The Off Topic Topic

[crazy canuck]

One explanation I have heard of that sounds interesting to me is that the digital age has greatly reduced the emotional toll of solitude, which is one of (and I stress one) the drivers that moves people to seek a stable relationship and ultimately have children.

The amount of people in my social circles that remains single (myself included) in their 40s is pretty large actually. Although my circles aren't probably that representative (urban, high educated, liberal professionals).

Both my sons' friend groups fit into those group descriptions and most are getting married.  I wonder if it is a difference in generations. They are in the mid/late 20s.

[Josquius]

One explanation I have heard of that sounds interesting to me is that the digital age has greatly reduced the emotional toll of solitude, which is one of (and I stress one) the drivers that moves people to seek a stable relationship and ultimately have children.
 

That's a nice innocent slant on it.
A more 18 rated one I've heard is the Internet makes not getting laid less painful because... Reasons.
Quite shocking data coming out of Japan around this - Japan keeps showing itself to be more a forerunner than a freaky special case country.
Though given it is a few decades ahead socially it did things in a different tech landscape. I doubt we will be getting a porn shop in every village.

Also. Cars.

This is either a very funny in-joke, or pathological, and I can't decide which

I joke to mention it like so, but it is a factor.
More dispersed communities where people spend more time in their own little boxes not interacting with each other does eliminate opportunities to meet people.

But then of course conversely big cities with decent metros et al have their own problems leading to many also suffering from isolation.

Also. Cars.

No Thatcher?

 A bit UK specific. Though in the UK definitely a big argument to be made

[Sheilbh]

Went to see Giant in the West End. It stars John Lithgow as Roald Dahl about his anti-semitism and is an incredible, thought-provoking, smart play. All the cast are great but Lithgow is really good.

Also just a really interesting theatrical experience with real tension in the audience over how they're watching the same thing.

Strong recommendation if you're in town - or when it transfers elsewhere as I expect it will.

[garbon]

Went to see Giant in the West End. It stars John Lithgow as Roald Dahl about his anti-semitism and is an incredible, thought-provoking, smart play. All the cast are great but Lithgow is really good.

Also just a really interesting theatrical experience with real tension in the audience over how they're watching the same thing.

Strong recommendation if you're in town - or when it transfers elsewhere as I expect it will.

I'll definitely be giving that a miss. I don't have any time for Lithgow and his Harry Potter/Rowling nonsense.

[grumbler]

Also. Cars.

This is either a very funny in-joke, or pathological, and I can't decide which

Why can't it be both?

[DGuller]

Massive earthquake near Kamchatka, tsunami threats throughout Pacific.

[Josquius]

A good thing it hit where it did?
Pretty uninhabited part of Russia rather than Japan or Korea....

[Syt]

Listened to a podcast where someone mentioned they were still logging into Lord of the Rings Online now and then and they mentioned two of the most excellent (hobbit) guild names:

- Concerning Hobbits
- Second Breakfast Club

Both are excellent and up there for me with "Gnomeland Security" who were on the WoW server I played on in 2005 or 2006.

[Crazy_Ivan80]

Lotro is still getting updates too, so clearly the market is still there.
Haven't logged on in ages though

[Tamas]

Recently my curiosity got the better of me and signed up tot he Nextdoor app (I am guessing it's a UK only thing). Wow. Twitter and Facebook posts are witty academic discourse compared to what's going in there.

[celedhring]

Recently my curiosity got the better of me and signed up tot he Nextdoor app (I am guessing it's a UK only thing). Wow. Twitter and Facebook posts are witty academic discourse compared to what's going in there.

It's supposedly available over here, but just going off the few local groups I joined on WhatsApp/FB I think I'll take a pass 

[HVC]

What exactly is it? Based on the name I'd assume it a place to complain about neighbours with other neighbours?

[Tamas]

What exactly is it? Based on the name I'd assume it a place to complain about neighbours with other neighbours?

Kind of yes, supposed to be adding you to your immediate neighbourhood's community, but it's been giving me fairly wide coverage. I quickly shut down the notifications, but I haven't turned off the few emails I am getting of popular posts, out of a morbid curiosity.

Best one was a Languish-level troll post of somebody with a very gammon profile pic, on how he is desponded, having returned to the UK and facing such racism(!) walking his porcelain(!!) dog down the A30 (ie a country highway) (!!!). He closed by saying he is considering hiring a bodyguard to escort him when going out for groceries.

This has triggered nearly 100 responses, only maybe 10 of them realising it's a troll. Good gawd.

[Josquius]

I've never been curious enough to look on it. Though I do wonder if my shit neighbour is spraying on there.

[Baron von Schtinkenbutt]

Nextdoor is a racist cesspit over here.  It's clear proof that real name policies do jack shit to stop that kind of content from being posted publicly on the Intertubes.