Phew I could really use it today but can’t make it (had to move work due to storm and pup getting surgery yesterday). Welcome to the new folks! I hope today’s call is everything everyone needs it to be. 💫💗

“…convinced their trauma was patriotism” yes and oof. Thank you for sharing this.

Fascinating. Makes me think of the tv version of What We Do in the Shadows. A show (comedy) about vampires but one of the characters is an energy vampire rather than a blood drinker. I would recommend it but it’s creator is Taika Waititi who is sadly a Zionist.

@Judy Hu totally lands well and makes sense. My reasoning for mentioning it was not out of judgement or big sizing but because I choose to boycott/not support with my “views” individuals and companies (it airs on Hulu which is owned by Disney) that support genocide, ICE, “anti DEI” initiatives, etc. as much as I can so wanted to provide the info so others would be able to make an informed choice. I don’t do great with thrillers so have not seen Sinners yet but from the wonderful things I’ve heard about it I just may have to override that 😜

This immediately brought me to my tween and teen. When I would get ready for school my mom would joke about tv crews being outside waiting because I took it very seriously. I was anxious about how I presented even though there was no chance of actually being recorded (save for a cam corder but those are not stealth 😂👵🏻). It makes me feel sad for the teens of today’s world - constantly at risk of being abused/bullied due to technology recording anything that presents as a mistake or a flaw and able to be “viral” news in a matter of minutes. Also makes me grateful for my teenage years being pre-smart phones and social media. I can totally see how fewer people having children would be a multifaceted thing including what @Mai Le and @Judy Hu said - finances, tech, abuse, etc. It feels like abuse is the root of it and tech and social media are currently some of the biggest “foods” feeding that root.