A couple of days ago, I got an email to let me know that a *Beta* version of the *"Starlink"* satellite Internet service is now available in our area.

![054-Lavender-HSPConclusions.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmU7ReR2QHww9L3FpMBjyhDSbMYfqQMzRSnvZaKDzzehwj/054-Lavender-HSPConclusions.jpg)
*Mt. Shasta and lavender fields*

I guess we were chosen for this since I must have subscribed to some kind of Space-X newsletter or email service, at some times, *and* we live in one of those semi-remote areas where Internet service is a bit dodgy at times.

Whereas the idea of global Internet is appealing  — at least *on paper* — I'm not sure we'll be signing up for this service anytime soon. 

At $499 for the initial equipment and then $99 a month for service that's actually *slower* than we currently get via our cable Internet service it's not exactly a stellar deal. And that fact that it's very cool and slightly surreal to watch the *"train"* of satellites in the night sky when they are being deployed... feeling like I am on the cutting edge where science *fiction* is about to become science *fact* isn't really a currency I care much about...

![054-Shasta-HSPConclusions.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmb7NyHKCZSRVUvjUYALsHeuRrf12zonar6MF167Rw9EUf/054-Shasta-HSPConclusions.jpg)
*Mountain forest, northern California*

So, probably going to give this one a pass for the time being... but I'll keep watching. Maybe if it becomes truly *competitive* I'll reconsider.

Something else I *also* am not likely to get into is a new smartphone with *"augmented reality."*

I have enough trouble with this reality *as is,* so I think I'll pass. Sure, a phone with *depth sensors* sounds mildly interesting if have a job like home design, or you move around a lot and want to see what your furniture will look like in a new space you're thinking about moving to. 

Again, this is one of those new technologies I can look at and agree that it's definitely *cool,* but then I can't really find enough *functional applications* to warrant caring very much.

![055-Lake-Privacy.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmX3XHkbJNGfsQtuqBVedLNibo2tV8kXxTHptKJewDd1uK/055-Lake-Privacy.jpg)
*Flathead Lake, Montana*

Meanwhile, I hope nobody's panicking too much about the crypto markets! When you feel inlcined to freak out because Bitcoin is *down,* keep in mind that as recently as the 2nd week of January, BTC reached a high of $42,000 and within 48 hours was down to near $30,000... and yet, just a few days ago we were at $58,000. 

These market do *NOT* rise at a stable pace... but remember that when you *hold* most assets for long enough, the result tends to be one of *gain.* And yes, I realize it's very easy to get caught up in the emotions of these major rises and falls. 

Since I am not actually a *seller* anytime soon, I'm just going to hold on, for the *long* run!

Thanks for reading, and have a great remainder of your week!

***How about YOU? Are you familiar with the StarLink Internet service? It's part of Elon Musk's Space-X initiatives? Wat sort of Internet service do you use now? Give me a shout back... Because — after all — SOCIAL content is about interacting, right? Leave a comment — share your experiences — be part of the conversation!***

***(All text and images by the author, unless otherwise credited. This is ORIGINAL CONTENT, created expressly for this platform — NOT A CROSSPOST!!!)
Created at 20210223 22:48 PST
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