T.G.I.F. Friday: Volume 166

Welcome to “Thank God I’m FI” Friday, Volume #166

Here are some things I really like and that you might too!

**Note To My Readers – I sometimes get complaints about ads on my blog (too many).  I’m kind of astonished that anyone browses the internet without an ad-blocker.  I haven’t seen ads in over a decade, and you shouldn’t either.  Please use an ad blocker, your life will improve 500%

Financial Independence/Work Life/Retirement Articles & Content

Till debt do us part: 78% of Americans say a partner with debt is a dating dealbreaker (PR Newswire) “Over three-quarters of Americans (78%) are unwilling to be in a relationship with someone who carries short-term debt from credit cards, personal loans and buy now, pay later financing, according to a new survey by Achieve, the leader in digital personal finance.” Dave’s Comment: I’m very skeptical of this number being so high.  According to all the leading AI’s, about 47 – 50% of Americans carry short-term credit card debt themselves.  So they’re unwilling to date someone who does the same?  Either way, even if many from this survey lied about it, they at least know that they ideally shouldn’t date someone with short-term credit card debt.

Use the Force – You have to Trust Your Gut (Vader On Fire) “Trust my gut. I’ve done it for my career; now it’s time to do it for my life. It’s time to make the call. Set the date or the dollar amount, and let that be it.” 

Video

I love R.E.M. and I love the Simpsons. Michael Stipe made his second appearance on the show recently and I thought I’d share it since I don’t know how long this video will be up.  Enjoy!

What I’m Grateful For

People who get in extensive back/forths about the pluses/minuses and detailed nuances of stuff on reddit.  I don’t do this myself, but it sure is handy to read them and get good info when you’re ready to make a big purchase. 

Lyrically Speaking

There’s helicopters over my head
Every night when I go to bed
Spending money and I earned it
When I’m lonely, that’s when I’ll burn it

From “Scott Street” by Phoebe Bridgers

Phoebe Bridgers burst onto the scene as a solo artist in 2017 after playing in the band Sloppy Jane (awesome name!).  Bridgers persona  (intentional or not) as the perfect stereotypical “indie rock girl” made her beloved by the media and her star rose quickly.  Unlike others who followed similar paths to fame, she’s actually a very talented songwriter.  Bridgers has a knack for writing some banger lines that serious music fans and those who’ve played in bands can relate to.  In “Scott Street” she sings

I asked you, “How is playing drums?”
You said, “It’s too much shit to carry”
“And what about the band?”
You said, “They’re all getting married” 

My first band broke up after 2 members got engaged, and my last band spent more time carrying drums from the car to my basement and setting them up than actually practicing.  I love Bridgers’ first album Stranger In The Alps, it’s full of low-fi indie rock with lyrical depth.  Her second release, 2020’s Punisher is also strong.  I hope Bridgers isn’t done with music as I’d love to see a new release from her. 

As for the lyrics above, I wrote about retail therapy back in the day and every once in a while if I’m having a bad day the idea of buying something still whistles around my brain, but I’m pretty good at resisting it.  It’s better to get a workout in.

Miscellaneous

Sleep deprivation harms the gut via the vagus nerve, early study reveals – “New research reveals that sleep deprivation sends aberrant signals through the vagus nerve, triggering a serotonin surge that can kill gut stem cells.”

Aided by AI, California beach town broadens hunt for bike lane blockers – “This spring, a Southern California beach town will become the first city in the country where municipal parking enforcement vehicles will use an AI system looking for potential bike lane violations.”  Dave’s Comment: Regular readers know I’m very hopeful for good things from AI and wary of the rest, and this is indeed a good use of it!

Shark Found in Antarctic for First Time Ever – “University of Western Australia researchers have captured the first proof of sharks living in Antarctic waters. In their footage, a large sleeper shark drifts across the seafloor, unknowingly overturning expert opinion on shark distribution.”