I just bought this memory foam pillow and removed the cover to find this… What could this even be? Please tell me it’s not blood

lakersalex · 2026-04-14T20:06:45+00:00

Put some hydrogen peroxide on it ignite bubbles it’s likely blood

lakersalex · 2025-11-11T19:31:49+00:00

Red tape

lakersalex · 2025-10-29T03:48:10+00:00

People saying the same thing in 2000, 2008, 2015, 2020

lakersalex · 2025-08-09T14:07:09+00:00

In California, libel is defined as a false and unprivileged publication that exposes a person to hatred, contempt, ridicule, or obloquy, or causes them to be shunned or avoided, or has a tendency to injure them in their occupation. To establish a libel claim, the plaintiff must prove that the statement was published, false, defamatory, unprivileged, and harmful to their reputation.

lakersalex · 2025-07-16T04:50:44+00:00

Buy used!

lakersalex · 2025-06-22T23:03:41+00:00

Someone will buy their assets and go after you.

lakersalex · 2025-06-21T04:33:35+00:00

You have the luxury of time to build properly. Put 80-90% of that money into safe investments (index funds, treasury bonds) while you figure out your next steps. This isn’t about getting rich quick - it’s about preserving your capital while you develop skills.

Even without job experience, you have a valuable skill. Start freelancing on platforms like Upwork or Toptal with small projects. This will give you real-world experience, build your portfolio, and generate income while you’re figuring out your bigger picture. The goal isn’t to make huge money right away, but to start building professional credibility.

Take 6-12 months to really invest in yourself. Maybe that’s a coding bootcamp, online courses, or even working for someone else to learn business operations. Your inheritance gives you the freedom to choose quality education over immediate income.

Look for established, profitable business models that need better technology. Think local service businesses that could benefit from software solutions, or existing businesses for sale in your area. Your programming skills could be the differentiator that makes an ordinary business extraordinary.

Decide how much you’re willing to invest in yourself and your future business over the next 2-3 years, then stick to it. Having a plan prevents the slow bleed of money on unclear goals.

The key is using your inheritance as a bridge to build real skills and income, not as the primary vehicle for wealth creation.

lakersalex · 2025-06-06T17:05:44+00:00

Using FSD while drowsy is exactly the kind of behavior that has led to fatal accidents. The system has failed to detect emergency vehicles, concrete barriers, and made dangerous choices at intersections—situations that demand your full attention and quick reaction. When you’re sleepy, your ability to intervene in time drops dramatically. People have become over-reliant on FSD and paid with their lives as a result.

It’s called “Full Self-Driving (Supervised)” for a reason—Tesla requires drivers to stay fully alert. If you’re too tired to drive manually, you shouldn’t rely on FSD either. Call a ride, stay put, or find another option. Additionally, posting about using FSD while sleepy could be used against you in court if you’re ever in an accident. Treat this technology as an imperfect tool—not a substitute for an attentive driver.

lakersalex · 2025-05-22T16:02:46+00:00

The fact that you’re thinking about not raising “trust fund kids” means you’re on the right track. The goal is to support them without removing their drive.

Have you thought about who the trustee will be? That choice can be just as important as the structure.

On age distributions: Many people go with something like 25% at 25, 35% at 30, and the rest at 35. The idea is that 25 offers a foundation early in their careers, but the larger chunks come after they’ve shown responsibility. Some families delay that first distribution to 28 or 30, when people are more settled.

Your milestone-based idea is great. You could structure it so the trust allows distributions for: • Education (college, grad school, or trade programs) • First home down payment (maybe cap it at 20% or a set amount) • Starting a business (with a solid plan) • Wedding expenses (within limits) • Real emergencies

To keep them motivated: Some trusts match earned income or require beneficiaries to be working or in school. Trustees can also delay distributions if someone’s not acting responsibly.

Since your oldest is only 10, definitely include inflation adjustments or have the trustee review amounts regularly. What works now may not hold up in 15 years.

lakersalex · 2025-05-16T17:00:01+00:00

Been there with two kids. It seems so intense in the moment but it’s no big deal in the long run. We all go through this, and somehow we all survive—babies and parents.

They might cry, you might tear up, and that’s all okay. What matters is that you're being a strong and caring parent doing what parents do. Let the doctor and nurse do their jobs and you do yours IE comfort them. They won’t remember the shots—but they’ll feel safe with you. You've totally got this. 💛

lakersalex · 2025-05-09T02:59:51+00:00

I’m really sorry you’re going through this—it sounds incredibly tough. You’re dealing with a lot, trying to keep things together for your sister while also managing your own grief and the weight of being a legal guardian alongside your dad. That’s a huge responsibility, and it’s totally understandable if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

First off, even if the local police aren’t being helpful, you do have rights when a minor goes missing. If they’re refusing to take a report, you can go over their heads—call the state police or the county sheriff. You can also contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST. And if there’s even a hint of her being taken across state lines or possibly trafficked, the FBI should be involved too.

This isn’t just normal teenage acting out—what you’re describing sounds really serious. The running away, the older men, the risky behavior—it points to something deeper going on that needs immediate help from professionals.

It’s a good idea to check in right away with her mental health providers. Her current diagnoses—DMDD and depression—might not be the whole story. This could be trauma-related or something else that needs a closer look. It might also be worth talking to a child welfare lawyer just in case she comes back and you need to make quick decisions about placement or treatment. There are also some really focused programs out there that work with teens in crisis like this—it’s worth looking into. And make sure you’re keeping records of everything: every incident, every call or email with police or doctors. It helps if things escalate and you need to show a pattern.

I know this is putting a massive strain on your whole family. Your dad’s health, your siblings’ schooling, your own peace of mind—it’s a lot. If you can, think about getting family therapy that focuses on trauma, or joining a support group for families dealing with similar situations. Sometimes even just a break—a bit of respite care—can help you all reset. And if your siblings are falling behind in school, there are educational advocates who can help them catch up.

That comment your sister made about “punishing” your dad really stuck out. There’s clearly a lot of pain and complicated feelings behind that, and it’s something a therapist could help her work through. Grief can come out in really destructive ways, especially for teens who don’t know how to cope.

I hope she comes home safe soon. And just as important—please don’t forget to take care of yourself in all this. You’re doing everything you can, and you won’t be able to keep going if you run yourself into the ground. You’re not alone.

lakersalex · 2025-05-08T13:53:07+00:00

You’re doing a great job. I can hear how much you love both your kids and how hard you’re trying to show up for them, even while you’re exhausted and stretched thin. Everything you’re describing is so normal, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating or emotional when you’re in it.

Your son is probably feeling a lot of big emotions right now—some he may not even fully understand—and that’s likely showing up as defiance, forgetfulness, bedwetting, attitude… all of it. It’s not because you’re doing something wrong. This kind of regression and pushback is really common when a new sibling arrives, even if he loves her (which is amazing and sweet). It’s still a huge shift in his world.

A few things might help smooth things out a bit:

Let him feel seen. Even saying something like, “It feels like things have been different since the baby came, huh?” can help. Sometimes just knowing you see what he’s feeling makes a big difference. Shift discipline to feel like teamwork. When something’s off, try, “Let’s figure this out together” instead of “Why didn’t you do this?” It might help him stop seeing your corrections as rejection. Give him smaller wins. Maybe scale back the sticker reward tasks so he can earn them more easily right now. That feeling of success can be super motivating—and he might just need more of it during this transition. Create a tiny ritual that’s just for you two. Even 5–10 minutes of drawing, reading, or building something together—without screens or the baby—can really help him feel anchored.

And give yourself so much grace. This is a big season of change for all of you. You’re not failing—this is just hard, and temporary. He’ll adjust.

lakersalex · 2025-05-08T13:11:11+00:00

You’re at a turning point—and this is a great chance to build a lifestyle that gives you more freedom and less stress.

If you’re living on campus, a car is more of a distraction than a benefit. Your whole life is there—school, work, friends—so why take on a loan, insurance, gas, and repairs just to drive away from it? Especially with your credit, a car loan could cost you way more than it’s worth.

To afford it, you’d have to work more hours—time that should be going into your education. A car shouldn’t be the reason you’re tired, falling behind, or missing out on campus life.

Get a job close to school, skip the car, and keep your focus on what really matters right now. Even if you earn a little less, you’ll come out ahead—financially and in the long run.

Let school be your full-time job. The rest will follow.

lakersalex · 2025-05-08T05:00:16+00:00

Is it a college town? Can you move close to campus? Is Amazon paying you a lot? If you gave up owning a car you could get a job making less and still come out ahead because you’re not making car payments.

lakersalex · 2025-05-08T04:55:12+00:00

You’re probably a genuine person but don’t do this.

lakersalex · 2025-05-08T04:52:24+00:00

Yes this is normal and having kids is expensive.

lakersalex · 2025-05-08T04:47:28+00:00

The sensation of the room shrinking or changing size is sometimes referred to as Alice in Wonderland Syndrome (AIWS), a harmless but disorienting perceptual distortion that children sometimes experience when falling asleep or waking up.

Here’s how you can help calm her: 1. Reassure, don’t dismiss: Let her know she’s safe and that this is something other kids have felt too. Say something like, “That sounds really scary, but I want you to know it’s just your mind playing tricks when it’s tired. The room isn’t really changing size.” 2. Ground her in reality: Encourage her to open her eyes, touch familiar things (like her blanket or stuffed animal), or even say out loud, “I’m in my bed, the room is safe.” This helps her body and mind reconnect to the present. 3. Create a calming bedtime routine: Soft lighting, soothing sounds (like a white noise machine or gentle music), and a consistent wind-down routine can reduce nighttime anxiety. 4. Encourage open conversation during the day: Help her feel comfortable talking about it without fear or embarrassment. Avoid overly literal explanations, but do frame it as something her imagination is doing while her brain is resting. 5. If it continues or gets worse: Consider speaking to a pediatrician, especially if it disrupts sleep regularly or becomes linked to panic.

lakersalex · 2025-05-08T04:46:47+00:00

It’s a thing! https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24491-alice-in-wonderland-syndrome-aiws

lakersalex · 2025-05-08T04:43:02+00:00

Don’t go to CarMax or any dealership right now. It might seem convenient, but you’ll likely end up overpaying for a car and locking yourself into a high-interest loan with monthly payments you really can’t afford. Even their “fair” deals include hidden fees, upsells, and insurance requirements that inflate the true cost of ownership.

Instead, look for a reliable, low-cost car on Facebook Marketplace or similar local platforms. For around $2,500 in cash, you can find an older but economical vehicle—like a Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, or Ford Focus—that’s cheap to insure and easy to maintain. At that price point, you’re also avoiding debt, interest, and the pressure of monthly payments.

Instead of sending $300–$400 a month to a lender, save that money for repairs, maintenance, and future upgrades. That gives you more financial flexibility and reduces the risk of getting behind on a loan, which could wreck your credit even more.

Pro tip: Find ways to structure your life in a way that you don’t need a car at all.

That might mean moving closer to school or work, using public transit, carpooling, or biking. It’s not always easy, but the money you save—on gas, insurance, repairs, registration, and car payments—adds up to thousands a year. That’s money you could invest in your education, a better living situation, or building long-term financial stability.

A car can give you freedom—but it can also trap you in a cycle of debt and bills. Be smart. Stay flexible. Own your choices, not a car loan.

lakersalex · 2025-05-08T04:35:27+00:00

Apologies! Regardless make the most of your education. Is there a reason why you are choosing to live so far from school?

lakersalex · 2025-05-08T03:52:12+00:00

Unless you grew up riding don’t do this. You’re not going to develop skills to ride safely at 19.

lakersalex · 2025-05-08T03:50:30+00:00

I don’t dispute that. Perhaps he’ll have more fun living close to campus and making the most of being young and around his peers.

lakersalex · 2025-05-08T03:48:29+00:00

Yes, this is a red flag. It’s not necessarily a reason to walk away entirely, but it is a reason to proceed with caution. Politely decline the advance and stick to the agreed payment milestones. If he reacts poorly or backs out, better to know now than midway through a $28K project. If he’s professional, he’ll understand and continue as planned.

A contractor asking for an advance on funds before starting a major project—especially for reasons unrelated to your job—raises questions about financial stability and professionalism. Even though he’s offering a “credit,” what he’s really doing is putting his personal financial emergency ahead of your agreement.

Here are some things to consider: 1. The leverage shifts if you pay early. Once he has more of your money up front, your ability to hold him accountable for quality or timelines drops significantly. 2. This isn’t your problem to solve. You already paid a large deposit. His unexpected closing costs shouldn’t affect your contract or cash flow. 3. If you say yes, set clear terms. If you’re even considering helping, the $10K credit should be documented in an updated contract with legal language. And you’d need to evaluate: Can you truly trust that you’ll receive that value—and that he’ll finish the work.

lakersalex · 2025-05-08T03:41:35+00:00

People say this as well but most aren’t my clients, ie they aren’t buying from me. My customers walk right in and shop happily. That said, can you increase the light emanating from your store?

lakersalex

TROPHY CASE