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nreimers

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reddit_question_best_answers

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[ { "body": "my xbox is softmoded, and retains all original functionality, so you could just go with one of those.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Not sure about premarital sex, but I know studies have been done on the effects of cohabitation before marriage. The jury is still out, but there are indications of negative impact. Here's one: \n\nhttp://cyber.gwc.cccd.edu/faculty/sisonio/timing.pdf", "score": 4 }, { "body": " If you got married the traditional way and you and your partner were virgins who then stayed monogamous... you would associate sex with that marriage. Sex then becomes a bonus of BEING MARRIED, instead of just another activity that anyone can do. Once those things are lumped together in your mind it becomes just a little bit harder to give up on the marriage. \n That being said, I think that in today's society this idea is completely outdated. It just doesn't seem to apply any more. Sex is just sex these days.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "My opinion is you need to have pre marital sex. Especially if you plan on marrying that person. Sexual 'compatibility' is a big issue. What if you love this girl, but she TERRIBLE in bed? You're going to seek sex elsewhere!", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "I am running a GTS 250 w/ 1GB of RAM and it runs it like a champ. 35 FPS in Dalaran with everything maxed @1920x1200 resolution.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Stopping watching TV is the single best thing you can do to improve your mind and your life. It hurts for a while - like getting off smack, you know - but then the sense of utter liberation is breathtaking.\n\nIt's been 12 years now.", "score": 31 }, { "body": "Here is a tip for next year...Instead of watching other people celebrate the New Year, go out and CELEBRATE the New Year!", "score": 14 }, { "body": "Quick question: Where have you been for the past few decades? This post could be applied to so many aspects of American life.", "score": 8 }, { "body": "Univision is American TV. It's headquarters are in New York City and it is produced almost entirely in Miami.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "I don't know if it's fair to take a shot at our shaking, stroke-voiced icon Dick Clark here. Dick Clark rocks out the New Year in Times Square because it's -- for all intents and purposes -- the symbolic heart of America. The ball dropping in New York is iconic.\n\nYou can't really blame Dick for Nivea setting up stalls and yelling \"Hey you guy without a hat tonight, how would you like a thermally insulated mad hatter cap to ring in the new year?\" The people in the square are drunk as shit and somebody is offering them a free hat.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Completely ignored the celebration on the TV this year. This is my fourth year of college and I usually spend the New Year's Eve with parents, I decided that I should get my buddies all together to spend a New Year before we all go our separate ways. 20 minutes of frantic texting, $100 worth of fireworks from Alabama, and $120 worth of Tequila, beer, rum, champagne made for one of the best times of my life. That's really all you need to have a good time.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Firefly for sure, Futurama is always funny to me at least (some people don't like the Simpsons/Fox influence, but meh), Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champluu if you're into Anime at all (and even if you're not truthfully), Aqua Teen Hunger Force\r\n\r\nI'm trying to think of ones you'd like based on ones you've watched, dunno how well I did though", "score": 21 }, { "body": "* The Office (BBC) \r\n* Spaced \r\n* Black Books \r\n* Blackadder (Series 1-4) \r\n* Fawlty Towers \r\n* Community\r\n", "score": 10 }, { "body": "* Buffy \n* Angel \n* Star Trek the Next Generation \n* Cheers \n* Sports Night\n* True Blood\n* 30 Rock\n* Hustle", "score": 8 }, { "body": "- Six Feet Under\n- Queer as Folk (I only saw the American version but heard that the UK version is also good)\n- Dexter\n- Weeds\n- Hill Street Blues", "score": 7 }, { "body": "The Shield \n\nStar Trek Deep Space Nine - The first couple of seasons are kind of meh, but it gets really good after that.\n\nFarscape", "score": 3 }, { "body": "IMO The League is probably the funniest show on TV right now. Besides that, I'm gonna suggest Freaks and Geeks too, one of the most underrated shows of all time.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Stronghold 1 and Stronghold Crusader are wonderful, the rest are shit.\n\nDungeon Keeper 1 and 2 are great. I wish someone would re-do it or come out with DK3", "score": 4 }, { "body": "Rampart for NES... greatest castle and defense game of all time... been looking for a flash port for 2 years now.", "score": 4 } ]

[ { "body": "Not my lips, but I do chew on the insides of the cheeks, it's gotten so bad that I have a line on the inside of each cheek of callous skin. It helps me concentrate.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "I started a new session just as I saw this submission.\n\nI do it for pruning purposes I suppose, those little flaps of dead skin piss me off.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Gotta get some crazy lip balm. Burt's bees shit. Then instead of biting them, you kinda rub them together, which is slightly better. And no bleeding lips or crap like that", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "I shall never, ever understand why Christians think eternal life of *any* kind is something desirable. Never.\n\nOh wait, yes I will. I remember now. It's because they're stupid fuckers with horribly limited and childish imaginations.", "score": 12 }, { "body": "he probably has gone off the deep end, worried about his own mortality, these things sometimes happen when someone grows older, you know ‘life crisis’ and all. \n\n\nOffice Space FUCKING AWESOME!", "score": 6 } ]

[ { "body": "Doesn't kill, doesn't wound, doesn't maim. But I'll tell you what it does do: it is *very* good at opening doors.", "score": 12 }, { "body": "Its the 'god in a box' of tools. when the plot makers get stuck they can just whip out the sonic screwdriver to fix their plot holes. Hey, who has to be logical, creative, or follow reality when one tool bypasses all that! Its the tool of a lazy writer (However I still love Dr Who and the plots)", "score": 5 }, { "body": "Well, as I remember, the laser screwdriver is an improvement on it, so there must be quite a few things it can't do.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "Be used as a hand grenade?\n\nOne thing I didn't get, Jack had this awesome Sonic Device in the episode with the creepy mask Children...Why didn't the Doctor just go to the time period were the tools were being sold and acquire one?? ", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Yeah I'm really sick of it. I'd love to see it get lost again or else revert back to something a lot more simple. At least nobody has suggesting \"reversing the polarities\" in the new Doctor so far.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "I'm 28, and I have a Rifts game every two weeks. Up until the beginning of summer last year, (Man that feels weird to say!), I also was playing D&D once a week, but it was with a student club at a local university, and they let out for the summer. None of the new games they started up after that worked out (mostly time conflicts).\n\nAs for the crux of your question, it doesn't seem to me that it's that you're too old to be playing, it sounds more like you're too busy to be playing. If you only once in a while have a chance to glance at the books, then yes, perhaps a weekly gaming session might be a bit much. Any sort of recurring event that involves other people is something you need to be able to make time for. You don't want to be the guy that people are placing bets at to whether or not you show up.\n\nAnyways, no, you're not too old to play D&D. Gygax was 35 when he co-wrote the dang thing. ", "score": 5 }, { "body": "Age 46, every friday. started when i was 13, D&D, RoleMaster, Ars Magica and bit of other stuff. Used to play a lot more.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "I'm 36 and I game every chance I get. Unfortunately, I have no regular group since I moved to this little town but I've since turned to CRPG's and online gaming to get my fix. I started when I was 12 and it's remained my favorite hobby throughout my life. So obviously, no, I don't think you're too old to game but I might just be a little biased.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "I'm also 37. Love the books. I *do* get a change to play dnd 4e and D20 modern with a group of friends. It's our poker night!", "score": 3 }, { "body": "34 \nHavn't played much D&D in the last couple months, but I've been running a game once or twice a month for the last year or so.\n\nI've also been playing quite a bit of Dark Heresy.\n\nOther than that...LOTS and lots of tabletop mini wargames. Usually once a week for up to 6 or 7 hours.\n\n", "score": 3 }, { "body": "40! in about 30 minutes anyhow. \n\ni only play with one other person, but we try to play every week for a few hours over skype. that's all we got. i'm trying to get locals interested, but i'm not willing to play with total strangers yet.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Just watched Shortbus. It's a shame we aren't watching it on Sunday. It is such a cool and unique movie.\n\nEDIT: On the other hand, Synecdoche, New York is Ebert's movie of the decade. An acceptable choice. ", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Well, some people get all the new things that come out regardless of what they are. Another thing is that the e-books a lot of the times are cheaper than physical books. In addition, for a college person like myself, instead of carrying hella books in hand/backpack, you just have 1 small and light object to carry. I personally don't own or want one, but those are probably some reasons to which people would see it fit.", "score": 10 }, { "body": "Not trying to be a smartass, but people said some of the same things about MP3 players. I do have a Kindle, and I do typically read 3-5 books at a time.\n\nThe Kindle is at it's best when you are traveling. If you are a traveler and a reader almost is impossible to beat.\n\nQuestion to OP, do you read for leisure quite a bit?", "score": 8 }, { "body": "There's nothing wrong with giving consumers the choice of reading books in either physical or digital form. When they started creating audio versions of books, I'm sure someone said \"Why would you need to LISTEN to a book, books are for reading!\" Turns out, there was a market for both, imagine that!", "score": 5 }, { "body": "I don't think it's for everybody, but it's a great tool for some of us. \n\nI am a bookworm. I own hundreds of books. Of course, there are many that sit on my shelf for years untouched, but there are others that I go back to and consult from time to time. And it's hard for me to predict whether or not I'll want/need to re-read or consult an old book in the future. Whenever I've done a purging, I've regretted it. There's one book I've gotten rid of and then bought again three times. \n\nWhat sucks is that I live in a in a small NYC apartment. My bookshelves are all doubled (books behind books). I am out of room. \n\nThe city affects me in another way: I ride the subway for over an hour every day. It's major reading time for me. And yet I have to stand and hold onto a pole with one had. As awesome and simple as books are, they're not not great for one-handed operation. You need a hand to hold them and another hand to turn the page. The Kindle is easy to operate with one hand.\n\nAnd, yes, I read multiple books \"at once.\" At any given time, I'm usually reading three books. Sometimes more. I'm always reading a novel; I'm usually reading a non-fiction book for pleasure; and I'm also reading a non-fiction book for work. I really enjoy picking up whichever of those three I feel like in the moment.\n\nI've always read that way. Before the Kindle I just carried three or four books around with me all the time. It sucked to have to lug all those books around with me.\n\nI'm sure printed books will always be part of my life. But reading is so integral to who I am that I welcome any device that makes it easier or cheaper. ", "score": 5 }, { "body": "The ebook reader my girlfriend and I own solved one huge problem for me: \n\n**How the hell to read when you are laying on your side??**\n\nI hate having to use the squished in arm to turn pages, plus if you're reading hardcover, the book will get heavy after awhile. This way, there are no \"pages\" to turn, so you're always reading the easy to read page, and you can do it laying on either side. \n\n", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "I know you don't want to use a web app, but I really like mint. It tracks everything for me, and it is always with me when I travel. ", "score": 5 }, { "body": "well, i came here to make a joke but no-one has posted the setup yet, so i'll do it:\n\n guy1: my wife.\n guy2: i also use his wife!\n guy3: yeah, but what do you do for your finances?", "score": 5 } ]

[ { "body": "this is the same as motion sickness and is very common- it happens when your eyes and inner ear disagree on what your body is doing. \nher eyes tell her she's moving- running through a forest or whatever- her inner ear structures tell her she's sitting on a sofa quite still.\nthis makes her feel sick-\nif it was someone in a car the answer is to sit in the front seat and look directly out the window so there is no sensory conflict- not sure how to combat it with video games- maybe she should sit further from the tv- or off to one side", "score": 7 } ]

[ { "body": "[6] I think it's about a balance between privacy and permission. It's your call to put something up on facebook for the world (or, whoever you let see with privacy settings) to see, it's not when CCTV's cap you on the corner rolling a fattie. \n\nIt is a funny thought though.", "score": 18 }, { "body": "[6] For me it's an issue of it shifting the citizen/government power balance too far toward the government side. It makes any type of disobedience closer to being impossible, and a government that knows it can't be overthrown is a very frightening thing.", "score": 5 } ]

[ { "body": "Usually has to do with low field-of-view. You say it's the worst in vents, where most games reduce their FOV so that you don't see all 3 walls of the vent... but for motion sensitive people, I guess not having that frame of reference makes them feel like their body is disoriented.\n\nMany games today are very dynamic with their FOV (Batman AA is one of them), and few will let you set it statically. Dunno what you can do but that's the main cause of it.", "score": 12 }, { "body": "The only 3d game that ever gave me motion sickness was Descent. \n \nOf course, the screen has something to do with it as well. I played Descent on a \n17-inch CRT, but it's probably easier with larger 20+ inch LCDs.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "the only 3d fps that gave me serious motion sickness was the Opensource game [Warsow](http://www.warsow.net/)\n\nThe whole game is vents and tubes and it's 'fast-paced', bunny-hopping is a required skill. Check out their trailer. ", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Sounds like a hernia (I had one). Find another doc, and ask for a hernia check. He'll ask you to drop your pants and he'll check your scrotum (with a latex glove) by pushing through it on your intestinal wall, checking for weakness. A $10,000 surgery later (insurance paid for most) and it was fixed and I never had any problems.", "score": 7 }, { "body": "You have a hernia. I had one except it seems much worse. Then again, I had it when I was four.\n\nYour doctor is an idiot. Go get it fixed, then sue him. He needs to be sued because he did his job so poorly that it kept you in pain for 5-6 months. And I will soon be (hopefully) a physician.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "you should see a doctor, you may have an inguinal herniation, that is my recommendation as a doctor. I read down there that some members of your family had hernias at the same age. Risk is higher if family members had hernias.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Depends. How hard is she squeezing?\n\n\nSeriously tho- see a uralogist & switch to briefs (if ok with doc).", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Hmmm, well I have curly hair (not as curly as yours though) so here's my two cents: 1) Get a suitable haircut. This is the foundation. Go to a good salon, pay the extra money and explain what you want to the stylist. They can add layers to your hair and thin it out a little. They can also cut it into a shape that will grow out well. They'll also be able to recommend products that suit your hair type which leads me to 2) Get the right type of Shampoo and Conditioner. You'll probably also want some leave-in conditioner or something similar so your hair doesn't go all frizzy. I am currently in love with the line of [Be Curly products by Aveda](http://www.aveda.com/templates/products2/mpp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY14404) 3) Get a [hairdryer with a diffuser](http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sell/SSProfiles/53000098/Images/1/CPD_1.jpg). Yes, this is heat but it won't damage your hair and it is less intense. You don't have to wait 1 hour+ for your hair to dry, it will increase the effectiveness of whatever leave-ins you're using and reduce frizz much better than air-drying can. When you get out of the shower you should blot (not rub) your hair, comb it out with a pick, add in all the serums, etc. and then dry it with a hairdryer using the diffuser. After that **do not brush your hair**, it will only increase frizz and poufiness. \n\nStraightening I don't know too much about but I'm fairly certain it will require blowdrying and using a flat-iron (i.e. heat). This is something to ask the stylist at the salon about maybe.", "score": 15 }, { "body": "Wait. Sucky, I know, but growing out hair = lots of awkward stages.\n\nIn the meantime: exactly how long is it? You could blow dry/straighten it flat, theoretically. My grandma used to wet set her hair with really big rollers (meaning you wrap the hair around while it is still wet and easily manipulated) and take them out in the morning. \n\nWhat else, what else... well, ion products tend to have a large amount of silicones (look for things like dimethicone) which tends to weigh hair down slightly, so continuing to use that might help. I hate how plasticy my hair feels when I use 'cones, but if it works for you, then awesome!\n\nResist the temptation to cut it off, if you really want it to be long. I have wavy-somewhat curly hair too, so I know the pain of trying to tame it, but the longer it gets, the easier it will be to make it look good. Honest.", "score": 6 }, { "body": "It sounds like you hair is in the \"awkward stage\" of growing out. I've been there several times. With curly hair in the awkward stage all you can do is beat it into line the best you can until it grows out to a more manageable length. \n\nI suggest trying out several different kinds of hair goo, bobby pins, barrettes and clippies. You'll want some strong almost waxy stuff to smooth the crazy out of your bangs and tame down the spots that seem to want to stick straight out, some lighter hair goo to tame and de-frizz the rest and probably some bobby pins or clippies to hold your bangs back from eating your face.\n\nIt is a pain in the ass to have to completely goo up and clip down your hair every morning in order to keep from looking like a drunk muppet but it will get gradually better week by week as your hair grows out more. ", "score": 6 }, { "body": "Time, time, time. The curse of having curly hair is that it is SUPER AWKWARD to grow out. Once it becomes long enough, its own weight will pull it down and it'll hang \"right\"- this is almost guaranteed to happen by armpit length. \n\nIn the meantime, using a leave-in conditioner marked as \"straightening\" and combing/brushing it downwards when wet might help. It also might be better to embrace the messy 'fro for a while, using a gel and some scrunching. You should probably try not brushing it while it's dry- this breaks up the curls and can make it poofier. Really, experimenting is the only way to find out what works, because everyone's hair is different.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "I agree with everyone that it take a loooooong time for curls to grow out. I cut mine into a chin length bob about 6 years ago and it's only now grown back to its original length. \n\nMy number one rule: Curls need to be conditioned... a lot. I started buying cheapy Tresemme conditioner (3.99 for a big bottle) in several different treatments. One for repairing damage, one for curls, one for straightening, one for shine, etc. I honestly have one shampoo bottle in my shower and about 10 different conditioners. After I shampoo my hair (which is every second or third day, sometimes only once a week) I condition it up to three separate times with the different treatments, depending on how I'm wearing my hair that day. Despite only shampooing once in a while, I condition my hair everyday.\n\nCurls need tons of moisture and vitamins to grow and be healthy in general so make sure you condition every time you shower and it should start picking up speed soon enough. But again, it will take time.\n\nYou could also try washing your hair in the morning and letting it dry over the course of the day. I find when I go to sleep with wet hair, I get a big unmanageable poofy frizzball in the morning. \n\nIf you decide to start straightening it, look into irons that heat up starting at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (CHI are awesome). Most of the cheapy ones at walmart (like Conair) will not flatten the hair shaft completely and it will just end up being a frustrating experience.\n\nJust experiment with a bunch of ideas and treatments, and realise that it will take a long time. It took me 23 years to figure my curls out :/", "score": 4 }, { "body": "Find a good conditioner or a leave-in conditioner. You might have to experiment with a few. Hand combing your curls and shaking it dry instead of rubbing it down with a towel might also define your curls, but the last technique takes longer to dry. To get it to lay flat you'll have to get a good cut to shape it and thin it. \n\nThat being said, rock your curly mane as it is. ", "score": 3 }, { "body": "It's going to go up and out until it gets heavy. I have long curly hair, and I bet you, if I cut my hair short, it would be all unruly for awhile. You have to let it grow, it's going to be messy for awhile, but you just find a good hair dresser who can keep it neat, without chopping the length.\n\nI find it difficult to get hair straight without using heat, unfortunately. The best you could do is put it in BIG fat curlers, while it air dries, and then brush it out, but it will still have wave to it. This also requires waiting until it is long enough.\n\nAlso, there are straightening irons that won't damage your hair (the expensive ones, to be general) and if you put the proper product on your hair before straightening it, you won't burn it. Using a blow dryer with a diffuser is a good idea as well, and brushing your hair from underneath in long strokes while drying, ask a stylist about how to do that. \n\nWhen you have curly hair, and you want it straight, you generally have to go to a decent extent to have straight hair.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "It depends on how curly your curls are, but have you tried tying it up in a knot or braid while you sleep? I.e. let it dry in a \"shaped\" state? Assuming it's long enough that is. (I've heard its bad for your hair to have it tied up while sleeping but I'm thinking it could be ok if you only do it now and then).", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Short term solutions: \n\nIf you want a more feminine look, try finding a knitted beret or similar feminine winter hat. Curls coming out of a hat are rather immediately feminine, and that can help you \"pass\" while you wait for the length. Add a long scarf. Also, go to Macy's and try on some women's coats--most women's walkers could make anyone look like they've got an hourglass!\n\nAlso, look at headbands and those large, often feathery headbands that are rather \"in\" right now. Check Etsy.com.\n\nI got a great, very girlie knitted beret from H&M for like $6. I call it my Pretentious Hat. :-) ", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "\"First poop of the year.\"\n\nI remember my first poop of the year. Let's just say I couldn't tell if I was shitting or pissing. It was bad.", "score": 5 } ]

[ { "body": "The nuke in CoD4 was the most powerful single scene I'd seen in a game up to that point. When coupled with knowing that I, as the protagonist, was definitely going to die in such a manner, I was blown away.", "score": 53 }, { "body": "For x-mas I got my girlfriend Family Feud for Wii.\n\nWe were playing and she was annoyed because I was kicking her but (mostly because she couldn't spell fast enough.)\n\nThe question was \"What would you feed a super model for desert?\"\n\nThe number one answer she got, It was fruit.\n\nI was already beating her so I decided to mess around and calmly typed in \"My Cock\" \n\nThis aggravated her even more (she can get quite competaitve) and she started saying things like \"you're so immature, you're so rude, why don't you take this game seriously..ect\" \n\nThis rant of her was interrupted by the announcer in the game: \"survey says\"... **DING** 8 out of 100 people agree with this answer. \n\nI won the game, and lost my shit. ", "score": 44 }, { "body": "The antlion battle in Half-Life 2: Episode 2.\n\nWhen one of the entrances had three lights the first time, that one guy almost went crazy. Luckily, instead of a ton of antlions, a few vortigauns came to help you out.\n\nThen suddenly, ALL the entrances had three lights. Then [the music](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcFdB1lTIRA) kicked in. Just as the musics intro finishes, the battle starts.\n\nI remember sitting there, smiling and nodding. I've been playing video games since the SNES, but I can't recall a moment that had this much \"FUCK YEAH\" in it.", "score": 41 }, { "body": "Shadow of the Colossus.\n\nThe Third Colossus. Climbing up to that plateau and then coming face to face with that colossus. Holy crap.", "score": 33 }, { "body": "Final Fantasy 6: When the heroes couldn't stop Kefka from basically causing his version of the apocalypse half-way through the game.", "score": 31 }, { "body": "Alien vs Predator, 1999.\n\nPlaying as the human. Surround sound on. I am walking around very quietly, and I can hear plenty of Aliens running around. I don't see any though. I turn around and see movement, nearly shit myself, fire off about 100 rounds while yelling like I'm in an action movie. The dust settles, and I am staring at a reflection of myself in a mirror.\n\nJaw dropped.", "score": 30 }, { "body": "Super Mario 64.\r\n\r\nGot the 64 and Mario for Christmas when I was like 7 or 8. I finally got my dad to hook it up. Oh man when I first turned it on and a 3D Mario was in my face SPEAKING! Absolutely amazing.", "score": 27 }, { "body": "Snake crawling through the hallway full of microwaves.\n\nMost emotionally impactful moment for me in any game.", "score": 25 }, { "body": "Buying a PS2 to play GTA III, playing it for 15 hours with a group of friends and then hopping in the car to get some food and having to *try really hard* to fight the impulse to drive around cars, over the sidewalk, and blow thru red lights.", "score": 23 }, { "body": "Stalingrad level in CoD1.\n\nRunning up a hill with only a rifle magazine, with explosions and that badass music, was awesome.", "score": 21 }, { "body": "I'll just leave this Final Fantasy 7 story here: [link](http://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/9km67/my_favorite_gaming_moment_whats_yours/c0d7g80)\n\nOne time in FF7 before I was aware of FAQs (this was about a year after release) I was spending time flying around in the Highwind for the joy of it. I hadn't saved in a while and currently my party consisted of Cloud and two characters that I never really played with that I was leveling up: Vincent Valentine and Cait Sith.\n\nSo I'm randomly flying around with this party of misfits when I notice this little red jobby sticking out of the ground in the desert near the Gold Saucer and I'm like \"hm, whats that?\" So I fly down and give it a little nudge with the Highwind and BOOM! Out comes Ruby WEAPON, one of the two optional and insanely-hard secret bosses.\n\nSo Cloud is totally unprepared and my two idiot characters are just just a joke. Ruby WEAPON opens up with an attack that sucks Cloud away into quicksand and follows up with a regular attack that just destroys Vincent and leaves me with random cartoon mascot character Cait Sith. Who has like 15 HP. But, his Slot Machine level is available since he's taken on so much damage. I figure, \"why not?\"\n\nCait Sith Face + Cait Sith Face + Cait Sith Face = Instant Win.\n\nSo out pops the 3-D Grim Reaper model from the Death spell (who is about .01x the size of the boss) and with one hit destroys the Ruby Weapon who disappears as his textures all turn translucent red.\n\nCut to the experience-distributing and it's just Cait Sith who receives level after level up. I immediately found out what the bonus item did and went to Kalm and received my free Gold Chocobo which I then used for grabbing every secret item in the game you need a chocobo for including the Knights of the Round summon (which kills the final boss in one use). Also, Cait Sith became like this steroid-chomping mega-character that made the rest of the actual storyline of the game especially breezy.\n\nShit was so cash.", "score": 20 }, { "body": "Sneaking past the guards in the Imperial Castle, weaving in and out of the shadows. Taking the Elder Scroll from the blind monks, then sneaking up the stairs and past the battlemage. Putting on those boots, and jumping down the fireplace, running out of the castle to safety. Then, watching the Gray Fox being reunited with the Queen. Oh god, The Ultimage Heist from Oblivion is my most favourite questline ever.\n\nI had some pretty heavy emotions about slaughtering all my friends in the Dark Brotherhood, and then finding Luicen tied upside down, beaten to death, his lower jaw somewhere else on the floor.\n\nI've never played Morrowind, but I can't imagine the quests being any better.", "score": 19 }, { "body": "The first thing I can think of off the top of my head is:\n\n• In Unreal, stepping out of the *Vortex Rikers* and looking up.", "score": 19 }, { "body": "In Starcraft building a shit tons of nuclear silos then hitting them all in rapid succession.\n\n>Nuclear Launch Detected\n\n>Nuclear Launch Detected\n\n>Nuclear Launch Detected", "score": 18 }, { "body": "Seeing the credits roll on Portal with \"Still Alive\" playing in the background less than 12 hours after the game was unlocked, long before it became an overplayed meme. What an amazing ending.\n\nEdit: Also, the Episode Two ending, especially given I didn't read any of the previews that may have hinted at it.", "score": 18 }, { "body": "Crysis. The first time I got into the water. I spent like 15 minutes just splashing around. That game is so damn beautiful.", "score": 14 }, { "body": "Halo 1, the level 343 Guilty Spark. Up until that point I was completely satisfied playing through the game killing Covenant.", "score": 14 }, { "body": "this isn't the most amazing but worth a mention, Spiderman 2 go to the highest building, then jump off... theres just something about the way they fisheye the lens as you fall that far that made my hair stand on end.", "score": 13 }, { "body": "when donkey kong country 2 came out, and confusingly attractive dixie kong shows up with her twirling abilities. i remember staying up til like 2 as a little boy so i could sneak out and beat the boss of the lava stage, the sword dude. first seizure i remember having. and i didn't even give a fuck, just picked up the controller and went back to the game. ", "score": 13 }, { "body": "Coming out of the vault for the first time in Fallout 3. I had never played a Fallout game and I couldn't believe how far the map went in all directions. The atmosphere, draw-distance, graphics, sound-design, everything just gave me this feeling of overwhelming possibility and I loved to head out into the wild blue yonder to see what I might find and who might attack me. Also, I'm kind of a gaming noob so when I realized I could do whatever the hell I wanted in GTA: Vice City, that was pretty cool too. I started the game stopping at stoplights and shit. I didn't know.", "score": 12 }, { "body": "Well, not the most, but among the most, was the first time I boot up Rome Total War. I had never played any of the Total War games and I always loved RTS games, then I started the tutorial and WHOA. How many units you say? I control all of them? Is this for real?\n\nAnd after that, the advisor talking me about enganging enemies from the flanks and watching out for troop morale. I was completely blown away.", "score": 11 }, { "body": "- Half Life 2, when you had to cross under that bridge jumping from beam to beam. Never had actual fear of heights from a game like that before.\n\n- Oblivion at full settings, sky was amazing to just look at.\n\n- Serious Sam final boss. I know I was supposed to be running away from him towards the pyramid but I was totally backpedaling as much as I could cause that thing was effin terrifying to watch coming for you.", "score": 10 }, { "body": "Blood Bowl, which is Warhammer Fantasy football. Enemy team hires a Star Player, a max level football player with wicked stats. The star player, a complete badass that has been wrecking my team for the entire game, tries to make it past one of my line backers. The linebacker, a dwarf, level one and totally pissed, socks him so hard that it breaks the star player's back. The star player is taken out of the game, and I cheer so hard that it wakes my mom up. ", "score": 8 }, { "body": "The reveal in KotOR ran chills down my spine. \"What greater weapon is there, than to turn an enemy to your side; to use their own knowledge against them?\"\n\nEnd game Mass Effect felt purely epic. \n\nPlaying Zelda in 3D for the first time. Especially seeing the adult-Link world for the first time. My friend captured the feeling best: \"Gannon *will* pay.\"\n\nThe Diablo 2 cut-scenes. Crazy good.\n\nHalf-Life 2. ALL of it.", "score": 8 }, { "body": "Stepping out of the Vault in Fallout 3. The draw distances and texture detail really made it something to behold. Even though you eventually got used to the level of detail in the environment surrounding you, it was truly a memorable moment the first time your really see it to scale.", "score": 8 }, { "body": "One time playing Super Smash Bros Brawl, someone playing as peach pulled a beam sword out of the ground instead of a turnip. We were all pretty damn confused.", "score": 7 }, { "body": "I have to agree with the running from the killer whale with Sonic. In fact Sonic Adventure had a lot of great moments for me, it was a pretty incredible game.\n\nFinally making it to the overworld in FF7 was pretty monumental for me.", "score": 7 }, { "body": "End of closed beta in WoW. Also clearing AQ40 for the first time, that shit was splendid.\n\nMassive battles in Mount&Blade.\n\n", "score": 7 }, { "body": "Almost too many to even make a list but the first few that come to mind...\r\n\r\nThe tanker raid at the beginning of the first Modern Warfare, talk about setting the pace of a game.\r\n\r\nFor a more obscure one, there at the end of the Matrix Online beta when everyone was warned to \"jack out now our the consequences will be extreme\" and personally calling out that it's a bluff, that we were winning. Only to have all of the players violently convulse then crumple up into a ball of tangled limbs a few seconds later. Did not see that coming.\r\n\r\nThen there's learning the golden rule everyone can take away from gaming, a vast majority of problems can be solved by stacking crates.", "score": 7 }, { "body": "Playing pokemon yellow and finally beating Lance I truly thought I was the Champion. Then Lance tells me when I am still not the Champion but Gary is? My jaw dropped when I found that out, lost and then had to rebeat them", "score": 7 }, { "body": "There are many, but the best in recent memory was the ending to Assassin's Creed 2. That blew me away. ", "score": 6 }, { "body": "here are a few of mine:\r\n\r\nmy earliest one: playing the original Everquest with a friend, I was grinding in some area and saw some guy leading a train of wild orcs that was killing everyone in it's path. I ran. but they chase after me too. I actually got away. but this guy led a shitload of orcs out. they just killed **everyone**. eventually, I went back to get the stuff from my body. it was crazy, at the time.\r\n\r\nThe Entirety of Mass Effect 1. I love that game. the ending was epic. I truly felt like I saved the galaxy. no other game had made me feel like I had actually *accomplished* something so extraordinary.\r\n\r\nthe ending of Call Of Duty 4: it blew me away. it was crazy.\r\n\r\nDoom 3: I had just set up my brand-spanking computer. I had spent a lot of time, money, and effort putting it together. so, we installed Doom 3 and played it. partway through, while my friend Joe was playing, a monster burst out and scared him. he screamed. loud. everyone in the house heard. and everyone came in and started laughing. also, the monster killed him. then the mouse and keyboard passed on.\r\n\r\nSilent Hill 4: I don't know why, but I really enjoyed this game. it wasn't particularly scary, or good-looking, but the story intrigued me, the game-mechanics were pretty solid, and the world and characters just sucked me in. I really like it. I even played it a second time, but only got about half-way through.", "score": 6 }, { "body": "Last part of Half Life Episode 1 where the big explosion happens and your trying to outrun it on a train. Great finish to the episode.", "score": 6 }, { "body": "I'm a little older than most of you guys (37) so here's what I got in no particular order.\n\n1) [Dark Castle](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Castle) on the first Mac around 1984. High rez graphics, digitized sound, eons before it showed up on the PC.\n\n2) Figuring out how to cheat in some old dungeon crawler game and realizing it killed the fun completely was an interesting lesson.\n\n3) Getting lost in any RPG game for days at a time such as Neverwinter Nights and its expansions/sequels. Reaching Level 20 as a monk and getting the glowing eyes (along with all the sexy monk asskicking) was pretty awesome.\n\n4) Quake 2 multiplayer, Quake III Arena multiplayer\n\n5) First time playing Battlefield 1942, and later, especially, learning how to fly the helicopters without crashing in the Desert Combat mod was AMAZING. All games have dumbed that down since.\n\n6) First time I saw someone play Mortal Kombat (the first one) in the arcades and do fatalities. The level of over the top violence was so far beyond anything previous... GET OVER HERE!\n\n7) First multiplayer gaming ever, around 1988, NetTrek for Mac, via Appletalk networking. Again, this was long before multiplayer gaming became a staple. I was at a gifted children's summer camp goofing off...\n\n8) First Warcraft (the RTS) was amazing, as was Starcraft. World of Warcraft has since provided many many epic gaming moments, still play it and been playing since day 1 (four 80's) although as others have complained here, good guilds seem to burn themselves out into the ground given enough time =/\n\n9) Spent weeks of my life playing Mario Kart 64 against my roommates at the time. Never got bored of it!\n\n10) GoldenEye 64 both singleplayer and multiplayer provided many many hours of awesome gaming moments, but sadly looks very dated now.\n\n11) Fallout 2 was a blast because of the flexibility and open world nature.\n\n12) THIEF, the first one, was a revelation. Had no idea how much fun sneaking around in the shadows would be. Loved the strategery around things like using water arrows to put out light sources, etc. First time I moved a guard I had blackjacked into a room with 3 inches of water and he drowned, I had a good lol.\n\n13) Most recently, Assassins' Creed 2 and Fallout 3.", "score": 6 }, { "body": "*Final boss battle in Phantasy Star 4.\n\n*Final boss battle in FFVII.\n\n*The intro to Rapture in BioShock.\n\n*Angela giving up on life and walking away via a flaming staircase in Silent Hill 2. \n\n*Scarecrow sequences in Batman: Arkham Asylum. \n\n*Finding Walter's corpse in Silent Hill: The Room. \n\n*Restoring the valley in Okami.\n\n*The 13th colossus in SotC.\n\n*The end battle in Ico. \n\nEDIT: The changeover in FFVI. I did not expect it all. Thanks for reminding me wafflesfordinner.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "Final boss in serious sam.\n\nI get to the pyramid, turn around and say \"I have to fight THAT?\"\nThe actual battle wasn't much fun, but leading up to it, wow, it was just amazing.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "Playing SMB for the first time on the NES...\n\nPlaying Tekken for the first time on the PS1...\n\nAlso, the cut scene in HL2 where Gordon is in one of the capsules and moving through the tower...\n\nThe opening scene from MGS1, especially when the credits were playing at the same time...", "score": 5 }, { "body": "* Super Mario Brother 64 - First ever 3D game I ever played. I was completely blown away\n* NBA 2k for the Dreamcast - Amazing. The play by play commenter's blew me away as did the realstic graphics at that time\n* NBA 2k1 - First game I played online via a console. 56k. With little lag. \n* Perfect Dark - Proxy mines and the N-bomb in 4 screen multi-player. I was GOD\n* Ocarina of Time - I nearly shit my pants when Link became an adult and Hyrule castle was devastated. \n* Mike Tysons Punch Out - First game I ever played on the NES. I couldn't fathom how such good graphics were possible\n* Zaxxon - C'mon. 3d movement of your ship... on the Coleco Vision", "score": 5 }, { "body": "playing super metroid all night, and watching in shock as the metroid dies to save you. Getting the hyper beam right after was a major fuck yeah moment. ", "score": 5 }, { "body": "The opening sequence to Batman Arkham Asylum, and the sequence where you are under the gas effect from scarecrow and you are the prisoner of the Joker.... Just rich with story and looked tremendous\n\nThe first time i saw a tank in Left 4 dead and actually being a little scared to shoot at it.\n\nLots more but those were by far the best", "score": 5 }, { "body": "When I went to CPL to play Quake 4 against the best players in the world. Round 2 I played against RocketBoy, a Chinese player who defeated Fatal1ty in his world tour challenge. He apparently played Q4 16 hours a day for 9 months just to win the Fatal1ty challenge, and the large chunk of money that came with it. He beat me 44-2 and 42-1, but it was still awesome that I got to match up against a player of such caliber. We even chatted for a while afterwards. He's a great guy.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "COD4 had some of THE most intense storylines ever.\r\n\r\nand for avid MGS fans (like myself) MGS4 was mind blowing, I mean holy fucking shit kinda wow. I've never seen a major series come to such a titanic end.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "Far Cry 2 (xbox360). It's not crysis, and developed by a different studio, but much of it is immersively photorealistic (though at the cost of resolution).", "score": 4 }, { "body": "Being able to manoeuvre an operational aircraft carrier in BF1942.\n\nSurely that rates high on the list of jaw-dropping moments of gaming. I downloaded the demo on my 56k modem not trusting to believe my friends description of Wake Island.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "Resident Evil 4 for sure. When the big statue comes alive and chases you for the first time. You reach the door and its locked! Awesome. Also, this game was great because no matter how many times you played it you still had an awesome experience and kept coming back for more. \r\n\r\nI really regret selling my PS2 to Gamestop and my memory card :(", "score": 3 }, { "body": "In no particular order:\r\n\r\n* Oblivion: The first and only game that actually got me to stop and admire the scenery. One specific time - Crossing the top of the hill. The Imperial City comes in view, with the sun rising, and a light fog rolling in across the lake. Spectacular views in that game.\r\n* Blue Dragon: **Spoiler:** Sahlia's attempted suicide.\r\n* Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party: Wildabeast Sledding using the balance board. This particular minigame is way too fun.\r\n* Conker's Bad Fur Day: The Teddiz War chapter.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "I used to play competitive Counter-Strike. The farthest I got was the CAL-M playoffs and a few well known LAN tournaments. The teamwork and level of competition was incredible. As much as I hate to admit it, I loved every moment of that experience. What got me to stop was the social, physical, and educational toll it was taking on my life. ", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Playing F-Zero GX on my N64, that game was so incredibly fast, it rewarded skill and the tracks were all varied and interesting. Not to mention the fact that the different ships all controlled differently.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Walking around Toys-Я-Us and playing Mario 64 for the first time. For anyone raised on 2D consoles seeing a 3D world so well articulated was mind blowing. The then-futuristic controller sticking out of the game case helped too.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "House of the Dead Overkill Wii. Dude climbs into his own mother's vagina after making out with her. Oh and Shadow of the Colossus. Nearly every boss.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "The beginning of Dead Space, when the first necromorph just tries to claw its way through the door of the elevator and you're actually peeing your pants. Incredible game, intense atmosphere and amazing boss fights! One of my faves.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Playing Alley Cat as a kid and finding out that I can get into the windows in the building. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alley_Cat_(video_game) This is what first came to mind. \n\nThen of course almost the entirety of Half-Life 1 in the first play-through when it was published. It blew my mind completely. First complex AI, first scripted events, first coherent plot, first complex protagonist. Oh, those were the times. Weird and scary monsters. Loved that game (and still do).\n\nYeah, Mass Effect is definitely an amazing universe. Especially the music. The art team did an amazing job with that game. The story ain't half bad either. :) just IMHO, naturally.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "When i first played WoW in closed beta where you walk up the slope to ironforge, and you don't realise how big the place is until you walk inside. \n\nNever seen anything like it in a game before\n", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Full Irish Breakfast. 2 eggs, sausages, black and white pudding, irish bacon, toast, french fries, and baked beans.", "score": 5 } ]

[ { "body": "Doesn't selling out mean they traded quality for greater public exposure?\r\n\r\nIt's possible to be highly popular but still not \"sell out\". ", "score": 5 }, { "body": "the people who are writing for pop music are some of the most trained and most creative writers money can buy. you're not listening to soul, but you're listening to very well written music.\n\nit's easier to appreciate it.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Sasha Grey has done some modeling for them too. I wouldn't be surprised if a few more of their models have done porn as well.\nAA'a CEO is renowned for his pervy-ness. Naked staff meetings, secual harassment and general creepiness are his standard modus operandi.\n\nEdit: Looks like Lauren Phoenix has done some work for them too.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "A bit more research reveals that American Apparel seems to use a number of porn stars in their shoots. Like Sasha Grey: http://www.americanapparel.net/gallery/photocollections/models/Sasha/\n\nEdit: Even on their front page, they've got NSFW stuff. Go figure.", "score": 4 } ]

[ { "body": "I was talking to the ex-CEO of McDonalds' Australian branch, and he was talking about his experience visiting the Olympic Village, where McDonalds caters. He said that the Eastern European weightlifters would down five or six double cheeseburgers a day, whereas the dainty Southeast Asian gymnasts would have a salad and a water.\n\nI love me some McDonalds. I was driving home from Christmas with my sister and we stopped for some Mickey D's. I ordered two big and tasty burgers, *ala carte*, but the order got messed up and I ended up with three orders of fries to go along with them. I don't care what you say, it is so damn fine to sit in the car and eat juicy burgers and salty fries, with a large diet coke. Especially considering it was like $10 USD.", "score": 4 } ]

[ { "body": "I've found that it's pretty good at corrupting NTFS if it isn't unmounted correctly, which is expected with external drives.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "It's because MacFUSE provides FUSE - a filesystem in userspace. You don't want that OOTB with your system when you can just make the filesystem in the OS yourself. Which they're trying... but failing.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "I'm pretty sure they would have to license quite some patents from MS if they were to include this. Also, if it has a bug and fucks up data on ntfs partitions they would never hear the end of it.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "My thoughts are that Christianity shouldn't be a religion of guilt.\r\n\r\nIt should be a religion that compels people to share their abundance with those who so desperately need it.\r\n\r\nChristianity used to make me feel guilty; but as soon as I started sharing what I could with those in need it made me feel *wonderful*.\r\n\r\nOne of the most important things Jesus ever taught is that we can find happiness in life by helping others. Christianity is about *doing* good and *feeling* good.\r\n\r\nSo if you're feeling bad about not sharing enough, tell the devil goodbye and start sharing what God gave you. You'll be part of the solution rather than the problem, and the guilt will melt away into peace. God bless everyone!", "score": 15 }, { "body": "Dude, you make a good point. I could direct you to what James says about controlling the tongue, but on reddit.com/r/conspiracy I say shit all the time, myself. It's context and motive. Too often, Christianity reddit's filled with modern Pharisees sitting on their asses in heated/ventilated rooms parsing scripture to make themselves feel pious--when I see it, I have trouble holding back the word \"motherfucker\". But take this to heart: \"settle the unsettled, unsettle the settled.\" And you can do that in prison ministries where *everyone's* a motherfucker, or while on a tour of Christian \"sacred historic sites\" where you probably wouldn't want to say that word, seeing as you'd instill heart-attacks. \r\n\r\n[Incidentally, James is also the book that says faith without deeds is dead.]\r\n\r\nAfflict the comforted, comfort the afflicted. Call out their sins of omission, as Christ did as much and he's your model. You walk with him and you walk tall--and you tell this world exactly what it's doing to its people, in terms the unmistakeably hit home. But don't altogether forget the subtle, as the Lord's is a profound way: know the altitudes of wisdom, yet employ such to serve those in the baseness of misery. And be easy on yourself, as He also serves those who only stand and wait.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n", "score": 5 }, { "body": ">What's worse is...\n\nIn the words of every script Lucas ever wrote, \"You assume too much.\"\n\n>What should Christianity as a unified body strive to eliminate in society? What would you like to see achieved in the name of Jesus?\n\nThis is a place where I am torn.\n\nThe church in the Bible, and at points in history, takes care of its own, that is we feed our congregations. But I think we're called to more than our own. \n\nBut when we tend to more than our own, we walk a very precarious balance beam.\n\nBecause in the world we must be careful of what we do and don't do. \n\nWe're to live by example, share the Gospel (not by force), and defend the beliefs of the faith when questioned. This is Biblical. To go beyond it into political action, or to not do this...is dangerous.\n\nSo with that in mind I think we can serve those outside the church. \n\nThen, to answer your question...\n\n>strive to eliminate\n\nHunger, thirst, homelessness, secular injustice. \n\nI like to an extent what the Catholics did in the industrial revolution. Catholics are politically pretty broad, with many from the left and right. But they came together to end some serious social injustices at the time.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "read this in a Yancey book. What a wonderful motivational speaker! \n\nI think we ought to achieve what Jesus set out to achieve...minus the dying for sins and all. That's out of my league.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "I imagine there were people in that room whose arms immediately folded as they thought, *I give to charity*.... and those are probably the people who were offended that Tony used a poddy word.\n\nI, on the other hand... I think about the fact that I am saving to buy a car, and sitting on a couch in a relatively cozy apartment with electricity and (almost) drinkable tap water... Ipod... cell phone... internet... netflix... cold medicine...\n\n**i have too much**; tony is not wrong.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "It is a shame that raw chicken has taken on the spector of being a biohazard. \r\nOf course nobody wants to experience the joy of salmonella, so people tend to cook the s**t out of it.\r\nMoist and tender meat depends upon cooking the meat to the state of just doneness. (With the exception of braising, but that is a whole nother topic)\r\nWith chicken breasts, the window of just doneness to dry toughness is thin, brining helps with the juicyness factor but not really with the tenderness.\r\nThe solution?\r\nSwitch to boneless skinless chicken thighs. They stay much moister and are more forgiving to overcooking, plus they have more flavor.\r\nAnother solution would be ghetto sous vide like you will find in the brilliant Momofuku cook book by David Chang (and Peter Meehan), but that isn't really a good choice for a complete novice.", "score": 7 }, { "body": "Bone in. The bones help to keep moisture levels up. Also, the below adivec about a thermometer and brine - both are invaluable in cooking poultry. A good meat thermometer... a must in cooking tender, juicy, succulent poultry of an size. I use it on 20lb turkeys and single chicken breasts... oh, and heed the advice about brining. It works amazingly great as long as you don't use too much sugar and salt -otherwise it doesn't turn the meat too salty or sweet and it ends up tasting like deli counter meat.", "score": 6 }, { "body": "Search for \"sous vide\" google.\nBookmark [this page](http://amath.colorado.edu/~baldwind/sous-vide.html).\nAssuming you've already got a stock pot (or a rice cooker) you just need a temperature controller. I use a SousVideMagic.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "Make chicken surprise. Oil, garlic, veggies, brown the chicken, add white wine, sage (etc), salt pepper, can of mushroom soup, a cup or two of rice (wild is great), simmer. Put in oven for 40 minutes. Eat. ", "score": 3 }, { "body": "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmY3A_BzBWk is very easy, and very tasty, though depending where you are, the pancetta can be prohibitively pricy - if so, thin sliced bacon is a decent substitute.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "I usually only fry it. Enough oil in the pan, breaded to a medium thickness, on 3 on the electric for I dunno, 6 minutes each side... it's not very dry.\n\n", "score": 3 }, { "body": "I'm surprised nobody has asked, are these chicken breasts boneless/skinless? If so, you have a rather short time frame between done and dry. Even if you don't want the skin (it's delicious if you get it nice and brown), cooking with it on and removing it before serving does wonders. As do the bones, even though they make it more difficult to eat.\n\nAlso consider thighs, they're much moister and sometimes quite a bit cheaper.\n\nAnd try a stew! Brown some whole, skin on and bone in chicken pieces in olive oil. Usually you'd add dark meat early and hold out the white, but this will cook so long it doesn't matter. Turn the heat down and add some carrots, onions, and other veggies (hold soft veggies like zucchini out for awhile). Turn the heat back up, add some diced garlic, and when the pan is hot deglaze with some white wine. Add chicken stock and reduce to a simmer. Add some good italian tomato paste and whatever herbs you like if they're dry. Simmer for a couple of hours, add some lentils, and cook another 20 minutes. Add any fresh herbs and cook for another 10 minutes, for a total of 30 minutes after the lentils are added. If you like mushrooms, saute them in butter in a separate pan and add them at the end. If you don't like mushrooms, just stir in a pad of butter at the end.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Well first of all I would say don't cook chicken breast. It's the most useless part of the chicken to me. However if you must, then soak it it buttermilk and spices before you cook it. That will give you the best you're going to get. I like old bay or some other such seasoning, since this is a brining method heavy salt is a must in the buttermilk but the acids to bring a certain amount of tenderness to the party. ", "score": 3 }, { "body": "I always Brine my chicken for an hour minimum in a water bath with a lot of Kosher salt, about 1/2 head of garlic, and 1 or 2 bayleaves. Juicy tender, and flavorful every time. ", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "I have always loved Dexter. Its nice to see how his personality progresses throughout the show as he tries to consolidate all his opposing forces together.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "I loved the \"darkly\" dexter side of him. So... to the point, no bullshit, no waste of energy. And he always did his homework.\n\n######Although... ever since he started killing innocent people due to being impatient , I'm starting to worry where the character is going.", "score": 4 } ]

[ { "body": "also a bunch got a tourny going tomorrow (saturday) at 12 est. Don't know if you are going to count it as official or not :p\n\nhttp://www.reddit.com/r/poker/comments/ak8pv/reddit_ftp_poker_tournament_1/", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "non-contract cell phones. I still don't understand why people would be happier to have a contract, and pay more, for less than I'm getting.", "score": 8 }, { "body": "For some reason I want Bluetooth to be more widely used. It just seems like a really awesome technology.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "I know this isn't QUITE what you described, but I recently read East of Eden, and loved it. It was a brilliant composition. That's the word I would use. \n\nFollows characters over a long time scale, and it says so much without actually saying it. ", "score": 8 }, { "body": "Philip Pullman, His Dark Materials Trilogy. First book is [The Golden Compass](http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Compass-Anniversary-Materials-Rough-cut/dp/0375838309/ref=pd_sim_b_2)", "score": 7 }, { "body": "Check out *Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell* by Susanna Clarke. The book chronicles the warring scholars of practical magic and a new young magician who opens the doors to the dangerous world of real magic that blurs the lines between life and death. Check it out! ", "score": 4 }, { "body": "The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. A children's book, but possessed of salient social commentary and memorable characters; in other words, influential. \n\nAlso drop the dime on an H.P. Lovecraft collection. While animals aren't main characters, a lot of his work introduces lasting themes in human-animal interaction in fiction. ", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Haruki Murakami. He was suggested to me, as I'm a pretty big Gaiman fan as well and I absolutely love his stuff. If you like the surreal aspects of Gaiman, go for The Wind-up Bird Chronicle or Hard Boiled Wonderland and The End of the World.\n\nI've now read almost everything he's done and have yet to be disappointed.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Slaughterhouse 5. At first you feel the character's situations as POWs is depressing, but the message just makes me feel good. \"Everything was beautiful, and nothing hurt.\"", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "You need to sit down with her and a tape deck, and have her tell you all the crazy shit she's experienced. All of it. Just tell her to ramble her way through the last 100 years. I would pay to listen to that.", "score": 108 }, { "body": "I'm 85 myself. I was raised with all of my grandparents nearby. I also knew my great grandmother and my great aunt. I knew them all well and they were all born 50 to 75 years before I was born. They were raised as I was, with their grandparents nearby. The people who raised them, people whose memories they shared vividly with me, were born in the early 1800's. As a child I knew several men who had fought in the US Civil War. ", "score": 25 }, { "body": "You should open up a Twitter account and do one of those ShitMyGreatAuntSays things. It could be really funny: I can't taste my food. Who are you? Kill me now. etc.", "score": 21 }, { "body": ">She was a teenager during WWI.\n>She was in her 40's during WWI.\n\nTell her to get her stories straight!", "score": 13 }, { "body": "All jokes aside, how is her mind? I mean, is she mentally alert? Does she still reside in her own home or is she in a nursing home?", "score": 8 }, { "body": "My grand mother is over 90 but she still seems to have more energy than all her 12 children and 20+ grand children put together.\n\nFor years my father as been asking for one of her recipe and she always refused to tell him. About 2 or 3 years ago he said to her \"You know, you wont always be there and I'd like to perpetuate the tradition..\". She swiftly replied \"What do you mean ?\" to which he replied \"Well .. someday you'll gonna leave\".\n\nShe replied \"What ? Where ? I ain't going anywhere.\"\n\nShe's awesome. ", "score": 5 }, { "body": "I took care of 107 year old fellow. He had been retired longer than he had worked. He had met ghandi one on one for an hour long appointment earlier in his life. Fascinating. ", "score": 4 }, { "body": "Does she have e-mail? Nothing gets my spirit going like old people who embrace technology.\n\nI work at retail that gathers emails... I had an old lady come in and give her email which was something like CyberGram9@somethinsomethin.com. I hope to be an old person like that some day.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "I wonder if your Great Aunt and Jesus were classmates...being that she's only 6 days younger than he is.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Just some other things to consider, which also help blow your mind:\n\n* She was 11 when the Titanic sank\n\n* She is older than 5 states (Alaska, Hawaii, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma)\n\n* President at her birth: McKinley\n\n* Here is a map of [Europe](http://mapsof.net/uploads/static-maps/europe_map_1900.jpg) about the time she was born.\n\nI could go on, but yea. Your Aunt is a bad ass for getting this far. Wish her a belated happy birthday for me! \n\n", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Reaching 109 is extremely rare. The oldest person in America is aged 114 (as is the oldest person in the world). I would definitely encourage contacting a journalist to interview her, especially if she lives to 110. When someone reaches 110 they become a supercentenarian and attempts are made to validate their age (using historical records). I think it's incredible to think what people of this age have experienced in their lifetime.\nHere's a list of validated people aged over 110: http://www.grg.org/Adams/E.HTM", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Found the article abstract, last one on the page.\n\nhttp://www.faqs.org/abstracts/Sports-and-fitness/Going-nuts-Catpeople.html\n\nAlso this, though it doesn't look like it has a picture\n\nhttp://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=48542425&blogID=227963876\n\nThis guy might have some pictures of him\n\nhttp://www.rainbowchaser.com.au/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/rainbowc/allegro.pl?newsletter5", "score": 5 } ]

[ { "body": "I'm six years out on the same boat. I'm actually hanging out with my daughter right now! When I found out I was going to be a dad, I was ok with abortion (makes me feel gross thinking about it now) or adoption and her mom wanted to keep her. \n\nGranted, my situation is different because her mom wanted a kid to retain a man and gain citizenship and couldn't work in my country, and now we're divorced, but let's forget that right now.\n\nWhen I was where you were, I was terrified. I know your family may not seem like they want to support you right now, I felt the same way then. Now, my family loves my kid to death. Don't give up on your folks. Grandparents mostly go nuts for grandkids. It would help if you're sincere about being a dad and you let them know your plans. You need to be strong, fearless. You're doing this for your kid's future.\n\nYou need family because they can help take the burden off two young parents trying to make it in the world. They are your lifeline right now. Your girlfriend's folks might be enough, but like I said, don't give up on your family.\n\nDon't forget about yourself and your goals. Caring for a child might be your first priority, but you'll be much more useful to that child if you're right with yourself and your family (not to mention if you finish college and get a good job!). Nothing lights a fire under you like having a child.\n\nIf it doesn't work out between you and your girlfriend, make sure you reach a comfortable situation with her and her family before you get a new girlfriend (and forgive her if she finds a new man first). \n\nIf you just can't get help from your family, drop it for a while (but not forever). Forgive them for not understanding or being angry. Talk to your girlfriend and her family. Let them know you'll need help while you get on your feet. But don't give up on your fam! They'll regret it as much as you if they don't get to see their grandkid grow up.\n\nOne last thing: being a parent is stressful at first, but as they grow, you'll see why so many people love being a parent and having kids. I find myself making all kinds of promises to myself about how I'll take care of my daughter. I try to be firm, but fair and understanding. I try to let her have a balanced role in the relationship (being a parent isn't always being in charge). Don't slip into something hateful or abusive because of early stress. Your kid's behaviour is a response to yours. Take responsibility for that and you'll be fine. Too many parents punish their kids for responding naturally to the parent's actions.\n\nKeep us posted! If you need more advice or feel alone, please make another post!\n\nEDIT: There are a few variations here on the \"you're fucked, buddy\" theme. Don't listen to them. They may *sound* right, but that thought doesn't do anyone any good. Have hope and learn to live with those who don't understand. People have done great things from all kinds of beginnings. Strength comes from adversity.", "score": 167 }, { "body": "can i just ask you something about that marijuana conviction? You didn't volunteer that information did you? Because I have *several* marijuana convictions and I get financial aid out the whazoo. \n\nedit: For college. I work full time. \n\nedit: Why am I getting downvoted? I'm trying to help you.", "score": 94 }, { "body": "I am the 22 year old mom of a 4 year old, and let me tell you, it's not easy. Prepare for stares when your baby is young. Dirty looks, questions, etc etc... \nAll of that aside, WIC is a good program for her to get on right now. They will help supply prenatal vitamins for her, as well as groceries. When the baby is born they can help with diapers, formula, and groceries until the child is 5. It really is a wonderful program. I no longer need it, but when I was on it (formula is expensive, my son wouldn't breastfeed), it was a godsend. \n\nMost colleges have their own state aid/financial aid programs, and they don't generally check your record if you go through the school. There are also private aid programs you can get. There are always options, keep that in mind. \n\nI wish I had more words to give you advice and comfort you, but right now what you need isn't comfort, it's practical steps to getting where you need to be so that you're in a good place when the baby is born. I suggest you sit down and talk with your girlfriend about your views on parenting, figure out how much involvement you want, and how much involvement she wants you to have with the baby. \nGo to doctor visits with her, see the ultrasounds, watch your baby grow. This will help you see your child as more than just a problem to be dealt with, or an obstacle to overcome. Watching your baby grow and form will help make it all real, and perhaps offer some solace that all of the hardship you're going to face is going to be worth it. \n\nThe first few years were hard. Time, energy, money... Be prepared to have NONE of it. But I offer this as a closing statement and pray that it gives you some comfort: My son is now 4 1/2, and he is my best friend. He cracks me up, he fills me with so much joy I cry all the time. He's amazing. I spent the first few months of his life wondering if I'd ever feel happy, and now he's all the happiness I need. \n\nThis reply is very hurried, since I am at work, and I'm sorry if it's slightly incoherent/scatter brained... But I hope I gave you something of value to consider.", "score": 59 }, { "body": "Hey man, same thing happened to me when I was 21.\nMy son is now 19 and I'll have been married 20 years in April.\n\nWhat BV said is true, but it is also very rewarding raising a family. I doesn't have to be a negative thing.\n\nDon't worry about not knowing how to raise a kid, nobody does before it happens. You'll be fine.\n\nAlso, I just turned 42 and i do pretty much anything I want, since my kids are mostly grown and don't require much of my time. All my friends my age are all tied down with families and I am thankful that I can go mountain biking, snowboarding, play guitar in a band and stuff. \n\nBy the time my other friends my age are able to do stuff like that they'll be too old to enjoy it.", "score": 56 }, { "body": "You two are going to do fine.\n\nBabies are pretty easy... when they aren't happy, they cry. Only 3 things make babies unhappy: soiled, hungry, gas. If it isn't the first 2, then it is probably gas.\n\nAre you parents paying for your tuition? If so, ask if they would be so kind as to pay for your tuition. You are going to need an education to properly support your child and his/her mother.\n\nIf she ends up working in the daytime (and she likely will - not many dentist offices are open 3rd shift), then you watch the baby in the daytime, and go to school at night. \n\nSomething you may look into is trying to get a job that is slow enough that you can study while at work... often (near where we live anyhow) people can get jobs working security or as fleet persons, and it is slow enough to do your homework during. If you can pick up something like this, perhaps you and her can move in together, and you can share in the pregnancy full time with her.\n\nYour parents may have a fit right now about this (and her parents too, for that matter). But there are damned few parents that turn into grandparents that aren't just excited to death. So regardless of what kind of a fit they have right now, just be patient (they are only going to see the \"you threw your life away\" angle at the moment), don't say anything that you are going to regret later... and give them time to warm up to the idea. I am certain that they are smart enough to see that you will be far less burden on them if you can finish your education and get a good job.\n\nHaving a child doesn't mean that you don't get to fulfill your dreams. If you want to climb Everest, you still can. Just ask your wife to let you take off to fulfill this dream... then don't fucking dawdle. Get up that mountain, pass out, then get back down and home. By the same token if your wife wants to go fulfill some dream of hers - you stay home and watch the baby, and let her go do it.\n\nI would be a lot more comfortable dispensing advice to you if you were begging for it and not bedding us for it. ;)", "score": 36 }, { "body": "1) Health insurance. Get it however you can. The birth will cost between $3 - $7k without complications.\n\n2) Get a job. Flip burgers, anything. She will not be able to work for the last month of the pregnancy and for at least three months afterwards - and that's pushing her endurance. Better that she not work for the last trimester and a year afterwards - it will be better for her and the child. You must put yourself in a position where you can logistically support them both.\n\n3) Get as much help as you can now. Mend any broken bridges with your family - they will be your main support through this. You will not have any peace for the last month, and no sleep beyond 2 hours for at least six months after the birth. You will need childcare that you don't have to pay for.\n\n4) If you're not in a place with your own washer and dryer, try to arrange it - expect your laundry load to triple if not quadruple. \n\n5) Do everything you want to get done with your band for the next two years in the next 3 months. Get an album out now. You will not have the opportunity for a while.\n\n6) re: the coincidence - not terribly surprising. Women know their bodies, and usually have a suspicion. She just didn't have confirmation yet, and didn't want to scare you. \n\n7) You are about to embark on the greatest creative endeavor of your life. You have begun to create not art, but a person. Give him or her the full measure of your love, and you'll find that you'll go through an internal evolution that can be incredibly inspiring, and lead you to creative spaces you didn't know existed.", "score": 25 }, { "body": "I just had my first daughter.. she is 5 months old. My wife had never been around small children and was nervous about it. It's fairly easy to begin with. Diapers are always in need. A part time job would probably help. I think your girlfriend would feel a lot better if you could contribute financially. As far as needs like car seats, changing tables and things like that check craigslist now and then and you can save good money(remember to clean the items good). Get ready for some sleepless nights. A child will show you how selfish you are. I went from plans of buying 68 camaro or 70 chevelle to buying diapers, toys, and clothes. You will love that kid more than anything. I look at my daughter every morning before work and I am happy even though times are hard. I'm not sure where you live or how you and her were raised, but I was raised old school along with my friends. If you got your girlfriend pregnant you asked for her hand in marriage to show her family and your family you are going to be there. One last thing is read, read, and read about it and you will be alright.\n\nedit: heres a pic of my life changer http://imgur.com/IIYC1.jpg", "score": 24 }, { "body": "Carrying around a baby is a lot like carrying a football. The only difference is that fumbles are MUCH WORSE with babies.", "score": 18 }, { "body": "How do you know your family would disown you? People's views on young parents often change when it's suddenly their teen who's facing it. Fess up to your parents and ask them for help and advice.\n\nAlso, stay in school, and encourage your girlfriend to stay in school too. Ask your academic adviser for help and info about what kinds of programs the school offers.\n\nGood luck.", "score": 16 }, { "body": "I have a 5 and a 3 year old. Nothing will teach you how selfish you are like having your own kid, but if you invest time in it, nothing will be as rewarding. The love you get from a child cannot be matched. Being a father, while it has meant some sacrifice, is the greatest thing that ever happened to me.\n\nDon't worry about not knowing anything about being a parent, none of us do until we have a kid. You can read whatever you want and prepare however you think necessary, but you will never know what to do until you are 5,000 diapers deep into your career. Even then, you probably still won't be book authoring material, but you will have the love of a child...", "score": 13 }, { "body": "My husband and I are sitting together right now with our 7 month old daughter. I was 18 when I became pregnant, he was 20. He was fine with adoption, or abortion, and it was out of the question for me. Let me tell you, he is so glad we didn't take those other options. Yes, it is hard. It's going to be very hard. You should probably find a part-time job to make money for support. She should start going to a doctor, and if she can't afford it, she can use Medicaid. Don't let this change your life for the worst though. I'm in school right now, majoring in Education, while my husband babysits, and next spring he plans on Majoring in Education, and minoring in Politics. Don't let your dreams wash away. It's still *very* possible, you just have to take the winding road. We didn't tell our family members until I was about 7 months pregnant. We thought they would be **infuriated**. They were actually fine with it. Both sides of the family helped out *a lot*. They bought tons of things to help out. It's best to just get it out there. You'd be surprised how many parents react fine. I wish you the best of luck.", "score": 11 }, { "body": "First, **don't over-react**. Don't think that because you have a baby on the way you need to drop out of college or join the Marines or jump off a bridge. Babies are a huge deal, but they don't change who you are. Keep being you and take it one day at a time. Unless Richard Dawkins is a complete liar, we - as a species - have been making, having, and raising babies for millions of years. The odds of you being the dumbest fuck in that time are basically nil. Much about being a parent is pure intuition, but you won’t fully believe me until you've seen it for yourself. It's cliché, but \"you'll be fine\".\n\nSecond, figure out the insurance/paying for doctor’s visits and birth thing now. You don't have to get it set in stone right this instant, but there are going to be about 20 or so doctor's visits (and likely one or two nights in the ER) before your new child arrives. Those bills can cripple you if you're not prepared (think HUNDREDS of dollars for a sonogram – of which you’ll have 3 or 4). And on that note, figure out who you want as your OB/GYN. (You'll be picking pediatricians shortly, but take it one step at a time.) You can ask around to find out who in your area is preferred. Meet with him/her and let the mother-to-be's conscience guide you; after all, she’ll need to trust him/her during birth. Just don't be afraid to say no to any particular doctor that isn't for you.\n\nThird, hang out with a few babies over the next few months. Find them if you have to - although you must know *someone* who has a new kid. You'll find that they're actually pretty simple once you get them figured out. It will do wonders to ensure you're not overwhelmed once you take yours home for the first time. And if you change a milk fed (or heaven forbid a solid food fed) baby, the breast fed diapers will be a breeze.\n\nFourth, look the fuck away when the baby is coming out. You’re going to hear how magical it all is but anyone who tells you that is a fucking sadist or hasn’t actually seen it happen. There are things that **CANNOT** be unseen and what comes out of a woman right after the baby is one of them. (Yeah, you think I’m kidding. You think, “It can’t be *that bad*” but I’m telling you, LOOK AWAY!)\n\nFifth, and this may sound like I’m kidding, but I swear to goD I’m not, be honest with yourself about how you’re feeling. If you have to cry (a lot, even) let it happen. If you’re pissed and feel like you’re on the verge of losing your shit, tell someone. If you feel completely overwhelmed (I did) let someone know. If you keep the angst and fear and anxiety built up you will be a mess when the mother needs you most – during childbirth. You’ll also spend the next 8 or so months feeling like a tied knot. \n\nSixth, get a book on newborns. There are a lot of little things that are really nice to know: why do they lose weight when they leave the hospital; how do you deal with a diaper rash; why the fucking fuck won’t that fucking baby stop fucking crying (it’s called colic – and it’s about the worst possible thing that has ever happened to humankind); when do you need to panic (thankfully, not that often, but if it needs to happen you need to know). Also, go hug your mom – RIGHT NOW. I said go. This will still be here when you get back. You’re back? Liar. Go hug her – we’ll wait. Okay, now that that’s done… You will make 385 calls to your (or your gf’s) mom within the first 48 hours. Start appreciating them now.\n\nSeventh, and last… Sleep. Get all the rest you possibly can. You may think that you want to live it up until the baby is born. Let me tell you, there is about an 85% chance you’ll never get a full nights rest again. (Oh, she’s 16 now, I can sleep. WRONG! While you’re sleeping she’s straddling a pole while a 43 year old ex-con is putting dollar bills in her panties. (Okay, that’s not likely to happen but that doesn’t mean it won’t cross your mind.))\n\nGood luck, young sir. And remember, **don’t over-react**.\n\n(You could also do what I did… I took mushrooms (sorry if this offends anyone or breaks any rules, but I’m trying to give honest advice) with my best friend – the person I trust more than anyone in the whole world – about a week before the baby was born. It was nice to get out of my head for a night. But don’t spend the next 8 or so months stoned. There really is a lot to do and it matters in ways you cannot possibly fathom…)\n\ngoD speed and best of luck to you.\n", "score": 11 }, { "body": "I'm 30 with an 18 month old. Waiting to have kids has its advantages but don't let anyone fool you into thinking this is a disaster. You are simply going to be doing life's things in a different order.\n\nAccept the following facts ASAP:\n1) it's not about you anymore\n2) you're going to need a lot of help from family\n3) the next two years will be totally insane\n4) it will all be ok\n\nWaiting and planning won't change the fact that you'll mostly be doing things by the seat of your pants. Having kids reveals your limitations. Just make sure that you care and put the most effort into them.\n\nWhile your friends are off at school you're going to be changing diapers. That might be hard to take if you're ambitious, but don't let it bother you. Most people hit a wall in their 30's anyways. You're going to hit that wall early, but you'll just have to keep working and get through it and by the time you're 30 you could be way ahead in maturity & happiness, although you probably won't be rich.\n\nSad to say, but some career options are probably off the table. Don't plan to be a doctor. Too much education up front followed by a massive sacrifice of family time. Not worth it. However, don't think for a second you can neglect your education. You will need a good job. For example, court translator.\n\nEducation comes in two forms: the kind that you pay lots of money for with intangible benefits hopefully later, and the kind that gets you into a decent job doing something specific soon. You need the second kind. For example, learn to operate machinery, be a technician of some kind, etc. If all else fails, be a plumber. There is no end to the shit in this world so we will always need plumbers and they will always be paid comparatively well.\n\nThe fact is, if you have a lot of pie in the sky dreams of becoming president or winning a nobel prize etc, those are going to have to wait until your 30's. The good news is that by the time you get your shot you'll probably have a far more coherent plan with a higher chance of success.\n\nSo don't let yourself get discouraged and don't give up no matter what. Like it or not, you are the role model for your son or daughter. Life is hard. It will be hard for you, it will be hard for them, and they will remember what you did. So be your best and keep your chin up, spend time with your kids, and keep those dreams in the back of your head because you'll get opportunities. Everyone does. You may not recognize them and there's always lots of uncertainty, but they will be there. Watch for them and jump.", "score": 11 }, { "body": "Are you absolutely sure that you cannot convince your girlfriend to put the child up for adoption? It would certainly be a tough decision for both of you to do that, but, ultimately, you would be giving your child a chance at a better life in a better-prepared family. \n\nYou are still in college and have a prior conviction. If you wanted to stay in college, it'd be imperative for you to work at the same time, which would place a serious strain on your academics and on your family. If you were to quit school and just work, you would not have that many options with just a high school diploma. I feel that it would be better for everyone involved--you, your girlfriend, and your child--if you were to put your baby up for adoption, because it would be a tough life for all three of you in these circumstances.\n\nNote: I realize I'm making some assumptions here, but what I wrote is what seems likely in my mind.", "score": 10 }, { "body": "At first I want to apologize for possible language mistakes because english is not my native language.\n\nI Think you should find a job, start to earn money and become useful for your child and his\\her mother especially at this moment when she is pregnant. In that way you will show that you're not a loser and feel more confidently. I think you understand me. If you will be unable to support and help you family or child financialy, for your family and especially for mother of your child it doesn't really matter how strong your love to your child. And if she doesn't say it or doesn' think about it now it certainly will be happen later.", "score": 10 }, { "body": "If you decide to keep the child, this information might be useful. I apologize ahead of time for grammar.\n\n1.)Take care of mom. She can make your life a living hell. She will be an moody, emotional wreck of hormones. You will never be right during this period. Just agree with everything!\n\n2.) Get a source of income. Marijuana conviction should not hold you back from too much. Sounds like a deferred sentence in which they drop the charges once you complete your terms of your sentence. Start your resume now and fill out applications left and right. If you nail an interview, be honest about the conviction. Write \"Will discuss in interview\" in conviction section of application if you have to.\n\n3.) Start a registry for a baby shower. Think of everyone including relatives and friends to send baby shower invitations to when the time comes. These gifts will come in handy however small they may be!\n\n4.) Stock up! Diapers, Wipes, Formula. If you can start now, do it. Choose Target's brand of Wipes, Formula and diapers to save some bucks. Its pretty good quality and will work just fine.\n\n5.) Just like knocked up get a baby book. What to Expect When your expecting is a good choice.\n\n6.) When the baby starts going to appointments (3 Mo, 6mo 1yr) Get the shots at County Clinics or City Health Departments if you have them. You will save a boat load of money and they receive the same shots the pediatric dr will give them.\n\n7.) Enjoy it! Coming from a father of two precious girls I could't imagine being without them. Fatherhood is the best thing that happened to me. I have been with my wife since 2007 and like you she was pregnant when we were still dating. \nParents took it better then we thought which was a huge relief. I promised her parents I will take care of her and the child no matter what, and we have been together ever since happily married now with two girls (1 yo and 2mo).\n\nI wish you the best of luck in your journey. Hopefully some of this information will help you out. You didn't throw away your future ;) My current wife and I went through these same feelings that your crossing your mind I am sure. It will pass with time and things will get better.", "score": 10 }, { "body": "Get a dna test.... Buy a cheap one and do it yourself after the child is born if you have too. Consider it piece of mind", "score": 9 }, { "body": "First off congratulations. I expect most people have focussed on the 'disaster' and 'life ruining' situation you are in. Change that mindset immediately and permanently. I take it from your tone of 'outcasted' that you haven't told your family yet. Do so immediately, don't skulk around feeling like its a bad thing, because its not. They will be shocked but if they see that you are going to man up and deal with this opportunity they will soon come around to being supportive.\nHere's my take on it, I was in the same situation, (I too was a father at 20 and in college) your life will change completely and in many many ways for the better. In my case it gave me a motivation to do well, to succeed and to be tremendously successful professionally.\nHere's the big news - NO ONE knows anything about how to be a parent until they are one. No amount of book reading will prepare you for how you will feel countless times in the next few years, day you first hold your kid, bringing it home for the first time etc etc You are about to start a wonderful part of your life and though it will be scary as shit for a long time it will be the most significant thing you ever accomplish. One other thing, and this is huge, you will be young enough to go drinking with your kid, mines 23 now and we go out all the time.", "score": 9 }, { "body": "You are too young to have a defeatist attitude about raising a child and preparing yourself to continue your education. \n1. Look into going to a cheaper college, \n2. Apply for financial aid anyway. Not every type is thru the federal govt. Get the conviction expunged if necessary, \n3. Explore the aid available to you through your family or her family. You will be surprised at the things parents or other relatives will do to come through for you. Just ask!!!.\n4. Get a job doing something and go to school at night and on weekends. Do not do the part time, drag the degree out for 8 years thing. Time to work your ass off. You are still young and need a plan, the stamina should already be there.", "score": 8 }, { "body": "You haven't thrown away your future, you've just changed it. Embrace it, plan for it. It's very hard, at the age of 19, to imagine how things will look from the perspective of 39 or 49 or 59 or 69, but this might one day look like the best thing that ever happened to you. It'll be tough for a while, but there'll be happiness too. And you won't be pissing away your 20s like most people do. Okay, you'll be envious that you don't at least have the option to piss away your 20s, but later on you'll probably feel some satisfaction that you got the tough stuff out of the way early on and didn't lose *all* your college years in a marijuana cloud (assuming you don't!). Consider taking a break from college to earn some cash, and study later when you are more motivated to do so. College isn't everything anyway. Since you've already broken one of society's taboos, you should be realise that not everything has to be done by the standard playbook. The important thing is giving your kid the best start you can. It won't be the best start in the world, but you need to be able to look yourself (and your kid) in the eye later on and say: \"I did the best I could.\" Your kid will love you for it and you'll be a man, my son.", "score": 8 }, { "body": "I'll probably be downvoted into oblivion for my curiosity, but how did this happen? Did the condom break, or did you just cross your fingers and hope nothing would happen? Did she get impregnated intentionally to keep you? ", "score": 8 }, { "body": "i know TWO women who got pregnant in their late teens/early twenties. they thought long and hard about it and gave the child up for adoption. one woman was single, and the other was with a boyfriend. \n\nboth cases worked out great. both women went on to get a better education/job/etc, the single girl met a guy a few years later, her soul mate, and had 2 kids with him a few years down the road. the couple got married later and had two children 10 years later. the couple gets regular photos of their daughter whom they gave up for adoption, and they have met. she's 11 now. they have absolutely no regrets for it, they know she is doing great and she is loved and they now have children of their own to love as well. \n\nthink about it hard, adoption is hard but its a sacrifice so that BOTH you, the child, and your girlfriend can have a better life. ", "score": 8 }, { "body": "There are some definite advantages to being a young parent. First, you have all sorts of energy and stamina that quickly begin to disappear once you hit thirty and onward. Further, you will still be quite young once your child is old enough to go off on his/her own. So, don't think of it as a missed \"childhood\" for yourself, but a postponed one. You'll still be young enough to drink with the best of them at your kid's college tailgates. (still in your 30s!) \n\nAs for work, get yourself trained in something… anything. And soon. While you're taking Spanish courses or whatever for your degree, get some training in welding… or heating/AC repair… or phlebotomy… or whatever. The point is, you need a \"real\" job… and soon. You won't be rich, but together with your gal's income, you should be OK if you can make a working-stiffs pay while you are in college. It will be quite challenging, but you can do it. Many others have. \n\nAlternatively, you could join the military, get your training for free, get school for free, be able to feed and clothe your family, and the other perks that go along with it. Of course, given the current state of affairs, you may well get your wish for an international trip in the not-so-distant future too. :) And, they dearly need linguists, so maybe you could get all your foreign language training at one of the country's top language schools. I personally wouldn't join the military, but it is a good choice for some people. ", "score": 8 }, { "body": "I know it's cliche but pick up a copy of \"what to expect when your expecting\". She'll love you for it( makes you seem sensitive and caring) and you'll love you for it( she won't walk into this without a clue whats going on). Also closer to birth pick up a lesser heard of book called \"Baby's first year\". I also grabbed a copy of \"natural cures for babies\" just because I don't believe in conventional medicine.", "score": 7 }, { "body": "A) It is BOTH of your choice as to what to do when it comes to having this child. Just because she has the child growing inside of her does not mean its a single person decision.\nB) If your keeping the child, which is sounds like you are, you NEED a full time job. Part time work will only help to take care of minimal necessities. Your girlfriend will be out of work for awhile after having this child and will be out of work some time before. You need to bring in some income. Parents will help but do not depend on them.\nC) Your clearly not alone. This has happened to many people your age. You just have to keep a clear mind about it. Yeah so you may miss out on quite a few things most people enjoy in their early 20's but to be honest, im 25 and a female, and there is not much I do now that I have not done while i was a teen. Its really not a big deal. This child is your early 20's experience and you may find out that its better than any other experience you will have. You can still go out and have fun just don't make it a habitual thing.\nD) As for you and your girlfriend... you are both very young. It can work but don't make it work just because theres a child. You two may grow stronger as a couple or find out that this isn't what you want. Keep everything neutral no matter what so this child has a stable family whether or not your together.\nE) Raising this child will come naturally. Just be prepared to put this child before you all of the time. You will be working for this child and living for this child. It is a big thing. Get some books and read up on parenting. Go on forums and ask others for advice who have children. It will help. \n\nI think you guys will do just fine. Just don't leave your girl stranded.", "score": 7 }, { "body": "Here's my background so you'll know where my advise comes from. while in college I met my wife, discussed children & She knew I absolutely did not want them. I was a 22yr old pro-gamer(I earned about 20kyr in competitions) & full time student. I thought being a dad was too big a responsibility, too big a financial drain, & I never wanted to grow up. My wife let me know she was pregnant by wrapping a onsie as a valentines present. I don't really remember what happened after that but she told me I didn't move for half an hour & my first words were \"are you sure?\" I'm now 36 I have 3 children whom I wouldn't trade for anything. One is a football freak(I don't know how that happened since I don't even understand the sport.) One is a computer geek(for his 7th birthday he built his first gaming rig) & the third is an infant. Additionally, I've taken up snowboarding & still play computer games for a couple of hours most nights. Now here's my advice 1.There are literally tons of scholarships available online. Instead of leaving the country this summer spend the time online looking for & applying for scholarships. Also depending on your degree some companies will pay for your education provided you work for them for x number of years. 2. Get involved with the pregnancy. Take lamaze classes, go to the ultrasound, & be her coach. The time lost to do these things is nothing compared to the regret you'll have later in life if you don't. 3.Apply for federal aide & use coupons. My family uses coupons & we eat healthy on roughly $40.00 per week. 4.Reassess your degree. Look at what people are making their first year out of college as this is an indicator of what you'll make for the first 3-5yrs after graduation. I didn't do this which resulted in having to get a 2nd degree just to compete on resumes. 5.If you love her get married financially you'll qualify for more scholarships, financial aide & larger tax returns. Emotionally you'll bond to your child more deeply & your wife will realize your in this for the long haul. Another thing to do is ask either set of parents if you can renovate part of their house into an apartment & pay rent. This helped my sister out quite a bit. Please let us know what you decide to do.", "score": 7 }, { "body": "My sister's boyfriend was 19 and in his first year of university (and not settling in well at that point) when he found out my sister was pregnant. He was in a lot of shock and denial i think - and as manateetanam says, it's horrible to think back on it but he felt abortion was the best option - and then adoption, when abortion had been ruled out. I find it hard to think about him saying those things now, particularly because my niece is the most beautiful, wonderful child i've ever seen (obviously i'm *slightly* biased, but if you met her you'd definately know what i mean :D), but the fact is it was just a massive change to his life when he was already feeling quite vulnerable, and i think it's human instinct to look around for other possibilities to cling to before your brain will actually accept what's happening sometimes.\n\nSo the most important thing for you to do right now is set aside the other options for now, and actually just tell yourself it's happening so you can let it sink in and try to prepare yourself for it. I'm not necessarily saying you shouldn't consider adoption or abortion, but it's essential that you think about having the baby too - and it's much harder to do that, especially when the alternatives are still on the table. It'll help you cope, and it'll make you feel better when you look back on this in the future, if you just try to take it in and accept it.\n\nDon't tell yourself that having a child will end your youth, or take away opportunities. It will obviously change your life, and it'll be difficult, but because everyone's always ranting on about \"teenage pregnancy\" these days as though it's a disease the idea of having kids young seems like something only stupid people with no ambition would do. That stuff's all completely untrue, especially when the two of you are actually getting on with your lives and doing something. Finishing your studies is really important if it's at all possible. Will your families be able to help you support your girlfriend and the child when she can't work? Because in the long term it's definately worth concentrating on the future, financially, rather than dropping out to try and get a job and earn some cash short-term. My sister's boyfriend is in his third year of university on the other side of the country (not that the UK's massive), and his daughter's nearly 2 so obviously it hasn't been ideal, but it's a lot more workable than the media would have you believe - particularly if you're not the pregnant one.\n\nabout thecoincidence thing, it's extremely important that you give your girlfriend the benefit of the doubt, for the health of your relationship and the future of your child. i know that sounds daft, but you're really not in a situation where it's healthy to worry about little doubts like that. You could ask her whether she'd suspected she could be pregnant when she asked you the question just to put your mind at reast, but it's possible that she just felt like she'd put a bit of weight on or something and the idea of it had occurred to her and made her think to see what you thought about it. Or maybe she had some kind of instictive suspicion of it before she had any actual reason to think it might be possible, but she didn't want to worry you without a proper reason.\n\nBasically, be really positive, be really honest about how you feel with your girlfriend (and encourage her to do the same), and try to embrace the future despite the changes to what you were expecting. I promise you that your child will be so much better than anything it could stop you from doing with your life - which will turn out to be a lot less than you expect.", "score": 7 }, { "body": "Begin to realize that your life no longer is all about you. Your focus in life needs to switch from you to the child you are bringing in to the world. That life of partying and hanging with friends all day and sleeping in and playing video games and being a typical teenager is over, you have to give it up. You need to be responsible and do whatever it takes to be a father to your child. You must accept this if you are to be a real father. ", "score": 5 }, { "body": "Honestly, revisit the adoption/abortion possibility. You say it's out of the question, but maybe she doesn't quite realize how much this will fuck up your lives. It doesn't hurt to try, does it?", "score": 5 }, { "body": "Abortion, abortion, abortion. I can't stress this enough. You really do not want to have a child at this point in your lives. It will ruin both of your careers as you are both just starting out. 15 months together may seem like a long time, but having a child is something to ADD to a relationship that is already stable; 15 months is not enough of a start to base the next 18 years of a future against. Don't think about yourselves, consider the life the child would have. You two are at the beginning of your careers, just entering the work force. This is the time that you make your mark and impress the workers around you, so that your career is more stable in the future, and have more job security, at a point when you may want to have a child.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "Same thing happened to me, little over 5 years ago. It was the summer between my junior and senior years of college when she found out she was pregnant. I freaked out so fucking hard. My family and I spent several days trying to persuade her to get an abortion. We even got so far as to visit the clinic. Ultimately, she could not go through with it. Unfortunately, by that time a lot of emotional damage had already been done. That period of time stressed our relationship almost to the point of breaking. To this day her family and my family hate each other over the things that were said and done during that period of time and nothing can be done to heal those wounds.\n\nWe made it though. Once she made the decision to keep the child I knew I had to be in his life or I would regret it. She had him in early December and I damn near killed myself to get graduated by the end of the spring semester. I think I was taking something like 27 credit hours that spring.\n\nShe lived with her family during that time and I made a point no matter how busy I was with class or work to visit them at least every other night. After I graduated we bought a house and moved in together. Things were very strained for a while because both of our families are very overbearing. We lived that way for about 2 years then we decided to move to SF so I could do the startup thing, a dream that I had way back in high school. We got married and we've been in SF for about 3 years now. I love my son and he reminds me of how I was at his age.\n\nLife story dispensed with, I have some advice for you. \n\n1) Do not try to control her or her decision. That is a mistake that I paid dearly for in terms of anguish.\n\n2) You do not have to move in together immediately. Make your intentions to live together known, but if it's a choice between living together immediately and finishing school you should finish school. Unless...\n\n3) What major are you? Are you studying a subject with a real career prospect or are you a liberal arts major? This is not to denigrate the liberal arts, but if you need to provide for a child right after college then you'll be better off quitting school right now if your degree does not directly lead to a career.\n\n4) Handle your shit like a man. As bleak as your future may seem right now (it's not) it's worse for your girl. For the first couple of years with that child she has no way to provide for herself other than relying on either you or her family. Regardless of your future romantic prospects, you need to assure her that she will have your support in raising that child. Be strong, be positive, and keep your fear in check.\n\n5) Your life is not over. It will change, but you can still pursue your dreams eventually. Initially everything will be for and about the child. 4-5 years from now your child will no longer need so much attention. Recognize your child's growing independence and start working on yourself some.\n\n6) Enjoy fatherhood. You are actually at the age which fatherhood was intended for. You can keep up with your kid. Enjoy it.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "This is why I don't have sex. It feels good and all but not so good that I'd risk getting a girl pregnant just to do it. Even with condoms or pills or whatever, I am still paranoid.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "Here's my 2 cents; father of 1 and 1 on the way:\n\n* Get married; 15 months is plenty of time to get to know someone and you seem to have a good relationship. I am sure this can be a very scary idea for you but I think it will help to establish a foundation for you.\n* Get the book [Baby Bargains](http://www.babybargains.com) (either buy it or get it from the library); this can help you a tremendous amount with the cost part of this. \n* Check out the aid programs available for your state as well.\n\nYour mind is probably racing about the whole thing assuming worst-case-scenarios (i.e. 'my life is over'). The book [The Worry Cure](http://www.amazon.com/Worry-Cure-Seven-Steps-Stopping/dp/1400097657) suggests also considering the **best** case scenario. Reality likely falls somewhere in-between.\n\nMy guess is that you are going to mature a heck of a lot in the next couple years, but you will ultimately come to find being a father an experience that is unparalleled in joy to your band or going to Spain. And if they are that important, **both** of these things can still happen, they just will need to be delayed a bit!", "score": 5 }, { "body": "Also wanted to say, that kids are to parents like crack is to crack addicts. All of the parents posting here are speaking from the mindset of an addict, they will insist their kids are the best thing that ever happened to them, that they would never trade them... blah blah blah. This is just their after-the-fact justification. \n\nPsychological studies show that despite both groups claiming the same amount of happiness, that people with children are more unhappy than people with them.\n\nI'm not saying you should never have kids. But I don't trust a junkie when they tell me heroin is great, and I wouldn't trust a parent to give me rational advice about children.\n\nIn my opinion, and this is just my opinion. The WORST thing someone can do in this world is have an unwanted child. If you want children, you should only do it when you are sure about it. You should have thought for years, and PREPARED for years financially and psychologically. You should be with a solid partner you have been with for years. You should be firm in your career choices.\n\nAnd all these folks saying \"Get a good job.\" That's just snake oil. Unless you're making $150,000+ per year you'll never get out of the hole that being a parent will put you in. Unless, of course, you're willing to give up on giving your child the best possible chances. College, Tutors, Private Schools, Organic Baby Food, Infant Swimming Classes, Sports... etc. It's expensive. Of course you could just throw the kid in public school and give it some french fries and see how that works out.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "You seem to have made a decision. If that's solid go with it. \n\nI empathize with your situation. You've just found out that someone will be depending on you to come through for them. Phew!\n\nOne of the first steps of crisis mgmt is to ask yourself. Am I in danger right now? Answering this helps you put things in perspective and reduces panic. (I am assuming you are not). \n\nI have known many people who have been in your situation and successfully found ways to make it work. You're 19. So that means you probably have lots of youthful energy which is an awesome resource. You're also open to seeking advice and help which shows good will and maturity.\n\nThe first assumption I would check is your fear of being an outcast in your family. I don't know anything about your situation, but I wonder if after some time, some or all of your family members will come to accept your situation and welcome new member(s) to the family. If your have a decent relationship with your family, I would talk it out and see how you can get support. I am just thinking of my friends who have been in similar circumstances. \n\nAs for the \"rest of your life,\" you should know that things don't turn out like you think anyway. And yet, having responsibilities can give you focus and make you more determined to achieve your goals.\n\nYou say \"I don't want to continue on the downward slope I've been on lately.\" Well it will be important to focus on small steps that you think will get you back on track so that you can be supportive for yourself, to your GF and the baby. Be proud that your are being proactive. \n\nI am assuming others will give you advice on child rearing. My advice for now is to patch things up with yourself, the girl friend, and the families. Next, move onto some of the practical considerations like money, shelter, education, etc. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n", "score": 4 }, { "body": "Im 25 now and my son just turned 5 months old. \n\nWhen I found out I had just been fired from my job so I was really worried about finances as well.\n\nYou did not throw away your future, but you may have delayed it a bit. If she just recieved her Dental assistant cert, she should try to get hired at an office as soon as possible, as long as she isnt showing she doesnt really have to disclose that she is pregnant, unless of course she would be working with chemicals that could be harmful.\n\nFirst thing she needs to do is apply for WIC and any other assistance programs she can, especially Medicaid for Women, this will cover any medical expenses from the OB and the actual birthing, I never considered it a hand out as long as you are both doing your part to contribute, thats what those programs are \"supposed\" to be used for.\n\nBe patient, be caring, and be ready for the scariest/awesomest experience of your life when that little person pops out, is handed to you and someone snaps a picture.\n\nI've been told this is the purest blend of elation and fright ever:\n\nhttp://imgur.com/WgNPZ.jpg\n\n\nDont be afraid, find any type of job you can with whatever hours you can manage and save as much as you can. If you need any advice feel free to ask me.\n\n", "score": 4 }, { "body": "Reading your post, its pretty clear that you are very scared. This is a natural reaction. As many have said here, you've just made things a bit harder for yourself, that is all.\n\nYour parents will come to grips with things, it may take a little time, but they will. They will yell and threaten, but they will come around. I guarantee it. Once the kid shows up, everyone falls in love with it, it is impossible not to for most people, it's in our biology.\n\nYou know more about parenting than you think. Your parents raised you. Do what they did. Its pretty simple, really. Feed when hungry, change when dirty, bath and clean them, keep them warm and safe, console them when sad. Get them an education. Pretty much it, really. ;-) \n\nIf you see yourself with this girl, you are in pretty good shape. She has the ability to earn money, at least for a while. You can get a job, and go to school part time. It will take you longer than your friends, but so what? Life isn't a race. If you two really want to make it work, you can.\n\nSomething else to consider. This may not be a popular comment these days, but military service can really help a young family. I know a young couple who's husband was about your age when he joined. You will likely spend some time in a war zone. He did, but made about 40K a year tax free while he was there, which his wife saved for them by living with her family during his deployment. They are now on their feet financially, and both going to college and building a life together. \n\nDon't despair. You can figure this out. You've put yourself on the express train to adulthood, but plenty of people have done this before you. Once you have kids, you cannot imagine life without them.\n\nOne last comment. I know its tempting to consider the abort option. Just know that even this isn't a \"no-strings attached\" option. That is to say, you get to remember taking this course of action for the rest of your life. You don't forget..... \n\nI wish you the very best of good luck. Be strong. Be brave. Regardless of your decision, these are adult decisions, and its time to be a man. ", "score": 4 }, { "body": "bail, go to another state, country, and start fresh\n(unless you love the girl and your baby, then you are stuck)", "score": 4 }, { "body": "I was a young mom. Now 28 years old and my son is in 4th grade! My husband and I are still together, he was 21 when I got pg. \n\nBest advice would be if you are making the decision to stay with her, and raise this child together, commit to that. Being a young mom, I have a lot of friends from high school who I kept in touch with that also had kids young. I don't know one of them who is still with the father of their kids, the guys were losers, put their friends/career/drugs/partying first and the relationship didn't work out. Well, not all relationships work out but the kicker is MAKE TIME FOR YOUR CHILD. Put your child first, that doesn't mean to throw out things you like, but balance your life so that you can be there for the kid. I do think that's one of the reasons even tho I married young, and the odds were stacked against us, that my husband and I are still together. He puts his family first. He does fun stuff, we take turns having our own time to go out with friends, or get a sitter and go out together, I finished school, he advanced his career, but the kids were always our priority.\n\nBest of luck with your future. It's scary as hell now, but it will also be exciting and you will fall in love with your kid. Just don't be one of the \"statistics\" of loser teenage dad who can't ever be at home, always out partying with friends. \n\nThe 20s go by SO FAST. You are starting out, money is tight, school is hard, kids make things complicated, but you will get thru it and by the time you're heading into your 30s you can have the education, the job, the kids, the marriage and you will notice a lot of people around you are just starting on those things. Sure you missed out on a lot of years they were out partying and working and you were changing diapers but as we get older we get more sure of ourselves. We are more comfortable in our skin. What better way to enjoy your 30s with being all settled, kids old enough to not need to be potty trained and up all night with and things really get easier and more comfortable. ", "score": 4 }, { "body": "The number one advise I can give you so fare, is Go see a Gynaecology right now. To make sure every thing is right where it should be.\n\nMy wife got pregnant in October. then for at least two weeks she was feeling period like pain. That was end of November beginning of December.\n\nWhen we checked books or internet, they were saying it was normal. I was thinking about an extra uterine pregnancy, but since the pain wasn't strong. I thought I was just too worried.\n\nThen one evening just like that, she felt a really big pain in the abdomen, It was so painful that she couldn't move or stand up.\n\nWe called paramedics and they rushed her to the hospital. At the hospital she was checked up, and after an ultrasonography she was sent to surgery.\n\nThe nurse told me to wait, that the surgery could take 1 to 2 hours. I asked if she would be OK, but she just said that you never know how much blood the person has lost.\n\nI was so worried! Those were the longest hours in my life (so far :). I thought I was losing my love and my baby that night. (watching medical tv shows don't help with hospital stress)\n\nFinally the operation went well, but she lost a lot of blood. I heard 2L and 30%, I'm not sure the exact amount. She was actually having a [extra uterine pregnancy](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ectopic_pregnancy), that finally burst.\n\nThey didn't have to remove her Fallopian tube, Which is good. But we lost the baby, which is sad.\n\nI've heard that the 3 first months are really risky. I didn't think it would be like that.\n\nAnyway, Go see a doctor ASAP, don't listen to people, books or the internet.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "When buying 'baby stuff' it's important to remember that there are lots of gadgets out there that people will have you believe you can't *possibly* live without, but you really don't need. You don't need to buy the most expensive model of everything (just check consumer reports, there are lots of cheaper car seats that are just as safe as the $300 models). You don't need a $500 stroller, the one for $100 will do fine. You don't need to buy all of baby's clothes from Baby Gap or The Children's place, the ones from Target and Wal-Mart are just as good. Take hand-me-down baby clothes and gear from anyone who offers, just make sure to check older stuff for recall notices. Parenthood is big business and companies exploit that. You really don't need half of what people will make you think you need.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "awww\nwell don't worry about not having exp with kids- there are lots of books you can get and it's really not that difficult at first- you just feed them, clean them, and keep them warm for the first few months\n\nyour college will likely have a daycare facility you can use- find it and learn their policy- if they have a credit minimum or if you need to volunteer time there- it can also be a place for you to meet other parents who can help you with the baby", "score": 3 }, { "body": ">However, since I have a marijuana conviction, I am ineligible for federal aid.\n\nThat's not true by default. You can go to Uni in a state that ignores that question on the FAFSA, like Missouri. If you're from a neighboring state you don't even have to pay out-of-state fees. \n\nedit: Also, I was in a very similar circumstance but made what in retrospect was probably the wrong choice, so let me tell ya man, I've been there. \n\nedit2: \n\n>I bed you, Reddit\n\nSounds like you bedded your lady first! ", "score": 3 }, { "body": "**Unlike some of the other post this is some actual advise you can use, since it looks like you will be keeping the baby.**\n\nMy wife is nine months pregnant so here are my suggestions:\n\n* Get a Baby naming book(it is harder than you think)\n \n* Start working on the babies room, we are finally almost done!!!!\n\n* Talk to friends with kids and find out what baby stuff they could not do without and what was an absolute waste of money\n\n* Do the baby register at Target & Babies R Us. even if you don't get much stuff you get 10% off anything left on your list after baby is born\n\n* Start clipping Diaper and Baby Wipe Coupons and start buying them on sale with the coupons (You will need a lot of size 2 & 3)\n\nIt might be scary now (it was for me even though we planned it) but once you feel him/her kicking you will be amazed and in love!!!\n ", "score": 3 }, { "body": "You'll be fine.\r\n\r\nI'm 24, my girlfriend is 27, and we have a 17 month old girl. I'll admit it's not easy and it's nerve-racking, but it is rewarding. We also thought about aborting, but decided on keeping her. \r\n\r\nWhat really worked for us: \r\nParents. I really don't thank my mom enough for this, but our parents really helped us out when we had no idea what to do. She helped me find work and manage to stay in college at the same time. It was especially great when her family could be there for her to be with her for doctor appointments when I couldn't make it, or help out with getting all of the furniture, like cribs and changing tables. \r\n\r\nI cannot stress the value of the WIC program. Apart from the vouchers for milk, peanut butter, and juice while your girlfriend is pregnant, and the vouchers for formula for when your baby is born, WIC also provides counseling, nursing aides, information about breast feeding, and even lent us an electric breastpump. (Seeing women's breasts being pumped is strange at first, so be warned)\r\n\r\nLastly, you and your girlfriend are going to need to have a very strong relationship to have raise a child together. Your relationship will be put to the test; there is no limit to the amount of stress it is the first few months, but after the first six months it gets pretty manageable. Remember that as much as you're going to need time for yourself every now and then that she's also going to need the same. \r\n\r\nHaving a kid is really difficult, and you'll probably have to put off a lot of personal goals, but there's nothing quite like the experience of raising your baby. I love everyday of it, and I wish you the best.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Well, make sure you can make money with your degree. College isn't going to be about your interest anymore, its going to be about getting you the skills to support your kid. Lets see, what else:\n1. Get yourself fixed if you can. One baby is great and all you need.\n2. Your life is not about you anymore. You live for the baby now.\n3. Read a basic baby care book and take classes if available.\n4. I know you're all lovey dovey with your girl but make sure you protect your rights legally. \n5. Pregnancies can mess with women. They can and do change.\n6. Have loads of sex. You can't get her any more pregnant :)\n7. Unless you got a recording contract, the band activity should fall away for awhile. Get stable and get a day job if you don't have one.\n8. Don't give up goals but realize some may have to be put on the back burner for 18 or so years. Case in point, I want a sports car but only when all my kids are out of the house. My youngest is 16 months.\n9. Have fun being a parent. Its not doom and gloom. \n10. Health insurance. You need it, trust me on this you really do. I regularly drop 100 dollars a month just in co-pays. Babies get sick often and will suck you dry if you don't have insurance.\n11. Accept that sleep is not going to be the same. This is why I post at 3 am :)\n\nMy first came at 25, my last at 34. I'm not going to get to party again until I'm 52. Tis life and I accept it but i don't dwell on it. One thing that happen to me was I started to give a shit about the world and things going on it because of my kids. This led me to Reddit. So, in a strange way having my kids brought me here.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "you don't need people to tell you what to think about having a child, you can philosophize without help from the internet. here is some more useful advice if you want to be a helpful partner/parent:\n\n1) get prenatal vitamins and start taking them now (not you, her)\n2) get a doctor. set up visits. you will have to go once a month for the first two trimesters and then more frequently afterward.\n3) contact important family friends - you need support and they'll want to know\n4) as it turns out there are a few books on concerning the whole baby thing. more useful examples include \"What to Expect When Your Expecting\" and \"The Expectant Father.\" the internet is great for answering questions (I'm here, aren't I), but this is an issue that will require reputable answers from time to time. You can probably get both of these on Amazon for less than $15.00.\n5) find out what resources your university/job offers for you and for her. although one of the worst things you can do is dropout of school, you may need to take a semester (she probably will) and you will need to know how that works at your school. the baby might delay things a little, but it should not damage your academic career.\n6) find out what resources your local or state government offers for you and for her (university medical usually sucks and bills for things like ultrasounds--not all of which are considered necessary medical procedures--are expensive). where does your insurance come from, where does her insurance come from, and where will the baby's come from and how will you get the baby on it? what are your student loan options? do you have limits for what you can take out each semester without penalties? might you want to a loan out now ahead of time thus making use of this semester?\n7) you are probably going to need childcare of some kind at some point. depending on the area you live in you might want to start looking now. universities often have excellent childcare, but it is not uncommon for there to be a waiting list (this is not just an expensive childcare thing, often the more reasonable, but very good childcare institutions have long-ass waiting lists). find out what is in the are and sign the hell up.\n8) housing. how's that gonna work? what does your U. offer? with her, without her? you don't have to make these decisions now, but you will eventually and you may need to start looking for housing soon. in most states you cannot be turned away from living somewhere because families are a protected group.\n9) having a bay together does NOT mean that you have to be together forever. you may be lucky and it may work out, but you will not benefit from forcing yourselves into something you don't want.\n10) you may want to seek counseling of some kind. this is the epitome of an adjustment disorder. counseling will probably help you to deal with this change in your life and may help you to be more self-aware and a better parent for your child. again, does your U. support this, medical insurance, state and local gov't, etc.?\n11) good luck an enjoy the experience. count yourself lucky. a lot of people dream of having a child and never do.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Don't give up on that financial aid, keep trying to get it, and make sure both families are involved in taking care of the baby. It will help you and the baby in the long run. Good luck. =]", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Don't freak out when the kid gets a little fever and run to the ER. If it's a big fever or goes on too long, then get seen.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "I understand your situation. I have a 10 month old boy who was a surprise as well. My situation was a bit different from yours (a bit older, more secure with finances), but it was still a huge deal and I was terrified during the pregnancy of how I was going to make everything work. \n\nFirst, the good news: You're life is going to change dramatically, in a way that you will come to recognize as a good thing, and you *should* end up being content that your life completely revolves around the child. I think something kicks in within your brain that shifts your way of thinking around. My thinking started to shift when I saw the first ultrasound, and completely changed when I first saw him.\n\nThe bad news: Your life is going to change dramatically and is largely not going to be about you anymore, for a long time. You won't be able to do all the things you used to. \n\nSome of my advice during the pregnancy: Try to get as much of your personal desires in before the baby is born, like fulfilling what you want to do with your band. You will not have time for this after the baby is born. All of this must be in reason, of course. Personally, I was in a band as well. I am not anymore; I just do not have the time.\n\nYou must balance this with taking care of your girlfriend. Pregnancy is a tough time for a woman, so you must be there for her as much as you can. Be prepared for dramatic changes in her mood/behavior. I went through months of dealing with a woman who was always happy, to seeming always unreasonable for the next few months, to being happy again, to being depressed, to being unable to do much for the last month or so. From talking to other fathers and mothers, I understand that this is pretty normal. Her hormones are going to be going wild. Be understanding.\n\nFurther, you have to balance all of this with getting ready financially. You should probably find a job. You need get health insurance in order. I have pretty good health insurance and still ended up paying about $2000 out of pocket after all was said and done. You may expect to pay even more than this, depending on your insurance. There may be public programs out there but I did not use/would not qualify for any so I can't advise you on that.\n\nHave a baby shower and try to keep expenses down on it. This can give you a few months worth of supplies. Balance the cost of the shower with what you expect in gifts. Often, someone else pays for the baby shower, but you'll need to figure this out/balance cost vs. what you expect to get in gifts if you have to pay for it yourself.\n\nStay in school. You are now going to school not for yourself, but to be able to better provide for your family. This may not be relevant to your situation, but I offer it if anyone else is reading that is in a similar situation: consider doing online schooling. A lot of legitimate universities, state schools included, offer completely online programs that are the same degree (no special wording or anything put on a diploma) as if you had gone in person, at similar cost. This would enable you to work full time. \n\nGet your finances in order as much as you can. If you have credit cards, pay them off if possible. Try to build a savings fund that you can utilize for the first few months, because she will not be able to work and frankly, in my opinion, should have that time to spend bonding with your new child.\n\nI know you said your family and hers may not be supportive, but that may change. Families can be a HUGE help -- not necessarily monetarily, but as far as time and babysitting while you work. My advice: keep your family up to date on the pregnancy. Show them the ultrasound pictures. Tell them where the baby is at in development. If they didn't want to, try to get them to come to the hospital to see the baby when he/she is born. Seeing all of this may soften their hearts. They may not realize it now, but being a grandparent is a rewarding experience, just like being a parent, and lets them experience a whole new dynamic.\n\nOnce the baby is born, you are likely going to be strapped for time, sleep, and money. Be prepared not to sleep much for the first few months. If you're lucky the baby may sleep very well, but I wasn't. Don't let the stress get to you, and don't let it affect your relationship in a negative way. You and your girlfriend are a team and need to keep functioning in an effective manner for the child. \n\nBesides the cost of the birth, I found that the first few months were relatively \"cheap,\" money-wise. It gets more expensive as time goes on (they grow rapidly, outgrowing clothes quickly, eating more, and needing more). \n\nDespite all the stress, you may find yourself coming home from a long day at work, tired, yet being rejuvenated when you see your child. When I see my boy it tends to make me forget about the stress of the day and reinforces why I am doing all of this. I am making a good life for all of us and that makes it all worth it.\n\nThat's all the advice I have to offer. Good luck and trust me, you are embarking on an very rewarding journey.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Don't despair altogether of doing what you want with your life. It won't go as planned, but life is long and determination works. I know a guy who had a child while unhappily enlisted when he was 20. Now his daughter is 8, he's midway through a high-quality MD/PhD program, is on amicable and functional terms with the child's mother and is dating spmeone else. ", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Hey man, I'm 25 and I have a 1.5 year old son. I was with my GF for two years when we found out. It's definitely life changing, and your feelings are absolutely valid. It takes a little while to adjust, but thankfully you get 9 months to come to terms with it. \n\nFew words of advice:\n\n* Go to the doctor appointments with her. She will love you for the support, and it will help you feel like you are a part of it. The more involved you are with the whole thing, the more prepared and confident you will feel.\n\n* Hate to say it, but studying abroad and going on tour are pretty much out of the question now. If she is the breadwinner, she is going to need to go back to work as soon as she is capable. That means you have to pick up the slack. \n\n* Get a job. Don't care what, but you are going to need money. Hopefully someone will throw her a baby shower so you can get a lot of the big things, e.g.: crib, carseat, etc. If that doesn't happen, you are going to have to foot the bill. Make sure you do good research so you don't waste your money. \n\n* Don't know what your career plans are, but make sure you make goals and follow through. You may want to minor in education instead of another language so you can start teaching right away. \n\n* No one here will tell you that it is easy to raise a child. It's a lot of work, but rewarding as well. You really have to think about your expectations. You will lost a lot of your free time. You will have to do a lot more. You will grow up very quickly. If you don't think you can do it, leave now so she can figure out her life without you. Do not wait until the baby is born and you're a year in to leave. \n\n* Now, I said that raising a baby is a lot of work, and that's true, but the tasks themselves aren't too complicated. Keep him/her fed, in clean diapers, and well rested. For the first 6 months that's all you'll need. After that, use websites like babycenter.com to get an idea for things you should be doing, e.g.: tummy time, when to introduce solid foods, etc. There are a TON of online resources to go to if you have no idea what to do. moms4mom.com is another good one, set up as a Q and A (like stackoverflow)\n\n* Remember to work together with your gf. There will be fights, but be smart and choose your battles. Compromise is key, communication is key.\n\n* Family support is KEY. My mother in law baby sits, which saves us over $1000 a month in daycare. Don't let your family cast you out. If you do this right and show them that you are serious, if they are decent, that will offer support and help you as much as they can. Don't let anyone pressure you into getting married. It is NOT a requirement, and is really the last thing you want to do. You will feel forced into it because of the baby, and it won't feel right to you. Wait until you're lives are stable and you can really think about your relationship again.\n\nSorry for the wall of text, I hope this helps...I had a hard time coming to terms with this myself, with original plans of not having children until I was 30+. It took some time, but you will develop a routine and a rhythm that will make things easier for you. Seek other parents to be friends with...you will have a hard time staying connected with your current circle, who will still be out partying. Craigslist has a lot of groups to meet with. Ok...I could keep going, but I'm sure this is more than enough. Good luck.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "What a depressing bunch of answers you're getting here. Marry the girl and try to make it work. 20 is old to start having children by the standards of most of history. Don't take advice from redditers or any other 12 year olds.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "If you guys go through with having a baby the only advice I can offer is to bond with the baby from day 1. It will make your life easy. I have 2 kids, one 13 and one 3. The 13yr old is from my first marriage, but I have custody of her. Her mother wasn't really into being a parent so from day one she and I had a lot of time to bond, and I enjoyed it, and still do.\n\nMy 3yr old is a different story. My wife is the perfect mother, but when our daughter was born my mother in law came to live with us and it was hard getting a lot of time in with her. The first couple of years it was rough. I'd come home from work and she'd run away from me. \n\nThe mother inlaw has been gone now for about 6 months and things are back on track with the 3yr old. I get her up on the weekends and we play together and watch cartoons and all the fun stuff that comes with being a parent.\n\nI know a lot of Dads, some good ones and some bad ones. The bad ones don't spend anytime really bonding with their kids and they always complain that their kids are a pain in the ass. Of course they are if you don't bond with them and hang out with them.\n\nSo dude, good luck, be a good Dad and husband. It's going to be a pain in the ass considering your age, but if you man up, make some sacrifices you'll be just fine in the long run.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Untill he finds relationships outside of WoW that makes it worthwile to go outside nothing will probably change. He needs a catalyst. Try to force a situation where you all hang out to make real world relationships more meaningful.", "score": 7 }, { "body": "He might be going through a depression or a rut - it sounds to me like he's lost direction and doesn't know where to go next.\n\nThe best thing you can do is explain your perception of this and then leave him to his own devices. You can bring a horse to water but you can't make him drink.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Find out what he's doing on WoW. If it's just hanging out with guildies and regular errands (not climbing pvp ladder, not raiding) you'll have a better chance since people levelling alts or just hanging out and chatting or farming for fun are just bored - essentially.\n\nIf he's raiding or pvp'ing, you know - if he has very specific goals in the game - good luck. It's going to be pretty hard to get him out of the house unless you find a good reason for him to do so, probably need things like girls (or boys), a good book, booze or food to drag him away from the computer. Wow can be like a job to those who get into it (there are THAT many things to do).\n\nOn the other hand, if he is doing the whole raiding/pvp'ing thing, it may be easier to convince him to leave the house at certain times (because those things are usually scheduled and done with other people), and then get him to slowly cut back on the amount of time he spends on it.\n\nIf all else fails, be a dick, do the intervention thing. Call up his parents, make sure they don't give him any more money (he's going to run out eventually), everytime you're over at his place, keep distracting him from his gaming until he agrees to go out and grab dinner/beer/lunch with you. Cut off his internet (probably illegal), offer a bounty online to people on his server to harass him... etc\n\nEveryone I know who gets really into it only really (are able to) quit because they recognize how much time it takes to play the damn game (ironically, other MMOs take even longer), you have to be able to point that out to him and have him agree how much time he's wasting on it, and have him want to do something else with said time.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "The only 3rd party controller I didn’t hate was for Genesis. First party controllers are always the way to go", "score": 3 }, { "body": "If, like me, you have a few PS2 controllers sitting around, you can get an adapter for ~$10 and use those.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Watch Alien w/ the fam, and right after the thing comes out of her stomach, pause and say \"WE'RE PREGNANT!\"", "score": 9 }, { "body": "When everyone is sitting around together, wait for a lull in the conversation, then really loud say: Hey Honey, Want some booze!?\n\nAnd then she yells back: No way! I'm knocked up!\n", "score": 5 }, { "body": "Make excuses for your wife for the next eight months, and the day she's due, invite everyone over for a party. When they're all there, get 'em drunk then shout \"Hey check this out!\" then have her come in and squat down and squeeze the kid out onto the floor. \n\nI guarantee you they will always remember that.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "* The Xbox 360 has less-powerful hardware. The 360's GPU is the rough equivilant of a 7600 GT. To put that into perspective for you, my *laptop* has a 7600 GT, and it's almost three years old. The Xbox 360 also has a pitiful 512 MB RAM; Valve stated that one of the reasons they've had difficulty shipping Orange Box updates for Xbox 360 is that meeting the memory budget is requiring a lot of work from their coders.\n* The reason that the mouse is superior to the joystick as an input device is that the degree of crosshair movement is based on how much you move the mouse, whereas there is an upper limit on how fast you can rotate using the joystick. Your crosshair movement with the joystick is based on timing rather than moving when it comes to large, sweeping movements. This means that due to the physical constraints that the input places on you, you cannot wheel around and fire at someone behind you as quickly with a controller as you could with a keyboard/mouse. Valve even acknowledged this when they released Left 4 Dead, and to compensate for the difficulty that console players have in aiming, they reduced the number of zombies that spawn, if I'm not mistaken.\n* A specific example illustrating the limitations of using a joystick to aim: In Team Fortress 2, one of the most basic moves that you can perform with a rocket launcher is a horizontal rocket jump, which requires you to swing down and look back and at your feet, crouch, and fire, all in a very small window of time. [See this video for a demonstration.](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN2LQbvcN_Y#t=2m8s) It is not physically possible to perform these jumps with an Xbox controller because you would not be able to turn around quickly enough.\n* Dedicated servers are good because they allow you to play in the same \"place\" from day to day. Whenever I play Team Fortress 2, I can choose to join a server which is several miles away from me, rather than join a lobby and possibly get put in a lobby with someone who is on the other side of the country. When one person is hosting the game on their client, that person has zero ping, which isn't really \"fair\" to the other players, and if the host disconnects, the game ends. Another element that comes from playing in the same \"place\" from day to day is that you often meet others who frequent the same server that you do. A large number of my online buddies are people that I met because we played on the same game servers over many months.\n* This may or may not be an issue for some people, but I am not a huge fan of optical media. If you live in a house with small kids, it is very possible that your $60 game could be unplayable due to scratches or cracks. Consoles have downloadable games, but I'm pretty sure that if you want to play Dragon Age, you need to insert a disc. Most PC games can be played without an optical drive; I can't think of any games in recent history that require the disc to be in the tray while you play.\n* PC games generally cost less, starting at $50. Only exception so far has been Modern Warfare 2, which was $60 on all platforms. Most cross-platform games are $60 on console and $50 on PC for their starting price.\n* On the PC, you can run custom user-made maps and mods. Most of the Team Fortress 2 maps that are in competitive rotation are customs, and I'm pretty sure that the same applies to StarCraft. The same goes for Counter-Strike, to a lesser extent.\n* Furthermore, there are entire communities built around mods, and sometimes mods themselves become commercial games. Ever heard of Counter-Strike? It started off as a mod for Half-Life. Team Fortress? It was originally a Quake mod. DotA? Warcraft III mod. These games never would have sprung into existence without custom modders, and custom modding isn't possible on the console platform.\n* Xbox owners need to pay for XBL. There isn't anything like this for PC, unless you count Microsoft's Live for PC games membership, which is not required to play games online.", "score": 50 }, { "body": "Mouse aim is leaps and bounds faster and more accurate than a thumbstick.\n\nThumbstick is superior to WASD for movement, however.", "score": 14 }, { "body": "Also, Mods. I've always loved bein' able to make custom content or download community-generated content for games. Also, I'm in the game industry, and the mod community's a GREAT way for up an' comers to learn some of the intricacies of asset creation and delivery.", "score": 14 }, { "body": "A console is a hardware setup frozen in time.. So the 360 for example is using a video card / cpu that's about 4 years old at this point .. a PC is ever evolving and as such is capable of more.. this doesn't mean that all the potential is ever really utilized in games. \n\nThis is just one big reason I can think of.", "score": 12 }, { "body": "People call this issue the \"skill ceiling\", and if you play a lot of pc fps games you'll notice the problem. This problem, to me, mainly stems from pc enthusiasts who are just used to a superior setup. A mouse and keyboard allows you to play fps games to a very precise degree - once you find a comfortable mouse sensitivity, a pc fps becomes a very fluid experience, you can turn 180 degrees with a quick, almost involuntary swipe of the mouse, and your accuracy becomes very precise and only grows with experience. So, covering *all* the area around you becomes a possibility for the pc, and once you have this ability, the speed of play can get much faster, and again, more fluid.. something I haven't seen consoles mimic very well. And while you will still inevitably become more skilled on a controller if that's what you're regularly playing on, to me, it's not as comfortable a process as a pc setup, simply because the controller lacks certain precision you sorely need in these games. You can't turn on a dime like you can with pc - either there is a 180 turn button to make up for the difference, or you just have turn manually, which is always slow and time-consuming. Also, with analog aiming, the accuracy you get out of it is not as precise as if you were using a mouse. With a mouse, you can make quick, relatively minute adjustments that end up making a big difference if, say you're trying to hit an enemy across the map. Admittedly, I don't try to push this problem on people, while growing up I tried to play counter-strike and quake 3 as much and as competitively as possible. I loved the fact that I could kick someone's ass who was 10 or 20 years older than me. From that experience, and also from trying multiplayer fps games on console and noticing the disadvantages, I found that if I'm going to be playing a multiplayer game *competitively*, I want to be on the setup that feels most comfortable to me.\n Just to sum up, if you pitted a pc fps player against a console fps player, the pc player would have an immediate advantage, due to the precision, accuracy, and overall speed of a pc setup. ", "score": 11 }, { "body": "PC = Mouse/Keyboard, mods, better user interfaces, higher quality textures, 1080p with high AA, and stereoscopic 3D vision.\r\n\r\nConsole = silly controller, low res textures, 720p with no or low AA.", "score": 7 }, { "body": "It comes down to the controls. WASD is very precise and it is much harder to achieve that level of *consistent precision* with a controller. Mind you, I didn't say it's impossible, but it is harder. \n\nReally, just try it for yourself. Get Half Life 2 (for example) and really play the hell out of it and I don't mean for like an hour, but play through a good chunk of the game (except for the stupid platforming parts, ugh). If you still like a controller then go back to the x360, if you like WASD, then play PC.", "score": 6 }, { "body": "For me it's the mouse/keyboard versus the controller. I can go from seeing another player to center of mass in a split second, it takes a bit longer to do the same with a controller. I can also check my corners very quickly.\n\nAlso PC games tend to be more customizable. ", "score": 5 }, { "body": "PC's have a longer shelf life. You can spend a little money and upgrade components that might buy you another 3 or 4 years of playability. Whereas with consoles you can't. Does that make PC's superior? Beats me. I guess if you got F U money your not going to care about that.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "As stated keyboard/mouse but even more \"hotkeys\". I understand some console games can set hotkeys but most FPS have hotkeys already on PC. I was considered weird in my circle of RL friends because I played WoW with a controller. I had set certain hotkeys to the controller and set close enough to the laptop I could access all the hotkeys. Also had s-video to the 32\" tv so basicly it was like having a keyboard and controller hooked up to the \"big screen\".\n\nBTW: I have since upgraded to using HDMI for audio/video to the TV", "score": 5 }, { "body": "Flexibility:\n\nUse a controller if you prefer, or go with what many people consider to be the superior m+k.\n\nInspect the data files for your games, alter their config, replace data files with custom ones that pepole make. Let your games continue to evolve and improve over time. From custom maps and textures to full blown total conversions, a game last forever.\n\nConnect to multiplayer servers that your friends run, or that you purchase privately, or host your own. Connect to the official servers too. Use whatever chat program you want, voice or text. Alt tab and check out something on the web, and then return to game.\n\nDigital Distribution is *here*, now. Not something being discussed about happening in the future. Essentially infinite disk space for saves, easy transfer or sharing of any data.\n\nCost:\n\nPC gaming used to be far more expensive than console gaming. I don't think it is any more. Games when new are $50 instead of $60, that has always been the case, but the competition and digital distribution means I spend a lot less on software now. You don't need a $2500 machine, a $500 one is perfect for everything at very good quality, and it doubles as your PC. You can't buy a $300 console and get a good computer for $200.\n\nTechnical Superiority:\n\nThat $500 PC will play games better than any console. It may not be immediately obvious, but most console games cap framerate at 30fps, and don't actually render native 1080P, rather render at a much lower rate internally. Even games that supposedly have a terrible PC port, I find are still better on PC than the console it was ported from.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "I don't game on my PC (my pc sucks), but my friend that has a pretty nice rig basically summed it up for me like this: \n\n1. Keyboard and Mouse easier to use\n2. Mods\n3. Free Games (he's a pirate)\n\n", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Can't speak for FPS because I don't enjoy WASD/mouse at all for FPS. Feels unnatural to me. \n\nFlight Sims, on the other hand, feel vastly better when you can use an actual stick/throttle instead of thumbsticks. \n\nThe best argument I would say comes from the RPG sector. Anyone who has played Morrowind on console and PC can tell you that games with modding communities are almost only good on a PC. User-generated content is not really doable on consoles. \n\nThat said, I have the worst possible PC for gaming, and play any game that might require an actual graphics card or more than 256MB of RAM on a console, so I'm kind of a hypocrite. ", "score": 3 }, { "body": "I have a PS3 in this household.\n\nI wish to Jehovah, Yahweh and Allah that I had a pimped out gaming PC. A huge reason for that desire, and this is the stupid irony, is that I'm poor and games for PC are... ahem... *free*. Yes, a PC is more expensive initially. But when you add up all the stuff you can do on a PC (I can't run Reason, FLStudio, Cubase, Ableton, Serato, Photoshop, Max, etc. on a console) and you consider the fact that a lot of the games release for both 360 and PS3 come out on PC (and ALL of them look better when played on a well spec'd PC), and you consider the control system advantages, and you consider (don't ever forget this) that you can torrent *anything and everything you could ever want for a PC, for free, from somewhere* but you have to trade in 3 fucking games and still pay 20 bucks just to get a new release for a console. Well.\n\nChoice is clear.\n\nEDIT: Having said that, I buy games I love - whether I'm poor at the time or not. I own S.T.A.L.K.E.R. (SoC and CS - the latter I've never even owned a computer worthy of playing it on, I just bought it because I love Stalker) I bought Morrowind years ago from a bargain bin for 10 bucks even though I'd been playing it pirated for years prior. I bought Fallout 3, because despite Bethesda disappointing me with Oblivion, I had *that much of a hankering for Fallout*. Also Battlefield 2 because I loved it online back in the day, and Mass Effect (never even installed or played on a PC yet) because I played it on someone else's XBOX360 and loved it to pieces.\n\nTL;DR: Everything is better on a PC. Everything. The only real reason I've played a console at all over a PC in the last few years has been my inability to afford (or justify it, when I could *almost* afford it) a good gaming PC. If I got a Wii, a DS, a 360 and a PS3 for christmas, out of the blue, you had better bet your ass that I would sell them all unopened and get myself three GTX285s and a Core i7.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "I turned my co-workers onto reddit. Now if only I had thought to create a throwaway account before posting naked pics of my wife(long before telling co-workers about reddit). That maybe embarassing one day but I doubt they'd even bring it up. Oh I embarrassed one co-worker when after he described himself and another co-worker trying to make a post about me being gay backfired. I guess I logged off in one tab but left another open. It wouldn't allow them to post. But a few days later he left his logged on while away from our community computer. He was very upset when he realized for over 24 hrs there was an askreddit pertaining to him \"coming out\".", "score": 10 }, { "body": "My friends all insist on using Stumbleupon despite my recommendation on using reddit instead. For some reason stoners like being surprised and not knowing what link will show up next. ", "score": 6 }, { "body": "I honestly don't get why this site (and other similar sites) have such a culture about them, it's just a place to get information and occasionally advice. Why would it be embarrassing to go here?", "score": 4 }, { "body": "\"The Narwhal Bacons at Midnight\"\n\nI say this all the time to see if I can oust someone in a group lol. You kidding? I make a point of telling people where I get all of my information... I have met a few people in real life, and I have no problem going on about the site. Then again I am normally a little confident and out going about who I am as a person, so someone finding out I am geeky is like them finding out I am human.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "I feel weird talking about it. \"There's this user content based website...\" \n By that point I've already lost half of them. \n EDIT: As a fun bonus, try explaining pedobear. Have fun with that.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "I haven't had a car for over four years now.\n\nIt's great! I never buy gas, never pay auto insurance, never pay tickets, and damn sure never make monthly payments.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "My beater ('01 Taurus, yes it was a beater) needed about $1800 in repairs. So yesterday I went and traded it in (they gave me $1750 LOL) for an '09 Subaru Legacy. That thing drives on snow and ice like it's got tank treads! I love it.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "2000 Subaru Outback limited with heated leather seats, dual sunroofs, and 300,000 miles on the odometer! Never had any problems; I love it.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "I heard about the so-called great deals going on at Saturn and Buick now, and I just wanted to share my experience. I went to my local Saturn dealer and they didn't have any cars for less than $19500 *after* the $6500 incentive. No Vues available. I also went to the Buick dealer, but I waited about 10 minutes after they paged a salesman and no one came, so I gave up and headed over to Honda and bought the Fit. Sprang an extra $1500 for the Sport package. Paddle shifters are fun!", "score": 4 }, { "body": "A brand new, white Mercedes, 2001 SEL Limited Edition. Moon \r\nroof, all leather interior. I got it at a very good price. I paid \r\ncash. My cousin, Prince Murray, has a dealership in the valley. He \r\nwas very nice to me.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "2009 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster in Rosso Vic.\n\nhttp://www.dupontregistry.com/autos/Search/DRauSearchDetails.aspx?itemid=715079\n\nIt's my Internet Car.\n\nThis is my real car:\n\nhttp://imgur.com/LtJUT.jpg", "score": 3 }, { "body": "FYI: pay it off sooner than 60 months. It's better for your credit rating and the insane interest payments will be lessened.\r\n\r\nCongrats on the car - but make double payments, or extra principle payments at least four times a year. ", "score": 3 }, { "body": "99 Prizm \n 2000 Explorer \n I will never purchase a Ford again. I'm out over $2000 already on the exploder.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "An all-paid-for 1982 black Pontiac Trans Am Recaro edition, 5.7L 8cyl engine with four-speed manual tranny. Really beat-up. The car of my opium dreams.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "I have an '03 Chevy Cavalier for commuting long distances or during inclement weather but since I work within 10 miles of my home most days I ride a scooter. Yeah, you read that right, wanna make something of it? I bought it brand new with lock chain, quart of oil, first oil change, first tune up, cover, reflective vest, helmet, registration and home delivery for $1850. I paid cash so I don't have a payment, I live in a state that does not require me to insure it so one *more* payment I don't have to make. It costs me **almost** $6.00 in gas per month plus a quart of oil (approx $8.00) every three months. So there, I've said it. I ride a scooter.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "There's always the classic: \n\nGuess what? I'm gay!\n\n*wait for their mortified replies, \"just kidding, I'm only an atheist\".", "score": 23 }, { "body": "There is a religion field. You could just put that you are an atheist in there (mine says Secular Humanist to be more precise).\n\nOr you could stack your status updates with some of the blinding light of science and reason.", "score": 14 }, { "body": "Post a few links about atheism on your wall every day.\n\nMix and vary the styles. Whatever fits yur style, mood, etc. There's a lot of funny and mocking stuff to be found in the Atheism reddit. You probably have to search a bit for thoughtfull posts though. :)\n\n**Edit:** Don't overdo it. 3 or 4 posts a day might be a good measure.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "I wouldn't tell my family if I were you. That's because, I did tell my family and it's been a living hell for them and me. They think they can tell relatives to pray the Jesus into me, but it actually back fires on them and makes the relatives disrespect our family. So they're hurt. My family also doesn't want me to go to hell, so they advice me, which annoys the shit out of me.\n\nIf I knew what I knew now, I'd live with the \"Christian\" label but just avoid the retarded shit. ", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Every New Year's Day my family eats corned beef, cabbage, and black eyed peas. I'm told it's for good luck, but I don't really care because I get corned beef.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "I'm from Pennsylvania, and everyone I know does, I have a plate right in front of me. I'm fairly sure it's popular around here due to the large Amish populations.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "The Beatles - Blackbird\n\nRadiohead - Street Spirit\n\nLed Zeppelin - Babe I'm Gonna Leave You\n\nRed Hot Chili Peppers - Road Trippin' \n\nSublime - Santeria\n", "score": 11 }, { "body": "* Blackbird by The Beatles\n* Norwegian Wood by The Beatles\n* Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd\n* Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash\n\nI play them on acoustic guitar from time to time, and they're all lots of fun. I hope you'll agree :)", "score": 5 }, { "body": "* [Smashing Pumpkins - Landslide](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4U4opbXoMss)\n\n* [Third Eye Blind - Motorcycle Drive By](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXRLEyIoJZA)\n\n* [Eric Clapton - Layla (Unplugged)](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_jpWumPnxc)\n\n* [Foo Fighters - Everlong (Acoustic)](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eO_15bcZTq8)\n\n* [Sublime - Badfish](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1xEOIvSZ7o)", "score": 5 }, { "body": "Iron & Wine - Such Great Heights (need a capo), \n??? - Romanza, \nGrateful Dead - Friend of the Devil\n", "score": 4 }, { "body": "Rocky Raccoon - Beatles\n\nMe and Julio Down By the Schoolyard - Paul Simon\n\nLoves Me Like a Rock - Paul Simon\n\nBlowin in the wind - Bob Dylan\n\nLike A Rolling Stone - Bob Dylan", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "The iPhone Reddit app handles the browser hand-off very badly. In addition the landscape mode is not supported. There is very little workmanship in comparison with typical iPhone apps. Time to start a open-source project I guess. ", "score": 6 }, { "body": "Yeah, I'm at a wedding. First of all, who the fuck gets married on Jan. 1?Ooohhh symbolism? I don't give a shit\n\nSecondly, it's a traditional wedding and reception. I mean it's long and drawn out with all the dumb electric slides and what not.\n\nI'm bitter about the whole thing and have decided my wedding must be the complete opposite of this.\n\nI'm in the parking lot smoking weed and redditing on my iPhone.", "score": 5 } ]

[ { "body": "You haven't said enough to know whether your approach is reasonable or really is hostile, but it is often the case that someone telling you, \"You're attacking me! Stop it!\" is just a defense thrown out by people who know they're wrong and want you to stop making them feel bad.\n\nFor a lot of these people, you're never going to win. They've constructed their irrational views so that they're unassailable with logic or facts, even if they still feel an occasional twinge of guilt. Unless you're prepared to fight until one of you gives up, your best bet is to walk away from those people, and while you're probably stuck with your mom, there's no reason you couldn't find a girlfriend who cared more about the things you care about. Alternatively, you could try to relax a bit and just let stupid people say stupid things without challenging them.\n", "score": 4 } ]

[ { "body": "What firmware is loaded on the phone? What version of iTunes are you running?\n\nCompletely uninstall iTunes from the computer, re-download and re-install. (the uninstall is necessary).\n\nDo you have it set to launch iTunes automatically and auto-sync whenever the device is plugged in?\n\nAre you using the proper iTunes for your computer? Is it a 32 bit version of Win7 or a 64? Are you using the 64 bit version of iTunes? Not an expert or anything but it seems plausible to be running a 32 bit version of iTunes on a 64 bit PC and that could be causing the problem. Seems Apple's website ought to tell which you have automatically but here is a link to the latest [64 bit version](http://www.filehippo.com/download_itunes_64/) from an outside site just in case.\n\nIt could also be a lousy USB driver.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "I remember reading an article a bit of time ago that said some intel i think southbridge or northbridge controllers were having problems syncing with iphones. Check if there are updates for your motherboard on the manufacturer's site.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Does it have no remote sensor? Why not just use a universal remote?\n\nHorrible idea to have to have a robot moving part press the button. Get a little dirty and get some wire to trigger that circuit.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Well, the obvious advice is to keep it going, because that's what you both want. Even if you are destined to split, why would you do anything less than be as happy as you can while you can? Is there some benefit to being martyrs that I'm not aware of, some extra pay somewhere?\n\nI mean, realistically, you've come to us wondering how to be happy, but you already know the answer. Do that thing. It does suck that you've already pronounced your relationship dead, and that the clock is ticking, but you could use that to throw as much of yourselves into it while you've got the time :)\n\nAnd who knows what will happen! Always in motion, the future is. What if there is some reason you can't end up going to grad school? What if he, on a lark, looks for a job where you're heading and something pops up? Why would you two just give up? If this is real, and it's a good thing, then maybe you two will find out that you need to just try and make it work?\n\nI know the overriding wisdom here is to never fuck up your personal future for a relationship, but sometimes your personal future IS the relationship, and grad school/staying long distance is the thing doing the fucking up. Regardless of what you two decide eventually, don't toss away any days of bliss because of the real world while you still can get away with it.", "score": 6 }, { "body": "I don't know why people make life so hard on themselves, if you love each other, just be together and enjoy yourselves.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "My roommate is a manager-Trainee at the local Gamestop. He says in no way Should you ever have to show anything other than a ID and that's only when getting cash back on a traded game and not when trading the games for another. \n\nAs well, after doing some very short google work I found this [pdf](http://www.gamestop.com/gs/help/Store%20Return%20Policy.pdf). Which doesn't state anything about showing an ID or SSN card when trading in games for other games.\n\nAs ChicagoMemoria said.. sounds like she was trying to commit ID fraud.\n\nedit: Fixed my link.\n\nEDIT2: In short it's in bad taste to ever give your SSN to anyone asking for it. I believe there was an article on Consumerist about getting utilities(I believe it was Verizon) turned on without giving them your SSN, but they did make the person pay a deposit. I'd say unless it has something to do with your credit (applying for a line of credit or opening a bank account); I'd never personal give my SSN to a company.", "score": 124 }, { "body": "Sounds like she was trying to scam you while working her job at the same time. Since you don't mention asking for a manager or talking to another employee about it, I would think she was alone. Yes? Could be she was trying to run a scam while alone in the store.", "score": 41 }, { "body": "It's been a few years since I worked at Gamestop, but the only reason we ever asked for any of that information was to comply with the state and local pawn shop laws for trade-ins etc. Normally these laws aren't enforced by corporate or the local authorities, at least where I worked. Even now I know they aren't enforced. However, recently corporate has required employees in my area to actually begin taking in the information from people doing trade-ins. After a few big thefts, the cops have put some pressure on the DM and GM to better enforce this. Apparently, per local law, Gamestop could be forced to close by 4 PM just like the pawn shops are required to do. This has been overlooked in the past, but corporate is taking notice of it now so they are cooperating with the local police a lot more.\n\nAs far as the S.S. thing, that sounds ridiculous! Having first hand experience of corporate Gamestop I still can't believe them to be that asininely stupid. That said, I would check your local pawn shop laws to see if that is the source of this policy, and if not I would demand a number from the store for the DM and GM or a corporate number to call and complain. If Corporate receives enough complaints they will reconsider their policies.They're a bunch of sniveling bureaucrats. They'll bend over backwards to appease the customer as long as it doesn't cost them any money.\n\nEDIT: spelling", "score": 28 }, { "body": "Before there's more \"omg fuck GameStop\", I know a number of GS employees, and two store managers (they both run stores in plazas that I have stores of my own in), and there is no way this is policy. Therefore:\n\n1. an individual employee is scamming you\n2. a soon-to-be-fired regional manager is telling its employees the wrong thing\n3. they didn't offer you enough for MW2 and you are making up crap on the internet\n\nTake your pick. If you want real advice, call GS corporate (check web for number - you have enough brain to find Reddit, it shouldn't be a problem), but I seriously doubt that is what you are looking for.\n\n(hmm. I'll probably get downvoted to shit for not busting on GameStop, which is the norm -_-)", "score": 25 }, { "body": "I've sold a few games on craigslist in a medium size city. They all went quickly with little effort on my part. Price them somewhere between what GameStop offers in trade-in value and what they sell them for used and everyone involved in the transaction wins. That way you can also spend your money at Amazon or any retailer you choose and pay less.\n\nI can't figure out why anyone shops at GameStop unless they're a kid and it's the only retailer that sells games within walking distance. The place is overpriced, sells opened games as new, pressures their customers, and manages to run out of popular games on release date. You can walk into any Wal-Mart or Best Buy and pick up a copy of a new release, but GameStop, a company that does nothing but sell games, might be out. Why would anyone shop there?", "score": 8 }, { "body": "**It is illegal to ask for a Social Security Number.**\n\n**Never ever ever give anyone but your employer, your bank or the IRS your Social Security number.**", "score": 7 }, { "body": "Were they real life Nigerian Princes that wanted to pay you for the games in form of a money order given to you by one of their clients? If not, I wouldn't trust them. ", "score": 6 }, { "body": "I interrupt people selling things back in Gamestop and offer them cash instead of the pittance of store credit the employee is offering (also works in Play It Again Sports)\n\nThis is how I got my second PSP for $50.", "score": 6 }, { "body": ">no one carries a social security card; it even says on the card not to carry it\n\nWhoops.\n\n:grabs wallet, flips something out into the desk:\n\nJust remembered I don't play Yu-Gi-Oh anymore, that's all, heh ", "score": 5 }, { "body": "Why are you even trading in games at Gamestop in the first place? The convenience over the amount of money you can get selling them directly to other people?", "score": 5 }, { "body": "I traded in a verifiably about-to-shatter copy of GTA IV at GameStop by having a girl do it for me. Guy didn't even open up the case.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "I work at GameStop, and I can tell you that we have not implemented this policy. It is possible they were just testing it on a few stores, they sometimes do little \"field tests\" to see what the results may be. The only thing that even comes close to that, is having to show an ID when you trade in for cash, that way if it is stolen or something, we verified the customer's identity. ", "score": 5 }, { "body": "I'm not sure that's legal by the [Privacy Act of 1974](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Privacy_Act_of_1974). You should ask for a written copy of the policy that they are following. I bet they can't come up with one that says to verify SSN information - someone got misinformed through the \"telephone\" game of word-of-mouth passing, most likely. Complain to the manager's direct supervisor at region or corporate - ask the manager who he/she works for and a phone number.\n", "score": 4 }, { "body": "I am an unfortunate employee of Gamestop (unfortunate because my District Manager is a complete d-bag). I work at a store in California and we just changed our computer system, to where we HAVE to enter a valid IDs information now. They do this because of when people trade in systems we have to send the forms to the local police \"pawn\" division. The unfortunate thing is we can't switch from \"system\" trades to \"regular\" trades. I mean seriously, they probably spent a fucking fortune on these POS systems, yet they can't create a button that removes features. I think that they won't, because most Gamestop employees would abuse it or screw it up. That's the only thing I can tell you. You should only give your SSN if you get a credit check (like for cell phones), never for these kinds of things.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "Its likely some overzealous local ordinance that requires it. Years ago, I worked at a pawn shop in Nevada, and they had a requirement that you set up an account with them the first time you sold something. You had to have your SS card to open the account, but not after that.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "It's not a corporate issue. It's more likely a local or state issue. Some states have different requirements when it comes to pawn laws.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "You might want to get their 1-800 customer service number to talk to them. They might also be following local laws. I know the EbGames/Gamestop in my area isn't allowed to ask for any government ID because it's against the law here.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "I know you've got enough shit for this already, so I'll just say that I cringed when I read THAT YOU FUCKING WENT BACK with you SSN! Holy fucking shit! Good luck.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Oh definitely. I look forward to smoking everyday, but sometimes I'll go in the house and completely forget.\n\nI think my ritual is so habitual that sometimes when I smoke it seems like I'm doing it just because I like ripping my bong so much, even if I wasn't craving being high. ", "score": 4 } ]

[ { "body": "How do people usually get jobs? By working very very hard. By writing a lot, reading a lot and getting better. By being self-disciplined. Good luck. Sounds like you will need it. ", "score": 4 }, { "body": "Massive longshot but probably try applying for an unpaid job at a local newspaper first writing a column. It's also very good to have contacts for this kind of thing, so maybe ask your friends and see if they know anyone.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Start writing online. Write about what interests you, write often and build up a bunch of published work. It doesn't take much work to start a blog. Go to wordpress.com, tumblr.com or any number of other free, hosted blogging sites and just get publishing. ", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Once I hired several people (20+) over elance.com to write some articles I needed for a website, I think is a good shot to be listed there as they might be a chance to get good jobs there. \n\nIn the other side, if you want to work in places like Wired or Engadged I think you first need exposure. The only way would be working for a local newspaper or internet magazine, even opening your own blog (try Wordpress, not that hard and there are plenty of nice free templates for you to use). You just need to make it appealing in order to get some readers.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "First you need to build a portfolio of published writing, then you need to get people who hire writers to look at your portfolio (basically, you network and respond to any job postings you can find).\n\nTo build a portfolio, the best option is to start with a blog. It doesn't have to look pretty. You can use all the defaults on blogger if you want. But it's the easiest way of publishing, and it will provide valuable experience in knowing how to get people to respond to and get exciting about your writing. After you have a few blog articles up, hit up freelance sites and craigslist using the blog as your portfolio. These freelance articles will be published in better publications, and will be key in making it up to a more established one.\n\nBut don't knock starting your own blog. Even if you start off with no design, a very bare-bones site, if your content is good, you'll make more money and have more freedom with your own blog.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Hell yes! Had been flirting with a girl in our group, but I wasn't around her at midnight. Found myself talking to her about an hour later and very casually said, \"hey, I forgot to ask you for a new year's kiss\". She said sure and we had a nice kiss. Turns out she lives in Houston like me and I got her number. She's also reallllly cute. I normally don't pull any type of shenanigans like these. Way too nervous. Thanks tequila!", "score": 12 }, { "body": "I chugged my glass of champagne, refilled it, then chugged it again while everyone else was kissing. Better luck next year.", "score": 7 }, { "body": "I made out with some random girl on the dance floor for a few hours. I think she was cute. She had a cool dress. I was fucking wasted and have no idea if I even bothered to get a name. ", "score": 4 }, { "body": "Me and my girlfriend drove down to our alma mater to party like college kids. I got a kiss right at midnight and we got to spend two full days together without either of us having to work. That's pretty rare.\n\nI had a good night.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "I kissed someone. It was at a total sausage fest of a party and I just grabbed a girl and gave her a kiss.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "I would've courtesy of the girlfriend, but family NYE events are the greatest cockblocks known to man. Would've had a nice hotel room in Chicago :(\n\nNEVER GET SUCKERED INTO FAMILY EVENTS ON NEW YEARS. They always suck.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "I wouldn't advise noobs to play together.\n\nIt's best to suck it up and get thrown into the game, so you can see experienced players' tactics. ", "score": 6 }, { "body": "I agree. I bought TF2 some months ago when there was another sale, but haven't been able to get in to it because everyone online is too good since they've been playing for so long.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "I actually like this. Sometimes the E/C server get REALLY competitive, even if it is still friendly. Might be a bit of yelling involved. The Reloaded server is consistently high, so maybe a noob server might not be a bad idea.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Listen, here's what you do.\n\nFirstly, Tell her you give up and she wins. Then from there also inform her she's invited to your chille cook off. Now, here's the tricky part, you need to have your friends \"betray you\" and divulge your \"secret plan\" about how you have a horse ready to eat her breasts or something on command.\n\nNow In theory she'll send her parents to go save said horse, which happens to be on this farm, make sure you inform the farmer about possible horse rustlers in the area, and to arm him self.\n\nWell once her parents arrive the farmer will end up killing them for trespassing. now, you have to be ready to get the bodies. Once you procure said bodies, you need to make best use of the flesh, i recomend a boning knife to remove as much as the muscle as possible, abs, legs, amrs and back are all good. \n\nNow take said meat, and treat it as standard beef, (though cook it a bight higher than normal just to be medically safe). Now, once she arrives at the chille cookoff, with what I'm sure will be some sort of trap chille of her own, you need to swap that out for some one elses. Then offer to try each others. \n\nOnce you eat all her chille and she eats yours she will inevitably spill the beans about how she tricked you into eating bad chille or w/e. And explain to her it was swapped out for a nice scientologist's chille in stead, then explain how she just consumed her parents.\n\nNow if you REALLY want to add on some frosting, before you set any of this into motion, contact her favorite band, and inform them that she has some sort of debilitating disease and she would love to meet them before she dies or some bs like that. Make it super sappy. writing in crayon helps too. They should arrive just as she learns the truth about her parents and is sobbing like a bitch, and completely loosing all the respect of said band.\n\nThen write the following in your journal\n\nDear Diary,\n\nJACKPOT\n\nalso, if you have to much sand in your vagina for that, filling her air ducts in her car with glitter is a pain...you can't ever get rid of glitter.", "score": 16 }, { "body": "I have no idea why no one has mentioned this yet but.\n\n-Filing a false police report is a felony.\n\n-Impersonating a police officer can be punished as either a felony or misdemeanour\n\nWhy not report these to police? They don't usually take that kindly to these sorts of things.", "score": 16 }, { "body": "ok..revenge for what? Let's get down to it. You've decided this is the route you want to go. (Or at the moment you feel this way) What did the person do that you want \"revenge?\" \r\nIs it a woman, a man? Cheater? Backstabber? Embarrassed? What happened? Do tell.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "There is a Chinese adverb that roughly translates to \"A prince can take his revenge 20 years later and it won't be too late.\" When you fuck them over many, many years later, it will be harder for the cops to identiy you as a person of interest so you won't even need to ask questions about getting revenge legally.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "I'd get a restraining order before she decides to accuse you of rape.\n\nYou're dealing with a psycho who is not above criminal fraud. Protect yourself.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "Revenge is what she wants, just block her facebook, tell your family to block her number, and (if you're willing to spend a bit of money) paint your car a different color. \nWhat she wants is your attention. If you get revenge on her, she's already won.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "I have met quite a few Jewish atheists too, and i think one of the reasons for this is that Judaism emphasizes cultural heritage and tradition more than actual beliefs. If you 'go with the flow' and follow the rules no one really cares as much what you actually believe. In other religions like Christianity, the traditions are ornamental to the actual message. They care much more that you believe in their teachings than that you just follow the rules.", "score": 7 }, { "body": "without having an anthropomorphic deity and a clear and concise afterlife, you leave a LOT of room for science to fill your religious gaps. \n\ncouple that with the jewish lack of hell and our aversion to people converting, and you have a dogma that doesn't support a huge community of the faithful. \n\nyou quickly wind up with a cultural group that celebrates seasonal holidays with traditional meals, and holds onto bits of language as an identifying marker (i.e. baruch hashem, oy vey, meshugga)\nwith all that, it only makes sense that you would see many jews being agnostic, atheist, or humanist\n\nthis doesn't really discuss the 12% of jews who are orthodox with their enormous birthrate, but that is a discussion for another thread. ", "score": 4 }, { "body": "I grew up in the Midwest, where Jews are far less common than on the East Coast (where I now live). That disclaimer being said...\n\nI've always said that almost *every single atheist* I've ever known was raised Catholic. \n\nOf course, in some ways Catholicism & Judaism have a lot in common. ", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Vodka and Kahlua are your new best friends. Add some milk or cream and you've got yourself a white russian and a fantastic movie drink.", "score": 8 }, { "body": "Wine coolers baby! You've got to be secure in your masculinity, but it's all good otherwise...they're yummy...and so many flavors to choose from.\n", "score": 5 }, { "body": "For shame, beer is delicious.\n\nIf you're sure you hate the most wonderful liquid on earth, wine is always a good shot. It doesn't matter if you don't know anything about it, I got into wine the same way I got into beer - go to the supermarket, buy whatever is on sale, and make sure you buy something different every time. In a few months, bam, instant wine snob.\n\nIf sweet alcohol is your thing, there's a wide array of girl drinks out there for you - margaritas, daquiris, sex on the beach, etc. Be aware that if you ask for any of these at a party, people will look at you with disdain.\n\nIf you like sweet and don't like the shame of it, you can fall back on the 16-year-old drunk mainstays - rum and coke, jello shots, jungle juice, and red bull + jaeger.\n\nWhatever you do, don't drink Zima or any similar drinks. You'll never hear the end of it.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "Good old fashioned screwdrivers may treat you well, one shot of vodka (since you are new to the deal) in an average sized glass and fill the rest with orange juice and ice cubes. If you have the cash you can do this with an expensive vodka and will likely taste nothing but orangey goodness.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Wine. Try Reisling, it is a sweet desert wine. \n\nWhite zinfidel is really drinkable without being to complex with the flavors. \n\nIt's also a really interesting subject if you get into it, how it's made, where it came from, what kind of grapes are used, is all pretty cool stuff. ", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Love too much and you expect the same in return. When you don't get the amount of love you want back, it feels like you got nothing back. You had love, it just wasn't up to your standards.", "score": 8 }, { "body": "Fuck it, love as much as you feel like. If he/she/it doesn't love you back, then have a drink and love someone else. Life's too short to be bitter.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Honestly I've never had casual sex. I've not had sex a great many times in my life, to be honest, and all of those times were with people I was involved with quite intimately. I don't have much in the way of practical experience to offer but I do have some more philosophical 'wisdom', if you like, and certainly plenty of support.\n\nWhat you're feeling... I think you understand it very well and it's not a terrible thing. No human being ever fully makes sense, remember, especially in affairs like this where one person's emotions get involved. This isn't confined to women. Men never quite know how to handle their conflicting feelings and desires either, from what I can tell.\n\nYou can feel all of these things at once. Simple lust, the satiating of that lust, along with a desire for more sex, and also for companionship. All of this is natural.\n\nYou should feel proud of yourself, Poubelle! In your post I read a great deal of introspection and with a relative economy of words you seemed to show a good deal of self-understanding. There is, however, one thing that I'd like to talk with you about at length:\n\n>I feel it is somehow a personal failing that I felt the things I felt. I want to be rational, smart, above all those stupid \"girly\" feelings. I want to have control over myself, over my feelings.\n\nTo my mind this is a far bigger stereotype to worry about feeding than the idea that \"women can't truly have casual sex.\" Not long ago I was reading a very emotional blog post on Feministe in which the author was saying that we ought to accept that it's okay to be vulnerable, that there is actually strength in admitting you are sometimes weak, and that there is power in accepting that you are truly human and cannot be a rock at all times.\n\nFor this author her point was that this should be a jumping off point for our activism; far from being a weakness, our darkest and most painful experiences, and our feelings, were powerful motivators that could lend passion and righteousness to our causes.\n\nThe political, however, becomes personal.\n\nYour vulnerability is a strength for you personally. The fact that you came far enough to look into your feelings and understand what it is you felt, and *why* you felt it, and then to share this with everyone here... all of that takes courage that you just might be taking for granted. You demonstrated your smartness by analysing yourself so well. As to rationality, don't be afraid of when this happens. Human beings are irrational.\n\nIt's what makes us human. :)\n\nLove itself is irrational. Even if you define sex as fulfilling a biological need and thus intrinsically rational to have, you must realise all of the social kabuki surrounding it and all of your feelings- before, during, and after- have no inherent rationality to them, and this should be embraced.\n\nLastly, about controlling yourself: it is a virtue to control one's emotions, yes. But \"control\" means to not let them dominate or cripple you; it does not mean suppress them. Strength is the ability to *deal* with complex feelings, not the ability to suffocate them and ignore them. It is also not the ability to never feel. To feel is human.\n\nAs Wiggitywak points out:\n\n>It shouldn't be an accomplishment to be able to have sex without feelings - I don't see that point in making that a goal. \n\nIndeed, why should it be a goal for you or for anyone?\n\nIn your vulnerability lies your essential humanity. You can never be above your feelings (which are actually quite adult, when you look at them) but you can be above ignorance. Indeed, you already are. The simple revelations you made in your post are things that evade most people, who wander through life never understanding *why* they do what they do, or why they feel as they do. Your life is already richer for having evaded most of that.\n\nYou don't want to be alone, there's nothing wrong with that. I don't, either. I long for companionship myself. It *is* risky to put something like that out there, yes. It represents a great deal of exposure. The risk of judgement. Or of people thinking less of you. But you become a complete human being in so doing.\n\nIt is not \"girly\" to feel. It is womanly, in the highest sense, and it is human as well.", "score": 21 }, { "body": "No, I haven't had casual sex. I waited until I met someone I knew I was going to be with a very long time before even losing my virginity. This wasn't an issue of morality at all, but I know myself pretty well, and I know that I need to love and trust the person I'm sleeping with. That's just how I'm built emotionally. I don't chalk this up to my gender, but to my individual personality.\nGenerally, I think people need to do what's best for them, and I make absolutely no judgements. Like I said, I don't feel that it's an issue of morality.\nIf you decide that casual sex is right for you, more power to you!\nIf you decide that it's something you don't want right now, try not to think of it either as a personal failure or beat yourself up about the stereotypes. You sound like a smart woman who knows herself and will make the best choice for her own life as it stands at the moment.\n\nEdit: typo", "score": 15 }, { "body": "I wouldn't be too worried about this. I had some dude break down and cry after casual sex... it's not a woman-only thing, probably a lot to do with where your brain is (and specifically if what you really want is NOT casual sex).", "score": 13 }, { "body": "I think our hormones get in the way of being able to immediately disconnect at certain times of the month. I've had one nighters where I thought \"Wow, he could be the one...\" and a week later, looking back, realized with horror that he was ~obviously~ not the one and I wanted to spank my ovaries for even making my brain entertain the thought.\r\n\r\nAt other times, when I'm done... I'm done with him. Get out. Don't let the door smack that cute ass on the way out. \r\n\r\nIf I was still single, it might warrant a lengthy experiment to figure out when my \"attachment\" times of the month were vs \"detachment\" times. \r\n\r\nSo, I think that one of the single XX-ers should perform this experiment - you know... for science. And, because I could live vicariously through them for awhile :P", "score": 12 }, { "body": "The summer after my divorce was my super casual humping summer. I did it, it was awesome, I have no regrets. At the end of it all I ended up meeting the man who would become my husband. It was completely unexpected that I would fall for anyone at that point, yet there it was. \n\nI don't regret my summer of fun, but I don't think I could do it again. I was 31 and I'm 36 now and I think my days of hardcore casual sex are over (not that I'm planning on finding out, I very much love my husband and want to spend 12forevers with him)", "score": 10 }, { "body": "I have. \nI have a very high sex drive. And after leaving my then boyfriend who had no drive, in fact we had sex once every 2-3 months, I found it very sexually liberating. \nI ended up having a lot of sex, and found actually a lot of confidence out of it and also found that people also wanted to spend time with me hanging out (And am still friends with most of them) \nI was even at the point of having an online dating profile which was used just for hook ups. And hooked up with a number of guys of there. \nWhich is what got me into swinging. But that's another story. \n\nSo yeah in short, I can (at least prior to my current boyfriend) have casual no strings sex. I don't feel bad for doing it. Guys I've met seem to find it odd. \n\nI'm sure I was going to say something else, but boyfriend is serving pizza *drools* \n", "score": 8 }, { "body": "I really don't consider this stereotype a high priority on my Stereotypes to Shatter list. \nI wouldn't worry about the fact that your feelings after a one-night stand were not entirely positive, or that you had feelings at all. It shouldn't be an accomplishment to be able to have sex without feelings - I don't see that point in making that a goal.\nI can relate to your experience though. I just don't feel quite right afterward either. If I know in my heart that I would never want to be with that person, I just feel like I've made a mistake hooking up with him. I think maybe because for men, the goal is sometimes to have sex - but for me, the goal is a feeling of companionship and closeness that a one-night stand just doesn't provide.", "score": 6 }, { "body": "Not female here, but I truly don't understand casual sex. The big question I can't get my head around is \"why would you stop?\" - if a person is lovable enough to have sex with, why would you want to end the interaction the morning after? Even if the relationship is only \"friends with benefits\".", "score": 6 }, { "body": "I happen to love casual sex. I was in a relationship for 3 years, then dove headfirst into another one. I am so happily single at the moment, and loving all the casual, no strings attached sex I've been having. I won't just sleep with someone there's NO connection with, because it's always just bad sex. Of course I get those damned girly feelings too, but I know full well I don't want a relationship right now, and wouldn't want to insinuate that I do. For the moment, I am loving it though! ", "score": 6 }, { "body": "Yes when I was young I had a lot of casual sex and the only problem I ever had with it was when occasionally someone would insinuate that it was not appropriate for a girl to do so. The day after I would never feel sad or lonely. Instead I was more happy and comfortable than usual and I remember replaying parts of the event in my head, feeling all smug about it.\n\nBut I don't feel like I want any casual sex anymore. I now have an excellent partner who gives me everything I need and who I want to spend the rest of my life with. Having a steady parter is much more convenient and it gives you things that casual sex cant like trust, sharing, continuation.\n\nI just sounds to me like you have grown up and your priorities have changed. You're looking for something different now and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "I've had that feeling, and I've had experiences that were very enjoyable. I think the worst experience (and I consider myself very lucky that this is the worst) was an evening where everything seemed to go just fine though nothing fantastic until we were done and he got real uncomfortable and suddenly wanted me out....NOW. I've since found a guy where we know the limits, have fantastic conversations and he's hot to boot. We get together when I'm not dating anyone -- he's a workaholic with strange opinions about personal ties so he doesn't date.\r\n\r\nI like sex, there was a time in my life where casual sex was good but not so much anymore. I go through AA batteries faster than most, but I'd rather focus my energy on finding the relationship that I've always wanted rather than another casual experience. I wouldn't worry about changing opinions or feelings though I understand the impulse. We're human, we're allowed to explore different aspects of ourselves at different times in our lives.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Congrats! Coming out is scary and difficult, but you've made it past and that's awesome :) You're very lucky your parents did not have an extremely bad reaction!\n\nRemember not to throw it too much into your parent's faces right away. I hate to bring negative thoughts into the thread, but there is always a possibility that when they realize this isn't something that can change or that you will try to change, their reactions might change. That said, if you make sure not to constantly bring up the fact in every conversation, things will probably be much smoother :)\n\nCongratulations again!", "score": 22 }, { "body": "Congratulations, timichas, you're out. Go ahead and say it out loud, because what you did takes amazing bravery and knowing who you truly are. ", "score": 15 }, { "body": "Congratulations on being out! It's a big step forward and I know it can be difficult and terrifying. I completely understand the \"giant weight being lifted\" feeling, it's the same thing I experienced. My advice for your parents is if they still don't fully believe you or don't understand or think it's just a \"phase\" is to ask them how they know that they are straight. I think they might comprehend that it's something that you just know. Good Luck! Just remember that coming out is a process, it doesn't all just happen at once.\n\nAlso, if religion is a factor, might I recommend the film [For The Bible Tells Me So](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0912583/). It's not without some weaknesses but it lays out pretty convincing arguments in a non-confrontational way exploring everything that religious people usually tend to question when it comes to homosexuality. They talk to many religious people who have children who have come out, most of which probably had the same thoughts your parents might be having.", "score": 12 }, { "body": "I admire your courage. I'm hetero, and like any human I sometimes get discouraged with various relationship problems, but reading a story like yours makes me realize the courage I need isn't anything like what you needed to do what you did. Total thumbs up. Wish you the best on the rest of your journey.", "score": 7 }, { "body": "Congratulations! My mom had a very similar reaction (not believing me/wondering how I could know) to yours and just after 3 months she has finally come around to completely accept it. I think it is important to continue to talk with them about it and let them ask questions, but as fives said make sure not to incorporate it into every conversation.\n\nAlso, be prepared for a bit of a transformation in yourself and don't try to fight it. When I came out just 3 months ago, I told people that I wasn't going to change at all and that I was the same person, and boy was I naive. While there wasn't a drastic change, working on staying in the closet had a much greater effect on me than I could have ever imagined. While I have not changed much, I have noticed myself sometimes falling back on some attitudes that I was using as protection to stay closeted and it was really hard for me to just finally be myself and not be concerned about how people would take my every thought and action. Just be true to yourself (as personal safety permits) and you will be much more comfortable!", "score": 7 }, { "body": "Congratulations! Now wait for the joy of bringing boyfriends home. Just stand your ground if they keep bringing up that 'pray away the gay' nonsense.", "score": 7 }, { "body": "Congrats! Was wondering what would happen with that. This sounds positive, but yeah, throw some caution to the wind anyway. :)", "score": 5 }, { "body": "Yay for you! This is very similar to my experience as well. It sort of ended up being that we just don't talk about it, which to be honest, is not ideal, but that's better than some alternatives. Congrats on it going well!", "score": 4 }, { "body": "Hey,\n\nCongrats! I'm really glad you wrote us all back to tell us how it went. Just remember to be there for your parents as they will likely continue to process their feelings and thoughts in the days to come. \n\nI'm a little jealous of that feeling of relief you have right now. Enjoy it and own the moment, you should be proud of everything in your life that has shaped you.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "Congratulations! It must be frustrating to have them think it's just a phase and all that-- but hooray for loving you unconditionally! \n\nYou might want to buy them a short, simple book about 'having a gay child' or something like that-- I bet there's even a book like this targeted to conservative/religious family members. I don't have any specific recommendations, but it shouldn't take too long to find. Good luck!", "score": 4 }, { "body": "That's not a bad response. It's ignorant, but it sounds loving enough that given time they will likely come around.\n\nI bet their only knowledge of gay people comes from church and anti-gay propaganda. Once they see that it's not a destructive force in your life and realize that their interpretation of the bible is selective anyway they'll come around. You learn from people you love.\n\nI'd wait a little while to let them absorb this before bringing boy friends home, baby steps.\n\nCongratulations!", "score": 4 }, { "body": "I'm sure you feel like a huge weight has been lifted. It won't always be easy -- there will undoubtedly be an adjustment phase. But, the most difficult part is over. Congratulations!", "score": 3 }, { "body": "YAY *hugs* congrats.\n\nthat's a big step forward. i'm happy for you, and you're a complete stranger. : )", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Congrats! It's always great when people get to live their lives honestly.\n\nYour parents might seem like they are taking it well, but I would advise you to make them aware of some of the resources out there. Please look up your nearest chapter of PFLAG (www.pflag.org) and let your parents know that this is a resource that will help THEM to understand YOU better. If there isn't a local chapter, show them the website. Your parents will probably like to have some guidance in accepting this.\n\nOnce again, I'm happy for you. Here's hoping that you continue to have a good relationship with your parents.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Congrats, I truly am so happy for you. I'm still trying to figure out the best way for me to come out... nobody knows. It will happen so though. All the best to you!", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "You're fine, you're a badass going for your PhD. Very few people in the world even have a chance at that. I wish I did, and I'm envious of you. Good looking out, dude.\n\nFuck the bastards trying to make you feel shameful for what you've done so far. Your dickwad father's opinion of you doesn't matter - only your opinion of yourself matters. Finish your PhD, and make everyone you meet refer to you as Dr. Badass for the rest of your life. You've earned it.\n\nIt sucks that your parents aren't there for you, but you're still there. You're fucking brilliant, you can be a math genius wherever you feel like it, and you can do whatever you feel like. This isn't the end of the world, have a drink, and enjoy yourself. What do you want to do right this moment?", "score": 7 }, { "body": "Fuck them, they are not good for you. The best you can do is move on and be successful and ignore them. ", "score": 6 }, { "body": "_Given that I no longer rely on my parents for financial or emotional support of any kind, should I feel guilty about the way I let things unfold?_\n\nIf folks make you unhappy, irrespective of who they are, you need to put that wall between yourself and them or you'll just get dragged into it.\n\nLive your own life.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "Please don't kill yourself. You sound alot like me but I can pretend after a few wines. \n\n\n\nJust relax. It's not your fault. I wouldn't want to hang out with them either. Why pretend? That won't make you happy. Sounds like your family are alot of the problem too. It's sad cause you have to love them but don't let them bring you down!! \n\n\n\nPlease try to smile :)", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "I love how you ask if people are outraged by this. As suggested by benjp2k1, it's probably based on the stop distance so they have to estimate it. Not really a big issue.", "score": 5 } ]

[ { "body": "Difference is that the US people don't take it upon themselves to shoot back! If they did it would be different world entirely we live in...\n\nCOME ON PEOPLE OF THE US, SHOOT BACK. Storm those police stations, burn down the warehouses full of riot control gear, break in and take the vehicles from the motor pool... Leave the cops in uniform, with no protection, expected to stop you....\n\nTake bulldoizers and drive them through the eststablishments defences.\n\nSTORM THE SHITEHOUSE, er whithouse...\n\nGet it all on film for the entertainment of the masses!\n\n*without prejudice*", "score": 9 } ]

[ { "body": "I always figure this is the first step down the road to something like pedophilia or serial killing. I mean, what else is there to do?", "score": 3 }, { "body": "It's called [anhedonia](http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=17900). I would suggest getting a therapist.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "i don't know if this is related, but i was thinking the other day (and still do) that my life is too easy. there is no challenge or struggle to (my) life, i know everything i need to know and can do everything i need to do to live comfortably for the rest of my life. food, shelter and entertainment are all relatively easily obtainable. everything seems like a meaningless, inconsequential distraction. there is little risk and little reward (especially if you have rejected society's regular notions of \"success\").\n\nwhere is the great journey/struggle/adventure? is this all there is? if so, it's hard to get excited about it...", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Dear benevolent Medic. \n\nYour words are full of wisdom and wit. Forgive if I cannot return the favor, for I, a Soldier, am a cold brute, hardened to survive the cruelties of battle. We know not of impassioned pleas or romantic visions. We must make quick cold decisions. And fighting amid a flurry of rockets, flames, and grenades, we must do what's necessary to survive. For we have too many times called for a medic only to be left alone to beat back a rush of deranged pyros with barely a sliver of health. Too many times we have been given the precious Uber only to inexplicably have it removed as we dive into the teeth of the enemy and left to be slaughtered under a flurry of searing blades, bullets, and bombs. Oh the pain of being mowed down by a row of sentries. So our instincts is to do what we can to survive for we cannot be certain your noble services will be there reliably. \n\n- Your faithful Soldier. All for the Team!\n", "score": 25 }, { "body": "Wow. [This chart](http://tf2wiki.net/wiki/File:Equalizerdamagespeed.PNG) has one of the worst colour schemes ever.", "score": 16 }, { "body": "Worse still is ubering a soldier, having them fire off rockets in the general direction of a sentry, and then they pull out the fecking Equalizer and try to bosh some lone scout/spy while I watch and stand still all blue an' lit up like a christmass tree!", "score": 8 }, { "body": "And pyro's... fucking extinguish the medic! He'll do the rest, so you don't have to babysit everyone, but the medic's survival is only a right-click away.", "score": 7 }, { "body": "I fucking HATE this. I spend almost all of my time playing medic (or offensive engineer...) and the Equalizer is possibly the most infuriating thing that I've ever had to deal with in TF2.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "I just made a key bind that will spam \"TAKE OFF EQUALIZER TO BE HEALED\". Wail on that thing a couple times and they usually get the message. But there are still some people...", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "I have a minor obsession with submarines. What class of sub were you on?\n\nWhat are typical missions like? Patrol? Reconnaissance?\n\nWhat do you do on the submarine? Do you stay within your own department, or is it small enough that everyone knows everyone?\n\nCan you get internet when you're undersea?\n\nAre you attached to carrier groups? \n\nWhat's the food like?\n\nDo you get your own bed? Quarters?\n\nDo you get assigned to the submarine service or is everyone volunteer? How easy is it to get in? How did you get in?\n\nAlso what are good submarine movies to watch?", "score": 9 }, { "body": "I'm currently working on a screenplay that takes place on a sub. Not sure if you're allowed to discuss this but, what's the minimum number of people you need to run the boat? (In other words, how many characters can I kill off before they can't drive the thing anymore).\n\nAlso, are there field manuals onboard that explain how things like sonar and torpedo tubes work? Assuming you were really smart, could you learn how the sub worked by reading instruction books?", "score": 7 }, { "body": "I've heard that recently the Chinese navy has become a decent threat to the US, since a Chinese sub popped up in the middle of naval maneuvers once upon a time. What's your opinion on our fleet readiness vs theirs? Do you ever do training missions specifically aimed at countering specific foreign fleets (China, Russia, N Korea, etc)?", "score": 5 }, { "body": "Don't know if you can answer this, but I'll ask away anyways:\n\nIn a few books I've read, subs have been cruising along and have detected various types of distress signals from surface ships/people (sounds of boats breaking up, tapped-out morse code SOS signals, etc). With the obsessive security around subs in general (and nuclear subs in particular), it always struck me as a tad suspicious when they surfaced and sent out the rescue teams (at least in the book)...\n\nWould your sub actually be permitted to surface and render aid, or would you have to \"phone it in\" and wait for help to arrive from shore (even if that help would take some time to arrive) so as not to disclose your position and such?\n\nOr would it be more of just a judgment call to the CO and the execs, or wait for permission from the higher-ups on land if the situation was really critical?", "score": 4 }, { "body": "what's your favorite popular misconception about submarines?\n\nHave you ever played a game like Silent Hunter?", "score": 3 }, { "body": "How much did you guys have to worry about noise when you were on patrol? I know that sound is everything underwater, and anytime you're out of port you have to keep your noise signature as low as possible to avoid detection, but how much did that extend to the individual sailors inside the sub? Did you have to develop special habits to avoid making much noise while going about your daily duties? Did anyone ever get in trouble for dropping a wrench, or clanging pans, or anything of that sort?\n\nAlso, on the subject of pop-culture realism, most people consider the gold standard of portrayal of submarines to be Tom Clancy's novels; especially *The Hunt for Red October*. Did you read any of those books? If so, how accurate do you think they are?", "score": 3 }, { "body": "I took a class last quarter on nuclear missiles and my professor talked about SSBNs and he said that they are the ace-in-the-hole in a nuclear war.\n\nHe also said that like SSBNs sit in very deep water and receive a signal from the pentagon like every hour or something like that and if they receive the ping that means everything is fine, and if they don't receive the ping then they are to assume there is a nuclear war and to surface and fire upon whoever was the most likely to start it. We only really focused on the time from WWII to the Cuban Missile Crisis though. But is this true?\n\nAlso my professor said that the range on all the missiles like ICBMs, MRBMs, and SRBMs are all arbitrary numbers created during the Cold War and were designated by how far the nukes were from Moscow. So like from the US to Russia was 3500 miles so those were ICBMs. How true is that?", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Would you have been able to get HMS Gotland? Or would you be sunk? \nhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Gotland_%28Gtd%29", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Have lots and lots of babies. We need more scientists to start breeding like they do in trailer parks... ", "score": 24 }, { "body": "Could you explain what the second image is supposed to describe? I spend most of my trips in front of my whiteboard, too. ", "score": 7 }, { "body": "I want your relationship. Please convert into an algo and mail to:\n\nCan't-talk-to-my-woman-about-my-(insert specialisation)@alienated.com", "score": 7 }, { "body": " i am a scientist - i seek to understand me\n\nall of my impurities and evils yet unknown\n\ni am a journalist - i write to you to show you\n\ni am an incurable\n\nand nothing else behaves like me\n\n____\n and i know what's right\n\nbut i'm losing sight\n\nof the clues for which i search and choose to abuse\n\nto just unlock my mind\n\nyeah, and just unlock my mind\n\n____\n i am a pharmacist\n\nprescriptions i will fill you\n\npotions, pills and medicines\n\nto ease your painful lives\n\ni am a lost soul\n\ni shoot myself with rock & roll\n\nthe hole i dig is bottomless\n\nbut nothing else can set me free\n\n\n____\n and i know what's right\n\nbut i'm losing sight\n\nof the clues for which i search and choose to abuse\n\nto just unlock my mind\n\nyeah, and just unlock my mind\n\n\n____\ni am a scientist - i seek to understand me\n\ni am an incurable and nothing else behaves like me\n\neverything is right\n\neverything works out right\n\neverything fades from sight\n\nbecause that's alright with me", "score": 6 }, { "body": "How much MDMA did you take? If I took a lot of MDMA, I'd have trouble writing anything legible because of nystagmus. Also, while MDMA is much more clear headed than cannabis or alcohol, I have not noticed any particularly interesting and novel patterns of analytical thought resulting from it - mainly just overwhelming emotion. Mix some LSD in with the MDMA to get a more profound and interesting change in consciousness. I find thinking about science, mathematics and philosophy much more rewarding with LSD than with MDMA. Some of the 2c compounds may be of interest, as well.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "haha, this is pretty funny I can relate too. I usually have to fight the urge to do science when I do drugs.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "I hate that all the fans come up with these great theories that sound so exciting, but when the ep airs the solutions to problems are so anti climactic. Very much looking forward to Moffat being in charge now. \n\nBut I still liked the episode, cos David was my doctor, and he was *amazing* :)", "score": 18 }, { "body": "I disagree. I liked the finale. Sure, the time lords were only there 5 seconds, and it could have been better, but overall it was all a prophecy, and a choice. The Doctor ended the link by closing this ark - used with the diamond to power energy - and thus this make much sense.\n\nThe episode was overall awesome - very good! And Matt Smith is great too!", "score": 14 }, { "body": "Meh, Doctor Who has always been more about over-the-top-nonsensical-jimm-jammy-epic-heart-felt adventure than meticulously detailed plot devices or reasonable logic. I agree that Davies has no grasp on proportion and he is definitely guilty of splurging on deus ex machina plot devices but he redeems himself with his character development and their interaction.\n\nWe *care* about not only the 9th and 10th Doctors but about his companions along the way and what is important is exactly what the Doctor tells the master: *Seeing* the universe in it's entirety is *owning* it, in your own personal way, and that is what makes Doctor Who as a show great. It's not about special effects, it's not perfect continuity, it's not even about clever plots. It's about *fun* and *adventure* and *freedom*. This show was never meant to be taken too seriously.\n\nThat said, I thought Part 2 was great, I thought Part 1 was pretty lame, I thought Waters of Mars was pretty boring, and I am pretty sure Planet of the Dead is the worst episode of Doctor Who ever. I'm looking forward to the Moffat era.", "score": 14 }, { "body": "struggled with my decision. but ultimately an upvote. nearly left it as is though.\n\nstephen moffat's few episodes were all insta-classics. russel t. davies' is largely hit and miss. really though it was david tennant who really has been the best doctor.\n\nthe last episode wasn't a total disappointment because i didn't have a bunch of build up. i'm here in america and i download the night it airs in the uk. ", "score": 13 }, { "body": "I thought it was great. A very good representation of the RTD era (good and bad) and a really great performance from David Tennant. It wasn't perfect, but it was a crazy ride that ended with a nice balance of closure, fanservice, and sadness with a nice introduction to 11. Not perfect - but fitting.", "score": 8 }, { "body": "I loved it, mostly. There were some moments of my brain going blarg. Mostly the throwaway and utterly unexplained Rassilon. Holy *bleep*.\n\nNot one word to explain why the hell Rassilon is running the time war.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "I do believe that the idea is \"who the hell could get close enough to destroy the machine with a bullet?!\" there is only one answer... The Doctor.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "I wanted to see Donna die. Caan said one will still die, and it seems lame if he meant Donna losing her memory, or the Doctor regenerating.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Let me get this straight. \n\nTom Baker falls 75 feet off an antenna to the ground and *dies*. \n\nDavid Tennant falls a quarter mile from an orbiting spacecraft through a skylight onto a marble floor, then sucks down 500,000 rads of radiation...and then still has enough time to set up Jack Harkness on a fucking *date*? Give me a break.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Erm, did anyone actually think he would be unstoppable?\n\nSorry, don't mean to sound like a sarcastic ass, but I got the feeling the general consensus is that they'll (Mercedes, with Schumacher, Brawn, et al) be a force to be reckoned with, but that them winning the championship (let alone running away with it) was in no way a foregone conclusion.\n\nI mean really, Michael hasn't competed in a few years. If anyone can pull off a comeback, he's the guy to do it, but we won't know how that pans out until he actually starts competing again. Furthermore, various teams started focusing on 2010 earlier than others. No refueling in 2010. Alonso moving to Ferrari, and Massa coming back. Red Bull turning it up last season. There's just *way too much* happening to even remotely consider giving someone the crown before the season has even started. ", "score": 6 }, { "body": "Agreed, and I'm thrilled about that. He is going to have to fight for wins and positions which is going to make it very interesting. He is (perhaps was) a brilliant driver who can do wonders with even an OK car. Watching him win every race was boring, and that definitely isn't going to happen. ", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Any advice for an aspiring filmmaker? \n\n(If it helps determine the advice, I'm 14 and in high school.)", "score": 6 }, { "body": "Did you go to film school? If so, where? I'm at a well-respected film school at a large university right now, and honestly, I think I could learn just as much at a 2-year specialized school, all the while having a lot more time to make short films and other projects. Your thoughts? Also, do you recommend graduate school for film? ", "score": 6 } ]

[ { "body": "[This is what you're looking for](http://www.reddit.com/r/secretsanta/comments/afajx/the_detailed_history_of_reddit_secret_santa/)", "score": 12 } ]

[ { "body": "Hey, if you like to be a part of a country that refuses to investigate allegations that it has been complicit in torturing people, if you enjoy living under a government that sees dissolving parliament as an acceptable tactic to avoid confidence votes and scrutiny, if you like hypocritical douchebags who say one thing and then act entirely differently when it's politically expedient, if you like the importation of US style attack politics, then I guess he's a pretty great guy.", "score": 14 }, { "body": "Here's a recent article about some things he's done.\nhttp://www.thestar.com/comment/article/740829\n\nHe defied parliament, acting above the law when he refused to release the files on the Afghan prisoners.\n\nUnder the threat of a vote of non-confidence on his bill to change election funding, he closed down parliament. (can someone link an article about the bill, I couldn't find it).", "score": 4 }, { "body": "Harper campaigned as the guy who would take the high road. He condemned the Liberals for doing the opposite (aided by the adscam thing). Now he's been in power for a few years, and I haven't seen a Harper that takes the high road.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "BTW, /r/Canada had this discussion a couple months ago already; there's a lot of detailed answers in [here](http://www.reddit.com/r/canada/comments/9oc1g/can_someone_tell_me_why_everybody_hates_harper/)", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "[Margot & The Nuclear So and So's - \"Quiet As A Mouse\"](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qSq3cEXOF0)", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "No. Cash or hard goods has to exchange hands. \n\nYou can write off your hard expenses, not time, as charitable contributions. I work in search and rescue for our county (a 501c3). We routinely put in 40-80 hrs a month for meetings, trainings, searches. We donate our time. We can claim mileage, equipment costs on our state and federal income taxes, but not our time. This has been vetted by state and county attorneys.", "score": 15 }, { "body": "If I'm not mistaken you will need to invoice them, provide them with a receipt for their payment, and have them give you a tax receipt for donating the money back to them. No cash actually has to change hands.", "score": 14 }, { "body": " **Get a receipt!**\n\n Once you have a receipt, the \"Service In Kind\" section of [P526.PDF](http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p526.pdf) becomes unenforceably murky.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "> How can I end this with her being happy?\n\nImpossible.\n\nIt's probably for the best in the long run, and she might realize that a while after the fact, but it sounds like immediate tears and drama are inevitable.\n\n> she is extremely controlling, jealous, and wildly temperamental.\n\nMy only advice is, don't do it in public.", "score": 11 }, { "body": "Man, I was pretty much in your situation seven years ago: dependant girlfriend for whom I cared deeply, your low baseline to her mercurial mood swings, hs senior off to college, etc. She also threatened suicide, regularly.\n\nIt kind of sucks, but if you honestly feel like she'll hurt herself, your only prerogative should be letting a trained professional know about it. You seem to ackowledge the relationship has taken an unhealthy turn, and staying in it to prevent the suicide of someone who is either A. crassly manipulating you or B. in need of real help won't get you nor HER anywhere in the long run.\n\nI hope i don't seem blunt, man, because i really feel you on this one. Gently break up with her and just be ready to alert someone if she makes a threat like that again. Its really special to care about someone like that, but you can only do so much.", "score": 7 }, { "body": "Wow, I'm glad that you care so much about her. Does she have anybody at all you could ask to be there for her? Any friends she used to have before you all got serious? Could you possibly talk to her parents and let them know of your concerns so they could keep an eye on her? ", "score": 6 }, { "body": "I was half way through writing a post explaining a similar situation in my life in hopes that the dirty details of it would give you somethings to think about. Once I realized it was two pages long I decided just to give you the abridged version probably still TL:DR but anyways: \n\nTwelve years ago I met a girl whom sounds eerily familiar to the one you describe. I was afraid to let her go because of the same reasons you are. She got pregnant, we had a kid, we fought a lot. She was controlling and violent – sometimes self defense isn't a good excuse – at least in the eyes of the judge deciding your fate. After seven years I finally realized that this relationship was destroying my life and my child's. I finally broke it off – she took the kid. She was “kind enough” to let me talk to him on the phone. Three months later she gave me the “privilege” of seeing my son; I've have not seen him since it's been five years. \n\nI met a new girl and she was very nice; exact opposite of the first one in fact. We married a little to quickly considering that I was still healing from girl one. She gave me a lot of freedom and it bothered me a lot. It was peaceful and felt good but still it bothered me. I suppose after seven years of abuse it's weird when someone says “I love you, have fun tonight!” instead of throwing shit at you on your way out the door. I convinced myself that since she didn't check my phone records, and control every move of my life that she didn't love me – she was using me. I took advantage of this freedom and did some pretty horrible things; apparently she didn't love me anyways right? She filed for divorce and said it was the only option she had left to get me to realize how much things needed to change. Sounds weird huh? I know I still struggle with that a bit – but it's been almost a year now since we signed divorce papers and our life together is so much better. We just went ring shopping. \n\nPoint of the story is that I am now almost 30 and I still feel the effects of what seven years with girl one did to me. I still struggle with my current relationship because of it, I am still trying to play catch up in college and the job field because of it. I still bare the physical, mental and legal scars of that time in my life. What happened to girl one? She took off met some new guy eventually they got married and I signed off my rights to my son so he could be the father – from what what I hear their pretty happy. \n\nEventually, and I beg that you do it soon, you need to realize that you should be worrying about yourself and your future. Somethings are just out of your control and what she does when you leave her is exactly that – out of your control. You however can control your own life. ", "score": 4 }, { "body": "You shouldn't feel trapped in a relationship simply because the other person isn't emotionally healthy enough to function without you. \n\nWhen you break up with her, if she threatens suicide, *tell the police/her family/the school counselor*. Don't say, \"and if you threaten suicide I'll call the police\", because while it might just be a cry for attention, on the off chance that she actually does do something as stupid as try to kill herself, you're going to want a valid reason to get authorities involved beyond having to say that you suspect she might hurt herself.\n\nYou aren't happy, and life is too short. Getting out of a bad relationship sooner rather than later is always a good thing. You never look back in life at a relationship gone sour and think to yourself, \"well, as bad as that was, I'm glad I waited until the right moment to end it\". ", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Just block it out of your mind. \n\nDo not think about the nicotine will soothe your nerves. \n\nDo not think about the deep smell of the tobacco as it rises from the softly burneing tip, smoke curling up and intoxicating you with its rich aroma.\n\nWhen your friends go out for a cigarette break, do not think of the camaraderie that you are missing out on, the community that only forms from friends around fire.\n\nDo not think about how much better the start of the day is when you have a cigarette with your morning coffee.\n\nOr how much easier it is to drift off to sleep when your aren't craving the nicotene.\n\nCan't you just taste it: rich warm smoke on a cold day, warming you from the inside out?", "score": 4 } ]

[ { "body": "I have really high hopes for him because I remember how I felt when Eccleston regenerated: \"Who the hell is this guy? I've heard good things, but I don't see how he could top the 9th Doctor.\"\n\nSmith looks like he could be really great if given the chance.\n\n...but David Tennant was like family.\n\nAlso, \"Geronimo!\" is a lame catchphrase.", "score": 23 }, { "body": "I hadn't realized the size of the emotional investment I had in the episode until my little heart leapt and I said 'oh!' out loud and I kind of laughed and said inside 'it's him! it's the doctor! oh, he's back! it's the doctor!' and blew my nose and wiped my eyes.\n\nthank god i was alone. \n\nAnd thank god there's a DRWHO subreddit, or I'd never have a place to confess. ", "score": 19 }, { "body": "It's going to take some getting used to. Not because I'm so stuck on Tennant but because I spent the DT years saying \"I hope he regenerates into someone older so he can be more Mad Professor and less action hero.\" Matt Smith just looks like a teenager to me and the trailer for season five seems to have him in full James Bond mode.", "score": 11 }, { "body": "I thought he was pretty fantastic, actually.\n\nI'm not too sure about the \"Geronimo\" catchphrase though. It might be good as long as it's not overused.\n\nThinking back on a couple of Steven Moffat's episodes (The Empty Child / The Doctor Dances and The Girl In The Fireplace), I recall him writing the Doctor with a certain fondness for bananas.\n\nEither way, Matt Smith isn't David Tennant, and I think that's what makes Doctor Who so appealing. Despite the length of the series, each new Doctor is different enough from the last to make the character and show stay fresh.", "score": 8 }, { "body": "\"legs...yes yes...arm, good...eyes...nose.......eh I've had worse.\"\n\nThat one nose comment sold him to me.", "score": 8 }, { "body": "Am I the only one who thought all those actors who shook their heads back and forth so fast were awesome?", "score": 7 }, { "body": "From EOT2 and the trailers I've seen, it looks like he'll do just fine.\n\nTennant was very good, but part of the appeal for me is the change in actors and attitude. Three or four years is enough for any actor playing Dr. Who. I really enjoyed DT's run, but I'm looking forward to Smith's Doctor as well.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "I haven't watched the youtube preview yet, but I enjoyed what I saw at the end of *Time*. It was a little weird, and not as charming as \"Mmm, new teeth\" - but it's the fucking Doctor for sure. ", "score": 5 }, { "body": "[This](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tPte4rQMpI) looks so much better now that I have seen [this.](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEiD5lTWW1A) It looks like Elevensies is going to have a lot of fun. Also, I'm trying to keep in mind that the BBC is going to be showing all the flashiest stuff in the trailers, and so we haven't seen the new Doctor in a serious mode yet.\n\nedit: Did you see how surprised he was when he punched that guy?", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "My dad did two things I think every dad should do with his daughter. He's a bit of a handyman, and he always showed me how things are done, like changing the oil in the car, fixing a faucet, and financial things like balancing the checkbook, etc. Last year he came to my house and walked me through the process of patching drywall. If you know how to do that kind of stuff, your daughter will have a great sense of confidence knowing she can take care of her own car, and one day, her home. Single women buy a lot of the houses on the market now, so she may need to know how to fix her sink, or put down new tile in her bathroom. My dad is still a major source of advice for me, not just for home improvement projects, but for financial decisions. And I'm 30 years old. But, he's still my hero in a lot of ways, and if I have a five minute conversation with Dad, I'm ready to go to the hardware store and replace the bathroom vanity, or to the credit union to get that home loan started.\n\nHe also took me out on dates, starting when I was a little girl. We'd go out for dinner and a movie, just me and Dad. I had an excuse to get dressed up, and we got to spend time together. And he always told me any boy who didn't treat me as good as Daddy did wasn't worth my time. ", "score": 13 }, { "body": "What a cutie!\r\n\r\nI'll give you a what not to do: My father used to call me \"idiot\" or \"stupid\" when I did something reckless, such as not looking before crossing the street. He thought that it was a harmless way to get my attention, but it really gave me a complex where I thought my father believed I was stupid. Name-calling is pretty unpleasant for kids of any gender, but I think girls are more affected by it, except those who are involved in sports and learn to use and absorb trash-talk at a young age. Boys learn early on that name-calling is fun, but girls are taught to crave praise and avoid criticism.\r\n\r\nIn any case, you wanted personal experience, so there's one. Don't call your daughter anything that you don't want her to think that you believe truly applies to her. If you call her chubby or stupid, even in jest, that might be the one thing that sticks with her and comes to be part of how she defines herself.\r\n\r\nAs for good things... my best memories of childhood involving my father all revolve around being allowed into his world and shown the things he cared about. He taught me to program in Basic. He took me to political fundraisers and introduced me to politicians. He took me swimming in cold mountain rivers and hiking in the local open space. It was fun for him to get down to my level and do kid things with me, but it was more fun when I got to play grown-up with him and when I knew he was showing me something that was really an important part of his life.\r\n\r\nDon't waste the years where your daughter thinks you know everything. Soon enough she'll be convinced you know nothing and she knows everything. But right now, indulge in lecturing her about your passions once in a while. Tell her stories. Talk about math, or history, or whatever academic things fascinate you, and don't worry too much about whether or not she understands; she'll understand that you're sharing something with her. I remember listening to my father talk about the Roman Empire when I was 2 or 3 years old. I don't remember what he said, but I remember listening and being fascinated because this subject had the power to capture my father's attention.\r\n\r\nYou're God in her eyes now--enjoy that while it lasts.", "score": 11 }, { "body": "My dad and I have different things that *we* do together, and no one else. When I was younger it was going and seeing airplanes, especially the float airplanes, or flying (he flew for fun), and now it's riding horses. It was great having something with him my brothers didn't do. It gave us a chance to talk about whatever we wanted, without other people butting in.\n\nOther than that, we didn't really do much together. He would have to leave for work at like 530, but to make up for that he'd leave us all a note every day. And seeing as how when he got home he'd go to sleep, it basically became our communication system.\n\nAnd when you argue (this will mainly apply for when she's older), try to not yell/raise your voice too much. I don't know if it's just because my dad is a big guy, but that was scary and would usually end with me in tears. Not because it was so much that he was being mean, but loud voices change the attitude of what you're saying.", "score": 10 }, { "body": "D'awww, she looks lovely.\n\nFirst of all I think that the fact that you're even *asking* all of this a very positive sign, sir. ;) I think that the best parents, the best leaders, the best lovers and friends are the ones who second guess themselves and make sure that they're doing the right thing; they never lose themselves in overweening self-confidence. Inasmuch as you have that down, I think you and your family will be served well.\n\nI never had a good relationship with my father so I guess I can give you a list of what *not* to do, but first about books, games, and toys...\n\nLego are a toy I can't recommend enough. Not the pink ones, mind, the regular ones, which are far more diverse and offer considerably greater opportunities. They're probably the single best imagination feeding toy out there. She's 4 so she may be a *bit* young, but keep them in mind over the next couple of years. Nothing made me happier on Christmas than to see that giant Lego space shuttle set under the tree. ::smiles::\n\nI think you're doing a good job of not limiting her to predetermined experiences. Just keep letting her have what she wants (within reason, of course!) and you'll be fine on that score. I think it's absolutely brilliant that you're introducing her to technology so young. If more of us were raised like that...\n\nAs to what to avoid, well... I'm not sure how much of my own experience really applies to you, on reflection. I was going to say 'don't tell her what she's supposed to like' or 'don't tell her how she ought to feel' but I get a very strong sense you've already internalised that. :)\n\nMy last bit of advice is something you likely have long since mastered too, but it should be said aloud... don't project onto her what you think a daughter ought to be. Love her for who she becomes. If someone asked you \"what do you love about your daughter?\" be able to answer with points that speak to who she is as an individual.\n\nI don't think she'll ever stop loving you back if you do. :)", "score": 8 }, { "body": "Oh wee finally an easy question! My dad just so happens to be the best dad in the world. ;) \n\nMy dad never judged us (two girls). He only gave advice. If we did something he didn't like he'd never punish or be angry. He'd be *disappointed* and explain why it may have been a bad idea. This created a great deal of trust which meant that we always went to him first when we needed to talk about something. And I told my dad pretty much everything that was going on in my life until I was maybe 16 or 17 years old. \n\nMy parents also encouraged anything we became interested in. In my case this meant having a new extra curricular activity every semester from like age 7 to 12. Kind of annoying for a parent I can imagine to buy or lend a new instrument every six months but it made me very self confident, made me feel like I could be good at anything.\n\nAs for stuff to do with my dad. Best times I remember was when dad and I built or repaired things together. We built shelves for my room for example. I think its a really good thing for girls to learn how to do regular home stuff, drilling, hammering and simple electronics. But he also showed me how to do stuff on the computer (Atari back then :) like draw pictures and make music. \n\nMy mom was great too. She taught me singing, knitting, gardening and how to take care of pets. They were a great team (though my mom was a bit more judgmental which meant we trusted dad a bit more). So maybe an additional tip would be to consider how you and your wife together complete your daughters needs. You don't need to go out of your way to do the things that your wife is already doing.", "score": 6 }, { "body": "I don't have any stories because my father was kind of an asshole that was unhappy that he had a daughter instead of another son. This thread is really nice though and I love how lots of people had nice fathers.\n\nThe one thing I would say is that you should make it a point to help your wife with household chores. I know that's not really parenting, but it will give your daughter a great example of a man that helps in the house and she'll want that in a guy. You're one of her main perceptions of males and you'll want her to find someone like you.\n\nAlso, when you teach her how to drive, be super patient and never yell. Don't joke about her PMSing when she's on her period later on in life.\n\nYou sound like an awesome father as it is. :)", "score": 5 }, { "body": "Helping my Papa in the garden, swimming with my cousins, trips to the beach, being snowed in for my birthday, my dog having puppies, getting a Barbie car for Christmas, Cabbage Patch kids, dinner at my Grandparents every Friday, lunch at my Grandparents every Sunday, learning to cook, learning to use tools. Ya know, it sounds like I was always outside? I guess I was.\n\nMost of my memories involve my Grandparents, because my Dad worked all the time, so Mom and I spent a lot of time with them. Most of my valuable memories involve learning something too :)\n\nPS, she is a cutie!", "score": 4 }, { "body": "I really loved going with my dad while he got coffee; he would always buy me a hot chocolate or an IBC rootbeer. He also introduced me to food that my mom is not a big fan of, so we would go get Chinese on our own as I got older. It was always nice having those things that just my dad and I shared.\n\nMy dad is a huge nerd and he taught me to play Diablo when I was really young. I used to fall asleep in my dad's arms watching him play computer games.\n\nAnother thing my dad liked to do was teach us math shortcuts or math in general that was a couple years ahead of where we were in school. I had a lot of fun with that.\n\nI was a major tomboy when I was growing up and both of my parents just let me be one, which was nice.\n\nI have a lot of respect for my dad. This isn't necessarily relevant at her age, I guess, but he always let me talk/debate with him about religion/politics/whatever and he would hear me out. He didn't tell me that I was too young to understand or that I just needed to listen to him because he was older/wiser.\n\n\nOne thing my dad was not very good at when I was younger was showing affection. I didn't ever get very many hugs from my dad and we don't exchange many I love you's.\n\nSometimes he would say things that were really critical in an attempt to help us without realizing how it must sound. Once when I was in this big math competition my school team came out with two first place medals (out of 5 categories and against ~70 teams). I was really excited about it, but he told me that I should have done better considering how smart I was. In retrospect I see it as a compliment, but at the time I was just pissed. haha.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "My dad is awesome and to this day remains my best friend. He always made it clear that I was the center of his universe. I'm an only child, my parents got divorced when I was 6, and he didn't get remarried until I was 18, so for a long time it really was just the two of us.\n\nI was also a brainy, weird little kid, and he did his best to indulge my quirks and obsessions. He was a bit of a nerd himself. We did tons of stuff together when I was younger. We rode bikes, went to museums, went on nature hikes...all pretty intellectually stimulating stuff, and none of it very expensive. He also took me to the book store almost every week. We developed a joint obsession with Marx Brothers movies and Looney Tunes cartoons. In my early teens I became completely obsessed with music and record collecting and we'd go on trips to the city to visit all the little hole-in-the-wall record shops.\n\nNot to mention the tons of ridiculous inside jokes we have - those will come naturally if you talk and goof around with your daughter. I used to love it when my dad would draw caricatures of our pets and family members.\n\nHe always respected me and loved me no matter what stupid shit I got myself into. And since I realized this, I was always careful to behave myself and despite the fact that I was spoiled rotten, I was actually a pretty good kid. The last thing I wanted to do was break my dad's heart! He was uncomfortable at first when I started dyeing my hair pink, but when I dyed it back to my natural color he said he missed it and I didn't look \"like myself\" without pink hair :)\n\nI'm 20 now and not much has changed in our relationship. We still see movies and go record shopping and act like huge dorks. So really, I guess my advice to you is to introduce her to a wide variety of experiences and also indulge the things she wants to do (within reason, of course). And enjoy yourself! Kids can tell if you're just going through the motions.\n\nYou already sound like you've got a great start, so best of luck to you and your daughter! She's adorable.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "your daughter is beautiful!! \n\nunfortunately i cant share many positive experiences of my father and i because we had a dysfunctional relationship. But, i want to praise you for asking for help. it means a lot to see someone taking their daughters childhood so seriously. it's clear you understand you can only grow up once. and im glad youre trying to provide the best for her. \n\nalthough i cant list things my father and i did together, i can list a few of the things i wish we had done: \n\nlike for gardening, flying kites, riding bikes, building with legos. k'nex are really fun too. i was a little tomboy so i loved making model cars and stuff, if she likes to tinker she might enjoy those when she gets a little older. reading books and coloring was something i did with my mom. but im sure she'd enjoy it with her dad just as much. when i was little i loved science, and they used to sell silly chemistry kits i had tons of them. you could also take her fishing. \n\nagain. kudos for taking the initiative to give your daughter the best. :)", "score": 4 }, { "body": "My father was fairly reserved - I would still call him shy in some circumstances. I remember all of us doing stuff as a family but almost nothing that was just him and me. He's a little too intense now about telling me he loves me and is proud of me (not in the icky way, in the trying too hard to make up for lost time way).\r\n\r\nIn short - I'd say, when she becomes a teenager and things tend to get really strained between dads and daughters fight to stay in her life, fight to really know her and I'd echo what others have said -- help her find who she is rather than which mold she can fill.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "1. I second the \"no yelling\" advice. It just makes you a threatening figure. Even if you're angry, try to calmly explain things and use logic, especially since she's such a smart kid. \n2. When she's upset about something, offer advice, but take her side as much as possible. When a kid's upset, the last thing she needs is criticism. \n3. I always enjoyed hearing my dad's stories about things he did when he was a kid, especially the funny ones. \n4. Museums are a great way to spend a day, especially for a smart kid. Going to a museum can start some good conversations, too.\n\nYour daughter is lucky to have such a cool and interested father! :)", "score": 3 }, { "body": "well, my dad was/is a jack-ass but there are a couple of things i appreciate. he always spoke to me as if i were intelligent. he took time to explain things (he liked to tell me all about mechanics, philosophy, mythology, etc). he never treated me as if i should be any particular way. i was not given dolls because i was a girl or not given trucks for the same reason. my own daughter isn't into typical \"girly\" stuff at all. she loves to build and wants to be a carpenter so we do those little build-it kits of birdhouses. my dad didn't really do much with me other than have very serious discussions. it sounds like you are on a great path so far. basically- pay attention to who she is as a person and go from there. ", "score": 3 }, { "body": "What I really remember about time with my Dad was when I would ask him questions and he would answer them as best he could (even if he did answer my \"why don't humans have hair\" question with the aquatic ape hypothesis!).\n\nI think that's something that is really important, answering questions and inviting them to figure it out on their own. My Dad didn't really invite me to figure stuff out, and I think if I had it would have been even more awesome funtimes.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "I don't have a lot of advice because my father was kind of a deadbeat after I turned twelve and I don't remember all that much from before then. \n\nBut I do remember him teaching me how to tie a tie, let me sit on his lap when he drove up the street to our house (we lived in the middle of nowhere), made me watch old Western movies with him. These are all small things that I remember that mean a lot to me now. But, my most favourite memory: \n\nWhen satellite television first came out (with the big dish in the yard that turned around all the time) some channels would not have sound. I remember waking my father up because I wanted to watch Bugs Bunny but there was no sound. He got out of bed, sat with me and did all the voices for me without even complaining. \n\nIt's the small things that matter :)", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Ask her what she's interested in. What she is interested in is the most key part of your relationship. If she doesn't know what she's interested in, make sure you expose her to all sorts of amazing experiences.\n\nLet her try sports, dance, anything. Don't stop her from doing something because it's too girly, but also don't push her into anything.\n\nKeep in mind that though she is your daughter, she is already her own person and she is forming views of the world that will stay with her her whole life.\n\nBe kind. Make sure she knows you love her unconditionally, and that she doesn't have to earn your love in any way.\n\n", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Eat something with a lot of fiber (veggies etc), drink plenty of water, take an aspirin.\nI've heard having a bloody mary, or something with a little alcohol helps, but i've never tried it...It works by the 'hair of the dog that bit you' principle.", "score": 4 }, { "body": " Would just like to remind everyone to *never* take Tylenol or any acetaminophen as a hangover prevention or cure! When mixed with booze the negative effects on the liver are exponentially worse. This also includes prescription drugs like pain killers, as they are almost entirely acetaminophen. \n\n There really is some scientific basis for the idea of eating a greasy breakfast. Something to do with the pyloric valve. And as most will point out, hydration is absolutely paramount. I drink neat whiskey but *always* with a side of ice water! Hydration can't be emphasized enough! ", "score": 4 } ]

[ { "body": "Some friends and I went to Panera Bread in High School, and we were all pretty high. One of my friends, \"Richard,\" was just out of his mind baked. When we get to Panera, we see a teacher from our school there, and Richard just happens to know this teacher quite well. So he walks up to her after coming from the counter holding a large sandwich, a bowl of soup, a huge salad and a bag of chips all on his tray, and begins to talk to her. From where I was sitting, all I could see was the face of my teacher, which, as Richard continues to talk, turns from very confused, to smiling, to practically tears running down her face trying to keep in her laughter. I have no idea what she's laughing at until I move my position to try to hear what he's saying, and I realize that he had been talking to her for five straight minutes. With his eyes completely closed. ", "score": 78 }, { "body": "In high school with 3 of my friends baked out of our minds. We decided to go to a Chinese buffet on a Friday night, before seeing a movie. The place was packed and we sat down at a table in the middle of the place. The Chinese waitress asked what we wanted to drink, and my friend looked her straight in the eye and said \"Four glasses of virgin's blood\". She just looked confused, and the other 3 of us, not expecting it, went into a horrible, uncontrolled laughing fit. It caused a huge scene. We laughed for about 20 seconds straight without being able to breathe, then realized that everyone in the place had stopped eating and was staring at us. We bugged the fuck out and got up and ran out the front door. ", "score": 48 }, { "body": "While in high school on a Friday night after leaving a party, my friend and I were driving around stoned out of our mind. I was the driver, and I instantly swerved to miss a tree and almost hit the guardrail. Soon after, I realized the tree i swerved to miss was actually my air freshener. Laughed for days.", "score": 45 }, { "body": "I don't know, I was just walking around and this guy was preaching about knowing 'the son of god' so a bunch of Jews started throwing rocks at him.", "score": 34 }, { "body": "I was so stoned that whlie driving, I thought that the stop sign was a light so I was sitting there for god knows how long waiting for it to turn green. My music was so loud I didn't hear the honking so it took someone to get out of their car and tap on my glass to notify me that I was a complete idiot. ", "score": 34 }, { "body": "\"Y'all been smokin' trees!\" is what the black lady behind the counter at the grocery store said to me and a couple of my stoned lunatic friends. Best line ever.", "score": 30 }, { "body": "About 3 years ago, I was at Red Robin with my then gf. There is no way people can't know we're high. \r\n\r\nWe're talking and I start to notice a red blob behind her, I focus on it. The red blob turns out to be somebody in a giant cartoony Red Robin costume. I ask her to turn around and tell me what she sees. She turns back, looks for a second. gets super serious.... Tells \"now is not the time for this shit.\" I almost pissed myself I was laughing so hard.", "score": 30 }, { "body": "This isn't my story but one that a friend of mine tells. Back in high school he decided to go to class frying on acid, history class.\n\nThey're doing the thing where they go around each reading a section out of the textbook, and he's freaking out that he's gonna screw his section up. So he counts off ahead of time and is reading his section over and over, and it finally is his turn. So he starts off, and he's doing pretty well, he gets half way through his paragraph and he is damn pleased with himself, he takes a breath to continue when the kid next to him elbows him and mutters:\n\n\"Dude, it's your turn.\"\n\nHe's been sitting there in silence for 3 minutes reading his paragraph in his head.", "score": 26 }, { "body": "Not stoned, but tripping in public: As a teenager I lived in the Washington D.C. area, and not being your typical teenager my idea of fun was ditching school and going to the Library of Congress. One day a friend and I decided to spend the day there, but I decided to eat some acid my older brother gave me (my second or third time tripping). It started to come on as I was sitting in the main reading room looking over some rare Crowley first editions. In my direct line of sight was a large fat black guy sitting a few rows away. He started to cough. His coughing grew louder and more severe, amplified by the acoustics of the reading room. He went into spasms and proceeded to vomit everywhere. At this point I can't contain my laughter and ran to find my find my friend in the back by the card catalogs. Due to the hilarity of the situation I couldn't speak as I found my friend - he kept saying \"shut up, shut the fuck up! ... you're gonna get us kicked out!\". I went to the bathroom and composed myself. We returned to the main reading room & my fat black friend was reading quietly with no signs of a raging vomit attack. It was apparently very good acid. ", "score": 23 }, { "body": "I used to live in NYC, and one night my friends and I decided to go see an Amy Sedaris play. I'd read a book her brother wrote - \"Naked\" - and heard about her from his short stories. So we get there, and we're all high b/c it's NYC, no designated driver needed. She starts out in a fat suit and her face and arms are of course thin - and I thought she was literally deformed and felt so sorry for her I almost cried. Then she took off the fat suit for another skit, and it BLEW MY MIND.", "score": 20 }, { "body": "Mine also took place in school. It was junior year and i had to give a speech in my english class. The speech was only 5 minutes long and everyone in the class had to do one. Since everyone had to do one, the speechs were going to take a few classes and naturally I would try to be the last to present. Soo anyway, During my lunch period that day i ate 2 weed brownies, each with about 3 gs or so in them. My english class was 2 periods after lunch so by the time i had class i was super high. Then the worst thing ever happened, my teacher already had a order for the speeches and I was number 2! When my turn came, i began reading my speech, but from the 3rd page. After I read a paragraph and a half, I finally realized. I restarted and I'm pretty sure every single person in the class laughed at me. \r\n ", "score": 17 }, { "body": "was gonna link to a story of a foreign man buried by the neck and publicly stoned to death because he cheated on his wife or something but decided against it. Either I realized it's not gonna be appropriate or funny or reddit search engine sucks or I'm just too fucking lazy to do it. I just thought I'd let you know this in case you notice my lack of response on this subject.", "score": 16 }, { "body": "We were at a Spike's Junkyard Dog eatery (best fucking hotdogs ever, native to new england) on 4/20 a few years ago. We were placing our order and the chick behind the counter asked us if we were high. We replied \"Yeah, it's 4/20!\" She looked puzzled and asked \"Sooo you're celebrating Hitler's birthday by getting high?\"\n\nFor the record, I don't smoke weed anymore.", "score": 14 }, { "body": "Holy crap so many.\n\nOne time I asked for \"penis butter\" frozen yogurt. That sucked.\n\nOne time my friends and I walk into a grocery store and this old granny goes \"Do you boys have the munchies?\"\n\nOne time I was high during a lacrosse game and while my friend's mom is driving me home (nobody knew I was high), my friend goes \"Dude, what the hell was wrong with you today? You played like shit. And why were you laughing while defending that goal?\" His mom joined in asking why I was so bad that day. I had no response.\n\nDuring yoga one week I was stoned and just could not stop laughing the entire yoga class. I was on the verge of being kicked out for disrupting the chi of the class. And ruining the silent reflection time. Silence is hard when you're high.\n\nDrive through at McDonald's, my friend goes \"What do you want?\" and I go \"3 Japanese cheeseburgers.\" So he says \"Three Japanese cheeseburgers\" and was so stoned he didn't get what was wrong with that sentence.\n\nI was called to the principle for looking high but it's okay because my \"allergies\" were acting up in the middle of winter. \n\nI really really really messed up a speech and pretty much any presentation in school.\n\nThe list goes on but I forget a lot of those times.\n", "score": 14 }, { "body": "At Subway. The night an actual \"sandwich artist\" was on duty. \n\nI know that's what they call all their staff, but this chick was AMAZING.\n\nA perfect bed of lettuce. Then she laid down some onions. Then she laid down tomatoes. Then she lay down pickles perfectly centered on each tomato slice. Then she lay down olives perfectly centered on each olive slice.\n\nIt was unbelievable. \n\nI mean, I've got degrees and whatnot, but I have rarely, in either academics or my professional life, given as much effort and professionalism in anything, as that woman did in making a sandwich.", "score": 12 }, { "body": "Just got done smoking a 'one for the road' bowl with an ex-gf, driving to my friends house to go to a party. On the way out there I got stuck behind some really slow cars, doing about 10 under the speed limit. The right lane was clear so I sped up to pass. I completely lost track that we were going down hill and my car accelerated waaay too fast. I ended up being 20 over the speed limit without noticing. Suddenly red and blue lights are flashing behind my car, I was stoned out of my head and being pulled over. I rolled down my window and the cop asked for my license and registration as per usual. I opened up my glove box and hose from an air conditioning recharge kit fell out onto the passenger seat, the thing looks like a pipe, it's a long tube with a large circular metal piece on the end. The officer picks it up and says 'What the hell is this?' I started fumbling my words in a stoned daze trying to explain to him that it's for my AC. He realizes what it is so I go back to looking for my registration. The cop in the meanwhile is standing there waiting for me to produce it, after about 2 mins. I started scratching my head, looked up at the cop and asked 'Ummmm...what does the registration look like again?' I thought for sure he was going to give me some kind of sobriety test, but he didn't, thank god. I ended up getting the ticket anyway. Getting pulled over while baked is not an experience I'd recommend.", "score": 11 }, { "body": "My first year in Junior College and I'm in the school library as a work-study student, charged with keeping the books straight and in their proper Dewey-decimal sequences. One day a friend gives me my first ever hit of LSD and says it takes about an hour before it kicks in, so I take it about an hour before my library shift is over. In reality I start to feel it in about 15-20 minutes and by 45 minutes it's becoming very hard to understand the Dewey-decimal system anymore and I'm just trying to get by until I can leave and enjoy the rest of the afternoon. That's when I come to a book that's obviously sticking way too far out from the shelf so I push it back in. Thing is it's just an overly long book, so when I pushed it back in it knocks a whole bunch of books off the shelf on the other side. This is right where a bunch of students are sitting at tables studying and they all turn around to see what all the noise is about. When I figure out what I just did I go to the other side (by this time very embarrassed/paranoid) and put the books back in, which takes a veeeerrry long time because even up/down takes a bit of analysis, let alone the D-D system. I look at my watch. Just 5 minutes to go! Uh,...what am I supposed to be doing? Oh, yeah, I'm organizing the books but I'm not supposed to be on this side, am I? No, that's right, I was on the other side. I go back to where I was before and I automatically see a book that's sticking out way too far, so I push it back in, followed by the same sound of a bunch of books hitting the floor! Now everybody is turned around with a WTF look and I just crammed all the books back on the shelf, upside down, backwards and then get out of there as fast as I can. BTW, once I got outside into a beautiful, warm and cloudless afternoon I took off my shoes and shirt and went for an absolutely wonderful 15 mile walk to nowhere in particular.", "score": 11 }, { "body": "So, my wife (then gf) and two of her friends, also girls, are tripping on several hits each of the most potent LSD I've ever encountered. I mean, losing the ability to speak (or maybe, we thought to one another, language was so primitive and unnecessary compared to the psychic commune we were enjoying)... but I digress. At some point, someone gets the bright idea to get in the car to get more OJ and cigarettes. We all pile into this car belonging to one of the other girls, and I was voted Most Likely To Drive Cool. \n\nWe made it in and out of the store okay, as no one seemed to mind that we were giggling uncontrollably the whole time, our eyes were completely black and as big as saucers, and we bought thirty or forty dollars' worth of OJ and smokes.\n\nOn the way back, two things happened; (1) everyone, including myself, forgot what it was we were doing and where we should be going (back to the safety of my apartment), so we drove around for an hour or more, and; (2) we were pulled over by a dumber-than-dumb, hick cop for going 10 miles over the limit. We all were struck with the gravity of how bad this could potentially be, and so we were able to stifle our laughter, but we couldn't stop smiling our maniacal smiles, replete with the aforementioned fully-dilated pupils. The cop senses something, and his best guess is that we've been drinking.\n\n\"Y'all been a-drainkin'?\" he asks, leaning into the driver side window. On cue, all four of us thrust our individual 20-oz. bottles of Tropicana towards him and simultaneously blurt, \"Just orange juice, Officer!!\" and then erupted into tears of laughter. Miraculously, he lets it go and goes back to his car to write the speeding ticket. We are all starting to feel a little better about it until, as he's walking back towards us to give me the ticket, my wife (passenger seat) says, \"Hey guys! Look at that sign!\" We were pulled over on the side of the road, and she was directing our attention to a '$500 Fine for Littering' sign about ten feet in front of the car on the shoulder. \"Gotcha!\" she says, as she flicks her cigarette towards the target. We all watched in horror, in the sort of frame-by-frame time dilation only possible in our current state, as the burning ember catapulted its way towards the sign face, where upon impact emitted a shower of orange sparks that screamed, \"WE'RE ALL TRIPPING OUR BALLS OFF!! ARREST US!!\"\n\nHe did stop to look, but apparently had had enough of us. He handed me the ticket and off we went.", "score": 10 }, { "body": "When I was in my early 20's I used to commute on the trains (from various places in the South UK, to London), I was also getting stoned pretty much all the time. I'm not sure if this incident happened during a commute, because I remember that I wasn't wearing a suit, which I did almost every day too.\n\nAnyway, back then the railway system in the UK had smoking cars on the trains, and horrible pits of smokey cancer they were too. I was quite into pushing my luck, especially with public displays of stonery, partly as a rebellion against the law, and also partly as a rebellion against fear and paranoia.\n\nTo this end, I would often assemble myself a fat spliff en route, I began by being discrete, skinning up in the train toilet, and then carefully smoking it in between carriages next to an open window. But by this time, I'd got to the point of staying put in my seat, rolling the joint and then smoking it in plain view.\n\nThe carriage on this occasion was quite empty, but while I was in the middle of rolling up, a straight looking guy in his mid to late 30's sat down in my booth, and took the chair opposite me.\n\nAs is the custom on British trains we said not one word to each other and I continued, albeit a bit more guardedly, to complete my work on the spliff and then light it up. I was much more concerned with looking laughably inconspicuous, than I was with seeing if this guy was catching on, so I just stared straight thru him, and probably looked more than a little bit mental. \n\nSo I smoked as much as I wanted and wondered about offering this dude some, but decided against it as I was getting pretty buzzed and a little bit paranoid at the lack of reaction. Could it be that this man could not give a flying fuck if someone wanted to smoke weed on the train?\n\nSo I decide to eject thee remains of the still lit spliff out of the train window, and as I go to throw it out of the window it blows back into the carriage and land squarely in the middle of this guy's tie, and begins to singe it. I quickly reach over without making eye contact, remove the burning roach from his tie and promptly stand the fuck up and leave the carriage without saying a word.\n\n**So here's the story from the other guys perspective.**\n\n...\n\nSo back in my late 30's I used to commute up to London, I was a smoker back then, and the trains allowed you to smoke in a designated smoking carriage.\n\nOne evening on my way home, I sat down in the smoker opposite some twat who was rolling a spliff, I couldn't give a shit about people smoking weed, but it was obvious this guy was quite nervous and I just behaved as nonchalant as possible to put him at ease.\n\nRude cunt though he was, avoided any sort of simple courtesy, and didn't even bother to offer me any, even though he didn't smoke it all, and to top it all, when the idiot tried to chuck it out the window, it blew back and landed on my fucking tie.\n\nAt this point he stood up, reached over and snatched it up, and then legged it out the carriage and I could hear the cunt laughing as the door shut.\n\nBastard.", "score": 10 }, { "body": "Me and a freind were going to a movie one night. We smoke a 2-paper doobie on our walk to the theatre, but we decided to grab some munchies before hand at the dollar store nearby. So we grab a bunch of stuff to munch on, and my friend pays for the stuff. As soon as we leave the store, I realize that there is something in my hand. I look and see that there is a Mars bar there. My friend didn't pay for it, and neither did I. So, somehow I managed to walk up to the cashier, stand there for a few minutes and walk out of the store with an unpaid Mars bar in hand, all while beet-red-eye stoned. Somehow, accidentally stealing it while it was in plain view and being stoned while I accidentally stole it made it the best Mars bar I have ever had.", "score": 9 }, { "body": "Oh man. Once drove eight blocks with three guys stuffed into a 2 seater sports car being followed by an undercover cop with his lights on. WE convinced ourselves it was a \"party car\", with its \"party lights on\". Check one for marijuana DUII.", "score": 8 }, { "body": "Stoned beyond belief with two friends when I was about 17. We go to McDonalds, and we all get food. About 5 mins later (which seemed like 3hrs), friend #1 is passed out in the ball pit in the kid's play corner, while friend #2 and I play Mickey D's monopoly and gorge ourselves with not only our food, but friend #1's as well. I peeled straight through my cup trying to get off a monopoly sticker that wasn't even there. Good times.", "score": 7 }, { "body": "When I was in high school, I had driver's ed first period. My friend caught up with me and asked whether we would be driving that day or not. I told him no, we'd just be sitting in class, so we decided to go smoke right before class.\n\nLittle did I know this would be the class period where a detective and uniformed police officer would be giving their \"drugs are bad, mmmm-kay\" presentation. I walked in and was immediately face to face with these cops. I put my head down and walked to a desk in the back of the class. I figured I'd just keep my head down until the end of the period, then sneak out.\n\nThen they started picking random volunteers to do sobriety tests. I'm not a religious man, but damned if I wasn't praying for the rescue of a higher power that morning... Fortunately, I was never called, but that was probably the scariest 45 minutes I ever spent in high school.", "score": 7 }, { "body": "Being young was fun! Nearly 10 years ago I was driving through the desert from Las Vegas to a black metal concert in Phoenix and we smoked many-a big fat chronic joints and the car was full of smoke and fire and Doom! Next thing I know is a cop is behind me with lights flashing so I look at the speed limit sign blur past which read 35MPH. I then looked at my dashboard which said 85+MPH. We all then realized that none of us really had what could be called a clean record/valid drivers licence... We turned down the music and rolled down the windows to help let the smoke billow out as we came to a stop. The cop walked up to the window on the passengers side, my friend lights a cigarette and blows smoke literally in the cops face as sensory distraction. My other friend is like a deer in headlights in the back seat, Knuckles white digging into his knees, staring straight forward. The cop himself looked like he belonged on the Andy Griffith show, he took one good look at us and our grim and frostbitten persons, being on our way to a black metal concert we weren't looking all that friendly or inviting. The cop seemed to become a bit worried about pulling us over in the middle of nowhere by himself. He asked for my ID, my license information at the time was mixed up with someone else and indicated I had a warrant and revoked license. He asked me why I was driving so fast to which I played it cool, and said some nonsense about going with the flow of traffic as convincingly as possibly could and looked him in the eye solidly... he walked to his car for a minute as usual then he came back... made nervous small talk about music back in his day, handed everything back and wrote me a warning... He didn't want anything to do with us apparently... <grin> ", "score": 6 }, { "body": "I went to traffic court stoned out of my mind. it was one of the more surreal experiences of my life. really drove home the absurdity of the legal system and government in general. a little old white dude got to sit around and fuck with people's lives because they didn't rigorously follow some arbitrary instructions on operating a four-wheeled, self-propelled machine on tar-covered surfaces.\n\nI got to go to traffic school though. ;)", "score": 6 }, { "body": "I was at Potbellys with some friends, and I ordered a sub. Ate it, and went back in line for another with a huge grin on my face, couldn't stop smiling, but figured that as long as I didn't laugh they wouldn't be able to tell. So I went through the entire line cheesing like hell, then sat back down with my friends and ate the sub. Went back in line to get ANOTHER once I was done, and realized smiling would give me away. So I made a frowny face the entire length of the line...at the time I thought I was a genius.", "score": 6 }, { "body": "Not stoned per say, but tripping on 4 hits of LSD. Went into a 7-11, asked for a blunt. The Game blunts come in shiny foil and our local shop stocks about 6 or 7 different flavors at $1.80 a blunt. I had 4 dollars and my friend had just picked up an ounce. When I asked for a Game the clerk asked what color, to which I was tripping so hard that I replied one of each. \n\nAfter he went through and picked one of each out and set them on the counter, I tossed up the $4. I spent the next three minutes trying to figure out why I couldn't get one of each and then finally what two colors I wanted.\n\nThey just looked so flashy! The clerk was severely agitated and living in a small town I felt as if I embarrassed myself pretty badly. But it was all worth it.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "I went to McDonalds with my buddy high as fuck. There was a long line-up and after standing in it for 30 seconds I started bugging out. I wanted to tell my buddy that we should go through the drive-thru, but I was so paranoid that someone in the restaurant would hear me say it. So, I texted him, from half a foot away.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "about 18 years ago, as a hotel desk clerk at a ski resort, I came to work stoned after a day of skiing. The second guest I dealt with was the son of a family who's father who had died earlier that day in a skiing accident and wanted to check out 5 days early for obvious reasons. My boss made me tell the family they could not have a refund on their lodging since they purchased trip insurance, and that they would need to file a claim with the trip insurance company. The whole situation went from bad to worse. The look on the kids face was one I didn't forget for a very long time. I didn't come to work stoned anymore after that.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "Mine was a work xmas party. It was casino themed and a lot of fun. We did a secret santa and I got the guy some movies. I put them in a box and wrapped it in pages from a hardcore porn magazine. The gift was mundane, but the wrapped box was the hit of the party.\n\nThis wasn't a very good stoned in public story at all.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "its funny how american high school kids get more high than european ones even though its legal in some parts of europe.. i guess its because the drinking age is so high..", "score": 4 }, { "body": "I am next in line behind my friend at the gas station after a LONG drive. He fumbled in his pocket for the money and his bag got stuck between the bills. He sets the money down on the counter and then proceeds to go bug eyed when he notices his bag sitting there. He grabs his change and practically sprints out the door. \n And I still have to pay for my stuff, eyes completely bloodshot and can't decide whether to laugh or panic and run out the door. All's well that ends well but it definitely got my heart pumping.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "Not only my best getting stoned in public story, but possibly the purest night of fun I've ever had in my life.\n\nWe had just started smoking weed a few months before, so my friends and I were still really sensitive to the effects of the drug--as in, it would literally transport us to another world. We were sophomores in high school.\n\nWe hotboxed my bud's Suburban from the suburbs all the way into Seattle for The Deftones show. The Deftones, as you may know, are huge Weezer fans. At that time, my friends and I were HUGE Weezer fans (this is Summer of 2001). During the intermission between the opening band and The Deftones, they played the entire Pinkerton album over the speakers. My friend Dan and I, hanging out on the ground level, went ecstatic when the very first syllable of \"Tired of Sex\" came on.\n\nWe closed our eyes and went into air-guitar lip-synching land. We sang and wailed through every word/note of every song for the entire intermission, pouring all of our passion and soul into the \"performance\". We went absolutely nuts, not stopping to rest for even a single breath. When we opened our eyes there was a small crowd of people circled around us cheering.\n\nWeezer sucks now, but at least I know what it felt like to be them when they were still cool. Thanks to weed I guess.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "Not exactly in public, but a pretty decent busted stoned story...\r\n\r\nMy girlfriend and I were smoking in my old room, we were back at my parents' house. We heard the front door go, my parents are home- but it's no big deal, they know I occasionally get high, but then my Dad comes in, smells the weed, and looks a little aghast.\r\n\r\n\"Thom, the local *police chief* is in the kitchen!\"\r\n\r\nSo we just apologise, put out the joint, and my Dad heads back to chat to his police officer friend. Then five minutes later, I stumble into the kitchen, mumble my \"hello\"s, and grab a jar of Nutella and a spoon, and then toddle off again... my poor father.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "So this one time I was camping out on Mount Zayit, and in the morning went down to that shrine they have in town there. There were a lot of people there that day, and I was talking with them, just shooting the shit, when these students and local cops drag this woman down into the middle of the square. \n\nThey start yelling at the crowd about how she's a total slut, how she's married but they caught her screwing some other guy (he wasn't there, must have ran off). So they decided to teach her a lesson, right? Anyway one of them says to me, you know we're totally in the right to punish her right here right now, but what do you think? \n\nNow, the locals there don't like foreigners coming around, so I knew they were trying to trick me into going against the local custom so they could get rid of me. But I'd been there a few times before and knew most of these guys were total party types who'd sleep with anyone themselves. So I get out my notebook and start looking around the crowd writing down names of guys I'd seen at the parties.\n\nSo when they asked me again, I got up and said, \"Go right ahead--if you haven't done the same yourself.\" And again sat down and kept writing down names. And of course, every one of them had done it too, so nobody wanted to be the one to stand up and be the one to punish her in front of everybody, and one by one they slinked off and left her there.\n\nSo I go over to her, and say \"Yo woman, where'd they all go? Looks like nobody wants to be the one to condemn you publicly, I guess.\" \n\nSo she says, \"Yeah, I guess not, thanks!\" \n\nAnd I was all like, \"Well, you better get going before they come back. And don't get caught next time!\"\n\nAnd that is how I stopped a woman from getting stoned in public.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "Some punk gave me acid (I think it was a bike) in exchange for painting with my spray.. it's almost time to go home (like 4, 5 am), and noone wants to take it with me. So I ate it all alone.\n\nAfter walking my friends to the underground I start to sense a warm feeling in my inside, and the only thing I can do is smile. \nNext thing I remember it's 8 am, in the metro, and everyone is sad, going to work (it's friday). By sad I mean really sad, like they hate living. But I feel really good, it's like I can fly on my seat. In fact, I'm flying.\n\nAs I exit the underground, I notice everything is so beautiful. As I am alone, I decide to call my gf to tell her how everything is so wonderful and magic. She was coming to my town to make a week visit, and she gets really scared.. I tell her everything is fine and to call me when she arrives.\n\nThen I go to my college to take a Math exam... My hands are full of paint, and I laugh hysterically at everything. I remember scaring the shit out of some random strangers. Also talking with a girl I used to like.. she has never spoken again with me, I don't remember anything of what I said.\n\nI have some free time previous the exam, so I go around painting bathrooms, go to the bar, meet some friends. I take a tea, yeah, I need to relax, I know. Also my friends are pretty serious about my situtation, but everything relaxes, and start to laugh with me at all the inconsistent wonderful things I say.\n\nI go to the exam pretty late, but it doesn't matter.. I don't know anything.. Teacher looks at my hands, trying to understand. I take the exam.. don't understand shit, then decide to make my own question, and answer it. Two pages full of alien math.. I leave, and decide to go home for a shower. The paranoia feeling is starting to take me. I don't pay at the metro, but I hear something and start to run, then I hide somewhere in the station.. but nobody comes.\n\nI get home, I take a shower/bath, and get ready to go work. As I arrive everything goes worse. I can hear the tick of all the clocks.. I sense bad vibrations everywhere. I try to act normal for like.. 5 minutes or so. Then the screensaver of my superior kicks in and I shout desperately. My boss asks me if everything is ok.. As I feel pretty confident with him I tell the situation, he laughs and tells me to take the day free. But first I should fix a pair of computers, just for the lulz.\n\nWhat a hard mission. Surrounded by ghosts, in an office, with loud clocks, and trying to setup two accounts. I try to act normal.. but someone comes and asks me about the song that is being played. I tell him I want to know the name of the player just so I could go and kill him. He tells me the account I'm setting is for a friend.. I say ok. I finally accomplish my mission, say goodbye to my boss/ now friend, and take my bicycle (it was parked outside work, awaiting for me since the last afternoon).\n\nWoah, what a warmth feeling. Going around in my bike everything looks just perfect. There's no Area 51 sensation. I should go home, instead I decide I want to buy a pair of jeans. All my clothes are so worn I look like a vagabond. And my gf will come late that afternoon. I don't really care about money at this point of my life, so I go for Levi Strauss. The assistant tells me to cut them shorter, for free. Will be ready for later that day. It's ok for me, so I go sit somewhere, and just feel the city.\n\nDon't remember much, except for meeting my gf, his aunt, and the bf of his aunt (who was bald and had a really funny name). Oh my gosh, this is gonna be really hard. We go to eat something near the beach, which is cool. The history around here gets boring, so I'll just skip it.\n\n\n\ntl;dr: I ate acid alone and started to feel it during the morning, in the city jungle.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "One night I wound up smoking more than I ever had before. Topped that with drinking a bottle of wine. I caught a ride back home and we stopped at a convenience store. As I walked into the store the fluorescent lighting seemed to magnify my buzz. As I walked past the freezer section my brain said \"OOH, Ice Cream!\" I then selected a flavor of Ben and Jerry's and started to make the long trek to the front counter of the store. By this time it felt like my entire brain was numb. I realized that I was going to need a spoon. For some reason the whole concept of a spoon struck me as absolutely hilarious and I started to chuckle. Once I started there was no chance of stopping. As I started my final approach for the counter I started laughing hysterically. I stood approximately 10 feet from the counter and simply laughed. The poor clerk attempted to ask me what I needed and I may have had the presence of mind to gasp out the word \"Spoon\", but that was about it. For what felt like a minute I simply stood there in an uncontrollable full body laugh. The clerk stood there staring at me with a look of \"If this Idiot tries something, I am going to call the police.\" Still laughing I placed the Ben and Jerry's on a convenient shelf and exited the store. As I got back into the car I lamented the fact that I had not simply bought an ice cream sandwich.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "i've been reading on this thread for almost two hours laughing to myself like a little girl.\n\ngod damn i love reddit.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Banning suicide sounds silly initially. How do you punish someone who is dead? Really, the reason why suicide is against the law is so there is legal justification to provide psychological help to those who are feeling depressed and help them through what they are going through. Obviously, this can only happen before a successful suicide.\n\nIt is in the interest of \"evolution\" and society that those who are depressed and have lost the will to live, procreate, and prosper be helped so that they can live, procreate, and prosper. Society has already invested energy in that person getting to where they are, it would be good if society got a return on their investment. We have an evolutionary responsibility to carry on our genes, and if we are not able or willing to do that, then the next thing to carry on is our knowledge (which includes culture and learned morality).\n\nThis is only for psychological caused suicide. For suicide due to illness or quality of life, that is something my reply doesn't cover.", "score": 15 }, { "body": "why does it matter if it is against the law to take your own life? You are dead, so what are they going to do about it? (<- genuine curiosity)", "score": 6 }, { "body": "As far as I know one of the primary pragmatic reasons suicide is illegal is so that EMTs and other first responders can treat you without your consent.", "score": 6 }, { "body": "As someone who has seriously contemplated suicide, I have mixed feelings.\n\nAs much as I'd like to believe it, you probably aren't in your right mind by the time you seriously have thoughts about going through with it.\n\nComing from the other side, there are days where the only thing keeping suicide out of the picture is not knowing how.\n\nOverall, I think it is something that should happen, but it would need to be regulated.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "For every source that's deemed not credible, there's someone who will show you why the source that claimed that source is not credible is not credible, thus supposedly validating the credibility of the original source.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Actually, the _only_ correct date format is 2010 01 02, which is also palindromic (if you leave out the spaces).", "score": 29 }, { "body": "You... you mean... MY BIRTHDAY IS A PALINDROME? OH JOYOUS DAY! Doomglobe, you have brightened my day considerably.", "score": 15 }, { "body": "I'm in North America and that is not the date for me. Maybe you should have waited a few more hours before posting this...", "score": 5 } ]

[ { "body": "You tried to help him, he didn't want help. You did all you could do and probably more than the average person would have. Your father would appreciate that you were looking out for him and knew you loved him. No one is to blame.", "score": 14 }, { "body": "Don't blame yourself for this. You tried your hardest to get him help, and he denied it. I'm sorry for your loss.", "score": 6 }, { "body": "I'm sorry this had to happen, but it is not your fault. Make your last memories of him happy, not remorseful.", "score": 6 }, { "body": "I know it must be hard but you did the most you could. If anything, you should be having this talk with your mother, imagine what she must be going through right now. You need to be there for her right now.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "Maybe your father was old-school, where they just tough everything out and try to take care of their family... Not your fault.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "At the risk of sounding trite, it's not your fault. Grieve for him and miss him, but don't falsely blame yourself. ", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "It's a Wonderful Life, Gone With the Wind, Casablanca, City of God, Sunset Blvd., Maltese Falcon, The Apartment, The Bicycle Thief, The Seventh Seal, Princess Mononoke, Donnie Darko, M, On the Waterfront, The Wild Bunch, Tokyo Story, The Rules of the Game.\n\nAlso, Psycho, The Birds, Rear Window, North by Northwest, Dial M for Murder, Rope, Vertigo, Notorious, etc. {I suck.}", "score": 4 }, { "body": "\"Citizen Kane\" and \"North by Northwest\". I just haven't gotten to them despite every \"movie person\" telling me they are must see.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "I've had there will be blood sitting beside my tv since it was released on dvd, as has a friend of mine, and neither of us has watched it yet and now its gotten to the point were we are expecting dissapointment no matter how good it is (I know it's fucked up)", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "You're not very specific, but here are some random tips based on personal experience:\n\n* Use a tripod.\n* If you're shooting landscapes, stick with a low iso and up the exposure time. \n* Focus manually - autofocus is unreliable in low light situations. \n* Stay a few stops away from your largest aperture - lenses tend to get soft towards the extremes of their aperture ranges. \n* It's better to overexpose a bit and tone it down in post than to underexpose. \n* You may find that auto white balance doesn't work well in night shots, so you may have to manually adjust your WB. \n* If you need to augment the available light, 'painting' a subject with a flashlight works well, but don't overdo it. I'm fond of those tiny single led keychain lights, personally.\n", "score": 8 }, { "body": "All great suggestions so far. I shoot a lot of night shots too, here's my rules:\n\n* tripod\n\n* long exposures, medium apertures, low ISO, as in 30\", f/8, ISO200\n\n* no wind! Unless you want the blurriness it causes.\n\n* Shoot wide, zoom isn't worth much on long exposures.\n\n* Shoot HDR style, varying your shots by a couple of stops, only adjusting shutter speed, NOT aperture, which would change depth of field. You can always stitch together later if you want to.\n\n* If your in camera light meter says 5 second, leave it open for 10. You're not going to lose much, and it will help out the underexposed areas.\n\n* Shoot RAW. More headroom.\n\n* The flashlight painting stuff is fun. I also like the grab my 580EXII flash, set it on manual, and run around like a fool setting it off at low settings to get a even light on things. At a 30 second exposure, you won't show up.", "score": 7 }, { "body": "One thing I didn't see here, but is probably implicit is a shutter release cable or remote (I know a lot of the canons have remotes). \n\nSorry if this might seem obvious, but it gets rid of camera shake when you're shooting with a tripod. An alternative, if you're shooting say, 5 second exposures, is to use the self-timer to release the shutter so you don't actually have to touch the camera while shooting. I'd just buy the remote or cable though, they aren't that expensive.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "Take a look on flickr at some night shots that you really like and then click on the \"More properties\" link on the bottom right list and you'll see all the settings that were recorded and uploaded in the exif data (if the user makes that data public of course). Then grab your tripod and experiment away. ", "score": 4 }, { "body": "It would be handy to see some examples of shots you think have turned out badly. Also, if you could let us know what you're aiming for.\n\nIf you're looking for those shots where there's a nice bokeh of lights in the background, you want to use a wide aperture. But any sort of landscape, cityscape or anything else, you want a smaller aperture (I tend to hover around *f*12 which tends to be sharpest on my lens. As for ISO, 100 or 200 only (although I've got an oldish Canon DSLR which is rubbish at high ISOs).\n\nA couple of things that I've not seen mentioned:\n\n* Most DLSRs have a mirror lock up option on them. This locks the mirror in the \"open\" position before you take a exposure. If you're taking a longish exposure, even the action of the mirror flipping down can cause a bit of shake and reduce sharpness.\n\n* Focusing is difficult at night, and auto-focus can get it really wrong. I like to focus on an area with really high contrast and then recompose. The narrower the aperture, the less on an issue this becomes though.\n\n* Play with shutter speed & ISO before aperture when experimenting.\n\nHave fun, I love shooting at night time.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "No one at AA is going to judge you. If you think you drink too much, then you drink too much. Need proof that you have a drinking problem? Re-read your post: \"...I only drink about a 12-pack per evening.\" Only an alcoholic would worry that drinking a 12-pack per evening wasn't enough to gain admission to the club.\r\n\r\nIt sounds like you're having what we alcoholics like to call \"a moment of clarity.\" I wish I knew at 24 what I know now at 40... I threw 10 years of my life away and will never get them back. Do yourself a favor, make a commitment, just for today, that you won't drink and that you'll go to a meeting. Don't worry about not drinking for the rest of your life. Take care of today and tomorrow will take care of itself.", "score": 6 }, { "body": "My home group in AA has a really good mix of young and old. We have some as young as 18. The \"test\" that AA says to determine whether you are an alcoholic is that you find yourself unable to stop drinking once you start. How much booze is \"too much?\" Some of my friends drank far less than I did and couldn't stop and some drank more. There is no arbitrary level for too much. If you feel you want help, go to a meeting. If you are tired of living the way you have been living, look for help in changing. AA is a wonderful place to start.\n\nInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. -Einstein", "score": 5 }, { "body": "You already know you have a problem and you can save yourself some time most likely if you deal with the problem now.\n\nOne of the things you hear in AA is that once you cross over into full blown alcoholism that all you have to look forward to is death, jail or institutions. There is one more possibility though. The death of a thousand cuts. That is essentially how I have been living these last 10+ years. Slowly but surely I inflicted small wounds, one after another, with my life and focus dripping away, eventually getting me to this point where I have finally quit. But not after losing years of my life that I will never get back. I functioned on a pretty high level as well but after awhile I started cutting things out of my life that interfered with my drinking.\n\nThere are alternatives to AA nowadays as well, particularly if you live in or near a large city. 12 beers a night is also a decent daily amount, especially at 24, and it's about what I was drinking 12 years ago, before I switched to vodka.\n\nGood luck.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Isaac Asimov. He is in my mind the unquestioned king of the science fiction genre. In particular the foundation trilogy.\n\nAlso, if you haven't read it, you should check out Have Spacesuit Will Travel, definitely one of my favorite books out there, and it's a pretty quick read. ", "score": 90 }, { "body": "* *2001: A Space Odyssey*, Arthur C. Clarke\n* *A Canticle for Liebowitz*, Walter Miller\n* *Childhood's End*, Arthur C. Clarke\n* *Contact*, Carl Sagan\n* *Dangerous Visions*, Harlan Ellison, Ed.\n* *Fahrenheit 451*, Ray Bradbury\n* *Flowers For Algernon*, Daniel Keys\n* *I Am Legend*, Richard Matheson\n* *Jurassic Park*, Michael Crichton\n* *Lord of Light*, Roger Zelazny\n* *Mimsy Were The Borogoves*, Lewis Padgett\n* *Neuromancer*, William Gibson\n* *Nightfall*, Isaac Asimov\n* *Nineteen Eighty-Four*, George Orwell\n* *Rendezvous With Rama*, Arthur C. Clarke\n* *Sandkings*, George R. R. Martin\n* *Slaughterhouse-Five*, Kurt Vonnegut\n* *The Andromeda Strain*, Michael Crichton\n* *The Handmaid’s Tale*, Margaret Atwood\n* *The Left Hand of Darkness*, Ursula K. LeGuin\n\nAlso, many short stories by Alfred Bester, A.E. Van Vogt, James Tiptree, Harlan Ellison, George R. R. Martin, and Stephen King.\n", "score": 75 }, { "body": "Robert Heinlein - Stranger in a Strange Land, Number of the Beast, and just about any other book written by him.", "score": 28 }, { "body": "I'm a fan of cyberpunk, so Philip K Dick, William Gibson, Neal Stephenson.\n\nMemorably, 'Snow Crash', 'Diamond Age', as well as 'I, Robot', 'Neuromancer', and 'Count Zero'.\n\nGood stuff, hope you enjoy it as well :)", "score": 27 }, { "body": "Just a scattering from my sf bookcase. These are in alphabetical order, almost ...\n\n * Iain M. Banks, *Look to Windward*. Though it's not the first in the Culture series, it's rather more polished than the first (*Consider Phlebas*). Or, if you enjoy brain-breaking tragedy, pick up *Use of Weapons* ... but you may well curse me for that recommendation. Just say the word \"Chairmaker\" to anyone who's read it, and you'll find out why.\n * John Barnes, *Orbital Resonance*. Melpomene Murray is another kid raised and trained to solve the world's problems, so she needs a hug almost as much as Ender Wiggin ... and it's a better-written book, too. (I kind of wonder if Barnes wrote this as a response to *Ender's Game*, the way Joe Haldeman wrote *The Forever War* as a response to Heinlein's *Starship Troopers*.)\n * Alfred Bester, *The Demolished Man*. Bester invented half of the tropes dealing with telepathy you'll find in sf. (The other half would be A. E. van Vogt, who is a lot less readable to the modern reader.) It's also an intensely creative novel in terms of writing style and literary technique, although I suppose many of the typographic devices just look like txtspk today. Oh, and it's a good story.\n * David Brin, *Earth*. Saying it's about humanity, technology, and the environment would be a little like saying *Lord of the Rings* is about some little people walking across the country to dispose of some toxic waste.\n * C. J. Cherryh, *Downbelow Station* (and if you like Cherryh's style, read *Cyteen* -- it's good, but it's huge and a slow start).\n * Philip Jose Farmer, *To Your Scattered Bodies Go* -- and if you like it, the rest of the Riverworld series. Who made this afterlife, anyway?! Also, if you read the Oz books as a kid, pick up Farmer's *A Barnstormer in Oz*, which is a totally different take on \"Oz for grownups\" than Gregory Maguire's ...\n * Robert Heinlein, *The Past Through Tomorrow* (short story collection; but especially the stories \"'If This Goes On --'\" and \"Methuselah's Children\"), and *Stranger in a Strange Land*. If you like politics, pick up *The Moon is a Harsh Mistress*; if you've read the Bible, add *Job: A Comedy of Justice*.\n * H. P. Lovecraft, \"The Colour Out of Space\", \"The Shadow Over Innsmouth\", and \"The Call of Cthulhu\". Lovecraft is usually considered a horror writer, but there's a good argument for sf as well, especially for these three.\n * Pat Murphy, *There and Back Again*. It's *The Hobbit* in space! How can you go wrong with that? `:)`\n * Niven and Pournelle, *The Mote in God's Eye*. One of the major attempts to describe an alien civilization that is utterly ancient and *not* very wise. (Also the subject of a very silly filksong by Spider Robinson to the tune of \"Live and Let Die\", which is now stuck in my head. [\"And in this ever-changing world, Pournelle and Niven / Hope you fans will still buy ...\"](http://www.critters.org/text.cgi?f=spider.txt) And now it's stuck in your head, too.)\n * Frederik Pohl, *Gateway* and *Beyond the Blue Event Horizon*, but not the rest of the series; it gets kinda lame after the mysterious Heechee actually come out of hiding.\n * Spider Robinson, *Callahan's Crosstime Saloon* et sequelae. The earlier ones are better story-wise; later on the series becomes less sfnal and more a series of ideas on how humanity could be nicer to one another, glued together with filksongs and puns. I *like* it, but it's very light.\n * Mary Shelley, *Frankenstein, or a Modern Prometheus*. It's not like the old movie, I promise. It's about a creator who's too scared to take responsibility for his living creation. The monster isn't the bad guy, and there are no peasants with pitchforks and torches.\n * Dan Simmons, *Hyperion* and *The Fall of Hyperion*. If you read nothing else on this list, read *Hyperion*. The third and fourth books in series are somewhat weaker. Most of Simmons's other novels are either horror, or bizarrely jam-packed with literary references (*Ilium* and *Olympos*, I'm looking at you) but I maintain that if you haven't read *Hyperion*, you haven't read sf.\n * Robert Louis Stevenson, *The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde*. It's not like the Bugs Bunny cartoon, I promise. `:)`\n * Charles Stross, *Toast* (short story collection). If you like Stross's style, pick up anything he's done. Don't bother with the Bob Howard books unless you've read Lovecraft, though, and don't bother reading *Saturn's Children* unless you've read the late-era Heinlein novels it's a parody of.\n * Walter Jon Williams, *Aristoi*. It's been a long time since I read this, and I don't have it on my shelf at the moment, but I recall it being awesome.\n * Oh, and I've stuck this down here because otherwise nobody will take me seriously: Piers Anthony, *Chthon*. In the '60s, Anthony was a reasonably serious sf writer. *Chthon* was his first novel, and was nominated for sf's two biggest awards, the Hugo and the Nebula. Then he found out that light fantasy novels filled with juvenile sex jokes made a hell of a lot more money than sf does ....\n", "score": 24 }, { "body": "Larry Niven's Ringworld series is pretty good, especially the first two books. I also like Fredrick Pohl's Gateway series. The Gap Cycle by Stephen R. Donaldson is also worth checking out. ", "score": 16 }, { "body": "You should listen to the Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy. It is a full audio production by the BBC and you will not be disappointed.\n\nThe audio production of His Dark Materials (Golden Compass) trilogy is also outstanding.\n\nAudio production of Pillars of the earth by Ken Follett is excellent.\n\nLately I have been listening to books rather than reading them. I find my comprehension, attention and retention is better with a good aural production. I usually listen while I am driving.\n\nI went through the entire Dune series and I agree it was pretty compelling. \n", "score": 10 }, { "body": "Kim Stanley Robinson's trilogy: Red Mars, Green Mars, and Blue Mars\n\nJohn Varley's trilogy: Titan, Wizard, and Demon\n", "score": 10 }, { "body": "Hyperion and Fall of Hyperion by Dan Simmons. The next two books that come after it I wouldn't bother reading, and really aren't needed to tie up the plot.\n\nOh and the Uplift Saga from David Brin was pretty good too, with Startide Rising being the gem of the series.\n\nOh oh and The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester. Timeless sci-fi, and kinda like Heinlein in the fact that you get to see a 1950s vision of the future. Always good for a laugh.", "score": 9 }, { "body": "I came here to mention Ursula K. Le Guin. She will blow you away. Try The Left Hand of Darkness (by far my favourite book), The Dispossessed, and The Lathe of Heaven.\n\nAlso check out Julie Czerneda's Species Imperative series, C. J. Cherryh's Chanur series, Larry Niven's Ringworld, and Tad Williams' Otherland series.", "score": 9 }, { "body": "In rough order of how strongly I recommend them:\n\n* The Golden Age by John C. Wright (first of trilogy)\n* Daemon by Daniel Suarez (not really \"sci-fi,\" but worth being on my list)\n* Anathem by Neal Stephenson\n* A Fire Upon the Deep by Vernor Vinge (Please don't read the summary, it gives away a part of the book that's worth discovering on your own!)\n* Pastwatch by Orson Scott Card (and I normally *detest* historical fiction)\n* The Mote in God's Eye by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle\n* Fool's War by Sarah Zettel (really haven't enjoyed her other books as much)\n* The Peace War by Vernor Vinge\n* The Dragon's Egg by Robert L. Forward\n* Beggars in Spain by Nancy Kress (first of series that gets odd)\n* On Baslisk Station by David Webber (first in long series, pulp sci-fi, but fun - I've re-read it a dozen times)\n* Armageddon Inheritance by David Webber (I've re-read it a dozen times)\n* Permutation City by Greg Egan\n* Player of Games by Ian Banks\n* The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula Le Guin\n* Kiln People by David Brin\n* Contact by Carl Sagan\n* Firestar by Michael Flynn\n* Mother of Storms by John Barnes (I generally don't recommend it, because some of it is incredibly disturbing)\n\n(someone else said The Time Traveller's Wife, which I agree is awesome, but I wouldn't necessarily put it in a sci-fi list)\n\n(oh, and also, it's not sci-fi, but you've gotta read A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking)", "score": 8 }, { "body": "Iain M. Banks - the culture books especially. Just LOVE them.\nAlso Neal Stephenson.\nI know this will get me downvoted, but...why are people obsessed with recommending all these old scifi books. Frankly if you ignore the nostalgia factor many just don't hold up very well (obviously there are exceptions - like Dune). I often find the characters like cardboard cutouts. I reread the Foundation recently and was totally bumbed out that it sucked so bad. I'm almost scared to reread some of Asimov's Robot novels (which I enjoyed immensely when I first read them).", "score": 7 }, { "body": "William Gibson - Neuromancer\n\nNeal Stephenson - The Diamond Age\n\nNeal Stephenson - Snow Crash\n\nIain Banks - Walking on Glass\n\nIain M Banks - Player of Games\n\nIain M Banks - Excession\n\nIain M Banks - Inversions\n\nIain M Banks - The Algebraist\n", "score": 7 }, { "body": "I'll try and stick to books /authors not yet mentioned so far. These are in no particular order, just as I though of them.\n\n* *Down and out in the Magic Kingdom* by Cory Doctorow - Doctorow's first novel and probably also his best.\n* *The Moon is a Harsh Mistress* by Robert Heinlein - Really great book by Heinlein. It's a little hard to get started, mostly due to the language the characters use, but once you get used to it, it's a really great book.\n* *American Gods* by Neal Gaiman - Hard to exactly qualify this book as sci-fi, but it did win the Hugo and the Nebula and totally rocks anyway. Definitely Gaiman's best book.\n* *Perdido Street Station* by China Mieville - The first section of this book is a little slow, but then it really kicks into high gear. Really cool setting, although it can be a little weird in places. *The Scar* is also pretty cool, *Iron Council* was a bit of a let down overall. \n* *Doomsday Book* by Connie Willis - Great book, also won both the Nebula and the Hugo.\n* *Farthing* by Jo Walton - Sort of sci-fi, envisions what would happen to england if \"Peace in Our Time\" had worked out. The sequels are also really good, although some, including myself, find the ending a bit of a stretch, although the author does have good reasons for doing what she did, I'm just not sure I find it credible. Even so, a great series, worth the time.\n* *Watchmen* and *V for Vendetta* by Alan Moore - Can't believe no one has mentioned these yet. If you haven't read them, you should. They are among the best science-fiction in any form. If you didn't like the movie of either, read them anyway.\n* *The Anubis Gates* by Tim Powers - Awesome time-travel story, I can't believe this book doesn't get mentioned more. It's awesome.\n* *The Yiddish Policeman's Union* by Michael Chabon - Kind of like *Farthing*, a what-if historical type thing: What if Israel had collapsed in 1948 and they sent all the jews to Alaska? Chabon's other books are also worth picking up (especially *The Adventures of Cavalier and Clay*) But they are definitely not sci-fi, while *Yiddish* straddles the line.\n* *Blood Music* by Greg Bear - Cool novel about nano-tech. My favorite book from Bear.\n* *Fledgling* by Octavia Butler - It's a vampire story, but it doesn't suck. Most of Butler's other stuff is also worth reading. She explores a lot of interesting themes (race, sexuality, gender, etc.) that don't always get more than a cursory examination in a lot of other works.\n* *The Martian Chronicles* by Ray Bradbury - In my opinion, Bradbury's best work. The language is great, the stories beautiful and moving.\n\nOk, that's all I can think of for now. One good place to look for recommendations is Tor.com. Jo Walton (mentioned above) has a [semi-regular column](http://www.tor.com/index.php?blogger=Jo_Walton), most of which is spent recommending books.", "score": 7 }, { "body": "Neal Stephenson. Cryptonomicon, Anathem, Snow Crash, Diamond Age.\n\nOrson Scott Card. Complete Ender's Series.\n\nS.M. Stirling. Dies the Fire Series.\n\nStephen King. Dark Tower Series.\n\nRobert A. Heinlein. Farnham's Freehold, Stranger in a Strange Land, Moon is a Harsh Mistress.\n", "score": 6 }, { "body": "The revelation space series by Alastair Reynolds. The world he creates is so rich and convincing that you have to do a few trashy pulps before reading any other sci-fi. ", "score": 6 }, { "body": "Old Mans War, or pretty much anything by John Scalzi. Neuromancer and most of the William Gibson stuff if you like Cyber punk, I would recommend you read 'Mote in Gods Eye' by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle, great stuff. Also check out David Gerrold and 'The War Against the Chtorr' series, great stuff. Welcome to the SF Crowd.", "score": 6 }, { "body": "Some really great books that I hardly ever see on sci-fi lists here...\n\n* [Armor](http://product.half.ebay.com/Armor_W0QQtgZinfoQQprZ269283) - John Steakly\n* [An Enemy of the State](http://product.half.ebay.com/An-Enemy-of-the-State_W0QQtgZinfoQQprZ2007757) - F. Paul Wilson (reddit the entity would **love** this book)\n* [Infinity Hold](http://product.half.ebay.com/Infinity-Hold_W0QQtgZinfoQQprZ2044671) - Barry B. Longyear\n* [Monument](http://product.half.ebay.com/Monument_W0QQtgZinfoQQprZ1696751) - Lloyd Biggle Jr.\n* [Bolo](http://product.half.ebay.com/Bolo_W0QQtgZinfoQQprZ1224061) - Keith Laumer (the original short stories, not the crap sequels)\n* [Last Dancer](http://immunitysec.com/resources-dkm.shtml) - Daniel Keyes Moran *(free online)*\n* [Realtime](http://www.kithrup.com/dkm/dkmfic/realtime.html) - Daniel Keyes Moran *(free online)*\n* [Lord of Light](http://product.half.ebay.com/Lord-of-Light_W0QQtgZinfoQQprZ30208153) - Roger Zelazny\n* [Radix](http://product.half.ebay.com/Radix_W0QQprZ2100133QQtgZinfo) - A. A. Attanasio\n* [Santiago: A Myth of the Far Future](http://product.half.ebay.com/Santiago_W0QQtgZinfoQQprZ1455661) - Mike Resnick\n* [The Faded Sun Trilogy](http://product.half.ebay.com/Faded-Sun_W0QQtgZinfoQQprZ1179195) - C. J. Cherryh\n* [Aggressor Six](http://product.half.ebay.com/_W0QQcpidZ2466669QQprZ1190934) - Wil McCarthy\n\nEdited because I keep thinking of others. Not in any particular order.\nSomeone let me know if these links don't work.", "score": 6 }, { "body": "Robert Heinlein - Stranger in A strangeland\nIain Banks - Consider Phlebas, Excession, et all\nPeter Hamilton, Reality Disfunction, Neutronium Alchemist\nAlistair Reynolds\n\nMany more", "score": 5 }, { "body": "Stanislaw Lem. \n\nSort of the Polish verison of Philip K Dick. The English-translated novels I've read have been great, so no problems there.\n\nSolaris and Stalker are two examples of (Russian) movies made from his stories.\n", "score": 5 }, { "body": "Most everything is mentioned already. Try out Charles Stross's Atrocity Archives and Accelerando. The Killing Star by Pellegrino. I like some of George Alex Effinger's stuff. A Fire Upon the Deep is a good one.\n\nRobert Sheckley is awesome.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "Nobody's mentioned the Riverworld series by Philip Jose Farmer? Everybody who's ever lived is reborn on the banks of a river that cris-crosses an artificial world. Hijinks ensue.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "Peter F Hamilton. Start with the Naked God trilogy (The Reality Dysfunction is the first book).\n\nIf you like reading, really like reading, you'll love Hamilton. His books are huge, and his stories are amazing.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "I really loved the [K-PAX trilogy by Gene Brewer](http://www.amazon.co.uk/K-Pax-Trilogy-featuring-Omnibus-Featuring/dp/074756695X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262431048&sr=1-1). It was one of those books that I felt I couldn't put down. I think the Hollywood movie covered the first book.\n\nAlso, one of my all time favourites: [Peace and War (The Omnibus Edition) by Joe Haldeman](http://www.amazon.co.uk/Peace-War-Forever-Free-Omnibus/dp/0575079193), composed of three books: Forever War, Forever Free and Forever Peace.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "I can't believe nobody has recommended Jack Vance yet! I admit it's not strictly the same genre (it's sci-fi with a fantasy slant), but Tales from The Dying Earth, Planet of Adventure, Alastor, The Cadwal Chronicles, Demon Princes... good god, you're in for a fantastic journey. He is one of the few authors that I read in my teens that has withstood the test of time unscathed. Sure, I now find his characters pretty undeveloped and Mary Sueish, but I never found a rival for his vivid descriptions of a hostile but fascinating world that is out to get you.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "You should also try out the yearly publications like \"Year's Best Sci-fi\" that come out every year...They are mostly short stories, but the sheer abundance of talent, and imagination in those is mind blowing.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "If you have any kind of biology background, Blindsight by Peter Watts will probably be the best scifi novel you'll ever read (it's otherwise gibberish).\n\nSnow Crash by Neal Stephenson is the de facto Cyberpunk novel (Gibson is shit in my opinion).\n\nOld Man's War by John Scalzi I'd say is a modern version of Heinlein/Haldeman and is brilliant.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Dan Simmons - Hyperion AND Ilium-series \nRichard Morgan - Everything\nIain M. Banks .. seriously, just read it all.\nAlastair Reynolds - it all.\nPeter F. Hamilton\n\n\nIf you have read those, still up for more, give me a pling :)", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Lois McMaster Bujold's sci fi stuff us some of the best ever ( don't like her fantasy)\nDon't be put off by the covers looking like romance novels-that's just Baen book's silly marketing. They are awesome books- some of the best character development ever! \nStart with \"Cordelia's Honor\" and go from there", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Dear Sir,\n\nF*ck You.\n\nYou are part of the problem, wherin in American corporations are pursuing short term profits over long term stability.\n\n\"We need more H1-Bs because there are no qualified local candidates\"\n\nWhen you keep importing/exporting labor, of course the local joes just starting out will not get experience.\n\n*EDIT* \n\nI should qualify by saying that every time I have had to deal with outsourced IT in India or some other country, I have wanted to CLAW MY F*CKING EYES out. Amazon customer service, or the brief time I was on AT&T dialup and they had just outsourced. In both cases, I got people who were incapable of solving my problem. What is sad, was that BEFORE AT&T outsourced, I could get ahold of a tech on their CS line, and he could lookup the status of the local modem bank I was dialing into and go \"Yup, its down\". The Indian ones could only read from a script made for Windows 95, even when I told them I was running Linux, and I just wanted to confirm that the problem was on their end with their systems.\n\nAnd I just got laid off from a job, where the company we were contract developing for had outsourced stuff to India, and that staff was useless as well.", "score": 10 }, { "body": "OMG YOU'RE A MONSTER BLAH BLAH BLAH!!!1\nWhile I'm not sure I could stomach doing a job like yours (no, I don't think you're a monster,) I'm curious as to how your industry works. \n\nIs your company national or regional? What are the names of some of the bigger firms that do what you do? Do most people you work with come from an IT background or from management consulting?", "score": 4 }, { "body": "What is the typical length of time you are on each project before making the staffing decisions and what do you take into consideration first?", "score": 3 }, { "body": "I've watched alot of highly paid executives that were utterly useless to their corporation get fired last year and it made me happy. (sadly I saw a few really efficient hard workers loser their jobs too ) Do you have any stories of how someone with a crazy salary was barely doing any work?", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "SA's problem is mental, like most of our sport. Hopefully we can get that right, but I doubt it. We always want to be the underdog and don't know how to dominate. I still reckon Oz is the superpower, but they are read for the taking. I reckon it is only between India and SA.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "> It's a great time to be a cricket fan.\n\nBloody right! In your face ODIs and 20/20 ;)\n\nNow that Australia are struggling at the same level as most of the others the Test arena is a lot more interesting. South Africa looked comfortable as No1 after beating the Aussies in their own backyard, but have stuttered since. And although India is now No1, they'll still have to absorb the retirements of some great, key players soon.\n\nEngland are giving me hope. They've a skillful, keen bowling unit and on their (occasional) day, prolific batsmen. I'm quite looking forward to the next 5 years of English cricket, especially this years Ashes which could see the closest in Australia for years (that has been said before though!).\n\nI'm not convinced by Australia's new bowling line up, especially outside of Oz. Bollinger looks handy but it's too early to say and i'm not over impressed with Siddle, who looks the part but doesn't take enough wickets. That said, they've got enough memorable moments from the past 15-20 years to see them through this transitional period!", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "The best use of winter weather is scooping up snow and putting it in your bong. Seriously, try it. You have never taken hits this smooth. ", "score": 26 }, { "body": "[0]You sir are one lucky person. It has been my goal to smoke in the snow, or any type of cold weather under 30°", "score": 11 }, { "body": "[7] it's called snowboarding. You strap a board to your feet, have a chair carry you high up a snowy slope, and perform a controlled fall down the mountain. Stop somewhere half-way down the hill to perform a \"safety meeting\" [This step is crucial]. Continue riding to bottom of slope, dismount. Repeat.\n\nN.B. This can also be done with beers, Jägermeister, or another alcoholic intoxicant. However, doing so can increase already existing dangers in snowboarding; the preferred substance is cannabis marijuana or hash.", "score": 6 }, { "body": "I was just wondering what the [8] meant? I've seen similar numbers before and I don't know what they mean.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "Criminally underrated show.\n\nThe 2nd season gets too far away from football and too weird (the whole Landry and Tyra thing) but seasons 1, 3 and 4 have all been fantastic.\n\nThe Taylors are the best written couple on television right now, and despite the fact that they do no wrong are pretty much the most accurate portrayal of a nuclear family I've ever seen.", "score": 9 }, { "body": "I adore this show and I was SO reluctant to watch it because I deeply loathe football, as both a sport and a culture. That being said, I am riveted by the games on the show and I impressed my mother with my newly learned sports knowledge. This show really is the total package: compelling, well written, well acted, BEAUTIFULLY shot, and full of unexpected, un-TV-cliche characters. ", "score": 4 }, { "body": "I think this is an extraordinary series. As someone who does not have access to DirecTV I have to wait for the idiots at NBC to see fit to run it. Like Mad Men, FNL transcends the medium and the series is way better than the movie. ", "score": 3 }, { "body": "another series I would LOVE to add to my list of \"must watches\".. \nAlas, when I will find the time I do not know...", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "I'm a math major and a huge nerd, so yeah. However, I plan on changing this by taking over the world. Chicks dig power.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "When you first start out I would recommend not touching your attributes at all (when you first create your character you get default attributes which you can change after you start playing via \"Neural Remap\") until you get a good grasp of what you want to specialize in. The reason I say this is because the how fast a skill trains is determined by two attributes; Missile, Gunnery and Spaceship Command skills are effected by the attributes \"Perception\" and \"Willpower\" while Science, Mechanic, Industry, and Engineering skills are effected by the attributes \"Intelligence\" and \"Memory\" as an example (Note: Not a complete list). When you have a good idea of what your going to be training you can tailor your attributes to your training plan to save time... for example, if you are planning to focus your training on your weapon skills for a few months you wouldn't need any other attributes than Perception and Memory so you could take points from Intelligence, Memory, etc. and put them into the two skills you need. However, after your two first \"free\" remaps you don't get new ones for long intervals (several months) so you want to plan ahead. How do you plan ahead? You use [EVEMon](http://evemon.battleclinic.com/). As other people have said, train your learning skills... for each level of a learning skill you get an attribute point added to one of your attributes depending on the skill (IE Instant Recall gives you memory) with the exception of \"Learning\" which gives a universal 2% bonus per level.\n\nThere are some skills outside of learning that I would unconditionally recommend to train as well. Electronics gives a 5% bonus to ship CPU output per level, Engineering gives a 5% to powergrid per level, Energy Management gives a 5% bonus to capacitor capacity per level, and Energy Systems Operation gives a 5% reduction in capacitor recharge time per level. Ideally these skills should all be to V (this will make fitting ships tremendously easier in the long run). I also would suggest training up some [astrometrics skills](http://www.eve-guides.com/exploration/equipskills.php) and try [scanning](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heYfTA00Idg) early on because explorations sites can be easy and profitable. You'll want to be able to use a [codebreaker](http://wiki.eveonline.com/wiki/Codebreaker_I) to take advantage of \"Radar\" sites which will be by far the most profitable exploration sites for a newbie. \n\nOther resources:\n\n[EVElopedia](http://wiki.eveonline.com/wiki/Main_Page).\n\n[Eve Guides](http://www.eve-guides.com/).\n\n[Ten Ton Hammer Eve Guides](http://www.tentonhammer.com/taxonomy/term/43/guides).\n\n[NPC Damage Types](http://eve.grismar.net/wikka.php?wakka=DamageTypes), to better tailor your ship fits for missions.\n\n[Battle Clinic Loadouts](http://eve.battleclinic.com/browse_loadouts.php), to look for examples of good ship fits.\n\n[EFT](http://www.eveonline.com/iNgameboard.asp?a=topic&threadID=548883), a program that helps you with ship fitting.\n\n\n \n\n\n", "score": 7 }, { "body": "Start out with getting your learning skills as high as possible, then I've found the best way to go is to find something you want to fly and using EvEmon to plot the skill tree to get there and to be able to use it appropriately (i.e. train for a particular setup)", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Don't worry, just find a character rolling guide and get started. You can't go wrong. Just getting started in any \"profession\" has no drawbacks as the amount of time your sinking into training them is irrelevant over the long run. I have 20m skillpoints atm, and for the first 10m I had no idea what I wanted to do in eve. The second 10m came after I realized I prefer PvP, and those skillpoints were more focused. The 1 or 2 million you'll train to get your feet wet in PvE, PvP, mining, production, research...nothing to worry about.\n\nIf you find it daunting, join Eve University. It's a player run corp that specializes in helping new players wrap their head around the game.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Investigate and know the ships in the game. Find something you feel would fit your playstyle (quick and agile: interceptor, lumbering gun platform: BS, mix: HAC/BC) and plan for it.\n\nTo me the most fun part of EVE is having a clear direction, especially with skills and training. Training stuff as you need it (or as you want to offer it) is not a good way to go. You end up with tons of skills but aren't good at doing anything. Specialization is fun and specialization helps everyone.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "I believe that marijuana addiction is possible (although when I say that, I mean psychologically).\n\nI believe that it's possible to be both religious and a critical thinker. Religion and science do not necessarily contradict.\n\nI think that most atheists aren't that way because of any rational conclusion on their own part, and that the only truly rational belief in that regard is agnosticism.", "score": 17 }, { "body": "I don't like bacon and hate how everyone treats it as if it's the fucking greatest thing on the planet. ", "score": 16 }, { "body": "I do agree with legalization, but I don't smoke pot. I don't really like it and never have. I don't understand why so many people are obsessed with it.", "score": 13 }, { "body": "I believe that Israel is a secular democracy doing it's best to make peace with a terrorist Palestinian government, while still putting the safety of its people above all.\n\n---\n\nEDIT: I can't believe people are burying me for an opinion in THIS thread. I disagree with a lot of stuff in this thread, but at least I have the decency not to start destroying people's karma when they knowingly expressed something unpopular just for the purpose of raising awareness of the perceived biases on reddit.", "score": 13 }, { "body": "I think that science and God can co-exist perfectly well. \n\nI think using drugs (including alcohol) is generally a bad idea.", "score": 9 }, { "body": "I think that abortion is, in 99% of the circumstances, murder. Regardless of any debate about when the soul reaches the body, I believe it erodes our respect for human life.", "score": 9 }, { "body": " I've grown to abandon my romantic, patriotic vision of America, but like you I have observed just as much fuck-tardedness in other countries. Many Americans think that living abroad is so much better. In some respects, it *is.* But after a few months of living in, say, Paris, you begin to understand all the crap about Paris that makes her just as annoying as San Diego. And yes, fat people, racists, and wingnuts are pretty much everywhere. Americans fat demagoguery makes it *appear* that we're a nation of bloated klan members, but in terms of percentages, we're really not much worse than other nations. \n\n3- Homeopathic medicine. That's cool. I think the people who speak out on it are concerned that the True Believers will refrain from seeking traditional Western care. \n\n 2- Most religious people are fine, and you're correct in that religion has a clear role in society (though I think we'd be better off without it). While I wouldn't use the word, \"stupid,\" I am a bit perplexed by how they're wired, intellectually. On the other hand, I'm actually jealous of the ability to have faith in something. ", "score": 5 }, { "body": "* Internet forums are not a socially productive alternative for human interaction. Quite the contrary, actually.\n\n* Domesticated and wild cats kill a shitload of birds, mice and other important animals. They aren't flawless creatures that can do no wrong.\n\n* People who watch TV news and link to corporate funded websites, materials and cite these sources as fact in their posts and submissions are just slaves to their own fucking stupidity. The shit you see on the news is 100% hyperbole meant to piss you off and make you take sides and keep your dumb ass tuned in every day.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "1) Bacon sucks. Seriously.\n\n2) File sharing (the illegal kind) is not morally justifiable.\n\n3) I don't like dogs. I **hate** cats.\n\n", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "I feel we're supposed to give it a sobriety indicator since you didn't. \n\nI'm going to go with a [9]", "score": 6 } ]

[ { "body": "By keeping busy. Do things that make you feel good. Buy yourself something nice. Go on a vacation with friends. Start working out again (or just work out more often)....stuff like that.", "score": 11 }, { "body": "Just remember that you deserve someone that cares for you and loves you, someone better than him. Try not to think of the good times you had with him right now, think of the other times that weren't great. Think about the things that bothered you about him, his faults. \nKeep busy and I can't stress it enough, but remember **you deserve someone better**. ", "score": 11 }, { "body": "It's going to hurt like hell for awhile no matter what. There's a ton of advice out there for ways to cope and you'll have to discover what works best for you. \n\nI do have one piece of critical advice though - Do not under any circumstances communicate with him for a couple of months at-a-minimum. Every time you do, you'll set back your recovery. ", "score": 8 }, { "body": "Time heals all. But, it'll take a while. I would advise to pack everything that reminds you of him into a box and store it somewhere out of reach. Same thing with digital files, save those on a memory card and stick it in the box. Go to the places where they've been special to your past relationship, and have fun there with your friends. At first, it'll be depressing and difficult, but you'll have new memories that'll replace and heal the painful ones. The most important thing is just to stop reminding yourself of him and to force yourself to get back into your life (no matter how difficult it is).\n\nIt'll take what feels like an an incredibly amount of time, but you'll get past it and your future self will be happy. Your ex will elicit no more feelings than any other stranger on the street.\n\nEdit: Visiting the old places (where you've spent time with your ex or places where they remind you of him) with your friends will also give you a chance to talk to your friends and heal that pain.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "Definitely stay busy. Always have something lined up to do. Pick up a new hobby or something.\n\nAND STAY AROUND SUPPORTIVE PEOPLE. My friend took me out and we dropped $180 on alcohol after I broke up with my girlfriend. Go to the mall with friends. Sports are great. Gotta love Ultimate Frisbee. \n\nDo symbolic moving on things. I usually get a hair cut when I break up with someone. Or change your wardrobe. Anything that makes you feel like you are moving past it.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "You can't, at least at first. The body gets used to stimuli if exposed to it often enough. This is why people in cold climates can wear t shirts whilst those from warmer climates wear two sweater and complain ceaselessly about how cold it is in the same weather. Eventually your brain will slowly get used to it and tune it out.", "score": 5 }, { "body": "Go out and have fun!!!!!!! \r\n\r\nTime heals all wounds.. It will hurt for awhile, but don't isolate yourself, go and do stuff you wouldn't have been able to do!", "score": 4 }, { "body": "Just wanted to say that if you ever feel the need to vent and don't have anyone to turn to, you can shoot me a message. I've been in far too similar situations with my partner and felt lost at times without anyone to talk to.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "Find something you love and do it, a lot. I usually work out, it helps relieve stress and it's good for you, yoga is relaxing also. Hang out with your friends and stay busy. Go get a massage, get your hair done. Do something spontaneous. My mother always told me I had to pick myself up by my boot straps and keep goin, now that's what you gotta do, pick yourself up and keep going. \n\nThis isn't your fault, you deserve better. Tell yourself that everyday if you have to. ", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Don't. There are plenty of things that you can do to try and make it stop hurting, but the majority of them really just delay it for awhile. Pain is there for a reason, let it hurt and get through it. It will end on it's own a lot faster if you just allow it to happen. Don't get too carried away with it though. Just understand that the pain is normal and there's nothing wrong with feeling that way. Sure, you could go out and keep yourself drunk for a couple months, or start having sex with lots of people, or just go find a new bf to take the last ones place. But none of that will actually fix anything. ", "score": 3 }, { "body": "You grieve. It takes time. Get some good stuff and then bury yourself into memories of him where to every memory, you say goodbye and cry to. Let them go. At some point when you have said to all of him in you farewell, the pain will subside, the dawn breaks, and suddenly you find yourself in a new life.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "People are still allowed to do things not covered by a moral imperative. There is no moral rule on the color of my shirt so I can choose any color. It doesent matter that other people chose diffrent colors. Simarly people can choose any occupation that suits them because it isn't covered by the moral impertive. ", "score": 11 }, { "body": "It's not that an act is wrong if it produces a negative repercussion for society when universalized, but two different tests that determine moral validity. A contradiction in conception exists when maxim is universalized and this universalization defeats the maxim. The example of this is lying. I can't universalize the act of making false promises b/c then promises have no value anymore. An example of a contradiction in the will is benevolence. No rational person could will that everyone not help others when they are in need because he would realize that he may possibly need help in the future. Contradictions in conceptions result in perfect duties, which can't ever be broken, and contradictions in the will result in imperfect duties, which may be superceded by perfect duties.\n\nIn reference to your question, lotu is right. I wouldn't deem choosing a job to be a moral issue. As long as your job choice doesn't infringe on other's freedoms then go for it.", "score": 6 }, { "body": "Picture this:\n \n3 people are standing in a circle. \n \nEach person has something that the person to their left needs.\n \nEach person has a $10 bill.\n-----\nScenario 1: Each person hands their $10 bill to the right, and hands their goods to the person on their left.\n \nAt the end of the day, each persons needs are satisfied, yet each person still has $10... What was the point of the monetary exchange if all of the goods were already available to exchange?\n-----\nScenario 2: \n \nPerson A hands person B $10, person B hands person C $10, and when person C goes to hand Person A $10... Person A demands $11 instead...\n \nNow either Person C agrees to owe Person A $1, which he must now earn by providing a new service to person B... But person B also only has $10... now person B must also create a new service for person A in order to make up the $1 debt...\n \n*or* Person C simply demands $11 for his original service, which causes person B to demand $11 from person A... and the same services are being exchanged, except now the prices have all gone up to $11 each, with the $1 debt constantly being owed along with the original $10 notes...\n \n-----\n \nThe moral of this story is:\n\nWhat does it mean to 'profit' in a simple system like this? \n\nWhat happens when 1 person or group is trying to 'pull' more currency out of the system by creating cycles of debt without contributing any additional services or goods to the market?\n \nWhat happens when 1 person or group stockpiles currency with a 'buy low, sell high' mentality?\n \nWhat would happen if we eliminated the drive for 'currency' and replaced it with a drive for 'equilibrium' of contribution vs needs and wants...", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "I still feel bad about this one. In early September a girl at my school died in a car crash, she was hit by a drunk driver and was unconcious/trapped in her car and burned to death. I was somewhat close to her, we weren't friends but we still talked often. The principal was going to all the classes and talking about the funeral arrangements, he said \"A lot of people have been asking if it's going to be an open casket. That's the burning question right now, and no it will not be.\" I just put my head down and hoped nobody noticed me.", "score": 33 }, { "body": "I was eating dinner with several people at a Mexican restaurant. A friend's girlfriend who has a speech impediment (pronounces r as w)wasn't there yet. We were giving him a hard time, intentionally replacing all of our Rs with Ws. After 10 minutes of non-stop busting his chops, she walked in and we all stopped. A few minutes later, the waitress asked for our orders. His girlfriend asked for enchiladas and the waitress asked if she wanted red or green salsa on it. \r\n\r\nShe quietly responded: \"Gween\"\r\n\r\nThe entire table lost it.", "score": 26 }, { "body": "I told two of my co-managers a joke that consisted of naming the three size categories of the human penis. They were \"Medium, Large and \"Travels with the Circus\". Later in the day during a management meeting i happened to fleetingly mention my \"circus days\" and caused them to begin laughing so hard they had to leave the meeting and got a stern look and talking to from our director. They never would say what they thought was \"so damn funny\". We work in distribution so we handle many products to ship to our stores and to alleviate boredom i told my people to imagine the names of the products they are handling as the names of porn flicks. Many times my guys have come in to my office laughing hysterically trying to choke out \"Love my Carpet\", \"Rubbermaid\" or \"Daily Facials\". It's hilarious.", "score": 14 }, { "body": "I laughed with my girlfriend for 45 minutes straight in church during a sermon about a family that all killed themselves. It started when the priest said, \"and then the son committed suicide...and that was really a setback\" and some Guy behind me goes \"no shit\"", "score": 13 }, { "body": "Took my then 3 year old in a public bathroom stall. Busy bathroom. He is notorious for saying, weird/funny, off the wall stuff. Which sounds so cute coming out of him with his high pitched voice. He had to shit, and he had the runs. \n\nHe announces really loudly as he goes - \"Mommy, it's like a waterfall where the poo just drips!\"", "score": 10 }, { "body": "Probably not major, but trying to seriously discipline your child when they do a little something and you get the giggles isn't great at that instant. Looking back on it, it's fucking hilarious. ", "score": 9 }, { "body": "I was working at starbucks and this woman with huge boobs prances into the store... she was a regular there. I thought to myself \"please don't ask for a muffin.\" she then said \"Can I have TWO muffin's, please?\" I lost it... i was bright red laughing my ass off.. and then my manager apparently also heard this request and was in the corner of the store laughing hysterically. This woman looked at us like we were nuts. I sold her the two muffins and she left. it was super funny.", "score": 9 }, { "body": "Not catholic, but I went with my girl friend to mass. One of the clergy began singing \"Loooord have Merrrcccy\". All I could imagine was a Family Guy joke about Uncle Jesse from Full House.\n\nAlso, freshman year of college I had a math class that was taught my a guy from Romania. He kept telling us to factor equations. Only he pronounced it as \"fuck-tore the equation\". This guy next to me and I couldn't stop laughing...", "score": 8 }, { "body": "Yeah, funerals are funny like that. I think the human mind can only take so much sadness at once and compensates by trying to find the humor in any given situation. I've always thought of it as a coping mechanism.\n\nI was at my great aunt's funeral a few years back. The priest was giving the service and everyone's looking all teary eyed. A few people, naturally, are sobbing. Then my 6 month old baby cousin starts crying. My aunt's trying to hush her and suddenly there's 10 people giving them the stink eye. At that moment, my internal dialogue mutters \"Oh...so the baby's not allowed to cry at a funeral\". \n\nLuckily the service was nearly over because it took every ounce of reserve I had to avoid making a total ass out of myself. A while later I told my dad about it and it was one of maybe 20 times in my life that I recall him actually laighing out loud.", "score": 7 }, { "body": "When, during a meeting, my boss said the \"wheel chair guy who cruises down the hall\". Talk about a really bad time to laugh. I still have my job, thankfully.", "score": 6 }, { "body": "I go to art classes at nights, started it as an extracurricular activity when I was younger. One night, my friend and I were talking with our art instructor in his office about art in general and his works. He is an older man and we have a lot of respect for him so it is rude to laugh at certain things around him. \n\nThat night he was sitting on his desk, showing us a couple of his works on the computer, and all of a sudden his stomach grumbled. You know the ones that sound like a fart and it gets to a high pitch before it stops? Yeah, it was something like that, but he obviously thought nothing of it and just played it off. However, I was standing right next to him and it became very hard for me to hold in my laughter. I tried not to be rude, so I stood there trying not to giggle so hard that I was sweating and my face was red. It looked like I was convulsing in the corner of his room, while he just kept on talking about his work. \n\nOnce my friend saw me, he couldn't hold it in and just burst out laughing and when my art instructor asked what was so funny, I just played it off as if we remembered a joke that I had told my friend earlier that day. When I walked out of the room, it didn't seem funny anymore. ", "score": 6 }, { "body": "I had a very infectious laugh when I was a little kid. I must have been 6 years old when this happened. My mom and I were in a small neighborhood grocery store, and I just started to laugh for no reason. I'm talking a \"tickle me 'till I'm blue in the face\" kind of laugh. My mom caught it first, and now there were two of us standing there laughing our asses off for no apparent reason. There were a couple of other customers in the store, plus the shopkeeper, and before long they were all laughing too. I don't remember how long it went on, but eventually we were asked to leave.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "Your story is reminiscent of something similar that happened to me that I'd very much like to forget. My uncle passed away in September. My sister and I were driving out to the funeral together and we were talking about what it was going to be like because I had never been to a funeral before. I said something about how awful and inappropriate it would be if someone laughed during a funeral, and we started laughing in the car at how horrible the situation would be. So of course we both start getting the giggles during the funeral, knowing exactly how inappropriate we were being, but we couldn't stop almost *because* we knew we absolutely should not have been laughing. I wanted so badly to stop laughing, but I just could not stop. We were sitting in a pew, so I bent over to try to hide myself, and of course my aunt (my late uncle's wife) walks by and she thinks I'm having an emotional breakdown. She starts trying to comfort me and I try to tell her that I'm okay, but I think she saw that I was laughing. I felt fucking terrible and guilty for days and I still cringe when I think about it. My poor aunt :(\n\nIt turned out to be a very emotional funeral and I cried terribly when it came time to say goodbye to my uncle (open casket). I just hope my aunt doesn't think we were taking it lightly or something. Ugh, I hate myself when I think about it.", "score": 4 }, { "body": "At my great uncle's funeral and my two older brothers and I realize at the exact same time that the pastor looks like Yoda.\n\n\"Bury your uncle, we will,\" one of my brothers says.\n\n...aaaaaaaand we lost it.\n\n\noh, and at a wedding when I was 6, the pastor said something like \"Marriage will mean sacrifices,\" so I said loud enough for the pew to hear \"HUMAN sacrifices.\" For some reason the adults thought this was hysterical", "score": 4 }, { "body": "I accompanied my friend to see his podiatrist to remove an overgrowth of nail deposited in painful areas of the nail bed of his toes due to being bed ridden from heart surgery (not walking around for 6 months really screws your feet up apparently) So then the podiatrist than begins to inserts the local anesthesia and the needle goes straight through his biggest toe from one end to the other with the syringe protruding at the other end of his toe. I was the first to notice, and there I was laughing my ass off seeing the syringe shoot out liquid comically hitting my friends other foot and I just couldn't help but laugh so hard that they both looked at me in horror. I attempted to contain myself as I left the room questioning my my taste in humor with a assortment of emotions of embarrassed, happy, and stupid.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "We were watching a documentary in my sociology class and I decided I wanted to dick around on my laptop (Reddit, probably) instead. Found something hilarious and started chuckling to myself. Then I looked up and realized the documentary we were watching was about the Ku Klux Klan.\n\nMy dad and I once busted out laughing at an art museum exhibit in a room full of silent, stoic, well-dressed art gallery types, just because the voice on the guided tour headphones we were given spoke in an extremely posh British accent and we find that funny for some reason.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "My highschool literature teacher took me and a (stoner) friend of mine aside one day to ask if we did drugs. I didn't, but when I tried to deny it I couldn't because I was laughing so hard. Pretty sure she took that as a yes. ", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Several years ago while I was working doing removals for a funeral home, I was making a removal of a young man who had died at home. Not sure cause of death, but it was a poor family and the deceased couldn't have been more than 30 years old. While loading him on the gurney my cell phone went off. At the time I had Blue Oyster Cult's \"Don't fear the Reaper\" as my ring tone, and had forgot to turn it off. Luckily the family laughed and were good sports about it. Never forgot to turn it off again.", "score": 3 }, { "body": "Double whammy. I was at a funeral for my uncle, who had committed suicide. The service hadn't started yet, so we were all mingling/talking, when my severely retarded cousin (who I almost never see) walks up with his dad. He has a sort of permanent grin on his face, his mouth never really closes. He walked up and proceeded to stare straight at my face, while (after smiling back at him politely and saying hello) I tried to carry on a conversation with somebody else. He didn't say anything and he didn't look away for several minutes. I just felt him staring at me and I couldn't look back...I was overtaken by a huge giggle fit right in the middle of my conversation, and I actually had to walk away. God I hate myself.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "I hope a redditor lives near me. I'd talk to them over the internet and avoid them awkwardly in real life.", "score": 17 }, { "body": "I put my location as 'Beijing, China', and I got put in Russia. \n\nWhich is sort of the same thing. \n\nSort of ", "score": 6 }, { "body": "Re: the bug.\n\nWell, this is rather embarrassing. I'm not sure why, but I can't exactly find what's causing the bug. It might be my mental grogginess or just my not being so good at Javascript. Could a better developer than me (or a more awake one, for that matter) give me a pointer?\n\nEDIT: Never mind, all fixed.", "score": 3 } ]

[ { "body": "[This guy](http://goldenagecomicbookstories.blogspot.com/) has an incredible collection of many kinds of retro comic art and illustrations.", "score": 9 } ]