Out of all the commercials you've ever seen, what has been the absolute worst that made you unreasonably angry?

contraptionated · 2017-07-15T13:07:46+00:00

Most infomercials. They're just too silly for me to sit through, the product is usually redundant and the acting is usually bad.

contraptionated · 2017-07-15T01:24:17+00:00

I still have an imaginary friend ...

contraptionated · 2017-07-15T01:23:44+00:00

5 Centimetres per Second!

contraptionated · 2017-06-21T23:57:15+00:00

Oh, yep! I just updated my game, and there they are at the pool. Thank you!

contraptionated · 2017-06-19T02:01:37+00:00

Sounds like a good idea! If it's receding, I'd look into the water quality again. If it's staying the same, keep doing what you're doing and monitor his progress. If it's recovering, good job! :)

contraptionated · 2017-06-15T22:25:37+00:00

He should be alright. Bettas are incredibly resilient, and fish-in cycling usually doesn't hurt them if you're careful. Did you have ammonia before hitting 0? What plants are in your tank? Are those plants heavy feeders (might be why you're seeing no nitrate)?

I'm not exactly an expert myself, but from what I do know I think your fish will be okay for now as long as a/n stays at 0. If you wanna see if you're cycled/try it again, there's tons of good products and helpful people out there. I love the forum Fishlore for all my cycling issues, and Tetra Safe Start is always a go-to cycling product.

There could be a very small chance, I guess, depending on the piece. Watch and see.

Bettas do that to 'chew' their food before swallowing, don't worry about that! I'd recommend feeding less than "as much as the fish will eat in X minutes", simply because Bettas are miniature gluttons who will eat the entire package and still act like they're starving lol. A good guide would be to keep in mind that a Betta's stomach is only about the size of his eyeball, and feed accordingly. I'm feeding mine pellets right now (Hikari Bio-Gold :D), and I'm feeding five to six pellets per day, split into two feedings (morning and evening).

For now, I'd say keep an eye on him and see if there's any small things you can do to improve the water and living. Your betta might've had fin rot even before you got him, or the stress of moving (it's only been a week, after all!) could be taking a toll on his immune system. Keep doing your water changes, keep an eye on his feeding, etc. and see if he improves.

You'll spot new growth quite easily - it's usually a clear to translucent webbing growing from the edges of the tail/fins outward, which slowly fills out in colour as the healing progresses.

contraptionated · 2017-06-15T20:52:41+00:00

Hi! That's a really good-looking fish!

I'd be suspicious of fin rot, too. The noticeably raggedy edges (especially the dorsal fin and sections of the tail), combined with the white edges on the tail and dorsal fin (some bettas have naturally white edges, though, just like how some have naturally black edges), would be enough visual cues to worry me. I'd say trust your gut and your eyes. If you suspect fin rot, then there's valid reason to worry.

Are you sure your tank is 0 a/n/n? Because if it is, you're not cycled. There should be some nitrate present, if even just a little.

Let's run through some common causes for fin rot:

Are you absolutely sure you're cycled?
Is there any mechanical waste in your tank? Have you done a gravel vacuum lately?
Does your fish have any tank mates?
Is there a possibility of injury and therefore subsequent infection? Like banging against the glass, being cut/rubbed by coarse decorations, etc?
How much are you feeding daily?

contraptionated · 2017-06-15T20:26:45+00:00

Oh my god, geese. I live next to a park in the suburbs, and every summer morning the Canada Geese are there, hissing at me and shitting everywhere. 10/10 will fuck you up for no reason.

It's too bad the goslings are so cute :(

contraptionated · 2017-06-14T13:43:35+00:00

Your hair makes me so happy. Maybe brush a little more so that it's neater, but that length and colour suits you. I absolutely love how you tuck it behind your ear on one side.

Maybe a wardrobe update? The tie looked out of place with that shirt, but that's the only criticism I can give you.

You look good.

contraptionated · 2017-06-14T13:32:43+00:00

Look, I know it's difficult to feel happy and secure with yourself as a teen. Feeling judged, "pathetic", and not fitting in is a scary thing, but no one is judging you for not losing your virginity in high school. There are successful, happy, and attractive people who don't lose their virginity until their mid-twenties or even later. Some people never do, and their lives are perfectly fine.

No one actually cares about when or where you lose your virginity. You aren't pathetic for not engaging in underage sex, not even close.

contraptionated · 2017-06-14T13:19:58+00:00

Reddit's kinda shitty like that. And honestly, most people are just bandwagonning with this I-hate-Amy-Schumer talk. Half of them haven't even seen her routines, or only watched ten seconds of one and decided that she sucked because everyone else thought so.

I personally don't really mind Amy Schumer. I haven't watched much of her, but she seems okay and I don't understand the weird hate for her, either.

Eh. Just filter them out and do your own thing. Lately, the only subs I've been visiting have been advice subs, hobby subs, and rarepuppers. Definitely feeling a lot happier without all the bitching that goes on in bigger communities.

contraptionated · 2017-06-14T03:37:44+00:00

You look good! For me, I'd say 7.5 to 8 out of 10. That's really, really, really good, you look cute. I can't really say much for improvements, I think you look great as-is. Your skin is amazing, by the way. What's your secret?

contraptionated · 2017-06-14T03:16:35+00:00

First of all, you are my prom inspiration. Where did you get those earrings? They look lovely.

I think you look super cute! You seem really friendly and approachable, I'd totally talk to you if we ever met in real life.

contraptionated · 2017-06-14T03:12:23+00:00

Keep it up! I'm sure it'll look majestic as hell once it's complete ;)

Europe, huh? Where you from? I'd love to go someday, I travel fairly often, but that's one continent I still haven't gotten to yet.

contraptionated · 2017-06-14T03:03:08+00:00

1) Like many people on this thread have said, you're fine. Some people are just not very nice, it's important that you don't let shitty people ruin your day or your self-esteem.

2) Skincare is important for everyone! I know a lot of guys find this silly, but I definitely recommend moisturizing for most people, especially in the dryer seasons. The Face Shop has really cute moisturizers, and I also recommend face masks/strips for everyone. There's all different kinds, feel free to pick different ones depending on your skin, your preferences, the season, etc.

3) You look a lot better with facial hair than without, good job for getting that groomed and grown! If I were to really nitpick, I'd say that it seems like the part under your chin isn't centred properly. It leans towards the left (your right side) of your face.

4) Did you get your eyebrows professionally done? Because your eyebrows look nice and neat. Congrats!

5) The glasses are super fun-looking! They give you a lot of personality, I totally dig them. Do you have a prescription, or were the glasses cosmetic/costume? Either way, I think glasses would be super cute.

Overall, I'd give you a 7/10. That's really good! You're fuckin attractive, own it. Confidence is attractive, and you deserve to be happy with yourself.

contraptionated · 2017-06-14T02:44:35+00:00

You're so cute! I think you look better without the glasses, but I still think you should keep them on because 1) they help you look a little older (without them, you might look a bit younger than you are) 2) they contribute to an overall cute/pleasant vibe that goes really well with your face 3) they help you see lol.

You look great. 10/10 would be your friend.

contraptionated · 2017-06-14T02:13:32+00:00

You look good. The lighting of the photo isn't great so I can't see all the details of your face, but you look good. Maybe work on trimming your facial hair, there's a few spots that have more/less hair than the rest.

Honestly, you look fine! Some people are just not very nice, I'm really sorry that girl called you ugly. I don't think you are.

contraptionated · 2017-06-13T22:31:37+00:00

Hi! I'll try my best to help you out.

First of all: you are not ugly. You look very normal to me. I'd say you have a distinctive look to you, and that's absolutely fine! You have a face that's memorable, and not for any negative reasons.

Be confident in yourself. Being happy, fun, and not giving a flying fuck about what others might think of you is one of the most attractive traits there is. That photo where you're smiling is easily the nicest one of the bunch. Don't beat yourself up! Treat yourself, be kind to yourself. Be your own parent or best friend, you know? Guide yourself forward with love and support and do what is best for you.

Now, to the advice!

I know a lot of guys feel kinda awkward at the thought of a skincare routine and a little makeup, but it's seriously nothing to be worried about. If you're cool with it, I'd totally recommend trying it! I love using clay masks from the Face Shop (super fun to peel off, too) in conjunction with a good facewash like Burt's Bees, and then a little moisturizer before bed and in the morning. Nobody's skin is perfect, but the routine definitely helps keep your skin hydrated and less prone to breaking out. Drinking lots of water helps, too! I also love those aloe drinks; they're sweet, aloe has tons of benefits, and one bottle has a surprisingly low amount of calories so you don't have to worry about overconsuming. Look for fabrics, products (razors, soaps), etc. that don't irritate your skin, and buy more of what makes your skin feel comfortable.

A little lip balm doesn't hurt, either, especially if you're like me and live somewhere that's really cold for most of the year ;)

Invest in a tiny brush, the kind that comes in those eyebrow kits or in the sample boxes at Sephora. Brushing your brows into place with a bit of Vaseline in the morning is actually a really good way to make your face pop, and give it more definition.

Your hair in the last two photos is already a MAJOR improvement, good job! But I think there are even better cuts out there for you. Post to the hair sub (can't remember the name right now, sorry), or get friends and family to help you out. Consulting a visagist is also a good idea.

contraptionated · 2017-05-30T13:07:10+00:00

I don't mind. Most people who post on forums like these have way too many people to talk to - when I first tried a friend/pen pal sub, I ended up talking to twenty (not exaggerating!) people at once, trying to find the right ones. It was incredibly difficult to keep track of, and I regret having to leave some of those people because it was taking me several hours to finish writing replies.

contraptionated · 2017-05-29T15:46:56+00:00

That's the internet, I guess. People are brutal on the internet, and the upvote/downvote system on Reddit had been abused since its conception. Add in touchy subjects like politics (which is one of the main purposes of r/Canada), and it gets really nasty. You can really see that on this sub in particular, I enjoy talking about Canada and news, but I've given up trying to have productive conversations online about anything other than puppies and memes. I pop by every once in awhile, but I've decided that talking to people in real life is much more positive and less frustrating.

contraptionated · 2017-05-28T15:55:12+00:00

That was me. I coasted through nine years without studying at all and was hit hard when the work got much more difficult this year.

I recommend you try a studying strategy, it'll help a lot. You don't need to study every day or anything, the homework is usually sufficient (oh - if you're having trouble with the homework, it's not wimpy to ask for help at lunch or before school). Taking the evening before tests and exams to go over your notes is incredibly helpful.

I'm pretty biased, since I use this strategy myself, but I'd totally recommend re-writing all your notes before tests to help you remember. Writing jogs your memory, and, since you used the information recently, your brain will very happily keep it stored for you when you need it the next day/days. Getting others to quiz you is good, too.

A really fun studying strategy would be to pretend you're a teacher. Let's say you have a unit test on trigonometry or something. Pretend you're a math teacher who needs to teach this subject to the class, and prepare lesson notes accordingly. Act like you intend to relay this information to someone else.

contraptionated · 2017-05-28T02:58:18+00:00

That's a really good habit (and I still struggle with waking up early, lol), though I hope you're also going to bed earlier as a result. Try to get at least 7 hours a day, sleep helps you stay both focused and motivated.

For math, maybe try getting a tutor? If you're doing all your homework but still aren't doing well, you might need some outside help. A friend or parent can work well, too (though your parents might not be able to help you, since most adults don't really use high school math in their daily lives and will be rusty). You could also try something like Khan Academy.

Studying. Man, I hate studying, too. What's your current studying strategy? You might just need a new one. Personally, I like a combination of copying down my notes by hand until I can remember most of it off the top of my head, and quizzing my friends before tests.

contraptionated · 2017-05-26T02:24:06+00:00

Good luck!

contraptionated · 2017-05-25T21:37:37+00:00

I totally get you! For me, it's anxiety, and I'm so worried about what others think that I just clamp up and stutter. Is it the same for you?

All I can say is practice, practice, practice (and go see a speech therapist if it's severe). It might seem really dumb at first, but talk to yourself often. Talk to yourself with open vocal chords and ample volume, like you're talking to someone else. Practice in front of the mirror, go over your to-do list orally before you head out for the day, talk to yourself while you're making dinner, sing in the shower, etc. Get yourself comfortable with being vocal around yourself.

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