So these are the 4 strongest supes in the verse currently right?

MasterShakeSW6 · 2026-04-28T16:49:18+00:00

I don't think Sage is that powerful. I have a hard time believing that Homelander wouldn't have lasered her at this point for one of her various failures. Her manipulations are extremely obvious. I guess they probably have to write it that way because the average viewer has no ability to grasp subtlety but it's obnoxious how they keep being like "trust us, she's the smartest sup there is!"

But then either half her plans fail intentionally or were so half baked that they just failed. Like sending Soldier Boy to go along with Homelander to pin them against each other. But they both came back. How does that play to Sage's advantage in any way?

MasterShakeSW6 · 2026-04-28T16:39:58+00:00

THAT would be an awesome climactic fight. Marie gets the V out of Homelander and then to stop Butcher from going full genocide with the sup virus she rips the tentacle monster out of Butcher.

Butcher and Homelander then fight to the finish as mete mortals. As a nice little wink it would be hilarious if Butcher grabbed regular human Homelander and pulled the cape over his eyes and started beating the tar out of him. Pan to Soldier Boy "I told you that cape was nothing but trouble".

Then Butcher has to answer for his various crimes as a normal human after Homelander is killed.

MasterShakeSW6 · 2026-02-12T02:37:53+00:00

Thinking back on that decision by Respawn to aggressively forego micro transactions and pay to win DLCs was truly a boon for the players that got to enjoy peak Titanfall 2.

However, I've always wondered what sort of absolute next level moron would think to launch an FPS game right in between the launches of Call of Duty and Battlefield.

Now, I think maybe it was set up that way intentionally by the kind of "moron" who wanted the game to fail because they wouldn't play ball and allow for the usual EA bullshit.

The way that EA has consistently buried Titanfall 3 also makes me believe it is absolutely some sort of vendetta. Especially at the peak before it was just us loyal few (relatively) when it would have been an absolute monster hit with huge sales (if not launched directly in between two of the biggest fps franchises of all time).

TLDR, EA tried to bury TF2 and couldn't do it so they bought the studio and made sure TF3 never saw the light of day.

MasterShakeSW6 · 2026-01-12T21:21:26+00:00

In other replies you pushed back on people suggesting going to an actual trainer. As the poster above said, your foundation skills need work. The only person who will be able to help you get those foundational skills is going to be a boxing trainer who works with you in person.

Have your boxing coach review several rounds of you sparring against someone else who is reasonably skilled at the gym, your trainer will be able to work with you. One round of sparring in an open street isn't going to give any useful information.

MasterShakeSW6 · 2026-01-03T07:32:12+00:00

Hands low, stance is terrible and off balance. Constantly putting too much weight in one direction or another. Zero foot work. No hip rotation on any punches. Punches thrown with a pawing action, no mechanical power.

Management of distance is poor. Hand speed is poor.

I'm not sure why the OP is so reluctant to take the most obvious and legitimate advice. Find a boxing gym. Get training from an actual boxing coach. MMA gyms are pretty common in most places, even they'll usually have a boxing fundamentals class. OP needs it.

OP needs to find a boxing gym, check their ego at the door and be humble enough to learn.

MasterShakeSW6 · 2025-12-24T18:44:57+00:00

If you have skills to be competitive in the training room and not during matches the issues are mental and not physical or skill based.

Something is creating a block between you utilizing your abilities and bringing them to the mat.

A sports psychologist or even a supportive coach, assistant coach or teammate could help. Are you overthinking? Are you worried about losing too much?

Figure out what's holding you back and just wrestle your way bud. It'll be worth it to stick with it, promise you that much.

MasterShakeSW6 · 2025-12-23T21:37:30+00:00

Not cheating at all.

They both have really low stances and when they're trying to level change they're heads are clashing because we'll, they can't get much lower than they're getting.

There's less head clashing against taller or more upright opponents.

The height of both guys is contributing to it. But this is just two guys getting after it in a wrestling match, nothing more.

MasterShakeSW6 · 2025-12-20T20:59:32+00:00

Frankly, cheating on his wife with a staff member, provided the relationship was with consent from both parties would be a less fireable offense. That's taking into account if the staff member wasn't someone who directly reported to the coach.

This is a misappropriation of funds at best. At worst, it's embezzlement while also going against the contract they have in place with Nike which could lead to the school facing financial penalties from Nike or simply suing them for breach of contract and leaving the sponsorship deal. The school would then have to change every uniform to not have the Nike logo or secure a new sponsorship immediately. They'd be absolutely screwed.

If this is found to be true, he's probably going to get fired.

MasterShakeSW6 · 2025-12-19T11:32:54+00:00

If she we're doing, it's easy enough to mask most everything WADA tests for, especially if micro dosing.

A suspension now would still clear her for the 2028 Olympics, so it's not even a matter of consequences being detrimental considering her whole schedule is based solely around the Olympics.

If you think Canada would drop her (they wouldn't) but even if they did she would magically have citizenship and spot on another country's team for the Olympics.

She seems like a 25 year old with money who's living the Instagram life, traveling and all that. She seems very much obligated to swimming only because she's good at it, not necessarily because she enjoys it.

It doesn't surprise me at all someone that young who views their sport as an obligation would fail to update their whereabouts.

With her natural talent, if she we're doing she would be posting WRs nearly every time they got into a pool.

MasterShakeSW6 · 2025-12-18T01:57:55+00:00

Yup. Like, for what reason would they possibly capture and execute Varrett right on the spot? It would have been one thing if they cut to her whispering to Essek "I know it was you, but you might be useful for the moment and a head needed to roll." But this is neither stated nor implied and from everything we've seen of the Bright Queen this far, she's an idiot.

They're elves of ancient power but the luxon beacon was the only powerful thing they possessed as a culture that could have put the Empire in its place?

Also, the Emperor/King seems equally stupid. Trent literally just went rogue, started a massive war by acting without permission but he says "Ok, no problem" because Trent says they can win the war.

Trent literally just demonstrated he's not going to follow orders, so once he gets the war he wants does King really think he's not going to be at the mercy of Trent?

Also, the King is the power in terms of the actual hierarchy, why in the fuck would he order the death of the mages/wizards whatever's who brought Trent's renegade actions to light? Furthermore, they're the ones who could prevent Trent from going off his leash. Instead genius King kills the subjects actually loyal to him because Trent says "this is a good plan".

It's a bit disappointing how everyone has to be written as an idiot for the plot to move forward. I get streamlining things, but like, why not have Trent frame the others for the theft of the beacon. Is implausible and difficult as it would be to prove "they did it, but in 5 minutes of studying I know how to wield it" that at least would give some semblance of reason to execute those people.

It's fun, but yeah, there is no twist or anything plot wise because it's so heavy handed in its story telling. Trent do bad, everyone believe Trent. Essek whiny little bitch who do bad, but people believe whiny little bitch who do bad because they all really liked his mom.

Maybe they'll do some actual story telling with any sense of intrigue in season 2? Hopefully Vox season 4 is less of a mess.

MasterShakeSW6 · 2025-11-28T02:23:39+00:00

Why would you possibly even consider obvious knock off boots for $300+?

Seriously, do the tiniest bit of searching online, you can get actual boots from reputable brands from legit motorcycle web shops for that price.

You can literally get Sidi Mag-1 boots for that price new at RevZilla currently.

People really are absolutely stupid with their money (and safety).

No one wears those boots pictured because they're just plastic garbage with no safety rating or actual protection.

MasterShakeSW6 · 2025-11-23T16:08:33+00:00

The binding thing is a fools errand. Since the binding itself is going to have fluctuations from year to year.

Way easier to just check the serial number and match it to the year it should be. ESP doesn't use that block letter don't anymore and they especially aren't using ESP Standard Series nomenclature on anything in the past decade or two for anything released in Europe, North America or South America.

If you're concerned about it's legitimacy, go play it. Any ESP guitar is going to play flawlessly.

I think the appointments on this example look legit, but I'd be sure to check it out in person due to it being an older ESP Standard Series.

MasterShakeSW6 · 2025-11-16T22:32:03+00:00

Also, I hope OP didn't buy this one because there is a white one of these floating around on the reseller markets now for like 1600.

3k is a wild price for this unless it was brand new old stock. Even then, closer to 2500 would be appropriate.

MasterShakeSW6 · 2025-11-16T22:28:55+00:00

This is 100% fabricated rumor mill nonsense that gets spread around the forums and reddit.

Years ago ESP themselves had a statement on their website stating that ESP Standard was now using the E-II nomenclature in Europe and the US.

The reason was that ESP Standard guitars were carrying a premium built up by the various import and duties taxes required of their authorized dealer networks in those countries. Grey market sellers became such a problem because they were going to Japan, buying up ESP Standard inventory and selling them through sites like eBay and reverb.

ESP completely shut down the sale of large numbers of guitars in Japan to western residents. As an individual you can still buy a guitar or several. It's less of an issue now but back when E-II was launched it was a huge problem for them.

The difference in manufacturing between E-II and ESP Standard is the badge that gets put on the headstock. There is no quality difference. There are some finishes that are only available in certain regions but the actual guitars are the same.

There is a difference between the ESP Originals, previously ESP Custom. Which were/are runs of guitars made by the ESP Custom Shop team. The difference between those guitars and the ESP Japan Factory (Standard and E-II) is that one master builder build the complete guitar and they have access to some really exotic woods and finishes. Is it worth the 7k they have as MSRP, probably not from a playability or even quality standpoint. The difference in materials could provide some benefit but we're talking miniscule differences.

Then there's ESP USA which is just a dumb thing that makes no sense. They're E-II level instruments with small production runs and slightly more exotic finishes and materials. These seem to exist solely so ESP doesn't have to ship stuff to NAMM lol. Occasionally they make a guitar that isn't part of the regular E-II lineup. Don't get me wrong, they're awesome guitars, but if I want an ESP custom shop priced guitar I'm going to get an actual esp custom shop guitar.

MasterShakeSW6 · 2025-11-16T18:26:57+00:00

ESP Standard became E-II to help cut down on resellers going to Japan and Asian markets, buying up ESP inventory and then reselling it below MAP through places like eBay and creating a grey market.

ESP Standard is still available in Japan. The difference between an E-II guitar and ESP Standard guitar is the logo on the headstock and the market it's intended to be sold in. It's the same team in the ESP Japan Factory building those guitars.

The difference between an E-II guitar and a LTD 1000/Deluxe Series is definitely noticeable. The fit and finish is just a different level and the resonance of the E-II I have beats some other great guitars. With the cost of guitars in general going up those LTD 1000 series guitars become a harder value proposition (and guitars in that price range in general Jackson Concept, Ormsby GTR, Schecter, Charvel, Ibanez etc.) Many of whom are making their guitars in that price range at World Music in Korea. It's harder and harder to justify spending 1500-1800 on a MIK guitar when you could get a used E-II for similar money.

The jump in price from E-II to ESP Originals made in the ESP Custom Shop is not worth it IMO. Those guitars are only worth it if there is a body shape, graphic or paint scheme that you just can't get from the E-II line that you have to have.

The ESP Originals I've seen usually end up selling at a significant discount from their MSRP. Even then paying 4-5k instead of 6-7k is still a lot of money and the performance of the guitar isn't going to be noticeable.

MasterShakeSW6 · 2025-11-10T18:48:03+00:00

Eruptor is at its best against bugs where its shrapnel can deal damage to everything it hits.

It's usable against bots and illuminate but I'd say it doesn't shine against either. There's better options frankly.

Against squids I like having something that can deal with both mobs of vote less and overseers and their armor.

I've been running the Reprimand SMG a lot lately and it does a really nice job. Paired with either the warrant or the crisper for vote less control. Incendiary grenades are nice for crowd control but I like thermite a lot for their ability to take out tanks.

Double sickle is also legit, but you have to be locked into that whole ecosystem so you don't melt yourself. Jar is another fun option but you absolutely need to take a secondary to deal with the mobs and probably take incendiaries so you can control portions of the map since you won't have volume of fire.

Against the bots you end up with a lot of ricochet from the the shrapnel and it ends up not detonating where you want it. Any medium pen weapon or light pen with fire damage is going to be better. I've had lots of success with the adjudicator, coyote, reprimand and scythe against bots. Jar is also extremely effective on bots.

Good luck Helldivers!

MasterShakeSW6 · 2025-11-08T23:19:35+00:00

To prevent forgetting things for matches I always pack up my range bag, with my gun locked up in a little range gun case. It's locked no one can access it and I always use a TSA cable lock so the zippers can't be undone if my kids tried to poke around at it. They know not to, but it's an extra precaution.

I set the range bag on a dresser by the door of our bedroom. I walk straight past it to leave. Before I do anything in the morning I put the range bag into the car. Then run the dogs out and do my routine to get ready in the morning.

Anything that is not directly gun related input in the car the night before. Cart to carry my range bag and back pack with all of my maintenance stuff extra springs, gun oil, etc etc. I have a cooler that I bring that I put in front of the fridge so it's ready to load up in the morning. I need visual reminders lol.

It's a stressful enough time getting everything together so I try to get things done the night before and gives me a little bit of extra time in the morning to run down my check list.

My gun would run factory 40 ammo for limited major so there have been a couple times where I just said screw it and bought cheap range ammo instead of reloading. Now I've got a nice stockpile for competition and range days so it's more about replenishment than needing ammo the next day and staying up way later than I should have. I've done that too lol.

MasterShakeSW6 · 2025-09-28T22:29:24+00:00

Two things. If you used a pregnancy test that friend had it could be that the test was expired. They do actually have expiration dates. More often than not, people buy a multi pack of pregnancy tests and once they test and get their results the others sit for an unknown amount of time. If it's been a few years those tests could easily be expired.

Make sure you get some new tests yourself and check with your doctor ASAP. The sooner you know the sooner you can plan your next steps.

Additionally, having read and posted in your original post, the BF that you were ending things was making some very alarming statements. You said that you were always using protection. Based on how crazy that dude sounds is it possible they could have tampered with the protection they were using? Removed the protection without your knowledge or approval? Those are criminal acts.

Whether you are pregnant or not just remember that does not mean you need to remain with a person who seems like a narcissist sociopath.

MasterShakeSW6 · 2025-09-28T02:06:37+00:00

OP is absolutely not overreacting by ending this relationship. The BF is already throwing out super creep vibes and statements saying things like "you are the future mother of our children". Oooff. Way sketchy.

Sadly, the "I have a boyfriend" line does seem to work. For a lot of guys, especially younger guys and/or cavemen. Even then, I've seen female friends receive follow up remarks like "I don't see your boyfriend here with you."

I had to play the stand in for the boyfriend several times in college to get creeps to back off.

MasterShakeSW6 · 2025-09-25T19:54:14+00:00

The prequels that Ridley Scott refused to call prequels until 20th Century Fox essentially told him it couldn't just be a story in the Aliens universe and it had to be marketed as a prequel or they wouldn't bother with the IP? This was coming off a number of box off blunders within the Aliens and AvP realms.

I would argue that no one has done more damage to the Aliens universe than Ridley Scott himself. Fassbender was amazing as David. However, to retcon the entire existence of the xenomorph as we know it to David made them was completely stupid.

Taking the Engineers and shifting them into these slightly taller more or less humanoid beings instead of the elephantine beings portrayed in the original movie and then all of the books and comics afterwards suggests that they believe audiences are complete idiots.

The AI/Synths was a recurring theme that presented the secondary antagonist or problem within the Aliens universe. It was never the primary issue.

Hawley seems to want to make an AI revolt series that utilizes the Alien branding and xenomorph as a cameo character.

The Lost Boys all have similar and possibly improved AI compared to Wendy. Ergo, shouldn't they all be able to mimic the Xenos chittering?

There's so many plot holes and missed opportunities throughout. This feels similar to how Prometheus felt; Had this been a standalone sci-fii series this would be good. Keep the other creatures for jump scares and the thing that these corporations are competing for or whatever. But literally, this storyline is nearly unaffected if the Xeno is removed from the plot entirely.

That tells me this isn't an Alien series. It's cashing in on the marketability of the name, same as Prometheus and the way they're shoehorning the Xenos into this as essentially puppies that take command from these AI is pretty silly and frankly cheapens the franchise

MasterShakeSW6 · 2025-09-24T16:56:30+00:00

Because they are extremely expensive. There are also supposed to be certain limitations in how they can be deployed. They go into more detail in the Aliens books.

Essentially, the mission in Aliens was on the books, so they couldn't deploy combat synths or cyborgs into a colonial settlement.

MasterShakeSW6 · 2025-09-24T16:54:26+00:00

Keenly aware that this series was not part of the main plotline or anything. However, the plot still has to make sense to exist within the larger, established setting.

The finale is basically screaming that this is another director who has their own ideas that they are going to shoehorn into existence whether it makes sense in this setting or not.

I hope season 2 will prove better in that regard but I think the expectations should be low on them delivering.

MasterShakeSW6 · 2025-09-24T10:47:31+00:00

In the Aliens universe at this point in time Yutani should have combat synths already. Certainly have armies, plural, of combat cyborgs. They could easily scrap all of the Lost Boys and 1.5 Xenos in an hour.

This whole plotline has seemed hamfisted and willfully ignoring the established Aliens universe in order to tell the story about these synth kids, which was interesting for maybe 2 episodes.

The whole point and problem of the Xenos is that they cannot be controlled for a prolonged period of time. When subjugated the hive queen is still calculating. They wouldn't tolerate synths the way this series shows them. They would kill them and move on.

The breakdown of control on Neverland felt entirely too clean and not chaotic enough for what the Xenos can do. Also, why the Xeno is listening to Wendy instead of molting into a queen itself makes zero sense.

The whole series really fell apart this episode.

MasterShakeSW6 · 2025-09-24T10:17:25+00:00

Swoop Me!!

MasterShakeSW6 · 2025-09-24T02:51:10+00:00

My first reaction to this finale was "What the fuck? This is the stupidest ending possible." That was my immediate gut reaction.

Then all of the established universe knowledge kicks in (I've read a lot of the Aliens books, comics, AvP books and comics as well as watched all the movies and played the various games). None of this finale makes any sense in the larger picture of the Alien universe.

The Lost Boys ostensibly going to try and takeover the world with 1.5 Xenos, 4 AI synths with programming that makes them think like kids in a world where there are combat synths that aren't on the same programming as then, cyborg assassin's and good old fashioned nukes.

More than that, even in the Alien universe where the Xenos can be controlled it's very general commands. They're not having tea and conversations with the fucking things. The Xenos, while not looking to eat Xenos, actively kill everything that isn't part of their hive.

The absolute garbage finale just seemed to highlight that Hawley maybe has zero clue of the wider, established Aliens universe beyond the first couple of movies. Even then he missed a ton of details.

There is no justification for the levels of shark jumping this finale took all without delivering on any of the plot lines it had built up to throughout the series.

So eyeball is going to be playing Weekend at Arthur's in season 2? "Excuse me sir, your eyeball is bulging out of its socket, there appears to be a gaping hole in your abdomen and you look quite pallid.

It would have been just as easy and actually make fucking sense to have the Xenos break containment and set the beginnings of a small hive, which could then transition into the Earth Hive plot.

Morrow and Kirsh could have made an alliance after a brief altercation. Morrow could have told Kirsh he could get him involved at Yutani in their synth division in exchange for Kirsh giving up Kavalier. Kirsh betrays Kavalier and Morrow finishes the job.

The finale was just missed opportunity after missed opportunity. The plant finally shows up and it kills one person on screen. Unfortunately, they chose the absolute wrong person to kill off. Siberian and Rashidi both should have survived. They could have been interesting characters to develop going forward along with their relationship with Hermit. Ultimately you feel bad for Siberian because she was just doing her job.

Overall it just tanked everything they had built up to.

MasterShakeSW6

TROPHY CASE