at inside linebacker with Gray. Tennessee lost starter Azeez Al-Shaair when he signed a free agent deal with the Texans. Jack Gibbens started most of the season next to Al-Shaair last year. Gray will compete with Gibbens for the opportunity to start along side Kenneth Murray Jr. who signed a free agent deal last month. Having started the past two seasons at North Carolina, Gray could be a candidate to wear the green dot communicator helmet to relay the plays from the sideline to the defensive huddle.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: Knows there is chemical waste buried under the Browns training camp.
Round 5, Pick 146 - Jarvis Brownlee Jr., CB, Louisville:
NFL: Nickel corner run! Brownlee will take on all comers in coverage, lacking great size and speed but compensating with good experience, coverage savvy and an intense focus.
CBS Sports: B-. Confident and feisty CB who can play inside or the perimeter. Not overly twitchy. Nice mix of physicality and athleticism at the line and during the route. Tackling is average at best. Same with ball skills and overall athletic skill set. Not tremendous anywhere but doesn’t have a clear flaw.
ESPN: Brownlee Jr. gives the Titans depth, especially at nickel cornerback behind Roger McCreary. Tennessee met with Brownlee at the Senior Bowl and had him in for a 30 visit. Defense is clearly a priority for the Titans as they've addressed that side of the ball with the last three picks. Brownlee lands in an ideal situation where he can learn behind L’Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie and play for noted defensive back specialist Dennard Wilson.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: Almost got his toe bitten off by a snapping turtle.
Round 6, Pick 182 - Jha’Quan Jackson, WR, Tulane:
NFL: It felt like Jackson was among the leaders in Senior Bowl practice receptions. Interestingly, I felt he was underused at Tulane, as Jackson has good quickness to uncover and make people miss as a smaller-framed slot receiver. He and teammate Tyjae Spears are reunited in Nashville.
CBS Sports: B+. Small somewhat twitchy vertical threat. Not as ridiculous changing direction as his size would indicate but has electric burst and speed. Minuscule catch radius but flashed some bounce to go up and get it at times, although physicality and longer CBs give him problems.
ESPN: Jackson gives the Titans depth at slot receiver and another player that can be in the mix as a punt returner. Titans coach Brian Callahan expressed a need for someone to step up as a slot receiver when asked about wideouts in the draft. Jackson will compete with Kyle Philips, Mason Kinsey, and Kearis Jackson for a roster spot and the opportunity to contribute from the slot. He was a college teammate of Titans running back Tyjae Spears at Tulane. Jackson is also the nephew of Hall of Fame Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: He had to come up with all these draft facts under duress.
Round 7, Pick 242 - James Williams, S, Miami:
NFL: A long, fairly rangy athlete who spent more time at deep safety than he did in the box, Williams will be tried as a linebacker. His unusual dimensions and skill set might make him a sleeper.
CBS Sports: A-. Has some wild tackling misses on film but also counters with impact plays behind/near the line or at the intermediate level in coverage. Enormous size and length for the safety spot and will set the tone in many games with his powerful tackling. Not incredibly twitched up but moves reasonably well for his size.
ESPN: At this point, teams draft for traits. Williams played as a box safety at Miami but some teams envision him as a linebacker after seeing him work at that position at the Senior Bowl. That falls in line with the versatility that defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson said he wants. Wilson also said he wants the defense to be aggressive which is something that Williams showcased in college. Tennessee could also use him on special teams.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: Simply cannot believe that Shrek 2 is 20 years old this year. WTF.
Round 7, Pick 252 - Jaylen Harrell, DE, Michigan:
NFL: Harrell is a broad-framed linebacker with rush skills and an alpha-dog mentality. His performance in the national title game was great, and he could be a sub-package defender with a unique job description.
CBS Sports: A. Old-school outside linebacker who can sink in coverage or attack the outside shoulder of the tackle. Smooth, athletic movements to comfortably do either. Shows glimpses of pass-rush promises just doesn’t diversify his rushes enough. Must get stronger but does set sturdy edge. Young ascending player.
ESPN: Five of the seven Titans picks have been on defense. Harrell's father, James, spent eight seasons in the NFL and played one season in the USFL. Jaylen Harrell started all 15 games for Michigan in its national championship season and adds to the Titans' depth at outside linebacker. He'll compete primarily with Harold Landry III, Arden Key, Rashad Weaver, and Caleb Murphy for a chance to be in the edge rotation.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: Has band T-Shirts from the 80’s and 90’s.

Hi - I'd like to get some thoughts on the question of practicing scales with both hands, parallel and contrary motions.
Background - I'm an adult learner (late 30s), I've had lessons previously, and I'm currently working without an in-person teacher via an online course that I think is really pretty good (Flex Lessons). My aim is to get more into jazz and modern improvisation down the road when I'm more capable with the foundational stuff. I'm working on both-hands scales now (one octave, later two octave), and I can't help but question the value of them relative to other things I could be working on. Here's my thinking - thanks in advance for your feedback!
I realize that in general, hand independence is very important. CRITICALLY important. And I fully realize and embrace the importance of learning and memorizing and practicing scales. What I don't get is what playing scales with both hands gets me, relative to just playing more repertoire that requires increasing levels of hand independence. I never recall hearing anything in any repertoire where the same scalar passage is played in both hands at the same time. But I sure as heck know that music repertoire requiring increasing levels of hand independence is normal and expected and forms the basis of most music in some form, whether classical, jazz, pop, or whatever.
Pure speculation here: I keep wondering if at some point along the way of classical piano music pedagogy, instructors became increasingly obsessed with loading up young students with everything they could think of that might possibly result in greater musical mastery down the road. Clever exercises (entire books of them), finger workouts, clever approaches, all of that. I can perhaps understand the idea that anything that possibly gets a student to learn hand independence more deeply is a good thing, IF you have seemingly unlimited time in your life (i.e. you're young).
At this point, though, it almost seems like it's become some kind of rite of passage for piano students - that it's a form of pedagogical hazing that you just have to go through because your teachers did, and their teachers did, and so on. Because it's always been done that way. It's a given, don't question it. And it seems especially like overkill if you're an adult learner. Why not instead focus on learning hand independence by playing a variety of increasingly-challenging repertoire, which really is the whole point of playing the piano - to make actual music, not play scales in every conceivable way.
I hope this makes sense. I guess my basic premise is that I'd rather learn hand independence by playing more and more challenging repertoire, rather than laboriously learning and practicing all of my major and minor scales with both hands, parallel/contrary. Play more complex and interesting music, not more complex scale exercises. Time isn't unlimited for adults like it seems to be for kids.
Thoughts? What am I missing? Perhaps being able to play scales both-hands results in your scales being firmly engrained into your brain in a way that no other approach can bring?

(TLDR)
• ⁠What is apostasy?
Apostasy refers to the act of abandoning or renouncing one’s religious beliefs or principles. This can be a result of being led astray by erroneous or deceitful teachings. Much of the apostasy that is practiced today is subtle and meant to seem true. Many have no idea that they are in apostasy.
——————————————-
Here are some scriptures from the Bible that address apostasy.
• ⁠1 Timothy 4:1-2 - "Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared."
• ⁠2 Peter 2:1-3 - "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction."
• ⁠Galatians 1:6-8 - 6 I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News 7 but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ. 8 Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you.
• ⁠Matthew 7:15 - "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves."
• ⁠1 John 4:1 - "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world."
• ⁠Colossians 2:8 - "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."
• ⁠2 Timothy 4:3-4 - "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."
——————————————-
If I ever set foot in a church and the pastor stands up and teaches something that Jesus wouldn’t teach, that’s the day that I’m going to leave that church. That is a clear sign that the pastor is not submitting to the Spirit of truth. John 16:13 A false witness will teach and tell lies.
Proverbs 12:17 (NIV) - “An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies.”
John 16:13 (NLT) When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.

• A pastor is supposed to be to be called and equipped by God to lead disciples in truth.

——————————————-
Apostasy was a threat to the churches even in the days of the apostles. In the book of Revelation, chapters 2 and 3, Jesus addresses seven churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Only two of the seven churches, Smyrna and Philadelphia received only commendations from Jesus and no rebuke or criticism.
Yet, the other five hurches, while facing their own challenges, were urged to repent, correct their errors, and return to their initial zeal for God.
The messages to these seven churches serve as a reminder that all believers and congregations need to continually assess their spiritual condition, doctrine, and beliefs.
——————————————-
The Bible warns us over and over to beware of the false prophet and to test what we are being taught against the word of God.
Acts 17:11 (NLT) And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.
——————————————-
Thx for reading

(TLDR)
• ⁠What is apostasy?
Apostasy refers to the act of abandoning or renouncing one’s religious beliefs or principles. This can be a result of being led astray by erroneous or deceitful teachings. Much of the apostasy that is practiced today is subtle and meant to seem true. Many have no idea that they are in apostasy.
——————————————-
Here are some scriptures from the Bible that address apostasy.
• ⁠1 Timothy 4:1-2 - "Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared."
• ⁠2 Peter 2:1-3 - "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction."
• ⁠Galatians 1:6-8 - 6 I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News 7 but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ. 8 Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you.
• ⁠Matthew 7:15 - "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves."
• ⁠1 John 4:1 - "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world."
• ⁠Colossians 2:8 - "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."
• ⁠2 Timothy 4:3-4 - "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."
——————————————-
If I ever set foot in a church and the pastor stands up and teaches something that Jesus wouldn’t teach, that’s the day that I’m going to leave that church. That is a clear sign that the pastor is not submitting to the Spirit of truth. John 16:13 A false witness will teach and tell lies.
Proverbs 12:17 (NIV) - “An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies.”
John 16:13 (NLT) When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.

• A pastor is supposed to be to be called and equipped by God to lead disciples in truth.

——————————————-
Apostasy was a threat to the churches even in the days of the apostles. In the book of Revelation, chapters 2 and 3, Jesus addresses seven churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Only two of the seven churches, Smyrna and Philadelphia received only commendations from Jesus and no rebuke or criticism.
Yet, the other five hurches, while facing their own challenges, were urged to repent, correct their errors, and return to their initial zeal for God.
The messages to these seven churches serve as a reminder that all believers and congregations need to continually assess their spiritual condition, doctrine, and beliefs.
——————————————-
The Bible warns us over and over to beware of the false prophet and to test what we are being taught against the word of God.
Acts 17:11 (NLT) And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.
——————————————-
Thx for reading

Question First: Do you add both the "Hit Probability" bonus from Strength, AND the "Missile Attack Adjustment" bonus from Dexterity, to the same roll when throwing weapons and using Strength bows?
Now the argument.
I've been playing since 1981, and I've DM'ed B/X, AD&D 1e and 2e (and every edition after besides 4). I learned to play by playing, and I've brought people into the hobby by running games for them. I've been a player under at least a dozen DMs and never read the rules in this way before. In fact... in most of that time, I barely read the core rules at all, because, well, I knew how to play. I'd even suggest that rulebooks are written as a reference for people who already know how to play.
In all that time, I never ever played with someone who allowed a character to add the bonus to hit from Strength to throwing weapons, although most allowed the damage bonus from Strength. All the games I played in, as far as I can recall, added to hit modifiers from Strength in melee and from Dexterity at range.
Now I'm getting back into AD&D 2e after about 20 years away, and I'm running a Dark Sun game for a few friends. To make sure I do it right I'm reading the rulebooks with a new perspective, as if I'd never read them before, to make sure I don't miss anything. And now I'm questioning my understanding of the rules and the way I played the game for over a decade.
Here are the rules in the PHB:

Strength Modifiers: A character’s Strength can modify the die roll, altering both the chance to hit and the damage caused. This modifier is always applied to melees and attacks with hurled missile weapons (a spear or an axe).
Missile Attack Adjustment is used to modify a character’s die roll whenever he uses a missile weapon (a bow or a thrown weapon). A positive number makes it easier for the character to hit with a missile, while a negative number makes it harder.

Both of those modifiers include thrown weapons. So, am I correct in reading that a Fighter with a Strength of 18/60 (+2 to Hit Probability) and a Dexterity of 16 (+1 Missile Attack Adjustment) gets a total of +3 on their attack roll when they throw a spear, javelin, dagger, or dart? What about a sling? Only the crossbow is explicitly excepted, as it says repeatedly that the "strength" function of the crossbow's attack is handled by its machinery (however the Dexterity modifier is added to the attack roll).
Reading this, cross-referencing this, it seems practically obvious and explicit that the player is meant to use both. And yet, not a single 2nd Edition AD&D game I was in allowed that. There is no place in the book that I can find a rule saying you can only use one hit modifier, but that's what I'd always done.
Sorry the post is so long, this was just a thunderbolt of revelation to me.
EDIT: I should really point out that my quotes and references are from the REVISED 2nd Edition PHB, since I don't have a PDF of the original printing to copy/paste from.
EDIT: For consistency's sake, I've changed "Composite" bows to "strength" bows

Warning: Dark subject matter below, although I've tried to write this post without delving into it too much. I also doubt much of it is true.
Last month, the podcast Almost False interviewed Zachary King, the ex-Satanic Priest who converted to Catholicism. I started watching it this weekend and felt like something was off. Glad to see others on this subreddit were feeling the same way when this topic came up years ago: https://www.reddit.com/Catholicism/comments/jgqsbv/what_are_you_thoughts_on_the_testimony_of_zachary/
Here are some of the parts that ring false to me:

1. First, he's wearing a giant rosary as a necklace very openly. I get that converts might pick up practices that aren't standard. Yet it seemed like ignorance or hubris could have motivated that choice.
2. He recounts a staggering history of sexual abuse and drug use as a pre-teen and teen. It's at a level where I suspect his ability to function in society would be extremely limited, and I think it would be difficult for him to hide the resulting PTSD and addiction symptoms from his parents and school. He's surprisingly coherent and composed when describing traumas he's faced, yet he does not mention any therapy, rehab, or other psychological help that could explain how he's processed this trauma so well.
3. He claims that he presided as a Satanic priest over the routine murder of healthy, full-term infants, shortly before birth, in US "abortion mills". How do you find doctors who'd agree to something so blatantly illegal and immoral? They'd risk jail time and losing their medical licenses if even just one patient or nurse reported them. King doesn't explain, say, what dark magic spells he cast to allow these situations to happen unnoticed, or why on earth the doctors agreed to this situation. It's like he thinks Catholics will be so outraged that we'll throw critical thinking out the window?
4. He makes it sound like every other person is a Satanist, not, like, an atheist or person dabbling in yoga, but an actual, theistic, Satan-worshipper. I feel like we'd be way more aware of them if that were true? I get they're out there, but it seems so exaggerated.

Do you have any thoughts on it? I love a great Miraculous Medal conversion story. I just feel frustrated having listened to all these atrocious things only to conclude that it just doesn't add up.

Hello! Here we are again, back for another ATLA commentary.
Before we get started I do want to point out that I’m numbering and labeling episodes according to how they appear on Netflix. Episode 12, as I understand it, is actually two episodes. However, since they’re presented as one thing here, that’s how I’m watching it.
Brief update on other projects: I thought I’d try watching the first Harry Potter movie, but realized it’s two and a half hours long. That’s, at the bare minimum, five hours of commentary writing. So… yeah, we’re gonna hold off on that lol I’m also considering watching a superhero/comic book show called The Boys, because I accidentally caught part of a trailer for it that my girlfriend was watching and it looks very interesting. I’ll be doing the new Game of Thrones commentary next, not sure when exactly.
Okay, let’s go!
Episode 12- The Secret of the Fire Nation

1. Well that’s a heck of a title! I hope we learn something juicy!

It’s nice to see Aang and Katara bending for fun, thought I’m surprised Aang is so willing to encase himself in a block of ice. You’d think he’d have some trauma from that lol But also, I love Katara’s hair when she lets it down.
Yeah… I’m kind of surprised Aang is taking Appa’s loss as well as he is, considering how he reacted last episode. Since Sokka is talking about walking to Ba Sing Se, I take it they’re not going to be spending time looking for him? But then, didn’t the sandbenders say they sold him to a merchant from Ba Sing Se? Maybe he’s there, and Aang’s banking on that hope.

1. I know I keep applying real-world logic to a cartoon show, but wouldn’t Ba Sing Se get awfully crowded if they’re constantly taking in refugees from the rest of the Earth Kingdom? Iroh put the city under siege for almost two years. What if the Fire Nation does that again? More mouths to feed makes starvation quicker!

Iroh and Zuko are refugees. I still can’t get over that irony lol Hey, it’s Jet! My goodness, he’s onscreen for less than ten seconds and he’s already planning a robbery. He and Zuko are going to get along just fine, aren’t they?
The cabbage merchant! Always a delight to see him and his cabbages! Also hilarious that a bunch of people are impersonating Aang (thought it probably would be less hilarious if any of them met Azula). If passports are necessary, how did Zuko and Iroh get tickets? Also, good on Toph for taking advantage of her privilege lol
Hey! I think that’s Suki! Her eyes are drawn really distinctively and her voice sounds familiar! Two seconds after pressing play: it is Suki! Don’t you just love my long winning streak of figuring things out right before they let us know? Lol

1. Glad to see ATLA Suki appreciates Sokka’s muscles just as much as NATLA Suki lol

Someone took the pregnant family’s tickets and belongings. Is that how Zuko and Iroh got their tickets? Zuko’s robbed families before, so I wouldn’t put it past him.
Well damn, Suki got her armor and makeup on real quick, didn’t she? Hm… Sokka’s worried about her. I think Suki’s going to interpret that as him being sexist again but he’s probably traumatized from losing Yue. He’s been through way too much to still be sexist. If he still had a misogynistic bone in his body, Toph would have beaten it out of him by now.

1. Well the Serpent’s Pass looks terrifying. Also, this pregnant lady took one look at some scratched graffiti saying “Abandon Hope” and immediately started crying, saying “How can we abandon hope? It’s all we have!” Like… come on, lady lol Just because you see graffiti telling you to do something doesn’t mean you have to, otherwise I would have called quite a few people for a good time by now.

Hope is a distraction, huh? I guess I can see the logic of that from a practical application perspective. But it’s kind of a depressing philosophy for a monk to have.
Holy shit! Nope, I would not be walking along a cliff path that narrow! I will build a rowboat and paddle my way to Ba Sing Se.
Toph is really carrying the team (and some refugees too) this episode.

1. There’s a fine line between being protective and being smothering and Sokka has hopped, jumped, and skipped right over it.

Zuko’s not wearing his blue spirit mask. Not that he needs it, he and Jet work together like cogs in a machine. Ironic lol
Ow! Geez, that rejected hug hurt me lol Katara’s right though. Bottling up emotions just makes them worse in the long run. You have to allow yourself to feel bad sometimes. Granted, you can’t fly off the handle like he did last episode, but that’s a reaction. You can control your reactions, but you can’t control your feelings.
“It’s a beautiful moon.” “Yeah, it really is.” Okay, I know Sokka said last episode that Yue is the moon, but he was tripping on peyote. Does he actually believe that Yue is the moon now? Is Yue the moon now? I interpreted her death as he sacrificing herself to bring the moon spirit back to life, not to become the new moon spirit.
“Who is this guy? Is he taller than me?” Dude, we were having a moment. Damn it, just kiss her! Well actually, the moon’s right there so if Yue really did turn into the new moon spirit, it might be a tad awkward to kiss in front of her. But what’s he gonna do, only ever show intimacy during the day?

1. Um… I’m probably reading too much into this Smellerbee scene with Iroh and Longshot and I’m almost hesitant to say what I’m thinking because I can just imagine the backlash I could get for voicing it. And it’s not like ATLA has had great LGBTQ representation up to this point, so… Yeah, I’m probably just seeing things that aren’t there.

You know, I’ve never really cared a lot about Jet as a character (in fact, I’m kind of surprised to see him again. I figured he’d be a one-off character) but I am really enjoying his scenes with Zuko and Iroh. They have so much in common, which is probably the point of this whole juxtaposition. If he only knew who they really were lol
Of course Iroh believes in second chances. He’s the best. And also, he’s living proof that some people deserve a second chance.

1. Uh… Katara parting the sea while leading refugees to safety invokes a certain comparison, doesn’t it? But can I just say that I love how her solution to crossing the gap is to literally walk through the ocean instead of making a raft out of ice and floating across. She just never misses an opportunity to flex on everyone, does she? Lol

Momo continuing his pattern of trying to kill every small animal he sees is something I’ve come to treasure.
Is that the unagi?! I think that’s what it’s called/spelled but I haven’t seen that episode in a while. It would be fitting if Suki and the sea serpent both share the same episodes lol No that’s not the unagi. It’s a different color. Um… what exactly was Sokka planning to do if the sea serpent actually accepted his offer and ate Momo? Considering how he reacted to losing Appa, I don’t think Aang would be too happy with him.
Oh, now she’s making an ice bridge. Not as much of a flex as maintaining an air bubble so they plumb the depths but it is faster. Oh, Toph can’t see on ice. And she can’t swim? An earthbender not being able to swim feels like a stereotype for some reason, even though I have absolutely no reason to think that lol
“You can go ahead and let me drown now.” That’s gonna be a favorite joke of mine, I just know it lol And I’m pretty sure this is probably a jumping point for a Sokka/Toph ship. What does the community call that? Soph? Tokka? (How old is Toph, anyway? Probably Aang’s age, right? That’s… probably not an appropriate ship then)

1. Why does Ba Sing Se’s wall remind me of The Wall from Game of Thrones? Obviously not made of ice though lol

Okay, time for ATLA’s viewers to experience the miracle of childbirth!

1. Like I said earlier, ATLA isn’t heavy on the LGBTQ representation, but I swear I’m picking up on some tension and chemistry between Jet and Zuko (Juko? Jeko? Zet?). And now half of Jet’s little group is an LGBTQ allegory for me lol Even the dialogue between Jet and Zuko in this scene is slightly suggestive.

So… can Katara waterbend the baby out or…
Baby Hope, eh? Probably not a super common name in this world.
Oh? Was that Aang’s way of telling Katara he loves her without actually saying it? Aww. And hey, he’s heading off on his own to search for Appa. Which… honestly kind of feels like he should have been doing that this whole time lol
Yes! Get some, Sokka! Wait, nevermind. I fucking hate that line. Ugh No! I’m not gonna be a bitter old lady on this watch-through! They’re kissing and it’s very sweet and I love that for them!
Um… there’s a giant metal dildo on the way to penetrate Ba Sing Se! Lol but seriously, how technologically advanced is the Fire Nation? A giant mobile drill of that scale would be a marvel of engineering even by our modern standards.

1. Well hey, there’s the title card letting me know when the next episode starts.

Woah, the way the drill moves is so cool! I’m legitimately wondering if such a thing would actually be possible in our world with our physics. I don’t know why we would want to, but still. And of course Azula’s leading this attack. She gets all the best opportunities. And she’s smart too! The war minister guy is dismissive of the earthbenders, believing his drill to be impervious to earthbending attacks. You can practically smell the hubris. But Azula leaves nothing to chance and she sends her girls out to neutralize any potential threat.
And this is why we love Azula. She’s not just a scary villain, she’s a competent villain.

1. And the Earth Kingdom general shares the War Minister’s hubris. Why are the people in charge always the worst people to be in charge? Also, I love that Toph is the one to point out that Iroh broke through the wall.

So the Earth Kingdom’s elite Terra Team force were taken out by two teenage nonbenders from the Fire Nation in about twenty seconds. How have they lasted this long? Lol (I say two, but let’s be honest. Ty Lee’s doing the heavy lifting here)
Yes! I love that they acknowledge Sokka as the “Idea Guy”!
Iroh has got rizz for days lol I’m kind of surprised he only ever had one son. Jet wants to recruit Zuko. I’m totally down for that! They’re such an interesting pair!

1. I really love that Katara, whose probably the best waterbender in the world at this point, respects Ty Lee enough to recognize how dangerous she is. And Sokka had an idea! They’re going to take down the drill from the inside. Because how the hell else are they going to stop something that big?

Again with the underestimation! I swear Azula’s the only competent person in the entire Fire Nation military since Iroh retired.
Okay, engineer Sokka figured it out. It’s all a little too easy, isn’t it?

1. Ah shit, Jet just realized the truth, because Iroh used firebending to heat up his tea lol I think he’s getting a little too relaxed.

Okay, just the fact that they slice through metal with water at all is pretty impressive. And the drill has reached the wall, and Azula still doesn’t look impressed.
Oh yeah, I guess this is a pretty high stakes battle for them, huh? If they lose Ba Sing Se, they basically lose the entire Earth Kingdom, right? Omashu’s already fallen, the smaller villages and whatnot have no real defense. Ba Sing Se is the last big puzzle piece to world domination (aside from the water tribes, but they’re so isolated they’re not really a threat).
I love that Toph’s nickname for Aang is Twinkle Toes. Also I laughed at the War Minister’s face when he was side-eyeing Azula just then. +That’s the face of a man who’s about to be punished!

1. lol Sokka’s the only one with more rizz than Iroh! Maybe a legitimate battle strategy here would be to woo Ty Lee into switching sides? Aside from Azula she seems to be the most dangerous one. No offense to Mai, but she is kind of the odd woman out here.

Oh please let me get Aang and Azula 1v1! I really badly want to see how he fares against her without everyone else helping him. He’ll probably have to use the Avatar State to defeat her.
Ty Lee dives into the slurry after Katara and Sokka while Mai refuses. Yeah, Mai is the weak link here in Ozai’s Angels (I love that name, by the way).

1. Did Aang seriously think the general was going to hear him from that high up? Lol Toph’s helping Katara bend the slurry (how convenient that it’s both water and earth!). Ty Lee’s still trapped in it and the drill is about to blow. If I hadn’t learned my lesson on the last post, I’d probably be worried she might die in the explosion. But this is a kid’s show, she’ll be fine.

Here we go! Aang vs Azula! Her fighting style is so elegant. Every move she makes feels on purpose, if that makes sense. Like, whenever Aang fought Zuko, Zhao, or NPC firebenders their style is a little more chaotic and fearsome and rawr, you know? But Azula’s totally calm. Everything she’s doing feels calculated, and it’s working! If she hadn’t had to dodge that boulder after blasting Aang back she might have been able to deliver a finishing blow!
She beat him! He’s unconscious! Okay, well not anymore lol See… that right there was hubris (actually, it was kid’s show writing but whatever)! He was out for like fifteen seconds. She should have roasted him where he lay instead of picking him up and gloating.
Another fight with Azula ends in a draw with neither one beating the other! I’m starting to get a little peeved with all this edging lol but that was great! Azula is an absolute beast!

1. Okay, the way Aang hammered that rock spike into the drill was pretty epic. Mai’s “We lost” (and thank you for your contribution to the fight, Mai lol) is interesting. It’s true, they did lose. Not in the combat sense, Aang couldn’t beat Azula, but he didn’t have to. He just had to hold her off. Maybe that’s kind of a metaphor for the Fire Nation military in general. It’s very powerful, but it’s also marred by incompetence and weaknesses. Many of its generals are prideful and blind to their own weaknesses, or just outright incompetent. Look at this fight: even Mai just kind of gave up halfway through. If Ty Lee wasn’t trapped in the slurry, she might very well have been able to beat Katara, Sokka, and Toph, especially since they don’t Appa this time to bail them out. And if Mai had been with her, she might have been to break Katara’s concentration with a thrown weapon, thus freeing Ty Lee from the slurry.

I wondered how the Earth Kingdom lasted so long and maybe that’s just it. They can’t beat the Fire Nation, but they don’t have to. They just have to hold them off and the Fire Nation’s own shortcomings will end up beating themselves. It’s a hundred year stalemate.

1. Looks like Jet’s going to be causing a problem for Iroh and Zuko. I wonder if his relationship with them is what’s going to finally let him realize that not all Fire Nation people are inherently evil?

Hey, that’s Baby Hope! And Iroh gets to fawn over her too and I love that for him. You know, if Aang defeats the Fire Nation in a timely manner, Hope might actually get to grow up in a world at peace. Well, kind of. I’m sure there’s going to be massive issues with racism from generations of propaganda painting the other side as inhuman, huge demands for reparations, not to mention the territories the Fire Nation currently occupies. It’s been so long that there must be at least two generations of Fire Nation citizens who were born in and grew up in the Earth Kingdom, and I’m sure there’s been interbreeding with the Earth Kingdom people, because that’s what always happens with colonizers. Once they become established, genocide is pretty much the only way to get rid of them, and I doubt the Avatar is going to allow that.
So Hope’s probably going to grow up in pretty interesting times!
Um… is Ba Sing Se a city or is it a little walled country? Cuz all I see are farms and plains!
Katara, I love you, but you’re wrong. Team Avatar is going to catch on because it’s awesome, and that’s that.
Episode 13- City of Walls and Secrets

1. Oh, there’s an inner wall. So Ba Sing Se is kind of like the country in Attack on Titan! Oh yeah, in all of the excitement I almost forgot about Appa. Seriously, how many episodes has he been missing now? Damn, now that’s a city!

Yeah… something’s up with Joo Dee.
Walls inside that help maintain order? You mean walls that protect the rich and elite from the dirty poors? Lol Oh, Katara just confirmed it. They pen up all the poor people into a walled ghetto.

1. lol when Iroh’s talking about someone bringing home a lady friend, does he mean himself? Or Zuko? It is really interesting how their views of Ba Sing Se differ though. Iroh’s talking about getting a home, socializing, building a life, and he’s even found them jobs! Zuko sees the same situation as a prison.

Well, I’m glad Jet’s turning over a new leaf by letting the authorities handle things. Too bad I don’t trust the authorities to be any better.
Toph knows what’s up. Joo Dee is purposefully brushing Sokka off and distracting the group. I’m not sure why at the moment, but something is clearly up.

1. Of course they’re going to work in a tea shop! Lol Zuko’s right btw, all tea is hot leaf juice. Well, except for the teas that are hot root juice.

The cultural authority of Ba Sing Se, who guard their traditions and are called the Dai Li. Yeah… maybe it’s my conservative religious upbringing but when I hear about people “guarding their traditions” I immediately think of abuse, propaganda, and oppression. Generally people who are obsessed with traditions tend to be conservatives, who by their very nature cannot allow progress or improvement.
Someone important is trying to keep them under constant surveillance and prevent them from seeing the Earth King. In NATLA, there were spies in Omashu. Since Ba Sing Se is much bigger and more important, I imagine it’s riddled with Fire Nation spies as well, and somebody high ranking might be a traitor.

1. Joo Dee is kind of scary lol and clearly the citizens are terrified of her. But what’s interesting to me is that she’s preventing them from giving information about Appa, which suggests that whoever is stopping them from seeing the Earth King also has Appa. But why? What would be the point of keeping Aang away from Appa? Is it to restrict his mobility and make him easier to capture?

So people aren’t allowed to talk about the war, and the Dai Li seem to be responsible. But why? If everyone knows there’s a war going on anyway, why keep people from talking about it?
It’s lucky that Iroh borrowed his neighbor’s spark rocks, but why would he refrain from firebending in what he assumes is privacy? Unless he knows he’s being watched.

1. Huh, is the king’s pet bear the first normal animal on the show? Lol I am digging this undercover plan though.

I love that this show lets its characters try on different looks from time to time, even if they are mostly the same outfits. Katara and Toph’s high society get-ups are gorgeous!
The lost boys- I mean, freedom fighters are turning on Peter Pa- I mean, Jet. The weird thing is… he’s right! They are firebenders! But his behavior still isn’t healthy!

1. Okay, let’s go! Jet’s hurling accusations and attacking them in public! And now Zuko’s fighting back with swords. It’s the duel of the dual-wielders! Honestly, this is probably good for Zuko. He needs to blow off some steam after everything he’s been through.

Well how about that? Security at the palace is actually competent and Toph can’t bluff her way in.
This Long Feng guy is cultural minister to the king, which means he’s probably the bad guy! And also we haven’t met any other high ranking government officials with names, so he’s currently the only option lol

1. Geez, Zuko straight up intended to decapitate Jet right there. If Jet were a little slower, he would have! Man, I hope they do this fight scene in NATLA.

Uh-oh, scary lady Joo Dee is the scared one now. But can I just say how much I like her facial expressions?
Yeah… can’t blame them for arresting Jet. He did look like a crazy person.
The Dai Li’s specific brand of earthbending is very cool! It almost doesn’t seem like bending at all, if that makes sense. The stones they use are like a part of their own body. And of course Long Feng is their leader.
Okay I get the king is just a puppet and Long Feng is the real rule of the country, but I still don’t understand why he doesn’t allow mention of the war in the city. I mean, it’s common knowledge! A significant portion of their population are literally refugees fleeing war! Who doesn’t know
Oh… is it the king? Does the king just not know there’s a war happening and Long Feng keeps it from him so he can stay in charge? I mean, that’s still a stretch but it would explain why he doesn’t want Team Avatar talking to the king.

1. Jet is being hypnotized. Also, I do want to point out that I have seen “There is no (whatever) in Ba Sing Se” many times in the wild lol it’s nice to see where it comes from!

Ah… Long Feng is holding Appa as leverage over Aang.
I didn’t think Joo Dee could be any scarier but here we are! This episode almost has horror movie vibes.
Concluding thoughts: This was a fantastic couple/throuple of episodes! I loved seeing Suki again, and I really enjoyed how the refugee subplot ties so perfectly in with Iroh and Zuko. The whole drill sequence was probably the best “action” the show has had thus far and that’s saying something. It’s also nice to have my suspicions that the Earth Kingdom has its own corruption problems and bad guys confirmed.
I have a new theory to replace my “Iroh’s going to die theory”. They’ve been showing us all season how Zuko isn’t really cut out for life on the run, whereas Iroh embraces it. I think they’re driving to a separation between Zuko and Iroh. He may not have died, but narratively speaking Zuko and Iroh have to part ways permanently or semi-permanently for his character to grow. Iroh has been propping him up and supporting him this whole time, now it’s time for Zuko to leave the nest and become his own person.
My new theory is that Iroh will enjoy his new life in Ba Sing Se so much that he elects to stay there permanently, whereas Zuko is too restless to do so. He can’t go back to the Fire Nation and the Earth Kingdom will not accept him, so his only choice is to join Team Avatar, where he will likely end up teaching Aang firebending.
And to expand further on a previous theory of mine, which was: Azula will kill or depose Ozai. I’ve accepted at this point that death is off the table. Kid’s show and all that. But I noticed something… lots of people were quick to say that Azula would never kill Ozai. But not one person has said she wouldn’t depose him in those refutations (unless I’m misremembering but I don’t think I am). Since you all know not to hint at things or spoil them, I think your eagerness to point out that she won’t kill Ozai is an attempt to mislead me into thinking the whole theory is wrong so I’ll be surprised when she ends up deposing (not killing) him. I mean, I could be wrong but I have a strong feeling that the final villain is going to be Fire Lord Azula, with Ozai in exile somewhere (that would be fitting! The man who banishes his own son ends up being banished himself!).
Maybe that will even be the conclusion of Zuko’s arc! While Aang goes off to save the world from Azula, Zuko splits up to confront Ozai himself! Where we are in the show right now, it really does feel like Azula is Aang’s primary antagonist whereas Ozai is Zuko’s primary antagonist.
By the way, from here on out, no confirming or denying my theories either way, okay? Let it unfold naturally, and let me figure things out on my own. I mean, where’s the fun in just giving me the answers?
And also, some of you could be a little nicer with your criticisms. I had to block someone last time I posted and I don’t want to do that anymore. It’s fine to disagree with me, it’s fine to explain why you disagree with me. Hell, most of you do! I don’t mind that, I like that we all have different views of things even if I don’t agree. It makes things interesting! But don’t talk down to me, don’t use belittling language, don’t be disrespectful. Whenever I don’t like something about ATLA (or like something about NATLA) some of you seem to take it as a personal insult or something.
Just be polite, that’s all I ask.
Okay, I’ll see you same time next week probably!

Hello! Here we are again, back for another ATLA commentary.
Before we get started I do want to point out that I’m numbering and labeling episodes according to how they appear on Netflix. Episode 12, as I understand it, is actually two episodes. However, since they’re presented as one thing here, that’s how I’m watching it.
Brief update on other projects: I thought I’d try watching the first Harry Potter movie, but realized it’s two and a half hours long. That’s, at the bare minimum, five hours of commentary writing. So… yeah, we’re gonna hold off on that lol I’m also considering watching a superhero/comic book show called The Boys, because I accidentally caught part of a trailer for it that my girlfriend was watching and it looks very interesting. I’ll be doing the new Game of Thrones commentary next, not sure when exactly.
Okay, let’s go!
Episode 12- The Secret of the Fire Nation

1. Well that’s a heck of a title! I hope we learn something juicy!

It’s nice to see Aang and Katara bending for fun, thought I’m surprised Aang is so willing to encase himself in a block of ice. You’d think he’d have some trauma from that lol But also, I love Katara’s hair when she lets it down.
Yeah… I’m kind of surprised Aang is taking Appa’s loss as well as he is, considering how he reacted last episode. Since Sokka is talking about walking to Ba Sing Se, I take it they’re not going to be spending time looking for him? But then, didn’t the sandbenders say they sold him to a merchant from Ba Sing Se? Maybe he’s there, and Aang’s banking on that hope.

1. I know I keep applying real-world logic to a cartoon show, but wouldn’t Ba Sing Se get awfully crowded if they’re constantly taking in refugees from the rest of the Earth Kingdom? Iroh put the city under siege for almost two years. What if the Fire Nation does that again? More mouths to feed makes starvation quicker!

Iroh and Zuko are refugees. I still can’t get over that irony lol Hey, it’s Jet! My goodness, he’s onscreen for less than ten seconds and he’s already planning a robbery. He and Zuko are going to get along just fine, aren’t they?
The cabbage merchant! Always a delight to see him and his cabbages! Also hilarious that a bunch of people are impersonating Aang (thought it probably would be less hilarious if any of them met Azula). If passports are necessary, how did Zuko and Iroh get tickets? Also, good on Toph for taking advantage of her privilege lol
Hey! I think that’s Suki! Her eyes are drawn really distinctively and her voice sounds familiar! Two seconds after pressing play: it is Suki! Don’t you just love my long winning streak of figuring things out right before they let us know? Lol

1. Glad to see ATLA Suki appreciates Sokka’s muscles just as much as NATLA Suki lol

Someone took the pregnant family’s tickets and belongings. Is that how Zuko and Iroh got their tickets? Zuko’s robbed families before, so I wouldn’t put it past him.
Well damn, Suki got her armor and makeup on real quick, didn’t she? Hm… Sokka’s worried about her. I think Suki’s going to interpret that as him being sexist again but he’s probably traumatized from losing Yue. He’s been through way too much to still be sexist. If he still had a misogynistic bone in his body, Toph would have beaten it out of him by now.

1. Well the Serpent’s Pass looks terrifying. Also, this pregnant lady took one look at some scratched graffiti saying “Abandon Hope” and immediately started crying, saying “How can we abandon hope? It’s all we have!” Like… come on, lady lol Just because you see graffiti telling you to do something doesn’t mean you have to, otherwise I would have called quite a few people for a good time by now.

Hope is a distraction, huh? I guess I can see the logic of that from a practical application perspective. But it’s kind of a depressing philosophy for a monk to have.
Holy shit! Nope, I would not be walking along a cliff path that narrow! I will build a rowboat and paddle my way to Ba Sing Se.
Toph is really carrying the team (and some refugees too) this episode.

1. There’s a fine line between being protective and being smothering and Sokka has hopped, jumped, and skipped right over it.

Zuko’s not wearing his blue spirit mask. Not that he needs it, he and Jet work together like cogs in a machine. Ironic lol
Ow! Geez, that rejected hug hurt me lol Katara’s right though. Bottling up emotions just makes them worse in the long run. You have to allow yourself to feel bad sometimes. Granted, you can’t fly off the handle like he did last episode, but that’s a reaction. You can control your reactions, but you can’t control your feelings.
“It’s a beautiful moon.” “Yeah, it really is.” Okay, I know Sokka said last episode that Yue is the moon, but he was tripping on peyote. Does he actually believe that Yue is the moon now? Is Yue the moon now? I interpreted her death as he sacrificing herself to bring the moon spirit back to life, not to become the new moon spirit.
“Who is this guy? Is he taller than me?” Dude, we were having a moment. Damn it, just kiss her! Well actually, the moon’s right there so if Yue really did turn into the new moon spirit, it might be a tad awkward to kiss in front of her. But what’s he gonna do, only ever show intimacy during the day?

1. Um… I’m probably reading too much into this Smellerbee scene with Iroh and Longshot and I’m almost hesitant to say what I’m thinking because I can just imagine the backlash I could get for voicing it. And it’s not like ATLA has had great LGBTQ representation up to this point, so… Yeah, I’m probably just seeing things that aren’t there.

You know, I’ve never really cared a lot about Jet as a character (in fact, I’m kind of surprised to see him again. I figured he’d be a one-off character) but I am really enjoying his scenes with Zuko and Iroh. They have so much in common, which is probably the point of this whole juxtaposition. If he only knew who they really were lol
Of course Iroh believes in second chances. He’s the best. And also, he’s living proof that some people deserve a second chance.

1. Uh… Katara parting the sea while leading refugees to safety invokes a certain comparison, doesn’t it? But can I just say that I love how her solution to crossing the gap is to literally walk through the ocean instead of making a raft out of ice and floating across. She just never misses an opportunity to flex on everyone, does she? Lol

Momo continuing his pattern of trying to kill every small animal he sees is something I’ve come to treasure.
Is that the unagi?! I think that’s what it’s called/spelled but I haven’t seen that episode in a while. It would be fitting if Suki and the sea serpent both share the same episodes lol No that’s not the unagi. It’s a different color. Um… what exactly was Sokka planning to do if the sea serpent actually accepted his offer and ate Momo? Considering how he reacted to losing Appa, I don’t think Aang would be too happy with him.
Oh, now she’s making an ice bridge. Not as much of a flex as maintaining an air bubble so they plumb the depths but it is faster. Oh, Toph can’t see on ice. And she can’t swim? An earthbender not being able to swim feels like a stereotype for some reason, even though I have absolutely no reason to think that lol
“You can go ahead and let me drown now.” That’s gonna be a favorite joke of mine, I just know it lol And I’m pretty sure this is probably a jumping point for a Sokka/Toph ship. What does the community call that? Soph? Tokka? (How old is Toph, anyway? Probably Aang’s age, right? That’s… probably not an appropriate ship then)

1. Why does Ba Sing Se’s wall remind me of The Wall from Game of Thrones? Obviously not made of ice though lol

Okay, time for ATLA’s viewers to experience the miracle of childbirth!

1. Like I said earlier, ATLA isn’t heavy on the LGBTQ representation, but I swear I’m picking up on some tension and chemistry between Jet and Zuko (Juko? Jeko? Zet?). And now half of Jet’s little group is an LGBTQ allegory for me lol Even the dialogue between Jet and Zuko in this scene is slightly suggestive.

So… can Katara waterbend the baby out or…
Baby Hope, eh? Probably not a super common name in this world.
Oh? Was that Aang’s way of telling Katara he loves her without actually saying it? Aww. And hey, he’s heading off on his own to search for Appa. Which… honestly kind of feels like he should have been doing that this whole time lol
Yes! Get some, Sokka! Wait, nevermind. I fucking hate that line. Ugh No! I’m not gonna be a bitter old lady on this watch-through! They’re kissing and it’s very sweet and I love that for them!
Um… there’s a giant metal dildo on the way to penetrate Ba Sing Se! Lol but seriously, how technologically advanced is the Fire Nation? A giant mobile drill of that scale would be a marvel of engineering even by our modern standards.

1. Well hey, there’s the title card letting me know when the next episode starts.

Woah, the way the drill moves is so cool! I’m legitimately wondering if such a thing would actually be possible in our world with our physics. I don’t know why we would want to, but still. And of course Azula’s leading this attack. She gets all the best opportunities. And she’s smart too! The war minister guy is dismissive of the earthbenders, believing his drill to be impervious to earthbending attacks. You can practically smell the hubris. But Azula leaves nothing to chance and she sends her girls out to neutralize any potential threat.
And this is why we love Azula. She’s not just a scary villain, she’s a competent villain.

1. And the Earth Kingdom general shares the War Minister’s hubris. Why are the people in charge always the worst people to be in charge? Also, I love that Toph is the one to point out that Iroh broke through the wall.

So the Earth Kingdom’s elite Terra Team force were taken out by two teenage nonbenders from the Fire Nation in about twenty seconds. How have they lasted this long? Lol (I say two, but let’s be honest. Ty Lee’s doing the heavy lifting here)
Yes! I love that they acknowledge Sokka as the “Idea Guy”!
Iroh has got rizz for days lol I’m kind of surprised he only ever had one son. Jet wants to recruit Zuko. I’m totally down for that! They’re such an interesting pair!

1. I really love that Katara, whose probably the best waterbender in the world at this point, respects Ty Lee enough to recognize how dangerous she is. And Sokka had an idea! They’re going to take down the drill from the inside. Because how the hell else are they going to stop something that big?

Again with the underestimation! I swear Azula’s the only competent person in the entire Fire Nation military since Iroh retired.
Okay, engineer Sokka figured it out. It’s all a little too easy, isn’t it?

1. Ah shit, Jet just realized the truth, because Iroh used firebending to heat up his tea lol I think he’s getting a little too relaxed.

Okay, just the fact that they slice through metal with water at all is pretty impressive. And the drill has reached the wall, and Azula still doesn’t look impressed.
Oh yeah, I guess this is a pretty high stakes battle for them, huh? If they lose Ba Sing Se, they basically lose the entire Earth Kingdom, right? Omashu’s already fallen, the smaller villages and whatnot have no real defense. Ba Sing Se is the last big puzzle piece to world domination (aside from the water tribes, but they’re so isolated they’re not really a threat).
I love that Toph’s nickname for Aang is Twinkle Toes. Also I laughed at the War Minister’s face when he was side-eyeing Azula just then. +That’s the face of a man who’s about to be punished!

1. lol Sokka’s the only one with more rizz than Iroh! Maybe a legitimate battle strategy here would be to woo Ty Lee into switching sides? Aside from Azula she seems to be the most dangerous one. No offense to Mai, but she is kind of the odd woman out here.

Oh please let me get Aang and Azula 1v1! I really badly want to see how he fares against her without everyone else helping him. He’ll probably have to use the Avatar State to defeat her.
Ty Lee dives into the slurry after Katara and Sokka while Mai refuses. Yeah, Mai is the weak link here in Ozai’s Angels (I love that name, by the way).

1. Did Aang seriously think the general was going to hear him from that high up? Lol Toph’s helping Katara bend the slurry (how convenient that it’s both water and earth!). Ty Lee’s still trapped in it and the drill is about to blow. If I hadn’t learned my lesson on the last post, I’d probably be worried she might die in the explosion. But this is a kid’s show, she’ll be fine.

Here we go! Aang vs Azula! Her fighting style is so elegant. Every move she makes feels on purpose, if that makes sense. Like, whenever Aang fought Zuko, Zhao, or NPC firebenders their style is a little more chaotic and fearsome and rawr, you know? But Azula’s totally calm. Everything she’s doing feels calculated, and it’s working! If she hadn’t had to dodge that boulder after blasting Aang back she might have been able to deliver a finishing blow!
She beat him! He’s unconscious! Okay, well not anymore lol See… that right there was hubris (actually, it was kid’s show writing but whatever)! He was out for like fifteen seconds. She should have roasted him where he lay instead of picking him up and gloating.
Another fight with Azula ends in a draw with neither one beating the other! I’m starting to get a little peeved with all this edging lol but that was great! Azula is an absolute beast!

1. Okay, the way Aang hammered that rock spike into the drill was pretty epic. Mai’s “We lost” (and thank you for your contribution to the fight, Mai lol) is interesting. It’s true, they did lose. Not in the combat sense, Aang couldn’t beat Azula, but he didn’t have to. He just had to hold her off. Maybe that’s kind of a metaphor for the Fire Nation military in general. It’s very powerful, but it’s also marred by incompetence and weaknesses. Many of its generals are prideful and blind to their own weaknesses, or just outright incompetent. Look at this fight: even Mai just kind of gave up halfway through. If Ty Lee wasn’t trapped in the slurry, she might very well have been able to beat Katara, Sokka, and Toph, especially since they don’t Appa this time to bail them out. And if Mai had been with her, she might have been to break Katara’s concentration with a thrown weapon, thus freeing Ty Lee from the slurry.

I wondered how the Earth Kingdom lasted so long and maybe that’s just it. They can’t beat the Fire Nation, but they don’t have to. They just have to hold them off and the Fire Nation’s own shortcomings will end up beating themselves. It’s a hundred year stalemate.

1. Looks like Jet’s going to be causing a problem for Iroh and Zuko. I wonder if his relationship with them is what’s going to finally let him realize that not all Fire Nation people are inherently evil?

Hey, that’s Baby Hope! And Iroh gets to fawn over her too and I love that for him. You know, if Aang defeats the Fire Nation in a timely manner, Hope might actually get to grow up in a world at peace. Well, kind of. I’m sure there’s going to be massive issues with racism from generations of propaganda painting the other side as inhuman, huge demands for reparations, not to mention the territories the Fire Nation currently occupies. It’s been so long that there must be at least two generations of Fire Nation citizens who were born in and grew up in the Earth Kingdom, and I’m sure there’s been interbreeding with the Earth Kingdom people, because that’s what always happens with colonizers. Once they become established, genocide is pretty much the only way to get rid of them, and I doubt the Avatar is going to allow that.
So Hope’s probably going to grow up in pretty interesting times!
Um… is Ba Sing Se a city or is it a little walled country? Cuz all I see are farms and plains!
Katara, I love you, but you’re wrong. Team Avatar is going to catch on because it’s awesome, and that’s that.
Episode 13- City of Walls and Secrets

1. Oh, there’s an inner wall. So Ba Sing Se is kind of like the country in Attack on Titan! Oh yeah, in all of the excitement I almost forgot about Appa. Seriously, how many episodes has he been missing now? Damn, now that’s a city!

Yeah… something’s up with Joo Dee.
Walls inside that help maintain order? You mean walls that protect the rich and elite from the dirty poors? Lol Oh, Katara just confirmed it. They pen up all the poor people into a walled ghetto.

1. lol when Iroh’s talking about someone bringing home a lady friend, does he mean himself? Or Zuko? It is really interesting how their views of Ba Sing Se differ though. Iroh’s talking about getting a home, socializing, building a life, and he’s even found them jobs! Zuko sees the same situation as a prison.

Well, I’m glad Jet’s turning over a new leaf by letting the authorities handle things. Too bad I don’t trust the authorities to be any better.
Toph knows what’s up. Joo Dee is purposefully brushing Sokka off and distracting the group. I’m not sure why at the moment, but something is clearly up.

1. Of course they’re going to work in a tea shop! Lol Zuko’s right btw, all tea is hot leaf juice. Well, except for the teas that are hot root juice.

The cultural authority of Ba Sing Se, who guard their traditions and are called the Dai Li. Yeah… maybe it’s my conservative religious upbringing but when I hear about people “guarding their traditions” I immediately think of abuse, propaganda, and oppression. Generally people who are obsessed with traditions tend to be conservatives, who by their very nature cannot allow progress or improvement.
Someone important is trying to keep them under constant surveillance and prevent them from seeing the Earth King. In NATLA, there were spies in Omashu. Since Ba Sing Se is much bigger and more important, I imagine it’s riddled with Fire Nation spies as well, and somebody high ranking might be a traitor.

1. Joo Dee is kind of scary lol and clearly the citizens are terrified of her. But what’s interesting to me is that she’s preventing them from giving information about Appa, which suggests that whoever is stopping them from seeing the Earth King also has Appa. But why? What would be the point of keeping Aang away from Appa? Is it to restrict his mobility and make him easier to capture?

So people aren’t allowed to talk about the war, and the Dai Li seem to be responsible. But why? If everyone knows there’s a war going on anyway, why keep people from talking about it?
It’s lucky that Iroh borrowed his neighbor’s spark rocks, but why would he refrain from firebending in what he assumes is privacy? Unless he knows he’s being watched.

1. Huh, is the king’s pet bear the first normal animal on the show? Lol I am digging this undercover plan though.

I love that this show lets its characters try on different looks from time to time, even if they are mostly the same outfits. Katara and Toph’s high society get-ups are gorgeous!
The lost boys- I mean, freedom fighters are turning on Peter Pa- I mean, Jet. The weird thing is… he’s right! They are firebenders! But his behavior still isn’t healthy!

1. Okay, let’s go! Jet’s hurling accusations and attacking them in public! And now Zuko’s fighting back with swords. It’s the duel of the dual-wielders! Honestly, this is probably good for Zuko. He needs to blow off some steam after everything he’s been through.

Well how about that? Security at the palace is actually competent and Toph can’t bluff her way in.
This Long Feng guy is cultural minister to the king, which means he’s probably the bad guy! And also we haven’t met any other high ranking government officials with names, so he’s currently the only option lol

1. Geez, Zuko straight up intended to decapitate Jet right there. If Jet were a little slower, he would have! Man, I hope they do this fight scene in NATLA.

Uh-oh, scary lady Joo Dee is the scared one now. But can I just say how much I like her facial expressions?
Yeah… can’t blame them for arresting Jet. He did look like a crazy person.
The Dai Li’s specific brand of earthbending is very cool! It almost doesn’t seem like bending at all, if that makes sense. The stones they use are like a part of their own body. And of course Long Feng is their leader.
Okay I get the king is just a puppet and Long Feng is the real rule of the country, but I still don’t understand why he doesn’t allow mention of the war in the city. I mean, it’s common knowledge! A significant portion of their population are literally refugees fleeing war! Who doesn’t know
Oh… is it the king? Does the king just not know there’s a war happening and Long Feng keeps it from him so he can stay in charge? I mean, that’s still a stretch but it would explain why he doesn’t want Team Avatar talking to the king.

1. Jet is being hypnotized. Also, I do want to point out that I have seen “There is no (whatever) in Ba Sing Se” many times in the wild lol it’s nice to see where it comes from!

Ah… Long Feng is holding Appa as leverage over Aang.
I didn’t think Joo Dee could be any scarier but here we are! This episode almost has horror movie vibes.
Concluding thoughts: This was a fantastic couple/throuple of episodes! I loved seeing Suki again, and I really enjoyed how the refugee subplot ties so perfectly in with Iroh and Zuko. The whole drill sequence was probably the best “action” the show has had thus far and that’s saying something. It’s also nice to have my suspicions that the Earth Kingdom has its own corruption problems and bad guys confirmed.
I have a new theory to replace my “Iroh’s going to die theory”. They’ve been showing us all season how Zuko isn’t really cut out for life on the run, whereas Iroh embraces it. I think they’re driving to a separation between Zuko and Iroh. He may not have died, but narratively speaking Zuko and Iroh have to part ways permanently or semi-permanently for his character to grow. Iroh has been propping him up and supporting him this whole time, now it’s time for Zuko to leave the nest and become his own person.
My new theory is that Iroh will enjoy his new life in Ba Sing Se so much that he elects to stay there permanently, whereas Zuko is too restless to do so. He can’t go back to the Fire Nation and the Earth Kingdom will not accept him, so his only choice is to join Team Avatar, where he will likely end up teaching Aang firebending.
And to expand further on a previous theory of mine, which was: Azula will kill or depose Ozai. I’ve accepted at this point that death is off the table. Kid’s show and all that. But I noticed something… lots of people were quick to say that Azula would never kill Ozai. But not one person has said she wouldn’t depose him in those refutations (unless I’m misremembering but I don’t think I am). Since you all know not to hint at things or spoil them, I think your eagerness to point out that she won’t kill Ozai is an attempt to mislead me into thinking the whole theory is wrong so I’ll be surprised when she ends up deposing (not killing) him. I mean, I could be wrong but I have a strong feeling that the final villain is going to be Fire Lord Azula, with Ozai in exile somewhere (that would be fitting! The man who banishes his own son ends up being banished himself!).
Maybe that will even be the conclusion of Zuko’s arc! While Aang goes off to save the world from Azula, Zuko splits up to confront Ozai himself! Where we are in the show right now, it really does feel like Azula is Aang’s primary antagonist whereas Ozai is Zuko’s primary antagonist.
By the way, from here on out, no confirming or denying my theories either way, okay? Let it unfold naturally, and let me figure things out on my own. I mean, where’s the fun in just giving me the answers?
And also, some of you could be a little nicer with your criticisms. I had to block someone last time I posted and I don’t want to do that anymore. It’s fine to disagree with me, it’s fine to explain why you disagree with me. Hell, most of you do! I don’t mind that, I like that we all have different views of things even if I don’t agree. It makes things interesting! But don’t talk down to me, don’t use belittling language, don’t be disrespectful. Whenever I don’t like something about ATLA (or like something about NATLA) some of you seem to take it as a personal insult or something.
Just be polite, that’s all I ask.
Okay, I’ll see you same time next week probably!

Hey everyone!! I’m looking to fill out my fireteam for Final shape day one raid.
I currently have 2 for sure, so I’m looking to fill 3-4 slots.
What I mean by not try hards. We are still fun people. We aren’t hear to be mean to one another but to help each other get that raid clear for the emblem.
What do I expect to be on my team 1. Firstly kindness. I don’t care if you’re the best player in the world if you’re mean I do not want you. 2. Patient- this is a day 1. And we will be giving it 300% effort. So if you can’t commit to being in the raid for somewhere in the ball park of 40ish hours please don’t sign up. 3. We want to meet before day one. Make sure not only are you a good fit for us but we are a good fit for you. 4. Any class will work but just be prepped before final shape. Since we are giving this a very solid effort we are bounty prepping and doing practice raids together etc. 5. Giving and accepting constructive criticism. We want to complete and we want to have fun doing it. I’m open to ideas as well as you should be. We will take all relative meta knowledge and try and use it. And also try and discover other methods. Don’t be a closed book. 6. Obviously a mic is necessary and English speaking. I love all my non English guardians but sadly I’m not that talented so fluent understanding of English is a must. 7. Any other questions please ask. This is not a first come first server. I’ll be doing “try outs” to see if we all fit. Your skill level doesn’t really matter to me. It’s your dedication. We have time to get better as a group. And I’d rather have a willing learner and nice person than a pro with a bad attitude.
A little about me
I’ve attempted the last 3 I’ve gotten to boss on all of them but my team as all tired out at the 20 ish hour mark and never could get a team after so I’m confident with the right team I can get it this year.
If you have questions please ask! Until then “eyes up guardian”

While everyone's study framework - that is, general study approach - is going to be different, allow me to share the framework I've use for close to a decade to successfully study and pass over 20 certifications

1. check reddit for common sources of knowledge
2. pick 1 book and 1 video series
3. while going through book+video; convert all content to Anki flash cards
   • sometimes you have to use your best judgement on what is or is not worth putting into flash cards
4. review flash cards while reading books/watching videos - rates vary depending on certification and progress through books/videos
   1. Example rate might be review 200 flash cards a day, and go through video/book until 20 new flash cards are generated
5. flash cards are divided into 2 decks: information deck, and practical deck
   • information deck is rote memorization - can do anywhere at any time i.e. bathroom, line at Walmart, etc
   • practical deck is practical - can only do at set times in front of a lab environment
   • information deck sizes is usually 10-to-1 for lab decks, so time commitment to labs is not so harsh
6. finish book/videos ; go through 2nd wave of book/video courses
   • repeat steps 1-5 with new sources. Redundant information is excluded from flash cards
7. depending on how 2nd wave is going, practice tests will start at least 50% of the way through
   • only ever take practice tests once - any additional takes rely on memory and are moot IMO
   • space between practice tests depends on competency
     • i.e. if I bomb my 1st practice exam, I may wait up to a month of going through flash cards and labs before attempting exam #2
8. after passing ~%50 of practice exams, I will schedule my exam to put on the pressure
9. may or may not finish all practice exams leading up to exam day. Take exam

I'm fortunate that in using this framework I have yet to fail a certification exam, but I imagine I'd do more of the same on loop if I did
Good luck out there!

1.Writing code doesn't magically become easier,

Writing code doesn’t magically become easier but the more you code, the faster you become at making the decisions needed to write it.
As a beginner, you'll always feel frustrated and overthink every detail. You constantly question your choices: "Should I use an if statement here or a for loop? and the compiler will scream at you a lot with cryptic error messages when you feel you just got it right.
Every language has its quirks and its own set of esoteric rules, and in your attempt to learn them, you will have a lot of headaches. But that's just the nature of learning, and programming is no exception. You will trip a lot learning how to dance, , and mastering an instrument requires you to memorize every note and key. However, with consistent practice, the rules become ingrained, almost like an instinct or second nature, and that, my friend, is called mastery.
In the early days of learning Rust, there were so many rules, making it hard to imagine anyone being productive. But over time and with practice, I stopped getting tripped up by the rules. I still understand them all and keep track of them, but now I use them without even thinking subconsciously This fluency in Rust, maybe even more than other languages, came entirely from practice and learning. So keep practicing until it becomes natural and you will achieve mastery.

2. To get faster, you need a lot of knowledge.

For young devs, the most important goal is learn continuously. The more you learn, the more rewarding and enjoyable coding becomes. No developer appreciates stumbling upon errors and being left puzzled about what to do. And the key to having a wonderful coding experience is to get as knowledgeable as possible. You will need to know a few things, including:
1. Understanding the Problem domain: Before you code, take time to grasp the problem you're trying to solve. This involves understanding the "what" - the domain and its specific needs.
2. Mastering the tools and how to accomplish your task: understand the how. This includes familiarity with your preferred programming language, tools, and general software development principles. For backend engineers, that means learning about Rest, Http and the like.
3. And as a junior programmer, the most crucial thing you should know, is how to acquire the necessary information in the future. Yes, gaining knowledge about how to acquire knowledge. You should be familiar with stack overflow, GitHub, and forums, and don't be hesitant to read documentation for any language or tool you use.
Many programmers started their learning journey by watching tutorials, but to advance, you must go deeper into documentation and articles. When you don't understand something, you should be able to able figure your way around it and ask polite and reasonable questions. An AI chatbot, such as Copilot or Gemini, is an important tool in your arsenal that you should use extensively but with caution, as they are not a substitute for true documentation.
So develop a framework for learning and a systematic approach to problem solving. To learn how to perform most things effectively, always start with documentation and then move on to articles, tutorials, Reddit, and Stack overflow to get more details.

3. Learn Deeply or don't bother learn at all

To be honest, don't bother learning anything unless you're going to learn it well enough. And why? because you will be deluded into thinking you know everything, or you will become too lazy to go back and learn more. Many programmers with years of experience opt for half-baked and expensive solutions, such as purchasing a new NoSQL database, when thorough indexing, data modelling, and database optimization will provide twice the performance.
A 45-minute YouTube video isn't enough to make you expect anything, so don't be duped. It's simpler to learn deeply at first than to patch half-baked knowledge, and believe me, I still struggle with Git today because I never learned it well, but I'm confident in my SQL and data modelling skills because I did put enough energy into learning it well. So, do yourself a courtesy and set aside time to understand thoroughly the fundamental requirements of software development, such as your preferred programming language, SQL and NoSQL data models, and others. It's not about learning it all, but for the most important stuff, learning it well enough.

4. Know the rule to break it.

Software development is fundamentally about tradeoffs, and a guideline you learned as the "best" way may not always be the most efficient way to address your specific problem. It is important to learn the rules first so that you understand why and when you may break them later.
In the field of databases, there are usually golden rules, such as normalization in relational databases (like Postgres). However, in certain instances, denormalization may improve performance. What about the trade-off? You might lose some data consistency. This is only one example. In many cases, the "best practice" isn't the greatest or easiest solution. The idea is to first grasp the rules so you can make informed decisions about when to bend them. Remember that each piece of advise has its limitations. Bending the rules may sometimes be necessary for the best outcome, but do it with caution and only after learning the rules!

5. Take on hard projects, even if you don't finish them.

While gathering knowledge is crucial, pushing yourself with challenging projects can be an amazing growth accelerator.
After learning Go and making small toy web apps, I attempted to build a video-sharing website. I didn't know any better, or I wouldn't have attempted, but I learned a lot from my mistakes. Taking on difficult projects allows you to identify your weaknesses very early on.
One of my weaknesses back then was how disorganized the codebase was; everything was a jumbled mess, and I couldn't get anything done. So I did the best thing I could: I paused the project and proceeded to learn everything I could about codebase structure and organization. I read The Gang of Four, Clean Architecture, Domain-Driven Design, and everything on Hexagonal architecture, and videos on the subject. Though I don't follow everything in those books verbatim (no one should), I believe that understanding how to design manageable and refactorable codebases was one of the most significant things I learnt.

6. Gain experience to value the right things.

While I have emphasized the importance of gaining as much knowledge as possible, most knowledge is not truly valuable unless you experience firsthand why you need it. There are a lot of things in software development that you will take lightly, regardless of how much you read about their importance. like reading how to drive does not make you a driver, so is a software developer with knowledge without experience.
You might not value testing until you find it difficult to pin errors or refactor codes, and you won't value logging or tracing until you experience the situation where logs will serve you. So try to get as much experience as possible, whether by taking on personal or open source projects or working on a production system. It helps you to value the right things.

7. Sometimes, the best solutions come unexpectedly.

Sometimes the best solutions arrive unexpectedly. Problem-solving isn't always about brute force or endless research. Stepping away from the problem can be just as valuable. So, take a break, go for a walk, or do anything else that will clear your mind; this is all you need to gain a new perspective on things that have eluded you.

8. You are not always wrong; others are as well.

As a new developer, you are typically the one making mistakes and misusing a package; nevertheless, every now and then, the problem isn't you but the package itself, and you have just encountered your first bug.
I once lost time thinking I was doing something wrong. It turned out that the bug had already been reported on Github. Software do get buggy, and even smart engineers make unusual design decisions that are just odd and counterintuitive. So, ask questions, look at Github issues, and check in the community, and you'll see that others are also prone to errors.

9. Be careful of blind ideologies

Last but not least, avoid blind ideologies or one size fits all. What do I mean by ideology? Any recommended solution that is not supported by a thorough understanding of the tradeoffs and specific use cases is an ill-informed ideology especially if shun other solutions.
Sometimes, even seasoned developers might recommend complex architectures like serverless, microservices, or Kubernetes when a simpler approach like a modular monolith would be more efficient. These technologies are powerful tools, but they're not the answer for every situation.
Every developer has their own ideology; I prefer and will always choose Postgres over MySQL, even though MySQL performs better in many instances. And I can't picture writing thousands of lines in Ruby or another dynamic language, despite the fact that successful organizations like Shopify and GitHub use it on a daily basis. So do better than me, and base every decision not only on personal preferences, but also on the best available option.

Worth mentioning

1. Watch language/tool conferences: this helps to stay updated and build a strong developer mindset.
2. Join online communities and follow subject experts**:** I check the rust community on Reddit once a week for new articles, crates, and other useful information.
3. Think critically: Consider edge cases, potential problems, and how to optimize your code.

Hold your horses for a second, let me clarify a couple of things.
Im going to go through each Altaïr memory and explain why certain things support my conclusion and then explain why Altaïr may have done this.
Btw this will be a long read, so get ready.
MEMORY 1
I recommend you pull up a youtube video of all the AC Revelations Altaïr Cutscenes if you want to understand what i will be saying better.
This mission takes place before the events of AC1.
In this mission you kill a Templar who has ben pretending to be an Assassin. In the confession scene, the Templar says: "You put too much faith in the hearts of men, Altaïr. The Templars know the truth. Humans are weak, base, and petty."
Altaïr responds: "No. Our Creed is evidence to the contrary."
After the confession scene, Al Mualim says: "You offered him a chance to salvage his dignity, Why?"
Altaïr responds: "No man should pass from this world without knowing some kindness."
Al Mualim says: But he shunned your graces.
Altair responds: As was his right.
For anybody who paid attention to the story in AC1, there's a couple of MASSIVE problems with these conversations.
In these conversations Altaïr is extremely wise. He believes whole heartedly in the Assassin's Creed and seems to know who the templars are. This directly contradicts AC1, because Altaïr only learns about the templar brotherhood halfway into the game, and remember this memory takes place BEFORE AC1. In AC1 Altair was an extremely arrogant, rude and cocky man, the direct opposite of the man we see in this "memory" seal.
There are three possibilities, Either Altaïr was lying through his teeth the entire time to get that sweet master Assassin promotion from Al Mualim and somehow forgot about the templars, or he was Actually an extremely wise man who somehow became an arse between this memory and AC1 and once again somehow forgot about the templars (maybe fell on his head or something?) OR, the most likely possibility that would explain all of these inconsistencies, there is something fundamentally wrong with this memory.
Some context before i cover memory 2, it's one of the conversations during the Al Mualim fight at the end of AC1, so feel free to scross past this bit if you remember the conversation well, if you don't then read it, because it's extremely important.
During Altaïr's confrontation of Al Mualim, Altaïr says: "You lied to me, called Robert's goal foul when all along it was yours aswell."
Al Mualim says: "I've never been much good at sharing"
Altaïr says: "You won't succed, others will find the strength to stand against you."
Al Mualim says: "And this is why so long as men maintain freewill, there can be no peace."
Altaïr says: "I killed the last man who spoke as such"
Al Mualim says: "Bold words boy, but just words."
Altaïr says: "Then let me go, I'll put words into action."
All Mualim laughs
"Tell me master, why not make me like the other Assassin's, why allow me to retain my mind?"
Al Mualim says: "Who you are, and what you do are twined too tight together, to rob you of one would've deprived me of the other. And those templars had to die. sigh but the truth is, i did try, in my study, when i showed you the treasure, but are not like the others, you saw though the illustration."
Altaïr says: "Illusion?"
Al Mualim says: "That's all it's ever done, this templar treasure, this piece of eden this word of god. Do you understand now? The red sea was never parted, water never turned to wine, it was not the machinations of Eris, that spawned the trojan war, but THIS! Illusions! All of them."
Altaïr says: "What you plan is no less an Illusion, to force men to follow you against their will"
Al Mualim says: "Is it any less real than the phantoms the Saracens and Crusaders follow now? Those kraven Gods who retreat from this world that men might slaughter one another in their names? They live amongst an illusion already, im simply giving them another, one that demands less blood."
Altaïr says: "Atleast they choose these phantoms."
Al Mualim says: "Oh do they? Aside from the occasional convert or heritic?
Altaïr says: "It isn't right!"
Al Mualim says: "Ah, and now logic has left you, in it's place, you imbrace emotion, i am disappointed."
Altaïr says: "what's to be done then?"
Al Mualim says: "You will not follow me, and i cannot compell you."
Altaïr says: "And you refuse to give up this evil scheme!"
Al Mualim says: "It seems then we are at an impass."
Altaïr says: "No, we are at an end."
Al Mualim says. "Ah i will miss you Altaïr, you were my very best student."
they then fight
MEMORY 2:
In the brief AC1 "flashback," which shows brief parts of the Al Mualim fight, there is a new quote that Altaïr says after he killed Al Mualim, not present in AC1.
"Forgive me Mentor, but the apple corrupted you. And through you it would have corrupted us... for us to live, you had to die."
Later, Abbas asks him: "you believe Al Mualim fell under [The Apple's] spell?" To which Altaïr responds: "I do. Today he used the Apple to enslave Masyaf. You saw that for yourself."
Let me explain why Al Mualim WASN'T corrupted by the Apple. He was colluding with the templars before he had possession of the apple. He betrayed the templars, and sent Altaïr after them to secure the apple for himself. He knew the effects the apple had on people. We know this due to his collusion with the templars, being privy to their plans as Robert tells us, and being aware of the experments being performed to simulate the apple's effects by Garnier de Naplouse. He clearly had motive, believing that as long as men had freewill there could be no peace, which is why he probably collaborated with the templars in the first place, and he had planned this for awhile as evidenced by that conversation between him and Altaïr.
As is also evidenced by that conversation, Altaïr did not believe Al Mualim had been bewitched by the Apple by the time they were finished talking, Al Mualim was clear and direct about his plans and motivations prior to acquiring the apple during their conversation and everything he said is consistent with what robert told us. And once he no longer had the apple, during the confession scene, he doubled down on what he believed, so it's clear that in from Altaïr's perspective atleast he was of sound mind.
But all of a sudden in Revelations Altaïr is asking for forgiveness and saying the apple corrupted him? Neither of these things make sense so either Altaïr is forgetting everything that just happened, or something is wrong with this memory.
MEMORY 3 and 4:
I love these memories, but they make some changes from the AC1 Novelisation The Secret Crusade, that i really don't like, Im going to do my best to explain what happens in the novel briefly.
When Altaïr leaves to face Genghis Khan, he places Malik, his enemy turned best friend and the Rafiq of the Jerusalem Bureau, in charge of Masyaf and the Assassin's. After a few years Abbas kills Altaïr's youngest son and blames it on Malik, staging a coup, putting himself in charge, and imprisoning Malik. Altaïr returns from Asia and eventually finds Malik who tells him the truth, Malik then dies. Then Altaïr confronts Abbas and is driven out of Masyaf. When he returns to masyaf after years in exile, it isn't a random group of Assassin's he meets and immediately gets help from, it is Maliks son, also named Malik.
(Im going to call the father Malik Sr and the son Malik Jr)
The stuff with Malik Sr happened before the third mission starts, so this isn't a massive deal, im just upset it wasn't included.
Malik Jr on the other hand, as well as all of the things he does, and his conversations with Altaïr are completely gone.
Before Revelations release, this was the canon conclusion to Altaïr's story, some of Altaïr's Codex from AC2 is taken directly from this book. The book exists in the lore of Assassin's Creed.
So either the book is no longer canon, which can't be true because the codex pages from AC2 are from this book. Or, only certain parts of the book are canon (boring answer.) Or either Niccolo Polo or Altaïr are lying about the existence of Malik Jr (but y tho?) OR the memories are altered in some way.
MEMORIES 5 AND 6:
These memories are perfect, there's nothing about them i need to critique for this theory, however remember the voices that Altaïr hears in memory 6, it will be important later.
SOME EVIDENCE FROM AC MIRAGE???
let me explain what the memory seal are. They are only called "memory seals" by humans, we have no idea what the ISU would've called these devices. Altaïr found these seals below Alamut, which is where he spent his exile in the years between memories 3 and 4.
In Assassin's Creed Mirage we learn that the ISU chamber below Alamut was an ISU prison, and the seals are prison records. In Mirage we only see one of these seals, which contains a memory of Basim being tortured by "the jailer."
The Aesir, Odin, Freya, Tyr, and the other norse gods ruled what would later become Scandinavia, before the catastrophe.
Basim who now has loki's memories and personality, says at the end of AC Mirage: "i shed my skin once, in another time, another place. But i am whole again. I remember. And as for those who thought to bind me, should any of them still walk the earth, i so look forward to our reunion."
This indicates to me, that Basim was imprisoned by Odin and friends, and the prison must belong to them, meaning that Iran was also under Aesir control? i suppose? Modern AC has kinda screwed the continuity but i digress.
This means that this prison, which had clear prisoner mistreatment, to the point that it gave loki, and likely many others PTSD and probably far worse problems was being ran by a dictatorship (with Odin being the dictator.)
Now what im about to say is pure speculation, so take it with a grain of salt.
These "memory" seals can probably be tampered with by the people in power in order to make up false confessions and maintain control over whatever narrative they want people to believe and by extention, the people.
The templars use the animus to record memories, but then release "inhanced" versions of these memories to the public, like with the abstergo entertainment game "Liberation." Assassin's Creed Liberation is literally an in universe game made by Abstergo. In the game a hacker will reveal to you how to unlock the true ending, the true version of a memory that was altered by abstergo. So is it really so far fetched to claim that the ISU were capable of doing something similar to this with their seals?
In the last two Altaïr memories, and the memory in Mirage, Altaïr and the Jailer are both using the seals as the memory is being recorded. However, in the first four memories Altaïr doesn't have the seals.
He had obtained them by the time we get to the fourth one, but it's unclear if he had them on him, and if he did, whether or not he was live recording the memory, however due to the inconsistencies in that memory and the fact we dont see him hold one in that memory i don't believe he did.
CONCLUSION:
As I've pointed out there are several issues with the continuity of these memories and AC1, AC2 and The Secret Crusade book. All of these issues are solved if we accept that the first four seals are not accurate memories.
Okay, but what's the reason they aren't accurate then?
There's two possibilities.
Firstly in Altaïr's old age he is misremembering important details of these older memories, which is why the later, more recent memories are more accurate. We know Altaïr is literally hearing voices by the time we get to his last memory, so is it really far fetched to suggest he may have a touch of dementia?
The second possibility, is that Altaïr has intentionally manipulated these memories.
The first question you might ask is, how would he even do that? Well I'll answer your question with another one: How do you even record a memory on a seal in the first place? I mean there's no buttons or instruction manual. I think both of these questions have the same answer, either the apple told him, or he figured it out.
Ok, so it's possible that if these seals can be manipulated like you claim, then Altaïr would easily learn how, i mean the apple showed him how to make a glock, so it's likely, but, erm, buckaroo, WHY WOULD ALTAÏR MANIPULATE THESE MEMORIES??? The answer is simple.
The first memory teaches compassion for all humans.
The second one teaches that the Apple can corrupt a man even as wise as Al Mualim.
The fourth one teaches that rousing the people to help achieve your goals will always work better than trying to do it alone.
These are the memories with the most inconsistencies, and this is because these memories have been altered in order to teach whatever future Assassin that finds them the lessons they will need to lead a Brotherhood. These lessons are ones Ezio has already learned by the time he finds them, so for him they are more about reflecting on his own life. It's also worth noting that Ezio taught many of Altaïr's lessons to Shao Jun.
I've wrote this in my notes app so apologies if the formatting isn't the best. Btw i came up with this myself, to my knowledge nobody has posted a theory similar to this. If you want to use my theory message me or something to tell me :) Im going to turn this into a video tommorow anyways, credit is appreciated.
So there you have it, thats my evidence, and that's my conclusion, what do ya'll think?

My husband (M/33) and I (F/31) have been married for 5 years now.
We've known each other for 8 years and had a long-distance relationship for almost 5 years. In short, we've been apart for 3 years during our marriage. Although we're not physically together, our relationship stays strong cause we talked every day. Literally. Every single day, as soon as we wake up, in the middle of the day between breaks and before going to bed.
We're both introverts. He's a gamer, and so he mostly stays at home during his days off, and I'm a booknerd, so I also don't have a social life. My entire life revolves around him, and I am so in love with him.
When I finally moved in with him, it was great. It's better than what I ever imagined. He's not super romantic in terms of buying flowers and other stuff that I always read in romance books. He's the practical type that will buy me clothes, or food, and books. And I love that.
Our sex life is awesome, too. It was better than sexting and naughty video calls we did when we were apart. He was my first with everything. He was my first boyfriend, my first kiss, my first experience in love-making, and I know he'll be the only one for me.
I'm also his first with everything. He was a big man, 6 foot tall, but he always had insecurity about the size of his penis. He was upfront with me about his size the first time we both showed interest with each other romantically. He always says his size is small for his race (black American), and so he never tried to hook up with anyone because of it. He said he has porn-addiction, cause that's the only place he can find release since he's scared about getting rejected. He has depression and anxiety because he always thinks he's gonna be alone and has suicidal thoughts until he meets me.
I'm 4'11" Asian and so I told him honestly that whatever he considered small is a giant inside me. And it was true because I love the way he makes me feel when we're being intimate. He was perfect, and our sex life was perfect!
Or so I thought!
Last month, we went out of the country to visit family, and since we're staying with his mom, he told me beforehand that we won't be able to make love during those 2 weeks. And I'm okay with that cause I respect my mother in law. She was very nice to me from the very start and treated me like a real daughter.
Some nights, during our stay there, he kept hinting he wanted to do it, but I was not in the mood. We're touring all day, every day, walking around, and I'm exhausted and drained and just wanna go to bed.
When we went back home after two weeks, our sex life was back to how it used to be. Nothing changed about how he treats me or how he acts. He was still the guy I know and married, but for some reason, my gut is telling me something is not right.
I know it's not appropriate to check your husband's phone. I respect his privacy, but I want my peace of mind as well. So, 2 nights ago, I checked his phone while he was sleeping. He enrolled my fingerprints in his phone, so I don't have to do any crazy thing to unlock his phone.
Everything was normal. There are no other accounts. No unusual app. Nothing. I was ready to accept that I was just being paranoid, but I remember he's always on reddit, so I opened that. Nothing was unusual until I saw that he had another account. So I opened that, and my whole world came crumbling down.
I was shaking and feeling cold. He was commenting on other girl's picture of their private parts and saying how he wanted to eat and shoved his dick inside them.
I was broken-hearted. I don't know what to do. So I woke him up and confronted him. I was a mess, I was crying the whole time. He was crying too and kept saying sorry. I told him he was only sorry cause I caught him.
After I gathered myself, I gave him a chance to explain, and he said he made the account during our vacation cause he felt like I was bored of him. He was still insecure of his size and was thinking I was not satisfied all this time. He was scared that someday I would get sick and tired and find someone else. He told me that he was spiraling on his porn-addiction but didn't want to watch one again, and so the next best thing is to do what he did.
He made me check his phone again and saw that all interactions he did were just for 3 days in the middle of our vacation and nothing more after we got home.
These past 2 days since I saw that, I felt betrayed even after he explained it to me. He assured me that it was only that time. He never physically cheated on me and never will.
I'm still heartbroken. I'm feeling so alone and insecure and feel that I'm not enough for him. I felt like he was the one bored of me. Cause why would he make an account to comment on other girl's nude photos, just because we didn't make love during those 2 weeks. I started doubting the years we spent apart.
I don't know if I can trust him again. I love this man so much, I'm still sobbing while typing this. I told him that it would take a while for me to forgive him, that I probably won't forget about it, and that I will keep bringing it up every time. He said he's okay with that as long as I don't leave him.
I told him that this was his last chance. I would walk away from him if this happened again.
But I'm still scared. I am still heartbroken. I don't know how to move past this even after talking with him.
He told me to talk to someone about what happened, but I don't want to tell my family or friends because I don't want them to look at him differently. Cause once I ruined his image to them, even if we ended up moving past this, my family and friends won't, and they'll always see him as a cheater. I don't want that to happen cause he is a good husband. He told me to reach out to his mom (she's a marriage counselor) and tell her about what he did. But I don't know if I want to do that as well.
I don't know what to do. How could I rebuild this trust? How can I move on? Will I ever forget about it?