The story of capitalism or “Western Capitalism” is losing its grip on youths and, to a lesser degree, on an older generation alike.

How do you explain to your child that it’s normal to do “gig work” or constantly chase 3-month contracts while trying to somehow buy a home? Or that it’s unreasonable to truly own a car (not with some “payment plan”, i.e. ‘mortgage’ for cars)?

Materialism is not everything, but when people own nothing at all, there’s no safety either.

HIS year I heard the term “emotional vulture” many times and wrongly assumed it might be similar to “crocodile tears” (a fake emotion(al) crocodile that cries for the people or animals it devours). As it turns out, emotional vulture is one who preys on the emotionally vulnerable – i.e. it is something different altogether. It’s said to refer to a manipulative dating trend that targets people going through a breakup (or similar ordeal). I remember a Norwegian girl showing interest in me when her Danish boyfriend was not treating her well; I wasn’t preying on her, it felt like she was using me to try to get him (the boyfriend) jealous or not to take her for granted.

Anyway, today I saw a Crocodile or Rhino shedding off tears. It was some angry lawyer who operates under the false impression that while labouring as a hired gun with death threats, threats to decapitate sites, and threats to put a family in prison he is somehow a poor victim. Are these people as drunk as their clients?

Seriously, how can such pathetic and aggressive people seriously portray themselves as the victims? Someone who explains their behaviour is doing a public service, nothing else.

he insensitive behaviour of Brett Wilson LLP last year [1, 2, 3] was a self-inflicted wound, as it was not the first time, far from it, but this time it was more blatant and likely intentional (they like to attack people during holidays, they effectively weaponise religion). In this particular case it was a mistake as they know that in this sector being seen as antisemitic is career suicide and, to make matters worse, their biggest client is alleged to be profoundly antisemitic. Freedom fighters don’t massacre dogs and civilians.

T is not the first time I stay in Town during summer. We’ll travel around for a bit, but not go far as there’s no point. Staycations are good for people who like being where they are, vacations away (or abroad) tend to be for people who escape the job, the home, the routine, the culture, and maybe the local weather.

Thankfully for Rianne’s birthday the weather will be almost perfect. Sunny, not too hot, and exactly one week before Bank Holiday.

have learned, over time, after 20+ years of investigative journalism that when people risk their lives (or livelihood) to bring out an important story or critical information you must all along be willing to sacrifice your own life (or livelihood) to protect: 1) the source/s and 2) the information the source/s risked a lot to bring out to light.

In just over two months from now Techrights turns 20 and I believe I kept my committent and stuck to my principles as explained above. It’s not always the easiest thing to do. It is, however, the moral thing to do and the right choice.

‘ve long respected Paul Robeson (for decades already) not just for his excellent, strong voice and learning of new languages, which he then used to communicate internationally (this reminded me of RMS). In the face of controversy and risk (the US tried to ostracise and sanction him) he persisted in his activism, using his good name and reputation to do something risky without monetary gain/rewards.

A recently-deceased French model did the same for animals. She died as controversial because she opposed the same “Establishment” that had helped her rise to fame.

Don’t rise to power. Fight unjust power.

When you are under 40, you might count how many years it has been since becoming adult or studying or working or marrying. At some point later in life the count refers to “time to live” or “time until retirement”, i.e. the numbers become smaller each year. After retirement it’s almost always just “time to live” (depending on one’s physical health).

More religious people think in terms like “afterlife” or “time to Heaven”, but superstition is not a harmless, victimless fantasy. Some people exploit this fantasy to work people to death, to make themselves richer. Some offer them alcohol (to sedate them) – that damages their body and kills them sooner.

E are exactly two weeks away from Rianne’s birthday and gift ideas need to be based around sentimental value this year, not monetary value. Jewellery and other ‘vanity items’ have always been a waste of money (hard work and sometimes child labour for a bunch of pebbles or metals or whatever). Over the course of three weeks a lot can be done to convert time into joy and joy lasts much longer in the mind than in the shop.

It takes courage and work to make gifts that aren’t just something one scans at the checkout (till) but instead produces one way or another.

The older I get, the more obvious it seems gifting in the “Traditional” (with capital T) sense became merely consumerism and we’re far detached from real scarcities, which aren’t something one can purchase. I was never fond of consumerism and birthdays; over time it becomes easier to explain the “whys”.

OMORROW we unofficially go on “holiday” or a weeks-long vacation, even if it is a stay-cation and most travel will be to places nearby. We don’t plan much shopping, windows “shopping” can be fun too.

A week after Rianne’s birthday it’ll be Bank Holiday, then we’ll be back to normal.

I plan not to check E-mail much. It’ll be as if I’m away somewhere in a distant island (like I was less than a decade ago).

With Rianne by my side, life is always a joy.

Keep it simple, stupid (KISS).

Being “offline” is not a state of misery but a sign of contentment.