Grammargeddon Angel

Karen S. Conlin, Owner of Grammargeddon LLC Editing Services. Based in Illinois (Winnebago land). Professional opinionated old bat. Serving indie authors of SFF, weird fic, histfic, and horror (other genres considered!).

Professionally irreverent and irreverently professional

Details available at grammargeddon.com/karen-s-conlin/

Occasional MS reviewer for University of Chicago Press

Nominally Mahayana ☸️ Buddhist

profile pic: a white woman with short silver hair, wearing glasses

Public Key

npub1mhdajh0q2dv6lrr9a9a8435kjtkekwjntqsx6edunr8eafssm8jsdk9yun

NIP-05 Address

GramrgednAngel_at_zirk.us@mostr.pub

Profile Code

nprofile1qqsdmk7eths9xkd033j7j7n6c6tf9mvm8ff4sgrdvk7f3nu75cgdnegz4c44w

Author Public Key

npub1mhdajh0q2dv6lrr9a9a8435kjtkekwjntqsx6edunr8eafssm8jsdk9yun

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Last Notes

2024-08-23 23:12:08

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@npub1sfl…gczt me either!!

2024-08-23 22:07:05

First time with my 380. Not too shabby.
I finished off a box of Federal, then switched to Fiocchi. LOVE the Fiocchi.
Might shoot this for my CCL qualification.
#ResponsibleGunOwnership
https://cdn.masto.host/zirkus/media_attachments/files/113/013/598/080/874/176/original/278976c7c498fa18.jpg

2024-08-12 15:18:53

#GUMmyStuff
NO, Word, one does not hyphenate compound adjectives formed with adverbs ending in -ly.
It's "fully formed." NO hyphen.
(Note that "family-style," however, is hyphenated because "family" isn't an adverb. Neither is "scholarly," as in "scholarly-looking.")
This guidance is true for all major style guides. That's a good thing, innit.

2024-08-06 20:24:01

Been a rough summer. Today we say goodbye to River. The anemia took hold and refused to back off, and now she's in kidney failure.
I hate sobbing in public.
#RainbowBridge

2024-08-01 02:00:40

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@npub1hvz…mle9 Please don't forget "heifer!"
Everyone forgets the poor cows.

2024-07-29 00:32:37

My 27yo daughter told me today she can't wait to vote for #Harris2024.
She has never cared about voting before.

2024-07-25 16:21:48

#AmEditing
In this final proofing pass, I'm letting "amidst" and "amongst" stand because they are part of the narrative voice, appropriate for the person and the time.
I'm also letting "alright" as one word with one L stand. Clutch your pearls and get out the smelling salts if you must.
I'm also one of those who cannot wait for "whom" to go away. Forever.
#GUMmyStuff

2024-07-22 17:41:39

#AmEditing
@npub1efj…ffnh
"raised its arms in a victorious roar"
I'm nearly certain its arms made no sound whatsoever. Maybe a pop from the shoulder joint.
Changing "in" to "with" fixes this one.
#GUMmyStuff

2024-07-22 15:19:22

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@npub1sfl…gczt I owe it to us!

2024-07-22 15:18:21

I have nearly always voted Democratic tickets.
I have often donated to one campaign or another.
Yesterday was the first time I have ever set up a monthly donation to Democratic campaigns at all levels, via ActBlue.
It was past time.
#Harris2024

2024-07-22 01:58:52

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@npub1sfl…gczt I saw reported $27.5 million in the first 5 hours of her campaign

2024-07-22 01:52:10

ActBlue is JAMMED
KEEP IT UP FOLKS
#Harris2024

2024-07-16 13:59:20

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@npub1sfl…gczt I'll take pottery over random bags of zucchini and tomatoes left on my porch ANY DAY of the week.

2024-07-15 19:55:43

UNFUCKINGBELIEVEABLE
#USPolitics

2024-07-15 18:24:11

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@npub1hvz…mle9 It's been a wild couple of days.

2024-07-15 17:08:47

UPDATE: Child's car was totaled. Everything under dash ripped out to hot wire it. Both axles broken. A crease in the front end consistent with a push bar.
Here's hoping the insurance check is sufficient for them to get a decent replacement.
UGH

2024-07-13 23:28:57

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@npub1sfl…gczt As spouse just said, "If you do it right, sex *is* cardio."

2024-07-12 21:44:58

#AmEditing #GUMmyStuff
Put your important word/phrase at the end of the sentence or paragraph. The white space (either the single one after a period inside a paragraph or the larger one at the end of a paragraph) signals the reader to stop, however briefly, and lets them take in the words.
Just one weird trick (as the clickbait goes) I learned from Roy Peter Clark, "America's writing coach." If you have the chance to hear him speak or take a seminar from him, DO IT.
https://roypeterclark.com/

2024-07-11 15:06:26

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@npub1hvz…mle9 That *is* wild. Once again, I'm realizing how lucky I am to have clients who don't argue with me. (Whether they curse me as they review the edits, I don't know, but I don't hear it!)

2024-07-11 14:23:35

#AmEditing #GUMmyStuff
With very few exceptions (mostly in academic style), in AmE terminal punctuation goes *inside* the quotation marks.
Colons and semicolons go outside
I've stopped counting how often I correct one of these errors.

2024-07-08 22:36:12

Have just encountered a recipe that uses both "Cajun" and "Creole" in its title and description, and "Cajun" to describe its seasoning, but contains tomatoes and herbs, hallmarks of Creole cooking.
I am SO annoyed.
#Cooking

2024-07-08 15:48:29

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@npub1hvz…mle9 Which is why I *love* Carol Fisher Saller's book "But Can I Start a Sentence with 'But'?"

2024-07-08 15:18:42

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@npub1sfl…gczt Hey, at least you had everything plugged in.

2024-07-02 23:35:00

River says enough contemplating. Time for sleep.
#CatsOfMastodon
https://cdn.masto.host/zirkus/media_attachments/files/112/719/508/566/325/371/original/43eecb356b54a1d6.jpg

2024-07-01 00:10:47

River has sat on the kitchen table twice today and waited patiently for someone to put food in front of her. I'd say the appetite stimulant is working. She only nibbles, but it beats not eating.
Here she is, sitting with me but not posing. Just sitting as close as she can without being on me.
#CatsOfMastodon
https://cdn.masto.host/zirkus/media_attachments/files/112/708/326/753/139/947/original/689a163c5a9d9bf7.jpg

2024-06-30 15:52:53

Amazing how people feel fine about telling others what to do on here.
I'll thank all of you not to make assumptions about my decision-making abilities.
#FuckOff

2024-06-21 12:42:53

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@npub1sfl…gczt also, often dangerous. Possibly even life threatening.

2024-06-20 23:27:54

Huckleberry is my lap cat tonight.
Quite a change from the Dowager, who weighed maybe 5 pounds at the end.
My legs are already going numb
#CatsOfMastodon
https://cdn.masto.host/zirkus/media_attachments/files/112/651/533/899/974/082/original/98c73ccd33a28e8e.jpg

2024-06-19 17:56:01

River came in to nap on me.
She hasn't done this since the Dowager passed.
I brought the Dowager's ashes home this morning. Maybe it's all right now.
#CatsOfMastodon
https://cdn.masto.host/zirkus/media_attachments/files/112/644/566/868/081/057/original/c6b3bb4fe8772023.jpg

2024-06-18 18:48:10

After more than a month away while tending to the Dowager's final days (not a moment of which I regret), I'm back in the editing saddle.
First up is a short-story collection, a wonderful blend of history and lore and outright fiction. I suspect the audience will be the same people who bought this writer's previous book about her home town. They'll love it, I'm sure. It's not too folksy, not too dry, feels like my grandfather's reminiscence.
#AmEditing

2024-06-15 20:48:29

Simon sleeps the sleep of the blissfully unaware.
#Caturday
#CatsOfMastodon
https://cdn.masto.host/zirkus/media_attachments/files/112/622/602/386/640/376/original/6fbef3bc58d41fb9.jpg

2024-06-15 16:23:01

We said goodbye to the Dowager this morning.
She was mad that we removed her from her favorite spot on the server.
She rubbed my hand through the mesh of her carrier.
And she went to sleep wrapped in a blanket in Shawn's arms.

2024-06-13 00:10:45

As much as I cook, and as many cuisines I enjoy trying to cook, you'd think that before today I'd have learned that rice wine vinegar and rice vinegar are *the same thing.*
Whew.
#Cooking

2024-06-10 11:41:29

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@npub1sfl…gczt Just blurt it out, why don't ya 😎

2024-06-02 19:39:19

Does every CVS look like it's perpetually going out of business? Few cars in the lot, no one inside, listless employees . . .
#CVSCaremark

2024-06-02 01:04:39

Every now and then, I need to hear this.
Have a good night.
Ray Charles - Hit The Road Jack LIVE
https://youtube.com/watch?v=nIlKBr9Nr8A&si=AOu6jLC5Y19n956l

2024-05-11 04:53:56

Remember, we get another chance to see the #AuroraBorealis tomorrow (Saturday) night!

2024-05-02 00:12:35

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@npub1sfl…gczt Usually, if it was delivered by their Mail Innovations services, you'll return it USPS.
If a UPS driver brought it, it'll go back UPS (ground, air, whatever).

2024-05-02 00:11:37

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@npub1sfl…gczt Understandable!

2024-05-02 00:10:34

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@npub1sfl…gczt I know this because I order ALL TEH THINGS and am familiar with the ways of shipping services.

2024-05-02 00:09:48

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@npub1sfl…gczt Via USPS. Mail Innovations is a UPS service that uses USPS for delivery.

2024-04-25 01:48:27

https://www.the-efa.org/self-publishing-author-guidelines/
I know a number of new writers follow me, so I'm sharing the Editorial Freelancers Association's link to their guidelines for self-publishing authors. Hope it helps!

2024-04-24 22:59:43

Well. It's time to decide when to say goodbye to the Dowager, who is in kidney failure. The vet was wonderful about explaining exactly what's happening right now and laying out probable futures. Even with aggressive fluid therapy, requiring three days' hospitalization, the best we could expect is "maybe a year." And that, he explained, is a long shot at her advanced age.
I have some pain meds and some appetite stimulants, but I know that inside a week we'll say farewell.
#SuperSeniorCat

2024-04-18 16:00:01

Been doing quite a bit of research into Civil War–era foodstuffs and packaging today, all in the service of ensuring a list of goods provided to a party taking a wagon into the Appalachians on a mission is presented with the proper verisimilitude. Sacks. Casks. Cones. Bushels. Tins.
#AmEditing @npub1efj…ffnh

2024-04-17 13:55:22

Interesting (to me, anyway) that "wrought iron" is styled open even when it's used adjectivally.
And yes, I almost always have to look it up.
#AmEditing #GUMmyStuff

2024-04-15 14:59:31

#AmEditing @npub1efj…ffnh
"OK" is an American word dating to the very late 1830s. (The form "okay" dates to 1929. See Chambers Dictionary of Etymology.)
When I see it in fantasy that isn't set in the US , I twitch. Hard. If it's a project I'm editing, I provide options for the client to use instead. Same when I see it in historical fiction of an earlier time and different place.
Words matter.

2024-04-14 20:34:42

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@npub1rkt…sqek Even so, IMO it's worthwhile. The finale is satisfying.

2024-04-12 15:04:56

The past tense of TO GRIND is
GROUND.
"Grinded" is clearly nonstandard. I could perhaps see a character using it if the background information supported it, but this particular narrator would never.
And that's what I said in my comment to the client.
#AmEditing
@npub1efj…ffnh

2024-04-10 01:49:23

As expected, feeling much better now that those stubborn sutures are out. Dr had some difficulty removing them. I told him that clearly he had knotted them too well. He laughed and apologized for the discomfort.
Another couple of days with salt water rinse, which I expected as well. Back to having teeth tomorrow! YAY

2024-03-31 00:14:57

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@npub1sfl…gczt YAAAAYYY

2024-03-28 14:03:21

#AmEditing @npub1efj…ffnh
CMoS users, if you haven't already put the PDF of the hyphenation table on your desktop, why haven't you?
Saves so much time and hassle!
(Brought to you by "prune-like")

2024-03-26 15:31:16

WTF is the point of blocking spam phone numbers when carriers still let the calls through? Yeah, I'm calling out #TMobile

2024-03-22 18:08:40

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@npub1yf4…fcsf Tusky

2024-03-20 15:59:09

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@npub1hvz…mle9 The universe knows.

2024-03-20 15:28:30

#AmEditing
Line editing (substantive editing) is not the same as copy editing, but many copy editors also perform line edits.
Squares and rectangles, y'know.

2024-03-04 17:14:51

#NationalGrammarDay
Here's my post from last year. Just as relevant now, especially the last couple of paragraphs.
https://grammargeddon.com/2023/03/04/national-grammar-day-2023/

2024-03-01 20:17:15

#HappinessIs unpacking the dishes you need to complete the two (!) sets of service for eight
Can't say enough about #ReplacementsLtd
Https://replacements.com

2024-02-29 02:21:28

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@npub1sfl…gczt Ha! No kidding.

2024-02-29 02:20:53

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@npub1sfl…gczt "Exciting" isn't always a plus. That sounds like a great position to me.

2024-02-29 02:19:40

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@npub1sfl…gczt WHAT IS THE JOB??
Also: Congratulations!

2024-02-28 16:57:42

Yesterday's high temperature was 73F.
A cold front came through last night. The wild weather missed us, for which we are thankful.
Today it's 20F, and it feels like 6 because of the winds.
Yay spring.
#Weather

2024-02-26 02:11:08

OMG NORTHERN EXPOSURE IS ON PRIME

2024-02-24 19:49:53

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@npub1sfl…gczt We love it.
My parents would be horrified LOL

2024-02-24 19:41:37

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@npub1sfl…gczt The counter looks different now with beetroot appliances on it, but this shows the colors.
https://cdn.masto.host/zirkus/media_attachments/files/111/988/156/460/710/087/original/2256c0b572be1174.jpg

2024-02-24 19:18:38

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@npub1sfl…gczt I love our black range. Getting a Stoveguard mat for the top was also an excellent move. Makes cleanup a lot easier.
Our fridge is stainless.
The cabinets are fig, pistachio, and forest green.
Beats the 1952 white enamel all to blazes.

2024-02-15 01:50:45

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@npub1sfl…gczt Reader, I finished it.
My eyes were sweating, but I finished it! (It was quite delicious, honestly.)

2024-02-15 01:40:26

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@npub1sfl…gczt A friend told me that at Thai places, if you want it really spicy, you ask them to make it like they would for their grandfather.
I did.
They came out to watch me eat it.

2024-02-14 18:49:59

I truly had intended to do some burning today. There's way too much cardboard on the porch for my liking. (In winter, we break down most packaging and stash it, until it's not too inclement to be outside for an hour or so.)
However, the Dowager has deemed it Nap Day and has made me her divan.
I don't argue with a frail old kitty.

2024-02-14 18:44:58

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@npub1sfl…gczt Not so much "plus" as "also"

2024-02-08 00:27:45

Yes, I have Medicare. But I have only part of it, because I'm still covered by my spouse's insurance (nice for vision and dental).
I will not ever buy into the "Advantage" nonsense. I'd rather pay more for dental and vision care than get caught in that scam. No, no, nope, never, no.
#Medicare

2024-02-05 22:51:59

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@npub1sfl…gczt That's ridiculous. Grr.

2024-01-29 01:59:43

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@npub10av…5kkx @npub1s7y…u8ak that one's black.
For a second, I saw it as red, but when it resolved, it was black and a different font from the red one.

2024-01-29 00:12:34

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@npub10av…5kkx I must be doing something wrong. I see your conversation, but I don't see a question mark in any color but white (at the end of a question, as expected, with all the white text). If I'm supposed to see a smiley face, I don't, but I see code in red.
Lots of code in red, green, and white

2024-01-28 23:21:07

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@npub10av…5kkx it's red on my Android (using Tusky)

2024-01-13 20:12:16

"Added bonus" is as silly as "free gift."
Just something I realized on hearing it.
#GUMmyStuff

2024-01-10 13:17:22

#RIP to Jennell Jaquays, and my deepest condolences to Rebecca and all other family who are feeling this loss.
The #TTRPG world is less sparkly today.

2024-01-09 23:55:08

Power is back, but I'm distrustful.
The outage is "under investigation" per Com Ed. Three hundred fifty eight people affected (that's the whole town).
I'm leaving the candles lit.

2024-01-06 04:29:34

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@npub1sfl…gczt #Goals

2024-01-02 03:36:48

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@npub1sfl…gczt I used a 3in cutter and got 9 muffins. Far from the 14 it claims. Next time I'll try a 2 or 2.5. They grow considerably during the second rise.
Also, be advised the dough is very, very soft and elastic. A little tricky to shape and transfer.
Delicious, though.

2024-01-02 03:24:36

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@npub1sfl…gczt https://preppykitchen.com/english-muffins/
I've tried others, but this one came out best for me.

2024-01-02 03:23:19

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@npub1sfl…gczt Time-consuming, but not difficult. I'll post the recipe link.

2024-01-02 01:58:07

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@npub1sfl…gczt Spouse declares them superior.
I'll be refining the method as I go. I'm not happy with how badly they stick to the parchment during the second rise. Needs a layer, not just a sprinkling, of cornmeal, I think.

2024-01-01 22:51:02

New year, new item in my baking repertoire
#HomeBaking
#EnglishMuffins
https://cdn.masto.host/zirkus/media_attachments/files/111/683/133/160/897/117/original/8529f43bf197b5de.jpg

2023-12-31 22:52:37

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@npub1ggh…ykhp I hope 2024 treats you well, my friend.

2023-12-31 22:44:29

Already working on the idea of keeping my opinions to myself, particularly those about other people's thoughts.
"Well, that's a dumb reason for that choice." No one cares, Karen. It's important to that person. Scroll on.
#Opinions

2023-12-27 02:32:39

"I AM NO MAN!"
[Audience goes wild]
#LOTRReturnOfTheKing

2023-12-27 01:24:16

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@npub1sfl…gczt I still cry!

2023-12-27 01:13:10

"The beacons are lit! Gondor calls for aid!"
That sequence never fails to stir the blood.
#LOTRReturnOfTheKing

2023-12-24 21:11:27

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@npub1hvz…mle9 I'm so glad it was useful!

2023-12-24 15:39:28

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@npub1sfl…gczt @npub139h…44p0 "Honor your inner 12-year-old" is a mantra among copy editors.

2023-12-23 03:39:38

"There'll be pork in the treetops by morning" is my second-favorite line. (Henry uses the phrase "when pigs have wings," and that is Eleanor's rejoinder.)
#TheLionInWinter

2023-12-18 17:35:00

I can't speak highly enough of Replacements Ltd.
Https://Replacements.com
They've helped me replace broken pieces and augment my table setting of my Noritake stoneware, which I bought for myself as a "thank gods I'm divorced" present in 1991. The pattern has long been discontinued, but I've gotten another 5-piece place setting, another luncheon/dessert plate, 5 dessert bowls, and a hostess set (sugar/creamer, chop plate, serving bowl).
I drew the line at the $250 platter, though. #Limits

2023-12-17 16:05:30

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@npub1hvz…mle9 Amen. I'm attending a school concert this week (the only family member who can, because of work schedules). I'll be masked.
And I won't be surprised if I'm the only one.
#MaskUp

2023-12-15 12:40:42

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@npub1yxz…6s8m my niche! 🤣

2023-12-14 00:30:55

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@npub1sfl…gczt I don't know if I'd have that much, myself. Go, you!

2023-12-04 13:35:08

The joy of a well-stocked spice cabinet.
Need jerk seasoning? Make your own.
Love these little lidded jars with preprinted labels. I hadn't needed jerk seasoning until this morning.
https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/chili-pepper-recipes/spice-blends/homemade-jamaican-jerk-seasoning/
#HomeCooking
https://cdn.masto.host/zirkus/media_attachments/files/111/522/391/626/848/780/original/64c5318cbec47a3e.jpg

2023-11-24 00:58:24

Made a walnut crust for a Black Forest pie. The filling is sweetened condensed milk and milk chocolate chips, microwaved in bursts and stirred smooth. Over that is a layer of cherry pie filling. Then melted chocolate chips drizzled over all, and whipped cream piped around the outside.
It's SO SWEEEEEEEEET. At least, the filling is. Maybe the crust will mitigate that. We'll find out tomorrow.
https://www.luckyleaf.com/recipe/no-bake-black-forest-cherry-pie/
#HomeBaking

2023-11-12 01:17:38

This Osaka sequence is one of the best fight scenes I've watched in years. #JohnWick4

2023-11-05 19:15:11

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@npub1hvz…mle9 You could've just asked me. I was 10, and I used my allowance to buy the 45.
(Not what you asked, but relevant.)

2023-10-29 21:26:45

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@npub1sfl…gczt and the WiFi is spotty?