Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 218

Enjoy every Super Bowl moment with the best Ultra HD TV

Which Ultra HD TV is best for watching the Super Bowl?

Ultra HD TVs give you significantly more pixels on the screen than HD TVs, resulting in better image quality. (A pixel is one tiny dot on the screen; the image you see consists of millions of these dots.) In fact, the Ultra HD TV has nearly four times more pixels than an HD TV, creating a noticeable difference.

To clear up one point of potential confusion, Ultra HD and 4K TVs are the same. Manufacturers and salespeople will use the terms Ultra HD and 4K interchangeably. Watching the big game this weekend? Catch all the best moments of the Super Bowl with these top Ultra HD TVs.

What to know before you buy an Ultra HD TV

One of the most important technologies to have in an Ultra HD TV is HDR (short for high dynamic range). HDR technology delivers a bigger number of specific colors on the screen versus non-HDR TVs. You’ll have an image on the screen that looks brighter with more contrast with HDR technology.

Not all Ultra HD TVs have HDR technology, and not all Ultra HD programming is shot with HDR enabled. But, where available, this technology makes a big difference in the quality of the images on the screen. So always search for HDR technology in the TV and in the programming wherever possible. At this point, unfortunately, HDR programming is not common, but it will be in a few years.

The type of technology used to light the screen may differ among 4K TVs too. LED backlighting is the most common type of TV backlighting. It carries an affordable price point and delivers fast performance levels. However, because LED backlights never quite go fully dark, you don’t receive the highest level of contrast on the screen with LED.

An OLED Ultra HD TV gives you true black, delivering a high level of contrast that makes a difference in image quality. If you love watching movies, the contrast advantage in OLED will be noticeable. OLED TV prices are significantly higher than LED TVs, though.

Don’t confuse OLED and LED with some other acronyms TV manufacturers use. For example, Samsung says its TVs have QLED technology. This refers to the style of the screen, rather than the type of backlighting.

Another differentiator with Ultra HD TVs is the number of input ports they offer. If you have a lot of external devices, look for a television with multiple HDMI ports. With enough inputs, you simultaneously can connect things like a set-top box, gaming console, and Ultra HD Blu-ray player.

What to look for in a quality Ultra HD TV

You may be hoping to save a bit of money on your TV by going with an HD TV instead of an Ultra HD TV. However, this really isn’t much of a bargain anymore.

Ultra HD/4K TVs cost several thousand dollars five to seven years ago. This was quite a price premium to HD TVs at the time. In today’s market, though, 4K TVs and HD TVs are nearly identical in price. In fact, TVs limited to an HD resolution are difficult to find, especially in any screen size larger than 40 inches.

The biggest price differences among Ultra HD TVs involve screen size. Larger screens will cost more. You’ll find 50-inch and smaller 4K TVs for $700 and less. For a 65-inch Ultra HD TV, you may pay $1,000-$1,200.

Ultra HD TVs that have HDR technology built into them will cost roughly 5% to 15% more than those without HDR.

How to find Ultra HD shows

Finding Ultra HD programming can be a little frustrating, as most current TV shows are shot in HD resolution, not Ultra HD. But you do have some options to find Ultra HD/4K resolution programming.

Subscription service: Cable and satellite TV providers have 4K packages you can order. These packages may run an extra $5 to $20 per month. At this point, you’ll be limited to certain channels that are available in 4K, usually showing sports or movies. You also might need a new set-top box. Understand, though, that 4K programming is very limited from these services currently.

Streaming service: Streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime have some 4K programming. Often, movies and original series from the streaming services will be in 4K. You usually don’t have to pay extra for 4K resolution programming with a streaming service. You will need really fast internet service to stream Ultra HD programming at a smooth level, though.

Ultra HD Blu-ray player: An Ultra HD/4K Blu-ray Disc already uses Ultra HD/4K resolution. So, if you have an Ultra HD Blu-ray player, it’s perfectly matched with your Ultra HD TV.

Ultra HD/4K resolution programming is steadily becoming more prevalent. So, even if you don’t like your options now, keep checking. You may find a really good deal on 4K programming a few months from now.

Ultra HD TVs FAQI don’t notice much of a difference in Ultra HD TV image quality. Why?

A. You may not notice a huge difference if you’re watching 4K/Ultra HD resolution programming. To take full advantage of the Ultra HD TV, it needs to show Ultra HD resolution programming. What you’re likely watching is a technology called upscaling. The Ultra HD TV will use upscaling when showing HD-resolution programming. Upscaling creates extra pixels to fit the Ultra HD TV, making HD programming look a little better.

Is Ultra HD the last major change we’ll receive for TV quality?

A. Don’t count on it. It’s doubtful we’ll ever experience again the huge jump in quality we saw when going from SD to HD TVs. But Ultra HD/4K does give an improvement over HD in terms of image clarity. And manufacturers are already working on an 8K TV technology. So, as with all kinds of technology, expect Ultra HD to be obsolete at some point in the future too.

What Ultra HD TVs are best to buy?Top Ultra HD TV

SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class 4K Crystal UHD DU8000 Series HDR Smart TV

What you need to know: This thin TV contains all the bells and whistles you expect for a 4K TV at this price point. The picture quality is extremely impressive, even when compared to other Ultra HD TVs.

What you’ll love: It has 3D object-tracking sound, where the sound follows the direction of the objects on the screen. It has dynamic crystal color with one billion colors to make the picture look closer to real life.

What you should consider: Some people thought the remote control was a bit basic and thought the smart TV interface was a bit confusing.

Top Ultra HD TV for the money

Hisense 65-Inch Ultra HD Smart TV with Roku

What you need to know: It’s available at a desirable price point for an Ultra HD resolution television. It doesn’t excel in any particular area, but its features are more than adequate for a low-priced UHD TV.

What you’ll love: The color and image quality are really nice. It includes built-in Roku software to provide smart TV functionality, simplifying its use.

What you should consider: The viewing angle isn’t as wide as we’d like.

Worth checking out

Sony 65 Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV BRAVIA 3, Google TV with Google Assistant

What you need to know: It offers a lot of advanced features, including a voice command remote control. The sound quality is so strong that you probably won’t need extra speakers or a soundbar.

What you’ll love: It has a huge screen with HDR technology to provide colors that pop off the screen. It has good screen responsiveness for gaming, with exclusive features for the PS5.

What you should consider: The smart TV software has some bugs.

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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The best cheese boards for effortless entertaining

Which cheese board is best?

If you’re having people over and serving cheese, a cheese board is a beautiful and practical centerpiece for presenting your appetizers. The aptly named cheese board offers an easy solution for serving a variety of accoutrements. These boards provide a flat and level surface for cutting and encourage guests to mingle throughout the room.

There are various sizes, shapes and materials of cheese boards, so choosing one can be time-consuming. If you’re looking for a top-tier cheese board, the Kota Japan Premium Nonstick Marble Pastry Cutting Board is the best choice.

What to know before you buy a cheese board

Before choosing a cheese board, consider a few main elements to help you decide which board is best for you, like size, extra compartments and cleaning requirements.

Size

Cheese boards come in various sizes. Most boards are rectangular and are comparable to cutting board sizes. If you generally serve one to three types of cheese, standard and smaller boards should work well. If you plan to serve more types of cheeses or add other appetizers to your board, opt for a larger size so that all items can fit comfortably.

Handles

Some cheese boards come with handles for convenient carrying. Handles can make moving your board around the room much more manageable. The handles may rise from the board, stick out from the sides or be carved into the sides of the board. If you plan to plate and serve your board in multiple areas, consider a board with handles.

Compartments

High-end cheese boards often come with hidden compartments for storing knives or expanding the board’s surface area. This separate knife storage helps keep cheese knives ready and accessible when you’re preparing your board.

Labels

Some cheese boards allow you to write on them with chalk to label your cheeses, such as slate boards. If you opt for another material, you can always add labels on signs wrapped around toothpicks to help guests identify the cheeses.

Cleaning

For most boards, you can simply wash them with mild soap and warm water. Be extra gentle handling stone boards in the wet sink. For wood cheese boards, be sure to dry the board thoroughly before storing. For dry marble and slate boards, use a microfiber cloth.

What to look for in a quality cheese board

Investing in a few key features can elevate a regular cheese board and add to the overall experience of serving your guests. When shopping for the best cheese board for you, consider materials, design and additional utensils included with the board.

Materials

Choosing boards made of high-quality materials ensures your board holds up against normal wear and tear. Boards made of marble, slate and hardwoods tend to last the longest. If the board has handles, check to see if they are wood, metal or plastic. Plastic handles may break more easily than other materials. If you’re looking for a wooden board, check if it’s been sealed already, and be sure to purchase mineral oil to preserve the wood over time.

Design

When deciding on your cheese board’s size, shape, and style, consider how you plan to use it. Most design choices are up to personal preference, but making sure your board fits your needs is essential. Think about how often you plan to use it, whether you want a high or low-maintenance board, if you want it to match your existing kitchen decor, and how many people you plan to serve with it.

Utensils

Some cheese boards offer even more value for the money by providing high-quality cheese knives or utensils. Having a dedicated set of cheese knives helps serve as well as preserve your boards. Their blades are not as sharp as regular knives, so they’re less likely to scratch the surface of your board. They also tend to come in many different shapes and styles so multiple guests can enjoy the cheese board at once, rather than waiting to share one knife.

How much you can expect to spend on a cheese board

Generally, cheese boards cost between $20 and $60. Inexpensive options are generally simple slabs, while more expensive options tend to offer premium materials and accessories.

Cheese board FAQCan I use my cheese board for more than cheese?

A. Probably, depending on the material of your board. Some surfaces are more porous than others, so keep that in mind if you plan to add jams, jellies, meats, fruit or veggies. If you want to use your board for more than cheese but don’t want to worry about residue or cross-contamination, choose a board made of marble or slate rather than wood.

How do I protect the surface of my cheese board?

A. If you have a dedicated cheese knife, that’s the best tool to use as it’s designed to be mild on cutting surfaces. Cut your cheese beforehand on a regular cutting board if you’re cutting hard cheeses and don’t want to leave knicks or scratches. Then, transfer it over to your cheese board for serving.

What are the best cheese boards to buy?Top cheese board

Kota Japan Premium Nonstick Marble Pastry Cutting Board

What you need to know: While technically a cutting board, this marble board works perfectly as a cheese board and is easy to clean.

What you’ll love: This board is large enough to hold lots of cheeses and it’s really easy to clean. It also keeps cheeses cold.

What you should consider: Some boards are unevenly cut and don’t lie flat on the table. The edges are not always well-cut or sealed.

Top cheese board for the money

TOSCANA Circo Cheese Board and Knife Set

What you need to know: This durable cheese board stands out for its swivel opening and included high-quality utensils.

What you’ll love: It includes a swivel-open section with four full-tang cheese tools, including a cheese plane, a hard cheese knife, a spreader knife and a pronged-tip knife. It also has a groove to catch crumbs.

What you should consider: It’s difficult to open if the swivel part is out all the way.

Worth checking out

Thirteen Chefs Tramanto Olive Wood Board

What you need to know: This is a high-quality rustic cheese board made from real olive trees.

What you’ll love: The natural edge of the board makes each piece unique. It comes in three sizes. All the sizes available are large enough to fit multiple kinds of cheese, spreads and charcuterie. It comes gift-ready in a drawstring bag, making it easy to send a thoughtful gift to cheese lovers.

What you should consider: To preserve the wood board, you need to protect it with mineral oil periodically. Raw edges add to the appeal but may cause splinters when handling.

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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Steve Kerr breaks a clipboard to wake up Warriors in win over Magic

SAN FRANCISCO — Andrew Wiggins scored a team-best 25 points, Steph Curry added 16 of his 24 in the second half and the Golden State Warriors overcame one of their worst offensive halves of the season to beat the Orlando Magic, 104-99, on Monday night.

What changed?

“Coach broke a clipboard,” Moses Moody said after contributing 17 points in the win.

“Took us 48 games to get the broken clipboard,” added Curry. “Thankfully he didn’t cut himself this time. Few times he’s done that.”

After the Warriors allowed the Magic to grab an offensive rebound off a missed free throw, Steve Kerr called timeout and his frustration boiled over. They missed their first seven attempts from 3, went without a field goal for multiple stretches of 4-plus minutes and entered halftime with their sixth-lowest scoreboard total of the season.

They couldn’t afford to give away free possessions, too.

“We’re not a team that can withstand that,” Curry said of Kerr’s message.

Asked about their halftime adjustments, Kerr said facetiously, “Just brilliant coaching, mainly.”

But something clicked for Golden State in the second half. Wiggins slammed home their first possession out of the locker room, and the Warriors didn’t trail again until the Magic rallied to reclaim a brief 92-90 advantage with 4:27 remaining. With 1:07 left, Moody sank the dagger.

His corner 3, extending the lead to 99-94, was the Warriors’ seventh on 16 attempts in the second half (43.8%) after shooting 21.7% (5 for 23) from beyond the arc and 36.6% (15 for 41) from the field in the first half. Connecting on 11 of 19 shots in a 39-point third quarter — 6 of 8 from 3 — Golden State nearly matched its scoring output from the entire first half (43).

“We didn’t come out with the right force that we needed to beat a team like Orlando,” said center Kevon Looney, who led the Warriors with 16 rebounds and six assists. “We didn’t match their physicality early. Steve got on us and we responded as a group. It’s a long season — there are going to be some games where it takes Coach cussing us out to get us going. … His hand probably hurts right now.”

“We woke up,” Kerr said. “We were asleep in the first half. We had some possessions that made no sense. The guys locked in at halftime, scored the first six or eight points (of the second half) and … set a really good tone. That got us lead. Of course they were able to battle back in the fourth, but we were able to hang on.”

Slow starts have been a season-long struggle for these Warriors, who rank third-to-last in first-quarter scoring (26.6) and required three Curry free throws with less than a second left in the opening period to come within nine points of that total Monday night. It was the ninth time in 49 games they had been held to 45 points or fewer in the first half, but the first time they pulled out a win.

“I think we were playing hard in the first half, we just weren’t executing well,” Curry said. “Silly mistakes, like giving up offense rebounds off of free throws. We didn’t execute a couple (inbounds plays) out of timeouts. We were just a little choppy. And then we connected both sides of the floor in that third quarter.”

Closing out a 4-2 homestand, the win also featured the return of Draymond Green, who grabbed seven rebounds, dished out five assists and scored four points in 29 minutes in his first game since January 9. Notably, it was the Warriors’ first time holding an opponent to double-digits in nearly two months.

“As soon as he stepped on the floor, you can see the impact he had,” Wiggins said. “He’s one of the highest IQ guys in the league. Gets us settled. He’s there helping everybody. Keeping us all connected and together.”

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Wiggins got to the free-throw line 15 times and converted 10 of them. It was the seventh time in his past 11 games that he reached 20 points, averaging a team-best 20.8 per game during that stretch.

“I’m just trying to get some wins, you know,” Wiggins said. “I’m just trying to do whatever I can do get some wins.”

This win finished off a three-week stretch of nine games where the Warriors didn’t leave Northern California. They went 5-4, and now hit the road for seven straight away from home, beginning Wednesday in Utah in their final game before the NBA trade deadline.

“It’s good to leave town on a win, to be above .500, to basically put together a solid couple of weeks,” Kerr said. “So all of that is good. Now we have to carry it out on the road.”

Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green #23 looks to pass as he’s guarded by Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero #5 in the first quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Orlando Magic’s Goga Bitadze #35 shoots past Golden State Warriors’ Quinten Post #21 in the first quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Dennis Schroder #71 grimaces as he brings the ball downcourt while guarded by Orlando Magic’s Gary Harris #14 in the second quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins #22 shoots past Orlando Magic’s Goga Bitadze #35 in the second quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Kevon Looney #5 passes to teammate Dennis Schroder #71 in the third quarter of their NBA game against the Orlando Magic at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry #30 drives to the basket past Orlando Magic’s Wendell Carter Jr. #34 in the second quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins #22 shoots past Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero #5 in the second quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Buddy Hield #7 and teammate Stephen Curry #30 react in the third quarter of their NBA game against the Orlando Magic at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

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Golden State Warriors’ Moses Moody #4 shoots a layup past Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero #5 in the second quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Dennis Schroder #71 celebrates a 3-point basket in the third quarter of their NBA game against the Orlando Magic at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Kevon Looney #5 shoots a layup past Orlando Magic’s Tristan da Silva #23 in the third quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry #30 reacts to a call in the third quarter of their NBA game against the Orlando Magic at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero #5 shoots past Golden State Warriors’ Kevon Looney #5 and Dennis Schroder #71 in the third quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr disputes a call in the third quarter of their NBA game against the Orlando Magic at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Orlando Magic’s Cole Anthony #50 shoots a leaping shot with seconds left in the third quarter of their NBA game against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry #30 and teammate Draymond Green #23 celebrate a basket in the third quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Orlando Magic’s Wendell Carter Jr. #34 dunks past Golden State Warriors’ Moses Moody #4 in the fourth quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry #30 tries to get around Orlando Magic’s Gary Harris #14 as teammate Draymond Green #23 sets a screen and gets fouled in the fourth quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Orlando Magic’s Cole Anthony #50 shoots a basket in the fourth quarter of their NBA game against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins #22 and teammate Kevon Looney #5 battle for a rebound with Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero #5 in the third quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry #30 shoots an off-balance shot past Orlando Magic’s Wendell Carter Jr. #34 in the fourth quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors Draymond Green #23 is fouled by Orlando Magic’s Gary Harris #14 and Cole Anthony #50 in the fourth quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero #5 shoots past Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green #23 in the fourth quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Orlando Magic’s Cole Anthony #50 gets through the defense of Golden State Warriors’ Kevon Looney #5 and teammate Moses Moody #4 in the fourth quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Golden State Warriors Draymond Green #23 leaves the court with his daughter Hunni, 13 months, after their 104-99 NBA win against the Orlando Magic at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. To the right is his daughter Olive Jay. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

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Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green #23 looks to pass as he’s guarded by Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero #5 in the first quarter of their NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

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China counters with tariffs on US products. It will also investigate Google

By KEN MORITSUGU and HUIZHONG WU, Associated Press

BEIJING (AP) — China countered President Donald Trump’s across-the-board tariffs on Chinese products with tariffs on select U.S. imports Tuesday, as well as announcing an antitrust investigation into Google and other trade measures.

U.S. tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico were also set to go into effect Tuesday before Trump agreed to a 30-day pause as the two countries acted to appease his concerns about border security and drug trafficking. Trump planned to talk with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the next few days.

The Chinese response was “measured,” said John Gong, a professor at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing. “I don’t think they want the trade war escalating,” he said. “And they see this example from Canada and Mexico and probably they are hoping for the same thing.”

This isn’t the first round of tit-for-tat actions between the two countries. China and the U.S. had engaged in a trade war in 2018 when Trump raised tariffs on Chinese goods and China responded in kind.

This time, analysts said, China is much better prepared to counter, with the government announcing a slew of measures that cut across different sectors of the economy, from energy to individual U.S. companies.

Counter tariffs

China said it would implement a 15% tariff on coal and liquefied natural gas products as well as a 10% tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery and large-engine cars imported from the U.S. The tariffs would take effect next Monday.

“The U.S.’s unilateral tariff increase seriously violates the rules of the World Trade Organization,” the State Council Tariff Commission said in a statement. “It is not only unhelpful in solving its own problems, but also damages normal economic and trade cooperation between China and the U.S.”

The impact on U.S. exports may be limited. Though the U.S. is the biggest exporter of liquid natural gas globally, it does not export much to China. In 2023, the U.S. exported 173,247 million cubic feet of LNG to China, representing about 2.3% of total natural gas exports, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

China imported only about 700,000 cars overall last year, and the leading importers are from Europe and Japan, said Bill Russo, the founder of the Automobility Limited consultancy in Shanghai.

Further export controls on critical minerals

China announced export controls on several elements critical to the production of modern high-tech products.

They include tungsten, tellurium, bismuth, molybdenum and indium, many of which are designated as critical minerals by the U.S. Geological Survey, meaning they are essential to U.S. economic or national security that have supply chains vulnerable to disruption.

The export controls are in addition to ones China placed in December on key elements such as gallium.

“They have a much more developed export control regime,” Philip Luck, an economist at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and former State Department official, said at a panel discussion on Monday.

“We depend on them for a lot of critical minerals: gallium, germanium, graphite, a host of others,” he said. “So … they could put some significant harm on our economy.”

The response from China appears calculated and measured, said Stephen Dover, chief market strategist and head of the Franklin Templeton Institute, a financial research firm. However, he said, the world is bracing for further impact.

“A risk is that this is the beginning of a tit-for-tat trade war, which could result in lower GDP growth everywhere, higher U.S. inflation, a stronger dollar and upside pressure on U.S. interest rates,” Dover said.

US companies also impacted

In addition, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation said Tuesday it is investigating Google on suspicion of violating antitrust laws. The announcement did not mention the tariffs but came just minutes after Trump’s 10% tariffs on China were to take effect.

It is unclear how the probe will affect Google’s operations. The company has long faced complaints from Chinese smartphone makers over its business practices surrounding the Android operating system, Gong said.

Otherwise, Google has a limited presence in China, and its search engine is blocked in the country like most other Western platforms. Google exited the Chinese market in 2010 after refusing to comply with censorship requests from the Chinese government and following a series of cyberattacks on the company.

Google did not immediately comment.

The Commerce Ministry also placed two American companies on an unreliable entities list: PVH Group, which owns Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, and Illumina, which is a biotechnology company with offices in China. The listing could bar them from engaging in China-related import or export activities and from making new investments in the country.

Beijing began investigating PVH Group in September last year over “improper Xinjiang-related behavior” after the company allegedly boycotted the use of Xinjiang cotton.

Putting these U.S. companies on the unreliable entities list is “alarming” because it shows that the Chinese government is using the list to pressure U.S. companies to take a side, said George Chen, managing director for The Asia Group, a Washington D.C.-headquartered business policy consultancy.

“It’s almost like telling American companies, what your government is doing is bad, you need to tell the government that if you add more tariffs or hurt U.S.-China relations at the end of the day it’ll backfire on American companies,” Chen said.

Wu reported from Bangkok. AP writers Zen Soo in Hong Kong and Christopher Bodeen in Taipei, Taiwan, contributed to this report.

Warriors: Draymond Green returns from calf injury

SAN FRANCISCO — Draymond Green returned to the Warriors’ starting lineup Monday against the Magic.

It couldn’t have come at a better time.

After surrendering 130 points while getting boatraced by the Phoenix Suns the last time they took the court, Warriors coach Steve Kerr welcomed the return of the team’s defensive leader and court general.

“He always ties us together at that end,” Kerr said. “There’s so much gray area in the game, you go into a game with schemes and coverages and then all hell breaks loose. He has a way of making the possession make sense for the five guys. That’s what I’m looking forward to: getting that back.”

While Kerr said Green wouldn’t be limited physically, he would likely be playing under a minutes restriction while he gets back into game shape. Besides a few recent scrimmages, Green’s only time on the court since he strained his left calf on January 9 has been a 3-minute cameo against the Wizards.

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The Warriors have gone 5-6 over Green’s 11-game absence, allowing 117.1 points per 100 possessions, the eighth-worst defensive rating in the NBA. Before Green’s injury, their defense ranked in the top-10 leaguewide, at 110.5.

Kerr attributed Friday’s loss to the Suns to their poor transition defense that allowed Phoenix to blow the game open. The 130 points were the most Golden State had allowed in more than a month and the fourth-most all season.

“I thought we got a little bit disconnected (offensively) … that led to some poor transition defense,” he said. “That’s when they broke it open. That stretch in the second quarter where we didn’t execute very well at either end really changed the game.”

Kerr clarifies ‘stand pat’ comments as Warriors trade rumors heat up

SAN FRANCISCO — With a flurry of activity around the league over the weekend, Steve Kerr wants you to know he didn’t mean it was a certainty that the Warriors would stand pat at Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.

“What I said was we’re 24-24, so we can’t stand here and say ‘Oh we’re good, we’ll stand pat,’ ” Kerr said Monday, clarifying his comments following Friday’s loss to the Phoenix Suns. “But it’s not tough to envision. It’s actually very easy to envision that. All it takes is there aren’t any good deals out there.”

General manager Mike Dunleavy is working the phones, Kerr said, but so far it’s been a trade deadline that’s been among the craziest in league history and it has transpired without the Warriors’ involvement.

The Saturday night blockbuster that made Luka Doncic a Laker and sent Anthony Davis to Dallas sent shockwaves through league circles, and the Sacramento Kings poured fuel on the flames a day later when they shipped star guard De’Aaron Fox to team up with Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio.

When he took the podium before the Warriors hosted the Magic on Monday night, however, Kerr was not in the mood to add to the conversation.

“What do I think of (the trades)?” he said, when asked for his reaction, before taking a long pause to gather his thoughts. “Uh, it’s a trade involving two other teams and other players that don’t play for the Warriors, so I will not comment on that. Sorry.”

Jamahl Mosley, the coach of the 24-26 Magic, said the pair of blockbusters “shook up the league,” and it does seem like anything is possible in the world where a 25-year-old franchise cornerstone is available on the trade market.

Jimmy Butler? LeBron James? Kevin Durant?

As the Warriors seek to find a superstar sidekick for Steph Curry, they have been connected to all three, with a Durant reunion the latest rumor to surface Monday afternoon. Yahoo! Sports’ Jake Fischer was the first to report that the Warriors had gauged the Suns’ interest in a deal, and the possibility was later confirmed by Sports Illustrated and The Athletic.

Despite his six-year run with Davis coming to an end, James is expected to remain in Los Angeles past the deadline, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, who also reported Golden State inquired about the all-time great at last year’s trade deadline, before James possessed his current no-trade clause.

While Butler’s relationship with his current team, the Miami Heat, is more tenuous than ever, the wheels seemingly stalled on any potential deal involving the Warriors when the do-it-all wing reportedly wouldn’t commit to signing an extension.

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In fact, the speedbumps in the Butler talks have rival executives believing it makes the Suns more likely to listen to offers on Durant, according to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, who reported the Warriors’ interest in a reunion was “indeed serious.”

Durant, a two-time champion in three seasons with the Warriors from 2016-18, is under contract for $51.2 million this season and $54.7 million in 2025-26, when he will be 37. The Suns would certainly demand a hefty return for the 14-time All-Star averaging 26.9 points per game this season.

“As I said the other night, if there’s something that makes sense that can make us better, Mike’s going to do it,” Kerr said. “My point the other night was if you’re .500, you don’t reserve the right to say ‘No we’re going to stand pat, we’re fine.’ We’re not fine. We’re .500, in 10th or 11th place in the West. You’ve gotta look at everything, but you don’t chase bad deals either. If there’s nothing, there’s nothing there and we move forward.”

RFK Jr. misled the US Senate on measles deaths, Samoa’s health chief says

By CHARLOTTE GRAHAM-McLAY

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Samoa’s top health official on Monday denounced as “a complete lie” remarks that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made during his bid to become U.S. health secretary, rejecting his claim that some who died in the country’s 2019 measles epidemic didn’t have the disease.

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“It’s a total fabrication,” Samoa Director-General of Health Dr. Alec Ekeroma told The Associated Press of Kennedy’s comments.

U.S. senators grilled Kennedy last week over his 2019 Samoa trip, accusing him of downplaying his role in the epidemic.

What happened in Samoa?

The outbreak devastated the Pacific island nation in 2019, killing 83 people in a population of 200,000. Vaccination rates were historically low because of poor public health management and the 2018 deaths of two babies whose vaccines were incorrectly prepared, prompting fears that the MMR immunization was unsafe before the nature of the error was discovered.

The government suspended vaccinations for 10 months before the outbreak — the period when Kennedy visited. His trip was organized by a Samoan anti-vaccine influencer, according to a 2021 blog post by Kennedy.

On Wednesday, Kennedy denied that his visit had fueled anti-vaccine sentiment. A spokesperson didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.

“Anti-vaxxers from New Zealand came to be with him here,” Ekeroma said. “That’s how I know that his influence can be far-reaching.”

What did Kennedy say about the deaths?

“When the tissue samples were sent to New Zealand, most of those people did not have measles,” Kennedy told U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat.

Ekeroma, a medical doctor who also holds a doctorate in health, said that the claim was a “huge denial” of the fact that doctors from several countries traveled to Samoa to treat measles patients.

The Samoan official wasn’t the health chief during the outbreak, but confirmed key details with his predecessor, he said. Only one autopsy was carried out and no postmortem tissue samples were sent abroad, which was not unusual because measles is a simple disease to diagnose, said Ekeroma.

Blood samples from living patients were sent to Australia and New Zealand, where the public health agency said Monday that testing had confirmed the same strain of measles circulating in New Zealand at the time.

Why did Kennedy travel to Samoa?

“I went there – nothing to do with vaccines,” Kennedy said Wednesday. “I went there to introduce a medical informatics system that would digitalize records in Samoa and make health delivery much more efficient.”

Ekeroma rejected that assertion, referring to social media posts by anti-vaccine advocates who posed for photos with Kennedy during his trip. One later wrote on the blog of Kennedy’s then nonprofit, Children’s Health Defense — which has decried MMR vaccines as unsafe — that during the outbreak he received advice from people assembled by Kennedy encouraging the alternative treatments he was supplying to Samoan families.

In the same blog post, Kennedy recalled meeting Samoa’s then prime minister, who he said was “curious to measure health outcomes following the ‘natural experiment’ created by the national respite from vaccines.”

In late 2019, Kennedy wrote to the leader, saying that the deaths could have been caused by a measles vaccine — statements he repeated in written responses to senators’ questions following the hearing. He urged the Samoan leader to approach a particular laboratory to investigate the source of the outbreak.

Did Kennedy’s visit have any sway?

“My words had nothing to do with vaccine uptake in Samoa or with the 2019 epidemic,” Kennedy said in his written responses.

But Kennedy emboldened anti-vaccine contacts in Samoa, Ekeroma said, and the epidemic was fueled by disinformation in social media posts in the island nation and abroad.

Moelagi Leilani Jackson, a Samoan nurse who worked on the vaccination campaign, told the AP in 2023 that anti-vaccine campaigners “got louder” after Kennedy’s visit.

“I feel like they felt they had the support of Kennedy,” she said.

However, Ekeroma said that Kennedy’s overtures weren’t heeded by the nation’s leaders. A vaccination campaign resumed in 2019 and measles vaccines are now compulsory for Samoan children.

Would Kennedy’s appointment impact the Pacific?

If Kennedy is affirmed as the top U.S. health official this week, it would be “a danger to us, a danger to everyone,” Ekeroma said. Kennedy would control U.S. funding for vaccination initiatives and could make affordable vaccines harder for small nations like Samoa to access, the official said.

“If he’s going to be appointed, then we will have to actually discuss around the Pacific as to how we’re going to try to neutralize his influence in the region,” he added.

Amanda Seitz contributed to this report from Washington.

Horoscopes Jan. 31, 2025: Kerry Washington, focus on what brings you joy

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Mario Williams, 40; Justin Timberlake, 44; Kerry Washington, 48; Portia de Rossi, 52.

Happy Birthday: You’re heading in an upward direction. It may not be what you expect, but it will be a lively ride you will enjoy if you can control your emotions. Stop fretting over what you cannot change and focus on what brings you joy. Connect with those who offer mental and emotional support and encourage you to trust and believe in yourself enough to make your dreams come true. Your numbers are 5, 17, 23, 28, 34, 36, 42.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Make home and family a priority. A change that adds to your comfort or convenience will help you do what’s best for the people, situations and concerns that matter most. Contact someone who can offer insight into using your skills most effectively to help a cause or advance your career. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Home improvements, entertaining or changing your lifestyle to ease stress are in your best interest. Altering your mindset to accept what you cannot change and choosing to walk away will leave room to satisfy your needs and protect what’s near and dear to you. Your happiness depends on intelligent choices. 4 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Gather information. Don’t trust anyone but yourself; verify all the details you receive and only share what’s necessary. An opportunity is apparent, but it depends on your feelings about the people involved and what they expect of you. It’s not worth jeopardizing your reputation to please others. Do what’s best for you. 2 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Put all you’ve got emotionally and physically into getting ahead and rising above any competition. Put in extra time, and reach out to those who can make a difference in the outcome of something you long for. Enthusiasm and a positive attitude will make a difference. Romance and self-improvement are favored. 5 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Make choices that honor your preferences and distance yourself from anyone trying to decide for you. Taking charge will help you gain respect and open doors, encouraging exciting opportunities. Keep your private life to yourself and avoid being scrutinized for something that is nobody else’s business. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A slight change will help you gain movement when things appear to be at a standstill. Refuse to let anyone talk you into overspending, overdoing or overthinking a situation or move. Keep your life choices simple and doable. A commitment to a special someone will bring you closer together. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Stay actively involved in learning. Stretch your imagination, and you’ll devise a plan that offers the freedom to do something you enjoy. Traveling, getting together with old friends or exploring new possibilities and places that spark your imagination will lead to opportunities. Keep the momentum flowing, and advancement will follow. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Less talk and more action is your ticket to success. Sign up for something engaging, and you will thrive. Put your energy where it counts and go above and beyond the call of duty, and you’ll make a stellar impression, gaining the support you need to pursue your objective. Romance is favored. 5 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Someone will try to back you into a corner. Keep your wits about you and your eyes and ears open for any hint of unfair play. Avoid shared expenses or getting stuck paying for someone else’s mistake. You’ll do your best to look out for yourself and do your own thing. 2 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Put your time and effort into relationships, investments and what you aim to do next. A healthy plan that properly utilizes your connections, strengths and skills will point you in the right direction. Don’t wait for things to come to you. Act and turn your dream into a reality. 4 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Simplify matters, learn to adjust and remain cool, calm and in control. Refuse to let personal or money matters escalate, or your health will deteriorate due to unnecessary stress. Show your strength and be the one to step up and take credit for what you can and should do. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Gather the facts before you say or do something you’ll regret. Pay attention to detail and make what you enjoy doing a priority. Take a break from those who test your temper. Harness your energy and put it to work for you. Self-improvement is favored. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are innovative, changeable and sensitive. You are prompt and agile.

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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Revive dry hair with the best nourishing hair masks

What do hair masks do?

When your hair looks dull, feels dry or is not as smooth and shiny as you’d like it to be, a hair mask is the best remedy. This intensive conditioner is designed to nourish and moisturize hair and repair damage. Hair masks are available for a range of hair types and needs.

You can buy ready-to-use hair masks or make them yourself at home. Whichever option you choose, you’ll need to choose the right mask for your hair.

Who needs hair masks?

Hair masks are most beneficial for people with dry or damaged hair. They are moisture-rich and can sink into the follicle to nourish hair damaged by heat or hair dye. Other people prefer to use these products preventively to keep their hair smooth and shiny. Unless your hair is greasy, you can use a hair mask.

Hair mask benefits

Hair masks have multiple positive effects on your hair. They include:

Hair masks leave your hair softer and shinerUsing hair masks can moisturize dry hairSome hair masks can mask the appearance of split ends and reduce breakageYour hair may be stronger and your scalp healthier after using a hair maskBy moisturizing hair, masks can reduce frizz and stray hairsHow to use a hair mask

Hair masks are straightforward to use but require more time than you’d usually spend washing your hair. Start by shampooing your hair as usual. This removes dirt and grease that might get in the way of the mask, thoroughly soaking into the shaft of the hair. Shampooing also opens up the hair cuticles so the mask can penetrate better.

Then, squeeze your hair after rinsing out the shampoo, but don’t dry it. Now apply the mask to your hair, making sure to comb it into the strands with your fingers so you don’t miss any sections. If your hair is often limp or you want extra volume, avoid the roots, starting around midway down the length of the hair.

Wait around 20-30 minutes for the hair mask to work its magic. If your hair is dried, you can leave your hair mask on overnight. You may want to use a hair tie to put your hair up and out of the way while you wait. After the designated amount of time, rinse out the mask and dry your hair as usual.

Moisturizing hair mask ingredients

If you want to make your hair mask, there are a few nourishing ingredients you should include. You can also look out for these ingredients in store-bought hair masks.

Olive oil

Olive oil is an excellent natural moisturizer and is excellent for homemade masks as it’s readily available in practically any grocery store. In fact, you probably already have some in your kitchen. It contains squalene, also naturally produced by our bodies to moisturize our skin and hair, so it’s great for hair masks.

Avocado oil

While any oil can help moisturize hair, avocado oil is rich in nutrients like folic acid, iron and magnesium, which can help boost your hair health.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is a favorite among people who make their hair masks and other beauty products since it’s solid or semisolid at room temperature, making it less messy to work with. It’s also one of the best oils for penetrating the hair shaft due to its low molecular weight.

Shea butter

Fat extracted from the shea nut tree — also known as shea butter — is another common ingredient in hair masks due to its excellent moisturizing properties. Like coconut oil, it’s solid at room temperature and easy to handle.

Aloe vera

Anti-inflammatory aloe vera is a quality hair mask ingredient for anyone with a dry or itchy scalp. It’s easy to find aloe vera gel to add to homemade hair masks.

Banana

Bananas contain silica, which helps make hair softer and shinier. It’s rarely found in commercial hair masks, but it’s easy to mash or blend into a homemade hair mask.

The best hair masks

Pureology Hydrate Superfood Treatment Hair Mask

This mask is designed to hydrate and soften hair and contains a range of moisturizing ingredients, including avocado oil and coconut oil. It’s a good choice for dry, color-treated hair.

Made for people with curly hair, this mask nourishes, hydrates and improves curl definition.

Coco & Eve Like a Virgin Hair Masque

Its impressive moisturizing properties make this mask excellent for anyone struggling with dry hair. It helps treat split ends and smooth any unwanted frizziness.

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

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AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: It’s raining low scores and aces

PEBBLE BEACH — The power of the weather gave the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am a year-awaited reprieve from its often wicked ways Thursday and powered the condensed elite field onto a leaderboard of low scores in the first round.

Russell Henley emerged from the deluge of rounds in the 60s with an 8-under-par 64 at Spyglass Hill Golf Course and leads six players by one shot.

“I feel like today the course was gettable a little bit,” said Henley. “It was a little less windy and rainy than I’ve played in years past.

“I felt like I was reading the greens well and hitting my lines. You know, I’m just really happy with 8 under on any course I play.”

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland acknowledges the crowd after a hole-in-one on the 15th hole during the first round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am 2025 at Spyglass Hill golf course. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

With the first-round final leaderboard changing quickly in mid-afternoon, Jake Knapp, Justin Rose, Cam Davis, Sepp Straka, Viktor Hovland and Nicolai Højgaard carded 67s. Knapp, Rose, Hovland and Davis played at Pebble Beach Golf Links; Straka and Højgaard played at Spyglass Hill.

“I’m still not happy with my game, how it looks, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t have great individual days or great individual tournaments,” said Hovland, who won the 2018 U.S. Amateur at Pebble Beach. “So I’m still really pumped to shoot 65, but I know that I’m not going to just let that overlook the problems or the issues that I have in my game. They’re still there, but I was able to overcome it today.”

Henley, whose last of four PGA Tour titles was the 2022 World Wide Technology Championship in Los Cabos, Mexico, ended his nine-birdie, one-bogey round with birdies on the 17th and 18th. He finished with consecutive nine-hole scores of 32.

“Yeah, I played them pretty solid,” said Henley of his strong finish. “I had a nice wedge shot on 17 to 8 or 10 feet and feel like I hit my line on my putt and went in the middle.

Russell Henley, the first-round leader, plays a shot on the 18th hole during the first round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

“Then 18 kind of did the same thing, good tee shot, good iron shot to 15, 16 feet and read it right. So, it’s a nice way to finish and definitely excited about how I’m playing.”

The ideal conditions resulted in 53 of the 80-player field shooting below 70. Only eight players shot over par on the overcast, near-windless day and with the temperature peaking in the mid-50s.

Opening-round aces added to the superior scoring during the start of the AT&T’s second year as a Signature Event.

Rory McIlroy, the world No. 3 who finished among seven players at 6-under, aced the 15th hole (his sixth hole) early Thursday at Spyglass Hill. McIlroy’s tee shot landed into the hole on the fly.

Hours later, Shane Lowry recorded the second ace of the first round, hitting a wedge on the seventh hole at Pebble Beach. Lowry’s tee shot landed about 25 yards from the pin and took a sizable bounce toward the hole.

“Honestly, it was lucky, I don’t see many balls nowadays go straight in the hole and stay in the hole,” said McIlroy of the hole-in-one, the second of his PGA Tour career. “I was pretty fortunate because it could have come out and went back in the water or do anything. It was a good swing, a good wedge.”

Scottie Schleffer, golf’s top-ranked player competing for the first time this season, shot a 67 at Spyglass Hill and is among eight players two shots behind the leader. It was Scheffler’s first competitive round since recovering from hand surgery in late December.

Viktor Hovland looks on from the second green during the first round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Defending titlist Wyndham Clarke, the 2023 U.S. Open winner, struggled with two double bogeys, one bogey and only three birdies en route to a 74. He won the event last year when it was shortened to 54 holes via inclement weather.

Jordan Spieth, the 2017 AT&T winner playing for the first since August after recovering from wrist surgery, shot a 70 and is among nine players six shots behind Henley.

Play resumes Friday on the two-course rotation. Amateurs will leave the field on Saturday and Sunday, with the pros playing just at Pebble Beach. Rain is in the forecast for Friday and Saturday.

If you go
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

When: Friday-Sunday

Where: Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course

TV: Golf Channel and CBS

Tickets, more information: attpbgolf.com