This is brand-new information for me. When I went to China almost 20 years ago, smartphones weren't ubiquitous. U.S. one dollar bills were accepted for an amazing range of items on the street and American Express (and sometimes other credit cards) could be used inside. Personal electronic devices have totally changed that landscape. What's even … Continue reading China’s system for personal financial transactions doesn’t intersect with ours
Category: Uncategorized
Street vendors do more for a city than provide inexpensive wares
https://www.curbed.com/2019/11/14/20963057/street-vendors-public-space-safety Why street vendors make cities feel safer Vendors not only activate public space—they do so in places chronically ignored by city planners By Alissa Walker@awalkerinLA Nov 14, 2019, 12:55pm EST There are two ways I can walk home from the subway station in my neighborhood. At night, when I’m by myself, the choice is … Continue reading Street vendors do more for a city than provide inexpensive wares
Air pollution clearly linked to fossil fuels and to brain cancer
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/13/air-pollution-particles-linked-to-brain-cancer-in-new-research Air pollution nanoparticles linked to brain cancer for first time Exclusive: tiny particles produced by motor traffic can invade the brain and carry carcinogens Damian Carrington Environment editor @dpcarrington Wed 13 Nov 2019 05.57 EST New research has linked air pollution nanoparticles to brain cancer for the first time. The ultra-fine particles (UFPs) are produced … Continue reading Air pollution clearly linked to fossil fuels and to brain cancer
Another flood of books just came off hold from the library
I've had a flood of books come off the hold list at the NY Public Library. My default borrowing period is three weeks. That would be more than enough if I was reading a single book but the library has just given me SEVEN (plus an extra)!! I put items on the hold list for … Continue reading Another flood of books just came off hold from the library
Detailed article about worker efforts to improve conditions at Amazon
This is simply too long an article to put on a blog. The workers portrayed here are Somali and were fighting to observe their religion but not lose their jobs. Beyond those two distinctions tho, these Amazon warehouse workers are facing the same issues as faced by such workers globally -- work speedup, inadequate air … Continue reading Detailed article about worker efforts to improve conditions at Amazon
Best packaged biscuits (maybe?)
My usual grocer (FreshDirect, online) carries his preferred brand which I've ordered for Thanksgiving. We shall see. https://www.thekitchn.com/canned-biscuit-brands-22950234? I Tried Nearly a Dozen Tubes of Canned Biscuits and Now This Is the Only One I’ll Buy by Meghan SplawnPublished: YesterdayWe independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a … Continue reading Best packaged biscuits (maybe?)
Not all books lend themselves to audio
My personal opinion is that two recent notable books are simply not meant to be listened to: Richard Powers' "The Overstory" and "Circe" by Madeline Miller. Audible's rating for the these two narrated versions is quite high. For the former, I had a problem with the switch back and forth between stories which was not … Continue reading Not all books lend themselves to audio
Manhattan gridlock days CORRECTED by nyc.dot.gov
Due to a clerical error, three Gridlock Alert Days were incorrect in this year's announcement. Tomorrow, November 15 and next Wednesday, November 20 are NOT Gridlock Alerts Days. Friday, November 22 IS a Gridlock Alert Day.Whether traveling for work, errands or recreation, please consider walking, biking or taking public transportation whenever possible.Visit mta.info to check the service status of subways, buses, Metro North Railroad and Long Island … Continue reading Manhattan gridlock days CORRECTED by nyc.dot.gov
Tables may soon allow taking a smaller mandatory distribution from your IRA
This will be a bit geeky and dense. Most IRA owners are taking more out of their accounts each year than required by the minimum mandatory distribution (MRD) rules. The MRD tables were calculated to ensure that an IRA balance would last for life. Problem(?) is that, in general, we have been living longer so … Continue reading Tables may soon allow taking a smaller mandatory distribution from your IRA
Remember wildfires are a global problem
California wildfires pale in comparison to those in Australia in terms of surface area and duration. (I think California has more damage to residences and buildings.) But this article describes a truly frightening problem Down Under. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/12/australia-fires-rage-out-of-control-catastrophic-day? (click thru for additional videos and maps) Australia fires could be out of control for months, says fire … Continue reading Remember wildfires are a global problem
Cats attach just as thoroughly as babies and dogs
Cats are often maligned for being aloof and uncaring about the humans with whom they live. Turns out cats understand more and care more than previously thought. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326485.php#1 Cats bond with caregivers just as much as babies and dogs The first empirical study on the connection between cats and their caregivers refutes felines' chilly image. … Continue reading Cats attach just as thoroughly as babies and dogs
Small business Saturday
I'm one of the many people who haven't quite learned that Small Business Saturday is the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend. So now I know and can join the 70% who are already aware. Obviously there's room for growth. For me, this is a local version of Etsy on-line where I can touch and look at … Continue reading Small business Saturday
Abycats' Thoughts 