To be fair, a lot of that feeling is due to us having more information, delivered more quickly. I watched a history video recently on the rampant corruption during Ulysses S Grant’s presidency. It led to a lot of reform to prevent it happening again.

The video used it as a silver lining to show the US can come back from the bullshit currently happening. Not sure I agree. I’ve lost my faith in not just the government, but at least half of my fellow citizens and am planning my exit. But you know, the point remains.

And here I was thinking I was bad for bringing a foil wrapped burrito. Had to time my unwrapping…

But my purse is big enough, I think I could get away with a small tray of food.

I think pay day loans should be illegal. They are so predatory! But I also understand the desperation. If we had a better social support system, it wouldn’t be an issue. But then people wouldn’t be making as much money. Can’t have that.

Thanks! I was also looking at this guide linked from one of the privacy communities I follow. https://www.privacyguides.org/en/mobile-phones/

I went ahead and got a pixel phone since that’s what I’ve gotten the last few years and it’s recommend. Definitely going to look into GrapheneOS. I also use my phone for work and that might have to stop soon. There’s a “wall” between my personal stuff and all the Microsoft related work apps. But I know there’s no way that’s secure.

I read a book last year on homelessness and one focus was on extended stay hotels. In my own ignorance, I hadn’t thought about them being used in place of regular housing. Because people can’t qualify for mortgages or pull together a deposit for an apartment, they end up spending so much more paying week to week while having less rights and a less stable community.

After finishing the book, I remember thinking how the US is just perfectly set up to profit from desperate people. I’m really lucky and escaped poverty, but I remember my mom taking payday loans, just the overwhelming worry that came from barely having enough, and the panic attacks I had each semester of college as I cobbled together a means to pay tuition.

Yes, but is it the sheriff who will pay or the tax payers? I’m guessing the latter.

I’m aware, thus my last sentence about the environmental and human impact. I try to go as long as possible between phones but issues pop up (I’m sure it’s by design) and I have to upgrade. I bought my current phone in late 2023. It shouldn’t need replacing so soon!

I need a new phone and am on Google Fi (I know…). I went to look at the phones for sale and they are touting their AI capabilities. I should find a new service and get a phone through them, but that’s research I just don’t want to spend time doing. Why are electronics so terrible when it covers to environmental and human impacts?!?

The humor has been an unexpected joy. I’m also enjoying the music!

Started Disco Elysium. I held off for so long because it seemed depressing and the art style didn’t appeal, but then it went on sale. Yes, it is pretty depressing but I’m still enjoying it so far. Trying not to look into any information about it so that I can experience it unspoiled.

*Chairdrobe.

The dual was sooo obnoxious. I did an embrace run and the slayer form is pretty terrible especially in comparison. I think I ended up spamming invulnerability spheres and burning through Otto’s irresistible dance scrolls.

I have no qualms stopping the conversation and repeating my joke. Witness my pun!!

Stressed but overall good. I started a new job at the beginning of the year and am definitely settled but now have too much going on! I’ve been mostly staying on top of all my organization strategies and nothing is falling through the cracks just yet. So that’s a win even if I’m behind on some personal deadlines.

Humans can’t even stop exploiting other humans. Bees and other animals don’t stand a chance.

I’m on console and couldn’t find the sit this one out mod, so I enabled an added difficulty one that scales automatically depending on my party size. It works but fights are probably going to get annoyingly long later on.

I’m on my third playthrough. My second was dark urge and it was a lot of fun. I’m currently playing an origin run (Wyll) and more typically good. It’s fun since I’ve modded it to have all the companions with me. I’m only rolling six deep right now, but ladders are already annoying. Haha.

Are you doing resist or embrace? I think if I do a fourth run, I’ll do a dark urge resist with a barbarian, potentially drow, because I heard those options have a lot of unique dialogue.

… I’ll just put this over here with the other fire…

I just cannot believe this timeline is a real thing. Are they not embarrassed?

I don’t mind paying but I’m tired of all the price hikes. I was salty earlier today and went through my emails and here’s the timeline of price changes. I was annoyed in 2023 but understood it was the end of my grandfathering price back when it was just music. But then to jump up another 25% after three years? Ridiculous.

$26.99 - May 2026

$22.99 - April 2023

$14.99 - October 2020 (change to YouTube Premium)

$14.99 - June 17, 2016 (Google Music family plan)