Yes, I'm an Apple hardware user (altho I use quite a bit of Google software) but there are reasons I've chosen to use an iPhone instead of an Android phone. The problems with the chat software Google is proposing for its Android devices are almost a checklist of why I'm continuing with Apple. In particular, … Continue reading Google’s version of iMessage for Android available but missing key features
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Why the census matters to YOU
This video by John Oliver is fun to watch, often laughable, but also explains clearly why every individual living in the United States should participate. The citizenship question is gone which means fear should no longer be a factor. Everyone should now WANT to participate tho for themselves and their neighbors. The census is a … Continue reading Why the census matters to YOU
We need insects to survive — and we’re killing them all
In pursuit of a perfect world with no crop damage, itchy bites, headlight dirt, and more humans have worked hard to eradicate virtually all insect life. Turns out perfection is not only an elusive goal but a goal with huge costs. One of those may well be that killing all insects means wiping out all … Continue reading We need insects to survive — and we’re killing them all
Which Democratic candidate’s views are closest to yours?
This 10-question quiz highlights the differences in positions between the Democratic candidates so that you can focus on the individuals whose views may best match yours. It's certainly not comprehensive and it's definitely simplistic, but all guidance is helpful these days. https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/policy-2020/quiz-which-candidate-agrees-with-me/
Nigeria working with big beverage companies to develop plastic recycling program
This is a terrific article that is basically impossible to bring into the blog. Read it anyway. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-11-13/nigeria-enlists-big-beverage-companies-to-fight-plastic-waste?
Status of coal plants in U.S.
Coal plants in the U.S. are continuing to shut down but the easy closures may already have happened. Economic forces may not be enough to force closures of the some of the markets where coal still dominates. https://qz.com/1749023/two-of-americas-biggest-coal-plants-closed-this-month/ Two of America’s biggest coal plants closed this month By Michael J. Coren November 16, 2019 First … Continue reading Status of coal plants in U.S.
Hurricanes really are bigger and more frequent
The key point with this study is that the massive increase in damage caused by hurricanes is not just a reflection of higher valuations and greater population density. The reason is because hurricanes are now both more frequent and stronger. Both of those consequences are due to the climate crisis. Many had thought that to … Continue reading Hurricanes really are bigger and more frequent
How to finish a long book without going nuts
Am listening to a marvelous interview with Richard Powers, the author of the 2019 Pulitzer prize winner "The Overstory" -- all 500 pages of it. The novel lends itself remarkably well to a number of the techniques set out in the article below. Other approaches might work for a different book. One just needs a … Continue reading How to finish a long book without going nuts
The weird wonderfulness of cats
https://thebestcatpage.com/2016/10/31/11-comics-perfectly-describe-just-weirdly-wonderful-cats-can/ 11 Comics That Perfectly Describe Just How Weirdly Wonderful Our Cats Can Be! by Daniel Torres 6.4kviews When you have at least one cat, you truly do get used to their little funny habits and behaviors that are typical of cats. This includes everything from the dead mouse left at your door to the … Continue reading The weird wonderfulness of cats
Wonder if streaming services will learn from their predecessors
This advice column by two men experienced in running streaming services offers sage comments indeed, but it's also an instruction manual on how the public interacts with streaming media and the https://www.vox.com/recode/2019/11/12/20959837/streaming-wars-10-lessons-matthew-ball-alex-kruglov-disney-apple-amazon-netflix 10 lessons for Disney, Apple, and all the new streaming companies trying to take down Netflix Advice from two veterans of Amazon and … Continue reading Wonder if streaming services will learn from their predecessors
Library books are Expected to wear out
Often the best buy in a used book is one that was well-loved and thoroughly used as library stock. I've been known to marvel at who else might have enjoyed the book before me. Library books are never sold with margin notes so I don't get that insight, but still.... https://bookriot.com/2019/11/14/life-cycle-of-a-library-book/ The Life Cycle of … Continue reading Library books are Expected to wear out
Border searchs of smart phones allowable only if there’s suspicion of a crime
https://www.wsj.com/articles/judge-limits-phone-searches-at-u-s-borders-11573603036?mod=hp_lista_pos2 Judge Limits Phone Searches at U.S. Borders Federal agents must have reasonable suspicion of a crime before examining electronic devices at airports, other crossings The U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in court papers that it conducted around 33,300 device searches in fiscal year 2018 while processing hundreds of millions of international travelers. Photo: … Continue reading Border searchs of smart phones allowable only if there’s suspicion of a crime
Abycats' Thoughts 