Thoughts From My Inbox
May 7th, 2021

Something About…

Apple doesn’t release security patches on a set schedule.  Rather, they release them as they see fit, and even then, with great secrecy.  I published a link to one set of Apple patches last week, and there’s another set out this week.  These apply to various devices and operating systems, and are based on exploits which can be delivered directly from websites you visit (as opposed to needing to download or click on something).

The World Anti-Doping agency banned Russian athletes from competing under their nation’s flag through 2022, due to continued violations.  Evidently, somebody thinks people who play checkers are considered athletes.  At a recent international competition, a Russian ‘athlete’ had their flag removed, and it led to quite the outrage.

Coming back from Miami on Sunday night a few weeks ago, our flight was cancelled.  Figured we’d have to spend a night in a hotel, only to find out that the next available flight out wasn’t until Wednesday.  So we decided to rent a car and drive home – it’s only 17 hours.  But there were no cars to rent. In all of South Florida.  Now we know why ( and how appropriate that the header image for this article is at Miami airport).  For those of you who know me, you can imagine how calm and happy I was as the search for a car or flight (and a hotel room) was taking place.

Next time you cut your fingertip off, make sure to keep it.  You might need to unlock your phone.  And fingers sans hands seem to still do the trick.

It’s been awhile since I’ve been involved with the Western Reserve Land Conservancy (back then it was still the Chagrin River Land Conservancy), but I still get their emails.  They have two upcoming Nature Field Days for Kids (May 15^th and 24^th) during which WRLC naturalists will lead kids (ages 4-9) on hikes along the banks of the Chagrin River.  Speaking from experience, these are a lot of fun!

My inbox was flooded this week with topics related to housing, all of which I find rather interesting.  There’s a shortage of lumber due to all the projects underway, causing a big price increase as well as delays. In addition to new housing starts, there’s been a huge uptick (as you’ve probably heard or been involved in) in home remodeling, since people are spending more time at home. Housing prices are through the roof, and availability is at an all-time low (too bad it can’t be both a buyer’s and seller’s market at the same time), and all of this makes one wonder if this is the start of an inflationary period.

Best,
Jim