Hello, friends! It’s a tech-filled Tuesday. Let’s begin with our trivia. How did web company Yahoo get its name? Was it A) an old-school chant the creators loved, B) from Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels" or C) an abbreviation for "You Always Have Other Options"? You’ll find the answer at the end.

🫡 Reminder to do your part to keep this free newsletter coming at you by checking out our sponsors. Today, RYSE is looking for folks to learn more about their company and SEC filings. — Kim

The images, stories and videos of Israel and Gaza are horrifying, aren't they? You know what that fuels — a slew of misleading info making the rounds on social media.

Have you seen that viral video showing an Israeli airstrike? It was being shared left and right, and it claimed to show Israel's retaliation against a sudden attack by Hamas last Saturday. But here's the catch: That footage is from May, as confirmed by Reuters.

Here's another one. A clip making waves on platforms like X and TikTok showcases a pair of jets being towed on the ground. The backstory? Some said Israeli Defense Forces were packing up and leaving bases near Gaza. Others claimed it was Hamas showing off captured Israeli jets. Plot twist — that video first popped up on YouTube in September.

What's even more eyebrow-raising? Many "verified" users (yep, those with the blue checkmarks) shared these misleading videos on X. Remember, those accounts are pocketing change every time you click.

Social media is telling

Both sides have been firing up their social media game for some online warfare. Israel's official accounts, for instance, have been pretty vocal about their stance, even comparing Hamas to the likes of ISIS in a gripping video post.

Heads-up for everyone: Several platforms, including X, have given the boot to accounts linked with Hamas. Their new digital hangout? Telegram. They've been raking in followers there and dishing out promotional content with real-time updates.

It's not just misinformation to be wary of

Anytime something major is in the news, out come the scammers. Cyber tricksters have a whole bag of deceitful schemes. Among the most sinister? Fake charities, fraudulent pleas for help and deceptive GoFundMe campaigns. Sadly, some folks exploit tragic events, like the Israel-Hamas conflict, to tug at our heartstrings — and wallets.

Before you tap that “Donate” button, do your research. Verify the organization or individual's credibility. Check out platforms like Charity Navigator or BBB Wise Giving Alliance to ensure your goodwill goes to the right place.

Tips to keep you real

Be super careful what you read, click and share online. I just saw a link to a video showing an Israeli soldier's beheading by Hamas. Yes, it's real, but I would rather pray for the soldier and his loved ones than watch. There are things you simply cannot unsee.

️Big Tech acquired startups in the smart doorbell and smart thermostat categories for billions. If you missed out on these spectacular early investments in the smart home space, here’s your chance to grab hold of the next one.

RYSE is the tech firm that’s poised to dominate the smart shades market (growing at an astonishing 55% annually), and their public $1.25/share offering is opening for a limited time!

Going green … Leveraging advanced sensors and AI, RYSE converts manual shades into automated shades to maximize energy savings — up to 24% on cooling and lighting in commercial buildings.

Emergency PSA: If you're in a life-or-death situation, it might be safer to text 911 instead of calling — but be aware 911's location data isn't as accurate with a text as with a call. If you can dial 911, you should always do it. Share this critical intel with family and friends.

Move over, Robocop: In other news that could come from a dystopian sci-fi novel … Kroger is using AI to catch self-checkout theft at its 2,800 stores nationwide. Here’s how it works: You check out, and AI analyzes camera footage to make sure you’re not stealing the organic broccoli and alerts security if something looks fishy.

🧬 Do not take my DNA: Remember when 23andMe said, "Nothing to see here" about all those user details hackers claimed to have? Turns out the company was, in fact, breached — and bad guys managed to steal the personal data of 7 million accounts. If you've used 23andMe, follow these instructions for resetting your password and multifactor authentication protocol.

Battery power: It’s not just saving on gas — an electric vehicle could help power your home during an emergency. Vehicles like the Ford F‑150 Lightning and Nissan Leaf have bidirectional charging capabilities, meaning you can power your home with its battery during a blackout. That is one snazzy feature.

Squat and listen: Let’s be honest … We’ve all scrolled through our phones while sitting on the ivory throne. Medical professionals say using your smartphone this way is unhealthy, as more time on the toilet can increase the chance of (gasp) hemorrhoids. Do your business and check Instagram later. Not medical advice. Well, it is, but I’m not a doctor.

👃🏼 AI isn’t just writing emails: Perfumiers use it to create scents to make you feel a certain way, like calm, sleepy or happy. Hugo Ferreira, a researcher at the Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering in Lisbon, is mapping brain activity to see which scents evoke these emotions. Can’t wait for the day I can sell a bottle of “I’m Happy, Kim.”

Sound like a tech pro, even if you're not one. Try my award-winning, daily podcast. Search for my last name with "K" wherever you get your podcasts and "Go Komando!"

Listen to my podcast, Kim Komando Today, here.

I can't resist a deal, and I know you can't, either. I scoured Amazon for the best Prime Big Deal Days bargains. If nothing strikes your fancy, here's a secret special page that lists all the steals. Hope you find some goodies.

🎁 Thank me later: Grab a gift or two now while things are cheap to lessen the load come December!

Right after my mom passed away, it hurt to look at pictures of her. I just missed her too, too much. Facebook and Google Photos love to remind us of the past. It’s not always the right time.

You can hide photos from showing up. You’re not removing them — just hiding them from view.

On Facebook:

On Google:

📸 While you’re at it: You need to get all the interior pics of your house off real estate sites. (Think of it as a virtual blueprint for would-be thieves.) Here’s how.

“Black Jeep, black Jeep, have you any oil?”
“Yes, sir! Yes, sir! Five quarts full!”

The answer: B) In Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels," Yahoos are portrayed as unclothed and dirty. I don’t get why Yahoo’s founders picked that, either. Now, they also say "Yahoo!" is an acronym for "Yet Another Hierarchically Organized Oracle." That’s geeks for you!

What's Mario's favorite search engine? Yahoo!

🌅 Keep this newsletter free to you by checking out today’s sponsor. Ryse is setting the smart shade marketplace on fire. Here’s how you can be one of their investors. Be sure to rate this newsletter below and leave a comment if you want. I read them all! — Kim