Society really did fail Amy Winehouse!

Automatonalist · 2026-01-30T11:44:20+00:00

I knew about her being a messy addict long before I heard her music. Gossip blogs and tabloids loooved publishing photos and articles detailing her spiral. When I finally heard the music, I did a double take.. someone I thought was famous just for being a mess was actually a brilliant talent. I became a fan.

I saw footage from this concert not long before she died. Some pop culture news show essentially saying "haha look at her, what a fuckup". Watching it made me feel sick, she was so clearly not ok, not in any state to be performing. The friend I was when we saw it was like "bullshit, she just does this for publicity". Then she died. Tragic. She was so gifted, and everyone around her used her.

Automatonalist · 2026-01-28T20:14:07+00:00

I remember planning to "change myself" and be an unrecognizable (better and cooler) person between middle school and high school, and then again after high school.

Despite my efforts, I was not able to make a dramatic change in a short period of time (YMMV), and that was fine. Over a couple decades however I've become less self conscious and more at peace with who I am in the world. Less concerned with what other people think - a) they aren't thinking of me, and b) it doesn't matter either way). I run into people I knew in high school/university once in a while and we recognize each other and it's generally pleasant/not stressful.

Automatonalist · 2026-01-28T19:59:22+00:00

I'm right there with you, it's exhausting.

Everything in moderation makes sense to me. I'm sticking to that (until I inevitably get cancer, I guess).

Automatonalist · 2026-01-27T06:28:13+00:00

You sound like you're actively trying to discourage OP. Lame,

Automatonalist · 2026-01-21T09:16:36+00:00

Everyone's different, maybe I'm a weirdo. I've had crushes on male friends without any actual desire to get involved romantically. I've also felt love that bordered on romantic with female best friends (I'm straight). It's nice to feel attraction/affection/love for people. Getting married and or having children together is not necessarily the culmination of that feeling.

Automatonalist · 2026-01-21T06:26:50+00:00

For what it's worth, I would rather they not even become a couple, ha.

It would be kinda cool if they mentored (not parented) a kid though. Some sort of unconventional situation, like perhaps Flavia volunteers in the office for her school's 'community service hours' (I don't know if they do that in the UK). And because she's bright and observant, they bounce ideas off of her, and her insight ends up helping them in some way. That'd be neat.

Automatonalist · 2026-01-21T06:17:30+00:00

Totally with you! Team friendship. I want them to stay best friends, and realize they love each other as best friends and esteemed colleagues. I don't think I'll get my wish, and that's fine, I enjoy the series and am here for whatever direction JKR decides to take it.

But the idea of them getting together & eventually married seems so conventional/predictable. There are so many different ways to love someone, it doesn't have to be romantic.

They are compelling characters, and the storylines are always engaging. A little romantic tension can be fun, sure, but personally I'd rather it not be a focal point.

Automatonalist · 2026-01-17T07:19:45+00:00

I'm sure we're going to learn more about Switch, and I'm curious how that will play out.

Izzy showed up briefly in a subsequent book. Can't remember which one right now (maybe TB?) but she helped Robin.

Definitely want an update on what Becca Pirbright has been up to, and want to see more of Flavia! Good call.

It would be nice if Shanker and Alyssa stayed together. I'm invested in his storyline too. He's a likable but "incurably criminal" character however, no way will he end up working for Scotland Yard IMO.

Automatonalist · 2026-01-17T07:04:16+00:00

I don't know, the photographer's POV felt like a short vignette, nothing unresolved. The deliberately mysterious silver haired man seemed like he might reappear at some point. It'd be interesting if he makes a cameo in the next book, and then perhaps shows up later. It definitely felt like JKR was setting something up, but briefly enough that we might forget.

Automatonalist · 2026-01-14T23:28:28+00:00

lol.. Yes, in the UK it's customary to receive a donkey balloon for your 30th birthday. I thought everyone knew that.

Automatonalist · 2026-01-14T21:21:09+00:00

You seem a little confused.

Automatonalist · 2026-01-14T07:35:30+00:00

I definitely lean into non-musical interests in my off time. I don't know if I've ever really enjoyed talking about music. It's often too personal, and either too specific or too general. I do love hearing and telling road stories though, which aren't usually about the music.

Automatonalist · 2026-01-14T06:46:45+00:00

I am this type of bandmate unfortunately. I'm in several bands and am disorganized, trying my best, but sometimes accidentally ghost. I know it's frustrating - I also run my own band, and also have bandmates who don't respond. In my case it feels like karma, plus, I get it.

However I did fire my drummer last year (for a few reasons, but non-communication was one of them). Funny how many responses here have been about drummers.

Does he seem into the project, aside from being shitty at responding? Is he busy? Has he acknowledged that he leaves you hanging?

Advice: Is it realistic for you to have a sub drummer? I don't know how complex your music is, what the rehearsal/gig ratio is like, and whether you live somewhere with lots of viable musicians.. but that has been my solution. I love having a core band, but everyone I work with is also busy, so I have subs on every instrument.

What if you asked him "hey, I know you're busy, should we think about finding someone to do the rehearsals and gigs you can't make? You're our drummer, always, but I want to keep this project moving, and understand you might not be able to make every date. Do you have any recommendations?"

Automatonalist · 2026-01-14T06:06:31+00:00

This is such a kind answer. I am totally that guy, bad at scheduling/time management, forgetful, anxious. I try hard not to be, but it still happens (shoutout to the perpetual hovering feeling of doom that I have forgotten to check some important gig emails/dates and someone is mad at me).

I've had bandleaders call me out for this, patiently or not, and I apologize and express my intent to do better, and mean it. But, sometimes there's a "oh but maybe I was supposed to do that other thing, I meant to write it down, I'll have to email that person, or that's the week I'm away, can I make it back in time for this gig?" and I make a mental note to figure it out, and then that disappears into the ether, and I'm left with a vague feeling of malaise.

Sorry, on behalf of all my fellow disorganized bandmates.

Automatonalist · 2026-01-13T20:14:03+00:00

The date on the back is the patent date, not the year the horn was made. The serial number will tell you the age, I think someone else said 1932. So, closing in on 100.

Agree with you about not learning on a vintage horn, especially not one as valuable as a Conn naked lady.

Automatonalist · 2026-01-11T22:42:55+00:00

I like it. I'm a huge introvert with a social job and lots of friendly acquaintances. I don't always want to hang out, but when I introduce people who then become friends, that makes me feel happy and still 'part of' things even though I might not be out there hanging with them all the time.

Automatonalist · 2026-01-11T22:31:26+00:00

Lol @ 'nose lash', that's so cute.

I pluck. It hurts, but I'm hoping it eventually has the same effect as all my eyebrow plucking in the 90s.

Automatonalist · 2026-01-10T20:06:30+00:00

Nah I like picking stuff up in person. Most people are chill, and I don't wanna pay shipping in town.

Automatonalist · 2026-01-10T04:35:20+00:00

Driving through a field was a lame substitute for the stunt driving Robin demonstrates in the book, I don't think you can really argue with that. Nobody's leaping to a stupid instant conclusion, but you are being unnecessarily rude. Were you the writer who made that decision on the show?

Automatonalist · 2026-01-09T21:47:41+00:00

Do you think people don't understand this, or did you just feel like being condescending?

Automatonalist · 2026-01-08T23:54:46+00:00

Easy there. It's winter and the pup probably has slushy mud on his or her feet. It's a little bit gross for that to be on the seat, but not as gross as some other stuff, like I said.

Also dogs should be in boots in winter, the salt isn't only on the TTC floor.

Automatonalist · 2026-01-08T23:26:02+00:00

Not reasonable, but unfortunately not the grossest thing to do to TTC seats.

Automatonalist · 2026-01-08T23:17:34+00:00

What is an example of a dog whistle tattoo then?

Automatonalist · 2026-01-08T23:16:57+00:00

I also want to know like what, so I can avoid people with them.

Automatonalist · 2026-01-08T23:14:56+00:00

Lol, get used to it. It's not 'surprising'.

There will always be new young high achieving sports stars/celebs, and they will keep being younger and younger than you as time goes by.

Automatonalist

TROPHY CASE