Wearables are now becoming more of a norm and rings are going to become smarter and smarter as time goes on. Well the best thing to use your ring for would be to pay for things! That’s what McLear are doing with their ring, the McLear RingPay!
Below are a few features that their smart ring can do:
Use your ring to make secure payments anywhere that accepts contactless.
It’s funded by connecting your debit or credit card.
Earn Cashback through use
One click deactivate
Hypoallergenic
Scratch Resistant
Waterproof
No Charging
Features of the McLear RingPay
Using your ring to pay for things makes so much sense as it is simply a case of waving or in the McLear’s case, knocking your wrist over the sensor. While it is much faster than using a credit card or debit card as it doesn’t require you to take out your phone or adjust your watch. It’s always there on your finger, ready to go when you need it.
Their rings are engineered to a high standard, there are no glues or plastics pressed against your skin. Only high quality, super strong, hypoallergenic ceramic.
While the ring is also waterproof, scratch resistant and stress tested. The ring will take every day wear and tear and continue to work.
Furthermore their RingPay app will keep track of spending, expenses, online spending, pause or lock a lost ring, all from within the app. Which is available on iOS or Android.
RingPay Rewards
You can earn cash back when using the McLear RingPay at participating retailers. For every qualifying purchase that you make you can get a percentage of the transaction back as a reward. You can then transfer this cash back earned to the RingPay account to spend using your Ring.
RingPay Giving
For all those users that like giving to charity, you can also give to good causes using RingPay.
You can do this by choosing one of McLear’s two giving rules. you can either round up to the next pound or donate a fixed amount every time you make a purchase. While your giving rule is applied and the donation is taken from your RingPay account balance.
McLear will make sure that 100% of your donation will make it to your chosen charity and you can choose from a big list of registered charities to support.
McLear RingPay Premium: RingPay+
Premium members club gives access to more cash back, special RingPay+ perks and exclusive discounts as 1000’s of retailers. Such as ticket bookings, cinemas, restaurants, hotels and travel deals.
Auto Top-up
You can always have money in your McLear RingPay Ring too, with the Auto Top-Up feature. You can set a preferred funding source and specify the amount of money to auto top-up once your balance falls below a user set amount.
Suspend / Unsuspend RingPay
Misplaced your Ring?… Place a temporary block on your account until it turns up.
Add up to 4 rings
You can now own 4 Rings and manage all 4 from within your app and even transfer funds between them at the touch of a button!
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PONANT have launched it’s very first high polar exploration cruise ship, the Le Commandant Charcot. There was an inauguration ceremony which took place in Le Havre. The same place where famous French explorer, Jean-Baptiste Charcot left from.
The Le Commandant Charcot is the 13th ship in PONANT’s fleet. It was launched during a very emotional ceremony attended by Anne Manipound-Charcot. The explorer’s great-grand-daughter, Hervé Gastinel, PONANT’s CEO and Captains Etienne Garcia and Patrick Marchesseau.
“The boldness of this project is not just about taking passengers to the far corners of the Arctic and the Antarctic, it is about doing it safely and following the same values and principles of seamanship that move us. Our values are first about respect for nature – this nature that is so dear to us, all the more knowing how much we owe the oceans and the fragile eco-systems we travel. Polar regions in particular deserve the highest respect and attention. We are committed to this mission every day and today ever more,” Hervé Gastinel, PONANT’s CEO.
Star Studded Voyage – Le Commandant Charcot
After a musical prelude from violinist Namanja Radulovic and pianist Laure Favre-Kahn, bagpipes. Other traditional Breton instruments of le Bagad de Lann-Bihoue resonated under the Normand sky off the Etretat cliffs. The Chef Alain Ducasse, the architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte. Also the director Luc Jacquet, the designer Jean-Philippe Nuel were among the guests alongside other partners of the company. Including Vard shipyard, Stirling Design International and Aker Arctic. Also among the guests were Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, French Ambassador for the Poles. Also Jérôme Chappellaz, Director of the Paul Emile Victor Institute were in attendance.
About Le Commandant Charcot
The Le Commandant Charcot is a very high tech cruise ship. It has been eco-designed and is at the cutting edge of technology. While it has been stated that the Le Commandant Charcot is the most ground-breaking ship in the PONANT Fleet. As it has a hybrid electric Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion system. While this major innovation is impressive, it is aligned with the commitment of the company to have sustainable tourism.
The Le Commandant Charcot is a Polar Class PC2 ship and was designed with the highest attention to detail in terms of safety, comfort and respect for the environment. While still maintaining the ability to sail and explore the extreme far reached territories. Such as the Arctic and Antarctic in complete self-sufficiency. Certified Cleanship by Bureau Veritas, Le Commandant Charcot displays the latest green technologies onboard including waste recycling and sewage management.
Entertainment on Le Commandant Charcot
Le Commandant Charcot has 123 cabins, the innovative ship can carry up to 245 guests. Can reach polar destinations such as the geographic North Pole, the Weddell sea, the Ross sea or the Pierre-1st island. The ship also has facilities and equipment for research. Helping to provide the scientific world with a platform for observation, research and analysis. To study the polar eco-systems!
For guests, there are a host of activities on offer. Such as citizen science, lectures by experts, kayaking, hovercraft, hiking, ice fishing and much more!
Maiden Voyages
There are totally new routes for the ship, with the pace governed solely by nature. There are a total of 10 sailings from April to September. With the aim to discover the world’s most northern wilderness. The voyages are for the occasional explorer, it is accessible and exciting for those willing to come aboard. The most spectacular landscapes await them as well as the chance to meet Inuit people! Share their spring traditions. While there is a privilege to learn from nature whilst doing so.
Whilst aboard the Le Commandant Charcot guests will get a chance to open their eyes to the rich culture and wonders of the territories that the ship travels to. There is a new form of exploration which is described best as one of initation and emotion with a sharing of knowledge. Knowledge from 23 passionate experts about their subject. Glaciologists, ornithologists, biologists and geologists. Guests will discover the Arctic region through an original and authentic experience.
Green Technologies
The Le Commandant Charcot has loads of green technologies on it! As stated previously, the ship runs of LNG, the hybrid electric Liquid Natural Gas propulsion system. Which is fantastic for the environment. But it also has more green technologies. As it also has a waste water treatment system and 100% of waste is recycled on board and has a ban on all single use plastics.
ABOUT PONANT – Le Commandant Charcot
Founded in 1988 by officers from the French Merchant Navy, PONANT pioneered a new type of cruises, flying the French flag. With a unique approach about sea travel and a commitment to promote sustainable and responsible travel. To reach exceptional destinations on board beautifully designed cruise yachts where the art of living and high standard cuisine are equally important. This is the promise of a PONANT voyage, unique and authentic.
Destinations:
Below are some of the amazing destinations that you can attend while on the Le Commandant Charcot
The Geographic North Pole –
Who has not dreamed of going to the ends of the earth? PONANT invites guests to push the boundaries of navigation du ring exceptional cruises to the geographic North Pole. At 90° North, the geographic pole is a mythical point covered in pack ice all year round and 700km from any land surface, which only a chosen few have had the chance to reach. Departing from Spitsbergen, Le Commandant Charcot will be sailing amidst spectacular scenery, ideal for observing the rich diversity of wildlife, to the pack ice. A slow journey then begins into the very heart of this silent world of extreme cold to have the privilege of arriving at our planet’s northernmost point.
Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen –
Aboard Le Commandant Charcot
16 days, 15 nights
3 sailings from July to August 2022
From £22,220 return flights from Paris included
The Northwest Passage
For the first time, PONANT is offering a crossing to discover the remotest, most iconic navigable waterways in this legendary frozen landscape, only accessible with Le Commandant Charcot. This is an opportunity to relive the polar adventures led by explorers from the past into the heart of this vast labyrinth of ice-bound channels, exploring three main routes to cross the Northwest Passage.
Reykjavik – Nome
Aboard Le Commandant Charcot
25 days, 24 nights
7 September to ist October 2022
From £27,700
At the genesis of French polar expeditions
This highly original cruise will take guests in the wake of the great explorers who tried to a pp roach Greenland’s eastern shores, a region that long remained isolated as it was so difficult to access. For the very first ti me, PO NANT proposes to explore Greenland in the spring, a season when there is still a thick layer of ice, yet nature relishes in the midnight sun. Guests on Le Commandant Charcot will have an opportunity to share in the Inuit people’s spring traditions and explore the stil I pristine shores of Greenland’s east coast, where French explorers of the past including Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Jules de Blosseville and Paul-Emile Victor once trod.
Reykjavik- Reykjavik
Aboard Le Commandant Charcot
11 days, 10 nights
30 April to 10 May 2022
From £8,910
Discovering the Northeast Greenland National Park
On Le Commandant Charcot, it is possible to sail along one of the most difficult regions to access in the Far North: Greenland’s northeast coast. The itinerary on th is cruise offers guests an experience of a lifetime in the heart of the world’s largest nationa I park and a UN ESCO Biosphere Reserve: no trace of human life just alpine scenery as far as the eye can see and glaciers of extraordinary colours. In spring, the still solid and powerful pack ice holds sway over visitors who venture on to it. It is the ideal time to observe the wildlife that has made the Arctic their home. Here, the bears are kings.
Reykjavik- Reykjavik
Aboard Le Commandant Charcot
13 days, 12 nights
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HTC have announced a brand new virtual reality headset, the VIVE Flow. It is a compact, lightweight immersive glasses device. Which transports it’s wearers wherever and whenever they want. While the Flow has been designed with comfort and portability in mind. Allowing users to experience calm and well-being for themselves:
Meditation 2.0 with apps like TRIPP, or taking a scenic, immersive drive down Route 66 with MyndVR’s original series: A Road to Remember
Watching TV or movies on their own personal, cinema-sized VR screen
Exercising their minds with brain training apps
Collaborating and socializing with colleagues and friends on VIVE Sync
The HTC Vive Flow is available in November. The main feature of the Flow is to help people nurture their minds, relax and have fun on a daily basis. With a big focus on portability.
CEO’s Thoughts:
“With VIVE Flow, HTC is taking technology in a new direction, focusing not on what we do, but on how we feel. Maintaining our wellness has come to the forefront in the last few years, with so many millions feeling stressed every day, so it has never been more important to take time out to calm our minds, and VIVE Flow provides the perfect opportunity to escape our four walls and immerse ourselves in our ideal ambience,”
“Meditation, gentle stretches, brain training, streaming our favorite shows or even meeting friends or coworkers in VR with VIVE Sync can all be enhanced by a device light and compact enough to fit in our pocket. VIVE Flow represents the next evolution of technology, as we take a more holistic view of how we can make life better.”
“Relaxation means different things to different people,” said Nanea Reeves, CEO of leading XR wellness service TRIPP. “It’s important to find your own version of zen, whether that means meditating, watching videos, or playing games. The fact that HTC gets it, that we can use VR in these ways that can benefit peoples’ emotional and mental well-being is something that I personally am very excited about as is our entire team at TRIPP.” Cher Wang, Chairwoman and CEO of HTC.
Go with the Flow the HTC Vive Flow
With the HTC Vive Flow, users will find it easy to find time for meditation, entertainment or productivity, even on a hectic day. This is thanks to the lifestyle minded features on the device:
Dive into a range of immersive experiences via the Viveport app store anytime, anywhere, using your Android smartphone as a controller.
Connect wirelessly to your 5G Android smartphone and stream content like TV shows and films from your favorite platforms.*
Meet with colleagues and friends in realistic virtual environments via VIVE Sync.
Portability meets power
The Vive Flow weighs just 189g. The device has a dual hinge design and has a soft face gasket to allow it to fold down, giving it even more portability. The Vive Flow’s hinge is designed to fit into many different head shapes and sizes. Taking inspiration from the Vive Focus 3, the magnetic connections make it simple and quick swap out, perfect if you want to share. The HTC Vive has built in diopter dials. Making it easy to adjust for crystal clear visuals. The active cooling system also helps with comfort. As it pulls warm air away from your face.
Furthermore the Vive Flow has incredible immersion, thanks to the expansive 100-degree field of view. Giving users cinematic screens to lose yourself in HD quality content, with a sharp 3.2K resolution and a smooth 75Hz refresh rate. While it also features full 3D spatial audio, the Vive Flow delivers immersive sound and can connect to Bluetooth earphones.
Unwind to your heart’s content – HTC Vive Flow
HTC Vive have also unveiled a special Viveport subscription plan. The plan is $5.99 a month and gives users access to loads of apps including brain training, productivity, light gaming and exclusive content like a L0-Fi room. While this has been designed to look and feel like a cozy cafe.
Pricing, accessories, and availability – HTC Vive Flow
So, VIVE Flow has a matching carry case available for purchase, giving you peace of mind no matter where you go. A small but powerful 10,000mAh VIVE power bank can be purchased separately, providing extra battery life for long days.
While, VIVE Flow retails for USD $499 / £499 / and starting from 549€. It will be available via https://www.vive.com/vive-flow, as well as retailers around the world. Pre-orders start on Oct 14 globally, and anyone pre-ordering will receive the official VIVE Flow carry case and a gift bundle of 7 pieces of content. Open sales begin in November 2021.
Apple Watch Series 7 has a reengineered Always-On Retina display with a larger screen area, thinner borders making it the largest and most advanced display. Narrower borders on the display maximise the screen area, without touching the dimensions of the watch. It has softer and more rounded corners. The display now has a unique refractive edge that makes full screen watch fasces and apps. Making it appear to seamlessly connect with the curvature of the case. You can also read more on the larger display and has two unique watch faces that makes use of the new display. Contour and Modular Duo. The watch can now charge 33% faster.
It also has a durability upgrade with a more crack resistance front crystal, IPX certification for resistance to dust and a WR50 water resistance rating. The entire Apple Watch Series 7 lineup will be available later this autumn.
Design
The display is 20% larger and thinner borders at just 1.7mm, 40% smaller than that on Series 6. An innovative design maximises the screen area whilst minimally changing the dimensions of the watch itself. The always on display is also now up to 70% brighter indoors than the Apple Watch Series 6. Making it easier to see without having to raise the wrist.
The UI has also been optimised to take advantage of the shape and size of the new display. You can now have two larger font sizes and a new QWERTY keyboard. Which can be tapped or swiped with QuickPath, allowing users to slide a finger to type. It will also use on device machine learning to anticipate the next word based on context.
Durability
Apple Watch Series 7 features a redesigned front crystal. 50% thicker than that of Apple Watch Series 6, making it more crack resistant without compromising optical clarity. It is also IP6X dust-resistant, making it more durable in environments such as the beach or the desert. Also keeping the WR50 water resistance.
Charging
Apple Watch Series 7 has an 18 hour battery life on a single charge and a 33% faster charging compared to Apple Watch Series 6. All through a new charging architecture and Magnetic Fast Charger USB-C Cable.
WatchOS 8
Brand new in WatchOS 8 is the Mindfulness app, sleep respiratory rate tracking, and Tai Chi and Pilates workout types. There is also a new Wallet and Home app functionality to provide better access to the car and places of work, home and visit. Furthermore there are enhancements to Messages and Photos.
Cycling, Workout, and Fall Detection Updates
WatchOS 8 is great for anyone who rides bikes! Apple Watch uses advanced algorithms to analyse GPS, heart rate, accelerometer and gyroscope data to help detect when users begin a bike ride. Once doing so it will prompt them to start an Outdoor Cycle workout. That is if the user didn’t innate it before hand. As with all automatic Workout reminders, cyclists will see metrics from when the workout was selected. Furthermore there are auto pause and resume on cycling workouts. Metrics are more accurate in terms of time spent when moving versus when stationary.
The Apple Watch will also accurately measure active calories when riding an e-bike, with an updated algorithm that evaluates GPS and heart rate to determine when users are riding the pedal assist versus leg power. The voice feedback in the speaker or on AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones will announce milestones. As well as Activity Ring status.
Fall detection is a fantastic safety tool, recognising when a user is immobile for approximately 1 minute if a hard fall is detected. Initiating a call to emergency services right from the wrist. While watchOS 8 has been updated to detect falls during workouts, including cycling. Having the ability to recognise the unique motion and impact the fall from a bike has.
Apple Watch Lineup
Apple Watch Series 7 comes in 5 brand new aluminium colours, such as Midnight, Starlight, Green, Blue and (PRODUCT)RED. All alongside Apple Watch bands. Apple Watch Series 7 also offers backwards compatibility with older Apple Watch bands. While, Stainless steel models, Apple Watch Edition, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Series 3 continue in existing colours.
Apple Watch Nike and Apple Watch Hermès also come in new bands and watch faces. New Nike Sport Loop comes in 3 colours, with the Nike Swoosh and logo incorporated into the weave of the band. Pairing smartly with the new Nike Bounce watch face. Which dynamically animates with the tap of the screen, scroll of the Digital Crown, or move of the wrist.
In addition to the vibrant colour updates across the Classic, Attelage, and Jumping styles, Apple Watch Hermès introduces two new styles. Circuit H is a bold graphic representation of a signature anchor chain design, printed in Swift leather with a complementary watch face, and the Gourmette Double Tour pays homage to 1930s Hermès collars, with links weaving fluidly together in supple Fauve Barénia leather. This band wraps gracefully twice around the wrist and is an iconic representation of the recurring chain motif.
Apple Fitness+
Apple Fitness+ introduces new body conditioning workouts with Pilates, and guided Meditation. Fitness+ also introduces a program called Workouts to Get Ready for Snow Season, featuring two-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time world champion skier Ted Ligety, along with Fitness+ trainer Anja Garcia.
Fitness+ will also introduce Group Workouts with SharePlay, where users can work out with up to 32 people at once to keep each other motivated.
Later this year, Fitness+ will be expanding to 15 new countries — Austria, Brazil, Colombia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates — where it will be available in English with subtitles in six languages, so more people around the world can experience the workouts led by a diverse and inclusive team of trainers whose approach is welcoming to all.
We all hate washing dishes right? Well we have found something that may be your saving grace. A dishwasher, but not just any dishwasher. A Mini Dishwasher. It’s called the: Bob Mini Dishwasher. It’s really small and can be placed right the worktop at home, or in the office. So if you don’t have a dishwasher, now is the excuse to get one!
Small and Mighty
The Bob Mini Dishwasher is as small as a microwave and can be placed anywhere. It is also light as a feather. Weighing only 10kg and is really easy to carry due to integrated handles. The Bob Mini Dishwasher also is tiny and has a width of just 34cm or 13.4 inches. While it can accommodate plates up to 29cm or 11.4 inches. Which is a first for a dishwasher this size!
Don’t have access to a water supply? Don’t worry you can use the 3.9 later integrated water tank to help clean your dishes. The Bob Mini Dishwasher also conveniently fills up from the front, which allows the Bob to be placed under a kitchen cabinet. Furthermore if you do have a water supply you can connect it to water using the Bob easy water inlet hose.
The Bob Mini Dishwasher is inspired by professional dishwashers and has an adaptable basket, which is modular and can be customised to meet your own needs. You can wash up to 16 classes or cups in 15 minutes! While it can also do your daily dishes in 20 minutes!
While Bob can wash dishes with only 2.9L of water which is 5 times less water than washing by hand (15L)!
Bob Mini Dishwasher Features
Bob is available in 24 color combinations and is the first dishwasher with an automatic magnetic door opening. This helps for improved drying and consumes no energy at all. So it is tacticle, simply when you touch the door it will open automatically. It also features a light panel with LED technology which is extremely bright to highlight your dishes. While also enhancing the mood in the kitchen.
Bob Mini Dishwasher is also the first mini dishwasher to be able to connect to Wifi for updates to it’s OS and update other features. It uses the worlds most effective all in one dishwasher detergent distribution system. Cassettes. While Bob+ is a subscription service that activates the automatic renewal of the Bob Cassetter. You will only pay for what you use and it will be delivered to your door.
UV
This next feature is optional, the UV-C module will kill 99% of bacteria and viruses with a waterless cycle. It will disinfect all kinds of objects in 20 minutes. Masks, dishes, wallet, keys etc etc. However if you choose the Bob Premium Pack it will come as standard.
Purchase a Bob Mini Dishwasher here! (Affiliate Link)
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We recently been out an about and have tested another amazing stove, this time, we have given the Campingaz Party Grill 400 CV! It is a powerful little stove that offers campers a choice of 5 different cooking surfaces, perfect for the outdoors! The Party Grill 400 CV allows you to pan cook, BBQ on the cooking grill, the reversible grill, use the griddle palate and the lid even doubles up as a wok for noodles!
You can light the stove with the piezo ignition and the water compartment that is integrated into the grill collects the fat for easy cleaning! It’s ultra portable and has a lockable lid. It even comes with a little handy carry bag! You can use compact and portable CV300+ and CV470+ gas cartridges on the stove.
Easy to Clean
The Campingaz 400 CV is really easy to clean, not only because the water compartment allows for easy cleaning of any grease and fat, but it also helps to prevent it to stick to the stove. When you are finished you can discard the dirty water and rinse off the rest with soapy water. The pan support, grids and griddles are dishwasher safe and can easily be cleaned with a sponge. This is because of it’s non-stick surfaces.
Easy Clic® Plus – Campingaz® patented valve cartridge connection
So, the Campingaz Party Grill 400 CV uses the Easy Clic Plus system. The connection system is made for valve cartridges instead of a screw system. Simply push and rotate the cartridge by 45 degrees to get it connected.
1- Push: Applying a small amount of pressure to connect the device with the cartridge.
2 –Turn: Apply a 45° left turn and device and cartridge are firmly connected! Valve cartridges featuring also a self-sealing valve, they can be disconnected and reconnected even when not empty!
Lexus have created a range of music tracks to help aid mindfulness. This is while in or out of the car. All of the sounds are carefully crafted sounds. Car sounds that is. Such as seatbelt clicks, tailgate warning bells and adjustable seat motors from Lexus Cars.
Lexus Releases Car-generated Soundtracks to Aid Mindfulness
Lexus cars are known for a meticulous attention to detail. This includes developing and improving the sounds that Lexus cars make. Also the sound of a door closing has been optimised to have the most pleasing sound. It is known that sounds can influence our well-being and even encourage a positive mood in us.
Lexus has kept this in mind and produced a range of music tracks. Helping to aid mindfulness while in or out of the car. While many would think instruments would be used. The tracks consist entirely of carefully crafted sounds from a variety of Lexus Cars. All were recorded in a studio and then mixed.
So, the sounds that have been used are tailgate warning bells and adjustable seat motors are among the sounds that take the place of drums, cymbals, percussion and keyboards to make up the tracks.
Not what you think…
However, it’s not as literal as you may be thinking as the sounds have all been engineered to sound exactly like chilled mindful tracks. The tracks sound really good and the sounds that were used. Such as tailgate warning sounds and seat motors for example, have been crafted to sound like a piece of music and not simply tailgate sounds.
Lexus Mindfulness Teacher
Christoph Spiessens is a certified mindfulness teacher, learning and development and coach who has been people cultivate calm. He also helps people to cultivate calm, confidence and mediation and workshops for over 15 years.
He explains…
He’s working with Lexus on projects for several years and provided guidance on how the soundtracks can help promote mindfulness. Explaining:
“Music has the power to stimulate emotions, affect blood pressure and heart rate and improve mental alertness. Mindfulness practice helps us become aware of our immediate reactions and judgements, and this increased awareness creates a helpful pause; a space from which we can choose to respond instead of react.
The Lexus mindfulness tracks, through a huge array of interesting sound effects and melodies, provide the opportunity to notice our initial reactivity to these intriguing soundscapes as well as the tendency of our mind to label these sounds or be carried away by the music.
These extraordinary compositions offer a refreshing way to befriend our minds and thus enhance our wellbeing. They can be used while driving, to practise ‘mindful listening,’ but of course they should not be used for mindfulness meditation when at the wheel.
Cont…
“A beautiful foundational attitude from the world of mindfulness is called a ’Beginner’s Mind‘ (“shoshin” in Japanese, from Zen Buddhism),”
“By bringing a beginner’s mind to the experience of listening to any of these tracks, we make a conscious choice to listen with an open and curious attitude, making a commitment to approach our experience as if we are hearing these sounds for the first time, with full awareness of our preconceptions which will undoubtedly crop up. This enables us to discover new things and become aware of the reactivity of our minds.”
When listening to Lexus Mindfulness
He asks listeners when listening to Lexus Mindfulness:
Notice what mood or frame of mind you are in right now?’ This is about music as a vehicle for self-awareness.
Also, notice your eagerness to play a track. The mind is always making predications, it wants to know. Think about your breathing for a few moments. Mindfulness is, in a way, “heartfulness,” (‘Nen’ is Mindfulness in Japanese and teaches us to ‘stay in the moment’) and means establishing a connection between mind and body.
When the music starts, notice the mind’s reactivity. Can you “be” with the raw experience of these interesting sounds; the sensory qualities, such as pitch, loudness?
How about your emotions, do they change during the track? Are you able to keep focused on the music or does your mind wander? All these questions are at the very core of mindfulness practice: non-judgemental noticing and present-moment awareness.
The Lexus mindfulness tracks – Breakdown
CalmingDuet of Seat Motor and Tailgate Warning Bell
This two-and-a-half-minute track opens with the gentle hum of the Lexus RX L seven-seat SUV’s adjustable seat motor and then a simple melody is overlaid featuring different notes from the tailgate warning bell.
Tonal elements are provided by the RX L adjustable seat motors and the Lexus NX SUV’s power-assisted steering system, while the melody is from the RX L power tailgate warning bell. Spiessens comments:
“I believe this track is well suited for ‘mindfulness of breathing’ practice. It is my favourite Lexus track and the calmest and I listen to it when I need a moment to collect my thoughts, before or after an important meeting, or before I switch off my computer after a busy day. I like how the track begins with a sound similar to that of an engine rumbling which soon fades (like the mind stilling) and is followed by simple bell-like sounds and a celestial soundscape.
Lexus Uplifting Idle Engine
The main melodic riff from this catchy tune consists of an RX L engine idling, accompanied by the raw sound of Lexus LC 500 coupe window motors. ‘Stabs’ (single staccato notes/chords that add dramatic punctuation to a musical piece)which sound like steel drums, are actually the sound of an LC window motor.
For the percussion elements the kick drums are the Lexus UX SUV sun visor closing, together with the sound of an RX L engine bay being hit with a soft beater, while the ‘snare drums’ are the LC seatbelt latch and door close, plus the RX L power button. Clicks and snaps are provided by various LC 500 switches.
The tonal elements consist of the plucky percussive xylophone-type sounds from a soft beater hitting sections of an LC chassis. Special effects consist of the tonal electronic buzzing from an RX L ignition sequence recorded under the bonnet. Spiessens comments: “
This track is upbeat from the start and offers many different sound effects. ‘Hedonic tone’ in psychology, is a very important foundation of mindfulness. We tend to immediately evaluate the bare qualities of an experience, the primary appraisal. ‘Vedanā’ (an ancient term that means feeling or sensation) arises when our senses, but also the mind, meet an experience, therefore including physical sensations and emotions.
‘Vedanā’ is important because the more we are consciously aware of how we interpret something (as pleasant, unpleasant or neutral), the more we can be in control of how we respond more mindfully.”
Lexus Rhythmic Warmth from Screen Spray
This track centres on the rhythmic mechanical swooshing sound of Lexus RX L windscreen wipers and spray. Percussion elements, or ‘kick drums,’ are from the sounds of an LC boot closing, and the ‘snare drums’ are the sound of a Lexus UX door closing. The ‘hi-hats’ (clap from two cymbals) are provided by the sound of an LC passenger window motor.
For the tonal elements, the bass is an LC infotainment bell layered with the LC window motor. The ‘marimba-esque’ melodic lead line is formed by the Park Assistance Brake of a Lexus NX. At 0.45 seconds you can hear the pitchy tone provided by the UX electric windows.
The special effects elements are the wooshes and sweeps provided by the RX L air conditioning system. Spiessens comments:
“This is by far the most ‘techno’ track of them all and is one that I believe could be useful to listen to while driving, as it could enhance focus and therefore a better driving performance.”
Lexus Infotainment Groove
This four-minute track is one of the most complex of the Lexus mindfulness tracks, featuring sounds from multiple Lexus vehicles as various relays and motors spring into action. The percussion elements or ‘kick drums’ are the sound of a Lexus LC Coupe seat being slapped and the ‘claps’ are the clicks of an LC fuel cap being closed. Extra Percussion sounds are from LC seat switches and the UX power button.
The lead melody consists of a selection tone from a Lexus infotainment system, while the bass is the sound of the Lexus UX adjustable steering column which has been lowered in pitch. At 0:40 seconds you can hear harmonic elements being introduced, which are provided by the clicks from the UX ignition sequence which were recorded under the bonnet. The ‘wooshes’ are from the RX L air-conditioning system. Spiessens comments:
“This is a longer track, which is great for practising sustained attention on breathing. It instantly catches your attention and builds anticipation. Does your mind fill in the bass ahead of the actual bass drop?”
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We recently tested and cooked successfully with the Primus Onja Stove! It is a fantastic little device and perfect for those that love the good outdoors!
It is a unique and compact stove that is perfect for camping. As it is a 2 burner stove that is easy to carry around and perfect for urban explorers to the park or even if you go trips on the canoe. Obviously don’t use it on the canoe though! Use it on the beach!
The base of it expands to create a stable two burner cooking surface and can be adjusted individually and can boil water in less than 4 minutes. As it comes with 2800W flames! Each burner connects directly to the gas canister and is protected by the base.
However to cook with both the burners are the same time, you will need 2 gas canisters. An oak lid protects the burners when packed away and not in use. Furthermore the oak lid can be used as a cutting board or a serving platter when in food prep mode.
The side panel fabric is made of durable G1000 and is detachable making cleaning spills so much easier. The carry strap is intergrated for hands free transport, so can easily carry it on trips. The Onja Duo comes with a valve connection that allows the 2 burner stove to be used with a variety of gas canisters both threaded (Lindal) and non-threaded canister valves.
Primus Onja Stove Features
Integrated carry strap for hands-free transport
Gas canister attaches directly to each burner allowing you to cook multiple pots at different temperatures
Base extends to become a stable cooking foundation that protects the burners from the wind
Detachable base fabric made of G1000 is easy to clean
Oak lid double as a cutting board or serving platter
Available in Duo, fitting both threaded (Lindal) and non-threaded canister valves
Blue Yeti makes it easy to record amazing recordings with your computer with the Yeti family of USB microphones. Blue Yeti does this with thanks to the proprietary tri-capsyle technology. The Blue Yeti condenser microphones producer some amazing sound quality. With pristine, studio quality with amazing ease.
There are 4 different settings to offer flexibility so you can record vocals for music, podcasts and Twitch Streaming. Even use it for YouTube videos or cryptozoology lectures. Blue Yeti lets you produce amazing studio quality recordings every time, wherever you are.
Plenty to choose from…
Blue Microphones’ proprietary tri-capsule technology gives you four distinct pattern modes to choose from:
PATTERN MODES
PATTERN SETTING SYMBOL
SOUND SOURCE & DIRECTION
CARDIOID MODE
Perfect for podcasting, Twitch streaming, music recording, voice overs and instruments. Cardioid mode records sound sources that are directly in front of the microphone, delivering rich, full-bodied sound.
STEREO MODE
Uses both the left and right channels to capture a wide, realistic sound image—ideal for recording acoustic guitar or choir and immersive experiences like ASMR videos.
OMNIDIRECTIONAL MODE
Picks up sound equally from all around the mic. It’s best used in situations when you want to capture the ambience of “being there”—like recording a band’s live performance, a multi-person podcast or a conference call.
BIDIRECTIONAL
Records from both the front and rear of the microphone—good for recording a duet or a two-person interview.
Blue Yeti Recording Control
Furthermore there is even more control for the user. You can control the headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute and microphone gain, right from the mic. If you experience distortion or feedback, simply adjust the sensitivity with the gain control. Want to take a break in the middle of a podcast, use the instant suite button!
Blue Yeti USB computer microphone comes equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack, so you can listen to what you’re recording in real time. Without delay. You can even adjust the volume of the headset with the control on the front of the mic.
The Design
The Blue Yeti is a robust microphone. It lets you adjust and pivot the mic in relation to the sound source and this optimises the sound quality. Achieve the desired angle and simply hand tighten the set knobs to secure it in place. It is a side address microphone so capture the best sound by going face to face with it. It can be folded down for portability and even removed from the base. So you can use it on a mic stand or on the Radius II shockmount.
Blue Yeti Ease of Use
The USB Blue Yeti Mic was designed with a no hassle easy to use workflow. Set up is in seconds with the desktop microphone stand. Adjust the microphone gain, pick up pattern, headphone volume, mute/unmute right from the mic. Simply plug and play!
The Yeti is a side-address microphone. A side-address microphone accepts sound from an angle perpendicular to the mic—as opposed to a front-address mic, which accepts sound from the “end” of the microphone.
Printer toner can get expensive, so you’d do anything to buy it at a rather cheap rate right? Well federal prosecutors for a $126M printer toner fraud say the sales pitch went like this. “The price of printer toner has gone up, but customers can lock in at the lower rate they’ve been paying for the office supply.”
However, but the time that thousands of small businesses, charities and other companies had purchased orders for toner. The expensive toner which is used by many laser printers, photocopy machines, had seen the fine print it was too late for them.
Over a number of years
It turns out that they had been conned out of over $126M over 6 years, stating that the scheme had actually gone on for a number of decades according to the Justice Department.
The man, who prosecutors in the US say that the mastermind of the scheme was sent to federal prison for 4 years. Followed by 2 years of home confinement. The scheme consisted of telemarketers misrepresentation that they were affiliated with actual suppliers of printer toners. Forcing victims to pay for supplies that they didn’t actually need.
How?
The mastermind, Gilbert N. Michaels, was found guilty in 2019, which prosectors say that they defrauded more than 50,000 victims and led to the convictions of 6 other people. Sentencing was delayed due to COVID.
Michaels, 79, was owner and president of Mytel International, the telemarketing company involved in the scheme. He was also owner and president of IDC Servco, which fulfilled orders for the printer towner. According to a 2016 indictment.
Prosecutors say that both companies misled victims into believing they were connected with existing suppliers of their printer toner. Which many of them already receiving at no additional charge as part of the lease agreements for office equipment.
Federal prosecutors say that IDC Servco employees threatened to use a collections agency or take legal action if they refused to pay for the invoices of printer toner. Other cases victims were charged onerous restocking fees if they tried to return the toner, prosecutors said.
Sentencing
“Mr. Michaels led a conspiracy whose deceptive practices were particularly harmful to the small-business community,” Ciaran McEvoy, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles, said an email to the New York Times. “We will continue to vigorously prosecute these kinds of cases and obtain justice for victims.”
A lawyer for Mr. Michaels, who remains free because of medical reasons, said in a phone interview with the New York Times, that his client would appeal his sentence and conviction.
“We felt that the charges were overblown, for lack of a better term,” said the lawyer, Joel Levine.
Also, Mr Michaels was found by a federal jury, guilty, of 1 count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, 10 counts of mail fraud and 5 counts of money laundering. The trial lasted 6 weeks.
Printer Toner Fines and Prison
So, Michaels has been ordered to pay a $200,000 fine and report to federal prison by Nov 1st. Michaels has several several medical conditions. Which include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He had a net worth of $6.7 million, according to the minutes of the trial.
Mr Michaels and 20 others accused of being connected to the scheme in 2016. After arrest the Huntington Beach Police Department called it “Operation Tone It Down.” While authorities had said at the time that Michaels was warned about deceptive telemarketing practices.
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