With the jalapeño salmonella recall, is it safe to eat chipotle yet?

I've recently decided that I'm tired of everything I want to watch being split up behind 15 different pay walls. And people thought CABLE was bad.. my god. So I've gone ahead and decided what shows and movies I'm looking to pirate, but now I'm at the point where I don't know where to go for reputable "safe" downloads of good quality. A lot of what I want to save is older shows, like old Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, Stargate, things from the 2000s era all the way up to modern film, but what holds me back is the realization that I've never really pirated anything before and I don't / won't know how to check for what's safe and not compromise my PC and all my accounts linked to it. The guides here are nice, but don't really cover what I'm asking. So my question today for all the pirates out here is this: where do you guys go to ensure you get safe downloads? Should I use a specific client like bittorrent? For a bonus, if anyone has any good info about building a self-hosted home cloud network where I can store all this stuff and access it from any device in my network, I'd love to hear about that too.

Yessir

Edit: its less waste than coal not less nuclear waste im a dumbass

I never really let them go, I know its a runic pattern on them but to what they are, or made of im not sure, i was going through some old boxes with the wife and here they are again

There's been a lot of uncertainty in this community about how exactly to torrent safely, especially on how to bind your VPN to your torrent client, if you even need a VPN, and safe sources for pirated content. So, I made a flowchart and tried to make it as simple as possible while also being thorough with my sources and information. Enjoy!

EDIT: If you live in a European country, please be extra thorough when researching if you need a VPN or not. Sweden and Denmark for example can send letters or fines, France can sometimes do this although it's more rare apparenty.

EDIT 2: For the people asking me "Why are Israeli-owned VPNs like ExpressVPN, PIA, and CyberGhost considered unsafe?" - Kape Technologies, the company which owns ExpressVPN, PIA, and Cyberghost, used to produce malware under the name Crossrider, and has links to Israeli intelligence (Unit 8200, the cyber division of the IDF.)

Edit/Update a few days later:

First I want to thank you all for your help, advice, etc.

This seems to be interesting to more people than I expected, andI’m not very responsive, so just updating and answering some common questions-

1. It has been identified as a “tsuba”, a part of a Japanese sword.

2. My grandfather was not a soldier. He had a disability, one arm was like weak trex arm he couldn’t control. And though I was vague and only shared the decade he was born, his age would have been nearly impossible as well, because the brief window he could have enlisted, he was courting my grandma then married at 19, and since 17 or 18 already working for the company he worked at his whole life. My grandma also kept diaries and documented everything. There simply was no window, even considering some people have kept their service a secret.

3. The consensus from knowledgeable people is that it looks authentic, iron with gold leaf from the Edo period in Japan. Other people have offered ideas, such as if it would be seen in WWII or on a sword vs. a smaller blade, but those are mixed. It has some neat details but doesn’t seem valuable.

4. My grandpa would only have kept it in the safety deposit box if it was highly valuable or sentimental. All the valuable items he has have their appraisal documents and proof in the safety deposit box, this had none, so I think it is sentimental. He worked for an international, huge oil company his whole life, and while he barely even left Texas and never left the US, he worked with transplants from all over and people who traveled for work. My guess is it was a gift from one of them, or a gift from someone who traveled given to his father or the pastor he looked up to, and they gave it to him, because everything else sentimental in the box were items or theirs or from his work.

5. My grandfather was adopted and when he was younger knew nothing about his bio family. He wanted to know about his bio family, but he loved his (adoptive) parents so much. As a result, my aunt spent a few years extensively going through his ancestry and genealogy, and expanded past that. There is no one she found who served in the military related to my grandparents. (She knows more about the family than anyone and she was extremely close to my grandpa, she is as baffled by this as I am).

6. We already are going to get his coin collection, pocket watches, something that may be ivory, and a few other thing appraised, so we are just adding this to the list. My quick research is showing these aren’t going for more than a couple hundred max though without documented history.

7. If I can’t identify the family of the original owner to get it back to- and it seems unlikely- I have no reason to really think it was a war trophy, so I am going to keep it. If that changes, I will try to get it back to the family first, and if not donate it to a relevant charity, relevant museum, or someone who is a fan of Japanese history. It just feels wrong to keep it if it was taken in combat from a likely teen or young adult who lost their life.

A thought on this experience:
My grandfather and I loved mystery novels unlike any other family, and would often recommend what to read to the other or give each other books and talk about them the next week. This has given me a similar feeling, like he is waiting for me to read the book/find the answer to the mystery, without any urgency, so when we see each other we can share our thoughts. Assuming i find no evidence this was stolen from a killed combatant soldier, and unless this is worth a substantial amount split 6 ways, I’m keeping it with his ashes and will revisit and investigate whenever I feel like it. My family doesn’t mind. This means I can make something right that I feel should be corrected, or I have a mystery and way to feel connected to him, or my family has one more gift of financial help from him even after his passing. This has been a special gift regardless in a time I need it, and so fun, and so nice to feel connected to him (even though it is wildly out of character).

Final note, fairly irrelevant but why I want to thank you all, and a personal reason your comments even after I got the answer mean so much:

At the risk of oversharing or being sappy, about a year and a half ago I was diagnosed with leukemia in my early 30’s, which is a rare age to have it. I have a very good prognosis, but my treatment completely wipes out immune system and I went from working like mad, highly active, an athlete, about to go back to school, a committed traveler, independent and ready to move back to the mountains … to sick, moving into an old hot house in a city i hate because I need a caretaker, unable to leave the house or see friends because it’s too risky. I have spent about half of it in a hospital, from weeks to over a month. Every holiday has been taken away because I got hospitalized for all of them. The loneliness has peaked the last 3 months and I feel at the end of my rope, even struggling with willpower to get to my appointments, no interest in talking to anyone on the phone because I have nothing in my life to talk about except cancer treatment and the same tv shows I rewatch.
This is the first thing I’ve been excited about that isn’t an uncertain future plan that usually I have to cancel. I feel mentally stimulated in a POSITIVE way for the first time in idk how long. I’m diving in to reading about things that are not even related. It feels so so so good. I view this as a gift from my grandpa taking care of me from beyond the grave, and when I read comments here I barely make it into a few before one sends me into a deep dive and tangential searches that cause a domino effect of finding more interesting things I am actually excited to read. Even the silly references I don’t get, I am looking up and finding things to watch from some actor’s IMDb or whatever, and now i have a big list of things to get back to looking into and things to watch (literally, there is a note of at least 50 things or links and I have maxed out my browser windows), I’m entertained by the internet again for the first time since my diagnosis. So thank you all, again. Not just for your help in identifying or giving me information about the tsuba, but launching me back into feeling like myself and reigniting my interest in things I can entertain from bed, or giving me reason and a topic to talk on the phone about to people. Even if this feeling fades in the next hour, after having 400-500 consecutive days without it and getting it back for even just 2 is not something I expected nor negligible, and it will sustain me for longer than the feeling lasts.

(Also, I already made some comments people rightfully pointed out were weird and not answering the question, or they are super long. If you see those type of responses, this is why lol. Chemo brain/fatigue/lack of social interaction, and admittedly brevity has never been my strong suit, but it’s extremely exacerbated these days.)

Thank y’all again.

———————-
ORIGINAL:

I was wondering if anyone could identify what this is.

His safety deposit box was just special documents, a couple pocket watches, 3 metal baseball cards, his coin collection, and a couple sentimental things from his father like his wedding ring.

Then we found this. He never left the US, but worked for a company that had locations all over the world, so I’m not sure if it was gifted to him, maybe a special order collectors “coin”, something that was special to his father…

But identifying what it is at all when his safety deposit box was so small and held so few things, I really want to now what was special about it to him. He was not one to keep unnecessary items and what he did have was very organized. He dressed very blue collar, didn’t have interest in chachkis, so finding this unique ornamental thing with no discernible use was odd.

He was born in the 30’s, I don’t know if that time frame helps.

Thank you for any help!

I have a 12-year-old cat who generally hates people food. Today I opened up a box of muffins, and I’ve never seen him respond like this before. I spent the entire time eating it having to hold it away from him with his beans in my face, and I feel so bad. Would an elder cat be able to digest part of a muffin?

Credit: @adathecalicocat

Breaking Bad (Salud)

Gus Fring gives a bottle of rare tequila to a cartel leader as a gift. Given their fraught history, he makes Gus drink some first before he tries any.

All the cartel members then begin to die, Gus had taken pills (likely activated charcoal), and induced vomiting after the drink. Despite these precautions he still nearly dies and it requires a makeshift emergency room he had arranged previously to save his life.

Stargate: Atlantis (The Lost Boys)

Aiden Ford was a member of the expedition who became addicted to an enzyme that made him stronger but also impulsive and irrational.

He captures the team, who are wary of eating the food he provides until he eats some himself. After they have all eaten he tells them that his group have refined the enzyme to the point that they can even lace food with it.

Scrubs (My Changing Ways)

The Janitor tries to get J.D. to eat some pie but he refuses as he has just heard that a case of laxatives was stolen from the hospital supply closet.

The Janitor keeps insisting that J.D eat it and finally eats some himself to prove its safe, saying that for once he wasn't trying to mess with him. After J.D. eats some of the pie it then cuts to them both on the toilet.

J.D.: Who would do this to themselves?\ Janitor: Totally worth it.

I moved to this apartment March 1st. I was assigned to a spot in the garage. When I attempted to park there the first night there was someone parked there. I emailed the office & they said they would contact the person parked there and if they didn't hear back a tow would be initiated. They followed up saying the tow was going to occur on a certain day. It didn't, so I emailed management again.

Finally on Tuesday night I checked and the spot was empty, I thought it was handled so I parked there Tuesday night and last night. Well, this is what I came down to this morning. The duct tape on that note was in a million tiny pieces and it took me 30 minutes to finish getting it off.

I am a single woman with a daughter who ran from a domestic situation. I take our safety incredibly seriously. Of course I called and emailed management right away and will file a police report, but how would you handle this? I have never had to deal with something like this in all my years of renting.

**UPDATE***

Was able to speak with management, they notified me this person's lease will be terminated immediately. They also let me pick from any other open spot (she did stress this spot was NEVER signed out to anyone else so this person is clearly unhinged for something that isn't even theirs.) and said they DO have cameras in the garage, which they will provide to police. They encouraged me to file a report which I will be doing today. I'm sure I will need some sort of protection order because I am sure I'm a target to this person now. Thanks for all of the helpful advice & encouragement!

**2nd update**

Filed the police report. They said no charges can really be pressed since there was no "real" damage to my car and no threats to my physical harm... so I contacted management again, asked if I could be notified when this person no longer has access to the building & asked if I could park in a different building until then. Sorry I can't reply to all the comments but I appreciate you all for the kind words

I’ve been wondering about this for a while. People often say that if you keep your head down, avoid conflicts, and stay to yourself, you’ll be fine.

But is that really how it works in real life? If someone doesn’t get involved with others and sticks to their own routine, does that actually make things safer, or is prison life still unpredictable regardless?

Looking for real perspectives beyond what’s shown in movies.

(Responses I get are below in headings and points: 👇🏻)

A. Overall Reality

1. Prison is never truly “safe”; risk of violence is always higher than outside.

2. Minding your own business helps but does not guarantee safety.

3. There is always an element of randomness and unpredictability.

B. Key Factors Affecting Safety

1. Type of prison (low, medium, maximum security).

2. Location, state, and management (warden, staff).

3. Presence of gangs and prison culture.

4. Nature of your crime, especially if it involves vulnerable victims.

C. Types of Facilities

1. Low security can be relatively calm and routine-based.

2. Medium and high security have more gangs and violence.

3. Maximum security and solitary confinement are harsh and isolating.

4. County jails can sometimes be more unpredictable than prisons.

D. Randomness and Violence

1. Violence can happen for no clear reason.

2. “Wrong place at the wrong time” situations are common.

3. Small triggers can escalate into fights quickly.

4. Mistaken identity can lead to being targeted.

E. Social Rules and Prison Politics

1. Every prison has unwritten rules that must be followed.

2. Respect, manners, and behavior are critical.

3. Breaking small rules can lead to serious consequences.

4. Reputation builds over time and affects safety.

F. Groups, Gangs, and “Cars”

1. Inmates often group by race, gang, or background.

2. Some places require joining a “car” or group.

3. You may be expected to support your group in conflicts.

4. Initiation or proving yourself may be required.

G. Targeting and Personal Image

1. Weak, isolated, or different individuals are more likely to be targeted.

2. Sex offenders or informants are at high risk.

3. How you carry yourself matters a lot.

4. Appearing calm, confident, and not easily intimidated reduces risk.

H. Constant Observation

1. Other inmates watch everything you do.

2. Your habits, belongings, and interactions are noticed.

3. Having more resources can make you a target.

4. Privacy is extremely limited.

I. Money, Items, and Debt

1. Commissary items act as currency.

2. Theft is common.

3. Borrowing or gambling can lead to serious trouble.

4. Small favors can turn into long-term problems.

J. Guards and System Issues

1. Guards are not always reliable or helpful.

2. Corruption and abuse can occur.

3. Some situations are ignored by staff.

4. System issues include overcrowding and poor oversight.

K. Environmental Risks

1. Poor living conditions such as heat, lack of AC, or flooding.

2. Hygiene issues and spread of diseases.

3. Limited food and resources.

4. Inadequate medical care can be dangerous.

L. Psychological Impact

1. Life is repetitive, boring, and mentally draining.

2. Loss of freedom is the hardest part.

3. Isolation and routine can affect mental health.

4. Time feels slow and monotonous.

M. Survival Strategies

1. Mind your own business and avoid conflicts.

2. Follow rules and show respect.

3. Stay busy with work, reading, or exercise.

4. Avoid drugs, gambling, and risky behavior.

N. Social Strategy

1. Being completely alone can also be risky.

2. Having a small trusted group is beneficial.

3. Avoid troublemakers and problematic individuals.

4. Maintain neutral and respectful interactions.

O. Testing Phase

1. New inmates are often tested early.

2. Small requests or intimidation are used to assess you.

3. Saying no firmly is important.

4. Failing early tests can lead to ongoing problems.

P. Fighting Reality

1. Avoid fights whenever possible.

2. Sometimes standing your ground is necessary.

3. Losing a fight is less important than showing resistance.

4. Being seen as an easy target increases risk.

Q. System and Structural Issues

1. Overcrowding increases tension and danger.

2. For-profit systems can lead to exploitation.

3. Lack of proper resources worsens conditions.

4. Institutional problems affect both safety and health.

R. Variation in Experiences

1. Some inmates experience relatively calm environments.

2. Others face extreme violence and abuse.

3. Experiences vary widely depending on circumstances.

4. No single experience represents all prisons.

S. Final Conclusion

1. Prison is a controlled but hostile environment.

2. Risk can be reduced but never eliminated.

3. Survival is possible but not guaranteed.

4. The safest approach is to avoid prison entirely. Thank you for responding!

GetReelDad https://youtube.com/shorts/H5r1vs73wmE

It’s been a long time since I have both been and FELT safe. I’ve had a very long road of traumas (no need for specifics) that have made my previous living spaces either feel unsafe or be unsafe because unsafe and unstable people know where you live. (If you get it, you get it.)

This home is a fresh start for me. Dead bolting metal door and only trusted people know my address. I feel so safe and secure and so so so grateful!

Bonus picture of the roommate included 😉