Slow Horses Is Back (Season 4 on Apple TV+)

Slow Horses is one of the best TV series. Our long national nightmare wait for Season 4 is almost over. It begins on September 4.

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Travel Tips re Alerting Your Neighbors and Having a Smart Home

Whenever you go on a trip, you know you will have one or more crises at home at the last minute, such as your bathtub backing up and water coming out from your toilet. If you're lucky, it's a problem your handyperson might be able to fix while you are away. If you have a smart lock, you avoid any problem allowing access to the house, and you remotely can turn your thermostat down so the house isn't unduly uncomfortable while they are there, and turn it back up when they leave so you don't go broke. Further, if you have the good sense to alert your neighbors that the handyperson would be there, it would have spared them worrying and from getting in touch with you about a car being parked in your driveway and someone being in your house, or worse, calling the police and having your handyperson arrested. Just saying.

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Lifespan of a Laptop

This digitaltrends article has an informative discussion about how long one might expect a laptop to last. But, even more importantly, it highlights the signs one might look for indicating that the end is near so that it might be wise to buy a replacement.

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Windows Event Viewer

As this XDA article explains, the Windows Event Viewer lets you see logs for almost any major event on your PC, so if you have a problem, this is the place to go. It won't fix your issues, but it can help diagnose them, and you can then use the internet to help figure out what's wrong and how to fix it.

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Train Ride Across America

If you share my childhood love of trains, you certainly are as intrigued as I am in doing a coast-to-coast train trip. But before booking and answering the siren call of "all aboard," you might take a look at this WaPo article, which gives a terrific and colorful description of the experience.

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Caution re Cord-Cutting

Everyone hates their cable company for internet and TV. But, before terminating your cable TV service and going with a streaming service, it's instructive to understand the differences between watching through coax and streaming. From everything to switching channels to playback, and a lot in between, depending on how you watch, you just might find any streaming option (like Sling or Hulu) to be so clunky that you'll worship your cable coax TV company as God on earth. Here is how to easily test what I'm saying if you have Hulu: Go to the Live TV option and see if it works for you. It will save you money (although likely not as much as you think), but might send you to self-commit to the funny farm or commit sepuka up and down your line.

[EOP]

The Argument Against Paying for Antimalware Software

This ZDNet article makes a strong case for not paying for any third-party antimalware software. Beyond that, I have found McAfee and Norton large and intrusive so I've always declined the free trial period that might come with a new computer, and I've also done a deep uninstall to get them off my computer.

[EOP]

Restoring Your Chrome Home Page

If your Chrome home page gets changed such that your home page button opens the wrong page even though what had been your home page remains as your left-most start page, the bot doesn't will tell you wrong how to get back the home page you want. So, ignore the bot and go to Chrome's Settings/Appearance, and then delete the URL that's there for the home page you don't want and insert the URL you do want for the home page. 

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Windows Power Plan Tweaks to Speed Up a Laptop and Avoid USB Problems

This XDA article will explain and walk you through four setting changes that might be made to one's power options that will make a computer faster and avoid some possible problems.

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Not Your Everyday Double Play

Courtesy of a casual reader: An 8-6-2-3-2-5-4 double play.

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Tip re Step to Take Before Booking a STR

When one is doing a short-term rental for a unit in a place where one has no clue, there's always a risk that the place as depicted on the website and in the reviews will not live up to your expectations. That's life. But there is one thing that you can do to protect yourself against having problems arise at the place but no local person available to solve them. Specifically, before agreeing to a rental, you should have an email interchange with the listing to confirm what provision has been made to attend to issues should they arise. If the answer is a management company like Vacasa, be sure there is a local person designated with a local telephone number. If you all get is an 800 number, there's a good chance they will be of no help and perhaps not even actually reachable.

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Tech Travel Etiquette

Travel now is heavily tech-laden, from entertainment (e.g., watching stuff on your device) to help (Google Maps and boarding passes) and on and on. This WaPo article is a sakient refresher on the etiquette everyone should abide to make others' travel as enjoyable as one's own, or at least avoiding the problem of your annoying other people.

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Speedier Way to Do Replies in Gmail on Android Devices (Soon on iOS Devices Too)

Sometimes, you just want to send a quick email reply from your phone in a few taps, without having to delve into the full reply system and all of its associated tools and controls. That’s what Google has just added to Gmail’s Android app, with the search giant explaining that the new feature is all about improving the experience for “quick, lightweight responses." Instead of having to tap Reply, Reply All or Forward when viewing an email, you can now type your response directly into a text box at the bottom of the email thread. Then just tap the Send button and it’ll be delivered to your recipient. If you want to get the full suite of messaging tools, including those for bold, italic, font color and more, you can just tap a button in the top-right corner of the text box to expand it to the full, regular view. 

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Redesign Changes in Google Maps

This Tom's Guide article has an overview of the recent changes that have been made to the design of Google Maps.

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Updated Covid Vaccine Is Available

The new updated Covid vaccine aimed at the latest variants is now readily available.

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Extended Warranties

With two exceptions, extended warranties are bunk. Total rip-offs. Especially now, where appliances and such are wi-fi enabled, manufacturers can often diagnose any problem remotely for free, so paying for service calls has become a rarity. One exception is TVs that are too big to take to a repair place, especially if bought through Costco where the warranty covers home visits or pick-ups and is exceedingly inexpensive. The other one, which depends on what is covered and for how long and the net price that might be discounted, is one very specific policy that comes up in the little room when buying a car. It is a bit too complicated to explain and might very well be a total rip off as well, subjecting you to untold scorn if you admit to anyone who likes dishes the scorn that you bought it.

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Enabling or Disabling Fast Startup in Windows

Fast startup allows Windows to preload the kernel and drivers, so when you turn your computer back on, it simply refreshes rather than starting from scratch. While this doesn't save your open files or programs like hibernation or sleep mode, it does significantly reduce the time it takes to get your system up and running. Although fast startup is usually enabled on most Windows computers, you may want to turn it off to fully shut down the system. This article will walk you through the steps for enabling or disabling fast startup on a Windows 10 or 11 PC and help you decide whether it's the best option for your needs.

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Waymo at Sky Harbor

Waymo will now take you and pick you up from Terminals 3 and 4 at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport 24/7. Beside not having to deal with a driver, the cars are large Jaguars. And they are not more expensive than Lyft or Uber.

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Rental Cars at Portland (Oregon) Airport

Many of the car rentals were not available at the terminal at the Portland Airport, including Budget. It now appears they are. And if they give you a Dodge something or other, and you can't figure out even how to open the trunk, they are very accommodating and quick in giving you a different car. That said, it is a VERY LONG walk from the gates to the car rental center along with several escalator rides up and down.

[EOP]

Good Cover But Bad Karma

I love The New Yorker, but what is it about the concept of "jinx" that David Remnick doesn't get?

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PS re ZWILLING Enfinigy Glass Drip Coffee Maker 12 Cup

We recently gave a positive review to this drip coffee maker. Just a note here to say that, the more we use it, the more we like it. Not only is it good looking and simple to use, and has every feature anyone might want (including program start (which we don't use), blooming, descaling, easy fill, easy empty), the coffee comes out very hot and very delicious (at least if you use Cafe Bustelo).

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Hotel Reservation Tip From Rick Steves

With all its pros and cons, booking a hotel for your next adventure can be both exciting and nerve-wracking — especially as your departure date inches closer. After all, there's always a possibility that something might go wrong ... and that you'll be left stranded at your destination. Because whether you're a seasoned globetrotter or planning your first big trip, no one wants to arrive at their hotel only to be told that there's no availability, the room was double-booked, or the entire thing was randomly canceled. Rick Steves has a handy trick to ease some of the nerves — and ensure it all goes according to plan. His simple advice? "Always email or call to reconfirm your room reservation a few days in advance," Steves writes on his blog. "This gives you time to improvise in the unlikely event that something has gone wrong with your reservation." With a quick confirmation before your trip, you can quickly save yourself from potential headaches — and give yourself enough time to sort out any issues if they do pop up.

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Speeding Up a Sluggish iPhone

This cnet article sets out some simple settings changes that can speed up a sluggish iPhone.

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Rental Car Option Through Airline Flight

You might find (and check up to close to departure) that a rental car reservation made well in advance of a trip through the rental car company directly will cost you 33% or more less if you make the same reservation with the same rental car company but through your airline. I base this on a loyal reader's experience of having booked a rental car a couple of months ago for $720 and then today happened on the American Airline website and clicked on the rental car button and got a rental car from the same company and got a bigger car for $520. Not kidding. Maybe you feel differently about $200, but in our view, that's not bean bags.

[EOP]

Foyle's War

From everything I've heard, Foyle's War is one of the great TV series ever. Unfortunately, the only way to watch it now (at least in Phoenix) is by buying the DVD box set (for $50) or renting it through Amazon (for $15/season) or going on the Acorn streaming service. Obviously, no one wants to shell out money like that or pay for another streaming service. At least one local PBS station back East is re-running it. So, I beg of you to please email AZ PBS at supportAZPBS@asu.edu and ask them to re-run it. Feel free to copy and paste (with whatever appropriate changes you might make) the following: "My wife and I are members of AZ PBS and enjoy and truly appreciate AZ PBS. I understand at least one other local PBS station is re-running Foyle’s War. I have never seen the show and from everything I’ve heard, it’s fabulous. In talking to others, I believe there would be great interest in AZ PBS re-running the series. Thank you for considering this request."

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Will Trump Back Out of the Debate

Once Harris became the nominee, we predicted that Trump would not debate her. As this WaPo article reports, along with all media sources, Trump suggests he might skip ABC debate with Harris. We continue to think he will never show up for  a debate. That said, if there is a debate (which we and likely Trump understands could have a decisive effect on the election), as noted in an earlier post, here is our view as to the rubric Harris should use: In response to each thing Trump says, which invariably will be wrong and a lie, instead of saying, "That's a lie," say, "With respect, what you just said demonstrates a misunderstanding of how X (economics, immigration, abortion, inflation, tariffs, the UN) actually works. Here is how X actually works." Not only would this slice up Trump on substance, it is an approach that would drive him nuts and has the best chance of producing a major gaffe by him (e.g., letting fly with a racist or misogynist or some such unscripted, offensive outburst).

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Freezing Bananas

Returning from an extended trip late at night creates a problem for an early breakfast the next morning. One thing you can to be sure there's some fruit without the need to go shopping early in the morning is to freeze bananas to have with your yoghurt. It's best to unpeel them, and then put them in a sealable bag in the freezer.

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The Art of Negotiating Real Estate Agent Fees

When it comes to real estate agent fees, it's a new and better world. This WSJ article has a good review of the options now available and pitfalls to watch out for when dealing with realtors.

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Disparate Impact of Inflation

Everyone understands that inflation impacts different demographic groups differently. But this WSJ article is quite instructive on the point, and exposed the error in some of my thinking how it was the poor who are necessarily most hurt by inflation.

[EOP]

Women's Professional Golf

If you missed the last round of the AIG Women's Open, you missed an exciting battle between two great golfers on the most famous golf course in the world, with fans who know and appreciate what they are watching and don't act like jerks. With men's professional golf a shambles, it gives one hope for golf for next year.

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Pros and Cons of Wireless Charging

I am totally addicted to wireless charging for everything that can be wirelessly charged, including my phone and earbuds. Anything I buy that has an option for wirelessly charging I choose wireless charging. It's the easiest way to charge (especially for use in a car), and it allows one to put a plug in the charger port which keeps it clean. That said, because I do not wish to press my preferences on anyone, and as all readers know I'm committed to objective truth and fairness, I bring to your attention this Xfinity article that reviews the apparent downsides of wireless charging (which are not to be pooh-poohed).

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Appliances to Unplug on Vacation

This Better Homes & Garden article lists the appliances you should unplug when you're going on vacation, explaining why doing so not only enhances safety, but also conserves energy and saves money. Some of the suggestions might surprise you, but a couple are just wrong (to wit: your router if you have a smart hub connected to it through which you control thermostat, lights, and other stuff; and your TV if you have it turn on at night (it's considered the best anti-breakin tactic)).

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Updated IRS Rules on RMDs

This Motley Fool article reviews the three updated rules the IRS has promulgated re RMDs. Most readers likely need not concern themselves.

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Trump's Effect on the Swift/Mahomes Friendship

As this Marca article uncovers, Brittany Mahomes's "like" on a post by Donald Trump on social media could fracture her relationship with Taylor Swift. I'm not happy about it, but I totally empathize with Ms. Swift and courage her to ghost Ms. Mahomes. 

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The Instigators (2024 Movie on Apple TV+)

[Prefatory Note: I watched this as a result of a recommendation by a certain sporadic reader, who is a person of few words, who said: "It's a hoot." I note this only because, if I didn't credit him with finding and suggesting the film, as Trump would say, "You would not believe how upset this would make him"]

The Instigators is a hoot. I needn't say more, but I shall. It's a laugh-out loud hoot.

[EOP]

A Refined Polling Analysis and Prayer for the Presidential Election

Refined Polling Analysis: While I wish the presidential poll numbers were not so close, particularly given the known polling bias of undercounting Trump votes, I have looked at the polling methodology and have a refined analysis that gives me substantial hope. Specifically, while generally speaking the (good) polls are fairly accurate at measuring who respondents would vote for (if they voted), they are not so good at measuring whether or not the respondents actually will vote. In short, poll numbers matter sometimes matter little, while turnout-out always is everything. So, if, as seems to be its focus, the Harris campaign succeeds in turning out inordinate numbers of young, minority, and women voters (as Trump would say, "in droves like we've never seen before"), even if the polls show a 50/50 split in preference or Trump ahead, the actual voting results could be large victories in every swing state and victories even in states never thought to be in play.

Prayer: It would not be surprising if the presidential debate turned out to make a decisive difference in the election outcome. My hope (call it a prayer) is that Harris's tactical approach is not one of painting him with a "you're a liar" brush. Instead, because it will expose the lies just as effectively, her rubric should be one that hones in on his idiocy and ignorance by saying: "What you just said about X (tariffs, inflation, immigration, jobs, etc.) misunderstands the facts and reality. Let me explain as to X what actually is the case."

[EOP]

Increasing the Lifespan of an LED TV

LED TVs can wear out. The easiest and most effective way to extend its lifespan is to lower the backlight settings to 75% or less. It just might add years to your viewing pleasure with that TV and postpone when it will need to be replaced. OLEDs do not have the same backlight issue.

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Splitting Images on a Windows Screen

The split-screen concept isn't new. Windows introduced the 'Snap' feature with Windows 7 in 2009, but Windows 11 takes it to the next level with easy-to-select layout options, while retaining all the classic features you might be familiar with. This TechRadar article gives a step-by-step guide on how to maximize your screen by screen splitting.  

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Windows Apps That Can Be Safely Removed and a Cautionary Note

This XDA article lists and explains why many apps that come with a Windows computer can safely, and should, be removed. One cautionary note: We rise in strong objection to and disagree with the suggestion to remove Sticky Notes. Sticky Notes is one of the most useful and used apps we have. We love it. Particularly its syncing across devices, and its ease of use.

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Need to Look Below Trim Levels When Buying a New Car

While it is daunting to figure out what trim level of a new car makes the most sense for you, within each trim level there might be add-on options available. So, when looking at any car you might buy, make sure that it has the options you want or doesn't have (so you don't pay for the options you don't want). Nough said.

[EOP]

Suitcase That Fits Under a Seat

Because personal items need to fit under a seat, it is typically preferred to have ones with pliable, soft construction. But for the protection of a little more structure— and wheels—there’s the hard-sided Personal Item Suitcase 2.0 from Take Off Luggage. Available in five colors, the suitcase’s polycarbonate shell is thin but sturdy, with reinforced corners. Zippered dividers keep things tidy when opening—useful if you need to remove a laptop and toiletries for security. The wheels push the bag’s dimensions above the accepted limits of some airlines, but they can be popped off and stashed away in a small bag that comes with the case. It’s 18 by 14 by 8 inches with the wheels off, $119.99 at takeoffluggage.com. and at Amazon.

[EOP]

Travel Tips for Retirees

This WSJ article has some good pointers for retirees who are traveling, but they actually apply to everyone: travel off-season; choose secondary destinations; focus on a few things; stay at least 3 nights in any location (or, better yet, don't location-hop; and be prepared to improvise.

[EOP]

PS re Baseball Oddities

Upon reading yesterday's post about a MLB player appearing in the same game for both teams, a  loyal reader submitted the following:

1. Re Danny Jansen --  As the Blog correctly notes, when the game was suspended, the count on Jansen was 0-1.  That means that, if his replacement strikes out, the replacement will be charged with doing so.  However, if, when the game was suspended, Jansen had two strikes on him, and the replacement struck out, Jansen would be charged with the strikeout, meaning that he would have been the catcher who caught the pitch that struck him out.

2.  On May 30, 1922, the Cardinals were playing a Memorial Day doubleheader against the Cubs. Between games, Max Flack of the Cubs was traded for the Cardinals' Cliff Heathcote. Both men appeared in both games that day. 

3.  In April, 1962, Cleveland catcher Harry Chiti was traded to the New York Mets for a player to be named later.  Two months later, the Mets sent him back to Cleveland as the player to be named later.

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Post-Convention Reflection on Where the Presidential Race Stands

There are many laudatory things to say about and reasons to give credit to the Harris campaign. I'm glad the poll numbers have trended in the right direction. I just wish they were a little more encouraging. It would not be surprising if the second presidential debate turns out to again have a decisive impact.

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One MLB Player Will Be Playing for Both Teams in the Same Game

The start of Monday’s continuation of a suspended game between the Red Sox and Blue Jays will be history-making. Toronto’s Danny Jansen was at the plate on June 26 at Fenway Park in the top of the second with one out and the count 0-1 when play was halted by rain. On July 27, Jansen was traded to the Red Sox for three prospects. So not only will the continuation on Monday at 2:05 ET start with the Blue Jays sending up a pinch-hitter for Jansen, but Red Sox manager Alex Cora confirmed Friday that he will put Jansen in behind the plate to replace Reese McGuire. The same McGuire who was designated for assignment and eventually outrighted to Triple-A Worcester as a corresponding roster move for the Red Sox acquiring Jansen. Once all this happens, Jansen will become the first player in Major League history to appear in the same game for both teams. 

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The State of MLB and the PGA

Major League Baseball: While the Pillies are rightly considered America's team and indisputably are everyone's favorite team, and no one doubts they are going to sweep the World Series, this has become a terrific season. There is hardly a percentage point that separates the leaders of the six divisions. Put another way, there's real parity, and each of those teams, and some playoff contenders, bring different stuff to the table. 

The PGA Tour: The four (of at least three of the )major tournaments can hold viewers' attention because the best players on the planet, and they are skilled and accomplished beyond words, are going after each other for titles that have long histories. But no one cares, nor is there any reason to care, to watch or who wins any of the PGA tournaments. That the PGA thinks an audience is drawn to see which of  these overly rich guys is going to collect $10 million for something called the FedEx Cup, is proof how myopic they are. Does anyone know what the bonus is to be made by MLB World Series champions, or NBA champions, or Super Bowl champions? No. And they couldn't give a fig. They want to see the best athletes compete for titles that matter to those athletes.

[EOP]

Best USB-C Cable

The HyperJuice 240W Silicone USB C to USB C Cable (available at Amazon for $20) is the best of breed. It is not only designed to handle even the most demanding power requirements with ease, but its super soft silicone construction ensures that it remains tangle-free, no matter how carelessly it's stuffed into a bag, pocket, or wrapped around a charger. It is also so soft that you can tie it into knots, and then later easily undo the knots with no damage to the cable.

[EOP]

Observation re the Dem Convention

[Prefatory Note: I watched only a trifle more of the Dem convention than I did of the Rep convention of which I watched none (I'm glad to have seen Michelle Obama's speech which was superb). So, the below observations are not based on a scientific sample of the events or any knowledge as to what actually happened during most of it]

1. Watching the event was eerily similar to watching a televised football game. The ambience/atmosphere was a constant, droning din. Made me very glad not to be in attendance. I cannot imagine what it took to get into a restroom.

2. Relatedly, the television shots of the audience were eerily similar to the television shots of the audiences at the Olympic soccer (futbol) matches.

3. The audience was armed with various signage (e.g., Vote, USA, Forward, Harris/Walz) or little American flags and cued to have everyone display the same one at any time. Not saying it was good or bad or effective or ineffective. Just saying it was quite the staging.

4. Although as noted I saw very few of them, there certainly were an uncountable number of speeches. One has to wonder whether 4 days of this is the way to produce the optimum  impact sought to be made.

5. Not sure if there was any spontaneity and, if so, what it was, and, if so or if not, whether that was good or bad given the goal.

6. The one irony, shall we say, was some of the lambasting of Trump for caring only about himself and not about others. This was done by various speakers whom we shall not name even if one of them came from a town called Hope and had a terrific line about Harris having spent more time in McDonald's than he had. The irony is they went way over their allotted time to the detriment of the principal speaker for the evening being able to deliver their speech before the country went to bed.

7. As an historical note, in assessing the speeches that were made, the audience reactions to Cato and Demosthenes urging war against Carthage are instructive. When Demosthenes spoke, everyone in the audience said, "What a beautiful speech!" When Cato spoke, the audience rose to their feet and exclaimed, "Carthage must be destroyed. On to Carthage."

[EOP]

Blooming Coffee

Blooming coffee is an important step in getting the best flavors from your coffee because carbon dioxide has a sour taste and can make the coffee taste unbalanced. Blooming involves pouring hot water over coffee grounds to release carbon dioxide and improve the flavor of the coffee, but one has to avoid stirring the grounds too much during the bloom, as this can release other flavors prematurely. The process of manual blooming is a step most people don't bother with. Here's the thing: Some coffee makers, like this ZWILLING Enfinigy Glass Drip Coffee Maker, will bloom the coffee for you, and it adds essentially no time. It's a terrific and easy to use (although the written and video instructions are impossible to understand) machine, which we highly recommend. Also, and perhaps most important, it's darn good looking.

[EOP]

PS re New Cars

New cars are cars now only in the sense of getting you from Point A to Point B. In every other way, they are computers. So, if you revel in the continuous tweaking one might do with a computer to have it operate in the way most pleasing to you, you will love a new car. For example, while it might be buried down several tiers of settings (eluding even Google's search engine not to mention the car's manual), you can change the default car-locking obnoxious beeping sound to the classic and pleasing click/lock sound which had been the only option on every car. How much a new car's price is elevated to pay for the car computer programmers who clearly just want to mess with your mind is unclear, but it's likely not trivial. In any event, if continuous computer tweaking is not your thing, bicycles and Waymos might be your better choice. 

[EOP]

Degreasing an Air Fryer

Everyone who has one reports that their air fryer is the most used appliance in their kitchen (not counting the refrigerator). There's no need to scrub to clean it or one should not use vinegar. No problem. This Express article sets out an easy way to thoroughly clean an air fryer in 15 minutes.

[EOP]

Cautionary Note re Presidential Election Polling

As this CNBC note explains, and there's no significant dispute on the matter, the polls tend to undercount those voting for Trump. Perhaps because more people are unwilling to admit they support Trump compared to people support Clinton or Biden, but for whatever reason, it's a fact. So, it is meet to take that into account when you do your polling analysis and chi-squares. 

[EOP]

Excellent Alternative to Cloud Storage: The Dual USB-C + USB-A 3.2 High Speed Flash Drive

As this PC World article explains, Cloud storage is an option, but it’s an option that requires Wi-Fi, and that’s never going to be quite as reliable as physical data storage. Simplify your file storage and transfer with the Dual USB High-Speed Flash Drive. This 1TB flash drive has connectors for USB 3.2 and Type-C, and it’s on sale for $74.97 (reg. $109). Hefty storage space isn’t much use without fast transfer speeds. This drive has read and write speeds of 20-30MB/s, so you can transfer large files quickly. The plug-and-play design keeps things simple, too. This flash drive is designed for durability with a sleek metal casing and resistance to water, dust, and drops. 

[EOP]

Android Auto App Icon

From what I can tell, there is no Android Auto App icon that appears on one's phone. Rather, the Android App is built into the phone. To check that it's actually there, look in Settings/Apps and scroll down the list. In any event, once you connect an Android phone by bluetooth to the car, everything that's on the phone will show up on the car's screen. Is this a great country, or what?

[EOP]

New Cars and Coffee Makers

New coffee makers, and especially so new cars, are electronics dependent. Very complicated. You don't really brew coffee or drive cars, you push buttons and in essence drive-by-wire  or brew-by-wire. The bad news is that it's very daunting. The good news is that most of the default settings are okay so, while you can do a lot of programming and customizing, you don't have to. The other good news, for those of you living in areas like the Northeast that have suffered through domes of heat, one such electronic car feature is remote starting. It's one of those things which, once you have it, you can imagine going back to a world that didn't have it. Similarly, coffee makers can be programmed to brew at a programmed time.

[EOP]

When It Comes to Buying a Car, Cash Is Not King

When it comes to cars as to which there's a shortage like the 2024 Prius, even if you're a 4-time repeat customer at a Toyota dealership, it's not easy to buy the car for cash. It's doable but it can be a hassle. Nough said.

[EOP]

Blame the Game (2024 Movie on Netflix)

If you think Germans, and German films, are serious and somber, you haven't seen Blame the Game. The first 10 minutes are delightful, as charming German boy meets charming German girl in a hilarious way (their dogs hook up in the park) and hit if off. While their romance is still blooming, she takes him to game night, which is a long-standing tradition she has with a group of old friends. Yeah, you can sense trouble coming, especially when he inadvertently lets the cockatoo escape and his friend, who shows up because he mis-read the code word, gets caught in cement trying to capture the bird, and as if that weren't bad enough, the ex-boyfriend who is really obnoxious (did I mention he's dentist?) shows up. Your guess is as good as mine as to what happens after that--there are still 1h15m left on a 1h30m movie. Lest this review deter you, the movie made the top 10 list on Netflix in 58 countries.

[EOP]

Caution re Customer Service Numbers Revealed in a Google Search

As this WaPo tech newsletter article explains, when you do a Google search to find a customer service phone number, you have to be aware that there is a possibility the number(s) you see are scams. Most of the time, you will find correct customer service numbers by Googling. But, scammers impersonate businesses and government agencies all over the internet, and sometimes what you see in your search results are bogus listings. Google will not say how frequently this happens nor why Google can’t stop the scams from recurring. This is why, when I do make a customer service call using the number that I found in a Google search, I use a friend's phone to make the call from.

[EOP]

Ad Blockers for Chrome and a Cautionary Note re PopUpOFF

With uBlock Origin soon not going to work with Chrome, this PC World article outlines the four ad blockers that will still work with Chrome. We have found ABP to work great and easy to use, while we have had bad experiences with the other three noted extensions.

PopUpOFF: PopUpOFF does a good job of cutting down on pop up ads. Unfortunately, it often makes a perfectly fine website not function correctionly. It's very easy to render PopUpOFF inoperable on any site, but it's important to keep that option in mind when something does not seem to be working correctly on any website. The icon button will show you whether or not PopUpOFF is turned on or off for whatever site you are on.

[EOP]

My Secret Recipe for the Best (and Quickly Done) Crispy, Baked Potatoes

Step 1: Poke air holes in the potato using a fork.

Step 2: Microwave the potato on high for 10 minutes or until it's fork-tender and cooked through.

Step 3: Slice the potato halfway through and toss with melted butter or olive oil. You can also stuff the potato with cheese.

Step 4: Air fry on high skin side up for 1 minute. Flip and cook another 1 or two minutes until desired crispiness is achieved. (If stuffing with cheese, cook skin side down only.) 

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Bad Monkey (2024 TV Series on Apple TV+)

If you're in the mood to just watch and enjoy with no thinking, what many call pleasant escapism, Bad Monkey does just fine. It matters little what it's about, but the story is entertaining enough. It's a good cast, headed by Vince Vaughn, who perform well, and it's shot in the Florida Keys so there are plenty of beautiful beach-front ocean vistas. You might not ROTFLYAO, but it does produce a mild enjoyable bio-feedback chuckle throughout each episode.

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All Good Things (2010 Movie on Netflix)

All Good Things stars Ryan Gosling and Kirsten Dunst. Although he does no dancing (if you haven't seen Barbie, which is available on MAX, be sure to watch it) and she does no cheerleading (if you haven't seen Bring It On, which is available on Prime, be sure to watch it), they turn in fabulous performances. It's quite the dark movie, giving Frank Langella a perfect vehicle to shine in, that gives an eerie feeling of swirling down an eddying drain as the plot unfolds. It absolutely holds one's attention, and it's fun spotting so many other good actors, including Philip Baker Hall and Nick Offerman. As weird and eerie the film is, it's based on a true story. You might need to take a shower after watching it.

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Why the Phillies Are the Most Fun Team to Watch

See this catch by Alec Bohm in a recent game against the Nationals.

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Google Meet Link in Gmail

We have touted the benefits of Google Meet (over Zoom and the other virtual meeting alternatives) for ease of use and lack of restrictions (e.g., it doesn't time-out). Apparently, some people don't know that you can set a link for it right on your Gmail home page as pictured below. Just go to Settings/See All Settings/ Chat and Meet and check the box next to Show the Meet section in the main menu.

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Internet Safety Tips

[Prefatory Note: The below points are taken from the WSJ's recent special section on cybersecurity, and other safety tips are found in this article]

1. Delete your zombie accounts, i.e., store and other online accounts you don't use anymore. Your data is still on their servers.

2. Be careful not to get pig-butchered. 

3. Be careful before making up information when filling out stuff online.

4. Using “ incognito mode” or “private mode” on your browser does not protect one from cybercriminals.

5. Don’t use the default password that came with your router—the manufacturer may have used the same one for hundreds or thousands of devices.

6. Turn on the router’s WPA3 encryption, if offered, to block unauthorized users. Just make sure your connected devices are able to handle this latest security feature; if not, you may have to revert to the older WPA2.

7. Set up a separate guest Wi-Fi network that many routers offer. These networks are isolated from your main Wi-Fi network, so visiting friends can use them to go online without accidentally introducing viruses or malware from their phones or laptops.

8. Using public Wi-Fi in places such as airports, restaurants and hotels raises your chances of being a cybercrime victim. While many websites now use encryption to boost security once you connect to them, most public Wi-Fi networks themselves don’t encrypt their signals. Using a VPN is one way around the problem, but using your phone's cellular data connection will work as well--just be sure your wi-fi is shut off.

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The Union (2024 Movie on Netflix)

Upon reading a newspaper review, I recommended The Union to an occasional reader before watching it, and then, after watching about 10 minutes, sent an SOS email strongly recommending NOT to watch it, labeling it as "crap." In that short time, as I explained, I felt the plot totally contrived and it looked to be an action movie filled with CGI and no point or real suspense. Here was the review I got from that reader: "Had the same reaction at the 10 minute mark, but persevered. Turns out your instincts and prediction were spot on." That said, proceed at your own risk.

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Lady in the Lake (2024 TV Series on Apple TV+)

Lady in the Lake is highly acclaimed (as are most series on Apple TV+). It has your Natalie Portman. It looks at life in Baltimore in the 1960s, focusing on how women are treated and how life as a Black person is starkly different than life as a White person. What's not to like? Based on 2+ episodes, this series. But please, don't let this review deter you. It's probably quite deep and insightful.

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Harris: Get a New Marketing and Economic Team

I'm not the only one distressed by the continued lack of any "yard sign/bumper sticker" theme in the Harris campaign. But adding to that distress is rolling out "price gouging" and other non-starter gimmicks to combat inflation, which never will be enacted, which make no sense, and which give Trump gifted fodder for the debate. On the issue of the economy, the easiest way to best Trump is to focus on attacking his proposals (e.g., tariffs, interference with the Fed, cutting taxes for the wealthy, weakening labor unions, etc.) as the product of a weird and misguided view of the economy. Put another way, Harris's theme should be simple, and direct: The best way to stem inflation, to protect jobs for the middle class, and to ease the burdens of poverty is clear as day: Make sure Trump does not become president.

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The Benefits of Prunes

This Eating Well article reports on the many benefits that one might get from upping one's intake of prunes, including improved gut health, bone health, and heart health, and healthier blood sugar levels. Plus, prunes are delicious. With Purim just around the corner, this is a good time to store up on your prune hamentashens.

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SSD Speed

I know many of you obsess over SSD speed. Stop! As this XDA article explains, unless you're doing specific tasks that require a high volume of sequential read and write speeds, you can buy any SSD that fits your budget and get roughly the same experience in daily use.

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Tips re Bedroom Organization and Decluttering

This Business Insider article has some tips not worth mentioning re bedroom organization and decluttering, but has stumbled across a few gems we endorse: keep gym equipment somewhere else; get rid of unmatched socks; get rid of old clothes; all hangers should be the same, i.e., matched; and pare down the bedding collection. The one suggestion that is a bit askew is cleaning up food dishes right away. Everyone knows: Food should not be allowed in the bedroom just as it is not allowed in the car.

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Advancements in Robotic Vacuums

If you have not been paying attention, you might not have realized how AI has changed the world when it comes to robotic vacuums by making them more contextually aware of the mess within their environment. For example, they can sense stains and adjust their mopping power to apply some real elbow grease to thicker substances like sauce. Over time, deeper learning algorithms can predict which areas need a more thorough cleaning and scrub harder. This was best demonstrated by Samsung's new Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI+ at CES 2024. In addition to AI-powered smart mapping and obstacle avoidance, this model seeks out stains. Once it finds one, it returns to its dock to heat the mopping pads with hot enough water to create steam. It can then apply pressure with a 170 RPM spin rate to scrub the problem spot off the face of the earth. Beyond automatically selecting the most optimal cleaning settings, AI helps robot vacuums "see" more. Refined object recognition powered by this AI and a mix of sensors helps these bots identify and avoid obstacles like cables, socks, and toys. This greater level of understanding and on-the-fly adjustments let you go about your day knowing that the job will get done right without any effort from your end.

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The Catcher Was a Spy (2023 Movie on Netflix)

The Catcher Was a Spy is absolutely gripping. It's stranger-than-fiction, but based on the true story of a Princeton-educated professional baseball player who became a World War II spy. The acting is superb (Paul Rudd, Jeff Daniels, and even Paul Giamatti turn in stellar performances), and the writing and directing are first rate. As an added bonus, for anyone who enjoys chess, you will get a glimpse of how my grandfather (who was chess champion of Philadelphia) and I played the game, although we played 3 games simultaneously. 

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Overview of the National Public Data Breach

As everyone knows from the headlines, there has been a massive data theft of 2.9 billion records of people, including their Social Security Numbers. This cnet article has an understandable overview on the topic and what one can do if their Social Security Number has been compromised.

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Don't Be Afraid of the eBay

Everyone knows that the best drip coffee maker is the Braun Aromaster 4085. Unfortunately, they stopped making them a few decades ago and they are available (pre-owned) only on eBay. So, when your current unit, which had been working great for years,+ stopped working and your backup turned out to be defective, you found a beautiful one on the eBay. Unfortunately, it suffered the same defect (not stopping water flow when the carafe was removed mid-cycle) that had plagued your unit. In under 2 minutes, you could process the return/refund online, re-package the thing, affix the provided shipping label, and send it back. Just be sure whatever you buy includes "free shipping" for returns. I'm not sure how eBay's "money back guarantees" work on items where the seller does not accept  returns, but for now, I'm avoiding those sellers (e.g., one has the Braun Aromaster but I'm passing).

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PS re Upgrading/Repairing a Framework Laptop

A few days ago, we did a post extolling the virtues of a Framework laptop. Beyond the flexibility of the removeable ports, we noted how easy  it is to replace any component to either upgrade or repair the unit. This video shows how, with 1 tool (that comes with the laptop), every component, including the motherboard, screen, memory, storage, and more can be easily replaced in under 5 minutes. We apologize for the somewhat somber music that accompanies the demo.

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Free Password Manager Recommendation: Bitwarden

This ZDNet article looks at four free password managers, and explains why it chose Bitwarden as the best. Unlike 1 Pass and LastPass which charge for use on multiple devices, Bitwarden syncs on all your devices for free. I started with LastPass when it was the only substantial password manager. I stayed with it even though 1 Pass got better reviews because I didn't want to pay for another password manager and go through the hassle of converting. But with Bitwarden's being free, I decided to try it. At first, I had trouble transferring my data. I emailed Bitwarden with feedback on and my frustration with the data transfer process. They emailed back offering to troubleshoot with me. No need, though, because I quickly saw what I had been missing, and in 10 seconds, the export/import was done, and everything that was in LP is now in BW. So, I've now started using BW, and it's very clean and easy to use. Assuming all goes well, when LP comes up for the annual renewal in February, I will not renew (I have canceled LP's automatic renewal setting; LP does not do prorated refunds upon cancellation). 

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Correction and Warning re Review of Reptile (2023 Movie on Netflix)

Correction: There's been a huge outcry about our review's crediting Reese Witherspoon as appearing in this movie. She did not appear in the movie. But Alicia Silverstone did and, frankly, no one can tell the two of them apart.

Warning: Some people have an irrational hatred of Juice Newton's Angel in the Morning. We don't understand it. But if you share that bizarre disdain of the artistic, you might want to keep the captions on but mute the opening and a couple of other scenes from the movie.

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Presidential Election Myths Debunked

Until 2008, the common wisdom said that a Black could not be elected president. The common wisdom continues to say that a Jew cannot be elected president. Time will tell on that front. Some point to Hillary Clinton as proof that a woman cannot be elected president. Balderdash. All her loss to Trump proved is that a terribly run campaign by an inherently closed person with an affinity for dishonesty along with an FBI director's outrageous breach of protocol is that not every woman can become president. The one inalienable truth about presidential elections, as confirmed most recently by Trump but many of his predecessors could be added to the list, is this: There is no disqualifying unalterable characteristic (like exceedingly low intelligence) that would a fortiori preclude any 35 yo American born citizen from becoming president.

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SSD Reliability

I have been bombarded with requests about the reliability and life-span of SSD storage devices versus other storage media. This Trending article has a good overview on the topic, and it's pretty good news.

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Natron Energy

Natron Energy is the only commercial sodium-ion battery manufacturer in the U.S. It's changing the way the world looks at critical power and industrial batteries for high-powered applications like AI, data centers, peak shaving, and power quality management. Natron's sodium-ion solutions outperform, are significantly safer, and are far more sustainable than lithium-ion options. The secret behind Natron's sodium-ion batteries is its patented use of Prussian blue electrodes. Prussian blue, when combined with sodium ions, creates a chemistry that delivers super-fast charging and power delivery, with no friction. It’s that lack of friction that enables its batteries to last much longer (over 50,000 cycles). And it creates a battery that’s incapable of thermal runaway, incredibly safe, and made entirely from abundant and readily available resources. For the moment, it is privately owned and not open to individual investors. But you might keep an eye out for when its IPO hits the market.

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Reptile (2023 Movie on Netflix)

If you can get past the title and Justin Timberlake's recent DUI and his handling of it, Reptile is, in the word of a sporadic reader, "terrific." As he elaborated, it has "great characters, acting, plot, and direction," such that he was "surprised it didn't win some Oscars." Reese Witherspoon appears in a role like you probably have never seen her, and Eric Bogosian turns in a performance as good as his performances in Succession and The Good Wife. As an added bonus, if you don't have a kitchen faucet that is motion activated, you get to see just how cool those things are.

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Three Excellent Budget Phones, Including My Pick--Samsung Galaxy A15

Each of these phones is under $200, and will serve all the needs and wants of most people: Samsung Galaxy A15 5G (my pick if my current S10e dies); TCL 50 XL 5G; and Moto G 5G (2024). This cnet article has a detailed review of the A15 (pictured below) and links to the other two.

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The Fed's 2% Inflation Target: An Historical Misunderstanding

The Fed and Fed commentators are obsessed with getting down to, or at least continuing to try to reach, the so-called 2% inflation target. There's nothing magical or sacrosanct about that number. It actually first came to be when inflation was scary low, and the Fed was concerned about deflation, so it set a goal of raising the inflation rate to 2%. How that floor became a ceiling is a complete. But, what is not a mystery is that the economy has boomed, and middle class and even lower class buying power has seen improvement, during periods, such as the 1990s, when the inflation rate was 3%-4%. 

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Free Covid Testing

As explained in this cnet article, the COVID-19 surge reported earlier this summer shows no signs of slowing down in August. The article goes on to explain, now that you cannot get test kits mailed to you, how you can get free Covid testing. It also has a refresher on some related issues such as how to find out if the kits you have on hand have expired.

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Are Chick Peas and Garbonzo Beans the Same Thing?

Yes, chickpeas and garbanzo beans are the same thing. They are both names for the kabuli chickpea, a type of pulse, which is a seed from a legume plant. The word "chickpea" comes from the Latin name for the plant, cicer arietinum, and "garbanzo" likely comes from the Basque name for the plant, garbantzu. In Arabic, garbanzos are called "hummus."

PS: Crispy air fryer chickpeas are the tastiest and crunchiest snack you will find. Using the air fryer cuts the cook time down to 15 minutes, and they come out much crispier then when done in the oven! 

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To Cover or Not Cover Food in a Microwave, That Is the Question

This WaPo article tackles the age-old question that many couples fight over: Should you put a wet paper towel over everything you microwave? The answer is "no," and the article explains when one should and when one need not.

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How to Handle Jet Lag

This NYT article knows that a long flight can be exhausting, but explains what to do so that recovering from it needn’t take up half your trip.

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Revised Recommendation re the Next Computer One Should Buy: Framework Laptop

[Prefatory Note: If you don't have a backup computer to go to in the event your current computer goes kaput (and more often than not, computers go kaput in a flash with no warning as opposed to simply degrading), you are hanging out there perilously and needlessly. As Warren Buffett said, "You don't know who's swimming naked until the tide goes out." Likewise, as my pappy said, "A recession is a garage sale for the prepared." Here's the point: As you will read below, unlike any other laptop, the Framework laptop is upgradeable and repairable.Hence, while it makes it makes no sense to buy any other make or model laptop as a backup, it makes compelling sense to buy a Framework laptop right now to have as a backup]  

There's no question the 13" Framework is the only laptop one should buy. Comparing different laptop offerings can be dizzying, given the various specs and features each make and model comes with. The problem is, if you make a mistake and buy one that's missing a feature (most typically a port) you end up wanting or worse needing, you're stuck. The Framework has an advanced CPU and plenty of memory, ram, and storage--each of which you can specify, so no concerns there. But here's the key thing: Rather than worry about what ports come installed, there are 4 port slots and each one will take any expansion cards as pictured below (including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, storage expansion card, display card, SD card, Micro SD expansion card, and more, each of which costs just $10-$20) which you can pop in and pop out at will. The CPU and memory also can be upgraded at any time (and the one tool needed to make those changes comes with it), so you can start out with  a minimal configuration but upgrade at any time. Just to give you an idea of flexibility, you could put a display card in each of the four slots and connect to four monitors. The reviews of it are over-the-top (e.g.,"The Framework Laptop 13 is one of those machines almost everyone should buy. It's powerful, user-serviceable, upgradable, repairable, and more future proof than any other laptop on the market"). It's got a slim form factor and weighs under 3 lbs. And while it comes in steel gray which is not my color of choice, you can put a color skin on it for $10. Shipping is free and there is a 30-day return period (not as long as Costco's but longer than Best Buy's and not as burdensome or restrictive as Amazon's).The only drawback I see is lack of phone support, but their email support seems to be fast (I got a response in a couple of hours to a question and then an immediate back-and-forth, tick-tock follow-up) and knowledgeable (the answers to my questions were spot on and clear). Finally, but perhaps most amazing of all, at about $1,100, it's a bargain (you can save $200 to assemble it yourself but that does not include an OS). Spend a little time on the Framework website and you'll likely be sold. At the least, you'll see how computers should be made and marketed.

PS: There's a 16" model available that costs a bit more, which would make sense for anyone using their laptop as stand-alone unit. For everyone else, a 13" laptop does just as well when used as a hub connected to an external monitor, and has the advantages when traveling of being smaller and lighter.

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Musk, Tesla, and Trump

It's widely reported that Musk's support (philosophically, logistically, and financially) of Trump is dampening Tesla sales, especially in Europe. Some wonder why Musk would back Trump who is assertedly anti-EVs (i.e., Trump has been critical of the Biden administration's EV policies and has said that he will "end the electric vehicle mandate" if he wins office). As this US News article reports, Musk has explained the apparent anomaly thusly: "Trump's potential removal of support for electric vehicles would be devastating for our competitors, and it would hurt Tesla slightly but long term probably actually helps Tesla.'' 

PS: The interesting question is whether a Tesla in one's driveway might become a symbolic cooptation as has the American flag in one's front yard, signifying allegiance to MAGA.

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Sell-by Date vs. Use-by Date

Sell-by date: This date indicates the last day a retailer should display a product for sale. It's not a safety date, but food is usually safe to eat for 10 days after the sell-by date if refrigerated properly. However, the food may lose flavor and eye appeal, and it may spoil faster, so it's best to consume it quickly. Many retailers offer discounts on items close to their sell-by date.

Use-by date: This date is the last day a product will maintain its best quality, such as flavor, freshness, and texture. It's similar to a "best-by" date, and is often found on shelf-stable items like canned goods, dry goods, and condiments. While it's not necessarily dangerous to eat food past its use-by date, it may have deteriorated in quality and some nutritional value.

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Don't Jinx the Harris Campaign

The enthusiasm and momentum of the Harris candidacy are palpable. As Trump would say, no one ever has seen anything like it. The shifts in poll numbers have all been in the right direction, most recently, and perhaps most amazingly, Florida is now showing them tied, i.e., within the margin error. Not too long ago, I was talking on the phone with an occasional reader who was watching his Baltimore Orioles playing on TV. I asked him how the game was going, and he blurted out, "We're in the 6th inning and ahead and we've got a perfect game going." My jaw dropped to the floor, my stomach went into knots, and nausea overcame me. Why? Because I had thought, ever since learning the rule which my father taught me before the first pitch he threw me as a toddler, that everyone knew the taboo: You do NOT mention the possibility of a perfect game while it is unfolding! No exceptions! Within a minute or two, the next batter got on base, ruining the perfect game. Here's the point: The same taboo applies to presidential elections. If you dare utter what you had better not utter, you will be responsible for a jinx for the ages, and spend your eternity in Hell or, even worse, have bestowed upon you the lavish (albeit garish) gratitude of Donald J. Trump.

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Preview of Melania Trump's Upcoming Memoir

 

Why Is Hillary Speaking at the Democratic Convention?

It probably doesn't matter because the only people likely to watch the Democratic convention are those who will be voting for Harris and having nothing else going on in their lives, but having Hillary speak makes no sense. Putting aside her days at Wellesley where she was President of the Young Republicans Club and being a proud "Goldwater Girl, right down to my cowgirl outfit," she's not a gifted speaker (unlike her husband and Obama), she holds no office (like Biden does), she butchered healthcare reform at the outset of her husband's first term, she has held high offices but no one can recount any accomplishments, and then she lost to Trump in 2016.

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Silent Mode vs. Do Not Disturb Mode

The key distinguishing factor between Silent mode and Do Not Disturb is just how silent you want your phone to be. If you want to mute notifications, calls and texts, but still see them rolling in, turning on Silent mode is probably your best bet. But if you want to fully block all pings and stop your phone's screen from lighting up for a while, then you'll want to opt for Do Not Disturb.  If you generally keep your phone out and about -- in your hand, on your lap, on a table or desk -- then Do Not Disturb is the better option so that your screen suddenly lighting up doesn't distract other moviegoers, your classmates, or those around you at a religious service or dinner. It's also a great way to avoid the temptation of picking up your phone each time a notification comes in.

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Adjusting a TV's Sharpness Setting for a Better Picture

As this  cnet article explains, the Sharpness setting on a TV is the one setting tweak that might do more to improve the picture than any other setting tweak.

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Light Drinking Is No Benefit for Older Adults

As the NYT reports, light drinking is of no heart or other benefit for older adults, and, as the cited study concludes, virtually any amount of alcohol increased the risk for cancer. One must ask oneself what's the point of getting older?

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Best Dishwasher Practices

[Prefatory Note: Yes, we've done other posts on this topic which have made many of the same points set out in this WaPo article. It presents an excellent, succinct overview that's worth reviewing, but it omits to note that rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher wastes water and is unnecessary] 

Plates: Load these in the bottom rack, between the tines so they aren’t touching one another. Face them toward the center, where the sprayer is, for best results.

Bowls: These can go in the top or the bottom rack, just make sure they’re angled down with enough space between to let the water reach the dirt.

Pots and pans: Yes, you can put these in the dishwasher if there’s room. Place them in the bottom rack, where the water is hotter and has the most pressure, to get anything baked on during cooking. As with bowls, they should be angled down and have some space around them.

Glasses and mugs: Always load glassware and mugs in the top rack. Place glasses facing down between the tines, not over them; putting them over the tines can put more stress on the glass, making it more vulnerable to damage. It can also cause water spotting.

Plastic: These items should go on the top shelf because the water pressure and temperature are lower, meaning there’s less potential to damage or deform the plastic.

Silverware: There is no one “right” way to load utensils. Handles down will get them cleaner, exposing dirty parts to more water. But if children are helping you, pointing sharp objects down is safer. For spoons, go handles down, but make sure they aren’t nesting against one another.

Don’t overload the machine. “If you have things that are overlapping one another, or there isn’t a lot of space between them, it’s better to save some things for the next load,” Ek says. Dishwashers use far less water than people think — an Energy Star machine uses about 3 gallons per load, the rough equivalent of running the faucet for about a minute and a half — so it’s okay to run a load when the machine isn’t full. Ek uses what she calls an “eight-dish rule” in determining whether to wash the extra dishes by hand. “If you’re washing more than eight dishes, it’s more efficient to run the dishwasher than wash by hand.”

Not everything can go in the dishwasher. Ek says you should never put cast iron, good knives or wood in the machine. Other things that can be damaged by heat include crystal and delicate glassware, and antique china (modern pieces are fine on the china or delicate setting on the machine). And if you’re on the fence about aluminum, copper, nonstick cookware or travel mugs, check the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance.

Emptying matters, too. Empty the bottom rack first so water in items in the top rack doesn’t drip down on your clean dishes.

Don’t forget to wash the dishwasher. “If you’re loading everything properly and putting in the right amount of detergent and things are not getting clean, you probably need to clean your dishwasher,” Ek says. Check the filter frequently and clean it if necessary. Several times a year, wipe down the sprayer arm and the gaskets.

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The Nest (2020 Movie on Netflix)

If you are in the mood for and like psychological dramas that evolve very slowly with lots of creepy music and many snippets of scenes that don't seem to have anything to do with anything, revolving around a family that moves from America to England for financial reasons and to keep their lofty life-style going (or more accurately put, reviving it), but the money problems magnify, marital problems pervade, the kids--well don't get me started, and (spoiler alert) the wife's horse dies, the The Nest, starring Jude Law and Carrie Coon, is your spot of tea! One more spoiler alert:You might find the ending satisfying or unsatisfying but, be assured, you will be glad it ended.

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Decluttering the Context Menu

Many programs and apps infuse themselves onto the context menu, i.e., the list of options you see when you right click on anything. The context menu can become quite long and even span two pages (requiring you to click on "show more"). Glary Utilities is a free program that has a context menu manager that provides for simply unchecking any item you'd like to not see when you open a context menu. You can always go back and check that item to restore it. Glary Utilities has several other very useful and simple to do cleaning functions. My favorite feature is that it tells you fast your computer takes to boot up and then, if you're not pleased, way to speed up the boot time by delaying or disabling programs and apps that load on start-up. As an fyi, I strive to keep my boot time to 16 secs or fewer (which puts it in the top 10 percentile).

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Some Simple Ways to Boost the Speed of a Sluggish Phone

This article has some useful tips on speeding up a phone, including: uninstalling unused apps; opting for the lite version of apps; eliminating animations; and clearing the cache on the browser.

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Tough Question for Harris When She Does a Presser

We can assume that Harris has been putting off doing a presser until she has thoroughly prepared for what are assuredly going to be some tough questions in terms of Biden administration policies and mistakes she might want to walk away from along with past positions and statements that she's made on various topics. But perhaps the toughest question she might face, and I have no suggestion for how to answer it, is this: You must have been aware of and witnessed or at least been told about what are now well-documented instances of Biden's "cognitive issues" and at least to many insiders close to him Biden's "cognitive decline." Were you concerned about what you saw or heard and: (i) if so, did you do anything or say anything to anyone about the matter; and (ii) if not, are you concerned now that you were kept out of the loop?

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Cups vs. Mugs When It Comes to Drip Coffee Makers

Coffee cups and coffee mugs are different. Mugs are relatively tall and come with no saucer; cups are smaller and come with a saucer. Mugs hold about double the volume of liquid than cups hold. When you see the numbers on a drip coffee maker, those numbers represent cups, not mugs. So, while each cup takes a scoop of coffee plus one scoop for the pot, a mug takes two scoops of coffee and one or two scoops for the pot. We note this because it has come to our attention that some people out there, not realizing the numbers referred to cups and not mugs, have been making coffee inadvertently at half strength.

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Way Around the Disparate Treatment of New vs. Existing Cellphone Customers

When it comes to subscription services, companies often discriminate in favor of new customers in disregard of existing customers. By way of example: T-Mobile has what it calls its 55+ Essential plan, which provides for 2 lines of unlimited calls, texts, and data for $30@ for persons 55 and older. It's the plan I and my staff are on. T-Mobile is now running full page ads touting this plan and offering for free the latest 5G phones but only for new customers or for adding a line. Here is the way around that (which I confirmed with TM is permissible): If I terminate my plan today or one of the lines, and tomorrow opt to be on that plan or add a line back on, I will be entitled to new phone(s). The only glitch is the possibility that my phone number will be taken during the "time out." But the workaround for that is to switch first to another carrier which will let you keep your number, and then switch back to TM which also will let you keep your number.  

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Keeping Up on Protein

This Wellness article discusses the importance of protein, the risks of not getting enough protein, the signs that you might not be getting enough protein, and how to ensure you are getting the appropriate amount of protein.

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Best 85" TVs

If you're still watching on a kitchen-counter size TV (i.e., a 75" or under set), this is not a bad time to step up to an 85" set. This Business Insider article has an excellent review of the top models, including the best budget model. Giddyup!

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Thank You, I'm Sorry (2023 Swedish Movie on Netflix)

ThankYou, I'm Sorry is not the kind of movie I usually watch (as it focuses on history and problems in family relationships) or like (it's not light, funny, or quirky). But it's a wonderful, powerful movie, with superlative acting, that leaves one stunned. Unlike some other nationalities, the Swedes know how to make a movie.

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Harvard and the Sackler Family

Harvard University has decided against removing from campus buildings the name of a family whose company makes the powerful painkiller OxyContin, despite protests from parents whose children fatally overdosed and despite any sense of decency. The decision last month by the Harvard Corporation to retain Arthur M. Sackler’s name on a museum building and a second building runs counter to the trend among several institutions around the world that have removed the Sackler name in recent years. The move was greeted with anger from those who had pushed for the name change. Like Harvard cares! I'm just glad that I didn't go to, or have any first-hand association with, Harvard

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Best Way to Vacuum Carpet and Rugs

Those short, quick, back-and-forth motions that the majority of people do when vacuuming isn't sucking up all that dust, dirt and lint that is embedded into your carpets and floors. The more efficient way to vacuum -- and the way professional cleaners such as myself do it -- is to go forward, in structured rows. You'll first start by vacuuming a row of your carpeting in one direction, wall-to-wall. This first pass should be against the nap of the carpet to make it fluff up and to make the deeply embedded dirt come up easier. A way to tell if you're vacuuming against the nap correctly is if the carpet piles stick up or look a little darker. Next, push the vacuum back over that strip you just vacuumed. This will lay the carpet back down flat and will suck up the rest of the dirt you missed on the first pass. Once you're back to your starting place, vacuum another strip right next to the first, overlapping slightly. Keep repeating this routine until the whole room has been vacuumed thoroughly. Once you've completed that step, go perpendicular: If you were vacuuming north to south the first time, vacuum east to west on this second pass. Yes, it's extra work and maybe it even seems like overkill, but this method ensures you get every bit of dirt and debris, which will keep your carpet cleaner and looking newer for longer. 

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Bernoulli's Fallacy: Statistical Illogic and the Crisis of Modern Science (2021 Book by Aubrey

If you haven't taken a statistics course in the past 3 years, and think you understand statistics and statistical fallacies, this book is for you. I can't say it's a fast or joyful read. Actually, I could say it, but I've promised all readers that I shall never tell a lie. The author provides a clear account of the mathematics and logic of probability, conveying complex concepts accessibly for readers interested in the statistical methods that frame our understanding of the world. He contends that we need to take a Bayesian approach—that is, to incorporate prior knowledge when reasoning with incomplete information—to resolve the crisis. Ranging across math, philosophy, and culture, Bernoulli’s Fallacy explains why something has gone wrong with how we use data—and how to fix it.

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Another Reason to Shop Costly Items at Costco

Not only does Costco make the no-question-asked return process easy (putting aside driving to the store and parking) and fast, the refund will appear on your credit card within minutes. Why all other merchants take 3-5 days or longer is truly an outrage, as they collect interest on money that is not theirs.

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Corrective Admission re Biden's Withdrawal

As set out here and in letters to the NYT starting at the latest by November 2023, this blog was one of the first voices, and perhaps the first voice, to recognize that Biden could not win reelection and should withdraw from the presidential race as soon as possible. While we were correct as far as Biden's withdrawing goes, having the strength of character to admit our mistakes (although we are quite rusty given how long ago our last mistake was), in retrospect it would seem that it was far better that Biden delayed his withdrawal for as long as he did. Here's why: (i) Trump built his whole campaign on beating Biden, leaving him totally flummoxed and little time to re-group and re-tool his message; (ii) the primaries would have left the candidates and ultimate nominee wounded, and might have produced a candidate far weaker than Harris; and (iii) perhaps most important, there never would have been the tremendous building up of palpable depression as Biden lingered on that was let loose and exploded like a nuclear bomb of enthusiasm once the balloon popped with Biden taking himself out of the race.

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Laptop Colors

If one of your reasons for buying a new laptop is you don't like the silver gray case of your existing laptop, your are a shmohawk. For $10, on Amazon, you can get a skin that covers the top of your laptop in any color or any of a myriad of designs. Use "laptop skin" in your search (without the quotes). 

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Laptop Aspect Ratios

Laptops used to come in 3:2 aspect ratios but now most laptops larger than 13" come in 16:9 which is wider but not higher in appearance or 16:10 which is a higher in appearance than 16:9 but also costs significantly more. The bottom line is this: If most of your computer work is on document creation and other such stuff where vertical view matters (e.g., doing crossword puzzles), you might be just as happy (or for the price much happier) with a 13" laptop than a larger laptop, especially if  you're like most people where, except when traveling, your laptop is  connected to a 24" or larger monitor. And when traveling, 13" laptops are smaller and often lighter than larger laptops.

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Microsoft Windows Recovery Security Key

If you have a Windows computer, there is a Recovery Security Key that goes with it. It's a 20-digit code. You might need it for any of various tasks including, for example, doing a factory reset before you do a computer return. Fortunately, you don't have to remember it. It's available at aka.ms/myrecoverykey which will show you in order your Recovery Keys for your past computers as well. It apparently never forgets.

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Easy Fix to Try If Phone Won't Charge

As this cnet article explains, dirt in the charging port is the principal culprit when your phone won't charge, and phones typically will accumulate enough dirt every 6 months to muck it up. Cleaning it out usually will fix the problem. To avoid the problem entirely, use wireless charging and put a plug in the charging port, which will keep it dirt-free and hence workable if you ever need to use it.

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Recommended Pop Up Ad Blocker: PopUpOFF

We have found PopUpOFF to be both effective and easy to use as a pop up add blocker. You can start out at it's strongest blocking level ("Aggressive") and, then, if any site doesn't look or work right, just click on the options button and select one of the two lower levels or turn it off for that site.

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