Subtracty

I would agree change is hard. And I believe change is inevitable. But is all of it really necessary?

We are self-aware beings that can evaluate what technology has done and is going to do to individuals and society at large. Metrics for attention span, reading comprehension, social connection, and many more things are trending in damgerous directions already. Some change is not necessary and is objectively doing more harm than good.

I know several people in the same situation as your dad. The whole industry is a mess, and the older generations certainly glorify working through important milestones just to brag about providing for their family. For the most part, the younger "kids" in the industry are a lot more aware of family dynamics and the importance of relationships over bank account balances. I think we will have to reach a breaking point for things to truly change, and who knows what that will mean for the economy and vital infrastructure that needs to be maintained. I'm an optimist, so I assume we could find a better solution that suits more people.

I think for the chronically online crowd, it seems more obvious that this is an ill-advised attempt at being socially relevant. I would have quickly assumed it was a bunch of kids filming themselves voting so they can put the "Here's falling down at the party" song in the background.

But it's easy to forget that a lot of people are not on social media or very little of what is trending trickles down to them. In that case, the ghost outfits have to be taken in the context of a GA poll location...so the white sheets aren't great. But it still looks like a ghost and not a klansman. If that was someone attempt at intidimation it would be pretty laughable.

I am in awe of your tastebuds.

I didn't know anyone else did this. I was just snacking on some bucatini. I recommend it! Long thin tubes of pasta that break up easily and have no risk of sharp bits.

I think it is a result of growing up in an "ingredient household". We did not stock snacks, and I was always too lazy to make a meal.

I'm not saying it's a good thing. And it's easy to say no one should work that hard. I work building emergency bridges on FEMA projects. I assure you it is work worth doing. I personally don't think I have a toxic mindset about the grind. It's hard work with good pay, and I find it satisfying. I have spoken to many of my friends who are looking to make more money, and none of them have wanted to give construction a shot. Although I am a woman and therefore most of my friends are women. I understand their aversion to working in a potentially toxic environment. I don't begrudge them or think they should work as much as I do.

I was responding to the original comment to demonstrate that higher pay exists in construction. It is mostly private construction that does not pay well and keeps the profits solely in the owners pockets.

The great pay exists in some construction sectors. State and Federal work have "wage rates" where laborers, carpenters, operators etc. have a mandatory wage and benefits. On a job I am currently on the laborers are earning $64/hr and our company is having a problem with staffing. Plenty of people want the pay, but as mentioned before, it is really tough work, and the deadlines mean that you can't fuck the dog. That being said, this work is limited to citizens and monitored closely. I know it is cliche to say "no one wants to work anymore" but as a 30 year old I am one of very few young people I work with. I get it, the work is brutal and you have no energy to have a work life balance at the end of the day.

This is the reason why I always open every drawer and try to get a look at everything whenever I see an antique. Such a cool piece of history to hold in your hands. I once found a very old world map in a school teachers' box of modern-day maps. Spent $70 on the lot, but the old map was worth ~$800. It is nothing compared to the Constitution, but these things are out there. Just waiting for someone to stumble upon.

Will this extend to Comcast so people no longer need to provide fucking death certificates to cancel the service of deceased loved ones?

I am right there with you. I get haircuts very rarely because of this.

I'm excited for the inevitable 2 hour long youtube retrospective breaking these factions down in a few years.

This is how I feel as well. Small talk at it's best is a way to transition into more detailed topics without plunging into them headfirst.

With friends and partners, I think small talk like "How was your day?" Provide a jumping off point for what they want to talk about or, in the worst case, will result in them not wanting to talk. If someone had a terrible day and is exhausted, it doesn't help to start a conversation about the meaning of life when they probably just want to relax.