I thought that online identity verification services were as inequitable as they could possibly be, but I've gotta hand it to them, they've done it—they've somehow found a way to bake in an entirely new cultural bias. Not familiar with Western astrology? You won't be getting the government service that you needed!
I've installed the developer beta of macOS Sonoma and I'm pleased to find that "Show Names" has made its way to Voice Control. This is a feature I've wanted on desktop browsing for decades.
#a11y.
The audio description track for John Wick 4 is terrific. After the first hour, it’s clear the writers have some go-to descriptions. Wind-swept things “billow.” Things that look threatening are “severe.” But the AD track is terrific. They’ve made good choices.
Of course the elevator to the lounge is broken, and I can’t take an escalator with my busted crutch. At least I paid a premium to be excluded.
These were my daily walking aids for six years. I loved them. I do not walk gently (partly due to the nature of my disability and partly because specialized adult orthotics, braces, etc. are too hard to obtain). I’m still more than 100 pounds under the weight limit. I thought they’d outlive me. Carbon fiber isn’t supposed to snap like this.
I bought these crutches in 2017 for my last proper vacation. Today they met their end on my last day in Cancun. I’ve swum. I’ve rested. I’ve avoided sunburn. But it might be hot enough to melt carbon fiber outside.
“You can call me Al” is a Paul Simon song.
“You can call me AI” is the beginning of a dystopia.
#ReadabilityMattersMy partner asked for my help in phrasing something. I spoke the punctuation, ending with “was there a mistake, question mark.” Someday I’ll break that habit.
(Calls insurance at 7:30)
Representative: Can I put you on a brief 3-5 minute hold?
Me: Sure.
Representative: (Keeps checking on me every 3-5 minutes for over an hour).
It's 9:20 and I'm no closer to my goal.
@Myphatself Sure. And I should be kind and give folks the benefit of the doubt. I just wish that if people wanted to help and were uncertain they how they would ask, “can I help you?” Such a simple question that, in the right context (like escorting a grown man to the bathroom) could avoid so much awkwardness (or discreetly present an offer for much-needed help!)
Waldo Jaquith
