# Welcome to Twenty-Twenty-Sucks (January Mini-Rants) **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Tags:** monthly-mini-rant\ **Created:** [January 1, 2026, 7:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-to-twenty-twenty-sucks-january-mini-rants/1026231 "2026-01-01T07:59:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 11
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2026, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-to-twenty-twenty-sucks-january-mini-rants/1026231/201 "2026-01-15T17:34:54Z")
> [@Spiderman](#): > > You sound like my (@#$%^) of a cow-orker who can only have one thing open at a time & reboots _every_ day. That’s not the way I, or most people do it. No, you misunderstand me. I’m just talking about what to do when you schedule the update to run overnight. When there is a major update to my computer, like a major package, my computer won’t install it automatically. It will alert me, and I choose when I want it to run, and let it run overnight. I just shut down the programs I have open before it does it. Normally I don’t close things overnight. As in, never. Only if I know I scheduled an update myself. ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2026, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-to-twenty-twenty-sucks-january-mini-rants/1026231/202 "2026-01-15T17:41:10Z")
nope, that I agree with. I thought you were saying close everything every night _in case_ it does an update. It’s also probably better for memory but then you’re wasting time everyday starting up & reopening things. Chances are you’re not borking your memory that bad every day that it becomes an issue. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2026, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-to-twenty-twenty-sucks-january-mini-rants/1026231/203 "2026-01-15T17:41:49Z")
> [@Spiderman](#): > > nope, that I agree with. I thought you were saying close everything every night _in case_ it does an update. Oh fuck no! What a nightmare that would be! 😮 ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2026, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-to-twenty-twenty-sucks-january-mini-rants/1026231/204 "2026-01-15T22:17:13Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > IMO @wolfpup’s problem, as he himself said, is Dell. I have none of those issues with my Win11 install. Not a Dell. Not trying to install special Dell-only updates. Unlike his box. No, the problem update that was taking forever was strictly a Windows 11 update. The Dell updates were an additional headache on top of that. It was actually the first time I’ve ever seen a Dell-specific update. ---
**Author:** ![Mundane\_Super\_Hero](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mundane_super_hero/32/6304_2.png) [@Mundane\_Super\_Hero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mundane_Super_Hero)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2026, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-to-twenty-twenty-sucks-january-mini-rants/1026231/205 "2026-01-15T22:33:47Z")
The Dropkick Murphy’s just released a new song: “Citizen I.C.E.” [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/PUj2pAIQA6c/maxresdefault.jpg "Dropkick Murphys - Citizen I.C.E. - Paris - Adidas Arena - 15 novembre 2025") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUj2pAIQA6c) ---
**Author:** ![WolfpackJeep](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpackjeep/32/2921_2.png) [@WolfpackJeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WolfpackJeep)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2026, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-to-twenty-twenty-sucks-january-mini-rants/1026231/206 "2026-01-16T15:07:04Z")
So after hearing Mom complain about the new “liquid glass” design on her iPhone, I finally decided to upgrade my Mac to Tahoe to see what all the fuss was about. The design actually looks kinda nice on a big screen…my problem is with functionality. Apparently some numpty thought it would be a great idea to ditch Launchpad - which showed all of your app icons laid out on a full screen, and allowed you to sort them as you saw fit - with the App Library. I’m sure the App Library is great on mobile devices (where I think it originated), but it’s a steaming pile on the desktop. You can’t organize anything, and the only sorting available sticks the apps into predefined categories that also can’t be edited. (On what planet is Discord a “productivity” app??) Apparently there are now quite a few replacement launchers available; I’ll be installing one today. I’ve also left feedback for Apple (which seems to have actually worked with past software issues). But geez, the App Library really sucks. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2026, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-to-twenty-twenty-sucks-january-mini-rants/1026231/207 "2026-01-16T19:31:23Z")
Two deadlines today, and since people don’t get me shit I need on time, I’m going by the seat of my pants. Naturally I get a call from the school to come pick up my kid because he’s sick. Well I picked him up and he’s fine. I acknowledge he was not fine when they called, but he’s totally not sick anymore. So now I’m working with a not very sick kid at home, which I guess is better than the alternative, but not really ideal, either. And my fucking face is red and swollen and I can’t figure out why. It might be stress. I can’t think of anything I did to my face that might have triggered this. Maybe it’s nature’s way of telling me I need a break. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2026, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-to-twenty-twenty-sucks-january-mini-rants/1026231/208 "2026-01-16T20:30:05Z")
> [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > Maybe it’s nature’s way of telling me I need a break. That seems extremely plausible. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2026, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-to-twenty-twenty-sucks-january-mini-rants/1026231/209 "2026-01-16T21:27:39Z")
Well the good news is, it’s a holiday weekend. I intend to use it that way. ---
**Author:** ![Ulf\_the\_Unwashed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Ulf\_the\_Unwashed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulf_the_Unwashed)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2026, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-to-twenty-twenty-sucks-january-mini-rants/1026231/210 "2026-01-17T01:42:37Z")
It’s definitely easier to work with a mostly-sick kid at home than with a not-mostly-sick kid at home. You can get stuff done with a kid around who’s lying glassy-eyed on the couch and occasionally needs a drink of water. Much harder with a kid who’s up for playing, playing, playing. Your kid’s about 5, right? My sympathies. Don’t ask me how I know. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2026, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-to-twenty-twenty-sucks-january-mini-rants/1026231/211 "2026-01-17T03:16:11Z")
Yeah, he’s five. Glad someone understands! ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2026, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-to-twenty-twenty-sucks-january-mini-rants/1026231/212 "2026-01-17T15:10:57Z")
Last night I noticed Alexa’s voice and responses had changed. This morning I learned Alexa+ had been pushed to me. No warning, just there. Fortunately, the magic of the internet told me how to return to the old version… at least for now. I don’t ask much of my smart speakers. I get reminders to check the laundry, take my meds, empty the ice maker, and check whatever’s cooking. I can play the local classical station if I want background music. I can get the weather or find out how old this or that famous person is. I can set a timer when I need a timer. I can turn my lights on and off and even program them when I’m away. These are helpful functions. I don’t want or need > advanced context awareness (remembering past chats and user preferences), simplified multi-step task execution (e.g., booking services), personalized home screen visuals, and integration with new health trackers like Oura for proactive wellness advice. I don’t want or need a relationship with AI and I definitely don’t want it tracking me. I just want it to turn on the lights and remind me to check the dryer. Dammit. I try not to be paranoid and I’m not a technophobe, but I’m giving serious thought to looking for an alternative that is self-contained within the house and doesn’t feel compelled to share my life with some shadowy cloud-based entity. ---
**Author:** ![commasense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/commasense/32/3017_2.png) [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2026, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-to-twenty-twenty-sucks-january-mini-rants/1026231/213 "2026-01-17T15:17:09Z")
They did this to us the other day, too, so we just told it to go back to the original version, and it did. Like you, we don’t care much about the new features, but we really didn’t like the new voice. It was was a more realistic female twenty-something voice, and it had a harshness and chirpyness that was really irritating. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2026, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-to-twenty-twenty-sucks-january-mini-rants/1026231/214 "2026-01-17T15:21:13Z")
Yeah, the new voice is just tooooo perky. I see that if you don’t have prime, it costs you $19.99/month, which comes to more than an annual prime membership. Guess they’re pushing Prime? ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2026, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-to-twenty-twenty-sucks-january-mini-rants/1026231/215 "2026-01-17T16:03:27Z")
They’re always pushing Prime. I think that’s their business model. The pixel watch 3 started using AI and it’s objectively worse. It does things slower and it no longer labels my alarms, so I just have to guess what the hell I set the alarm for. Since I’m here, what is the point on releasing new episodes of a streaming show at 9pm on Thursdays? I’m on my way to bed by 9pm. Might as well just make it Friday, early evening. ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2026, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-to-twenty-twenty-sucks-january-mini-rants/1026231/216 "2026-01-17T17:35:37Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > > [@Spiderman](#): > > > > nope, that I agree with. I thought you were saying close everything every night _in case_ it does an update. > > Oh fuck no! What a nightmare that would be! 'cept that’s _exactly_ what it did overnight. It rebooted, didn’t bring back things that I had open, including File Manager/Explorer of something I was working on, or my private browsing. That one’s going to cost me $ as the hotel I was looking at is now more expensive. 🤬 ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2026, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-to-twenty-twenty-sucks-january-mini-rants/1026231/217 "2026-01-18T02:17:22Z")
It was supposed to snow between ¼ & ½"; instead we had 10x that amount…& my snowshoes were at home. At least they changed the forecast from nothing to 2-4" tomorrow. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-to-twenty-twenty-sucks-january-mini-rants/1026231/218 "2026-01-19T01:10:15Z")
Not gonna post another weather forecast chart, because it’s almost exactly the same as the previous one. We are experiencing snowmageddon! Thankfully Snowplow Guy is taking care of the driveway, but I still have to shovel the front porch. Not only that, but I literally have to shovel the tops of the garbage and recycling bins before I can open them. It’s snowmageddon this winter, in an area that normally doesn’t get much snow at all. Thankfully the vodka and rum supplies are in good shape. I think I even managed to snag some groceries on my last trip out. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-to-twenty-twenty-sucks-january-mini-rants/1026231/219 "2026-01-19T01:42:33Z")
No snow here, frost on the grass this morning. Blue skies in my biome for a change. In theory, another cold day or two, then rain. ---
**Author:** ![Ulf\_the\_Unwashed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Ulf\_the\_Unwashed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulf_the_Unwashed)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-to-twenty-twenty-sucks-january-mini-rants/1026231/220 "2026-01-19T01:54:58Z")
It’s okay, I went snowshoeing on your behalf this afternoon. It was great even though I cannot use my poles (I busted my elbow, tore a tendon, and had surgery on the arm end of last year and can’t yet do much with it). Hope you have (or already had) a chance to get out on your own pair rather than just having to live vicariously. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-to-twenty-twenty-sucks-january-mini-rants/1026231.md?page=10) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-to-twenty-twenty-sucks-january-mini-rants/1026231.md?page=12)