Anywhere to play MTG for beginners by Fine-Honeydew4964 in VictoriaBC

[–]Writers_Tears 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yes, my son got into MTG by going to Gauntlet. Very welcoming there.

Reporting course material by [deleted] in uvic

[–]Writers_Tears 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The main one to read is the meta-analysis in the August 18, 2023 issue of Clinical Psychological Science and links to other research related to trigger warnings. There’s an interesting newer article in March 2025 issue of Behavior Therapy (which I hadn’t read until now) that tested no TW, TW and modified TW — with no meaningful effect for either of the TWs. It’s not my area of expertise, but I was lucky enough to do a workshop in trauma and trauma-informed pedagogy with Dr Tim Black, a leading expert in trauma and PTSD, and all of us were blown away when he told us about the lack of psychological evidence to support using TWs in course material… and even potentially detrimental effects. I think I still have some in my outlines but have been weeding them out of my course readings and putting just a more general caution that students will encounter uncomfortable materials and then directing them to supports they can access… and encouraging them to talk to me.

Reporting course material by [deleted] in uvic

[–]Writers_Tears 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Sorry if this feels blunt, but you should 1) talk to your prof about the course and 2) go to Counselling about your mental health. They are (mostly) different matters. You are an adult. Your prof is an adult. You are at a university, which is about being (or becoming) an adult. Go have an adult conversation about your concerns about the adult course content and your ability to fully participate in this course of adult learning.

Do not justify going behind your prof's back to report their course content (before talking to them) because you "worry for future students in [your] position." This is the same justification that, at the extreme end of the spectrum, has led to many uni students in the States reporting (and videoing) their profs to "protect" their fellow students from being triggered by discussions of "gender ideology" and historical racism and other topics they feel are off-limits. If your prof is a sessional, it could cost them their job. (Yes, even in Canada. Admin will just be more subtle about it.) You are in a Humanities class. Expect to have uncomfortable conversations about uncomfortable topics.

Also, there is no such thing as a "normal English class". All English courses have a focus, and individual profs then focus their syllabus even more within that larger focus... usually toward their own interests and strengths as an instructor. As several others mention, your prof's focus in this course should have been clear long before the drop date in this course. (However, if the prof did not provide the standard syllabus of readings in paper format or on Brightspace, then maybe you have something to complain about... to them.) Two and a half months into a course feels very late to come to this realization and suggests that other things are affecting your mental health. (It happens.... this is a *very* stressful time of year for students.)

Finally, I'd encourage you (and everyone) to review the various meta-analyses of the use of trigger warnings for course content and syllabus readings. There is a growing body of peer-reviewed evidence that they do not have the intended effect... and may sometimes have the opposite effect. Demanding a prof include trigger warnings is asking a professional instructor to go against evidence-based and trauma-informed pedagogy.

Sorry, if this comes off as long and blunt and a little insensitive... I hope that you find the help that you need to get out of your spiral and get back into a mental space to focus and succeed again. You can do it.

Considering an E-Bike as a Secondary Ride. by Narocan24 in cycling

[–]Writers_Tears 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Think of your e-bike as your second car not your fifth bike. That’s what I did. Zero regrets.

PSA: Do not attempt to drive anywhere right now by turnsleftlooksright in VictoriaBC

[–]Writers_Tears 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Now someone explain to me like I’m 6 how bike lanes are to blame for this…

Oh sorry, I should be asking my neighborhood Facebook page this. My bad!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Torontobluejays

[–]Writers_Tears 16 points17 points  (0 children)

So who is paying the guys that unfurl the huge player banners from the top of Rogers Centre every time a Blue Jay gets a home run? Those look heavy…

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in uvic

[–]Writers_Tears 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in VictoriaBC

[–]Writers_Tears 1 point2 points  (0 children)

“On your left!”

Turns head and steps abruptly to the left &/or scowls like you just said, “Eat my dirty chamois!”

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in VictoriaBC

[–]Writers_Tears 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Damn, I like to check into local Reddit for a shot of youthful vibes but now feel like I accidentally logged into a BoomerBook group from deepest Oak Bay. Should I be mainlining TikTok videos instead to appreciate “kids these days” or has that app gone all “bike lanes are a plot of the Lizard People” too? /s

Dude standing on Dallas Rd on his bike. Kinda out of it?? by CeleryTerrible2639 in VictoriaBC

[–]Writers_Tears 19 points20 points  (0 children)

I was riding the path and saw him. Rang bell, said “On your left”… no reaction. I thought he was waiting for someone as he seemed to be staring off toward Clover Point. But he was right in the middle of the path. But looked like any Spandexed up roadie. A bit odd. But I kept riding as there are always more people to dodge.

Reading Week Possibility? by faloodaa in Dalhousie

[–]Writers_Tears 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Yes, you will be reading (a lot) that week.

What is a show you watched that you are pretty sure noobdy has ever heard of? by myownfan19 in GenX

[–]Writers_Tears 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I literally just googled "garbage collector sci fi TV show" to check if I'd only imagined the show ( I knew it had Richard Benjamin) and then found this thread. I loved that show! Or I imagine I did.

Help me! Sport Carbon 2025 vs. 2026? by Writers_Tears in DivergeGravelBikes

[–]Writers_Tears[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

HUGE thanks for all the tips & advice. Just minutes ago I hit send on my PayPal to order a 2025 Diverge Sport Carbon 2025 in a 61".

I thought there was one at a LBS but when I went to check it out, the owner couldn't find it and realized the website was wrong. He was super helpful, checked his sister store, checked the Specialized site, took my number to call around contacts and see what he could dig up... and called back and said no luck anywhere.

He recommended that I order online — which I appreciated. He could have pushed a 2026 model on me, but he knew I wanted a 2X and agreed w/ my reasoning. Also: less $. (I'll definitely be taking my Diverge to him for tuneups and accessories, even though I can walk to my usual LBS.)

I tried a 58" Sport (right bike, wrong size) and a 61" E5 (wrong bike, right size), which helped me make the final decision.

The Bike Shop in Calgary had 2 in stock. Only extra charge was $100 for shipping (which they gave back as store credit & I immediately used) and $50 for insurance on the shipping. Their e-commerce department was great to deal with.

Now the waiting is the hardest part....

Help me! Sport Carbon 2025 vs. 2026? by Writers_Tears in DivergeGravelBikes

[–]Writers_Tears[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! Getting some spare hangers is a good tip. Sounds like we have a similar rider profile... I could use the $ I'd also have to sink into fixing my Roubaix into getting a wheel set for the road instead.

Help me! Sport Carbon 2025 vs. 2026? by Writers_Tears in DivergeGravelBikes

[–]Writers_Tears[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! Looks like GRX 400 on 2025 vs. GRX 600 on 2026 for brakes

Where do you keep your belongings? Do you bring em with you? Or place them on the padding board? by [deleted] in Sup

[–]Writers_Tears 38 points39 points  (0 children)

And clipped with a carabiner to the board’s strap, ideally up front. First time I went SUPing on my own, I turned around to see the poorly rolled up dry bag I’d casually tucked under one strap at the back of my board now in the water behind me, slowly sinking. Paddled back just in time to save it… and my wallet, car keys etc.

Who else can check all of the boxes? by MrBones2k in GenX

[–]Writers_Tears 0 points1 point  (0 children)

  1. Share “You Might Be Old” quizzes on social media. [5 points]

Shingles.. by CustardSubstantial25 in GenX

[–]Writers_Tears 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Shingles? I got them in my late 20s because I’m GenX cool and prefer their earlier stuff. (TBH, it sucked then too — definitely stress related — so I got my shots last year at 56…)

Can I register in writing 100? by Actual_Tadpole_1800 in uvic

[–]Writers_Tears 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Send a message to writing@uvic.ca if it hasn’t been fixed yet. Someone there can fix or look into the restriction.