EXCESSIVE

A new survey finds that 8 in 10 Dutch people aged 16 to 34 believe their smartphone use harms their everyday life. The finding highlights growing concern among young adults about the impact of constant phone use on wellbeing, concentration, and daily routines, sparking debate about digital habits and possible measures to curb excessive screen time.

The United States has more self-storage facilities than many common reference points, a statistic being recirculated on Kottke.org. The comparison highlights how large the American storage industry has become, prompting discussion about consumer habits, housing pressure and the economics of renting out space for excess belongings.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a 20% reduction in the number of general and admiral positions across the US armed forces. The move, announced by the Pentagon, is part of a broader effort to streamline military leadership and trim what Hegseth describes as excessive bureaucracy. The proposal has drawn attention in France and among NATO allies, with debate over its impact on military effectiveness.

At a G20 meeting, the US trade envoy pushed for coordinated action against excess industrial capacity that is unfairly driving down global prices. Several countries, excluding China, reportedly agreed to a plan involving reductions in capacity. The discussion highlights continued US efforts to rally trading partners on overcapacity, a dispute at the heart of tensions with Beijing over steel, solar and other subsidized exports.

The United States is pressing China over its steel production capacity at the G20 summit, days after President Xi Jinping's state visit. The move signals continued trade friction between Washington and Beijing despite the recent diplomatic engagement, with excess Chinese steel output long blamed for depressing global prices.

California has installed so much solar capacity that it generates more electricity than needed during midafternoon hours, with the surplus going unused even as the grid faces potential shortages in the evening when solar output drops. One proposal gaining attention: give low-income consumers free power from 1 pm to 3 pm to absorb the excess and ease evening demand.

The classic French dish potatoes lyonnaise — potatoes pan-fried with caramelised onions and parsley — is drawing fresh interest as a recipe for the dish circulates widely online. Home cooks are sharing tips on getting the potatoes crisp without excess oil, and the simple, inexpensive ingredients are striking a chord with readers looking for budget-friendly comfort food.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has confirmed that the American military will reduce its ranks of generals and admirals by 20%. The move is part of a broader push to streamline the Pentagon's leadership structure and cut what Hegseth has characterized as excess top brass, though critics question whether reducing senior command positions will improve military effectiveness.

Energy drinks and energy shots are being compared on nutrition and formulation grounds. Industry discussion focuses on differences in caffeine content, serving size, sugar levels, and intended use, as consumers weigh full-size canned beverages against concentrated one-shot alternatives. The comparison highlights how manufacturers in the energy category position their products differently for busy consumers seeking a quick caffeine boost without excess calories or volume.

Climate commentators are sharing an article explaining that most of the heat accumulating in Earth's system from climate change is stored in the oceans, and that El Niño acts as one mechanism by which the ocean releases this excess heat. The discussion highlights how the current El Niño event may amplify warming effects, with readers urging others to read the full piece.

A Harvard conference focused on education choice argues that ending excessive regulation is essential to making alternatives to traditional public schools widely available. Speakers and participants framed overregulation as a barrier that limits how many families can realistically access charter schools, private options, or other choices, and called for policy reform to open up supply.

Axa XL, the specialty insurance arm of French insurer Axa, will begin writing business through a dedicated excess and surplus lines insurer. The move gives the unit a separate vehicle for E&S risks, a fast-growing segment of the US market where flexible, non-admitted coverage is in rising demand. Insurance industry publications report the change as a notable shift in how the insurer structures its specialty underwriting.

New reporting highlights the scale of ocean heat absorption, stating the world's oceans have taken in heat equivalent to 40 times annual global energy consumption. The figure underscores the oceans' role as the planet's main heat sink, absorbing the vast majority of excess warmth from climate change, with consequences for sea levels, marine ecosystems and extreme weather.

Lawsuits alleging video game addiction have surpassed 100 cases in 2026, yet courts have not consolidated them into a multidistrict litigation. The claims, reportedly filed by families blaming game makers for excessive play harms, remain scattered across jurisdictions. Without an MDL, plaintiffs face a slower, less coordinated path, and legal observers are watching whether courts will eventually centralize the growing docket.

Hedge fund Marshall Wace has told a court that Citadel's request in the dispute involving Shatz is overly burdensome. The filing marks a new flashpoint between the two prominent investment firms as the legal fight continues, with Citadel seeking material that Marshall Wace argues is excessive.

Bank Indonesia says it is committed to intervening in the spot foreign exchange market when necessary to stabilise the rupiah. The statement comes from a central bank official, signalling policymakers are closely watching currency movements and stand ready to act against excessive volatility.

Analysts say Bitcoin is testing a key supply cluster held by long-term holders, while excess leverage in the derivatives market has been cleared out. The zone is being watched closely as a potential marker for whether the current price level holds or gives way. Traders see the flushing of leveraged positions as a reset that could set the stage for Bitcoin's next directional move.

Avavav presented its Spring Summer 2027 collection with a quieter, more restrained approach than its usual maximalist, logo-heavy aesthetic. The Italian label, known for loud prints and tongue-in-cheek luxury, is being read as toning down its signature excess for the season, prompting discussion among fashion watchers about whether the brand is maturing or repositioning itself.

Private-placement life insurance (PPLI) is back in focus as commentators weigh its benefits against its risks. The structure lets policyholders funnel excess premiums into alternative assets such as private equity, with investment gains sheltered inside an insurance wrapper. Discussion centres on how wealthy investors can use PPLI for tax-efficient growth, while critics point to its complexity, costs and regulatory pitfalls.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a law banning law enforcement officers in the state from using gloves that deliver electric shocks. The legislation makes California the first state to prohibit the devices, which deliver shocks through the fingertips and have raised concerns about excessive force. Supporters say the move curbs a painful and potentially dangerous policing tool.