somewhiteguy

No vampires, but they do have a werewolf.

Before the last few years, I was on a lot of torrenting sites. Really before a lot of software became what we now know as FOSS, it was the way we traded software. So, there was a potential much higher then than now. I've been doing this computer thing for closer to 30+ years, so my habits come from headaches and other learned lessons.

due to corporate IT policies

I think that answers your question right there. If you got the device outside of that realm, you'd probably have no issues. Talk to your security and IT people about why that is. There are huge security risks for people being admin over their systems.

For context, I run my home computer as a non-admin user most of the time, unless I need to make some deep changes, which is not often. Maybe once a month. This saves me from accidentally installing a rootkit or other software. I run my children and wife under the same context so they don't need to worry either. Yes, it takes me a bit of time to go through and approve some updates, but that's worth it to not need to worry as much about viruses and keeping data secure.

The amount of time it takes your IT department to do something is another complaint that should be directed at them. We get those kinds of complaints constantly, but it's the fact we have everyone asking the same things or completely meaningless ones. You're in the queue, please give us patience.

"They were really bored and drugs and/or alcohol was most likely involved."

This is sad to see how far deep Duolingo has gone into the shittificatio hole. I really enjoyed doing the lessons with my whole family, but I guess we'll be searching out a new way to get our second-language skill up to date. The AI thing wasn't the absolute last nail for me, but this is.

The benefit of the previous system was that if you understood what was happening, you could practice for a long time, but if you kept failing, it would basically lock you out so you can put it down, recoup and come back later. This is now punishing people who are consistent and are understanding the language dynamics. Sad to see.

When getting into a new project or hobby, I tend to go to HF for the tools first. The tools are inexpensive, and I'm probably going to be dropping the hobby or thing soon after my hyperfixation dies off. So, that means I didn't spend a lot of money on this thing that I'm not going to keep going on. If the tool dies, and I'm still into it, it's not just hyperfixation and I can get a better tool, but now I understand what I'm looking for. Sometimes, the tool from HF is just fine for the long term, and honestly this happens more than you'd think. I have some drills that aren't the best, but get things done for near a decade, and some yellow, teal, and reds that have died within 6 months.

My wife bought me a HF (Port Cable) pancake air compressor for a father's day. It wasn't the best, but it was from her and what she could buy without pinging the account in a way that alerted me. It's just now starting to die off and it's nearly 12 years old.

I was feeling a lot older until I started a mental and physical health routine. Meeting up with other people that were trying their hardest to make this their best life and working on getting my physical health back in line has really changed how I feel.

Before I was feeling every ache and pain there was to feel. The world was dark and gray and I was just a rat on a wheel doing the same old thing.

Now, I'm feeling like there is hope. I'm taking more walks out in the nature preserves in our area. My wife has seen the difference in my wellbeing, and how the work has paid off for her as well. My kids are enjoying being out and having their dad back with them emotionally as well.

If you don't do it for yourself, find someone that you can do it for. Find a group of like-minded people that aren't 100% successful, but willing to put their flaws on the table and asking for support. We're all doing it together, and we're not the best at it. Keep it up, it's worth it to finish well.

Dress like you're going into the office. Helps get your mind into the "zone". Anything you do in the morning, let it be the same before heading to work. The routine is so important, especially if it's a brand new thing for you. Allow yourself frequent breaks if needed, but put a timer on them (15-20 minutes). I used the Pomodoro technique for a long time and that helped me a lot as well. I always have a video, music, podcast, audiobook going if I'm not in a meeting. It helps me focus on my work if the "wanna do something else" part of my brain has something to focus on.

Now, a lot of this depends on what you're doing at home, but assuming they let you not be in the office, it has to be something where you're highly trusted. Remember that part. You are highly trusted, so don't break that trust. Get your work done, but the freedom of WFH is part of this deal as well. Don't shackle yourself to the desk if it's not absolutely required. That room seems large enough to put in a stationary bike, or to do some other things. Make it a place you don't mind being in if it's necessary.

Oh, this should be. HHS should be coming down on them hard for this, and the members should have a huge lawsuit. There are major regulations that are broken doing this kind of thing. BUT, that takes people who have money or care. RFK Jr seems to be more worried about autism and beef fat than actually holding insurers to account at this point. On a side-note. His hyperfixation on autism seems like weird stimming... Anyway, wait to hear about any kind of suits or follow-up to this.

More reading on HIPAA for those inclined.

First: the "Blue Cross" and "Blue Shield" are certifications that an insurance company can get that are defined by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. So, this company only got the Shield, but not the Cross. It's a whole thing. I have experience with one who had both, and it's a pain to maintain, but it ensures a lot of quality if done well. It's not always done well.

Second: I've had to have this kind of conversation with a marketing person that you can't even advertise certain things on the member's site about what kinds of doctors or services would be available because you can't share information with others on the plan. If Mom goes to the doctor for fertility, that does not mean she wants Dad to know. Also, if daughter goes to get a procedure done, you can't, unless DIRECTLY AUTHORIZED, tell anyone else in the family. Because the logic for all of that is a bit complicated, we told him in no uncertain terms that it was impossible and we were going to work against him doing it.

I'm still surprised people in Insurance are making these kinds of dumb mistakes. It's not that hard to just protect the data. Yes, breaches happen, but this is them handing it over. Get a few good data analysts and you can develop some really good algorithms, OR develop your own LLM with the user's data. BUT KEEP IT INSIDE OF THE DATACENTER.

They put the milk in before the tea, so the pot lit itself on fire.

That raised freeway translated into a fallen ladder in my brain. Thought it was some photoshop image of a giant's ladder. Took me a minute. Good shot.