Altho I absolutely love Amazon Kindles, I have stayed completely away from their devices that include Alexa. This article bears out some of my concerns. https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2019/07/amazon-confirms-it-keeps-your-alexa-recordings-basically-forever/
Month: July 2019
NYC neighborhood hot issue — how to accommodate bicyclists (or not)
Now that we have Citibank stands growing like weeds throughout Manhattan, the volume of bicyclists has expanded. That's increased safety concerns and concerns about crowded streets. In the Upper West Side, this has played out recently with how to provide safe, but convenient, north/south routes that parallel the west edge of Central Park. A contentious … Continue reading NYC neighborhood hot issue — how to accommodate bicyclists (or not)
Is it hot enough for you yet? CA mussels are literally being cooked alive
This is a companion piece to the article describing the increasing risk to putting your toe in the water at the beach. At least humans can choose whether or not to subject themselves to these new risks of the climate crisis. Mussels that are essentially fixed in place can't move and have no air conditioning. … Continue reading Is it hot enough for you yet? CA mussels are literally being cooked alive
Oceans increasingly dangerous places for humans to dip their toes
Every time I think I have at least an idea of the range of bad consequences of climate change, I learn about a new one. I'd read about visits to a few beaches resulting in cases of flesh-eating viruses. Turns out that's only the tip of the iceberg. This makes it sound like wading into … Continue reading Oceans increasingly dangerous places for humans to dip their toes
Like beach towns? How many of these have you visited?
Thrillist specializes in interesting lists. Since I've mostly been a coastal resident in the US, I've been to a number of these beach towns, but certainly not all. How about you? This is so chock full of photos, videos, and GIFs that you're going to have to click thru to find out,. https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/best-beach-towns-in-the-usa
Peaches don’t have to be rock hard or mushy
I rarely buy and eat peaches because I have always ended up with either rock hard or mushy fruit -- never that mouth-watering, juicy peach I remember from childhood. Maybe this will help. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/cooking/a28181272/how-to-ripen-peaches/ How to Ripen Peaches for Perfect Summer Fruit Every Time Ripe peaches > anything By Kate Merker and Becca Miller Jun … Continue reading Peaches don’t have to be rock hard or mushy
Does making college free work?
One city tried the tuition-free college experiment and got unexpected results. https://www.wsj.com/articles/does-free-college-work-kalamazoo-offers-some-answers-11561741553 Does Free College Work? Kalamazoo Offers Some Answers Tuition subsidy in Kalamazoo, Mich., funded by anonymous donors, lifts enrollment sharply but graduation rates are mixed By Josh Mitchell and Michelle Hackman | Photographs by Brittany Greeson for The Wall Street Journal June 28, … Continue reading Does making college free work?
Fresh options for reading sci-fi/fantasy
The most feedback I've recently had for a post was a list of possible reading choices. So here's another try. https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/13-sci-fi-and-fantasy-novels-you-shouldnt-miss-in-july 13 sci-fi and fantasy novels you shouldn't miss in July Contributed by Swapna Krishna Swapna Krishna @skrishna Jun 29, 2019 Share This Post 332 Shared 0 Comments Tag: Fangrrls book club Tag: lists It's … Continue reading Fresh options for reading sci-fi/fantasy
Developing countries below replacement level in new births
This is just one of many articles that NPR has produced recently, each looking at a small piece of a factual situation that should prompt a new way of approaching population. Not producing more babies is a rational approach of new couples when healthcare is expensive, student loans are prohibitive, climate change is threatening, and … Continue reading Developing countries below replacement level in new births
Want to please your pet? Put this on TV
Click thru https://www.buzzfeed.com/sydrobinson1/yellowstone-live-pet-viewers for some cute photos of animals absolutely mesmerized by the Yellowstone Live, a four-night wildlife series on National Geographic in its second season. If you're interested in reading about what's going on in one of our premier National Parks, I recommend "American Wolves: A True Story of Survival and Obsession in the … Continue reading Want to please your pet? Put this on TV
NYC first city of over a million to declare a climate crisis
Despite the determination of federal government in the US not to acknowledge the climate crisis presenting an existential threat, the country has many other levels of government from state, to country to city to town to unincorporated areas. When looking for good news, it is heartening to see how many different governments are stepping up … Continue reading NYC first city of over a million to declare a climate crisis
Abycats' Thoughts 