Removing bacteria isn't important. No matter how many you "remove", there are still billions left, and others waiting in the air and on the surfaces you touch. The important thing is to minimize our contact with the relatively small species of bacteria and viruses that make us sick, and have our bodily defenses at…

I carry a small air pump that is powered by the lighter socket and can inflate the tires. I use it to bring my air pressure back to what it should be, but it is also useful if you have a flat, as long as it is a relatively slow leak. I can inflate the tire, drive for a few miles, check it, and re-inflate it if need be…

I did my academic training in molecular genetics and worked in the field three years after I got my Ph D. Then I worked as Staff Scientist for a Nader inspired public interest research group. After that I began a second career as an agent and manager for performing artists which I did for about 30 years. Now I'm…

I've got a Northgate OminKiy/Plus, but it is similar in the most important way: It has the function keys in two columns on the left. If you use keyboard shortcuts, this makes it much easier to use control key/function key combinations like alt-F4. And the control key is below the tab key which makes the ctrl/function…

The best info on how to behave is a wallet sized card you can get from you local ACLU. It will tell you to be polite and cooperative and be aware of your rights. Most officers will conduct themselves honorably most of the time with most people. Remember, they routinely put their lives at risk for us. We need to assume…

As heartbreakingly ridiculous as "vaginal fairness creams" are, they are no where near as bad as the current trend in the US of surgically trimming large inner vaginal lips. Why can't we just relax and enjoy the diversity of our bodies? And when will we stand up to the sleazy body image profiteers and quack doctors…

Don't haggle just to satisfy your ego. Keep in mind people selling in farmers markets or small store fronts, etc are usually making a living, not a killing. Artists often don't price their work high enough because they often don't budget for unforeseen expenses, health care, retirement, etc. They often price their…

In addition to an electronic pressure gauge, I carry a portable electronic tire pump that plugs into my cigarette lighter outlet. Now when I get a flat, I re-inflate the tire and drive to my tire store. Sometimes I have to re-inflate it en route, but it is a lot easier than changing a tire. The pump is cheap, from $14…