Case. Justin Case.

(An action hero on the off chance you need another one.)

These are bad times for men named AL. I had to capitalize the name for you to even understand what I mean.

I like people. Some of my best friends are people!

- What do you put in the description of an unpopular telegram channel?
- “All views are my own”.

"It is alive." You likely had no idea, but I had an operation two weeks ago, which went well, and I'm getting back to work now.

My doctor wants to see me again in 6 months; in my neck, two titanium disks now replace those that were damaged (one causing excruciating pain in the arm, the other silently threatening paralysis at an unspecified point in a dark branch of a future, now averted). Some 12-18 months later, three of the now fused vertebrae in my cervical spine will have grown together into one mega-vertebrum — and, unfortunately, I didn't get any useful augmentations like sub-dermal armor, night vision, or needle-casting capabilities in the style of Altered Carbon.

I am, however, again fully capable of lying down flat — and working on being able to sleep (which will probably take a while longer, but I'm off most of the meds and past the worst of the withdrawal effects). Both of those skills feel very good to practice after four months.

If you're wondering why I'm going into so much detail, it's to make you consider improving your work environment:

• Never use laptops without a stand
• Keep your phone and any other screens at eye level, like you're filming the sunset
• Use a chair and table/desk, never work from a couch or armchair
• Set a short timer that will remind you to improve your posture and position
• Set a longer timer that will remind you to get up and walk around a bit
• And screw drinking water — dehydrated people never suffer like I have. (Upd: This one’s an in-joke, don’t try this at home.)

In case you need some more convincing, here's the same story laid out in @verse (which will tell you a bit more of the "fun" that is suddenly stopping heavy painkillers):

https://t.me/verse/86

Telegram

Mike Ravdonikas: Poems

A journey from pain to health in 8 poems, with thanks to everyone involved — and a warning to anyone working behind a screen. https://telegra.ph/There-and-Neck-Again-in-8-Poems-03-04 @verse by MR

Fix Tourist Spots
Problem: Crowds ruin the vibe. Solution: Rent era-appropriate but practical clothes at destination. Perks from local shops for participants. Result: Authentic feel, social media buzz.

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