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I don’t know about you, but when Friday hits, the last thing I want to do is scroll for an hour trying to find something to watch.
Breaking news and tips
Read this before your laptop or e-bike becomes fireworks
Maybe this photo is a little bit dramatic. BUT, electronics are exploding.
Everything from your phone to your e-bike runs on lithium-ion. While batteries are small energy wonders, they’re also tiny explosives just begging for an excuse to ruin your day. Or your house. Or your entire block.
As temps rise, so does the risk, so let’s talk about how to stop your tech from turning into a five-alarm fire.
💣 Why batteries go boom
Lithium-ion batteries are basically Red Bull for your gadgets: compact, high-energy and way too volatile to be taken lightly.
That’s why I don’t mess around, and neither should you. I had a staffer who wanted to charge his e-bike in the studios. When I told him nope, I got a dirty look that said, “She has no idea what she’s talking about.” Oh well, my name’s on the building, not his.
These batteries contain flammable electrolyte fluid, and if something goes sideways, like a short circuit, a fall, a shady charger or just a hot day, they enter a self-immolating spiral called “thermal runaway.”
Translation: It cooks itself until BOOM. Larger tech like e-bikes and EVs carry bigger batteries, which mean bigger flames that are almost impossible to extinguish.
💻 Laptops and smaller gadgets
- Never leave your laptop in a hot car, near a heater or in direct sunlight.
- If it feels hot to the touch, shut it down and let it cool.
- Monitor its temp with apps like TG Pro (for Mac) or Core Temp or Real Temp (for Windows). If it hits 176° F, that’s emergency spicy.
- Got an old phone or device you’re not using? Don’t toss it in a drawer. Use a fireproof battery bag (10% off) for safe storage. Cheap insurance.
🚲 E‑bikes (and other big battery tech)
- Only buy e-bikes with UL 2271-certified batteries. If you don’t see the cert, assume it’s a firestarter with wheels. This tip alone is worth the price of my newsletter.
- Use the original charger only. Not the $11 one named “China’s Best ZappyFire” from Amazon.
- Store your e-bike in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight, and not inside your home or garage while charging.
- Never leave it charging overnight or when you’re not home.
- If the battery smells like chemicals, looks bloated or starts whispering “soon” … STOP.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Something in the water
🥤 Whether it’s hot tea or chilled wine, these are gadgets you’ll actually use.
- This tumbler (33% off) clips right to your key chain when you’re on the go.
- Pop your bottles in a pinch with an electric wine opener set (34% off).
- No stove? No prob, grab an electric kettle (20% off) to boil your water fast.
- A portable countertop ice maker (22% off) always keeps you stocked up. Perfect for summer!
- Toss these chilling stones (5% off) into your drink without watering it down.
🔥 Hot n’ cold: Bring a portable cooler and warmer (14% off) on your road trips to flip between 130 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit at the press of a button.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
LinkedIn secrets for success
LinkedIn isn’t just a digital résumé graveyard full of corporate buzzwords and “Let’s circle back” types. This is the one social platform where being smart actually works in your favor. Over 250 million folks in the United States use LinkedIn. You probably do, too, but you’re not using it right.
🧐 Blurry screenshots? Set your screen to the highest resolution so they look crystal clear. On Windows, head to Settings > System > Display. For Mac, open System Settings > Displays. Multiple monitors? Click the one you want to adjust. Pro tip: Don’t zoom in or the quality will drop.
🔐 Android got harder to crack: Google’s rolling out a feature that auto-restarts your locked phone if it hasn’t been used in three days. This puts your data into a fully encrypted state, making it tougher for hackers (or law enforcement) to break in with forensic tools. See if you have it: Go to Settings > Security & privacy > System & updates > Google Play system update. You’re welcome.
Brain Rot, Dumb Phones, and the Rise of AI for 3D Printing
Why AI-generated 3D models aren’t quite plug-and-play and offers her go-to tools for creative makers. Also: a cautionary tale about brain rot and why “dumb phones” are making a comeback.
✈️ No check-in, no boarding pass, no problem: The airline industry is tossing out a 50-year-old ritual: checking in. Under a new plan from the UN’s aviation agency, travelers upload their passport to their phone, show up at the airport and … just walk in. Your face will handle the rest. It’s reportedly rolling out globally in 2–3 years. Somewhere, a procrastinator just cried tears of joy.
64 hours
That’s how long the workweek just got for some Samsung employees in South Korea. The legal limit is actually 52 hours, but the company got special government approval for staff in its chip-making division. Why? To stay ahead of competitors. Hopefully they’re getting overtime pay and unlimited coffee.
Meet the robobear ready to roar
Wyoming’s Game and Fish Department built a fake bear on a remote-controlled platform that charges at you going 35 mph. Truly the Teslabear nobody wanted. The test? See if you can whip out bear spray in time. Spoiler alert: Most people would be toast. Your best bet is to keep that spray holstered, and never in your backpack.
Shelf control
📦 Need more space? Nah, you just need smarter storage.
- Tackle that messy junk drawer with some clear dividers (21% off).
- These under-sink organizers (25% off) have pullout drawers for easy access.
- Hang your shoes, bags or hats on a handy over-the-door rack (8% off).
- Dragging heavy laundry? This rolling basket (10% off) glides with you.
- Keep your important things safe with a fireproof document box (18% off).
🤫 Your secret’s safe with me: Stash your valuables in plain sight with a wall safe (18% off) that looks like an outlet.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
🧠 AI’s climbing career ladders: One venture capitalist just said the thing that makes headlines: AI isn’t just “augmenting” workers, it’s replacing them. Victor Lazarte of Benchmark (backers of Uber and Snap) said lawyers and recruiters are first on the chopping block. Somewhere out there, a robot is bingeing caffeine to cram for the LSAT.
Real ID Mayhem and a Real Smart Home Mix-Up
You’ll never look at an Amazon gift the same way again after Ben’s call. Plus, as Real ID deadlines create DMV chaos, I share how people are cashing in by standing around. Literally.
🚘 Hertz data breach alert: Hackers probably have your driver’s license, credit cards and Social Security number after breaching one of Hertz’s vendors late last year. No word on how many people are affected. Watch your bank and credit card statements for little charges, say under $10. That’s how hackers test to see what numbers really work.
🚲 The Amish are riding e-bikes: In Ohio, the second-largest settlement is using them to zip past horse-drawn buggies and make life easier. But the community’s torn (paywall link). Horsepower? Out. Wattpower? In.
Using Windows 11? Last week’s update added a weird empty folder called “inetpub” that popped up on the system drive. If you thought it was useless and deleted it, think again. It’s not malware. It’s just Windows being Windows. It’s tied to a security fix. To bring it back: Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features > Turn Windows features on or off > check Internet Information Services > hit OK.
Spy Cams, Streaming Woes, and a Simple Fix
An Arkansas couple finds more than they bargained for at an Airbnb — and not in a good way. I explain what went wrong and shares a special call with a listener seeking a tech solution for her disabled husband.
$34 million
How much funding a new project called Poolhouse got. The folks behind Topgolf are launching luxury social clubs centered around pool. Think food, drinks and tech like augmented reality. The first one should pop up in London in 2026. Can’t wait to pay $28 for fries while getting hustled by a guy in AirPods.
$10 million
The cost to live in a one-bedroom, 1,184-square-foot apartment aboard the Ulyssia superyacht. Need something bigger? A penthouse will run you a cool $90 million. Private chefs, infinity pools and personal submarines are included, of course. The flyer says, “Yacht for sale.” As if people don’t know what a yacht does. 🛥️
Where to find your phone’s IMEI number
If your phone goes missing, one number can help shut it down fast. Even if someone swaps the SIM.