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Adpocalypse survival guide
“Kim, I am so sick and tired of all the ads on websites. It feels like they’ve gotten worse since ChatGPT is taking away site traffic from Google. How do I block the annoying ads?” — Terry in Ohio
Terry, you’re right. Websites are loading up with more ads than ever.
Pop-ups, auto-playing videos, banners that dance around while you’re just trying to read a recipe or check the news. It’s digital chaos.
Why? Because many sites are losing tremendous ad revenue in the 60% range from fewer clicks and fewer visitors. So they’re cramming in even more ads, hoping to squeeze out one more buck before you give up and close the tab.
But you don’t have to live like this. Here’s how to shut down the noise.
🔧 Start with your browser
Fight back, one browser setting at a time.
Chrome:
- Click the three dots (top right) > Settings > Privacy and security > Site Settings
- Scroll down and block pop-ups and redirects
Safari (Mac):
- Safari > Settings > Websites > Content Blockers
- It tries to get rid of pop-ups, trackers, auto-play videos and more
Firefox:
I found your next favorite gadgets
🧠 Upgrading your tech game shouldn’t melt your brain (or your wallet).
- 🔌 Running out of ports? Plug in a five-in-one USB-C hub (50% off). Whoa, 4.6 stars and 185,000+ reviews!
- 🖼️ Memories on a loop: Printing pics? Send ’em straight to this digital photo frame (14% off).
- 🐶 Fetch this steal: Keep tabs on your doggo 24/7 and fling treats with a 360° dog camera (56% off).
- 📱 Hands-free & wireless: This phone stand & speaker combo (25% off) is perfect for video calls with the family.
- 🎧 No quits: Play all the time with this wireless gaming headset (15% off). Up to 100 hours of battery life.
⚡ More power-ups: Tap this secret link for more tech deals. My Amazon storefront is packed with the best sales.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Your phone is spying on you
Your phone keeps all your secrets. Where you’ve been. What you’ve typed. Even which sketchy Wi-Fi you used in 2017. It’s got the memory of an elephant and the self-restraint of a toddler with a drum set.
Let’s just call your phone “Sir Veillance.”
💸 iSaved you money: AirTag batteries last about a year, but you don’t need to toss the whole thing. Just pop in a new CR2032 coin cell battery … you can literally get them for under $5. No tools needed, it’s a super easy swap. I made a quick video to show you how to do it!
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
🙄 Sick of Comcast? Two guys in Michigan got so fed up with the service that they started their own internet company. It’s all fiber (read: reliable), with no data caps or contracts, and it’s already in about 1,500 homes. The twist? Comcast caught wind and started calling ex-customers with discounts and new unlimited deals. Shocker.
AI targets tattoo artist jobs
A new machine promises faster, cleaner, less painful ink, and it’s heading to a shop near you.
Around 1 in 3
U.S. counties have no full-time local journalist. That number has dropped 75% since 2002. The fix? Experts say we need more funding and policy changes. Kinda scary to think no one in the public eye is watching over local government, businesses or schools.
🔐 Principle of least privilege: Business owners, ask your IT team if user accounts are set up this way. It means people and systems only get access to what they need to do their jobs, and nothing more. It’s a simple but effective way to protect your data from security breaches or costly mistakes.
Fake hotel scams are growing
Scammers are using fake hotel messages to steal your details and wipe your bank account. Learn how to spot the signs and protect yourself.
🔌 Belkin bricks tech: Say goodbye to 27 models of its Wemo smart home devices, including some sold as recently as 2023. After January 2026, they’ll lose app access, Alexa integrations and cloud features. Warranty users might get partial refunds. Everyone else? Straight to e-waste. Your “smart” hardware’s about to get real dumb.
Your A+ checklist
🔔 School’s almost back in session. I’ve done the homework for you.
- ✍️ Jot this down: Snag a set of gel pens (20% off, six-pack) for journaling, note-taking or doodling during class.
- 📑 Get out of a bind: These ring binders (20% off, four-pack) double as cheat sheets. You didn’t hear that from me.
- 📝 Note to self: One college-ruled notebook (41% off, six-pack) per class = zero confusion.
- 🛏️ Dorm-approved: Drift off after that 2 a.m. study sesh on silky-soft bedsheets (18% off).
- 📦 Bin there, done that: Stackable storage bins (25% off, two-pack) tell your roommate, “That’s mine.”
💯 Extra credit: There’s a whole backpack’s worth of back-to-school deals waiting for you on my Amazon page.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
China’s spherical spybot is terrifying
It rolls like a tire, fires nets, and sprays tear gas. Plus, NASA lost pricey footage, Hertz nickel-and-dimes with tech, and McDonald’s big password problem. What’s your childhood home look like now? Google Maps lets you time travel. Let’s go!
Charlie Chaplin’s in theaters after 100 years
Charlie Chaplin famously rereleased his 1925 silent classic The Gold Rush in 1942 with new narration and edits, believing it would connect better with modern audiences. Now, thanks to film archivists and AI, the silent masterpiece has been painstakingly restored. The 4K version just premiered at Cannes and hit 250 theaters worldwide.
Twerked, tagged, tracked: Ohio police arrested two brain-trust women who twerked on a parked cop car. The dance party left dents and scratches, so authorities ran footage through Clearview AI facial recognition. Got ’em! Now, the women are facing charges.
🤳 Hide Instagram stories: If your account’s public, anyone can view your stories by tapping your profile pic. Want to block certain followers? Go to your Profile > tap the Menu (three lines) > Who can see your content > Hide story and live > Hide story and live from, then select accounts. Bye, nosy ex.
Make $80K a year renting out your yard — July 12th, Hour 1
I talk to a guy who makes big money with his unused space through the Neighbor app. Here’s how you can do it, too. Plus, the demise of Google, Apple vs. p*rn, and the first foldable iPhone. Also, how sending out a smiley face could save your relationship.
Self-care for your lazy Sunday
👉 Here’s your permission slip to treat yourself.
- 💆♀️ Knead a break? A personal neck and shoulder massager (25% off) is less pricey than a spa appointment.
- 🕯️ Scent the mood: This candle warmer (39% off) melts away stress. Totally gift-worthy (even if the gift is for you).
- 😌 Your glow-up kit: Soothe your face with a jade roller & gua sha set (5% off). 4.5 stars and 40,000+ reviews.
- 👀 See what eye did here: Grace & stella’s under-eye masks (42% off) are the kind of bags you want down there.
- 💧 Heel, yeah: Slip on these moisturizing socks (35% off) for your dry feet or cracked heels.
❤️ Share the love: I’ve rounded up even more feel-good faves on my Amazon storefront to explore.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
⚡️ 3-second tech genius: On Android, double press the power button to instantly launch the Camera. On iPhone (15/16), set the Action button to open the Camera in Settings > Action Button. “Say yoga!” 🧘♀️ That makes your mouth look more relaxed.
🚘 What a bunch of Grok: Tesla just shoved its chaotic AI chatbot, Grok, into new cars, and it’s coming for older ones, too. It won’t drive or blast AC (yet), but it will banter, joke, and yes, there’s an “Unhinged” mode. You need Wi-Fi or a Premium plan to chat, but no account required.