Ghetto

The new "smartphone" was officially deployed this morning, although I spent a little time last night tweaking its settings. It's an Android® device with the manufacturer's "skin" on top. Fortunately, because of that, I was not required to use a Google® account to activate the device. The surveillance "apps" are installed, but they are benign if I do not log into my Google® account. In other words, I can use most of the surveillance "apps" anonymously.

I really cannot stress how much I despise "smartphones" and cellphones in general. Aside from its uncanny ability to radiate the cranium, the devices are simply another form of enslavement. Heck, I even hate to converse using the devices. I don't use text messaging. Nor do I employ any form of social networking. And, I don't take "selfies."

"Smartphones" are narcissistic tools. The camera, the "apps," the "personal" nature of the device ... all are designed to cater to the self. Yeah, me, myself, and I. Even tablet computers cater to the self, which is the primary reason why I have little use for them as well. I can, however, understand how a "phablet" could replace both the "smartphone" and the tablet computer. My only real need for a tablet computer at this time is to compose the "blog" (another narcissistic enterprise). The larger screen easily facilitates the embedding of hottie pictures if the "blog" were text only, a "smartphone" would suffice. Thus, in the near future, I may downsize to a "phablet."

I ended up the coffee shop in town this morning, with tablet computer in hand. More time spent composing the "blog" rather than search for rental housing options. Frankly, there aren't very many listings. Modest rentals are $1,000 per month upward, most likely extremely ghetto. I can assume that a decent rental housing environment just for one occupany would cost $1,500 per month upward. Given such dire straits, the cup of coffee was a nice treat.

Subsequently, I ran into Ann on my way back to the gym. With only one week of unemployment benefits remaining, she has decided not to move out of her detached studio rental unit. No temporary or seasonal jobs have come her way either. "I don't want give up my home," she said. We chatted for about 30 minutes with Ann doing most of the talking. Clearly, she is "grasping at straws" by seeking out loans from friends, relatives, anyone with money. I really don't know how she will make it past December. Frankly, I don't even know how I will make it past December. Sheesh!