Explainthatstuff.com is a science and technology website that I find myself returning to again and again. Created by science writer Chris Woodford, it offers simple yet engaging explanations of how things work—from everyday gadgets to complex scientific concepts. I have to admit that lately, when I want to quickly understand something, I’ll ask an AI to explain it to me like I’m 5 years old. However, in comparison, this human-written website is much more satisfying to read and learn from, like having my own private science tutor at my fingertips. — CD
I just completed a six-day walk across the island of Bali. We carried only day packs and our luggage was forwarded each day. We walked roughly 77 km from Ubud, up to the volcanoes in the center of the island, and then finished on the north coast. We had two guides to lead the way through the rice terraces, and we slept in local villages, Balinese style along the way. I highly recommend the organizers, who charge only $500 for the whole trip, including all the vegetarian meals along the way. This is miles off the tourist, or even backpacker, tracks. The hosts, Astungkara Way, also offer a 10-day version which goes coast to coast. — KK
I love this visual guide that shows the best months to visit all U.S. national parks. It's easy to read and will hopefully take the guesswork out of planning your next outdoor adventure. Here is the accompanying blog post about the criteria used to determine the “best” times to visit each park. The creator considered factors like historical visitor statistics, seasonal weather, road and trail closures, and even special annual events like bat flights and wildflower blooms. — CD
Last year, Paul Graham, a renowned programmer, entrepreneur, and venture capitalist known for co-founding Y Combinator, wrote an essay titled "How to Do Great Work." He covered a wide range of topics, from choosing what to work on to cultivating originality. This week, I came across Peter Schroeder's terrific visual representation that maps out the main ideas from Graham's essay. It's useful even if you don't read the essay. — MF
I have an update to my previous recommendation of self-adhesive hidden desk drawers. Recently, I switched out my Ikea motorized standing desk for a smaller one on caster wheels—which I am very happy with—but, like my previous desk, it does not have any built-in storage. Luckily, I found these under-desk organizers that are larger but just as easy to mount with self-adhesive tape. — CD
Henry Segerman is a mathematician who likes to make clever, remarkable mathematical shapes and 3D print them out into real things. He then makes a youtube explaining their origins. Each beautiful object becomes a mathematical lesson. He favors odd gears, weird knots, unusual shapes. You can watch Segerman videos for very nerdy satisfaction, but to fully close the loop, you can also purchase one of his exquisite objects shown in the videos. I have a few on my shelf. They are both conversation pieces and mathematical proofs, and great gifts for the nerds in your life. — KK.
During a trip to Europe 30 years ago, I discovered Euronews and became a fan of its "No Comment" video segments. These segments feature short clips of raw, unedited video footage capturing events from around the world without any narration. The lack of commentary make them more impactful. Recent samples: “El Salvador transfers 2,000 inmates to mega prison” and “Search for survivors continues after deadly Papua New Guinea landslide.” You can watch more here. — MF
I’ve tried many ways to keep our car tires inflated, but since we don’t go to gas stations anymore (because EVs), the most convenient way I’ve found to inflate tires (autos and bikes) is with a cheap compact cordless pump that is powered by a cordless tool battery. Since I always have at least one cordless tool battery charged, I can grab this small hand-held, walk to the tire and pump it up instantly. I’m on the Dewalt battery system so I got this no-brand Foduuo Cordless Tire Inflator for $30, that works fine.
— KK
I used Bookshelf.so to create an interactive bookshelf for free. The easiest way to do this is by exporting and importing your Goodreads list. I then used markup to add links and a favorite quote from each book. I added my personalized bookshelf link to my social media bios, and I would love to see your digital bookshelves if you create one. My bookshelf is comprised solely of my favorite books on Spirit, New Age, Psychedelics, Jungian Psychology, and Mindfulness. — CD
I recently discovered Spoken.io, a website that reveals the practice of "white-labeling" in the furniture and home decor industry. White-labeling is when the same generic product is sold by multiple retailers under different brand names and prices. Spoken.io tracks items from over 100 stores, making it easy to compare prices for identical products across retailers like West Elm, Pottery Barn, and Crate & Barrel. The price differences can be substantial, so if you're furnishing a home, it's worth checking out to ensure you're getting the best deal. — MF
Tastes in music and art vary tremendously person to person. I have no idea whether you’ll enjoy these artists as much as I do, but here is a short list of the artists I follow on Instagram. I tend to follow those who keep surprising me.
I am sure I have only touched the surface of all artists posting. — KK
If you’re seeking a bit of serenity during your workday, check out this web project that features one-minute videos of parks from around the world. The creator’s goal is to fill every minute of the day with park scenes and is currently accepting contributions. Thanks to Johnny Webber for introducing me to this website in his most recent Link Dump. — CD
The Goldlist method is a language learning technique that involves writing down lists of phrases you would like to learn in a notebook. Each page of the notebook is divided into four sections (1, 2, 3, 4). Every day, you write a list of 8-10 new words or phrases in section 1. After a week, you test yourself on the list, copying incorrect answers to section 2. This process is repeated, moving forgotten phrases to subsequent sections every 7 days. This video explains the process in more detail. — MF
Something that helps me dispel confusion or feelings of resistance in my body is listening to "The Pearl Dive," a 30-minute guided imagery journey created by Dr. Rosalind Watts. This meditation prompts me to dive deep into my body and away from my thoughts, uncovering buried emotions and desires that I have yet to shine light on. It amazes me that I always discover something new and how uncomfortable feelings can transform into treasures if I just spend a little time exploring my inner landscape. You can learn more and listen to "The Pearl Dive" here, as well as the follow-up meditation "Planting the Pearl as a Seed," which focuses on integrating the insights gained from the dive. If you’re interested in participating in a communal listening of the meditations, check out ACER’s upcoming events flyer posted to Instagram. — CD
Close.city is an interactive map designed to help you find neighborhoods in the United States that are within a short walking distance of amenities like supermarkets, public transportation, cafes, co-working spaces, bookstores, and other facilities. It's useful when searching for a hotel, Airbnb, or apartment that's near the kinds of places that are important to you — MF
I am about to leave on a walk-and-talk, which is a week-long moving salon. A group of 10 people walk 100km in a week, while in conversation, including a 3-hour conversation each evening dedicated to one topic, suggested by the participants. Craig Mod and I have been running these in many countries to great success and we wrote up all we know in 21 pages so you could host one yourself, with your own group of friends. Free PDF, at How to Walk and Talk. — KK
You could not pay me enough money to get onto one of those mega cruise boats, with multi thousands of passengers. However it turns out that small boat cruises are one of the best ways to do a vacation. I define small as less than 40 passengers, and ideally less than 25. You are on a floating hotel with meals so the everyday hassles of moving each night are removed. A small boat can debark and embark very quickly and visit many smaller places (villages and wilderness) that a huge boat cannot. You make your own entertainment: They encourage very active days, dropping you off to hike, canoe, bike, walk, snorkel, or kayak in the morning; you return for lunch and then repeat in the afternoon. They avoid shopping ports. Of course, the per person rate is higher for a small vessel, but we’ve found the difference very much worthwhile, as these have become our favorite vacations. A few of the tours that are 5-7 days long that we are familiar with are below.
Galapagos — The boats sail at night. Every morning you wake up to a brand new island with a brand new biome. Lots of snorkeling and hiking with naturalists. We used Happy Gringos.
Inland Passageway, Alaska — Head north through the calm inland sea, visiting glacier strewn fjords, wildlife close up, and native American islands. Kayaking, too. We used Alaskan Dreams.
Mekong River — Sail from Siem Reap (and its Angor Wat) in Cambodia, all the way downstream to Ho Chi Min City on the coast of south Vietnam, with bicycle excursions along the way. Mark used Aqua Expeditions.
Turquoise Coast, Turkey — Join a gulet sailboat long the southern Mediterranean coast of Turkey, stopping at ancient Greek ruins, Turkish villages and swimming coves. These cruises have become very popular with party versions for young adults. I don’t remember who we used but try, Sail and Stay.
Superficially, large cruise boats claim to follow similar routes, but trust me, small boat cruises are a different species well worth your time. — KK
After moving into my new place, I realized I didn't like where some of the heavier furniture pieces were situated. Instead of struggling to move them myself, I decided to use Lugg (“Uber for movers.”) Within an hour of booking through their app, two friendly and efficient movers arrived. They carefully relocated the pieces upstairs exactly where I wanted. The movers were total pros — quick yet meticulous about protecting my belongings and home. — MF
I recently came across Caroline Myss’s Archetype Oracle Cards at my therapist's office and was so fascinated with it that I decided to purchase my own set. This deck includes 80 cards, each representing a different archetype with both its Light and Shadow Attributes. I like to make up different ways to play with this deck. Sometimes, I sift through the cards to identify the archetypes that are most active in my psyche or recognize those I might be suppressing by selecting the cards that resonate with or repel me. Other times, I draw a single card with the intention of deepening my understanding of it and observing how it might express itself in others. This deck has helped me better understand my own sub-personalities, and I think it would make an excellent tool for anyone doing “parts work,” like Internal Family Systems or Voice Dialogue and the Psychology of Selves. —CD
Tip: When charging your phone on the go in a cafe, lounge, hotel, or friend’s house, place something large like your backpack or purse or coat RIGHT NEXT to the charger. You are far less likely to leave two things behind, and therefore less likely to forget the charger. — KK