I’d argue that Perplexity is in this camp as well. It’s my go-to for anything more open-ended or for multi-step research I need to do. No need to wade through garbage search results, and it cites its sources. Kagi seems to be doing very much the same thing, but in addition to their paid search engine service.

I don’t know that I’d switch from Perplexity, but I could see an argument for it.

Brave on my Windows desktop, and Arc for my MacOS laptop

Funny, that’s actually what motivated me at my last job. Things were fucked up, but not so fucked up that it was overwhelming. It was the Goldilocks zone of just fucked up enough that I think I can not only fix it, but look good if I do. It was a fun journey, all told, but there were definitely frustrations, even ones that lasted years.

I’m so sorry you see things this way. I just left my job after many years at the company, and while my goal wasn’t to make friends I definitely ended up collecting a few along the way. I was in upper management and definitely cared about my team, and so did the directors under me. I befriended some of the people in the C-suite as well. They threw a nice, big surprise going away dinner for me, which they definitely didn’t need to do. I’ve met up with former coworkers in other departments to catch up, because we genuinely enjoy each other’s company. I hope you find a place that values you and that you can find a friend or two that you can keep in your life.

Best of luck on picking one up! I rather like the design of the IS500, and of the previous generation IS (2006ish?). My only problem with the IS was its price compared to its performance. How can you charge so much for a sub-300hp V6? Then they put the V8 from the LC500 in the IS and it made much more sense to me.

I don’t know anything about the way it handles, but if it’s anything like the way it looks, it should be a fun ride.

I love the FD. It’s a timeless design. I never saw any as a kid, and really only encountered them watching Initial D, but I definitely think they’re iconic.

I was lucky enough to own that alongside the Shelby GT350 for a short while, but ended up selling the GT350 within a year of getting the R8 since I have no need for two sports cars. I need a practical vehicle, so I got a Macan Turbo. If I could’ve afforded a Lamborghini Huracán I would’ve gotten that, but I couldn’t, so I got the next best thing and I love it. For anyone unaware, since VW owns Audi and Lamborghini, the R8 and Huracán share the same chassis, and a whole bunch more parts. Mine is a base V10 (not a V10+), so it has a different transmission than the Huracán, but the engine is the same.

I’m FINALLY going to be able to take the R8 to the track to see what it can do. That’s why I bought it four years ago, and it’s what I did numerous times with the GT350, which aside from overheating issues was fantastic in its handling. I hope the R8 doesn’t disappoint.