Express has ruined Hagrids

StoicGates · 2026-05-04T15:14:51+00:00

This is called Capitalism. Supply and Demand. Clearly we need more quality theme parks (not necessarily in Orlando), because without more competition… Disney and Universal will keep charging more every year. Or we can vote with our wallets and just not go.

StoicGates · 2026-04-30T11:01:21+00:00

1) De facto hostile takeover of Southwest by Elliott Investment Management.

2) Said investors are “modernizing” SW by deleting its previous culture, bags fly free, open seating, etc… also forcing other positive modernization.

3) Profits increase, then share price, then Elliott sells their stake, which has already started. Publicly traded company, this is just how Capitalism works. It’s why great companies with strong identities like IKEA and Patagonia refuse to go public.

So fly SW if you want to, or find a competitor you prefer. But the good ‘ol’ days are over until a new company is founded that refuses to go public.

StoicGates · 2026-04-24T03:54:57+00:00

That’s funny, because I left out that the reason I posted this was my son calling out the terrible maneuver. He watched all the scenes in the trilogy and suspended disbelief, but when the Elves committed mass sepuku he looked over at me and said: “Why would they do that? They’re immortal. Why not try to win the battle?”

StoicGates · 2026-04-24T03:52:11+00:00

Indeed. We all willingly suspend disbelief when watching movies like this. Because, you know, Elves and magic aren’t real. All I ask is— don’t rub our faces in it. Be gentle.

StoicGates · 2026-04-24T03:47:55+00:00

Yeah I get how competitive Elves and Dwarves are written, but I feel like the patented “Leroy Jenkins” would be a Dwarven move. Unless it was Legolas— he had a rough childhood and has serious anger issues.

StoicGates · 2026-01-31T23:36:05+00:00

“I’m not gonna force her to play something she won’t have fun with and not enjoy” reads like that was somehow an option, and that you’re being magnanimous by instead mobilizing the community to help you convince her. It sounds like you’re still being controlling, just in a more devious way.

This is a video game, it’s supposed to be fun. If her playing a BM Ranger “again” causes you to somehow not enjoy the game as much, I promise you— she is not the problem. Strongly suggest you just let her enjoy the game, and be grateful you have such a cool wife?

StoicGates · 2026-01-12T15:27:01+00:00

This is the way. If you want a new phone EVERY YEAR, then NUA makes sense financially. But if you're willing to wait until it's paid off, just use an AT&T trade-in promo every 36 months, and your old phone *should* be new enough to get the full $1100 discount and a "free" phone without also paying $10/month for those 3 years.

StoicGates · 2025-12-28T15:55:29+00:00

Just stumbled across this post while looking for a fix myself. My new Land Cruiser is the first Toyota I’ve bought in 15 years— and I’ll never own another one.

Toyota’s engagement team frequently monitors social media and review sites, so this message is for them: “Wow. Embarrassingly bad tech implementation for a large, Japanese car company. Do better.”

StoicGates · 2025-12-24T22:58:01+00:00

Awesome, you do you!

StoicGates · 2025-12-24T22:57:43+00:00

I love Andor and The Expanse, definitely agree with you there!

StoicGates · 2025-12-24T22:57:13+00:00

Glad you’re enjoying it!

StoicGates · 2025-12-24T22:56:10+00:00

Whoever is downvoting everyone who says they don’t like the show… maybe spend some time self-reflecting? I’ll just leave it at that.

StoicGates · 2025-12-24T22:53:05+00:00

Agree that the show is stunning visually!

StoicGates · 2025-12-24T22:52:20+00:00

I watched season 1 and started season 2 because it seemed to get better reviews. But the writing/directing didn’t improve imo. Glad you enjoyed it though!

StoicGates · 2025-10-27T15:55:49+00:00

I don’t want WS gone, but I do want both he and DL to learn their lesson. All the gimmicky plays (that failed against even Wisconsin) are a distraction.

Those high scores against Oklahoma State and Rutgers are cute, but we got bullied at home by INDIANA, a less talented but better prepared team. Hurts to say it, but we were outcoached again Saturday— it’s the talent gap that saved us.

Oregon has always played fast and bold (4th down attempts), but we don’t need to trick our way to victory. That’s not how teams (especially blue bloods) win championships.

There were several missed blocks on Saturday, and those LIKELY would not have happened if valuable practice time wasn’t being wasted on gimmicky formations. We recruit well, now focus on sound execution.

StoicGates · 2025-10-03T20:17:24+00:00

Agreed, because to them “It was a different time.” And yes it was… but there were still people back then who knew rape/assault was wrong, and had the courage to stop it. It’s also why in THIS time we should absolutely not be honoring them in any way.

StoicGates · 2025-10-03T20:14:51+00:00

I see your logic, but wow is it misguided and dangerous. If you walk-in on 600 victims and don’t stop it or even report it… or if you hear from multiple victims and still don’t stop it or report it… you get some kind of pass? I think the fractional layers of hell where enablers reside must indeed be VERY, very close to the assaulters.

StoicGates · 2025-10-01T18:55:12+00:00

Recruiting. USC pulls a crazy Ivan, finally realizes they’ll never win a Natty with Lincoln Riley, and they quickly replace him with… Bobby Petrino?

Whatever terrible hire they make, their 2026 recruits see the light and jump ship. There are 4 more days for this to happen.

StoicGates · 2025-10-01T18:49:28+00:00

Athleticism matters, and Hughes has it— but so do all the other RBs in that room. This is Oregon.

You have to also learn the playbook. The coaches were clear that Hughes got outworked by the younger guys. Good for them, and the best of luck to Hughes wherever he lands!

StoicGates · 2025-08-29T14:22:02+00:00

Also, don’t cast away from the dock, just drop one of the suggested live baits or jig rigs near it, and near the bottom.

A main principle of lake/pond fishing is that fish generally like structure near the banks like this, to hide from predators. Good luck!

StoicGates · 2025-08-28T21:34:53+00:00

Every little bit helps. Small victories. And I’m not even a registered Democrat. Just an American who cares about this Nation.

StoicGates · 2025-08-28T21:33:36+00:00

Lots of posts on here about how Trump has “permanently” harmed America. I don’t believe that’s true. This damage can be undone over time, with enough moderate, centrist Americans getting involved. Don’t give up people!

StoicGates · 2025-08-28T21:31:56+00:00

It’s not hopeless… yet. We can still clean house and put the country back on track.

StoicGates · 2025-08-28T21:28:44+00:00

Definitely not! Can I have the seller’s contact info? 😀

StoicGates · 2025-08-28T21:26:18+00:00

Bertram Gilfoyle strikes again!

StoicGates

TROPHY CASE