AI-gen video
Machine generated video is coming fast. Google just released their version, Veo 2, this month, which is now one of a dozen apps that turn text instructions into cinematic video, in your choice of styles. Jason Silva used these apps to create a 13-minute film called The Arrival of the Psychedelic Puppets that is weirdly trippy yet coherent in a dream-like way. His theme is that AI-generation is a new kind of psychedelic. Years from now this video will seem incredibly primitive, but right now it is the most stunning example of what one person will be able to achieve soon with these new tools. — KK
10-year AirTag battery case
TimeCapsule is a clever solution for extending AirTag battery life from 1 year to 10 years. Just remove the standard coin battery and put the Airtag in this waterproof case that uses two AA batteries. It's valuable for tracking high-value items like camera gear or items in long-term storage. Around $20. — MF
Visual network of connections across time
Network of Time is a website that lets you choose two historical figures and connect them through a series of photographed encounters across time. It’s a fun way to waste time, and fascinating how it visually demonstrates the interconnectedness of human experiences and relationships throughout history. — CD
The work in making art
I especially enjoyed The Work of Art: How Something Comes from Nothing by Adam Moss, a book that inspects the work processes of world-class artists. The artists range from painters, to poets, to musicians, screenwriters, comedians, photographers, and so on. Adam Moss is my favorite magazine editor; he gets the diverse artists to let him watch them work and through his firm questions best understand exactly how they create, including their detours, and mistakes along the way. The book is innovative in its layout and a work of art itself. — KK
Flat outlet plug
The Sleek Socket is perfect for getting furniture closer to walls. It plugs into any 3-pronged outlet and provides three power ports via a flat cable that can be neatly routed along walls. It comes with adhesive clips for cable management. — MF
Filters to use before talking
Someone on Reddit posted a visual to show the internal filters they use before speaking. However, I found the most valuable filtering advice in the comments:
Is this something that needs to be said?
Is this something that needs to be said by me?
Is this something that needs to be said by me right now?
I also agree with another comment that the simplest filter process is always: “Is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary?” Another one to add to the EQ toolkit is a filter I learned this year for therapeutic settings, which is simply to WAIT—Before you speak ask your Why Am I Talking? and reflect on your intentions.
— CD
Recomendo is an authentic, hand-crafted, human-written weekly newsletter that is free, but not cheap. Consider supporting our work with a paid option, now at the low price of $45 per year. Paid subs enable us to keep making it free for others. Recomendo is published by Cool Tools Lab, a small company of three people. We also run the Cool Tools website, a YouTube channel and podcast, and other newsletters, including Gar’s Tips & Tools, Nomadico, What’s in my NOW?, Tools for Possibilities, Books That Belong On Paper and Book Freak.
Recomendo Unclassified Ads work! Here’s how to reach over 93,000 subscribers for just $150.
UNCLASSIFIEDS
Enhance your online experience with a stellar VPN deal: get 2 years of Surfshark VPN for just $1.99/mo. and 4 additional months! Don't miss out — secure your privacy, enjoy safe streaming, reduced ads, and protection on public Wi-Fi, all on unlimited devices.
Iterum is a simple and purposeful self-reflection journaling app for Mac and iOS. Use it to hone your life into what you want it to be. Comes with some classy AI-guidance and Apple Health / Calendar integrations.
Meet Reclaim.ai: The Free AI-Powered Scheduling App for Work & Life. Supercharge your productivity in 2025 by letting Reclaim find the best time for habits, tasks, meetings, and breaks, right in your calendar.
Is this something that needs to be said?
Is this something that needs to be said by me?
Is this something that needs to be said by me right now?
These are useful questions that facilitators ask ourselves all the time.
You might want to clarify one thing. Since many people grew up thinking akaline batteries are the longest lasting (energizer bunny propaganda) that is no longer the case. if you want to actually get 10 years from a AA battery and not a leaked mess it should be lithium. Energizer Ultimate Lithium is one of many options. my favorite youtube tester reviewer Project Farm gets credit for this tip.