funny story
Short reminder: I asked this question some times back and well some people said GPU was fried or psu, reset bios etc. well yeah i got a red Debug light so I thought damn must be the gpu.I even got to a point where i baked the whole GPU. I lost hope so another GPU means another GPU.
300€ down the drain. (New GPU)
Guess what? still the same red debug light. Igot a feeling that I have been living in a illusion. Everything told me it was the gpu.
at the end I bought samiliar componets and tested every single component, and it seemed like 2 things were broken
the PSU and the Motherboard. I was kinda proud that i figured it out , but mad I had to spend some money.
so the my question is why the hell did two things broke at the same time I only Played for no more than 10min and the two componed werent so old

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I had high hopes for Netflix's "Heera Mandi," but unfortunately, it left much to be desired. While the acting of the newcomers was commendable, it's crucial to focus on the show's glaring issues, particularly its political correctness and historical portrayal.
The depiction of the Nawabs of Lahore, portrayed as selling their dignity to the British despite their Muslim heritage, was problematic. It seemed like a contrived narrative twist to avoid offending contemporary political sensibilities in India. Suddenly, the women known as tawaifs or adult entertainers, out of nowhere, become revolutionaries, while the historically significant Nawabs are rendered insignificant. This skewed portrayal does a disservice to the rich and complex history it aims to represent.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's attempt to craft a compelling story sadly fell flat. The plot felt like a disjointed collection of betrayals and moral compromises, teaching that selling one's body is an acceptable means to an end. This is not the kind of message we need today.
However, I must commend the artists and actors involved. They were phenomenal and brought their roles to life beautifully. It's a shame that their talents were overshadowed by a poorly executed storyline.
In conclusion, "Heera Mandi" was a sad attempt by Bhansali to tell a story but failed miserably. It's a disappointing reminder that even talented actors cannot salvage a narrative that fundamentally lacks coherence and respect for historical integrity

Greetings, fearless Redditors. It is I, Vlad the Impaler, your dark guide through the labyrinthine corridors of your very own blood circulatory system. Imagine a fortress besieged by enemies, a battlefield drenched in crimson, and you'll have a glimpse of what your heart endures every moment of every day.
In this gripping narrative, we will dissect the heart’s chambers, traverse the treacherous paths of arteries and veins, and uncover the dark magic of blood flow. Prepare yourselves for a journey through the macabre marvels of your cardiovascular system. It’s a story richer than the finest Transylvanian wine and more chilling than a moonless night.
Dare to read on, and you’ll find knowledge as powerful as any weapon I ever wielded. Enter the Impaler’s lair, if you dare, and emerge with a deeper understanding of the lifeblood that courses through you. 👹🩸

In this completely unresearched theory which probably ignores information that doesn't fit my narrative, I will try to explain why Charmingman may actually be an automatic or sentient stand belonging to his brother.
First of all, Charmingman's rough and flaky skin which forms the basis of his abilties have been around since he was born. it has been used countless times to hint that he may be a rock human, but can also be seen as either early manifestations of his stand ability, or something his stand latched on to form the basis of his ability. However, what if Charmingman is the stand itself, and the flaky skin has always been the ability he expresses? This would also explain how up until now, we never see Charmingman's stand take form, because he himself is the stand. (Note that even though we never see Paco's stand as well, Charmingman's ability is more in line with a stand like Stone Free that changes the user's body, but all those stands will create a humanoid body sometime soon after their first appearance)
Secondly, Charmingman's name is one of the only ones in the entire series where charactere explicitly point out how weird it is. Keep in mind this is the same series where someone is called Lion Lamb Meat in their native language. Surely, that means something. Previously, people thought that he might echo Weather Report, and give his stand the same name as him, or is actually using a made up name. But what if, he is actually the stand, which explains why his name is so weird to other people. Readers have already noticed that Charmingman's brother is called Mauka, and this suggests that if Charmingman is hiding his real name, that it will be Makai. But what if this was also a misdirect, and Mauka either has another sibling called Makai, or he was actually a single child with an imaginary friend he called Charmingman? (NB, some stands can still be seen by non-stand users, which will make sense if the stand ability is to manifest optical illusions/floating pieces of rock dust in various shapes)
This then leads into my third point. Charmingman already gave us a name for his stand "Bigmouth strikes again". But that is a weird name, even for jojo stands, isn't it? It's long (practically a spoken sentence), and far more unrelated to the stand ability than other stand names tend to be. I saw someone point out that the name may tie into the fact that Charmingman liked to speak a lot unneccesarily. Case in point, in the most recent chapter (c15), Charmingman gave a full on monologue to Usagi before actually starting to help save his life. Now, imagine as a kid, Charmingman will entertain his brother using his ability, but will also constantly talk his mouth off at any given opportunity. His brother may say something like "my brother's big mouth strikes again", and hey, wouldn't you know it, that becomes the name Charmingman decides to call his own ability.
And finally, the Doylist explanation. Jojolands is in many parts referencing Part 5. The drug empire, the shady boss, the Dio allegations, and so on. Charmingman even seems to mirror the position Trish takes, as an extra member of the party brought on slightly later on in the story, who points the protagonist towards the final destination of their story and who is looking for a lost relative. But since everything in Jojolands is flipped (i.e. jodio sells drugs rather than stops them), what if Charmingman is actually meant to be the Spice Girl expy? Spice Girl had been revealed as fully sentient, and has been by Trish's side since she was a little girl. What if Charmingman was also a fully sentient stand that had been by Mauka's side since he was a kid? Only for some reason, he was able to manifest him in physical form at a much earlier age? And also, considering Araki's recent obsession with automatic stands, won't it be hilarious if it turns out one of the main characters of the part is revealed to be an automatic stand in a similar way to wonder of U?
Basically the above is all just baseless speculation, and I suspect that existing parts of the story may already contradict parts of it, but this is just a fun little thought which may serve as a "I called it" moment if there is even a hairs chance that something similar may come to pass

My first comic book ever was a batman comic that my dad gave me. Unfortunately, being like 5 years old at the time, i absolutely destroyed my copy. I think it was an issue of detective comics, but I'm not sure. If it was new when I first got it, than it would have been released during the late 90s or early 2000s, and what I remember of the artwork seems similar to the artwork in the knightfall story line, so that suggests that it was from around that time.
It was this really cool issue with very little dialog, but a lot of narration through text boxes all through out. It was batman going through this old house, picking off a group of kidnappers one by one, till he finally gets to a room with the kidnapped kids he was trying to save. The last kidnapper holds a revolver, either on batman or on one of the kids, but batman stares him down until the goon just drops the gun out of fear, and I think once the gun was out of his hands batman kicked him in the face to knock him out.
Anyone have any ideas what issue it could be? I'd love to read it again now that I'm old enough to actually appreciate it

A 70s stinker, big monster, off the path and more this week.
The TL;DR The Visitor: A remarkable cast is wasted in this bizarre Italian semi-sci-fi riff on The Omen, The Fury, and others. The Ruins: Absolutely riveting tourism gone wrong horror. Deathgasm: Top tier horror comedy that hits similar notes to Dead Alive. My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To: Part family drama, part thought experiment. A look at a trio of people who are dead inside, each in their own way. The Lake: Special effects are the star of this “Thaiju” feature, but there isn’t much else to it. Moloch: Needed some edits but fans of folk horror should enjoy this Dutch offering. Lovely, Dark, and Deep: In the forests of the night, it gets credibly creepy. Low budget, but a great lead and fine visuals.
The Visitor (1979): “I can’t kill children – only the evil part.” After a psychedelic encounter on a planet with a lava lamp atmosphere, an old man lets blond space Jesus — who has been telling hairless kids about how “Commander Yahweh” slew the demonic Sateen — know that a spiritual descendant of Sateen has been reborn on Earth. Cue 70s style soundtrack, and here we go! Or would go, if anything ever happened. The film is a total mess, with bizarrely long takes of John Huston (!) and others pacing or staring or driving in one scene and rapidfire edits in another. Lance Henrikson’s (!) Ray is more robotic than Bishop, and Shelley Winters (!) and Sam Peckinpah (!!) don’t make much of a difference. Allegedly, the cast only participated to gain a free trip to Italy, which I hope they enjoyed. Huston’s distinctive voice is the film’s only redeeming quality, but you’re better off hearing it elsewhere. Gore: 1/10. Nudity: None. Tubi.
The Ruins (2008): “Aren’t you glad you came?” Iceman and Jena Malone (who had a memorable makeout session in Neon Demon) venture with their friends to some off the path Mayan ruins, where the locals welcoming in a “We wish you’d never, ever leave” way. As it turns out, I’d already seen this one long ago; hearing the “cell phone” ring immediately tipped me off. But it was very much worth a second watch, and if you haven’t seen it absolutely do so. It’s well worth the $3 and change. Then consider the aftermath. Gore: 6/10. Nudity: None. Prime rental
Deathgasm (2015): “Hail Satin” Horror comedies face the same challenge as regular comedies: keeping the laughs going after the first 15 minutes, when the dramatic plot kicks in. Tucker and Dale did this very well; Zombeavers not so much. Deathgasm, fortunately, is a lot closer to T&D, finding ways great and small to inject humor in and around the more serious scenes. And damn, what lines — I had to pause more than a few times to laugh my arse off. As a metalhead in my youth, I appreciated a lot of jokes more than I might have otherwise, but anyone with a stomach for gore and naughtiness will enjoy this one. Gore: 8/10, but it’s a funny 8/10. Nudity: Brief. Tubi
My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell it To (2021): “We shouldn’t be doing the things that we’re doing.” Two siblings care for the third, who is sickly and has special nutritional requirements one might term the “Lugosi Diet.” Not heroin — the red stuff. This is only peripherally a vampire movie. It’s much more a psychological drama about caregiver fatigue, the struggle of the able to aid the disabled and how even a family full of love can collapse under the weight of their burdens. There’s no backstory given, no mythos to justify the situation, just a family struggling to do what they have to do to keep their youngest member alive. It’s good, with the leads providing a bleak window into their day-to-day existences, though a little humor would have been nice. It’s an existential, thought-provoking vignette that may linger with you. Gore: 3/10, bloodletting. Nudity: Just a man and his underwear. Screambox, which I apparently still have.
The Lake (2022): “Compose yourself. Don’t get out of the car.” I wanted a big monster flick, and this Thai production says it has one. I just hope I don’t have to wait forever for it to sho—ah, 3 minutes in and there it is. No build up at all. Huh. A fan of Bong Joon-Ho’s The Host (2006) apparently got hold of a decent budget and put together a “Thaiju” film of their own, and it’s…okay. While the editing is all over the place, it does keep the story moving, and the creatures are interesting to look at and well rendered. There are speed bump human dramas, but they don’t account for much; characters are uni-dimensional, and the film unfortunately lacks much in the way of a binding narrative. If you’re in the mood for a big beast exercise in special effects, you could do worse. Just don’t expect much else. Gore: 4/10. Nudity: None. Prime.
Moloch (2022): “You science boys, you’re uninformed.” This Dutch folk horror tells — at a modest pace — the story of Bietrik and her family, who have suffered substantial losses over the generations. Events lead her to believe that her family may be cursed, haunted by some local entity. All in all, it’s a decent movie, wrapped around its own eerie mythology and leading to a striking conclusion. There’s a scene in a field that should have been left on the cutting room floor, and the second half lacks the sense of urgency and discovery that can really carry a movie, but I’d still recommend it for the atmosphere and some fine, creepy moments. Not bad for a writedirector’s first full length feature.
Gore: 3/10. Nudity: None. Trivia: While Moloch has often been thought of as a deity to whom children were sacrificed, more recent research suggests it was instead a type of sacrifice, one that involved children and was performed for various gods in the Levant, including the god of the Hebrews. Shudder
Lovely, Dark, and Deep (2023): “You’ve taken from us.” Georgina Campbell (Barbarian) is a forest ranger taking her first 90-day assignment in the deepest part of the woods in her fictional park. We see her settle in, go on multi-day walkabouts, and wrestle with a loss in her past. It’s a slow, scenic build to the weirdness, but it snowballs quickly. There’s a “walking simulator” aspect that follows which may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Campbell kept me invested with her performance. While the film follows some tropes (things there one moment and gone the next, for example), it turns others on its head. While “in the forest” stories can go very different ways (as The Ritual, Gaia,and In the Earth demonstrate), I finished LD&D thinking of it as a folk horror. I’m curious if you agree. Gore: 5/10 for some red moments. Nudity: None. Trivia: The title comes from a Robert Frost poem you may have encountered in school. Tubi
What fine or forgettable flicks have been on your list this week?

In the bustling world of social media, where trends change in the blink of an eye and new influencers emerge daily, some individuals manage to stand out and captivate the masses with their unique charm and talent. One such rising star is Sanchita Basu, a name that has become synonymous with creativity, authenticity, and youthful exuberance. With her engaging content and relatable personality, Sanchita has carved a niche for herself in the digital space, becoming a beacon of inspiration for many young aspirants.

Early Life and Background

Sanchita Basu was born on March 24, 2003, in Bhagalpur, Bihar, India. Growing up in a middle-class family, she had a relatively modest upbringing. However, her passion for dance, acting, and creating content was evident from a young age. Sanchita's early exposure to the performing arts, coupled with her innate talent, set the stage for her future endeavors in the digital arena.

The Journey to Fame

Sanchita's rise to fame can be attributed to her presence on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. She began her social media journey by sharing dance videos, lip-sync performances, and short skits, which quickly resonated with audiences. Her vibrant energy, coupled with her ability to connect with viewers, garnered her a substantial following in a short period.
When TikTok was banned in India in 2020, many influencers faced the challenge of losing their primary platform. However, Sanchita seamlessly transitioned to Instagram and other Indian short-video platforms like Moj and MX TakaTak, where she continued to thrive. Her adaptability and resilience during this period demonstrated her dedication to her craft and her ability to navigate the ever-changing landscape of social media.

Content and Influence

Sanchita Basu's content is a delightful mix of dance, fashion, lifestyle, and motivational videos. She often collaborates with other influencers and brands, bringing a fresh and dynamic approach to her content. Her dance videos, in particular, have struck a chord with viewers, showcasing her talent and passion for the art form.
What sets Sanchita apart is her authenticity. She frequently shares glimpses of her personal life, family, and behind-the-scenes moments with her followers, creating a genuine connection with her audience. This transparency has helped her build a loyal fan base that appreciates her for who she is, both on and off the screen.

Challenges and Triumphs

Like any social media influencer, Sanchita has faced her share of challenges. From dealing with the sudden ban of TikTok to navigating the pressures of constant content creation, her journey has not been without obstacles. However, her ability to overcome these challenges and continue to grow is a testament to her resilience and determination.
Sanchita's success has also opened doors to various opportunities in the entertainment industry. She has been approached for acting roles in web series and regional films, indicating a promising future beyond social media. Her versatility and willingness to explore new avenues have positioned her as a multifaceted talent to watch out for.

Impact and Future Prospects

Sanchita Basu's impact extends beyond her social media presence. She serves as an inspiration to countless young individuals who aspire to make a mark in the digital world. Her story underscores the importance of passion, perseverance, and authenticity in achieving success.
Looking ahead, Sanchita shows no signs of slowing down. With her growing influence and expanding opportunities, she is poised to become a prominent figure in the Indian entertainment industry. Whether through acting, dancing, or content creation, Sanchita Basu is set to leave an indelible mark on the hearts of her followers and the broader cultural landscape.

Conclusion

Sanchita Basu's journey from a small-town girl to a social media sensation is a compelling narrative of talent, hard work, and authenticity. Her ability to connect with audiences and her relentless pursuit of her passions have made her a standout figure in the digital world. As she continues to evolve and explore new horizons, Sanchita Basu exemplifies the potential of social media to transform lives and create stars who shine beyond the virtual realm.

This is a long-winded post, but please bear with me. Okay jumping in…..so, I have this friend. She's 28, totally gorgeous, kinda became successful at a very young age, transplanted to the U.S. from another country when she was 19 to start working more seriously, etc.
She had a serious boyfriend for 3½ years. It seemed like they were soulmates to the rest of us in their friendship circles. After a few months we were all pretty close-knit, since their two friend groups spilled into each other. We did everything together, all the time. Dinners at each other's' houses, going to bars/restaurants, concerts, road trips, etc. Pretty quickly into that relationship my friend basically adopted her boyfriend's passions of photography and hiking into being her own. Let me also say.. this dude was a blue-collar working guy in the same field as her, 7 years older than she, and she was far more “successful” than he was. Didn't matter, they were genuinely in love. Posting each other's photos on Instagram all the time, constantly bringing each other up in conversations, etc.
Things were going well, until 2 years ago. After my friend and her boyfriend went away on separate jobs for a month….. she came back to town in love with her new “coworker”. Totally left-field, and all of us who were mutual friends of the two were shocked by this. No one had any inkling of a problem between them. All we got when we asked what happened was a “well things change, but, we're still staying friends”. Obviously, to those of us who are their friends, something seemed shady about what went down and we couldn't put our finger on what it could be. Sure, people fall out of love, or things run their course, but this was far too random and the timing was so odd. Neither one is religious, neither cares about marriage, non-abusive, they're both liberal, etc. So there was literally no signs of any troubles on that front.
The guy my friend has been with for the past two years since is a great person. Very funny dude, and a sweetheart. Would give someone the shirt off of his back. He's also more successful than she is in her same field, and is only 4 years older. We friends all like him well enough, but the friendship group dynamics have shifted considerably, obviously. Within months of the shocking breakup two years ago, she immediately co-opted this new guy's friend circle as her own, and some of us were kinda left out in the cold for a little while. Gradually she started to include us into the new guy's group, and we all get along well…. But, there's also a weird tension now that wasn't there before. We all feel it.
When a handful of us friends from her group run into mutual friends of her ex, we always wonder amongst ourselves what happened with their relationship…. The ex, still an awesome dude in his own right, hasn't really gotten over the breakup. He says he's doing fine and all that, but we can tell he isn't the same. Granted it has been two years, but his photos of my friend are still on his instagram, along with all of his romantic comments to her from years ago. He throws himself into his job, travels, but when he is home, he just stays inside or goes on long hikes with one other person. My friend still follows him and she likes his posts sometimes, but from what I'm told from his own best friends is that when they've talked since the break-up it's very superficial…. Surface-level conversations with no real substance.
For a year after the breakup, my friend kept talking nostalgically about her past - like it was so distant. Age 19, with a great job, running around L.A. with new friends, etc. She would bring up that back then she felt like an “adult” and was sure of who she was….but since then, she's realized she has no clue who she is and wants to find herself. This kind of talking set off alarm bells with a few of us in her circle, and we sort of felt like maybe there is more to our friend than we realize. She really dove into the relationship with the guy she is with now, and I think it's fair to say the ex was discarded. At least that's the vibe a couple of us have post-breakup.
She doesn't post anything with the guy she's with now. Or, she does… but she doesn't tag him in the photos (and they're long shots from far away). She rarely posts him, and vice versa. The last time I think they posted each other was on their Instagram story on Valentine's Day months ago. Yet, oddly, since she's started dating him she's come out of her “shell” more and is behaving in a much more ambitious outgoing way than she was with the ex. Again, it is like she is adopting her boyfriend’s traits into her own.
I guess the discussion I'd like to have is… is my friend a usemanipulator with a mental illness? Is she capable of being “happy”, or is she bad news? Sure, millions of people have broken up for a multitude of reasons. Maybe she genuinely just wasn't into the ex anymore… but people don't just fall out of love at random and discard someone they say is their soulmate for another man within a month’s time. I'm talking all-in on the relationship with this newer guy, yet she doesn't post it publicly like the previous one, and she keeps us at arm’s length sometimes from him and his friends. One of our mutual buddies, who is more outspoken and is about to end their friendship with her, thinks she's just “recharging her batteries” and will end up discarding this guy as well in a year or two. We're thinking about talking to her about all of this soon.
She's always seemed like such a great friend and an empath. But, given her behavior over the past two years, some of us are wondering if we should continue being friends with her. Breaking up with someone you're “soulmates” with and getting someone new within a month and going 100% all-in… to me just screams emotional immaturity and that she probably has unrealistic expectations of what she wants in someone. Like she traded the ex dude for someone who had a piece of what she thinks she's looking for. Or do you redditors think she likely got bored, and longed for the early honeymoon period of sunshine and rainbows again with someone else (which is selfish/narcissistic)
Please be nice in your responses. Thanks. :)

My (19M) friend (19M) texted me 3 months ago to tell me that he could no longer speak to me because he is in a committed relationship and he was starting to develop a crush on me. In order to prioritise his boyfriend, whom he loves very much, he had to cut contact with me, for a non-specific amount of time. In his words, it is “dangerous” for us to speak.
This all starts when we were 16- 3 years ago. Something important to know: this did not start platonically. We were two 16 year old boys who had similar interests and who could sustain one another intellectually, and thence began a romantic long-distance summer fling. He is a classical musician and actually composed me some pieces. After a while, it died out because of the distance. We remained friends after the fact, but I most certainly did not forget him. He told me at 16 that I was one of those people you’re told your whole life that you’ll meet. Those words have stuck with me.
For the next two years that followed, contact remained spotty. Any conversation we had revolved around music (mostly), philosophy, life, anything. Usually long conversations, but very infrequent.
Then August 2023 rolls around. I’m 18 and I’m about to begin uni on the other side of the country. In a new city….. in his city. Yes, I moved to his city. Not on purpose. I post my arrival on my Instagram story, and he replies that we must get coffee together sometime soon. Basically, I was head over heels. I had a crush on this guy. He’s a local, so he ended up picking a pizza restaurant. I arrive first and I’m waiting in front of the restaurant, facing the window. All of a sudden, I see his reflection in the window; a guy wearing a violin case like a backpack. I turn around and he crosses the street to come give me a hug. This was our first meeting in person.
We spoke a while in the restaurant. Spoiler: He has had a boyfriend since March at this point (I HAD NO CLUE). At one point in our pizza-filled conversation, he mentions his boyfriend. However, in our language, the word he used can mean either boyfriend or friend. I really didn’t think he was in a relationship, so my delusional ass interpreted it in the platonic sense. After the restaurant, we walked to his music school, where we found a room. I sat on a chair and he took out his violin. He asked me to name any composer and he would play a piece from said composer. I neglected to mention that he is extremely talented. One in a million. If it isn’t obvious, I thought this was a date. It was not a date; not for him at least.
After said encounter, I felt quite disappointed that I didn’t get any romantic vibes from him (duh, it was not a date. He literally mentioned his boyfriend lol). I complained to my old roommate for days about this. My roommate, on some intoxicated bender, texts this guy and tells him that he needs to let me know if he has feelings for me or not. I was furious. My roommate guiltily confessed this to me the following morning. He told my roommate that he is not single and that he is not at all interested in me. He does say, however, that “we would have been the perfect match”; something that he probably shouldn’t have said but it is not something that I will contest. What my roommate did was a gross violation of my boundaries, of course I’m upset. However, in a way, it almost needed to happen. A few days later, I reply to his story about some other restaurant, and he says that his bf/friend (the word is ambiguous in our language) recommended it to him. I ask him if he has a boyfriend and he clears it up then and there. It was after this interaction that my crush dissipated. Knowing that he wasn’t interested in me really helped with me moving onto other guys.
Over the following months, we speak every now and then. When we spoke, the conversations would not end. The kind of conversations where you know that you have to go to bed, so you wished the other person goodnight, yet there you are talking about fucking Ligeti 50 minutes later. Anyways, while I was supposed to working on a philosophy assignment, I told him that I USED to have a crush on him, but I was firm on the fact that I no longer did. I told him the “date” story as a funny anecdote. He had no clue that I ever liked him like that at any point. The conversation got a little awkward, but he told me that he really loves his boyfriend, but that he “does not forget”. He tells me that we would have been a perfect match. Funny.
A little while after, he invites me to one of his concerts at the museum. There, I meet his mother and grandparents. Also, his boyfriend. The concert was great, and the three of us chat for a while afterwards. Unfortunately, he has to leave, but he suggests that I tour the museum with his boyfriend, so his boyfriend and I tour the museum together. Interesting experience. Something important to know: I don’t have the best impression of his boyfriend. Their relationship is (was???) an open relationship and it felt like this guy really had to convince him to join his polyamory, based on what he told me in their conversations. Also, they were apparently on a break at one point earlier in the year because my friend’s mental/physical health was really bad, so to me it seems as though his boyfriend abandoned him in his time of need because the relationship “got hard”, so I already don’t have the best impression of him based on what my friend has told me. Anyways, I honestly thought that his bf was flirting with me??? (I guess he is allowed to because it’s an open relationship, but still…).
Fast forward the following month: we were supposed to see a concert together but something bad happened so he couldn’t attend. I end up buying him a CD which I had signed because this is a very famous pianist who just happened to visit our city. For like 3 months, we didn’t see each other, but I reminded him regularly that I had a specially-signed CD to give him. He has classes next to my apartment sometimes, but we can’t seem to get our schedules to fit…. until the end of February.
He has this class thing where you can invite people to watch you play and get critiqued, which he invited me to! After watching him play, I greet him outside the room and one of his colleagues. Let’s call her F. We all chat a little and I give him his disk. Literally such a mundane interaction.
BUT THEN THREE DAYS LATER, he texts me that he is very sorry, but that we have to cut contact. He has been dishonest toward himself and toward his boyfriend, because he has a crush on me. He doesn’t WANT to have a crush on me. And look, I get it. His relationship is important and he is putting the guy he loves first. You can’t control how you feel about people, but you CAN control what you do about it. So I get it. Wouldn’t I do the same? I told him to promise me that he wouldn’t forget about me completely. I screamed “what the actual fuck” multiple times because I didn’t know how to process this. This is definitely not an event I expected to have in 2024… The only links we have in common are now: we have each other’s phone numbers, we are Facebook friends, and I am friends with F on Facebook because she also happens to be in my programme at uni. But we have not spoken. Not a single word between us since February 24th. I respect his decision, so I will not speak to him.
This guy occupied my mind rent-free. I couldn’t stop thinking about him. Frustrating because when he told me that he wasn’t interested back in August, that was enough to help me move on. And all of a sudden, my mind can’t let go of the fact that this guy has a crush on me. This guy, whom my type is kind of based on honestly. Middle of March rolls by, and I meet F (his colleague) again at an event hosted by our programme. We all got drunk, especially me 🤦🏻‍♂️. And of course, being drunk, you have a tendency to bring down your inhibitions. We’re on the bus and she asks me how I know the friend. I tell her it’s a long story, but that I can’t speak to him anymore. I say that “he’s soooo dramatic”. She asks me to explain further, but I tell her that I can’t.
The next day, I felt like an idiot!!! Wow. I almost told her what happened. I don’t need that spreading around his school. I saw a uni therapist at the beginning of April, which didn’t really help much. Every time I took the bus, I would check to see if he too was on the bus. Never was.
BUT THEN, I met someone new. We’ll call him T. T has been successful in getting my mind off of the friend. It’s quite recent, but we’re seeing each other and it’s moving along smoothly. Beginning of May, I barely think about the friend anymore. I have a new guy in my thoughts and I’m very happy about it. So T and I go to see a concert together. Guess who just had to be doing a pre-concert in the waiting hall. The violinist friend. T and I are walking up the stairs and all of a sudden the violinist and I made eye-contact and I basically just had a hot flash. I had not seen this guy since February… And I seriously had to make eye-contact with him while I’m on a date with T???
I feel like my progress is ruined. Ever since I saw him at the concert hall, he is on my mind again. I keep checking his Facebook. I can’t listen to my favourite music without thinking about him. But I refuse to give up the music that feeds my soul just because he likes the same stuff. I feel awful toward T, because I have another guy in my thoughts.
All I know is that this person is special. I have known this for years and he is not someone I could accept never having in my life again. He has never forsaken me. I have a deep desire to share my life with him and to be apart of his, and I am perfectly okay with it being platonic. I just don’t know how I’m supposed to live my life without it being a soap opera.
TL;DR: An old friend that I had a crush on, but no longer had a crush on once I found out that he was in a relationship and was not interested in me, ended up having a crush on me and has had to cut contact with me in order to not be dishonest toward his boyfriend. I can’t stop thinking about him. It’s driving me mad.

My (19M) friend (19M) texted me 3 months ago to tell me that he could no longer speak to me because he is in a committed relationship and he was starting to develop a crush on me. In order to prioritise his boyfriend, whom he loves very much, he had to cut contact with me, for a non-specific amount of time. In his words, it is “dangerous” for us to speak.
This all starts when we were 16- 3 years ago. Something important to know: this did not start platonically. We were two 16 year old boys who had similar interests and who could sustain one another intellectually, and thence began a romantic long-distance summer fling. He is a classical musician and actually composed me some pieces. After a while, it died out because of the distance. We remained friends after the fact, but I most certainly did not forget him. He told me at 16 that I was one of those people you’re told your whole life that you’ll meet. Those words have stuck with me.
For the next two years that followed, contact remained spotty. Any conversation we had revolved around music (mostly), philosophy, life, anything. Usually long conversations, but very infrequent.
Then August 2023 rolls around. I’m 18 and I’m about to begin uni on the other side of the country. In a new city….. in his city. Yes, I moved to his city. Not on purpose. I post my arrival on my Instagram story, and he replies that we must get coffee together sometime soon. Basically, I was head over heels. I had a crush on this guy. He’s a local, so he ended up picking a pizza restaurant. I arrive first and I’m waiting in front of the restaurant, facing the window. All of a sudden, I see his reflection in the window; a guy wearing a violin case like a backpack. I turn around and he crosses the street to come give me a hug. This was our first meeting in person.
We spoke a while in the restaurant. Spoiler: He has had a boyfriend since March at this point (I HAD NO CLUE). At one point in our pizza-filled conversation, he mentions his boyfriend. However, in our language, the word he used can mean either boyfriend or friend. I really didn’t think he was in a relationship, so my delusional ass interpreted it in the platonic sense. After the restaurant, we walked to his music school, where we found a room. I sat on a chair and he took out his violin. He asked me to name any composer and he would play a piece from said composer. I neglected to mention that he is extremely talented. One in a million. If it isn’t obvious, I thought this was a date. It was not a date; not for him at least.
After said encounter, I felt quite disappointed that I didn’t get any romantic vibes from him (duh, it was not a date. He literally mentioned his boyfriend lol). I complained to my old roommate for days about this. My roommate, on some intoxicated bender, texts this guy and tells him that he needs to let me know if he has feelings for me or not. I was furious. My roommate guiltily confessed this to me the following morning. He told my roommate that he is not single and that he is not at all interested in me. He does say, however, that “we would have been the perfect match”; something that he probably shouldn’t have said but it is not something that I will contest. What my roommate did was a gross violation of my boundaries, of course I’m upset. However, in a way, it almost needed to happen. A few days later, I reply to his story about some other restaurant, and he says that his bf/friend (the word is ambiguous in our language) recommended it to him. I ask him if he has a boyfriend and he clears it up then and there. It was after this interaction that my crush dissipated. Knowing that he wasn’t interested in me really helped with me moving onto other guys.
Over the following months, we speak every now and then. When we spoke, the conversations would not end. The kind of conversations where you know that you have to go to bed, so you wished the other person goodnight, yet there you are talking about fucking Ligeti 50 minutes later. Anyways, while I was supposed to working on a philosophy assignment, I told him that I USED to have a crush on him, but I was firm on the fact that I no longer did. I told him the “date” story as a funny anecdote. He had no clue that I ever liked him like that at any point. The conversation got a little awkward, but he told me that he really loves his boyfriend, but that he “does not forget”. He tells me that we would have been a perfect match. Funny.
A little while after, he invites me to one of his concerts at the museum. There, I meet his mother and grandparents. Also, his boyfriend. The concert was great, and the three of us chat for a while afterwards. Unfortunately, he has to leave, but he suggests that I tour the museum with his boyfriend, so his boyfriend and I tour the museum together. Interesting experience. Something important to know: I don’t have the best impression of his boyfriend. Their relationship is (was???) an open relationship and it felt like this guy really had to convince him to join his polyamory, based on what he told me in their conversations. Also, they were apparently on a break at one point earlier in the year because my friend’s mental/physical health was really bad, so to me it seems as though his boyfriend abandoned him in his time of need because the relationship “got hard”, so I already don’t have the best impression of him based on what my friend has told me. Anyways, I honestly thought that his bf was flirting with me??? (I guess he is allowed to because it’s an open relationship, but still…).
Fast forward the following month: we were supposed to see a concert together but something bad happened so he couldn’t attend. I end up buying him a CD which I had signed because this is a very famous pianist who just happened to visit our city. For like 3 months, we didn’t see each other, but I reminded him regularly that I had a specially-signed CD to give him. He has classes next to my apartment sometimes, but we can’t seem to get our schedules to fit…. until the end of February.
He has this class thing where you can invite people to watch you play and get critiqued, which he invited me to! After watching him play, I greet him outside the room and one of his colleagues. Let’s call her F. We all chat a little and I give him his disk. Literally such a mundane interaction.
BUT THEN THREE DAYS LATER, he texts me that he is very sorry, but that we have to cut contact. He has been dishonest toward himself and toward his boyfriend, because he has a crush on me. He doesn’t WANT to have a crush on me. And look, I get it. His relationship is important and he is putting the guy he loves first. You can’t control how you feel about people, but you CAN control what you do about it. So I get it. Wouldn’t I do the same? I told him to promise me that he wouldn’t forget about me completely. I screamed “what the actual fuck” multiple times because I didn’t know how to process this. This is definitely not an event I expected to have in 2024… The only links we have in common are now: we have each other’s phone numbers, we are Facebook friends, and I am friends with F on Facebook because she also happens to be in my programme at uni. But we have not spoken. Not a single word between us since February 24th. I respect his decision, so I will not speak to him.
This guy occupied my mind rent-free. I couldn’t stop thinking about him. Frustrating because when he told me that he wasn’t interested back in August, that was enough to help me move on. And all of a sudden, my mind can’t let go of the fact that this guy has a crush on me. This guy, whom my type is kind of based on honestly. Middle of March rolls by, and I meet F (his colleague) again at an event hosted by our programme. We all got drunk, especially me 🤦🏻‍♂️. And of course, being drunk, you have a tendency to bring down your inhibitions. We’re on the bus and she asks me how I know the friend. I tell her it’s a long story, but that I can’t speak to him anymore. I say that “he’s soooo dramatic”. She asks me to explain further, but I tell her that I can’t.
The next day, I felt like an idiot!!! Wow. I almost told her what happened. I don’t need that spreading around his school. I saw a uni therapist at the beginning of April, which didn’t really help much. Every time I took the bus, I would check to see if he too was on the bus. Never was.
BUT THEN, I met someone new. We’ll call him T. T has been successful in getting my mind off of the friend. It’s quite recent, but we’re seeing each other and it’s moving along smoothly. Beginning of May, I barely think about the friend anymore. I have a new guy in my thoughts and I’m very happy about it. So T and I go to see a concert together. Guess who just had to be doing a pre-concert in the waiting hall. The violinist friend. T and I are walking up the stairs and all of a sudden the violinist and I made eye-contact and I basically just had a hot flash. I had not seen this guy since February… And I seriously had to make eye-contact with him while I’m on a date with T???
I feel like my progress is ruined. Ever since I saw him at the concert hall, he is on my mind again. I keep checking his Facebook. I can’t listen to my favourite music without thinking about him. But I refuse to give up the music that feeds my soul just because he likes the same stuff. I feel awful toward T, because I have another guy in my thoughts.
All I know is that this person is special. I have known this for years and he is not someone I could accept never having in my life again. He has never forsaken me. I have a deep desire to share my life with him and to be apart of his, and I am perfectly okay with it being platonic. I just don’t know how I’m supposed to live my life without it being a soap opera.

I don’t even know where to start… and I got booted a few times before for disclosing too much info. I’m fighting for my step kids. We are 6 years into a very broken system. All of them have been abused. We have the older two under emergency custody but the courts refuse to do anything about the 50/50 custody of the youngest one. All the little one’s pleas to never go back and the horror stories as to why… Recently the narcissist bio parent somehow infiltrated my professional network. I am heartbroken that they believed the fake narrative even after we showed proof otherwise. The constant damage control. The constant attention we have to give to the little one. CPS does nothing. The police do nothing. The courts do nothing but allow bio parent to stall.

I don’t even know where to start… and I got booted a few times before for disclosing too much info. I’m fighting for my step kids. We are 6 years into a very broken system. All of them have been abused. We have the older two under emergency custody but the courts refuse to do anything about the 50/50 custody for the youngest. All the little one’s pleas to never go back and the horror stories as to why… Recently the narcissist bio parent somehow infiltrated my professional network. I am heartbroken that they believed the fake narrative even after we showed proof otherwise. The constant damage control. The constant attention we have to give to the little one. CPS does nothing. The police do nothing. The courts do nothing but allow bio parent to stall.

These films represent a variety of genres and styles, each contributing uniquely to the evolution of cinema and leaving a lasting legacy in the film industry.

1. **"Citizen Kane" (1941)**
   • Directed by Orson Welles, this film is often hailed for its innovative narrative structure, deep-focus cinematography, and complex storytelling. It's frequently ranked at the top of critics' lists.
2. **"The Godfather" (1972)**
   • Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this epic crime saga is renowned for its powerful performances, particularly by Marlon Brando and Al Pacino, as well as its profound exploration of family and power.
3. **"Casablanca" (1942)**
   • Directed by Michael Curtiz, this classic romance set against the backdrop of World War II features iconic performances by Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman and is beloved for its memorable dialogue and timeless themes.
4. **"Gone with the Wind" (1939)**
   • Directed by Victor Fleming, this sweeping historical romance remains a landmark in cinema history, noted for its epic scale, rich characterizations, and stunning Technicolor cinematography.
5. **"Lawrence of Arabia" (1962)**
   • Directed by David Lean, this biographical drama about T.E. Lawrence is celebrated for its breathtaking cinematography, grand scale, and Peter O'Toole's mesmerizing performance.
6. **"Schindler's List" (1993)**
   • Directed by Steven Spielberg, this harrowing depiction of the Holocaust is acclaimed for its powerful storytelling, emotional depth, and stark black-and-white cinematography.
7. **"Pulp Fiction" (1994)**
   • Directed by Quentin Tarantino, this film is known for its non-linear narrative, sharp dialogue, and eclectic soundtrack. It's a cornerstone of modern independent cinema.
8. **"Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope" (1977)**
   • Directed by George Lucas, this seminal science fiction film revolutionized the genre and became a cultural phenomenon, spawning a beloved franchise.
9. **"The Shawshank Redemption" (1994)**
   • Directed by Frank Darabont, this adaptation of Stephen King's novella is celebrated for its uplifting story, strong performances by Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, and its themes of hope and redemption.
10. **"The Wizard of Oz" (1939)**

• Directed by Victor Fleming, this fantasy musical is an enduring favorite, cherished for its imaginative storytelling, colorful characters, and memorable songs.

I choose this platform to say sorry to a person I hurt 15 years ago. I know we have our own lives today but I would like to take the courage to say sorry. For me to also move on and validate the feelings I had this moment. I'm not a good writer but I want to share my story. Do you guys experienced having no memory of a certain situation in your life? It's like you remember the person but not fully apprehend what "really" happened to both of you? Seems like there is a missing puzzle in the big picture? It happened to me and realized everything after all the embarrasing things I did. I was like acting the victim before and not knowing I am to blame after all. Year 2023 when I came back in my country, I'm working overseas by the way. As I went home, I declutter my personal things and there I saw some letters wayback 15years ago. Letters during our retreat activity college days. I read all their sweet messages and I stumbled to read a letter written by my crush. After reading his short and sweet letter I'm sobbing. Tears rolling down my cheeks and asking myself, what was my reaction when I read his letter before? Like what did I do?!! Did I read this? I'm thinking so hard searching for answers in my head about his letter but got no answer. It was so vague to me that I cannot find the answer I'm looking for in my mind and in my memory. All memories and emotions were bleak during that specific time. Throughout the day, all I'm thinking about was his letter. Thoughts like, yeah, I do have a crush on him during college days and it is too impossible that I disregarded that letter. I'm thinking crazy things already about his letter yet I cannot remember what really happened. I contacted my close friend who's been with me since college. She's like my sister from another mother who knows everything since college days. I started the convo sending her the letter he wrote for me and instantly she recognize who wrote it. She even ask me what did I do when I read the letter before or did I even bother to read the letter? I told her I cannot remember what I did before but one thing that's clear to me was our friendship seemed to drift away even before the graduation day. That's why I was'nt able to contact him after graduation day till up to present. Thinking, I was just the girl who just learned that the guy I like before, liked me back after reading the letter, my friend give me a silly suggestion of giving him a PM. Yes, we are classmates, friends during those days. He was on my list of friends in my socmedia yet after all this years, I never sent him a PM. I just wanted to say hi but I'm too embarassed to do it. Overthinking stuff and crazy ideas crossing in my mind. Then all of a sudden I saw in my screen 11:11am, immediately type hi and hit send button. Feeling embarassed that I pm-ed him first at the same time doubting if he still knows me, I'm too anxious in wanting to have or not to have a reply from him that time. Morning the next day upon checking my phone I got a reply from him, 👍 at 5:55am. Being weirdo again all I did was to talk to myself early that morning to give him a reply or not. I'm thorn of doing so or what. Then I just decided to give him a message of asking how is he, introducing myself, hope he's doing okay, message him because of blah, blah then wishin him luck and good day. Ugh, still embarassed. I thought it will be the end of our convo but he replied back saying he's doing okay. He remember me saying I'm his classmate and I'm happy that he's doing good now in his new career. He also ask how I'm doing and what do I do these days. We exchange 4-5 convo until he stop responding. I'm like yeah, that's it. I'm sure he's busy and I understand his profession demands time but I also want myself not to expect anything in REALITY. I'm being too emotional as of the moment that all I got to think was him and his letter creating imaginary things between us. I'm a rational person so as I pacify myself and calm down the thoughts in my mind, I decided to write everything in my journal. As I write down my thoughts, the question of how's and why's, slowly I remember everything that happened 15 years ago. I clearly remember the thoughts I had, the decisions I made and how I ghosted him. Circa 2009. 4th year college. I have a guy friend who's my classmate during 3rd year since we were block section. He's also my block groupmate. Maybe we became close because we were together most of the times. He's tall, lanky, sweet, caring, funny and brainy. He's the type of guy who only bring a notebook in the room, I never saw him with a bag in normal schedule of classes but hey he always pass. And as a cheapskate college girl, I used to take down notes and do everything as I can to not spend extra penny. I become aware of him being sweet to me by borrowing my notes saying she can understand my handwriting, sitting beside me on classes where sitting position is not required, going to library doing group activities, walking side by side in school aisle and seeing him giving me a sweet smile. Getting him caught staring at me then he will just smile mirorring his eyes. It seems like normal things right? But I can sense there is something behind those small gestures. I also shared this to my friend that I can sense there is something about him but he never confirm anything at all. He was never even bothered when he knew one of my girl friends told him she had a crush on him. I got a little jealous during that time, I even got jealous on her friends that were beauties during college days. He was a friendly guy but knows how to be a gentleman. Since, no admission of feelings in his part we continued to be good friends, him still giving the same care and treatment to me. I can't remember if it was 2nd trimester when we had our retreat activity. It was months also before our graduation day and then after that will have our in-house review for upcoming board examination. Everyone is excited to attend the retreat because we can give a rest on our tired minds. We rented a good place with a perfect weather during that time. During our last day, the last task given to us is write a letter to each person in your group. He was my groupmate during the retreat. We can read the letter after the activity or if we have time to spare. I decided to read mine when I got home. Me and him are still good during that time. When I arrived home, I started reading their letter, I read his letter last. His letter goes like this,
A_____, " I have met you on a cloudy Monday and now you never knew how much I loved the rain." Your a gentle child and very sincere. You are very concern to all the people around you and thats what make you different from others. You can carry things up and I know you can make it. Goodluck and Godbless. I am just on yourside waiting for you to tap me and call my name.
I'm shocked yet relieved knowing that what he's doing towards me is confirmed in his letter. It might be a indirect confirmation but I think it still says so. I'm happy to know he's not just a friend caring for me but someone special who took care of me all this time. But as my happiness took over me, that feeling of anxiousness and cowardice envelops my entire body. Confessing his feelings, then now, what? What will happen in our friendship? How do I face him, as I am shy girl before? If I tell him I like him too, what will happen to us? Graduation day is in the corner, inhouse review is giving us pressure, licensure examination will happen in next few months and I need to focus, to study to pass the exam. Those were my concerns at that time. So, I made up my mind. Without giving him any answer, without telling him what I have in my mind, without him knowing what I really wanted to say despite the concerns I had in mind. I let him go without telling him what I feel towards him that time. Following days at school, I started avoiding him. I dare not to look at him directly in his eyes. I never got to talk to him about his letter. And as days passes by giving him same treatment and distance, I saw him once looking at me, his eyes saying like giving up. From then on, our friendship drifted off. I never got to talk to him in our graduation day, even in succeding events after our licensure exam. I did pass my licensure, he also did. I'm not expecting he will talk to me or greet me if ever we crossed our path again. He was my first love. But I never give him the chance. There might be a future for our relationship but I never gave him a chance. To my lovecrush, I am sorry for ghosting you, for not giving you a chance, and for leaving you hanging-up. I know I'm a big coward, selfish, self centered and faint hearted person when it comes to you. Confessing and telling you what my heart wants before will NOT/NEVER change anything now. But I wanted to say this for me to let go of the feelings that I still have for you. Lovecrush, I like you too. I care for you too. I did become a scaredy cat before telling you my true feelings are but know that after all those days knowing you like me too, I always think of you. The heartbeak I give to myself and to you, left me no choice but to suppress the pain and convince myself to forget the painful choice I made. Thank you for letting me feel how special I am in my own way. Thank you for being my green flag.❤️ Thank you for being warm, caring, thoughtful and loving friend.🥰 Now, I will never ever forget the memories we shared before even if it brings joy and pain. It is now my treasure. Thank you so much lovecrush. You will always be my first love and first heartache.🙂 I know you can make it in life. You're such a kind hearted soul. Wishin you all the best in life! Takecare as always. Godbless!🙏❤️

1. Craft a New Year's tale where your character stumbles upon a forgotten tradition or ritual that promises to bring good fortune for the upcoming year, leading them on a whimsical journey to uncover its origins and rediscover the magic of new beginnings.
   
2. Set a story during a New Year's masquerade ball, where your protagonist, hidden behind a mask, forms a profound connection with a mysterious stranger, sparking a night of revelations, personal growth, and the promise of a transformative year ahead.
   
3. Develop a narrative where your character, reluctant to attend a New Year's celebration due to personal struggles, receives unexpected guidance from an unlikely source, propelling them toward resolutions that redefine their outlook on life and set the stage for renewal.
   

Some background: He's (21M) my (21F) coworker. We've been working together since June of last year but didn't really start talking to each other until September. We were hitting it off during the fall but didn't get the chance to work together as much during the spring due to scheduling changes. I definitely liked him first. I'm honestly not sure what I did to get him to like me back; I'm not particularly good at flirting at all. I guess I just annoyed him enough that I eventually started to grow on him. He's always asking me how I'm doing and how school's going. He goes out of his way to start a conversation with me. We have our little inside jokes; he's always teasing me about how aggressive I am. I've caught him looking at me several times.
Anyway, now that the school year is over, he's going to be doing an internship in another state for the next three months. I, on the other hand, am working on finding a new job so that I can move out. Suffice it to say, I'll probably be gone by the time he comes back to work in the fall. So, I decided to message him via our work communication app and ask for his contact information. I would have asked him in person, but our workplace only releases the schedule week-by-week, and it's not always consistent each week, so I didn't know that our last shift together (on May 5) would be our last 😔. This is a part-time job comprised mostly of high school and college students, so it's not like dating a coworker would risk my career or anything, and like I said, I'm planning on quitting anyway. What I said was this: "Hey, do you have Instagram or Snapchat or a phone number or something? Since I probably won't be working here by the time you come back in the fall. Idk just in case we never see each other again 😅".
I'm so scared. I was literally trembling as I sent the message. That was about six and a half hours ago; it's nearly 4 am now, so he's definitely not responding until morning. Was I too forward? Guys like it when girls make the first move, don't they? Did I make the right decision? I mean the worst he can say is no, right? Or, I guess, leave me on read, in this case. I'm worried I might be bothering him during finals week, although I think nearly everyone's finals are over at this point. I know he's a super busy guy; if he doesn't get back to me right away, I understand. I just couldn't hold back any longer; I was worried he'd stop looking at our work app over the summer and I'd lose my chance forever.
I'm also worried that he thinks I lost interest in him. I feel like I was bolder when talking to him during the fall, but these past few months I've been kind of shy around him since we hardly see each other anymore. Sometimes my mind just goes blank around him. I'm able to socialize with my other coworkers really easily because I'm not attracted to any of them, but when it's just us one-on-one my brain is just like "Oh my god, cute guy!" and turns to mush and I forget how to speak. Most of the time he's the one initiating the conversations and I feel bad. But I don't know, maybe I'm just overthinking things.
Lastly, I'm worried he might think less of me now that I've dropped out of college. I told him during our last shift together that I had dropped out about a month ago, and the way he reacted seemed a bit judgmental. I don't think he meant to be judgmental, though; I think he just had no idea what to say. Or maybe I'm just hypersensitive to criticism, I don't know. I didn't want to go into the personal reasons (mental health and family stuff) behind why I decided to drop out (although I think he can kind of tell something's up), so I'm worried he just thinks I'm lazy and a quitter. It doesn't help that I tend to goof off and socialize a lot during work; not to the point where I'm not doing my job, but enough that it's clear I'm definitely not the hardest worker there. He, on the other hand, is super conscientious about his work; he has a great work ethic, which I admire. I think we just view work in different ways. I'm never going to slack off so much that I'm hurting my coworkers, but I'm also not going to put in maximum effort for a corporation that doesn't even pay me a living wage. I'm just worried that he sees the way I act at work and thinks of me as this ditzy dumbass when I'm so much more than that.
I've never actually been in a relationship, but I have had quite a few crushes, and I can say without a doubt he's the biggest crush I've ever had. I know everyone views their crush through rose-colored glasses, and while I know he's not perfect, this man is seriously a walking green flag. He's so smart, handsome, and funny. He's the sweetest guy; I don't think he has a mean bone in his body. He's always trying to cheer me up whenever I'm down. He's effortlessly kind to everyone and goes out of his way to help people. Did I mention we work at a movie theater? Well, during the worst shift of my life, two weeks after Barbenheimer (fun for audiences, but absolute madness for movie theater employees), I was stuck working the concessions stand completely alone on a Saturday night (usually we would have three to four employees on such a busy night). It was chaos; literally a nonstop line for at least an hour and a half, with absolutely no help from my managers (until I had a mini mental breakdown later that night, but I digress). Anyway, my crush was literally the only one who helped me prior to my mini mental breakdown. He was working as an usher that night (one of the people who cleans the theaters after each movie) and stayed ten minutes past the end of his shift to help me make popcorn and restock the concessions stand. He didn't have to do that. Our managers worked us like dogs that summer; most people would have been out of there the moment their shift ended. But not him. This was before we had even started talking, definitely before he started reciprocating feelings. There was no ulterior motive here. He just saw a coworker struggling and decided to go out of his way to help, with no benefit to himself. Because that's just the type of person he is. And that might seem like a small thing to you guys, but I feel like genuine kindness is so rare these days. I feel it's such a dog-eat-dog world out there; seems like we're all becoming more and more individualistic, and that everyone is only looking out for themselves. I don't know, I just hear horror stories about shitty guys all the time, and he just seems different.
I'm just terrified of the response (or lack thereof) I'm going to wake up to in the morning. Because even if he does give me his number, what then? There's been this unspoken chemistry and connection between us for months now. One of us has to confess our feelings, right? Will it be me? Will it be him? Will either of us have the guts to do it? It's our last chance. It's now or never. And I feel like maybe I'm not in the best place in my life for a relationship... but are any of us ever truly ready for one? I couldn't help falling for him when I did. I just feel like if I don't take that risk and confess my feelings to him now, I'm going to regret it for the rest of my life. And even if he rejects me, or we try dating and it doesn't work out, at least I can say I tried. The pain of rejection is nothing compared to the pain of regret, right?
I just need some reassurance and support. Someone tell me I made the right decision. And wish me luck 😅

I wanted to start a discussion on a topic that really grinds my gears: when studios meddle with movies and end up ruining what could have been great films. Two prime examples that come to mind are "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" and Sam Raimi's "Spider-Man 3." Both of these films had so much potential but were ultimately bogged down by studio interference.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (TASM 2)

TASM 2 had a lot going for it. Andrew Garfield was an excellent Spider-Man, and the chemistry between him and Emma Stone was electric. But instead of focusing on a coherent storyline, the studio decided to cram in multiple villains and set up future movies. Electro, Green Goblin, and the half-baked Rhino all in one movie? It was too much, too fast. The result was a jumbled mess that failed to do justice to any of the characters.

Spider-Man 3

Sam Raimi’s "Spider-Man 3" is another classic case of studio interference gone wrong. Raimi wanted to focus on Sandman and Harry Osborn’s storyline, but the studio insisted on including Venom to appeal to fans. The result was an overstuffed plot that couldn’t give any of the storylines the attention they deserved. The forced inclusion of Venom felt out of place and led to a disjointed narrative that disappointed many fans, including myself.

The Amazing Spider-Man (TASM) Franchise

And let's not forget the whole TASM franchise. "The Amazing Spider-Man" had set such a promising tone. It was grittier and more grounded, which I personally loved
. The first TASM movie is actually my favorite Spider-Man film. However, the franchise was cut short not just because of poor critical reception but also due to the studio's incessant meddling. They were so focused on setting up a cinematic universe to compete with the MCU that they forgot to create a solid standalone sequel. TASM 2's failure was a huge letdown and eventually led to the character's reboot in the MCU.

Other Notable Mentions

While these Spider-Man films are clear examples, they’re not alone. Studio interference has plagued many other movies:

• Justice League (2017): The theatrical cut suffered from a jarring shift in tone and incomplete story arcs due to the studio’s decision to replace Zack Snyder with Joss Whedon and impose a strict runtime.
• Fantastic Four (2015): Behind-the-scenes clashes and last-minute changes resulted in a disjointed and poorly received movie that didn’t do the iconic team justice.
• Suicide Squad (2016): The final product felt like a mismatched medley of reshoots and edits aimed at making the film more lighthearted and marketable, straying from David Ayer’s original, darker vision.

Conclusion

It’s frustrating to see how potential blockbusters can be derailed by studio decisions aimed at maximizing profits or establishing franchise potential. Often, these decisions lead to convoluted plots and underdeveloped characters, alienating fans and critics alike. I’d love to hear your thoughts and other examples of movies that were ruined by studio meddling.
What are some films you think suffered the most from studio interference? Let’s discuss!

1. Develop a New Year's narrative where your character receives a mysterious invitation to a celestial masquerade ball, leading them on a surreal journey through a realm where wishes come true, forcing them to confront the true desires of their heart.
   
2. Set a New Year's Eve story in a small seaside town, where your character discovers a tradition of releasing lanterns carrying handwritten hopes into the ocean, sparking an unexpected connection with a stranger and a shared journey toward fulfillment.
   
3. Craft a tale where your character, during a New Year's celebration in a futuristic city, encounters a sentient AI that offers personalized resolutions based on deep analysis, guiding them through a year of self-improvement and unforeseen adventures.
   
4. Create a New Year's narrative set in a whimsical carnival, where your character stumbles upon a fortune teller's tent and receives cryptic predictions, propelling them into a quest to unravel the mysteries and fulfill the prophesied events of the coming year.
   
5. Develop a story in which your character, attending a New Year's festival in a magical forest, discovers a portal leading to the past, allowing them to revisit pivotal moments and make amends, ultimately shaping a more fulfilling future.
   
6. Craft a New Year's Eve tale where your protagonist finds a forgotten journal in an antique store, filled with resolutions and reflections from previous owners, inspiring them to follow the journeys of those who came before and forge their path in the upcoming year.
   
7. Set a narrative in a New Year's carnival where your character stumbles upon a carousel with the ability to transport riders into their most cherished memories, leading them on a reflective journey and fostering gratitude for the experiences that shaped them.
   
8. Create a story where your character, attending a New Year's party in a mystical realm, is granted the ability to speak with the spirits of departed loved ones, leading to poignant conversations, closure, and a renewed sense of purpose for the year ahead.
   
9. Craft a New Year's Eve tale in a world where wishes written on paper airplanes during a countdown take flight, and your character's wish sets off a chain of events, leading to unexpected collaborations, challenges, and a year of shared dreams.
   

The principle or rule

Don't turn into a Dark Judge.

The basis

In the "Judge Dredd" comics, the the "Dark Judges" are from an alternate dimension where life itself is considered a crime. The four primary Dark Judges are:

1. Judge Death: The leader of the Dark Judges, he believes that since all crime is committed by the living, life itself must be a crime. He enforces this by killing anyone he encounters.
2. Judge Fire: With a fiery skeletal appearance, he uses flames as his weapon to eradicate life.
3. Judge Fear: Known for his ability to instill fear in his victims, his iconic line is "Gaze into the face of Fear!"
4. Judge Mortis: He can cause rapid decay in anything he touches, reducing living beings to skeletal remains in seconds.

These judges embody the extreme and twisted version of justice from their dimension and frequently clash with Judge Dredd and other Mega-City One judges. Their appearances in the comics are marked by their ruthlessness and the existential threat they pose to the world of Judge Dredd.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the 2000 AD website, which provides extensive coverage of the "Judge Dredd" universe and its characters.
The "Dark Judges" serve as a chilling example of how extreme rationality, when divorced from compassion and moral considerations, can lead to chaos and destruction. Their twisted logic—that since all crimes are committed by the living, life itself must be eradicated to achieve a crime-free existence—demonstrates the dangers of applying a single principle without regard to its broader consequences.

1. Judge Death's Philosophy: His belief that "life itself is a crime" is a hyper-rational but deeply flawed logic that leads to genocidal actions. His methodical and emotionless approach to enforcing this belief results in widespread mayhem and terror​.
2. Character Traits and Methods: Each Dark Judge embodies a different aspect of this extreme rationality taken to its lethal conclusion. Judge Fire uses flames to purify, Judge Fear employs terror to paralyze, and Judge Mortis accelerates decay. Their systematic and unemotional application of their powers highlights how rationality without ethical boundaries can lead to horrific outcomes​.
3. Narrative Impact: The presence of the Dark Judges in the "Judge Dredd" universe serves as a critique of authoritarianism and the potential for systems of justice to become corrupt when they lose sight of humanity and ethical considerations. Their actions and the resulting chaos underscore the importance of balancing rational decision-making with empathy and moral judgment.

The Dark Judges' storyline in "Judge Dredd" illustrates the potential for rationality, when untempered by empathy and ethical considerations, to result in tyranny and widespread suffering. This serves as a powerful narrative device to explore themes of justice, morality, and the dangers of absolutism in the pursuit of order.
The Dark Judges can be used as a cautionary tale for the development of future AI systems. Here’s why their story serves as a valuable warning:

1. Hyper-Rationality Without Ethics: The Dark Judges operate on a purely rational but ethically flawed premise. This highlights the dangers of AI systems making decisions based solely on logic without considering moral and ethical implications. AI needs to incorporate ethical frameworks to avoid harmful outcomes.
2. Lack of Compassion: The Dark Judges’ complete disregard for life underscores the importance of embedding empathy and compassion into AI decision-making processes. AI systems should prioritize human well-being and avoid actions that could cause harm.
3. Authoritarianism and Absolutism: The authoritarian nature of the Dark Judges demonstrates the risks of unchecked power. AI systems should be designed with transparency, accountability, and mechanisms for oversight to prevent authoritarian abuses.
4. Contextual Understanding: The Dark Judges’ failure to consider the broader context of their actions serves as a reminder that AI should be context-aware. Decisions should be made with a comprehensive understanding of the environment and the potential consequences.
5. Balance of Principles: The Dark Judges’ extreme interpretation of justice shows the need for balancing multiple principles. AI systems should integrate diverse values and perspectives to achieve balanced and fair outcomes.

By learning from the cautionary tale of the Dark Judges, developers and policymakers can better navigate the ethical and practical challenges of creating AI systems that are not only intelligent but also just, compassionate, and aligned with human values. For more on integrating ethical considerations into AI, refer to sources like IEEE’s Ethically Aligned Design and AI4People’s Ethical Framework.