Tried Crunchyroll Via Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video had a limited time discount on Crunchyroll, so i decided to check it out. $1.99 a month each for two months (still got 20 or so more days left).  i was tempted by the Hidive offer too (maybe next year).  So, how am i liking it so far?

Compared to the Crunchyroll app (only used it for free content), it is lacking.

* No browse button (Prime Video search is a bit hit or miss sometimes desired show aren't in list)

* Don't like Prime Videos side scrolling interface

* Missing episodes, dubs, and sometimes even subs (compared to app)

* Occasional mistakes in populating seasons (Villainess All Routes Lead to Doom, S1&2 episodes were mixed up)

* Various other problems: occasional time delayed subs (anything more than 3 seconds is virtually unwatchable), at least one episode had the sub from the previous episode, and others i can't think of now

* Switching subtitles: have had shows switch subtitles between episodes of the same season from English to Spanish, German, and French.

From a usability standpoint, i wish there would be separate interfaces from the digital store and streaming (Prime Video and add-ons).

That is to say nothing of the ridiculous level of censorship some shows have.  There are a few with most of the screen covered.  Why animate those scenes anyway if they are going to be that censored?  Funimation was so much better in that regard.

There are tons of shows, if you can find them.  The lack of a browse interface (by genre at least) makes some shows harder to find.  There are suggestions, though your mileage may vary.  Options excluding shows without at least an English sub would be helpful.

For the price i paid for two months, it was a pretty good deal.  Let's just say, i probably got my money's worth.  

Happy Winter Soltsice

Winter Solstice has come yet again.  The longest night of the year* (except certain places in northern latitudes, like AK).  Whether you are a pagan/neo-pagan, Saturnalia lover, or use it as a semi-Xmas like i do.  i hate summer, so i don't celebrate that inferior solstice.

Billion Dollar Jackpot Post (Dec 13, 2025)

Back with another $1B+ jackpot post.  So why do i do these types of posts anyway?  Because i feel like it.  Kind of wanted a general idea of how often $1B+ jackpots happened.

Once again, it is Powerball.  i still contend Mega Millions "screwed the pooch" with their price change from $2 to $5 per ticket (thank some guy from the Washington state lottery for that misstep).

Update: 1 ticket winner on Xmas Eve of $1.817B

What would i do if i actually won?  That is the Wile E Coyote problem (be careful what you wish for).  There is a bunch of stuff i would like to do that is so far outside my comfort zone that i realistically could never attempt. Would i take the cash option?  Definitely.  Buy a house and rental properties?  Probably.  Run for president once (even though i know i could never win)?  Maybe.  Have a mansion with my own harem?  Only in my dreams.

i could probably live out the rest of my pitiful existence for $15 million.  What would i do with the other estimated $123 million (probably lowballing amount) if i solely won a $1B jackpot?  i don't know.  How hard, for me, would it be claiming the prize and actually getting to use it (the financial logistics could be very difficult for an introvert, like me)?  Very.  It would pose a big problem, but it is not the worst problem someone could have.

Random Musings Today: Xmas Decorations, AI Bubble, etc

It's been a while since i last mused randomly.  Let's see what has been on my mind lately...

Xmas Decorations:

i put up Xmas decorations.  Doing so required me to move a bunch of things.  Putting up Xmas decorations comes with some downsides.  i partially aggravated some pre-existing conditions.  Finally got an Xmas tree up, but had limited places to put it.  Couldn't use where it was last year.

Yes, i partially decorate with Bark Box dog toys (Rudolph).  Sorry dogs, those are for decoration, not playing.

Hulu Anime Binge 2025

i cancelled my Hulu subscription, as my promotional $.99 a month offer is ending (the cost per month is increasing and i don't want to forget to cancel, so i did it early).  Supposedly, i still have the subscription until January 1st.

So, what anime shows have i "watched" this annum?  Note: this may not be a complete list of shows (there are probably some shows i rewatched not listed).  Also, my writing sucks sometimes and mechanical pencil writing can fade.  i probably can't really remember half of these.  Shows with ellipses (...) are not the full title of the show (some of which are kind of ridiculous and/or overly wordy).

Eventually, maybe i'll have to buy some of the better seasons on Blu-ray.  Funimation shows being out of print in the US (thanks Crunchyroll buyout) makes things a little harder (and impossibly expensive).

If i had Crunchyroll or Hidive, i'd likely clear 120+ seasons in a year (until i'd likely burn my interest out).  If i could have done so prepaying with cash (and no credit card), i probably would have.

Shows watched (through last episode listed on Hulu, may not have watched the earlier seasons this year):  * ongoing/didn't watch all episodes available

My First Job

X years ago in October, i got my first job after college.  Well, to the extent that short-term contract work can be considered a job.  That also does not include my years 12-16 mowing lawns for a community area a few times a month.  This after college job, at least i didn't have to save a 50lb lawnmower from going into a lake after slipping on a sloped hill.

When you first get out of college, you think a job will be a lot different than it turns out to be.  My temporary job (was a 6-month contract that lasted 3 months).  i was basically a cost accountant at Boeing (not for Boeing).  So, you think that would be debits/credits/some type of ledger?  Wrong, it was data entry (a sole sucking activity).  i was hoping to do more analysis type things.

The Seattle Mariners Won A Playoff Game Isn't There a Prophecy About That?

The Seattle Mariners, a baseball team, won an American League Championship playoff game against Toronto.  That may be insignificant, but further wins could be a harbinger of the end of the world.  Wasn't there some prophesy about that.  Well, if there isn't there should be.

Update: unfortunately, the world will remain for at least another year.  i guess it is just lamentations for now, instead of destruction.

The Prophesy of Doom (Dooom echo fade):