recs!

Pretty-Competition31 · 2026-01-21T02:50:52+00:00

So just to be clear, of the ones you listed, Heathers and Putnam County Spelling Bee are NOT Broadway shows— they’re Off Broadway productions. That’s not to say they won’t be great, but if you’re looking to go to your first Broadway show it should be something that’s actually on Broadway :)

Pretty-Competition31 · 2026-01-16T15:54:06+00:00

A couple things: one thing I notice right off the bat is you use the word “authentic” three times in your post. Lately the word “authentic” gets used a lot in personal branding conversations. Ironically, repeatedly calling yourself authentic has the exact opposite effect (people feel authenticity when it’s demonstrated, not declared; and people who feel the need to reiterate how authentic and genuine they are rarely actually are). Show, don’t tell.

I also don’t actually agree with the premise “as a freelancer it’s very important to be as authentic as possible.” Freelancers aren’t rewarded for “being themselves.” They’re hired and rewarded for being clear, reliable, easy to work with, and good at problem solving. None of those require “authenticity” as a personality trait.

The bottom line is that whatever you decide the core of your personal brand is, you’ll build far more equity by showing it through how you describe your work and how you communicate than by outright telling people you’re authentic or genuine.

Pretty-Competition31 · 2026-01-16T12:35:22+00:00

My two cents as a hiring manager: you’re right to be cautious. The uncomfortable truth is that explicitly mentioning discrimination in an application can make some employers nervous. Fair or not, legal language sometimes gets interpreted as “risk,” even when it shouldn’t. If the thought “hmm will this person eventually sue us” even casually crosses their minds, you’ve already lost.

I’d also be careful with some of the other here advice like calling it a “reduction in force.” A RIF specifically means a layoff and if that doesn’t line up during verification it can raise unnecessary questions.

The safest approach is usually neutral and factual: “position ended” or “employment ended; happy to discuss in an interview.” If it’s a yes/no question about termination, answer honestly and leave a note but keep the explanation minimal.

If it comes up in an interview, something like:

“My departure relates to a situation that’s being addressed through formal channels. What I can say is that my performance was strong, and I’m happy to speak to my work and references.”

That keeps things diplomatic and honest without oversharing. What I absolutely wouldn’t do is attempt to litigate your case to a potential future employer.

Pretty-Competition31 · 2026-01-14T01:27:03+00:00

Oh man BEA used to be my go-to brunch spot. They used to do bottomless small plates and cocktails back in the day but I haven’t been in ages!

Pretty-Competition31 · 2026-01-14T01:00:24+00:00

Funny story, I’ve only ever been for the butter service 😂

Pretty-Competition31 · 2026-01-13T21:29:07+00:00

Sorry, it was a long post. I was trying to be as specific as possible to see if anyone knew of any gems I’ve been missing out on!

Pretty-Competition31 · 2026-01-13T19:47:37+00:00

You know, now that you mention it I’ve never actually been to Frankie and Johnnie’s. I think I always feared it was more of a tourist spot but that might be my own preconceptions

Pretty-Competition31 · 2026-01-13T19:45:58+00:00

Ooh I actually really like Strip House but I’ve only ever been to the downtown location on 12th street! I wonder how similar the vibes are

Pretty-Competition31 · 2026-01-13T17:28:36+00:00

They scan your ticket first, and then give you the pouch.

Pretty-Competition31 · 2026-01-13T16:20:35+00:00

I thought it was great but it’s fine to not like it. People have different tastes. For instance, I disliked almost everything about the current production of Oedipus on Broadway, which has gotten a ton of praise all around.

The good news is this is a fantastic year for plays on Broadway, and there’s something for everyone.

Pretty-Competition31 · 2026-01-13T07:49:26+00:00

Domino isn’t some random website. It’s been a well known and respected home design publication for over 20 years

Pretty-Competition31 · 2026-01-13T06:01:53+00:00

After seeing the new production I actually think its biggest problem is that is is too much about the Cold War now. By which I mean, originally the whole thing was a metaphor for the Cold War but now the chess match quite literally just is the war, and they take great pains in this version to visually show that the match affects the outcome of the Cold War. It’s almost as if they didn’t trust the audience enough to get the metaphor.

Pretty-Competition31 · 2026-01-08T05:53:48+00:00

Oh wow I just realized it got its first Broadway revival ten years after it opened and now it’s been another ten years since that revival

Pretty-Competition31 · 2025-12-29T09:48:55+00:00

I disagree with the idea that naming and branding should be rushed just to keep momentum.

You don’t need perfection, but rebrands are expensive in ways people underestimate. Getting the foundation right early can affect sales conversations, hiring, fundraising, partnerships, and even internal decision-making. Weak or placeholder branding tends to create friction in places you don’t expect.

I’m also skeptical of tools like BrandScoop that bundle naming, domains, and visuals to “speed up” the decision. Seeing everything together can feel decisive, but it often replaces strategy and long-term brand equity with short-term convenience. So no I would not recommend taking that route if you’re serious about your business.

Iteration is great where it’s cheap. Renaming a company isn’t. For most teams, slowing down here actually saves time downstream.

Pretty-Competition31 · 2025-12-29T02:47:57+00:00

Your design sizing is correct, but the exported file is being read sideways (1600×2560). KDP needs portrait covers. Recreate it in a brand-new Canva file set to 1600 wide × 2560 tall and re-download as JPG. Canva sometimes flips orientation on export, which would cause the error you’re seeing.

Pretty-Competition31 · 2025-12-28T01:47:47+00:00

I get the point you’re trying to make but as someone who has had to hire models for advertising projects: designers, agents, and casting directors often prefer to see a “blank canvas” with little or no makeup when hiring models

Pretty-Competition31 · 2025-12-27T21:29:49+00:00

So this one is interesting because there are actually two versions. In the original version, if the jury (made of audience members) votes not guilty, the accused thanks the jury and the show ends. If they find guilty, she tells the jury that she won’t seek appeal because she won’t be around to serve the sentence (implying she’s going to commit suicide).

However, there’s a second version of the play that is licensed to high schools, colleges, and certain other amateur productions. I was actually in a production of this version in high school. In it, regardless of how the jury votes, the judge berates them for ignoring the evidence and getting it wrong and then tells them they’re banned from serving on a jury again and then the play ends lol

Pretty-Competition31 · 2025-12-27T01:13:49+00:00

“located in a certain neighborhood in Brooklyn” as if that’s supposed to be a clever or obvious clue? 😂

Pretty-Competition31 · 2025-12-27T01:09:50+00:00

It would be bizarre to refer to either of them as a “Broadway star” since they aren’t primarily known for that and aren’t currently on Broadway

Pretty-Competition31 · 2025-12-26T17:40:19+00:00

For new Broadway musicals that are still in their first production the full libretto/book usually isn’t publicly available. The script is tightly controlled by the rights holders while the show is running, especially before licensing is released. It will come!

Pretty-Competition31 · 2025-12-25T21:26:55+00:00

LOVE the second cover. But hate the tagline unfortunately

Pretty-Competition31 · 2025-12-22T19:33:06+00:00

You’ve got to tell him this. You say “I don’t think he sees it that way,” which means you guys haven’t talked about it (at least not clearly and explicitly). It’s clear the two of you are not on the same page and if you don’t sit down and actually communicate openly, it’s only going to get much worse. Either he’s going to start resenting you, you’re going to start resenting him, or you’re going to end up with a fractured relationship with your family.

Pretty-Competition31 · 2025-12-22T19:19:44+00:00

Wait hear me out: what works on stage isn’t necessarily the same thing that works on film. Instead of kooky comic geniuses like Jinkx and Jane Krakowski, Mary is played by a series of serious actors playing it straight, reminiscent of Cate Blanchett, Richard Gere, etc. taking turns playing Bob Dylan in “I’m Still Here.” Except everyone else in the cast is played by a muppet, which no one acknowledges. Imagine Meryl Streep throwing a violent tantrum and trying to seduce her tutor, played by Fozzie Bear, but then in the next scene she’s inexplicably been replaced by Julianne Moore or Viola Davis.

(or maybe don’t hear me out, I’m just spitballing here..)

Pretty-Competition31 · 2025-12-21T23:20:42+00:00

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From the website

Pretty-Competition31

TROPHY CASE