Timestamp: https://imgur.com/a/wIKRwWY
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1) 16” Complete Aero (DPMS Pattern) Atlas S-One M5/AR10/308 upper. Includes BCG, charging handle, Bushnell 3-18 scope and piggybacked red dot, XS fixed transition high visibility offset sights, and bipod. Yours for $845 $825 shipped or Best Offer. 120 rounds through it.
2) 16” complete 15-22 upper with UTG 1-8 illuminated red/green lpvo, laser, Magpul scout mount, larue rail covers, handstop $465 $450 OBO
3) “.22 upgrade kit”: 1-4 primary red illuminated arms lpvo, 30mm rings, green laser and mount, Magpul scout mount, UTG rail covers, handstop, Mlok QD mount, 1/2 x 28 muzzle brake and crush washer, $175 $165 shipped
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Both Uppers and .22 Ugrade kit for $1400 $1350 shipped OBO.
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Before anyone asks me again, YES, the M&P 15-22 uppers can fit standard AR lowers with some modifications. I can send info on that if you’re seriously going to buy one.
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Trade interests (can always do cash on top one way or another too):

• Stream-light tlr 1, 2, 7, 8, vir 2, rm1, rm2
  
• rovyvon gl4pro
  
• Magpul slings (ms1, ms4, etc)
  
• surefire rechargeable cr123a batteries and streamlight rechargeable 18650 batteries
  
• glock 19 Gen 3 stuff
  
• pistol and carbine gas tubes
  
• heavy and other special buffers
  
• open to other stuff potentially, shoot your offer or let me know what you have
  

Parents of a public high school wanted a winning high school football team so the y had the school hire a well known football coach. Why this guy would teach PT How the heck this guy would take a PE job at a high school made no sense UNTIL it was found out he was making $175,000 per year. Really sucks for all of the other teachers.

My best friend, the only person I feel like I can talk to about anything, is moving away next month. I can’t handle life without them, I know I can still call and text them, but it will be different. I can’t handle that. I’m an autistic teenager for context. I’m starting high school next year and my friend is moving away to another province after grad. I’m planning to kill myself when they do. My therapist knows about this but my parents don't. I might get sent to a psych ward before it happens. I hate myself. I feel selfish, lazy, and useless. I can’t do anything to stop my friend from moving. I don't know if they will even miss me the same way I’ll miss them. Please help

MM Romance

Kindle Unlimited

• Enchanting Exposition (Demon Magic #4) by Alice Winters - Amazon - (fantasy, established couple, series must be read in order, mage/demon, saving friend from dark magic, trapped in dark magic book, found family) - 317 pages
  
• Swipe Left, Power Down, Look Up by Amy Lane - Amazon - (contemporary, soccer coach/barista, sports adjacent, professional upheaval, sunshine MC) - 145 pages
  
• Under Your Skin by Lee McCormick - Amazon - (dark contemporary, mortician/serial killer, mortician covering up for serial killer, morally grey & obsessive MCs, angst, check CWs) - 386 pages
  
• New Tricks (The Les's Bar Series #4) by Jodi Payne & BA Tortuga - Amazon - (contemporary, gay bar meet cute, widower MC, 24/7 dom/sub, BDSM, MC new to BDSM, grief, check CWs) - 281 pages
  
• Moonlight Magic (Dark Forest Pack) by Annabelle Jacobs - Amazon - (MMM, paranormal, fae/witch/shifter, hurt/comfort, mates, angst, suspense, possessive shifter MC ) - 338 pages
  
• Pi (Code Name: Rodeo #1) by Thia Mackin - Amazon - (MMMM, paranormal?, maybe poly?, members of a SEAL team, action/adventure) - 238 pages
  
• Immersion Play (Leather and Lattes #1) by Katherine McIntyre - Amazon - (contemporary, kink café setting, one MC new to kink, daddy/brat, grief, check CWs) - 297 pages
  
• Icebreaker: An MM Hockey Romance (Portland Lumberjacks #1) by Blair Brady - Amazon - (contemporary, hockey, rookie/veteran, age gap, grumpy/sunshine) - 226 pages
  
• The Cry of the Night (Blood and Moon #2) by Alex Vale - Amazon - (dark fantasy, vampire MCs, established couple, series must be read in order, opposites attract, slow burn, action/adventure, check CWs) - 264 pages
  

Kobo Plus

• The Bump by Sidney Karger - Kobo & Amazon - (contemporary, rom com, relationship in crisis, road trip, freaking about about coming baby, secrets, opposites attract) - 363 pages
  
• Forever Yours, Kit: Gay Childhood Friends to Lovers Romance by Atreus Rosewood - Kobo & Amazon - (contemporary?, takes place in the 90s?, childhood friends to strangers to lovers, coming of age, second chance, forgiveness, "it's always been you") - 244 pages
  
• Dangerous Recall by Tyler Anne Snell - Kobo & Amazon - (contemporary, bodyguard/client, mystery/suspense, murder investigation) - 219 pages
  
• Nearlywed by Nicolas DiDomizio - Kobo & Amazon - (contemporary, rom com, engagement in crisis, early honeymoon to recharge, opposites attract, age gap) - 345 pages
  
• Blaze of Cortez (Rain City Tales #8) by Brent Archer - Kobo & Amazon - (contemporary, firefighters, workplace romance, coming out, trauma, check CWs) - 328 pages
  
• These Bittersweet Vines (The Eastern Quarter's Mana #2) by Dorian Valentine - Kobo & Amazon - (fantasy, magic, prince/bodyguard, amnesia, action/adventure) - 514 pages
  

Other

• After: Puppy Love: MM Romance Novella Short Story (Trick of the Light #3) by Abigail Hunter - Amazon - (contemporary, established couple, series must be read in order, photoshoot setting) - 53 pages

Other Queer Romance

Kindle Unlimited

• The Pleasure Protocol: A Scorching Billionaire Romance by Darcy Romaine & Kat Alexander - Amazon - (MF, contemporary, bisexual MC, billionaire/escort, BDSM, collared FMC) - 328 pages
  
• A Heart Bleeding Gold (Midnight Series #3) by H.M. Darling - Amazon - (FF, fantasy, vampire FMC, starting over, angst, check CWs) - 212 pages
  
• For Blood & Soul (Tales of the Immortals #3) by Tara Lynn - Amazon - (MMF, fantasy, vampires, established relationship, series must be read in order, action/adventure) - 368 pages
  

Kobo Plus

• Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places by Claire Kann - Kobo & Amazon - (MF, paranormal, asexual FMC, sentient haunted house, love triangle between MCs and the house?, FMC with ESP investigating haunted house, single dad, opposites attract) - 415 pages
  
• Here for the Wrong Reasons: A Novel by Annabel Paulsen & Lydia Wang - Kobo & Amazon - (FF, contemporary, rom com, dating show contestants competing for a man, cowgirl/influencer, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, slow burn, challenging comp het) - 365 pages
  
• Ice + Alligators by Angel Martinez - Kobo & Amazon - (FF, fantasy, ice fairy/alligator, ice fairy is banished to alligator's swamp, working together to defeat humans who threaten swamp) - 103 pages
  
• The 7-10 Split: A Romantic Comedy (Peach Blossom #1) by Karmen Lee - Kobo & Amazon - (FF, contemporary, rom com, second chance, enemies to lovers, Black FMCs, high school teachers and co bowling coaches, start & bring HS bowling team to victory) - 289 pages
  
• Second Night Stand by Karelia Stetz-Waters & Fay Stetz-Waters - Kobo & Amazon - (FF, contemporary, ONS to lovers, ballerina/burlesque dancer, dance troupe competition show rivals) - 334 pages
  
• A Liaison with Her Leading Lady by Lotte R. James - Kobo & Amazon - (FF, historical, playwright/theater owner, opposites attract) - 301 pages
  
• Bonded (New Eden #2) by Jessica Marting - Kobo & Amazon - (MMF, sci fi, cyborg/cyborg/human, human FMC, second chance MM, starship setting) - 186 pages
  

Other

• Unexpected You (Sapph in the City #1) by Chelsea M. Cameron - Amazon - (FF, contemporary, boss/employee, romance authodisaster assistant, ice queen MC, age gap) - 233 pages
  
• Their Human to Entice (Unit A12 #7) by Morgan Robinson - Amazon - (MMF, sci fi, alien/alien/human, established MM alien adds third human woman, mates, woman needs a mate to leave Earth) - 213 pages
  

Audiobooks

MM Romance

• Nearlywed by Nicolas DiDomizio, narrated by Michael Crouch - Amazon - (contemporary, rom com, engagement in crisis, early honeymoon to recharge, opposites attract, age gap) - 9 hrs 2 min
  
• Dangerous Recall by Tyler Anne Snell, narrated by Michael Dean - Amazon - (contemporary, bodyguard/client, mystery/suspense, murder investigation) - 5 hrs 21 min
  
• Volatile (Unlucky 13) by J.R. Gray, narrated by Tor Thom & Iggy Toma - Amazon - (contemporary, rehab resort setting, bandmates, sexual awakening, check CWs ) - 6 hrs 23 min
  
• Ghostly Findings (Ghostly #2) by E.M. Leya, narrated by Greg D. Barnett - Amazon - (paranormal, mystery/suspense, medical examinedetective, slow burn) - 6 hrs 7 min
  
• Rise (Wings 'N' Wands #2) by AJ Sherwood & Jocelynn Drake, narrated by Joel Leslie - Amazon - (MMM, fantasy, established relationship, series must be read in order, 2 dragon shifters & 1 human, set in Brasil, fated mates, magic, action/adventure) - 10 hrs 30 min
  
• The Amazing Alpha Tau Self-Improvement Project (Alpha Tau #2) by Lisa Henry & Sarah Honey, narrated by Nick J. Russo - Amazon - (contemporary, college, frat boy/nerd, boyfriend tutoring, banter) - 6 hrs 2 min
  
• Point Blank (Badlands #6) by Morgan Brice, narrated by Kale Williams - Amazon - (paranormal, established couple, series must be read in order, psychic/detective, mystery/suspense, wedding planning, ghosts) - 6 hrs 55 min
  

Other Queer Romance

• Loyalty (Halcyon Diivision #3) by E.J. Noyes, narrated by Abby Craden - Amazon - (FF, contemporary, mystery/suspense, established couple, series must be read in order, save the world by finding a secret password) - 10 hrs 5 min
  
• A Liaison with Her Leading Lady by Lotte R. James, narrated by Beatrix Ayliff - Amazon - (FF, historical, playwright/theater owner, opposites attract) - 8 hrs 56 min
  

Hello everyone. I'd like to suggest a concept of a new hero that could be added to the game.
Presenting,
Corvus, the Saboteur
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Abilities:
Passive: Strong Arm
Every 10-6 seconds (goes down with higher hero level), the Saboteur acquires a brick, up to 3 bricks. While having a brick equipped, the Saboteur's attack range expands to 5 yards, and the Saboteur attacks by throwing the brick at a target, stunning them for 20 seconds (1 second for Heroes and Hero units).
Due to extended experimentation, the Saboteur cannot gain Physical Attack from items, emblems and skin effects.
Innate Skill: Adaptive Loadout
The Saboteur can change his loadout at the base. This ability has no cooldown.
Different loadouts affect the Saboteur's active skills.
Default loadout: Holy Hand Grenade, Proximity Cloud
Depending on the Saboteur's loadout, the positions of the skills may change.
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Holy Hand Grenade: (Default 1st Skill) Mana Cost: 250 - 50 Cooldown: 30 - 24 AoE: 1.5 yards - 4.5 yards
Throws a grenade blessed by the Church of the Light, which damages enemies by 200 - 350 (+ 400% Extra Magic Defense) Magic Damage and stuns them for 1.5 - 2.5 seconds. Enemies affected by Strong Arm while stunned will be stunned for an additional 3 seconds.
If no enemies are hit, the active cooldown of this ability is reduced by 50%.
Allies affected by this grenade receive an additional 20% of their Max Mana (20 Energy if using energy).
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Proximity Cloud: (Default 2nd Skill) Mana Cost: 300 - 40 Cooldown: 50 - 30 AoE: 2.8 yards
Plants a proximity device that will release a cloud of angelic dust when triggered. Planting the device takes up to 6-5 seconds (goes down with level). Only 3 proximity devices can be planted at any time, but they last indefinitely.
Enemies within 1.2 yards of the proximity device will trigger the release of angelic dust, causing all of their attacks to miss and silencing them. This cloud of dust lasts 10 seconds. The debuff also affects allies.
After activation, proximity devices will be deactivated for 30 seconds before rearming. During this time, it will not respond to nearby enemies.
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Divine Providence: (Loadout) Mana Cost: 300 - 60 Cooldown: 60 - 50 AoE: 4 yards
Heals allies in an AoE for 300 - 800 (+ 500% Total Magic Defense) hitpoints over 5 seconds. Also dispels most negative debuffs (excluding high level control effects, such as Morph, Petrify, Suppression, Freeze, etc.).
Enemies affected by Divine Providence are stunned for 0.2 seconds and slowed by 50% for 2.2 seconds.
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Lens of True Sight: (Loadout) Mana Cost: 250 - 40 Cooldown: 35 - 20
Provides a large cone of vision up to 16 yards away, revealing hidden enemies (excluding a Concealed Natalia and Camouflaged Lesley). This cone of vision lasts 6-8 seconds.
Allies within the cone of vision will have the remaining cooldowns of their abilities accelerated by 2 (e.g. 10 seconds before LTS => 5 seconds under LTS). The effect immediately goes away when allies are no longer within the cone of vision.
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Call of the Spider-Eyed Lamb: (Loadout) Mana Cost: 0 Cooldown: 60 - 30
Bear witness to the words.
After seeing and hearing the words, the Saboteur is placed in a trance, removing control from the user while forcing the Saboteur to attack nearby enemy units in a fit of frenzy. Grants 100% (+ 20% Total Physical Defense) (+ 20% Total Magic Defense)% bonus Attack Speed, 50% (+ 10% Total Physical Defense) (+ 10% Total Magic Defense)% bonus Movement Speed, (300% Total Physical Defense) bonus attack damage for 5 seconds, but the Saboteur cannot land critical hits.
While in the trance, the Saboteur gains 25% Damage Reduction and 100 - 300 (+ 75% Extra Physical Defense) (+ 75% Extra Magic Defense) when damaged. The shield lasts until the Saboteur snaps out of the trance or dies.
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Ultimate: Tool Recharger Starting Charge: 1 Max Charges: 3 Cooldown: 1 Recharge Duration: 40 - 30 Affected by CD Reduction: Yes
Refreshes the cooldown of the 1st and 2nd Skill.
Fleeting Time reduces the remaining recharge duration instead of the actual cooldown.

As someone from the UK I’ve seen this on social media and it just seems kinda extra, My secondary school at the end of 6th form had an assembly where we all stood in the hall to watch a poorly edited PowerPoint of school photos with Ed Sheeran playing in the background. Then we all went out drinking that night.
Do they all do that, Some big dress up with gowns and hats and peoples family comes

Issey Miyake:
Right off the bat, it's citrusy but in a faint way. The citrus is there and will be there throughout but it's not overpowering any smell. It's fresh. Very fresh. Non-confrontational.
Uses: Gym, office, EDC.
Longivity: 6-7 hrs. 1-2 hrs projection and then it lingers. You catch a whip once in a while and it pleases you.
Might become my new favourite tbh. My previous was Zara 8.0. Still waiting on a decant of Lacoste White. Armaf Hunter was out of stock too. 9/10. Definitely a blind buy worthy.
Davidoff Coolwater:
Right of the bat, it smeels like Flipkart Grocery's handwash or detergent. I hated it. My sister hated it. But once it settled in, the smell became fresh and sweet. I'll describe it as that Ocean Water sugared drink. And it's unique imo. The scent.
Uses: I can see this as an EDC.
Longivity: 3 hrs at most. Projection is maybe half an hour to 1 hr.
Virdict: I can also see this scent growing on me if I use it constantly. Longivity is where it takes a hit. 6.5/10
Dior Sauvage:
The famed Dior. Right off the bat, it's strong. Almost overpowering. My friend(female) said it gave her a slight headache, lol. But once it settles in, the scent becomes subtle and pleasing and not loud. It'll attract a second look from people who brushes past you. I'll describe it like that school friend who's not flashy but the second best in everything, who's also mysterious and girls swoon over her, but he's too comfortable with himself that he doesn't care. But in a perfume way.
Uses: Evening semi-formal party with jazz in the background.
Longevity: Easy 6-7 hrs. Projection of 3 hrs where the first half hr is really strong.
Virdict: Unless I become super rich, like 50 LPA guy, Would keep a decant for occasional use. Can't see it as an EDC. 8/10
Lataffa Nebras:
Oriflame perfume. Bought a decant for my sister, she gave it back and took my YSL Y decant. 🤡🤡
Seller reviews:
u/Fragrance-Addict23: Top tier packaging, Decant bottles are just so good. Everything about him is great from communications to delivery. He was my first seller and has set an extremely high standards. His collection being limited is why I don't order from him more. I always go back to his list to see is it available from him first. Will definitely buy from him again. His recommendations are actually spot on. Can't sing enough praises. And I'm from Manipur where average delivery is 7-8 days. Dude made it happen in 3 days. He also got that firm big brother vibe who'll give you money for outings but also put you in your place if you do something stupid. 10/10
Imran: Talking to him is like talking to the girl you're interested in but she isn't. Replies takes a while. Packaging is decent, not great. His decants are the cheapest though. Communicating with him makes me feel desperate. Decant bottles can be better, especiallythe 2 ml ones. His decants are the cheapest though. So that's a big plus. And I think he's a seller, so that's another big plus.6.5/10. If you priorities communication and is an anxious person, not the guy. If you're a "chalta hai" guy, go for him.

I know a lot of people are talking about her recreating the Bejeweled music video in her relationship with Travis but she’s obviously doing Blank Space too. Not a new thought but worth diving more into.
Travis says it’s his favorite song. The Lake Como Villa looks a lot like the one in the Blank Space MV. I was also realizing that at the end of the MV, the next guy/PR relationship shows up in a red convertible which reminded me a lot of the convertible we first see them get into after the first football game she attended.
The lyrics of Blank Space fit so well. I’ve got my thoughts below. What else do you all see?
———-
Nice to meet you, where you been? I could show you incredible things Magic, madness, heaven, sin Saw you there and I thought "Oh, my God, look at that face You look like my next mistake Love's a game, wanna play?" Ay

Taylor chooses her next beard - this time it’s Travis. Love’s a game, wanna play? Might as well pick a football player to make the game analogy more obvious. She can show him amazing things. Make his Hollywood dreams come true.

—
New money, suit and tie I can read you like a magazine

Travis is the epitome of new money, suit & tie with his flamboyant dressing style. Pin stripe three piece suits, etc. She can read him like a magazine because he’s not deep enough to be a book.

—
Ain't it funny? Rumors fly And I know you heard about me So hey, let's be friends

Travis goes on his podcast and talks about wanting to give her a friendship bracelet (lol) causing rumors to fly.

—
I'm dying to see how this one ends Grab your passport and my hand I can make the bad guys good for a weekend

Travis says how they are planning to travel all over Europe together this summer during Eras. Get that passport ready Buddy.

—
So it's gonna be forever Or it's gonna go down in flames You can tell me when it's over, mm If the high was worth the pain Got a long list of ex-lovers They'll tell you I'm insane 'Cause you know I love the players And you love the game

Is it going to be worth it Travis? We know you love the game.

—
'Cause we're young, and we're reckless We'll take this way too far

Will they actually get engaged? Will they get married? How far will they take it?

—
It'll leave you breathless, mm Or with a nasty scar Got a long list of ex-lovers They'll tell you I'm insane But I've got a blank space, baby And I'll write your name

Travis’s favorite song? She blows him a kiss during this song? C’mon

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Cherry lips, crystal skies I could show you incredible things Stolen kisses, pretty lies You're the King, baby, I'm your Queen

I feel So High School. Almost like Tayvis is Homecoming King & Queen right? Stolen kisses backstage, on a boat in Italy… it’s true, swear, scouts honor.

—
Find out what you want Be that girl for a month

Travy wants a WAG, right? Taylor says bet, I can be the Waggiest Wag to ever Wag. I’ll drape myself in Chiefs gear and show up to every game. She can be that girl for a while…

—
Wait, the worst is yet to come, oh, no Screaming, crying, perfect storms I can make all the tables turn

Until she drops TTPD. Completely about an ex. She’s screaming, she’s crying, she’s craaaaaaazy. Wait where did the fun, bubbly WAG go?

—
Rose garden filled with thorns Keep you second guessing like "Oh, my God, who is she?" I get drunk on jealousy But you'll come back each time you leave 'Cause, darling, I'm a nightmare dressed like a daydream

Stories come out about how she can’t bear to be without him. She’s insecure, maybe jealous? Photos show them looking sad, bored, over it. Is the daydream starting to feel like a nightmare?

—
Boys only want love if it's torture Don't say I didn't, say I didn't warn ya Boys only want love if it's torture Don't say I didn't, say I didn't warn ya

Don’t say she didn’t warn you Travis. You already know, babe.

Hey guys, I have a problem that I guess is somewhere between a table dispute and a technical question. And it may not be directly a D&D problem, but this group gives such good advice and I am most comfortable talking about social conflicts within the realm of DND.
I started playing in the late 1970s with the original three books. I’ve come and gone from the hobby over the years. I don’t really like the Forever DM label, but I’ve started the lean into it because I realize that, aside from convention games where I sign up for a session, I’m just not gonna get anybody else to DM. But that’s not my problem.
I’m also quite often the oldest player at the table. I think that in someways kind of makes me the table parent or scout leader or whatever. Because we often play at my place I got in the habit of providing snacks. Sometimes it’s just chips and salsa. Sometimes I’ll bake some oatmeal cookies or something like that.
Now over the years there have been a few times when players have had specific food allergies or religious requirements or just preferences. I’ve done my best to take that into account. I think I’m pretty good at communicating usually, that’ll be part of a session 0, or I’ll talk to an individual player if they’re joining an existing group. it’s not overboard, it’s not like I have them fill out a form or anything, but over the years I have learned to ask certain basic questions about halal, kosher, vegan, pescatarian, gluten, nuts. So I have a good handle on that. I like the challenge of working within constraints.
At one point, we had a new player join the table for my Wednesday night game. To set some context, every party has its own tone and limits. My personal limits are pretty tame so it’s not like anything really wild is happening. The Wednesday night table specifically has no PVP actions; any weird backstory or side story stuff has to be negotiated; and kind of PG-13 level of humor and interaction. No explicit sex or gory violence.
This new player joins and he shows up with a character sheet for a hex blade warlock named Warc*ck. Unless you think I am Bowdlerizing the name, that’s exactly how they spelled it — with the asterisk. And they insisted that it was pronounced “Warrick”. Keep in mind we are all in the USA but many of us are fans of UK entertainment and so we have fun with names like Worcestershire and Cockburn and so this actually was funny to me.
HEY, if you are Warc*ck or anybody in the same group, or really if anybody recognizes who I am at this point, you should stop reading because there are spoilers.
(OK now that they’re not reading I should say that there aren’t any GAME spoilers but I do I want to talk honestly about the players at my table so I feel like now it’s safe to do so)
I was nervous that this Warcck was going to be the sort of person that can really mess up the dynamics and be the center of attention, but I put it to the group, and it turned out ok. Warcck is important to the issue but let me get back to them. Also they don’t have any dietary restrictions. I asked.
So I decided that I was going to really go all out for the last session we had before breaking for the holidays. This would have been late 2022, so post pandemic. I decided to go all out for a holiday meal. I got a Kurabota ham which was amazing, fresh made mashed potatoes, gravy, a sweet potato casserole, and the obligatory green beans that nobody ever eats. It was a big hit. We made situationally appropriate toasts and told tales of battles past and it was awesome.
Obviously I couldn’t do this for all four of my weekly sessions, one of which happens at a local game store anyway, but word got around and apparently some people were a little jealous. Instead of coming to me directly, some of the players started talking amongst themselves and comparing notes, and next thing I know, I have people from the other three nights approaching me and asking me if the Wednesday group is my favorite group, and if they’ve done anything to me, and stuff like that.
We have a meta discord and it just happens to be the day before Valentine’s Day 2023. To complicate things, the group that meets at the game store includes my ex. They also play a hexblade warlock, although that’s not directly pertinent to the story, but I think it’s interesting how many people gravitate towards that. Now my ex knows that one of my secrets is, I actually gave up eating pork a decade ago. I’m worried that they’re going to bring that up as evidence of my hypocrisy, that I’m willing to sit down with my favorite table and eat a nice big old slice of ham.
Fortunately, I was able to resolve all that by talking to people.
It did come up that I was letting the Sunday matinee group use some homebrew content and the Adventurer League Tuesday table was super snarky. But that’s another post for another day.
Also my ex never brought up my pork abstinence. I feel like I could defend it if I needed to, but it just seemed like that would’ve been the last straw when we were talking about favoritism and all the other things.
But now we come to the problem.
Fast forward to December 2023, and I decided to repeat the holiday meal idea. Only this year money is a little tight and I don’t go for the Kurabota. I got a pretty good Costco ham that I’ve had success with in the past. I have a great glaze recipe that involves orange juice concentrate, brown sugar, pickle, ginger, and this amazing cherry essence that’s mostly used by candy makers so if you can’t find it any normal place see if there’s a chocolate making supply store in your city. Or Michael’s has it.
If anybody wants the recipe let me know and I’ll put it in the comments.
Warning: the next paragraph contains graphic descriptions of undigested meat.
Anyway, dinner was going great and everybody was going just fine when suddenly Warc*ck stands up and starts gesturing. At first, I think they’re trying to be funny or make a toast, but pretty soon it becomes clear from the desperate look on their face and the gestures that they’re having a medical emergency. Now none of us at the table have ever done the Heimlich maneuver, but we’ve all heard of it, so we take turns scrambling around trying to get in position to do it. Eventually, they self-Heimlich on the back one of the chairs and out plops the mostly awful looking gristly wet pink chunk of Costco ham.
After a few minutes, everybody seems fine and they’re kind of joking about it, but absolutely nobody wants to pick up this chunk of ham. we make about using spells to do it, but eventually, of course it comes down to me, as the parent, to clean up the mess. So everybody leaves and I am cleaning up the mess. It makes me a little upset.
So I had a conversation over discord later and instead of talking about why everyone just bailed, Warc*ck has complaints. We should have helped sooner. There should have been more beverages on the table than just sparkling cider because sparkling cider is not great for washing down food. And most importantly, the Costco ham was not suitable. It was wet and gooey and borderline disgusting. And meanwhile, I’m thinking, you couldn’t wait to get that ham down your neck! You actually choked because you were so eager to ham into your gullet!! I was raised at beggars can’t be choosers and that if you want the expensive ham may offer to kick in next time.
Well, by now, everybody else has joined the discord, and, although it takes some coaxing, EVERY person has some complaint about the meal. II don’t know if I mentioned it, but the Wednesday table is rather large. Seven players. I will say that one thing they all agree on is that the glaze is in impeccable. Let me know if you guys want the recipe for the glaze.
We finally get partway through the conversation and Warc*ck snaps, says “pigs are intelligent and more caring that you guys!” and drops the call. And now one of the other players who barely spoke up, mentions that they too were uncomfortable with the ham. Not as pork but because it was so pink and bland and wet that it looked like fake meat. And now everybody’s chiming in with all these things that they never brought up before, and one of them even starts joking that it looks like synthetic human flesh.
Meanwhile, I’m thinking, I only did this for you guys. I don’t even eat pork most of the year. And of course did any of them demand that I make a ham? No, I’ve volunteered to do that. Was I being self indulgent? Self-destructive? I couldn’t be mad at them for a decision I made without any question.
I feel like a bad DM. I hang up the group call. I text ALL my tables that I need two weeks off.
And this brings me to the essential query for the group hive mind.
Has anybody here had luck with cooking a Costco ham in a way that gives it a drier texture? Not dedicated but less … wet? Should I just not tent it? Should I go for lower heat and longer in the oven? I used to worry that it would dry out, but this ham has such a high water content.
Thanks for your help.

Deadline: May 31, 2024
Amount: $1,500
Description:

• Must be enrolled in an accredited school, college, or university;
• Must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 (Please attach a PDF copy of your transcript for verification);
• Must be a high school senior; or college freshman, sophomore, or junior;
• Must be majoring in or planning to major in an environmental science, environmental studies, biology, or engineering;
• Must be a United States citizen or legal resident.
• Must submit essay in PDF format.

APPLY HERE!
--
Best of Luck!

Hi everyone,
I’m testing on August 17th, and my goal score is to get anywhere between a 500-505. The school I’m applying for recommends getting a 500 and seems to emphasize CARS even though there are no cut offs.
My half-length BP diagnostic was a 488, but my focus wasn’t totally there (first time ever being exposed to what the MCAT actually tests like as well as interface).
I haven’t taken any tests since then, just been working my way through gen chem/bio books, practising CARS and doing psych/soc flash cards on the side (i’m a psych major so that’s my stronger area).
Looking for any tips as a first time tester on how to break a 500, what high yield things would you recommend knowing, what can I use to do practise questions besides UWhirl (too expensive for me and would rather get AAMC materials) and when I should start AAMC stuff like q packs and section banks. I‘ve seen people say 5-6 weeks from your test day!
Thank you!!

Dear UCL Student,
My name is Luxiao Liu. I am a master student at University College London in the Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources undertaking research into UCL Students’ Preference for Seafood Options, under the supervision of Silvia Ferrini.
I’m asking people who study at UCL aged 18 or older to take part in my research. This would involve completing an online questionnaire that will take about 10-15 minutes of your time. Your responses will be kept completely confidential and anonymous, and we are seeking a diverse range of backgrounds to enrich our findings.
If you might be interested in taking part, please click on the following link: https://qualtrics.ucl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_bx6HoGj0lhgoEe2 to see further details and decide whether or not to take part. Your timely response would be greatly appreciated. If you find this study relevant, please feel free to share the survey link with other UCL students. Your help in spreading the word to a broader student audience would be immensely appreciated
Your timely response and participation would be greatly appreciated and would significantly contribute to the success of my dissertation. Thank you for considering this opportunity to impact research at UCL.
Kind Regards,
Luxiao Liu
Supervisor: Silvia Ferrini

This sub underrates the importance of lay prestige and overall name recognition. There may be a few niche industries where employers are "in the know" that Booth, Kellogg, Darden, and maybe Ross are amazing excellent schools. These include management consulting, investment banking, some tech etc. Geographical proximity to a school also boots its regional prestige.
But outside of that, the vast majority of Americans and workers in companies will "rank" based off of lay prestige. Harvard and Stanford are good in this regard, as they have strong lay prestige and actual prestige. But Yale is just below them, even though it's not an M7 school. The parent university reputation matters a lot more than people think, because you can also tap into the broader school network.
Wharton isn't something everyone's heard of, despite its high ranking. UPenn might as well be a state school to some people and not an Ivy League. Some people may confuse it with Penn State.
No one in real life associates Kellogg with an MBA program or Northwestern, they think it's a cereal. Lots of people also don't know University of Chicago is a good school and may view it as a state school.
Outside of the Southwest, University of Virginia has low name recognition and lay prestige. UMich is primarily seen as a football and sports school.
Meanwhile, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Columbia, MIT, Dartmouth, etc., are nationally renowned brands. Georgetown is a T25 MBA, but its viewed by the lay population to be extremely prestigious and punches above its weight. Even U Texas at Austin is well known nationally.
NYU isn't perceived as having a very top tier MBA program by most Americans, they primarily view it as a fun undergrad school because you're living in NYC. Having a famous name brand MBA like Harvard also gives you geographical flexibility for your career and personal life anywhere in the US and even globally, since everyone's heard of and reveres Harvard.
This matters because outside of a few prestige industries, the less your MBA's actual prestige matters and the more your lay prestige does. Most people won't be in MBB forever, they'll pivot out to a tech company or F500 in a strategy role. Same with investment bankers going into industry for corporate finance. It's better there to go to Columbia than Booth or Kellogg as people will "know" what those schools are. If you go to a well known top school like Stanford, it'll help you get promoted into leadership versus Booth or Kellogg.
In personal life, for social reasons, people will regard you much better if you went to Harvard or Columbia or even UC Berkeley for your MBA than Booth or Darden. It'll help a lot more with dating on the dating apps, and also people being impressed in general during social conversations. This matters more than you think - people are attractive to heuristics of success, and a top MBA is one of them. But you won't benefit if no one's heard of your MBA even if it's great! Some ethnicities also place more of a premium on prestige and having recognizable brands your resume matter.
This is also why I chose to work at Google over a tech startup that offered me higher comp and pay. The social benefits of telling people you work at Google are huge. I can go on international trips and meet strangers who are wowed that I work at Google and look impressed. That matters more than you think. There's a thing called the barbecue test, which is if you share your company at a barbecue, how will others react? Will they even know your company?
Google passes the barbecue test. Harvard passes the barbecue test. Citadel LLC does not pass the barbecue test, neither does Kellogg MBA. Google will award way more exit opps than the startup choice I had, which is why I took that and the famous name brand MBA over an obscure esoteric M7.

A racing blockchain game that features Formula One racing set in a futuristic world. The game is developed by Gyros Studios and powered by Unreal and Unity engines. Currently in its Alpha version, R Games incorporates precise engineering, artificial intelligence, and a player-centric economic model. The game is available on both PC and mobile platforms.
GAMEPLAY
R Games introduces a racing universe where players can engage in different racing modes, each offering various challenges and rewards. The game's custom vehicle design feature allows for a personalized racing experience, enabling players to modify and upgrade their vehicles to suit their racing style.
Players can earn through diverse activities like developing content, competing in races, or even watching events within the game. The Alpha version of R Games is accessible to all, providing a sneak peek into its dynamic racing ecosystem. With the transition to the Beta version, the game will introduce NFTs as essential elements, including consumables and game assets like vehicles, which are pivotal for competing in races and unlocking the game's full potential.
At its core, R Games is a gaming platform. It provides an array of gaming modes, from the high-octane Formula R mode to challenging off-road truck adventures. The game allows players to create, interact, and trade in-game assets as NFTs, all enhanced by AI. This fusion of elements aims to deliver not only a deeply engaging gaming experience but also opportunities for players to earn through various in-game activities.
To start playing R Games, new players need to acquire NFTs, either from Initial NFT Offerings (INO) or the marketplace. Once equipped with the necessary NFTs, players can download the game, connect their wallets, and embark into the electrifying world of R Games racing, where strategy, skill, and speed are of the utmost importance.
Token Information
R Games is supported by its native token, RGAME, which plays a central role in the game's economy. Operating on both the BSC and Solana networks, RGAME facilitates in-game transactions, allowing players to buy upgrades, NFTs, and other essential items. As the governing token, it empowers the community, giving players a voice in the game's development and feature updates, ensuring a democratic and evolving gameplay experience.
Players can earn RGAME through various activities within the game, such as participating in races, tournaments, and weekly leaderboards, or by engaging in competitive matches. This economic model not only enhances the gaming experience but also provides a tangible reward system, encouraging continued engagement and community growth.
Website: https://r-games.tech/

I'm taking our son on a road trip this weekend for my cousin's daughter's high school graduation out of state.
Our "baby" will be 7 in July.
I am so excited! Obviously, I love my husband, but I do like to have mommy/son time every now and then. It's only a long weekend and I can't wait to hit the road.
I'm packing today. I have several Minecraft books downloaded on Audible for us (him). Road snacks are ready to go. Drinks are in the fridge ready to be loaded in an iced cooler.
He'll get to hang out with his cousins while I hang out with mine. I'm kind of excited to share an air mattress with him at my grandma's house (his great-grandma) for 4 nights. Of course, who actually knows, between the grandparents, the cousins, and the aunts/uncles - we could very easily end up sleeping in different houses the entire time.
He's old enough for that now. He can spend the night without us and be fine. We don't have to worry about pull-ups or anything.
Long story short, this is the epitome of happy travel with an only! And I wouldn't have it any other way.

(Title is supposed to say UNTIL 26)
I’m 20 and was recently speaking with a former high school classmate of mine. She was saying how she’s nervous about having to pay for her parent’s health insurance since she’s been taken off of it. I was very confused because she just graduated high school last year. I told her how she should be able to stay on her parents health insurance until she’s 26. I asked if her parents were the ones who took her off and she said no, the health insurance company did it.
I was so confused because I was always told you can stay on a parent’s health insurance unto you’re 26. I spoke to my mom and she says that is only if you are enrolled in college during that whole time is when you can stay on until 26 and that I will probably be taken off my dad’s insurance once I graduate college (I graduate at 21). I’ve never heard of such a thing before. Does anyone know what’s going on here? Am I good to stay on until 26?

So I'm getting married in a few weeks. I have appointments set up to start (mtf) HRT this summer. My (almost) wife has known for over a year and is very supportive, but I am only out to 3 other people at the event and with the amount of extended family there I don't plan to draw any attention to it.
I just want to know if anyone has suggestions on how I can feel a little more connected to the day, instead of just feeling like I'm kind of pretending the whole time. I'd especially like to be able to look back at this 5, 10, 30 years into my transition and still feel like it was me your know?
The ceremony is non denominational and we picked gender neutral wording where we thought we could get away with it but there's just so much gendered about the day. The roles and order of things, needing to wear a suit etc... My defence mechanism has always been to not try with my looks etc. to make it easier not to care, but I just can't do that here. The event is so significant and the wardrobe and everything else has been planned for months there's no fooling myself lol.

This is not any kind of complete love story with any complete ending it's just collection of few incidents. I am just writing it on the run. I am using dummy name for her let's call her Shree.
So story starts in 7th standard I guess. Once day an aunty approached me while I was going for tution class that she wants to talk to my tuition teacher regarding admission of her daughter because their family recently got shifted to our near by society and while I go for tuition probably she might have seen me.
So from here story starts, next day Aunty was with her daughter "Shree" she introduced me with her and we went to tution as usual she was walking a little far behind us ( me and bro ) and following us to the tution because she didn't know the path but Idk what I had no feeling for her with first sight. Like for a month or two she was attending tution with us we almost never talked to each other because I am very shy person and same with her.
After that vacation started and I went to Mama ke ghar and idk what happened I stated to see her in my dreams like playing badminton in our society compound and talking with her so much and she was always cheering and happy in my dream I slightly thought about it that I might like her and eventually started falling for her.
Incident - 1 I started developing very little little feeling for her and one fine day I she came to me with some project work/ model she wanted to create a solar system with toys 😂 idk what was she expecting and she described the project so so un realistic with those material. I brutally told her that it's not possible like this ( I had no communication skills but I really liked her ).
Incident - 2 We used to play games in compound we have a common society compound ( very complex to understand ) and it was her bday she gifted me and all other kinds "Kaccha Mango" it was very special for me I exactly remember she gave me 3 and I kept in hidden pocket of my school bag and never ever ate it after like 1.5 years Chitiya ( Ant ) aa gai bag mai and I had to throw them I was very upset because like after 1 year of this "gift"(kaccha mango) her family shifted somewhere else it was her first and last gift to me.
Incident - 3 Once we were playing Hide and Seek ( Dabba is Spice idk what it's translation in english ) "Shree" , I and one small kid hide at same place. I saw her so very closely ( not in creepy manner ) her brown eyes was like coconut 😂. I was feeling that time should stop and I can see her indefinitely. If I try to describe more about her I have to make another post so leave it and back to the story. We exchange few words about our study nothing more and I tried to peek and see the status of the compound for the guy who was after us to find us and she told don't take a peek to me and as an obedient friend I instantly pulled back my head and it hit so hard in the corner of the wall that it instantly started to bleed. She started to get panic but I was very calm and said nothing happened to me ( I knew I was bleeding but still I wanted to spend more time with her 🫠). After that neighborhood of that building came and my parents and took me to hospital and I got stitches. While on my way and getting stitches all I was thinking was about her that she must be very scared because of this incident. After this incident Shree never came to compound to play with us.
Incident - 4 We totally lost each other's contact after she shifted another where then I saw in same complex where I was going to tution ( new tution not the older where we were together we changed in 9th standard and she before 9th ) and saw her in the stairs of the tution and I asked her "Do You remember me ?" Shree "No I don't" *Traumatic Background music player inside my heart - "Chann se jo toote sapna ...." * After like 5 seconds she laughed ( her smile was so so so much cute 🫠😭 ) and said " Obviously I remember you " and we exchanged our last smile with each other.
I was scared of proposing her because I had literally 0.1 female interaction with anyone in my entire life and she was "Jain" so I thought she might tell her parents 😭 and never dared to purpose her. I still Miss her a lot and currently don't have any idea or contacts where can I find her but if "Shree" is reading this just i wanted to talk to you ( not going to propose you 😭😂💀 ) just " How are you? "😭
That's it guys that you for reading this I know it's not any well structured story but just my feelings. Thank you all for reading this much lots of love.

Hey everyone,
Wife and I are considering moving to Chicago in the next couple of years. We visited for the first time a couple years ago and fell in love, and we've been back several times since. We'll probably move and rent for a while and if all goes smoothly then look at buying. I'm looking for recommendations on neighborhoods to check out/consider.
Requirements:

• Safe (within reason, obviously it's a big city)
• Walkable/transit accessible
• Schools and parks/family friendly (we'll most likely be moving with a new kid)
• Not too far out from the Loop (max distance would probably be like Logan Square)
• Not ridiculously expensive (we have goods jobs but we're still working people and we're in a city with lower cost of living right now)

Bonus points:

• Walking distance to an L station
• Bike lanes and/or nearby trails

We've already looked at some neighborhoods but I'd really like to hear from folks who actually live in Chicago. Any help is appreciated!

This movie was foundational to my personality in middle/high school. I could've recited at least half the movie to you, easy. What number prostitute was she? Do not check, go with your gut if you have to but maybe you clearly remember.