Permission Slip/Magformers/Signs of healing

Recomendo - Issue #344

Easy personal info opt-out

If you want companies to stop selling your personal information, install this app, called Permission Slip, from Consumer Reports. It automates the task of sending out email requests to companies that sell information it collects about you to data brokers. In minutes, the app sent out 18 requests on my behalf. The app’s data dashboard said it handled 54 emails and saved me 36 hours. — MF

Maker set for small kids

Construction toys – like Legos – are among the best toys because they are so open ended, infinite in form, satisfying and durable. But many construction sets need nimble fingers. Magnetized sets are better for younger kids because the magnets aid the building. The best magnetic construction toys for the youngest toddlers are Magformers, which are basically large outlines of shapes, whose holes make them super easy to grip, while the magnets ensure they will easily stick together. They are fun enough that older kids build with them too. Like Legos we keep adding to our set so that by now we have enough pieces to let several kids play at once. — KK

9 uncomfortable signs of healing

This animated psychology video outlines the process of healing — which can be very uncomfortable. Examples of healing include acknowledgement of painful emotions, expressing boundaries, and acceptance that healing is not a linear experience. Pain will continue to resurface, but eventually less often. I think it’s a lovely video and reminder that the path to growth is a balance of success and failure. — CD

Sit-up spatula

I recently purchased the Chopula spatula after reading Yitah Wu’s review about it on our website, Cool Tools. Yitah had praised its flexibility and unique shape, which makes it easier to flip and cut food in the pan. After trying it out for myself, I agree with Yitah’s assessment. The spatula's design allows me to easily maneuver food while cooking, and I appreciate the fact that I can set it down on the counter without the business end touching the surface. It has quickly become my go-to spatula. — MF

Dream interpreter AI

I’m a big proponent of learning to interpret your own dreams (and I like to write about it), but this Dream Interpreter AI is fun to play with. I’ve been feeding my dream accounts to it and I’ve noticed that it’s pretty good at translating the emotional tone in my writing. It mirrors back my feelings using different words, and that helps to give my dreams a new perspective. — CD

Understanding lactose tolerance

My favorite food science guru, Adam Ragusea, explains what science currently knows about lactose tolerance and lactose intolerance. It’s way more complicated than it appears, but given how prevalent lactose food is, you’ll want to watch/listen to this video/podcast on “Why some people can eat dairy and others can’t.” — KK

---

---

SPONSORED POST

Mini Mind is 365 daily emails of bite-size brain food. Every single day for a year, get introduced to a new cognitive concept including all the top: mental models, cognitive biases, effects, errors, fallacies, heuristics, illusions, laws, paradoxes, principles, and more! Recomendo readers can get $25 off with code RECO25 for the next 7 days.

---

UNCLASSIFIEDS

Meet Patent Drop — the most innovative tech newsletter of 2023. Their team of investigative journalists uncovers below-the-source trends in Big Tech by scouring through 100+ patents each week. Discover the future of tech and sign up for free here. 

---

Artificial intelligence, made intelligible. Brilliant helps anyone master the fundamental concepts that drive technology, from AI and neural networks to algorithms, data science, and more. Explore thousands of bite-sized, interactive lessons and see why 10M+ people love Brilliant. Get started for free today.

---

Intrigue is the juice concentrate of The Economist and Foreign Affairs magazine, without all the pulp people just don’t have the patience for.” That’s what a Pentagon Official said about our newsletter. Cut the pulp and sign up for International Intrigue today.

---

Investing can be hard. That’s why you have us. The Idea Farm newsletter keeps you updated on the important news & research each week. If audio is more your style, check out our podcast, The Meb Faber Show, for insights on today’s market and the art of investing. PS: they’re free!

---

4 million. The number of subscribers to [Morning Brew], a daily newsletter that covers the latest in business, finance, and tech. Morning Brew is 100% free and takes just 5 minutes to read (and thanks to its witty, fun tone, you’ll want to open it every morning).

---

Did you fail Dry January? You're not alone. 70% of people who tried it weren't able to finish. Make mindful drinking a permanent habit this year. Try building new habits that help you cut back on your drinking by 30% and maintain.

---

If the thought of a skincare routine sends you running for the hills, check out Geologie. Effective and affordable, these products are great on their own and especially powerful as a personalized regimen, which you can do in just a few minutes daily.