Ah, it’s a super-wonderful Sunday! Glad you’re here with me. Let’s start with trivia. What was the world’s first text message? Was it … “Hello world,” “Did you get this,” “LOL” or “Merry Christmas”? The answer’s at the end, friends!

🗺️ Support our sponsor: I’ll never forget when my son pulled up an address I lived at over 25 years ago on a creepy data-broker site. Incogni can wipe out all that for you across 180+ websites. It’s a great service, really. — Kim

You no longer have to wait for Black Friday or Cyber Monday to save. Yep, Amazon's holiday deals are here now. Plus, you don't have to change out of your jammies. Here are the best ones I picked out for you!

Tech

• Apple AirTags 4-pack, $87 (was $99)
• JLab folding headphones, $15 (was $20)
• Apple AirPods (2nd Gen), $99 (was $129)
• Apple iPad (9th Gen), $249 (was $330)
• Garmin Venu 2S smartwatch, $259 (was $400)

Travel

• Samsonite hard-side carry-on spinner, $145 (was $180)
• Coolife 3-piece luggage set, $100 with coupon (was $300)
• Crossbody cellphone bag, $18 with coupon (was $35)
• Personal safety alarm, $19 with coupon (was $30)
• Portable door lock, $18 (was $32)

Home

• Stone bath mat, $36 (was $60)
• Milk frother wand, $6 (was $17)
• Coffee mug warmer, $26 (was $40)
• Hotel-quality bed pillows, $31 with coupon (was $50)

Outdoors

• Bushnell Falcon binoculars, $35 (was $41)
• Coleman Evanston camping tent, $175 (was $230)
• LifeStraw personal water filter, $10 (was $20)

Yes, I make a little bit if you purchase using my links. Is it enough to pay the bills? Nope. Do I still appreciate it? Yes.

🥊 Oh, and a tip if you brave the stores on Black Friday: Turn your phone horizontally before recording the shopping brawls. The footage looks so much better.

This time of year, all our inboxes are loaded with gift guides, deals and coupons. Our phones are buzzing with holiday promotions and we’re being robo-called around the clock.

A select few of these promotions are wanted, but the majority is flagrant spam. How’d they get your email address and phone number in the first place?

The most likely answer is data brokers. These companies make big money collecting personal information and selling it in bulk. They are using and selling your personal data, including your home address, Social Security number and phone number — and a lot more.

Now the good news: You can do something about it. Before the Black Friday spam madness hits, try Incogni. I did, and it took me three minutes to go through the process. Now, my info is totally wiped out of 74 people-search databases and counting. That would have taken me hours to do on my own.

Get your data off 180+ data broker and people-search sites automatically with Incogni. They offer a full 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not happy … But I bet you will be.

💏 Love hurts: Watch out, fellas. AI-created ladies on dating apps are using spicy videos and pics to empty your wallet. Telltale signs are perfect features, uneven earrings and handwritten love notes. If it feels too quick, too extraordinary and she’s asking for money, swipe left, bro!

ISA: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wants to force all automakers to incorporate Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) tech into every vehicle. It will literally stop drivers from speeding — in the name of ending high-speed police chases and drunk drivers. Seems a bit extreme to me.

AI-music war: YouTube just dropped Dream Track, an AI tool for creators to snag 30-second star vocals. It's a giant leap into commercialized AI-generated music. John Legend's on board, but others like Drake say, "No, thanks." Let the copyright strikes begin!

🐉 Dragonslayer: If you're tablet shopping for a kiddo in your life, be careful. The Dragon Touch KizPad Y88X, which Walmart and Amazon sold until recently, comes loaded with malware. The more I hear about these kids' tablets, the less I think they're a good idea.

I turn tech complexity into simplicity with my Daily Tech Update podcast. I’ll give you the top tech news and a useful digital life hack, all in under two minutes. It's the perfect match for your daily routine — no tech expertise required.

👉 Get my podcasts today!

🦃 Take the turkey turnpike: Google Maps analyzed last year's traffic data to find the best time to drive during the holidays. No surprise, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons are the worst times. You should expect smooth sailing after 8 p.m. on Monday or Tuesday. If you must drive on Thanksgiving Day, hit the road before noon or after 4 p.m.

We love free: I know firsthand hiring is hard right now. If you have an open position, post it for free on LinkedIn* using my special link. Pro tip: Check other jobs with the same title and look for inspiration to make your post even better.

🗑️ Take out the trash: You think just because you put a file in the trash or recycle bin and cleared it, it’s gone forever. Nope. If you want files truly gone, you have to overwrite them using specialized software like Eraser.

Another week and another great group of folks chatting with me on my national radio show. Show your Komando Pride. Grab your very own Kim Komando Show fanny pack, mug and shirt!

• Gary and Cecelia from Phoenix, Arizona, were internet strangers. Gary desperately needed a kidney, so his daughter posted on Facebook. It caught Cecelia's eye. Then and there, she decided to give Gary what he needed.
• Billy Smith in Oklahoma bought an Apple Watch following his heart attack and triple bypass in 2020. He used it to monitor his heart rate and maintain his fitness. This new habit inspired him to become a runner. He got so good, he's doing marathons.
• “Old Man Steve” from Texas is a TikTok sensation. He’s 85 years young and has nearly 2 million followers. Gen Z loves watching him whip up oatmeal, sip coffee and, yes, rock a pretty cool hat.

Plus, Bill wants to use his late wife's voice for GPS, Rose searches for estate inventory tech, Chris hunts for cheap home mesh Wi-Fi, John seeks to block pesky political texts, Larry tries to get off people-search sites, and more!

Listen: You have to hear this call from my show. Patti hired an IT guy and he turned against her, hacking her online life. Our chat starts around 9 minutes in.

Cook: Before all the rich holiday food, I’m craving salad. This one with sweet potatoes and goat cheese looks amazing. Or, hey, knock yourself out with some cheesy biscuits.

Watch: Calling all nature lovers. I’ve heard such good things about “Puff: Wonders of the Reef” on Netflix. It follows a cute, little fish on his journey to the Great Barrier Reef. Even the trailer is gorgeous!

Play: Christmas music you can really sink into. This YouTube playlist lasts 12 hours and is super cozy to stream to your TV.

There are 16 animals. Head to my site to see where they are located in this image.

🎅 The answer: On Dec. 3, 1992, Neil Papworth sent the first text — “Merry Christmas” — to Richard Jarvis, who was attending a Christmas party in Newbury, England. Fast forward: About 23 billion text messages are sent every day now!

If you want to wipe your data off annoying and invasive sites online, check out Incogni. I used it, and it works.

🎧 Have a beautiful Sunday, friend! I can’t believe the holidays are here. Get a little downtime while you can. Hey, take me on your next long walk. We both can use the steps. I’ll be back in your inbox tomorrow with the best newsletter in the USA! — Kim