Posts by Laura Hernandez8

gentlestag15 said:You can catch the live stream of the speech regarding the annexation of Ukraine here

Honestly, looking at how things are heading... I don't see any way this doesn't spiral into WW3

gentlestag15 said:By the way, we totally glossed over that speech Putin gave right when the war kicked off.
He made it crystal clear to the nation that this would be a job for professionals only—no calling up the reserves, no drama.
View on twitter

Everything’s going exactly according to plan. 😁

I can't help but wonder if he's actually planning to swap out those Russian pros for reserve teams instead. Maybe send the remaining elite players straight into Ukraine right now, even if it means leaving their own domestic security looking pretty thin. Honestly, though, who is actually going to attack them? Even if they sent everything they had left, I doubt it. He probably realizes that those mobilized folks would just fall apart and surrender on the spot. I don't really believe he'd push them directly into the line of fire. Aside from maybe those political activists picked up during the protests, they might end up on the front lines immediately.

So, did anyone else here catch the concert?
Honestly, I left feeling pretty let down. When I read reviews claiming they were "blown away" or "absolutely thrilled," I have to wonder—was the author even in the same room as me?
Or maybe the writer just hasn't been back to Madison Square Garden since that first, truly legendary show, whereas I have, so my expectations were set at an impossibly high bar?
They took all those great old classics and mashed them together into this single, driving rhythm; you couldn't even tell the songs apart unless you knew the lyrics by heart. To be blunt, it was just bad. It was just the same repetitive beat, endless choruses that felt more like a stadium chant than actual music, with the soul of the songs sacrificed just to keep the tempo up...
From what I could see, only the fan pit was actually dancing, and even then, the energy seemed to die out toward the back. Most of the crowd just stood there with this look on their faces, sort of like, "When are they going to play the good stuff?" It was almost as if they didn't even recognize the songs themselves.

Synodo said:blah ...
but honestly, claiming that smoke-free zones have better market potential than smoking ones—that they're actually more profitable and can just thrive on their own—is just plain absurd.

Non-smokers have spent their whole lives being forced to skip bars because everything is just so smoky. We really need to break away from that old image and get used to this new way of hanging out. Besides, people who don't smoke tend to be more active or into sports, so they usually have much better ways to spend their time than just sitting in a pub for hours on end. Smokers... well, they don't really have 😬

Jokes aside—around here, there’s such a massive concentration of bars downtown that a newcomer seriously needs a "hook" to actually draw a crowd. Most of the business comes from coffee shops, and let's face it, those crowds are almost entirely smokers. It’s a smoker’s game right from the jump. Unless...
that one spot over on Fifth Avenue pulled off that whole strategy of serving high-end coffee with a total ban on indoor smoking. I’m genuinely curious how they’re doing. Unfortunately, it’s not really on my route, so I haven't swung by. Has anyone been? I think it's somewhere near the Briton place.

Does anyone know of any other smoke-free clubs or bars anywhere in the NYT area?

John Perez85 Scott Smith said:Ronald Jones26, I’m talking about the blatant hypocrisy of those in power who just jump on whatever trendy social cause is currently in vogue. These "other harmful activities" we discuss... they aren't just individual lapses in judgment. They are systemic issues that, quite frankly, are killing everyone on this planet. I honestly can't tell if you're messing with me on purpose or if you truly can't see the forest for the trees here. Take, for example, how hypocritical it is to push through legislation aimed at demonizing smokers—it's all very performative—while simultaneously turning a blind eye to the fact that industrial waste is being shipped off to developing nations that lack the technology to handle it safely. It's devastating. You're essentially causing deaths far away from your own doorstep just so you can enjoy the luxury of a "clean" environment in your own backyard. If that isn't a textbook case of hypocrisy, then I really don't know what is.

So, would you really want to tackle every single global crisis all at once? Or maybe you’re thinking about linking a smoking ban to solving every other piece of garbage cluttering up our planet? In the actual world—you know, the real one—things happen one step at a time. Right now, we're looking at smoking bans. And then you come along with this counterargument that we shouldn't restrict smoking in public spaces until, say, we finally stop the deforestation of the Amazon. But who is actually stalling the process there? Honestly. A ban on smoking isn't just some passing fad; it’s genuine social and civilizational progress. Even if you think it's just another trend being pushed by our government, I have to say, it's a pretty lovely change to see them actually following positive trends for once, instead of only chasing the negative ones.

Elizabeth Alvarez13 Scott Smith said:What I’m really trying to get across here—and bear with me, I know I can ramble—is that a non-smoker isn't actually being forced to sit in a cloud of smoke. You know what I mean? If you walk up to a door and there's a sign clearly stating "Smoking Area," why on earth would a non-smoker even step inside? It's a bit of a silly question, really, if you think about it.

The real issue here—and I’ve been thinking about this quite a bit lately—is how smokers constantly drift into non-smoking areas at local pubs or restaurants. Take a place like that old diner down by the river, for example; you see it all the time. The "non-smoking section" is usually just some imaginary line drawn in the air, which honestly makes it pretty much useless. It lacks any real substance. Then you have these social hubs, like those hiking clubs or community centers... goodness, you should see the battles being fought there! People are practically at war because smokers simply refuse to stop lighting up indoors. That’s the heart of the matter. The second a cigarette is lit in one of these spaces, every single non-smoker who can't stand the smoke is forced to head outside. Their only other option is to just sit there, suffer through it, and swallow the discomfort—which, let's be honest, isn't really a choice at all.

John Perez85 said:I’m just doubling down on my point here—these government decisions against smokers are incredibly hypocritical. On one hand, they actually permit (and sometimes even encourage!) all sorts of activities that are way more devastating to human health than cigarette smoke, yet they still try to score cheap political points by pushing bans.

But then again... I suppose those "other harmful activities" are mostly things people do to themselves, right? They aren't necessarily bothering everyone else around them—at least not directly. Smoking gets targeted first simply because it's so obvious how much it irritates the large number of people who don't smoke themselves. So, putting smoker health aside for a moment, the bigger issue seems to be how it affects the health of everyone else nearby.

restlessmarlin6, some kids actually think they’re being original. Look, I didn't decide to quit smoking just because it was trendy or to be rebellious. That whole "they can either deal with it stoically or leave" attitude you have? It doesn't exactly make you sound like a particularly mature person, you know?

And honestly, I have no idea WHERE you're sensing any anger here??? I voted for the indoor smoking ban based purely on my own selfish, personal interests. Unlike those official explanations they give for this whole initiative, I couldn't care less about the health of your average smoker. But I *do* care about my own health, which gets threatened by the smoke from some random guy nearby. And even if that smoke were somehow healthy—it still stinks. It ruins my social life.😁 So, of course I’m going to fight against this smoky mess. In this specific scenario, the enemy of my enemy is my... ally, I suppose.😉

I am very much IN FAVOR of the anti-smoking law, and I really hope it takes hold. It's not coming from a place of rage, but rather from a hopeful, cheerful wish that I might finally attend concerts without getting poisoned or smelling like a chimney.

I’m really not one for a total ban on cigarette sales. Honestly, it would just play out exactly like Prohibition back in the States during the 1920s. Besides, they tried cracking down on tobacco alongside alcohol back then too, and it didn't exactly go smoothly—it wouldn't work now any more than it did then. If people want to smoke because it makes them happy, let them. We can fight to keep it out of public spaces, sure, and maybe try to reach kids in schools through anti-smoking ads. Personally, I’d just walk into a biology class with a pair of smoker's lungs preserved in formaldehyde so they could see the actual damage for themselves.

And those "arguments" suggesting that if you don't like it, you should just deal with it or walk away? That's just pure nonsense, assuming life wasn't such a harsh reality. I actually hope that the hand of reality finally catches up with smokers soon, maybe in the form of some tighter restrictions for once. If that kind of law ever actually passes, I might even consider becoming an inspector myself; it would be quite a satisfaction to hand out those penalties.🙂

Scott Smith Scott Smith said:Pure demagogic, moralistic nonsense. Honestly, just total nonsense.

That’s interesting... actually, I was thinking the exact same thing regarding your email. 🙂

You’ve really latched onto this whole "Freedom for All" crusade like a drunk sailor clinging to a pier, haven't you? It’s a bit much. I think you missed the mark on my last email—I was just being a little hyperbolic. I didn't mean to turn a simple smoking ban into some massive, sweeping constitutional crisis for the entire country. My bad! 🙄 The state overstepping its bounds and infringing on citizens' rights? Yeah, I don't think so. Look, when you write about fighting FOR Freedom for All, that "FOR" is doing a lot of heavy lifting. It’s clearly positioned as being in favor of it—the direct opposite of what you were arguing in your previous post. It’s all about that emphasis, really. If the struggle is intended to support something, then it's a fight FOR freedom, not against it. Just a little observation from my end.

Finally, the government is actually considering the rights of its citizens to exist in indoor spaces without being poisoned. Now you see what I meant when I was talking about the "Freedom for All" movement. Just because some product happens to be legal doesn't mean it's okay to consume it whenever and wherever you feel like it. If we followed that logic, you could just walk into your office and start knocking back shots of Jack Daniel's, or maybe hand out those trashy adult magazines from the corner drugstore to middle schoolers during biology class. Seriously, the list of ridiculous examples goes on forever if you follow that line of thinking.

Also, one really ought to keep in mind the whole situation regarding the smoking bans in public spaces. It's quite a thing, isn't it? Just something to consider... It’s funny, really... how people just flat-out deny the whole concept of a private owner actually having rights over public space. It's one of those things that sounds simple on paper, but when you start digging into the legalities, it gets messy. Honestly, I feel like we're constantly tripping over these definitions. Just a thought, though! (like grabbing a coffee or hitting up a club) The whole idea of laissez-faire business management... it's such an interesting thing to chew on, isn't it? I mean, really think about it. There’s this constant tug-of-war between structure and total freedom. Sometimes I feel like I’m just drifting through my own daily tasks without much of a compass, which—let's be honest—isn't always the most efficient way to get things done, though it does feel quite liberating in the moment! But then you look at the broader concept of letting things run themselves. It’s a bit of a gamble, right? You're essentially betting on the competence and the intrinsic motivation of everyone involved. If you've got a team that truly cares, it can be beautiful. It's seamless. But if not... well, things can get messy fast. I tend to overthink these things, probably too much, but I find myself wondering where the line is drawn between "trusting your people" and "losing control of the steering wheel." It's a delicate balance, a bit like trying to ride a bicycle while reading a book—exciting, but potentially disastrous if you aren't careful!Well, you have to look at it through the lens of market demands—it’s all about catering to that specific type of client a business owner actually wants to attract. And let’s be honest, that definitely isn't going to be anyone looking for Freedom for All. Under the current system, there’s absolutely nothing stopping an owner from opening a cafe that’s completely against those values. But this new setup? It would actively prevent someone from opening a place that is entirely, or even just partially, aligned with them. So, when you step back and look at the big picture, it becomes pretty obvious that calling this platform a "fight for freedom" is just... well, it's totally misplaced. Completely out of touch.

I really hope it’s sinking in by now... how absolutely hilarious you are, honestly, with all that constant insisting on... I was just thinking about the platform... you know? It’s funny how we all gather here. Sometimes I feel like I’m just rambling into the void, but then I realize there's a whole community behind the screen. It’s quite a thought, isn't it? A little bit overwhelming if you dwell on it too long, but mostly just wonderful. Anyway, where was I? Oh, right. The platform. Are you some kind of big shot from a small town in the US? Or just someone on this platform? 🙄 The struggle for Freedom for All.

When the market isn't performing on its own, you really have to step in—it’s all about serving the greater good. It’s basically one of those foundational economic principles we learned back in school in some small town in the US. Let's face it, the whole idea of a pure Laissez-faire economy is pretty much dead; we've definitely learned our lesson there over the years. If you look at how things have played out in other countries, the results actually prove the opposite of what critics claim. Once things settle down and everyone adjusts, business actually picks up. Sure, smokers might quit the habit, but they'll still show up to the local pubs, and then you'll have non-smokers starting to frequent them too. In the long run, it's actually a win for the bar owners.
You know, I was just thinking about how things used to be back in the day on trains. You could practically light up a cigarette anywhere you wanted. Then, all of a sudden, these smoking bans started popping up in public transit everywhere, and honestly? The world didn't end. Nothing fell apart. Everything is perfectly fine—actually, if I’m being honest, things feel a whole lot better now than they did before.

At the end of the day, it all boils down to this one simple truth: smoking is essentially aggressive behavior. Think about it. You’re basically forcing everyone else around you to either accept something they don't want or find an excuse to walk away from the area entirely. And when we're talking about public spaces, you can't exactly just kick people out unless they're actually breaking the rules. So, if the rule says "no smoking," then following that rule is just being a decent, civilized person. It isn't about stripping smokers of their freedom—it's really just about basic etiquette. It's about not forcing non-smokers to flee. Smoking is an aggressive act, plain and simple. And honestly, it wouldn't even be an issue if there wasn't smoke involved! Smoke is very much a physical reality; nobody can just pretend it doesn't exist. And look, in any civilized society, you can't just pursue a lifestyle that clearly harms others. That's just the compromise required for living in a community, right?

In the USA, we're jumping straight from smoking bans to Freedom for All restrictions🙄
But honestly, this is really about fighting FOR freedom. When people smoke in public spaces, they’re basically forcing everyone else to inhale that toxic smoke. Smoking in those spots actually strips away the freedom of everyone else to exist in those places without being bothered by the smell. And let me tell you, that covers a lot of people—maybe even most of them.
I mean, what would you smokers want? A total ban on tobacco altogether??? That’s just silly. I suppose I wouldn't mind it personally, but then we’d be talking about a real infringement on liberties. Go ahead and do whatever you want on your own time, but don't hijack public spaces with all that smoke.

Anyone backing a ban like this needs to realize they're essentially supporting the whole "nanny state" concept—where the government gets the final say on what's good or bad for adults who are perfectly capable, responsible individuals.

Well, when those "capable, responsible adults" are smiling while they poison everyone around them, naturally, the rest of us caught in the crossfire have to turn to state institutions to sort it out. 🙂

If my memory serves me right, even over in Italy, they don't allow smoking at concerts or inside the clubs. I truly wish we could experience that kind of atmosphere here in the States, just so I could finally enjoy a night out without all that smoke.

😬 aha, looks like someone’s a little salty about the article, how fun

so, I did a little digging to see who actually wrote this whole series on (trendy) nutrition: "Blanka Perše graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School and taught at a local High School for Business. Later, she moved to New York City to pursue Nutrition Studies, where she even served as a lecturer. Since 1999, she's been collaborating with doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Her work focuses on research regarding hormonal shifts and menopause. She has also written for The New York Times, and in this special series for The Los Angeles Times readers, she’ll be explaining how to apply nutrition principles to everyday life."

and... that is literally everything Google can find on her. Honestly, citing herself in a list like that doesn't feel very credible to me
I mean, let's face it, The New York Post publishes all sorts of junk sometimes; if this is anything like those ridiculous astronomy stories we saw, we're in for a rough ride
but, if this really is a pile of garbage (which is totally possible), could you please just drop a link to the very first piece, would you?

I’m honestly convinced that milk was the root cause of all my issues. Ever since I cut it out of my diet, things have improved so drastically. I think... yeah, I think I'm going back to total abstinence.
Found this neat little snippet in The New York Post about our topic here.

So, how does it actually show up for you guys? Is it digestive issues? Like, stomach cramps, constant diarrhea, or just that nonstop gurgling sound? 😢
I used to absolutely love tossing some Corn Flakes into a bowl of Silk Soy Milk for breakfast, but ever since my digestion went totally haywire, I've had to cut it out completely. It’s funny, really... years ago, I didn't touch milk at all, but then about six months back, I thought, "Hey, let's live healthy, let's try adding some dairy back into the mix." Bad move.

Could you please write down when the Match is scheduled?
I really can't be bothered to go dig through the newspaper right now, and who knows, maybe someone might actually show up if they know the time.

I actually crossed paths with some Russians while traveling through Central Asia this past summer, and honestly, they were pretty great people, for the most part. Even though I didn't pick up much more than a handful of basic phrases, I found the language itself quite melodic and pleasant to the ear. It’s funny, really... there’s just something about how all those Slavic cultures seem to connect so naturally with one another. It’s made me think that I might need to start planning more trips toward the Eastern European side of things soon.

You get so incredibly wrapped up in chasing that orgasm that you don't even realize your dear Sevo is basically slamming your head against the headboard or the wall, and then—boom—you're suddenly nursing a massive headache. My unsolicited advice? Maybe try wearing a headband.

swiftsailor82 said:American women are getting slimmer
The narrowest waists, averaging about 24 inches, belong to Angelenos, while the largest bust sizes are found among Sisak residents.

Talk about an ad for Sisak County 👍

And honestly, that part about D.C. is just a flat-out lie. Angelenos have the biggest butts in the whole region—at least this younger generation does. I mean, I see these girls, and goodness, they are built like tanks. There’s no way they have the narrowest waists; I mean, where would all that go?
The best curves in the USA are cruising down Fifth Avenue!

A tough loss today
but honestly, I can't even stay mad at our boys. You have to respect them just for having the heart to make it all the way to the finals in the first place.
Man, those Spaniards really did a number on us... you have to hand it to them, they played a hell of a game.
We’ve beaten them so many times over the last few years, so I guess they were just settling the score today. I really hope this squad still has enough grit, strength, and motivation left to pull off one more win, because I'd hate to see this be the end of the road for us.
It stung, sure, but hey, that's just the nature of the game.

Between 5:20 PM and 9:20 PM, man, what a total turnaround! Honestly, in the middle of all that absolute chaos on the field, I completely lost track of who even scored the 18th goal 😕
And don't even get me started on the penalty kicks... what was it, 5 out of 6? Unbelievable. And we still managed to pull off the win! Even that overtime thriller against the Spanish team didn't feel quite this nerve-wracking
I suppose from here on out, every single game is going to be this intense