your compass in American life
USB Microphones Photo: Connie Park Top pick No matter the testing conditions, our listening panel always chose the 512 Audio Tempest as one of their favorites. This microphone’s clear, natural sound works great for voices, music, and gaming, and…
These Tiny Mise En Place Bowls Are a Meal-Prep Wonder Before I went to culinary school, I took “cooking up a storm” quite literally. That is to say, my kitchen almost always looked like a hurricane had blown through it…
Makes Taking Believe it or not, I love my trash can. It’s sleek and easy to wipe down, it has two compartments (one for trash, one for recycling), and its soft-close lid doesn’t bang shut. It’s made by Simplehuman, the…
Like most of the moka pots we tested, the Moka Express is simple yet effective, lightweight yet sturdy, affordable yet stylish. It’s uncomplicated to use, unlike traditional espresso machines (which require some practice and know-how and cost hundreds of…
Photo: Sarah Kobos Top pick The SanDisk Extreme Pro is the fastest UHS-I card we tested and is covered by a lifetime limited warranty. It has a good price per gigabyte, too. The 64 GB SanDisk Extreme Pro…
Snap Circuits teaches the fundamentals of circuitry and electronics using large components—power sources, switches, resistors, capacitors, and wires—that snap together to light up, power motors, and more. Photo: Chris Heinonen These toys help kids jump into experimenting with electronic circuitry…
Understanding Depression Depression is a complex mental health disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities. While everyone experiences moments of sadness,…
Understanding the Importance of a Daily Routine Establishing a daily routine is essential for optimizing productivity and enhancing overall well-being. A structured day has been shown to improve time management, allowing individuals to allocate sufficient time for various tasks, whether…
Understanding Negative Thought Patterns Negative thought patterns are cognitive distortions that affect how individuals perceive themselves and the world around them. These thought patterns often lead to deleterious effects on mental health, behavior, and overall well-being. Recognizing and understanding these…
My kale (left) and chard seedlings saw robust growth under shop lights this season. Photo: Sebastian Compagnucci To grow seedlings hardy enough to withstand a springtime move outdoors, you need to have a direct light source just a few inches…