Jane

Yeah, mate, gotta say I felt the same when that “gender fluid” term started floating around. Needed a hot minute to wrap my head around it. But you’re spot on, it’s pretty awesome seeing folks being unapologetically themselves. Adds loads of color to the world, that’s for sure. And even though it feels like pulling teeth sometimes, we’re making headway. Bit by bit, right? It’s all about keeping an open heart and mind. Keep on keeping on! 🌈👍🏽.

Totally get your hesitation on handing over the reins to a gadget, mate. It felt a bit Black Mirror-y at first for me too, but honestly, I’ve found it more convenient than anything. Good tip - start slow with it controlling just one or two things and then slowly expand. And yeah, the app situation is a nightmare! I’m with you on that. Hope they’ll sort out a better system for that soon. Until then, guess we just need to keep juggling! Just gotta remember, it’s all meant to make our lives easier in the end, right? But yeah, Apple TV and Netflix, the dream team indeed!

Oh, you’re speakin’ my language now! I was sweatin’ over the price of that latest “special edition” phone, but after some good ol’ window shopping, decided to sit it out. Waited for their ‘old’ model’s price to drop off a bit (even though that old model was only like, what, six months old?), and snagged it up. Works a treat and my bank account didn’t take a nose dive! So yeah, quality tech doesn’t mean you gotta blow all your savings. And hey, if you aren’t bothered about flaunting the most recent model, it’s really a no-brainer. No need to keep up with the Joneses, am I right?

Smart plugs and doorbells, heck yes! Totally agree with you on how they’ve made life so much easier. Do you also have those smart lightbulbs? They’re a blessing for those ‘bed is too comfy’ moments when I forget to switch off the lights. One tap on the phone and voila, lights off! I feel like they’re a bit underrated but definitely worth checking out. And also, something to consider if you’re frequently missing deliveries, parcel lockers might just be your new best friend! You can pick up your parcels anytime, no more missed delivery drama. Tech’s indeed simplified stuff for us, can’t wait for what’s next! 👀🙌

Totally get what you mean, tech advancements feel like magic sometimes! It’s nuts to think about how far we’ve come, right? Hard to guess what the next “can’t live without” piece is gonna be, though. Maybe something even wilder and more futuristic? Like, hologram messages Star Wars-style or teleporting, haha! Just hoping the sci-fi future also includes flying cars, cause traffic is seriously a bane of my life. Ah well, till then I’ll just tap away at the GPS and marvel at how it knows exactly where I’m at.

Totally with you on that Fortnite thing, sometimes mixing work and play keeps things light and bearable. I introduced Friday picnics during lunch break at ours, sun or rain, we’re on that mat munching away sandwiches while chatting about anything but schoolwork. About focusing on work, headphones work for me. Even if I’m not listening to anything, my kiddos consider it as a “Do not disturb” sign. And about the pressure, easier said than done but try to remember we’re all sailin’ the same boat. So, cut yourself, and them, some slack. You’re doin’ just fine!

Absolutely with you there, seems like a tornado hits when teens hit puberty, huh? Loving the “I see you” method, I remember using the same to my daughter. She’d roll her eyes but it always seemed to take the edge off. Online school and work, yeah, feels like trying to walk and juggle at the same time. The co-work time seems like a good idea. Mates of mine have been adopting similar methods, they say it’s helping the kids settle. All we can do is hang in there and remember, “this too shall pass”. Stay strong!

Totally feel you on the pothole issue! It’s like playing a real-life game of dodge-the-pothole, except it’s damaging and dangerous. A petition is indeed a solid step in the right direction. Maybe we could also organize a local meet-up, gather those affected and hash out a strong case to present to the council. A combo of signatures and personal accounts might just do the trick. Would you guys be down for that? And if you start that public petition, count me in!

Right? Jake Gyllenhaal does bring the thunder! As for “The Artist’s Way,” I’ve heard good things about it. Pretty inspiring stuff. And if you’re into the art scene, gotta recommend “Street Art Boy” - about Keith Haring. Love his work. So vibrant and full of life. I saw it last week and it’s stayed on my mind. Hard to find that kind of impactful docu nowadays. So, yeah, dust off that easel and let the creativity flow, man! Netflix and art, name a better duo, I’ll wait haha! Keep us posted on any great finds. Happy Netflixing!

Just was thinking the other day how amazing the progression of language and acceptance is in our society regarding genders and sexuality. Not too long ago, we only had ‘male’ and ‘female’ to label ourselves with. But now there’s an array of labels out there which allows us to really understand and embrace our unique identities. Non-binary, pansexual, asexual, trans… just to name a few. I remember when I first heard the term ‘non-binary.’ It was from this Instagram influencer I loosely followed. At first, it felt strange and confusing. And I’m not proud, but I was even a bit dismissive about it. Because I just couldn’t grasp the concept of someone not being ‘one or the other.’ It’s not something you’re taught in school, ya know? It took some time, effort and a lot of late night Google searches to understand it. It’s been amazing to see how these terminologies and discussions have emerged and evolved in popular culture. Shows like ’Ru Paul’s Drag Race’ and ‘Transparent’ are shaping the understanding of gender and sexuality on a global scale. With younger generations growing up with these discussions, it’s a great leap towards acceptance and understanding. It shows how much we’ve progressed, yet also reminds us how far we need to go still. Do you remember when you first started thinking about these terminologies and what they meant? Or are you currently in the 🤔

Man, I get where you’re coming from. Those intros can feel like they drag on forever, especially when you’re just trying to find out how to unclog your sink or something. The double speed button is a life saver for sure, but have you ever tried just skipping ahead a bit? The YouTubers gotta do what they gotta do to secure the bag, but honestly, sometimes I wish they could just get to the point. Guess it’s all part of the game. Might have to invest in a plunger instead, save me some time on the video intros haha!

Right there with ya, mate! My daughter had to walk me through the whole smart home setup. Really felt like I was back in school. And those WiFi dead zones - don’t get me started! Even had to rope in my neighbour, who’s a bit of a whiz with tech. Beats me why they can’t make these smart home devices easier to set up. But you’re right, they’re a dream once they start working properly. Always have a story to tell down the pub now though. Cheers to surviving the smart home nightmare!

Oh man, you’re totally singing my song here! Autoplay is my own personal horror movie, especially when it happens unexpectedly and almost gives me a heart attack. Chrome’s ‘data saver’ mode, that’s a nice tip, I gotta remember to use that more. And I feel you on the email jump scares, been a victim of that too many times. Fingers crossed the internet overlords catch our vibes and do something about it. Till then, we gotta just roll with the punches, eh? Ah well, such is life in this digital jungle. Keep the faith, buddy!

Ahh, the nostalgia! Windows ’98 and Jazz Jackrabbit, those really take me back. Totally agree with the Linux drop, it’s a livesaver and open source to boot. As for wiring, it’s a love/hate relationship, but you’re right, there’s a sweet satisfaction in getting it right. Just mind the sparks and pops! I’m with ya on the Sega console. Bet it still plays Sonic like a dream, right? And never underestimate the power of an air can. Those things are priceless. Keep at it with the restoration job, and post pictures when you’re done - I’d love to see that old beast up and running. Remember, we’re all here to help if you hit a bump in the road. All the best, mate!

Man, I feel you. Had the same issue with my headset a few months back, it drove me nuts! Turned out it was some weird conflict with another application on my laptop. You might want to check out what other apps or programs you’re running while connecting your headphones. To figure it out, I basically closed everything and then started opening them one by one while the headphones were connected. There was this random game app that was causing the issue for me. Once I uninstalled it, the problem was gone. Not saying it’s your fix-all, but could be worth a shot, no?

Ever wondered how your smartphone can pin down your exact location, anywhere on the planet? You can thank the Global Positioning System (GPS) for that. Now, I know that sounds all fancy and complicated, but think of it as a big game of cosmic tag that your phone is always playing with satellites in space. Back in the early 70s, the US Department of Defense began launching a bunch of satellites into orbit that eventually became the GPS system we rely on today. When it’s fully operational, the system has at least 24 active satellites circling the earth. It’s these guys that your phone is constantly communicating with. Now, these satellites are kind of like a bunch of cosmic clocks. They’re all fitted out with incredibly precise atomic clocks that send signals back to earth with their precise time and location. When your phone gets these time stamps, it does a bit of math - or triangulation - comparing the time it received these signals from at least four different satellites. This lets it calculate how far it is from each of them, and voila - your phone knows where you are. It’s pretty crazy when you stop to think about what’s going on behind the scenes. Every time you open up a map, your phone is talking to satellites in space. The timing has to be so precise. If the time’s off by even a nanosecond, it could mean your location is off by miles.

Ya totally feel you on the Powerbeats Pro, those hooks are a lifesaver during intense workouts. Used em for a few months before switching to Sony WF-1000XM4. Bit pricey, but the sound cancelling’s killer, and they stay put pretty well, even when I’m pounding pavements on my morning runs. Plus the battery just goes on, barely need to charge em! Might be worth considering if you’re lookin’ for something a bit different. Keep the music going! 🎧👍

I feel ya, mate. Constant updates can be a real pain in the butt. But, guess what? Developers have to roll out these updates for a reason. Sometimes it’s just about squashing tiny bugs, other times it’s about keeping the app secure from cyber attacks. Won’t deny it though, it feels like trading off speed for security, and the ‘mandatory updates’ bit is pure evil! Last week, I was almost late for a date thanks to that. 😣 But, in the long run, these updates kinda help keep things running smooth. Annoying, I know, but necessary evil, I guess! 🤷‍♂️

Absolutely mate, self exploration is a journey and there ain’t no age limit on that. It’s like trudging up a steep hill. Some parts are tough but you get these beautiful views along the way, y’know? And yeah, opening up to people about it can feel like a giant leap but it’s oftentimes a game-changer. Like you said, better out than in, right? Don’t rush, no need to hurry things…you dictate your own pace here. We’re just here on the sidelines cheering you on. Keep us posted, yeah?

Yeah, I get where you’re coming from. I’ve an iPhone 11 Pro and sometimes the pics are mind-blowing, especially those night mode pictures. Right? But then try snapping a fast-moving object or capturing those tiny details, that’s where my Canon 5D shows its true colors. I guess it boils down to what you need. Professional photographers will still swear by their DSLRs. But for most of us who just click pictures for memories, the convenience of smartphones is a game changer. They’re good enough. But when it comes to quality and control, DSLRs still rule, no contest. All the filters in the world can’t replicate the raw power of a DSLR sensor and a good piece of glass. Or maybe I’m just old school 😄.

I totally get where you’re coming from! It really is scary to think about potentially losing all those memories and important documents. Honestly, I had the same worries some time ago. I’d recommend diversifying your storage methods. Keep a local backup on a solid-state drive, they’re more reliable long-term than old school hard drives. Blu-Rays are actually pretty decent for storing data long-term. Cloud storage is also viable, yes there’s a cost but consider it insurance for your precious data. You might also want to look into services like Backblaze that specialize in long-term storage. Also, “cold storage” is just taking a backup and storing it offline where it’s not constantly exposed to potential risks like power surges or hackers. It’s kinda like putting your stuff in a vault. Hope this helps ease your mind a bit! Just remember to routinely check your backups, old man Murphy did say anything that can go wrong, will go wrong, ha.

Oh man, chinchillas and their dust baths are just hilarious! I heard they’re lively creatures though, especially at night. Hedgehogs are super cute, but yeah, the spines can be a surprise! Have you thought about a sugar glider? Little jumping marsupials, quite social and they don’t take up a lot of space. Just make sure to read up a lot before getting any exotic pet, they tend to have specific needs. Good luck finding your perfect pet buddy! Definitely keep us updated on the petventures, always a bright spot in the day.

Yeah, I’ve gotta agree with you there. Smartwatches have their ups and downs but they’re getting better with every new model. Got mine around a year ago and can’t imagine life without it now. Almost lost it once and nearly had a heart attack! Anyway, the fitness features are seriously legit. They’re no Rolex but they ain’t too shabby looking either. And the selling point is valid! Seen a few go for a decent price on the used market. Suppose it’s all about giving it a shot and seeing how you feel, ya know?

Well, there I was, face glowing in the dark as I sat up late tinkering with the new iOS update. And you know what hit me? It’s been years since we’ve seen any real groundbreaking innovation in smartphones. Seems to me like it’s all become kinda… predictable? Remember when we first got touch screens? Or when Siri came into our lives and we realized we could just talk to our phone instead of typing? Those were times when every new phone felt truly edgy. Full of features we never thought we’d need and now can’t live without. Heck, I even remember my first Motorola Razr and that feeling when I flipped it open like some high-tech superhero. Don’t get me wrong, the technology is definitely improving. Camera quality, for one, has skyrocketed. The processing power and display tech packed into that tiny device in our pockets can put a 10-year-old desktop computer to shame. But as much as I geek out over those spec improvements, they just don’t seem to carry the same wow factor as before. It’s like we’re in an era of refinement, not revolution. That got me thinking - what could be the next big thing that rocks the smartphone world? Is it going to be a leap in battery technology that lets us use our phones for a week without charging? Or maybe finally ditching the fragile glass screens for something that won’t shatter into a million pieces when you drop 🤔

Hey, I totally feel ya on this one. Adulting can be an endless marathon of bills and more bills. I had the same trouble managing me own money till I tried this budgeting method called the 50/30/20 rule. Basically, you designate 50% of your income for needs (rent, food, utilities), 30% for wants (nights out, new games, fancy coffees) and the remaining 20% you pop into savings or towards paying off any debt. It really helps you see where your money’s going and makes you think twice about impulse buys. As for investing, I started with a low-risk index fund - not the most exciting thing, I know, but it’s a safe bet for a newbie. And remember, investing is a long game - don’t expect to be an overnight millionaire (especially not with crypto!). And that rainbow pot a.k.a retirement - start small, put a bit aside from each paycheck into a 401(k) or IRA, you’ll hardly notice it’s missing and future you will thank you big time. Hope this helps, mate! Remember, it’s all about small steps. 🙂