It took me too long, but I finally registered chetcast.com. Much easier to say and, one year in, I think this show is going to be around for a while.

Seven months ago, I wrote about my intention to delete all of my Google services. Without a doubt, Google creates some incredible and easy-to-use products. However, their corporate positions on human rights, national defense, and privacy outraged me. I pledged to delete all of my Google services within the year. Yesterday, I closed my Nest account and I am officially out of Google’s orbit.

It was not an easy task. Google has its fingers in many pies, and their products, in many categories, are superior. The Nest Thermostat, for example, is a beautiful product with intuitive design. Their business listings present just the information that I need, when I need it. Waze is Waze. There’s little doubt that their trackers are following me across the Internet, but I’ve made myself a much narrower target.

The alternatives are not as good, but we have a much better values alignment. The themes that Cal Newport highlights in Digital Minimalism continue to reinforce my decision. I recommend the book to everyone. I want to protect my data, my family, and withhold to the maximum extent possible earnings that Google can generate off of me and my profile.

It’s been over a year since I’ve deleted my Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts. It feels great to let Google join that list.

Deregulated energy is confusing for newcomers. But once you get the hang of it, it’s awesome. Switching providers this upcoming year saved me 22% on my bill.

Sometimes life with your credit frozen is a little weird. Changing utilities and couldn’t figure out why they kept asking for maximum deposits. Oh, right.

In technology, users often have to sacrifice product quality & usability for privacy.

One More Light by Linkin Park is a remarkable song in its defense of the dignity of the human person. We lost a great artist in Chester. 🎵

The people of Hong Kong are an inspiration to us all. 🇭🇰

With the addition of MarsEdit and PDFPen, Setapp’s value proposition is getting very strong.

Crazy busy cleaning day. Amazing at how much I can get done when constantly in motion.

The perfect way to start a Sunday morning.

🎞

I prefer writing to the sound of rain to any music.

I’m a repeat past-tense offender.

I’m so grateful to the thousands of talented photographers who donate their art to Unsplash. It makes the Internet a more beautiful place.

Nice day for a swim.

🎞

It’s a wonderful day to be at the zoo. Warm with a nice breeze. 🦒🦓🐘🦏🐅