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Cool tools really work.
A cool tool can be any book, gadget, software, video, map, hardware, material, or website that is tried and true. All reviews on this site are written by readers who have actually used the tool and others like it. Items can be either old or new as long as they are wonderful. We post things we like and ignore the rest. Suggestions for tools much better than what is recommended here are always wanted.
Dr. Pepper Zero: With the emerging evidence that artificial sweeteners aren't all that bad for you, I can now engage in diet soda without restraint. Coke Zero, Crush Zero, A&W Zero...they're all incredible, but there's nothing more refreshing than the spicy cherry goodness of Dr. Pepper.
Patagonia Black Hole 40L: This is the perfect duffel bag (so good I own two). It's carry-on compliant for most planes, has ergonomic shoulder straps, and is extremely durable. I keep one fully loaded with climbing gear for bouldering days in Squamish, and another "clean" bag that I use for travel. The 40L bag has more than enough space for international travel. It's stylish and comes in a range of colours (although I prefer the black with rainbow print).
Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Pan 11.75": This pan inspires me to be a better cook. It's my daily driver and is seasoned enough where I can make an omelette without any sticking. The Matfer pan has a welded handle without rivets, allowing for a completely smooth cooking surface. It's lighter (and heats faster) than a cast-iron, is oven safe (at reasonable temperatures), and avoids the potential health impact of nonstick pans.
DIGITAL
Instapaper: I have a tough time reading news articles (mostly movie reviews if I'm being honest) on my laptop. Instapaper lets me save articles without ads within the app, which I can then access on my Kobo. I can read without distraction on my handheld reader while I'm on the go or using a cardio machine at the gym.
The New York Times Cooking app: This has been essential in my cooking journey. I love that I can save recipes that I enjoy or want to cook in my recipe box. Additionally, the search function lets me choose dishes based on time investment or ingredients that I'm keen on playing around with. Learning how to cook with the NYT app has been low-stress, easy and a ton of fun.
INVISIBLE
I’ve always had a predisposition towards delayed gratification and type II fun. As a result, I haven’t felt much type I fun or joy in my life. I recently had an experience of pure pleasure drinking the best coffee of my life in a Parisian cafe (shout out to Joachim at Substance), which led to a lightbulb moment. I can still strive and work hard, but experiencing bliss, awe and wonder is also important. That was a bit of a ramble, but the TL;DR of my invisible now is chasing moments of simple joy just for the sake of it
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