Wolf Hall (TV Series on PBS (and Amazon (for a fee))

Season 1 of Wolf Hall dropped 10 years ago, and Season 2 just dropped. It is highly recommended and for good reason, especially for anyone with an appreciation for politics, and even more so for those who  understand politics. Forsooth, the plot line is thus: After the downfall of Cardinal Wolsey, his secretary, Thomas Cromwell, finds himself amongst the treachery and intrigue of King Henry VIII's court and soon becomes a close advisor to the King, a role fraught with danger. England in the 1520s is a heartbeat from disaster. If the King dies without a male heir, the country could be destroyed by civil war. Henry VIII wants to annul his marriage of twenty years and marry Anne Boleyn. The Pope and most of Europe oppose him. Into this impasse steps Thomas Cromwell: a wholly original man, a charmer, and a bully, both idealist and opportunist, astute in reading people, and implacable in his ambition. But Henry is volatile: one day tender, one day murderous. Cromwell helps him break the opposition, but what will be the price of his triumph?

[EOP]

Falling Down Is No Excuse

As Joey Martella's father taught us, there is no falling-down excuse in baseball. Thus, you are put out there to catch the ball, so, catch the ball.

[EOP]

Challenging Amazon's Refusal to Display "Tariff Cost" on Goods Sold

Text of Letter to NYT: "It is sickening to watch Bezos's repeated capitulations to Trump, the latest being not to have Amazon show the "tariff cost" for each good put into one's shopping cart. The "tariff cost" is inarguably a "tax" on the product, and taxes on products are always displayed so that the customer knows the amount before deciding to make the purchase. Two ways to confront Bezos: (i) A boycott whereby no product will be bought from Amazon unless the "tariff cost/tax" amount is shown; and (ii) a consumer fraud or class action lawsuit for failing to disclose material pricing information."

[EOP] 

Lessons From Canada's Election

Lesson 1: Given Trump's tariffs and inane blather about annexing Canada as the 51st state, it is no surprise that Canada elected the more staunchly liberal, anti-Trump parliament and prime minister. The big lesson, however, is how quickly and dramatically poll numbers (approval ratings) can shift. Just a couple of months before the election, the conservatives held a lead over 25%. It's a bit of a slower slog here, but as Trump 2.0 inflicts more damage on more sectors and more people, we are in sight (or at least I hope we are) where Trump's support has eroded to the point where the country, its democracy, and its economy might be salvageable. PS: The conservative candidate for prime minister didn't even win his seat race.

Lesson 2: Trudeau's resignation ultimately set the stage for the electorate to reject the rising conservative movement in Canada and to allow the liberals to remain in control. Shame on Biden and his enablers.

[EOP]

Why Add a Twist to Clear Beers

There's nothing more refreshing than throwing back a cold one following a workout or sporting activity on a warm day. One of the best tips for making clear beers taste better is adding a simple flavored twist. And there's no better known example than the trusty combo of Mexican lager (e.g., Corona and Tequate) and lime. The pairing brings to mind breezy images of hot days and the sound of the waves, and there's an undeniable magic to the mingling of flavors. The tart citrus delectably complements the ultra-crisp flavors of the Mexican beer. Uniquely brewed with corn, these lagers turn out low on bitterness and very clear, making them a good canvas for a tinge of fruit. 

{EOP]

Reality (2023 Movie on Max) and Winner (2024 Movie on Kanopy, Hulu, and Prime (for a fee))

Reality and Winner are two separate movies, each of which tells the true story of an NSA agent, whose real name was Reality Winner, who leaked a document confirming that Russia hacked the 2016 election. They are both excellent movies, both well done, both well acted, and both worth seeing. Apparently, the makers of Winner felt the narrative wasn't complete until Winner's perspective and experiences could be included. They also wanted to fully capture her story over a longer period, including her release from prison and her reflections on her experiences. Both Sydney Sweeney and Emilia Jones turn in excellent performances.

[EOP]

The Heretic (2024 Movie on Max (and on Prime for a Fee) and Notes on the Pope and Religion vs. Spirituality

The opening scene of The Heretic has two LDS missionary teenage girls talking about sex. It is not only a total hoot, but also foreshadows an irreverent, comedic view of religion. Unfortunately, the film takes a quick turn to the dark and macabre, as a result of which half the audience promptly walked out. As a result, we have nothing much to say about it other than we did enjoy the performances of Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, while Hugh Grant seemed miscast. We are told the film is an unforgettable horror movie with no redemptive qualities. 

Note on the Pope: We have not commented on the life or passing of Pope Francis or the prospects of the next Pope, and do not intend to. Our view of Catholicism is indelibly shaped by the misery it caused in El Salvador by refusing to allow for contraception, the tragic result of which was to aid in and exacerbate the perpetuation and ravages of poverty. Unfortunately, our dim of Catholicism was heightened and reinforced by the rampant sexual abuse its priests engaged in, the studied efforts made at every level to cover it up, and the stiff-necked and hard-line refusals to make amends.

Note on Religion vs. Spirituality: Bonnie Raitt said it all: "Religion is for people who are scared to go to Hell. Spirituality is for people who have already been there."

[EOP]

Twist and Shout: Three Versions

On the Streets in Ireland

By Ferris Bueller

By the Beatles

[EOP]

Winhance 4: Robust Windows Optimizer

Winhance 4 debloats and optimizes Windows--and keeps it that way. Although it’s been designed for Windows 11, it works just fine on Windows 10. Winhance was originally a PowerShell GUI application, but version 4 is a standalone app that can be installed or uninstalled easily, and it also comes in a portable version, so there's no reason not to get started with it today. Winhance allows you to install or remove Windows apps and features like Microsoft Edge, OneDrive, Recall, Copilot, and other optional packages and capabilities, as well as directly install additional software such as browsers, multimedia apps, document viewers, and any other applications you might need when setting up a fresh Windows installation. The app offers an extensive selection of system optimization tools, giving you access to Windows security settings, privacy controls, gaming and performance tweaks, update management, power settings, and optimizations for Explorer, notifications, and sound. It also lets you customize the Windows experience, including theme selection, taskbar adjustments, Start menu settings, and more. Users can manage their Winhance settings by saving them to configuration files for easy import on new systems or after a reinstall. The app itself also supports light and dark themes.

[EOP]

Safe, Easy, and Eco-Aware Oven Cleaning of Baked on Grease

Oven cleaning can be an absolute nightmare, often demanding heaps of elbow grease, and still, achieving that perfect shine is quite the challenge. Spills and fallen food particles can become baked onto your oven’s interior. Sadly, most traditional oven cleaners are filled with highly toxic chemicals that can be hazardous to inhale and the environment For those dreadful baked-on grease marks, there is one household staple that is simple yet the most effective natural oven cleaner—and it isn’t white vinegar. After experimenting with eight different oven-cleaning home remedies, the experts at Soapranos Cleaning Services have discovered (and we agree) that a mix of baking soda and water delivers the best results for tackling the inside of greasy ovens. Just mix three tablespoons of water with two tablespoons of baking soda until you get an even mixture. Slather this onto the interior of the oven and wait for 20 minutes, then wipe it off clean with ease.

[EOP]

Reducing Microplastics in the Kitchen

This EatingWell article has five (5) suggestions to cut down on microplastics in the kitchen: stop eating out of take-out containers; trade your plastic sponge for a biodegradable one; swap melamine mixing bowls for glass, stoneware, or stainless steel; swap plastic food storage containers for glass or stainless steel; and swap your worn-out plastic cutting boards for wooden cutting boards—or even just new plastic cutting boards.

[EOP]

Shame on Saquon Barkley

Saquon Barkley not only attended the White House ceremony honoring the Eagles. He played golf with Trump at Trump's golf course over the weekend. And flew in Marine 1 with Trump. Yeah, he's a fantastic player. But, he needs to be traded.

[EOP]

It's Going to Come Down to the Judges

America's credibility (i.e., the extent it can be relied on for anything) has been indelibly crushed. That said, it remains to be seen how much of the devastation being inflicted by Trump 2.0 is reversible or at least remediable. What has become clear is that the fight for America's soul is in the hands of the judiciary. Unfortunately, Trump 1.0 was able to front-load a shift in the quality of the bench, while Trump 2.0 is engaged in a full-scale attack on its legitimacy. There are three battle fronts: (i) The willingness of the district and appellate courts to hold the lines they have been holding (as this WSJ article explains, with increased skepticism as to the candor and honesty of the government's lawyers and the positions they are taking); (ii) their ability to enforce their orders if the WH continues to snub them; and (iii) the decisions Roberts and Barrett make when the cases come to them, all in the backdrop of the immunity decision.

PS: As this further WSJ article explains, the government’s credibility matters because many of the suits it faces allege violations of the Administrative Procedure Act, a 1946 law that sets out the steps for making federal policy. The statute provides for transparency, public input and reasoned decision making—and allows courts to strike federal regulations on several grounds, including if they are found to be arbitrary, capricious or an abuse of discretion.

[EOP]

Tipping Has Reached the Tipping Point

If you think you are alone in your upsetment with the digital tipping prompts you increasingly face, rest assured, you are not. As this WSJ article reports, diners are rejecting digital prompts for tips, rejecting bad service, using cash, tipping less, and eating more at home.

[EOP]

Death Laid an Egg (1968 Movie on Kanopy) and a Note re Kanopy

Death Laid an Egg is arguably the most insanely idiosyncratic giallo ever directed. It is a true wayward masterpiece of kaleidoscopic Italian counterculture cinema. Starring legendary leading man Jean-Louis Trintignant as a married man who may or may not be a serial killer, Gina Lollobrigida as his delectable yet overly domineering careerist wife, and Ewa Aulin as his murderous double-crossing mistress, the film is the virtual giallo equivalent to Godard’s WEEKEND in terms of its crass car crash fetishism, savage anti-bourgeois sentiments, and overall anarchic spirit. The overarching hoot is that the film centers around a chicken farm devoted to raising all white meat chickens.

Note re Kanopy: Kanopy (perhaps a take-off on Canopy) is a FANTASTIC source of movies to stream for free (many of which are classics and none of which are the dog described above). In fact, if they charged, it would be more than worth it. You likely could spend a lifetime watching movies from Kanopy without running out or running back to Netflix, Amazon, or Hulu. All you need to create a Kanopy account is to be a member of a public library or a  university student or professor.

[EOP]

Universities Put Law Firms to Shame

As this WSJ article reports, leaders of some of the nation’s most prestigious universities have assembled a private collective to counter the Trump administration’s attacks on research funding and academic independence across higher education, people familiar with the effort said. The informal group includes about 10 schools, including Ivies and leading private research universities, mostly in blue states. Strategy discussions gained momentum after the administration’s recent list of demands for sweeping cultural change at Harvard, viewed by many universities as an assault on independence. The collective, as some are calling it, represents a separate, quiet and potentially more potent effort than recent public resolutions from university- aligned groups. The group comprises figures at the highest levels, including individual trustees and presidents. Maintaining close contact, they have discussed red lines they won’t cross in negotiations and have gamed out how to respond to different demands presented by the Trump administration, which has frozen or canceled billions of dollars in research funding at schools it says haven’t effectively combatted anti-semitism on their campuses. The group’s aim is to avoid the fate of some top law firms, where one deal led to others following suit. The universities want to make sure other schools don’t go so far as to strike deals that create a worrisome precedent that others would be under pressure to follow, said the people familiar with the effort. The Trump administration has been worried schools would team up in resistance, because it is harder to negotiate with a united front, according to a person familiar with the government task force. Within the past two months, the task force warned leadership of at least one school not to cooperate with other schools to defend against the task-force demands, said one person familiar with the warning.

[EOP]

Jalen Hurts (and Other Eagles) Put Law Firms (and Patrick Mahomes and Other Chiefs) to Shame

According to Yamiche Alcindor of NBC News, Jalen Hurts will not be making the "Super Bowl Winners" trip to the White House. Other Eagles will also be absent. The White House attributes the development to “scheduling conflicts.” That is the same White House that has lashed out at Trump's sinking poll numbers as "fake polls from fake news organizations."

[EOP]

Making Frozen Pizza Taste Better

This Chowhound article gives a useful tip as to a simple and easy way to make frozen pizza taste like it came fresh from a restaurant. In short, all you need to do is crank up the heat. The article explains how and why.

[EOP]

Cleaning Rust Off of a Cast Iron Pan

Between the vinegar and the acid in tomatoes, ketchup is a perfect candidate to remove rust from cast iron as well as from other metal surfaces. When iron oxide — or rust — comes into contact with highly acidic ingredients, it breaks down, making it easy to remove. To use ketchup to remove rust from cast iron, you need to let the acid do its job. Coat the pan's surface with a modest amount of the condiment using your hand or a spoon and let it sit for a few hours. If you have a significant rust problem, allow it to sit overnight. After it sits, take a cloth or brush and begin wiping away the ketchup — the iron oxide should come right along. Once clean, rinse with warm water, dry the pan completely, and treat the surface with a thin layer of oil to protect it while it waits for future use. If any brown spots remain, simply repeat the process and consider allowing more time for the acidic ingredients in the condiment to work. When wiping the ketchup away, don't worry if some of the seasoning comes off with the rust — it will probably happen. You just have to bear in mind that after cleaning rust from a cast iron skillet, you have to re-season it.

[EOP]

Monitoring a Freezer Outage While on Vacation

If you're away from home for an extended time, your freezer might have lost power and regained it while you are away, and you wouldn't know it--unless you used the coin trick I invented. Before disclosing it, here's why it's important. In the event you have a freezer outage, and food thawed, and then re-froze when the power was restored, you might not want to eat that re-frozen food. So, here's the trick: Freeze a glass of water and put a coin on top of the ice that forms in the glass, and then put that glass with the coin in the freezer. When you get home, if the coin no longer is on top, but instead is at the bottom of the glass, you can infer what happened. 

[EOP]

God Mode in Windows 11

[Prefatory Note: I continue to use Windows 10 which does not have this feature. If I had Windows, I would activate it]

God Mode is a hidden setting that allows access to hundreds of settings you can’t easily find or access from the Control Panel or Settings app on Windows 11. The instructions to enable it aren’t anywhere in the multitude of pages of Windows help. You often learn about it by word of mouth or by reading about it online. Once enabled, you can pin the folder to the Start menu or Quick Access in File Explorer to access it more quickly. It gives you straightforward access to network, power, accessibility, and file type settings. God Mode saves a lot of time finding the system options you need to adjust. To enable God mode, Right-click on a free space on the desktop, click on “New” and “Folder," and enter the folder name "GodMode. {ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}" (without the quotes). The God Mode folder will now appear on the desktop with all the control panel functions.

[EOP]

Printing Problem of NYT in Phoenix

If you get the print edition of the Sunday NYT delivered in Phoenix (and perhaps elsewhere), you undoubtedly noticed that there's something askew in the printing process. Specifically, although the paper is delivered undamaged, many (indeed most) of the pages are stuck together. Indisputably, something has gone awry in the printing process. The online form for reporting the problem doesn't fit the issue. Reporting it by chat (even with a supposed real person) and by phone is frustrating because they code your feedback as a delivery problem, not a printing problem. And the last thing we want to do is have the carrier blamed for a problem unrelated to carriage, especially since our carrier has been excellent in having the papers delivered by 3:30 am so one does not need to endure an insufferable waiting period to start the day. Rest assured, we will continue to press the issue.

[EOP]

Desideratum of Pre-Nups

Pre-nups continue to have an aura of opprobrium that is undeserved. That you buy insurance policies on your house or car does not mean you hope for or expect your house to burn down or your car to be totaled. To the contrary, insurance policies are something you buy and spend money on with the hope you will never have an event that will cause you to seek to recover on them. That is how to look at a pre-nup. It is not a statement of a lesser love for the intended spouse any more than an insurance policy is a statement of a lesser love for a house or a car. It is the smart thing to have just in case. For both parties.

[EOP]

Short-Throw Portable 4K Projectors

Watching the PBS News Hour, Horizon, the Herd With Colin Cowherd, and some sporting events is tolerable on a 75" television. But it just doesn't cut it or the mustard for the bulk of my screen viewing--which is streaming movies and series. For that, while 100" and larger televisions are too expensive for my budget, short-throw projectors, not only are highly affordable (at well under $2,000), their picture is better than any television's picture. This ZDNet article has an informative overview of models to consider.

[EOP]

Hastening Fruit Ripening

If you want to hasten the ripening of fruit, put it in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana. 

[EOP]

Irish Moss Instead of Grass

There are few things more on trend than grass-alternative lawns right now; between wanting something lower maintenance and lower cost, different options like clover, chamomile, and creeping thyme are looking much more appealing to the average homeowner. As explained in the Spruce, Irish moss is one green lawn alternative that will keep maintenance and cost low, all without sacrificing a verdant welcome to a home. The article is instructive as to how an Irish moss lawn compares as an alternative to grass, and whether it's the right move for you.

[EOP]

The Laundromat (2019 Movie on Netflix)

I dropped The Laundromat onto my streaming platform because it's a true story of insurance fraud, because of the cast (especially Gary Oldman, but also Antonio Banderas and Meryl Streep), and because it was directed by Steven  Soderbergh. When her husband dies in a cruise ship accident, Ellen Martin (Meryl Streep) begins investigating a fake insurance policy, only to find herself down a rabbit hole of questionable dealings that can be linked to a Panama City law firm and its vested interest in helping the world's wealthiest citizens amass larger fortunes. Founding partners Jürgen Mossack (Gary Oldman) and Ramón Fonseca (Antonio Banderas) are experts in the seductive ways shell companies and offshore accounts help the rich and powerful prosper. Maybe it was me, and you'll experience the film differently, but, before giving up, I found every scene to be unspeakably annoying, exacerbated by the delivery of the main actors.

[EOP]

Caution re AI PCs

AI personal computers get a lot of hype, and are more expensive than non-AI computers. As this Consumer Reports article explains, there is little, if any, need for most people to spend the extra money on an AI computer. Indeed, they often are worse (e.g., slower) for most people.

[EOP]

There's No Time Out Until Time Out Has Been Called

There's no time out in baseball until time out has been called. Put another way, just because one calls for time out, that does not mean there's a time out. Pain is no excuse. So, as Joey Martella's father taught us, be sure you know time out has been called before you do anything you wouldn't do if time were not called out.

[EOP]

DOGE Has Cost Taxpayers More Money Than It Has Supposedly Saved

As this CBS News article reports, DOGE, says it has saved $160 billion through its push to root out wasteful or fraudulent government spending. But that effort may also have come at a cost for taxpayers, with a new analysis from a nonpartisan research and advocacy group estimating that DOGE's actions will cost $135 billion this fiscal year. 

[EOP]

Your Memory Bank and the Stock Market

Jason Zweig's column provides some thoughtful insights into how one's memory informs (or tricks) one's investment decisions. "The problem is that your memory bank can deceive you in dangerous ways. Your experience of the past is a reasonable guide to the future only if the future turns out to resemble the portion of the past that you’ve lived through. And it often doesn’t. Given the markets’ wild oscillations amid the uncertainty over President Trump’s trade policy, it’s worth looking at a few investing beliefs that your memory bank might hold—and asking whether they’re still valid."

[EOP]

AI Doesn't Really Think--Yet

As this WSJ column explains, "[t]he vast ‘brains’ of artificial intelligence can memorize endless lists of rules. Useful, yes, but that’s not how humans solve problems. The big names in artificial intelligence— leaders at OpenAI, Anthropic, Google and others—still confidently predict that AI attaining human level smarts is right around the corner. But the naysayers are growing in number and volume. AI, they say, just doesn’t think like us. The work of these researchers suggests there’s something fundamentally limiting about the underlying architecture of today’s AI models. Today’s AIs are able to simulate intelligence by, in essence, learning an enormous number of rules of thumb, which they selectively apply to all the information they encounter. This contrasts with the many ways that humans and even animals are able to reason about the world, and predict the future. We biological beings build “world models” of how things work, which include cause and effect."

[EOP]

Glimmer of Hope Brightens in Latest Trump Poll Numbers

This NYT column by Nate Cohn takes a deep dive into the continued decline in Trump's poll numbers, which are even dropping on his two signature issues--the  economy and immigration. While it's too soon to dance in the end zone, "if his ratings keep falling into the 30s, there would be real risks. The aura of invincibility that’s helped keep his opposition in check would begin to fade. He could face an emboldened judiciary and greater “resistance” from civil society. Even the slightest cracks in his congressional support could make it hard to enact his agenda. If Mr. Trump stays on his current course, there is a chance that the optimistic case will become much harder to sustain."

[EOP]

Proper Way to Use an Electric Toothbrush

It has come to our attention that some people are not using electric toothbrushes the way they should be used. Here is the correct way: Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline, with the bristles angled slightly upwards for top teeth and downwards for bottom teeth. Gently guide the brush head from tooth to tooth, letting the brush do the work, holding it on each tooth for a few seconds. The important point, as marked in red, is: LET THE BRUSH DO THE WORK. Put another way, do NOT push the toothbrush up and down or back and forth like you would a non-electric toothbrush. Hold it at each tooth. Let the toothbrush do the work. If you don't believe me, believe this (or any other) dental website.

[EOP]

How and Why to Clear Android Cache

This ZDNet article explains the benefits one might see in one's cellphone performance (e.g., speed) by clearing the cache. It then sets out how to clear the cache.

[EOP]

Crossing the Border at Lukeville/Sonoyta

If you go to Rocky Point on a day other than Friday, you are likely to have no problem or wait at the border. Wearing a cool t-shirt (like with a Kafka theme) likely will amuse the border agents and reduce the inspection time from 2 minutes to under 1 minute. Based on a visual of the cars lined up to cross into Mexico on a Friday, the wait could be hours. Your guess is as good as mine as to how that bodes for returning from Rocky Point on a Sunday or Monday.

[EOP]

Searing a Steak With Oil

We encourage everyone to eliminate or at least reduce their consumption of meat. But, if you insist on cooking a steak, you know to sear in oil but might not know whether it's better to oil the pan or the steak. As this Chowhound article explains, when you're looking forward to steak night, the last thing you want to do is ruin the cut before it's time to eat. There are ways to ensure that won't happen, like choosing the right marinade, using a cast-iron pan to get a restaurant-worthy ribeye steak, and following the rule of 3's for steak cooking. Oil matters, too: A pan-seared steak needs cooking oil with a high smoke point, like canola or avocado oil, to help with even cooking and to add flavor. But you're then faced with the question of whether you should oil the steak or the pan itself. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, even among pro chefs. 

[EOP]

Benefits of a Shingles Shot

Anyone who has gotten shingles will tell you: It's not fun--get a shingles shot. Now, as the WSJ reports, mounting evidence suggests that the vaccination against the varicella zoster virus—which causes chickenpox in children and triggers shingles in adults—also protects the brain. Indeed, several studies suggest that the vaccines reduce the risk of dementia in older adults, but key questions remain, including: How the vaccines might work to stop or delay the condition, and whether the benefit is limited to people of a certain age.

[EOP]

How Managers and Umpires Talk to Each Other

You would think that major league players would know, as Joey Martella's father taught us, don't rely on a ball being foul, run it out just in case it's called fair. The cited clip makes the point but, as or more interesting, is the "discussion" after the play between the manager and the umpire. Joey Martella's father kept from us how salty the language can become.

[EOP]

Is Trump Restrained by the Stock and Bond Markets?

This piece by James Mackintosh poses the vital question for investors: Did President Trump cave on tariffs and the Fed because the markets now have the whip hand? Is it because he has some grand plan behind the chaos? Or did he just talk to someone else? He doesn't answer the question, but does give some interesting insights as to how either might be the correct answer. As this related article further explains, while the prospect of President Trump de-escalating his trade war has triggered a market rally, there could still be a permanent loss of confidence in U.S. assets. So far, concerns about capital flight have focused on the government’s debt, but the implications for stocks and the U.S. dollar could be more serious.

[EOP]

Cellphone Carrier 5Y Price Guarantee Plans

T-Mobile followed by Comcast have unveiled phone plans with prices locked-in for five (5) years. Other carriers are likely to match those offerings. If interested, you might check with your carrier or consider switching carriers (switching, btw, often produces great deals).

[EOP]

Trump Says the Darndest Things

No matter how outrageous a Trump statement is, one usually can understand the point, the intended message, and the audience. And then there are his statements that merely confirm what a dope he is. Here is what he said about the Pope's funeral: "Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome. We look forward to being there!"

[EOP]

ISP App When Traveling Internationally

When traveling internationally, not everything internet-wise always works as it does when you're at home. Sites that you visit every day might be unreachable. You might get a notice that your home controller has gone off line. In such a circumstance, re-booting the modem might solve the problem, but you cannot reach or log into your ISP website. However, if you have the ISP's mobile app, that just might give you access to resetting the  modem, and putting everything back in order. So, just saying. Your ISP mobile app might not be something you use with any frequency. But don't leave home without it.

[EOP]

How the Ultra-Rich Have Fared

In a story next to this chart, the WSJ reports that President Trump tossed cold water on the idea of raising tax rates on the highest-income Americans, ending for now a Republican flirtation with higher taxes at the top to help pay for his broader agenda.

[EOP]

Alternatives to Plastic Wrap

When I realized how much single-use plastic I was using — and the truly scary effects of microplastics in our waters, communities, and bodies — I knew it was time to switch it up. What ultimately made it so easy were a few smart products that didn’t change my routine, but changed my personal carbon footprint and waste output for the better. Plus, in the time I’ve used them, they’ve even saved me money! This Kitchn article sets out some of my favorite alternatives to plastic wrap.

[EOP]

Run 'Em Out

You would think major league players would know what Joey Martella's father taught us, namely, that when you hit the ball, run to first. But, it turns out, you thought wrong.

[EOP]

Investing Advice From Warren Buffett

In the 20th century, the United States endured: two world wars and other traumatic and expensive military conflicts; the Depression; a dozen or so recessions and financial panics; oil shocks; a flu epidemic; and the resignation of a disgraced president. Yet the Dow rose from 66 to 11,497. In that context, here's what Buffett says that might be applicable today: "If you aren't willing to own a stock for 10 years, don't even think about owning it for 10 minutes."

[EOP]

Some Comfort for Bond Holders

However upset investors have been over the recent turmoil in the stock market, bond holders have been living in absolute, sheer terror. In that context, here's an interesting factoid: Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway now owns 4.89% of the entire U.S. Treasury Bill Market.

[EOP]

Passover for the Impatient

As families gather in Puerto Penasco to celebrate Passover this week, some of the attendees do not have the attention span they used to have. For them, a new Haggadah has been published, which boils it down to a 2-Minute Seder. It met with rave reviews and much praise.

[EOP]

Not All May Be Lost on the Science Health Front

As this WSJ article reports,  while heightened vaccine scrutiny and sweeping FDA staff cuts remain serious threats, recent signals have been more upbeat. In an interview late last week, newly appointed FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, a former Johns Hopkins surgeon, delivered a relatively bullish message for the biotech sector. Makary said he would speed up approvals for rare-disease treatments, cut reliance on animal testing by incorporating computational models and shorten the industry’s typical 10-year drug development timeline. He also vowed to reduce pharmaceutical companies’ influence over the FDA approval process and end what he called the agency’s “cozy” relationship with the industry. Importantly, he emphasized a commitment to protecting innovation and maintaining a science based approach to regulation.

[EOP]

How Sufficient Are the Checks on Trump 2.0

With the sycophantic (and ideologue) Congress (aka Republicans), the sycophantic (and ideologue) advisors and appointed officials, and the sycophantic (and ultra-greedy) billionaire oligarchs abiding and encouraging Trump's basest instincts and corruption, there would seem to be just three checks on the devastation Trump is causing and will leave in his wake: (i) The bond market, which has been the finger in the dyke holding back economic disaster from the looming tariff wars; (ii) the courts, which have been the finger in the dyke holding back democratic constitutional disaster from the assault on civil liberties, the rule of law, the independence of law firms and universities, and the aggrandizement of executive power; and (iii) the incompetence of Trump 2.0, notwithstanding its ability to bedazzle the country and the press with shiny objects and win rhetorical battles. Will the checks be enough? I don't know. There is ground for hope (e.g., Trump's disapproval ratings have slid more and faster than they did in Tromp 1.0). There is ground for fear (as has been chronicled here by a now widely acclaimed letter to the Santa Fe New Mexican) given the long-term harm and irretrievable losses that are piling up. We might have to wait to the 2026 elections to find out. Let's hope we make it that long.

[EOP]

No Need to Mourn the Passing of the Pope

 

[EOP]

Bat Flipping Finally Gets Serious

We've been fed up with wimpy bat flips. Finally, bat flipping has reached decent heights.

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Aluminum Foil Helps in the Dishwasher

As this Tom's Guide article explains, aluminum foil in the dishwasher will do wonders for cleaning your dishes. And there's a scientific reason for that as the article explains.

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Making Hummingbird Nectar the Right Way

Hummingbirds are spectacular to watch, but if you've been having a hard time attracting the birds to your backyard, there's one thing your landscape may be missing: hummingbird nectar. Due to their extremely high metabolism, hummingbirds have to visit hundreds of flowers a day. By making hummingbird nectar at home, you can help give these winged beauties the glucose energy they need to keep on humming. This article sets out how to make the right hummingbird nectar.

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Benefits of Google AI for Travel

As this cnet article details, Google AI has some exceedingly useful features to make travel easier, less expensive, and less burdensome. In short, it can create a custom itinerary, find the hotels that best suit your needs, and locate grocery stores, and much more.

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Importance and Ease of Cleaning HDMI Ports

This article explains why keeping HDMI ports clean is so important and how easy it is to do. 

[EOP]

The Order (2024 Movie on Hulu (or on Amazon Prime for $6))

Recommended to us by a source who shall remain anonymous, The Order is the story of a White Supremacist movement in the Northwest and the FBI effort to bring it down. It is totally riveting and  powerful and is tightly written with first class performances by all the characters. You might not like the story it tells. But it's a true story. And the really scary thing is that it's not history that has been relegated to the past.

[EOP]

Art of the Come-Back Line Drive Catch

This is exactly how Joey Martella's father coached our pitchers to catch come-back line drives. I didn't realize any major leaguer knew how to do it.

[EOP]

Loyal Reader Has Devastating Op-Ed Published

Under the heading, "America the Bully Will Have to Go It Alone" (caps added), a loyal reader, apparently inspired by what he has read and seen here, has had a letter published by The Santa Fe New Mexican. While we were shocked and dismayed by his repeated omissions of the Oxford comma, we applaud his exceedingly strong and articulately stated summary of the dangers and harms posed by Trump 2.0. It is meet to note that, albeit this is just one data point, it is at least arguable that the Santa Fe New Mexican has better sense than the NYT when deciding which letters to print. 

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Why And How to Delete Yourself From the Internet

This piece by Nicole Nguyen explains that you can enlist a service that deletes your online personal data and reduce exposure to identity thefts and scams, and that your should. If you want to say what info the  internet has collected about you Google's update Results About You app will tell, and just might blow your mind. You can then use it in a laborious step-by-step process to delete that info. You can also pay for a service to do the leg work. After submitting your personal information, these services comb the web and use bots or humans to fulfill the removal requests. Optery, which launched in 2021, has a budget-friendly $4-a-month plan covering over 300 sites. You can pay more (up to $25 a month) for removals from more websites, along with extra human assistance. DeleteMe is the seasoned oldtimer, with 14 years in the business. The service offers a yearly plan for $129 which makes sense because information can reappear after months.

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Why Are Trump's Approval Numbers Holding Up?

While his approval ratings on immigration have held firm,*Trump's approval ratings in general and on the economy have slipped but not by a huge amount. The question is why. One possible answer, as explained by Greg Ip's column, is that not much has changed. Headlines have screamed "change" is here, but: "Job growth has averaged 173,000 over the past two months combined, almost the same as that of the prior six months. The unemployment rate has averaged 4.2%, a tenth of a point higher than the prior six months. Both overall inflation and the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of underlying price pressures have averaged a tenth of a point less.  ... DOGE aimed to get rid of up to 10% of federal employees— about 240,000. Through February and March, though, federal employment excluding the post office is down just 10,100. ... Trump’s tariffs seem to have led to higher wholesale prices of steel, aluminum and related products. But not much is happening at the consumer level. Gross domestic product, after growing 2.5% over 2024, is likely to be flat in the first quarter or even contract. But that seems to reflect unusual import behavior, and the effect of weather on consumption." Another possible answer is the time lag between the chaos and destruction Trump 2.0 has brought about and its sinking in and its effects being fully felt as they ripple through the country.We shall see.

______________

    * Trump promised the largest deportation in history, and the deportations have been constant headline news. Ironically, according to the nonpartisan Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, Trump's daily removals through early March were actually running below fiscal 2024 levels, when Biden was president.

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Upgrading Google Photos to Ultra HDR

Google Photos is starting to roll out a new “Ultra HDR” editing option that lets users convert regular photos into Ultra HDR after capture. The feature is reportedly appearing in version 7.24.0.747539053 for some users via a server-side update. Ultra HDR images render richer colors and brightness levels on devices with HDR displays.

[EOP]

Rechargeable Batteries to Handle Home Power Outages

As Heidi Mitchell explains, it has become much less expensive in recent years for consumers to protect their homes against power outages. According to research company Statista, the price of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries— the kind that can keep home appliances and electronic devices humming in a blackout—dropped 20% last year and was down 39% over the past five years. There are many options (under $3,00) for consumers, from whole-home power stations that last for days to smaller battery packs that can get critical devices through a typical 5½-hour blackout. Several options are detailed, including the BioLite Backup Complete, Pila, a d ackery Explorer Portable Power Station 2000 V2.

[EOP]

iHostage (2025 Movie on Netflix)

If you're a fan of the hostage genre, iHostage will hold your attention from start to finish and will not disappoint. It is based on a true hostage situation in an Apple store in Amsterdam. The acting and directing are so good that you feel like you are watching what really happened in real time.

PS: I won't say what it is, but there is one "bodily function" that is not dealt with. Suffice it to say it had to have been an issue in the actual hostage-taking event.

PPS: Not in any way a point of the movie, but if you think about it, the story provides another reason to go with Android devices, because you never have to visit an Apple store to buy anything or get service.

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Art of the Double Play

This is exactly how Joey Martella's father coached us to turn double plays. I didn't realize any major leaguer knew how to do it.

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How a Court Can Enforce Its Orders

Enforcing an order defied by Trump might be what saving our democracy comes down to. Let's assume for the moment that a district court enters a democracy-saving order (which is affirmed by the Supreme Court), but Trump defies it. Apparently, some don't realize that a federal court has the power, if DOJ won’t enforce the court's order, to appoint its own prosecutor to seek a conviction for contempt of court. Upon a conviction, the court can put people in prison until the contempt ends, and, even if Trump cannot be imprisoned, he could be fined  millions of dollars per day while the contempt runs--payable when he’s out of office.

[EOP]

PS re Next Post (re Being Kind to Your Cellphone Battery)

Many cellphones have an option (in the battery settings) to limit the charging to 85%, which is what I do except on travel days when I let it charge to 100% before setting out. 

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Being Kind to Your Cellphone Battery

This HuffPost article has some informative tips on charging a cellphone, including: why it's better not to charge it up to 100% (but not to unduly worry about doing so) and why slow charging is preferable to fast charging.

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Updating the BIOS

This XDA article stresses the importance and benefits of updating the BIOS. It stops short of walking you through how to do it. For that, check the website of your computer model, and be sure you have selected the correct update file.

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Highly Affordable Fabulous Beach Getaways

You don’t need a massive bank account to create a life that feels like a permanent vacation. In fact, with around $2,000 a month, there are coastal spots around the world where you can enjoy a downright luxurious lifestyle, including: Bali, Da Nang, Playa de Carmen, Phuket, and Lagos. This article has a little more detail on each.

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The Pitt (2025 Series on MAX)

After watching S1E1, I can understand why so many people are raving about and are glued to The Pitt. That said, it might not be a series everyone enjoys.

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Faint Hope to Stopping Trump 2.0

As David Brook's opinion piece puts it: Trump 2.0 "is primarily about the acquisition of power — power for its own sake. It is a multifront assault to make the earth a playground for ruthless men, so of course any institutions that might restrain power must be weakened or destroyed. Trumpism is about ego, appetite and acquisitiveness and is driven by a primal aversion to the higher elements of the human spirit — learning, compassion, scientific wonder, the pursuit of justice. So far, we have treated the various assaults of President Trump and the acolytes in his administration as a series of different attacks. In one lane they are going after law firms. In another they savaged U.S.A.I.D. In another they’re attacking our universities. On yet another front they’re undermining NATO and on another they’re upending global trade. But that’s the wrong way to think about it. These are not separate battles. This is a single effort to undo the parts of the civilizational order that might restrain Trump’s acquisition of power." With Congress in the hands of sycophants, the only check from Trump's wannabe-dictator status to dictatorial control is the Supreme Court. It not only has to make the right decisions in a few crucial cases, but it has to back them up and enforce them. We can only hope that at least two Republican-appointees will walk back from the precipice they created when they gave Trump immunity.

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Gimme Some Lovin: Two Versions

Then

Now

 

All the President's Men

Frank Bruni describes how Trump gathers around him advisers, staff, officials, and others "in a perverse show of solidarity, by which I mean sycophancy. Their presence and their performances warrant special attention, because they underscore one of the most consequential dynamics of this second Trump administration: the enlistment and indoctrination of aides who will validate every fiction that Trump asks them to, obey all of his orders and shield him from any accountability. They’re a breed apart from the team around him during his first presidency; they were specifically chosen, and have been carefully groomed, to be." Annie Linskey describes how Biden's advisers, staff, officials, and others had known for years how serious his cognitive decline was.

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Beware Alternative Funds

As Jason Zweig explains, with the stock and bond markets stumbling in unison, investment firms and financial advisers are pushing so-called alternative funds harder than ever. As he then further explains, one should be wary of alternative funds because, in the main, they cost too much, disclose too little, and are higher risk than they sound.

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Clearing a TV's Cache

This ZDNet article explains why clearing your TV's cache can boost performance, fix annoying glitches, and sharpen your streaming experience. It then shows the simple steps to take to do cache clearing.

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Favorite EV

I'm glad I passed on buying a Tesla or Bolt of any other EV. Once I saw the Spectre, it was love at first sight, and I've never loved a car as much  as this one. And the coolest thing about it is the retractable hood ornament.

[EOP]

Time Magazine Steps on Its D_ _ k

No one likes to step on their d _ _ k or even watch someone else do it. But when a media outlet does it big time, we need to point it out. Time Magazine has announced its 100  most "influential" people for 2025. One of them was Napheesa Collier (whom I'll bet no one reading this has ever heard of). Another was Breanna Stewart (whom I'll bet a majority of those reading this have never heard of). Here's a hint: They play the same sport in the same league as Caitlin Clark (whom I'll bet everyone reading this has heard of), and she was not on the list. By any measure of influence (including raising attendance, participation, advertising, compensation, interest, viewership, saving the sport, etc.), the only athlete in in this century who was more "influential," i.e., who made everything about their sport more fundamentally different than before they appeared on the scene, was Tiger Woods. Time Magazine's leaving Caitlin Clark off the list is the biggest stepping on one's d _ _ k ever seen in journalism. As a certain someone  might say, no one ever has seen anything like it.

[EOP]

At-Home Rapid Combo Covid/Flu Test Kits

Per this NYT article, rapid antigen tests offer a quick and easy way to screen, with one test, for COVID-19, influenza (flu) A, and flu B on your own. Often called “rapid tests,” these tests rely on a nasal swab to detect active infections within about 15 minutes. The article lists the eight antigen test kits authorized by the FDA that it found to be relatively affordable (about $8-$10 per test) and that are sold through multiple retailers. It further lists additional FDA-authorized tests, including some at-home molecular test kits.

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Why the Phillies Are the Most Watchable MLB Team

Some ignorant people have suggested that I have an unfounded bias in favor of the Philadelphia Phillies. As this article explains, the Phillies are the most watchable team in baseball for several reasons.

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Difference Between Trump 2.0 Loyalists and Nazis

There is much loose talk about the Nazi-esque overtones of Trump 2.0. That does the Trump 2.0 regime a disservice. They learned that it can be mistake to have arm bands that define your party and ideological affiliation, allowing many of them to hide (arm-bandless) in plain sight.

[EOP]

NIIosa Power Bank

The NIIosa Power Bank usually sells for $100, but is now on sale at Amazon for $19. It can charge three (3) devices at once and it fits in the palm of your hand.

[EOP]

Another Reason to Fly First/Business Class on American

We have explained before that the cost differential between main cabin and first/business class on American Airlines often is under $20, and sometimes there is no cost differential at all. Now American has added an additional benefit to flying first/business class: You get to board even earlier--moving up to "pre-board" status. 

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Spirit Airlines

I've never flown it, and I tend to avoid budget airlines, but according to this review, Spirit Airlines might be the exception. It might even be the best airline overall, budget or not.

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Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x

This PC World review gives a rave review of the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x. Besides its impressive specs, it certainly looks good and at 2.81 lbs makes it travel-friendly. It is on sale for about $900 (which is $300 off its usual selling price).

[EOP]

Operation Finale (2018 Movie on Netflix)

Operation Finale recounts the true story of the capture of Adolf Eichmann in Argentina. Everything about it is first rate and intense. I just wish I had stayed with my vow to avoid the genre.

[EOP]

Frozen Blueberries Are Fresher Than Fresh Blueberries

It might be counter-intuitive, but frozen blueberries are fresher and more nutritious than fresh blueberries. That is because frozen blueberries are picked at the prime moment of their freshness which is then immediately locked in along with their nutritional value. In stark contrast, fresh blueberries have to be packed and travel long distances, and time is the enemy of freshness and nutritional value. Makes you think.

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Stopping Trump: It Could Be Too Late Already

Trump is on a studied, dictatorial course to: (i) eviscerate government services and protections; and (ii) bend institution after institution to his whim, as he picks winners and losers, not just among businesses, but also among law firms and universities. As the major law firms bend to his abhorrent will, it remains to be seen how universities will do as Harvard stands up to the vicious assault it is under. We know from Greece and Rome that democracies can devolve into autocracies and from countless countries that empires can crumble. Still, it is astounding how fast our adherence to democratic norms and America's hegemony seem to be on a path of surrender. It might be too late already, as Thomas Friedman seems to think it is. 

PS: There is no denying the tragic and horrific history of anti-Semitism. But that does not give Trump the right or privilege to go after universities under the rubric of quelling anti-Semitism. The last thing Jews need is Trump to protect us. We need to stand up and demand that Trump stop his perverse and corrupt use of our history and who we are.

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Independence of the Fed at Risk

Echoing concerns long raised here, this piece by Greg Ip  explains why "[i]nvestors are already fretting about the safety of the dollar and Treasury debt. The Supreme Court might be about to give them even more reason to worry. The court is about to take up a question that could determine whether President Trump can fire the Fed chair." As Ip goes on to explain, if Trump gets the ruling(s) he wants, that's the end of the independence of the Fed. And should  that happen, the dollar's decline and cracks in the treasury market we've seen to date will look like sweet gentle rain compared to the tsunami and collapses that will ensue. Trump left no doubt about his wish to be rid of Powell.

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Non-Toxic Cookware

Cookware comes in a range of materials, and some are more natural than others. This cnet article provides an informative guide to the most popular non-toxic cookware, including the pros and cons for using each one. 

[EOP]

Living Room Shelves

When I'm called in for decorating advice, the first thing I look at is the living room shelving. It's the one place where I can tell immediately if an amateur or a professional decided what was placed there. This article reviews the five things that designers consider no-no's, two of which are of particular note as being the prime signs of bad design taste: family photos and candles.

[EOP]

Crime Diaries: The Celebrity Stylist (2024 Movie on Netflix)

Having an hour to kill, I cranked up The Celebrity Stylist. Turns out I misread the description as it actually is an an hour and a half. That said, it was not disappointing or difficult to last through to the end to find out if the young detective could solve the double-murder in the 20 days she was given to do so. 

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Pitcher's Best Friend

It is said that the double play is the pitcher's best friend. Sometimes the pitcher is the pitcher's best friend.

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Will the Universities Hold the Line?

As the major law firms in this country and the Washington Post have surrendered to Trump 2.0's onslaught of attacks on the institutions that underpin our democracy, at least we have the WSJ 's editorial page to decry what's being attempted against our premiere universities: "The Administration runs off the legal rails by ordering Harvard to reduce 'governance bloat, duplication, or decentralization.' It also orders the school to review “all existing and prospective faculty . . . for plagiarism” and ensure 'viewpoint diversity' in 'each department, field, or teaching unit.' These reforms may be worth pursuing, but the government has no business requiring them. Its biggest overreach is requiring 'viewpoint diversity,' which it doesn’t define. Does this mean the English department must hire more Republican faculty or Shakespeare scholars? An external monitor will decide such questions. If the monitor finds insufficient diversity, however defined, the university must hire 'a critical mass of new faculty within that department or field who will provide' that diversity and admit 'a critical mass of students' to provide the same. Must Harvard ask applicants if they support Mr. Trump and impose ideological quotas in hiring and admissions?"

[EOP]

Protecting Yourself Against Voice Scams

 As this WSJ article explains, criminals are increasingly using generative AI to mimic voices of real people and scam their loved ones out of money. The article goes on to give tips as to what to do if you suspect you are being scammed (e.g., while on the phone, text the person you are purportedly talking to to confirm their identity) or, worse, if you have been scammed.

[EOP]

Update on the Cohen/Carville Doctrine

Carville was right when he adopted the analysis and strategy first articulated here as to how to heighten the likelihood that Trump 2.0's unbridled incompetence would lead to its collapse. In a NYT's opinion piece , Carville fleshes out that view in light of recent events. Well done, Jimmy!

PS: While Jimmy and I exchanged drafts on the topic before publishing them respectively here or with the NYT, we have decided to go with individual by-lines. I know he is as grateful as I am for the valuable reciprocity of input and feedback.

[EOP]

Locking Your Social Security Number

Freezing, or locking, your SSN makes it much more difficult for cyber criminals to access and take advantage of your personal information. By combining a lock on your SSN with a credit freeze, you're protecting yourself from malicious activity. There are two ways to lock your SSN: (i) By phoning SSA at 1-800-772-1213; or (ii) create a MyE-Verify account and use the service's self-lock feature. The main drawback to locking your SSN will sound very familiar to anyone who has a credit freeze in place. When you block access to your SSN records, you also restrict your access to it. This means you'll have to go through the hassle of unlocking it whenever you need a new employer to verify your eligibility to work in the US or you want to receive government benefits. 

[EOP]

Keeping Fresh Strawberries Fresher Longer

The refrigerator shelf life of strawberries can be lengthened substantially by doing two things: (i) leaving the tops on, i.e, not cutting off the tops; and (ii) putting the strawberries for a little bit in a bowl of water that you've added a little white vinegar to.

[EOP]

Difficulties of Long Covid

As detailed in this WSJ article, millions of Americans are still struggling with long-lasting symptoms of Covid-19. Cognitive difficulties are among the most troubling and common symptoms in people both old and young. So, while life has pretty much returned to normal, and the lethalness of Covid has dissipated substantially, it doesn't hurt to wear a mask in places where it doesn't hurt to wear a mask and doing so just might spare you and those you live with unwanted problems.

[EOP]

How Times Have Changed

Seventy-eight (78) years ago, on April 15, Jackie Robinson broke the color line in professional baseball. That was a signal moment for baseball, for sports, and for America. Following that, the military was desegregated and then the public schools. Following that, a politician from Texas was instrumental in the passage of major civil rights and voting rights legislation, and other efforts to lift up and help those less fortunate than others. That history was not without its flaws and shortcomings, but its aspirations were inspirational, and precisely why we should have a government and what a government should be doing. In fine, looking back, and looking at today, it is impossible not to be filled with overwhelming sadness.

[EOP]

The Studio (2025 Series on Apple TV+)

Not many people have had a first-hand, inside look at life in a movie studio. As one person who has, I can tell you what is portrayed in The Studio is not exactly what you'd see. But I also can tell you it captures what you would see if you looked closely enough and had a finely tuned ability to see people as they really are. The script and dialogue are fast-moving and in the main attention-holding, and some of the acting is absolutely fantastic. It's a shame Bryan Cranston and other cameos are just in one EP. Catherine O'Hara's opening performance reminds you of how great she was in Best 'N Show and Schitt's Creek. Based on EP 1, it's a definite all  thumbs on deck!!! Unfortunately, EP 2 devolves into silly slapstick for the most part, but at least it was only 26 minutes. EP 3 is pretty pretty pretty pretty good. EP 4 is quite stupid, but then, stupid is as stupid does. To sum up, it's not the greatest series ever, but it's got some good moments--you just need to tolerate the not-so-good moments. As my mom always said, life is like a box of chocolates.

[EOP]

Stopping Streaming Devices From Tracking You

Roku, Fire Stick, Apple TV, and Chromecast make watching Netflix, Hulu, Max, and dozens of other services way easy (in the best way). But those same devices and most smart TVs and streaming platforms collect data about what you watch, when you watch it, and how you interact with their apps. From the streaming stick to the TV itself, that information is used to "personalize your experience"-which usually means more targeted ads and curated recommendations. If you're uncomfortable with companies tracking your viewing habits, there are easy setting changes to make to regain some control. This cnet article will take you through the setting steps for each of the above streaming devices. For the Fire Stick, here are the steps: Settings/Preferences/Privacy Settings and then turn off Choose Device Usage Data, Collect app Usage Data, and Select Interest-based Ads.

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Pixel 9s

The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro get excellent reviews, but no one (except iPhone buyers) want to spend more than $500 for a phone. This ZDNet article makes the case that the 9a for under $500 might suit you just as well. Each 9-series phone does support wireless Qi charging.

[EOP]

Unwise Way to Try to Beat the Tariffs

A surge of recent online videos have encouraged tariff-wary Americans to buy shoes, luxury handbags, or even manufactured homes directly from Chinese factories. Americans appear to have responded by catapulting two Chinese e-commerce apps, DHgate and Taobao, near the top of the most-downloaded iPhone apps in the United States, according to market intelligence firm Sensor Tower. The online videos, largely originating on TikTok, are mostly a worthy conversation about what’s behind the products that Americans buy. But don’t believe everything you see. Americans generally should not follow the advice to buy from Taobao or DHgate or try to order products from a Chinese factory. You may not save money this way; you still can’t escape whopping tariffs on Chinese-made goods; and you may be exposing yourself to disappointment or scams. 

[EOP]

Number 24 (2024 Movie on Netflix)

There are certain genres I tend to avoid, not because there's anything wrong with them, but because I feel like I have had my fill. One of those genres is Nazi movies, so I almost passed when NR 24 was recommended to me as just "very good." I decided to dip my toe into the water on this one, and was immediately drawn in by the opening dialogue scene of the two yutes (which has an eerie overtone to conversations going on today), and was riveted throughout. The quibble I have with the recommendation is that it undersold this true story of the Norwegian resistance to the Nazi occupation. This is a must-see fantastic movie of the highest quality in every respect!!! It echoed and evoked similar tensions themes in Say Nothing, which we recommended to that recommender, and so we thank him for the reciprocity.

[EOP]

The Masters

While there were some amazingly great (and bizarrely lucky) shots and series of greatly played streaks, no one who watched The Masters could say it was fun to do so. Fun was watching a Palmer charge, or a Tiger domination, or a double-eagle on 15. But watching Rory McIlroy teeter on the edge of being inscribed on the same page of the golf history books as Jean van de Velde is not fun. It was a memorable tournament  for sure (which no one had to say it was "one for the ages" to make it so, and saying so was cloyingly insulting) and exhausting to watch. But perhaps best of all, with Rory completing the Grand Slam, we can be spared the endless maudlin press that would have ensued, and perhaps a tragic end to an historic golfing career.

[EOP] 

GBoard vs. Microsoft Swift Key

I'm happy with Gboard and generally prefer Google stuff to Microsoft stuff. But this Android Police article sets out the reasons that Microsoft Swift Key might be the better option.

[EOP]

Samsung Good Lock

Samsung Good Lock is a customization app for Samsung Galaxy devices that allows users to personalize their device's interface and functionality. It's a suite of modules that can be added to customize various aspects, including the lock screen, home screen, navigation bar, and even keyboard settings. Good Lock is now generally available through the Play Store for Galaxy owners running One UI 7 or higher.

[EOP]

Fire TV Sticks vs Fire TV Cube

This Tom's Guide article gives informative explanation as to the differences in Fire Sticks vs. Fire Cubes and which might make the most sense for you depending on the age and features of your TV.

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HDMI 2.1 vs HDMI 2.2

At CES 2025, the HDMI Forum announced the latest HDMI specification, HDMI 2.2, which advances the technology. Does that mean you need to worry about upgrading your TV, gaming gear, and other home theater devices all over again? The short answer is: No, you’re good. HDMI 2.1 is already well ahead of the game in terms of future-proofing your gear. 

[EOP]

New Laxer TSA Restrictions Coming

New computed tomography (CT) scanners that can analyze the contents in bottles are currently being installed in the nation's busiest airports. This means that full-size items could soon be on the roster again, with the TSA releasing a list of 11 items that no longer have to fit the three-ounce rule, including:  over-the-counter medications; prescription medications in gel, liquid or aerosol form; ice packs or gel packs for medically necessary items; food and drink for infants and toddlers; wet batteries; and fresh eggs. And if everything goes according to plan, shampoo, perfume, sunscreen, and body washes could soon join this list. There's also stirrings in DOGE and House Republicans to get rid of TSA.

[EOP]

Three Ways to Avoid Bourbon Burn

Bourbon increasingly and rapidly is becoming the drink of choice. Some newbies are not fond of what's called the "bourbon burn," which is the warming sensation bourbon gives. Three simple ways to avoid it: add a few drops of water if drinking bourbon neat; drink it over ice; and use it in mixed drinks.

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Your Friends & Neighbors (2025 Series on Apple TV+)

Your Friends & Neighbors is not your everyday story. It will be liked by some and found ridiculous by others, and there's no way to predict who will fall into each group (although I already can hear the sarcastic barb that will be hurled at me as to the kind of person who would like it). The plot revolves around a hedge fund manager (Jon Hamm in Don Draper-esque style) who resorts to burglary after losing his job, targeting wealthy neighbors to maintain his family's lifestyle, but makes a fateful error breaking into the wrong home. Putting aside the plot line, the crisp narrative commentary and dialogue in the unfolding scenes are what hold your attention. Caution: Only two (2) EPs, which this review is based on, have dropped so far, and it looks like they will drop at the rate of 1 per week. If you're iffy after EP 1, watch EP 2, it's better. Finally, it's a great cast, including Amanda Peet, Olivia Munn, and Lena Hall. 

[EOP]

Why Him? (2016 Movie on HBO)

I love Bryan Cranston, which is why I gave Why Him? a shot. It was the worst for 5 minutes of a movie so I kept watching thinking it would get better. The next 5 minutes got worse so I figured it had bottomed out and kept watching. The next 5 minutes were the last of the movie for me. Here's the story line: Ned, an overprotective but loving dad and his family visit his daughter at Stanford, where he meets his biggest nightmare: her well-meaning but socially awkward (and that's a euphemism) Silicon Valley millionaire boyfriend, Laird. The rivalry develops,and Ned's panic level goes through the roof when he finds himself lost in this glamorous high-tech world and learns that Laird is about to pop the question. I am certain Bryan Cranston is embarrassed to have appeared in this movie.

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Scariest Risk of Trump's Tariffs

Everyone expects goods to cost more and a slowing of the economy from the trade war Trump has ignited. But, as this The Conversation article explains, a more serious doomsday scenario remains possible because of the ensuing trade disruption. In short: "The world has been here before. In the 1930s, the U.S. enacted the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, which raised tariffs on thousands of imported goods in an effort to shield American industries during the Great Depression. The result was a rapid contraction of global trade. What ultimately tipped the world over the edge wasn’t direct retaliation against the U.S. Instead, global trade collapsed as U.S. trading partners turned on each other. Faced with a flood of diverted goods, they rushed to protect their own manufacturing by enacting trade restrictions of their own. Similarly, today, we face a similar risk. The greater concern is not Trump’s tariffs themselves or even the retaliation they provoke, but rather the resulting trade diversion and wave of protectionism it can trigger."

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Secret to Great Gardening: The Nisaku Hori Hori Garden Knife

There are a few styles of garden knives out there, but the hori hori has a few features that make it stand out. First of all, it originates from Japan — its name translates to “dig dig” — and includes a heavy steel blade that’s sharp on both sides. It also has a semi-sharp point. All of these features make it suited to cutting through roots, tough soil, and more. The brand Nisaku says that each of its pieces, including its hori hori, is “forged by master blade craftsmen with the highest grade Japanese stainless steel for durability, precision, and control that withstands intense use and harsh conditions.” In addition to weeding, seeding, transferring, and cutting branches, the 7.25-inch blade can also be used for hunting, fishing, and camping. One side is serrated and the other has a straight edge, and it’s engraved with inch markers. The sharpness of this knife is extremely helpful in breaking up the soil in my flower beds. It breaks up any small roots that need to be cleared out. It’s also ideal for use in flower pots with looser soil, thanks to the blade’s narrower width. 

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IKEA's Skolast: Inexpensive Storage Device and Much More

If you need more kitchen storage space or a bin for recyclables or a little composter, and don't want to spend a lot of money, the $6 Skolast from IKEA might be what you're looking for. It can stand on its own or be hung over a door or cabinet door or behind a cabinet door. It's the perfect container for small recyclables or trash, such as used coffee grounds. It could also be employed as a storage solution for extra kitchen supplies, such as kitchen sponges. If you have young kids in the house, you can use the bin as a creative pantry idea to expand your kitchen storage by filling it with packaged snacks, such as granola bars or fruit pouches. If you've struggled to find a home for items outside the kitchen, you may find it provides a highly adaptable solution. In the bathroom, the bin can also hold children's bath toys and personal care items, such as a hairbrush or blow dryer. 

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North of North (2025 TV Series on Netflix)

North of North has gotten great reviews and I started watching it with great expectations. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. The best thing about EP 1 is that it would have ended in a half hour if I had watched it all the way through. I hope I'm wrong and, if others watch it and correct me, I will react and act accordingly and appropriately. 

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Don't Put Ribbons on Your Checked Luggage

While it's smart to dress up your luggage so it's easily recognizable, there's one so-called "hack" you might want to skip: tying a ribbon around the handle. Sure, it seems like a quick and easy way to distinguish your luggage, but those innocent little ribbons can mess with the automated scanning process. Ribbons that people tie onto their suitcases to help identify them can cause issues with the bag being scanned in the baggage hall. If the bag can't be scanned automatically, it can end up in manual processing, which could mean your bag doesn't make it to the flight. Another common mistake: leaving old baggage flight stickers plastered all over your suitcase. No, not your cute travel-themed decals — the boring barcode ones from past trips. Apparently, these leftover stickers can confuse the system and cause your bag to get flagged or rerouted.

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How the Treasury Market Made Trump Back Down on His Tariffs

Reflecting on whether he would prefer to be reincarnated as a president, the pope, or a sports star, James Carville said he would choose to come back as the bond market, because then "you can intimidate everybody."The event that led to Trump's backing off ("pausing") his tariffs was the revolt of the treasury market. The bedrock of the financial system trembled this week, with government bond yields rising sharply as the chaotic rollout of tariffs shook investors’ faith in the pivotal role played by the United States in the financial system. As this NYT article and WSJ article explain, in the usually steady government bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury has risen to about 4.5 percent from less than 4 percent at the end of last week. U.S. government bonds, known as Treasuries because they are issued by the U.S. Treasury, are backed by the full faith of the American government, and the market for Treasuries has long been deemed one of the safest and most stable in the world. But the Treasury market’s erratic behavior all week raised fears that investors are turning against U.S. assets as President Trump’s trade war escalates.

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First Class Postage Cost Likely Going Up on July 12

The cost of a first class stamp likely will go up on July 12. So, cost-conscious people will calendar that date as the deadline for replenishing one's inventory of Forever stamps.

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Life on the PGA Tour

This interview of Michael Kim provides an informative glimpse as to what life looks like for PGA touring pros and their caddies.

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Tip for Falling Asleep in a Chair

[Prefatory Note: We have just learned that some of our readers are senior citizens. One of them passed along a tip he has for helping other senior citizens when it comes to falling asleep in a chair] 

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Flight Fares Seem to Be on a Descent and How to Take Advantage on Existing Reservations

Flight fares seem to have dropped quite a bit just in the past week. If you have an existing reservation, you might check if you could save money by re-booking. We know of one example where such a change resulted in a 25% reduction in fares. Even if you have a non-refundable ticket and want to stay with the same flights, if you call the airline, the rep just might give you a trip credit for what would be the price differential. 

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Would You Do This to Curb China's Abuses?

The U.S. has legitimate grievances with China that have been tolerated too long. It's not that China makes stuff cheaper than we could make it. It's that China has notoriously flouted the rules regarding intellectual property to our detriment. So, let's agree that pressure should be put on China to abide the norms that should be adhered to, and let's assume for the moment that tariffs provide viable and legitimate bargaining leverage toward that end. Here, then, are some questions you might answer in finalizing and implementing your negotiation strategy:

1. Would you impose tariffs on every other country or would you try to enlist their aid in your standing up to China by having them join your effort?

2. Would you spook the treasury market and drive down the dollar putting in jeopardy the safe havens they represent and raising the U.S.'s cost of borrowing to finance its debt? Relatedly, are you not looking at what the rout in the treasury market is telling you about confidence (i.e., lack of confidence) foreign and domestic investors have in the financial stability of this country and the tunnel you've put it in with a train barreling at you? 

3. Would you spook the stock market into shedding multi-trillions of dollars of wealth?

4. Would you do everything you seemingly could to raise the uncertainty level of investors and businesses to unprecedented heights, with the result of putting substantial brakes on every investing and business decision?

5. Would you put the U.S. into a recession, making the toll on the consumer worse than it otherwise would be, and lowering the amount of tax revenue that will be collected?

6. Would you put on tariffs, take them off, put them on again, pause them, or might you worry doing so sends a signal to those with whom you are negotiating a message at odds with the message you want to send?

7. Would you be fronting your efforts with the likes of Bessent, Lutnick, and Navarro, whom everyone believes is a total moron or liar when it comes to explaining your tariff strategy and understanding markets and the economy?

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Decision Coming re How Google Works For You

If you're a Gmail user, you may soon see a new prompt in your inbox—and it's not just another pop-up to click away. Google is rolling out a privacy-related update that gives users a clear choice: opt into AI-enhanced features that use your personal data, or stick with a more limited version of Gmail. While the decision may feel routine, it marks a significant shift in how the world's most popular email service handles your data—and your inbox. This Newsweek article will explain what happens if you say "yes" and what happens if you say "no."

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Terminal 2 at Sky Harbor Airport

They took it away. There is no Terminal 2 any more. The space is now being used as a rental car return area and car rental service area. In sum, they paved paradise and put up a parking lot.

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Disgrace of Big Time Law Firms

According to the WSJ, a batch of large law firms are in discussions with the White House to reach deals that would avert restrictions on their business by promising to do roughly $500 million of pro bono work that President Trump supports. Latham & Watkins, Simpson Thacher, Kirkland & Ellis and A&O Shearman are nearing deals with the Trump administration that are expected to include about $125 million worth of pro-bono legal services for each firm. The settling firms have viewed the agreements as a low-cost way to achieve peace with the administration and avoid complications for their businesses.

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Trick to Browning Sausages in an Air Fryer

Sausages come out great in an air fryer. And, if you poke them with a knife before cooking, they will brown up real good.

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How Stupid Are These Guys?

[Prefatory Note: These guys took to the airwaves Wednesday to explain Trump's announced 90-day tariff pause. Is it possible that, after listening to this stuff, the market's performance on Thursday reflected its view that what they thought they heard these guys say is what these guys actually said? Put another way, is there any individual or institutional investor who has any confidence in these guys to steer our economy?]

Treasury Secretary Bessent:  "This [Trump's Wednesday announcement of a 90-day tariff pause] was driven by the president's strategy. He and I had a long talk on Saturday and this was his strategy all along," Bessent responded when asked if the tariff pause was the result of market declines. The idea that these guys were not watching the rout in the bond market and collapse of the dollar, and planned on Saturday to announce a tariff pause on Wednesday with no warning, is terrifying whether or not it is true or false. 

Commerce Secretary Lutnick: “Donald Trump is the best negotiator that there is. He understands how to do these things. He gave these—these were crystal-clear instructions—no negotiating until two days ago,” Lutnick said, adding that doing it “bespoke is what launched it.” “The president made a decision. He Truthed it out with Scott and I in the room, just the three of us together. And this is where we are,” Lutnick continued. “We’ve got to make fair deals for America. And Donald Trump said the big countries, the lead negotiator of those transactions is going to be Donald Trump. He wants to do it. He wants to drive it. And what could be more fun for Scott and I?” “He also seems to be a great stock pundit. Earlier this morning before the pause he put out a message saying it’s a great time to buy and here we are, here we are, much higher.”  As Lutnick quipped while laughing: “I’d always bet on Donald Trump.” “But that was a great time to buy the market right, uncanny."

PS: We have opted not to include any of the incomprehensible blather from Trump himself. His comment on shower heads noted in a below post was itself almost too much to include in this blog. That said, don't kid yourself. With tariffs and related punitive measures, Trump has put himself in the position of picking which companies and sectors will be the winners and losers in the economy train that's coming at us. At the same time, the Dems are now expressing concern (calling for an investigation) about Reps having advanced knowledge of what Trump is going to say about tariffs leading them to "insider gains" in the stock market. Yeah, once you hit the Dems' 401Ks, you know they will zero in on the big problem. Put another way: Did anyone ever think the Reps cared about ethics or anything but "what's in this for me."

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