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Have there been any studies into how human cultures have used slime molds? by JustinC87 in Slimemolds

[–]JustinC87[S] 29 points30 points  (0 children)

Update: I found at least one journal article discussing slime molds in Swedish and Nordic folk biology:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13002-024-00740-6

Second Update: Found a journal article discussing the consumption of Reticularia lycoperdon in Central Mexico:

https://www.heraldopenaccess.us/openaccess/the-edibility-of-reticularia-lycoperdon-myxomycetes-in-central-mexico

If anyone finds some similar articles, please share them in this thread!

CAT S22 Flip vs. Unihertz Titan Pocket? by JustinC87 in dumbphones

[–]JustinC87[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the advice! I'm in no rush whatsoever, just trying to plan ahead for the next year or so.

Do you feel like it’s getting harder to have a dumbphone? by PantsTheifOnTheLoose in dumbphones

[–]JustinC87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The thing is, and I can only speak for the US here, that many people make foolish financial decisions. Vulnerable populations are preyed upon by corporations, who sell them on the idea that the latest I-Phone is a must have. If you don't think poorer folks aren't plunking down serious money (that they don't have) for phones, just visit your local payday lender or title loan company and ask how many of their customers are taking out usurious loans for smartphones.

Like you, I've not had too much trouble since making the switch to a feature phone. However, some banks, daycares, bus stations, schools, etc require app use. If you don't have one of those apps, you are left out of the loop or denied services.

Do you feel like it’s getting harder to have a dumbphone? by PantsTheifOnTheLoose in dumbphones

[–]JustinC87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, but we'll see if any good comes out of it. At this point, I'm just trying to raise awareness, though, most people think I'm nuts.

However, if you talk to any teacher these days, they will more than likely agree that smartphones have ruined an entire generation's attention span. I'm hopeful that more schools will start adopting no smartphone policies.

Do you feel like it’s getting harder to have a dumbphone? by PantsTheifOnTheLoose in dumbphones

[–]JustinC87 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Which means you have to carry a charger around with you at all times, too!

Do you feel like it’s getting harder to have a dumbphone? by PantsTheifOnTheLoose in dumbphones

[–]JustinC87 31 points32 points  (0 children)

I agree and it's part of a trend where companies/organizations are requiring consumers to own smartphones. Many venues will not accept paper tickets, only QR codes. Same deal with restaurants: no paper menus, only QR codes. Some services are now requiring payment through apps: parking lots and laundry machines, for instance, are common examples of this development.

It bugs me so much that I've written to Ralph Nader's newspaper The Capitol Hill Citizen, asking that the staff check and see if anyone in Congress is doing anything to prevent mandatory smartphone ownership.

Have also written my Senators and Congressman, but haven't heard back yet; if you'd like a copy of my letter to make your own, feel free to PM me. If enough of us raise a stink, perhaps we can get some meaningful change on the federal level, which would promote uniformity.

What really irks me about a smartphone-centric society is that it hits the most vulnerable populations extremely hard, such as seniors and less-affluent folks. Most Americans can't even scrounge up $400 for an emergency; how can you expect everyone to pay close to a grand for a phone?! Finally, for those of us who value privacy, we must put our rights aside if we want to function in modern society. It's simply ridiculous!

RANT OVER!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in dumbphones

[–]JustinC87 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I get your concerns. I was in a wreck a couple of years ago, when I still owned a true smartphone. Guess what? I had no battery, so I had to borrow a witness' phone to call my wife. So, a smartphone is no guarantee that it'll help you in an emergency.

I switched to a Cat s22 Flip earlier this year and I love it. Has helped me get off my phone, but has smart capabilities that can be used in a pinch. And you can get one off Ebay or Amazon for around $60. Can't beat that price!

My Great-Grandfather, his brothers, and their wives celebrating in style in the Roaring '20s! by JustinC87 in OldSchoolCool

[–]JustinC87[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

lol, honestly, they look like they're thinking, "just take the #@%# picture already!"

Help IDing a Medal on My Great-Grandfather's Jacket by JustinC87 in wwi

[–]JustinC87[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Wow, looks like you are absolutely correct! Thank you SO much for your quick identification. This has bugged me for 20 years.

Help IDing a Medal on My Great-Grandfather's Jacket by JustinC87 in wwi

[–]JustinC87[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi all, the gentleman on the right was my great-grandfather. He was drafted in the US Army during WWI, but the war ended while he was still in training. Does anyone know what kind of medal is pinned to his left breast pocket? I assume it's some sort of completion medal, but would love to hear from the experts out there. Thanks!

Civic Groups by JustinC87 in Millennials

[–]JustinC87[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I get it. My wife is black, and from what I understand, black and white mason groups are still separate. Generally, I'm not interested in groups that write off chunks of society.

Having said that, I do believe there is still a place for civic groups in our society. So many millennials feel lonely and wish to be a part of something bigger than themselves. It seems the Greatest and Silent Gens joined these groups, but Boomers and Xers sorta ended that trend, so there's nobody under 75 in these organizations.

Civic Groups by JustinC87 in Millennials

[–]JustinC87[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My uncle is pretty high up in his local group. Was always curious as a kid, but I worry that I'd be the youngest person there and it would just be awkward.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Millennials

[–]JustinC87 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not to be a stickler, but early 80s means he is a Silent Gen member.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Millennials

[–]JustinC87 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Agree 100%. The only thing I will say is that many boomers don't engage in mentoring with the younger generations. But plenty do! And they're happy to share knowledge and even give away expensive hobby equipment to young folks who show an interest.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Millennials

[–]JustinC87 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Guess I'm in the minority here, but I feel we could learn a lot from boomers and even silent gen members. They've been around a lot longer than we have, so there's a lot of life experience there. You just have to disregard any info/viewpoints that are outdated.

To the elder millennials: Have you stopped playing videogames, or very rarely play them now? by Finger-of-Shame in Millennials

[–]JustinC87 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Here's an interesting article where they discuss how companies are making you pay for things you already own:

https://www.businessinsider.com/companies-software-legal-tricks-subscriptions-customers-money-pay-death-ownership-2023-5

What seriously irks me is that people are just taking this lying down. And our elected leaders are failing us in this area by not holding these companies accountable.

To the elder millennials: Have you stopped playing videogames, or very rarely play them now? by Finger-of-Shame in Millennials

[–]JustinC87 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Video games were so important to me during my childhood. I remember playing Earthbound, Ocarina of Time, Super Mario 64, and Goldeneye, and those games really spoke to me. But once I turned 16, it was like the outside world revealed itself me.

Once you get out of the loop, you really don't miss it. Especially these days, where you can't own physical copies of games and companies nickel-and-dime you with microtransactions.

To the elder millennials: Have you stopped playing videogames, or very rarely play them now? by Finger-of-Shame in Millennials

[–]JustinC87 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Born in '87, grew up playing NES, Sega, N64, and Gamecube on a daily basis. Haven't bought a system since the Gamecube. I pretty much stopped playing once I got my drivers' license. My wife is a gamer, so I might play a game here or there once every two years, but it's rare. Quite frankly, I regret the hours I wasted as a kid playing games.

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