They are still running in The Netherlands, although only in 1 city.

Why choose?

I started with an RPi 1b to read out my weatherstation (WH1080 clone) and post it online with weewx. Then a Bananapi R1 entered to replace my intel system as firewall/core router (savings on power usage, a lot). The RP 1 got replaced by a RPi 2, and tne 1 moved to the smartmeeter for readout. The main server (huge AMD tower) got replaced by a RPi 3 (again, power savings), Bpi R2 replaced the R1 when bananian development stopped. RPi 3 died on me (sd slot failed) and I got a replacement. As the 1st RPi3 was dead anyway, I tried to repair it (only use of the solderings at the side proved to be to keep the slot in place) and used it to replace the Bpi R2 as support got problematic.

The main server got upgraded to a RPi 4 8GB, with the RPi3 replacing the RPi2 that was handeling my weatherstation. I got an rflink, so I added domoticz and that now powers my kaku (dutch power switching system) in a mixed old/new setup. The RPi3 that was my main router (internet router via fiber) got replaced hh an RPi4 witn 4 GB mem, as the 2 GB mem version wasn’t available. (Not a bad move, with the on-board non-usb 1GB interface and a tad over 2 GB mem use)

The freed RPi3 is now for the smartmeter, so all RPi are 64 bit. (All running aarm64 Debian) Both Bpi’s and RPi 1 and 2 are collecting dust, as I haven’t found a use for them… yet. Looking for projects to use them. As media server they’re to light. (Although, Bpi R2 could be useful for that)

Lemmings.

As stated, lemmy is named after 4 sources, with the furry rodent being one of them. (Although the last option)

I love being a furry rodent gnawing away at Reddit. ;)

Depends, define free and define useful. ;)

You can learn a lot by reading up and watching YT vids. I already did my own car maintenance (started as hobby, now it’s a necessity, car mechanics cost twice/trice my hourly wage), but didn’t know how to replace the fuelpump on this modern car. Garage quoted €500, part was 109, special tool 79, seals 5 each (2). Replaced it myself in 4h.

I’m also learning to play bass guitar with the help of YT (already have the bass), painted my house, replaced kitchen and parts in bathroom including plumbing,… None of DIY things for free, but cheaper then hiring somebody to do these task. Even when you count your hourly wage, most of those tasks can be done cheaper yourself.

When you want no investment at all, languages are very useful to learn, at least when you meet others speaking those languages. Learning to setup a computer with free software is usefull as well (saves cash, so eeven better then free ;) ).

At this moment in time, in most pasrts of Europe and the USA, labour is the most expensive part of everything, so I’d say everything you can learn to do yourself is worth investing some time and maybe some cash in. Nothing wrong with hobbies that can save cash in the long run.

In 100 years, nobody will care

Growing old is mandatory, growing up optional.

Murphy’s law is always apllicable, unless you depend on it.

Take Two bought Zynga and managed to add a battle pass to CSR Racing 2 which you can’t ignore as well… Every week ‘here are the new tasks’, every level ‘here is your reward’ and no way to keep on gaming and check it out later, you have to go to the pass… (which takes a minute)

I thought those lootboxes were the cancer of the gaming industry, but this is worse. I’m glad that some are killing the pass system off again.

And in those boxes I sometimes see < 1% chances on the main item to drop and close to 50% for useless junk…

All games have their methods to leach cash out of players, but some methods are just despicable. Galaxy of FIre: Alliances was a positive exception. Buy a point doubler for $1.99 that’s permanent… Those amounts are within the expendable income part for almost all players. (not > 100 for 1 item or thousand for gambling)