Spydrchick's recent activity

  1. Comment on US to require automatic emergency braking on new vehicles in five years in ~transport

    Spydrchick
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    I have an issue with this and would like to know what others think. My 2017 Mazda Cx5 has emergency braking. When I have already used my brakes to slow down to a reasonable speed, generally when...

    I have an issue with this and would like to know what others think.

    My 2017 Mazda Cx5 has emergency braking. When I have already used my brakes to slow down to a reasonable speed, generally when another vehicle is turning in front of me, I let off the brakes and then all of a sudden the emergency sytem kicks in after the vehicle in front has already turned. My braking was precise and correct. The sensor and response was late and potentially dangerous.

    The technology is not anywhere near where it should be. Same with the self driving and/or lane assist. In addition, I feel that these sensors and aids instill a false sense of security and safety. I still swing my head around to see what or who is around me. The most recent safety innovation that is most helpful is the back up camera and sensors. But as I live in a place where winter can get fierce, its doubly important to keep your vehicle clean so it continiues to work correctly.

    Maybe my vehicle just doesn't perform as well as other, newer models. Thoughts?

    35 votes
  2. Comment on Early tests of H5N1 prevalence in milk suggest US bird flu outbreak in cows is widespread in ~health

    Spydrchick
    Link Parent
    Sorry, Ejection Fraction. Normal is 55-80%. If your EF falls below 35%, they generally want to implant a difibrilator as your risk of sudden cardiac death is fairly high. I wore an AED vest 24/7...

    Sorry, Ejection Fraction. Normal is 55-80%. If your EF falls below 35%, they generally want to implant a difibrilator as your risk of sudden cardiac death is fairly high. I wore an AED vest 24/7 for three months upon my diagnoses. My EF was at 38% at the 3 month point in my recovery.

    5 votes
  3. Comment on Early tests of H5N1 prevalence in milk suggest US bird flu outbreak in cows is widespread in ~health

    Spydrchick
    Link Parent
    Do what you can, that's all that you do. The system lays a heavy burden on individuals, so try not to let that weigh you down. I do think its important to be mindful in everyday choices. We don't...

    Do what you can, that's all that you do. The system lays a heavy burden on individuals, so try not to let that weigh you down. I do think its important to be mindful in everyday choices. We don't make those in a fishbowl. There are families and friends to take into account, outside pressures, pressures we place upon ourselves. Its very important to be kind to ourselves in the process as well as to others.

    I've been fully vegan for almost 2 decades, mostly whole food plant based. That was my choice and I have zero judgements regarding others. I will say I think that lifestyle change made a huge difference in my health in general and my cardiac health in particular. I am always happy to discuss the subject with anyone who is curious.

    17 votes
  4. Comment on What did you do this week (and weekend)? in ~talk

    Spydrchick
    Link Parent
    Thank you! We made it safe. Lighto is curious but still a little wary, Gipsy has been under the bed since she got out of her carrier. Honestly I just plan to let her be. She'll venture out when...

    Thank you! We made it safe. Lighto is curious but still a little wary, Gipsy has been under the bed since she got out of her carrier. Honestly I just plan to let her be. She'll venture out when she's ready.

    1 vote
  5. Comment on Early tests of H5N1 prevalence in milk suggest US bird flu outbreak in cows is widespread in ~health

    Spydrchick
    (edited )
    Link Parent
    Exactly this. Zoonotic diseases are no joke. I had the swine variant of flu in early 2018. I was a highly active, healthy individual at the time. I ate a whole food plant based diet, exercised,...

    Exactly this. Zoonotic diseases are no joke. I had the swine variant of flu in early 2018. I was a highly active, healthy individual at the time. I ate a whole food plant based diet, exercised, had an active job lifting and walking all day. I got the flu and never fully recovered. About 2 months later I developed edema and gained nearly 25 lbs over a period of a few weeks.

    Then I developed a mild cough as well. I went to the doc and they did an ekg, chest xray, and blood labs at the clinic. They were alarmed and wanted to admit me to ER but I was feeling fine otherwise and declined. They scheduled an echocardiogram and a referal to a cardiologist.

    Turns out, that strain of flu killed over 52,000 and many more hospitalizations. Me? The echo showed an EF of 20%. I was in heart failure. I should not have even been walking around never mind I was doing my job of throwing around 35 lb cinder blocks to build tables for nursery sales at a big box store.

    Luckily for me, I had insurance, got the care I needed and fully recovered. I am still good with an EF of 51%. Its the lower end of normal and I'm not impaired by it. I maybe could have died like so many others. Instead I forever need to take meds due to the heart damage. I'm okay with that.

    The moral being that the overall burden and cost of animal agriculture goes far beyond the obvious. Diseases like bird flu, swine flu and covid that can pass from animal to animal to human are risks that can be avoided. Poor practices in animal ag make it so its not 'if' but 'when' these outbreaks will occur. Something needs to change. I don't know how to fix it. I have opinions on what could be a better path forward, but they aren't worth my breath to air. Sadly corporations and the system are far more insterested in supporting profits over public safety, workers rights and animal welfare.

    We have learned nothing. Vaccinations are just a bandaid (For the record I am fully vaccinated).

    We need a sea change. <steps on soap box> People need to take responsibility. How you spend you hard earned money can send a message. Think about the fact that each time you buy an animal product that you support alot of disfunction the animal ag indusrty stands for. You line the pockets of those who just don't care about you or anyone else. Again, the burden goes far beyond what you would assume. It impacts every day health, global health and security, reduced forestization, worker abuses, climate impacts, I could go on and on.

    <steps off soap box> As you can see, this got personal for me, it may already be personal for you all as well. I wish everyone the best. As always, trying not to let the world's negativity drill into the safe space I try to create for myself. Be well, friends.

    42 votes
  6. Comment on What do I do if I don't have any clothes? in ~life.style

    Spydrchick
    Link
    I'm sorry clothes shopping is causing anxiety. Hopefully this advice will give you a starting point. First off, look for fit, then style. Simple clothing that fits well is classic. When shopping...

    I'm sorry clothes shopping is causing anxiety. Hopefully this advice will give you a starting point.

    First off, look for fit, then style. Simple clothing that fits well is classic.

    When shopping buy 3 basic tees or button ups for each more 'fancy' shirt. From your age I suggest you try skater shops if you have one or two available or you can travel. Yes they have tee shirts, but also cool button ups. You can style the button ups over tees for a layered look.

    Find a style of pants or jeans that fit your vibe. Buy a few pairs in different colors or washes.

    Buy socks and underwear, enough for 2 weeks. Yup, 14 pairs of each.

    Find one, two or more stylie belts. This is icing on the cake. If you wear a watch get a nice functional stylish watch.

    Buy at least 3 pairs of shoes you like and that fit perfectly. If they don't fit you won't wear them.

    Also, don't get too hung up on what you think you like. Shopping for an entire waredrobe is a pain, but its fun to start fresh. Try on everything, put together outfits and look in the mirror to see how the look makes you feel. Swap out a separate to see how that changes it.

    There's no magic bullet, you won't do this in a day or even a week, it takes time. The more you look at the clothing on you, the more you will develop a unique style.

    Finally, if you love something and it doesn't fit right, see if the store can alter it for you or develop a relationship with a seamstress or tailor. Well fitting clothing looks super chic and is worth every penny.

    Good luck!

  7. Comment on What did you do this week (and weekend)? in ~talk

    Spydrchick
    Link
    Moving. 34 years if accumulated life being moved in a couple of days. And I'm so worried about my kitties making a 4 hr drive when the only travel they ever had was from the Humane Society. (We...

    Moving. 34 years if accumulated life being moved in a couple of days. And I'm so worried about my kitties making a 4 hr drive when the only travel they ever had was from the Humane Society. (We had a mobile vet). Wish us well, expecting to be unloaded tomorrow, then drive back to the old place and grab the little fuzzies. They will love the new place, lots of windows and wildlife. Gipsy loves woodpeckers and we have a local pileated woodpecker along with downey and hairy woodpeckers. I hope they acclimate quickly.

    4 votes
  8. Comment on Is Tildes failing to thrive? in ~tildes

    Spydrchick
    Link Parent
    Agree. The fact that there is an ebb and flow here is what's healthy and appealing. No endless doom scrolling, no blocking trolls, and thoughful, reasoned commentary keep me engaged just enough....

    Agree. The fact that there is an ebb and flow here is what's healthy and appealing. No endless doom scrolling, no blocking trolls, and thoughful, reasoned commentary keep me engaged just enough.

    Just because there's not constant growth doen't mean Tildes is failing to thrive. It was always my understanding that the goals for this place are to be a safe community for proper, civil discussion, not massive growth.

    Requisite thank you to Deimos for creating this space and the handful of folks who help keep it neat and tidy!

    40 votes
  9. Comment on Rents are the Fed’s ‘biggest stumbling block’ in taming US inflation in ~finance

    Spydrchick
    Link
    One of the drivers is algorithm based software lile Real Page's YieldStar. Any management company using it is seeing higher rents by a pretty decent margin. Our former management company starting...

    One of the drivers is algorithm based software lile Real Page's YieldStar. Any management company using it is seeing higher rents by a pretty decent margin.

    Our former management company starting using software about 5 yrs ago or so that set rents like martket pricing. You literally would get a different rate if you signed your lease on a Tuesday vs a Saturday or winter vs spring/summer. The latter makes sense, the former is just splitting hairs.

    We wound up buying (very fortunate to be able to) because we were retiring with a limited income. We had no idea how high the rents would go. Our apartment is on the martket for 25% more than we were paying.

    I feel for anyone renting as a necessity right now. Housing costs are Out. Of. Control. I have no idea how to fix it, but something needs to happen.

    15 votes
  10. Comment on Online shopping - how convenient is it actually? in ~life.style

    Spydrchick
    Link Parent
    That's because Amazon wants it to the customer quickly. My old job had an Amazon store, when we processed the orders they went into the group of "rush" orders, which meant they generally got...

    That's because Amazon wants it to the customer quickly. My old job had an Amazon store, when we processed the orders they went into the group of "rush" orders, which meant they generally got shipped inside of 48 hours.

    6 votes
  11. Comment on Two years to save the planet, says UN climate chief in ~enviro

    Spydrchick
    Link Parent
    You've nailed it on the head. Now that we have more time, we plan to cook more from scratch which will cost less and avoid some plastic. Don't beat yourself up, the system is set up for failure...

    You've nailed it on the head. Now that we have more time, we plan to cook more from scratch which will cost less and avoid some plastic.

    Don't beat yourself up, the system is set up for failure when trying to be ethical in your choices. Pick what's most important to you, stand by your morals and just do the best for the rest. You have to make money to put a roof over your head, eat and support you and yours. Otherwise you could drive yourself insane trying to be "perfect". Looks like you've already made some of those choices.

    Until the governments, corporations and all the other powers that be enable a better way, this is what we have.

    6 votes
  12. Comment on Two years to save the planet, says UN climate chief in ~enviro

    Spydrchick
    Link Parent
    Hard agree. Been vegan for almost 2 decades, lived in apartments for over 4 decades, avoided the suburban sprawl. Now we've moved to a small house on a small piece of land in a rural community....

    Hard agree. Been vegan for almost 2 decades, lived in apartments for over 4 decades, avoided the suburban sprawl. Now we've moved to a small house on a small piece of land in a rural community. Still minutes from stores and necessities but we have stepped back from all of the crazy.

    We just went through the warmest winter I've ever experienced. That was after the odd summer we had, and all of the chamging seasons years before. I am hoping we've made the right move to the right area to mitigate some of the coming climate changes.

    To add to it all, we used to try to be mindful of how we purchased most things, but damn if everything isn't packaged in 10 layers of plastic and nonsense. I've given up. I can't afford the brands that are trying to be green (retired, limited income). We will still do our best, but unless the rest of the globe wakes up, I don't hold out much hope.

    Maybe someone here can a put positive spin on the future. I'm a realist though, it's going to take something big for the world to wake up. Like I tell my daughter, the planet will be fine, the humans are the ones who will bear the brunt of climate collapse.

    38 votes
  13. Comment on What have you been listening to this week? in ~music

    Spydrchick
    Link
    EP, Unreal Earth: Unheard by Hozier Album, A Hometown Odyssey by Livingston Single, Overcompensate: TwentyOnePilots

    EP, Unreal Earth: Unheard by Hozier

    Album, A Hometown Odyssey by Livingston

    Single, Overcompensate: TwentyOnePilots

    1 vote
  14. Comment on Idaho libraries must move materials deemed harmful to children, or face lawsuits, under new law in ~books

    Spydrchick
    Link
    This is dystopian as f@ck. I feel so bad for anyone wanting to read (or view, listen to, etc) something this law deems "harmful". We know that by "harmful" they actually mean "anything that...

    This is dystopian as f@ck. I feel so bad for anyone wanting to read (or view, listen to, etc) something this law deems "harmful". We know that by "harmful" they actually mean "anything that doesn't fit with our worldview". This affects adults and children alike. Ugh, I just can't anymore. So glad my child is an adult.

    33 votes
  15. Comment on What's something you've been mulling over recently? in ~talk

    Spydrchick
    Link Parent
    Also an atheist. First off, when people say stuff like God has control or is watching over you or He works in mysterious ways, etc. I absolutely cringe at the fact they have no real idea of the...

    Also an atheist. First off, when people say stuff like God has control or is watching over you or He works in mysterious ways, etc. I absolutely cringe at the fact they have no real idea of the harm they are doing by saying these things.

    I'm sorry this is sticking with you. Allow it to just roll off (I know it's hard). You are going through a rough patch. If you have trusted people who support you, surroumd yourself with them
    If not, try to find something that brings you comfort. I know it's hard with families, but if at all possible, limit your time/exposure with those that bring you distress.

    I hope your husband's health issues get the treatment that is needed. Remember to provide self care as well. One day at a time. Just take it one day at a time. Focus your energy on whatever provides support and positivity. Wishing you and your family the best going forward.

    12 votes
  16. Comment on What have you been listening to this week? in ~music

    Spydrchick
    Link
    Milky Chance, Living in a Haze. Love the latin beats incorporated into alternative styling. Good workout album.

    Milky Chance, Living in a Haze. Love the latin beats incorporated into alternative styling. Good workout album.

    3 votes
  17. Comment on Historic covered bridges in the US are under threat by truck drivers relying on GPS meant for cars in ~transport

    Spydrchick
    Link Parent
    I do think that's its best use. We've definitely used it for that.

    I do think that's its best use. We've definitely used it for that.

    1 vote
  18. Comment on Historic covered bridges in the US are under threat by truck drivers relying on GPS meant for cars in ~transport

    Spydrchick
    Link Parent
    We have the KK can opener in Milwaukee. And yes, the truck drivers say that Google takes them down that road even though it shouldn't. A few years ago funds were allocated to lower the street...

    We have the KK can opener in Milwaukee. And yes, the truck drivers say that Google takes them down that road even though it shouldn't. A few years ago funds were allocated to lower the street below the bridge, but I'm not sure if that ever happened.

    Give me a good ol atlas or paper map most of the time. Google is useful, but we are becoming so dependent on apps to navigate. I'm of the opinion that we are losing skills that are timeless.

    2 votes
  19. Comment on What did you do this week (and weekend)? in ~talk

    Spydrchick
    Link
    Been renovating our retirement home. Bathrooms are pretty much finished and we've been concentrating on the kitchen, living room and studio now. Spent 2 days taping, mudding, sanding walls and...

    Been renovating our retirement home. Bathrooms are pretty much finished and we've been concentrating on the kitchen, living room and studio now. Spent 2 days taping, mudding, sanding walls and pulling staples out of the floor. Who staples down carpet? Anyhow, we have 5 more weeks to make it livable/kitty safe. Excited to be close to the finish line.

    1 vote
  20. Comment on Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know | Choreographed by Sergio Reis, Jowha Van de Laak, and Mauro van de Kerkhof | Danced by CDK Company in ~arts

    Spydrchick
    Link Parent
    Super sweet. TYVM. I agree, SYTYCD has had some truely amazing choreo/ performances. Too bad they do so much gatekeeping. We always try to watch Red Bull's BC One every New Years eve. Love BBoy...

    Super sweet. TYVM. I agree, SYTYCD has had some truely amazing choreo/ performances. Too bad they do so much gatekeeping.

    We always try to watch Red Bull's BC One every New Years eve. Love BBoy and breaking. Jabbawokeez post their stuff pretty regularly. Right now my time is limited so these are exactly what I need to just get a nice culture hit.

    1 vote