@mftassano@sfba.social avatar

mftassano

@[email protected]

I used to be an engineer, programmer, commercialArtist, and technicalWriter. I was even in the #SCA for a while.
In fact, I have even worked on the #CTR project at the Lawrence Livermore Lab. That's where my very first program crashed the linear accelerator.
But now that I'm retired, I don't have time for any of that. It’s all #soloRPG and #worldbuilding, a bit of #conlang, daily #walking, and 200 other #hobbies. I am returning to #pastel #landscape when I need a break from #typewriter repair.

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@Daojoan@mastodon.social avatar Daojoan , to random

I've stopped asking, "what does the future hold?"

I'm more likely to ask, "what can I hold, no matter the future?"

mftassano ,
@mftassano@sfba.social avatar

@Daojoan Sharp wit? :-)

@Daojoan@mastodon.social avatar Daojoan , to random

I'm Exhausted By My Own Cynicism.
A thread. 🧵

1/16

mftassano ,
@mftassano@sfba.social avatar

@Daojoan I have read enough of your work to know you aren’t asking for advice. I believe you are sharing your journey with us and this thread is a way to let us also share in your path ahead.
That’s the part that gives me hope, brings me back to earth. Gives me hope that someone I admire has some clues to share, will help me focus on my own cynicism and ways to push through it.
Thank you.

@arstechnica@mastodon.social avatar arstechnica , to random

Genetic testing company 23andMe declares bankruptcy
Former CEO wants to buy it, but the fate of its customers' genetic data is unclear.
https://arstechnica.com/science/2025/03/genetic-testing-company-23andme-declares-bankruptcy/?utm_brand=arstechnica&utm_social-type=owned&utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=social

mftassano ,
@mftassano@sfba.social avatar

@arstechnica I deleted my account and data yesterday after reading warnings this might happen. I don’t think I will miss it.

@mftassano@sfba.social avatar mftassano , to random

The last segment of my working life was doing technical writing for software companies in . Understanding the software was easy, I had been a programmer for a long time before becoming a .

The hard part was trying to put things into terms my audience would 'get' and I really admire people who can do that.
That’s why I devour everything @Daojoan sends out.

She got me to and and helped me see that privacy and software freedom is more than and .
Go read her stuff. You won’t be disappointed.

@Daojoan@mastodon.social avatar Daojoan , to random

For the sake of transparency.

I know I seem like I have it together, but some days, I am genuinely terrified for my future. I have one amazing freelance client, but as a trans person in tech with soft skills - and as a trans journalist - work started drying up after the election last year.

mftassano ,
@mftassano@sfba.social avatar

@Daojoan I don’t have any luck to spare, but if it’s any consolation, I only sent money to Joyce Vance and you.
I have stopped watching tv, quit drinking in January, and am caring for my wife. And my cat.
I can’t honestly say things will get better, but you are heard, are helping me understand stuff.
Thank you.

@georgetakei@universeodon.com avatar georgetakei , to random

The approval rating of The Supreme Court has plummeted to historic lows. Between the Court's radical rulings and blatant displays of corruption and partisanship, the American people have lost faith in this Court. What can Congress do now to implement real reform and accountability? https://thinkbigpicture.substack.com/p/supreme-court-recusal-reform-alito

mftassano ,
@mftassano@sfba.social avatar

@georgetakei Disapproving of the Supreme Court is very much like shouting at the rain.