Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 208

Best cooling rack

Which cooling racks are best?

Without a doubt, one of the most underrated kitchen tools is the cooling rack. It’s affordable and can be used for numerous tasks beyond the basic cooling of baked goods. However, not all cooling racks are created equally, and some are more functional than others.

Depending on what you need a cooling rack for, there are a plethora of options. If you’re searching for a durable and versatile cooling rack, the Kitchenatics Roasting and Cooling Rack is an ideal choice. It’s extra large and can even be used in the oven or on the grill.

What to know before you buy a cooling rackWhy do I need a cooling rack?

The most apparent purpose of a cooling rack is to cool baked goods. But why can’t you just leave your baked goods in the pan to cool?

Most cupcake pans, cake pans and baking sheets are made from material meant to capture and evenly distribute heat. So while they do a great job of cooking your cookies or muffins in the oven, those pans will continue to hold heat and cook your baked goods long after they’re taken out of the oven. This can lead to a dry, crumbly, overcooked cake if you don’t remove it from the pan and allow it to cool.

How to use a cooling rack

While the original and most common use for a cooling rack is to cool baked goods, they have evolved over the years and now offer a variety of uses.

Cooling food: In addition to cooling baked goods, you can also use cooling racks to cool pizza, vegetables, seafood and even meat. Depending on the cooling rack, you can even place hot pans directly on your cooling rack.

Baking: The second most common use of a cooling rack is baking, with one caveat — the cooling rack must be labeled as oven-safe. Putting your food on a cooling rack in the oven allows the fat to drip off and all sides of your food to be heated evenly. However, not all cooling racks are oven-safe, so it’s essential to check before putting it in the oven.

What to look for in a quality cooling rackDishwasher-safe

Because of the coating on some cooling racks, not all can withstand a dishwasher cycle. However, being able to put your cooling rack in the dishwasher is convenient and makes cleanup much quicker.

Rustproof

Depending on the material, some cooling racks are susceptible to rust. Look for cooling racks that are rustproof for lasting durability.

Extra uses

A few cooling racks are even more versatile and can be used on the grill, in the air fryer, in a smoker and in a broiler. Again, it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure where you can use your cooling rack.

Weight

Pies can weigh up to 5 pounds, and layered cakes can weigh up to 10 pounds. If you’re using a cooling rack to hold a pan with a turkey or ham in it, you’ll want to make sure your cooling rack is durable enough to carry extra weight.

How much you can expect to spend on a cooling rack

You can expect cooling racks to cost between $10-$25, depending on size, material and features.

Cooling rack FAQShould I cover it with tin foil to protect my cooling rack?

A. It’s not recommended. The purpose of cooling racks is to allow air to circulate around all sides of the food. Covering the cooling rack with tin foil or waxed paper would hinder airflow and circulation and cause uneven cooling.

Do I need to spray my cooling rack to prevent sticking?

A. It depends if the cooling rack is nonstick. Nonstick cooling racks shouldn’t need a nonstick spray. However, if you notice sticking or the rack is not nonstick, you could spray or grease your cooling rack.

What’s the best cooling rack to buy?Top cooling rack

Kitchenatics Roasting and Cooling Rack

What you need to know: This chemical-free stainless steel cooling rack is versatile enough for cooling or baking and durable enough to hold up to 45 pounds.

What you’ll love: The extra-tall square grid size allows air to circulate evenly and cool food even faster. It’s dishwasher-safe, rustproof, grill-safe and oven-safe up to 575 degrees.

What you should consider: The tight grid size can trap small food particles, making it hard to clean.

Top cooling rack for the money

Nordic Ware Round Cooling Grid

What you need to know: Not only can it be used for cooling, but the copper-plated circular steel wire grid makes it a gorgeous serving platter.

What you’ll love: The round shape and large 13-inch diameter make the perfect size to cool cookies, Bundt cakes and other baked goods. It’s sturdy enough to hold heavy foods and has legs to allow even circulation.

What you should consider: It’s not dishwasher-safe and cannot be used in the oven.

Worth checking out

Ultra Cuisine Oven-Safe Cooling Rack

What you need to know: With an extra set of 1-inch tall, sturdy feet supporting the middle, this oven-safe wire cooling rack can hold heavy foods without sagging.

What you’ll love: It’s made of 304-grade heavy-duty stainless steel that will not rust. It’s dishwasher-safe, oven-safe up to 575 degrees and nontoxic. It’s the perfect size to fit in a baking sheet.

What you should consider: The tight grid can easily catch food and make it difficult to clean.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Horoscopes Feb. 19, 2025: Benicio Del Toro, expand your interests and explore

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Benicio Del Toro, 58; Seal, 62; Jeff Daniels, 70; Smokey Robinson, 85. Happy Birthday: Expand your interests, explore what life offers and develop the skills and attributes that bring you joy. Life is about choices, and the time is ripe to turn what soothes your soul into something that enriches your life. There are no accidents in life, so take responsibility for your happiness by following your heart and pursuing what puts a smile on your face, comfort in your lifestyle and those you love nearby. Your numbers are 9, 13, 23, 26, 32, 37, 44. ARIES (March 21-April 19): Work toward your goal and resist interruptions. The less you let others know about you or your plans, the easier it will be to meet your deadlines and feel good about your achievements. Refuse to let temptation eat away at your psyche or deter you from taking care of your responsibilities. 3 stars TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Turn your surroundings into your place of refuge. Do whatever it takes to implement comfort and convenience for you and those you love to spend time with. Don’t underestimate your ability to bring people closer together or convince others to help you make positive lifestyle changes. 3 stars GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Rethink your strategy and scale your plans to suit your needs and budget. Say no to temptation and trouble and forego indulgent situations that can jeopardize your reputation or personal plans. Make a healthy lifestyle your mission, and you’ll find the path that leads to a brighter future. 3 stars CANCER (June 21-July 22): Consider what makes you happy and follow that path. You are responsible for doing what brings you joy and putting your energy where it brings returns that build memories. Networking and social events or getting together with someone you miss from your past will positively impact how you move forward. 5 stars LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Sit tight, be observant and consider every alternative. Time is on your side, regardless of what anyone tells you. It’s best not to indulge in anything when your choices hinge on doubt or reflect negativity or opposition. Concentrate on personal growth, physical strength, health and fitness until you clarify your next move. 2 stars VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You are heading in the right direction. Refrain from letting anyone convince you otherwise. Patience combined with intuition and desire will help you clear your mind and envision what you want your life to entail. Communication with people heading in the same direction will encourage new beginnings. 4 stars LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Embrace life, broaden your mind, enhance possibilities and learn new skills. Life is yours to discover; stop postponing and start doing. Place significance on lifestyle, comfort and ease. Your surroundings will help you find peace of mind and resilience to pursue your dreams. Choose self-improvement and pampering yourself. 3 stars SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Recognize that you are in the driver’s seat; forge ahead and make things happen. Your power is in your passion and desire to outdo yourself and anyone who gets in your way. Change begins with you, and following your heart will help you manifest your dreams into something tangible. 3 stars SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Reconsider how realistic your plans are before you head down a path that can cause mental or financial duress. You should take time out for recreational activities, reclaim a healthy lifestyle through diet and fitness, and declutter your life from the people and pastimes that cause stress and uncertainty. 3 stars CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): It’s all about what and who you know and how to persuade others to see things your way. Put your energy into running an efficient home and letting go of what’s holding you back or costing too much for what you receive in return. Size up and relinquish deadweight. 4 stars AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Stick close to home. Go over personal documents and update anything coming due. Aim to replenish, not go for broke. Take a long, hard look at your lifestyle and expenses, and consider how to minimize stress and the situations that keep you awake at night. Put your health and financial well-being first. 2 stars PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Pay attention to detail, what things cost and where your energy will have the most significant impact. Bring out all your resources and put your experience and intuition to work for you. A positive change and personal gain will give you the boost you need to improve your life. 5 stars Birthday Baby: You are optimistic, outspoken and energetic. You are passionate and relentless. 1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. 3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. 4 stars: Aim high; start new projects. 5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold. Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.

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Best sling bag

Which sling bags are best?

Sling bags come in a number of different styles, including messenger bags, wallet cross-bodies and sling backpacks, and they’re a great way to carry your most important belongings and give you the design and durability you need.

The OutdoorMaster Sling Bag is designed to hold a small laptop or tablet up to 12 inches wide, has several compartments, an ergonomic design and a reversible shoulder strap.

What to know before you buy a sling bagType of sling bags

There are several kinds of sling bags, including classic slings, designer slings, wallet cross-bodies, sling backpacks, messenger bags and cross-body hiking bags.

Classic: The classic sling is a bag with one end of the strap attached to the bottom of the bag and the other attached to the top. Classic slings are used as daypacks, especially if you’re tired of lugging around a big, heavy bag. These bags are slightly larger than wallets with interior pockets to store items, such as your wallet and phone.Designer: Designer slings are much like classic slings but more appropriate for special occasions or date nights. They come in various shapes, colors and styles and are sometimes bejeweled.Wallet cross-body: A wallet cross-body is the ideal bag for a casual day out. It’s similar to a classic sling, but it’s a wallet with a leather strap or chain attached to it.Sling backpack: Sling backpacks are backpacks with one strap worn across the body and a zipper on the strap.Messenger bag: The messenger bag is a larger version of a classic sling and works well for work settings.Cross-body hiking: Cross-body hiking slings combine backpacks and messenger bags.Convenience

Sling bags are streamlined and simple to carry — you can throw the strap over your head and carry the bag across your chest. You can open your bag and grab whatever you need, even while you’re walking.

Comfort

Sling bags are comfortable to carry, since most of these bags have a broad shoulder strap that can be slung across the chest. They lay flat against the body, so they’re not overly bulky and they let you stay mobile when necessary.

What to look for in a quality sling bagDurability

Genuine leather and thick canvas are great materials to look for in sling bags if you want something durable. Pay attention to the quality of the seams of the sling bag, since they’re typically the weakest points. If the seams aren’t reinforced or double-stitched, they might rip under heavy stress.

Straps

Shoulder straps go across your chest and come in a variety of quality levels, styles and sizes, so don’t ignore this feature when selecting your bag.

How much you can expect to spend on a sling bag

Sling bags cost about $15-$200, depending on the materials, quality, construction and features of the bag.

Sling bag FAQWhat’s the purpose of a sling bag?

A. Sling bags feature an ergonomic design that works with your shoulders to reduce and/or eliminate back, shoulder and neck pain. The proper way to carry your sling bag is with the strap going across your chest.

What are the benefits and disadvantages of sling bags?

A. Sling bags can help you keep from filling extra space just because you have it, since you really only have enough room for your water bottle, headphones, phone, wallet and keys. They also simplify what you carry — you have less bulk to manage and fewer pockets to check. They’re more comfortable over the long term compared to shoulder bags, and you can easily and quickly access your things without removing your bag.

On the flip side, sling bags usually have a lower carrying capacity than other bags, such as backpacks. They aren’t right for carrying heavy loads, since the bag weight is placed across only one shoulder. Carrying a heavy bag could lead to shoulder and neck strain as well as issues with your posture.

What’s the best sling bag to buy?Top sling bag

OutdoorMaster Sling Bag

What you need to know: This versatile, sturdy sling bag is the perfect everyday bag.

What you’ll love: This sling bag is designed to hold a laptop or tablet up to 12 inches wide. It has a water bottle pocket as well as a hidden antitheft pocket. Its ergonomic design means it’s lightweight but can hold lots of items, and it’s a decent size with a comfortable, reversible strap.

What you should consider: Several people had issues with zippers breaking or coming open after limited use.

Top sling bag for the money

Leaper Canvas Messenger Bag

What you need to know: This sling bag is made for multiple activities and boasts plenty of space for all your things.

What you’ll love: The Leaper sling has a number of compartments and pockets, including those sized for a laptop and phone. The washed canvas is a durable fabric, while the outer flap and buckles provide security. It comes in over 20 colors in a unisex design. Its medium size makes it convenient for travel.

What you should consider: It isn’t waterproof, so it isn’t best for trips where it could get wet.

Worth checking out

Osprey Daylite Shoulder Sling Bag

What you need to know: This ambidextrous shoulder sling bag has comfortable padding and plenty of storage areas.

What you’ll love: The back of the bag has a padded mesh panel for extra comfort and breathability. You can fit it over your left or your right shoulder, so it’s ideal for both left- and right-handed people. It has a spacious main compartment and some smaller pockets to hold items like your phone and keys.

What you should consider: The strap isn’t completely padded.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

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Nearly 300 deportees from US held in Panama hotel as officials try to return them to their countries

By JUAN ZAMORANO, Associated Press

PANAMA CITY (AP) — Panama is detaining in a hotel nearly 300 people from various countries deported under U.S. President Donald Trump, not allowing them to leave while waiting for international authorities to organize a return to their countries.

More than 40% of the migrants, authorities say, won’t voluntarily return to their homeland. Migrants in the hotel rooms held messages to the windows reading “Help” and “We are not save (sic) in our country.”

The migrants hailed from 10 mostly Asian countries, including Iran, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China and others. The U.S. has difficulty deporting directly to some of those countries so Panama is being used as a stopover. Costa Rica was expected to receive a similar flight of third-country deportees on Wednesday.

Panama’s Security Minister Frank Abrego said Tuesday the migrants are receiving medical attention and food as part of a migration agreement between Panama and the U.S.

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The Panamanian government has now agreed to serve as a “bridge” or transit country for deportees, while the U.S. bears all the costs of the operation. The agreement was announced earlier this month after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit.

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, who faces political pressure over Trump’s threats of retaking control of the Panama Canal, announced the arrival of the first of the deportation flights last Thursday.

The confinement and legal limbo the deportees face has raised alarm in the Central American country, especially as images spread of migrants peaking through the windows of their rooms on high floors of the hotel and displaying the notes pleading for help.

Abrego denied the foreigners are being detained even though they cannot leave the rooms of their hotel, which is being guarded by police.

Abrego said that 171 of the 299 deportees have agreed to return voluntarily to their respective countries with help from the International Organization for Migration and the U.N. Refugee Agency. U.N. agencies are talking with the other 128 migrants in an effort to find a destination for them in third countries. Abrego said that one deported Irish citizen has already returned to her country.

Those who do not agree to return to their countries will be temporarily held in a facility in the remote Darien province through which hundreds of thousands of migrants have crossed on their journey north in recent years, Abrego said.

The Panamanian Ombudsman’s Office was scheduled to provide more details on the deportees’ situation later Tuesday.

Community college women’s basketball: Villagrana rehired to resurrect MPC program

MONTEREY – Not fielding a women’s basketball program this past season left a knot in the stomach of Monterey Peninsula College athletic director Wendy Bates.

Having coached the game for nearly three decades – including 16 seasons at MPC, the decision came down simply to numbers – that is the lack of.

“It was brutal,” Bates said. “I put my heart and soul into that program and to not have one was devastating. But we had to protect the other colleges and not start a season and abruptly end it.”

With a decision by administration to bring the program back next season, Bates has started the process after the rehiring of current men’s assistant coach Michael Villagrana.

The former Marina High sharpshooter was actually hired last year to become the women’s coach in an adjunct position before the program was shut down.

“There was never a doubt that it was coming back.” Bates said. “Finding the right fit and the urgency of someone being here now to recruit was super important.”

Villagrana reapplied and was rehired to resurrect the women’s program, who just three years earlier won a Coast Conference title with an undefeated conference season.

“Disappointment in not having a program this past season was an understatement,” Villagrana said. “I felt like I failed. It sat with me over these last few months.”

Villagrana returned to the men’s side under Blake Spiering, where he has spent the last 13 years as an assistant, doing defensive scout work and game planning.

Moonlighting on the side with no assurances he would be rehired, Villagrana compiled a list of 25 seniors in the area and began attending high school games, meeting prospective players.

“I had every intention of reapplying,” Villagrana said. “I wanted Wendy (Bates) to know what my focus is. I was doing it on my own time. I actually enjoyed doing both.”

Originally hired in late March last season — four weeks after the high school season ended, Villagrana found recruiting challenging, as players had already made up their minds about their futures.

“I was recruiting anyone I could, trying to connect with any senior available,” Villagrana said. “But kids had already made decisions. It wasn’t a deep pool in the area. That’s where it fell apart for me.”

While MPC did have summer workouts and started in the fall with the intention of having a women’s program, just five players were left by the time October rolled around.

“I felt good about what we had in those workouts,” Villagrana said. “But a couple of kids had a change of heart, another transferred. At that point, it was not going to happen.”

Villagrana has been all over the county this winter, introducing himself to players and parents, while gauging interest among a small group of seniors in the area.

“The difference this year for me is having an opportunity to recruit, get to games and meet the players,” Villagrana said. “I am just trying to build connections.”

The outlook has been bright. Four players remained on campus and will be sophomore’s next season. Villagrana believes he’ll have a roster between 12 to 15 players.

“I approached this past winter as if I needed to put it together and make up for lost time,” Villagrana said. “Whether I got the job or not, I wanted a base. It was a risk I was willing to live with.”

Bates felt the connections that Villagrana already has in the MPC athletic department and his work ethics were too hard to pass up when the position was reopened.

“He’s been on campus working with the men’s program for 13 years,” Bates said. “He’s always an even-tempered guy. He fits in our department. He knows MPC. Having knowledge of the program is always helpful.”

A 2011 Marina graduate, who played at MPC, Villagrana believes he can build a winning culture on local talent, pointing towards the 2022 conference title team’s roster.

“That title team was based around local talent,” Villagrana said. “My focus for building the program is putting it back together locally. It will take time. We have to build our reputation back. I’m excited about who we have already had on campus.”

San Jose City College has won the last two Coast Conference South titles, with Hartnell and Cabrillo putting together winning seasons this past season.

“What I’ve continued to focus on is we have to get the players on the peninsula and not lose them,” Villagrana said. “If I can get those kids, we will have the ability to compete, not just next year, but the years ahead.”

What will help in the rebuilding of the program is having four players that stayed. Villagrana already sees them as leaders, building blocks in developing a competitive program.

“The pace of the game and physicality of the game is different at this level,” Villagrana said. “When you have sophomore leaders, it only helps. I’m confident in the conversations I’ve had with recruits and those that have already been on campus that we’re going to put a competitive product on the court.”

Trump administration halts support for representing unaccompanied children in immigration court

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration on Tuesday stopped support for legal representation in immigration court for children who enter the United States alone, a setback for those fighting deportation who can’t afford a lawyer.

The Acacia Center for Justice says it serves 26,000 migrant children under its federal contract. The Interior Department gave no explanation for the stop-work order, telling the group only that it was done for “causes outside of your control” and should not be interpreted as a judgment of poor performance. The halt remains in effect until further notice.

The Interior Department and Health and Human Services Department, which oversees unaccompanied migrant children, did not respond to requests for comment late Tuesday.

Acacia says it runs the legal aid program through a network of 85 organizations nationwide that represent children under 18.

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The halt comes shortly after the Justice Department briefly stopped support for other contacts to provide legal information and guidance to people facing deportation. It restored funding after being sued by advocacy groups.

People fighting deportation may hire attorneys at their own expense, but the government does not provide them. Groups that rely on federal support to represent children said the most vulnerable would suffer most under the decision to halt work on the $200 million contract.

“Expecting a child to represent themself in immigration court absurd and deeply unjust,” said Christine Lin, director of training and technical assistance at the Center for Gender & Refugee Studies.

Tens of millions of dead people aren’t getting Social Security checks, despite Trump and Musk claims

By FATIMA HUSSEIN, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is falsely claiming that tens of millions of dead people over 100 years old are receiving Social Security payments.

Over the past few days, President Donald Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk have said on social media and in press briefings that people who are 100, 200 and even 300 years old are improperly getting benefits — a “HUGE problem,” Musk wrote, as his Department of Government Efficiency digs into federal agencies to root out waste, fraud and abuse.

It is true that improper payments have been made, including some to dead people. But the numbers thrown out by Musk and the White House are overstated and misrepresent Social Security data.

Here are the facts:

What has the Trump administration said about payments to centenarians?

On Tuesday, Trump said at a press briefing in Florida that “we have millions and millions of people over 100 years old” receiving Social Security benefits. “They’re obviously fraudulent or incompetent,” Trump said.

“If you take all of those millions of people off Social Security, all of a sudden we have a very powerful Social Security with people that are 80 and 70 and 90, but not 200 years old,” he said. He also said that there’s one person in the system listed as 360 years old.

Late Monday, Musk posted a slew of posts on his social media platform X, including: “Maybe Twilight is real and there are a lot of vampires collecting Social Security,” and “Having tens of millions of people marked in Social Security as “ALIVE” when they are definitely dead is a HUGE problem. Obviously. Some of these people would have been alive before America existed as a country. Think about that for a second …”

How big of a problem is Social Security fraud?

A July 2024 report from Social Security’s inspector general states that from fiscal years 2015 through 2022, the agency paid out almost $8.6 trillion in benefits, including $71.8 billion — or less than 1% — in improper payments. Most of the erroneous payments were overpayments to living people.

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In addition, in early January, the U.S. Treasury clawed back more than $31 million in a variety of federal payments— not just Social Security payments— that improperly went to dead people, a recovery that former Treasury official David Lebryk said was “just the tip of the iceberg.”

The money was reclaimed as part of a five-month pilot program after Congress gave the Department of Treasury temporary access to the Social Security Administration’s “Full Death Master File” for three years as part of the omnibus appropriations bill in 2021. The SSA maintains the most complete federal database of individuals who have died, and the file contains more than 142 million records, which go back to 1899, according to the Treasury.

Treasury estimated in January that it would recover more than $215 million during its three-year access period, which runs from December 2023 through 2026.

So are tens of millions of people over 100 years old receiving benefits?

No.

Part of the confusion comes from Social Security’s software system based on the COBOL programming language, which has a lack of date type. This means that some entries with missing or incomplete birthdates will default to a reference point of more than 150 years ago. The news organization WIRED first reported on the use of COBOL programming language at the Social Security Administration.

Additionally, a series of reports from the Social Security Administration’s inspector general in March 2023 and July 2024 state that the agency has not established a new system to properly annotate death information in its database, which included roughly 18.9 million Social Security numbers of people born in 1920 or earlier but were not marked as deceased. This does not mean, however, that these individuals were receiving benefits.

The agency decided not to update the database because of the cost to do so, which would run upward of $9 million.

A July 2023 Social Security OIG report states that “almost none of the numberholders discussed in the report currently receive SSA payments.” And, as of September 2015, the agency automatically stops payments to people who are older than 115 years old.

What are some of the concerns about misinformation on Social Security payments?

Chuck Blahous, a senior research strategist at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, said, “Two cheers for Elon Musk if he can root out and put a stop to improper payments.”

But to pick the places in the federal government where error rates are high, “Social Security would be near the bottom of the list, not near the top,” Blahous said. “Medicaid improper payment rates are quite substantial, and soared after the Medicaid expansion of the ACA.”

“By all means — go after any improper payments that are found, but let’s not pretend that’s where the system’s biggest financial problems are,” he said.

Sita Nataraj Slavov, a professor of public policy at the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University, said the claims by Musk and Trump will make people think the solutions to the government’s financial problems are simpler than they appear.

“The real concern is that this claim may mislead people into thinking there’s an easy fix to Social Security’s financial problems — that we can somehow restore solvency without making sacrifices through higher taxes or lower benefits,” Slavov said. “This is simply not true.”

What does the White House say about the criticism?

Karoline Leavitt, the White House spokesperson, referred back to the Social Security’s inspector general report.

“A previous investigation revealed the SSA paid at least $71.8 billion in improper payments,” she said. “The Social Security Administration is now working to find even more waste, fraud, and abuse in the Administration’s whole-of-government effort to protect American taxpayers.”

‘There’s no ceiling on him’: Former SF Giants’ manager Bochy talks Posey’s new role, Crawford’s retirement

PHOENIX — For roughly a decade, Bruce Bochy counted on Buster Posey as the backbone of the San Francisco Giants on the field. Now, entering his third year as the Texas Rangers’ manager, Bochy will be tasked with beating the teams that Posey creates in San Francisco’s front office.

“I was excited for Buster,” Bochy said at Cactus League Media Day at the Arizona Biltmore A Waldorf Astoria Resort. “Obviously, I think it’s a good move because of what I think about Buster. He’ll do a tremendous job. He’s smart. He knows the game. He has a good feel for people.”

Bochy admitted that he had never thought about the possibility of Posey becoming the Giants’ president of baseball operations, but did believe that Posey would have the capacity to take on any role he desired.

“There’s no ceiling on him,” Bochy said. “It was just a matter of what he wanted to do.”

Bochy served as Posey’s manager for all but one of Posey’s 11 major-league seasons, winning three World Series titles in five years with Posey as his starting catcher. Posey played 1040 games with Bochy as his manager between the regular season, penning out just about every chapter of his Hall of Fame career under Bochy’s watch.

While Bochy and Posey are technically competing against one another, they’ll both have an opportunity to celebrate one of the best shortstops in franchise history later this season.

Brandon Crawford announced his retirement on social media in November, and on April 26, the Giants will honor Crawford at Oracle Park. Appropriately enough, the Giants scheduled the event to coincide with Bochy, who managed Crawford for nine seasons, and the Rangers being in town.

“I’m really, really happy that I’ll be there to watch,” Bochy said. “I can’t thank him enough for what he did for our team, for me — his leadership, his play. It’s going to be pretty cool. I get to see the fans acknowledge him and thank him for what he did. Those are cool deals. I appreciate the timing of this.”

From 2012 to 2019, Bochy penned Crawford into the starting lineup — all at shortstop — on 1100 occasions,  or roughly 85 percent of San Francisco’s regular-season games, by far the most of any player during that span. That doesn’t included the 38 times that Bochy started Crawford in the playoffs, either. In time, Crawford would become the record holder for most games played at shortstop in franchise history.

With Bochy observing from the dugout, Crawford helped the Giants win World Series titles in 2012 and 2014 and orchestrated some of the most memorable moments in franchise history in the process. When Oracle Park’s jumbotron broadcasts a montage of Crawford’s career highlights, the shortstop’s crowd-silencing grand slam against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the 2014 Wild Card Game and iconic double play with Joe Panik in Game 7 of the 2014 World Series will be front and center.

“He helped us put two rings on our fingers, but really, the consistency defensively,”  Bochy said. “Every day, he was out there. I probably wore him out at times because he didn’t get a lot of days off. He never said a word. His clutch hitting; he had a knack fro driving in the big run. For the most part, he hit in the back end of the order and kept things moving. He’s one of those guys that you’re thankful he’s on your club.”

Senate confirms Howard Lutnick as commerce secretary, a key role for Trump’s trade agenda

By PAUL WISEMAN

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate confirmed wealthy financier Howard Lutnick as commerce secretary Tuesday, putting in place a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump’s hardline trade polices.

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At the Commerce Department, Lutnick, who was CEO at the investment firm Cantor Fitzgerald, will oversee 50,000 employees who do everything from collecting economic statistics to running the census to issuing weather reports. But he’s likely to spend a lot of time — along with Jamieson Greer, Trump’s nominee to be the top U.S. trade negotiator — managing the president’s aggressive plans to impose import taxes on U.S. trading partners, including allies and adversaries alike.

The Senate vote to confirm Lutnick was 51-45.

Trump views the tariffs as a versatile economic tool. They can raise money to finance his tax cuts elsewhere, protect U.S. industries and pressure other countries into making concessions on such issues as their own trade barriers, immigration and drug trafficking. Mainstream economists mostly view tariffs as counterproductive: They are paid by import companies in the United States, which try to pass along the higher costs to consumers and can thereby add to inflationary pressures throughout the economy.

At his confirmation hearing last month, Lutnick dismissed as “nonsense” the idea that tariffs contribute to inflation. He expressed support for deploying across-the-board tariffs ”country by country” to strong-arm other countries into lowering barriers to American exports.

Trump last week announced plans for “reciprocal” tariffs — raising U.S. import tax rates to match the higher taxes that other countries impose on goods from the U.S. The move would shatter the rules that have governed world trade for decades. Since the 1960s, tariff rates have mostly emerged from negotiations between dozens of countries. Trump is commandeering the process.

The president has also imposed 10% tariffs on Chinese imports and effectively raised U.S. taxes on foreign steel and aluminum. He has threatened — and delayed until March 4 — 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico.

Lutnick was CEO at Cantor Fitzgerald when its offices were hit in the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center. The firm lost two-thirds of its employees — 658 people — that day, including Lutnick’s brother. Howard Lutnick led the firm’s recovery and is a member of the Board of Directors of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

Lutnick has promised to sell off his business holdings. They’re complicated. His financial disclosure statement showed that he had positions in more than 800 businesses and other private organizations.

Best crochet supplies

Which crochet supply kit is best?

Crocheting is a fun pastime that allows you to create ponchos, hats, scarves, blankets and more for you and your loved ones. Whether you are a beginner or are coming back to a favorite hobby, having good crochet supplies will help you dive into your next project.

If you are searching for top-notch crochet supplies, the Red Heart Learn Crochet Kit is a top choice.

What to know before you buy crochet suppliesSkill level

You should think about your skill level when selecting your crochet supplies. There are crochet supply kits out there for every level. Beginner crochet supply kits have the most simple patterns and projects. They typically come with easy instructions and all the supplies you need for the included project.

Intermediate and advanced crochet supply kits are perfect for people who know how to crochet, but either want to improve their skills or add additional supplies to their collection of tools. These supply kits tend to come with more complex and challenging crochet projects.

Time investment

Consider how much time you want to invest in your crocheting hobby. Some crocheters are so passionate about the hobby that they go online to uncover new crochet projects. They may watch videos online to learn how to create their own crochet patterns. Some people who crochet may only do it occasionally, such as in the winter months.

Types of crochet kits

There are a few different kinds of crochet supply kits out there, including project kits, kids’ kits and hook-only kits. Crochet project kits are typically marked by skill level and come with almost everything you’ll need to complete a crochet project. Kids’ crochet supply kits are geared towards younger and beginner crocheters. Hook-only crochet supply kits usually come with a set of crochet hooks in different sizes.

What to look for in quality crochet suppliesHooks

Crochet hooks come in many sizes that are classified by using letters. Common sizes for crochet hooks run from B-N, which are 2.25-10 millimeters. Specialty crochet hooks come in even larger sizes.

Most crochet projects will list which size crochet hook you’ll need. Some crochet projects may require the use of more than one size of crochet hook to finish off the details.

Yarn

Yarn comes in varying weights and categories, using numbers as indicators. Craft yarns generally run from 0-7, with zero being the weight of yarn for lace and seven being a jumbo weight for blankets and bulkier work. A crochet project will usually indicate which types of yarn are required for the project.

Accessories

Some crochet supply kits come with accessories, like crochet hook organizers and yarn holders. Crochet hook organizers keep all of your crochet hooks organized and easily accessible. Yarn holders keep your yarn from rolling away while working and are great for crocheters who take their projects on-the-go.

How much you can expect to spend on crochet supplies

A single crochet hook can cost from $3-$30, depending on its size and materials. Other accessories sold individually, like stitch markers, scissors and tote bags can run anywhere from $2-$60.

Crochet supplies range in price from about $8-$60 per kit, depending on the supplies included and how complex the projects are. The most basic kids’ crochet kits cost less than $15, while midrange kits go for $15-$30. High-end crochet kits usually cost $30-$60.

Crochet supplies FAQWhat are the best crochet supplies for adult beginners?

A. There are plenty of beginner crochet supply kits out there that will help you learn the basics. If you are looking for the simplest kit, try a kids’ crochet supply kit. These typically have easy projects with very basic instructions.

Where can you look for project ideas if you can’t find what you want?

A. If you are a more experienced crocheter, you might enjoy developing your own crochet pattern, particularly if you’re looking for something fairly unique. You can also ask for ideas from online crochet communities. Someone in an online community may have just the crochet project or pattern you’re looking for.

Should you give a crochet project kit to an experienced crocheter?

A. Yes, seasoned and experienced crocheters always appreciate new crochet projects. Try to find one that suits their interests. For instance, if you know they enjoy crocheting scarves, look for a kit that offers a unique design. If you aren’t sure what they like, a more generalized kit with a hook set or assorted yarns may be more suitable.

What’s the best crochet supply kit to buy?Top crochet supply kit

Red Heart Learn Crochet Kit

What you need to know: This kit has everything a beginner needs to start to learn the art of crochet.

What you’ll love: It comes with a book of 15 projects that include comprehensive instructions and easy-to-follow diagrams. It includes five colorful, metallic crochet hooks. stitch markers, scissors, a gauge checker, two plastic yarn needles and a zippered carrying pouch.

What you should consider: It doesn’t include any yarn.

Top crochet supply kit for the money

Woo Crafts Crochet Hooks Set With Case

What you need to know: This inexpensive crochet supply kit from Woo Crafts provides you with most of the basic crochet tools you need.

What you’ll love: This budget-friendly Woo Crafts crochet supply kit comes with stitch markers, yarn needles and a convenient flower-print case. The top-quality metal crochet hooks also have a comfortable rubber grip.

What you should consider: This kit does not include scissors.

Worth checking out

4M Easy-to-do Crochet Kit

What you need to know: This kit is perfect for teaching kids how to crochet.

What you’ll love: The plastic hooks are durable and safe enough for kids to use. The instructions are easy to follow.

What you should consider: The included yarn is thin and basic.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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