An app for that

Shine’s off the Apple: For the first time in more than a decade, Apple reported a drop in quarterly revenue as sales of its iPhone tailed off. It sold 51.2 million iPhones in the first three months of the year, about 10 million fewer than a year earlier. The company is battling perceptions that its latest iPhones aren’t much different from previous models.

Here, Apple, let us help with that: How about an iPhone that deploys airbags when dropped by a teenager (or a fumble-fingered adult)? Or maybe Siri could advise us to shut up when we’re losing an argument.

Taxi! As part of a settlement with its drivers, Uber, the ride-sharing service, won’t discourage drivers from seeking tips, allowing riders to treat them more like cabbies.

In return, to enhance the Uber experience, drivers will speak with a Brooklyn accent, wear tweed caps and ask, “Where to, Mac?”

Don’t know much about history: On this day in 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan was killed by natives in the Philippines..

“See,” Magellan called back to his crew. “This is what I get for stopping to ask for directions.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

RGB version
Editorial cartoons for Friday, April 19

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Snow dusts the treeline near Heather Lake Trailhead in the area of a disputed logging project on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, outside Verlot, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Editorial: Move ahead with state forests’ carbon credit sales

A judge clears a state program to set aside forestland and sell carbon credits for climate efforts.

Students make their way through a portion of a secure gate a fence at the front of Lakewood Elementary School on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 in Marysville, Washington. Fencing the entire campus is something that would hopefully be upgraded with fund from the levy. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Levies in two north county districts deserve support

Lakewood School District is seeking approval of two levies. Fire District 21 seeks a levy increase.

Schwab: Honestly, the lies are coming in thick and sticky

The week in fakery comes with the disturbing news that many say they believe the Trumpian lies.

If grizzlies return, should those areas be off-limits?

We’ve all seen the YouTube videos of how the Yellowstone man-beast encounters… Continue reading

Efforts to confront homelessness encouraging

Thanks to The Herald for its efforts to battle homelessness, along with… Continue reading

Comment: Nostalgia ain’t what it used to be, nor was the past

Nostalgia often puts too rosy a tint on the past. But it can be used to see the present more clearly.

A new apple variety, WA 64, has been developed by WSU's College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences. The college is taking suggestions on what to name the variety. (WSU)
Editorial: Apple-naming contest fun celebration of state icon

A new variety developed at WSU needs a name. But take a pass on suggesting Crispy McPinkface.

Liz Skinner, right, and Emma Titterness, both from Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County, speak with a man near the Silver Lake Safeway while conducting a point-in-time count Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, in Everett, Washington. The man, who had slept at that location the previous night, was provided some food and a warming kit after participating in the PIT survey. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Editorial: Among obstacles, hope to curb homelessness

Panelists from service providers and local officials discussed homelessness’ interwoven challenges.

FILE - In this photo taken Oct. 2, 2018, semi-automatic rifles fill a wall at a gun shop in Lynnwood, Wash. Gov. Jay Inslee is joining state Attorney General Bob Ferguson to propose limits to magazine capacity and a ban on the sale of assault weapons. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)
Editorial: ‘History, tradition’ poor test for gun safety laws

Judge’s ruling against the state’s law on large-capacity gun clips is based on a problematic decision.

State needs to assure better rail service for Amtrak Cascades

The Puget Sound region’s population is expected to grow by 4 million… Continue reading

Trump’s own words contradict claims of Christian faith

In a recent letter to the editor regarding Christians and Donald Trump,… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.