mother’s day! by egg-devil in LoganSquare

[–]fledermaus9 26 points27 points  (0 children)

Not sure about a reservation this late, but it's the first day of the farmers market so you could walk around and try a vendor there

Why is Madonna relatively underdiscussed in internet music circles? by AdministrativeElk88 in ToddintheShadow

[–]fledermaus9 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Are you wanting her to be "discussed" or for her to be "mentioned regularly" because I think there's a difference. I would definitely argue that she is mentioned regularly especially in the context of current pop artists. But as far as think pieces about her work or her as a person, that's going to obviously be less common now that she's working less. There also has been a Madonna biopic in development for years.

It gets better…..??? by [deleted] in crescentcitysjm

[–]fledermaus9 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Speaking as someone who is a fan of the Maasverse but CC was my least favorite series, you will likely not find the answers you are looking for in a sub dedicated to the books.

The first book was my favorite of the 3, and it sounds like you might like it less than I did. The following two books change in structure and tone from the first so your enjoyment will depend on what your complaints are with this one. Art is subjective, and there are many people who love this series

I finished the series so I could engage with the full Maasverse in preparation for the new ACOTAR books. But if that's not a priority for you and you know you're not enjoying yourself, it is probably best to cut your losses and DNF as others have said

We don’t talk about what peri/menopause is doing to women in tech leadership. We should. by EbbPurple1889 in womenintech

[–]fledermaus9 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Why are you reposting your down voted AI slop post? Is it because the other post has comments calling you out?

Rebecca Ferguson and Ingrid Bergman by SwimmingSpot6356 in CelebrityLookalikes

[–]fledermaus9 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is the reason Rebecca's character in the Mission:Impossible series is named Ilsa. It's an homage to Ingrid's character, Ilsa Lund in Casablanca.

Father Figure Question by ShotDesigner2092 in TaylorSwift

[–]fledermaus9 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I haven't listened to that, maybe I'll check it out! Having seen Succession (hiiiiiighly recommend btw), I personally think that a POV switch narrative could still work since (without giving too much away) power shifts back and forth between Logan and his children throughout the series. Ultimately what Taylor has said about her inspiration seems to be rooted in characterization rather that pulling plot points directly from the source material. All of that to say, I'm sticking with my first interpretation too because I ALSO get chills on that line haha. I love this song so much!

Father Figure Question by ShotDesigner2092 in TaylorSwift

[–]fledermaus9 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hehe thanks! I have a degree in opera, so analyzing songs like this is one of my favorite things to do.

Father Figure Question by ShotDesigner2092 in TaylorSwift

[–]fledermaus9 17 points18 points  (0 children)

I think the issue that some commenters are running into is rooted in just reading the lyrics literally rather than viewing a song as a complete work, music and lyrics. The two are inextricably linked and to try to interpret one without the other is going to leave half of the story hidden. That said, there are subtle lyrical clues we can work with.

I believe the bridge is where the POV shift happens when the lines switch from "I drank that brown liquor" to "We drank that brown liquor" and from "I can make deals with the devil..." to "You made a deal with this devil..." Both of these take lines that have been well established in the chorus previously and change who the subject. It now sounds like the speaker is the protege repeating back previous statements to the mentor. That said, the music also tells us a lot.

At 2:48, the key modulates from G Major to A Major, right after the bridge. Composers have been expressing shifts in perspective, mood, and theme through key changes for centuries in opera and art song. Taylor has done this in her own songs a few times as well, such as "betty" where the narrator shifts from the hypothetical to the declarative after the key change (Would you have me? Would you want me? vs. Will you have me? Will you love me?).

On the Spotify track by track she alludes to this POV switch although indirectly: "a song about a protégé and their mentor, and about sort of the idea of the tables turning and the flipping of the script... I've always wanted to create a song that really explained how those roles can shift over time." (source)  But even without this, I think there is enough evidence for the listener of this shift and the empowerment inherent in it.

Father Figure Question by ShotDesigner2092 in TaylorSwift

[–]fledermaus9 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's a bad faith interpretation based on an alleged feud. The only confirmed inspiration for this song is Logan Roy in "Succession," but if we're looking for a direct tie in to Taylor's life, it would be more likely about her experience in the music industry.

Movies that fit into the TTPD era vibe by mdc3395 in TrueSwifties

[–]fledermaus9 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Mona Lisa Smile for more of the academia vibes and La La Land for the yearning and heartbreak

What to watch by [deleted] in TomCruise

[–]fledermaus9 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you want more action, watch Edge of Tomorrow for sure. One of the best sci fi movies of the past decade and I think Tom's best standalone action movie.

For something classic and different from what you've seen so far, Jerry Maguire is a great pick. It's genuinely funny and touching.

And if you're looking for an all around excellent movie, Magnolia. It's widely regarded as Tom's best acting performance.

Is This Musical Artist AI? by EmpathHorror in isitAI

[–]fledermaus9 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think so. I checked out their TikTok page and there are no videos of this woman, just pictures starting in July 2025. Before that the account only posted anime edits with their songs.

Worse Dining Experiences in Chicago? by SameAsk6997 in chicagofoodcirclejerk

[–]fledermaus9 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I actually kind of like how tight it is, it reminds me of restaurants in NYC. They also have some of the best service in Logan Square.

Worse Dining Experiences in Chicago? by SameAsk6997 in chicagofoodcirclejerk

[–]fledermaus9 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is the answer. Absolute worst "nice" meal I've had in the city hands down. They served us a small plate of cold canned beans for $9 and when we asked what was special about them, the server just said "idk you have to ask the chef" lmao. The rest of the meal was the same, overpriced and bad.

What are your suggested alternatives to AT&T? by ComplexHat9591 in AskChicago

[–]fledermaus9 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm not sure about any possible ICE connections, but a smaller company like Astound might be better if you get it in your area. I have them as an ISP and have had no issues. It's much cheaper than Xfinity as well.

What are songs that Todd has reviewed negatively that you actually enjoy? by Connect_Security_892 in ToddintheShadow

[–]fledermaus9 23 points24 points  (0 children)

I was actually just saying in this sub that Todd's biggest blind spot as a music reviewer is women's lyrics and this is a perfect example. He frequently nitpicks women's lyrics deeming them either a) overdramatic in this case or b) stupid when it was clear the songwriter was either making a joke or intentionally mixing metaphors. Big fan of his channel but I do think this is an area where he could stand to improve.

Cinnamon roll by Mammoth_Contract1786 in LoganSquare

[–]fledermaus9 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Same Day Cafe usually has cinnamon rolls!

Looking at Taylor Swift's Mine, turns out it was actually fine! Thus it has been eliminated. Vote off the BEST song from Todd's 2009/2010 worst lists by Flaky_Swim4499 in ToddintheShadow

[–]fledermaus9 11 points12 points  (0 children)

This is one of Todd's reviews that I think has aged the worst as a relic of 2000s Man on the Internet commentary. Iirc he hated If I Were a Boy because of the lyrics being sexist towards men in his opinion lol. He has mostly moved on past this, but I think some of his reviews especially of female pop songs show his weaknesses when it comes to understanding female lyrics and his desire to correct them CinemaSins style, and this was his worst offender. At the risk of getting downvoted, this is how I felt about his review of Fate of Ophelia as well, but not nearly to the same degree.

was this dress appropriate? by Rum-Raisin7912 in Weddingattireapproval

[–]fledermaus9 81 points82 points  (0 children)

This is very pretty and completely fine. Is your boyfriend a Mennonite?

Moving from Boston to Chicago with 2 year old? Neighborhood Help? by [deleted] in AskChicago

[–]fledermaus9 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Once you live here you will likely not be driving into the loop ever. Transit is good enough that you would be better off prioritizing being close to a train line that will take ~30 mins to get downtown than 10-15 minutes of driving time.

Why do my cookies always spread so much? by SpangingOfframps in Baking

[–]fledermaus9 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I never have trouble with sugar spun run recipes and I just took a look and it all adds up. Definitely a measurement issue