For reasons, my legal name is not the same as my real name. During that customer service call, I was repeatedly misgendered by the representative. Even after correcting her twice, she still did it a third time.
I got quite insistent that time, and told her that if it happened again, I would be talking to her supervisor. Now, I am really not a confrontational person, at all.
Avoiding confrontation is a trait common among autistic people. But at this point I was getting really annoyed. She could obviously tell, and stopped with the "sir" this and "sir" that for the rest of the call.
As you will see from the blog post, I am overall disappointed by the outcome, but willing to admit that part was not her fault.
Seeing our world right now, where so many people are hurting, words can provide comfort sometimes, as well as do some good:
'What you need to be warm'
"This book of poetry is about our right to feel safe, whoever we are and wherever we are from. It is about holding out a hand to welcome those who find themselves far from home.
Sales of every copy of the book – including all author proceeds – help support the work of UNHCR."
I love listening to Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) talk about pretty much anything. He's the guest on this week's Scriptnotes podcast talking about writing.
Scot-free Safe in Georgia is based on the real-life kidnapping of Scott who stopped to assist, what appeared to be, a lone stranded motorist along I-95 just outside Titusville, Florida. While it appears I may have taken liberties with the facts of this crime, as well as the situations and conversations that followed the initial kidnapping, I can assure you that they are true to Scott's vivid memories of this traumatic event. Scott, his wife Deb, their families, and all their friends, truly hope you enjoy reading this story. A story of how one man's faith, and his love of his wife, provided him with the courage and the mental skills needed in order to survive when most of us would not have.
Here is a weird question, but I've learned you never know unless you ask, right?
Do you know anyone who worked on the Hitchhiker's Guide movie that might have photo details of Humma Kavula's costume, esp. the dark eye makeup (when he removes his glasses) and the medallion Malkovich wore?
I once asked @neilhimself this question about MIrrormask's Queen of Shadows and not only did he reply but a friend sent detailed photos!
Way More Than TEXAS TRUMPERY: Politically Cartooned
In the ever-evolving landscape of American politics, change is a constant. "Way More Than TEXAS TRUMPERY: Politically Cartooned" takes a close look at the transformation of the traditional American Republican Party, a shift brought about by the rise of Donald Trump. M. Scott Byers, an Austin-based political cartoonist, offers a unique perspective on this political metamorphosis, with a decade's worth of thought-provoking political cartoons that dissect the phenomenon known as "Texas Trumpery."
For 150 years, the American Republican Party stood as a symbol of conservatism, patriotism, and moral politics. However, as the book's title suggests, the landscape has shifted dramatically. The Republican Party, as it was known, is no more. In its place, Donald Trump has orchestrated a hostile takeover, reshaping the party's core values and principles. Byers leaves no room for ambiguity: he views Donald Trump as a nihilistic rogue, an autocratic demagogue whose actions pose a real danger to America's democracy.
The heart of this collection consists of 240 cartoons spanning 136 pages, each offering a unique and incisive perspective on the state of Texas politics. Byers captures the transformation of Texas, a state that has been one of the most reliably Republican for three decades. While many statewide elected officeholders still bear the Republican label, Byers' cartoons reveal a sometimes laughable, yet hardly humorous reality.
The cartoons, accompanied by text and cutline, delve into the most pressing issues of the past ten years. Through humor and satire, Byers hopes to convey a crucial message to Texas and national Republicans: a stark warning about the slippery slope into what he calls "The Trumpery." The cartoons serve as a satirical mirror, reflecting the potential consequences of zoning out under Donald Trump's influence.
Classicists, mythology fans, and others, I've been trying to read and/or round out my collection. I really prefer bilingual works, not simply translations. Is Loeb consistently my best bet? Are there other recommendations? Should I decide work by work?
Current work under consideration is Hesiod's Theogony, but the questions stand more generally, too.
[Feel free to tag in a Classics group if there is one]
Yesterday I had to sleep on the street because my funds have run out and I was robbed and beaten I lost my phone and some personal things, this is terrifying for me I need urgent help I have been very sick and they took everything God why does this happen to me I'm very scared, I had to ask someone to help me publish this. Please, if you see this, don't hesitate to help me🤒😢 #MutualAid@mutualaid
My name is Ali, I'm a #phdstudent at the University of the Sunshine Coast with #ADHD and #PMDD
My project "The Cost of Human Milk" explores the #value(s) of #humanmilk through the lived experience of those who donate, share or receive human milk. (I've just started recruiting. If you're interested in learning more, I'll be posting more about it soon!)
I balance this with casualised work in the university sector as a #sessionalacademic and #researchassistant (both jobs I love, and blessed to be working with total legends) and raising two young kids.
I'm not hugely active on social media but I do love to talk all things #productivity#notetaking#academia#apps and would love to connect with others who share the same interests.
“What You Need to Be Warm” by @neilhimself is out this week. Very proud of my dear wife Yuliya (sadly not on fedi) for contributing one of the spreads alongside 12 other wonderful illustrators. Part of every sale goes towards the UNHCR!