The week in picks

Multipoint Bluetooth (two devices at once) is the feature you'll miss most once you've had it.

If you're planning a summer vacation or frequenting restaurants more this season, the $95 annual fee on the Chase Sapphire Preferred could be worth it. It offers 5x points on Chase-booked travel and 3x at restaurants, perfect for your spending patterns.

Streamline your expenses with perks that fit your lifestyle.

If you're in the mood to get swept away by a classic tale with modern flair, grab your tickets for Wicked at the Gershwin Theatre on August 3rd. This Broadway staple is more than just a show; it's an immersive experience that New York locals swear by, complete with stunning visuals and a compelling story that will make you question good and evil in ways you never thought possible. Don't miss your chance to see this magical performance-price tag be damned!

After playing Cryptid three times this week, I can confidently say it’s a game that thrives on thoughtful deduction and subtle social dynamics. During our recent session, we found ourselves deeply engrossed in the initial bird-card draw; each one seemed to hold more information than expected, making every subsequent turn a tense wait to see if our suspicions were confirmed or shattered. However, this isn't a game for those who prefer fast-paced, loud games with frequent laughter and chatter-Cryptid requires players who are comfortable with quieter interactions.

For anyone looking for a nuanced deduction experience that’s as much about the company you keep as it is about solving the mystery, Cryptid is an excellent choice. Dive in when you’re ready to explore the depths of your friends' minds and the shadows of a hidden creature.

This Father's Day, instead of a traditional pen and notebook, give your boss the Rocketbook Core Reusable Smart Notebook. Unlike ordinary notebooks that gather dust, this smart notebook can be erased and reused, making it perfect for jotting down ideas or meeting notes without cluttering his office.

However, if your boss is already tech-savvy with multiple digital tools, he might find this a bit redundant.

At $35, timing is key-ensure he needs something new before Father's Day to make sure the gift is cherished.

For an application requiring a large context length without significant price or latency constraints, Google: Nano Banana 2 shines. Its 131072 tokens of context make it ideal for complex, multi-step reasoning tasks where the ability to understand long sequences is crucial.

However, this strength comes with a trade-off. The high context length means it might not be the best choice in latency-sensitive applications or when cost optimization is paramount. [It’s a tool better suited for strategic, rather than tactical, AI needs.]

The surge in volume for markets related to cryptocurrency and politics on Polymarket indicates a growing investor interest beyond traditional sports and entertainment predictions. The high volume of bets placed on MetaMask's token launch suggests optimism about blockchain technology, while the political market reflects ongoing speculation around global leadership changes.

Investors are not just betting on immediate events; they're anticipating long-term trends. The question "Will Eric Trump win the 2028 Republican presidential nomination?" shows a continued fascination with U.S. politics and its future implications for markets. This could signal broader concerns about economic stability or political uncertainty that ripple through various industries.

Keep an eye on MetaMask's token launch prediction for insights into blockchain adoption.

San Francisco, a traditionally high-value market, has seen its median home value decrease by 0.9% year-over-year (YoY) with significant price cuts of 22.3%. This contrasts sharply with Austin, where the value dropped by 5.7% YoY due to substantial price reductions of 28.4%. While San Francisco's market is experiencing a slowdown and correction, it remains one of the most expensive housing markets in the country. Austin, on the other hand, has seen a more pronounced decline, suggesting broader economic or local factors affecting its housing market dynamics.

These divergent trends indicate that while some markets like San Francisco are adjusting through price cuts to maintain buyer interest, others such as Austin are facing larger declines possibly due to a combination of supply and demand imbalances, economic conditions, or specific regulatory pressures. As we move forward into the next month, it will be crucial to monitor price cut trends in these metros to gauge whether the current adjustments are stabilizing or if further market shifts are imminent.

Beef Mandi from PicksByRecipe is a perfect summer recipe that marries cool and warm flavors with ease. The key here lies in how the green chilli works in tandem with the beef stock to add just enough heat without overpowering the dish. This technique, often seen in Indian cuisine, creates a balance where each bite offers a harmonious blend of spicy and savory notes.

The use of oil at the beginning is crucial; it not only enhances the flavor but also ensures that all ingredients are well-coated and infused with aroma from the start. The addition of onion and garlic sets the stage for layers of complexity, making every spoonful of this dish a delightful adventure in taste.

Recipe page: Beef Mandi

For a balanced meal, pair Beef Mandi with a simple cucumber raita to cool down the palate.