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:

1. Is this something that needs to be said?

2. Is this something that needs to be said by me?

3. 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

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