Author Archives: Kelson
Hammers and Kneecaps
It’s one thing to say “I make hammers, and can’t be responsible for the fact that some people use them to break people’s kneecaps.”
It’s another thing to hand out free hammers to the kneecap-breakers, or pay them to use your hammers instead of someone else’s, or hire them as spokespeople, or use their testimonials to promote your business. “So-and-So’s hammer is the best for breaking kneecaps! And you can quote me on that!”
Under those circumstances, claiming to be opposed to kneecap-breaking wears a bit thin.
Related: I canceled my paid subscriptions to newsletters on Substack, leaving this note (minus the links) on each:
I’m disappointed in Substack’s response to the Substackers Against Nazis letter. I’ll find some other way to support the author without using Substack as a middleman.
Originally posted on my test GoToSocial site.
Update: I should point out that this was a last-straw situation, as the writing was already on the wall in April when the CEO repeatedly refused to answer an interviewer who asked point blank if they’d allow overt racism on Substack Notes.
They’re Made of Meth
You know the old joke about “drugs would be cheaper?”
The Adderal shortage has gotten so bad that Mexican pharmacies are selling counterfeit pills to tourists…made of meth.
(I should clarify that it’s the counterfeit pills, not the tourists that are made of meth.)
—
Update: Sadly, science fiction author Terry Bisson (who wrote “They’re Made of Meat” among many other stories) died a few weeks later.
Do Not Taunt the Native Plants
Along the Hermosa Beach greenbelt. The South Bay Parkland Conservancy has been restoring parts of the habitat near the south end of the trail to support monarchs and other endangered butterflies.
Lost Control
Pulled it out of my backpack and saw that it had lost control. Not entirely. It still had some left. Or right, as the case may be.
(Yes, I did eventually find the *ahem* key to restore it.)
Black Friday: Lesson Learned?
I usually make a point not to go shopping at all on Black Friday if I can help it.
The kid really wanted to go to Micro Center.
Now, after waiting in a line that went all the way round the store, he understands why I don’t go shopping on Black Friday.
TJs Branching Out
Rumor has it that Trader Joe’s urgent care is actually provided by the name brand, just with different packaging.
(Spotted on the way to hiking at Alta Vicente Reserve over the weekend.)