The week in picks

Bookshelf speakers need breathing room: pull them a foot off the wall to tame boomy, one-note bass.

With the upcoming holiday season and seasonal spending on the horizon, this card's first-year cashback match can significantly boost your savings. Don't miss out on doubling your cashback for key purchases in your budget.

If you're in the mood to dive into something truly unique this Saturday, July 20th, head over to New World Stages for Jamie Allan's "Amaze." As a must-see performance in New York City’s vibrant Off-Broadway scene, this show offers an intimate and spellbinding experience that blends magic with theater like no other. Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness the ingenious creativity of Jamie Allan live on stage.

After three sessions, I can confidently say that Descent: Legends of the Dark shines as a deep cooperative experience. The game's app-assisted scenarios provide a dynamic narrative that keeps every session fresh and engaging. One standout moment is the tile-laying phase, where players must decide how to distribute limited resources among multiple locations, balancing immediate needs with long-term strategies. However, the heavy learning curve and lengthy duration make this not for beginners or casual gamers looking for quick play.

For serious fantasy enthusiasts willing to invest time and effort into a rich cooperative experience, this is an absolute must-have. Dive in when you want a deep, immersive game night that truly tests your strategy skills.

When it comes to birthdays, thoughtful gifts can truly make a difference, especially when you're picking something for a minimalist friend who values simplicity and portability. The Vejo Portable Blender stands out because of its compact design that seamlessly fits into any handbag or backpack-perfect for those quick mornings where blending a healthy smoothie on the go is just what you need.

However, it's not ideal for someone who prefers a more traditional kitchen blender; this portable version isn't as powerful. Timing-wise, order now to ensure delivery by their birthday in late July. At $89, it’s a budget-friendly yet thoughtful choice that won’t be cluttering the countertop but will definitely brighten up any morning.

Gifts that blend seamlessly into daily life are truly the best.

inclusionAI: Ling-2.6-flash shines when handling long-form text inputs, exceeding alternative models by a significant margin in terms of context length capacity. With a maximum context length of 262,144 tokens, it excels in scenarios requiring deep understanding and synthesis from extensive documents, such as generating summaries or translations for lengthy legal texts or research papers.

However, this model comes with the trade-off of potentially higher latency due to its extensive processing capabilities. For real-time applications where quick responses are crucial, developers might find other models more suitable despite their shorter context lengths.

Always choose the right tool for your task, considering both performance and practical constraints.

The most traded market on Polymarket, "Will Marco Rubio win the 2028 Republican presidential nomination?" at just 27 cents and a staggering $9,892,296 in volume, underscores the surprising power of long-shot bets. These markets might seem unimportant to the core events they predict; however, their sheer liquidity signals a broader engagement with unlikely outcomes.

These high-volume, low-probability bets reflect a curious mix of optimism and speculative gambling. The large volume suggests that even marginal chances can capture significant interest from bettors who see value in small probabilities or simply enjoy the thrill of long-shot wagers.

The top markets reveal an underlying curiosity about niche political figures and underdog scenarios. While the Indianapolis Colts’ championship win, for instance, has a minuscule probability, its high volume points to a community that values engaging with these unlikely events.

Watch how low-probability bets continue to drive substantial trading volumes.

San Francisco and Santa Maria, both California metros, are showing minimal price changes despite significant year-over-year (YoY) declines in home values. San Francisco has seen a mere 0.1% increase in ZHVI to $1,142,320, accompanied by an even smaller 19.2% drop in asking prices. Similarly, Santa Maria's market is down 2.8% YoY but also has witnessed 20.2% price cuts. This suggests a buyer-friendly environment yet hints at ongoing market uncertainty.

In stark contrast, Rockford, Illinois, and Utica, New York, are leading the pack in terms of YoY gains. Both metros have seen strong appreciation, with Rockford posting a robust 9.0% increase to $224,410 ZHVI, reflecting a resilient local economy despite significant price reductions (16.7%). Utica follows closely at 8.0%, indicating a similar dynamic but with slightly less pronounced gains in home values.

The data suggests that while some markets are stabilizing after declines, others continue to show strong growth and could be worth watching for potential investment opportunities.

In the heart of summer, when the air is warm and the days are long, there’s something almost magical about a dish that warms from within-like Molasses Baked Beans. This Canadian classic is more than just a side; it’s an invitation to slow down, savor each bite, and perhaps reminisce about lazy afternoons spent with family.

At its core, this recipe masterfully balances sweetness with tanginess. The molasses, with its deep, rich flavor, provides the backbone of the dish, while cider vinegar introduces a subtle acidity that cuts through the richness. Together, they create a harmony that is both comforting and invigorating.

For your July 20th meal, pair this hearty dish with a crisp green salad or a fresh corn pudding. If you’re looking to swap out molasses for something similar but less intense, try honey or maple syrup as a substitution.