Category Archives: House

2025.12.31

Beer alternatives from around the world: https://youtu.be/cQ01gCIPit4

What is norovirus and how contagious is it?
Symptoms of the virus include diarrhea and vomiting and it infects about 684 million people globally every year
Adrienne Matei
https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2025/dec/30/what-is-norovirus-and-how-contagious-is-it

We sacrificed 14 shirts to find the best stain remover in the US, for spills from wine to oil
Even the messiest eaters can find stain fighters for every laundry nightmare, all tested against 10 common culprits
Jenny McGrath
https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2025/dec/30/best-stain-removers-laundry-tested

The man taking over the Large Hadron Collider – only to switch it off
Next head of Cern backs massive replacement for world’s largest machine to investigate mysteries of the universe
Ian Sample Science editor
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/dec/31/large-hadron-collider-head-of-cern-mark-thomson

‘It’s not a hen party hellscape’: Dublin’s Temple Bar strives to shake off its bad reputation
Despite reviews of the district as a raucous tourist trap, improved policing has restored safety and an eclectic vibe
Rory Carroll Ireland correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/31/dublin-temple-bar-renaissance-not-hen-party-hellscape

Burkina Faso and Mali ban US nationals in retaliation to Trump’s visa decision
Announcements mark latest twist in the frosty relationship between west African military governments and the US
Guardian staff and agencies
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/31/mali-burkina-faso-retaliatory-travel-ban-us-nationals

Five tech trends we’ll be watching in 2026
From datacenters to AI, we’ll be keeping our eye on the technology that will be shaping your life in the coming year
Blake Montgomery
https://www.theguardian.com/global/2025/dec/30/five-tech-trends-well-be-watching-in-2026

The 50 best films of 2025 in the UK
https://www.theguardian.com/film/ng-interactive/2025/dec/08/the-50-best-films-of-2025-in-the-uk

The 50 best TV shows of 2025
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/ng-interactive/2025/dec/10/the-50-best-tv-shows-of-2025

New Year’s Eve live:​ Sydney fireworks ring in 2026 as Asia sees in the new year ahead of Europe and the US
Yohannes Lowe (now) and Robyn Vinter (earlier)
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/live/2025/dec/31/new-years-eve-2026-world-ring-in-live-latest#top-of-blog

My year:
Three weeks in hospital
Two months in transitional care
Lost 30 pounds
Gained new accoutrements
Ongoing PT
Solar panels installed
Four new ceiling fans
Two Bosch undersink water heaters installed
Difficulty obtaining old, old asthma drug (theophylline)
Gained a handicapped parking permit and MN cancelled my driver’s license

Happy New Year!
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/live/2025/dec/31/new-years-eve-2026-world-ring-in-live-latest?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-6954efe08f083c44d70dd5d5#block-6954efe08f083c44d70dd5d5

2025.11.21

Event commemorates folk-blues icon Lead Belly’s 1948 Minneapolis house concert
Twin Cities musicians will showcase the famous recording in a concert Friday at the Cedar Cultural Center.
by Britt Robson
https://www.minnpost.com/arts-culture/music/2025/11/event-commemorates-folk-blues-icon-lead-bellys-1948-minneapolis-house-concert/

‘We’ve got to release the dead hand of the past’: how Ireland created the world’s best alternative music scene
Irish indie acts used to be ignored, even on Irish radio. But songs confronting the Troubles, poverty and oppression are now going global – and changing how Ireland sees itself
Anna Cafolla
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/nov/21/ireland-worlds-best-alternative-music-scene

The FBI spied on a Signal group chat of immigration activists, records reveal
Exclusive: Agency accessed private conversations of New York ‘courtwatch’ group that was observing public hearings
Sam Levin
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/21/fbi-signal-group-chat-immigration

‘Toxic’: California ex-police chief tells of colleagues’ racist harassment campaign
Shawny Williams, who tried to reform Vallejo police department, says threats to his safety led him to resign
Roque Planas
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/21/california-vallejo-police-department

US men indicted for alleged coup plot to kill and rape people on Haitian island
Texans planned to utilize unhoused US people to take over Gonâve and fulfill ‘rape fantasies’, justice department says
Jeremy Barr
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/21/texas-haiti-rape-indictment

Up, up and away: Superman comic found in attic sells for $9.12m to become most expensive ever sold
The pristine copy of Superman No 1, the character’s first solo title from 1939, was discovered in an attic in California last year
Sian Cain
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/nov/21/superman-no1-becomes-most-expensive-comic-ever-sold

Experience: I found an old Rembrandt in a drawer
I guessed it would be worth a couple of hundred pounds at most, but it was a preparatory print for his famous 1639 etching The Goldweigher
Edward Barlow
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/nov/21/experience-i-found-an-old-rembrandt-in-a-drawer

Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer: Why this mysterious Klimt painting sold for $236m
Kelly Grovier
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20251118-why-klimts-portrait-of-elisabeth-lederer-painting-sold-for-150-million-dollars

Interview
‘I think my mum’s going to like it’: Alexander Skarsgård on his gay biker ‘dom-com’ Pillion
Ryan Gilbey
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/nov/21/i-think-my-mums-going-to-like-it-alexander-skarsgard-on-his-gay-biker-dom-com-pillion

Three-metre giant oarfish, ‘palace messenger’ of doom, washes up on Tasmanian beach
The enormous, serpentine fish, regarded in Japanese folklore as a herald of disaster, usually live deep below the surface and are only sighted when sick or dying
Petra Stock
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/21/giant-oarfish-washes-up-on-tasmanian-beach

Colombian scientists recover first treasures from ‘holy grail of shipwrecks’
Cannon, three coins and a cup taken from San José, a 1708 wreckage that could hold items worth billions of dollars
Guardian staff and agencies in Bogotá
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/21/san-jose-shipwreck-billions-treasure-artifacts-colombia

Eleven injured after grizzly bear attacks schoolchildren and teachers in Canada
Two critically hurt after attack on walking trail in British Columbia as police and conservation officers search for bear
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/21/grizzly-bear-attacks-children-teachers-canada-british-columbia

We just passed the city inspection of the solar installation. Next is the power company inspection.

2025.11.18

The origins of Bemidji’s iconic Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues
The prototypical “roadside colossus” inspired dozens of other Midwest cities to create similar works in the decades that followed.
by Jennifer Kleinjung
https://www.minnpost.com/mnopedia/2025/11/the-origins-of-bemidjis-iconic-paul-bunyan-and-babe-the-blue-ox-statues/

It’s deer hunting season, and if you’re heading to the woods, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources wants your help in fighting a disease impacting deer. KTTC reports “chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a contagious fatal brain condition that affects deer. … Hunters in affected areas must provide CWD samples if it’s in a mandatory sample requirement area.” Via MinnPost
https://www.kttc.com/2025/11/17/minnesota-dnr-asks-hunters-help-fight-chronic-wasting-disease/

Jeffrey Epstein’s emails reveal a disdain for morality among the elite
Moira Donegan
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/nov/17/jeffrey-epstein-emails-elites

Doing your own research isn’t a bad thing, I tell my patients. But just how will they spot the fraudulent papers?
Ranjana Srivastava
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/nov/19/doing-your-own-research-isnt-a-bad-thing-i-tell-my-patients-but-just-how-will-they-spot-the-fraudulent-papers

The wild old wicked gang: great Irish writers – in pictures
Edna O’Brien on her sofa, Joseph O’Connor in his garden, Seamus Heaney surrounded by books … British photographer Steve Pyke on capturing the greats of Irish literature
https://www.theguardian.com/books/gallery/2025/nov/18/edna-o-brien-seamus-heaney-steve-pyke-irish-writers-in-pictures

‘Fights for our material survival’: documentary goes inside the battle for trans rights
In Heightened Scrutiny, the fight driving activist and lawyer Chase Strangio is backgrounded by a deep dive into how the media has helped to push an anti-trans agenda
Veronica Esposito
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/nov/17/heightened-scrutiny-trans-documentary-sam-feder

Legendary game designer, programmer, Space Invaders champion, and LGBTQ trailblazer Rebecca Heineman has died
News
By Ted Litchfield published 15 hours ago
Shamelessly stolen from Andrew Ducker
https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/legendary-game-designer-programmer-space-invaders-champion-and-lgbtq-trailblazer-rebecca-heineman-has-died/

2025.11.16

Questions arise over strikingly similar signatures by Trump on recent pardons
Seemingly identical signatures appeared on clemency orders, which White House blamed on technical error
Edward Helmore
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/15/trump-signatures-clemency-orders

How Google’s DeepMind tool is ‘more quickly’ forecasting hurricane behavior
‘Less expensive and time consuming’ model helps with fast and accurate predictions, possibly saving lives and property
Eric Holthaus
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/nov/16/google-deepmind-hurricane-forecast

Merchants’ ‘victory’ over credit card fees will just complicate things more for them
Gene Marks
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/nov/16/small-business-credit-card-fees

Ethiopia confirms outbreak of deadly Marburg virus
Africa CDC says at least nine cases have been detected of Ebola-like illness, which kills up to 80% of those infected
AFP in Nairobi
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/15/ethiopia-confirms-outbreak-of-deadly-marburg-virus

Scrutiny grows over LA fire origins after bombshell report: ‘Our Pearl Harbor moment’
Reports that fire crews were ordered to leave original site of blaze prompt tough questions for city and LAFD leaders
Nick Visser
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/16/la-fire-palisades-report

One more day? I’ve had a wee lift parked in the driveway for several days now to provide a safety anchor for installing solar panels. They worked on Saturday, and I think it’s going to be finished on Monday.

2025.11.14

Epic movie: Christopher Nolan uses 2m ft of film for adaptation of The Odyssey
The director has revealed suitably grand scale of his forthcoming Homeric adventure, which was shot with Imax cameras and stars Matt Damon as Odysseus
Andrew Pulver
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/nov/14/christopher-nolan-the-odyssey-2-million-ft-imax-matt-damon

Tesla recalls 10,500 Powerwall 2 battery systems in US over fire risk
Firm had received 22 reports of overheating, raising risk of serious injury or death, though none have been reported
Reuters
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/nov/13/tesla-powerwall-2-battery-recall

Interview
‘I’m not just putting on nice plays’: Hollywood star Alan Cumming’s plan to reignite theatre in the Scottish Highlands
Libby Brooks
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2025/nov/14/hollywood-star-alan-cummings-theatre-scottish-highlands-pitlochry-interview

Review
Future Boy by Michael J Fox review – secrets from the set of a definitive 80s movie
The actor’s account of his big Hollywood break – and how it almost never happened
Ellen E Jones
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/nov/14/future-boy-by-michael-j-fox-review-secrets-from-the-set-of-a-definitive-80s-movie

Almshouse in Dorset discovers its 15th-century Flemish triptych is worth £3.5m
Artwork that hung for centuries at St John’s Almshouse in Sherborne will be sold to raise funds for social housing
Jamie Grierson
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/nov/14/almshouse-in-dorset-to-auction-15th-century-flemish-triptych-sothebys

Rare bronze and iron age log boats reveal details of Cambridgeshire prehistory
Well-preserved oak and maple boats used for transport and fishing to be displayed in Peterborough
Harriet Sherwood
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/nov/14/rare-iron-bronze-age-log-boat-cambridgeshire-archaeology-history

So last night, the crew installing solar panels left the back garage door unlocked. It was, of course, gone through and their chargers vanished. Bad crew! Bad! Bad! Bad!

2025.05.31

‘Breakthrough’ breast cancer therapy can slow advance of disease and prolong survival
Study shows combination treatment for aggressive breast cancer delays advance by average 17 months and chemotherapy by two years
Andrew Gregory Health editor, in Chicago
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/may/31/breakthrough-breast-cancer-therapy-can-slow-advance-of-disease-and-prolong-survival

Trump says he fired National Portrait Gallery chief in latest conflict with arts
President says director Kim Sajet has been fired but experts suggest president does not have legal grounds to do so
Robert Mackey
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/30/trump-fires-kim-sajet-national-portrait-gallery-director

Want to see where Trump’s tariffs are leading US business? Look at Georgia
The political swing state has a $900bn economy, with hospitality, industrial manufacturing – and movies
George Chidi in Atlanta
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/31/georgia-business-trump-tariffs

Four queer business owners on Pride under Trump: ‘Our joy is resistance’
As the first Pride month under Donald Trump’s second presidency approaches, LGBTQ+ businesses are stepping up
Jenna Zaza
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/31/pride-queer-business-owners

Tourist damages two of China’s terracotta warriors after jumping fence
The man ‘pushed and pulled’ the ancient clay warriors and damaged them to varying degrees, said authorities
Agence France-Presse
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/31/tourist-jumps-into-chinas-terracotta-army-damaging-ancient-warriors

Four tips for home care, from vacuuming your mattress to … cleaning your dishwasher?
I tried some of the advice from Kyshawn Lane of the wildly popular Instagram account Weekly Home Check
Buy an exclusive print from our Well Actually series
Madeleine Aggeler
https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2025/may/30/four-tips-for-home-care

Are seed oils really bad for you?
Jessica Bradley
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250530-are-seed-oils-really-bad-for-you

Never before seen images of our Universe
https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0lf3qdj/never-before-seen-images-of-our-universe

Loretta Swit, who played ‘Hot Lips’ Houlihan on MAS*H, dies aged 87
The actor, who won two Emmy awards, was best known for being one of longest-serving cast members on the hit series
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/may/30/loretta-swit-actor-dead

2025.05.15

Harvard’s unofficial copy of Magna Carta is actually an original, experts say
Document issued by Edward I in 1300 was bought by law school library for just $27 in 1946
Olivia Lee
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/may/15/harvards-unofficial-copy-of-magna-carta-is-actually-an-original-experts-say

Keep calm (but delete your nudes): the new rules for travelling to and from Trump’s America
Many people have decided a trip to the US isn’t worth the risk after recent border detentions. But if you are going, what do you need to
Arwa Mahdawi
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/15/travel-trump-america-us-border-detentions

US reportedly plans to slash bank rules imposed to prevent 2008-style crash
Watchdogs could cut capital rules as Trump’s deregulation drive opens door to rollback of post-crisis protections
Kalyeena Makortoff Banking correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/may/15/us-reportedly-plans-slash-bank-rules-imposed-prevent-2008-style-crash

Endangered New Zealand bird caught fighting ‘at risk’ reptile in rare footage
A video shows the large flightless takahē bird in hot pursuit of the tuatara – but the tables soon turn
Eva Corlett in Wellington
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/15/endangered-new-zealand-bird-caught-fighting-at-risk-reptile-in-rare-footage

‘Turning point’: claw print fossils found in Australia rewrite story of amniotes by 40 million years
The discovery by two local fossil hunters on a river bank in Victoria has ‘potentially far-reaching implications’, scientists say
Petra Stock
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/14/fossilised-claw-prints-australia-amniotes-fossils

A moment that changed me: I went to read to a blind man – and discovered his hidden gay heroism
As a 21-year-old student, I embarked on one of the most intimate experiences I have ever shared with another person. The friendship was an insight into the underground that existed when homosexuality was still a crime
Christopher Stephens
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/may/14/a-moment-that-changed-me-i-went-to-read-to-a-blind-man-and-discovered-his-hidden-gay-heroism

Eight simple steps to help you live longer
Presenter & Writer: Melissa Hogenboom
https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0l91c81/eight-simple-steps-to-help-you-live-longer

It’s property tax day here in Hennepin county.

2025.03.18

Well! Eero support asked me to install their app on a second phone to check an issue. Then they emailed me to ask how I was doing on that. Today, I emailed that I was waiting for them to send me a phone. Stay tuned.

So yesterday the guy from Hayes Windows showed up to do some work I set up last year. The window in the sunroom which I have not rehung in the couple of years since I moved into the house, is now hung. The bathroom pocket window, which has been broken since I moved into the house a couple of years ago is on its way to have two panes replaced and one pane moved for esthetics. Along with it went one large lower broken window from a bedroom, and the wooden storm window from the lower stair pocket window, which was not in good shape the last time I put it in after I bought the house a couple of years ago. (Why have time and weather not healed it?) Of course, snow is predicted for tomorrow.
https://hayeswindows.com/

Ya think?
The Star Tribune’s Deena Winter and Jeff Day report: “The city of Minneapolis withdrew its request that a controversial pastor’s nonprofit get a nearly $650,000 violence prevention contract on the same day two violence interrupters who have worked for the pastor were charged with multiple felonies in a shootout after a community barbecue last week.” Via MinnPost

Wait for it:
The Pioneer Press’ Steve Karnowski reports: “A federal judge dismissed the charges Monday against a Minnesota man accused of hiding a stolen pair of ruby slippers that Judy Garland wore in the 1939 musical ‘The Wizard of Oz’ after prosecutors informed the court that he died on Sunday.” Via MinnPost

Gold hits record high over $3,000 amid rising geopolitical tensions; Thames Water receives six takeover offers – business live
https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2025/mar/18/gold-hits-record-high-over-3000-geopolitical-tensions-weakening-us-dollar-oil-stock-markets-inflation-business-live-news?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-67d917018f08d273c01e5858#block-67d917018f08d273c01e5858

‘It’s back to drug rationing’: the end of HIV was in sight. Then came the cuts
The abrupt halt to US funding threatens to undo decades of advances, dramatically increasing infections and deaths, but some see an opportunity for Africa to lead the response
Kat Lay, Global health correspondent
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/mar/18/global-health-trump-usaid-cuts-hiv-aids-2030-drugs-vaccine-research-africa

Why is Gavin Newsom handing Steve Bannon a megaphone? It’s becoming clear
Margaret Sullivan
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/mar/17/gavin-newsom-steve-bannon-podcast

Harvard offers free tuition to students from families earning under $200,000
Ivy League school is latest US university to make step with aim to make it affordable to ‘more students than ever’
Marina Dunbar
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/mar/17/harvard-free-tuition

​How a tiny village in a deserted part of Spain became a centre for gay weddings
A couple of hours’ drive from Madrid, Campillo de Ranas has played a huge role in promoting same-sex marriage – and revived the fortunes of the ‘black villages’ of Guadalajara
Paul Richardson
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/mar/18/how-a-tiny-village-in-a-deserted-part-of-spain-became-a-centre-for-gay-weddings

‘A very deep bond of friendship’: The surprising story of Van Gogh’s guardian angel
Deborah Nicholls-Lee
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250317-the-surprising-story-of-van-goghs-guardian-angel

How sex with Neanderthals changed us forever
https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0kytlx7/how-sex-with-neanderthals-changed-us-forever

The Matrix film producer files for bankruptcy
João da Silva
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgwzp2jpneo

NYT Critic’s Pick Movie(s)

Good Luck to You, Leo Grande
NYT Critic’s Pick | R | NYT Critic’s Pic Movie(s)NYT Critic’s Pic Movie(s)Comedy, Drama | Directed by Sophie Hyde
Emma Thompson and Daryl McCormack bring knowing vulnerability to this amusing story of a foxy prostitute and the woman who hires him.


Daryl McCormack and Emma Thompson in “Good Luck to You, Leo Grande.”
By LISA KENNEDY

Poser
NYT Critic’s Pick | Drama | Directed by Noah Dixon, Ori Segev
Strong acting and a cool setting elevate this surreal tale of artistic compulsion.


Sylvie Mix and Bobbi Kitten in “Poser.”
By JEANNETTE CATSOULIS

Bitterbrush
NYT Critic’s Pick | Documentary | Directed by Emelie Mahdavian
Though this quiet documentary about two young range riders recalls a western or two, it presents a modern-day portrait of hard work and friendship.


Colie Moline, left, and Hollyn Patterson in the documentary “Bitterbrush.”
By NICOLAS RAPOLD

Mad God
NYT Critic’s Pick | Animation, Fantasy, Horror, Sci-Fi | Directed by Phil Tippett
In this mostly animated experiment, the filmmaker Phil Tippett leads us through a stop-motion inferno of despair and devastation.


A scene from “Mad God,” | Directed by Phil Tippett.
By JEANNETTE CATSOULIS

— Of Possible Interest —

Lightyear
PG | Animation, Action, Adventure, Drama, Family, Sci-Fi | Directed by Angus MacLane
The new Pixar movie recounts the adventures of Star Command’s most famous Space Ranger before he was a toy.
By A.O. SCOTT

Cocoon
Drama, Romance | Directed by Leonie Krippendorff
Sunshine, ice pops and rainbow flags mark a summer of transformation for a teenager in Berlin in the coming-of-age drama, “Cocoon.”
By TEO BUGBEE

Spiderhead
R | Action, Crime, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller | Directed by Joseph Kosinski
This latest Joseph Kosinski film — set in a penitentiary that dispenses aphrodisiacs and fear-inducers — couldn’t be more unlike his “Top Gun: Maverick.”
By BEN KENIGSBERG

Sing, Dance, Act: Kabuki featuring Toma Ikuta
Documentary | Directed by Tadashi Aizawa
Cameras follow Ikuta, an actor on popular Japanese teen dramas in the 2000s, as he learns Kabuki’s expressions and movements from a friend.

My Fake Boyfriend
R | Comedy, Romance | Directed by Rose Troche
A gay man gets trapped in a web of lies after his overeager best friend concocts an artificial relationship for him on social media.
By LENA WILSON