I've decided to end the experiment I started a month ago and stop running my own Mastodon instance.

Someone in a Discord server I'm on forced me to look in a metaphorical mirror and made me realize how news and social media have negatively impacted my objectivity and mental health in recent weeks.

I read a fascinating article about a group of teenagers at a high school in Manhattan who have formed a “Luddite Club”. They focus on freeing oneself from social media, smartphones, and other addictive technology.

For 3-4 years after the first iPhone came out, I used a flip phone and an iPod Touch. Then I decided I wanted to try a smartphone, but didn't want to spend a lot of money. So I bought an LG Optimus V.

Another phone I've been looking at to help reduce my smartphone use is the Unihertz Jelly 2e.

I've been following the Light Phone project for a few years. I've come close to buying one on a couple of occasions, but always talked myself out of it at the last minute.

The Fediverse was abuzz today about a report that Apple will be allowing third-party app stores on the iPhone. But reading the fine print, it's obvious this is not an altruistic gesture on Apple's part.

Spoilers ahead!

I'm currently obsessed with the Star Wars TV series Andor. Writing, directing, acting, cinematography, music, story – all brilliant. It resonates with me on many levels. I'm watching the first season for the second time and paying close attention. In Episode 7, Announcement, a conversation between Andor and Maarva got me thinking.

Warning: Andor spoilers ahead!

My favorite TV show of 2022 – and probably my favorite TV show ever – is the Star Wars series Andor. I have been watching its debut season again and loving it even more the second time around. In Episode 5: The Axe Forgets we learn a little more about the beloved character Nemik – a young Rebel idealist who is in it all for the cause – so much so that he creates a Manifesto which is referenced prominently later in the season.

It's been many years since I've had games on my smartphone. It's not that I don't enjoy video games, it's that I enjoy them too much.