John Smoltz

Watching MLB on TV is excruciating given how slow the game has become. That is why all intelligent viewers watch it on a DVR-delayed basis. But, if John Smoltz is doing the game, and especially if it's a Phillies game, watch it in real-time (you can delay it a bit on the DVR to FF through the ads). You might think you know baseball. But, listening to him for even a few minutes, you will conclude: You don't know nothin about baseball. This guy knows baseball. Not just pitching, but also hitting, strategy, tactics, the players, and in fact every facet of the game. Brilliance might not always be mesmerizing to listen to, but it sure is with John Smoltz. Most important, his comments are so interesting and delivered so pleasantly, you feel like you are sitting at the game next to him and loving it, even if you are cowed to have nothing to say for fear of making a fool of yourself.

Bonus Commentary from Tim McCarver: "Bob Gibson is the luckiest pitcher in baseball. He is always pitching when the other team doesn't score any runs."

Note to Brandon Chamblee: Listen to Smoltz's commentary and you will realize how insufferable your commentary is.

[EOP] 

Arizona Republic Taken to Task (Politely and Appropriately)

The Arizona Republic (on April 30) published a letter without notice to the submitter that it was making a substantive change to the letter. Here is the text of what we wrote to the two principals in charge of the Letters to the Editor page:

"The attached letter (Letter as Published) appeared in the local Central Phoenix Republic of today’s (April 30) paper. The letter as submitted is also attached (Genesis 4-9), the last sentence of which (in red) was omitted from the letter as published. It would seem fair to say that the omission of that last sentence altered significantly the intendment of the letter. Specifically, the point of the letter as submitted (as noted in the subject line as well) was to highlight the stark contradiction between the supposed espoused biblical values of religious institutions (to be one’s brother’s keeper as noted in Genesis 4-90, i.e., to protect others) and the position they’ve taken in seeking exemptions from mitigation efforts during a pandemic or other medical emergencies. While the Republic certainly has the right to publish or not publish any submitted letter, when, as here, it believes a change in the text of the submitted letter is warranted, it would seem appropriate to request the approval of the letter writer before published the revised version. Just as an fyi, the New York Times extends just such a courtesy when it wishes to make changes to a submitted letter, and will not publish its proposed revised version without the approval of the letter writer. 

"I truly enjoy the Letters to the Editor page of the Republic, and appreciate all the hard work you must put in to make it as good as it is. In that spirit, I trust you will consider the above suggestion as an effort to avoid the circumstance where a letter as published does not reflect what the letter writer wished to say and why the letter writer submitted the letter in the first place.

"PS: In making the above suggestion, I do recognize the difference between changing the text of the letter (as was done with my above letter published on April 30) and changing the subject line (as was done with my letter published on April 27 proposing a simple way for airlines to make flying safer (copy attached as published and as submitted)).  Thus, my suggestion is limited to substantive textual changes."

------------------------------

Letter as Submitted with sentence in red omitted when published on April 30: "At the very end of the excellent (April 26) lead article on ending virus protection bans, it becomes clear that religious institutions have successfully lobbied to have their services deemed “essential services” during states of emergency and hence exempt from any pandemic mitigation measures such as mask mandates. To put it bluntly, this exemption will enable houses of worship to hold super-spreader events, so that the attendees will be enabled (and entitled) to infect (which can lead to the death of) other attendees, including the immune-compromised and otherwise vulnerable, all in the name of “medical freedom.” One can only wonder how it has come to be that the drive for so-called “medical freedom” has been elevated to the point that spreading disease and inflicting harm on others has superseded and overridden what houses of worship used to call their mission, as aptly captured in Genesis 4-9, to promote the well-being of others."

[EOP]

Best Glass for Champagne

Although I prefer cava to champagne (because it tastes as good to me and cost much less), I wouldn't dare have my nightly imbibement in just any glass. As explained in this article, the tulip glass, the champagne coupe, the champagne flute, and the balloon glass should not be considered a matter of personal choice or preference. One of them, and the one I choose daily, is what the professionals and cognoscenti and those with highly attuned discerning taste choose. A Votre Sante (if champagne) ... Salud (if cava).

[EOP]

Seabourn Cruises

When it comes to cruising, I prefer smaller, much smaller, boats. But, if you are looking for a medium-sized boat, with 264-600 guests, you might consider Seabourn Cruises. Their ships boast all ocean-front suites and nearly one team member per guest who converge [their word, not  mine] your largest possible life [their phrase, not mine]. They promise you that this will be your moment when it all falls into place.

[EOP]

Barry (New Season on HBO): A Tale of Two Showings

It's not the best of shows, it's not the worst of shows. It's not good, it's not bad. It's just weird and not particularly understandable. A couple of the characters are a hoot to watch. There's better stuff to watch, but at least each episode is just a half-hour, which is a big plus. It's different.

[EOP]

Experimental MLB Rule Changes

MLB is trying out possible rule changes in AAA and other minor leagues. These include robo-umps and pitcher time clocks which are great ideas. We also applaud the larger bases and changes in material to make the game safer. We would like to see a rule to the effect that, once a batter steps into the batter's box, the batter must stay there except to get a sign, which would eliminate all the glove-tics and bat-tics and other shenanigans batters go through. After an ASU coach implemented this rule voluntarily for his team a while back, the games sped up dramatically and his teams did great. One of the oddest changes being tried has to do with attempted pick-offs of runners. If there is one or more runner on base, pitchers can only throw a maximum of two pickoffs or make two step-offs per plate appearance. The pitcher can attempt a third pickoff or step-off but the play must result in the baserunner being retired. If the runner gets back to his original base on this third pitcher try, the play is called a balk and the runner advances anyway.  MLB’s statement said that the limitation could be further lowered to just a single step-off or pickoff attempt per plate appearance, seeing how the initial rule plays out. This article explains these rule changes further and discusses some additional ones.

[EOP]

Redress for Airlines Lifting Mask Mandate

If you decide to cancel a flight because your airline has lifted its mask mandate after you bought your ticket, even if you have a non-refundable ticket, it's worth a shot. You might first go through their (e.g., AA's) online refund process only to be denied any redress. But then, you might file a complaint by email, and set out your case. While you might not get a refund, you just might get (from AA) 5,000 frequent flier miles, which is no big deal for sure, but it  is something and it is more miles than you would have gotten had you taken the flights. What can I say? Airlines are greedy pigs. And something is better than nothing.

PS: To further underscore just how greedy airlines are, when you cancel a non-refundable ticket, not only does the airline get to re-sell your seat(s), but they won't even give you the frequent flier miles you would have earned had you flown.

[EOP]

Most Effective Approach to Psychological Counseling

As I life coach and therapist, I am proud of my many mentees and patients who have gone on from whatever was bothering them when they first came to see me to become happier, more fulfilled, more caring, and more adjusted and actualized and giving human beings. Here is the secret to my therapeutic approach:

 [EOP]

SkyMed: Medical Emergency Services When Traveling

[Prefatory Note: This is NOT a recommendation for this kind of travel insurance or this company. I heard of it because my stylist's husband does graphics for their website. I am noting it here only because it does offer a service typically not included in travel insurance policies, and addresses a matter that has nagged me, to-wit: What happens if you get sick on a trip, especially overseas, and need to be or want to be evacuated by air back to the states]

SkyMed (and I presume its competitors) offers emergency medical air evacuations back to the states to the hospital of your choice and covers related expenses. Their coverage is available on an annual membership or on a per-trip basis or if you are living abroad. The website is not the easiest to navigate but all the pertinent info appears to be there.

[EOP]

Recent Research re Covid-19 Reinfection Rate and Consequences

As this WSJ article lays out, Covid-19 reinfections are more common and can happen in a shorter time than doctors previously thought possible. Data from the U.K. government found that reinfections were 10 times higher during the recent Omicron outbreak compared with the earlier Delta outbreak between May and December last year. People who were unvaccinated, younger and lived in areas the study described as more deprived were more likely to be reinfected between July 2020 and March 2022. Reinfections usually appear to be mild in otherwise healthy people. But some reinfections are serious, and it’s not clear what the risk of long Covid might be. People who had a milder first infection with a lower viral load were at higher risk of being reinfected. “On average at a population level, the people who get reinfected have milder symptoms,” says Francois Balloux, an infectious disease epidemiologist and director of the UCL Genetics Institute in London. “That doesn’t mean that some people might not have a worse infection the second or even third time.” 

[EOP]

Even Major Leaguers Never Escape Their Little League DNA

This one-minute clip of the last at-bat in the 9th inning of the Tiger/Twins game is a magnificent example of being treated to a little league finish of a supposedly major league game.

[EOP]

DIY iPhone Repairs--Finally!

At long last, after much prodding by us, Apple is launching its DIY phone repair service in the US on April 27, making spare parts available for the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and third-generation iPhone SE. When the company announced its “Self Service Repair” initiative last year, Apple said it planned to sell over 200 “individual parts and tools” to customers. More details about this service can be found in this article. All we can say is: It's about time!

[EOP]

Safer Route for Airline Passengers

The Arizona Republic published this excellent letter yesterday, although it changed the Subject Header (without the author's permission) which originally read, "Simple Way to Make Flying Safer":

Dr. Fauci Declares the Pandemic Over--Or Maybe Not--Others Not So Sure

As this WaPo article explains, Dr. Fauci has declared that the U.S. is "out of the pandemic phase." He notes that there are "only" 50,000 new cases per day (which does not count unreported new cases detected with home rapid test kits), and that new case number is (as has been explained in this blog) a lagging indicator. Of course, under Dr. Fauci's rubric, this is not the first time we have been "out of the pandemic phase," the last time being last summer. The irony is this: It just might be that the best way to stay out of the pandemic phase is to act as if we still are in the pandemic phase.

[EOP]

Best Way to Cut a Cake: Use Dental Floss Instead of a Knife

I get raving reviews for how I slice my cakes (in addition to raving reviews on how my cakes taste). I've kept my slicing technique a secret, but have decided to share it. Just click on this link and you can learn how to be a cake slicing pro by using dental floss instead of a knife. PS: I keep a separate thing of dental floss in my kitchen devoted exclusively to cake slicing and such.

[EOP]

Dealing With SSL Certificates on a Website You Host

If you have a website, even if it does nothing commercial, Google will flag websites that do not have SSL certificates giving users the impression there is something unsafe about the site even if there is not. If you have a hosting plan (say with GoDaddy) that charges separately for the SSL certificate, you could be out hundreds of dollars per year. In that event, be sure to ask your hosting service if they have a "better" plan for you, and it just might turn out they do, e.g., as GoDaddy does, one that will cost you just $37 more per year than you are now paying and will include an SSL certificate and other enhancements. Put another way, if you don't ask, they won't tell. And if your hosting service doesn't have a plan with SSL certification bundled in, there are hosting services, including an excellent one in Romania, that do.

[EOP]

What Happened to Dr. Jha--A Voice of Clarity as an Expert Analyst on TV

When Dr. Jha used to appear on TV as an expert analyst, he was always direct, clear, articulate, and understandable. Now, having taken his post at the White House, I'm at a bit of a loss as to what he's talking about. As this NYT article sets out, Dr. Ashish K. Jha, the White House’s new Covid-19 coordinator, said on Tuesday that as the United States sees an increase in known coronavirus cases and keeps a watchful eye for new variants, the administration was not seeking to stop every infection. Dr. Jha cited the relatively low number of new deaths — though around 300 a day were “still too high,” he added — and hospitalizations at their lowest point in the pandemic. Those tallies, set against the rising number of cases around the country, amounted to a promising “inflection,” he said.  Dr. Jha said that with such a contagious virus spreading, it would be “hard to ensure that no one gets Covid in America.” “That’s not even a policy goal,” he said. "Even as cases have risen by over 50 percent over the past two weeks, a trend infectious disease experts have attributed to new Omicron subvariants," “[t]he goal of our policy should be: obviously minimize infections whenever possible, but to make sure people don’t get seriously ill.” At the same time, "He also implored lawmakers to fund more of the federal Covid-19 response, as a relief package that would inject $10 billion to the effort is stalled in the Senate. Dr. Jha displayed a graphic that showed other countries investing in more vaccines and medications, a clear suggestion that the United States was delinquent in prioritizing the same issues. That relief package is not set to include what the White House had hoped would be billions more in funds for global Covid-19 response efforts, including the work of getting shots into arms."

[EOP]

Dermatology Recommendation (Phoenix): Southwest Skin Specialists (and Dr. Randi Rubenzik)

After being a patient for years at Camelback Dermatology, I have switched to Southwest Skin Specialists (Dr. Randi Rubenzik), and could not be more glad I did. Everything about Southwest Skin Specialists as an office and Dr. Rubenzik as a physician is absolutely first rate and way better than Camelback Dermatology. Here are just a few of the pluses, all of which are unlike or otherwise superior to Camelback Dermatology: The office is exceedingly well organized and efficient; they abide mask mandates for all patients, staff, and doctors; you get to the little room without any undue wait; they actually read your chart; their portal makes data entry and updating a dream; you are examined by a doctor and not just a medical assistant; they don't try to sell you a bunch of beauty stuff or med stuff from their own inventory; they don't have giant ugly paintings of kids; parking is a dream, and much of it is shaded from the sun; the waiting area is not crowded; they know what to do for a certain condition other than suggesting taking colder showers; and they are totally delighted if your check-up showed no problems.

[EOP] 

Increased Difficulty in Tracking Covid Trends

Whether Covid infections are steady, declining, or rising is always backward looking, i.e., it always is based on what has happened at some point in the past. Put another way, a surge in infections or a drop in infections will occur before the data is seen to confirm that surge or drop. But as this article explains, the ability to determine trends has become increasingly difficult as more states change from daily reporting to weekly or even longer reporting periods. About half of states now report just once a week, with Florida down to every two weeks. There have always been fluctuations in daily reporting, making the seven-day average of daily change a smoother way to track trends than single day-to-day change. But scaling back makes the trends even bumpier, and it’s harder to isolate whether a week-over-week increase in cases is a true trend or the result of a data dump. 

PS: Now that everyone seems to believe the pandemic is over, maybe we should stop collecting data on Covid infections, hospitalizations, and death, and then officially declare it over.

[EOP]

Excellent Cheap Brother Printer

This Wirecutter article recommends an inexpensive Brother laser printer (for about $150). I actually own two predecessor models of the same printer and they both continue to work as good as new nearly 10 years later. So, I can safely say that, in this instance, Wirecutter is a bit late to the party, but is spot on.

PS: The article recommends a Brother multi-function color device, which I have no opinion on because I prefer the simplicity and lower cost of laser black/white. It is meet to note that I have owned again for years and recommend the Brother MFC-L2740DW (which likely has an updated model number) that continues to perform all the functions (printing, copying, scanning, faxing) quietly and fast.

[EOP]

Keeping Produce Fresh

This Wirecutter article gives an excellent overview of how best to keep all kinds of produce fresh.

Flight Refunds Because of Lifting of Mask Mandates: Like Micturating Into the Wind

It has been noted in some news articles that some airlines are issuing refunds to customers not wanting to fly given the lifting of the airline mask mandates. American Airlines does not appear to be one of the airlines of the willing. Indeed, its reps apparently believe--or at least this is whay they say--that the CDC has ordered them to lift their mask mandates. Their online refund request does not even have a category that works. And I have little hope that this email to customer service will do any good: "My wife and I have canceled this trip (Record Locator XHAGBQ) because AA has eliminated the mask mandate on this flight. We are both over 70 and have underlying conditions and feel it is not safe for us to travel at this time with the mask mandate having been lifted. We understand AA is permitted to lift the mask mandate under CDC regulations, but contrary to what an AA phone rep insisted was the case, the CDC did NOT compel AA to lift the mask mandate. I understand our tickets are not refundable, and we had every intention of flying and would have flown if AA had kept the mask mandate in place. We understand AA has the right to refuse this refund request, but given my long-time Gold status and the unique circumstances, I request that AA issue a refund in this instance. When circumstances change, we certainly will continue to fly AA given the loyal customers we have been. In the meantime, so that customers are not given incorrect information as I was given, it would behoove AA to explain to its customer reps that AA's decision to lift the mask mandate was an action the CDC permitted it to do, but was not an action the CDC required it to do."

[EOP]

Possible New Pill to Treat Covid

As is being reported, an experimental treatment from a Japanese company has shown rapid clearance of the virus that causes COVID-19, according to new data, the Japanese drug maker said on Sunday. The drugmaker said in March it would launch a global Phase III trial worldwide for the drug with U.S. government support, and Chief Executive Isao Teshirogi has said production could reach 10 million doses a year. Shionogi's shares have been on a rollercoaster on speculation about success of the treatment. The stock climbed on Friday after a report the U.S. government is in talks to acquire supplies of the drug. On April 13 the stock sank by as much as 16% on reports the drug could pose risks to pregnancies, based on preclinical data.

[EOP]

What Happened to the Hot Pandemic Stocks

Many people are glad the pandemic is, as they say, over. Some companies, not so much. As this WSJ article summarizes, it is interesting to see how some of the hottest stocks during the pandemic have fared as of late.

[EOP]

Genesis 4-9

This NYT article gives an excellent overview of the deep split in views on masking since the judge's striking down the airplane mask mandate. My "favorite" is that expressed by a 30-year-old architect from Brooklyn: "I want to get back to living my life,” he said. “Do I have to factor in everyone in the world around me when I make a decision?” The answer to him of course is, "No, and by all means, don't let Genesis 4-9 give you any pause. Indeed, it does not seem to give pause even in those places where the Book it comes from is supposedly cherished."

[EOP]

Text of Recent Letter Likely to Be Published in Arizona Republic: While a principal purpose of all corporations is to generate profits, the art is to do so without seeming unduly greedy. The airlines clearly do not care about such art, as they pushed for and rejoice in removal of the mask mandate, and now are inviting back passengers who had been banned for violating masking rules and engaging in disruptive conduct. The lack of concern for the safety of the immunocompromised and other vulnerable people who need to travel by air is appalling. At the very least, it is inexplicable (other than insatiable greed) why the airlines cannot designate mask and unmask sections of the planes (just as they did smoking and non-smoking sections). While not a perfect solution, at least it would avoid the situation where a immunocompromised person would have to sit next to an unmasked, unvaccinated infected person for hours. And as is said, let's not make the perfect the enemy of the good.

PS: My preferred idea is to hermetically seal off the two sections from each other. Access to the lavatories presented a problem for implementing this approach, although I would have been content to preclude lavatory-access for the unmasked. Upon substantial reflection and consultation with many of my advisers, I reluctantly came to the conclusion that incorporating this idea would lower the likelihood of publication of the letter, so it was omitted from the submission.

[EOP] 

Why It Is Difficult to Listen to Biden

While giving her credit for crafting Reagan's Challenger-tragedy speech and coining the phrase, "'slipped the surly bonds of earth’ to ‘touch the face of God,'” I am not a fan of Peggy Noonan, and find most of what she says (in her hyper-aspirated tone) to be insufferable. But, like a stopped clock, sometimes she is spot on. Her piece in this week's WSJ seems to accurately and articulately pinpoint Biden's presentation problem, to-wit: Voters would be grateful if he stopped talking down to us and learned to be straightforward.

[EOP]

Amazon Fresh Tip

If you choose the 5am-7am delivery slot, in nearly all instances, you will get the delivery before 5:30 am and often before 5:15am leaving you plenty of time to enjoy your day. If you choose a late slot, such as 3pm-5pm, the order could be delivered at any time within that slot and might even be delivered an hour or so late. Makes you think.

[EOP] 

What You Don't Know About Amazon

As any loyal reader could guess, while I don't password share Netflix and engage in other such chicanery, I sold my soul to Amazon early on in the pandemic. That is not to say I don't feel guilty about it. It is simply to say I'm weak. I've turned a blind eye to the evils of Amazon. I just wish I could muster the nerve and strength to read this excellent expose in the NYT, which details what you don't know about Amazon.

[EOP]

When the Promise of the Affordable Tesla Will Be Fulfilled

Don't hold your breath. As this article explains, although Tesla will be ramping up production, it is becoming clear that Musk’s new affordability pitch will revolve around robotaxis for fleet use rather than EVs for individual sale. He said earlier this month that Tesla was working on a robotaxi project, and added on a call to discuss Wednesday’s results that it would hold a robotaxi event next year with an ambition to launch volume production in 2024. This is after he said three months ago Tesla wasn’t “currently working on” a much-discussed $25,000 model. That said, count me in as a taxi owner.

[EOP]

PS re GUV Lights

A post yesterday explained how GUV lights are so good at cleaning the air in an enclosed space that they would obviate the need for masking. While no one expects small businesses to install them, a loyal reader has made the strong case that some businesses, like gyms, might find they would gain an advantage over their competition by installing GUV lights, and hence turn GUV lights from a cost to a profit generator. And another loyal reader has urged that institutions that hold regular indoor meetings and portray themselves as caring and responsible, such as houses of worship, not only should install GUV lights for the well-being of their members, but do so to stand as a model for others and crusade for their installation by others. 

[EOP]

Free Rapid Covid Test Kids for Medicare Recipients

While pharmacies are supposed to be giving away 8 home Covid test kits per month to Medicare recipients, not all realize it. Fry's in Phoenix for example is still waiting for some instruction. CVS is with the program. The bottom-line is: If you're on Medicare, whenever you go to the pharmacy, just ask. All they can say is no. Or, on second thought, Hell no!

[EOP] 

Baseball's Way of Imitating Football

[Prefatory Note: Discovered and submitted by a loyal reader]

This short clip captures a baseball defensive play the likes of which is rarely seen. Of particular note is the announcer, who could only come up with: "That was out of nowhere." This explains why Jim Nantz gets the money he does, who likely would have said: "Friends, that is not a tradition. But it is like none other."

[EOP]

 

Stopping Superspreader Events Without Masking: GUV Lights

As this NYT article lays out, at every stage of the pandemic, a disproportionate number of coronavirus infections have been traced to a relatively small number of gatherings, also known as superspreader events. The recent Gridiron dinner, after which over 70 people tested positive, including members of the Biden administration, is just the latest example. The shame is that there is relatively inexpensive technology, through the installation of GUV lights. Omicron may now be approaching the infectiousness of the measles virus, the most contagious respiratory virus known; one highly infectious person can exhale enough measles virus to infect 93 people per minute, or over 5,500 per hour. Removing half that amount of virus every 10 minutes may make superspreading events smaller, but it’s not enough to prevent them in large indoor gatherings. That’s where air disinfection with germicidal ultraviolet light, or GUV, comes in. GUV can easily and silently kill half of the germs floating in indoor air every two minutes or less. See the article for all the details. And then press any entity you are aware of holding indoor activities to install GUV lights.

[EOP]

Future of Streaming

With CNN+ closing down just weeks after its launch (a decision we predicted but the suddenness of it was a bit stunning), and Netflix reporting a net decline in subscribers, only an idiot would deny that we are going to be seeing some massive changes in the screening world and delivery of entertainment and news. Anyone who can figure out what those changes will look like could make massive amounts of money buying/shorting the appropriate franchises. We are studying the matter and will let you know as soon as we can  figure out what's going to happen and when.

[EOP] 

End of Masking: End of Caring

The end of mandated masking on airplanes and in airports or on other modes of mass transportation, and the celebration of so many applauding it, marks the end of era, namely, the end of caring for those who are immunocompromised or otherwise especially vulnerable to Covid. It is one thing to end mask mandates where people have the choice to enter the facility (restaurant, store, house of worship, etc.) or to not enter it. But it is entirely different where the facility (bus, train, plane, terminal) is such that people must enter it to go to work or to travel for work or to see family. Perhaps the most astounding and depressing feature of caring for others coming to an end is that it has done so not with a bang, but with a whimper and applause. A few medical professionals continue to urge mask wearing, but the none of the institutions we look to to set an example of helping thy neighbor and safeguarding the vulnerable have raised a peep. Indeed, they seem to have fell in line.

PS: Shockingly, this appears to have been rejected for publication by both the AR and NYT.

[EOP]  

Better Call Saul: The Final Season (AMD)

The final season of Better Call Saul has begun with the same fantastic cast from it and Breaking Bad. Each scene is good to gripping. But the story line is extremely confusing to the point, after 1.5 hours, of not having a clue what's going on. It likely would help to go back and watch the last episode of Breaking Bad, or perhaps it all clears up as it goes. In all events, if you like flashbacks, this is for you.

[EOP] 

4% Retirement Savings Rule: Not So Fast Anymore

For decades, retirees have relied on the 4% rule to determine how much was safe to spend in retirement. Now, the rule’s inventor says current market conditions may require an even more conservative approach  i drawing down retirees' nest eggs, at least until it is seen whether the current surge in prices that has been particularly stressful to those on fixed incomes is a long-term trend or a short-term blip. This excellent piece in the WSJ article explains further.

[EOP]

Phillies: Does Defense Matter Any More?

This WSJ article looks at the awesome offensive power of the Philadelphia Phillies and their miserable defense, explaining that the Phillies have become an experiment designed to provide the long-awaited answer to one of baseball’s most debated and perplexing questions: How important is defense, really?

[EOP]

Abortion Rights Under Arizona's Constitution

Democrats running for Maricopa County Attorney and Attorney General have taken the position that, even if (or more precisely when) the U.S. Supreme Court undoes Roe v. Wade, and Arizona's new 15-week no-exception (except for health of the mother) ban on abortions goes into effect, they will not prosecute doctors or women or abortion clinics. At first blush, this sounds like they are refusing to abide the oath of office they will be taking to uphold the constitution. But they argue that Section 8 of Article 2 of the Arizona Constitution protects the right to an abortion and overrides that latest legislation. It provides as follows: "No person shall be disturbed in his private affairs, or his home invaded, without authority of law." I have not studied the matter and have no clue as to what the ultimate outcome would be upon the litigation that is sure to follow, but it is clear that the Arizona constitution certainly is more specific than the U.S. constitution in enumerating the right to privacy found by the Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade.

[EOP]

Crossing the Border From Mexico to U.S.

Even if your traveling mid-day on a mid-week day, you might plan on at least a half-hour delay crossing the border from Mexico into the  U.S. Also, there's no way to stop your window from being washed so prepare to tip accordingly or have your car dealt with accordingly.

[EOP] 

ecards

There are many so-called free online card sites, but they all have serious drawbacks, including: advertising included in the card or the email cover, limited card selection, inability to schedule for later delivery, and more. There are many subscription card sites, but unless you are sending a lot of cards each month, these can be expensive. evite.com is a nice middle road: No subscription is necessary while you can pay a single modest fee to send one card with no ads and schedule its delivery. 

[EOP]

Caution re Reviews of Short Term Rentals (STRs)

Short Term Rentals (STRs such as through Airbnb and VRBO) are highly dependent on their renters' reviews. A series or a few or a couple or even one bad review can be a serious impediment to attracting renters. Many renters know this, and in the event of having encountered problems with their STR, use this fact, at the end  of their stay, to negotiate with the owner/manager for a discount or other adjustment in exchange for not submitting a negative review. So, while a rental with all glowing reviews gives comfort in deciding to rent that place, all might not be as it seems. Likewise, a rental with far fewer reviews than one might expect, even if all good, might be a sign  of trouble. The problem is there is just no way to know. One thing to do, though, is be sure to read all the reviews and not just the first few.

[EOP]

Food Delivery in Rocky Point

Lucas Chicken and Joe's Ribs in Rocky Point are as good as it gets. But going to them to pick up the food can be a pain and an inordinate wait. If you check with the manager of your rental, in all likelihood, they will have any such food delivered promptly at any day/time you ask (e.g., you can even arrange before you  go to have Lucas chicken ready for your lunch upon arrival), and the tip you give is well worth it. It remains a head-scratcher why it would take anyone 22 years to discover this.

[EOP] 

Backing Up Your Computer: A Simple Best Practice

As this article explains, backing up your computer might not sound like it belongs on a security to-do list, but it’s an important step. With a good backup, you have a chance to roll back your operating system if your computer becomes infected with malware. Plus, it’s good practice, as it’ll keep you from losing all your important files if something happens to your drive or PC. This article will explain it all and how to do  it easily.

[EOP]

Correction re Brisket Recipe and Washing Meat in General

Yesterday's brisket recipe said to rinse off the meat. It has been brought to our attention that the current recommendation is to not wash meat or chicken etc--the USDA found it actually increases the risk of food-borne illness. Alas, yet a further instance confirming that, if you wait long enough, whatever the recommendation about anything is, it is doomed to change. As Casey Stengel said, "Can't anyone here play this game?"

[EOP]

Revised Brisket Recipe

Several years ago, we posted a brisket recipe. Since then, we have found a new recipe that is easier and faster and produces a tastier and more aesthetically pleasing brisket.

1. Buy a brisket. Bring it home.

2. Wash brisket, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic and whatever else you might want. Slice up an onion and shower the brisket with the onion.

3. Heat oven to 400-425 and then put brisket in for 20 minutes to sear.

4. While the brisket is searing, make up a tomato paste/ketchup sauce with some dijon and any spices you think will work. 

5. When the brisket is seared, slather the sauce over the brisket, reduce the temperature to 325, add a cup of water, seal the brisket in with aluminum foil, and cook for 2 hours. Test for tenderness and taste, and continue cooking as necessary up to another 2+  hours depending on the size of the brisket.

Bon appetite!

PS: I would love to divulge the credit that is deserved for this recipe, but an NDA prohibits me from doing  so.

[EOP]  

Obvious Point re the Evil of the Republicans

One might be able to dismiss the climate-change-deniers, the anti-vaxxers, the 2020 election-deniers, and such as ignorant. But, putting aside Trump who defies my ability to describe, the likes of  Cruz, DeSantis, Hawley, Abbott, Graham, and McConnel cannot be so dismissed. They know the truth. They know the facts. They know that the planet cannot survive the current course we are on, that pandemics cannot be wished away, and that our democracy is on the brink. They just don't care given their thirst to be in charge ... not for any stated purpose that makes any sense as they have no platform or ideals ... they just want to be in charge, and to Hell with the planet, peoples' health, and our democracy.

[EOP]

Encrypting Your Data

Some of us recoil from the idea of encrypting our data because of how happy we are that anyone actually would like to read it. But, if you are more security conscious, this article will show you how to easily encrypt your storage on Windows and Mac computers and on your phone.

[EOP]

Baseball: You Be the Judge

Clayton Kershaw is a HOF pitcher with everything accomplishment a pitcher can dream of except a perfect game, of which there have been only 23 in the 140 years of baseball. He pitched 7 perfect innings and had thrown just 70 pitches and then was pulled out of the game. He has had elbow problems and this is early in the season. Would you have pulled him? Did he pull himself?

[EOP]

iBonds: Getting Even Better

We have recommended US Treasury iBonds in several earlier posts both for safety and yield. They currently yield over 7% and will reset in May at close to 10%. Don't believe me. Instead, take a look at this WSJ article. It's a shame they are capped at $10,000 per person per year, but efforts are underway to raise that cap.

[EOP]

Measuring and Leveling: There's an App for That

Just as you likely have thrown out your slide rule, you should go ahead a throw out your ruler and leveling gauge. Your phone can do both, either through its built-in Measure App or through a plethora of available Measure Apps available for download.

[EOP] 

Back Tap for the iPhone: A Small Gesture for a User, A Giant Step for User-Kind

A recent study revealed that Android users embrace efficiency more than iPhone users do, perhaps explaining (along with the big cost differential) why Android phones enjoy over 80% of the market. But, we have uncovered one iPhone feature called Back Tap, not available on Android, that provides iPhone users with a fantastic tool to increase efficiency. Once enabled, simply tapping on the back of the iPhone will trigger the phone to accomplish virtually any task you want, from opening a driveway entry gate to turning on lights to taking a screenshot. Go to Settings/Accessibility/Touch/Back Tap, and then select Double Tap or Triple Tap and choose a specific action.

[EOP]

The Metrics of Dealing With the BA.2 Variant

For many people, the pandemic is over, but others are not quite so sanguine. They keep talking about this BA.2 thing. If you live somewhere where local statistics suggest cases are rising but the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention map still shades your county low-risk green, it can be tough to figure out what to do. So, do you need to worry? When? And how do you know what to look for? This WSJ article addresses those issues explaining as the doctors say the metrics to monitor now aren’t necessarily the same ones we all watched earlier in the pandemic. Case count data is less reliable than it used to be, partly because so many of us are testing at home. And even if case counts were reliable, the numbers don’t tell you about the severity of infections. Scientists and doctors recommend paying attention to other metrics. Those include changes in case counts rather than the absolute number, local hospital visits, and your own risk profile and tolerance.

[EOP]

Over -the-Counter Hearing Aids

As this Wirecutter article explains, over-the-counter hearing aids are coming approval (they're actually already here), which will enable everyone to get state-of-the art devices at lower prices and without the fuss and ado of dealing with audiologists and their pressure/scare techniques. For people wedded to Costco, please note: They are somewhat less expensive than what seem to be comparable models, but that's because they tend to sell stuff that is 2 years behind on the technology. Note in this article the initial favorable review of Eargo's, which are what we've used and recommended for years, and not just because they are impossible for anyone to tell you are wearing them and their being rechargeable means you never have to buy a battery.

[EOP]

Re-installing a Hubcap

If a hubcap gets knocked off or seems to come loose, just pushing on it might lead to the conclusion that it or the rim is out-of-shape, leading you to take the car into the dealership to have them look at it. More often than not, your pushing on it was not enough force to properly secure it. Watching a very nice attendant in the service department give it a good belt followed by a smile of satisfaction will cure you of your initial wrong diagnosis. Just try not to look too gobsmacked. Finally, if you are taking the car in to have them look at the hubcap at the same time as picking someone up who is leaving their car there for service, do NOT drive into one of the appointment or non-appointment lanes.

[EOP]

Curb Your Enthusiasm: Season 12

Larry David has committed to their being a 12th season of Curb Your Enthusiasm. HBO must be happy. 

[EOP]

Costco's Baby Step Into the New World

Costco now has Self-Checkout. Yeah. That said, the PV store still has the worst parking in the world. But their brisket prices sort of make up for it.

[EOP]

Amazon Fresh Tip

While you can't remove items  from an Amazon Fresh order, you usually can add items up until they say they have started packing the order. But, on occasion, when you try to do so, there can be a glitch and the website will say there's something like excessive demand and your extra items cannot be added. In that event, there is no harm in continuing to try to add them and, with luck, schzam, they just might add at some point.

[EOP] 

Post-Pandemic Return to Normalcy: If You Believe in Santa Clause

When Biden, Harris, and Pelosi faced the cameras at the State of the Union without masks, in what some might say was akin to Trump's ripping off his mask upon returning to the White House after his hospitalization for Covid, they signaled in the strongest graphic terms their belief that normalcy was back. Lest there was any doubt as to the symbolism, Biden there stated: “Covid-19 need no longer control our lives." Pelosi has now tested positive for Covid, along with at least two cabinet members, 68 attendees at the Gridiron Club dinner, Matthew Broderick, Sarah Jessica Parker, Queen Elizabeth, Savanna Guthrie, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, Whoopi Goldberg, Bill Mahrer (who cares given his anti-vaxxing stance), and on and on. Here's the problem, as this NYT piece by Sarah Wildman explains, what this post-pandemic back-to-normalcy means, is that no longer are the old and vulnerable on anyone's radar screen as a reason, if not the main reason, to keep up the guard against spreading infections. 

[EOP]

Some Final Thoughts on The Masters

1. This might be the most forgettable and least watched Masters except for the appearance of one golfer.

2. This might be the most memorable (putting aside anything Nicklaus did given his approval for Trump or Tiger did in his early years and Norman's collapse. Sarazen's double-eagle, and Palmer's charges) and most watched Masters (at least for the first two days) when it comes to one golfer.

3. Tiger's tee-to-green game was in many ways better than expected, while his putting was shockingly bad.

4. The commentators on ESPN/CBS was insufferable (except for Ian Baker-Finch).

5. The commentators on Masters.com were pretty good.

6. The camera work on ESPN/CBS was often amateurish.

7. The camera work on Masters.com was pretty good.

8. Whatever happened  to "limited commercial interruptions"?

9. It is fair to say that Augusta National is like a big boys' miniature golf course minus the clown's face.

10. Watching Tiger walk, especially on Sunday and especially downhill but also uphill and as the day went on even on level ground, was painful.

[EOP]

Caution re Rise of Subscription Services

Companies are figuring out that selling subscriptions is more profitable than selling goods or services on a one-time basis. And they're getting sneaky. Toyota, which used to be our car brand of choice but has dropped out of favor during the so-called pandemic, now provides remote-starting only on a subscription-basis. Your new Toyota or recently-bought used Toyota might remote-start for a while during its free-trial period, but at some point, it will be necessary to pay a subscription fee to have the remote-start work. Obviously, Toyota is not Scottish and it's crap.

[EOP] 

Need to Reconstitute the Supreme Court Structure

Following the Senate confirmation of Judge Jackson, Senators Graham and McConnell announced that, if the Republicans take over the Senate this November, should there become a vacancy while Biden is president, his nominee will not get confirmed (if even voted on). Packing the court and the various other proposals along those lines does not address this kind of fundamental fracture of our democracy.  But there is a solution, which this blog has noted, which is to adopt Professor Greenfield's proposal to strip the current Supreme Court of jurisdiction to hear constitutional cases, and establish a new constitutional court which would be made up of judges from other federal courts, selected by the president from a slate generated by a bipartisan commission to create legitimacy and balance. The judges would serve limited terms, then return to their previous courts. Staggered terms would guarantee each president several appointments. If you have any questions about how such a court would work, and how it is the model of many modern Western democracies, just click on the above link ... it's all there.

[EOP]

Navi Nurses

Navi Nurses is a concierge nurse service in Arizona that is looking to expand nationally. It provides all the kinds of nursing services that one might find in an assisted living facility or a hospital or skilled nursing facility etc., but the services are provided at your home. When interviewed on Horizon, the Director was not asked about the cost and there is nothing explicit on the website about the cost. But it might be worthwhile looking at as an alternative to retirement living where the principal reason for doing so is the future availability of the assisted living resource. To be clear, we are not making any recommendation nor do we have any substantial knowledge on the matter.

[EOP]

ETNs: Look Safe, But Maybe Not So Much

As this WSJ article explains, Exchange-traded notes (ETNs), which appear to be rising in popularity, might better be seen as wolves in sheep’s clothing. While they sound like a close relative of exchange-traded funds, which have become popular for good reason, they are a very different species. Most retail investors should steer well clear.

[EOP]

Free At-Home Rapid Covid Tests for Medicare Enrollees

As has been publicized, Medicare enrollees can get free COVID-19 home tests at more than a dozen retail pharmacies. Medicare will pay pharmacies and other entities directly to allow enrollees to pick up the free tests. Pharmacies committed to distributing the free tests include Albertsons, Costco, CVS, Food Lion, Giant Food, The Giant Company, Hannaford, H-E-B Pharmacy, Hy-Vee, Kroger Family, Rite Aid, Shop & Stop, Walgreens,  and Walmart. That said, upon asking at Fry'(part of the  Kroger Family) for a free kit, expect the horse laugh, explaining incorrectly one needs to buy the kit and get reimbursed from Medicare. Good luck with that.

[EOP]

Stick Vacuums

As explained in this earlier post, my favorite stick vacuum is the Shark and it cost under $100, and it is doing as well in year 3 as it did in year 1. But if you want to pay $350, here's what Wirecutter says you should get: The Tineco Pure One S. Generally speaking, Wirecutter is a good source for stuff. More often, however, we're better. Just saying. 

[EOP]

Correction/Addition re Yesterday's Master's Post

A post yesterday talking about watching the Master's omitted to note that omitted to note that masters.com streams essentially everything, and certainly everything Tiger, even when there is no TV broadcast going. It has several advantages including, you don't have to listen to Jim Nantz and it doesn't seem to miss as many shots as ESPN does even with respect to a certain player. We apologize for the post's oversight and any inconvenience or consternation the omission might have caused.

[EOP]

How to Move Stuff From Your So-Yesterday Wallet to Your Phone

Over the past two years, much of the contents of our wallets have become outdated. There’s been a push to make interactions touch-free during the so-called pandemic, which has led to more options like digital payments and on-screen IDs. After watching a very short clip on a typical massive wallet teetering on explosion, it is instructive to see, as explained in instructive terms here, how much of what's in your wallet can now be safely moved over to your smartphone (or into the nearest trash can). 

[EOP]

PS on Following the Masters and the State of Professional Golf

Re Following the Masters: First, what not to do: (i) Unless you can tolerate near mindless and mind-numbing blather and worse, don't watch Live From the Masters on The Golf Channel; and (ii) unless you like head-scratching as to why the NYT pays Alan Blinder (no relation to the Princeton economist, Alan Binder) to write a story about inflation at Augusta, noting for example that the price of a chicken biscuit has gone from $1.50 to $2, although we do commend his shot at the Gilded Age: "“We want the experience to not only be the best but to be affordable,” Billy Payne, who was Augusta National's chairman for 11 years, said during his tenure, which ended in 2017. 'We take certain things very, very seriously — like the cost of a pimento cheese sandwich.'" Second, what to do: If you wanted to follow Tiger on Thursday, don't wait for ESPN coverage to start or pay for ESPN+ streaming. Just turn on ESPN at the Masters and, they're no dopes, you can follow his round. Given that his tee time Friday is later, this is not so much an issue from today on through Moving Day and the final round.

Re the State of Professional Golf: A short while ago, we analyzed one of the big problems plaguing the PGA Tour, in short being not the lack of great golfers, but the lack of a consistent dominant golfer separated from the pack. Unlike the NYT which often plagiarizes from us without delay, this Washinton Post article took its time but makes the point articulately. Another big problem is the sheer power (length) of professional golfers that overcomes the challenge of the courses that were designed in and for different eras and equipment. Course lengthening (aka Tiger-proofing a course) began with the arrival of Tiger Woods, but that fix has its limits. The actual  fix is simple: Adjust the existing golf ball regulations to reduce the maximum distance  they can go.

[EOP]

How Republicans Are Insuring We Never Get Out of The Pandemic

A post yesterday criticized the Biden Administration for its continuing failure to break its promise to follow the science when it comes to the pandemic. The Republicans have never promised to do the right thing so it is no surprise, as the Washington Post explains, that they have stripped out foreign aid for vaccination funding overseas. Would anyone be surprised if, in the 2024 presidential election, a major plank of the Republican nominee will be to build a glass dome over the continental United States and bar all foreigners to keep out the pandemic that likely will still be raging. Maybe we can't get Mexico to pay for it, but perhaps the cry will be for aliens to.

[EOP]

Give Me That Old Time Religion

We have decried here the failure of mainstream religious institutions to take up as an affirmative moral cause the importance of vaccines and other mitigation efforts to carry out what some think is the highest purpose of any religion--to do the good and right thing in protection of others. We had no idea, as bad as that failure seemed to us, they weren't as bad as they might have been. As this NYT article sets out, there is now a movement embracing the confluence of pro-right, pro-Trump, and anti-vaccine theology. Rituals of Christian worship have become embedded in conservative rallies, as praise music and prayer blend with political anger over vaccines, adulation of Trump, and outrage over the 2020 election. But the one thing that has to be acknowledged: Unlike most of the mainstream religious institutions, these guys are taking a stance. Give Me That Old Time Religion

[EOP]

Tight Deadline for Covid Vaccine Redesign

You would think, given what we've been through with that pandemic everyone was talking about, and the ushering in of a new administration dedicated to following the science, that we could do as least as well as the Trump Administration did with Operation Warp Speed. As this NYT article sets out, maybe not so much, as it explains how experts are grappling with what the U.S. coronavirus vaccine strategy should be for the rest of the year, amid growing evidence that new variants have eroded some of the existing vaccines’ power.

[EOP]

Tiger Woods at the Masters

There have been some astounding comebacks in all sorts of professions (including politics) and in sports (e.g., Ali, Hogan). But should Tiger Woods win this year's Masters (notwithstanding given the limited field of those who might win), it will go down as the greatest comeback of all time. Even if you don't like golf and don't like Tiger Woods, don't take the chance of having to say, "I didn't watch it."

[eop} 

Estelle Harris Obituary: How Wives See Their Marital Responsibility

The obituary for the actress who plays George's mother on Seinfeld includes her account of how her personal life prepared her for the role: "I yell at my husband, but he doesn't mind. He's grateful for the attention." 

[EOP]

Carry-On Luggage

Personally, I prefer a duffle bag or shoulder bag to a suitcase when it comes to carry-on luggage because of the ease of fitting into even a crowded overhead bin. But, for sure, when it comes to traveling, carry-ons beat checked luggage both to remove the risk of the luggage getting lost or having to pay a baggage fee or having tip a red-cap. If you don't believe me, take just a minute and watch what happens more often than you would think. This Wirecutter article gives an excellent review of its preferred carry-on luggage.

[EOP]

Safe Use of Non-Stick Cookware

This Wirecutter article reviews the safety precautions one should take when it comes to non-stick cookware, including when to stop using it and how often to replace it. 

[EOP]

Maybe Bad News for Dems in November on Abortion Issue or Maybe Not

If the headline from this WSJ article is correct, more American voters favor the idea of a 15-week abortion ban than oppose it. With lawmakers in several states pushing forward with bills that would ban abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, 48% of voters said they would strongly or somewhat favor such restrictions, with exemptions to protect the health of the mother, while 43% were in opposition. But one has to question what's really going on with this survey because, at the same time, the survey found a majority of voters say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, underscoring the complicated views many Americans hold on the issue.

[EOP]

Tip re the Pioneer Living History Museum

When it comes to snacks and water and soda at the Pioneer Living History Museum, there is a snack kiosk shortly past the entrance. It doesn't open until 10:30 am or so, and if you stand there thinking it's open, the guy in charge of it won't look at you or talk to you or tell you, so you'll just stand there like an idiot. Worse, the kiosk charges double for the exact same items available in the store just about 20 yards away. So, eschew and kiosk and patronize the store. 

[EOP]

Update on This Blog

With daily hits on the blog website now exceeding 1,000 with some frequency, and our monthly total just having hit 13,000, we looked into ways to monetize the blog website. But then, it hit us, it's not people out there, it's the bots. So, we are going to stop even looking at or reporting the stats for the blog.

[EOP]