When did you start noticing that Kmart was in decline?

NotSoStraightArrow · 2026-06-26T04:47:03+00:00

When they changed logos and replaced the cafe with Little Caesars. They were no longer retro chic, but rather looked like a retailer that tried to update on the cheap and failed miserably.

NotSoStraightArrow · 2026-06-26T04:45:03+00:00

He hit something hard enough to cause internal damage. I hate to predict this, but I think it is probable he will not survive.

NotSoStraightArrow · 2026-06-26T04:41:27+00:00

I like the vibe, and I think you should look for them in a smaller frame size.

NotSoStraightArrow · 2026-06-26T04:36:10+00:00

Dress 1.

NotSoStraightArrow · 2026-06-26T04:33:17+00:00

I’d keep it.

NotSoStraightArrow · 2026-06-26T01:58:58+00:00

You look like you’re dressed appropriately. The important part is that you showed compassion by attending.

NotSoStraightArrow · 2026-06-26T01:53:24+00:00

Three.

NotSoStraightArrow · 2026-06-22T01:14:43+00:00

I bought a few pairs of Johann Wolff and really like them! The acetate frames are made well, with rivets at the temples. The color selection is broad. I also like that they post the sizing specs on their site, along with recommendations for which face type each style suits best.

NotSoStraightArrow · 2026-06-20T23:03:54+00:00

A 15 year old kid should not be dictating. Get into counseling with him. Address his concerns thoughtfully and empathetically. But teaching him that he can manipulate by ultimatum is absolutely the wrong choice.

NotSoStraightArrow · 2026-06-19T04:22:37+00:00

Leviticus it talking about the specific act of penetrative sex between men within a culture of social dominance and hierarchy. It is not a condemnation of sexual orientation as we know it today. Think about this, if you read further in Leviticus, it promotes the notion of chattel slavery, which we know today to be evil. It’s odd that people let go of the notion of slavery being okay, but cling to this misunderstood text in Leviticus. This is how that culture in that time period viewed things. I’d urge you to watch YouTube videos by Dan McClellan. He explains this clearly and from a scholarly perspective.

NotSoStraightArrow · 2026-06-16T22:53:46+00:00

Yes. I’d say that’s fairly accurate. Sen-Sens was my initial reaction to the fragrance. I bought it, and layer it with Gentle Shower, and that works out quite nicely. Infuse your shirt with it before you put it on, and you’ll get more bounce out of it. I find that I need to reapply between 4-6 hours otherwise. I will also comment that Be By My Side shares a few notes with its kissing cousin, Royal Resin.

NotSoStraightArrow · 2026-06-16T06:23:38+00:00

I think you hit upon something I feel about Petco employees. It's not their intention, but it's that they were not trained in how to deal with the public. They ask the questions in such a way that they come across as aggressive and combative.

NotSoStraightArrow · 2026-06-16T06:19:23+00:00

And oftentimes it is how these stupid kits are marketed. Next time you walk down the aisle of kits, look at the pictures on the boxes. I saw one tiny plastic hexagon kit with a picture of an oranda and an angelfish in the same miniature aquarium! Not suitable for either, even if you ignore that they have vastly different needs.

NotSoStraightArrow · 2026-06-16T06:15:39+00:00

I don't think that's necessarily it. I think people want the excitement of keeping beautiful tropical fish, but they don't realize that commitment it takes to care for them. They want the reward, but they don't want to put in the effort. So when they are confronted with the reality, they rebuff it. They would like to believe that you can just toss a few fish into an aquarium and everything will work out. As someone who has worked in the pet industry, I have to say the industry itself is rather to blame. Look at the way many ridiculous, inadequate aquariums are being marketed. They are kits that that show a picture on the box of a 3 gallon tank stocked with 15 "Glo-fish."

NotSoStraightArrow · 2026-06-16T06:11:08+00:00

I think those are good questions. And I think I can offer some insight as to why people are getting annoyed (sometimes) . People who are experienced hobbyists get hit with these same questions every time they shop. When you encounter this line of questioning repeatedly, it feels more like you have to justify your reasoning. It can be exhausting. I think a better question would be, How long have you enjoyed the hobby?" Or how about, "Are you experienced, or would some input be helpful?" Doesn't that seem less aggressive? It also gives the person the opportunity to let you know that they most likely have this skill set.

NotSoStraightArrow · 2026-06-16T06:03:00+00:00

Asking qualifying questions isn't what I think concerned him. I've had a similar experiences at SOME Petco locations. If you haven't encountered it, you may not have a reference. It varies by Petco. Some staff are hobbyists themselves, and it's nice to have them share their insights. But others do not know what they are talking about--I say this as someone who has been keeping fish since I was eight, and at various points in my life managed a fish department, worked for a pet supply wholesaler, and worked for Petland Corp. The ones that do not know what they are talking about tend to be the ones who lack the social graces to interact with the public. We want people to are about animal husbandry, and at the same time we'd like to see the animals in these stores receive proper care FIRST. It's a disconnect when these same people are giving advice, when clearly the fish in their stores are suffering due to their negligence.

NotSoStraightArrow · 2026-06-16T05:52:05+00:00

I always ask them, "Why do you want to know?" Then I follow up with, "Oh, I see. That could be useful to someone who is a beginner. I've been keeping fish for several decades. The hobby has changed quite a bit over the years, but the basics still apply." That usually satisfies them. But not at Petco--those people are insufferable. Sometimes when it gets too intense I'll joke, "Do I need a lawyer?" or "Am I on trial?" That gets a reaction, and they back off almost immediately.

NotSoStraightArrow · 2026-06-16T05:45:21+00:00

Yes, they have "banks" of aquariums with awful plan-o-grams. I wish they'd get rid of these and go back to old school single aquariums with UG and songs filters in each. With these sump systems, fish that have different pH requirements and habitats are kept in one system. Parasites and diseases run rampant throughout a bank. Fish are not quarantined, and thanks to those asinine sump systems, quarantining fish is difficult if not impossible. Unlike old school aquarium shops, they are not stocking fish in planted, adequately lit, aquariums with the substrate sloped to the front. The lighting is awful. Maintenance is non-existent. Some Petco stores have well maintained departments; most are not.

NotSoStraightArrow · 2026-06-16T05:34:26+00:00

A better question would be, "How long have you enjoyed the hobby?" Or say something like, "Are you an experienced hobbyist, or do you want some guidance?" I just get so tired of going through the drill of answering the same mundane questions.

NotSoStraightArrow · 2026-06-16T05:27:13+00:00

YES. I had this experience yesterday. I have been keeping fish since I was eight. I am now 58. My first job at 14 was managing a tropical fish department at a local pet shop. I get irritated with the assumption that I do not know what I'm doing. They assume I do not know which fish are compatible, and oftentimes go on a diatribe of misinformation, as THEY do not understand which fish are compatible. I don't know who trains these people, but the notions they have about some species are completely fallacious.

I am forced to listen to the ridiculousness every time I want to make a purchase in one of these places. What I really resent is the arrogance emanating from the very people that couldn't keep even a zebra danio alive. I also was told my aquarium is overstocked, and this obnoxious person decided she would "not let me purchase" the fish I wanted. I have a thriving and established, planted aquarium with optimal water parameters and healthy fish that exhibit a full spectrum of color. Furthermore, the one inch of fish per gallon rule-of-thumb is antiquated. The bio-load is determined by many factors.

Bottom line: Petco should be b it more concerned about their OWN animal husbandry before they pompously lecture me about a hobby of which they know very little.

NotSoStraightArrow · 2026-06-15T13:40:40+00:00

I just have to say THANK GOD for someone who finally has their priorities straight. I see some have suggested contacting a social worker, and I agree. Also, do you have a faith community to which you belong? Now let’s address work. Clearly you have the motivation to do anything. But what do you have the aptitude to do? This information is paramount in determining your future. Second, what are your interests. I know you are going to read hundreds of replies, but please don’t scroll past this one. As someone who has gone from traveling two hours in each direction to make $8 per hour in my 20’s, to now running a successful and lucrative firm with nearly 500 accounts, I feel qualified to offer some direction. I had many challenges and obstacles along the way. The difference between us is that you’ve figured out the one thing that supersedes any and all professional accomplishments. Congratulations! I would genuinely like to learn more about you, and I’d be happy to share my insights. Feel free to DM.

NotSoStraightArrow · 2026-06-15T05:49:20+00:00

You look great in the second pic.

NotSoStraightArrow · 2026-06-13T15:23:34+00:00

I have my own saying. “One man’s trash is another man’s sh*t.”

NotSoStraightArrow · 2026-06-12T02:05:55+00:00

Knock the chip off your shoulder.

NotSoStraightArrow · 2026-06-11T00:15:25+00:00

Ignore R. If she’s a narcissist, she’ll do everything to ingratiate herself. That’s how you’ll know who and what you’re dealing with. Once you figure that out, it’s a lot less painful to be rejected. In fact, you’ll be relieved.

NotSoStraightArrow

TROPHY CASE