Looking at a new larger phone.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 has a 6.1-inch display, so a "larger" display would typically mean 6.5 inches or more, ideal for streaming, gaming, or multitasking. Based on your needs and the latest options, here are some top recommendations for large-display smartphones to replace your S23, focusing on performance, display quality, and user experience. ### Key Considerations - **Display Size**: You’ll want a phone with a screen size of 6.5 inches or larger for a noticeable upgrade. - **Use Case**: Larger screens are great for media consumption, productivity, or if you prefer two-handed typing.[](https://www.samsung.com/uk/mobile-phone-buying-guide/what-screen-size/)[](https://www.samsung.com/au/mobile/buying-guide/what-screen-size/) - **Brand Preference**: Since you’re coming from a Samsung Galaxy S23, you might prefer Samsung’s ecosystem, but other brands like Google and OnePlus offer compelling alternatives. - **Budget**: Options range from premium flagships to more affordable models. ### Top Recommendations 1. **Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (6.9-inch display)** - **Why Choose It**: The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a massive 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 2,600 nits peak brightness, and anti-reflective coating for excellent visibility. It’s a direct upgrade from the S23, with a premium titanium frame, a 200MP main camera, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor for top-tier performance. The included S Pen is great for productivity, though it lacks Bluetooth support compared to older models.[](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-android-phone/)[](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-samsung-galaxy-phone/) - **Pros**: - Stunning display quality with vibrant colors and high contrast. - Long battery life (5,000mAh) and fast charging (45W wired). - Seven years of Android updates. - Advanced Galaxy AI features (e.g., real-time call transcription, note summarization). - **Cons**: - Expensive at $1,300, though trade-in deals can lower the cost. - Large size may feel unwieldy for some users. - **Best For**: Those who want the best Samsung has to offer for media, gaming, and productivity. 2. **Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 (7.6-inch main display, 6.2-inch cover display)** - **Why Choose It**: For the largest screen, the Galaxy Z Fold6’s 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display (when unfolded) is unmatched, perfect for immersive streaming, gaming, or multitasking. The 6.2-inch cover display works for quick tasks. It’s a foldable, offering versatility for users who want a tablet-like experience.[](https://www.samsung.com/uk/mobile-phone-buying-guide/what-screen-size/)[](https://www.samsung.com/au/mobile/buying-guide/what-screen-size/) - **Pros**: - Largest screen available on a Samsung phone, ideal for multitasking. - High-quality display with 120Hz refresh rate and 2,600 nits brightness. - Flex Mode for unique use cases like hands-free video calls. - **Cons**: - Very expensive (starting around $1,900). - Bulkier and heavier than traditional phones. - Battery life (4,400mAh) is decent but not as strong as the S25 Ultra. - **Best For**: Users who want a large, innovative display and don’t mind the premium price or foldable design. 3. **Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus (6.7-inch display)** - **Why Choose It**: A middle ground between the S23 and Ultra, the S25 Plus has a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It offers similar performance to the S25 Ultra (Snapdragon 8 Elite, Galaxy AI) but at a lower price point (~$1,000). It’s a great balance of size, power, and cost.[](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-android-phone/)[](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-samsung-galaxy-phone/) - **Pros**: - Large, vibrant display with excellent brightness. - Strong battery life (4,900mAh) and 45W fast charging. - More affordable than the Ultra while retaining flagship features. - **Cons**: - No S Pen support. - Camera system (50MP main) is less advanced than the Ultra’s 200MP setup. - **Best For**: Those who want a larger Samsung phone without the Ultra’s cost or bulk. 4. **Google Pixel 9 Pro XL (6.8-inch display)** - **Why Choose It**: If you’re open to switching brands, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a 6.8-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 3,000 nits brightness. Powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chip, it excels in photography with AI-enhanced features like Audio Magic Eraser and Add Me. It’s a strong alternative with a cleaner Android experience.[](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-android-phone/) - **Pros**: - Superior camera performance, especially for photos. - Bright, sharp display with excellent color accuracy. - Seven years of software updates and a bloatware-free interface. - **Cons**: - Tensor G4 is less powerful than Snapdragon 8 Elite for gaming. - No stylus support. - Slightly less durable than Samsung’s titanium-framed models. - **Best For**: Users who prioritize photography and a stock Android experience. 5. **OnePlus 13 (6.82-inch display)** - **Why Choose It**: The OnePlus 13 features a 6.82-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 4,500 nits peak brightness (claimed). It’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, offering excellent performance and faster 100W charging than Samsung or Google. It’s a cost-effective alternative, starting around $900.[](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-samsung-galaxy-phone/) - **Pros**: - Large, bright display with high PPI (~510) for sharp visuals. - Fast charging and solid battery life (6,000mAh). - Competitive price for flagship specs. - **Cons**: - Camera system isn’t as refined as Samsung or Google’s. - Software support (4-5 years) is shorter than Samsung or Google’s seven years. - **Best For**: Budget-conscious users who want a large, high-quality display and fast performance. ### Additional Options - **Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (6.8-inch display)**: If you want a slightly older model to save money, the S24 Ultra offers a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, similar performance to the S25 series, and a 200MP camera. It’s often discounted compared to the S25 Ultra.[](https://www.samsung.com/uk/mobile-phone-buying-guide/galaxy-s24-vs-s23/) - **Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (6.4-inch display)**: A more affordable option with a 6.4-inch AMOLED display. It’s slightly larger than the S23 but not as premium as the S25 series, with a less powerful Exynos chip and older Gorilla Glass 5.[](https://www.bestproducts.com/tech/electronics/g158/best-samsung-phones-and-smartphones/)[](https://www.pcmag.com/news/samsung-galaxy-s23-vs-s23-fe-whats-the-difference) ### Recommendations Based on Needs - **For Samsung Loyalists**: The **Galaxy S25 Ultra** is the best upgrade for a premium, large-screen experience with all the bells and whistles (S Pen, top-tier camera, long battery life). If budget is a concern, the **S25 Plus** is a great middle ground. - **For Maximum Screen Size**: The **Galaxy Z Fold6** offers the largest display (7.6 inches) for multitasking and media, though it’s pricier and bulkier. - **For Non-Samsung Options**: The **Pixel 9 Pro XL** is ideal for photography enthusiasts, while the **OnePlus 13** offers great value and performance. - **For Budget-Friendly**: The **Galaxy S23 FE** or a discounted **S24 Ultra** provides a larger screen without breaking the bank. ### Notes - **Trade-In Deals**: Samsung often offers excellent trade-in values for older Galaxy devices like the S23, which can significantly reduce the cost of the S25 series or Z Fold6. Check Samsung’s website for current offers.[](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-android-phone/) - **Display Quality**: All recommended phones feature AMOLED or OLED displays with at least 120Hz refresh rates, ensuring smooth visuals and vibrant colors comparable to or better than the S23’s 6.1-inch AMOLED.[](https://www.samsung.com/uk/mobile-phone-buying-guide/best-phone-display/) - **Battery Life**: Larger phones like the S25 Ultra, S25 Plus, and OnePlus 13 have bigger batteries (4,900–6,000mAh) than the S23’s 3,900mAh, offering longer usage for media-heavy tasks.[](https://www.tomsguide.com/news/samsung-galaxy-s23-vs-galaxy-s23-ultra)[](https://www.androidpolice.com/samsung-galaxy-s23-vs-galaxy-s23-plus/) If you have specific preferences (e.g., budget, camera needs, or stylus support), let me know, and I can refine the recommendations further! Would you like me to check for current pricing or deals on any of these models?

Podkayne of Mars

Podkayne of Mars' is a terrific book up until the ending.
Heinlein had written stories about a young girl from Mars having an interplanetary adventure. This was different for the time as similar science fiction had always been for male readers.
When Robert A.Heinlein reworked the stories into a novel, he decided the lesson he wanted to tell was that absent parenting was bad. Poddy's adventures end with her dying, and her uncle fires off an angry communication to her parents for priorizing their own lives and careers over their children.
All of his readers and editors hated the ending.
I agree with all their criticisms.
RAH had grafted a political opinion about absent parenting, mainly aimed at the mother, onto his young girl adventures stories, and IT DID NOT WORK.
Readers thought the adventures were great.
To be suddenly lectured that this entire girl adventures story was an example of bad parenting in the most drastic way, where Poddy dies, was an example of older men, the writer and the uncle in the story, being aholes.
In the novel, the point of view at the end switches to her awful, bratty, near sociopath younger brother, where her death might be humanizing him.
The revised ending is only a little better, where Poddy is seriously hurt in the hospital, probably dying.
Just no.
Sorry, this is Poddy's story. The writer doesn't get to suddenly hijack the story to lecture parents and make it the male brat's story.
...

Nathan's Brocolli Cheddar Soup Dip

Since people have been asking for it, here's the recipe! - - - Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Ingredients 1 1/2 cups chopped, cooked broccoli 1 cup raw shredded carrots 1 4 oz can of sliced mushrooms, drained 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar 1/2 of an onion, minced 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter 1/4th cup flour 2 cups milk 2 cups chicken stock 1 pinch of salt - - - Method 1.Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, add the onion with a pinch of salt, to help them sweat. Cook the onions until they start getting clear, then add the mushrooms. When the onions start to brown slightly, add the carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are soft and slightly brown. 2.Melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat then whisk in the flour, cook until the flour stops looking grainy, about 4 minutes. You want a pretty light roux here, so stop before it gets too dark. 3.Gradually add the milk to the roux while whisking constantly. Then whisk in the stock. Bring to a simmer and cook about 20 minutes. 4.Stir in your broccoli, making sure it's thorughly mixed, simmer for 2 minutes, then add your sauteed vegetables. Simmer for 15 minutes. 5.Gradually add the shredded cheese, stirring to make sure it doesn't get clumpy. Remove from the heat...And you're done! Salt and pepper to taste. - - - Optional: You can mess around with the ingredients, if you want too. You can use half broccoli and half cauliflower. Some people like celery, I don't. More carrots, bit of garlic, skip the mushrooms, etc. However you think you would like it. You can have fun with the cheese, too. Two cups must to be shredded sharp cheddar, but the third cup can be other things. I added a bit parmesan and monterey jack because I had it on hand. Very tasty. Goes great with your preferred bread, crackers or croutons. It would probably go great with some of sourdough that you're statistically likely to have made recently. Sliced, toasted and buttered, you know? Enjoy~ Nathan

Trump Lies - Project 2025

Republicans call Minnesota governor communist, a far-left radical

I want some of that.

fire girl with bananas

<br>

https://pixlr.com/image-generator/66a9ad60c7ce04cdae623fba/

The Rapture

. . If I believed in the Rapture, I would also believe that politicians and megachurch leaders would be the last to know. They would even deny it had occurred. In fact, it must have been some evil liberal Democratic plot. . . . The Rapture would just be people saying, "Where did that couple who were nice and helped everyone go? All those good, friendly, quiet people just seem to have disappeared."

Homosexuality and religion in America

The actual History of Christianity is overwhelmingly opposed to homosexuality. In modern revised Church histories.

The sin of the residents of Sodom and Gomorrah was not who they had sex with but in not welcoming strangers, read the story again if this was not what you were told.

Christian denominations hold a variety of views on homosexual sex, ranging from outright condemnation to complete acceptance. Throughout the majority of Christian history, most Christian theologians and denominations have considered homosexual sex as immoral or sinful.

Orthodox Judaism views homosexual acts as sinful. In recent years, there have been approaches claiming that only the sexual anal act is forbidden and considered an abomination by the Torah, while sexual orientation and even other sexual activities are not considered a sin. Conservative Judaism has engaged in an in-depth study of homosexuality since the 1990s, with various rabbis presenting a wide array of responsa (papers with legal arguments) for communal consideration. The official position of the movement is to welcome homosexual Jews into their synagogues, and also campaign against any discrimination in civil law and public society, but also to uphold a ban on anal sex as a religious requirement.

Reform Judaism and Reconstructionist Judaism in North America and Liberal Judaism in the United Kingdom view homosexuality to be acceptable on the same basis as heterosexuality. Progressive Jewish authorities believe either that traditional laws against homosexuality are no longer binding or that they are subject to changes that reflect a new understanding of human sexuality. Some of these authorities rely on modern biblical scholarship suggesting that the prohibition in the Torah was intended to ban coercive or ritualized male-male sex, such as those practices ascribed to Egyptian and Canaanite fertility cults and temple prostitution.

Liberal Christians are generally supportive of homosexuals. Some Christian denominations do not view monogamous same-sex relationships as bad or evil. These include the United Church of Canada, the United Church of Christ, the Episcopal Church, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the churches of the Old Catholic Union of Utrecht, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the Church of Sweden, the Lutheran, reformed and united churches in Evangelical Church of Germany, the Church of Denmark, the Icelandic Church, the Church of Norway and the Protestant Church of the Netherlands. In particular, the Metropolitan Community Church, a denomination of 40,000 members, was founded specifically to serve the Christian LGBT community and is devoted to being open and affirming to LGBT people. The United Church of Christ and the Alliance of Baptists also condone gay marriage, and some parts of the Anglican and Lutheran churches allow for the blessing of gay unions. Within the Anglican communion, there are openly gay clergy; for example, Gene Robinson and Mary Glasspool are openly homosexual bishops in the US Episcopal Church, and Eva Brunne in the Lutheran Church of Sweden. The Episcopal Church's recent actions vis-a-vis homosexuality have brought about increased ethical debate and tension within the Church of England and worldwide Anglican churches. In the United States and many other nations, religious people are becoming more affirming of same-sex relationships. Even those in denominations with official stances are liberalizing, though not as quickly as those in more affirming religious groups.

Public opinion of same-sex marriage in the United States has significantly changed since the 1990s, and an overwhelming majority of Americans now favor same-sex marriage

And then you have the conservative Christians, but they ignore the words of Jesus teaching love and are going to Hell.

You have to be an extremely intolerant religious conservative to not believe in love.

My opinion as a non-gay. .

Avatars

.

Coconut Chickpea Curry Recipe

Coconut Chickpea Curry

Ingredients

2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive oil ½ cup chopped yellow onion 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste 1 (13.5 ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk, well-shaken (such as Thai Kitchen) 1 cup vegetable broth ½ teaspoon kosher salt 2 (15 ounce) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained 3 cups baby spinach leaves or kale 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice ½ cup coarsely chopped toasted cashews fresh cilantro for garnish 2 cups cooked rice


Directions

Heat oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and ginger; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add red curry paste and cook, stirring constantly, until lightly darkened and vegetables are coated, about 1 minute. Stir in coconut milk, broth, and salt; bring to a boil over medium-high. Stir in chickpeas. Reduce heat to medium to maintain a simmer and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in spinach; stir until wilted, about 1 minute. Stir in lime juice. Serve with cashews, cilantro, and rice.

"https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/8527854/coconut-chickpea-curry/"

Golden Cheese Bread recipe

Golden Cheese Bread

1 1/4 cups buttermilk
1 tbs butter
1/3 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
3 tbs crumbled feta cheese
1/3 tsp salt
1/3 tsp coarse black pepper
1 tsp caraway seeds
1 tsp fennel seeds
1 tsp dill seeds
2 tbs vital gluten
1/2 cup stout oatmeal flakes
1/4 cup crumbled shredded wheat
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup bread flour
1 1/2 tsp yeast
2 tbs strawberry jam

Bread machine on whole wheat cycle (5 hours)
It really should have an egg or two but I was out. The butter is optional. The first time I substituted some juice from a jar of jalapenos and soy milk for the buttermilk.
I redo recipes from the old format on Facebook.

Marilyn Monroe Dressing

Marilyn Monroe's Fancy Stuffing This is from the New York Times after a recently published book of found notes and letters.
Taste of Home recommended 3 raw eggs to bind it together and to soak the bread in turkey or chicken broth and replace the giblets (heresy).

Norma Jean Stuffing
Time: 2 hours

No garlic
A 10-ounce loaf sourdough bread
1/2 pound chicken or turkey livers or hearts
1/2 pound ground round or other beef
1 tablespoon cooking oil
4 stalks celery, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
2 cups chopped curly parsley
2 eggs, hard boiled, chopped
1 1/2 cups raisins
1 cup grated Parmesan
1 1/4 cups chopped walnuts, pine nuts or roasted chestnuts, or a combination
2 teaspoons dried crushed rosemary
2 teaspoons dried crushed oregano
2 teaspoons dried crushed thyme
3 bay leaves
1 tablespoon salt-free, garlic-free poultry seasoning (or 1 teaspoon dried sage, 1 teaspoon marjoram, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger and 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg)
1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
1 tablespoon pepper.

1. Split the bread loaf in half and soak it in a large bowl of cold water (broth!) for 15 minutes. Wring out excess water over a colander and shred into pieces.
2. Boil the livers or hearts for 8 minutes in salted water, then chop until no piece is larger than a coffee bean.
3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef in the oil, stirring occasionally and breaking up the meat, so no piece is larger than a pistachio.
4. In your largest mixing bowl, combine the sourdough, livers, ground beef, celery, onion, parsley, eggs, raisins, Parmesan and nuts, tossing gently with your hands to combine. Whisk the rosemary, oregano, thyme, bay leaves, poultry seasoning, salt and pepper together in a bowl, scatter over the stuffing and toss again with your hands. Taste and adjust for salt. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to use as a stuffing or to bake separately as dressing.
Yield: 20 cups, enough for one large turkey, 2 to 3 geese or 8 chickens.

Taste of Home

The New York Times

Galaxy Magazine

October 1952 Cover.

Link to Photo on Facebook.

99% Vegetarian Mushroom Apple Cranberry Sausage Dressing

Friendsgiving Dressing


99% Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dressing Recipe

1 cup sweet onion chopped (½ a Honeysweet onion)
1 cup chopped mushrooms (½ an 8 oz package)
1 cup chopped meatless sausage links (8 oz package)
¾ cup chopped celery
½ cup chopped green pepper
½ cup chopped red pepper
2 medium chopped apples
¾ cup dried cranberries
¾ cup chopped pecans
1 6 oz.box whole wheat bread crumbs stuffing mix
1 6 oz. box Hawaiian bread crumbs stuffing mix
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
3 cups vegetable broth
1 tbsp. sage
2 tsp. ground rosemary
½ tsp. thyme
2 tsp. basil

In large bowl cook fruit, nuts, chopped vegetables, meatless sausage, and spices in oil in a microwave on 80% power for 20 minutes stirring several times. Stir in breadcrumbs and broth and cook 80% power 20 minutes stirring two or three times.

As always, the recipe is only a starting point and is modified based on whimsy and what is available at the time.

I also made it without the apples and dried cranberries and meatless sausage in a smaller bowl reducing the more traditional stuffing mixes I had by one cup and cutting broth by one cup but adding 4 ounces more canned mushrooms and it was almost as good.

Split Mung Bean and Quinoa Indian Soup

1 cup split yellow mung beans
1 cup quinoa
2 tablespoons cooking oil
2 smallish onions chopped
3 cloves minced garlic
7 oz. of sliced mushrooms
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
1 1/2 teaspoons dried dill seeds
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
8 cups vegetable stock
1 10 oz. package Palak Paneer (Kitchens of Indian)
1 cup sliced carrots
8 oz. diced ham or tempeh
1/4 cup of wine
Dash of salt free seasonings
Salt and pepper to taste in last minutes of cooking

When serving, per bowl:
a squeeze of lemon or lime juice
fresh basil
a tablespoon plain yogurt or Greek yogurt

Pick through the mung beans and quinoa and rinse them under water.

Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat and add the onions and mushrooms. Cook until onions translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, mung beans, quinoa, turmeric, and dill, and cook for a few minutes until heated through. Add the stock and carrots and Palak Paneer bring to a boil. Add ham or tempeh and wine then cover and cook at a very gentle boil, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.

ALternate method: Place all ingredients in order above in crockpot and cook on high four hours.

Add non-salt seasoning, salt and pepper and season to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and squeeze in lemon or lime juice. Top each bowl with a tablespoon of yogurt, and serve.

Optional: 2 cups chopped fresh greens, spinach or kale may be added in last 15 minute.

Not a very good picture while cooking.

Avocado Coconut Ice Cream

3 Avocados
1 can lite coconut milk
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup Apriva or Splenda
pinch of salt
2 tablespoons rum
a squeeze of lime juice
a dash of cinnamon
6 oz. pina colada lite yogurt
half a packet of dry whipped topping mix
1/2 cup low sugar almond milk

run through blender then pour in turned on ice cream machine
run for 20 minutes - serve
Excellent flavor and texture

Derived from
http://pin.it/sE70KyC

Pecan Rye Bread Recipe

Pecan Rye Bread Recipe

3/4 cup almond milk
3/4 cup water (combine and warm for one minute in microwave)
1 tbs. pecan oil
3 tbs. honey, molasses, syrup, or sugar free syrup
1/2 tsp. sea salt
3/4 tsp. baking soda
3 tbs. vital gluten
3/4 cup rye flour
3 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 tsp. yeast
2/3 cup roasted pecans (can be sprayed with cooking spray and briefly roasted in microwave, stovetop, or oven to bring out the flavor)
I use the bread machine for this.
You can reduce the pecans to 1/2 cup and add 1/2 cup cranberries or raisins as an option.

Excellent nutty flavor 

Clara Phillips singing and signing

My daughter, Clara Phillips, signing:Come, come, whoever you areWanderer, worshipper, lover of leavingOur is no caravan of despairCome, yet again, come.

Posted by Carol Phillips on Sunday, December 6, 2015

Simple Boudin and Sweet Potatoes

I should have taken photographs, this really came out well for a simple dinner.

Simple Boudin and Sweet Potatoes

3 sweet potatoes, chopped into chunks.
2 small sweet onions, chopped
2 green peppers, chopped
1 can chickpeas, drained
1 spicy boudin sausage, cut into chunks
1 can tomatoes with peppers
Herbs and garlic salt free seasoning

Place the ingredients in order in crockpot. Heat on high about 6 hours.
I stirred at about 4 hours.

Pictured - topped with plain yogurt and parsley over brown rice.

All of these flavors work well together.

You can also add more vegetables and curry seasoning and coconut milk and leave out the boudin for another good variation.
Cauliflower, carrots, and spinach or kale go well with the curry and ginger seasoning.

It can be served over brown rice but that isn't necessary.

How to buy Shrimp for Every Purpose

Serious Eats: We recommend buying individually frozen (IQF), head-off, peel-on shrimp for most preparations. But here is the advice for fresh first.
 First off, you don't want any shrimp that smell like ammonia—this is a telltale sign of spoilage, and it's worth asking your fishmonger if you can take a sniff before buying. You'll also want to avoid shrimp that are limp, slimy, or falling apart, all of which are signs of decay.

A more advanced sign if you're buying head-on fresh shrimp: look for black spots on the head first, then the body. "That's a pretty good indicator that it's not at peak freshness," says Davis Herron, the retail director at The Lobster Place, one of New York's best seafood markets. The black spots are called melanosis; it's the result of the same oxidation process that turns your apples and avocados brown.

That display of "fresh" shrimp you see at the counter? Those are the same bags of frozen shrimp you find in the freezer that have simply been allowed to thaw out in the store before going on display. There's no way to know how long they've been there defrosted, so you're better off buying the frozen shrimp and defrosting them yourself at home where you have more control over the process and can guarantee that your shrimp don't spend too long out of the freezer before being cooked.

The one exception to the always-buy-frozen rule is when you have access to live shrimp, either fresh from the ocean, or stored in tanks at the shop. In those cases, cook the shrimp as soon as possible after purchasing for best flavor and texture.

Frozen shrimp should always be thawed before cooking. To thaw frozen shrimp take them out of their bag and place them in a bowl under cold (not warm) running water. They'll be good to go in just a few minutes. 

Unless you can get your shrimp live you're better off going with the headless version.

Shell-on shrimp are what we recommend. Shelled shrimp are often mangled and unappetizing. Shell-on shrimp also tend to be much cheaper. Finally, those shells pack a sweet, flavorful punch, whether you grill the shrimp directly in the shell, or use the shells to add flavor to the final dish like in this Spanish-style shrimp.

"Pre-cooked" shrimp should almost universally be labeled "overcooked" shrimp. They're usually rubbery and bland, and since they're already cooked, offer no room for flavor improvement and will end up dry when added to dishes. Leave them be.

Pink and white shrimp are a bit tastier than Gulf brown shrimp but fresher is better if you go down to the docks on Galveston Bay. Large Tiger Shrimp escaped from growers are now also caught off the United States coast.  Rock Shrimp are deep cold water variety more like lobster. 
At the end of the day, stick with labels stating that an independent organization has examined and approved of the shrimp if you want its provenance, sustainability, and authenticity assured if you buy from a market or grocery store. 

The Food Lab: 5 Steps to the Best Grilled Shrimp

Recipe: Grilled Shrimp With Garlic and Lemon