PROWLING DOG: COOL THINGS ISSUE 168

CONTENTS

Editorial: The Disconnect Magazine.
Travel: Reliefband.
Technology: Quick Peek labels.
Stationery: Pocket Flipbook.
Gadgets and Gear: Python Clip.
Books and writing: Vastarien Literary Journal.
Miscellaneous: The Two-Minute Rule.

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EDITORIAL: The Disconnect Magazine

The internet has brought many advantages to the world but it has also created distractions. You are doing something and a message pops up or you are listening to a podcast and browsing the web at the same time - not good for concentrating. The Disconnect Magazine has an interesting solution to these distractions.

As it says on the cover - you can get the magazine but you cannot read it until you disconnect from the internet. You read correctly. Switch your tablet or phone to flight mode and you get instant access to all of the content. As soon as you switch flight mode off you are denied access to the magazine. Clever.

If you can bear to disconnect for a while you will be treated to great stories, interesting commentary (no politics) and poetry, without any distractions. Just like reading a magazine used to be.

https://thedisconnect.co/

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TRAVEL: Reliefband

If you suffer from travel sickness, or plan to take a rough sea voyage to Antarctica, the Reliefband may be of benefit to you. The Reliefband is an FDA-approved wearable device.

The device uses neuromodulation. Put simply, it generates pulses that are picked up by the nerves in your wrist area, sending signals that turn off feelings of nausea.

The Reliefband may also be of use in pregnancy, chemotherapy and in any other situations that may cause nausea and vomiting.

https://www.reliefband.com/

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This article is written only for entertainment purposes and should not be taken to be medical advice. PD has not tested this device and claims no medical knowledge as to its efficacy or suitability and cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from its use. Always consult your health professional for advice before using this device. Always read the instructions and use only according to the instructions and/or advice from your health professional.

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TECHNOLOGY: Quick Peek labels

This useful idea falls into the "why did they not think of it before" category. Most people store things in boxes in cupboards, on top of cupboards and in the garage. Trying to remember in which box you put something can be difficult. Writing a list of contents can be tedious. This is where Bluelounge's Quick Peek labels come in.

Stick the label on the box. Photograph the contents, either together in one photograph or in separate photographs, and using the Bluelounge App link the QR-style code on the label to the photograph(s).

When you want to know what is in a box, scan the code and your photographs will come up. Brilliant. Unfortunately the labels and app are only available for the iPhone, so Android users miss out.

https://www.bluelounge.com/products/quick-peek

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STATIONERY: Pocket Flipbook

PD has written previously about always having a notebook on you. When a thought, idea or the solution to a problem comes you want to preserve it. Sometimes though you may not have a bag or large pockets. For those occasions you need a tiny notebook.

Something such as the Write Flipbook.

This diminutive notebook measures only 2-1/4” x 3-3/4” (just over 5,7 x 9,5 cm) but does not skip on quality. It is available in four colours. Each book has 64 pages. The Flipbooks come in packs of six.

https://www.writepads.com/collections/pocket-notebooks/products/pocket-flipbook

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GADGETS AND GEAR: Python Clip

If you are like PD, you will have a lot of gadgets on you. If you keep them together on a ring, you will know that when you are using one the others on the ring get in the way. PD has been using Python Clips to overcome this problem.

Small and light weight, with Python Clips you can easily detach a tool from your key ring.

https://www.tecaccessories.com/collections/keychain-clips/products/python-clip

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BOOKS AND WRITING: Vastarien Literary Journal

Vastarien is the title of a book written by Thomas Ligotti, a writer of weird and horror fiction. The journal aims to be "a source of critical study and creative response to the corpus of Thomas Ligotti as well as associated authors and ideas". It will include essays, interviews, stories and poetry.

If you love weird and horror fiction such as that produced by Thomas Ligotti, Edgar Allan Poe and H. P. Lovecraft, head over here:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/867956165/vastarien-a-literary-journal

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MISCELLANEOUS: The Two-Minute Rule

Time management and achieving goals are harder than it sounds, judging by the number of books, seminars and planners out there. PD has written previously that apart from self-determination, you need to keep things simple and focus on one goal at a time. Nevertheless, getting started and creating momentum is often the most difficult part. James Clear recently wrote about the Two-Minute Rule, which aims to help overcome that inertia and to get you going.

[Image: Screenshot from James Clear; link below]

James Clear breaks the two-minute rule into two parts. It is the second part that is relevant to us. What it tells us is that when you start working towards a new habit or goal, make sure that at first you only spend two minutes on it.

In our busy lives it is hard to find an hour to work on it, but most of us can find two minutes. James Clear gives examples, such as write one sentence of the book that you want to write. If you want to get fit, just put on your running shoes and walk out of the front door. Easy.

Notice that it is not about getting results; it is about starting the process. Soon you will get it and be writing a page a day, or running out of the gate and down the road. This is certainly worth a try.

https://jamesclear.com/how-to-stop-procrastinating

Contact Prowling Dog at prowlingdog@protonmail.com


Contact Prowling Dog at prowlingdog@protonmail.com


Important disclaimer: Remember that crowdfunding sites are not stores. You may decide to back this project and provide funds, however there is no guarantee that any project will be delivered - the rate of failure is about 10%. PD is in no way accountable for the success or otherwise of any project and writes in this column purely for entertainment purposes, and will in no way be held liable for any failure or money lost by anyone. It is a case of "buyer beware". It is a sad reflection on the era we live in that PD must resort to this type of disclaimer.

Note: Photographs and illustrations are from the relevant websites and are the copyright of the respective owners.

© 2018 Prowling Dog