OTR Backup 10/02/2025

• Trump’s assault on American cities

• Linux isn’t really free—you have to pay the DIY tax

  While Linux may be free, it still has its own toll with the time and effort required to get it running.

• I thought a $120 mouse was excessive, until this Logitech completely changed the way I work | ZDNET

• These 20 Apps Are Watching You—And You Probably Use Them Every Day | PCMag

• Smart home users say they're done trusting Google - Android Authority

  Many of our readers explained how they've been burned by Google too many times to trust its smart home ecosystem again.

• ‘I was in complete shock,’ Starbucks just axed hundreds of jobs, workers say they never saw it coming - NOW Toronto

  Starbucks employees are speaking out after the company recently announced widespread store closures and nearly 900 corporate layoffs across North America.

• Ontario set to expand what you can put in your blue box

  Starting Jan. 1, 2026, residents across Ontario will see a major expansion of accepted materials in their blue box system, including coffee cups and toothpaste tubes. Find out the changes here.

• Thousands of lit up pumpkins will be taking over a park near Toronto

  Ontarians will have a chance to walk through a scenic 1 km trail in Milton featuring thousands of lit pumpkins at Pumpkin After Dark.

• I'm A Teacher, Here's Why You Should Tell Your Child 'No' | HuffPost UK Parents

• Bruce Springsteen has had the same favourite song since 1964

  There are a number of great bands who have inspired Bruce Springsteen, but one song he loved in the '60s remains his absolute favourite.

• 5 apps you should use instead of Spotify - Android Authority

  I've tried more or less every Spotify alternative out there over the years, but I have a favorite.

• I’ll never pay for AI again

  AI doesn’t have to cost you a dime—local models are fast, private, and finally worth switching to.

• This annual ritual keeps my Windows laptop running like new

  A little hardware care and software cleanup go a long way.

• Windows 11 2025 Update: How to install version 25H2 on any PC | Windows Central

• 3 Ways to Upgrade to Windows 11 for Free (And 1 Option for Incompatible PCs) | PCMag

• The Airport Money Belt Mistake You'll Regret Making Read More: https://www.islands.com/1978793/money-belt-mistake-airport-security-tsa/

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.