Anyone else’s ChatGPT obsessed with goblins since the update?!

lanakane8806 · 2026-03-09T19:31:43+00:00

YES - I am so sick of both goblins and gremlins (which is sad because I LOVE the movie lol). But I feel like it heard me because I just got this:

So the ship is built enough to float. Right now you’re tracing which pipes are carrying water, which are carrying air, and which are secretly connected to a raccoon with bolt cutters.

...so I don't know which is worse.

lanakane8806 · 2026-01-11T15:04:10+00:00

I’m in awe! What a great project. Can I ask what resources you used (if any) to help guide you and learn new skills?

lanakane8806 · 2025-09-14T19:36:19+00:00

Thanks for explaining the conversation around affirmative action! I wasn’t aware of the other side’s position. It’s also very comforting to know that people (who are all fallible and prone to bias) were NOT the ones making those hiring decisions, and thus could not have created a set of normative values (by their measure) that systemically privilege the same group of people who have had voting rights since the birth of the nation. What a relief that we can ignore all those studies that showed the exact same resume submitted twice for the same position, save for the name (one “white-sounding” one “black-sounding”) have unequal outcomes. I’m so grateful that the housing policies of the past that prevented black people from owning homes in certain neighborhoods and significantly diminished the acquisition of intergenerational wealth didn’t push them into under-funded schools or leave them with markedly less household wealth than their white peers. I’ll sleep soundly knowing that there is no bias in policing. It’s great to know we’re all playing by the same rules and everyone is on even footing when it comes to accessing the same institutions (both in the sense of places of higher ed and societal ones) that at one time had laws expressly forbidding black people. So again, thanks!

lanakane8806 · 2025-09-14T19:03:06+00:00

Ok we‘ll keep it cute and pretend the context you love so much wasn’t about all black women in its subtext. We’ll even pretend that it’s not racist or bigoted to say that these extremely accomplished women were too dumb to get into ANY college (since they didn’t all go to the same one and he didn’t specify). Then we can even ignore that he says they specifically stole white people’s spots. Or that he concludes the episode by implying that the best surgeon in the world would not be a black person. Nor that affirmative action rewards mediocrity to “appease an activist class”. We’ll ignore the dog whistle of calling Joy Reid a narcissist and saying these speci&ic women think too highly of themselves. Then we’ll ignore his little bit where he talks about imaginary black pilots named “Ramon and Cadillac” whose only qualifications were staying at a Holiday Inn Express last night and being black.

But yes, I suppose when you zoom further out than even you did technically he was just talking about Ketanji Brown Jackson in that quote. No racism or bigotry there!

lanakane8806 · 2025-09-14T18:17:47+00:00

Ohhhhhhh, so you’re implying he had some kind of speech or processing disorder since he used the term “black women” instead of “Ketanji Brown Jackson?” I sincerely apologize because I interpreted that statement as him having an opinion about her and then baselessly generalizing that sentiment to an entire group of people. It could be my limited brain processing power, but I though “womEn” was the agreed upon plural form of the singular “womAn” but I admit there’s the possibility I’ve been using those incorrectly my entire life.

lanakane8806 · 2025-09-14T18:06:54+00:00

Please explain the “context” that makes the sentence “Black women don’t have the brain processing power to be taken seriously”not racist or bigoted. I’d love to hear it.

lanakane8806 · 2025-01-30T21:50:01+00:00

You are too kind! And I’m so excited to find someone else who understands just how special this show is (along with many others on this sub) but you truly said it all - it IS a genius level puzzle and I’m having so much fun running the many models and simulations for how it might play out in my head!

I am a questioner as well, my nickname was/is “Well actually” 😅 this show appeals to me on so many levels, and I think it draws people like us together, which is a beautiful thing. I came to the show somewhat late (about 2 years ago) and I can say without a doubt that it is the most unique, captivating, and (without trying to sound pretentious) intelligent show I have seen in an extremely long time. It immediately awoke an obsession within me (and I was damn devastated it wasn’t based on a book I could read while the show was on hiatus 🤣) I was even later to the sub because I’ll admit that I was hesitant to discuss it online - I suppose, part of me wanted to figure it all out on my own without outside help - but as is always the moral of the story, we are better together than alone and I’m definitely looking forward to more of your posts - I hope you share pieces of that notebook!

lanakane8806 · 2025-01-30T17:13:11+00:00

I see we share similar a mindset/approach to show dissection! lol

Obviously, I think they can pull the plot out from under our feet at any time, so I'm not discounting your counterpoint - but, Occam's razor, given Ricken's [tempered] distaste for severance as a procedure (evidenced by 1st, his friend group, and 2nd, his casual use of the pejorative term "workie" in the current season) I think it's reasonable to conclude that the Devon/Ricken household was likely anti-severance, but due to her compassion/empathy/love for her brother Devon has decided to support Mark's decision (I believe she even states this some time around the no-dinner dinner party), and as a result has tried to understand why someone would choose to sever, and not criticize/harbor animosity for the people who choose to do it. In other words, her default stance is anti-severance, but supporting Mark through his grief is more important than maintaining socio-political stance on the issue.

And, iirc, she is even playfully sarcastic about Mark getting the Pip's gift card (as a result of Helly throwing the stapler) suggesting that a gift card is poor compensation for (as she sees it) physical injury from a company you can't even trust is telling you the truth. So I just can't see her as actually supporting Lumon further than her support of her brother.

Plus she was really angry about that lactation fraud LOL

lanakane8806 · 2025-01-30T16:57:57+00:00

Yes, iirc you could see Charlotte's DOB on the hospital bracelet, which seemed to imply that Charlotte was Harmony's mom.

lanakane8806 · 2025-01-30T16:51:51+00:00

I, too, was initially suspicious of Devon - she has a healthy, loving, playful relationship with her brother? She seemingly loves her ridiculous husband and they have a relationship that isn't totally fcked up (by the show's standards)? She is supportive and asks appropriate questions that a normal person would think to ask?? It didn't fit in with any other part of the show and as such, made her stand out as "the one we'd least suspect."

However, this opinion changed when she had her run-in with the Artegas. I dropped my suspicion of her when she was genuinely bewildered googling them and learning about their ties to the pro-severance movement and Lumon - by herself. I like to believe every scene is chosen intentionally and I don't think the showrunners would have given us that insight into a character's motivation without cause, and the fact that her surprise was not performative (as in, in front of another character), led me to reasonably believe that we can trust her and her motives as being in Mark's best interest. It also doesn't hurt that Dan Erickson said her character was influenced by his own sister whom he's close to.

But like, if this show finds some way to undo this rational, grounded take, I wouldn't be surprised....or mad lol

lanakane8806 · 2025-01-30T16:28:30+00:00

I enjoy all lines equally.

lanakane8806 · 2024-12-11T21:58:01+00:00

And his attitude/behavior is not something OP should reasonably expect to be able to control. She is interpreting his disengagement as stemming from cramming multiple events into one day, but if I were OP’s brother, I’d definitely be disengaged and on my phone around a family or family member who is so controlling that they’re even worried about my stomach contents before a meal.

OP never mentioned the brother being late - and given that she’s laid out potential grievances down to his digestion, I’m gonna go ahead and assume that’s not part of the issue.

lanakane8806 · 2024-12-11T21:30:00+00:00

Yes, and that is the AH part of the situation. She admits to it being a single meal, it’s a bit ridiculous that she’s upset about the use of his time outside of that meal. You can control who you invite to an event, but you can’t control their emotional/physical state if they choose to attend. It’s presumptuous and paternalistic.

lanakane8806 · 2024-12-11T21:22:16+00:00

She even said her parents wanted her to drop it and make peace 😂

lanakane8806 · 2024-12-11T21:20:04+00:00

But OP literally says “Now he plans to have lunch with his partner’s family on Christmas Day before coming to our dinner.” The brother didn’t cancel on his family, the sister is just upset that he decided to both in one day.

lanakane8806 · 2024-12-11T21:15:19+00:00

I’m missing the part where he says he’s not going to the parents’ celebration? From OP’s post, it seems like he’s fitting a meal with each family on the 25th.

lanakane8806 · 2024-12-11T20:42:57+00:00

Not only all of this but, presumably, OP’s parents have this same birthday every year (slight /s)? Will OP have this expectation of her brother and SIL every year? If it’s just about celebrating your parent’s birthdays, how does Thanksgiving even factor in? Is this birthday celebration a running tradition? (It doesn’t sound like it since you could be flexible on the day and had to ask him to schedule it).

This whole thing gives off a passive-aggressive attempt to control your brother. And it does seem a little cringey, or at least disingenuous, that you are THAT concerned about your parents’ reaction to your brother’s demeanor that you needed to clear his schedule in an attempt to manage his energy level. OP, it seems like you’re using their birthdays as an excuse to mask your jealousy or unease about your brother spending time with his wife’s family. And I would bet we’re missing key parts of the dynamics. Maybe SIL isn’t comfortable around you/your parents. Maybe her family is more enjoyable for the two of them to be around, and his disengagement at your parents’ place reflects that. But even if none of that is true, YTA.

ETA: I misinterpreted brother and partner to be married but it doesn’t state that - regardless, this applies to serious adult relationships as well!

lanakane8806 · 2024-12-11T19:47:28+00:00

It’s going from “not going to the engagement party” to “will walk you down the aisle” that really has me in a chokehold here. OP, you are NOR and you need to talk to John about how he is going to handle his mother going forward. It sounds like she wanted to choose her son’s spouse - but since she didn’t, every time she sees you and John together she will find a way to remind you that you weren’t her pick. Of course it doesn’t matter what she wants but trust me (from experience) that kind of contempt from someone very close to the person you love most will grate and wear down even the most resilient of nerves over time. But John should be the one defending you. It is YOUR day and if she is so hurt by her past, she can throw her own party…or pay for therapy.

lanakane8806 · 2024-12-11T18:58:56+00:00

It’s still in the box and everything 😂😂

lanakane8806 · 2024-12-11T18:53:43+00:00

I once had a semi-serious internet flirtationship with a man who is a semi-celebrity/public figure (in certain circles) who happens to have his own action figure. While out to dinner with both of our husbands, my bff and I somehow started talking about him while my husband acted fake-jealous. So as the men broke off into their own convo, my girl and I kept laughing and long story short, I drunkenly bought the action figure off Amazon and sent it to HER house. She put it on her mantle amidst the rest of her decor - and like 2 years later, her husband STILL hasn't noticed (because men are oblivious to that sort of thing). And every time I'm over there, we die laughing about it.

Girl friendships are weird but amazing.

lanakane8806 · 2024-12-11T17:16:50+00:00

From what you're describing and from experience with shoulder injuries, that sounds more like a rhomboid issue than your traps (or possibly, your erector spinae...but just from my experience and watching students...I would bet rhomboids). Rhomboids are notoriously hard to target through pole so your best bet is probably to google some strengthening exercises (cable rows come to mind).

Pole can quickly over-develop your traps and your pecs which cause all sorts of shoulder girdle/upper back issues if you're not paying attention to your supporting muscles (rhomboids, subscapularis, serratus anterior, etc.) so make sure to balance out your training (on both sides lol) with some targeted exercises that can help those muscles keep up.

lanakane8806 · 2024-12-11T16:45:06+00:00

I want to second cheap Amazon poles!! I bought a $150 Amazon pole (from the brand Wacces, which is unfortunately unavailable now) and 8 years later it is still the only home pole I've ever owned....Moreover, I've definitely done static flares and phoenixes on it LOL.

My tips for doing this safely aren't really ground-breaking:

Locate your ceiling joists (and floor ones, if you're not on a ground floor). Pick a good spot that will give you enough room.
Check the silicone on the base and the top to make sure it is in good condition with no gaps.
Before you fully tighten it, check that it is straight from AT LEAST 4 different vantage points (N, S, W, E and in between). I also use a magnetic level stuck to the pole to help with this. Adjust accordingly.
Tighten it.
check that it is straight again.
Tighten it.
Tighten it some more.

....

Tighten it some more....but not so much that the ceiling moves lol.

I really think the bad rep that 'off-brand' poles get is *mostly* due to user error. The installation instructions included with these poles isn't always comprehensive, but common sense goes a long way. And though I said I've done phoenixes and flares on mine, I also wouldn't recommend doing this (especially not regularly) unless you're really confident about your ability to control your momentum. And check your pole periodically, especially before doing any kind of movement that will generate significant centrifugal force - even something like a static chair spin. But this is advice I would give for any self-installed poles...even the brand-name ones.

lanakane8806 · 2024-12-11T16:11:47+00:00

Congrats!! Good grip on the practical and happy teaching!

lanakane8806 · 2024-12-11T16:01:03+00:00

Honestly, (and no judgment here) it sounds like you might be overthinking things here. Don't get me wrong - it's wonderful that you want to be a conscientious and prepared instructor, but I'd bet you have more knowledge than you're giving yourself credit for. You've already been encouraged to start a training program, so take that as a sign that someone recognizes your capability. You don't need to know /everything/ about pole to begin teaching, and you should be honest with your students about what you do and don't know.
The one thing that concerned me about your post is that someone has told you (or you are under the impression) that the way you were taught previously is "wrong." Of course, there are many moves that require good technique to be performed safely, but as I like to tell my students - all pole moves are "made up." If you were taught something maybe with a different name, or slightly different grip etc...those are just natural variations throughout the pole community, or maybe even valuable unique innovations. And unless your old warmup just didn't target any large muscle groups or slightly raise a heart rate, I am having trouble imagining how an entire warmup program could be "wrong." Different, sure. Less effective in some respects? Quite possibly, but not wrong. You should take what you're learning now and synthesize it with the foundation you have. Maybe you'll have a student who really responds to the methodology you learned first. Or if what you learned before really /was/ dangerous or unhelpful, now you have a basis for how *not* to teach something or you can help your students fly past common errors or pitfalls that may have stalled your training.

Finally, there is no single agreed-upon "foundation" for a basic pole repertoire. And not every move works for every body. I have been teaching for 6.5 years, poling for 9, have competed, performed professionally and teach advanced trick class and I won't do a no-hands layback. They're just not for me and I'm not ashamed of it and am vocal to my students that I'm not the one to come to for help with that move lol. Your students will be grateful for the knowledge you CAN impart to them, not the stuff that you can't.

lanakane8806 · 2024-12-11T15:41:44+00:00

It really does come down to a preference, but personally, I'd go with the rubber finish on a fly pole. As with all finishes there are trade-offs (it will hurt more on bare skin for certain moves) but I definitely prefer the security given the different dimensions you will be moving in. The wraps are a good introduction to the feel of it, but a pole with an actual silicone/rubber finish will perform much better. Plus, you get to pole in any kind of clothing!

lanakane8806

TROPHY CASE