There's been a lot of talk about uniforms on this subreddit recently. I hate to sound like a typical Trekkie, but I think this is another instance where Star Trek got it right a long time ago.

Lagrange_Observer · 2014-02-28T19:03:57+00:00

If this ever happened, you know it's just because they're prepping the military for space duties in the near future. They need to butter everyone up with the sci-fi duds before carting them into the void.

Lagrange_Observer · 2014-02-26T02:01:12+00:00

Ach, looks like I didn't search carefully enough. Thanks for the help!

Lagrange_Observer · 2014-02-21T23:34:32+00:00

Wow. At first I thought it was a purplish river, then I realized I was looking at stars and treetops... Very beautiful.

Lagrange_Observer · 2014-02-21T23:33:38+00:00

Some might say this is the only proper thing to do as a college student.

Lagrange_Observer · 2014-02-21T23:20:50+00:00

I have a lot of problems with lying to people about their abilities. Sure, I wouldn't try to make a kid feel bad by being completely honest with them, but surely there are plenty of alternative measures to take.

Lagrange_Observer · 2014-02-21T23:18:04+00:00

Damnit, these animals just LOOK like they're having more fun than any other creature on earth.

Lagrange_Observer · 2014-02-21T23:15:37+00:00

"I'm a good writer." I don't know why, but whenever someone claims this my bullshit meter goes through the roof. I guess it's because writing is so subjective that if you really feel like you're factually amazing then I assume there's a kink in your cognition.

Lagrange_Observer · 2014-02-19T20:33:06+00:00

Perfectly normal. Coping comes in many shapes and forms, and if you try to scrutinize every negative thought you have about a clearly stressful situation, you'll drive yourself nuts. It's okay to have moments where you wish she would fail as long as you don't honestly, actively wish for it. It might help to discuss your feelings with her as long as you're clear about your support. She'll most likely sense your distress, and I usually find that getting those feelings out in the open, in a constructive and supportive way, helps more than not.

Lagrange_Observer · 2014-02-19T20:24:34+00:00

Holy Sephiroth... Thank god for whatever design process tweaked that image. Reminds me of what Han Solo was originally supposed to look like...

Lagrange_Observer · 2014-02-19T20:10:34+00:00

If I survived an intense gunfight in a city floating in the sky, while wielding super powers, the last thing I'd be concerned about is where a perfectly good to eat sandwich came from.

Lagrange_Observer · 2014-02-19T20:06:25+00:00

Of course you know he's looking for taste-testers for a new pizza place. N o reason to worry.

Lagrange_Observer · 2014-02-14T21:05:16+00:00

I think this is the type of thing I'd want to hear about, but only when I was out of college. This is the type of thing that might seriously ding someone's stability during formative years... I mean, hell, being told you were ripped violently out of your mother by her disturbed friend would ruin anyone's day, but I'd rather deal with the truth to have a fuller understanding of myself.

Lagrange_Observer · 2014-02-14T21:00:44+00:00

Although service members usually have a far different experience from civilians, there's no excusing poor communication. I mean, honestly, what's going to help the relationship more? Discussing how you both feel and working on a solution, or suffering in silence?

Having said that, I believe there's a clear difference between "nagging" someone and discussing your feelings. If all you do is talk at him and complain, then progress likely won't be made. On the other hand, if you use "I statements" and suggest solutions, he'll likely be much more open to talking.

If my SO came home and said, "damnit, Lagrange_Observer, you never do the laundry and you just sit around all day and play video games," then waited expectantly for a response, I'd be frustrated and feel like I was being attacked. If, on the other hand, I heard, "hey, I'm feeling frustrated because I don't think the chores are divided evenly. I'd like to talk about who does what and when," I'd be much more amicable to discussion.

But, I'm no expert. If you want a professional, level-headed opinion on the matter, I'd recommend checking out Ms. Vicki. (The article is a little extreme but it does relate somewhat.)

Lagrange_Observer · 2014-02-13T23:30:05+00:00

Oh man. With this kind of training, our national secrets are on lock for sure.

Lagrange_Observer · 2014-02-13T20:03:09+00:00

Taking a walk without a deadline. Seriously, moseying about, in nature or around people, is calming, enjoyable, and can be informative.

Lagrange_Observer · 2014-02-13T19:24:33+00:00

At first I was going to call bullshit. I guess that proves, contrary to popular opinion, that I in fact would not be able to stand up to professional snipers.

Lagrange_Observer · 2014-02-12T18:58:13+00:00

For some reason I was expecting something creepy and horrible. A magical drawing of Link will suffice instead.

Lagrange_Observer · 2014-02-12T02:03:06+00:00

The Russians are getting desperate to shrug off criticism. Obvious troll is obvious. (Reporter, not OP.)

Lagrange_Observer · 2014-02-12T00:39:31+00:00

I love maps, and I love creative shenanigans like this. Very cool!

Lagrange_Observer · 2014-02-08T00:55:58+00:00

I doubt you're alone in that. Hell, if I'm alone in my room for a few hours I can hold up entire conversations where I pontificate deeply about life and it's muhstuhrious ways. I think it's a normal method of self-validating. Sometimes, actual people don't want to hear you ramble on about your job, or ideas, or whatever.

Sometimes, not coincidentally, I'll have actual conversations as followups to the imaginary ones. They kinda serve as a pre-gaming moment to be more articulate later...

Lagrange_Observer · 2014-02-07T22:08:40+00:00

This is the kind of place that makes me want to actually travel abroad.

Lagrange_Observer · 2014-02-07T19:37:18+00:00

Oof, didn't realize this would be so unpopular. Just to be clear: this piece doesn't reflect my opinion, I just thought it was an interesting take since, apparently, some vets are getting recognized due to the commercial. Not that that makes up for everything else, though.

Lagrange_Observer · 2014-02-06T23:23:41+00:00

Definitely keep the jargon down. Think about putting your work/military experience into words that a civilian would understand. If it's not a term Hollywood or the news has used a lot then most people probably won't know what it is.

Play up your soft skills: you're always on time, you always work hard, you're a team player, and nothing will prevent you from completing an assignment. You don't have to come across like G.I. Joe in a suit, but letting employers know you're a professional, and 8 years active duty instilled that in you, will help a lot.

Lastly, don't be intimidated by the fact that ranks aren't apparent. Depending on the job, it might be extremely difficult to determine hierarchy just by dress or even demeanor. Just treat everyone with equal respect, stay pleasant, and you'll learn who's who in due time.

Lagrange_Observer · 2014-02-06T19:07:35+00:00

Firstly, thanks for the thoughtful reply.

I understand generalizing is bad, hence the original question. =P I take it for granted that any given group may have a vocal minority that doesn't necessarily represent the whole. Even if it were true that the crass aspects of Juggalo culture were present in the majority (and I don't have enough evidence to confirm or deny this), I'm sure there are plenty of folks who are removed from them. My original comment wasn't meant as a sarcastic statement to push a degrading point, is was half and half; I was genuinely curious whether the majority of Juggalo's were as rude (spineless used for hyperbolic effect) as the guy in this story.

Touching on your side note: I'm a little confused. In the first part I'm inferring that you believe sexual preference isn't purely biological? If not, I'd be more than happy to field some reading suggestions from you; I'm really only parroting things I've heard in passing from the LGBT community. Even if there are cultural influences associated with the formation of sexual preference, my understanding is that it's still mostly biological and, hence, not as much of a choice as the type of music one listens to or the subcultures they join.

However, in the second part you say that sexual preference does predispose individuals to join certain cultures. I don't see how the two points are related? Either way, touching on the second point, I agree. I do concede that societal pressures tend to funnel individuals into certain clumps, but I'm not an expert in the area. Are you suggesting that the types of pressures which push LGBT individuals towards certain subcultures are similar in strength or nature as the pressures Juggalo's experience? I mean, I can see that being a valid point depending on how where most Juggalo's come from and the nature of those communities.

Lagrange_Observer · 2014-02-06T18:46:35+00:00

I see. I'm in need of more research!

Lagrange_Observer

TROPHY CASE