This that and the other thing...
Sep. 26th, 2025 05:48 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
shadowkat1. Vaccines
Got the COVID vaccine after work. The New York Governor made it possible for everyone between the ages of 6-110 to take it for an expandable 30 day period, under an emergency order.
I scheduled it while at work for around 4:40pm, and ended up getting there early - so go it around 4:30pm. I got it today, in case there are any major side-effects. That way I have the weekend to get past them, not that I've ever had any outside of a sore arm. Mother hasn't had any side-effects either. The only ones who have in my immediate family are my brother and sister-in-law, who have the worst immune systems on the planet. Both get sick at the drop of a hat. It's insane.
This is my ....sixth shot, and I've yet to have any side-effects. Always worried that I might get them - and the worst I've had to date is a sore shoulder/arm. I had the original vaccine in 2021, then a booster each year thereafter. I almost had to skip this year - they wouldn't give it to me in January, because I'd already had it in 2024. I've always had the Pfizer. (Mainly because I've never had any side effects with it, and folks who've gotten the Moderna - have had side effects.)
I waited a while to get it - because I had COVID in June, and you need to wait about 90 days before getting the shot. COVID makes you immune for 90 days. I've had COVID about three times that I'm aware of? 2022, 2024, and 2025. Also possibly had it in November of 2019 - but thought it was something else. While the vaccine doesn't prevent COVID, it does lessen the effects of COVID. I've never had a severe case of COVID. It's just a respiratory flu - that's over in five days, with a lingering dry cough, brain fog and shortness of breath. Other's have had it far worse.
No, I didn't get either the Flu shot or the Shingles at the same time. My primary care begged me not to. I'm immune-compromised, so it's not a good idea. I tried to tell her that everybody else that I know of - has, but she was adamant. I could, I suppose, ignore her and do it anyhow - but I was afraid to - best not to take an unnecessary risk.
2. Take a photo of any book with your phone and have it instantly read to you - I keep seeing this weird app advertised on Facebook, in which you can take a photo of literally any book in a library or book store and automatically have it read to you.
Speechify reads books to you
Of course it does it in a monotone - but you can pick any number of digitized voices to do it.
I don't have any issues with having books read to me - my issue is that someone can willy nilly go to a book store or library, scan the book, and have it read to them for free? I don't know, that kind of screams copyright infringement? It's one thing if the writer is getting paid a royalty from the service...but what if they aren't?
3. Traveling Water Color Kit Another thing advertised on FB and Instragram that I'm resisting the urge to purchase: Tobios Travel Watercolor Kit, whomever is marketing this is doing an excellent job. I keep reminding myself - that this is not how I like to paint. I like to do it alone. In my apartment. With a large canvas. And room. Not in miniature. I have shaking hands, and no fine motor coordination - so can't do the miniature work well. I'm not a miniaturist, I tend to work better large? Big woman. Big hands. Big canvas.
But it is lovely for someone who wants a small traveling kit to wander about doing small stuff with?
Don't get it from Amazon - which apparently is selling knock-offs.
4. Shopping Went online shopping - via Talbots and Amazon - and picked up a few things on sale, including pjs, and a shawl.
Also checked out Anne Taylor's LOFT next door to Crazy Workplace, on the other side of Starbucks. The new fall color appears to be a pastel lime green - which is not my color, and brown, lots of brown. I do like the deep rich burgundy, but alas nothing in my size. Anne Taylor slants towards petite and small women, not big and tall women like myself. I'm not big enough for Lane Bryant, but not small enough for Anne Taylor. Talbots works better - but alas, none are nearby. I like Talbots but it didn't have everything I wanted. It had green and black, but not rich burgundy. So, I got a few shirts from Amazon, but it will take forever to get them.
As an aside? For the most part, I hate or dread shopping. But I did find it weirdly comforting doing it online this week. I prefer online than in-store shopping. Sales clerks and other shoppers and the dressing rooms, plus hunting stuff makes me edgy.
I like it displayed. I have no patience for hunting through the racks. I'm not a good bargain shopper. My mother isn't a shopper. The appeal of hunting for things in stores is kind of lost on us? But hunting for things online shopping is fun - even if it's a bit like playing Russian roulette? Since I suck at returning things, and some places don't let you.
Debating buying a pair of Uno Black Sneakers from Amazon. I don't really need them. I have enough shoes. But does one ever really have enough shoes? Ponders.
5. Buffy Revival or Continuation (Because it's not a reboot! Got it?) I keep stumbling upon online fights over whether it's a reboot or a continuation or a revival...which is kind of amusing. Welcome to the Internet - where people fight over semantics incessantly.
Anyhow, the latest: Gellar Reveals more about Buffy's Comeback and Insists its not a Reboot (But it's a lot easier to call it a reboot.)
"In a new interview with Entertainment Tonight, Sarah Michelle Gellar was asked about the Buffy reboot which is under no circumstances to be called a reboot. “There’s so little I can say about what we just shot,” Sarah explains. “I will say that it’s not a reboot. It’s a continuation of a world - the world of Buffy, if that makes sense. It’s picking up 25 years later in a world of Buffy. It’s equal parts incredibly thrilling but also it’s very nerve-wracking. People have been asking for this for so many years but everyone also has an opinion on how it should be done."
“I’m doing it for the fans so I hope that they love it. It was made with a lot of love and a lot of passion and a lot of thought behind it. As an actor, you hope you have projects that resonate and stand the test of time. That’s what’s amazing about it because it’s continually getting rediscovered but it holds up."
The wait might feel like forever, but is officially underway at Hulu, with the pilot episode having wrapped filming. Directed by Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao, the series introduces a new Slayer named Nova, portrayed by Ryan Kiera Armstrong, while Sarah Michelle Gellar returns as Buffy Summers in a recurring role that’s going to be more Giles-like. Set 25 years after the original series, the show brings the Buffyverse into the present day, featuring a fresh cast including Faly Rakotohavana, Ava Jean, Sarah Bock, Daniel Di Tomasso, Jack Cutmore-Scott, and Chase Sui Wonders.
If all things go smoothly and we all pray they do – the Buffy pilot is expected to premiere in 2026, marking the 23rd anniversary of the original series’ finale."
[From what I've read - I don't think much of the original cast will return, outside of maybe one or two, and as either special guest stars or brief cameos...I think it's mainly a continuation of the world, with Gellar more in a Giles' role. The shift is the mentor/watcher will be Buffy herself. Which is also why - I don't think it will do that well or get picked up past one season? Because the fandom fell in love with the characters NOT the world? Joss sucked at world building. Star Trek, it's not. Also what was captivating was the dialogue and banter, the one liners, and the humor - also, sigh, the supporting characters. A good portion of the fandom did not watch for Buffy - they watched for everyone else. I know I did. Buffy did pull me in - but not Gellar, it was the writing, direction, and how Gellar played Buffy against and with the other characters. I've not liked her in anything else. And I didn't like books like Fray which were playing with the world - but didn't have the television characters in it. But hey, I could be VERY wrong about this? Just because it doesn't seem appealing to me...doesn't mean it isn't to other people?]
Got the COVID vaccine after work. The New York Governor made it possible for everyone between the ages of 6-110 to take it for an expandable 30 day period, under an emergency order.
I scheduled it while at work for around 4:40pm, and ended up getting there early - so go it around 4:30pm. I got it today, in case there are any major side-effects. That way I have the weekend to get past them, not that I've ever had any outside of a sore arm. Mother hasn't had any side-effects either. The only ones who have in my immediate family are my brother and sister-in-law, who have the worst immune systems on the planet. Both get sick at the drop of a hat. It's insane.
This is my ....sixth shot, and I've yet to have any side-effects. Always worried that I might get them - and the worst I've had to date is a sore shoulder/arm. I had the original vaccine in 2021, then a booster each year thereafter. I almost had to skip this year - they wouldn't give it to me in January, because I'd already had it in 2024. I've always had the Pfizer. (Mainly because I've never had any side effects with it, and folks who've gotten the Moderna - have had side effects.)
I waited a while to get it - because I had COVID in June, and you need to wait about 90 days before getting the shot. COVID makes you immune for 90 days. I've had COVID about three times that I'm aware of? 2022, 2024, and 2025. Also possibly had it in November of 2019 - but thought it was something else. While the vaccine doesn't prevent COVID, it does lessen the effects of COVID. I've never had a severe case of COVID. It's just a respiratory flu - that's over in five days, with a lingering dry cough, brain fog and shortness of breath. Other's have had it far worse.
No, I didn't get either the Flu shot or the Shingles at the same time. My primary care begged me not to. I'm immune-compromised, so it's not a good idea. I tried to tell her that everybody else that I know of - has, but she was adamant. I could, I suppose, ignore her and do it anyhow - but I was afraid to - best not to take an unnecessary risk.
2. Take a photo of any book with your phone and have it instantly read to you - I keep seeing this weird app advertised on Facebook, in which you can take a photo of literally any book in a library or book store and automatically have it read to you.
Speechify reads books to you
Of course it does it in a monotone - but you can pick any number of digitized voices to do it.
I don't have any issues with having books read to me - my issue is that someone can willy nilly go to a book store or library, scan the book, and have it read to them for free? I don't know, that kind of screams copyright infringement? It's one thing if the writer is getting paid a royalty from the service...but what if they aren't?
3. Traveling Water Color Kit Another thing advertised on FB and Instragram that I'm resisting the urge to purchase: Tobios Travel Watercolor Kit, whomever is marketing this is doing an excellent job. I keep reminding myself - that this is not how I like to paint. I like to do it alone. In my apartment. With a large canvas. And room. Not in miniature. I have shaking hands, and no fine motor coordination - so can't do the miniature work well. I'm not a miniaturist, I tend to work better large? Big woman. Big hands. Big canvas.
But it is lovely for someone who wants a small traveling kit to wander about doing small stuff with?
Don't get it from Amazon - which apparently is selling knock-offs.
4. Shopping Went online shopping - via Talbots and Amazon - and picked up a few things on sale, including pjs, and a shawl.
Also checked out Anne Taylor's LOFT next door to Crazy Workplace, on the other side of Starbucks. The new fall color appears to be a pastel lime green - which is not my color, and brown, lots of brown. I do like the deep rich burgundy, but alas nothing in my size. Anne Taylor slants towards petite and small women, not big and tall women like myself. I'm not big enough for Lane Bryant, but not small enough for Anne Taylor. Talbots works better - but alas, none are nearby. I like Talbots but it didn't have everything I wanted. It had green and black, but not rich burgundy. So, I got a few shirts from Amazon, but it will take forever to get them.
As an aside? For the most part, I hate or dread shopping. But I did find it weirdly comforting doing it online this week. I prefer online than in-store shopping. Sales clerks and other shoppers and the dressing rooms, plus hunting stuff makes me edgy.
I like it displayed. I have no patience for hunting through the racks. I'm not a good bargain shopper. My mother isn't a shopper. The appeal of hunting for things in stores is kind of lost on us? But hunting for things online shopping is fun - even if it's a bit like playing Russian roulette? Since I suck at returning things, and some places don't let you.
Debating buying a pair of Uno Black Sneakers from Amazon. I don't really need them. I have enough shoes. But does one ever really have enough shoes? Ponders.
5. Buffy Revival or Continuation (Because it's not a reboot! Got it?) I keep stumbling upon online fights over whether it's a reboot or a continuation or a revival...which is kind of amusing. Welcome to the Internet - where people fight over semantics incessantly.
Anyhow, the latest: Gellar Reveals more about Buffy's Comeback and Insists its not a Reboot (But it's a lot easier to call it a reboot.)
"In a new interview with Entertainment Tonight, Sarah Michelle Gellar was asked about the Buffy reboot which is under no circumstances to be called a reboot. “There’s so little I can say about what we just shot,” Sarah explains. “I will say that it’s not a reboot. It’s a continuation of a world - the world of Buffy, if that makes sense. It’s picking up 25 years later in a world of Buffy. It’s equal parts incredibly thrilling but also it’s very nerve-wracking. People have been asking for this for so many years but everyone also has an opinion on how it should be done."
“I’m doing it for the fans so I hope that they love it. It was made with a lot of love and a lot of passion and a lot of thought behind it. As an actor, you hope you have projects that resonate and stand the test of time. That’s what’s amazing about it because it’s continually getting rediscovered but it holds up."
The wait might feel like forever, but is officially underway at Hulu, with the pilot episode having wrapped filming. Directed by Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao, the series introduces a new Slayer named Nova, portrayed by Ryan Kiera Armstrong, while Sarah Michelle Gellar returns as Buffy Summers in a recurring role that’s going to be more Giles-like. Set 25 years after the original series, the show brings the Buffyverse into the present day, featuring a fresh cast including Faly Rakotohavana, Ava Jean, Sarah Bock, Daniel Di Tomasso, Jack Cutmore-Scott, and Chase Sui Wonders.
If all things go smoothly and we all pray they do – the Buffy pilot is expected to premiere in 2026, marking the 23rd anniversary of the original series’ finale."
[From what I've read - I don't think much of the original cast will return, outside of maybe one or two, and as either special guest stars or brief cameos...I think it's mainly a continuation of the world, with Gellar more in a Giles' role. The shift is the mentor/watcher will be Buffy herself. Which is also why - I don't think it will do that well or get picked up past one season? Because the fandom fell in love with the characters NOT the world? Joss sucked at world building. Star Trek, it's not. Also what was captivating was the dialogue and banter, the one liners, and the humor - also, sigh, the supporting characters. A good portion of the fandom did not watch for Buffy - they watched for everyone else. I know I did. Buffy did pull me in - but not Gellar, it was the writing, direction, and how Gellar played Buffy against and with the other characters. I've not liked her in anything else. And I didn't like books like Fray which were playing with the world - but didn't have the television characters in it. But hey, I could be VERY wrong about this? Just because it doesn't seem appealing to me...doesn't mean it isn't to other people?]
no subject
Date: 2025-10-04 12:57 pm (UTC)It's worse with video games, comics and television shows. The writers in those professions make next to nothing. They are work for hire for the most part. Mainly because it's next to impossible to split the royalties among all the contributors. So the studio pays the writers a salary for delivering product, but doesn't give them rights to the material.
no subject
Date: 2025-10-04 01:08 pm (UTC)I found that WFH educational publishing paid decently per word, as long as you didn't think about how much the publisher was likely to earn from the book. The deadlines were killer, though: two weeks to research and write a short book. I quickly figured out why most bibliographies in such books have only three titles listed. Sad to think that these books are how students are learning.