Artemis (Cynthia Jeub) 2: Still Grifting

[Jackie3]

I actually think this latest ask may have been very misguided. How many people buy $20 Tylenol when you can buy it for $5 at Walmart? Asking for luxury items like that will just create resentment among her supporters.

 

[Giraffe]

2 hours ago, Maggie Mae said:

 

Art, I want to give you the benefit of the doubt, I really do. If you're not in a place for pushback I suggest not reading the rest of my post.
 

Entitled posts like the one above remove any sympathy I might otherwise have.
 

Yes, it really sucks when we can't afford everything we want, it really, really sucks. But also? Unfortunately that's the society we live in. There's no federal base income. There's no  real  universal healthcare. There's nothing preventing us from being evicted if we can't pay the rent. 

There are times we can work our asses off at shitty, soul-sucking, minimum wage jobs only to still end up short on rent and eating whatever we got from the last food bank we went to and we skipped taking laundry to the laundromat for this week because we had to spend that $10 of quarters on gas to get to work. 

It sucks being poor. It's expensive, it's exhausting and the food's unhealthy and the crafts come from the dollar store or garage sales.  I get you need help. We all do at times. This country was founded to benefit the wealthy and only the wealthy. That's still how it's run and it sucks in a major way. It's unfair, it's overwhelming, and it sucks to not know when your next meal is coming from or if the utilities will be shut off.
 

But guess what, Art? That's called adulting because sometimes you just have to fucking do it! I'd have sympathy for you if you were asking for help meeting your basic needs. But you're not. You're insulting people who want to help by insisting you deserve more than just to have your needs met by strangers on the internet. 
 

You're able to provide care to your partner. That tells me you have skills and you have abilities. I know you had an abusive childhood. And healing from childhood trauma and abuse fucking sucks. But if you want actual help from strangerson the internet, maybe start with making it clear that the really shitty 4 pack of toilet paper from the dollar store and some $1/lb pasta with canned pasta sauce is appreciated and accept that you will buy yourself the froufrou shit when you finally have your feet back under you. Because right now? You sound like a whiny, immature, entitled child. 

Edited October 5, 2023 by Giraffe

[Coconut Flan]

I expect that if Artemis lived where there is a guaranteed minimum monthly income and universal healthcare they would still be a whiny baby with the same list of ridiculous desires that exceeded what they received.  Life owes them a living as is said..  

[treehugger]

I live in a country with universal healthcare.  I am also a bleeding heart (so left-wing our Canadian Liberal party is too centrist for me really) liberal, and a huge proponent of Universal Basic Income.  Her list is still way out there in fantasy land.  I strongly believe that certain things in life should be considered basic rights and accessible to everyone, namely food, shelter, clothing, and healthcare.  But pets, entertainment, hobby supplies?  WTF?  Those things are nice, but if you think having unlimited supply of that is going to make you happy, life will be a constant source of bitter disappointment.  I'm curious what exactly she thinks it is that the extremely wealthy spend their wealth frivolously on.  Hint:  golf is considered a hobby.  Travel, and high price escorts are considered entertainment.  The world's wealthy spend their lives and their fortunes in pursuit of hobbies and entertainment.  

[atlantagirl30084]

1 hour ago, Coconut Flan said:

I expect that if Artemis lived where there is a guaranteed minimum monthly income and universal healthcare they would still be a whiny baby with the same list of ridiculous desires that exceeded what they received.  Life owes them a living as is said..  

A big thing I see?  Nothing they are asking for will make their situation better.  I guess (if Art was actually looking for a job), this would come in the form of buying them interview clothes, something like that.  

But no it’s bamboo toothpicks and stakes for indoor pots and embroidery hoops.  I can’t imagine they are that happy living the way they are.  It is literally hand to mouth, constantly.  And no amount of adult coloring books and cameras is going to get them out of it.

[Coconut Flan]

This reminds me of when my children were in elementary school and a social worker from Child Services asked to come speak at the school.  Afterward my kids informed me of their "entitlements" in rather snotty tones and attitudes.  It was basically if you don't give us the clothes and meals we want, we'll call social services on you.  The woman gave us all her card and told us to call. 

We were at the mall shopping for them so I stopped and took them to a table.  I said yes you are entitled to food, clothing, shelter, and an education.  However,  I can sell the house and move us into a two bedroom apartment in a much less nice part of the city and you are housed.  I can serve mac and cheese and peas or spaghetti every night and you are fed.  You could have five school outfits from Big Lots and you are clothed and you can go to the local school without any of the parent paid programs and you are getting an education..  Would you like to continue trying to educate me on my responsibilities or shall we continue to Nordstrom with some attitude adjustment?  

Artemis needs the attitude adjustment lecture.  

[Jackie3]

10 hours ago, Coconut Flan said:

This reminds me of when my children were in elementary school and a social worker from Child Services asked to come speak at the school.  Afterward my kids informed me of their "entitlements" in rather snotty tones and attitudes.  It was basically if you don't give us the clothes and meals we want, we'll call social services on you.  The woman gave us all her card and told us to call. 

We were at the mall shopping for them so I stopped and took them to a table.  I said yes you are entitled to food, clothing, shelter, and an education.  However,  I can sell the house and move us into a two bedroom apartment in a much less nice part of the city and you are housed.  I can serve mac and cheese and peas or spaghetti every night and you are fed.  You could have five school outfits from Big Lots and you are clothed and you can go to the local school without any of the parent paid programs and you are getting an education..  Would you like to continue trying to educate me on my responsibilities or shall we continue to Nordstrom with some attitude adjustment?  

Artemis needs the attitude adjustment lecture.  

I think your kids may have misunderstood the Social services lady. It takes a LOT to get social services to even open an investigation. As long as kids have clothes and food of any kind, social services will say they're good. There are too many kids getting r*ped and beaten every day, many of whom don't get helped either, sadly.

I actually think it's good that DHS sends social workers to schools (I didn't know that was a thing). Because then kids with real needs know who they can reach.

 

Someone on FB wrote in offering to buy Art a $10 bottle of Tylenol, instead of Art's fancy brand. 

Art countered by saying she'd accept a smaller bottle of the fancy brand. She includes a link to to it. 

I find all this hard to believe, so perhaps I misunderstood the interaction. But I think that's what she meant.

[HumbleJillyMuffin]

6 hours ago, Jackie3 said:

I actually think this latest ask may have been very misguided. How many people buy $20 Tylenol when you can buy it for $5 at Walmart? Asking for luxury items like that will just create resentment among her supporters.

 

They don't drive so swinging by Walmart itself isn't an option, but I know they have a subscription to the Walmart delivery program. And if they live downtown there has to be a pharmacy nearby. The fish oil and arthritis Tylenol can't come to $60. 

Being theoretical here, if someone offered Art some "funds" for a used car in good shape, it would go from a 2016 Kia Soul (donor's assumption of what an appropriate vehicle would be for Art and Ryann) to Art strongly suggesting it needs to be 2022 Mercedes SUV with the heated leather seats (because they claim back injury from having to take care of their younger siblings), interior lights that change color, a special exterior paint color because all the other colors hurts their eyes, and vanity license plate that reads ART STAR . It would never occur to them that asking for something luxurious would be out of order. They truly believe they are entitled to the best of everything. 

[Jackie3]

6 hours ago, HumbleJillyMuffin said:

They don't drive so swinging by Walmart itself isn't an option, but I know they have a subscription to the Walmart delivery program. And if they live downtown there has to be a pharmacy nearby. The fish oil and arthritis Tylenol can't come to $60. 

 

They live in a busy urban area that is very convenient to things. They’ve said this many times

 

12 hours ago, Coconut Flan said:

I expect that if Artemis lived where there is a guaranteed minimum monthly income and universal healthcare they would still be a whiny baby with the same list of ridiculous desires that exceeded what they received.  Life owes them a living as is said..  

Are they a “whiny baby” or are they “disabled”?

[treehugger]

8 hours ago, Jackie3 said:

Someone on FB wrote in offering to buy Art a $10 bottle of Tylenol, instead of Art's fancy brand. 

Art countered by saying she'd accept a smaller bottle of the fancy brand. She includes a link to to it. 

I find all this hard to believe, so perhaps I misunderstood the interaction. But I think that's what she meant.

I was curious so I went and read the post.  I don’t think you misunderstood. Another woman in the comments said she was poor herself and almost never bought name brand items because she couldn’t afford it, and she would help but not on items she wouldn’t buy herself. 
 

And all I could think of was how Art is preying on the poor to subsidize their lifestyle, not unlike the billionaires they claim to despise. 

Edited October 6, 2023 by treehugger

[Coconut Flan]

7 hours ago, Jackie3 said:

Are they a “whiny baby” or are they “disabled”?

False dichotomy. A person can be both at the same time.

Give up playing troll here it isn't working and keep your posters straight.  I've never said Art is disabled.  I'm the one saying they likely would never get SSI disability.  

I might recommend that someone short of money buy generic acetamenophen in the bulk sizze and simply take it every 4 to 6 hours.  

Edited October 6, 2023 by Coconut Flan

[Coconut Flan]

8 hours ago, Jackie3 said:

I think your kids may have misunderstood the Social services lady. It takes a LOT to get social services to even open an investigation. As long as kids have clothes and food of any kind, social services will say they're good. There are too many kids getting r*ped and beaten every day, many of whom don't get helped either, sadly.

I actually think it's good that DHS sends social workers to schools (I didn't know that was a thing). Because then kids with real needs know who they can reach.

No they didn't misunderstand.  I watched a videotape of it as did about 75 other parents who had heard from their kids..  That's when I joined the PTA committee for programs so we could avoid fiascos like that in the future.  I was sure I'd been told she was coming to talk to the kids about drugs in the home.  She opened her talk with "Kids you have rights!!"  She did not ever define the difference in wants and basic needs.  She may have thought that was plain to the children, but it was not.  She may not have known the socio-economic level of the school either, but for whatever reason she gave a not well thought out spiel.  

I'm well aware of what should be reported to social services and they did not need to hear from any of the kids of the 75 or so parents who showed up at the meeting afterward going what the heck was that I'm having to handle and how did that happen?

Edited October 6, 2023 by Coconut Flan

[Rowan]

On 10/3/2023 at 3:46 PM, HumbleJillyMuffin said:

@QuittersTry just have to say I love your username! Donna "The Missus" Strauss strikes again. 

Tell me you’re a hardcore gymnastics fan without telling me! 😄

[Mama Mia]

I don’t know too much about their particular situation, but Art might be working by providing Support and Care Services to their disabled partner.  This  is a program specifically for low-income disabled people on Medicaid/SSI (I think some other types of disability payments as well, but the income threshold is really low) . It’s government funded and pays for someone to provide help with basic needs, cooking, household chores and self-care. The amount of time authorized varies, but 10-20 hrs week is pretty common, depending on the degree of care needed. The pay is probably in the $18-$20 hr range in Seattle. Friends and family members are commonly the paid providers. The program structure and eligibility varies by state, but all the West Coast States have very robust programs. So that may be the paycheck Art references. 

Edited October 6, 2023 by Mama Mia

[PopRox]

On 10/3/2023 at 2:46 PM, HumbleJillyMuffin said:

@QuittersTry just have to say I love your username! Donna "The Missus" Strauss strikes again. 

Ay, she's from my neck of the woods! I knew quite a few people from Parkettes back in the days. 🙂

[QuittersTry]

On 10/4/2023 at 8:08 PM, Jackie3 said:

Don't sell Art short! That would be really unfair to her, imo.

 

I love how you talk about fairness towards someone while offending them with pronouns in the same sentence. SUPER TALENTED 👌 

[Jackie3]

11 minutes ago, Mama Mia said:

I don’t know too much about their particular situation, but Art might be working by providing Support and Care Services to their disabled partner.  This  is a program specifically for low-income disabled people on Medicaid/SSI (I think some other types of disability payments as well, but the income threshold is really low) . It’s government funded and pays for someone to provide help with basic needs, cooking, household chores and self-care. The amount of time authorized varies, but 10-20 hrs week is pretty common, depending on the degree of care needed. The pay is probably in the $18-$20 hr range in Seattle. Friends and family members are commonly the paid providers. The program structure and eligibility varies by state, but all the West Coast States have very robust programs. So that may be the paycheck Art references. 

No, she clearly says the paycheck is from Patreon.

That's a good thought (I did not know about that program). However, Ryann has not yet gotten on disability, so would she qualify? I don't know.

[HumbleJillyMuffin]

38 minutes ago, PopRox said:

Ay, she's from my neck of the woods! I knew quite a few people from Parkettes back in the days. 🙂

And @Rowan nothing like mediocre technique and the trademark over the top Parkettes hairstyles. Those girls must have lifelong scalp damage from all the mini braids and crap. 

[Maggie Mae]

1 hour ago, Mama Mia said:

So that may be the paycheck Art references. 

The paycheck they reference is the patreon income. They issue one check a month, minus either 8 or 12 percent that patreon takes for their cut. 

 

11 hours ago, HumbleJillyMuffin said:

The fish oil and arthritis Tylenol can't come to $60. 

Fish oil is $19.99 at Fred Meyer and I think that price doesn't change by location. There is one size and Freddies always has a "sale" on at least one brand, BOGO or BOGO 1/2 off. We take fish oil. 

I don't know about arthritis Tylenol but I looked up the generic (which I will not even try to spell) and it's $20 for 300 capsules. 

 

[Maggie Mae]

I had an entire thing written out which is basically my life story but I realize that while I was struggling and the stuff we did to survive (hint: we didn't have "hobbies") isn't really relevant because I haven't ever struggled with disability or my gender identity. 

I will say though that we worked 8-10 hours a day and walked or took the bus everywhere. And the bus takes way too long to get anywhere, it's infuriating how maddening that system is. It's designed to keep poor people from certain areas of town.  It's also so annoying that they know they know that most bus users are disabled, poor, or both and yet have no system to shovel out bus stops and end up leaving wheelchair users in the street. 

When I got a job and started to make a steady paycheck and was able to move to a nicer part of town, I struggled a lot with the change in expectations from coworkers, peers, and colleagues. The way people talked to each other was different. Things that used to be "nice" or "cool" really weren't. 

And I am eternally grateful for a person I met on social media who sold me a car, let me make payments, and taught me a bit about car ownership. That small favor and trust really put me on a different path.  It was a used car with 170,000 miles and not something I would pick out for myself, but I loved that car and still miss it sometimes. That car allowed me to get promoted, it allowed me to start cross country skiing (a very inexpensive hobby in my city), to meet new people and pick up healthier habits. And all because someone I barely knew took a chance. 

All that to say that I really wish Art could express more gratitude toward all the people who have helped them. They moved out of a bad situation and have their own place! That feeling is so nice, but instead of writing about the conflicting emotions that come, it's just complaining that the dishwasher doesn't work. It's asking for digital cameras and expensive paper for journaling, when they have a laptop and a phone. If they don't have a phone, that's on them for not going to get the lifeline phone. You can write in google docs.  

I found the blog where they mention that Ryann was dependent on others for three years before being approved for disability. I don't know very much about disability. My dad was disabled but AFAIK he was on SSI not disability. 

https://artemisstardust.com/2022/06/29/radical-thoughts-about-the-anti-work-movement/

[Bassett Lady]

Arthritis Tylenol is a time release Tylenol so you only need 8 hour dosing, which allows for a full night of sleep or a full 8 hour work shift without needing to take another dose. 
 

The generic version of time-release acetaminophen is the exact same medication. 
 

My local Wal-Mart,  which will deliver, has 225 capsules for $10. 
 

A two month supply for fish oil is $10

When we had Covid I was so thankful for Wal-Mart delivery. They brought me prescription medication, broth, electrolytes , ginger-ale, crackers, applesauce, tissues, and bananas. 
 

I was able to electronically tip my delivery driver and I asked them to place the items at the door and then ring the doorbell and leave, so I wasn’t worried about accidentally infecting the nice folks who brought us supplies. 
 

I believe all humans should have shelter, food, medication, weather appropriate clothing and an education. 
 

I do not believe that society has an obligation to provide hobby materials, entertainment, and pet supplies (unless the animal is a service animal, not just a companion animal.) 

When we were poor I did not take on the responsibility of caring for an animal, as I could not guarantee I could meet that animal’s needs. I pet sat, for pay, and got a pet fix while making money. I would go hang at the dog park and pet all the sweet doggies. Free night of happiness and I met lots of people who became customers and I would watch their fur-babies when they needed help. 
 

I watered plants, picked up mail, took in the paper and generally looked out for people’s homes when they were traveling or working weird hours, or hospitalized. 
 

I also sold plasma. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was a steady income stream. 
 

Back then my entertainment was always free. I utilized our library, parks, and university opportunities. There is almost always a display of art student’s work, a play, chamber music, or educational lecture to attend. I watched intermural baseball, soccer, basketball, and flag football. 
 

Our museums had free days and during the summer there were free movies in the park, fireworks, and festivals. The community center had all sorts of free activities. They even had free tax help in the spring. 
 

Art is capable of creativity and could find productive activities that provide income, but currently relies on begging. 
 

I have a soft heart and I would happily help Art if steps were being taken to become self sufficient. However, Pouring money into a family that does nothing to change circumstances, is not helping them, just perpetuating an endless cycle of self-fulfilling uselessness. 
 

If Art has art supplies why not do pet portraits for people? Set up an Etsy shop and have people send in electronic pictures of their  critters. They could work as able and charge once they complete a portrait. 

 

I have a portrait of our dog that my daughter made us for Christmas. It is a prized possession. There are so many things Art could do, at home, accommodating their needs, and still be productive. 

[QuittersTry]

1 hour ago, Maggie Mae said:

Fish oil is $19.99 at Fred Meyer and I think that price doesn't change by location. There is one size and Freddies always has a "sale" on at least one brand, BOGO or BOGO 1/2 off. We take fish oil. 

I don't know about arthritis Tylenol but I looked up the generic (which I will not even try to spell) and it's $20 for 300 capsules. 

But this all circles back to anxiety, depression, OCD, anorexia, and "woke enlightenment" struggle. She wants to buy ethically, she wants clean ingredients. She doesn't want things contaminated and when you are begging... it does seem ridiculous.

IDK...I had full on panic attacks in the grocery store in young adulthood. I was terrified of forgetting something, buying the wrong thing...it meant I was stupid, unsuccessful, idiot, didn't deserve to eat, unworthy of love...all over a gd jar of peanut butter. I was privileged to have a safety net, I was privileged to have good therapy in one of the best psychiatric centers on the eastern seaboard.

And good God did I have what was very similar to a parkette butt back in the day! Also was a perfectionist.

[QuittersTry]

So a good therapist would say...try the generic brand and be super mindful 1 time a day for 5 minutes. Do you feel pain relief? Do you feel a negative side effect? Did you, personally, cause an economic crisis in the retail industry? Did you, personally, cause inhumane work conditions in pill factories? Did you, personally, contribute to a system of inequitable access to health care? After ruminating for 5 mins, you have to be done. Any time you an intrusive thought similar in topic, stop immediately and tell your self to worry about it during tomorrow's 5 mins.

For real, it works!

[formerhsfundie]

1 hour ago, Maggie Mae said:

And I am eternally grateful for a person I met on social media who sold me a car, let me make payments, and taught me a bit about car ownership. That small favor and trust really put me on a different path.  It was a used car with 170,000 miles and not something I would pick out for myself, but I loved that car and still miss it sometimes. That car allowed me to get promoted, it allowed me to start cross country skiing (a very inexpensive hobby in my city), to meet new people and pick up healthier habits. And all because someone I barely knew took a chance. 

All that to say that I really wish Art could express more gratitude toward all the people who have helped them. They moved out of a bad situation and have their own place! That feeling is so nice, but instead of writing about the conflicting emotions that come, it's just complaining that the dishwasher doesn't work. It's asking for digital cameras and expensive paper for journaling, when they have a laptop and a phone. If they don't have a phone, that's on them for not going to get the lifeline phone. You can write in google docs.  

 

I agree about the need for gratitude. There is so much to be thankful for, even considering the odds they face daily and what they've overcome. I'm still floored that they narrowly avoided homelessness by crowdfunding over 5K to get out of the bad roommate situation. They should still be over the moon about that, it really was a hail Mary pass. I'm shocked to hear complaining about the dishwasher after that. Imagine having a rent controlled apartment/roof over your head situation and all you can think about is having to handwash your own dishes! 

Let Ryann wash their own dishes. Take turns. Use one dish each and wash before use. 

The harder Art tries to explain why they should be considered disabled, the less sense it makes. The brand name acetaminophen is today's bamboo toilet paper. 

[treehugger]

The thing is, even if all that brand name stuff is supposedly about ethics, it doesn’t work that way. Tylenol is not more ethical than the no name brand stuff. Their factories are not certified fair trade, there is no proof that their employees are better paid. 
I spent literally years researching ethical and fair trade companies, and 90% of it is bullshit and green washing.  It was important to me though, and I still do my best to select the most ethical option. When we were poor, it often meant picking one thing that we needed (clothes, shoes, etc), a month and splurging on that while penny pinching everywhere else. Now that we are better off, it is easier to do. And I can appreciate the struggle. 
But there is also a point where we, as individuals need to stop feeling guilt over something we have no control over. If you can’t afford fair trade or local, handcrafted items, that is something you have no control over, and letting yourself be overcome with guilt over that is not necessary. Be angry and demand better from corporations who exploit for greed instead. Ultimately they are the responsible ones. 
However, I think needing name brand items because of wokeism and ethics may be projecting a bit onto Art. I went over their Amazon wish list. Nothing on there makes me think consumer ethics and fair trade has much sway over their shopping choices. 

Edited October 6, 2023 by treehugger