December 2020
Many humans don't know how to behave with their planet. A smaller number of humans try to face this deluge of stupidity. (I would do the same thing if one popped up in the Mojave.) https://twitter.com/BoingBoing/status/1333540949599932422
Another night in the hot tub, full moon rising, a glass (or two) of pinot, and the eternity of my mind.
Today (now) Dec 1, 9am PT, Noon ET, 5pm GMT, 6pm CET, The @w3c_ccg at the W3C will host @jeffdstephens & the @DignariLLC team to talk about DHS UI/UX Challenge - Digital Wallet Design Feedback. Anyone can join: https://lists.w3.org/Archives/Public/public-credentials/2020Nov/0077.html #CCG #W3C
@JeffDStephens It's our pleasure. We appreciate your work in the space!
Spent time in excel spreadsheets, bank accounts and sales reports today. Meeting w/ my PR guy & working one some book promo activities. Progress is in baby steps.
Great thread! I'm prepping my winter layers since it was 40 degrees this morning - which doesn't sound cold, but when you are acclimated to 100+ is. (I should do one for dealing with 110 degree Mojave heat in the summer.) https://twitter.com/BlairBraverman/status/1334163443415441409
It's 9:15am and three Marines and a tractor have pulled up. Super excited for the day! I offered them La Croix and Beer, wonder which they'll pick. 🤣
@r0b3rta Yikes, be safe!
@timescanner Feel like you need a boom box with some blue oyster cult. You know, for that king.
The change from night to day is really only hours... and worlds apart of perception. Why should we expect the worldview of night to be remotely similar to the worldview of day? But without both, how boring.
Alternating my days reading too much buddhist poetry on emptiness and doing construction chores. Lots of time to think on things & also not think on things. The unfolding mind & my bathroom remodel are revealed through baby steps.
Hearing about another death in the extended circle & I am reminded that everyone is grieving someone. Be kind to each other.
@roxannedarling We decided to do that last today so gonna live with the concrete for a while... been almost a month living in the construction zone. I moved into my guest room.
@roxannedarling Yeah, that sure helps!!
@_exterm Not really. I'm on my 4th reading of https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/086171511X, (I like this series) but really digging this new one: https://www.amazon.com/Sky-Space-Tantra-Perfection-Bodhicitta-ebook/dp/B086SZSVL8/ I'm pretty deep into the tantra/emptiness rabbit hole. If you read, let's discuss!
@_exterm I'd also love any recommendations. (I also just started a re-read of When Things Fall Apart & should be about time for a re-read of Zen Mind, Beginner Mind - but those are easy bedtime reading fun.)
@fatemehx2 Whoah! That’s a great clip. Thank you.
My snoozers. Bliss for them, emptiness for me. https://www.instagram.com/p/CIXVrfihnGz/?igshid=175f42az5y6d
Just dropped off all my motorcycle gear & 5 pairs of fluevogs + other things at the thrift store benefiting domestic abuse victims. I have mixed feelings about letting all those things go. End of an era in some cases. #deathcleaning
@ingenesist Rock on!! Well, I still have my leather jacket from when I was 16, so at least there is that.
This is the longest I’ve gone not flying for like 30 years. My last flight was coming back from a Costa Rica security conference + bonus vacay with @finamofo where we met @queritor. More than 12 months ago. Waaa, I miss air travel.
Defending western values... https://www.instagram.com/p/CIbEBvsBzrD/?igshid=14x385tj7hmuc
@Johannes_Ernst @finamofo @queritor Yes, I know. And while I do travel, I am certainly no jetsetter. Still, I miss going places.
@MalwareTechBlog @ThibaultDu This reminds me of my whole “bio tattoo” body modification future scenario from 5ish years ago. Personally, I want it to monitor body chemical levels in real time. There was also a whole “Instagram but for emotions” application too.
@Cruftbox Sorry to hear. Take care of yourself!
I like to think I am pretty good at collaborating with people, but I've reached an end point this year. How do you keep collaborating when your tanks are empty?
@MalwareTechBlog @ThibaultDu Dug up the scenario where we had an embedded bio tattoo. Still sounds pretty darn crazy 7 years later. https://www.heathervescent.com/ume/emp-connect.html
@eufo My tanks are empty because I feel the odd man out in one case, and I'm the alpha with quality requirements in the other one. I so desire to collaborate with people who natively speak my language vs always always translating.
@PDeltenre Thanks Philippe... I'd just really like to find my collaboration posse. Feeling very odd man out right now.
@Scott_Matter Hmmm, in one case, I'm bringing a diverse perspective to an otherwise tech biased worldview. In another, I'm giving them enough rope to do whatever they will with, knowing I will be there when they rage quit.
@bigtrendsguy Or actually, I need to find different people to collaborate with...
Really missing my posse of people who understand me & I understand them. When your worldview speaks an unusual language, you are always translating and I am le tired. Another covid lockdown story.
I still think this is a pretty phenomenal idea - it was an OCAD collaboration w/ 3 design futurist students + me, circa 2013, when I was heavy into Future of Relationships, expanding emotional connection & empathy connection embedded technology. https://www.heathervescent.com/ume/emp-connect.html
@FuselJeremiad Thank you for your words and understanding!
Shower bust, tub drain bust. Other bathroom gutted. Ok, fine, I drink wine in the hot tub and watch the satellites again.
Not passing for under 30 anymore, despite still being carded. (Do cashiers not know the eye lines trick?!) https://twitter.com/timescanner/status/1335789382557548545
They key word in dogpile is pile.
RT @cyriakharris: There's a bit in Ghost in the Shell where they call someone a "Super Wizard-Class Hacker", and while I don't think the wr…
So close to inbox zero, I can taste it.
@roxannedarling LOL, no worries. Go for it. Being so close is reward enough.
@JeffDStephens Just seeing the possibility is inspiring enough!
Reminder! I have two delightful, entertaining & educational books out for your holiday shopping. Buy local (or online), then HMU w/ your mailing address to receive a personalized, signed card or bookplate to put in your own book. 1/3
For those interested in drama, intrigue, double crossing, secret agents, their tradecraft & technology; may I suggest #TheSecretsofSpies, a beautifully designed hardcover consisting of the choicest stories from the past, present & future of espionage. 2/3 https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Spies-Weldon-Owen/dp/1681885336/
For friends & family that can use practical tips to protect themselves online, may I offer the revised paperback of The Cyber Attack Survival Manual. Updated with new stories & practical tips on sim swapping, disinformation, identity scams & more. 3/3 https://www.amazon.com/Cyber-Attack-Survival-Manual-Apocalypse/dp/1681886545/
@geminica Feeling you about this.
Another Monday at the emergency vet. This time for sugar.
Well the bonus with today’s emergency vet experience? I already have the new (to this dog) prescription meds! Now the dogs get to share 2 prescriptions!
Tongue, meet cream. A well deserved treat after today. #puppicino https://www.instagram.com/p/CIhUWQkBww-/?igshid=1jexyokzsxpkf
All day, everywhere I look, I think of my friend, I choke back tears. She's gone. I can't believe I miss her so much. Remembering all our adventures + future plans, her bright laugh, her grand support to fuck those assholes who don't understand me (or her). God, I miss her.
We shared so much. Our dreams and ambitions, and all the struggles we did not overcome in our attempts to make them realities. Our pivots. Our broken hearts. Our dance club adventures. We pursued our different dreams with the same intensity and drive. I miss her belief in me.
And she had my constant believe and support. I'd back whatever dream she had and help her make it a reality. She was just starting a new adventure and I grieve for all the things undone.
RT @fuzztech: Let they who have not been hacked cast the first aspersion. Fireeye owned up and is helping. Gloating or mocking disrespects…
@kayaelle She really was amazing. Like the older sister I only now realized I had. Thanks for your kind thoughts. Just when I think I’m cool, I burst into tears.
Sometimes you just have to mainline some Pet Shop Boys and mentally transport yourself to the club. --> "Tomorrow morning we'll be miles away / On another continent and another day."
One of my first #futureofmoney scenarios (10 years ago), Novenify is a company specializing in life extension services with multiple payment models for various services. The scenario is about payment possibilities, not life extension tech. https://www.heathervescent.com/novenify/services.html
Also, I feel like people would understand me better if they knew I was a gay man trapped in a woman's body.
Looks just like my own Emmy Lou. My brother and I found her when cleaning out my mom's place after she died. Sadly, I let him keep her, as he has kids. https://twitter.com/Karnythia/status/1336734466249789450
It was a very crafty day. Made chicken jerky for the doggos, body butter for the secret (& not so secret) santas, spent 3 hours on the line with the EDD - maybe I can get the pandemic unemployment, several hours on the phone with a friend re: our mutual deceased friend.
A++ thread https://twitter.com/DrBenKatz/status/1337019225693691904
@CarGuyDad Right!!
Hey there, it's that thing I do once a year. This year's DIY + Virtual event can be experience by any Santa in any geo-location. Check it out! Ho! https://twitter.com/lasanta/status/1337199152510300162
I want to give a shout out to all the Santa's not in Charge. I basically did nothing this year, some real rock star Santa's put this together for our joy and delight. Kudos and thanks to them and their elves!
How TF is Henry Winkler playing a 47 year old role?!
@_achu Multiple times daily - more than any other software. I use the Mac version.
@vaisfourlovers @amoration I’m a fan of For Your Ice Only. So good
The big question for today: will I actually paint the taped off areas or get distracted refinishing the ceiling of my dome again.
@ai6yrham Sister City to California City?
@ai6yrham Right on
I love the autoplay after the Pet Shop Boys. Balm for my jaded yet romantic genX soul.
@brianbehlendorf Wow. 🙏 Humbled. Thank you! Also, would you like me to send you a signed card through snail mail, since it's hard to do author signings? Just dm or email your snail mail and I'll get it in the mail!
Honored to have #TheSecretsofSpies at the top of this list, 🙏 @brianbehlendorf. Great for holiday gifts & I will snail mail you a signed bookplate or card to personalize your copy! https://twitter.com/Rachelwolf00/status/1337501498192740353
Blue Monday on Friday to die by your side, well the pleasure and privilege is mine.
@Rachelwolf00 @brianbehlendorf Happy to send you a press copy if you like. DM me and I can set it up.
I am happy to report that I have painted the sleeping nook under the stairs behind the faux fireplace today. The sky is pastel cotton candy pink, the color I tried to dye my hair last night.
Thinking about cold and hot cocktails using whiskey and Grand Marnier for this cold dark desert winter.
Grand Marnier and Whiskey served in grandma’s antique glass. https://www.instagram.com/p/CIreGd1hrfv/?igshid=1pa2e7eh6k7u4
“I love you clown.” “I love you Santa.” #LASantacon2020 cc @lasanta
@SuchiPahi Baked sweet potato, pumpkin purée, solid gold sea meal supplement, homemade chicken jerky, collagen or salmon oil as dealt with by their digestion, yogurt if they need probiotics. They get to eat their favorite food always. All the snuggles. Daily walks as they can handle. ❤️❤️❤️
Give Santa a call... warning he may be drinking eggnog. #lasantacon #LaSantacon2020 https://twitter.com/lasanta/status/1337607139603312646
@sixthstreet @lasanta My favorite clowns!
My favorite clowns. I miss them so much this year. Look at those signs! cc @swingfromastar https://twitter.com/sixthstreet/status/1337852529699401735
Just realized that after we conclude this year, there will be several classic immediately recognizable 2020 costumes.
TFW everyone on the group text has both a banana AND gorilla costume. #youmayalreadybeamember
Logged in after not most of the day to horrible news about spymaster writer John Le Carre. I recently finished, The Spy Who Came in From the Cold. There was a lot of outdatedness about the writing, along with a lot of classic. RIP Le Carre. I so appreciated your updated intro. 🕵️
RIP Le Carre. Thank you for the adventures and inspiration. https://twitter.com/JonnyGeller/status/1338239733638508547
@fuzztech It’s good but some part are painful, particularly the female roles/assumptions which do detract from my reading pleasure.
RT @KimZetter: Someone asked me to provide a simple description of what this SolarWinds hack is all about. So for anyone who is confused by…
Phenomenal research/open source intelligence work. Looking forward to watching this video. In Russian with English subtitles. This is current spy/espionage tradecraft at work & in this case, targeting the opposition. #assassination #tradecraft #intelligence https://twitter.com/EliotHiggins/status/1338461704364187649
RT @tombutton: Chess nuts boasting in an open foyer
image@benrothke @Tapad @TapadEng @axel_wirth @fuzztech @marcusjcarey @jen_jin @rogeragrimes Many thanks for including The Cyber Attack Survival Manual & The Secrets of Spies on your list! And very happy to hear you enjoyed them too! 🙏🕵️♀️🔑
It's pretty amazing to have *two* books out in the same year, merely a month apart. To have them both end up on this Top 5 list makes me happy and proud (great company of books). Thank you Ben! To anyone still waiting for a great holiday gift, take a look! 🕵️♀️ https://twitter.com/benrothke/status/1338615293850120193
@benrothke You are too kind. I actually pitched a 3rd book, that will be finished/published eventually! :-)
@BethanCantrell Congrats! Curious about which desert & which fruit trees! There are pros and cons to having to drive 75+ minutes to Whole Foods. ;-)
@BethanCantrell Sounds like an amazing adventure. Happy for you!!
@fernandogaldino Thank you!!
This is NUTS! The solved case of who poisoned Alexey Navalny this summer. It's like Jason Bourne but IRL & discovered via (black market) phone & flight records. There's also a video clip of my favorite Putin quote at 50:10. Put aside an hour to watch it! https://youtu.be/smhi6jts97I
@smittyhalibut @n3rd1ty @seakoz @BethanCantrell @gastrognome @Pedur @tallnoe @GovInslee @mchancloud @ExplodingLemur @ducksauz @dseverski @N701Gv @dlpresidente @bjohnso5y @neharungta @topperge @RepJayapal @TheTarquin @dclex_ @decryptlyfe @Sarah_Cecc @ewarren @idpro_org @abbyfuller @jonlehtinen @pamelarosiedee @thorsheim @AWSIdentity @colmmacc @voteblake @GlennF @Marmymog @jeffbarr @JoeBiden @ezraklein @GoldyHA @allareblessed @RBReich @FIDOAlliance @jim_scharf @christiaanbrand @katchoo1 @jessearn @jgrantindc @rchrdbyd
imageOnly watched one episode of the new Expanse tonight. As much as I love it & am happy to have the characters back, I get annoyed at the Q: “are you ok?!” A: “Yes” dialog when the person is obviously not ok or fine. This could be a richer, more authentic interaction.
This occurs a lot in season 2 AFAIC which is when I noticed it and it just continues a lot. Such a lost opportunity for nuanced character development, not to mention emotional development for the writers.
@IAMAtWork Yeah it’s really annoying. Maybe that’s why I could never get into the battlestar reboot...
If you had access to a futurist, what would you want to know about 2021 + beyond?
In case you are curious, I am back at the eyeball vet. This was not a scheduled journey. I am beyond tired of this shit.
@fernandogaldino What, you haven’t had enough in 2020?
@r0b3rta Great question!
Every time I leave the high desert (like to go to the low desert on a vet emergency like today) I pass this curve I always fantasize driving beyond.
I just found a dog tooth on the bed. This may explain today's vet emergency... or, maybe it came from the other dog who was not so interested in food the past couple days....
@CDRFunkmeyer I gave it to my last dog. One of mine can't deal with the added oil to his diet (all dog cbd is in oil). I could try with the other one...
@LSEInequalities getting a 404 on https://www.lse.ac.uk/III. Correct link? Moved?
I've started reporting T* politics in suggested trends in as harmful. Maybe you'll join me.
@jmj Will you collect/review demographic data and also gender/POC data on links & refs & the links that ref them? Could be a really interesting experiment...
Update: it came from the dog that did not have a vet emergency yesterday.
Worse than being a Cassandra? The ability to see multiple paradigms and worldviews. There are so few people I can truly communicate with without having to explain all quadrants all perspectives.
Protip: it's easier to get out of the human centric worldview when you live & interact with few humans. #hermitwisdom Because maybe I don't want to live in a human centric reality.
Clarification: I also do not want to live in a technology centric reality either.
@AllbrightJef Yes, but at least we can have a conversation about quadrants and various worldviews and none of us will think ours is the only one. You can respect and be curious about worldviews even if you don't hold a particular one.
It's barely 4pm, but I am going to start drinking whiteclaw because that is the kind of week this is and I have no more fucks to give.
So reminded of this the past month. The only person you can trust is your dog. https://twitter.com/evacide/status/1339747610156920832
TIL some dog dental prices range from $999 to $2500 or more. FML. I give up.
@geminica I guess I've been lucky, as I've never had to do animal dental work. Mr. Dog was very hands off, I think he went to the emergency once maybe in 11 years.
@TheRealSatanica OMG - for the pups?! Would you take Chewy there?
@TheRealSatanica Also, I feel like it would be really irresponsible to do this right now with Covid surging. ARGHGHGHGH. But I love you for giving me a glimmer of hope. <3
Four Seasons Total Landscaping? https://twitter.com/InfoSystir/status/1339788016747950086
Tired: Die Hard is a Christmas Movie Wired: Brazil is a Christmas Movie
image@wendynather So humbled by your kind words Wendy.
*blush* Thank Wendy!! One way I like to describe my work understanding the future, is the ability to see the Romulan ship just before it comes out of cloaking. This helps you monitor the horizon & respond to these potential threats with unknown timeframes more effectively. https://twitter.com/wendynather/status/1339972891438436352
@kuzushi @wendynather Hey there, have you read this paper @bobblakley & I wrote about security scenario futures & new security paradigms? Might provoke your thinking... Also curious your experience applying scenario planning to security, as not all scenarios are equal. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330542765_Shifting_Paradigms_Using_Strategic_Foresight_to_Plan_for_Security_Evolution
Curious to learn your questions... I may answer them if I like them. ;-) https://twitter.com/heathervescent/status/1339284424333004801
@KarunaSessions Well it's really no one's theory. We all have different views of the world that are defined by many structures, one including the primary language in which we speak. I am referencing the ability to identify/move between these different worldviews with respect & for understanding.
@KarunaSessions I have read integral theory, but this is also Spiral Dynamics and Systems Thinking too.
Just had a dream I went to several museums, a street fair with tons of people, a bar, randomly crashed with a friend - all no masks. I woke to two snoring dogs and a longing for that world, which was a reality not that long ago.
All the meds. Two dogs. One, two, and three times a day. #rescue #ineedamassage https://www.instagram.com/p/CI_Hm31BhMl/?igshid=d3lys5tapofo
Ennui feelings. Kinda proof of life... and pink hair (for @pinkyracer RIP. I’m really more a purple/blonde/black type.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CI_NHrPBfJw/?igshid=1wehlh0ccpxnm
Today I am gonna make up and give little holiday gift bags for the single ladies (with dogs) that are my neighbors. We are a resilient bunch as necessary for living in this climate.
I’ve also been giving these to my delivery drivers because they bring some semblance of civilization to my hermitage.
@fer_ananda What is contridiction when there are so many points of view? It’s not like is one “right” view/thought/etc. it’s the one right now under these circumstances. We may grow, we may decline, we may do both simultaneously. So yes, I do speak/think/live in contridictions.
@RichDecibels I feel pretty good about living in the Mojave. But I do miss a good restaurant and take out. Specially in the covid times.
I just want you to know how much of a multicultural bachelor I am sometimes. Took the left over basamati rice from Indian & fried it in a pan; warmed up the black beans I made a few days ago (instapot); added yemeni sauce from TJs, & put Italian 4 cheese on top. Not too bad.
RT @ericgarland: <RANT> Dear reader, please note, a Rant™ is to follow, a stylistic choice to respond to stupid ideas forcefully. For exte…
I just learned one of my friends has been vaccinated. She is a nurse. I am so excited/proud for her & hopeful. I can't wait to hear that more of my friends & colleagues have been vaccinated & I will share when I get it as well (but probably lots later). Hopeful for the future.
Update to two people I know. Feeling hopeful, although I am waaaay down the line.
Controversial opinion: whiskey is better with grand mariner. It just takes the edge off it.
@Cannibal Thank you!!
@Cannibal I think I’m real obsessed with Grand Mariner this season. 🍊
@Lizzratt Never tried that. Not such a fan of the rye but I know Templeton well.
Great thread. I actually love spending the holidaze alone with dogs. We all get gifts, snuggle on the couch, maybe do a little roadtrip (not this year), eat fancy food that I make, maybe talk to a few people. It’s very chillax. https://twitter.com/MittenDAmour/status/1340601632141275136
I also love doing NYE alone. Even when I went to multi-day NYE blow outs, I would always sneak away to find a quiet moment to tie up the year and open the next. This year no guilt for not going to any parties.
Also I highly recommend buying yourself presents and wrapping them. Been doing that for years and you get exactly what you want. This year Santa brought me a new 46 inch tool cabinet. Ok, I didn’t wrap that one. Lol.
@anthomsec Cold War fatal attraction.
My brief tagging career. I’m so boring and straightforward. https://www.instagram.com/p/CJCHFMrBhIT/?igshid=1rkznccnrgj7x
Another one of my ideas way before mainstream time. Maybe I am an artist after all. https://www.instagram.com/p/CJCHTw8hLiX/?igshid=1ws60avhydwyl
I went outside and saw that Jupiter-Saturn light in the west. Moon and Mars farther along the ecliptic.
@Cannibal Totally, pop out tonight/now and you may be able to catch it!
@Cruftbox I love this!! I once had a dance party with almost 30 people in a single bathroom... someone came in through the window with a 24 pack and their feet ended up on the ceiling, we broke the sink. There were 4 people in the shower stall... it was one of my most epic provocations.
@garrygolden Can you say more?
@geminica That’s really lame on their part.
@BethanCantrell I would love to swap with you. I miss rain.
@geminica Omg. I am so sorry.
I know everyone is talking about starting fresh with some new endeavor, but Imma gonna take a breather and sit down and wait to see if anyone can catch up.
@fuzztech @HudValleyPastry Those look delicious!
Because otherwise “the reincarnation of living Buddha’s .... must comply with Chinese laws.” There is so much to unpack here... I’m glad I’m a hermit. https://twitter.com/PopeJudasV/status/1341191640640344065
It’s a dogs life. Still life with prayer flags. https://www.instagram.com/p/CJG_yi0nLk6/?igshid=1ae97221qich3
I love good socks and good coffee too! https://twitter.com/lolacoaster/status/1341428773539856385
I have about 3 hours where I can do painfree work with my right arm/shoulder. Today that ended at 11am.
@busynessgirl I'm really trying not too... but I apparently am not letting mine rest enough and there are too many things I want to do. (Painting, scraping walls, digging holes, moving furniture with 1 person & no massage.. :-( )
My secret santa sent me a bottle of sekret booze. Of course this Vescent in the Mojave is gonna drink it! (I’m also gonna take the vaccine!) #secretsanta #cacophonysociety https://www.instagram.com/p/CJHdM2uBJki/?igshid=1dd1ug5t8y3oe
@nicoleradziwill @amoration @BlueShieldCA I am so sorry. That really sucks.
Last night I explained how Solaris and Stalker are the same film (and my favs) and realized these are both amazing first contact with alien intelligences films inspired by 2001. I miss slow burn films.
@NewOrchardMedia I don't think so. What do you recommend?
Just found the sample chapter of a book concept I did in 2017... just wow. The projects I've forgotten I even did that never saw the light of day or anyone else...
Oh jeeze, now I found a sample chapter/detailed outline of my book on the future of money circa 2014.
Yay, my county (the largest in the country) now tops California case growth! (JK, not yay). I live in the rural area here, but it's still growing like never before & will certainly get worse over the holidaze & into Jan. Stay safe friends, stay home. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-12-24/inland-empire-coronavirus-hot-zone-leaders-battle-restrictions
Who's got #predictions for 2021 and beyond?
@anthomsec OG versions included messages shaved in one's head and hidden under beeswax.
@Cannibal Sharp dressed man!!
This year, instead of baking cookies, I am just reading the recipes instead...
Kinda wishing I had some nutella...
Worked on my next book, making red wine stew, stretching, watching comedy documentaries and of course dog time. https://twitter.com/Annaleen/status/1342581836300517376
Really nailed the umami on this red wine stew & I didn't even use mushrooms. I did, however, caramelize the onions, braise & then bake the beef & throw in that packet of left over soy sauce from the grocery store sushi, in addition to the wine, aromatics, & pinch of cumin.
@BlackFish775 😊
I think I will have to learn how to interact with humans when this whole covid thing is dealt with. I may also have to re-learn who I am in the context of humanity as well.
Last night I finally looked up the name of my favorite star in the night sky. (I watch it from the hot tub - it’s very active.) It rises under Orion, bright twinkling of white, green, red. Of course it’s Sirius, new old friend.
@cillic *researching* I will have to keep an eye out for her! I live in a dark skies town & we take it seriously! I spend more time with the stars and planets than I do with people, so I know the night sky well... Mars keeps me company these dark winter nights.
Watched and enjoyed both versions of True Grit. Such a great complex story with real world sincere drama.
Did my 2020 goals in review. TBH it's not horrible, I accomplished a lot, just not what I wanted to accomplish business/career/financial wise. I also accomplished several tricky 2021 goals in advance like, surrendering/being satisfied with what I have, etc.
Gotta also say, the ambition is kinda drained for 2021, despite me writing my next book/s.
I'm in the loft, writing/researching my next book, the wind howls around my round home, I tell myself, do not read the reviews of Taleb's books... that is not useful motivation.
@PrivacyCDN OMG yes.
If you are looking for something to do, may I suggest curling up with #TheSecretsofSpies hardcover, a pet and your beverage of choice? Certain to entertain. 🕵️♀️🔑🚨 https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Spies-Weldon-Owen/dp/1681885336/
Whenever any OG 90s rave music comes on my pandora station, I am like take me back to that time with the blacked out warehouse window parties!
Finally the cold damp metallic smell that means rain.
@doriantaylor Well in my part of the Mojave we just call that the smell of creosote - that scraggly plant all over my yard/desert.
@doriantaylor But impressed you know such smart words.
Sitting on my couch, two dogs and me, listening to the sound of rain, feeling grateful for 2020 being no worse than it was for me.
@doriantaylor Well maybe, but I was referencing the very distinct smell of water on creosote. I’ll send ya some and you can run it under water.
@the_real_Twan Right! So good. Sometimes you could find that vibe on the playa too but it's been a long time, and I'm not 18 anymore.
@mike_kernell well it's also the same smell as rail road ties & telephone poles.
OMG, just wow. https://twitter.com/JesseDamiani/status/1344025102627717120
@michaelkammes LOL, but yeah, those robots have moves!
This is the political shitposting I am here for. ty. https://twitter.com/th3j35t3r/status/1344040859860402180
This is inspiring: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2020-12-29/14-clever-covid-19-design-solutions-from-around-the-world
@michaelkammes 🤣🤣🤣
It gonna hold my breath for the robot at the goth club... lol https://twitter.com/timescanner/status/1344088127913164805
Fat full moon rises in the Mojave sky. Almost time to say goodbye 2020. Thank you for all my lessons learned, patience and impatience, solitude and emergency vet stresses.
@rtgarden Link pls!! 😊
@michelelelel @casey_anderson That bar tho!
Well tonight I finally had the guts to read the reviews of a rejected gov proposal from earlier this year (that I really wanted to do). They actually had a lot of good things to say, and suggestions to make it stronger. So at least I don't totally suck, even if we didn't get it.
Also, this year I had all my gov research proposals rejected!! And I submitted several. And each took significant time to put together. Such is what happens when you're in the arena. Sometimes you lose & this year I did multiple times.
When I was about to give up right before I left San Francisco for my Los Angeles adventure & was doubting my life choices, I stuck my head out the window & heard my neighbor playing this song: https://youtu.be/6Cs3Pvmmv0E
@FuselJeremiad Isn't it past your bedtime?
@FuselJeremiad Oh well carry on!
@FuselJeremiad Thank you for your kind words, I can not compete with your wit or cleverness, but I do enjoy! Enjoy the doctor! LOL
@rosiepongracz 💖💖💖
On my monthly supply run “down under” as we in the high desert call the low desert & WTH is wrong with people drinking my favorite creamer?!?! There were only 2 in the case & I unapologetically took them both. I drive 2.5h round trip for my freaking non sugar blasted creamer!
@Pathfinder @Unironic_AnCap *blush*
This is the longest I've gone not going to the Korean spa since I learned about the Korean spa 15+ years ago. I need my forceful yet caretaking Korean Grandmother to remove the outer layer of my skin and remind my muscles who is boss. 😭😭😭
@windley Love it! Rural living, epicurean tastes!
Does anyone else have trouble actually finishing whatever you are watching because of wikipedia/internet research rabbit holes?
T-minus 3 hours until 2021 starts domino dropping around the globe. Course here in SoCal we've got a bit more time to wait...
The trash truck just came by and I’m imagining it taking the dumpster fire of 2020 away!
This is unbelievably film nerdy and I love it. (And I miss my small crew film production!) Thank you @criterionchannl https://www.criterion.com/current/posts/7231-the-gift-of-room-tone
@kayaelle Awe, thanks Kerri.
I JUST FINISHED THE LAST @w3c_ccg ISSUE FOR 2020!!! YAASSSSS. (sorry not sorry I am yelling, it's been my goal to clean up the loose bits so we can move forward with the Mars rocketship of 2021 #SSI plans!)
2020 silver linings (or things that weren't bad). Started out with a bucket list speaking slot @RSAConference. https://www.rsaconference.com/industry-topics/presentation/imagining-the-future-of-security (Yes, of course I was nervous & didn't do my best, because it was RSA!1! & my co-presenter @bobblakley was embargoed.)
Started 2020 with lots of writing on supply chain, information operations, and election security: https://medium.com/in-present-tense
Just in time for lockdown, I came back to the Mojave to write #TheSecretsofSpies: https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Spies-Weldon-Owen/dp/1681885336/ I wasn't planning to be the lead author, it just ended up that way! (The deadlines were almost too insane for me!)
Simultaneously I contributed/wrote two US gov pitches: National Science Foundation (rejected!) & Department of Transportation (also rejected!). I also fielded 2 startup offers (punted/funding delayed due to covid) & several other projects ($$$ evaporated due to covid).
During the summer, I was frustrated with the way the @w3c_ccg was going, so someone gave me a crazy idea to run as co-chair. I really thought about this & decided to throw my name in the hat, to be the change I wanted to see in the world. Amazingly, I won.
I've spent 6 months getting up to speed. (Things were not super documented.) As part of the CCG, I've done two presentations on our work, one for the W3C Virtual TPAC event & another was translated into Korean! https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1w_VzKo3REW3hw8EEZBRdSMTfR9SV1MuU
In August, I did a revision of the Cyber Attack Book for the paperback edition in 7 days! https://www.amazon.com/Cyber-Attack-Survival-Manual-Apocalypse/dp/1681886545 (Thank you to my amazing co-author @fuzztech!! - who re-wrote the chapter on simswapping in an afternoon. Your fast, precise, accurate writing amazes me!)
And I presented one of my favorite topics: Digital identity, information operations and election security @Identiverse. https://identiverse.com/session/deep-fakes-digital-identity-and-democracy-why-digital-identity-is-important-to-election-security/ (It was challenging recording it alone in my guest room with 100+ degree heat, trying to look professional & serious.)
Then it was the dog days of Mojave monsoon summer, where I spent more time in emergency vet offices than I did in the hammock. (Comes with the territory of older rescue dogs who have genetic eyeball issues.)
My two books came out within 3 weeks of each other bookended the election (yay practically zero press coverage!) and I began the long slog to work insecurity. (Let's just say, as much as I can crank out the words, it's not a financially lucrative career for me yet.)
Twice this year I almost put offers on places, but between covid & the wildfires, I got cold feet. As an entrepreneur with a not great 2020 tax year, IDK when I'll be able to qualify for a mortgage - it's two years in the planning & 2020 screwed that up 4 me.
I lost one of the best friends of my life @pinkyracr in October - a devastating blow I am still reeling from. I can sometimes hear her laughter between the worlds of past and present and this reality and other realities beyond.
Then, my dear friends @rosiepongracz & @busynessgirl convinced me to write my first real resume in like 12 years. And I began to consider the idea of working for someone else - just seems like I've always had to create my own dream job. But stability is a very attractive dream.
I spent the fall dealing with lots of home improvement, bees, greenhouse, temps cooling in the Mojave & equally trying to figure out WTH I am going to do with my life & be satisfied with what I have & be open to the possibilities.
I'm ending 2020 with a renewed effort on my health, my dogs, my home, my friends. I'm writing my next book, which gives me the will to work - but I want to be less isolated. Less virtual & more visitors. Travel & sushi & laughs & adventures & possibilities & people who get me. 💖
