Can someone explain why the dungeons in the beta looked so familiar and bland?
They literally look like an asset reuse from Diablo 3 rifts.
Is this really what Blizzard wanted to show a few months before launch?

Current car: requires 700$ worth of repairs. 2010 Dodge Caravan rebuilt title, 320KM, multiple ongoing issues (heating not reliable and A/C not working, requires monthly coolant top off, etc.) in the last 6 months, I’ve spent >500$ in repairs.
My situation: I’m a medical student with no income. I’m not expecting a salary until July of 2024 which will be approximately 4,000/month net. Debt: $32,000 interest-free until 2024 (from tuition- no CC/car payments) Assets: $24,000 savings in cash mainly used for rent/expenses/tuition. $75,000 invested in TFSA/RRSP. (Goal of invested $ is mainly for a condo down payment and/or wedding expenses in the next year).
I’m also approved for a 350k LOC @ prime-0.25% to pay for tuition and living during medical school. I haven’t needed to use it yet.
Should I fix my car?
Options: 1. Suck it up and fix the beater car and be ok with the possibility of having to keep spending on repairs.

1. Buy/finance a used car that will ideally last me 5-6 years. With the current used cars market, I would probably have to set aside 18-20K for a car that will be a reliable daily driver.
   
2. Lease a car and wait until used car market cools down / have a steady income for financing/buying.
   

I’m leaning more towards the second option because I’m not a big fan of leasing but I’m interested in hearing your thoughts!

TÁR was my favorite film from last year. Everything from the intellectual and jargon-full script to the actors, setting, and subject matter enamored me. The camera work and lighting especially grabbed me. I'm just a casual movie watcher and wanted to hear thoughts from others on the shots used in TÁR.
I've broken up my thoughts and questions below so feel free to discuss or add to any or all of it.

1. What were your general thoughts on the cinematography in this film?

Was it effective in telling its story? Did anything catch your eye or was it unremarkable to you?
From my opener, it's obvious I thought it was fantastic. The lighting, muted colors, and use of "unconventional" shots all played a hand in this. I speak to each of these in #2 and #3 below.

2. What gave the film its distinctive style?

The DP, Florian Hoffmeister, worked with Todd Field to get a specific look using a custom-built lenses and a new form of digital film emulsion. This was described in the IndieWire article: Why ‘TÁR’ Looks Different from Every Other Movie of 2022, which I quote below.
From the DP:

I remember showing Todd a particular lens that I cherish very much,” Hoffmeister told IndieWire, “and he said, ‘That looks beautiful, but it looks like a movie with a capital M.’

Side note/Q: Any one know what “capital M” refers to? Trying to understand what the concern was with the initial lens. Also from the article:

Hoffmeister ultimately realized he could approximate the look of the older lens by using the architecture of ARRI’s Signature Primes but detuning the glass to alter the optics. The trick was to avoid going too far in either direction, since Hoffmeister didn’t want the cinematography to be too clean and clinical, but he also didn’t want any flares or other visual interference that would interfere with the visual objectivity that served as his and Field’s guiding principle.

Overall it seems like they wanted a mix of old and new without going too much in either direction. A “timeless” look as the article describes. It was something I noticed immediately.

3. Use of Unconventional Shots

The film uses a lot of what I would describe as unconventional shots that worked for me but I can’t describe why they were effective. Hoping someone can help me understand them.

Examples: Dialogue Sequences

Many dialogue sequences were filmed in a single longer take / few cuts with the speaker’s face often out of frame or the speaker’s back to the camera. E.g.:

• Tár speaking to Sebastian in his office when he starts accusing her of unprofessional behavior. Her back is to us for almost the entire sequence but Sebastian isn’t. It’s also done with no cuts. This worked for some reason. My guess is they wanted to highlight body language with full-body shot in particular on Sebastian’s reaction. No cuts also creates tension since we stay with them the whole sequence.
  
• When Tár informs Francesca that she will not be her new assistant conductor, it is done with a close up of only Francesca even though Tár is the only one speaking. This highlights her facial expression and disillusionment with her mentor.
  

Example: Juilliard Classroom Single Take

This is probably the most famous shot in the entire film. What impressed me with this shot was the movement. In an interview (can't find link now), the DP said they originally considered a steadicam approach but forwent it because it would look too obvious that they used a steadicam. Instead, they rigged up some four-person rig to move the camera around the classroom. Does anyone know what his concerns were with the steadicam? Does he mean that it would look too conventional in terms of movement?

Example: restricted movement with rehearsal scenes

In another interview, the DP said his obvious, conventional thing to do with the orchestra rehearsal scenes were some fly overs to show the "magic" of the music. But Field didn't want this because he wanted those scenes to feel like work. Hence the static shots and limited cuts.

Storm chasing is actually a safer profession than factory work, public transit, and even teaching now. Every known storm chaser death over the last 60 years has been driving related, most of which had nothing to do with the actual storm itself. You don’t choose to chase tornados because its safe, but when people bring up safety as a reason they could never do the job it proves to me they don’t know what they’re talking about. At least I felt that way for the first 15 years I was storm chasing. Then last year everything changed.
I was in Chickasha county, Oklahoma heading south towards Texas. I was in Norman for a storm chaser meet up a week into spring, tornado season was up and running, I’d already put 600 miles on my truck. Everybody knew everybody else for the most part, sometimes we had newcomers, most of them didn’t come back the next year. It isn’t the storms that drives people away it’s the driving, the tedious radar checking, the disappointment when you been chasing a cold wind for 3 days and the damn twister doesn’t even touch the ground. You have to be obsessed with these storms, the horrific beauty, the terrifying power, it has to be in your bones or you won’t make it back out here. Not to mention Oklahoma is about the least visually appealing place the country has to offer. Now I’m from west Texas and there ain’t much to see out there either, but my god do I pine for the hundreds of miles of desert when I’m in the plains of Oklahoma. Hell, at least we have mountains. But a storm chaser in the mountains is like a fisherman in the in the Gobi, just don’t belong.
Anyway, I was on the tail of storm system making it’s way over to Wichita Falls, it had changed direction on me twice and I almost gave up on her, but there was a warm wind coming up from Louisiana and it was sure to bring a hell of a storm with it. Now I’ve had more sub-par meals in local diners than I’ve had hot meals at home but every single one of them is worth it when I get a tornado that touches ground. I’m not a scientist, I’m not doing this to further the knowledge of mankind. I’m what is now being called a “storm journalist” although “guy who really likes tornados” is more accurate. I document what I see, take pictures, take some measurements of winds and temperatures and then I send them to websites that give me enough money to live. I happened to be a little low on funds and I had to follow this storm and just hope and pray it turned in to something.
Buddy of mine named Jeff Skelton had a real nose for the cold winds and where they were headed told me the twister would turn up about 40 miles northeast of Wichita, I headed out there, saw a couple of other teams on the way. I worked alone but most people didn’t now a days. Safety in numbers and all that. I parked the truck in a field after I paid the owner of the land a small fee for letting me on it. This was my favorite part of the whole thing. Setting up my equipment while the winds grew more powerful and the rain started, the chaos always brought a deep peace to my mind. Like all the shit flying around inside my head finally matched what the outside was looking like. I used to love being in the middle of the storm. Until I didn’t.
I first noticed this storm was different because of the lightning. Or lack there of. I’d never seen it before. All tornadoes come from thunderstorms. Sometimes the lighting strikes aren’t as many, sometimes they don’t even hit the ground, but the sky is always lit up when a twister starts turning. The funnel started to form in the clouds and I hadn’t seen a hint of lighting in an our more when I was up north. My first reaction was how lucky I was to be covering such a rarely occurring natural phenomenon. My second reaction was doubt, and uncertainty. The doubt and uncertainty didn’t have much time with me though. Soon every inch of my body was enveloped in fear.
As the twister touched the ground I could see something moving inside of it. Not the usual swirl of debris from houses and trees, but something gigantic. Something moving against the swirls of the wind, something that you could feel in the ground beneath you every time it took a step. There is a mysterious reoccurrence whenever there are deaths from a tornado. Many bodies are never found. The logical thought is, of course, that the bodies are thrown such great distances and such random locations that the couldn’t possibly be located, but it happened even with smaller twisters. I think I was beginning to understand why.
Whatever was in the twister kept taking swipes at the ground. It was pulling up tress and dirt and whatever else was in it’s path and sending it into the swirling winds. The storm was coming closer to me but I was glued to the part of the earth I occupied. From the field to the left of me a red jeep pulled up right next to me.
“Jerry we got to get the hell out of here. What is that thing?” I didn’t answer. I stayed staring into the storm as much as I possibly could, I needed to understand what I was looking at. The guys in the Jeep were friends of mine, Dave and Harry. They hopped out and grabbed me, threw me in the back seat and took off. Madder than spit and running like a hot damn. But my eyes were fixed on the monster in the twister. I watched it throw my truck into the swirling winds. I watched it as it started to ascend back into the heavens. I watched until Dave turned onto the main road and I couldn’t see it anymore. Dave pulled over about 15 miles down the road and started to weep. Harry was also overcome with emotion. We tried to talk about it then and there but the words kept getting stuck in the back of our throats.
I haven’t chased a storm since I seen the thing inside the twister. The cold winds will disappear soon and then twister season will be over. Usually that’s the saddest part of the year for me. Hell, it can’t come fast enough.

I know that's a bit of a wordy title so allow me to explain! I have an idea I've been wanting to do for a while about a romance set in the backdrop of a group of people who fight monsters both fantastical and supernatural! Mainly stuff like demons, vampires, werebeasts, undead, cults, etc. It's anime-inspired because it's meant to feel more like a Shonen/battle anime where your OC will be the protagonist! Any gender OC is welcome! Your OC will start off "low level" but they can have a latent potential to become very strong! I am open to hearing other ideas though!
As you go through the rest of this, think Devil May Cry + Bloodborne/Dark Souls + Soul Eater. Those are the 3 closest inspirations!
Intro: Hi there! You can call me Azure, Azzy, or Az. I go by they/them pronouns. I will be playing a female OC. I am in my 30s. I've been doing some form of roleplaying on and off for most of my life, with most of it being text-based. It's been a year or so since the last time so I am admittedly a bit rusty.
Setting: This story takes place in an original supernatural/fantasy world (think D&D-lite) heavily inspired by a mix JRPGs/video games and Shonen anime. It takes place in a sprawling megalopolis city-state called Gloom Harbor plagued by an underbelly of fiendish monstrosities like vampires, the undead, werebeasts, and demons on top of the other standard fantasy fare like dragons. The time period is similar to the post-Industrial, Victorian era on Earth. There's technology like electricity, guns, aircraft, and radio, but they're still a bit rare. Most of the seasoned adventurers of the day still fight with sword & spell thanks to the supernatural powers and abilities they possess. Bloodborne is the biggest inspiration for the setting, particularly in the style!
Tone: Generally more lighthearted/adventurous with potential for a serious tone at times. It really depends on where we want to go with it and what you would like out of it! Devil May Cry and Soul Eater are the biggest inspirations for the tone in a somewhat similar setting.
Genre: A mix of Slice of Life and Action/Adventure with a strong emphasis on Romance. We can work out what that mix will be, so it can be more SoL or more Action depending on what you like best! I have a primary OC for the pairing but I can also play multiple OC's for multiple romantic options and added drama! I do like a good slow burn, but that's particularly for my primary OC.
Plot: As I have it planned now, this RP centers around my OC's new fledgling business providing demon hunting and monster slaying services for the populace! Think Dante's titular company Devil May Cry! Kind of like the typical Adventurer's Guild but more focused on eliminating fiendish threats to the civilized world. There are in fact several such businesses already as it's such a rampant problem in this massive, seedy city! My OC will recruit your OC into her new business, with your OC maybe even being her very first hire! From there we can go any number of ways! It could be more of the SoL aspect of running and growing the business, but it can also branch out into deeper storylines and plots involving greater threats to the city or even the world at large! I definitely have plenty of ideas in both cases, and I'm always happy to collaborate and incorporate plenty of your ideas as well! In fact we can either run this as more of a collaborative partnership, or I can take more the GM role. I leave that up to you!
Format: Third person, past tense format. Post length can vary based on the current events in the RP. Quality over quantity! You can expect typically at least one post from me per day, but I will strive for more. I will at least try to check in and let you know once per day even if I can't get a post out.
Requirements: You must be 20+! I'd prefer an RP partner who will show a genuine interest in developing our characters, and major bonus points if you want to help develop the world and plot! I'm pretty flexible with any kind of character, but your character should be the type who can fit as a Shonen protagonist. In terms of availability all I ask for is to strive for at least one post a day, or at least just check in and let me know if you're busy. Real life definitely comes first so I'm OK if you get busy from time to time!
If you're the type to ask lots of questions about the world and RP to help develop your own OC, I think we'll make a great pair! Although I am happy to take more of a GM role, I find it works a lot better and it's a lot more motivating to have an RP partner actively engage in planning the story with me!
If you are interested, please send me a message or chat! Please include any ideas or details you have for your OC and the RP!
OK thanks for reading, bye! :D

What up gym nerds, I’m coming up on the end of my 21 week program which is a 5 day PPL, 2 Push, 2 Pull and 1 Leg with HIIT cardio intermingled when I’m cutting weight. The program splits the training days to specialize specific groups so imagine it like a bro split mixed with a PPL. For example, Push 1 is chest focused while Push 2 is shoulder focused. Basically, now that I am coming to the end of the program, I’m looking to create a new one that is significantly shorter, probably about 8 weeks with a deload on the last week. The plan is to train for strength/intensity on my compound lifts while training my accessories for hypertrophy/volume. So, here’s my problem, I have a couple of stubborn muscle groups that don’t want to progress, namely my Biceps (hypertrophy progression) and Shoulders (size, strength is fine). I’ve linked my previous program below and was hoping for some advice for new exercises or training protocols. Last couple notes, I’m 5’10” (1.778m for everyone else), I weigh between 185-190lb (84-86kg) and I’m currently cutting. My current maxes are 230lb Bench, 270 Squat, I don’t deadlift but will do RDLs or Trap bar.
Previous Program
Push 1
Bench Press: Stronger by Science Last Set to Failure Regime
Dips: 3-4 x 8-12
Cable Flies: 3-4 x 8-12
Seated DB OHP: 3-5 x 6-8
Tri Pushdown: 3-4 x 8-12
Pull 1
Barbell Row: 5 x 8-12
Lat Pulldown: 3-5 x 8-12
Face Pull: 3-4 x 8-12
Wrist Twists: 3-4 x 8-12
DB Preacher Curl: 3-4 x 8-12
Legs
Squat: Stronger by Science Last Set to Failure Regime
Glute Machine: 3-4 x 8-12
Leg Press: Replaced with RDLs halfway through, 3-4 x 8-12
Calf Raises: 3-4 x 8-12
Leg Extensions: 3-4 x 8-12
Leg Curls: 3-4 x 8-12
Push 2
OHP: Stronger by Science Last Set to Failure Regime
Incline DB Press: 3-4 x 6-8
DB F-Delt Raise: 3-4 x 8-12
Lateral Raise: 3-4 x 8-12
Skullcrushers: 3-4 x 8-12
Pull 2
Pull up: 3-5 x 6-10
DB Row: 3-5 x 8-12
Lat Pushdown: Switched to Single Arm Lat-Pulldown, 3-4 x 8-12
DB Bicep Curl: 3-4 x 8-12
DB Shrugs: 3-4 x 8-12

A question from… a not very skilled player that happens to be me.
I know, new thing, everyone is excited. All the sweaty people are (violently) going for that really cool looking ship set. I get it, I’m not mad. This is the first update I’ve seen in this game since I’ve only really been playing since November. I guess I’m asking… how long does it typically take for the hype to go down for new things like this?
I don’t do world events solo. I know that alone I’m not good enough to defend myself against players, so I only carry enough to easily regain with a seafort. But even with what I consider to be a pretty good crew, we’ve just gotten flattened in 3-way ship battles or being teamed up against. So for now… My plan is to completely avoid FoF, if the decision comes down to me. At least until the hype dies down, if it does. Anyone think that’s even going to happen?

First I need to rant. I think resumes are complete BS and do nothing, especially with ATS. I've plopped multiple "test" resumes into Linkedin, literally of nothing but keywords, and it couldn't detect them. In this current one, it only detects "Leadership," despite blatantly having "Working Knowledge in Adobe Photoshop" listed in the skills section. I hate ATS and feel that this is just driving more people into conforming into one resume style, eliminating individuality. No one teaches you how to "write" a resume. The only thing I've been told is that it's where you can brag about yourself, which is obviously bull.
I'm becoming extremely depressed and have suicidal thoughts creep in daily because of my lack of success in a job hunt. I've put in over 100 applications, and only got 1 "interview" which was a pity quota phone interview that lasted all of 3 minutes. (Best part, he called 2 minutes late...) We can all laugh at my crap degree. It's basically useless, but it's something I did. I've been told 19 different things about my resume, and nothing works. I've been told, don't have a summary, and then do have one, and so on and so forth.
​
Please help. (Yes, I know about the first date set in work experience. I'm not sure which style to use.)
https://preview.redd.it/ljzna1h7q4pa1.png?width=1223&format=png&auto=webp&s=61fb049f454d7090f350cc1c5f9ca4d3b374d6f1

Currently watching Babylon 5 for the first time. I try to give a short opinion about it, but especially with the earlier episodes, there won't be that much, since it's already 3 months or so since I watched them. But for Episodes that I rated highly or pretty much every episode after episode 12, I will be able to say stuff about.
I haven't watched any of the TV Movies yet, since they aren't on Freevee (yet at least, who knows when and if they will be added)

1. Born to the Purple (Season 1, Episode 3)

This One just didn't do it for me. I remember being bored most of the time, and the fact that I can't remember it even a bit speaks for itself. I have heard on Serializd that it starts some storylines that would become important later and on First Watch, you wouldn't understand the significance. Maybe it rises on a Rewatch, but for now, it's going to stay at the bottom for the only, in my opinion, "Bad" Episode of the series yet.

1. TKO (Season 1, Episode 14)

I think this one is not a surprise. I Have seen this on many "worst episodes" lists before. I'm Looking at the Pictures on Google to maybe remind myself what this one was about. The only memorable thing I can really point out about this is that Walker Smith shares the same german voice actor with Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's Julian Bashir. Apparently, it's about boxing, in a sci-fi show, ... yeah. It is what it is.

1. Midnight at the Firing Line (Season 1, Episode 1)

For this being the opening episode, I barely remember anything about it. It's mainly there for introducing people to this new series. I mean, it worked, and I stuck with the series, but honestly, I think it's forgettable and definitely one of the series' weaker outings yet.
The Rest I would consider to be good episodes at least. Definitely enjoyable outings!

1. The War Prayer (Season 1, Episode 6)

Looking at my 6/10's for this season on my Babylon 5 Sheet, I think this one is not necessarily the worst, but rather the one I remember the least. I don't remember it being great, I don't remember it being Bad, Just sort of there. I think it was about Racism and that they are not tolerating it on the Station, so It's at least a great message they got here.

1. Survivors (Season 1, Episode 11)

Like with The War Prayer, I also don't remember this one that much either. I think it was the episode with Garibaldi freaking out, that were fun scenes. But not much I can remember this for.

1. Signs and Portents (Season 1, Episode 13)

The name-giver of the season, and surprisingly disappointing. It was fine, but it just didn't blow my mind or anything.

1. Legacies (Season 1, Episode 17)

Pretty Forgettable. It's apparently about a kid who discovers her telepathic abilities, but honestly, I can't remember a bit of it. I remember I found it decent, not particularly good or bad, so that's what I am going to go with.

1. The Parliament of Dreams (Season 1, Episode 5)

This one had an interesting plot with G'Kar getting an assassination threat and freaking out all about it.

1. Chrysalis (Season 1, Episode 22)

Another Highly Rated episode I was disappointed with. I got the same problems here as I had with Star Trek: Enterprise's The Expanse: It's just all tease and set up for the next season. I mean not that it's bad, it's just that this episode just didn't really do it for me. Got some decent setup, some nice resolutions, and a nice plot twist, just not amazing or anything.

1. Soul Hunter (Season 1, Episode 2)

This episode sold me on the concept of Babylon 5. I mean I wanted to watch Babylon 5 anyway since I am a huge Trekkie and Sci-Fi fan, but this episode really sold me on it. It's not the greatest by far, but it's such a huge improvement over Episode 1 with an interesting premise and good pacing. I liked it.

1. Infection (Season 1, Episode 4)

This episode managed to win me back on the show After I was disappointed with Episode 3. I have seen another german fan on Serializd who thinks that this is Babylon 5's worst episode. I personally thought it was fun and exactly what I signed up for watching this show. Sure, this isn't the greatest outing, but it's fun and I like it.

1. Grail (Season 1, Episode 15)

The Babylon Curse! It was interesting to find out what happened to the other Babylon Stations, and it's also a great foreshadowing of what happened to Babylon 4. The plot is a bit forgettable, but the sympathetic guest stars make this all worth watching for.

1. Deathwalkers (Season 1, Episode 9)

Got an Interesting plot. nothing hugely Interesting, but it got fun and interesting concepts. this woman and them finding out who she is were actually pretty interesting to see.

1. Eyes (Season 1, Episode 16)

Remember when I said I like on Trial episodes? This may not be their stereotypical outing but instead, it's a different and refreshing take on that concept. Instead of being in this courtroom trying to save the accused member, this one shows that other people on the station also have stuff to do, and can't just sit there in the courtroom all day long.

1. The Quality of Mercy (Season 1, Episode 21)

This one got a good plot! I really liked seeing Dr. Franklin investigating and I am also a sucker for these on Trial episodes, I always was, even over on Star Trek. With the added element that not a crew member is falsely accused and the others have to prove their innocence, instead, some Random Guy gets accused of something he actually did, but when Susan tries to execute his punishment, she finds out, in an excellent twist, that there is way more to this than one has thought. Got a pretty fun side plot as well.

1. A Voice in the Wilderness, Part I (Season 1, Episode 18)

Mostly saved the fireworks for the next part, but nonetheless, it did more than a good job setting all that up. The Concept and them actually doing something outside the station was really interesting to me. Most, if not all episodes to this point took place exclusively on the Station. It was just refreshing finally see different locations.

1. Mind War (Season 1, Episode 6)

Mind War is probably an episode only Babylon 5 can offer. This was the first really refreshing episode for me, everything up until that point I already had seen on other shows before, but this takes the only interesting bit of Babylon 5 we have at this point and resolves a whole story around it. Really refreshing, interesting, and thought-provoking! It's also interesting seeing Walter Koenig in this, he played my favorite Original Series character in Star Trek, Pavel Chekov. He did a great performance as well!

1. By Any Means Necessary (Season 1, Episode 12)

Now we're getting into the Great episodes. Honestly, it's getting harder and harder ordering these. Sure, my number one is clear and pretty predictable, but everything leading up to that is really hard. I now decided on this episode, even if I love it. I love Deep Space Nine's Bar Association, and this episode is basically that episode, so I naturally love it. With the added bonus that this episode was released first, so another case of Deep Space Nine copying Babylon 5. But I am not here to resolve that topic, we all know everybody has their own opinion on that matter. Moving away from that, it may not do anything particularly outstanding, but I simply like it for this concept. That ending scene is probably my favorite, where Sinclair resolves the strike and says that you don't give someone a gun without knowing what they're going to do with it.

1. Believers (Season 1, Episode 10)

As I said on Serializd, It's a brilliant moral dilemma. Star Trek is known for having great, meaningful Ethical, Social, and Moral dilemmas every two episodes. One Major difference I noticed in Babylon 5 is that it doesn't happen quite that often. This is Good, this helps these episodes stand out of the bunch. And this is exactly what this is. A brilliant moral dilemma. Either saving a life or respecting other religions and cultures. Personally, I think this is an easy decision. What would you do in this situation?

1. And the Sky Full of Stars (Season 1, Episode 8)

A brilliant episode! Almost reminds me of a political spy thriller. Simply Brilliant. Sinclair gets kidnapped because of something that happened during the war he doesn't remember. Them Thinking he is miles away, but he's actually on the ship is brilliantly done. A brilliant plot twist. And honestly, It's brilliantly done. I hope this storyline leads to something in the future, we got some tease in the final episode, so I hope this isn't a storyline that was abandoned.

1. A Voice in the Wilderness, Part II (Season 1, Episode 19)

Great Action and a Great resolution to what has started in the previous episode. Action-packed and filled with surprises. Honestly, Brilliant!

1. Babylon Squared (Season 1, Episode 20)

Because of course, it is. I have heard from all sides that this is a great episode, and the episode I probably looked forward to watching the most, at least in Season, and honestly, these people played the episode down a lot. It's not Great. It's Excellent! Seeing Babylon 4 and Time Travel, which is one of the sole reasons why I love sci-fi. This Episode leaves us with a lot of questions, and I have already heard that they are going to get resolved in the Season 3 two-parter War Without End. Really excited about that! But the episode was spoiled a bit to me, but honestly, if he didn't, I wouldn't stand here right now ranking these episodes and watching the series. I guess that's the price you pay.
​
Overall, Season 1 was very hit-and-miss. Most episodes were just sort of mid, some stood out, and some are bad, but none stood out as being unwatchable to me. Like with pretty much all shows I watch, I needed a while to memorize the characters' names and I think I still didn't get them all. Especially with Garibaldi and Sinclair, I still confuse every now and then, I mean not on-screen, but rather when I think back on a particular scene, they just sort of blend in my head for some reason. The same with Susan Ivanova and Talia Winters, I didn't realize they were different characters until writing this post. The writing wasn't exceptional to me, or anything like that. it does play with details that will become important later, which I really appreciate. Most characters are sympathetic and really well-written. But none of them was outstanding to me yet. I would say I didn't feel comfortable in this environment until at least episode 8. The visuals play a huge part in that. Yes, the CGI is dated, but I think it looks kinda good and had its charm. What I wanted to say is the Sets look very generic and boring. It doesn't put me off too much, but it makes every episode sort of blend in my head, which explains why I can barely remember some episodes. I even confused Episode 21 with Episode 17 and had to swap their reviews on this ranking.
Well, now let's get onto Season 2, I have heard a lot of great things about it.

Summer is cancelled and Icewind Dale is screwed unless you can figure out what the hell is going on...

What are you waiting for?

Icewind Dale Player Commercial
Hello, my friends! My name is Alex. I've run this campaign twice before and I'm pretty excited to see what kind of wackiness we can get up to this time around! This will be an above average experience if I can help it and I hope to make tons of friends along the way! If you're into roleplaying, jokes, subversion of expectation, mystery, whimsy, or simply "clownin' around", if you like Dimension 20 or anything Brennan Lee Mulligan or Emily Axford does, or if you're looking for a D&D game with a mix of goofy, weird, stupid, and serious with a splash of storytelling pizzazz, then this is the game for you!!!I recognize that this is supposed to be an overall serious campaign, and it is, don't get me wrong! But I'm a pretty wacky guy and this game will lean less on the harsh atmosphere and more into the interconnected story threads, personal plots if they arise, and the fear that something more powerful than you could be hiding around any corner. Utilizing Foundry VTT, I've been able to enhance the adventure with musical themes and sound effects for most scenes, automation, and animations for tons of spells, quest tracking, and several leveled maps with dynamically changing walls, lighting, and 3d vision calculations!
Let me tell you a bit about myself, though...
I come from a writing, directing, and video production background and have been putting these skills to good use at my digital gaming table for over 3 years now. I'm hoping I can apply the skills I'm good at to provide an above average experience to new and experienced players alike. I love to get into character and on top of accents here and there, I have my video feed switch to show images of significant NPCs when possible, not to mention all the music I have picked out for each unique encounter. I spend time picking from backstories and integrating fun easter eggs/story content for each player.
Overall, I'm a goofy guy, looking to land a joke whenever possible, but I have a knack for narrative thread and always set out to weave an interesting tale.
"...The overall value on your end was worth it, 100%. You ran an engaging, entertaining game and I enjoyed being one of your players." - Previous Player
"...This has been one of the best roleplaying experiences I've had!" - Current Player
"...You are a great and creative DM. I appreciate the effort you put in." - Current Player
Read more reviews on my StartPlaying profile
To get a sense of my style, feel free to check out episodes of my previous Witchlight campaign where two of our players will be joining us from. The Wild Beyond Playlist

Game Details and Extras

• Open to players of all experience levels.
• I lean heavily on the concept of "yes, and..." I like to go with the flow of what you're putting down and tend not to "no, but..." unless it conflicts with existing world elements...
• I'll work with you outside (and inside) of the game to build a character that fits into the setting and story line. I like to spread bits of information out across players so they can roleplay to put them together.
• Character creation will be done on dndbeyond and you will have access to a vast majority of the sourcebook bundle to choose from, as far as races and classes go, for as long as you remain in the game.
• Previous games have been 60/40 roleplay/combat with the potential swings in either direction depending on the chapter, but the ending chapters do lean into combat much more.
• Although I'll be running the main essence of the module, I'll be adapting bits as necessary to help with story flow, mystery, and suspense, as well as incorporating character backstory here and there.
• We will be running the official Rime of the Frostmaiden module with all the included maps and artwork (that I've digitally enhanced), including a number of extra maps and NPC art I've collected or created personally. All of these with dynamic lighting effects and.
• A number of maps have been expanded utilizing Forgotten Adventures beautiful assets.
• Due to the voice and video content, our game will be played with voice and video through discord. Please have a decent microphone.
• We will be using Foundry VTT for play, but you will still create characters in dndbeyond to be imported over. Foundry has outdone Roll20 in my opinion and has a large number of modules to help with combat automation, attack animations, music, sound effects, lighting effects, time tracking, etc. Additionally, there are a number of per-user settings you can customize such as choosing your own on screen 3d dice, picking animations for the summoning of your various beast or familiars, turning down the music, etc
• I have collected a large number of sound effects, music, and ambiences that I incorporate into each scene. I like to hand pick songs to accompany each unique encounter, with variations depending on possible outcomes.
• I try to change my voice to imitate various monsters and NPCs and utilize imagery in my webcam for all significant characters who have art in the book.
• Foundry has the potential to be processor intensive and a decent computer is recommended, but there are settings that can be lowered to allow for some lower end machines.
• Sessions are streamed live on Twitch and then archived on YouTube.
• $15 per session.

How to Apply

Quick google form, post here, or DM me if you have questions.
Player Application

I am not looking for medical or legal advice. I've already complained to the boards that I can about this NP and nothing was done AFAIK. I'd just like to know if others, that have knowledge of this field, think I'm right to think this person acted strangely and unethical. It's really bothered me for the past two years, as I feel like I made an awful mistake seeing this person. I wanted to see somebody else after they said they would be moving years ago, but was convinced by my mother (Who I trusted) to stay with them.
In June 2020, I quit my 30mg dosage of Lexapro, that I had taken since 2016, cold turkey, due to a few things.

1. I was constantly anxious and OCD, and Lexapro wasn't helping at all. I probably had built up a very strong tolerance to it.
2. My APRN prescriber (not my primary care doctor or a psychiatrist) was a hassle to deal with and not a very nice person. She was a good person to deal with at first, but later on became less interested in me, and seemed indifferent to my declining mental state. She also upped my dosage of Lexapro to 30mg over time, for reasons I cannot remember. In 2020, just before the cold turkey, I had suggested to her that I possibly switch to another medication, as I thought Lexapro wasn't working anymore, and she refused to change me to something else.
3. The APRN moved to Texas in 2015. She never suggested seeing somebody locally after they moved. They are not licensed to practice in Texas, only RI, CT, OR, and WA. Texas law says they need to work with a physician to practice psych med management, but they are not licensed in Texas, they only live there, so I'm not sure legally what they are required to do. I live in Rhode Island, and I could only get a refill through telehealth webcam visits, and my webcam didn't work for the session in June, meaning they refused to give me a refill, and didn't suggest other ways to get one.

I started taking over the counter 5-HTP as a replacement for the Lexapro, but it had no effect either. Nothing was helping my anxiety at all last year. It came to a head in late September 2020, after being at the ER for an intense panic attack that spanned 3 days, until I was able to cool down at the ER. A mental health social worker had been to my house during the breakdown, but referred me to a mental health facility that wasn't taking any new patients, rendering that service useless, in a time when I was having an intense breakdown of emotions. The last time this had happened was in 2012, which led to my OCD/Anxiety diagnosis.
I re-contacted the APRN, as they were a person who knew my case, as I had seen them for 6 years by then, and were able to see me very soon after this breakdown, and she put back on Lexapro, but at a 10mg dosage this time, instead of 30mg. They didn't seem concerned about me quitting 30mg cold turkey, the fact that I had quit in general so harshly, the fact that EMTs/Police had been to the house because of my breakdown, no real concern. She also did not want me to run any health tests before putting me back on medication, nor did she ask if I was taking any supplements or other medications, such as the 5-HTP I had previously taken, when if combined with an SSRI can cause serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal.
About 2 to 3 weeks into this reinstatement, I remember feeling a very heavy, dull, numb-like feeling in my head that built up over a few days, mainly at the top of my head, but it felt like it was inside my brain too. I began having jaw stiffness during the day (Not really bruxism, because it wasn't clenching, my jaw would just jut out unconsciously), and then I started getting acute and severe health symptoms one on top of another. I had to stop taking Lexapro again due to these problems, as I thought at the time the reinstatement was causing this. The symptoms I can recall having occur suddenly from mid October 2020 to now are;

1. Brain fog, I have periods of derealization, and just a general incorrect mental feeling.
2. Memory loss, both short-term and long-term. Old memories are gone/fuzzy. Hard to remember words, day-to-day memory is spotty, hard to remember things done during the same day sometimes.
3. Sinus inflammation
4. Dizziness/head pressure
5. Throbbing headaches
6. Muscle twitching (Used to be very intense, mainly in my legs and stomach)
7. Bad cough (I Would feel burning pain in my upper chest when I'd cough at the beginning)
8. Dry mouth (Only in times when I was anxious, though)
9. Extremely dry, throbbing lips (Not sure if anxiety caused this, but for about 4 days my lips were in intense pain while that happened),
10. Extreme fatigue
11. Watery mucus
12. Dry sinuses
13. Nerve and muscle problems (Mainly in the left side of my face, neck, chest, genitals, and seldom in my left foot, in the sole area. My neck feels painful and stiff a lot on the left side, I would get quick, almost zap-like chest pains on both sides of my chest a few months ago, but now it's only on the left side, my face on the left side will sometimes feel tingly, burning, or weak, or numb, my genitals only hurt in the left testicle and on the left side of my penis when I move it a certain way. The right side of my leg feels weak at times too. My left foot would have a burning feeling sometimes)
14. An intense bout of facial warmness (One day my entire face felt like it was on fire, I had an ice pack on it all night)
15. Ear ringing (Either side multiple times a day)
16. Nausea
17. Pale lips
18. An iron deficiency
19. Numb emotions and numb libido
20. Breathing problems (Sometimes I have to manually breathe instead of automatically, and my breathing can get labored and shallow)
21. Blood in my mucus/phlegm
22. Burning feeling in my upper body about 5 minutes after waking up, eventually goes away after getting out of bed

Some of these symptoms have improved (Ear ringing is basically gone now, sometimes happens but not as badly, same with the bad cough), and some haven't (Brain fog, memory loss, numb emotions/libido, and nerve/muscle problems are a constant that rarely improves). Muscle twitching is gone and has stayed gone. Everything save for neuropathy, memory, and blunted emotions has improved or completely vanished. The neuropathy now manifests as reduced sensitivity and sometimes stinging pains in my genitals.
The APRN refused to have me as a client after these symptoms occurred, even though they were more than happy to take me on as a client after I had quit cold turkey and had a breakdown. They now made the stipulation that I needed to see a therapist before I would be able to see this APRN again, and this was something they had never required beforehand. My mother was sick with terminal cancer at the same time as this, and this person was of no emotional support, instead one time getting upset with me for "waking them up" by calling them, even though it was the only number they use for their practice, and saying insulting things like "I should have gone to therapy long before this", even though in the 6 years I had seen them, they had never required it. Even after I saw a therapist, their excuse became "We both decided you should see somebody locally for med management", something they had never said beforehand, and was something they never suggested after they left to move to Texas.
This APRN had never required me, in the 6 years I had seen them, to regularly see a PCP or a therapist. Only after these problems happened, did they require me to see a therapist. They never mentioned seeing a PCP. It's strange, as this person advertises her practice as being both therapy and medication management. Also, how would the APRN know if I wasn't seeing a therapist? She worked independently, many states away. It seems like a fake excuse to get rid of me, as she may have thought she caused my health problems.
She also never referred me to anybody themselves, leaving me to do that. I'm guessing they got scared that they possibly caused these problems, and wanted to dump me as soon as possible, making me feel like I was in the wrong.
The way her practice is set up, living in Texas, but licensed in random states (RI, CT, WA, OR) seems weird, and from what I know, CT law requires a supervising MD for NPs. I have no idea if she had one.
I filed complaints with both the RI DOH and the Texas Board of Nursing, but neither took action. I was told by the law firm that unless I have medical records/evidence that proves permanent damage occurred, I have no case against this NP. I am not sure how they can tell that without looking at my records, and is permanent damage truly the only way to have a legal case? That didn't seem correct to me.
Over two years later, I am still not really sure what caused this. Some have suggested it is long COVID, some have said that the Lexapro reinstatement might have caused a "kindling" effect in my brain/nervous system, since I had gone off 30mg cold turkey, and some suggest it's intense stress. Maybe it was serotonin syndrome, due to the 5-HTP usage just before going back on Lexapro? I don't know. All that I do know, is about 2 to 3 weeks into Lexapro reinstatement, I got very sick. It began with a mushy, weird, numb feeling in my head, not a headache, and then I started getting a ton of weird vasculaneurological/nerve related problems, as well as sinus inflammation.
I have been left emotionally traumatized by this treatment. I was diagnosed with severe depression by a psychologist. I am still seeing doctors to find out my mystery chronic illness. I do not know if legally this NP is liable, but in my view, she acted in a way that should warrant it. She was reckless and cruel at a time when I needed emotional support the most. Her actions possibly kept me from being able to spend time with my dying mother. After my mother passed away, the NP's advice for me was "working relieves anxiety" and when I told her I was trying to get SSI, that it's very hard to do. I later got SSI.
I feel like an idiot for letting myself stay with this person for over half a decade, when the medication I was on stopped helping. I feel stupid for not taking more control of my situation, and getting on state Medicaid so I could go to better providers. Places like Butler in my state have outpatient programs that would have been just as good, but I was sort of scared into quickly going back to this NP to get back on Lexapro. I thought going back on 10mg would sort of stabilize any sort of foul mood being caused by the cold turkey. I never thought this person would just dump me as a patient like that.
They're still listed as verified on Psychology Today, and still have a website for their practice. I have no clue how they get patients. They're not licensed in the state they live in, and don't work in a practice. It's just them out of their home. I sort of can't believe that's allowed regulatory-wise. They had no oversight from anybody. I feel abused. It's made my mental health so much worse than it was, and they get away with it, and they get to keep the money I paid them for their crappy service.

Summer is cancelled and Icewind Dale is screwed unless you can figure out what the hell is going on...

What are you waiting for?

Icewind Dale Player Commercial
Hello, my friends! My name is Alex. I've run this campaign twice before and I'm pretty excited to see what kind of wackiness we can get up to this time around! This will be an above average experience if I can help it and I hope to make tons of friends along the way! If you're into roleplaying, jokes, subversion of expectation, mystery, whimsy, or simply "clownin' around", if you like Dimension 20 or anything Brennan Lee Mulligan or Emily Axford does, or if you're looking for a D&D game with a mix of goofy, weird, stupid, and serious with a splash of storytelling pizzazz, then this is the game for you!!!I recognize that this is supposed to be an overall serious campaign, and it is, don't get me wrong! But I'm a pretty wacky guy and this game will lean less on the harsh atmosphere and more into the interconnected story threads, personal plots if they arise, and the fear that something more powerful than you could be hiding around any corner. Utilizing Foundry VTT, I've been able to enhance the adventure with musical themes and sound effects for most scenes, automation, and animations for tons of spells, quest tracking, and several leveled maps with dynamically changing walls, lighting, and 3d vision calculations!
Let me tell you a bit about myself, though...
I come from a writing, directing, and video production background and have been putting these skills to good use at my digital gaming table for over 3 years now. I'm hoping I can apply the skills I'm good at to provide an above average experience to new and experienced players alike. I love to get into character and on top of accents here and there, I have my video feed switch to show images of significant NPCs when possible, not to mention all the music I have picked out for each unique encounter. I spend time picking from backstories and integrating fun easter eggs/story content for each player.
Overall, I'm a goofy guy, looking to land a joke whenever possible, but I have a knack for narrative thread and always set out to weave an interesting tale.
"...The overall value on your end was worth it, 100%. You ran an engaging, entertaining game and I enjoyed being one of your players." - Previous Player
"...This has been one of the best roleplaying experiences I've had!" - Current Player
"...You are a great and creative DM. I appreciate the effort you put in." - Current Player
Read more reviews on my StartPlaying profile
To get a sense of my style, feel free to check out episodes of my previous Witchlight campaign where two of our players will be joining us from. The Wild Beyond Playlist

Game Details and Extras

• Open to players of all experience levels.
• I lean heavily on the concept of "yes, and..." I like to go with the flow of what you're putting down and tend not to "no, but..." unless it conflicts with existing world elements...
• I'll work with you outside (and inside) of the game to build a character that fits into the setting and story line. I like to spread bits of information out across players so they can roleplay to put them together.
• Character creation will be done on dndbeyond and you will have access to a vast majority of the sourcebook bundle to choose from, as far as races and classes go, for as long as you remain in the game.
• Previous games have been 60/40 roleplay/combat with the potential swings in either direction depending on the chapter, but the ending chapters do lean into combat much more.
• Although I'll be running the main essence of the module, I'll be adapting bits as necessary to help with story flow, mystery, and suspense, as well as incorporating character backstory here and there.
• We will be running the official Rime of the Frostmaiden module with all the included maps and artwork (that I've digitally enhanced), including a number of extra maps and NPC art I've collected or created personally. All of these with dynamic lighting effects and.
• A number of maps have been expanded utilizing Forgotten Adventures beautiful assets.
• Due to the voice and video content, our game will be played with voice and video through discord. Please have a decent microphone.
• We will be using Foundry VTT for play, but you will still create characters in dndbeyond to be imported over. Foundry has outdone Roll20 in my opinion and has a large number of modules to help with combat automation, attack animations, music, sound effects, lighting effects, time tracking, etc. Additionally, there are a number of per-user settings you can customize such as choosing your own on screen 3d dice, picking animations for the summoning of your various beast or familiars, turning down the music, etc
• I have collected a large number of sound effects, music, and ambiences that I incorporate into each scene. I like to hand pick songs to accompany each unique encounter, with variations depending on possible outcomes.
• I try to change my voice to imitate various monsters and NPCs and utilize imagery in my webcam for all significant characters who have art in the book.
• Foundry has the potential to be processor intensive and a decent computer is recommended, but there are settings that can be lowered to allow for some lower end machines.
• Sessions are streamed live on Twitch and then archived on YouTube.
• $15 per session.

How to Apply

Quick google form, post here, or DM me if you have questions.
Player Application

Post here and/or PM me with any questions. Shipping is $5. International is available, please discuss. Free samples with every purchase! Payment is by Venmo, CashApp or Zelle; PayPal must inquire.
All of my contact info as well as all of my bottles for sale, are available in my spreadsheet which you should bookmark and look at for a more updated inventory
Spreadsheet

	HOUSE	FRAGRANCE	SIZE	REMAINING	Notes/Condition	Price	Type
1	Amouage	Incense Rori Attar	12mL	100% Full	Brand New, Sealed	$475	Niche
2	Amouage	Material (Woman)	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box; Tester Cap	$145	Niche
3	Amouage	Orris Wakan Attar	12mL	99% Full	Full Presentation	$439	Niche
4	Amouage	Rose Aqor Attar	12mL	99% Full	Full Presentation	$439	Niche
5	Amouage	Vanilla Barka Attar	12mL	99% Full	Full Presentation	$439	Niche
6	Andy Tauer	Cologne du Maghreb	50mL	99% Full	First Release, Rectangular Clear Bottle; With box	$95	Niche
7	Boadicea The Victorious	Blue Sapphire	100mL	95% Full	Cap is cracked	$475	Niche
8	Bond No. 9	Madison Avenue	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box, No Cap	$125	Niche
9	Bond No. 9	Signature New York	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box, No Cap	$145	Niche
10	Bond No. 9	Madison Square Park	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box, No Cap	$135	Niche
11	By Kilian	Bamboo Harmony	100mL	100% Full	Tester Refill (No Spray)	$209	Niche
12	By Kilian	Gold Knight	100mL	100% Full	Tester Refill (No Spray)	$209	Niche
13	By Kilian	Intoxicated	100mL	100% Full	Tester Refill (No Spray)	$209	Niche
14	Byredo	Bal D'Afrique	100mL	100% Full	New, No Box	$165	Niche
15	Byredo	Infloresence	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$150	Niche
16	Byredo	Mixed Emotions	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$150	Niche
17	Byredo	Mumbai Noise	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$150	Niche
18	Byredo	Sunday Cologne	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$140	Niche
19	Chanel Exclusif	Cuir de Russie EdT	200mL	95% Full	No Box; Tester	$725	Niche
20	Chanel Exclusif	Misia EdT	200mL	98% Full	Vintage Discontinued Formula; No Box	$380	Niche
21	Christian Dior / Dior Privee	Bois D'Argent	7.5mL	100% Full	Official Mini	$30	Niche
22	Christian Dior / Dior Privee	Bois D'Argent	5mL	100% Full	Official Mini - Batch Code 0V01 (2010 Production Date) - Price includes shipping	$35	Niche
23	Christian Dior / Dior Privee	Cologne Royale	5mL	100% Full	Official Mini - Batch Code 1X01 (2011 Production Date) - Price includes shipping	$30	Niche
24	Christian Dior / Dior Privee	Diorissima	7.5mL	100% Full	Official Mini; No Cannister - Price includes shipping	$30	Niche
25	Christian Dior / Dior Privee	Eau Noire	5mL	100% Full	Official Mini - Batch Code 1R01 (2011 Production Date) - Price includes shipping	$35	Niche
26	Christian Dior / Dior Privee	Eden Roc	7.5mL	100% Full	Official Mini - Price includes shipping	$30	Niche
27	Christian Dior / Dior Privee	Granville	5mL	100% Full	Official Mini - Batch Code 0V01 (2010 Production Date) - Price includes shipping	$35	Niche
28	Christian Dior / Dior Privee	Gris Dior	7.5mL	100% Full	Official Mini - Price includes shipping	$35	Niche
29	Christian Dior / Dior Privee	Milly-La-Foret	5mL	100% Full	Official Mini - Batch Code 0W01 (2010 Production Date) - Price includes shipping	$30	Niche
30	Christian Dior / Dior Privee	Mitzah	5mL	100% Full	Official Mini - Batch Code 1W01 (2011 Production Date) - Price includes shipping	$35	Niche
31	Christian Dior / Dior Privee	New Look 1947	5mL	100% Full	Official Mini - Batch Code 1R01 (2011 Production Date) - Price includes shipping	$30	Niche
32	Christian Dior / Dior Privee	Vetiver	50mL	100% Full	Magnetic Cap Decant	$141	Niche
33	Clive Christian	I Pour Femme (Woody Floral with Vintage Rose)	50mL	99% Full	No Box	$180	Niche
34	Clive Christian	Rock Rose	50mL	100% Full	Brand New, Sealed	$289	Niche
35	Creed	Acqua Florentina - F Batch	75mL	95% Full	Box, No Cap.	$175	Niche
36	Creed	Aventus - 22A11A	100mL	100% Full	Full Presentation	$250	Niche
37	Creed	Aventus Cologne - 2022 Batch	100mL	100% Full	Tester with Cap	$234	Niche
38	Creed	Aventus Cologne - F Batch (Plastic Cap)	100mL	100% Full	Brand New, Sealed in Box	$239	Niche
39	Creed	Erolfa - 15X01	120mL	100% Full	Tester with Cap	$369	Niche
40	Creed	Fleurs de Gardenia - 17P01	75mL	100% Full	Tester; No Cap, No Box	$125	Niche
41	Creed	Green Irish Tweed - 2022 Batch	100mL	100% Full	Full Presentation	$195	Niche
42	Creed	Himalaya - 22B01A	100mL	100% Full	Tester with Cap	$190	Niche
43	Creed	Jardin D'Amalfi - 16H01	75mL	100% Full	Tester with Cap	$240	Niche
44	Creed	Millesime Imperial - F Batch	100mL	100% Full	Comes with Box and SQUARE Older Style Cap.	$180	Niche
45	Creed	Neroli Sauvage - F241	100mL	100% Full	Comes with Box and SQUARE Older Style Cap.	$180	Niche
46	Creed	Royal Oud - F BATCH	100mL	100% Full	Tester with Cap	$289	Niche
47	Creed	Royal Water - 20C01N	100mL	100% Full	Tester with Cap	$175	Niche
48	Creed	Silver Mountain Water - 21V01A	100mL	100% Full	Tester with Cap	$190	Niche
49	Creed	Spice and Wood - 18C01	75mL	100% Full	Tester with Cap	$300	Niche
50	Creed	Tabarome - 21Y01A	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box; No Cap	$149	Niche
51	Creed	White Amber - 17W01	75mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box; No Cap	$149	Niche
52	Creed	White Flowers - 18G01	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box; No Cap	$189	Niche
53	DS&DURGA	Amber Kiso	100mL	100% Full	New, No Box	$135	Niche
54	Frederic Malle	Eau de Magnolia	10mL	100% Full	Official Travel Spray	$55	Niche
55	Gallagher	Bergamot Silk	100mL	99% Full		$84	Niche
56	Giorgio Armani / Armani Prive	Gardenia Antigua	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$155	Niche
57	Giorgio Armani / Armani Prive	Pierre de Lune	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$155	Niche
58	Giorgio Armani / Armani Prive	Rose Alexandrie	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$155	Niche
59	Guerlain	Angelique Noire	30mL	100% Full	Mini Bee Bottle Decant	$215	Niche
60	Guerlain	Angelique Noire	10mL	100% Full	Tall Glass Decant	$55	Niche
61	Guerlain	Cherry Oud	200mL	100% Full	Brand new tester without box	$319	Niche
62	Guerlain	Cruel Gardenia	200mL	100% Full	Brand new tester without box	$299	Niche
63	Guerlain	Derby	100mL	98% Full	Wooden Rimmed Bottle	$499	Niche
64	Guerlain	Embruns D'Ylang	200mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$299	Niche
65	Guerlain	Gourmand Coquin	10mL	100% Full	Tall Glass Decant	$60	Niche
66	Guerlain	Herbes Troublantes	200mL	100% Full	New, No Box	$339	Niche
67	Guerlain	Joyeuse Tubereuse	200mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$339	Niche
68	Guerlain	Le Frenchy	100mL	98% Full	Wooden Rimmed Bottle	$249	Niche
69	Guerlain	Oeillet Pourpre	200mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$339	Niche
70	Guerlain	Rose Barbare	200mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$339	Niche
71	Guerlain	Santal Pao Rosa	200mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$339	Niche
72	Guerlain	Tonka Imperiale	30mL	100% Full	Mini Bee Bottle Decant	$199	Niche
73	Guerlain	Tonka Imperiale	10mL	100% Full	Tall Glass Decant	$55	Niche
74	Hermes / Hermessence	Agar Ebene	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box, No Cap	$135	Niche
75	Hermes / Hermessence	Epice Marine	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$145	Niche
76	Hermes / Hermessence	Iris Ukiyoe	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box, No Cap	$145	Niche
77	Hermes / Hermessence	Osmanthe Yunnan	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box, No Cap	$145	Niche
78	Hermes / Hermessence	Santal Massoia	100mL	100% Full	No Box	$199	Niche
79	Hermes / Hermessence	Vanille Galante	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box, No Cap	$135	Niche
80	Hermes / Hermessence	Vetiver Tonka	200mL	100% Full	Full Presentation, Brand New.	$399	Niche
81	Hiram Green	Vetiver	50mL	95% Full	Full Presentation	$130	Niche
82	House of Sillage	Nouez Moi	75mL	99% Full	Tester	$120	Niche
83	I Profumi di Firenze	Caterina De Medici	50mL	99% Full	No Box	$35	Niche
84	Jacques Fath	Bel Ambre	200mL	99% Full		$79	Niche
85	Jacques Fath	Vers le Sud	200mL	99% Full		$79	Niche
86	Knize	Knize Ten	125mL	99% Full	No Box	$110	Niche
87	Louis Vuitton	California Dreaming	100mL	98% Full	May be a tester; No Box/No Cap. May have scratches/small engraving	$190	Niche
88	Louis Vuitton	Couer Battant	100mL	98% Full	May be a tester; No Box/No Cap. May have scratches/small engraving	$190	Niche
89	Louis Vuitton	Mille Feux	100mL	98% Full	May be a tester; No Box/No Cap. May have scratches/small engraving	$190	Niche
90	Maison Crivelli	Rose Saltifolia	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$159	Niche
91	Maison Francis Kurkdjian	724	200mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$365	Niche
92	Maison Francis Kurkdjian	A la Rose	200mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$325	Niche
93	Maison Francis Kurkdjian	Aqua Vitae Forte EdP	70mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$160	Niche
94	Maison Francis Kurkdjian	Amyris Femme EdP	70mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$139	Niche
95	Maison Francis Kurkdjian	Amyris Femme Extrait	70mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$165	Niche
96	Maison Francis Kurkdjian	Aqua Celestia	70mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$115	Niche
97	Maison Francis Kurkdjian	Aqua Celestia Cologne Forte	200mL	100% Full	Brand New, Sealed	$279	Niche
98	Maison Francis Kurkdjian	Aqua Celestia Cologne Forte	70mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$149	Niche
99	Maison Francis Kurkdjian	Aqua Celestia Forte	70mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$159	Niche
100	Maison Francis Kurkdjian	Aqua Universalis EdT	70mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$109	Niche
101	Maison Francis Kurkdjian	Aqua Universalis EdT	200mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$219	Niche
102	Maison Francis Kurkdjian	Aqua Universalis Cologne Forte	70mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$119	Niche
103	Maison Francis Kurkdjian	Aqua Vitae	200mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$219	Niche
104	Maison Francis Kurkdjian	Aqua Vitae Cologne Forte	70mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$119	Niche
105	Maison Francis Kurkdjian	Baccarat Rouge 540 EdP	200mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$375	Niche
106	Maison Francis Kurkdjian	Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait	70mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$300	Niche
107	Maison Francis Kurkdjian	Feminine Pluriel	70mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$149	Niche
108	Maison Francis Kurkdjian	Gentle Fluidity Gold	70mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$160	Niche
109	Maison Francis Kurkdjian	Grand Soir	70mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$170	Niche
110	Maison Francis Kurkdjian	L'eau a La Rose	70mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$129	Niche
111	Maison Francis Kurkdjian	L'homme A la Rose	70mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$159	Niche
112	Maison Francis Kurkdjian	Oud EdP	70mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$170	Niche
113	Maison Francis Kurkdjian	Oud Extrait	10mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$35	Niche
114	Maison Francis Kurkdjian	Oud Silk Mood EdP	70mL	40% Full	Tester; No Box	$75	Niche
115	Maison Francis Kurkdjian	Petit Matin	70mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$145	Niche
116	Maison Francis Kurkdjian	Petit Matin	200mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$350	Niche
117	Maitre et Parfumer Gantier	Le Jeune Homme Eau Extravagante	100mL	35% Full	No Cap, No Box. Bottle May Leak. Ask about decanting	$15	Niche
118	Mark Birley	Charles Street	75mL	97% Full	Travel Version	$90	Niche
119	Masque Milano	Tango	35mL	99% Full		$90	Niche
120	Memo Paris	Italian Leather	75mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box or Cap	$135	Niche
121	Memo Paris	Lailabella	75mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box; No Cap	$135	Niche
122	Memo Paris	Marfa	75mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box; No Cap	$135	Niche
123	Memo Paris	Moon Fever	75mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box; No Cap	$135	Niche
124	Memo Paris	Oriental Leather	75mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box; No Cap	$135	Niche
125	Mind Games	Caissa	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$250	Niche
126	Mind Games	Checkmate	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$225	Niche
127	Mind Games	Gardez (Black Queen)	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$225	Niche
128	Mind Games	Scholar's Mate	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$225	Niche
129	Mizensir	Ideal Oud	100mL	100% Full	No Box	$155	Niche
130	Mizensir	Bois de Mysore	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$155	Niche
131	Mona di Orio	Cuir	75mL	99% Full	No Box	$120	Niche
132	Mona di Orio	Nuit de Noir	75mL	99% Full	No Box	$120	Niche
133	Oliver and Co.	M.O.U.S.S.E.	50mL	99% Full	Limited Edition 87/133	$110	Niche
134	Parfums de Marley	Delina Pour Le Corps (Body Cream)	200mL	100% Full	Full Presentation	$75	Niche
135	Parfums de Marley	Sedley	125mL	100% Full	Brand New in Box, Sealed	$149	Niche
136	Parfums de Nicolai	Patchouli Intense	100mL	98% Full	Full Presentation	$119	Niche
137	Perris Monte Carlo	Tuberuese Absolue	100mL	99% Full	No Box	$99	Niche
138	Pomare's Stolen Perfume	Angel's Share	9mL	70% Full	No Box	$40	Niche
139	Roja Dove	Apex Discovery Atomizer	7.5mL	99% Full		$50	Niche
140	Roja Dove	Creation-E Essence de Parfum	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box, No Cap	$150	Niche
141	Roja Dove	Scandal Essence de Parfum	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box; No Cap	$150	Niche
142	Roman Monegal	L'eau de Rose	50mL	97% Full		$70	Niche
143	Santa Maria Novella	Sandalo	100mL	95% Full	No Box	$80	Niche
144	The Harmonist	Desired Earth Eau de Parfum	50mL	100% Full	Brand new, Sealed	$219	Niche
145	The Harmonist	Magnetic Wood Parfum	50mL	100% Full	BNIB Sealed	$229	Niche
146	Tom Ford	Beau de Jour	1000mL	100% Full	Sealed Dramming Bottle	$1,000	Niche
147	Tom Ford	Fougere Platine	250mL	100% Full	Full Decanter, No Box	$375	Niche
148	Tom Ford	Fougere Platine	1000mL	100% Full	Sealed Dramming Bottle	$1,000	Niche
149	Tom Ford	Fucking Fabulous	50mL	100% Full	Brand New, Sealed	$190	Niche
150	Tom Ford	Neroli Portofino	1000mL	100% Full	Sealed Dramming Bottle	$850	Niche
151	Tom Ford	Oud Fleur	1000mL	100% Full	Sealed Dramming Bottle	$1,000	Niche
152	Tom Ford	Rose de Chine	50mL	100% Full	Brand New, Sealed	$199	Niche
153	Tom Ford	Rose Prick	100mL	100% Full	Brand New, Sealed	$269	Niche
154	Tom Ford	Soleil Blanc EdP	50mL	100% Full	Brand New, Sealed	$145	Niche
155	Tom Ford	Soleil Neige	1000mL	100% Full	Sealed Dramming Bottle	$850	Niche
156	Tom Ford	Tobacco Vanille	50mL	90% Full	Full Presentation with Box	$160	Niche
157	Tom Ford	Tuscan Leather	50mL	100% Full	Magnetic Cap Decant	$115	Niche
158	Tom Ford	Vert des Bois	1000mL	100% Full	Sealed Dramming Bottle	$900	Niche
159	Tom Ford	White Suede	1000mL	100% Full	Sealed Dramming Bottle	$850	Niche
160	TVGA	Milestones Extrait	9mL	90% Full	No Box	$40	Niche
161	Washington Tremlett	Black Tie	100mL	95% Full		$125	Niche
162	Xerjoff	Accento	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$169	Niche
163	Yves Saint Laurent	Tuxedo	250mL	100% Full	Brand New, Sealed	$375	Niche
164	Acqua di Parma	Arancia Di Capri	150mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$65	Designer
165	Acqua di Parma	Colonia EdC	100mL	100% Full	Brand New, Sealed	$75	Designer
166	Acqua di Parma	Colonia Intensa	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$65	Designer
167	Aqua di Parma	Magnolia Nobile	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$115	Designer
168	Caron	Pour un Homme de Caron Le Matin	125mL	100% Full	Opened to test, sprayed once	$84	Designer
169	Caron	Pour un Homme de Caron Le Soir	125mL	100% Full	Opened to test, sprayed once	$84	Designer
170	Chanel	Allure Homme	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$75	Designer
171	Chanel	Allure Homme Sport - Aftershave Balm	100mL	99% Full	No Box	$65	Designer
172	Chanel	Allure Pour Femme EdT	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$65	Designer
173	Chanel	Bleu de Chanel - Aftershave Balm	100mL	99% Full	No Box, Minor Cosmetic Damage	$55	Designer
174	Chanel	Bleu de Chanel - Aftershave Lotion	100mL	99% Full	No Box, Minor Cosmetic Damage	$55	Designer
175	Chanel	Chance Eau Fraiche EdT	150mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$120	Designer
176	Chanel	Chance Eau Tendre EdP	50mL	90% Full	Tester; No Box	$90	Designer
177	Chanel	Chance Eau Tendre EdT	150mL	99% Full	Tester; No Box	$120	Designer
178	Chanel	Coco EdP	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$85	Designer
179	Chanel	Coco Mademoiselle - Moisturizing Body Lotion	200mL	99% Full	No Box	$55	Designer
180	Chanel	Coco Mademoiselle EdP	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$90	Designer
181	Chanel	Coco Mademoiselle EdP Intense	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$95	Designer
182	Chanel	Coco Mademoiselle EdT	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$65	Designer
183	Chanel	Coco Mademoiselle L'eau Privee	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$90	Designer
184	Chanel	Cristalle Eau Vert EdTC	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$135	Designer
185	Chanel	Cristalle EdP	50mL	95% Full	Tester; No Box	$135	Designer
186	Chanel	Gabrielle Essence EdP	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$90	Designer
187	Chanel	No. 19	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$115	Designer
188	Chanel	No. 19 Poudre EdP	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$135	Designer
189	Chanel	No. 5 Eau Premiere	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$85	Designer
190	Chanel	No. 5 EdP	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$85	Designer
191	Christian Dior	Dior Homme Cologne	125mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$85	Designer
192	Christian Dior	Dior Homme Eau	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$125	Designer
193	Christian Dior	Dior Homme Sport - 2017 Version	125mL	99% Full	Tester; No Box Batch Code is 6Y02	$95	Designer
194	Christian Dior	J'adore in Joy EdT	100mL	100% Full	Tester with Cap, No Box	$60	Designer
195	Floris	007	100mL	100% Full	Tester with Cap, No Box	$100	Designer
196	Floris	Cefiro	100mL	100% Full	Tester with Cap, No Box	$59	Designer
197	Giorgio Armani	Acqua di Gio Absolu	75mL	99% Full	Full Presentation, Box has some wear	$75	Designer
198	Guerlain	Habit Rouge L'instinct	100mL	99% Full	Sprayed once	$84	Designer
199	Guerlain	L'instant de Guerlain Pour Homme EXTREME	10mL	100% Full	VINTAGE BLACK RIM - DECANT	$50	Designer
200	Hermes	H24 EdT	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$65	Designer
201	Hermes	Twilly	80mL	100% Full	Tester; No Box	$65	Designer
202	Jo Malone	Amber & Lavender	30mL	90% Full	No Box	$52	Designer
203	Jo Malone	English Oak & Redcurrant	30mL	80% Full	No Box	$49	Designer
204	Jo Malone	English Pear & Freesia	100mL	100% Full	Brand New with Gift Box and Gift Set (Body Wash, Body Lotion)	$180	Designer
205	Jo Malone	Gardenia & Oud Absolu	100mL	100% Full	Brand New with Gift Box	$180	Designer
206	Jo Malone	Rose & White Musk Absolu	100mL	100% Full	No Box	$180	Designer
207	Ralph Lauren	Supreme Leather	125mL	99% Full	No Box	$90	Designer
208	Thierry Mugler	A*MEN	100mL	99% Full	Rubber Flask; No Box	$75	Designer
209	Thierry Mugler	A*MEN Ultra Zest	100mL	85-90% Full	Rubber Flask; No Box	$275	Designer
210	Tom Ford	Black Orchid - Body Oil Mist	50mL	99% Full	No Box, Minor Cosmetic Damage	$50	Designer
211	Amouage	Cristal and Gold Ladies	50mL	95% Full	Vintage, Incredibly hard to find. Full presentation in nice condition	$399	Vintage
212	Cartier	Santos EdT	100mL	60% Full	Splash; Refillable; Original Formulation; No Box; Some Wear on Case	$199	Vintage
213	Chanel	Egoiste Cologne Concentree	100mL	97% Full	Bottle Only	$399	Vintage
214	Chanel	Gardenia EdT	100mL	100% Full	Vintage; Sealed	$390	Vintage
215	Dior	Jules	100mL	95% Full	Vintage; Ribbed Bottle; No Box	$264	Vintage
216	Dunhill	Cologne	125mL	99% Full	Vintage; Splash	$100	Vintage
217	Escada	Pour Homme Aftershave	75mL	100% Full	BNIB Sealed	$165	Vintage
218	Escada	Pour Homme Aftershave	125mL	100% Full	BNIB Sealed	$240	Vintage
219	Floris	Bay Rum	3.5 Oz	97% Full	Vintage; Splash. "Use as a cologne, after shave lotion, or hair lotion."	$84	Vintage
220	Floris	Special 127	100mL	98% Full	Vintage; Dark Blue Box., 2 Royal Warrants, Vintage Version	$70	Vintage
221	Fragonard	Zizanie	240mL	80% Full	Shaker bottle (Splash, not spray) no box. At least 80% Full.	$240	Vintage
222	Geo F Trumper	Ajaccio Violets	100mL	99% Full		$40	Vintage
223	Gucci	Envy Aftershave	50mL	100% Full	BNIB Sealed	$140	Vintage
224	Gucci	Envy Aftershave	100mL	100% Full	BNIB Sealed	$215	Vintage
225	Gucci	Rush for Men	50mL	100% Full	Full Presentation; These do not come fully filled	$190	Vintage
226	Gucci	Rush for Men Aftershave	100mL	100% Full	BNIB Sealed	$140	Vintage
227	Guerlain	Heritage EdT	200mL	100% Full	New; Vintage; Splash. 1991 Bottle.	$225	Vintage
228	Guerlain	Samrasa EdP	50mL	100% Full	No Box	$109	Vintage
229	Guerlain	Samsara EdT 1992-1993 Formulation	100mL	100% Full	Tester; No Cap; No Box	$109	Vintage
230	Jean Desprez	Bal a Versailles	9 Oz	70% Full	Vintage; Splash; No Box Open to offers on this enormous bottle.	$135	Vintage
231	Lacoste	Eau de Sport Vivifiante	100mL	99% Full	No Box	$130	Vintage
232	Lacoste	Land	100mL	99% Full		$130	Vintage
233	Nino Cerruti	Fair Play Pour Homme	100mL	99% Full	Full presentation with Box	$275	Vintage
234	Paco Rabanne	Eau de Metal	20mL	100% Full	Vintage; Mini	$15	Vintage
235	Ralph Lauren	Silver Romance for Men	100mL	80% Full	No Box, No Cap	$165	Vintage
236	Revillon	Pour Homme Eau de Toilette Super Concentrate	60mL	99% Full	Atomizer	$190	Vintage
237	Revillon	Pour Homme Eau de Toilette Super Concentrate	90mL	99% Full	Atomizer	$290	Vintage
238	Saxony	Russian Leather	60mL	70% Full	Vintage; Splash, Liquid is Cloudy. No Box	$10	Vintage​

I have a Hyundai Sonata SEL with the 12 inch display. It always display the built in car navigation map or compass on 1/3 of the screen. Today I accidentally switched users and when I logged back into my profile and connected my phone the entire display was Apple car play. The next time I connected it went back to showing the built in navigation on 1/3 of the screen. I dug around in the settings but I don’t see an option to make Apple CarPlay full screen. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Montag: Diablo II - Monday (Start: 19.00 Uhr)
Dienstag: Gothic I - Tuesday (Start: 19.00 Uhr)
Mittwoch: -
Donnerstag: Darkest Dungeon Madness intensifies (Start: 10.30 Uhr)
Freitag: -
Samstag: -
Sonntag: Octopath Traveler (Start: 15.00 Uhr)

(The Giving Tree is written by Shel Silverstein, The Hanging Tree is by Suzanne Collins)
“Grandma.”
He chuckled, and called again.
“Graaaaaaaandma.”
Hey where was she, he was a smol, wide eyed childgen snuggled up in bed with his red and white patchwork quilt with his Raggedy Ann doll who contrary to popular belief, was NOT HAUNTED and instead infused with good dreams and good vibes.
Good vibes which included Amon’s grandma READING HIM A FUCKING BEDTI-
Her head peeked through the door, glasses wobbling on her pointed nose. She huffed and puffed, and Amon had a twinge of consciousness, a ‘oh wait I’m in better health than her maybe I should be nice,’ sort of feeling.
He then realized that as a child, he was entitled to entitlement, and threw that notion out the window and into the dumpster, where it rested with other bad ideas like, ‘hey let's make a Bible version of dungeons and dragons, or literally anything else that we find morally reprehensible yeah that’ll hinder sales if we tell people to not do this cool thing that is totally bad for you and will result in your eyes being gouged out by Satan’s asshole.’
He, of course, didn’t voice any of this. Because, above fear of God, he had a fear of grandma.
“Did someone say they wanted a bedtime story! Well, by golly, do I have a story for you!”
He paused, “Is it Narnia?”
She narrowed her eyes at him, setting the book that she held behind her down, “Of course not dear! I would never put my preferences over yours, my oh so picky critic who whittles down what stories I read to you with the sharpest razor I’ve ever seen. I am only here to cater to your preferences because your time is the most valuable in all the world!”
He squirmed under the blanket, “....Look, I hate to admit that you’re right but can you not be right.”
“It’s a talent of mine.”
Why can’t I have come out of the womb as a fully mature adult so I can debate grandma to death into an early grave?
Then another thought came.
Wait, I don't want her to die. She loves me or some shit and I think that’s good.
He gulped, attempting to sound less…full of himself, “Could you um…if possible…by any chance.”
“Spit it out sonny if my hearing gets any worse I’ll have to get some robotic implants and do you really want grandma being the catalyst for the AI uprising?”
Please for the love of God nobody let this women near any missile turrets.
“COULD YOU MAKE UP A STORY FOR ME YOU HAVE A NICE VOICE AND IT HELPS ME SLEEP PLEASE GRANDMA THROW ME A BONE HERE.”
“.....I could throw you a dislocated hip.”
Amon squinted, “You’re going to need those in ten years when your bones start fossilizing.”
She patted his back, “Ten years! You’re very generous, in fact those bones of yours with the freshest marrow look….quite appetizing for a geezer like me!”
“All the better to eat me with?”
“Exactly!”
The night went on, a star or two who hadn’t twinkled out to dream land like he had standing in the heavens, wisps of gray clouds swirling round the moon. He could hear the caw of a crow or two, probably picking off the dead racoons left on the road because of grandma’s driving.
Damned dumpster drivers had it coming.
Grandma leaned back in her rocking chair, its faded brown surface creaking as she swished back n’ forth in it. She folded her arms, closed her eyes, and let out a yawn as she flipped a lightswitch, the thin, pale beams of the moon shining through the shudders.
And the heater chugged along like a train, blanketing them both into a slow, dreary slumber,
Grandma began her story.
“Once upon a time, there was a brave knight. So brave in fact, that he didn’t squirm when doctors, who may or may not have been vampires, took his blood, and always opened up his mouth wide for the dentist when they wanted to see his pearly whites! And the king sent him off on many a quest, to save all the damsels in distress because the king had a bad habit of keeping a harem. After all, in those days, monogamy was a myth.”
Amon wondered if the king was based on grandma’s love life.
“The knight loved his king, so why wouldn’t he serve him? Even as the wounds piled up like a pile of rusty coins, infection creeping up on his flesh as the doctors prescribed him leeches and his blood turned to ice. Even as each step became an insurmountable mountain, he had a duty to serve his king, and the king loved him too, right? There was something beyond that icy stare? Some glimpse of hope, a spark of love? Yet they say be careful of he who slays beasts, lest he become a beast himself.”
She paused, and Amon shivered, like the mist creeping outside was the last dying wisps of smoke from the maw of a decaying dragon.
If the time came, would he be able to slay his demons?
“The knight’s greatest beast he would never slay was the one sitting upon the gilded throne. One day, he outlived his usefulness.”
The silence hung in the air. Amon wondered how long it took for the man’s flesh to be wrent from his shoulders.
He shivered, tears barely restrained, as grandma pulled him in.
“Never let anyone tell you how to be. Never do anything someone else wouldn’t do for you back. This world will want to beat you down and spit you out but I know you’re stronger than that.”
She got up, patting his head as the moon glinted in her spectacles and she grinned back with a fiery stare of her own.
One day, Amon would share it, for she had long since kinded the flame in his heart.
Burn, my grandson. Burn and show this world what you made of. Show them what I see in you, what you don’t see in yourself.
One day, you will.
One day, you will know how to look in the mirror and say, ‘I love you.”
“.....Could the knight have saved himself?”
“Every story has an end. Just….make sure yours is a good one.”
Nearing the end of her days, wondering the length of the shadow she’d cast, and if it brought others shade.
She hobbled off. The door shut behind her.
………God we are both overdramatic as fuck aren’t we.
Amon reminded himself to tell grandma to lay off the old testament for a while. She didn’t need that kind of toxic masculinity in her life.
_________
“You know, I’m going to tell you a story this time!”
Amon was waving a pencil, not because he was going to write God forbid anybody see his handwriting no siree, but rather when his hands were flailing and the unsharpened point was ready to fly from his fingers at any second and impale someone’s eye the creative juices were flowin and his imaginative boat was rowing and sure it may sink once or twice along the way but that was just apart of the creative process!
That, and procrastinate on writing said story for two goddamn weeks and when you went over your plot notes you wondered who this madman was who’d seized your journal and favorite fountain pen.
“It’s about time! You think I have time to keep running my lips Mr. I’m young and needy and I want to drive grandma into dehydration because I want to turn one bedtime story into fifteen?”
Amon averted his gaze, “Can I just say that you’re the greatest woman I’ve ever known and I hope I can have one ounce of your creativity so I can inspire the masses with the love and forgiveness you demonstrate so all the little children, not including me because five foot one and a half is not little by any means thank you very much…”
Napoleon complex much, sonny?
“And through all these wonderful…”, he coughed, “Parables I can conjure up surely everyone can and will find Jesus?”
He gave her the baby blue puppy dog eyes. She melted.
But she really didn’t want to.
“Has anyone told you that flattery will get you everywhere?”
“Yes, actually, you did.”
“Damn right,” she mentally gave her past self a pat on the back.
And Amon struck a match, lighting the fireplace with its grizzled logs, silvery bark peeled back as flames licked their sides all over. He cuddled up with grandma on the oversized recliner, leaning back. Eyes closed.
Like he could see, like he could taste and touch and smell and hear the story unfolding in his mind’s eye.
“Once, there was a tree, and she loved a little boy.”
It was growing now, its roots feeding into the forest. Birds came here to lay their young and worms burrowed in her rich soil beneath. Squirrels always found the best holes in her trunk to bury their nuts in, snuggled up all cozy as the wind battered her outsides but the tree saw that wind and told it where it could shove it cause no breeze would take away her warmth! She was happy and she liked it that way!
“And every day the boy would come, and he would gather her leaves, making them into crowns to play king of the forest.”
The squirrels were scampering away and here he came charging through the grass and falling into the bushes headfirst! He could take and take and take and twist those twigs and thorns into a wooden circlet befitting the child prince. And if he craned his ears he could even hear the fae sparkling and laughing and merrymaking as they poured wine from goblets neverending and gossiped about that adorable little child over there let’s go visit him no wait we can’t interact with humans can we kidnap him NO KIDNAPPING IS BAD.
Remember what happened with a midsummers night's dream, there’s a precedent for this shit!
“He would climb up her trunk, and swing from her branches.”
Don’t look down, whatever you do don’t look down like a tumbling sack of apples about to go splaaaaat. Climbing up to see the forest was definitely a good idea and you’re not going to throw up whatsoever.
“And eat apples, and they would play hide and seek.”
“Ready or not, here I cooome!”
“.....Oh, you’re right behind me.”
“I don’t think hide and seek is the best game if one party doesn’t have legs.”
“.......”
“And when he was tired, he would sleep in her shade.”
“I don’t want to go home, I want to stay with you but it’s getting dark and there’s monsters prowling about!”
“Whenever you are with me, I promise, I will keep you safe.”
And the boy stared up in wide eyed wonder.
“You….you…really mean that?”
She bowed her great head, leaves falling on his face, embracing him in a branch, pulling him close.
“I love you. And I don’t let harm come to those I love.”
“And the boy loved the tree very, very much.”
He pressed himself against grandma’s warm, woolen, side. She smelled like peppermint.
“The tree was happy."
He sighed, and Amon looked down, shivering. The clock went tick, tick, tick, and he wondered if he blinked, if he’d miss the seconds passing by.
“But time went by.”
He grew up and the world wasn’t small anymore. It wasn’t good to just imagine, you could no longer play pretend, you had to have a purpose for your life and fill that aching void that’d grown in your heart, didn’t you feel it beating? Take, take, take, my boy, you’re number one and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Forget about the tree, that withered shrub has nothing for you except to be food for the worms.
“And the boy grew older.”
He peered into grandma’s gaze. How many people had she lost over the years, and what hole did they leave in their absence?
“And he wanted. But that want wasn’t just a I want this colorful toy off the shelf, gimme, gimme, gimme. No, this was a need.”
“I am too busy to climb trees.”
“I want a house to keep me warm.”
But that little boy was left unheard, to just go back to the simpler times when he could just be a boy she could just be his tree. He was worthless and if he just had what everyone else had maybe it’d feel better, if he could raze and tear and break down the tears would stop flowing and the sirens would stop blaring and everything would just fucking shut down, for just one second please, for the love of God, be still.
“I want you. I want you in my life and you’re so far away but I think that’s just me.”
So he ripped the tree down and shed her emerald coat of leaves and wrent her into a stump so for himself he had a home. Her apples laid moldering and discarded, and maybe if he had cast their seeds out into the brush they both wouldn’t have been so lonely anymore.
“And he met the end of his days and they both had nothing left. She asked, ‘What more do you want of me?’ He didn’t know anymore.”
“Would you like to rest?”
He sat down on her stump.
And the tree was happy.
Amon sniffled, then there was snot. He shivered and wrapped his teensie head in his legs and grandma yanked him on over to her side and held him close and he ugly cried and she wailed right with him.
She hoped he knew it was okay to cry, so long as there was a crazy bitch like her to cry with him.
And finally he wiped his nose, eyes puffy, before he looked down, murmuring, “....I don’t deserve you.” Her heart sunk right along with his and she wondered where he learned that self loathing.
Was it by design?
The wind picked up and her’s fell, the wooden, mossy floorboards outside, the red paved bricks littered with cracked nuts and wilted flower petals, creaking right along with her.
“Are you, are you, coming to the tree?”
I could see, grandma and I, sitting there together on that worn stump. And maybe if you turned back the years you’d see the tree at the height of its youth with the freshest apples and sap running for miles. I’d be running too.
I knew who’d be watching and egging me on along the way.
“Where they strung up a man, said he murdered three.”
“Strange things have happened here, no stranger would they be
If we met at midnight, in the hanging tree”
Her dad taught her that song so long ago, with whiskey under his breath and a revolver at his belt. He might have been one who knew how to drink and drink till he dropped but he sure damn as well knew when to pour out, lest he become bloated for others’ sake.
“I never want you to become like that man, I never want you to love someone so much it comes at the expense of yourself.”
Amon’s voice was an echo.
“Are you, are you, coming to the tree?
Where I told you to run, so we’d both be tree?
Strange things did happen here, no stranger would it be
If we met at midnight in the hanging tree.”
Was the tree’s greatest sin, the inability to say no?
What befalls us when we answer yes?
But if I take and take and take from grandma what shall I have left?
“GRAAAAAANDMA!”
Amon sniffled.
“Are you, are you, coming to the tree?
Where the dead man called out for his love to flee?
Strange things did happen here, no stranger would it be
If we met at midnight in the hanging tree.”
Her singing became a flurry of notes, tapering out to the breeze.
It was quiet.
“I’m here grandma.”
They stood up and he took her hand.
“Let’s go to that tree together.”
And the grandma was happy.

​
https://status.openai.com/
Probably the one you want to bookmark. This is the official source for wether or not ChatGPT is fully operational. It will give general status' that anybody can understand and be aware of if it's down, being fixed, fixed, restoring, and up.
Techniques to improve reliability
Best bang for you buck guide on general prompt writing advice, strait from OpenAI. Don't let the fact it's on Github intimidate you if you're not very tech savvy. The document is digestible for the most part. The top portion is the most relevant for most people and if it gets too technical in the lower half its ok to stop there. This will really help you understand how best to write prompts with ChatGPT. While released during GPT-3, still applicable for GPT-4.
https://openai.com/blog
From what I've observed, tends to be updated based future plans and technical challenges one may face with their software.
https://discord.gg/openai
OpenAI has an active discord if that's your thing. Primarily good to see the latest posts from OpenAI staff and chat with others in a live setting.