Dropped your phone in water?

Forget the bowl of rice. This video uses low sound frequencies to literally pull the liquid out of speakers. Caveats: It won’t help with water trapped in the USB port or SIM card slot. You need to turn your phone on for this to work, so if it’s had a dunk, let it dry for at least 24 hours before you try.

Water, water everywhere

I get bored drinking water all the time. Let’s make it fun.

  • True Lemon packets are like keeping lemon wedges in your purse or desk.
  • A rainbow’s worth of silicone straws (19% off) for colorful sipping.
  • When your water comes in those big, blue 5-gallon jugs, this convenient pump (39% off) replaces the bulky dispenser.
  • DIY nugget ice gives you the Sonic experience at home. Crunch, crunch, crunch.
  • Stop buying bottled water and grab a Brita premium bottle (32% off) that filters.

✅ To-do: A fireproof, waterproof organizer is the right way to store important docs like your passport and birth certificate.

June 29th, 2024

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America’s water systems are under cyberattack from China, Russia, and Iran. Two Florida seniors lost $400,000 to a phone scam. A clothing line that blocks 5G, and EV owners have buyer’s remorse. And tips on stopping political texts. That and much more, plus all your calls and questions.
 

To share or not to share? Moms like Cait Scudder asked that question before posting a video of her water birth at home. She says it got 99% positive feedback, and other moms said it helped by being real and honest. Just keep in mind that not everyone may react kindly. 

1 billion people

Watching podcasts on YouTube. Their monthly numbers blow Spotify and every other streaming service in the podcast game out of the water. Yup, you can watch my show there

Why astronauts are drinking pee

Inspired by the movie Dune, NASA gives you…recycled drinking water.

For your furry friends

🐶 Meet Bella, our new pup. I can’t wait for her to come home! Yes, my Amazon cart is loaded.

  • Toys rolling under your couch? A blocker (14% off) will stop them in their tracks.
  • Now you can grab your new glow-in-the-dark bouncy ball (29% off) more easily.
  • This cat water fountain (27% off) holds enough H2O to last a week.
  • Snag a dog trimmer (15% off) that works for pets of all sizes.
  • A backseat extender (30% off) keeps your pups comfy and secure on the road.

💰 On a budget? You’d be surprised at the goodies you’ll find for under $10. Check out my list of picks.

Cleanup crew

  • Keep a pocket-sized phone screen cleaner (20% off) handy. It’s got a cloth built into the bottle.
  • Put down that gas station squeegee. Pick up a windshield cleaner with a swivel head (25% off).
  • Did water marks ruin your wooden coffee table? This remover cloth under $8 will make it look new.
  • While you’re at it, snag a set of eight coasters (10% off) for any hot or cold drink.
  • Oh this is so handy. Stop your glasses from slipping off your face with a silicone sleeve ($7).

🍨 Oh my. Did you see Ninja has a new ice cream maker that makes soft serve, too? Help, I just gained 10 pounds typing that!

Freshen up

A little TLC makes everything feel better.

  • Shower curtain covered in soap scum? This is your sign to get a new one that repels water.
  • For folks with dandruff or eczema, a scalp scrubber (27% off) does wonders. Even if you don’t, it helps get your hair more clean.
  • Nice towels are one of life’s little pleasures. A four-pack of large cotton ones in lots of colors is 20% off.
  • I’m so glad Abby never has accidents. If your pup does, this cleaner with orange oil rocks.
  • Use a steamer (21% off) to deep clean without harsh chemicals turning your hands into prunes.

🚘 Nice ride: I’ve got just the stuff to get your car shiny and organized.

32 minutes

For what scientists call the perfect hard-boiled egg. Periodic cooking alternates between hot and cold water every two minutes to achieve cooked whites and creamy yolks. If I had 32 minutes, I wouldn’t be eating a hard-boiled egg. I ordered a chicken and an egg from Amazon today. I’ll let you know.

21

How many years it took to debunk this study. Ever heard sparkling water helps you lose weight? That came from a 2004 study that wasn’t even about sparkling water. Sorry, carbonation in your blood won’t boost your metabolism. If your sparkling water loses its bubbles, that’s all right. It’s still water. (I heard that groan all the way here in Phoenix!)

Sunday Funday, indeed

The weekend is almost over. You deserve to treat yourself.

  • Want an ice-cold drink in 60 seconds? Pour anything into this reusable cup (37% off).
  • Grab this LED faucet (20% off) that changes colors with the water temp.
  • Make any night a singalong party with a karaoke mic (7% off).
  • A smart ball ($13) will keep your feline friend entertained for hours.
  • Go hands-free with a dog leash/pouch combo ($25) to stop juggling treats and bags.

🤑 Who doesn’t love a deal? Here’s a whole page full of stuff under $10, just for you.

How many homes and lives did this cost? A “Super Scooper” plane collects 1,600 gallons of ocean water in just five minutes. One fighting the LA wildfires was grounded after some genius flying a hobby drone hit its wing. Whoever did it could face a $75,000 fine and a year in prison.

60% to 90%

The amount of starch in rice water. An old beauty hack is trending on social media for promoting hair growth and improving shine. Rice water is loaded with vitamins and minerals that help your hair, especially zinc. Don’t expect instant results; hair grows in three- to four-month cycles, so be patient.

115,000 years old

Age of footprints found in Saudi Arabia. These are the oldest ones ever uncovered on the Arabian Peninsula. They turned up in a dried-up watering hole in the Nafud Desert, right next to animal tracks. The area was wetter back then, and early humans were likely taking a water break alongside other animals, like a prehistoric rest stop.

$100 million

The value of a one-square-mile parcel in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park that’s now protected from development. The state has considered selling the plot — a migration path for pronghorn and elk — to luxury developers. The nonprofit Grand Teton National Park Foundation raised about one-third of the cash; the rest is from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Cyberattacks on our water supply

It’s happening more and more. I keep several extra cases of water on hand, just to be safe.

America's drinking water is under attack

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Water systems in Kansas, Texas and Pennsylvania have already been hit by hackers in China, Russia and Iran. Plus, clothes that block 5G waves, AI coming to Alexa, and Walmart’s new digital pricing. We also chat with Joseph Cox about his book “Dark Wire,” which is about Anom, the FBI’s secret app used by criminals.

Glassdoor isn't anonymous after all

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That bad review of your boss could reveal your info. Andrew and Allie talk about how cyberattacks hit U.S. water systems, Nvidia’s $9 an hour AI nurse, and the job skills you need to know (yep, they’re related to AI). Plus, tricks to get the best price on your flight!

Smart water tech to save big bucks

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Heating water takes up a fifth of your home’s energy bill. Let’s talk about using smart gadgets to cut that cost.