I Thinkvideo Games Arent Really The Violent Child-corrupting Threat Some Parents Worry They Are Andcertain

i think “video games aren’t really the violent child-corrupting threat some parents worry they are” and “certain circles of gamer culture are incredibly toxic and can lead people down dangerous/hateful ideological rabbit holes” are ideas that can absolutely coexist

Ok so my kid had an ear infection, right? As kids often do.

The doctor scraped out a bit of earwax to have a better look inside.

I was sent a bill for $200 PER EAR for this 5 second procedure which I did not give permission for them to do.

That was key- they did not ASK me if they could do this "procedure". And, as I OWN a medical practice (it's me. The medical practice is me, sitting in my house on video calls) I knew to call them when this bill came in to be like "You did not obtain informed consent for this procedure, and it was not en emergency procedure. You had full ability to gain my consent and didn't. I'm not paying."

And the massive hospital who owned the bill said "yuh-huh you do have to pay."

And I said "I own a practice. I know these laws. I do not owe you money for this."

And they conducted an "internal review" and SURPRISE! Decided I totally owed them money and they had never done anything wrong ever.

And so I called my state's Attorney General office, and explained the situation because, as I mentioned, I know the law. The AG got in touch within a couple days to say they were taking the case and would send the massive hospital conglomerate a knock it off, guys letter.

Lo and Behold, today I have a letter where said hospital graciously has agreed to forfeit the payment.

"How not to get screwed over by companies" should be part of civics class.

Know your rights and know who to call when they're infringed on. This whole process cost me $0 and honestly less effort than I would have expected.

May this knowledge find its way to someone else who can use it.

i know nobody even follows me on here but on the off-chance someone sees this - please, please pray for me. I've become very lost and weak in my faith. i want to fast and pray tomorrow but I'm really lacking strength. please, pray for my faith & strength to increase & anything else on your heart. I need help

Our glorious Miku is a beacon for human creativity and musical composition

Their traitorous Ai music is a soulless thief and a robber with no human creativity they are not the same

• It's that strange child with the priests, who always seems to make a nuisance out of himself •

I love borders. August is the border between summer and autumn; it is the most beautiful month I know.

—Tove Jansson