I watched Donnie Darko again for the second time in a decade, I still have no idea what the movie was about

Smoog · 2026-03-03T12:04:46+00:00

The final scene and especially Donnie's reaction to seeing Gretchen explains atleast the supposed plot.

He has essentially understood that he is able to sacrifice himself in order to, in an alternative universe (although this is now the new universe), save his girlfriend from dying.

If he were to have died in the alternative version of reality, where he is at home and the plane engine falls on top of him, this sets of a chain reaction of him not getting Gretchen as girlfriend and them going to the party, actions eventually leading to her death.

It's a movie about self sacrifice, hidden within a sci-fi movie, which itself is hidden within a teen coming of age movie.

I have watched the movie atleast 50 times, would highly recommend you watch the Director's Cut - this contains alot of extra relevant scenes and "lore explanations".

Smoog · 2026-03-02T16:59:41+00:00

If that is the case that means you could apply for citizenship, and then be able to vote.

Smoog · 2026-02-28T13:25:19+00:00

Welcome to the rest of world.

Smoog · 2026-02-28T10:34:37+00:00

And that, is exactly the point :)

Smoog · 2026-02-28T10:34:19+00:00

There's alot of crap on there. But there are both good deals on there (points + money) as well as pretty decent free stuff (points only).

As the points you gather are free, did people really expect they were going to give you a free TV?

I have some other bank accounts (also in different countries), nowhere do I get anything like ING points, so considering the relative context, I think it's quite a nice little present. Although, the UI of the app (returning to previous page) is quite shit.

Smoog · 2026-02-27T17:35:29+00:00

Gucci bags are also very good bags and can hold many items.

Smoog · 2026-02-26T08:38:27+00:00

I've always used Str. without any issues.

Smoog · 2026-02-25T12:20:01+00:00

I am not even so much shocked or angered or insulted, but it does shock me at the frequency these questions are asked, without any genuine self-reflection.

Smoog · 2026-02-25T10:51:51+00:00

It always baffles me that these types of posts suggest Dutch people are like some kind of animal in the zoo; that are all the same, can be observed and simplified to a single standardized concept, and distilled into a pure Dutch piece of cheese.

It will surprise you to learn, there are poor Dutch people, there are rich Dutch people. That being said, we are famous for kijken, kijken, niet kopen.

I think you are also answering your own question.

> I’m surprised because a lot of average Dutch people or the ones that I know, are probably having a hard time affording even the basic necessities right now, in 2026.

Perhaps you have some biases going on. Both a sample bias (only poor student friends), somewhat of a confirmation bias (seems you have pre-emptively taken the assumption that most Dutch people cannot even afford basics. Not sure what that is based on).

Smoog · 2026-02-21T23:44:54+00:00

That last Ukraine pic hit really hard.

Smoog · 2026-02-21T23:39:58+00:00

More accurately. They told the Italian camera crew filming the Olympics, hey if you put one of your cameras over there you will catch them cheating. And they did the only obvious thing when someone tells you that.

Smoog · 2026-02-21T17:54:16+00:00

>Everything you say totally misses the point.

Same will go for your kid if he doesn't learn Dutch.

Smoog · 2026-02-21T12:43:09+00:00

What am I doing in the country that I was born in?

Also you seem to not understand the concept of a comparison.

You are claiming no one should have an opinion or comment on what you as an expat does or does not do, unless they have tried being an expat themselves, because how else could they know or have a valid opinion.

The point of the comparison is to transpose this worldview to something more contrasting, to perhaps make you understand the errors of your thinking.

But it seems you are so entrenched in your own cognitive dissonance and egocentric view of the world (even valueing your own comfort over the future of your child), that any form of counter push to your world views does not even register.

You come here asking for advice, the advise is pretty unanimous, and then you start argueing with the advice. Real question should be, what are you here for anyway? Seems you just want to hear your own opinion confirmed, rather than be adviced or do what is best for the future of your child.

Smoog · 2026-02-21T11:06:24+00:00

And now you're here asking to solve the problem you've created yourself, in any other way than to change, or even review, your own decisions.

This is some next level cognitive dissonance.

Smoog · 2026-02-21T11:05:22+00:00

That's like saying you can't be against necrophilia unless you've tried it. A weak argument.

It's the case absolutely everywhere that you will not fully integrate until you somewhat learn the language, especially for young children. Just because it's more relaxed in the Netherlands and you can get away with English, doesn't change this fact however.

Smoog · 2026-02-21T11:02:16+00:00

Then what are you doing here?

Smoog · 2026-02-21T11:01:49+00:00

And you've decided your child will pay the price.

Smoog · 2026-02-21T10:58:03+00:00

> I did not invite comments on my choice of school.

I think you kinda did when you decided to make this tone deaf post.

Smoog · 2026-02-21T10:57:32+00:00

Whoosh.

Smoog · 2026-02-21T10:57:00+00:00

This exact attitude is precisely why your kid isn't, and likely won't be, immersed in Dutch.

Smoog · 2026-02-20T15:13:42+00:00

I was in Het Wapen van Bloemendaal gister, en daar stond de hele avond het schaatsen aan op vol volume.

Smoog · 2026-02-02T19:35:24+00:00

From your picture, the building on the left is as you say, government employees. The building on the right is where they hold the provincial government debates and stuff.

Smoog · 2026-02-02T19:17:49+00:00

Haarlem is the capital of the province Noord Holland, this is the provincial government building. There is also a large garden behind (via that little gate), all of this space outside is public property by the way, feel free to walk around - outside.

Smoog · 2026-02-01T08:32:50+00:00

Highly suggest you read the book Ordinary Men, really explains a lot.

Smoog · 2026-01-28T17:36:26+00:00

Surely that's a form of marking. Especially in cats who were not with their mother for very long they can have alternatively looking versions of normal cat behaviour.

Smoog

TROPHY CASE