New Video: Is this thing... alive?

Welcome back to another edition of my newsletter! Today I’ve got a strange gadget that had me completely geeking out. It’s a so-called ferrofluid speaker that reacts to music, your voice, and even whispers. I’ll also share a quick household hack, a throwback review, a Short Spotlight, and a few deals worth checking out.

Quick note: Today’s video doesn’t go live for about an hour after this email goes out, which means you’re seeing this review before anyone else if you open the newsletter right away!

Let’s dive in!

NEW VIDEO ALERT 📽️
Venom in a Bottle? Ferrofluid “Speaker” Review

I just tested out one of the strangest gadgets I’ve picked up in a while, a so-called ferrofluid speaker. The only problem is that it doesn’t actually play sound. Instead, it reacts to music, your voice, and even whispers by “dancing” around inside a glass chamber.

At first I wasn’t sure what to expect. The listing calls it everything from a speaker to a lamp to Venom’s prototype substance. What I found was part science experiment, part desk toy, and part mesmerizing alien lifeform that had me totally geeking out.

In the video, I:

• Unbox the $100 gadget and talk about some of the odd claims in the listing.

• Show how it reacts to magnets, my voice, and different genres of music.

• Test how sensitive the built-in mic is.

• Share whether I think it’s worth the price, or just another flashy gimmick.

It may not serve any real purpose… but it’s pretty incredible to watch.

DEALS 🏷️
Hydroflask: 46% Off

HydroFlask is one of the heavy hitters in the insulated water bottle world, and right now you can grab one at 46% off. This is the lowest price I’ve seen since May, so it’s not something that comes around often. Keep in mind the sale price can vary by color, so double-check before you check out!

Shark Stratos Stick Vacuum: 40% Off
Shark has a bunch of items on sale at the moment, but this stick version of their popular Stratos vacuum caught my eye. It usually runs about $300, so seeing it down to $180 is a solid markdown. I own the full upright Stratos myself and still love it after several years.

EZ Off Jar Opener: 40% Off
This is one of those “how did I ever live without it” gadgets. I used mine regularly from 2019 until the adhesive finally gave way in 2024 (I could have screwed it in, but chose not to). It’s one of the rare kitchen tools that also has my mom’s seal of approval, and that’s saying something. If you’ve wanted one, this is a good chance to grab it at a discount.

Fixing Cloudy Glassware
Ever pull a glass out of the dishwasher and notice it looks cloudy, no matter how much you scrub? That cloudy look is usually either mineral deposits (from hard water) or etching (surface damage). If it’s just mineral deposits, there is hope!

• White Vinegar: Fill a bowl or sink with equal parts warm water and white vinegar. Soak the cloudy glasses for about 15–30 minutes, then rinse and dry. The vinegar should dissolve the mineral deposits.

• For Stubborn Spots: Make a paste with baking soda and a few drops of water, gently rub it on the glass, then rinse.

• Note: If you have hard water, try adding a little rinse aid in the dishwasher, or occasionally hand-wash your favorite glasses with vinegar to keep them clear.

If the cloudiness doesn’t come off with vinegar, there’s probably little left to try, but at least you’ll know your dishwasher soap isn’t to blame.

ON THIS DATE 🗓️
Top-Selling Waffle Makers (2022)

Exactly three years ago today, I put the top four best-selling waffle makers on Amazon to the test. Each one had its strengths and weaknesses, but in the end I crowned my favorite of the bunch. If you’re in the market for a new waffle maker, this might be the perfect throwback to check out!

SHORT SPOTLIGHT 🎥
Warming Tray