A majority of Americans want stricter gun laws, and that’s been consistent for quite a few years.

We also have a dysfunctional political system that prevents popular ideas from getting anywhere, but we’re not really unique in that I suppose.

I just don’t understand how Apple, a company known for their sleek, elegant design aesthetics above all else, put their name on something that looks so dorky

When you can’t afford a Big Mac, just eat the rich

Ultimately, it’s selecting for crabs. Crabs are perfection. There is no escaping carcinization.

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Translation: shrinkflation incoming

Yeah cool, don’t explain or anything

Alternatively, go the Stoic route and mentally prepare yourself for the worst possible outcome.

Then, anything less than that will feel like an upgrade.

“If you expect a kick in the balls and you get a slap in the face, it’s a victory.”

Yep. The indie boom that PC gaming experienced would not have been possible without early access funding, full stop.

Not every early access title has gone perfectly and there are some studios that have gamed the system.

Still, the stuff that managed to make it through the process and become successful has been some of the only stuff saving us from a live service hellscape

I’d argue that debates aren’t useful without a neutral, mutually trusted media source that listeners from both sides would refer to for fact-checking. The US has debates but the soundbites that partisan media air are the main way people consume them. Few people watch the whole debate, and few want to because they’re mostly just hot air.

Plus, one candidate can use the debate to lie out of their ass and at least one media source will follow that up by spitting out misleading info to support the lies.

I don’t mean to both-sides this, obviously right wing media is more egregious on this front. But their captured audience tuning out fact-checks from other media is maybe the bigger problem.

All of this happening on the sidelines fundamentally alters the purpose of a debate. For example, changing the tone and style of interaction; people aren’t trying to come to an agreement or win over new supporters, just shout over someone to get in soundbites that can be replayed by their team.

Yeah that’s the irony, Texas wouldn’t even need to secede to fuck up its power grid.

Fun fact, there are 3 major power grids in the lower 48 united states’: the Eastern Interconnection, Western Interconnection, and Texas.

Dragon’s breath is a pretty common name for incense scents, but it seems to vary a bit between different brands. The only common ingredient I saw was that most of them have musk or “white musk”

Vote in the primaries. Vote for the winner who’s least fascist. Yell at them. A lot. Activism in the streets, calling your representative about pending legislation. Donations to organizing groups you agree with There are multiple stages of the process you can get involved with. 1 vote every 4 years is not enough

I’m sure they’ll do it in a way that’s convenient and doesn’t require 14 clicks through obnoxiously designed popups every single time you use a Google service. Yep, certainly no way this could go wrong.

In some countries, they are

General strike/protest? Get enough people making noise on the street and people will have to listen. With a presidential election coming up, Dems won’t be able to fully ignore it either.

In all of Vietnam there are currently two active metro lines, one of which is only partially complete.

I hope it improves. Many lines are under construction but all of the projects have been plagued by delays for years.

But why would you include this as an example here?

I always found it easier to basically automate the process as much as possible. “spend” every recurring expenditure and also set aside the most aggressive savings/investments possible using separate bill pay and savings accounts or buckets. Everything is taken out of the main account as soon as your paycheck hits, so it means everything you see on your spending account is a free dollar that you can use for fun or food.

Some people might operate better with a set amount for groceries too, but I personally found that too restrictive.

A good budget is one that you stick to, helps you achieve your goals, and crucially, allows you to enjoy your life to at least some extent. Whatever method works for you, it’s important to give yourself permission to spend some money on fun. However small.

Thanks!