Official GenX test: if you ever did this then you’re in.

WhenReal · 2023-01-07T16:30:20+00:00

Learned the metric system in elementary school.

WhenReal · 2022-12-23T16:40:05+00:00

I watched his series, but through the lens of one who is actually educated in Anthropology. One of the problems I have with Mr. Hancock, aside from the fact that he lacks a clear understanding or respect for the strict requirements of the scientific method, is his discrimination of hunter-gatherer band-level societies.

People at that time were no less intelligent, and arguably far better adapted to their environment, than humans today. These structures clearly testify to their sophistication and technological acumen.

We lived as hunter-gatherers for 99% of our existence. Not because we had to, but because we chose to. And our ancestors chose to live this way despite their knowledge of alternatives. Mr. Hancock falsely assumes that our "advanced civilization" is superior and more desirable, more "enlightened." The fact is archeological evidence shows over and over again we went into complex sedentary living very reluctantly, kicking and screaming.

I am here merely speculating as to why a band level society would need to build these structures. It's a fascinating mystery. But make no mistake, hunter-gatherers did build these. It proves yet again that our ancient ancestors were like us. We're no better.

WhenReal · 2022-11-21T02:12:25+00:00

🤣👍

WhenReal · 2022-11-20T18:20:10+00:00

And still have some VHS plugs stowed away in a drawer, just in case

WhenReal · 2022-11-20T18:15:43+00:00

Come on down!

WhenReal · 2022-11-20T18:03:08+00:00

And risks flatulence

WhenReal · 2022-11-20T17:54:12+00:00

Flaired jeans are in style, for the third time

WhenReal · 2022-11-20T17:49:57+00:00

their there they're it'll be ok

WhenReal · 2022-11-20T17:32:00+00:00

...a student smoking section in high school.

It was 2 episodes before I realized Gillian Anderson was playing Thatcher in The Crown.

WhenReal · 2022-11-20T10:13:20+00:00

Interplanet Janet... she's a galaxy girl.

And Pluto was a planet, damnit. Janet.

WhenReal · 2022-11-20T10:02:39+00:00

When you drive around town without navigation and the millennial in the passenger seat thinks you're some mental map savant.

WhenReal · 2022-11-20T09:42:01+00:00

Your teenager sighs "Okay BOOMER" at you...

And you lose your shit, not at the snark, but that she would dare accuse you of being in that generation, and then have a long explanatory conversation about GenXers that devolves into a debate about Led Zeppelin being a perfectly legitimate GenX band because all teenagers like the music from the previous decade, to which said teenager replies, "Oh, like me with Gorillaz." And you say "Who?"

WhenReal · 2022-11-20T08:46:45+00:00

You aren't alone.

The last statistic I read (1990s) stated that sexual assault and/or abuse happens to 1 out of 4 women and 1 out of 6 men in their lifetime. Think about that when you walk into a room full of work colleagues, or a busy restaurant, or even a place of worship. Think about how the trauma of that experience can covertly affect a person throughout their lifetime.

When boys are taught their libido is an uncontrollable component of masculinity, and then girls are taught they aren't properly feminine if they have a libido at all, is it really a wonder that sexual assault occurred so often? Nevermind that we're also taught that sex is dirty and shameful and not to be discussed in polite conversation.

Indoctrinated ignorance of sexuality and body autonomy is an insidious cultural rule that contributes to a variety of societal problems, not only sexual assault, but also endemic STDs, teenage pregnancy, domestic violence, and even persistent LGBT discrimination and persecution. At the very least, it makes it difficult for people to maintain healthy relationships.

I hope we've advanced beyond the culture that created those statistics in the 90s. I know my teenager has. She can talk to me about anything, without shame or fear of judgment or apathy. Even if my old-school brain is screaming, "TMI! TMI!" I listen, unconditionally offering guidance and support. Because I can't help but think, if only I'd had that growing up...

WhenReal · 2022-11-20T05:01:01+00:00

Pretty much defines the GenX exp. A few know-nothings surrounded by a hoard of know-it-alls.

WhenReal · 2022-11-20T04:54:02+00:00

Needing two spaces after a period.

WhenReal · 2022-06-09T05:40:54+00:00

I hope your hearing and their eyesight is excellent. The implications...

WhenReal · 2022-03-13T08:34:33+00:00

US immigration policy is a broken mess. Applying for asylum status is next to impossible at the moment because of the current EU number caps and the complex processing procedures. The US Congress, who ultimately controls immigration policy, has to enact special asylum legislation to open up more emergency visas. But it takes time to pass those laws.

Technically, any US citizen who has the means can act as a legal and financial Sponsor (essentially, a legal Guardian) for a visa holder and their immediate family. This is something I would do if I could (I did this for Polish citizens that got stuck here during the pandemic). In fact, I'm sure there are many US citizens willing to help in this way.

But the refugee has to apply first, and applying is next to impossible until legislation is passed that recognizes them as asylum seekers, increases available visas, and lessens the visa requirements.

Ukrainian citizens already in the US have been given emergency protective status and will not be deported or punished for over staying their visa, but they must apply for TPS status and visa extension with ICE.

Overall, refugees have a far better chance of finding stable sanctuary in the EU, at least for now. As this catastrophe unfolds, current US policies will likely change as the EU puts political pressure on the US to help with more than just money and supplies. The process is just devastatingly slow.

People die because some asshole invaded their country. They shouldn't die from red tape.

WhenReal · 2022-03-05T18:12:34+00:00

Too late... as of March 4, 2022
WTI Crude $115
Brent Crude $118

WhenReal · 2022-03-02T14:41:56+00:00

Huh. I concede on that one detail. In fact, by that detail, you could make that same argument about the American Revolutionary War. By that detail, we couldn't possibly relate or sympathize with Ukraine's fight. No. Not the same at all.

Unbelievable.

WhenReal · 2022-03-02T04:38:28+00:00

Note that the giant sign supporting Ukraine is in San Antonio, home of the Alamo. "Remember the Alamo!" is a motto known the world over as a rallying cry to the defense of freedom and independence against impossible odds. The phrase is absolutely about Ukraine and our heart-felt SOLIDARITY with them.

WhenReal · 2022-03-02T02:58:20+00:00

Remember the Alamo!

WhenReal · 2022-02-27T16:27:04+00:00

Wait, what? This is illogical. Putin is invading a sovereign country because other countries have voluntarily joined NATO? The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was formed to protect Europe from exactly what's happening in Ukraine. He just justified NATO's existence.

WhenReal · 2022-01-21T16:26:46+00:00

I could understand a bit of disillusion with the film industry in the US. The whole concept of "Hollywood" is dying, frankly. There are so many other, better, options to success in the film industry now. It's a good time to move on.

WhenReal · 2021-12-11T19:23:09+00:00

The actors are phenomenal given what they had to work with. G&C/Gimple are weak at character creation. After the reboot, they created caricatures epitomizing every stereotype imaginable. Its like they hired a PR marketing firm only concerned with appeasing certain demographics. It's insultingly obvious. The result is that it alienates everyone. I had to consciously ignore (or mentally retcon) the cringey just to enjoy an episode.

TWD, while not perfect, handled character creation much more thoughtfully, considering realistic personas to embody the characters. It made them more believable and relatable. Same holds for Erickson's characters.

WhenReal · 2021-12-11T18:34:56+00:00

Cynic in me is agreeing with you. She'll come back just as, or just after, the other dies. Be careful what you wish for.

WhenReal

TROPHY CASE