So I’ve seen the take that the Wizards can’t draft iterated over and over and over again by members of this sub, nba, the media, and my dad. Sure we might not be perfect or landed “the guy” but everyone needs to lower their expectations. To show people what one should expect from the 9th pick (that we had for rui/deni and we probably will have this draft) I will post a list of 9th picked players the past 10 years
Jeremy Sochan
Davion Mitchell
Deni Avdija
Rui Hachimura
Kevin Knox II
Dennis Smith Jr.
Jakob Poeltl
Frank Kaminsky
Noah Vonleh
Trey Burke
I could give some analysis, but the names do the talking for the most part. Poeltl is the only solid nba player of the non wizards and he took 5 seasons to do shit in this league. Sochan has promise but it’s too soon to judge a rookie and he’s not exactly lighting it up efficiency wise.
Now I know what you are probably thinking and that we shouldn’t just not aim high and be content with “mid” players but the reality is more often than not mid late lotto guys are nothing special at all. It’s really frustrating seeing the bad drafting narrative consistently spouted when our only bad pick (and this could still change) is Johnny Davis. Our lack of “young core” has far more to do with the lack of direction of the franchise. That is and will continue to be our biggest problem, not being average on back half lottery pick.

Me [19f] and my ex [20m] had been dating for nearly 7 years . We got together at 13/14 and the early years of our relationship were nothing but pure bliss. We were often referred to as “end game” and our peers, family and even teachers would often command us for being able to maintain such a solid and consistent relationship at our young age especially in todays day and age. Going to the same school, having the same friend group and sharing the same hobbies were in my opinion, the things that attributed to our relationship being able to last for so long. Though young and naive , him and I would always express how we felt like God brought us together and that our relationship was uniquely important. We would spend all night chatting and pouring our hearts out , we went on adventures and dates and he knew that ANYTIME he needed ANYTHING I was a phone all away . I would do anything to see him smile and I would give my life if that ment that he would survive. I wasn’t only I love I genuinely felt obsessed with him. As we got older , our relationship began to change and his eyes started to wander . Social media came into play and hormones began to rage more than ever . Eventually he ended up cheating on me with someone he claimed to be “just a friend” which ended up shattering my heart and our relationship. In an effort to convince me otherwise , he got down on his knees and started to cry like I had never seen before and kept repeating that “he only loved me” blah blah blah . We broke up for a few months after I found out but ended up getting back together soon after. Ever since , he would “conveniently” end up in situations where he would have to work with her or was around her. He’d constantly make me feel bad to doubting his loyalty even after he cheated on me after being together for so long . We would constantly argue over him adding her back on social media after swearing that he would never or him texting his sister asking about her and her family. I always felt as though I was the side chick in my own relationship. About a year after he cheated , his childhood best friend [17m] , which he still was extremely close with , got into a tragic accident while on his way home from school . An ambulance hit him and rolled over his body and he died on impact. The news absolutely destroyed my boyfriend and our school. The night of the accident my boyfriend laid up all night crying and pacing up and down . The days following the accident were extremely tough for my boyfriend and he spent hours trying to rationalize his best friends death through many hours of tears. My heart broke for him and his classmates, as his best friend was in his class. The night of the viewing came and my boyfriend attended without me. One of my friends texted me during the viewing and told me that the girl that he had cheated on me with was crying and he went over to hug her . Apparently they were sobbing and embracing each other for a good 10 minutes, he wiped her tears and rubbed her back and vice versa. Though in hindsight , the embrace was justified being that they were both grieving a good friend , the news infuriated me and I felt like I needed to talk to him when he got home . I expressed how the embrace made me feel uneasy and uncomfortable and how I felt as though many other people could’ve comforted her ie her close girlfriends and parents so why did he have to ? Again he put on a whole performance and cried and begged me to just relax because although he cheated they were “just friends” and that the hug meant nothing. Given the circumstances I decided to leave it alone and believe him. I still felt uneasy about the funeral the next day but I shut my feelings off and focused on the real matter at hand ; my boyfriend about to burry his best friend in less than 12 hours. He did assure me that he would stay far away from her at the funeral. The day of the funeral came and I spent the entire morning praying with my boyfriend, wiping his tears and trying to do all that I can to make him happy. I had brought breakfast and hot coco to his house and even ironed his tux for him . I did not go to the funeral myself because I struggle with extreme social anxiety but I was going to watch the funeral online . My boyfriend understood and told me that he appreciated my efforts to support him even though I wouldn’t be there in person. He left and I went back home so that I could watch the funeral . The funeral was beautiful but the entire time I couldn’t stop worrying about him and her. I tried to pan the audience and hoped that the camera would glance over to where he was seated but it didn’t . Finally , 30 minutes before it ended I spotted him on the camera . Seated right next to her … with his arm around her I quickly texted him a long and detailed message with very colorful language. I blew up his phone and threaten to leave him if he didn’t move away from her . He ignored my texts all day and I continued to curse him out and call him constantly. When he got home he said that I could go to hell and told me that I was an ass for blowing up at him on the day of his best friends funeral . We dated for a couple more years and he continued to “conveniently” be around her and every time I would confront him he would tell me to get over it and bring up how I wasn’t there for him on the day of the funeral while she was… needless to say we broke up . But still to this day I wonder AITAH for starting an argument on that day ?

BINDER
I’m looking to fill out some missing pieces of my collections, but my needs are pretty scattered. I just cracked a BB of SV tonight, so let’s see what those plus my binder can get!
Prices are listed in the Imgur post - all of these prices are trade values because I’m not really selling things at this time. Anything not specifically listed is going by TCGplayer market price.
Lastly, Serena PSA 10 is $130 trade value.
Let me know what you’re interested in, and if you have less than 20 trades, I need you to send first.

Adult sons refer to my oldest 2 brothers, but I actually despise them (unrelated to this post) so I don’t like to refer to them as such.
My parents are lovely people, I look up to them tons, my mother in particular. My issue is that they refuse to create boundaries and have my older brothers acknowledge them. This sounds odd but let me explain.
My parents are immigrants, they came to the US 30ish years ago when my oldest 2 brothers were really young (both were younger than 3 I believe). My mom was a SAHM, while my dad worked 15-20 hrs daily to support them. I want to say he got his bigish break and started multiple businesses that are running well, but he still works 12-14 hours daily and takes less than a week off the entire year, even though he can afford to take more days off. It’s just the way he is. My mother, on the other hand, ran the house. We are 10 kids and she’s done so much for us and I like to say she’s raised great kids for the most part.
My issue is with my oldest brothers. There’s got to be something wrong with them fundamentally, because I’ve never seen anyone so selfish and entitled in my life. They’re both 29 and 28; don’t have jobs, degrees, and the older one has a wife and a child. They absolutely refuse to get regular jobs (I’m referring to jobs w regular hrs/schedules (a consistent/reliable source of income basically)- this is esp important imo regarding the older one since he has a family and should have more consistent income to support them, but hey that’s just me I guess).
They keep approaching my dad with the most shitty business proposals and when my dad, understandably, says no, they cry to my mom, who then talks my dad into giving them anywhere between 5k-25k (a crap ton of money yall) and let them run the business how they see fit. Which they inevitably run to the ground because they simply don’t want to do the work. Even after receiving this initial amount, they start hounding my mom for money; in anyway they can; credit cards, her limited pay checks, etc. They’ve done this repeatedly throughout the last 8ish years. They’ve used my parents names on so many things, they’re now started to use another one of my brother’s name without his consent on documents and other things.
To express just how bad this is, just within the last year (not even in its entirety, from may 2022 to present); between both of them have gone through roughly 35k as a “startup fund” for 2 of their new business venture, 5 different credit cards totaling 25k, 7 broken cars (3 that were totaled within the first week (2 brand new from dealers and 1 rental), other 4 were 3 rentals and my dad’s car ranging from a decent to significant amount of damage, an arrest, 17k in lawyer fees, for the older one 5k in overdue bills not including the ones that are ongoing and being paid for atm , along with any money needed for certification (including insurance, office space, etc idk much but like official licenses and crap i guess). Any of these things that require a signature or an official names from the cards, documentation, certificates, rental, not once, did they use their own.
This is all within less than a year. You can imagine how much stress they’ve put my parents through in the last 20. It feels like my parents have done everything all while being incredibly supportive, I just don’t get it. And I’m not saying parents shouldn’t help their kids at all, but when they start taking advantage of them, something needs to be done?? I get support for the first business venture, but repeatedly? This is like the 5th time we’re going through this cycle. My mom will be sick of their bs when they start slacking and whatever they’re working goes to shit, but in a year, they’re back to begging my parents for some money. Again, I’m leaving tons of details out, but this is excessive, right?? Like I’m not crazy? Am I? And since they’re not using their own names, it’s not their credit that’s going to shit.
All my other siblings agree w me, but we’re biased and my parents don’t mention it to them, but they’re going through they’re retirement funds. My dad is 59 years old, he didn’t work the entirety of his life so his 2 adults sons with fully developed brains can blow through his money like it’s nothing.
This isn’t really my business to poke my nose in, but how do I talk to my mom and tell her that this “support” is just enabling them. If they were truly grateful and appreciated the support, they wouldn’t have taken advantage of them like this. In what world do you need to any of this?? And why is it so hard for them to get a regular job? I have a running theory that they seen how my dad became a business man and they think they can make like he did, but my dad is quite literally working 12+ hrs daily. He rarely takes days off, this money is not coming from thin air like they believe.
Anyways, my dad is currently overseas and I already know he’s over their bs, my mom is their benefactor, I really do wish she would wash her hands of them. This sounds harsh, but how are you 30 and mooching off your parents’ retirement fund? Maybe my mindset toward this is wrong? Idk but I just need someone to give me some advice bc this can’t be normal.
Also, I don’t want to come off as someone who is for the “struggle life” like the whole “parents suffered so kids can live a comfortable life, but not too comfortable so they understand their parents sacrifice/struggle” A lot of immigrant parents have this mentality, and I feel as though my parents don’t, which is great, but there comes a point where it’s just pure entitlement and selfishness. This behaviors that you can regularly see in a middle schooler, but men approaching their 30s?? No way.

Hey there, I’m trying to help my friend with finding a book he read when he was younger. He says he read it at least 10 years ago, so that puts us pre-2013.
The cover has a photograph of marbles rolling down a staircase. It’s realistic, not cartoon-y.
The main character lives in a house where a few things go missing, such as an hourglass and a stuffed elephant toy. The house is haunted by a young ghost girl most likely named Rose (he isn’t entirely sure) and she was accidentally killed by the MC’s grandmother or mother when she was locked in a closet and left there. She is stealing things to try to spell out her name— she took the hourglass because the H is silent and so she thought it started with an O. The closets in the house no longer have doors, only curtains, due to that accident.
Thanks to anyone who can help!

Free media mail shipping on orders over $50 and half off shipping for all figures shipping (US shipping only for both). I'm also VERY willing to negotiate on larger orders (especially figures), so please don't hesitate to ask or make an offer!
Prices do not include shipping. I am VERY willing to negotiate on price for the figures. If you're interested, please let me know regardless of my asking price and we can discuss it. Figure prices are based on ebay and not in-depth research, so they aren't firm by any means.
These items were kept in a smoke-free, pet-friendly environment. Please ask if you have specific questions or would like additional pictures. I prefer not to split, but I may be willing on a case-by-case basis.
I'm almost to my financial goal so I can move across the country! I appreciate you helping me get there!
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Manga
11th Cat 1-5 (complete) - $25 https://imgur.com/a/Ke6OGIo
Ai Yori Aoshi 1-7 - $35 https://imgur.com/a/N6IoXaq
Alice & Zoroku 1-2 - $13 https://imgur.com/a/VyWAXdQ
Angel Diary 1-2 - $10 https://imgur.com/a/RxWPQrw
Baccano 1 (light novel, hardback) - $10 https://imgur.com/a/TNU4jwA
Bakuman 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/a4aTYpm
Battle Rabbits 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/a4aTYpm
Beauty and the Feast 1 - $7 https://imgur.com/a/a4aTYpm
Black Butler 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/nvyV1Ns
Blue Period 1-4 - $28 https://imgur.com/a/VQnUeML
Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki 1 (light novel) - $7 https://imgur.com/a/dBySQM0
Bungo Stray Dogs 1-2 - $14 https://imgur.com/a/UKHMA1x
Bus Gamer (standalone) - $5 https://imgur.com/a/AF0N5iJ
Cantarella 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/0X7zrGX
Clockwork Planet 1 (light novel) - $7 https://imgur.com/a/xxDlkm7
Conditions of Paradise, The (standalone) - $7 https://imgur.com/a/vQdMODO
Culdcept 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/bn938Sc
Days of Love at Seagull Villa 1-3 (complete) - $21 https://imgur.com/a/E4gDYNJ
Demonizer Zilch 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/wgGBO0X
Descendants of Darkness 1-3 - $15 https://imgur.com/a/OiS24qq
Di Gi Charat 1-4 (complete) - $20 https://imgur.com/a/2dUC1xD
Dictatorial Grimoire (standalone omnibus) - $13 https://imgur.com/a/OTkWz9R
Dimension W 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/BOznjTX
Dororo: The Omnibus Edition (standalone) - $15 https://imgur.com/a/B3uBOFV
Dragon Knights 1-7 - $35 https://imgur.com/a/fDYhHU5
Dragonar Academy 1-2 - $10 https://imgur.com/a/XcSD3j3
Fairy Tale Battle Royale 1-4 - $24 https://imgur.com/a/y2Zd6gW
Fall in Love Like a Comic 1-2 (complete) - $10 https://imgur.com/a/zTJmZVj
Fiance of the Wizard 1 - $6 https://imgur.com/a/riFTHhg
Four-Eyed Prince 1-3 - $15 https://imgur.com/a/UYNwKmw
Free Collars Kingdom 1-3 (complete) - $15 https://imgur.com/a/bgEeeio
Frieren: Beyond Jounrey's End 1 - $6 https://imgur.com/a/FpxoWzt
Fruits Basket omnibus 1-4, 9-10 - $72 https://imgur.com/a/E4SmjpL
Galaxy Angel 1-3 - $15 https://imgur.com/a/IgfaAP6
Galaxy Angel Beta 1-2 - $10 https://imgur.com/a/dInlUT0
Genkaku Picasso - $15 https://imgur.com/a/oahQK7s
Goblin Slayer Side Story: Year One 1-2 (light novel) - $15 https://imgur.com/a/2g9gRwa
Gravitation: Voice of Temptation (light novel, Gravitation side story) - $5 https://imgur.com/a/GDeeIj9
Gunparade March 1-3 (complete) + Last Dance Gunparade - $20 https://imgur.com/a/YH9OyER
Higurashi When They Cry 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/KMkFlDB
Hot Gimmick 1-4 omnibus editions + Hot Gimmick S (complete) - $45 https://imgur.com/a/fUfA48Y
I O N (standalone) - $5 https://imgur.com/a/VOGxAFw
Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon 1-3 (light novel) (volumes 4-5 in pictures have been sold) - $21 https://imgur.com/a/RHekce2
Isolator, The 1 (hardback, light novel) - $10 https://imgur.com/a/ZqcquPQ
Junk 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/wCuY8lz
Kare First Love 1-2 - $10https://imgur.com/a/riFTHhg
Kare Kano 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/qNDEpfx
Kashimashi 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/omQMbbT
Kilala Princess 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/YrYh1A0
KonKon Kokon 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/ed2EpQo
Kujibiki Unbalance 1-2 (complete) - $10 https://imgur.com/a/UC17mXN
Lagoon Engine Einsatz (standalone) - $5 https://imgur.com/a/45Rieuw
Le Chevalier d'Eon 1-2 - $15 https://imgur.com/a/qL5sf8r
Little Witch Academia: The Nonsensical Witch and the Country of the Fairies (light novel) - $5 https://imgur.com/a/GYitYVX
Loner Life in Another World - (light novel) $7 https://imgur.com/a/GDeeIj9
Love Master A 1-2 (complete) - $10 https://imgur.com/a/XeBLF6n
Love Roma 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/IpSsafb
Loveholic 1-2 (complete) - $10 https://imgur.com/a/yrZNTK7
Loveless 1-4 (two 2-in-1 omnnibuses) - $17 https://imgur.com/a/h5Qy7WK
Maga-Tsuki 1-2 - $10 https://imgur.com/a/N4K6183
Magia the Ninth 1-2 (complete) - $10 https://imgur.com/a/nRBybq2
Mamotte Shugogetten 1 - $6 https://imgur.com/a/mdxoGzY
Mayo Chiki 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/gASgqrH
Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, The 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/YTsrVBX
Milky Way Hitchhiking 1-2 (vol 3 was never released, so complete-ish?) - $35 https://imgur.com/a/0jeHi0h
Monster Girl Doctor 1 (light novel) - $7 https://imgur.com/a/ZqcquPQ
My Androgynous Boyfriend 1 - $7 https://imgur.com/a/vyrkiDf
My Little Monster 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/I5SolSm
My-Hime 1-5 (complete) - $25 https://imgur.com/a/rNjIhoK
Nana 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/I5SolSm
Negima 1-20 + Negiho - $95 https://imgur.com/a/DfXlBW6
Nirvana 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/omQMbbT
Nosatsu Junkie 1-4 - $20 https://imgur.com/a/pBx6FMx
Now Loading (standalone) - $5 https://imgur.com/a/vyrkiDf
Nurse Hitomi's Monster Infirmary 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/ed2EpQo
Occultic;Nine 1 (light novel) - $7 https://imgur.com/a/ZqcquPQ
One Fine Day 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/DBLgaJm
Otome Mania 1-2 (complete) - $10 https://imgur.com/a/AI375f5
Ouran High School Host Club 1-11 - $55 https://imgur.com/a/wlF3JE5
Pandora in the Crimson Shell 1 - $6 https://imgur.com/a/omQMbbT
Penguin Revolution 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/lnpu6q7
PHD: Phantasy Degree - $5 https://imgur.com/a/chcr1Im
Pokemon The Rise of Darkrai - $5 https://imgur.com/a/bgWQiWK
Psychic Academy 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/omQMbbT
Punch 1-3 (complete) - $15https://imgur.com/a/08Rkj15
Re:Zero 1 (manga) - $5 https://imgur.com/a/Il2rTuz
Re:Zero 1-2 (light novel) (volume 2 from pictures has been sold) - $21 https://imgur.com/a/MZHiU5n
RG Veda 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/qL5sf8r
Rising of the Shield Hero, The 1 (manga) - $5 https://imgur.com/a/Il2rTuz
Saint Young Men 1-6 (hardbacks) - $80 https://imgur.com/a/l3d7gOt
Saiyuki Reload 1-9 (complete in US publication, heavy sun-fading and damage) - $25 https://imgur.com/a/mqLOGUs
Sakura Hime 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/OqzMOjn
Samurai Deeper Kyo 1-9 - $45 https://imgur.com/a/jghft6x
Samurai Girl Real Bout High School 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/98JIhAy
Satan's Secretary 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/KDvRsgO
Sayonara Zetsubou-Sensei 1 - $10 https://imgur.com/a/GYitYVX
School Judgement 1-3 (complete) - $15 https://imgur.com/a/GzqWCCf
Secret Sakura Shares, The (standalone) - $10 https://imgur.com/a/pfTfI9f
Secretly I've Been Suffering About Being Sexless (standalone) - $8 https://imgur.com/a/DBLgaJm
Servant X Service 1 - $10 https://imgur.com/a/pfTfI9f
SGT Frog 1-7, 11, 16, 19 - $50 (volumes 20-21 have been sold) https://imgur.com/a/r99bGkp
Shugo Chara 1-4, 7 - $28 https://imgur.com/a/QfUsIfU
Slumbering Beauty 1-2 (complete) - $10 https://imgur.com/a/qox5eZn
Songs To Make You Smile (standalone) - $5 https://imgur.com/a/DBLgaJm
Species Domain 1-7 - $50 https://imgur.com/a/R92fng9
Spirit Circle 1 - $6 https://imgur.com/a/wDCptpP
Stupid Love Comedy (standalone) - $13 https://imgur.com/a/xi1Wyf7
Sugar Sugar Rune 1 - $20 https://imgur.com/a/qL5sf8r
Suzuka 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/xi1Wyf7
Tale of an Unknown Country, A 1-2 - $10 https://imgur.com/a/AI375f5
There's a Demon Lord on the Floor 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/vyrkiDf
Threads of Time 1-11 (complete) - $55 https://imgur.com/a/7G8dWeu
Tokyo Boys &; Girls 1-3 - $15 https://imgur.com/a/l7dFWUd
Ultra Kaiju 1-2 - $10 https://imgur.com/a/GYitYVX
Ultra Maniac 1 - $4 https://imgur.com/a/Ev1F9PM
Unmagical Girl 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/DBLgaJm
Vampire Game 1-15 (complete) - $70 https://imgur.com/a/6Rskl12
Vampire Knight 1-4 - $20 https://imgur.com/a/AvwkuaH
Versailles of the Dead 1-2 - $12 https://imgur.com/a/xrvEAAs
Voices of a Distant Star, The (standalone) - $5 https://imgur.com/a/GDeeIj9
Wallflower, The 1-10, 13, 16, 19 - $52 - (volumes 11,12,and 18 from the pictures have been sold) Part 1 https://imgur.com/a/t7qKOWx Part 2 https://imgur.com/a/TDqwDzR
Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina 1-2 - $12 https://imgur.com/a/aL5EgKw
What's Michael? Fatcat Collection 1-2 (complete) - $20 https://imgur.com/a/B3uBOFV
Whispered Words 1-3 (complete) - $30 https://imgur.com/a/nRjh4UG
Witch Buster 1-2 omnibus - $8 https://imgur.com/a/U8y4ItZ
Wild Ones 1 - $5 https://imgur.com/a/comGEdA
Witch's Printing House, A 1 - $8 https://imgur.com/a/xi1Wyf7
World of Narue 1-2 - $10 https://imgur.com/a/aL5EgKw
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Misc. Books
Nendoroid - My First Doll: Clothing Patterns - $20 https://imgur.com/a/yIlVI2d
Start with 12 Colors The First Copic Color illustration Book - $10 (the coloring pages have been removed from the book, but they are included and uncolored; one has a wrinkled corner) https://imgur.com/a/K9YEtKY
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Anime
Cowboy Bebop Remix DVD + Cowboy Bebop Movie DVD - $10 https://imgur.com/a/CQeHpI8
Final Fantasy Advent Children Complete BD - $5 https://imgur.com/a/CQeHpI8
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Nendoroids
Dramatical Murder Clear 597 - $105 https://imgur.com/a/cvVIo4F
Durara!! x2 Celty 513 - $75 https://imgur.com/a/cvVIo4F
Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask Link 553 - $65 https://imgur.com/a/jCbd7az
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Play Arts Kai (Final Fantasy VII Advent Children)
Arms - $70 https://imgur.com/a/2mbvOqp
Barret - $100 https://imgur.com/a/TBGdvJx
Cloud - $150 https://imgur.com/a/7dQ4PTT
Red XIII (glue on side of box has dried, causing it to open; tape is still in place) - $110 https://imgur.com/a/r2zwQKj
Tifa - $250 https://imgur.com/a/hPt8Not
Sephiroth - $130 https://imgur.com/a/q44KxW2
Vincent - $175 https://imgur.com/a/KNnzjc1
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Misc Figures
Code Geass Lelouche Lamperouge Code Black 1st Life Encore ver (Kotobukiya) - $120 https://imgur.com/a/z4HVlnx
Code Geass Lelouche Lamperouge/Zero/Kururugi Suzaku 10th Anniversary (Megahouse) - $200 https://imgur.com/a/rhKYnpB
Dragon's Crown Elf Another Color Version (Megahouse) - $130 https://imgur.com/a/O8aInUv
Final Fantasy Master Arms Seifer's Gunblade (Square Enix) - $35 https://imgur.com/a/YGkfxBy
Hyakka Ryouran Tokugawa Sen (Alter) - $75 https://imgur.com/a/3gc2fBB
Hyakka Ryouran Tokugawa Sen Sadistic Succubus Ver. (Alter) - $105 https://imgur.com/a/KXWUCH7
Hyakka Ryouran Yagyu Jubei (Megahouse) - $100 https://imgur.com/a/49ZpBn2
Kingdom Hearts II Sora Static Arts Gallery - $100 https://imgur.com/a/TVG2lF8
Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess Ganandorf (Dark Horse/Together+) - $250 https://imgur.com/a/otRy1NN
Neon Genesis Evangelion Makinami Mari Illustrious (Max Factory) - $175 https://imgur.com/a/4Yhr9YI
Rail Wars Aoi Sakura - $125 https://imgur.com/a/7FtyAUd
Senki Zesshou Symphogear GX Kazanari Tsubasa Ame no Habakiri (Bell Fine) - $150 https://imgur.com/a/kEyTyTU
Senki Zesshou Symphogear GX Yukine Chris - Ichaival Ver. (Bell Fine) - $130 https://imgur.com/a/b9rAzQX
Ultra Kaiju Guts Seijin (Surprise Next) - $170 https://imgur.com/a/GWtNu4B
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Plush (missing tags; I might still have them though, so I will include them if I find them)
Kemono Friends Iwatobi Penguin Mega Jumbo Nesoberi - $10 https://imgur.com/a/VC9zgGl
Pokemon Eevee (Banpresto) - $10 https://imgur.com/a/bRFsR6s

For reference: I (22m) am a college student and I currently have a $700 limit on my CC. I also pay a $300 monthly car loan. For both of these, I pay off in full, on time for every statement date each month.
I got my first CC when I was 18 and mainly use it for occasional yet fixed expenses such as gas, eating out, groceries, and the occasional entertainment ticket (sports, concerts, shows, etc) once every month or so. Given that I am on a meal plan and am housed in a dorm, I rarely find myself eating out and don't have to pay rent as well as driving around so my current and normally expenses have been low at school and as a result, I usually stay under $200 on my CC per month.
As I said earlier, I pay my card off in full on the due date every month since receiving my card and have built an 805 credit score which has been that way for a while give or take; sometimes it goes as high as to 808, sometimes it drops as low as 798. This past month, I ended up spending a little extra on a plane ticket to visit my family for spring break which was an additional $300 which ended up being a $366 final statement. Again, paid it off in full on the due date.
I usually get weekly credit reports through Mint, which is an intuit company for those unfamiliar. I got an alert that my credit score dropped a significant amount (more than 10 points). I checked and it decreased to 775; I know that's still good but I was confused.
I got a tip from Mint that because I used around 40% of my credit utilization, that has a high impact on dropping credit scores. I want to buy baseball tickets for opening week on Saturday and by doing the math, it seems like I'll go over 30% utilization on my next statement which apparently is a factor.
So I guess my question is why do credit companies penalize you if you spend a lot on a credit card, especially if you pay it back on time in full like I've always done? They always say that putting things on a credit card and paying it back on time builds credit and I am doing exactly that. I know this is a really stupid thing to be nervous about but as a young adult who wants to be able to qualify for loans and all that I want to know what effective tips I can use to make sure this doesn't happen. Any help, tips, or advice would be greatly appreciated!

THE OPENING (al-Fatihah) 1. In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful. 2. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. 3. The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 4. Master of the Day of Judgment. 5. It is You we worship, and upon You we call for help. 6. Guide us to the straight path. 7. The path of those You have blessed, not of those against whom there is anger, nor of those who are misguided. 2. THE HEIFER (al-Baqarah) In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful 1. Alif, Lam, Meem. 2. This is the Book in which there is no doubt, a guide for the righteous. 3. Those who believe in the unseen, and perform the prayers, and give from what We have provided for them. 4. And those who believe in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you, and are certain of the Hereafter. 5. These are upon guidance from their Lord. These are the successful. 6. As for those who disbelieve—it is the same for them, whether you have warned them, or have not warned them—they do not believe. 7. Allah has set a seal on their hearts and on their hearing, and over their vision is a veil. They will have a severe torment. 8. Among the people are those who say, “We believe in Allah and in the Last Day,” but they are not believers. 9. They seek to deceive Allah and those who believe, but they deceive none but themselves, though they are not aware. 10. In their hearts is sickness, and Allah has increased their sickness. They will have a painful punishment because of their denial. 11. And when it is said to them, “Do not make trouble on earth,” they say, “We are only reformers.” 12. In fact, they are the troublemakers, but they are not aware. 13. And when it is said to them, “Believe as the people have believed,” they say, “Shall we believe as the fools have believed?” In fact, it is they who are the fools, but they do not know. 14. And when they come across those who believe, they say, “We believe”; but when they are alone with their devils, they say, “We are with you; we were only ridiculing.” 15. It is Allah who ridicules them, and leaves them bewildered in their transgression. 16. Those are they who have bartered error for guidance; but their trade does not profit them, and they are not guided. 17. Their likeness is that of a person who kindled a fire; when it illuminated all around him, Allah took away their light, and left them in darkness, unable to see. 18. Deaf, dumb, blind. They will not return. 19. Or like a cloudburst from the sky, in which is darkness, and thunder, and lightning. They press their fingers into their ears from the thunderbolts, in fear of death. But Allah surrounds the disbelievers. 20. The lightning almost snatches their sight away. Whenever it illuminates for them, they walk in it; but when it grows dark over them, they stand still. Had Allah willed, He could have taken away their hearing and their sight. Allah is capable of everything. 21. O people! Worship your Lord who created you and those before you, that you may attain piety. 1 2. THE HEIFER (al-Baqarah) 22. He who made the earth a habitat for you, and the sky a structure, and sends water down from the sky, and brings out fruits thereby, as a sustenance for you. Therefore, do not assign rivals to Allah while you know. 23. And if you are in doubt about what We have revealed to Our servant, then produce a chapter like these, and call your witnesses apart from Allah, if you are truthful. 24. But if you do not—and you will not—then beware the Fire whose fuel is people and stones, prepared for the disbelievers. 25. And give good news to those who believe and do righteous deeds; that they will have gardens beneath which rivers flow. Whenever they are provided with fruit therefrom as sustenance, they will say, “This is what we were provided with before,” and they will be given the like of it. And they will have pure spouses therein, and they will abide therein forever. 26. Allah does not shy away from making an example of a gnat, or something above it. As for those who believe, they know that it is the Truth from their Lord. But as for those who disbelieve, they say, “What did Allah intend by this example?” He leads astray many thereby, and He guides many thereby; but He misleads thereby only the evildoers. 27. Those who violate Allah’s covenant after its confirmation, and sever what Allah has commanded to be joined, and commit evil on earth. These are the losers. 28. How can you deny Allah, when you were dead and He gave you life, then He will put you to death, then He will bring you to life, then to Him you will be returned? 29. It is He who created for you everything on earth, then turned to the heaven, and made them seven heavens. And He is aware of all things. 30. When your Lord said to the angels, “I am placing a successor on earth.” They said, “Will You place in it someone who will cause corruption in it and shed blood, while we declare Your praises and sanctify You?” He said, “I know what you do not know.” 31. And He taught Adam the names, all of them; then he presented them to the angels, and said, “Tell Me the names of these, if you are sincere.” 32. They said, “Glory be to You! We have no knowledge except what You have taught us. It is you who are the Knowledgeable, the Wise.” 33. He said, “O Adam, tell them their names.” And when he told them their names, He said, “Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of the heavens and the earth, and that I know what you reveal and what you conceal?” 34. And We said to the angels, “Bow down to Adam.” They bowed down, except for Satan. He refused, was arrogant, and was one of the disbelievers. 35. We said, “O Adam, inhabit the Garden, you and your spouse, and eat from it freely as you please, but do not approach this tree, lest you become wrongdoers.” 36. But Satan caused them to slip from it, and caused them to depart the state they were in. We said, “Go down, some of you enemies of one another. And you will have residence on earth, and enjoyment for a while.” 37. Then Adam received words from his Lord, so He relented towards him. He is the Relenting, the Merciful. 38. We said, “Go down from it, all of you. Yet whenever guidance comes to you from Me, then whoever follows My guidance—they have nothing to fear, nor shall they grieve. 39. But as for those who disbelieve and reject Our signs—these are the inmates of the Fire—wherein they will remain forever.” 40. O Children of Israel! Remember My blessings which I bestowed upon you, and fulfill your pledge to Me, and I will fulfill My pledge to you, and fear Me. 41. And believe in what I revealed, confirming what is with you; and do not be the first to 2 2. THE HEIFER (al-Baqarah) deny it; and do not exchange My revelations for a small price; and be conscious of Me. 42. And do not mix truth with falsehood, and do not conceal the truth while you know. 43. And attend to your prayers, and practice regular charity, and kneel with those who kneel. 44. Do you command people to virtuous conduct, and forget yourselves, even though you read the Scripture? Do you not understand? 45. And seek help through patience and prayer. But it is difficult, except for the devout. 46. Those who know that they will meet their Lord, and that to Him they will return. 47. O Children of Israel! Remember My favor which I bestowed upon you, and I that favored you over all nations. 48. And beware of a Day when no soul will avail another in the least, nor will any intercession be accepted on its behalf, nor will any ransom be taken from it, nor will they be helped. 49. And recall that We delivered you from the people of Pharaoh. They inflicted on you terrible persecution, killing your sons and sparing your women. Therein was a tremendous trial from your Lord. 50. And recall that We parted the sea for you, so We saved you, and We drowned the people of Pharaoh as you looked on. 51. And recall that We appointed for Moses forty nights. Then you took to worshiping the calf after him, and you turned wicked. 52. Then We pardoned you after that, so that you might be grateful. 53. And recall that We gave Moses the Scripture and the Criterion, so that you may be guided. 54. And recall that Moses said to his people, “O my people, you have done wrong to yourselves by worshiping the calf. So repent to your Maker, and kill your egos. That would be better for you with your Maker.” So He turned to you in repentance. He is the Accepter of Repentance, the Merciful. 55. And recall that you said, “O Moses, we will not believe in you unless we see Allah plainly.” Thereupon the thunderbolt struck you, as you looked on. 56. Then We revived you after your death, so that you may be appreciative. 57. And We shaded you with clouds, and We sent down to you manna and quails: “Eat of the good things We have provided for you.” They did not wrong Us, but they used to wrong their own souls. 58. And recall that We said, “Enter this town, and eat plentifully from it whatever you wish; but enter the gate humbly, and say, 'Pardon.' We will forgive your sins, and give increase to the virtuous.” 59. But the wrongdoers among them substituted words other than those given to them, so We sent down on the wrongdoers a plague from heaven, because of their wicked behavior. 60. And recall when Moses prayed for water for his people. We said, “Strike the rock with your staff.” Thereupon twelve springs gushed out from it, and each tribe recognized its drinking-place. “Eat and drink from Allah’s provision, and do not corrupt the earth with disobedience.” 61. And recall when you said, “O Moses, we cannot endure one kind of food, so call to your Lord to produce for us of what the earth grows: of its herbs, and its cucumbers, and its garlic, and its lentils, and its onions.” He said, “Would you substitute worse for better? Go down to Egypt, where you will have what you asked for.” They were struck with humiliation and poverty, and incurred wrath from Allah. That was because they rejected Allah’s revelations and wrongfully killed the prophets. That was because they disobeyed and transgressed. 62. Those who believe, and those who are Jewish, and the Christians, and the Sabeans—any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and 3 2. THE HEIFER (al-Baqarah) act righteously—will have their reward with their Lord; they have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. 63. And recall when We received a pledge from you, and raised the Mount above you: “Take what We have given you earnestly, and remember what is in it, that you may attain righteousness.” 64. But after that you turned away. Were it not for Allah’s grace and mercy towards you, you would have been among the losers. 65. And you surely knew those of you who violated the Sabbath. We said to them, “Be despicable apes!” 66. Thus We made it a deterrent for their generation, and for subsequent generations, and a lesson for the righteous. 67. And recall when Moses said to his people, “Allah commands you to sacrifice a heifer.” They said, “Do you make a mockery of us?” He said, “Allah forbid that I should be so ignorant.” 68. They said, “Call upon your Lord to show us which one.” He said, “He says she is a heifer, neither too old, nor too young, but in between. So do what you are commanded.” 69. They said, “Call upon your Lord to show us what her color is.” He said, “He says she is a yellow heifer, bright in color, pleasing to the beholders.” 70. They said, “Call upon your Lord to show us which one; the heifers look alike to us; and Allah willing, we will be guided.” 71. He said, “He says she is a heifer, neither yoked to plow the earth, nor to irrigate the field; sound without blemish.” They said, “Now you have brought the truth.” So they slew her; though they almost did not. 72. And recall when you killed a person, and disputed in the matter; but Allah was to expose what you were hiding. 73. We said, “Strike him with part of it.” Thus Allah brings the dead to life; and He shows you His signs, that you may understand. 74. Then after that your hearts hardened. They were as rocks, or even harder. For there are some rocks from which rivers gush out, and others that splinter and water comes out from them, and others that sink in awe of Allah. Allah is not unaware of what you do. 75. Do you hope that they will believe in you, when some of them used to hear the Word of Allah, and then deliberately distort it, even after understanding it? 76. And when they come across those who believe, they say, “We believe,” but when they come together privately, they say, “Will you inform them of what Allah has disclosed to you, so that they might dispute with you concerning it before your Lord?” Do you not understand? 77. Do they not know that Allah knows what they conceal and what they reveal? 78. And among them are uneducated who know the Scripture only through hearsay, and they only speculate. 79. So woe to those who write the Scripture with their own hands, and then say, “This is from Allah,” that they may exchange it for a little price. Woe to them for what their hands have written, and woe to them for what they earn. 80. And they say, “The Fire will not touch us except for a number of days.” Say, “Have you received a promise from Allah—Allah never breaks His promise—or are you saying about Allah what you do not know?” 81. Indeed, whoever commits misdeeds, and becomes besieged by his iniquities—these are the inmates of the Fire, wherein they will dwell forever. 82. As for those who believe and do righteous deeds—these are the inhabitants of Paradise, wherein they will dwell forever. 83. We made a covenant with the Children of Israel: “Worship none but Allah; and be good to parents, and relatives, and orphans, and the needy; and speak nicely to people; and pray regularly, and give alms.” Then you 4 2. THE HEIFER (al-Baqarah) turned away, except for a few of you, recanting. 84. And We made a covenant with you: “You shall not shed the blood of your own, nor shall you evict your own from your homes.” You agreed, and were all witnesses. 85. But here you are, killing your own, and expelling a group of your own from their homes—conspiring against them in wrongdoing and hostility. And if they come to you as captives, you ransom them, although it was forbidden to you. Is it that you believe in part of the Scripture, and disbelieve in part? What is the reward for those among you who do that but humiliation in this life? And on the Day of Resurrection, they will be assigned to the most severe torment. Allah is not unaware of what you do. 86. Those are they who bought the present life for the Hereafter, so the punishment will not be lightened for them, nor will they be helped. 87. We gave Moses the Scripture, and sent a succession of messengers after him. And We gave Jesus son of Mary the clear proofs, and We supported him with the Holy Spirit. Is it that whenever a messenger comes to you with anything your souls do not desire, you grew arrogant, calling some impostors, and killing others? 88. And they said, “Our hearts are sealed.” Rather, Allah has cursed them for their ingratitude. They have little faith. 89. And when a scripture came to them from Allah, confirming what they have—although previously they were seeking victory against those who disbelieved—but when there came to them what they recognized, they disbelieved in it. So Allah’s curse is upon the disbelievers. 90. Miserable is what they sold their souls for—rejecting what Allah has revealed, out of resentment that Allah would send down His grace upon whomever He chooses from among His servants. Thus they incurred wrath upon wrath. And there is a demeaning punishment for the disbelievers. 91. And when it is said to them, “Believe in what Allah has revealed,” they say, “We believe in what was revealed to us,” and they reject anything beyond that, although it is the truth which confirms what they have. Say, “Why did you kill Allah’s prophets before, if you were believers?” 92. Moses came to you with clear proofs, yet you adopted the calf in his absence, and you were in the wrong. 93. And We made a covenant with you, and raised the Mount above you: “Take what We have given you firmly, and listen.” They said, “We hear and disobey.” And their hearts became filled with the love of the calf because of their disbelief. Say, “Wretched is what your faith commands you to do, if you are believers.” 94. Say, “If the Final Home with Allah is yours alone, to the exclusion of all other people, then wish for death if you are sincere.” 95. But they will never wish for it, because of what their hands have forwarded. Allah is aware of the evildoers. 96. You will find them, of all mankind, the most eager for life, even more than the polytheists. Every one of them wishes he could live a thousand years; but to be granted a long life will not nudge him from the punishment. Allah is Seeing of what they do. 97. Say, “Whoever is hostile to Gabriel—it is he who revealed it to your heart by Allah’s leave, confirming what preceded it, and guidance and good news for the believers.” 98. Whoever is hostile to Allah, and His angels, and His messengers, and Gabriel, and Michael—Allah is hostile to the faithless. 99. We have revealed to you clear signs, and none rejects them except the sinners. 100. Is it not that whenever they make a covenant, some of them toss it aside? In fact, most of them do not believe. 101. And when there came to them a messenger from Allah, confirming what they had, a faction of those who were given the Book 5 2. THE HEIFER (al-Baqarah) threw the Book of Allah behind their backs, as if they do not know. 102. And they followed what the devils taught during the reign of Solomon. It was not Solomon who disbelieved, but it was the devils who disbelieved. They taught the people witchcraft and what was revealed in Babylon to the two angels Harut and Marut. They did not teach anybody until they had said, “We are a test, so do not lose faith.” But they learned from them the means to cause separation between man and his wife. But they cannot harm anyone except with Allah's permission. And they learned what would harm them and not benefit them. Yet they knew that whoever deals in it will have no share in the Hereafter. Miserable is what they sold their souls for, if they only knew. 103. Had they believed and been righteous, the reward from Allah would have been better, if they only knew. 104. O you who believe! Do not say ambiguous words, but say words of respect, and listen. The disbelievers will have a painful torment. 105. It is never the wish of the disbelievers from among the People of the Book, nor of the polytheists, that any good should be sent down to you from your Lord. But Allah chooses for His mercy whomever He wills. Allah is Possessor of Sublime Grace. 106. We never nullify a verse, nor cause it to be forgotten, unless We bring one better than it, or similar to it. Do you not know that Allah is capable of all things? 107. Do you not know that to Allah belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth, and that apart from Allah you have no guardian or helper? 108. Or do you want to question your Messenger as Moses was questioned before? Whoever exchanges faith for disbelief has strayed from the right path. 109. Many of the People of the Book wish to turn you back into unbelievers after you have believed, out of envy on their part, after the Truth has become clear to them. But pardon and overlook, until Allah brings His command. Allah has power over all things. 110. And perform the prayer, and give alms. Whatever good you forward for yourselves, you will find it with Allah. Allah is Seeing of everything you do. 111. And they say, “None will enter Heaven unless he is a Jew or a Christian.” These are their wishes. Say, “Produce your proof, if you are truthful.” 112. In fact, whoever submits himself to Allah, and is a doer of good, will have his reward with his Lord—they have nothing to fear, nor shall they grieve. 113. The Jews say, “The Christians are not based on anything;” and the Christians say, “The Jews are not based on anything.” Yet they both read the Scripture. Similarly, the ignorant said the same thing. Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection regarding their differences. 114. Who is more unjust than him who forbids the remembrance of Allah’s name in places of worship, and contributes to their ruin? These ought not to enter them except in fear. For them is disgrace in this world, and for them is a terrible punishment in the Hereafter. 115. To Allah belong the East and the West. Whichever way you turn, there is Allah’s presence. Allah is Omnipresent and Omniscient. 116. And they say, “Allah has begotten a son.” Be He glorified. Rather, His is everything in the heavens and the earth; all are obedient to Him. 117. Originator of the heavens and the earth. Whenever He decrees a thing, He says to it, “Be,” and it becomes. 118. Those who do not know say, “If only Allah would speak to us, or a sign would come to us.” Thus said those who were before them. Their hearts are alike. We have made the signs clear for people who are certain. 6 2. THE HEIFER (al-Baqarah) 119. We have sent you with the truth—bringing good news, and giving warnings. You will not be questioned about the inmates of Hell. 120. The Jews and the Christians will not approve of you, unless you follow their creed. Say, “Allah’s guidance is the guidance.” Should you follow their desires, after the knowledge that has come to you, you will have in Allah neither guardian nor helper. 121. Those to whom We have given the Scripture follow it, as it ought to be followed— these believe in it. But as for those who reject it—these are the losers. 122. O Children of Israel! Remember My blessing which I bestowed upon you, and that I have favored you over all people. 123. And beware of a Day when no soul will avail another soul in any way, and no ransom will be accepted from it, and no intercession will benefit it, and they will not be helped. 124. And when his Lord tested Abraham with certain words, and he fulfilled them. He said, “I am making you a leader of humanity.” He said, “And my descendants?” He said, “My pledge does not include the wrongdoers.” 125. And We made the House a focal point for the people, and a sanctuary. Use the shrine of Abraham as a place of prayer. And We commissioned Abraham and Ishmael, “Sanctify My House for those who circle around it, and those who seclude themselves in it, and those who kneel and prostrate.” 126. When Abraham said, “O My Lord, make this a peaceful land, and provide its people with fruits—whoever of them believes in Allah and the Last Day.” He said, “And whoever disbelieves, I will give him a little enjoyment, then I will consign him to the punishment of the Fire; how miserable the destiny!” 127. As Abraham raises the foundations of the House, together with Ishmael, “Our Lord, accept it from us, You are the Hearer, the Knower. 128. Our Lord, and make us submissive to You, and from our descendants a community submissive to You. And show us our rites, and accept our repentance. You are the Acceptor of Repentance, the Merciful. 129. Our Lord, and raise up among them a messenger, of themselves, who will recite to them Your revelations, and teach them the Book and wisdom, and purify them. You are the Almighty, the Wise.” 130. Who would forsake the religion of Abraham, except he who fools himself? We chose him in this world, and in the Hereafter he will be among the righteous. 131. When his Lord said to him, “Submit!” He said, “I have submitted to the Lord of the Worlds.” 132. And Abraham exhorted his sons, and Jacob, “O my sons, Allah has chosen this religion for you, so do not die unless you have submitted.” 133. Or were you witnesses when death approached Jacob, and he said to his sons, “What will you worship after Me?” They said, “We will worship your God, and the God of your fathers, Abraham, Ishmael, and Isaac; One God; and to Him we submit.” 134. That was a community that has passed; for them is what they have earned, and for you is what you have earned; and you will not be questioned about what they used to do. 135. And they say, “Be Jews or Christians, and you will be guided.” Say, “Rather, the religion of Abraham, the Monotheist; he was not an idolater.” 136. Say, “We believe in Allah; and in what was revealed to us; and in what was revealed to Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the Patriarchs; and in what was given to Moses and Jesus; and in what was given to the prophets—from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we surrender.” 137. If they believe in the same as you have believed in, then they have been guided. But if they turn away, then they are in schism. Allah will protect you against them; for He is the Hearer, the Knower. 7 2. THE HEIFER (al-Baqarah) 138. Allah’s coloring. And who gives better coloring than Allah? “And we are devoted to Him.” 139. Say, “Do you argue with us about Allah, when He is our Lord and your Lord, and We have our works, and you have your works, and we are sincere to Him?” 140. Or do you say that Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Patriarchs were Jews or Christians? Say, “Do you know better, or Allah?” And who does greater wrong than he who conceals a testimony he has from Allah? Allah is not unaware of what you do. 141. That was a community that has passed. To them is what they have earned, and to you is what you have earned. And you will not be questioned about what they used to do. 142. The ignorant among the people will say, “What has turned them away from the direction of prayer they once followed?” Say, “To Allah belong the East and the West. He guides whom He wills to a straight path.” 143. Thus We made you a moderate community, that you may be witnesses to humanity, and that the Messenger may be a witness to you. We only established the direction of prayer, which you once followed, that We may distinguish those who follow the Messenger from those who turn on their heels. It is indeed difficult, except for those whom Allah has guided. But Allah would never let your faith go to waste. Allah is Kind towards the people, Merciful. 144. We have seen your face turned towards the heaven. So We will turn you towards a direction that will satisfy you. So turn your face towards the Sacred Mosque. And wherever you may be, turn your faces towards it. Those who were given the Book know that it is the Truth from their Lord; and Allah is not unaware of what they do. 145. Even if you were to bring to those who were given the Book every proof, they would not follow your direction, nor are you to follow their direction, nor do they follow the direction of one another. And if you were to follow their desires, after the knowledge that has come to you, you would be in that case one of the wrongdoers. 146. Those to whom We have given the Book recognize it as they recognize their own children. But some of them conceal the truth while they know. 147. The truth is from your Lord, so do not be a skeptic. 148. To every community is a direction towards which it turns. Therefore, race towards goodness. Wherever you may be, Allah will bring you all together. Allah is capable of everything. 149. And wherever you come from, turn your face towards the Sacred Mosque. This is the truth from your Lord, and Allah is not heedless of what you do. 150. And wherever you come from, turn your face towards the Sacred Mosque. And wherever you may be, turn your faces towards it. So that the people may not have any argument against you—except those who do wrong among them. So do not fear them, but fear Me, that I may complete My blessings upon you, and that you may be guided. 151. Just as We sent to you a messenger from among you, who recites Our revelations to you, and purifies you, and teaches you the Book and wisdom, and teaches you what you did not know. 152. So remember Me, and I will remember you. And thank Me, and do not be ungrateful. 153. O you who believe! Seek help through patience and prayers. Allah is with the steadfast. 154. And do not say of those who are killed in the cause of Allah, “Dead.” Rather, they are alive, but you do not perceive. 155. We will certainly test you with some fear and hunger, and some loss of possessions and lives and crops. But give good news to the steadfast. 156. Those who, when a calamity afflicts them, say, “To Allah we belong, and to Him we will return.” 8 2. THE HEIFER (al-Baqarah) 157. Upon these are blessings and mercy from their Lord. These are the guided ones. 158. Safa and Marwa are among the rites of Allah. Whoever makes the Pilgrimage to the House, or performs the Umrah, commits no error by circulating between them. Whoever volunteers good—Allah is Appreciative and Cognizant. 159. Those who suppress the proofs and the guidance We have revealed, after We have clarified them to humanity in the Scripture— those—Allah curses them, and the cursers curse them. 160. Except those who repent, and reform, and proclaim. Those—I will accept their repentance. I am the Acceptor of Repentance, the Merciful. 161. But as for those who reject faith, and die rejecting—those—upon them is the curse of Allah, and of the angels, and of all humanity. 162. They will remain under it forever, and the torment will not be lightened for them, and they will not be reprieved. 163. Your God is one God. There is no god but He, the Benevolent, the Compassionate. 164. In the creation of the heavens and the earth; in the alternation of night and day; in the ships that sail the oceans for the benefit of mankind; in the water that Allah sends down from the sky, and revives the earth with it after it had died, and scatters in it all kinds of creatures; in the changing of the winds, and the clouds disposed between the sky and the earth; are signs for people who understand. 165. Yet among the people are those who take other than Allah as equals to Him. They love them as the love of Allah. But those who believe have greater love for Allah. If only the wrongdoers would realize, when they see the torment; that all power is Allah’s, and that Allah is severe in punishment. 166. Those who were followed will then disown those who followed them, and they will see the retribution, and ties between them will be severed. 167. Those who followed will say, “If only we can have another chance, we will disown them, as they disowned us.” Thus Allah will show them their deeds, as regrets to them, and they will not come out of the Fire. 168. O people! Eat of what is lawful and good on earth, and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. He is to you an open enemy. 169. He commands you to do evil and vice, and to say about Allah what you do not know. 170. And when it is said to them, “Follow what Allah has revealed,” they say, “We will follow what we found our ancestors following.” Even if their ancestors understood nothing, and were not guided? 171. The parable of those who disbelieve is that of someone who calls upon someone who hears nothing except screaming and yelling. Deaf, dumb, and blind—they do not understand. 172. O you who believe! Eat of the good things We have provided for you, and give thanks to Allah, if it is Him that you serve. 173. He has forbidden you carrion, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and what was dedicated to other than Allah. But if anyone is compelled, without desiring or exceeding, he commits no sin. Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. 174. Those who conceal what Allah revealed in the Book, and exchange it for a small price— those swallow nothing but fire into their bellies. And Allah will not speak to them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them, and they will have a painful punishment. 175. It is they who exchange guidance for error, and forgiveness for punishment. But why do they insist on the Fire? 176. That is because Allah has revealed the Book in truth; and those who differ about the Book are in deep discord. 177. Righteousness does not consist of turning your faces towards the East and the West. But righteous is he who believes in Allah, and the Last Day, and the angels, and the Scripture, 9 2. THE HEIFER (al-Baqarah) and the prophets. Who gives money, though dear, to near relatives, and orphans, and the needy, and the homeless, and the beggars, and for the freeing of slaves; those who perform the prayers, and pay the obligatory charity, and fulfill their promise when they promise, and patiently persevere in the face of persecution, hardship, and in the time of conflict. These are the sincere; these are the pious. 178. O you who believe! Retaliation for the murdered is ordained upon you: the free for the free, the slave for the slave, the female for the female. But if he is forgiven by his kin, then grant any reasonable demand, and pay with good will. This is a concession from your Lord, and a mercy. But whoever commits aggression after that, a painful torment awaits him. 179. There is life for you in retaliation, O people of understanding, so that you may refrain. 180. It is decreed for you: when death approaches one of you, and he leaves wealth, to make a testament in favor of the parents and the relatives, fairly and correctly—a duty upon the righteous. 181. But whoever changes it after he has heard it, the guilt is upon those who change it. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. 182. Should someone suspect bias or injustice on the part of a testator, and then reconciles between them, he commits no sin. Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. 183. O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become righteous. 184. For a specified number of days. But whoever among you is sick, or on a journey, then a number of other days. For those who are able: a ransom of feeding a needy person. But whoever volunteers goodness, it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew. 185. Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed. Guidance for humanity, and clear portents of guidance, and the Criterion. Whoever of you witnesses the month, shall fast it. But whoever is sick, or on a journey, then a number of other days. Allah desires ease for you, and does not desire hardship for you, that you may complete the number, and celebrate Allah for having guided you, so that you may be thankful. 186. And when My servants ask you about Me, I Am near; I answer the call of the caller when he calls on Me. So let them answer Me, and have faith in Me, that they may be rightly guided. 187. Permitted for you is intercourse with your wives on the night of the fast. They are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them. Allah knows that you used to betray yourselves, but He turned to you and pardoned you. So approach them now, and seek what Allah has ordained for you, and eat and drink until the white streak of dawn can be distinguished from the black streak. Then complete the fast until nightfall. But do not approach them while you are in retreat at the mosques. These are the limits of Allah, so do not come near them. Allah thus clarifies His revelations to the people, that they may attain piety. 188. And do not consume one another’s wealth by unjust means, nor offer it as bribes to the officials in order to consume part of other people’s wealth illicitly, while you know. 189. They ask you about the crescents. Say, “They are timetables for people, and for the Hajj.” It is not virtuous that you approach homes from their backs, but virtue is to be pious. So approach homes from their doors, and observe Allah, that you may succeed. 190. And fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not commit aggression; Allah does not love the aggressors. 191. And kill them wherever you overtake them, and expel them from where they had expelled you. Oppression is more serious than murder. But do not fight them at the Sacred Mosque, unless they fight you there. If they fight you, then kill them. Such is the retribution of the disbelievers. 10 2. THE HEIFER (al-Baqarah) 192. But if they cease, then Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. 193. And fight them until there is no oppression, and worship becomes devoted to Allah alone. But if they cease, then let there be no hostility except against the oppressors. 194. The sacred month for the sacred month; and sacrilege calls for retaliation. Whoever commits aggression against you, retaliate against him in the same measure as he has committed against you. And be conscious of Allah, and know that Allah is with the righteous. 195. And spend in the cause of Allah, and do not throw yourselves with your own hands into ruin, and be charitable. Allah loves the charitable. 196. And carry out the Hajj and the Umrah for Allah. But if you are prevented, then whatever is feasible of offerings. And do not shave your heads until the offering has reached its destination. Whoever of you is sick, or has an injury of the head, then redemption of fasting, or charity, or worship. When you are secure: whoever continues the Umrah until the Hajj, then whatever is feasible of offering. But if he lacks the means, then fasting for three days during the Hajj and seven when you have returned, making ten in all. This is for he whose household is not present at the Sacred Mosque. And remain conscious of Allah, and know that Allah is stern in retribution. 197. The Hajj is during specific months. Whoever decides to perform the Hajj—there shall be no sexual relations, nor misconduct, nor quarrelling during the Hajj. And whatever good you do, Allah knows it. And take provisions, but the best provision is righteousness. And be mindful of Me, O people of understanding. 198. You commit no error by seeking bounty from your Lord. When you disperse from Arafat, remember Allah at the Sacred Landmark. And remember Him as He has guided you. Although, before that, you were of those astray. 199. Then disperse from where the people disperse, and ask Allah for forgiveness. Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. 200. When you have completed your rites, remember Allah as you remember your parents, or even more. Among the people is he who says, “Our Lord, give us in this world,” yet he has no share in the Hereafter. 201. And among them is he who says, “Our Lord, give us goodness in this world, and goodness in the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire.” 202. These will have a share of what they have earned. Allah is swift in reckoning. 203. And remember Allah during the designated days. But whoever hurries on in two days commits no wrong, and whoever stays on commits no wrong—provided he maintains righteousness. And obey Allah, and know that to Him you will be gathered. 204. Among the people is he whose speech about the worldly life impresses you, and he calls Allah to witness what is in his heart, while he is the most hostile of adversaries. 205. When he gains power, he strives to spread corruption on earth, destroying properties and lives. Allah does not like corruption. 206. And when he is told, “Beware of Allah,” his pride leads him to more sin. Hell is enough for him—a dreadful abode. 207. And among the people is he who sells himself seeking Allah’s approval.

I read the entire thing, and damn this part was bad. The rest of it was almost perfect… but this is decoupled from material reality. It ignores that the US people agree and ask for legalization. It also ignores that China itself didn’t ban cannabis until the 1985 when the UN and US asked them to. Ignoring the racist origin of the “Controlled substances act” was wrong. One of the architects of the law even admit it was a way to attack black Americans and other political opponents such as college kids. You don’t have to agree with drug legalization to know that objectively the start of the drug war with the passing of that law in 1970 was not about public health.
They totally mischaracterize the drug problem in the US by focusing on “marijuana” and ignoring that not a single drug death is due to marijuana, nearly all are from fentanyl, or stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine. There is absolutely no connection between states with legal weed and states with high drug overdoses. Legal weed does not cause drug overdoses to increase. Alcohol use has increased dramatically and goes ignored, despite its real health problems. I have a lot more to say about it but reading their whole report was enough phone time for me.
Here’s the section, thought y’all would agree it’s bad.
The U.S. government actively promotes the legalization of marijuana regardless of people's health. Marijuana is a controlled narcotic drug by the UN International Drug Control Conventions. In the 1970s, the United States promulgated the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which classified marijuana as a federally controlled substance. The federal and state governments of the United States have failed to regulate drugs and substance abuse and even pushed for the legalization of marijuana under the influence of lobbyists groups, resulting in more and more young people becoming victims. In their book Can Legal Weed Win? The Blunt Realities of Cannabis Economics published in 2022, Robin Goldstein and Daniel Sumner, researchers with the University of California, Davis, underlined that one of the pipe dreams behind the legalization push is the intention to make legal cannabis a new cash cow for the government through tax. Marijuana sales in the United States have exceeded 30 billion dollars so far, and the U.S. marijuana market is expected to reach 65 billion dollars by 2030. According to the data released by Open Secrets, from 2018 to 2021, some marijuana and products-related enterprises and trade associations in the United States spent more than 16.6 million dollars on political lobbying, with an average annual expenditure of about 10 times that of 2016; In the first three quarters of 2022, more than 5.6 million dollars were spent on marijuana lobbying. Enterprises and organizations profiting from marijuana trade money for power, and form interest groups with politicians, thereby letting drugs and substance abuse going unchecked, a striking demonstration of Washington's failure in social governance.
Drugs and substance abuse endanger life and health. According to a survey released by U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 59.3 million Americans over 12 years of age abused drugs in 2020, of which 49.6 million smoked marijuana. According to public information on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 40 percent of American high school students use marijuana for a long time. According to a report released by the U.S. National Institutes of Health in August 2022, 43 percent of young Americans have smoked marijuana in a year, 8 percent have used hallucinogens, and 11 percent have smoked marijuana every day, the highest level in record. According to a study released by the Manhattan Institute for Policy Studies on August 4, 2022, the number of Americans dying from drugs and drug abuse has increased dramatically in recent years, by more than 100,000 per year. More than 107,000 cases involving deaths from drug overdose occurred in the 12-month period ending in August 2022, according to data from the U.S. CDC. Marta Sokolowska, the Deputy Center Director for Substance Use and Behavioral Health in FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, pointed out that drug abuse has become one of the most devastating public health crises in the United States.
http://english.scio.gov.cn/scionews/2023-03/28/content_85196298.htm

So I buy, sell, & trade NBA & UFC. For the past 4-6 months I've been going to trade shows and seeing dealers with UFC cards. Not too many, normally I'll see 2-10 cards in their case or on their table. I'll ask rhetorical questions about some of the cards to check their knowledge and every single time except one dealer has said, "oh I don't know much/any about UFC". SMH, then why in the hell do you have the cards? I have seen cards overpriced and dealers refusing to trade because the card(s) they have are a big or popular name they heard going around instead of going to the UFC site and looking at ranked fighters and their records. I have offered some of them good deals that other people took advantage of if they had what I was looking for. So if any dealers read this please for the love of what ever god or entity you believe in do your research before picking up UFC cards.
One instance was me trying to trade a Topps Holly Holm /99 and Prizm /49 Miesha Tate auto for a Donruss Rafael Fiziev /49 RC and dude refused. Now I wasn't going to waste time convincing him or anything I just said thanks for checking out my cards and left. Well, he missed out big because Rafael lost and Holly won their recent fights and I sold Holly and Miesha for more than the trade value.

I read the entire thing, and damn this part was bad. The rest of it was almost perfect… but this is decoupled from material reality. It ignores that the US people agree and ask for legalization. It also ignores that China itself didn’t ban cannabis until the 1985 when the UN and US asked them to. Ignoring the racist origin of the “Controlled substances act” was wrong. One of the architects of the law even admit it was a way to attack black Americans and other political opponents such as college kids. You don’t have to agree with drug legalization to know that objectively the start of the drug war with the passing of that law in 1970 was not about public health.
They totally mischaracterize the drug problem in the US by focusing on “marijuana” and ignoring that not a single drug death is due to marijuana, nearly all are from fentanyl, or stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine. There is absolutely no connection between states with legal weed and states with high drug overdoses. Legal weed does not cause drug overdoses to increase. Alcohol use has increased dramatically and goes ignored, despite its real health problems. I have a lot more to say about it but reading their whole report was enough phone time for me.
Here’s the section, thought y’all would agree it’s bad.
The U.S. government actively promotes the legalization of marijuana regardless of people's health. Marijuana is a controlled narcotic drug by the UN International Drug Control Conventions. In the 1970s, the United States promulgated the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which classified marijuana as a federally controlled substance. The federal and state governments of the United States have failed to regulate drugs and substance abuse and even pushed for the legalization of marijuana under the influence of lobbyists groups, resulting in more and more young people becoming victims. In their book Can Legal Weed Win? The Blunt Realities of Cannabis Economics published in 2022, Robin Goldstein and Daniel Sumner, researchers with the University of California, Davis, underlined that one of the pipe dreams behind the legalization push is the intention to make legal cannabis a new cash cow for the government through tax. Marijuana sales in the United States have exceeded 30 billion dollars so far, and the U.S. marijuana market is expected to reach 65 billion dollars by 2030. According to the data released by Open Secrets, from 2018 to 2021, some marijuana and products-related enterprises and trade associations in the United States spent more than 16.6 million dollars on political lobbying, with an average annual expenditure of about 10 times that of 2016; In the first three quarters of 2022, more than 5.6 million dollars were spent on marijuana lobbying. Enterprises and organizations profiting from marijuana trade money for power, and form interest groups with politicians, thereby letting drugs and substance abuse going unchecked, a striking demonstration of Washington's failure in social governance.
Drugs and substance abuse endanger life and health. According to a survey released by U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 59.3 million Americans over 12 years of age abused drugs in 2020, of which 49.6 million smoked marijuana. According to public information on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 40 percent of American high school students use marijuana for a long time. According to a report released by the U.S. National Institutes of Health in August 2022, 43 percent of young Americans have smoked marijuana in a year, 8 percent have used hallucinogens, and 11 percent have smoked marijuana every day, the highest level in record. According to a study released by the Manhattan Institute for Policy Studies on August 4, 2022, the number of Americans dying from drugs and drug abuse has increased dramatically in recent years, by more than 100,000 per year. More than 107,000 cases involving deaths from drug overdose occurred in the 12-month period ending in August 2022, according to data from the U.S. CDC. Marta Sokolowska, the Deputy Center Director for Substance Use and Behavioral Health in FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, pointed out that drug abuse has become one of the most devastating public health crises in the United States.
http://english.scio.gov.cn/scionews/2023-03/28/content_85196298.htm

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(To confirm your pick, mention the team that you chose in the comment section)
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Our matchup on opening day pits Mad Max and the New York Mets vs the reigning National League Cy Young Winner Sandy Alcantara and the Miami Marlins.
Today's game will be:
New York Mets (0-0) @ Miami Marlins (0-0) at 4:10 PM ET.
[MLB.com preview, and analysis](https:https://www.mlb.com/gameday/mets-vs-marlins/2023/03/30/718774/preview)
The probable starting pitchers are:
Max Scherzer (0-0, 0.00) vs Sandy Alcantara (0-0, 0.00)
Submit your picks in the automated system above, and good luck!
If you are unaware of what this competition is... please click this link as it will explain what is going on.

Hello everyone i apologize for the vague title but i just wanted to share my recent accomplishment and explain why it means so much more to me than just a rank in a video game.
I would like to start things off with saying i FINALLY hit floor 10 as someone who has only been playing fighting games for the last 4 months on his own personal time and only 2 months of those have been on my arcade stick along with trying to balance out keeping my Immortal rank in VALORANT I consider this a great achievement in the game it took me 123 hrs ( spent mostly on Chipp)
​
The reason this means so much to me is because several months ago a close friend of mine passed away suddenly in a fatal car accident. Everytime we would hangout and talk within my friend circle he would always be the one to keep us up to date on the current state of fighting games and EVO and the professional players within them etc. When we really young we played some fighting games casually such as Marvel Vs Capcom 2, King of Fighters, Soul Calibar 2, and many more but as time went on we started gaming less together as our occupations differed and we got older and found less time to hangout. When he passed away me and some friends made pact to pick up the fighting game Torch in Honor of our friend Jeremy and since then meet every saturday to play Guilty Gear, Tekken, Street Fighter, basically any modern day fighting game in. We usually always watched EVO together and this EVO Japan will be our first year without Jeremy. I just wanted to share this to show my friends spirit lives on within us and how much more to me this means than just a rank in a video game and if you read this thank you very much.
- Myer
https://preview.redd.it/qp2l0qomxsqa1.png?width=2560&format=png&auto=webp&s=cb36d2604d5836cc9f623db08d895677e9dc1e22
https://preview.redd.it/v6ioaa6pxsqa1.png?width=2560&format=png&auto=webp&s=4e7501cc98557a4fd25be8378465617e95c96777

LPL playoffs are here! With 10 teams put into the ring, only one can hoist the trophy. Additionally, one other team will join our champion in representing the region at the first newly formatted Mid-Season Invitational! With that being said, here’s a look at each of our competitors:
10. TEAM WE (WE)
This is a team with a lot of hope! Both metaphorically and literally, with botlaner Hope and his partner Iwandy looking to make a big impact in the coming bracket. A team that looks very solid on paper, with multiple internationally appearing players alongside young rising star Shanks, they’ve unfortunately had a little bit of difficulty really putting things together over the split. However their talent shines through regardless, and they have a lot of potential to make big noise in the coming weeks.
9. ROYAL NEVER GIVE UP (RNG)
How did the former kings of Spring end up here? Well, they did after all lose their trademark “Spring Tiger”, Xiaohu. However, few expected a lineup that retained much of its MSI-winning core to fall from grace in such a devastating manner. Still anchored by their world-class botlane of GALA and Ming, the team has very little time left to figure out adaptations around Angel as their new midlaner. The clock is ticking - but if RNG hits their stride again, we all know what they’re capable of.
8. THUNDERTALK GAMING (TT)
TT are one of the real pleasant surprises of 2023. Picking up Worlds finalist huanfeng, the whole squad seemed to just click, especially with their midlaner ucal delivering on his parting promises from last year - where he vowed to take a massive stride forward in the 2023 season. Even with the team choosing to place their faith in opening day jungler Beichuan over the hyped prospect XHR, the results this tough-as-nails group delivered have been beyond what many in the community expected. If they somehow can go far here in the playoffs - speechless is all we can be.
7. TOP ESPORTS (TES)
Collapse is a bit of understatement for what happened towards the end of the split for TES. Starting out the year, they looked like an unstoppable juggernaut - standing squarely in the race for the best team in the LPL. A lineup featuring legends like Rookie and Jackeylove, anyone questioning them was considered a lunatic.
Then in Week 8, it all changed. The team rattled off 5 straight series losses, even including a disastrous sweep at the hands of 14th place LGD. Confidence in the team was shattered, and confidence within the team equally so. Now heading into the playoffs, it remains to be seen if they have the resolve to power ahead, or if the downward spiral only continues…
6. OH MY GOD (OMG)
It seems all it took to get Oh My God to a second-round playoff seed was adding a holy man to the roster. After swapping long-time veteran support COLD for a fitting namesake in ppgod, the roster which barely scraped its way into competitiveness last year is now a real threat. The scariest thing is that the team’s star players are still incredibly young with a lot of room to grow. At the rate that Shanji and Creme are maturing in the LPL, this lineup could be a force which stays at the upper half for the foreseeable future. Even if this playoffs they don’t take the title, disappointment won’t be warranted - and if they do, then all the merrier.
5. BILIBILI GAMING (BLG)
BLG’s massive roster overhaul has brought them incredible success this year, much of it coming off the blossoming of an LPL star in their ADC Elk. When one looks just at the names here, Bin - XUN - Yagao - Elk - ON, they see a collection of some of the most hyped prospects of the past half decade of the LPL. And whether they had previously panned out or not, they have all ended up here.
The only trip up they face comes from their cohesion. A lot has been said about the team’s supposed inability to adapt, especially coming from their toplaner. But have no doubts - pure talent alone can absolutely make this group a real championship contender.
4. WEIBO GAMING (WBG)
Who didn’t have WBG as one of the top 4 headed into the year? This was an obvious choice for many reasons. You have a solid collection of proven talent, alongside one of the highest-peak players of all time in TheShy.
And while TheShy of course by himself adds a massive variation to the play in the team, the veteranship and stability from almost every other position goes miles in offsetting this effect, and bringing this Weibo team to the place they deserve. We hope that this group of international legends can once again make their way to MSI, and they 100% are in the running to do so.
3. LNG ESPORTS (LNG)
Okay, now this one was somewhat unexpected. While you did have undoubtedly one of the strongest mid-jungle duos in Scout and Tarzan, a lot of people questioned the ability of their surrounding players: Zika, Hang, and LP. Time however has proven that all players on this roster are capable in their own right, leading them to a wonderful third place seed.
The question now comes to a matter of experience. Can these three former question marks stand up to the pressure of playoffs? Scout is no doubt one of the most talented midlaners - now his talent as a leader is up to the plate.
2. EDWARD GAMING (EDG)
After just touching on Scout, we now reach the team that suffered his and Viper’s departure. So many analysts thought that losing their two premier carries was a death blow to the team, but they were one hundred percent wrong.
After promoting one of the LDL’s top prospects in Leave to the main roster, and taking a gander on a previously declining Fofo, EDG’s massive risks have paid off enormously in 2023. Leave has proven himself to be an LPL-ready talent and star in the making, and Fofo had a miraculous rebound year. Now EDG is ready to re-enter the World stage, and incredibly - just as dangerous as before.
1. JINGDONG GAMING (JDG)
The “Superteam” reigns supreme after all. A roster that was built for international success, it’s not a surprise to see them claim the top spot in the LPL. There is not a single player on the team that isn’t a renowned world class talent. 369. Kanavi. knight. Ruler. Missing. They are a terrifying leviathan whose only goal is to rip apart whatever unfortunate team is placed before them - and with that said, they are the premier favorites to claim the LPL title. And hopefully, bring the MSI Cup back to LPL as well.

Joint statement from Fusion's Aston by-election candidate, Owen Miller, and Aleph Melbourne:

The Fusion Party candidate for Aston, Owen Miller, [yesterday] issued the following statement:
“I’m proud to support the Victorian Jewish community. Jews have consistently been at the forefront of a number of important causes including humane treatment of asylum seekers, equal rights for LGBTIQA+ people, climate action and constitutional recognition of First Nations peoples.”
Mr Miller continued:
“Together we’ve won some of those causes, but there is more work to do. I hope I can continue working alongside the Victorian Jewish community to do it, particularly in progressing equal rights for my own LGBTIQA+ community.”
If elected to parliament, Owen will advocate for:
A 10-year transition to negative emissions
Establishing a First Nations Voice and Treaty
Measures to reduce discrimination using rehabilitative justice
Age-appropriate education on sex, gender and healthy relationships
Ending all remaining discrimination related to domestic partnerships on the basis of gender or sexual identitySeparation of church and state for the protection of all religions, as well as protection from religion
Jewish LGBTIQA+ advocacy body Aleph Melbourne has called on Victorians to support a number of these measures. Aleph co-convenor Michael Barnett OAM had the following to say:
“Aleph Melbourne supports the elimination of all discrimination impacting LGBTIQA+ people.
We believe more education is required to address misconceptions about gender identity, sexual orientation and related topics. Sadly many people in society form harmful views around these issues which ultimately impact the self-esteem and mental health of young people.
Whilst Aleph Melbourne opposes discrimination on the basis of religion we are opposed to religious values discriminating against people on the grounds of innate characteristics.
Aleph Melbourne supports all candidates who stand up for the rights of LGBTIQA+ people. We stand behind Owen Miller, as candidate with a Queer identity, who upholds the same values we stand for.”

Read it here: https://www.fusionparty.org.au/owen_miller_aleph_joint_statement
Aleph Melbourne is a social, support and advocacy group for same-sex attracted, trans and gender diverse, and intersex people (and allies) who have a Jewish heritage, living in Melbourne, Australia. Aleph Melbourne was founded in 1995. See also https://aleph.org.au/about

I’m young (21). Been to 10 shows and will get a couple more but I know these guys won’t be around forever. I grew up going out to see bands play and I truly have not seen or heard of a group like panic that blows my socks off like they do. I love their sound/ style of music (hard southern rock? I can’t even think of a category to put their sound in). Do you guys know of any other groups that have even a little bit of a similar vibe? I’ve been to Goose/Phish/Dead & Co shows and while I can appreciate the music it just doesn’t grab me the same.

A room filled with some heroes - Dan Hanzus, Marc Sessler, and Gregg Rosenthal ask draft guru Daniel Jeremiah a series of questions to prepare themselves for the 2023 NFL Draft:
(1) How do you rank this draft class compared to others (4:36 )? (2) Does C.J. Stroud have any major concerns (5:33 )? (3) What should the Colts do at QB (8:32 )? (4) What is the ceiling for Anthony Richardson (9:52 )? (5) Is Richardson the biggest risk in the draft (10:39 )? (6) Was trading up worth it for the Panthers (14:51 )? (7) Why is Will Levis dropping (15:42 )? (8) Is Hendon Hooker a first-rounder (17:22 )? (9) Would you rather the Padres win the World Series or get 29 of 32 picks correct in your mock draft (20:48 )? (10) How much do you make (21:41 )? (11) What is Bijan Robinson’s value (23:23 )? (12) Could the Eagles take Bijan Robinson (25:35 )? (13) Why would young athletes want to play running back (26:54 )? (14) How do you stack the top tight ends against the top wide receivers in this class (28:06 )? (15) Why do you think highly drafted TEs have not met expectations recently (29:25 )? (16) Can Calijah Kancey be Aaron Donald-ish (30:54 )? (17) With tight end depth in this class, will the tight ends be pushed down the board (33:00 )? (18) Why is Jaxon Smith-Njigba so undervalued (34:08 )? (19) Is there a Brock Purdy-style ‘gem’ in this year’s draft (35:53 )? (20) Why is there such a gap between the top two cornerbacks (39:10 )? (21) Do you ever question the purpose of all this (40:17 )?

Today is Theorymon Thursday! All theorymon posts are allowed on the subreddit! This will expire in 24 hours and return next Thursday.
If you are reading this and it is not Thursday, and you want to theorymon, please go to our Discord or wait until next Thursday to talk about theorymon!

Examples of Allowed Topics

Here are some examples of what should be posted today! They include but are not limited to:

• Anything that asks "how will the meta change?"
• Discussions about buffs or nerfs for existing Pokemon, moves, abilities, etc.
• Speculation about upcoming Pokemon games, such as talking about an announced Pokemon's possible evolutions.
• Your theorized Other Metagame, such as one that has 1 OU Pokemon, 1 UU Pokemon, etc. per team

What is a theorymon?

Anything not usable in a released game or on official Smogon Showdown ladders, or does not have an approved, up-to-date Smogon thread.

Why do we only allow theorymon on Thursday?

We don't! We have focused threads on specific theorymon topics every Monday! As for why it is like this the rest of the week, we are a competitive subreddit first and foremost. We want a balanced slate of content that is directly relevant to existing games, metagames, and competition in general. Theorymon is fun and often leads to excellent critical thinking, but not directly relevant to much of our userbase's interests.

Low Effort Content

Theorymon Thursday posts that are, for example, just a simple question such as "What if there was an offensive version of Eviolite?" or just a description and stats of a Fakemon will be deleted due to being Low Effort Content. When creating a Theorymon Thursday post, try to not just ask a question, but to expand on your thoughts and share your opinion. When changing stats, move effects or damage, typing, or other edits, please discuss why you made such changes. Instead of just saying "What if Hydreigon gets +10 speed, how does the meta change?," instead explain why you gave Hydreigon +10 speed and how you think the meta, which can mean several competitive scenes from Smogon tiers to VGC to Battle Spot, will change from this addition. It's also recommended, in some cases, to provide damage calculations. Damage Calc is an easy tool to use and allows easy modification of moves and stats to help elevate your posts to higher quality.

The Egyptian pyramids (Pyramids) are said to be the tombs of ancient Egyptian pharaohs (kings), but archaeologists have never found the mummies of pharaohs in the pyramids. Pyramids were mainly popular during the ancient kingdom of Egypt. So why did the pharaohs build the pyramids?
According to legend, before the third dynasty of ancient Egypt, whether the king and ministers or common people after death, were buried in a kind of mud brick built rectangular tomb, the ancient Egyptians called it "Mastaba". Later, a clever young man named Imhotep invented a new construction method when he designed the tomb for the Egyptian pharaoh King Zoser. He used square-shaped stones quarried from the mountains instead of mud bricks, and constantly modified the design of the tomb, and finally built a six-step trapezoidal pyramid - this is the prototype of the pyramid we see now.
In ancient Egyptian, the pyramids were trapezoidal and layered, hence the name tiered pyramids. This is a tall, angular cone building, the base quadrangular, each side is triangular, looks like the Chinese character for gold, so we call it "pyramid". The tower tomb designed by Imhotep was the first stone tomb in the history of Egypt. The Egyptian pharaohs after King Zoser followed his example and built tombs for themselves in a big way during their lifetime, thus creating a wind of pyramids in ancient Egypt. Because the pyramids originated in the ancient kingdom period, and the largest pyramids were also built in this period, therefore, the ancient kingdom period in Egypt is also known as the pyramid era.
Ancient Egyptian pharaohs (king) tombs, why did the pharaohs build pyramids?
Why did the ancient Egyptian pharaohs repair the tomb into the form of a corner cone, that is, repair into the Chinese characters in the form of gold? It turns out that in the earliest times, the Egyptian pharaohs were prepared to use the mastaba as a permanent residence after death. Later, around the time of the second to third dynasties, the Egyptians developed the concept that the king would become a god after death and his soul would ascend to heaven. In the Pyramid Inscriptions that were later found, there are words like "Build him (Pharaoh) a ladder to heaven so that he may ascend to heaven". The pyramid is such a ladder. At the same time, the horn cone pyramid form and expressed the worship of the sun god, because the ancient Egyptian sun god "la" is the symbol of the sun's rays. The pyramid symbolizes the sun's rays that pierce the green sky. Because, when you stand on the road to Kiser, in the angle of the pyramid prism to the west, you can see the pyramid like the sun rays scattered to the earth.
The Pyramid Inscription contains these words: "The sky extends its rays to you so that you may go to the sky as if it were the eye of Ra." The later worship of the obelisk by the ancient Egyptians also had this meaning, because the obelisk also indicated the rays of the sun. The largest of all the pyramids in ancient Egypt was the pyramid of Pharaoh Khufu of the Fourth Dynasty. This great pyramid, originally 146.59 meters high, has been stripped of its top by nearly 10 meters after thousands of years of wind and rain. But until the Eiffel Tower was built in Paris in 1888, it was the tallest building in the world. The base of this pyramid is square, each side is more than 230 meters long, around the pyramid a week, almost a kilometer of travel.
The question about the origin of the Egyptian pyramids has been debated by historians for many years, and there is no definite conclusion until now. A British scientist has come up with a new theory that the pyramids may have been launch pads built by ancient Egyptian pharaohs in order to launch them to other planets after their deaths.
Wilkinson is a scholar specializing in ancient Egyptian history at the University of Cambridge in England. He said he came to this conclusion based on research into the pyramids' pointing, shape and naming.
The ancient Egyptians believed that the arch-polar stars near the sky were the most symbolic of the afterlife because they appeared to the naked eye to never stop revolving around the North Star, Wilkinson said. They never fade, are indestructible and are the home of the pharaoh's soul after his death. And research has shown that all the pyramids since they appeared have pointed precisely to the North Star. The first pyramid built in ancient Egypt had its altar facing north, and the ramp leading to its underground chamber was also built on the north side, Wilkinson said. If you stand in the chamber and look up this entrance ramp, you will see the sky to the north. He speculated that the ancient Egyptians believed that from here the souls of the pharaohs could be launched up to the North Star, where they could continue their afterlife. Moreover, numerous studies have shown that the names of many pyramids are also related to the stars, including one pyramid named "Twinkle" and another directly named "Pyramid of the Stars. And in the Egyptian dynasty long before the pyramids appeared, an Egyptian king had built a huge mound himself, named "the king rose like a star".
Wilkinson also deduced that the shape of the pyramids was also built by the ancient Egyptians according to the shape of the stars in their minds. According to historical records, during the fourth dynasty of Egypt, there was a shrine called Helipolis, in which a stone was enshrined, shaped like a pyramid. It was called "Ben Ben", and the Egyptians also called the stone at the top of the pyramid "Little Ben Ben". Wilkinson speculates that the stone may have been a meteorite from ancient times, which formed an obelisk shape when it entered the atmosphere, and the Egyptians worshiped it as a heavenly guest and were inspired to build the pyramid.

TW/CW: ANIMAL CRUELTY/NEGLECT
I have family that is just absolute horse shit at caring for animals and they keep. fucking. getting. them.
First, they had two dogs. The dogs were father and son. The puppy’s mom was their best friend’s dog. By the time the puppy was 6 months old their best friend flipped out on them, called animal services and the police, and ended their 10+ year long friendship because they neglected him.
I didn’t believe it. I hadn’t seen the dogs in person for months but, they couldn’t possibly neglect them that bad right? She must’ve been over reacting…. Right?
Wrong. Every time I visited, they were chained up in a laundry room/closet, covered in feces and urine, and unfed. They NEVER had access to food or water. When we recommended it, we were screamed at. They only were allowed to eat and drink outside… but they were never taken outside…. I would stay the night for several nights and not see them care for them ONCE.
I would let the dogs jump all over me with their poopy paws so I could get them outside to eat at least once a day. Eventually I stopped spending the night because it smelled so bad in that house and it broke me to see them like that.
Then they “saved” 3 kittens. Their cat mated with the cat next door and they brought the kittens in, too young to be separated from their mother, so they wouldn’t “get hurt from the coyotes or hit by a car” like their DOZENS of ducks they had. Eventually they were outdoor cats anyway.
They got no wet food and really crappy hard food. All 4 cats shared 1 litter box, eventually 2 after we hounded them about it. And they were always sick. Every time we’d visit, they had goopy/crusty eyes, vomiting, and having diarrhea.
We got into so many fights about these cats, always starting out as gentle recommendations and them getting mad defensive about it.
Both dogs died last year. The puppy was 3 years old. They apparently died simultaneously, found chained up covered in bloody vomit and shit.
I stopped talking to them after that. Even if it was an accident or the dogs “got into something outside” like they say, I’ll always blame their negligence.
Then, one of the cats died a few months ago. Just over 2 years old. I didn’t even ask how. I know how..They haven’t even said a word about it. Found out from their 9 year old daughter…who is eerily numb to it.
But guess who’s posting snap chat stories with newborn kittens? 🙃🙃
These family members live 200+ miles away and I only visit a couple times per year to see my niece. She has no other family down there and me and my wife ADORE her and know she is also neglected and is verbally abused, so we try to be there as much as we can.. but idk. I can’t stand animal cruelty and they’re such awful people, you can’t ration or reason with them.. I wish I could get them blacklisted for owning pets forever.