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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.
I’m a UX researcher, yoga teacher, dog parent, and Jersey Girl living in Brooklyn. Hopefully without it being too cringy, I’ve been interested in AI Safety and exploring the overlap between Eastern and Yogic philosophy and AI Safety, which I write about on my substack.
PHYSICAL
I’ve had my retainer since high school (it’s glow in the dark and has polka dots) and my dentist says it’s in great shape. So, I feel like I can share a thing or two about upkeep. My secret weapon is my ultrasonic cleaner! Great for my night guard, retainer, and rings. It works for glasses too. I used to clean my night guard and retainer by brushing them, but then I learned that my dentist uses a professional ultrasonic cleaner in the office, I looked into seeing how much it would cost for home use. Consumer ultrasonic cleaners are not very expensive, have so many use cases, and don’t require you to buy tablets (I just add water).
Bug bite thing. It’s summer. It’s humid, and there are so many mosquitoes out that want to eat me. I stepped out the door yesterday for a walk around the block and returned with 10 bites. After much research, I kept seeing the bug bite thing pop up but I didn’t think this thing would work. It seems too simple to work! But then I decided to just try it and it really helps. It sucks out the mosquito saliva to make it less itchy. I still have the bites but they aren’t miserable to live with. Highly suggest trying. Note: You do need to use it while the bites are fairly fresh for it to work
My CSA share. Great way to support a local farm and to eat well. I also volunteer with the CSA to help with making sure my neighborhood distribution happens. It’s been a fun way to learn about food and to get to know others in the neighborhood. I’ve given my share to friends when we’re traveling, and they all agree that it’s some of the best produce they’ve ever had! Also, the Blomgrens, who run the farm, are incredibly kind and knowledgeable, and they power their organic farm with electricity. It’s so cool to get my groceries from a farm I’ve actually visited and where the farmers know my name. Highly suggest finding a local CSA to join.
DIGITAL
Wordle. I’m late to the trend but my husband and I have been playing it together for the last few months. It’s been so fun to have this time boxed game activity we do together. We alternate who gets to pick the first word. It’s the little things in life!
Perfectly Imperfect is such a fun website. It feels like MySpace! Ever miss the old internet? Also, I love a good recommendation (and I assume you do too, if you’re here).
INVISIBLE
Sonnet IV from Rilke's Sonnets to Orpheus
Don't be afraid to suffer; return that heaviness to the earth's own weight; heavy are the mountains, heavy the seas.
Even the small trees you planted as children have long since become too heavy; you could not carry them now. But the winds...But the spaces....
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