I need to do a full new office post at some point soon, but this is one that made it to the wall already.
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The Best Star Wars Wallpapers
Louie Mantia has updated his, unparalleled, Star Wars wallpapers. These are so good.
America Has Crossed the Line Into Competitive Authoritarianism
When citizens must think twice about criticizing or opposing the government because they could credibly face government retribution, they no longer live in a full democracy.
By that measure, America has crossed the line into competitive authoritarianism. The Trump administration’s weaponization of government agencies and flurry of punitive actions against critics has raised the cost of opposition for a wide range of Americans.
Still a classic. The frame is pretty busted though, would need a re-frame if I can find a place for it.
Not to brag or anything, but that’s a pretty damn good grid this week.
I have to run some errands this morning (need to get my haircut, grab some groceries). Mother’s Day festivities tomorrow. Hope to squeeze in some writing time, but can’t promise anything.
It feels a little surreal to actually finally own this on vinyl. One of those little gems of an album I never thought would get pressed. But it did, and I’m happy. The last slide is the actual promo hype sticker from the CD version of the album all the way back in 2005.
‘Anxiety Is an Expensive Habit’
Anxiety, I’ve come to realize, is a very expensive habit. It has cost me so much. A lot of misery, a lot of frustration, countless hours of sleep. It’s caused me to miss out on a lot of things that are important to me. How many family dinners have I ruined by letting my mind wander to what could go wrong? How many minutes of vacations have I missed out on because I was preoccupied, lost in spirals about things that hadn’t happened? How many opportunities have I passed up because I was too caught up in my own fears? How many nights did I waste lying awake at night, worrying about what might or might not happen?
Matt Squire (the record’s producer) made this post on my Instagram post a few years back about Panic! at the Disco’s debut album.
The Days Are Just Packed
The sun is out today; I can smell the freshly cut grass.
This weather, this smell, it brings back a shockingly vivid memory for me. It would have to be around 1993. I’m ten years old. I am probably in either fifth or sixth grade. Every day after school I’d sprint home from the bus stop. I’d bound down the steps, feel my feet hit the pavement, and like a bolt of blond lightning I’d take off. Feet moving as fast as they could. It’s the age where you feel like you can fly. Curbs are launching pads. Fresh grass a safe landing spot. Your neighborhood your world.
I’d get home and rush downstairs to my bedroom. Dive onto the bed, and pull out my copy of Calvin and Hobbes’ The Days Are Just Packed and lay there on my stomach reading the comics and eating Red Vines from a giant Costco sized tub.
It was perfect.
