Swiffer®

Swiffer®

The “clusterfuck” just never ends, does it? In fact, the situation is just getting worse by the day. Having additional funds is of no utility at this point in time. The recent assessment that about $200 (originally $400) of “stuff” on the personal wish list needs to be downgraded again. Replacement blades for the Norelco® electric shaver cannot be found anywhere, even on-line. The clothing selection at Ross® (the senior citizen “go-to” source) has been completely depleted. So, there’s absolutely nothing to purchase.

Well, the only recent acquisition was a Swiffer® Starter Kit for $16 from Walmart®. The floors in the mausoleum at the “old folks home” in Waikiki have been cleaned for years by getting down on hands and knees, using paper towels (courtesy the gym). The less expensive generic version of the Swiffer® was not considered. Is a $4 difference in price really going to matter? So, that’s the only wish list fulfillment so far.

The so-called “Operation Clean Slate” has commenced with preparations to mummify the Post Office mailbox rental at the end of next month when the six-month term expires. The change of address form has already been submitted. Changing addresses on-line has been a “mixed bag” so far. The big problem will be the sole credit card. On-line sites used with the credit card will for purchases require deleting and replacing the credit card data because the address on file is used for verification. Well, the only problematic vendor is Visible. No surprise, eh?

Of course, Visible offers even more problems. The old credit card data cannot be deleted. So, any changes requires setting up the same credit card as a new one. There have been many reports that the new data cannot be set up as the default. So, the payment is rejected. Translated, that means a new Visible account must be established with a new phone number (unless ported out to another wireless provider and ported back into a new Visible account).

Then, there’s the iPhone … which may or may not be replaced soon. The only model worth purchasing is the iPhone 14 Pro which is currently unavailable anywhere. The trade-in credit for the iPhone 12 is very good, by the way. Unfortunately, the new iPhone line is eSIM only. If the current Visible account cannot be transferred using the unreliable “app,” then a new account must be established (with new phone number).

Apple® has been on a downhill slide. Perhaps, the recent emphasis on “woke” bullshit has simply been too much to maintain product quality. The iOS 16 upgrade is nearly worthless, the main focus being on customization (barely) of the lock screen. The eSIM exclusivity has also been plagued with a few software problems. The only selling point, which apparently seems to really appeal to the marginal mind, is the ludicrous “Dynamic Island.” Even the bogus name seems to suggest that Apple® has lost its way.

These are definitely the “twilight years,” and the entirety of “Western” civilization is in the “twilight zone.” Endless “clusterfucks” and more! Too bad there isn’t a big enough Swiffer® to really “wipe the slate clean.” Sheesh!

Addendum: The bed sheets from the Sand Island homeless shelter are still being deployed. The Nike® gym bag is well over 15 years old. Nothing is replaced unless some necessity is identified. Frugal or miserly?