Places I like:

• Jim's Original - Probably my favorite fast food restaurant, the burgers are awesome. They're also open late night. Their next door competitor Express Grill is also very good IMO.
  
• Gharab Naweez - Prices are not bad at all. The biryani plates are very big, enough for two meals if you save half in a takeout box for later.
  
• Mochinut - I like their hot dogs and donuts, with a variety of flavors to choose.
  
• Zeus Restaurant - Their gyros are pretty good, and prices are reasonable.
  
• High Five Ramen - Kind of a stretch, but probably the best ramen around. Pricy though.
  
• Costco - The food court doesn't check membership so you can get food without a membership. Even with inflation, the dog and soda combo is still $1.50. For some reason I also like the taste and texture of their soft serve ice cream.
  

Places I dislike:

• Taco Burrito King - Overrated IMO. Food is mid, tacos meat is very wet and runny and I can't really explain it but the flavor isn't the best. Only good thing is they're open very late and very close walk from ARC.
  
• Joy Yee - I previously went to a different location in the suburbs a few times and the food wasn't that good. The one near UIC recently reopened, so I figured I try it. Pad thai was dry and rather bland, and boba tea wasn't really that good either (maybe better than the MyCha vending machines).
  
• United Table (SCE dining hall) - In fall 2022 semester the food was better. But now they don't change the menu as often as before, and on weekends the food is very mediocre. JST is better IMO, I'll probably write a separate thread about it sometime later.
  

I have had a very big crush on one of my friends for the past while but didn’t say anything because hes way out of my league but Wednesday afternoon, the sky opened up and the sun shined bright as if to say “my child your time has finally come” and my phone buzzed. I looked down and there it was, a notification from him that read:
“Hey are you busy right now?”
“no, why?”🤭
“Can I call you?”
“sure” (Forever and always)
So he called and asked if I wanted to go to a restaurant which was known as one of those “book weeks in advance” restaurants but one of his friends works there and told him about a cancellation so he took it and said he remembered me talking about wanting to try the food and asked if I wanted to go with him Friday (tonight). I swear you could hear my heart beating out of my chest, but I stayed calm and said yes.
So onto tonight around 4 I get a text saying he was in front of my apartment building. I got into the elevator and you’d think I woke up and injected caffeine straight into my veins with the way I was shaking, but I made sure to breathe because he was going out with me not a Victorian child that just chugged a monster energy drink. I walked out to him and he smiled and said I looked pretty 🫶 but he would soon regret those words. We got into his car and drove off. Now keep in mind that the restaurant is roughly 1 hour away from my place
So we get there and get seated and the server brings us waters and menus. He only had a water because he drove (so responsible🦋), but I had a mojito to just ease my nerves and it worked because the conversation between us flowed just like any other time we hung out. I was having a great time.
As we were finishing up our food the server asked about dessert and I’m always down for something sweet so we took the dessert menus. But it was then I started to feel something was not right in my stomach. I looked at him and said nothing on the dessert menu looked good and he agreed so he paid and we left to his car.
I know I could have excused myself to the bathroom but the thing is I was only feeling a little tingle of nausea and thought I’d be fine. I also didnt want to tell him I wasn’t feeling well and ruin the vibe
About 15 minutes into the drive I’m still trying to be all cute in the passenger seat talking to him because something you don’t do on the first date is vomit all over their car. And then he smiles and says
“I have an idea”
No. No you don’t, take me home.
“Let’s get slurpees there’s a gas station about 15 minutes away”
Not in the direction of my apartment of course. I said no it’s ok but he insisted and this has officially become a hostage situation because I cannot escape the car.
We get to the gas station and I say we should share but he says no and I get the smallest one and we sit outside drinking them. I take a few sips and say I’m all done but I do have a history of disordered eating (orthorexia) and he knows so he tried to be kind and encouraged me drink at least half of it and told me I was beautiful. Thanks man but I’m ready to throw you off a bridge
Once we finish the detour from hell we’re finally heading back to my place. I have no idea how, but I make it home and then he PARKS THE CAR. I ask what he’s doing and he says
“I’m walking you up to your apartment”
🙂 oh
We walk into the elevator and I live pretty high up so we had some time in there. He slowly puts his arm around my waist and you know what doesn’t go well with the situation in my stomach? Butterflies.
In that moment I was the most religious woman on the planet with the way I prayed and vowed to never do anything bad ever again if I make it into my apartment without my dinner making a surprise appearance. Finally the elevator opens and he walks me to my door, I unlock it and turn around to say bye and he smiles then kisses me.
The second he pulled away my prayers meant nothing. I threw up all over him and my guy has a beard 😭 so it was in there.
Now the right thing to do would be:
“Oh I’m so sorry please come into my apartment and clean yourself off”
But I did a modified version which was slam the door in his face, block his number, then sit in my bathroom and cry because in this house we overreact and make situations worse.
So now here I am laying on the bathroom floor sweating, throwing up, and crying. Can’t even gather the strength to get myself some damn water💀
He was a good kisser though

This Post is in response to the ongoing allegations against Once Upon a Time in France and co-owner Melvil Arnt. Once Upon a Time in France has thoroughly reviewed and investigated the allegations in the May 31, 2023 Reddit post by DivineIdylle and takes them very seriously. Once Upon a Time in France has been unable to confirm the identity of the original poster or the individual he or she is posting on behalf. We welcome the original poster and this individual to reach out to its representatives to discuss these allegations in detail. Recognizing the sensitivity of this matter, Once Upon a Time in France has provided an email address below that is accessed and monitored only by legal representatives of Once Upon a Time in France to provide a safe and secure outlet for the original poster and individual, should they wish to come forward.
Once Upon a Time in France considers the health and safety of its customers and staff as its top priority. The allegations regarding health code violations in the 5/31/2023 Reddit post are completely false. Once Upon a Time in France has not and will never serve roadkill to customers. We wish to clarify several of the allegations in the post directly: · There was an accident with a previous sous chef concerning a steak that fell on the floor. His actions were unacceptable and management addressed the incident directly with the sous chef as soon as they were made aware of the incident. The sous chef no longer works at Once Upon a Time in France. · The video of the insects is the result of an infestation of a piece of food (exterior from our restaurant) that was left by accident in our outside storage unit by a member of our team and was cleaned as soon as it was seen. No other incident of the sort has ever happened in nearly 4 years of operation. We are routinely inspected by the TN Department of Health. On March 9 2023 the TN Department of Health gave Once Upon a Time in France a health score of 97. This and all previous health inspection reports can be found at https://inspections.myhealthdepartment.com/tennessee. In addition, the TN Department of Health conducted a surprise inspection of Once Upon a Time in France on May 17, 2023 and also one on June 1, 2023 and the inspector concluded there were no violations anywhere on or around the premises including no infestation of insects or improperly stored meat. Finally, Once Upon a Time in France contracts with a pest control company to routinely maintain the restaurant. Once Upon a Time in France opened for business in East Nashville in December 2019 by Melvil Arnt and his family and has since served over 78,000 customers.
We have earned a reputation as a friendly small neighborhood bistro that is French family owned and operated and serves authentic traditional French food. Once Upon a Time in France is an establishment that is recognized for the quality of its service and menu offerings resulting in Once Upon a Time in France being voted Best New Bistro in the Nashville Scene’s Best of Nashville 2020 and Best Restaurant in Nashville 2022.
In an effort to not cause further trauma to the original poster, the only comment Once Upon a Time in France wishes to make is that all of the allegations concerning sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct are factually incorrect.
Once Upon a Time in France encourages the original poster and individual to email Once Upon a Time in France’s legal representative as indicated below.
If you have been a loyal customer, if you had a great experience at our restaurant and recognize it for being a genuine and safe neighborhood bistro please continue to support us.
Email: [email protected]

For context, I'm a college student and I've been working at a Korean-owned sushi restaurant with a high turnover rate for over 18 months. Initially, I was hired as a hostess, then immediately thrown in as a server on my first shift, and halfway through that shift, they put me behind the bar to make sushi and bartend. Since then, I've picked up duties in the front and back of the house and the restaurant owner's office. I have been asked to rewrite the menu, come up with new drinks for the bar, do payroll, create the schedule, etc. I also bartend, serve, manage to-go orders, assist line cooks, work alongside the head sushi chef, and run the sushi bar when the head chef is away. When I have to serve or bartend, I still am responsible for my kitchen duties. For instance, if I take a table, I also will be making their food and drinks. I am the only employee that does this besides the boss (don't worry she pays me for the extra work lol). We recently had a new hire who is my coworker's roommate, who I will refer to as A. My co-worker, let's call her Susan, was really upset when A was first hired because A had applied behind her back, then lied to our employer about her experience and availability. Susan had her hours cut since A had asked for 3-4 days a week. Susan and I both work this job since our parents don't help us out financially, and Susan had told me that A wanted a job for extra spending money since her parents cover rent, tuition, etc. Within the first 2 weeks of working, A calls in every Saturday to attend some concerts. I was annoyed at first with her work ethic; however, when she was actually on the clock, A was fairly suited for the server position. She had never had any service experience prior, so I was impressed. Then my boss asks me to do payroll, and I notice that A's average nightly tip out is significantly lower than any of the other servers, including mine. There was one weekend where I took 5-6 tables total, and A had opened and closed, but our total in tips was the same. I figured she was new she probably is still learning how to interact with customers. Also, I'm not the owner, so it's not my problem. A continues this lazy work ethic of trying to leave early or calling in sick if she wants to go out with her friends instead. My coworkers and I have an established relationship of not being friends or family, but since we are a small business, we help each other out when business gets crazy. If one of us is scheduled to leave early, but several 4+ tops walk in, that person typically stays to help situate the closing staff with the rush. We cover each other when our boss is erratic or angry, and we only do all this for each other, because it is mutually reciprocated. So last night, I am closing with just A, because it's a week night and it's slow. A few tables walk in when A is in the bathroom, so I decide to seat them for her while I am making the sushi for her current tables, and I bring them water, menus, set the table, etc. She takes awhile and a few of these people immediately just start ordering through me with no warning. I decide to make their drinks and appetizers since it's slow and I can keep track. After the 3rd table orders, I put all the orders in the system under my name just so I don't forget. A comes back from the bathroom, and I tell her where I seated the people in the system so she can transfer the orders to her name, assuming she will continue serving the tables. I was so wrong. I had to continue making drinks for these tables, checking up on them, bringing them extra napkins, make their food AND bring it out to them, etc. all while these bills are being put under A's name in the system. The funny part is A isn't even the one entering their orders into the computer, MY BOSS IS. A is just looking at her phone, or trying to chit-chat with me and the line cook all while my boss is hauling in the kitchen for to-go orders. When A does her nightly tip out she boasts about how the tables I took tipped 22-25%, and proceeds to exclaim she made "good money" tonight despite it being slow. I wasn't making any tips that night since I was scheduled as head sushi chef. The entire tip pool that night was going to A. In case you were all wondering, last payroll her average tip out was 13.7%, and that is just as a server. Yes, I am typically dealing with fewer tables than the other servers when I am helping out the front of the house, however, I am still making sushi, drinks, and cooking, and I never let my average dip below 20% or else my coworkers would come for my throat since our tips are pooled. I am not asking for advice or anything, I just wanted to vent, because I feel like A should be fired, however she is Susan's roommate and I don't want to start beef at my work place. But none of my other coworkers would have ever done that to me. It's just straight up disrespectful. I've helped my serving coworkers with their tables before when they are busy or distracted, but I've never sat, waited, and cashed their entire table out for them. If I did, they end up helping me with my duties behind the sushi bar. Has anyone else experienced this type of behavior from a new hire at the restaurant they work at? If so, I wanna hear, it because I can't believe I just let her get away with that. And yes I'm going to let her get away with it because I'm not a snitch lol. The head server already doesn't like her, and she doesn't have the best social standing at work, but it's work so we try to keep it professional. I am thinking of confronting her though, if she continues this behavior.
TL:DR the new hire at my workplace thinks she can just mosey around work like its a hangout spot and doesn't put in her part for the tip pool.

There is a show on CTV (Canada's largest private television network, owned by Bell Media) called Evolving Vegan where a vegan actor Mena Massoud of Markham, ON goes around North America trying local vegan places. It is sponsored by Silk and their products frequently appear in the show. The premise of the show is just like that of a normal cooking show, but vegan. It has all you would expect from a cooking show, with Mena, the host, going to vegan restaurants and making key menu items with the chefs. I loved the idea and the US-based episodes were pretty good. However, the last episode was about Toronto and oh boy was it bad.
To start with, there was only one vegan place they covered in depth - Honey's Ice Cream. Yes, the largest city in Canada, according to Toronto-based CTV, only has only one vegan establishment worth visiting and it's an ice cream shop. Don't get me wrong, Honey's has the best ice cream in town (I will die on this hill), but it should not be the sole highlight of the episode. The other vegan place shown was AVELO, a boutique restaurant with a pricey tasting menu that is great, but it was jammed into the last two minutes of the episode, so I do not think it should count. What did Mena Massoud and Bell Media think was worthy of representing their hometown better than local vegan restaurants? Talking to an unapologetic hunter, a family dinner, and plenty of humanewashing.
A quarter of the episode Mena spends talking to a notorious animal abuser whose restaurant sparked a vegan protest five years ago. They ate a special vegan meal, which he made for the show and did not include into the menu of Antler. His big idea is a very original 'hunting reduces suffering' take which is very ironic given that the protest was sparked because he was serving unnecessarily cruel foie gras in his restaurant. Mena did not have an issue with that line of reasoning though, all about 'seeing the other side'. Very good vegan content. The next stop was some organic farm where the owner spent 5 minutes talking about lack of racial diversity in Southern Ontario farming and 0 minutes about veganism/animals/environmental impact of animal agriculture. The very same farm also sells 'humane' honey which Mena really liked the idea of. Humanewashing in a vegan TV show on prime time and the host has no objections. In fact, he liked it so much that he got a jar of honey for his mom. Oh yeah, when you thought it could not get any worse, he goes to his mom's house outside of Toronto and helps her cook an Egyptian meal. In a vegan show about Toronto's vegan establishments.
Toronto went through a very strict lockdown during COVID and many vegan establishments closed down. Many of them still struggle a lot and could have used this show as a showcase of their cooking prowess and great atmosphere. This is also a show aired by Canada's largest private English-language broadcaster, so it is most effective in promoting veganism through examples that people can access with ease in their cities. Unfortunately, this opportunity was wasted in order to include very important talks about humane foie gras and honey, as well as the host's family reunion captured on camera. Very disappointing

 I'm a home cook /hobby cook. I do all the cooking in my family of 6. Wife 2 boys 2 girls. And cook for all the family get togethers, Christmas Thanksgiving etc. Without boasting too much it's something I enjoy and I put a lot of thought and care into my cooking . 

I'm a handy man by trade but recently decided to try my hand at actual Kitchen work. A new fancy restaurant just opened in my town and they needed labor and have competitive wages. So I talked with the owner and got on as a line cook. Started well enough, brand new shiny Kitchen with a young and enthusiastic head chef they hired from across the country. Good kid. I liked and respected him. We talked about food and were collaborative on menu ideas, specials and what not. I took naturally to the position and fit in well with the crew, squad vibes. Unfortunately that only lasted for about a month. One morning as I was just finishing opening the line and the first orders were popping in our head chef comes bursting through saying " That's It I'm done!" Owner is fast on his heels saying "oh calm down! Just make what I ask for dude this isn't all about you!". I'm am obviously alarmed listening over my shoulder as I am working my stations trying not to get behind. Head chef : " That is not what this is about , but you go ahead and control the narrative like you always do ! Owner : "Okay, your done. Good luck finding a better job sorry it didn't work out!" Head chef : " I'm fucking sick of this shit! " Walks out. The sous chef and I are surprised and concerned obviously. I say to her " he'll be back right?" She says" I don't think so" I say to the owner. " we need him". He say" no we dont,, it'll be fine". Chef came in to pick up his check a couple weeks later and thats the last we ever saw of him. The feeling in the kitchen is that without defined leadership everything will go to shit. The Title , pay and responsibilities should naturally got the sous. She is qualified and capable to run the line although only 22 and maybe a tad unimaginative she is the only person there that can actually do it. My thinking is that the owner having lightend the payroll by a hefty sum would like to see if the kitchen will run itself. I'm to old and worldweary*36m. I will not be doing any head cheffy things< at all >without adequate compensation and a clearly defined leadership role. And although I have leadership experience the sous really is the obvious choice as I am still very inexperienced in the industry. Like I can work my stations well but I can't do that and make sure everyone is doing there's well at the same time. Needless to say business is suffering. Fryers haven't been cleaned in weeks. No one's is in charge of anyone so basically any and all side work/cleaning is basically optional, so that's not happening. Plating is terrible. New hires are working shifts with new hires and "training themselves" lol. There have been obviously avoidable fuckups. Front of house has never had proper management so they just do whatever too. I've spoken with the owner about management he doesn't care. I'm getting out of the kitchen. There are bartender shifts where I can work alone. I made a deal with the owner that if I'll open the kitchen a couple days a week then I can get trained as a bartender and start picking up shifts doing that, otherwise I'm out altogether. This place stresses me out. I don't know how to not care but I have to try because he doesn't pay me enough to fix the problems. If this Bartender thing doesn't pan out I still have my truck and tools. But it's exiting doing something new.
Wish me luck.

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Spice & Herb Origins

You are a chef, spice and herb expert and culinary Master. I want you to list, organize and explain every spice and herb in existence Categorically based on location of origin. Including rare and exotic spices and herbs as well as common house hold versions. I want this list to contain every spice and herb in existence with a 2 sentence explanation about the herb and spices
2 / 2
ChatGPT
As an AI text-based model, I can certainly provide you with a comprehensive list of spices and herbs based on their location of origin, along with brief explanations. However, please note that it's virtually impossible to capture every single spice and herb in existence in a single list, as new ones are discovered or created over time. Nevertheless, I will include a wide range of common, rare, and exotic spices and herbs for your reference. Here is the list organized by location:
Indian Subcontinent:
Turmeric: A vibrant yellow spice with a warm and earthy flavor, commonly used in curries and known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Cardamom: A fragrant spice with a sweet and citrusy taste, used in both sweet and savory dishes, known for its digestive benefits.
Cumin: A pungent spice with a warm and nutty flavor, widely used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines, and known for its aid in digestion.
Mediterranean:
Oregano: A robust herb with a peppery and slightly bitter taste, often used in Italian and Greek dishes, particularly in tomato-based sauces and on pizza.
Rosemary: A fragrant herb with a pine-like aroma and a slightly bitter flavor, commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine, especially with roasted meats and potatoes.
Saffron: A highly prized spice derived from the dried stigmas of crocus flowers, it has a distinct floral aroma and imparts a rich golden color to dishes, often used in paella and risotto.
East Asia:
Ginger: A zesty and aromatic root with a warm and slightly spicy flavor, widely used in Asian cuisines, known for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.
Star anise: A star-shaped spice with a licorice-like flavor, used in Chinese cuisine and commonly found in five-spice powder and various soups and braised dishes.
Lemongrass: A citrusy and refreshing herb with a delicate flavor, commonly used in Thai and Vietnamese cuisines, especially in soups, curries, and teas.
Middle East:
Sumac: A tangy and slightly fruity spice with a deep red color, often used in Middle Eastern cuisine as a flavor enhancer for salads, meats, and rice dishes.
Za'atar: A blend of dried herbs including thyme, oregano, and sumac, mixed with sesame seeds and salt, commonly used in Middle Eastern cooking as a seasoning for bread, meats, and vegetables.
Baharat: A spice blend consisting of warm spices like black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, used in Middle Eastern dishes, particularly in meat preparations and rice dishes.
South America:
Aji amarillo: A bright yellow chili pepper with a fruity and slightly floral flavor, commonly used in Peruvian cuisine to add heat and depth to various dishes, such as ceviche and sauces.
Cilantro: An herb with a distinct and refreshing flavor, often used in Mexican and Latin American cuisines, particularly in salsas, guacamole, and as a garnish.
Annatto: A reddish-orange spice derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, used in Latin American cuisines for its vibrant color and mild peppery flavor, commonly found in dishes like rice, stews, and marinades.
Africa:
Harissa: A fiery chili paste made from roasted red peppers, spices, and herbs, commonly used in North African cuisine as a condiment or flavoring agent for soups, stews, and grilled meats.
Berbere: An aromatic spice blend containing chili peppers, ginger, garlic, and various other spices, widely used in Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisines to flavor stews and sauces.
Grains of paradise: A peppery and slightly citrusy spice similar to black pepper, native to West Africa, used to season meats, soups, and spice blends.
Please note that this list is by no means exhaustive, but it provides a glimpse into the diverse array of spices and herbs found across different regions.

I want this to be an exhaustive list of all known spices and herbs including rare and expensive ingredients. Do not spare a single detail, and use all your resources to compile this list.
ChatGPT
I apologize for the confusion, but compiling an exhaustive list of all known spices and herbs, including rare and expensive ingredients, would be an enormous task that goes beyond the scope of this text-based conversation. There are thousands of spices and herbs used in various culinary traditions worldwide, and the knowledge of such ingredients is continually expanding and evolving.
Additionally, it's important to note that spices and herbs can vary in their availability depending on factors such as seasonality, cultivation, and regional accessibility. Some rare and expensive ingredients may be difficult to source or may only be found in specific regions or markets.
However, I can provide you with a more comprehensive list of spices and herbs from various regions to broaden your understanding of the vast range of culinary ingredients. Please let me know if you'd like me to proceed with that approach.

Lidt at least 150 rare spices and herbs including and not limited to house hold varieties as well as lesser known herbs and spices
ChatGPT
Certainly! Here is a list of 150 rare spices and herbs, including both household varieties and lesser-known ingredients:
Grains of Paradise: A peppery spice with citrusy undertones, resembling black pepper.
Ajowan: A pungent spice with a thyme-like flavor, commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Asafoetida: A strong-smelling spice with a savory flavor, used as a flavor enhancer in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking.
Epazote: A Mexican herb with a strong, earthy flavor, often used in bean dishes and salsas.
Long Pepper: A spice resembling black peppercorns but with a more complex and subtle flavor.
Mace: The dried outer covering of nutmeg, with a warm and aromatic flavor used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Cubeb Pepper: A spice with a peppery and slightly sweet flavor, often used in Indonesian and North African cuisines.
Grains of Selim: An African spice with a smoky and slightly bitter flavor, used in West African dishes.
Sarawak Pepper: A high-quality black pepper variety from Malaysia, known for its strong aroma and fruity undertones.
Juniper Berries: Small, blue berries with a pine-like flavor, commonly used in Scandinavian and Northern European cuisines.
Shiso: A Japanese herb with a unique flavor profile that combines mint, basil, and citrus notes.
Nigella Seeds: Tiny black seeds with a nutty and slightly bitter taste, often used in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking.
Lovage: A perennial herb with a flavor reminiscent of celery and parsley, used as a seasoning and in soups.
Sichuan Pepper: A spice with a citrusy and numbing effect, commonly used in Chinese cuisine, particularly in Sichuan dishes.
Epice du Cru: A French spice blend consisting of various aromatic herbs and spices, often used in French cooking.
Grains of Heaven: A spice similar to cardamom but with a more pungent and resinous flavor, native to West Africa.
Kaffir Lime Leaves: Fragrant leaves with a citrusy flavor, commonly used in Thai and Southeast Asian cuisines.
Anise Hyssop: A herb with a licorice-like flavor, often used in teas, desserts, and savory dishes.
Mahlab: Ground cherry pits with a sweet and nutty flavor, used in Middle Eastern baked goods.
Voatsiperifery Pepper: A rare and wild pepper variety from Madagascar, known for its complex and fruity taste.
Saffron Crocus: The flower stigmas used to produce saffron, one of the most expensive spices in the world, prized for its vibrant color and delicate flavor.
Schinus Molle: Also known as Pink Peppercorns, these berries have a sweet and mildly spicy flavor, often used in gourmet dishes.
Chervil: A delicate herb with a mild anise-like flavor, used in French cuisine, particularly in salads and egg dishes.
Tasmanian Pepperberry: Native to Australia, these berries have a unique, fruity, and spicy flavor, often used in spice blends and marinades.
Grains of Selim: A spice with a smoky and mildly hot flavor, used in West African cuisine to season meats, soups, and stews.
Angelica: A fragrant herb with a musky and bitter flavor, commonly used in Scandinavian and Eastern European cuisines.
Pandan Leaves: Fragrant leaves used in Southeast Asian cooking to add aroma and flavor to desserts and rice dishes.
Black Garlic: Fermented garlic with a soft and sweet flavor, often used as a gourmet ingredient in various cuisines.
Vietnamese Balm: An herb with a citrusy and minty flavor, commonly used in Vietnamese cooking in salads and soups.
Japanese Knotweed: A tart and tangy herb used in jams, pies, and sauces, resembling the flavor of rhubarb.
Perilla: A herb with a unique flavor profile, combining mint, basil, and anise notes, commonly used in Korean and Japanese cuisines.
Tasmanian Pepperleaf: The leaves of this native Australian plant have a spicy and peppery flavor, used to season meats and seafood.
Sweet Cicely: An herb with a sweet and anise-like flavor, often used in desserts and as a natural sweetener.
Grains of Paradise: A West African spice with a warm and peppery flavor, commonly used in spiced beers and ales.
Lemon Verbena: A fragrant herb with a strong lemon flavor, used to add citrusy notes to teas, desserts, and sauces.
Culantro: An herb with a pungent and strong flavor, often used in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.
Black Salt: Also known as Kala Namak, this Indian salt has a sulfurous and eggy flavor, used in vegan dishes to mimic the taste of eggs.
Sweet Woodruff: An herb with a sweet and earthy flavor, often used to flavor drinks, desserts, and jellies.
Peruvian Black Mint: An herb with a strong and minty flavor, commonly used in Peruvian cooking, especially in ceviche.
Blue Fenugreek: A spice with a smoky and slightly bitter flavor, used in Georgian cuisine to season meats and stews.
Chinese Five Spice: A blend of five spices—star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds—used in Chinese cuisine for a balanced flavor.
Hyssop: An aromatic herb with a minty and slightly bitter taste, often used in teas, liqueurs, and Mediterranean dishes.
Sansho Pepper: A Japanese spice with a citrusy and numbing effect, commonly used in Japanese cuisine, particularly in grilled dishes and noodles.
Barberry: Tangy berries used as a souring agent in Iranian and Middle Eastern cuisines, often added to rice dishes and stews.
Sichuan Button: A flower bud with a tingling and numbing sensation, used to add a unique sensory experience to dishes and cocktails.
Galangal: A rhizome with a spicy and citrusy flavor, commonly used in Southeast Asian cooking, particularly in curries and stir-fries.
Elderflower: Fragrant flowers used to add a floral aroma to drinks, desserts, and syrups.
Lovage Seeds: Seeds with a strong flavor reminiscent of celery and anise, used to season soups, stews, and pickles.
Wattleseed: Ground seeds of Australian Acacia plants, with a nutty and roasted flavor, often used in baked goods and sauces.
Curry Leaves: Fragrant leaves used in South Indian and Sri Lankan cuisines to add aroma and flavor to curries and rice dishes.
Lemon Myrtle: An Australian herb with a strong lemon flavor, commonly used in desserts, sauces, and seafood dishes.
Tarragon: An herb with a subtle anise-like flavor, commonly used in French cuisine to season sauces, dressings, and poultry.
Vietnamese Mint: An herb with a peppery and citrusy flavor, often used in Vietnamese cuisine in salads, soups, and spring rolls.
Rau Ram: A Vietnamese herb with a pungent and minty taste, used in salads, soups, and noodle dishes.
Sweetgrass: An herb with a sweet and vanilla-like aroma, often used in Native American cuisine for flavoring teas, desserts, and smudging ceremonies.
Peruvian Pink Salt: A gourmet salt with a delicate flavor and a blush-pink hue, often used as a finishing salt for enhancing the taste of dishes.
Red Shiso: A Japanese herb with a tangy and slightly spicy taste, commonly used to pickle plums and season sushi rice.
Lemon Balm: A herb with a lemony and minty flavor, often used in teas, desserts, and salads.
Thai Basil: An herb with a strong and slightly sweet flavor, commonly used in Thai cuisine, particularly in stir-fries, curries, and soups.
Salicornia: A sea vegetable with a crunchy texture and a salty flavor, often used in salads and seafood dishes.
Lemon Thyme: A herb with a citrusy and herbal flavor, commonly used as a seasoning for poultry, seafood, and vegetables.
Lovage Root: The root of the lovage plant, with a strong and aromatic flavor, used in soups, stews, and pickles.
Dragon's Breath: A chili pepper claimed to be one of the spiciest in the world, with an intense and long-lasting heat.
Carob: A sweet and chocolatey substitute for cocoa powder, often used in desserts and as a coffee substitute.
Chameleon Plant: An edible plant with a tart and slightly tangy taste, used in salads and stir-fries.
Epazote: A Mexican herb with a pungent and earthy flavor, often used in bean dishes, soups, and tamales.
Lemon Basil: An herb with a strong lemon flavor and aroma, often used in teas, desserts, and seafood dishes.
Chinese Mugwort: An herb used in traditional Chinese medicine and cooking for its aromatic and bitter properties.
Szechuan Peppercorn Oil: An oil infused with Szechuan peppercorns, used to add a numbing and spicy flavor to dishes.
Chinese Red Dates: Sweet and chewy dates used in Chinese cuisine for their natural sweetness and health benefits.
Rat Tail Radish: An Asian vegetable with long, slender pods that have a spicy and radish-like flavor, often used in stir-fries.
Black Cumin: Small black seeds with a smoky and nutty flavor, used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and North African cuisines.
Mexican Marigold: An herb with a pungent and floral flavor, often used in Mexican cooking, particularly in moles and stews.
Fingerroot: A ginger-like rhizome with a citrusy and spicy flavor, commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisines.
Longevity Spinach: A leafy green vegetable with a mild and slightly tangy taste, used in soups, stir-fries, and salads.
Cuban Oregano: An herb with a strong and pungent flavor, often used in Caribbean and Latin American cuisines.
Fish Mint: An herb with a strong fishy aroma and flavor, used in Vietnamese and Southeast Asian cuisines in salads and soups.
Black Sesame Seeds: Small seeds with a rich and nutty flavor, often used in Asian desserts, breads, and as a topping.
Blue Tansy: A flower with a herbal and slightly fruity aroma, used in herbal teas and as a natural coloring agent.
Red Bayberry: Small berries with a tart and sweet flavor, commonly used in Chinese and Taiwanese cuisines for jams and sauces.
Cuban Oregano: An herb with a pungent and savory flavor, commonly used in Caribbean and Latin American cuisines.
Wasabi Leaves: The leaves of the wasabi plant, with a similar flavor to wasabi root, often used in salads, sushi, and pickles.
Wild Fennel Pollen: The pollen of wild fennel flowers, with a sweet and aromatic flavor, used as a gourmet seasoning.
Mitsuba: A Japanese herb with a parsley-like flavor and a hint of celery, used in soups, salads, and as a garnish.
Samphire: A coastal plant with a salty and crispy texture, often used in salads, seafood dishes, and pickles.
Makhana: Also known as Fox Nuts, these are seeds with a light and crunchy texture, used in Indian sweets and snacks.
Chinese Artichoke: A root vegetable with a nutty and sweet flavor, often used in stir-fries, salads, and pickles.
Wintergreen: A minty herb with a cooling and refreshing flavor, often used in candies, gums, and herbal teas.
Mountain Pepper: Native to Australia, these berries have a hot and spicy flavor, often used in spice blends and sauces.
White Turmeric: A rhizome with a peppery and earthy flavor, used in Indonesian and Thai cuisines for curries and soups.
Thai Eggplant: Small eggplants with a slightly bitter and tangy taste, commonly used in Thai curries and stir-fries.
Chayote: A fruit with a mild and crisp texture, often used in salads, stir-fries, and soups.
Marjoram: An herb with a delicate and sweet flavor, often used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Burdock Root: A root vegetable with a mild and earthy flavor, often used in stir-fries, soups, and teas.
Brazilian Peppertree: A plant with small red berries that have a spicy and peppery flavor, commonly used in Brazilian cuisine.
Tahitian Vanilla: Vanilla beans with a floral and fruity flavor, often used in desserts, baked goods, and beverages.
Grains of Paradise: A spice with a zesty and peppery flavor, commonly used in Scandinavian and African cuisines.
Vietnamese Coriander: An herb with a spicy and citrusy flavor, commonly used in Vietnamese and Southeast Asian cuisines.
Salal Berry: Small berries with a tart and slightly sweet flavor, often used in jams, pies, and desserts.
Jungle Pepper: A wild pepper variety from the Amazon rainforest, known for its hot and fruity taste.
Java Pepper: A rare and aromatic pepper variety from Indonesia, used to add a unique flavor to various dishes.
Red Perilla: A herb with a spicy and cinnamon-like flavor, often used in Korean and Japanese cuisines.
Ratanhia Root: A root used in herbal medicine and as a natural dye, with a bitter and astringent taste.
Honshimeji Mushroom: A delicate and flavorful mushroom used in Asian cuisines in soups, stir-fries, and hot pots.
Persian Cumin: A variety of cumin with a distinct aroma and flavor, commonly used in Persian and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Vietnamese Cinnamon: A type of cinnamon with a sweet and spicy flavor, commonly used in baking and desserts.
Ajwain Leaves: The leaves of the ajwain plant, with a pungent and thyme-like flavor, often used in Indian cooking.
Yamatoimo: A variety of Japanese yam with a slimy and starchy texture, commonly used in soups, stews, and pickles.
Black Cardamom: Larger and smokier than green cardamom, with a bold and aromatic flavor, often used in savory dishes and spice blends.
Japanese Pepper: A spice with a citrusy and peppery taste, commonly used in Japanese cuisine to season grilled meats and soups.
Moringa Leaves: Nutrient-rich leaves with a mild and slightly earthy flavor, often used in salads, soups, and smoothies.
Vietnamese Mint: An herb with a peppery and citrusy flavor, commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine in salads, soups, and spring rolls.
Japanese Mustard Greens: Leafy greens with a sharp and spicy flavor, often used in Japanese cuisine for pickling and stir-fries.
Wasabi Arugula: A leafy green with a peppery and wasabi-like taste, used in salads, sandwiches, and as a garnish.
Tasmanian Pepperleaf: The leaves of this native Australian plant have a spicy and peppery flavor, used to season meats and seafood.
Spanish Saffron: The stigmas of the saffron crocus, with a deep and floral flavor, often used in paella and risotto.
Stone Flower: A dried flower bud with a woody and earthy flavor, commonly used in Indian cuisine to add complexity to curries and biryanis.
Vietnamese Star Anise: A variety of star anise with a stronger and more pungent flavor, commonly used in Vietnamese dishes.
Hyssop: An aromatic herb with a minty and slightly bitter taste, often used in teas, liqueurs, and Mediterranean dishes.
Ajwain Seeds: Small seeds with a strong and pungent flavor, commonly used in Indian cooking to add a distinctive taste to breads and snacks.
White Sage: An herb with a strong and savory flavor, often used in Native American smudging ceremonies and as a culinary seasoning.
Karapulko: A South African herb with a bitter and medicinal taste, commonly used in traditional African dishes and teas.
Nance: Small yellow fruits with a tangy and tropical flavor, often used in Latin American desserts, sauces, and drinks.
Thyme-Scented Geranium: A geranium variety with a thyme-like fragrance, commonly used in teas, desserts, and potpourri.
Sarsaparilla: A root with a sweet and herbal flavor, commonly used in beverages and traditional herbal remedies.
Japanese Green Shiso: An herb with a minty and basil-like flavor, commonly used in Japanese cooking to season rice, sushi, and soups.
Voatsiperifery Pepper: A rare and wild pepper variety from Madagascar, known for its complex and fruity taste.
Quassia: A bitter herb used in herbal medicine and as a flavoring agent in bitters and liqueurs.
Lemon Ironbark: An Australian tree with leaves used to brew a lemony and herbal tea.
Fenugreek Leaves: Dried leaves with a slightly bitter and nutty flavor, commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking.
Calendula: Edible flowers with a mild and slightly spicy flavor, used in salads, soups, and as a natural food coloring.
Sichuan Peppercorn Oil: An oil infused with Sichuan peppercorns, used to add a numbing and spicy flavor to dishes.
Sawtooth Coriander: An herb with a cilantro-like taste but with a stronger and more citrusy flavor, commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine.
Borage: Edible flowers and leaves with a cucumber-like flavor, often used in salads, teas, and cocktails.
Kudzu: A root starch with a mild and starchy taste, often used as a thickening agent in Asian cooking.
Herbes de Provence: A blend of dried herbs including thyme, lavender, rosemary, and oregano, commonly used in French cuisine.
Quinoa: A nutrient-rich pseudocereal with a nutty and slightly bitter flavor, commonly used as a rice substitute or in salads.
Wild Rice: A type of grass seed with a nutty and chewy texture, commonly used in pilafs, soups, and salads.
Cardamom Pods: Pods containing small black seeds with a sweet and floral flavor, often used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Juniper Berries: Small berries with a piney and slightly citrusy flavor, commonly used in gin production and as a seasoning for game meat.
Camu Camu: A fruit with a tart and tangy taste, known for its high vitamin C content, often used in beverages and desserts.
Shiso Leaves: A herb with a distinctive flavor, combining mint, basil, and citrus notes, commonly used in Japanese and Korean cuisines.
Chervil: An herb with a delicate and slightly anise-like flavor, often used in French cooking as a garnish or in sauces.
Cubeb Pepper: Small berries with a spicy and peppery flavor, commonly used in Indonesian and North African cuisines.
Achiote: Also known as annatto, these seeds have a mild and earthy flavor, often used as a natural food coloring and in spice blends.
Ashwagandha: A medicinal herb with a slightly bitter and earthy taste, often used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
Dill Pollen: The pollen of the dill flower, with a strong and aromatic flavor, used as a gourmet seasoning.
Nigella Seeds: Small black seeds with a nutty and peppery flavor, commonly used in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines.
Aleppo Pepper: A mild and fruity pepper variety, commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines.
Indian Bay Leaf: A leaf with a strong and spicy aroma, used in Indian and South Asian cooking for its fragrance and flavor.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and there are many more rare spices and herbs available.
Free Research Preview. ChatGPT may produce inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. ChatGPT May 24 Version
/c/b25b83ca-ecd9-4f91-b2ef-7f4755daf0a5

Happy Friday, Bay Area friends! We’re having foam insulation sprayed out our east bay house next weekend and need to vacate the place for a couple of days.
What’s your goto local spot for a weekend getaway with your SO?
Ideally, a nice hotel where my wife and I park the car on Friday and are able to walk to restaurants & shops for the remainder of the weekend - decent room service would be cool in case we decide to just hangout indoors too. We don’t drink, so don’t need a bar scene - just good food, coffee, shopping, walkability. An hour or two drive max is preferred. Thanks in advance!

There's been much talk about BL's potential as a driver of tourism. And it's evident, as some of you have shared your stories here in this sub, while others have asked for help planning upcoming trips. But there still appears to be a lack of easily accessible information for people visiting Thailand for the BL. Here's an attempt to remedy that, with this guide to visiting Thailand for BL fans. I've taken the liberty to incorporate suggestions from several previous threads here, as well as various other sources, so thank you to everyone who's contributed to the discussion.

First things first

This will only touch on things specifically of interest to BL fans. For the other aspects of your trip, including most basic planning stuff, please consult the usual travel resources.
That said, firstly you'll want to consider the purpose of your trip, and how much of it you want to dedicate to BL stuff. Do you just want a regular vacation, with a side stop for some merch, or are you here to relive the all the scenes from your favourite BLs? It's very possible to come up with a weeks-long itinerary of nothing but BL locations, and you could spend as much time mall-hopping to catch artist appearances, but Thailand also has a lot of other things to experience, whether you want to stick to the major attractions or go off the beaten track. It's all up to you.
Also, this probably goes without saying, but if you want to attend a specific event, be sure to plan around it and make travel arrangements accordingly. Concerts and fan meetings usually have tickets go on sale a couple of months in advance at most, so you'll want to have flexible options if you book your travel and accommodation before then.

Destinations

Most of the BL-related things you can do will be concentrated in Bangkok, so it's where this guide will be mainly focused, but there are also several provincial locations that have featured in BL, especially Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in the north and Phuket in the south, all of which are major tourist destinations in their own right. Series have also spent time at plenty of beaches and resorts (particularly around Hua Hin and several towns in Chonburi province) as well as other popular excursions, most of which are short trips from Bangkok. Further out are the island resorts of Koh Samet, Koh Tao and Koh Lanta. The north-east Isan locations are rather off the tourist trail, but could well be worth the experience if that's your style of travel.

Getting immersed

Arriving in Bangkok, one of the first things you'll notice as a fan of Thai BL (or Thai dramas in general) is that you're surrounded by familiar faces everywhere, on banners and billboards and the back of tuk-tuks. Although BL actors aren't that well known among the general public (a surprise to some), the better known ones have a ton of brand endorsements and appear in ads for all sorts of products. Even if you're not planning your trip around BL, spotting actors you know in ads and fan projects can be an entertaining pastime.
Head into a 7-Eleven and you're pretty much guaranteed to see faces you recognize, perhaps on products you're already familiar with from all those series sponsorships and product placements. If the advertising worked and you're dying to know what that bottled green tea or that seaweed snack tastes like, this is your chance to give them a try.
Speaking of tasting, you'll probably be sampling plenty of Thai food while here, so why not include some of the food and drink items from the series you remember, be it som tam from What Zabb Man, the traditional desserts from UWMA, or the famous pink milk, known here as nom yen?
Meanwhile, if taking public transport, spend some time watching the people and see how BL imitates real life. Do you recognize the colours of the school uniforms? Or the university students in their white shirts and black slacks? You might even come across some engineering students in their workshop overshirts.
If you miss hearing the Raikantopeni disclaimer at the beginning of shows, be sure to turn on the TV to catch it as they air live. Be aware though that following shows in Thailand will be more difficult than at home, as they won't have subtitles on TV or on most local streaming services, so you'll likely need a VPN.

Merch stores & fan hangouts

This might be a bit of a letdown, but apart from GMMTV's, there aren't really any physical stores for official merchandise. But since you'll be in the country, you could check with your accommodation to see if they can arrange to accept local package deliveries for you, so you can place some online orders and avoid the international shipping fees. Be sure to check the processing and delivery times - this might be tricky (and won't work with pre-orders, only in-stock items).
GMMTV's shop is not a traditional giftshop as one might assume, but more like a kiosk at their office on the 30th floor of the GMM Grammy Place building - there's just a small product display and a cashier window. Apart from buying products, there's a good chance of running into some actors when visiting, though you're not allowed to linger and there's nowhere to hang out apart from some cafés on the ground floor. You will likely spot some fan-project displays (as mentioned above) outside and in the building, and the cafés will often have cup-sleeve giveaways by fans. Here's a very helpful guide by u/snuffles005: How to visit the GMMTV building and shop
Elsewhere, there's Wab Cafe' and Friends, by the Studio Wabi Sabi people. It's a café, so you'll be buying drinks there rather than merch, but it's very much a space created for fans, and there will often be something going on like fan projects and giveaways, or maybe mini-events with actors making an appearance. It's in RCA, Bangkok's main clubbing neighbourhood (and home to studios where many productions hold their workshops), which takes a bit of an effort to get to, but it's also probably the most dedicated hangout space for BL fans there is.
From Star Hunter, there's Hunter Village, a studio space (mostly used for dance classes) in MBK Center, one of Bangkok's most popular malls. It's a mostly open space, so you'll be able to see if there's someone coming in or something going on, but I'm not sure if it's really somewhere you can hang out at.
Other than that, quite a few actors have their own cafés or some other business, which you might want to visit to support them directly. Clothing and fashion items (perhaps from brands with your faves as presenters) may also be something you'd want to go shopping for.
For manga and anime (including BL/yaoi) there's an Animate store (the specialty chain from Japan), also at MBK Center. In addition to imported works, they also have an extensive Thai section, with both translated and original works.
If you want to observe the Thai novel scene, just walk into any major Thai book store, where you'll likely find rows, maybe entire shelves, of BL novels, prominently displayed - BL has very much gone mainstream in the Thai publishing industry. You'll also find glossy magazines featuring actor photoshoots here. You'll have less luck finding English translations, though, as most translated works are e-book only. For English-language (and Japanese) books in general, your best bet is Books Kinokuniya. They do have Japanese and Chinese translations of some Thai BL novels, as well as the English manga versions of SOTUS and Manner of Death, at international prices.

Catching events

Seeing actors up close (or at a distance) in real life will probably be the BL highlight of your trip for many of you. And unless you're ultra specific as to whom you want to see, there are ample opportunities to catch these actor appearances.
The biggest experiences will of course be the major events - concerts, fan meetings, and the like - that you'll have to buy tickets for. As mentioned above, you'll have to plan around them if you want to attend (which also limits how long you can plan in advance), and make sure to actually get those tickets. They're usually announced very publicly, so it's hard to miss them if you follow the usual news update channels. If you're around when one takes place but can't attend, it can still be worth dropping by if you want to get hold of the merch or just check out the crowds.
For more casual fans, you'll still have plenty of chance to see actors at smaller events, as there's pretty much always something happening somewhere, though there might not be much choice on who you get to see. These events vary a lot in scale, and can be anything from product launches to movie premieres. Most artist's agencies will announce them on their social media channels, usually on a weekly basis, and fan accounts may help share and/or translate them. You'll have to follow them to keep updated.
Most of these events will be held in Bangkok's plethora of malls. The biggest ones are mostly lined along the BTS Skytrain's Sukhumvit Line, so if you plan to do a lot of mall-hopping, whether for events or just shopping, consider getting accommodation with easy access to the BTS for convenience. Here's a great post by u/BumblingWombat that describes the experience in detail: What it's like to go to BL events in Thailand (Oh yeah, there are also top-spender events, which I won't go into, as I don't know anything about them. Those who're aiming for them probably won't need this guide anyway.)
Aside from these specific events, there are also annual book fairs that are partially or directly BL-related, where actors from various agencies may make appearances. The mainstream National Book Fair and Book Expo are usually held at the beginning of April and some time in October. Since last year, BL novels and publishers have had a large presence there, and GMMTV actors made daily appearances with fan gatherings in the car park. There are also smaller book fairs directly focusing on BL: Y Book Fair in July, and International Novel Festival at the end of November. They also feature actor appearances, but can also be worth seeing just for the atmosphere if you're interested in experiencing the literary BL scene here.
On the other hand, to experience more of the community side of the fandom, you might want to check out some fan-held events, such as the birthday projects that fan clubs often do, which may be in the form of café galleries or mini-gatherings. Info will mostly be on Twitter, though it may not be readily translated.

Visiting filming locations

If BL inspired you to make the trip to Thailand, no doubt you'd be interested in visiting some of the filming locations yourself. But while some of them are traditional tourist attractions in their own right, most aren't normally on the radar for general visitors, so it'll take a bit of investment (in time and travel) to include them in your trip.
If there's a single most iconic location to recommend, it must be the Rama VIII Bridge over the Chao Phraya River, which shows up in more BLs than anywhere else. So far, it's been seen in SOTUS, SOTUS S, Gen Y, Tonhon Chonlatee, I Promised You the Moon, My Ride, Enchanté, Cutie Pie, KinnPorsche, Even Sun, 2 Moons: The Ambassador, and Boyband. It's not really a tourist attraction, but it's a major landmark of modern Bangkok that everyone knows, and isn't too hard to get to. It's a bit of a walk (some 15 minutes, or just take a tuk-tuk) from either the Phra Athit or Thewet Pier if you're coming from the main riverside attractions and use the Chao Phraya Express (or Tourist) Boat. If you're into financial history, the Bank of Thailand Learning Center and museum is right next to the bridge. Otherwise, Suan Luang Rama VIII Park by its base is also nice, and also a filming location. The bridge itself is most photogenic at night, but make sure you have transport back if you stay late. Consider one of those dinner cruises if you want to experience it from the same angles as KinnPorsche and Cutie Pie.
For other locations, you'll need to do some research. If there's a specific series you want to follow, try searching to see if someone has already compiled a list of locations, which is likely the case for the more popular series. Most info will be on Tumblr or Twitter.
Filming locations may be public places, shops and businesses, private establishments, or purpose-built or converted studios, so remember to think of their ability to welcome visitors. Dress appropriately for the venue, take care to respect their regular functions, and be considerate to other people. Some of the most familiar locations are university campuses, and the grounds will generally be open to the public, but they're not usually equipped to deal with large numbers of visitors. So if you do visit, have fun reliving those memorable scenes but make sure not to disturb the real students who are there for class. Meanwhile, cafés, bars and restaurants would surely welcome your patronage, but please do not snoop around private offices or people's homes. It all boils down to following common sense, really.
A lot of the locations will be quite spread out and some distance away from downtown, so you'll have to plan carefully if you want to hit more than a few. You might want to hire transport for the day, but also take the traffic into consideration.
If you've always wanted to sleep in the same room that your favourite characters lived in (or at least an identical one), you might be in luck. Some of the apartment locations may have rooms available for daily renting, so check with them. As above, though, their location can be rather inconvenient transport-wise. On the other hand, you might want to opt for the hotels and resorts that featured as locations, which will be better equipped with tourist facilities.
For houses specifically, I have a post on The houses of Thai BL. Most of them are private property rented out as studios, but some will be happy to accept visitors (for a fee) on their off days. Contact their management to see if a something can be arranged. Or if you're serious about it and ready to pay, just rent the place at full price for your own personal photoshoot. If you try it either way, do let us know how it turns out. On the other hand, Wawa House (To Sir, With Love) has a café for visitors, Slōlē (Golden Blood, Bite Me, Enchanté, The Tuxedo, The Eclipse) is a real-life café when not filming, and Red Brick Kitchen (Not Me, KinnPorsche, War of Y) features a chef's table dining experience (reservations only, 4 persons minimum).
If you're just looking for some usual attractions that happen to have BL appearances as a bonus, here are a few (very non-exhaustive) suggestions for Greater Bangkok:

• Temples & shrines
  • Wat Arun (KinnPorsche)
  • Wat Kanlayanamit (KinnPorsche)
  • Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, Nonthaburi (My Ride)
  • Wat Khemaphitaram (My Ride)
  • Rong Kueak Shrine (Our Skyy: Pete-Kao, Our Skyy 2: Never Let Me Go)
  • Bangkok Protestant Cemetery (KinnPorsche)
• Museums & art galleries
  • Warehouse 30 (Theory of Love)
  • Bangkok Sculpture Center (Vice Versa)
• Historic buildings & landmarks
  • Hua Lamphong Railway Station (Theory of Love)
  • Neilson Hays Library (Enchanté)
  • The House on Sathorn (functions as a restaurant) (KinnPorsche)
  • Ratchadamnoen Avenue & Democracy Monument (Enchanté)
  • So Heng Tai Mansion (Our Skyy: Pete-Kao)
  • Lhong 1919 (Gen Y)
  • Giant Swing (Boyband)
• Zoos, theme parks & activities
  • Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World (UWMA, IPYTM)
  • Siam Amazing Park (My Ride)
  • Flick Skate Park (Cutie Pie)
• Themed markets & shops
  • Asiatique The Riverfront (Why R U?)
  • Kwan-Riam Floating Market (My Engineer)
  • ChangChui Creative Park & Plane Night Market (Vice Versa)
  • Chatuchak Weekend Market (My Ride)
  • Dragon Town (My Ride, Big Dragon)
  • Chomchei (Our Skyy 2: The Eclipse)
  • Khaosan Road (Boyband)
• Bridges & Parks
  • Rama VIII Bridge & Park (see above)
  • Memorial Bridge (& Chao Phraya Sky Park) ('Cause You're My Boy)
  • Bhumibol Bridge (& Lat Pho Park) (Not Me, KinnPorsche, LITA)
  • Chong Nonsi Skywalk & Canal Park (Chains of Heart, Bed Friend, The Promise)
  • Queen Sirikit & Wachirabenchathat (Rotfai) Park (Cutie Pie, My School President)
  • Santichaiprakarn Park (IPYTM)
  • Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park (Enchanté, Vice Versa)
  • Benjakitti Forest Park (Vice Versa)
  • Suan Luang Rama IX Park (Vice Versa)
  • Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park Nonthaburi & access road (Miracle of Teddy Bear, LITA)

While Bangkok's malls are very much major attractions by themselves, I didn't include them as their appearances are quite too numerous to list.
Outside of Bangkok, each series will mostly feature locations relatively near each other (except Cupid's Last Wish, which went all over the country), so I'll just list the series by destination without going into each location's detail.

• Chiang Mai: Manner of Death, Triage, Dew, Grey Rainbow, Sky in Your Heart, On Cloud Nine, 180 Degree Longitude, A Tale of Thousand Stars, everything by Wayufilm
• Chiang Rai: A Tale of Thousand Stars, The Love of Winter
• Lampang: Bed Friend
• Khon Kaen: Love Mechanics 2022
• Khao Yai National Park (Nakhon Ratchasima): My Ride
• Chachoengsao: Remember Me
• Chonburi: Tonhon Chonlatee, KinnPorsche, Star in My Mind, Never Let Me Go, Moonlight Chicken; Cutie Pie & LITA (Bira Circuit), My School President (Institute of Marine Science)
• Koh Samet (Rayong): Hard Love Mission
• Chanthaburi: SOTUS S
• Ayutthaya: Boyband
• Amphawa (Samut Songkhram): Together With Me
• Kanchanaburi: UWMA
• Cha-am (Phetchaburi), Hua Hin (Prachuap Khiri Khan), & nearby: SOTUS S, Bad Buddy, My School President
• Koh Tao (Surat Thani): Even Sun
• Phuket: ITSAY
• Koh Lanta & Krabi: Why R U, Why You... Y Me?, Boyband

Further resources & suggestions

The Let's Talk BL podcast hosts talked about their experience in Thailand last year, covering a lot of the above points over several episodes at the beginning of season 3. Be sure to check them out if you want all the details, especially S3 EP3: Tips & Tricks for the perfect BL experience in Bangkok. Some of their main tips that I didn't mention above are not to overstretch yourself trying to go to everything, and to use a map to plan your days.
Colourme-feral on Tumblr has an incredible Google Map that plots locations from several series, and more in their blog, which a lot of the above is sourced from. For Bad Buddy specifically, Telomeke-bbs on Tumblr has a series of posts that analyse the locations at an insane level of detail.
I'm sure I haven't covered nearly everything in this post, so please feel free to add your suggestions in the comments. (I'll try to expand the locations list as I get around to digging for more series.) If you have questions or need help identifying a specific location, feel free to ask! (Though no guarantees there.)
For full disclosure, I'm receiving no compensation whatsoever for writing this. Any biases or omissions are purely unintentional.

Happy Friday y'all! What are your plans for the weekend? Check out the top posts of the week for some ideas!
THIS WEEK'S TOP POSTS:

1. you already know…. 😍 prime pizza
   
2. Handel’s Ice Cream (Redondo Beach)
   
3. Burattino, Black Garlic Pizza w/120 pepperoni. standard on there menu.
   
4. Which Restaurants Still Have Matches?
   
5. Bonkers update to Horses restaurant story
   

THIS WEEK'S MOST "CONTROVERSIAL" POSTS:

1. Street pizza!!
   
2. Philly Cheesesteak and chips from Matu
   
3. Are there any vegan / vegan-friendly buffets / all you can eat places in the greater L.A. area that you recommend?
   
4. I wanted to love Macaroni Republic but dam that lasagna was small AF
   
5. Indecisive. Need a spot for date night tonight. Where should we go? West / Central / East-ish LA
   

Hi all- I’m enjoying this subreddit quite a bit. I love learning from all of you and seeing different paths from like-minded folks.
My husband and I live in a HCOL area across the country from family and are expecting our first child. The plan was always to move back east, buy a house in a MCOL or LCOL area and be close to family. Unfortunately my husband’s job is not flexible for the next 2-3 years so we’re staying out west a little longer than planned. We currently live in good size 2 bedroom condo (1200 sqft) and are lucky enough to have a large private patio (800 sqft) that can be used year-round.
We both work hybrid schedules: 2 days in the office, 3 days from home. The second bedroom has served us well the last several years as an office/guest room, but now that baby is coming, an office/guest room/nursery just doesn’t seem realistic any longer.
We are on a few waitlists for infant daycare with no realistic chance of getting in, so we have decided to go with a nanny for at least the first year. Given this, we know it’s going to be next to impossible for both of us to WFH effectively with baby and nanny around, let alone have overnight guests.
We are both very close to my parents who live on the east coast and want them to come visit as much as possible. They are entering retirement so they have a lot of time/flexibility and live comfortably, but they are not wealthy by any means. We love sharing experiences with them and want them to be as involved as they can be with their first grandchild. We don’t want them to shell out $$$ for a hotel every time they come, and we also don’t want cost to hinder them from visiting.
Homes in our area (even to rent) are exorbitantly expensive. Even if we rented a 3 bedroom house or townhouse in our area, it would certainly be less than 2,000 sqft (likely close to 1,500) and close to 10k/month in rent. Here’s where my (potentially crazy) scheme comes in. We’re thinking of renting a 2 bedroom apartment for my parents in a nice community that’s a 5 minute drive from our place. It’s in a very family-friendly planned community that’s walkable with shops, restaurants, Whole Foods, movie theater, fitness centers, playgrounds etc. While my parents would use it when they come to visit, my husband and I would also use it as our office space when we WFH 3 days a week. This would give us the flexibility of basically no commutes for the 3 days we don’t go to the office which translates to ~12 hours/week combined. Additionally, since it is so family friendly, it’d be a great place to take our son to the parks/playgrounds etc as he gets older. It would also be great for other family/out of town visitors to use.
The rent is $3,000/month. Even combined with our mortgage/HOA/taxes/insurance payment of $3,300/month, $6,300/month (plus internet/utilities) is significantly cheaper than renting a larger home in our area. I know it’s quite unconventional, but this seems like a good way to give my parents their own space, and a way for us to enjoy the benefits of working remotely while allowing our son and nanny to be comfortable at home. Is this idea totally nuts? Anything I’m not thinking of that we should be considering? Has anyone done something similar? Or if you’re in a similar situation living far from family, how are you handling things? Appreciate any feedback or thoughts!
Background stats: Age: mid 30s Location: LA HHI: $550k (recently hit this number) Career: both in finance Debt: $500k in mortgage at 2.6% (~$300k equity), no other debt Net worth: ~$1.75M 401(k)s: $550k, fully max every year 529 for unborn kid: $75k, saving max tax-free gift amount past 2 years Brokerage: 750k (liquid) Cash/emergency fund: $75k

I have been with my narc bf for around 2 years and have been living at his family house since. His mom, who I suspect to be a covert narc, has younger high school age children as well. She has a very strange relationship with the oldest of these kids who is 16 years old who I will call "Jane".
Mom literally never lets Jane out of her sight. When Jane is not at school she is at her moms work sitting with her. Jane has to go to the restroom with mom even in the home whenever one of them has to use the restroom. Jane sleeps with the mom, stands next to the mom when she's cooking....literally 24/7 is forced to be right next to the mom unless she is at school. Mom also doesn't let her order or pick out her own food at restaurants. Mom will order for her and get items off of the kids menu. Mom doesn't let her wear bikinis either. The other daughter who is a year younger can, though.
Mom and bf have told me that this is because Jane is a "really bad kid" who will steal if she isn't watched. The mom and bf often tell me how hard she is to deal with and that she is autistic, has schizophrenia, and bipolar. Everyone in the family is really mean to her and they basically treat her like she is not even there. She rarely talks and when she does, she is ignored or made fun of by everyone. Bf will make comments to me after the fact and say things like "Jane is so fucking stupid she is never going to survive as an adult" to which I stay quiet because I don't want to feed into it.
I thought this was odd when I first met the family, but now living there for 2 years it has become disturbing. I have never once seen or heard Jane do anything remotely bad except maybe back talk a few times here and there (what teenager doesn't?). I work in the mental health field, and in my opinion, I really don't see any signs of the mental illnesses that they claim she has... like at all... I'm starting to feel as though the mom has some kind of mental issue going on with her that causes her to make this kid so incredibly physically attached to her. This really became apparent when I went grocery shopping with mom and Jane for a party they were having and the whole time Jane was the one acting as the adult (pushing the cart, talking to the cashier, reminding mom of items they needed). It really shocked me because it was the opposite of what I had been fed by mom and bf the whole time.
I guess my question is, is this common in covert narc mothers? Or what exactly is going on here? It is just so strange to me and I really feel bad for the girl.

TLDR: I cannot be the only person who sees this.... Biden is too old and frail, a bit shady, and his VP is clueless and completely unqualified.... Trump is a criminal and also too old and unfit for office and totally corrupt.... Can we please please please get a couple of reasonable candidates to vote for... literally any regular ass American would be better.
Let's start out with my intention. I would love for this post to get 69 million 420 thousand upvotes... but seriously, I want as many people as possible to see this because the media is starting to make me feel like I am the only person who sees that this election cycle is nuts.
This Presidential election is looking to be a choice between two terrible options... I will outline all of my demographics followed by my thoughts and I would really like to hear some alternative opinions because as a regular ass voter, I see nothing but terrible options from the two parties and I am starting to feel like I am the only one who sees that the current political landscape is a total shit show.
Demographics: Ethnicity: Caucasian Gender: Male Age: 35 Occupation: Military Officer Education: BS (it was a bullshit degree but also a bachelor of science) Relationship: Married (divorced once but I deserved it. I was a total shithead the first time) ... happy to provide any other demographics but at the end of the day I am a regular American with a regular salary, a regular job, a regular everything else.
Biden Let me start off by admitting that I was wrong about this guy. I voted for him in the last election because I felt like President Trump was unstable as fuck and presidential policy should not be posted on social media or be based on how one man is feeling that particular day. Biden promised a lot, I didn't expect much from him, to be honest, but I had hoped that we would at least get a president who was able to fill the role at a basic level. I was not looking for Teddy Roosevelt or Abraham Lincoln. I was simply hoping for a President who would show up to work, have a reasonable foreign policy, who would put some pressure on the corporations and their CEOs making millions of dollars, and who would address the issues that the majority of Americans were dealing with like student loans, health care, unfair taxes, and loopholes that benefit the 1% and fuck the 99%. End of the day I was hoping that he would look out for the 99 and not the 1%. So far we have got some good and bad in terms of policy... he got us out of the war in the middle east even though that was completely fucked up... poor planning... total rush to failure. Thank God that more people were not killed or injured and God bless those service members who sacrificed all for this shitty plan, they were patriots and I am thankful every day that we have Americans like them willing to "stand the watch." He got some relief for parents who could use the help financially when times were tough during covid but he totally fucked it up when he fumbled the ball when it came to supporting the unions like the rail workers, amazon, etc, he fucked up student debt relief (we shouldn't ONLY forgive loans...we need to address the outrageous price tag on education in addition to the loans)... He appointed Mayer Pete who had one job as Transportation Secretary and totally fucked that up by prioritizing his image over actually dealing with airline travel (I am a pilot so a bit read in on this topic... he screwed the pooch on this one), trains, and the supply chain.... he also has been a bit short sided on Ukraine support.... (Ukraine deserves independence but there needs to be an explanation of what we are getting as taxpayers for our money... Please explain to me what the return on investment is for the billions we are spending. I do not have an issue with spending our tax dollars on helping make the world a better place but I need to know how my $50B+ is making a difference before you spend it.) Also his sons.... Beau was a naval officer who allegedly did a bunch of drugs.... should have been booted out of the military and Hunter absolutely took dirty money and it was all covered up. President Biden may not have been involved in any of that but at the end of the day, all of the sins of his sons were covered up for the benefit of their father.
Trump As a white male military officer, I thought I was definitely a Republican before this guy came into office. I mean come on, I was basically their prime demographic. At least that is what I was told my whole adult life. I was unsure when he was elected as I thought this was a publicity stunt. Then he put "Mad Dog" Mattis in office as the Sec Def and I thought "America, Fuck YEA!" he had a bunch of crazy ass tweets and I wrote most of them off because I trusted that General Mattis and the rest of the cabinet would keep the country on the right track. And then he fired Mattis. This was the point when I realized this dude is a sociopath who only cared about being "right". He gave no fucks about what the correct decision was... all he wanted was to be "right." The most respected military General since Colin Powel was fired/resigned from the office of Sec Def under President Trump.... This was shocking. But who knows what happened behind closed doors.... perhaps this was for the best. Then the election and Jan 06. And since then this dude has been the sorest loser I have ever seen. It has been 3 years and he is still talking about how the election was stolen and if you disagree with him he will blackmail you into agreeing with him or he will support your opposition candidate. Fuck this dude. That is not how democracy works..... I do not disagree with his foreign policy as a military officer... He made some solid decisions regarding China and his critique of NATO was not completely incorrect. He said things and made decisions that others were afraid to say and do and I was into it but he also said and did things that was I absolutely not into... if you want America's help then there has to be some benefit to the American taxpayer... if you want to fuck around and find out with OPEC and your pilot students shooting up an American Military Base... then enjoy fighting your wars with Iran on your own.... I full-heartedly believe that the American Tax Payer should see a return on investment for their taxes but President Trump seems to only actually give a shit about his own personal gain. Let's not be naive, his son-in-law totally got paid off by Mohammed bin Salman. He 100% had the support of the Putin regime. He gave himself and his buddies tax breaks that he did not afford the 99%. He said a lot of crazy shit. This guy is nuts and doesn't give two shits about the 99%. He will gladly give you a MAGA hat for your donation but when it comes to actual policy, he has shown that he will take your money, put some in his own pocket, some in the pockets of his friends, and then give you just a little bit back so that you feel like you got the good end of the deal.....The average American made much less than the 1%... he gave you some back in covid relief to make you forget that you were getting royally fucked.
I am not running for president but if I was this would be my platform... in other words, this would be the platform that I wish we could vote for!

• National policies
  • Politicians are public servants - Elected officials are elected to serve the American public, not themselves. Stop being greedy!
    • If you hold a political office, you are allowed to only buy the total US stock market index. -This would force politicians to be financially vested in the US economy and prevent them from insider trading with specific companies.... if you want to serve in public office you need to sacrifice some autonomy. No one should use political office to benefit themselves personally. You were elected to enrich the lives of your constituent, not your own personal net worth.
    • Term Limits - Congress and Senate should not be allowed to serve more than 10 years.
    • Lobbyists - Lobbyists serve a purpose or so am I told but they should not be allowed to contribute any money at all to any political agenda.... period. Nothing. They can voice their opinions like any other voter but that is it.
    • There should be a public fund to pay for political campaigns. That fund should be standard for each candidate. They all get the same amount. I am not certain what the right move here is but it is not currently an equal playing field. Someone from the lowest rungs of the socioeconomic ladder against someone from the top run should have the same chance. The candidate with the policies that best represent the people they stand for should win.
  • Abortion
    • This is a state issue. Allow states to vote on their own policy..... if California wants to allow abortion then let them. If Georgia wants to ban abortion then let them... If you live in a state that does not share your personal beliefs on this then you are welcome to move and become a resident of another state that does share those same principles. There is no reason why every state needs to be the same. Some can be conservative, others can be liberal. Use your vote to voice your opinion in your individual state elections. This should not be a federal decision.
  • Taxes
    • Taxes should be fair - There is no logical reason why Warren Buffet or the rest of the 1% should pay less than 99%. - Close the tax loopholes that allow the wealthy to pay less taxes than the average American. A consumption tax is the most practical policy here although it does unfairly tax lower income until you begin to factor in luxury taxes. I am cognizant that there is not an easy solution to this issue but that does not mean it is impossible. Cap taxes for basic necessities like food, utilities, housing (Under $1M for 1st house), and vehicle (under $100k) at 0%. Elevate taxes for luxury items (houses over $1M, second homes, Vehicles over 100K, personal jets, restaurants, etc) to 25%, and everything else at a flat 10% sales tax. Adjust income taxes to reflect average incomes and tax the lowest 50% at 0-15%, tax the top 25% of income at 15-20%, and tax the top 25% at 20-25%. Capital gains tax remains the same as that is an equal playing field... you hold the stock for 365 days or more and only pay 15%....This may or may not be the best tax policy but at least it is considerate of those who need the tax relief most. The more you spend on nonessentials the more taxes you pay. I am definitely open to some conversation/deviation here but this is a hell of a lot more fair than what we currently have and a consumption tax also generates some tax income for travelers and illegal migrants who currently do not pay any taxes but often receive free or reduced healthcare over tax-paying Americans (looking at you California).
  • Immigration
    • This is a core tenant of our nation. We need an immigration policy that protects our citizens but also allows others to come to this country to contribute to our success. There is a tough balance here to navigate but not impossible. Let's fund the applicable departments and ensure they have highly qualified agents to sort those who would add value to our nation and those who would cause problems. We have the most robust intelligence apparatus in the world. I am sure that if we focus our attention on external threats instead of internal threats we could figure out who to recruit to our team and who to pass on, all while making our country more productive and safe.
  • Education
    • This is a big one... Our children are our future... and we are failing them! Parents get 4 years with their kids before they head off to start school. That is the last time that we get 100% of their attention before they start receiving input from other adults and peers. We are doing them a disservice by not recruiting the best and brightest to mold them into tomorrow's workforce. Teaching is like every other career field. If we paid teachers the same as we paid CEOs, athletes, celebrities, etc. We would get more applicants than we would know what to do with. We could then choose the best and brightest to spend 8 hours a day teaching our children to invent the next best thing.... Obviously, we cannot as a nation afford to pay every teacher $25M a year but you get the point. Let's make a starting salary for a teacher $100k and choose the best applicants to teach our children. Teachers should be the best of society and should be regarded as such.....
    • Now let's talk about college. A college degree is overrated as fuck currently. A bachelor's degree from a state school should not cost you more than what you make for the first 5 years of working. There needs to be a cap on what colleges can charge. It's great that we are looking into student loan repayment and I absolutely think that we need to help even the scales there but first, we need to stop the bleeding. A college degree from a state school receiving federal funding should not cost a student more than $50k for a 4-year degree. If you want to go to a private school then you are all on your own but let's give everyone an option to go to school for a reasonable price. We should not have to spend our lives repaying a loan for education. This is only going to discourage young men and women from attending these storied institutions. It is criminal what these schools are charging.
  • Healthcare
    • First, let me start out by saying fuck all of these people at the top. I am looking at the corporate fat cats, the insurance companies, the Sacklers. Healthcare is out of control even worse than education. We need to put limits on what they can charge, limits on what medications cost, and very strong quality assurance in the FDA to make sure that these drug companies are not poisoning us. Healthcare should be a right, not a privilege. We all deserve quality healthcare. Make it happen POTUS.
  • Equal Opportunity
    • Everyone deserves equality of opportunity... not equality of result. We all deserve the ability to succeed but success should not be given just because of our race/gendeethnicity/sexual orientation/economic resources. I personally do not care what color you are, what gender you are, or what you like to do with your free time. I only care about what you contribute. Black, Brown, White, or any other color of the rainbow, gay, straight, or anything in between, none of it matters. All that does actually matter is results and we should all have the same opportunity to succeed regardless of the details because, at the end of the day, we are all people striving for a "more perfect union"!
  • Defense
    • Completely UNSATISFACTORY that the Pentagon cannot pass an audit. We talk about our defense spending like it's a badge of honor but there is no mention of the efficiency of our tax dollars. If we give the DOD $2T then we should know what our return on investment is! The budget should not increase for defense spending until the DOD can pass an audit. This is Ludacris! I see fraud, waste, and abuse daily but there is nothing that can be done about it. We do not need to spend millions of dollars on a base right next to another base because they are "historic." We do not neet do complete training exercises spending thousands of dollars per hour just to say that we have done the thing that we will never actually do in war. There is absolutely no reason we need to pay millions of dollars for program overruns just because have already contributed so much to that project. We need to hold the DOD and the defense contractors accountable and to be honest we need to account for every penny that is spent.... With that said, Veterans have sacrificed a lot and we owe it to them as a country to compensate them and ensure that they are taken care off after they have sacrificed their future for the good of the republic. Many of our veterans will live much shorter lives than their civilian counterparts due to their service and the least we can do is ensure that their sacrifice is noticed and compensated for. How much is a year of your life worth? Ask yourself that next time you think veterans shouldn't receive healthcare or disability after their service is complete.
    • Conscription..... this one is going to be controversial so buckle up.... I think every VOTING American should be required to contribute to the nation as a whole. This does not necessarily mean military service although this is inside of my "defense" bullet. But think about it for just a moment. If you first two years out of high school you were required to contribute to the public good, either through military service or through social service. You could be a bus driver, firefighter, work for public parks, or for your county. There are infinite ways to serve your local community. You serve your community, draw a reasonable paycheck, learn a skill, and earn the right to vote. You are giving back to the society that you are a member of and getting a skill and a couple of years to mature before being sent off into the world on your own. We could tie education benefits to this in a similar fashion to the way the military does. If you give two years to public service then you get two years of state college paid for....If you decide that you absolutely do not want to contribute to your nation then that is fine, we will not arrest you or revoke your citizenship, you just will not be afforded the opportunity to have an opinion on policy as you have no skin in the game. You don't get to vote until you contribute.
• Foreign policy
  • Russia - They are bullies.... We have been the world police since the end of WW2 and this needs to change. Every country needs to take some ownership of its own sovereignty, however, like the comics say "With great power, comes great responsibility." We, as the dominant world power, have an obligation to balance the scales. Russia needs to stop picking on the weak and if the weak cannot defend themselves then it is our obligation to assist them but that does not mean that we need to fight the battle for them. Ukraine has done a great job of standing up for itself but the rest of Europe needs to continue to provide support in this war if they care about the outcome. End of the day, Russia is a dying country and we only really need to wait them out. We should not buy their exports, we should not sell them our exports, and we should make it very clear that we will evaluate our relationship with any country that does not feel the same way we do.
  • China - They WERE a rising power. China is doing its best to continue to the illusion that they are rising to the top but at the end of the day they do not have the internal infrastructure or resources to become the dominant world power. They would like the world to view them as pacifists but in reality, they are antagonists. Their actions within the "9-dash line" make it very clear what they want. They want security. Once they have that security then they want influence. But they cannot possibly hold that security or influence for very long if they continue to be opposed in their values to the USA and our allies. USA, Japan, and Australia alone pose a significant challenge to China's power for as long as we remain united. That does not even factor in the other allies that the US has in the region like the Philippines, or India who both pose significant defense challenges to CCP. Our policy towards China should be "Play nice or you don't get to play at all." This policy will be painful for us as we may have to pay more for some of our consumer goods but it will be even more painful for them if they do not play along. We hold all the cards for as long as we are willing to sacrifice just a little. The POTUS should just be honest with us and we will as a nation, will understand. "We will have to pay more for some things but in the long run the world will be better off because we held strong to our ideals and the world will be a more fair place."
  • Ukraine - Happy to send them aid but that aid should have an audit. Let's make sure that the money and equipment we are sending them is going to the place we intend for it to be sent. Seems pretty reasonable to me.
  • NATO - NATO is necessary until the remnants of the USSR are completely destroyed... but the other members of NATO need to hold up their end of the bargain and POTUS needs to hold Europe's feet to the fire until they pony up what they agreed to. End of the day the USA's sovereignty does not need NATO to exist to remain whole. We have all the resources we need and are well-defended. There is no need for us to defend them for the sake of trade anymore. NATO needs us more than we need them so if they would like to continue to receive the benefits of our alliance then they need to make it worth our while and it's POTUS's job to ensure that happens.

There are a lot of other policies that we can go through here and no POTUS is going to have all the answers (that's why he or she needs a strong cabinet). I hope that there is some discussion started here... but at the end of the day.... the two candidates that we are likely looking at are both unfit. We deserve some quality candidates and not the old crazy reality TV star and the Old washed-up politician with a terrible VP. Give me someone reasonable to vote for, please!

I have been with my narc bf for around 2 years and have been living at his family house since. His mom, who I suspect to be a covert narc, has younger high school age children as well. She has a very strange relationship with the oldest of these kids who is 16 years old who I will call "Jane".
Mom literally never lets Jane out of her sight. When Jane is not at school she is at her moms work sitting with her. Jane has to go to the restroom with mom even in the home whenever one of them has to use the restroom. Jane sleeps with the mom, stands next to the mom when she's cooking....literally 24/7 is forced to be right next to the mom unless she is at school. Mom also doesn't let her order or pick out her own food at restaurants. Mom will order for her and get items off of the kids menu. Mom doesn't let her wear bikinis either. The other daughter who is a year younger can, though.
Mom and bf have told me that this is because Jane is a "really bad kid" who will steal if she isn't watched. The mom and bf often tell me how hard she is to deal with and that she is autistic, has schizophrenia, and bipolar. Everyone in the family is really mean to her and they basically treat her like she is not even there. She rarely talks and when she does, she is ignored or made fun of by everyone. Bf will make comments to me after the fact and say things like "Jane is so fucking stupid she is never going to survive as an adult" to which I stay quiet because I don't want to feed into it.
I thought this was odd when I first met the family, but now living there for 2 years it has become disturbing. I have never once seen or heard Jane do anything remotely bad except maybe back talk a few times here and there (what teenager doesn't?). I work in the mental health field, and in my opinion, I really don't see any signs of the mental illnesses that they claim she has... like at all... I'm starting to feel as though the mom has some kind of mental issue going on with her that causes her to make this kid so incredibly physically attached to her. This really became apparent when I went grocery shopping with mom and Jane for a party they were having and the whole time Jane was the one acting as the adult (pushing the cart, talking to the cashier, reminding mom of items they needed). It really shocked me because it was the opposite of what I had been fed by mom and bf the whole time.
I guess my question is, is this common in covert narc mothers? Or what exactly is going on here? It is just so strange to me and I really feel bad for the girl.

There is no reason why they shouldn’t . I went to eat at a seafood place and every item was fish except chicken fingers and burgers on the children’s menu.
I don’t eat fish so it was the kids menu or nothing for me. I told the waitress I don’t eat fish so I will be ordering from the children’s menu and she was fucking bitch about it. My party of 12 paid for what we ordered drinks and a few appetizers and left.
Update: the restaurant wasn’t my choice. It was chosen by my sister for Mothers Day. I would have chosen a bar or BBQ at my house.
Edit 2: The children’s chicken fingers and fries were $13. Not exactly that cheap. Profits on that particular meal may have not been high but I doubt they were losing money on that meal and definitely not on the order as a whole.
We order appetizers, mimosas, bloody Mary’s and beer.

So basically I've tried to compile a list of every movie I've ever seen and there's this one movie in particular that's escaped me. I must have watched it around 4 or 5 years ago on late night television and it just so happened to be on (I wouldn't be able to recall the channel). It was a pretty mediocre film and all I can remember is most of the plot which I'll explain: (Apologies for the long post)
The film follows a young, white couple (I don't remember what the guy looked like but the woman was about late 20s to early 30s, quite short with curly, light brunette hair and blue eyes) with their relationship having difficulties (I remember the description of the film putting an emphasis on that).
I believe that one day at a restaurant, they are invited to this mansion where there's several other couples (like half a dozen maybe). I believe this part of the film is dedicated to getting to know the other couples and discussing the relationship difficulties between our main characters.
The female protagonist ends up befriending an older couple where she and the wife express unease about the mansion and I think the older woman ends the conversation by saying they'll try and leave or call the police or something to that effect.
I believe once the night has passed, the main protagonist notice the older couple have gone missing. The other patrons seem unbothered by it and just assume they left and I believe the couple hosting sends out a search party. Or at least pretend to.
I believe the chain of events that follows is that the protagonists feel something is definitely going on and investigate the house and I believe the woman finds a sort of camera room where they were all being filmed throughout the house. Could have just made that up but I do believe she does find something incriminating and convinces the male counterpart that they need to get out as soon as possible.
However, their escape plan is foiled as they are captured by the hosts and wake up to find themselves strapped to hospital beds side by side. This is when the host couple and a surgeon I believe reveal their master plan all along which I don't remember (it might have been organ harvesting but that's a complete guess). It's also revealed that they had already killed the older couple.
Though when all seems lost, they somehow manage to escape their restraints (and I think one of them stabs the surgeon with a scalpel) before running into the darkness at the front of the house to where they can escape. They steal a jeep from the hosts and sleep the night off in a forest far away from the house.
In the morning, I believe the woman feels guilty for leaving all the other patrons behind in the house to be next on the chopping block so decide to contact the nearest police officer (who if I remember correctly kind of resembled Stanley Hudson from The Office - just as a general description) who joins them to investigate the house and the couple.
I don't know if he turns up empty originally and then more action unfolds as the host couple hunt down their escapees, but at some point he definitely finds out that the couple are up to no good and tries to have them arrested.
However things don't go to plan and a shootout takes place at the climatic part of the movie. The police officer is killed rather swiftly and our protagonists are taken hostage. However, the protagonists manage to wrestle the weapons into their possession to gain the upper hand.
Oh yeah. There was also a sort of geeky character who I think has some association with the female protagonist, possibly through work. I only remember him because it cuts to him a few times watching the climatic showdown through one of the spy cameras and reacting accordingly when the couple have the advantage and disadvantage.
So in the end, the bad guys are arrested and the other patrons are freed (I think from a shipping container or something to that affect) and it goes without saying that the protagonists' relationship grows really strong after the ordeal.
TL;DR: Main couple with rocky relationship are invited to a party or something along with several other couples. There, one couple disappears and it turns out they and other couples had been murdered for organs or something to that effect. Then the main couple escape and contact the police who investigates but is killed in a final fight between the host couple. The protagonist couple win and their relationship is at its peak and all is well.
[To help even further I've listed films that I've ruled out that have come up during my everlasting search for the film (unless anyone wants to assertively overrule any of them)] -Blended (2014) -Couples Retreat (2009) -The One I Love (2014) -Marriage Retreat (2011) -The Invitation (2015) -Get Out (2017) -The Menu (2022) -Welcome Home (2018) -Old (2021) -Gone in the Night (2022) -Vivarium (2019) -Perfect Strangers (2016) -A Perfect Getaway (2009)

Hey y’all, I’m visiting Toronto for a few days with my gf and father (who has never been here before) and would love some help/recommendations for your favorite/must-try Chinese restaurants in the area.
Some background: My dad and I are ABCs, born and raised in NYC and we’ve heard about the great Chinese food up here our whole lives (folks have told me some of the places here are arguably better than stuff in HK). It’s also my first time here with a car, so I’m excited to hit some places other than those in downtown (still open to it though! Have been to House of Gourmet, Swatow and Dumpling House - honestly all serviceable, but nothing special compared to what we get in NYC). We’re staying in East York, hoping that we put ourselves not too far from Scarborough and Markham which I’ve heard are the places to be…
I’m leaning towards reccs for Cantonese food (congee, BBQ, seafood, dim sum) and we all love Shanghainese and Sichuan… but if you feel there’s some specialties from other regions (my gf and I like Northern, Western/Xinjiang style, etc) would love to hear them too. Would prefer to avoid some of the chain places since we have those in the States (E.g. DTF, Yin Ji Chang Fen, etc.).
Thank you in advance, and for all the posts here! They’ve been helpful, if not overwhelming in terms of the options lol 😅

Hey y’all, I’m visiting Toronto for a few days with my gf and father (who has never been here before) and would love some help/recommendations for your favorite/must-try Chinese restaurants in the area.
Some background: My dad and I are ABCs, born and raised in NYC and we’ve heard about the great Chinese food up here our whole lives (folks have told me some of the places here are arguably better than stuff in HK). It’s also my first time here with a car, so I’m excited to hit some places other than those in downtown (still open to it though! Have been to House of Gourmet, Swatow and Dumpling House - honestly all serviceable, but nothing special compared to what we get in NYC). We’re staying in East York, hoping that we put ourselves not too far from Scarborough and Markham which I’ve heard are the places to be…
I’m leaning towards reccs for Cantonese food (congee, BBQ, seafood, dim sum) and we all love Shanghainese and Sichuan… but if you feel there’s some specialties from other regions (my gf and I like Northern, Western/Xinjiang style, etc) would love to hear them too. Would prefer to avoid some of the chain places since we have those in the States (E.g. DTF, Yin Ji Chang Fen, etc.).
Thank you in advance, and for all the posts here! They’ve been helpful, if not overwhelming in terms of the options lol 😅