Some new drugs sell themselves with impressive safety and efficacy data. For others, well, there are television commercials.

“According to a new study, a little over 70 percent of prescription drugs advertised on television were rated as having "low therapeutic value," meaning they offer little benefit compared with drugs already on the market. The study, appearing in JAMA Open Network, aligns with longstanding skepticism that heavily promoted drugs have high therapeutic value. "One … Continue reading Some new drugs sell themselves with impressive safety and efficacy data. For others, well, there are television commercials. →

Fiddling with my setup and automations

Scott Nesbitt writing on his blog about Jumping Between Tools “It often starts with frustrations and complaints, minor or not, about one tool and how it's not meeting their needs. Even though they've been using that tool for more than a little while — sometimes for months, often for years. Then they latch on to … Continue reading Fiddling with my setup and automations →

Web Finds for January 12, 2023

A curated list of interesting links with an emphasis on news, technology, and more by ldstephens Apple Is Working on Adding Touch Screens to Macs in Major Turnabout ”Apple Inc. is working on adding touch screens to its Mac computers, a move that would defy long-held company orthodoxy and embrace an approach that co-founder Steve … Continue reading Web Finds for January 12, 2023 →

Links curated by me ldstephens – January 10, 2023

A curated list of interesting links and tips with an emphasis on news, technology, and more by ldstephens My Newsletter is a new endeavor over on Substack. As a blogger, looking for new things to write about, I read over 150 news sites, technology blogs, and more every day. The Newsletter is a curated list … Continue reading Links curated by me ldstephens – January 10, 2023 →

How many computers do I need?

Dallin Crump For several months I made do with only a desktop. Now I also have a laptop (again). But do I really need both? Having a laptop again has reminded me of how nice they are in terms of flexibility and portability. Yet I also like the desktop's power and ease of repairs and … Continue reading How many computers do I need? →

A couple of thoughts on the Netflix ad-supported plan

The Guardian, Netflix to launch cheaper ad-supported subscription tier in November Netflix will reportedly launch a cheaper ad-supported tier for its streaming platform at the start of November as the company tries to stem the loss of more than 1 million subscribers in 2022. […] According to reports, Netflix’s service will launch in the US, … Continue reading A couple of thoughts on the Netflix ad-supported plan →

My thoughts on the Fed’s rate increases

As the Federal Reserve continues to raise the federal funds rate, to slow inflation, Americans are feeling the effects: Savers benefit from higher yields, but borrowers pay more. Trump’s pressure on the Fed in 2019, to keep Rates at Zero ‘Or Less’ during his presidency, to stimulate the economy, was no laughing matter for me … Continue reading My thoughts on the Fed’s rate increases →

Managing streaming tv services

Years ago when we cut the cable cord there were only a few streaming services to choose from. At the time we subscribed to Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Sling. Fast forward to today and an overwhelming number of streaming services are available. Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, Paramount+, Disney+, Apple TV+, … Continue reading Managing streaming tv services →

Update – What’s up at ldstephens blog

I wanted to let everyone know about some changes to the blog. At the beginning of this year because of some issues with changes at WordPress.com that made publishing frustrating, I was giving serious consideration to stopping blogging. So I took 45 days off to see how I would feel at the end of the … Continue reading Update – What’s up at ldstephens blog →

🔗 Link Post: Moderna starts human trials for an mRNA-based flu shot

Nicole Wetsman writing for The Verge: Moderna says it hopes to eventually create combination vaccines that could protect people against flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory infections with one shot. “Our vision is to develop an mRNA combination vaccine so that people can get one shot each fall for high efficacy protection against the most problematic … Continue reading 🔗 Link Post: Moderna starts human trials for an mRNA-based flu shot →

🔗 Link Post: Getting over the post-pandemic fear of crowds

How to Get Over a Post-Pandemic Fear of Crowds Imagine this: You’re out with your friends at a park or a beer garden when one of them suggests going into a bar. Two summers ago, that’d be no big deal, but after such a long time away from crowds during the pandemic, you might be … Continue reading 🔗 Link Post: Getting over the post-pandemic fear of crowds →

Desktop vs Mobile vs Tablet

Are you ditching the third device? I often wonder how many people actually own an iPad and if they do how often they actually use it. I know there are iPad enthusiasts like Federico Viticci and Christopher Lawley. But what about you and me? According to my blog’s Google Search Console visitor statistics the distribution … Continue reading Desktop vs Mobile vs Tablet →

Independent bloggers are questioning where they publish their content?

I regularly read several blogs like mine written by individuals. They're mostly tech and Apple-focused. I’m finding a constant theme amongst us lately. We're questioning if we are blogging on the right platform if we should have a newsletter yada-yada-yada. Why? Because we're all in search of more views for our content and to increase … Continue reading Independent bloggers are questioning where they publish their content? →

Snowing, A Lot!

I'm sure you've heard that those of us living in the Northeast are inundated with snow. It's still snowing here in New Jersey this morning. I have a couple of articles that I want to write but they'll have to wait until we get dug out from under all this snow. Heavy Snowfall in Northeast … Continue reading Snowing, A Lot! →

Stand Down, Stand By, Stand Trial

“Not only have there been no incidents of violence at state capitols on Wednesday as of 4 pm ET, but at many of them, the number of MAGA protesters could be counted on one hand.” Vox: The pro-Trump inauguration protests at state capitols were complete duds. CNN: Proud Boys leader Joseph Biggs arrested in Florida … Continue reading Stand Down, Stand By, Stand Trial →

Consider this

"Once Warnock and Ossoff took their seats, the Democratic half of the Senate will represent 41,549,808 more people than the Republican half." Lindsay Graham is calling for the 2nd impeachment of Donald Trump to be called off in the Senate because it will further divide the country. Here's my message to Lindsay Graham, not impeaching … Continue reading Consider this →

He ended up as nothing

Roxane Gay, The Last Day of Disco(rd) I am tired of reciting all his crimes, misdeeds, and failures. Trump was a cruel, petty tyrant of a president who surrounded himself with similarly terrible people, slobbering sycophants, and political operatives who knew they could advance their agendas so long as they told him what he wanted … Continue reading He ended up as nothing →

What I’ve read recently – December 18, 2020

Each week I post links to a few articles that I've read and found deserving of sharing. Links My Hunt for the Original McDonald's French-Fry Recipe | Atlas Obscura This is a fun read especially if you’re old enough to have eaten the original McDonald’s French-Fry as I did. From Julia Child to Paul Bocuse … Continue reading What I’ve read recently – December 18, 2020 →

Getting to know John Gruber the writer

John Gruber is one of the leading experts blogging and podcasting about Apple. Recode referred to him this way “Apple obsessive John Gruber built Daring Fireball, the world’s most powerful one-man media company” If you’re into Apple you know who he is. John blogs at Daring Fireball and has a podcast The Talk Show. He’s … Continue reading Getting to know John Gruber the writer →