WTF-Beta

They became best friends - then discovered they were brother and sister

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g397rl4nzo

I've done refurbished iPads from Apple and they were great. Maybe not as big a savings as buying from another service selling used, but it's like getting a new device.

High-quality materials and components in a refurbished iPhone reduce its impact on the environment. All refurbished iPhone models come with a new battery, a new outer shell, a one-year limited warranty, and free delivery and returns.

This also includes:

Full functional testing, genuine Apple part replacements (if needed), and a thorough cleaning
The original operating system or a more recent version footnote *
All accessories and cables repackaged in a brand‑new box

• If your device is shipped with the original Operating System, the most recent version can be downloaded for free from the App Store.

https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/iphone

Jackie is sick, undergoing treatment.

https://abc7.com/live-updates/big-bear-bald-eagle-jackie-latest-health-update-says-bird-received-successful-life-saving-blood-transfusion-remains-critical/19564788/

"We never should have taught them flamenco."

Interesting piece in the New Yorker.

How Biden Enabled Israel’s Aggression Toward Gaza—and Iran

Top officials from the previous Administration now express regret over their failure to rein in Netanyahu.

https://archive.is/JL4Ha

Noodles

I see even Speed Queen is going to electronic controls on some models, but they still have some with mechanical dials. Like this one:

https://www.abt.com/Speed-Queen-Top-Load-Washer-3.2-Cu.-Ft.-in-White-AWN632SP116TW02/p/158384.html

Avoid Samsung washers (and their other large appliances), too. Have heard many complaints about their washers, refrigerators, and ranges. Customer service is horrible if you have a warranty problem; some repair shops won't touch Samsung work because of it.

When our Samsung washer dies I'll probably look at Speed Queen or one of the other old fashioned basic units that doesn't have a zillion cycles but that runs forever with no fuss.

Wow, what a beautiful house. And equally lovely grounds. They did a great job of figuring out how to furnish a round-ish house! Always a challenge.

If you own an LG smart TV, there’s a chance one of your harmless-looking apps has been moonlighting as an internet relay for someone else’s traffic. According to a report from KrebsOnSecurity, LG says it’s finally stepping in to stop this menace. This week, the company confirmed it plans to suspend any webOS app that turns a TV into what’s called a residential proxy node.

The move follows a report from security firm Spur, which found that more than 42 percent of apps on LG’s webOS store include SDKs that quietly reroute internet traffic through your TV, indefinitely. Samsung isn’t spared either, with over a quarter of Tizen apps carrying similar code.

Article explains what a residential proxy node is…

https://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/lg-is-cracking-down-on-smart-tv-apps-that-quietly-turn-your-tv-into-a-secret-proxy/

Largo

AI bet goes awry: Oracle fires 21,000 employees

Oracle laid off ~13% of its staff to fund a $300B computing deal with OpenAI. Now, a credit downgrade and $7B in required power grid guarantees put the massive project in jeopardy.

https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/tech-and-start-ups/article-903442

On, Wisconsin!

@Rontuner Where do you get your refurbished phones?

Riot Fest announced this week that the 95-year-old performer will debut his heavy metal band at the fest on Sunday, Sept. 20.

https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/07/17/check-out-william-shatners-unhinged-riot-fest-rider/

Trump Faces Scrutiny Over $13B in Venezuelan Oil Cash as Only $300M Is Publicly Traced to Caracas

Congress Pushes for Transparency in US-Managed Venezuelan Oil Funds

https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/us-control-venezuelan-oil-revenue-audit-demands-1810020

Powerball ticket sales in the United Kingdom will begin Tuesday, giving players across the Atlantic a chance at winning the same massive jackpot that U.S. players already play for — with the same minuscule odds.

https://www.npr.org/2026/07/21/nx-s1-5901828/powerball-begin-united-kingdom

Stranded houseboats and grounded cruise ships: Europe’s rivers are shrinking amid heat and drought

https://www.cnn.com/2026/07/21/climate/netherlands-drought-water-crisis-europe-heat?iid=cnn_buildContentRecirc_end_recirc&recs_exp=most-popular-article-end&tenant_id=popular.en

Meanwhile, in Maine...

https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/21/trump-canada-tariffs-maine-scramble-elections-01007089

About the tariffs on alcohol...

https://theconversation.com/trumps-new-tariffs-give-ontario-and-quebec-the-perfect-excuse-to-sell-their-unsold-american-booze-287930

….to become a seamstress. Mazel tov!

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/19/26-year-old-quit-her-corporate-job-to-become-a-seamstress-at-yellowstone.html