| I'm a mean old troll. As in... I migrated here from Slashdot level old :-) I made a new account, because I'd like to start anew. Let me take off my mask for a moment, and be authentic: I encourage folks to remember that life is not a zero sum game -- even if you feel your chips are down this holiday season, try to remember that there are some things money can never buy. If you're kind, small things -- a barista who remembers your order, a smile at the library, a knowing smirk from the corner of the college cafe yet to be gentrified away will remind you that you are not a ghost in this world, and people remember the positive effect you have on their lives. And make no mistake -- these are dark times. Part of my own loneliness is that I deleted every shred of social media in 2016 -- I had a beautiful series of photographs on Instagram, and years of cherished memories on Facebook. I deleted it all, because I was scared what would be done with that data to my friends -- Persian friends, Palestinian friends, Ukranian Friends, Russian friends, Israeli friends, who came to this country because they truly value free expression. It can be hard, to be a hacker, to feel apart from the physical realm in a lonely way that goes beyond IQ or interests, but don't let that take your soul. When we must "punch" in our humor, always be sure to punch up. Merry Christmas! |