It’s been decades but Anna Karenina is still in my top five favorite books.

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.

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’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?!?

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

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)