Random tech tip: If you need a Windows laptop on a budget, consider a used Lenovo P series.

15-inch models were called the P50, P51, P52 and P52 (then the switched the name to P15, but they aren't cheap yet).

17-inch models were the P70, P71, P72 and P73 (same deal for the P17).

They're powerful, highly upgradeable, have extremely good build quality, and they are available for a very good price. These are better than many new computers at 2x or 3x time the price.

@danielbsmith @tyghebright
I don't think there is any doubt about LGBTQ+ people's minority status, considering the way US politicians keep drafting legislation targeting them. :-/

And pockets of Canada are joining suit. Blech.

@AverageCitizen Right. You're not the first to make that association.

That whole thing is so far removed from me, but I could see that interpretation if there was no context. And I want no part of that, for obvious reasons.

@tyghebright Oh, I could get on board with SGM!

Most of the LGBTQ+ people I share life with are okay with queer, but you're right -- that is a regional and not universally-accepted thing.

@Bliss I hear you, and I share your concern about that.

On the other hand, I think it could be a way to enhance solidarity -- one label to belong to.

A question, fellow CoSonauts: today for the first time I encountered the acronym Q+ as a stand-in for LGBTQ (and all of its extended variations).

Have you encountered this?

How does it feel to you?

@wideeyedcurious I've encountered the perspective that everything we make from this point on has to be multipurpose.

We *may* find that there is a diminishing return in overcomplicating things (we must always look to the unintended consequences), but I think the upside is that harnessing energy will keep growing safer and more efficient.

I've recently been made more aware than ever that there are a bajillion start-ups calling themselves institutes in an attempt to sound serious and significant.

So just a reminder: anything can be called an institute.

It doesn't need to do achieve anything. There is no standard or qualification that must be met before that word can be used.

Regard them, their work, and especially any certification they want to charge you for accordingly.

@th3j35t3r Thanks for the extra prompt. I would have just passed that one over.

@estherschindler Did you see this at the end of the article?

"The headline for this story has been corrected to add the omitted word "off.""

Oops!

@thewebrecluse Okay, thanks for this reply! ❤️

@thewebrecluse I want to make it clear that I'm not arguing -- I endorse your point: "I consider it to be an unforgivable offense to spread anger to someone..."

This is behind the phenomenon Amanda Ripley calls "conflict entrepreneurs." It's crucial and urgent to recognise how anger is being gamed for social/political clout. We need to take the power out of that!

I've just witnessed "too emotional" used as a way to pre-empt too many important, necessary changes.

@thewebrecluse I appreciate your thread. Anger is sometimes an appropriate response to people or situations. *Occasionally* anger gives the impetus for change, particularly when someone cannot see any effect of their action/attitude until anger shows up.

The stoics made a large effort to separate emotion and reason, elevating reason over emotion. This can lead people into denial and disassociation.

Reality includes emotion, including anger. Owning it is wise. Living in it is destructive.

@process @CLManussier Yes, this has become their whole identity.

Trump's personality cult is destabilising legal and political systems entirely, and the effects are being felt internationally.

@FrankCannon You said a mouthful there, and I agree with you about the broad strokes.

However some of these accounts belong to actual human beings, and these are intentional life choices they're making.

It's...strange!

@TrueBloodNet Oof. All "For you" buttons need to die a quick death. I'm not even wishing any kind of suffering upon them.

Not because they don't deserve it -- I just don't want to add any unnecessary delay!

I mean, I don't know, vaporised by lightning, or dematerialised by a freak particle emission from a passing black hole. I'm not really fussy about how...

@stueytheround Ha ha! Fair!

@FrankCannon The "I post total balderdash with absolute confidence, and I have 27 followers!" people just need to take a breather.

Have a snack?

Maybe do some stretches?