#11 - Consider carrying a book, magazine or eReader* and whip that out when you’re bored waiting for something. I almost always had a book with me years before smartphones, or even ubiquitous mobile phones. Now I almost always carry my Kindle. If you’re alone it is a great way to while away the time.

Yes. Yes I do. The Swedish chef does sound more Danish or Norwegian than Swedish, but IMHO probably none of the three...

I probably stay 50-80 nights a year in hotels and I must admit I’ve never even thought of tipping housekeeping. Granted, most of those nights are not in the US. In places like Australia or Germany the staff is paid a living wage.

Had a few brief stints in food service. You nailed it.

It’s not necessarily the guest who is paying for the stay. Most of my hotel nights are paid by my employer.

AFAIK solar panels covering the thing wouldn’t generate enough energy to be worth it.

I don’t have an Echo, but I know that in the Harmony Software, different TVs would have different names. So perhaps you just tell Alexa which specific one to turn on.

I don’t have an Echo, but I know that in the Harmony Software, different TVs would have different names. So perhaps…

Most universal remotes just allow control of many devices but don’t simplify things beyond that. You still need to set inputs and control devices separately. With a Harmony Remote, you create “Activities” which greatly simplify things.

Most universal remotes just allow control of many devices but don’t simplify things beyond that. You still need to…

0. Move to Korea, Hong Kong, Finland or Sweden...

How many times can I star an article?

To me, Cara Delevingne’s Laureline seemed lifted right out of the comics. She is the sassy one who has way more street smarts than Valerian the somewhat unimaginative straight shooter.

It’s not exactly Merchant & Ivory. The story is gossamer thin at best, but I enjoyed it, as did my kids. It is a grand spectacle. The theme of relationships, belonging and loyalty works well.

If youtube disappears, civilization will collapse.

Rule 34...

This has been standard all over Europe for many years. And on my last trip to Asia I think it was the same there too.

Imagine if there were 100 distilleries in Wales.

They’re tricky. We should count ourselves lucky that (most) Whisky doesn’t come from Wales... ;)

Love the article, but the nitpicker in me feels compelled to point out that you spelled Glenlivet wrong.

Except that’s not how kids work.

Like so...