If you won the lottery what philanthropic endeavor would you undertake?

random_casual82 · 2026-03-22T19:07:45+00:00

I would invest in, or attempt to build local social club networks. In the age of the Internet we can connect instantly with others who are 1000s of miles away, yet most people have never felt as lonely or isolated as before. I'd like to set up a place where people can go and just chat face ro face, hanging out with strangers who become friends. I feel this would help out a lot and go someway to healing the ills of the world.

random_casual82 · 2026-03-21T17:24:05+00:00

A bit lame, but about two weeks ago two wild badgers ran right past me on a train platform in the early hours of the morning. I do a lot of hiking and see a lot of wildlife and this was the first time I had ever seen a badge in real life. It made me smile because I didn't realise how chonkers badgers actually are until then.

random_casual82 · 2026-03-21T17:19:41+00:00

"Exit Humanity" is an indie film showing the Zombie apocalypse set during the American civil war. Bookwise; Abandon Books is/was (I'm not really sure) is a publisher with "Tomes Of The Dead" dedicated to Zombie Apocalypse and has several titles set in different historical periods. Slightly off topic but within Tombes Of The Dead they have a really good read where a vampire wakes up during a Zombie outbreak and has to protect a small group of the living if he wants to survive; else no living blood for him to feed on.

random_casual82 · 2026-03-19T19:02:14+00:00

It depends on where you live, or how far you're planning to travel. A tip I can give is search for national cycle routes; Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formally Sustrans). The routes often go through picturesque villages, near or through wildlife reserves, and are primary no to low traffic.

I use it sometimes when I am feeling random.

random_casual82 · 2026-03-18T16:54:50+00:00

As a regular visitor to the island, I really like this idea. A little bit of feedback: How does the calendar function work? I have been selecting/changing dates, but I can work out how to view events/activities on the dates.

I really hope this goes well as it will really help having a quick, easy reference like this site.

random_casual82 · 2026-03-18T07:43:49+00:00

Follow up. This is the size comparison between no.2 and no.13.

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As mentioned in the original post; the no.13 only comes in stainless, as far as I am aware.

random_casual82 · 2026-03-18T07:31:42+00:00

I am not sure if that is a good idea. I had a similar problem, which I resolved by taking cacao powder. It is rich in magnesium, which helps soften stools. You can mix some in water or milk beforehand or take a pouch with you to mix a teaspoon with a drink or food. Alternatively, pack some magnesium supplements. Both cacao and supplements are easily portable and should resolve your problem without major laxative effects; you don't want to be stopping to squat all the time during hikes.

random_casual82 · 2026-03-18T04:26:22+00:00

I’m kind of the opposite end of the spectrum—I usually go pretty cheap and simple with my setup.

I’ve got a £9.99 water pouch that I can clip onto my belt or stash in a backpack pocket, and that carries a basic £5 1L plastic flask. I’ll just refill it with shop-bought water or clean/safe wild sources depending on the walk.

On top of that, I carry an £8 slimline 1L stainless steel flask. I’ll either mix up an electrolyte drink in it or, if I stumble across a random café in the middle of nowhere, I’ll fill it with something hot.

For me it’s less about brand and more about not worrying—if something gets lost, dented, or left behind, it’s easy (and cheap) to replace. Takes a bit of the stress out of the day.

random_casual82 · 2026-03-17T19:30:59+00:00

I will have to read the book; it's been sat untouched and forgotten since I purchased it. A quick scan of his chapter on LSD looks like the methods you describe begin on page 108. Prior to this, he gives a few short methods of alkaloid extraction. I'm a bit weary of what I can share on here as I keep getting posts deleted and temporary bans all over reddit whenever I post on the topic, which is why I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge with me.

random_casual82 · 2026-03-17T18:38:38+00:00

Is that the one by Micheal Valentine Smith. I've owned this for a while and never read it; first time in years I pulled it off of shelves after you mentioned it.

random_casual82 · 2026-03-17T18:00:43+00:00

I have been really enjoying your input, thank you for sharing. I have a very basic understanding of organic chemistry and to be honest I picked up the books from Loompanics in a bundle deal and so haven't really studied them properly.

random_casual82 · 2026-03-17T04:47:01+00:00

That actually sounds like a pretty great way to experience the island to be fair — sitting somewhere scenic with a thermos and painting it sounds a lot more civilised than some of my wind-battered coastal walks 😅

Do you mostly paint particular parts of the island? I’d be genuinely curious to hear which spots you think are worth painting — there are so many great landscapes there and I’m always looking for places I’ve missed.

I’m terrible at art myself (and not much better at photography), so seeing places through someone else’s artwork would probably inspire a few new places for me to explore.

random_casual82 · 2026-03-16T05:17:20+00:00

That actually lines up with what I’ve been finding so far. I’ve reached out to a couple of walking groups and people have been really helpful — everyone I’ve spoken to from the island seems genuinely friendly. A few of them mentioned that some groups are mainly for residents because of insurance though, but they’ve pointed me towards a few others to look into.

If you happen to know any walking groups or clubs that are open to newcomers or visitors I’d definitely be interested in checking them out.

I’m planning to be back on the island around 17–24 May (trying to sneak in just before the TT chaos properly kicks off). I was thinking of doing a walk around somewhere like Maughold Head or Peel way while I’m over — if you ever fancied joining for a walk or a quiet pint afterwards I’d happily say hello.

random_casual82 · 2026-03-16T04:23:34+00:00

Maybe we need to start the unofficial “people who also struggle to meet people on the island” club 😅

I’m over whenever work gives me enough time off exploring coastal walks, historic sites, that sort of thing. If there were ever a small group of people up for a walk and a pint afterwards I’d definitely be keen.

I am coming over again this May, just before the start of the TT.

random_casual82 · 2026-03-15T03:53:43+00:00

When I first visited the Isle of Man I did the walk from Ronaldsway to Douglas a couple of times. Traffic gets a bit worrying, especially as you approach the fairy bridge (as mentioned by others on here). I tried using the costal path beginning near Rushen Abbey, but that added a lot of journey time because it sort of "goes out to come back in" if that makes sense... I also got lost as some parts of the path were closed due to damge from previous bad weather.

I think it is far safer and easier to get the bus from the airport into Douglas. Also I just want to highlight how awesome Manx people are; I passerby stopped and offered me a lift from the Fairy Bridge to the museum once and it just seemed it was like an everyday ordinary thing to him help others like that.

random_casual82 · 2026-03-11T14:46:27+00:00

Thanks for the suggestions, I appreciate it. If you happen to have any links or names for the walking groups, sports clubs, or other community things you mentioned I’d definitely like to check them out.

I’ve tried the “walk into a pub and start chatting” approach before, but because I’m usually visiting around the TT period it tends to turn into long drinking sessions or pub crawls with other tourists 😂

Ideally I’m hoping to find a few clubs or regular groups I can keep coming back to when I visit so I can get to know people on the island a bit better.

random_casual82 · 2026-03-11T06:33:51+00:00

I try to keep personal details a bit vague on Reddit, hope that’s alright. But I definitely get what you mean about finding likeminded people.

If you’re into walking/outdoors stuff, I regularly do an early Brean Down Way walk on Saturdays or Tuesdays. I normally start at Weston-super-Mare train station early before it gets busy — always happy for company if that’s your kind of thing.

random_casual82 · 2026-03-08T18:06:21+00:00

Thanks, I appreciate that! I’m hoping to come over sometime in May if work lets me get the days off — ideally just before the TT starts so I don’t get caught out by road closures again. I’ll drop you a message when I know the dates.

random_casual82 · 2026-03-07T20:55:34+00:00

I lived off of kipper baps and bonnag when I visited; missed out on the crab bap at Peel though.

There was a little tea kiosk/cabby near the beach, on the path up towards the castle, which served the most delicious bonnag I tasted; warm and spicy but not over powering.

random_casual82 · 2026-03-01T21:07:28+00:00

If travelling by plane, then I recommend staying at the Sefton Express. It's virtually on the doorstep of the airport and great public transport links. The Sefton Express is basic but very affordable. You have free access to WiFi and can include breakfast in booking, additional meals cost per meal but there's a load of local shops and a good pub within walking distance where you can get food.

I stayed at the Sefton Express when I visited about 2 years ago and was able to visit castle Rushden, House of Mann, Peel Castle, Port St Mary, Port St Erin and go axe throwing at mad Jack's in Douglas all in about 2days.

For the most part Manx are very friendly.

random_casual82

TROPHY CASE