The problem is that the windows might not be suitable for window units. For instance in the Netherlands our windows typically tilt or turn (like a door) open, they don’t slide up. The walls and ceilings are usually solid brick or concrete, so you can’t hide ducts in there for central AC. That leaves a split unit in one room or a portable unit.

Blocking the light made a huge difference in my house. I have are 3 small skylights on the south side that now have sun shades on the outside. They still let in some light, but it’s at least 5c cooler on the top floor.

Smart watches.

Couple of reasons:

• I like my mechanical watches. They aren’t the expensive flashy ones, but I like the way they look and especially like the mechanical engineering. It’s one of the (maybe only?) Item I can think of that I use daily and ‘does something’ without electricity. Smart watches are nothing like that.

• When I want to be offline I can just ignore my phone or flip it upside down. Having notifications on my wrist all day long wouldn’t be good for my mental health. It annoys me so much when I see people looking at and using their smartwatch mid conversation because they are so addicted to it. And I know I would be the same once I start using it.

• It’s expensive and e-waste after a few years.

I use mine instead of the oven for anything that fits and can withstand the “whirlwind” it produces. It’s faster, work at lower temperatures and requires no pre-heating.

The Philips i have now was quite expensive though. Before I had some other brand that didn’t work any better than a regular oven.

They have unions here, that doesn’t seem to help either.

I think it’s best in the commercial private sector with a labor shortage or unions.

I think it should be fine as long as the cat was always kept indoors and it gets enough attention and space to play. They should be treated differently to how many people treat their outside cats.

My indoors cat is now 5 years old and very much like how you described Buddy. He wanders around the house, likes to play and likes people (even strangers). He gives all the signals of being very happy and calm, isn’t easily scared or startled. Sometimes it seems his character is more like that of a dog than of a cat.

Many people have cats that are outside 20+ hours a day and don’t like ‘socializing’ with people. My parents had a few cats like that as well when I grew up and I don’t see the point of having one like that. They aren’t beneficial for the environment and don’t offer much as a pet either.