I recently went to one for the first time with my adolescent son. It was a blast!

We basically went in with the mentality of being curious and flexible. For example, we had the con schedule ahead of time and had highlighted some things we definitely wanted to do, but we left the door open for opportunities that might be more interesting.

The con had some things that were always accessible like an arcade with Japanese games, a board game library, etc. It also had things you had to sign up in advance for like if you wanted to do a DnD one shot. Some things you just had to show up on time for like hearing voice actor panels and some things you have to be on time AND pay extra for like autographs and photos with featured guests. I would say my biggest advice is to make a budget with some wiggle room and then stick to it. It’s very easy to overspend because there is a lot of cool merch.

Think ahead about food options. There was a vendor on site with limited options and some food trucks outside. But many attendees didn’t realize that showing your wrist and to restaurants in walking distance would get you discounts or free items. It pays to look at the convention program to see what deals are available. Bring a water bottle because they may not allow outside food or drinks, but most places will let you fill up at the water fountains.

Also think ahead about parking if your con isn’t near public transit. We had to pay something like $25 to park in a lot that was a block away because the on site parking was completely taken by the time we got there (an hour before the doors opened).

This year we just did a one day pass though the con itself is 3 days long. We did this because we had no idea what to expect and didn’t want to overcommit. We might do more next year but we will definitely do it again. If you do decide to do multiple days consider the extra costs for food, parking, merch, etc and plan accordingly.

Aside from that, I really wish we had cosplayed. We didn’t because my son was embarrassed to, but he regretted that when we got there and saw people of every age and gender in costumes of every level of quality. A cheap homemade costume will fit in as much as a pro cosplayer, especially if you put a spin on it like gender bending or a character in a different time period. Sometimes the intentionally terrible costumes were more popular than the super detailed ones!

I used to be into it more in high school and college. My hometown teams were winning and it was a great bonding experience with other guys and my dad.

After I had kids and was working full time, I didn’t have time. Not to mention I was an early cord cutter, so I couldn’t follow games like I used to when I had cable. Another factor was that the research on CTE made watching American football feel gross.

I came to realize, I didn’t really miss it all that much. I will watch an occasional game here or there if it’s special, but otherwise meh. There’s plenty of other things I either have to do or would prefer doing instead. Maintaining a home and kids’ activities take a lot of time. When I do have free time I’d rather play a game or watch a good show. I will keep up with the headlines just so I can have a conversation with my dad or father in law about whatever is happening, but it’s pretty minimal at this point.

I think they mixed up Russia and Ukraine

If you don’t care about gaining muscle and mainly want to lose fat then the fastest way to do that is reducing calorie intake. In other words, diet, diet, diet. And not just as a temporary thing, but as a long term endeavor. Otherwise you will gain everything you lost back.

For perspective, on average running a mile burns 100-150 calories. A plain donut has anywhere from 150-400 calories. So if you have a donut you will need to run at least a mile to cancel it out, probably more. Or you can simply eat healthy by skipping the donut and focusing on lean meats, veggies, and healthy fats. Processed foods and sugary foods are about the worst you can eat for losing fat, so avoid them outright.

I have also found that intermittent fasting helps a lot for losing fat. The longer you go without replenishing calories, the longer your body stays in ketosis, where your body burns fat for fuel instead of glucose. The hardest part is the first week or two, but your body will adjust and the hunger pangs do go away. Pick a realistic schedule and stick to it where you only eat in a certain window of time. 16:8 is great for starting off, where for 16 hours a day you don’t eat anything (water is fine), and for 8 hours you can. So for example you could avoid eating until 11am, and you would have until 7pm to have additional meals. After 7 you stop eating untill 11am the next day.

Also drink lots of water. Often time when your body feels hungry, you don’t actually need calories, you probably need water. Water also helps you feel more full so you will want to snack less. In fact, if you tend to drink sugary drinks like soda, replacing everything with water will have noticeable results pretty quickly. If you’re a coffee drinker, learn to drink it black if you don’t already. There’s virtually no calories in black coffee or tea.

Exercise is great and there are many good reasons to exercise. I highly recommend it. It will help some with losing fat, especially cardio, but not if you don’t change your diet. I would put more effort into changing (and maintaining) your diet at first if you want to lose fat.

I went to a private elementary school where I was pretty picked on. One of my parents grew up poor and was an immigrant, the other grew up poor and rural, so neither really understood why I had a hard time socially in a suburban private school with mostly wealthy kids.They didn’t know how to help.

I transferred to a public middle school where I was neither popular nor unpopular. My elementary years taught me to avoid relationships so I just tried to blend in and keep things very surface level with other kids. I had no close friends but I was not being picked on.

In high school I developed a couple of closer friendships, but I would not say that I ever completely let my guard down. Like middle school, I wasn’t really picked on but I was certainly not one of the popular kids. I did let myself join athletics so I developed more self confidence, but social relationships were still superficial.

I’m now in my 40s and have been confronting myself about the fact that other than my wife and kids, I’ve not let myself have too many close relationships. I know it was self protective, but it also kept me isolated. My wife cannot and should not be the one person who meets all my needs.

I’m putting myself out there a bit more but man is it hard to make new friends at this age. Better late than never I guess.

I only remember French, Spanish, or German (this was back in the 90s). My kids have all those plus Japanese, Mandarin, and ASL to choose from

Here in San Antonio we have zero rail so…

No that’s a faun. A fraud is a garment worn by a priest.

Comrade, there’s propaganda 😠…and propaganda! 😁

The Death of Stalin

https://youtu.be/E9eAshaPvYw

Did you get that thing I sent ya?

No ads and no extortion of third party apps is a big plus

I’m not a fan of most of the new SW content, but Andor is fucking fantastic and should not be on this list

Helloooo nurse!

Theoretically he should be able to do this. The problem might be landing since he’s not invulnerable or super strong. But then again, we’re talking comic book logic. The speeds at which he travels should have already ripped him apart if he doesn’t have some sort of protection.

I’m not a Flash expert by any means. Does the Speed Force protect him? I know in the Young Justice cartoon Wally wore pads with his costume because he didn’t have as good control as Barry, so I’m guessing it doesn’t fully protect him.

He didn’t say “the dog,” he said “the bitch,” and he didn’t say “father,” he said “daddy.” OP needs to beware the kinky homewrecker who runs the shelter

Motherfucker…

The microphone explodes

I say this as an American. Good. Never capitulate to bullies, it just encourages them

Yeah I felt the same way. The country is falling apart and we are just supposed to continue celebrating big businesses, rich athletes, and music stars? I couldn’t really get into it.