Quality is much better than my last phone, the 13 Mini.
In fact, I find the 16 Pro better at both photos and video than my current action camera.
It’s my primary camera now.
5x optical zoom is almost enough for my purposes. 😀
my iPhone 16 Pro
Category: product endorsements
I’m Taking Creatine
In the 1990s at University of Saskatchewan, we made creatine available to all the top gymnasts.
For decades it had been used as a legal supplement for strength enhancement in sport.
According to a 2018 review article in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition creatine monohydrate is the most effective nutritional supplement to increase high intensity exercise capacity and muscle mass during training. …
A 2014 survey of 21,000 college athletes showed that 14% of athletes take creatine supplements.[49]
I felt use had fallen off in recent years. But when Garth and Michele mentioned the product for seniors, I took a new look.
Creatine monohydrate, once a supplement marketed to bodybuilders and athletes, has now become popular with aging Americans.
Why it matters: It’s another tool longevity experts say can help people live stronger for longer — both in body and mind. …
It’s specifically a hot topic for women in perimenopause and menopause. …
Brains get a boost on creatine, too, research suggests. The supplement has been linked to improved memory, brain health, depression treatment and increased energy. …
What we’re watching: Creatine research focused on Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment.
AXIOS – Longevity’s new muscle: Creatine (2025)
Sounds like negative side effects are few or none.
Good enough for me. I ordered some creatine gummies, to start.
I do muscular strength and endurance training already every day. Perhaps this will help me live to age-100. 😀
I’ll be taking 2-4 of these gummies / day. Four gummies takes me up to 5000mg / day.
My MacBook Air M4 Laptop in 2025
When Apple launched the M4 Air, they offered a crazy high trade-in bonus to jumpstart sales.
I got CAD $780 for my 2021 MacBook Pro. Used that towards the CAD $1400 NEW M4 Air.
I need 16GB unified memory for VIDEO editing. That’s the minimum available on the M4.
Got the minimum 256GB SSD storage as I put my BIG files on external SSD drives.
I don’t use the standard Apple charging brick. Instead I use a UGREEN Nexode 100W USB C Charger.
For the missing ports, I always carry the UGREEN USB C Hub.
Reviews are all good.
That said — if you don’t edit VIDEO on your laptop, I’d recommend buying the least expensive M1 MacBook Air you can find refurbished. Don’t pay more than CAD $300.
Click PLAY or watch unboxing and set-up of the new M4 Air on YouTube.
My AURA Smart Bike Helmet by UNIT 1
Overall, I’m very happy with my Aura Helmet — and would recommend it to one and all.
Right now it’s probably the best smart helmet available.
The system is expensive, however. I paid USD $300 for the entire system. You might be able to buy the helmet alone for about $220.
I bought it on Kickstarter. (And might not use Kickstarter in future.)
My delivery was delayed by several months.
Click PLAY or watch my 3 month review on YouTube.
I used an A.I. voice over on that edit.
A helmet once saved me on a crash in New Zealand. I plan to wear this helmet more often into the future.
I’ll try not to lose it. 😀
IF you ride an electric bike, having the SAFEST possible helmet is even more critical.
- MIPS certified (Multi-directional Impact Protection System)
- Helmet with integrated lights front and back
- Magnetic smart lights that can be mounted anywhere
- Handlebar navigation remote control
- Smart phone app
I really like the quick magnetic attachment of 3 alternate visors. Wearing glasses full-time, very few other types of visors or cycling sunglasses fit.
BUT …
The process for pairing all the devices with Bluetooth is confusing. What’s on their various help videos is not what happened when I paired.
In addition, my first remote was faulty. Support was prompt. And they eventually shipped me a replacement.
The biggest complaint online is that the ON / OFF button is difficult. Personally, I like the fact that the helmet will not accidentally be turned on. I’m OK with the stiff button.
Click PLAY or watch an independent review on YouTube.
Here’s the company pitch.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Here’s one review of the top 4 smart helmets, as of the date of this post.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
LOVE the Toftbo IKEA Bath Mat
If you suffer with 1st World Problems, you MIGHT struggle with finding the perfect bath mat.
After 3 failed purchases at thrift stores, I finally researched and bought the Toftbo IKEA Bath Mat on Amazon.
- machine washable
- quick dry
We’re not using any underlay. It doesn’t seem to slip on our bathroom floor.
Our Power Lift Stand-up Recliner Chair
We are happy with the model we bought in 2025 ➙ Pride Mobility’s VivaLift Tranquil Power Recliner.
- durable
- remote control with cable (so you don’t lose the remote 😀)
- adjustable shoulder and neck support
- adjustable lumbar position
- goes flat with no chance of tipping over
- USB charger port in the remote to charge your smart device from your chair
Image below shows how it can stand you UP from the chair.
Dad testing it out.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
AND … here’s the OLD chair. 😀 Come pick it up!
Future of Desalinization
For countries where water is plentiful (Canada) and industries where water is a huge fraction of costs, desalination is probably not viable for industry.
BUT for countries where water is already scarce, or for industries that don’t depend mainly on water, bringing desalinated water is completely plausible. Prices continue to drop.
I recall having a hot shower in Saudi Arabia. Great water pressure. … Wondering where the H2O was coming from.
Desalinization plants hundreds of miles distant.
TOMAS PUEYO posted a deep dive.
Does Desalination Promise a Future of Infinite Water?
My Future Tiny Home
There’s a good chance I’ll — someday — settle down in an inexpensive, minimalist home.
Ideally, it will be easily mobile ➙ like the Jupe. ($25,000)
VERY inexpensive is the CAMZLE tent. There are plenty of competitors for livable tents.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. Brainstorming.
Driverless trucks SOON in Texas
In 2024 we are hearing much about driverless taxis.
BUT the much bigger market — and easier logistics — is long distance trucking.
As I post in October 2024, drivers are still aboard driverless Aurora Innovation trucks (for safety) but they should be hauling freight on Interstate 45 between the Dallas and Houston without human oversight SOON.
IF we had dedicated lanes for driverless trucks, no problem. But the software must anticipated every possible unexpected collision.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Here’s a cool video looking at an Autonomous Truck Terminal in 2024. There are PLENTY of humans working behind the scenes.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
My NEW DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone
I’ve been really enjoying flying drones.
Mine was the dumbest — and least expensive — in the DJI line-up, the original Mini S.E.
Getting ready for hiking / cycling 2024, I bought a DJI Mini 4 Pro drone. (My old drone broke in Idaho.)
Click PLAY or watch samples on YouTube.
Now have the DJI RC-N2 controller with the built-in screen. No longer need to hook up my phone.
I got the full Fly More Kit which includes 3 batteries, charging hub, carrying case, and extras.
Not inexpensive at CAD $1500 including tax.
Of course buying a warranty is essential. I paid CAD $170 (USD $125) / 2 years. I can replace the drone carcass up to 3 times. But IF I lose the drone, no warranty coverage.
I bought some accessories, as well:
- BRDRC Mini 4 Pro ND64 Lens Filter CAD $25 (probably won’t use it)
- Lanyard Neck Strap for DJI Mini 4 Pro CAD $18
- STARTRC Propeller Holder CAD $16
I could have gone for the less expensive Mini 2, or Mini 3, but decided on the 4 for these features:
- 360 degree obstacle avoidance
- better low light video
- it has a built-in light, so I can see the drone in the sky at dusk or dawn
- vertical video in 4K
- more Quickshot options
Most importantly, super powerful Activetrack options. The drone will follow-me wherever I go, avoiding obstacles so I need not manually watch it every second.
Due to obstacle avoidance, I’ve not crashed the Mini 4 even once … aside from day 1 when I tried to catch it by hand incorrectly. Oops.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
I’ll shoot video in 2024 with drone, iPhone, and Ace Pro Action Camera:
- 4K HDR / HDR, 60 or 30 fps automatic setting
Add-on
- SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO® microSD™ UHS-I Card
- replacement rubber prop holder
- controller bracket for my bike
- normally shoot in 4K 60 fps (unless only 30 fps available)
- slow motion mode is 4K 100 fps
- also possible is 1080p 200 fps
- normally shoot in HLG mode
- shoots vertical video in 4K (better than cropping)
- normally photos in JPEG and RAW both
- Quickshots are great
- Mastershots even better. About 2 minutes of different shots around a target.
- Hyperlapse is easy. Generate a few seconds of Timelapse footage.
- Activetrack will follow the target. 360 allows you to rotate around while moving.
- POI circles the target, while following
My guru is DC Rainmaker.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
NOTES:
I didn’t go for the Plus battery because the added weight takes it over the sub-250g weight
I was convinced to buy the more expensive Mini 4 by DC Rainmaker’s 2022 review.
If you are keeping track — I bought the DJI Spark at the beginning. Couldn’t get it off the ground. Traded to Kraig for a fantastic jacket.
During the pandemic, I bought 2 DJI Mini SE drones. Now discontinued. Less than CAD $1000 total for both including the Fly More kit.
Surprisingly durable. I crashed them dozens of times.
Rick McCharles 