Yes, Instagram Is Down
Instagram asked its users to ‘hang tight’ as they work to solve what’s causing access issues for some.
By LeAnn Wallace | Published September 22, 2022 | Gizmodo.com
If you’re able to access your Instagram account right now, I guess you can consider yourself lucky. The app was reportedly down for some users Thursday according to thousands of user-generated reports on Downdetector.com.
But at 2:25 p.m ET, Instagram claimed the issues were fixed. “And we’re back!” the app’s official communications Twitter account exclaimed. But many on Twitter replied to the alleged fix with screen shots of their Instagram accounts still not working.
Here’s the backstory
On Thursday afternoon the folks at Insta did confirm the access issues on their Twitter handle saying, “We’re aware that some people are having trouble accessing Instagram. We’re working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible. Sorry for any inconvenience, and hang tight! #instagramdown.”
I’m sure it is a pretty big inconvenience for some people who use the app to communicate via DM or who use it to run business accounts. The outage was nice fodder for the creation of memes and other posts poking fun at devout users of the app having to check other social media sites like Twitter to see whether Insta’s down or whether there’s just a problem with their account.
We’ll keep you updated as to what happened so you can once again go about scrolling the thirst traps, vacation pics, and reels you may or may not be engaging with.
Documentary Director: Trump ‘Looked Terrible’ After Being Kicked Off Twitter
The man behind the documentary ‘Unprecedented’ says the former president was experiencing ‘a real withdrawal’ from social media during filming.
By LeAnn Wallace | Published September 1, 2022 | Gizmodo.com
It’s understandable that a man so attached to social media would be a bit frazzled when one day it was all taken away. Alex Holder, the filmmaker who got incredible access to the 45th President and his family while filming a documentary leading up to the January 6th Capitol riots, says he saw firsthand how upsetting it is to no longer be able to live-tweet insults and every other random thought to a mass audience.
Holder was a guest on the Bulwark Podcast this week and shared what he called “a little behind the scenes secret.” He said Trump had clearly gained some weight and was in a foul mood because he was experiencing social media withdrawals.
“That’s literally what his closest aide said to me: he was in the most terrible, foul, mood because he couldn’t use social media. It was remarkable,” Holder said.
It’s clear Trump needed some time offline in the days following the Jan. 6 attack at the Capitol. Especially when you take into account the role he played in escalating what unfolded that day. But before (and let’s be honest, sometimes during) his time as POTUS, Trump, the reality TV star and questionable businessman, did have some pretty entertaining and at times very cringy tweets. The Daily Show even created a pop-up exhibit, The Donald J. Trump Presidential Twitter Library, that displayed some of his greatest hits.
Of course, Trump couldn’t stay offline forever. He took matters into his own tiny hands by creating his own platform, Truth Social. If you’ve been missing some of the thoughts of the former President, apparently that’s where you can find them. But sadly, you’ll also be sure to find a bunch of strange QAnon conspiracies and likely even a pinch of unmoderated violence.
Holder, by the way, was subpoenaed by the congressional committee investigating the January 6th attacks and testified before them. While his tales of covering Trump can be interesting and funny at times, perhaps they can also shed some additional light on the days that lead up to and followed that horrific day in U.S. history.
2021 Holiday Gift Guide for the Wellness Enthusiast in Your Life
Season’s Greetings, y’all.
As we head into the most wonderful time of year, the folks over at JUST fitness tapped me to offer their community some gift suggestions. Am I super trendy or were they just out of options? Either way, I’m never one to shy away from giving advice (solicited or otherwise). Let’s go!
1. Theragun Elite – $399
Listen, this little machine will help you forget all of your lonely COVID nights. It’s a smart percussive therapy massager that’ll melt away tension while releasing soreness from those hard workouts. It’s one of my favorite self-care tools. Grab one for a loved one here. (Even if that loved one is YOU!)
2. Palo Santo – $9.97-$99.97
Could someone on your list use a little upgrade to their meditation or yoga practice? Maison Palo Santo is your go-to for ethically-sourced Palo Santo. It’s known to create a calming and cleansing atmosphere and smells delicious. (Plus, it can also be used to clear negative energy if you’re into that kinda thing)
3. Baileys Irish Cream + Hot Cocoa – $24.99 / $3.99
Sometimes the best gift is quality time. Cozy up with your partner or host a few friends and enjoy a Baileys Hot Chocolate. I chose Whole Food’s 365 Organic Hot Chocolate because if it’s organic and from Whole Foods, it’s healthy!
4. Aesop Hand Wash – $38
We’re not out of the pandemic just yet and so hand-washing is still very important. Might as well make it enjoyable! Aesop’s Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash is truly a special gift for your hands. Not only does it cleanse, it also exfoliates! (hello and goodbye chapped hands) With hints of Vetiver Root and Bergamot Rind, this soap leaves both your hands and senses feeling cleansed.
It’s been another challenging year for a lot of people. However you’re spending the holidays, I hope you take some time away from the hustle and bustle to take care of you. Maybe that means treating yourself to something on the list above or just FaceTiming with a family member you won’t get to see this year.
Cheers to a happy and healthy New Year!
News Articles
Amid Coronavirus Pandemic, Bike Shops See Influx of New Riders
By: LeAnn Wallace
AUSTIN, Texas — If you’ve been itching for fresh air and physical activity, you’re not alone. A lot of people are hitting the streets and trails on their bikes – some for the first time in years.
If you’re one of the many people dusting off your bike right now, chances are it needs some TLC. Lucky for you, bikes shops are open. Cycleast owner Russell Pickavance has seen a ton of people come in for tune-ups and to get flat tires fixed. Spring is usually busy for them but with more people looking to keep busy during the coronavirus pandemic, there’s been an even higher demand for their services.
Pickavance says flat tires are pretty much inevitable if you ride your bike enough. His advice to new cyclists? Good, quality tires. He also adds that staying hydrated and knowing your route before venturing out can also help ensure a smooth ride.
Cycleast set up a makeshift repair station outside the shop to make helping customers as safe and as contactless as possible. They also sell bikes; although if you’ve done a Google search recently, you’ll know that bikes are hard to come by these days.
“There is an absolute shortage of bicycles,” said Pickavance.
There’s not, however, a shortage of bike parts. They have plenty of things like tires and tubes to keep you moving forward. Another draw for cyclists? Fewer cars on the road right now.
“Look at all these empty roads, look at all these empty roads” said Pickavance. “It’s been great.”
“Over the Lege” Aims to Bring Comedy to Texas Politics
By: LeAnn Wallace
TEXAS — If you’re familiar with “The Daily Show” or “Last Week Tonight” then you know they take current events — mostly political — and turn them into jokes. What you might not know, is that there’s a local show here in Texas doing the same thing, but its sole focus is the state legislature.
It’s called “Over the Lege” and was created by Stephanie Chiarello. She’s been a legislative staffer on and off over the past 14 years. She started the show after years of observing the behavior of Texas lawmakers. She observed the good, the bad and everything in between.
“On one hand they’re these remarkable people who get elected and do incredible things, on the other hand they’re just people,” said Chiarello.
Chiarello thinks more Texans should know what’s going on at the State Capitol and hopes humor will capture their attention.
“People are laughing and they’re learning without even realizing, and it’s really a trick,” said Chiarello.
She admits Republicans are more often the brunt of their jokes but says that’s mostly because they’re the ones in power. “Democrats can get made fun of and we do. It’s harder to make fun of somebody who has absolutely no power but if you’re behaving badly, you should be ready to be on the show,” she added.
Over the last two sessions they put on a live theater show, but the pandemic forced them to go virtual this year. You can find more content from “Over the Lege” on their Facebook and Twitter pages. They broadcast their podcast live every other Friday night.
Tech Newsletter Sample
Good morning. At Appsumo, we like to say that work doesn’t have to suck. But if you’ve been following along with, well, life, you know that an avalanche of people are quitting their jobs. Which means there seem to be a lot of sucky jobs out there. Read on to learn why the Great Resignation is giving entrepreneurs a boost, hear a cautionary tale on why not to let your 9–5 define you, and get a reminder that failure doesn’t mean you’re destined to live alone in a van by a river. (Unless, of course, that’s your end goal. Hey, to each their own.)
The Greatest of All Resignations
Some people quit their jobs by putting in their two weeks’ notice. Others make an abrupt, dramatic exit (cue cringy all-staff email). Whatever the method, Americans are calling it quits in record numbers. Some 4.4 million people said ‘adios’ to their jobs back in September, and that trend isn’t slowing down. If you’re a proud member of the Great Resignation, we just hope you were able to make it through the holidays without having to field questions from every member of your extended family about what you’re going to do next. Maybe you’re just doin’ you, boo. If so, you’re in good company. As more and more people leave their old jobs behind, we’re also seeing a surge in new business formation. Think of it as a small-business boom. Economists are saying the pandemic actually created a ripe landscape that’ll help entrepreneurs and startups flourish. (Startups had a banner year in terms of smashing funding records in 2021, btw.) If you’re here, maybe you’ve got some things to start, too. We’ve got all the goods that’ll help you break ground.
What Makes the Great Resignation…Great?
You did it. You quit your toxic/boring/soul-sucking job. Like so many people, I too, quit my job last year. It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy it or that I hated my boss. I was actually working the exact job I dreamed of having when I was a little girl. I was a television news anchor. I had a front row seat to some of the most historic events of our time AND sometimes got recognized at the local Dairy Queen. (Dream big, kids.) But like so many people, the pandemic had me in my feelings and by feelings I mean…let’s completely deconstruct what I’m doing and why. I realized that being on TV became my identity. I settled for less money than I deserved because I believed I was making a difference. I was told that I’m lucky to be in the position I’m in and that if I’m not happy with my job, there’s 300 other journalists lined up to take it. Once I realized that who I am is not what I do, I told my boss I planned to quit at the end of the year. What makes the Great Resignation so great (imho) is that it allows you to set aside who you think you are and replace it with how you want to feel. I want to feel light, flexible, valued, challenged, and inspired. Is your job aligned with how you want to feel?
Being Great Means Leaning into Failure
The best entrepreneurs are resilient. They lean into failures and use them as lessons to move forward. Tyler Haney knows the ups and downs of launching a massively successful company. She’s the founder of Outdoor Voices, a clothing brand that focuses on activewear. (Pro tip: It can also be worn while eating a sandwich and watching Netflix.) Haney created OV (as it’s often called by its devout customers) in 2013. Just a year later, J. Crew promoted the line in its stores’ “Brands We Love” section. Millions of dollars rolled in from investors, and Haney became a mini-celebrity among those looking for an alternative to Nike and Lululemon. But by early 2020, she was pushed out of her own company and stepped down as CEO.
What followed was months of public drama. News spread that Haney clashed with high-level executives over finances. She was even labeled ‘spoiled’ while disagreements over how to best manage the now well-known athleisure brand flared. She was no doubt devastated by the fallout but was determined not to let this define her or the company she built from the ground up. A few months later, Outdoor Voices saw another structural re-haul and Haney was back—this time as an active board member. Haney told Vogue, “In stepping back, I’ve been able to see what I’m best at and what I’m not. I am a creative leader and know just how important a seasoned operator is to bringing this vision to life,” she said.
TL;DR: Entrepreneurs know (or learn very quickly if they don’t already) that failure is an essential part of success.
That’s it for now!
leann wallace 