Trump Administration Weighs Plans to Reduce Student Debt - WSJ

White House and Education Department advisers think a program to cancel a large portion of student debt would be unfair to taxpayers

Ya think? Also, why has no one proposed ending this debt trap program?

I mailed a package USPS today for $29. The shipping included $50 in insurance. I told the postal clerk if they lost the package, I’d double my money!

I’m constantly reminded of the importance of knowing the specifics of my insurance benefits.

The doctor’s office can help, but it’s not their responsibility. Mistakes are made all of the time and I’ve saved thousands in out-of-pocket expenses catching those errors.

Apple, Amazon, Google, and Zigbee Alliance to Develop Open Standard for Smart Home Devices - MacRumors

For consumers, this should ultimately lead to more smart home accessories that support multiple platforms like HomeKit and Alexa

This is a great idea for 2014!

I updated my page of Haiku to make navigation a bit easier.

As of today, I’ve written 485 poems summarizing each day since August 20, 2018.

I love how long-term habits come together to form a beautiful body of work.

Apple’s Steve Jobs Takes Gamble on New iPad - WSJ

For Mr. Jobs, it is an attempt to convince consumers they need yet another gadget—one between their mobile phones and laptop computers.

I read this on my iPad. Thanks, Steve!

Secretive Surveillance Court Rebukes FBI Over Handling of Surveillance of Trump Aide - WSJ

The court ordered the government to explain to the court by early next year what steps it was taking to prevent such lapses in the future.

Embarrassing, but democracy is working!

I have a full list of my daily haiku going back to August 2018. I currently have them sorted by month. I’m wondering if it’s time to take another look at organizing all of that poetry.

A few more changes KonMari-ing my dresser, and this is the final result: my base layer drawer. This picture is so satisfying.

Congress just authorized the creation of the US Space Force in the 2020 NDAA.

All of this was done without articulating why this massive new expenditure is necessary or entertaining any substantive public debate.

Was there even discussion about a better name?

Looks like this morning’s blog post about why I’m quitting Amazon came out just a little bit too early. Another damaging investigation into Amazon’s business: You Might Be Buying Trash on Amazon—Literally - WSJ.

I wonder if Apple is going to reach their 12/31 deadline to roll out Apple Maps to all of the United States.

On November 10, 1999, I placed my first order on Amazon.com. I had a copy of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler shipped to my house overseas for some pleasure reading. In the past twenty years, Amazon.com has grown from an online bookseller into the World’s Grand Bazaar. On December 31st, I’m ending our two decade relationship.

Over the past twelve months, The Wall Street Journal has released the results of multiple investigations into Amazon, revealing an increasingly dark profile of the company. Amazon is both a retailer and a technology platform. They sell products directly to consumers and they connect buyers and third-party sellers. While you may “buy” something on Amazon, you may not be “buying” from Amazon. In fact, over half of the items on Amazon aren’t sold by Amazon at all, but by third-party sellers. The investigations show the implicit risks of buying from these third-party sellers.

• How Scammers in China Manipulate Amazon (Dec. 17, 2018)
• Is It Really Five Stars? How to Spot Fake Amazon Reviews (Dec. 20, 2018)
• Don’t Just ‘Buy Now’! When Shopping on Amazon, You Need to Pay Attention (Mar. 26, 2019)
• Amazon Has Ceded Control of Its Site. The Result: Thousands of Banned, Unsafe or Mislabeled Products (Aug. 23, 2019)
• Amazon Sells Clothes From Factories Other Retailers Blacklist (Oct. 23, 2019)
• How Amazon Dodges Responsibility for Unsafe Products: The Case of the Hoverboard (Dec. 5, 2019)
• You Might Be Buying Trash on Amazon—Literally (Dec. 17, 2019

The collective weight of evidence has led me to conclude that Amazon is not a place where I feel comfortable, confident, or safe, shopping. I’ll use a patchwork of local and national retailers to get the things that I need. I’ll miss the ubiquity of Amazon and the convenience of single sourcing. The risk, however, is too great.

It’s now clear that the convenience of Amazon comes at a very high cost.

US Justice Department to review Google’s deal for Fitbit, sources say

have urged antitrust enforcers to block the deal on the grounds that it will give Google even more data about American consumers

Weak argument. People know this and still use Google services.

Amazon Blocks Sellers From Using FedEx Ground for Prime Shipments - WSJ

sellers now account for more than half of the merchandise sold on Amazon’s website, including many items listed as eligible for Prime

Amazon’s dirty secret.

A consolidated laundry/cleaning day once a week is clearly the best way to go. 🧺

It’s Not You. Clothing Sizes Are Broken. - WSJ

There are no standard clothing sizes

This needs to be a 2020 plank. Standard Sizing for All!

Hoping to get our Christmas card photo back today so I can get those ordered.

I love that Christmas is a season, not just a day. Too much joy to be stuffed into only 24 hours.

🎄

I shall respect Rex

I shall never misuse Rex Kwon Do

I shall be a champion of freedom and justice

Rex Kwon Do Honor Code