#still with their descriptions/barcodes attached

[yetanotherthriftblog]

-Food Chopper- Electric Hand-Held Cooking Hammer LOW CARBON LIFE

[aesethewitch]

D&D Tarot Deck Review

So, I got the D&D Tarot Deck for Christmas. It was a total surprise gift from folks I was once very close to -- now, my partner sees them occasionally, and I don't see them at all (by choice). It's still incredibly thoughtful, and I'd been planning on getting it as a gift for myself. It definitely has its pros and cons, so I figured I'd do a quick* write-up since I'm pretty excited to have this deck.

*Or not so quick, apparently. Details beneath the cut for length!

The Packaging

The first thing I judge in a deck is how it's packaged. This one's box is not bad! The art on the box itself is nice, reflecting the cards within. On the back is the description of the deck and the barcode. It's all one piece, opening with a hinge lid like a book. Rather than printing onto the box itself, they've got a sort of sticker cover that's already cracking and peeling after opening it less than ten times. Not ideal; it's going to destroy itself pretty quickly.

Using the Hierophant card as the cover is a nice touch, though.

The inside is simple. Gold-yellow paper lines the inner cover and deck slot. I really like the color scheme, black and yellow/gold -- mostly because yellow is my favorite color. The rectangular slot for the cards is just deep enough to fit the cards. The booklet fits perfectly atop them. With the book over top, they fit snugly, but any amount of turning or strong jostling lets the topmost cards go free within the box. It does have a ribbon attached for easy removal, but that's standard.

In all, the packaging is standard, leaning on the less-robust side. It's a mass-market deck aimed toward D&D collectors, not tarot collectors. Lucky for them, I'm both, so I don't mind too much... Especially when the deck's art is so nice.

The Booklet

Before I dive into the deck itself, let's have a look at the booklet. It is... wow, thin. Wafer thin. How do they fit so much information in such a little space?

Well... they don't. This booklet is exceptionally beginner unfriendly. Not a big problem for me, but damn. If this is someone's first deck, coming from the world of D&D with no experience in tarot, it would be rough to rely on this booklet for any assistance whatsoever.

The booklet does display a picture of each card with its description, making pairing explanations to the card easy enough. But the descriptions are a short sentence or two each, and... well, frankly, I don't agree with several of them. In particular, the Sun card is depicted as a knight with a flaming sword before the sun's glow... and the booklet describes it as "Returning to the innocence and vitality of childhood." It's incongruent at best.

It's worth noting that the two people credited with creating the deck and guide book are not tarot readers. Or, at least, they aren't listed as such in their credentials. I can forgive the meagerness of the booklet on the grounds that this deck is not truly intended for beginners.

It also isn't necessarily meant for divination. Sure, at the start of the booklet, it explains what tarot is and how to use a tarot spread to do divination. It frames it as a tool for growth and guidance, which I'm a fan of. It does also say that tarot is "ancient," which... I'm not going to get into here. It isn't ancient, but it does sound dramatic and very D&D-ish when put that way.

The booklet gives a short example of a "good" and "bad" question -- "Why am I always sad?" (bad) vs. "How do I bring more joy to my life?" (better). This is great! It also explains that the short descriptions are short on purpose (though I do think it's very much to save space also) to force the reader to interpret the symbolism on each. Again, not necessarily super beginner-friendly. But it is useful to set a book aside and learn to read on sight. So this deck might be good for next-level beginners -- ones looking to step away from traditional meanings and create their own.

There are a couple spreads on offer in the booklet, standard one- and three-card draws. But there's also a unique spread of five cards fashioned after the shape of a D&D adventure that I definitely think I'll be using in paid readings: The Quest, The Conscious, The Unconscious, The Boon or Bogey, and the Quest's End. Very nice.

My favorite part is this, though: The booklet also explains how you can use the deck to build a D&D encounter, which... holy shit, that's cool. Draw a hand of three and, using the second half of each card's description, fashion an adventure. I will 100% be using it this way.

I think it would be fun to replace the Deck of Many things with this tarot deck in a game. Let the players draw a card to alter their fate one way or another. For better or worse, the cards will decide...

Super fucking cool.

The Cards

Now, the good stuff. The cards.

In this deck, the classic Cups, Swords, Wands, and Pentacles have been replaced with D&D-themed suits. They're designed after four of the six main attributes of any D&D character: Charisma, Wisdom, Intelligence, and Strength.

Now, I was a little surprised they chose Strength instead of Constitution or Dexterity, since in the Major Arcana cards, they didn't change the Strength card. It's still there. So you have Strength the Card and Strength the Minor Suit. It strikes me as a missed opportunity. I think that either the Major card should've been changed to Constitution, or the Minor Suit should've been Dexterity.

The suits still follow the pattern of Ace through Ten followed by Page, Knight, Queen, and King. So, it isn't so far removed from a more "classic" deck.

Either way, the cards themselves are... well, damn. They're really pretty. The art style reminds me strongly of modern D&D books, and I suppose that's on purpose. It creates a cohesive brand across the board, but the style also really suits tarot.

The details are amazing. Even if the creators aren't tarot readers or deck designers themselves, I can tell that a lot of research and thought went into each card. Throughout the Major Arcana, you can spot various canon D&D characters (Mordenkainen being the Magician is most notable, though Tiamat burning down a castle as the Tower is so fucking good), and they all fit the card they've been assigned.

Sorting through the deck and writing my personal descriptions as I always do, I can suddenly understand why the descriptions are so short. There's so much on every card. The symbolism is easy to read, clear and fabulous throughout the deck.

And really, replacing the suits was the best choice they made overall. Not only does it fit the D&D theme, but it also stretches the imagination. I tried to fit the D&D suits into the classic suits, but it doesn't really fit. Intelligence might be Wands... but the Five shows a vase, which is definitely more Cups-like... though it is conflict, which is very much Wands... or perhaps Swords...

And so on. The unique suits lend a new depth to the deck. Unfamiliar and familiar all at once, D&D players and tarot readers alike will recognize the symbols on each card. Characters, classes, cursed items, famous weapons, beloved monsters, familiar themes, evocative expressions and colors and posing -- honestly, it's a good fucking deck.

Which is why the only drawback I personally have is the god damn cardstock. Bad cardstock is a deck killer. And holy shit does this paper suck. The texture is fine -- a lightly pebbled surface that's pleasing to the touch. But they're so thin. So thin, in fact, that a slight bend warps them badly. I made the mistake of doing a riffle shuffle right out of the box, and now they're permanently bent, just enough to make it obvious.

The cards shuffle nicely. They do feel a bit like I'm shuffling cards I printed myself on slightly thicker than usual paper. I'm afraid to shuffle them more aggressively in case I bend one entirely in half on accident, which isn't ideal.

It was obviously chosen to save money on the printing. It's a shame. Thicker or more quality cardstock would have made this my #1 deck, I think. Once again, I don't think this was made for tarot readers. It was made for D&D nerds and collectors who just might have an interest in tarot or divination. Or a fun addition to their games. Or something pretty to put on their shelves.

A Quick Explanation of the New Suits

In my own words, bolstered by what's described in the booklet.

Strength:

This entire suit is really similar to the Major Arcana Strength card. It can be about physical abilities, but it can also refer to inner strength, passion, and resolve. The individual cards feature a surprising lack of weaponry. There's a solid focus on making progress, weathering difficulties, and sharing what you have with others. Strength of heart and will, not just of body.

Intelligence:

In short, mental powers and ability. This suit is about gathering and using knowledge to advantage. The booklet also says that this suit is about the way our minds shape our reality and how our perceptions weave a story. These cards have a strong focus on the mind, predictably. Learning, thinking, logic, choice, and planning feature prominently throughout this suit.

Wisdom:

The perception of one's own inner world. Not just knowing, but understanding. This is the suit of intuition and insight. The cards have an emphasis on friendship, connection, healing, and faith. There are also themes of balance and having compassion with yourself. Also, one of the D&D prompts is "A duck waddles up and says that he has witnessed a murder and wants you to catch the culprit." Which fucking rules.

Charisma:

The suit of confidence and charm. Like the D&D attribute, this suit focuses on beauty, relationships, and interpersonal interactions. The cards themselves are surprisingly diverse. There's a strong emphasis on the strength of character and recognizing who you are. These cards focus a lot on being content and honest with yourself and with others.

Will I Use the Deck?

I mean, yeah. Fuck yeah. Shitty cardstock aside, it's a beautiful deck that calls to the TTRPG nerd at my core. I can't wait to do some readings with it (this Free Tarot Friday might all be D&D deck, tbh). Beyond that, I already have ideas for incorporating it into my D&D games.

Like the Alleyman's Tarot, I don't think I'll be reading reversals with this deck. It doesn't quite feel right for a reason I can't put my finger on. Maybe it's because the messages are diverse enough and far enough away from the "classic" Rider-Waite-Smith designs.

Overall Rating

In total, I'd give this deck a solid 8/10. The cardstock and package quality definitely docked several points, but the beautiful art and interesting Minor Arcana choices make up for it. Once again, I wouldn't recommend this for total beginners if you're using it for divination, but as a second or third deck, I think it's fine. D&D nerds and experienced tarot readers will find this to be a gem in our collections.

And hey! If you like my work, consider dropping a dollar in my tip jar. Contributions help me keep making posts like this one!

[reciprocaltechnologies]

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[andersunmenschlich]

Episode 17: The Boneturner’s Tale

Ah, finally. It’s about time I got another episode listened to. Amazing how long that takes; so much to do. And still I have no bookcases. Oh well. This one’s the statement of a Sebastian Adekoya, and apparently it has something to do with books. I am pleased.

...Oh, I am very pleased.

It seems to me that Sebastian Adekoya understands books very well. I’ve said before (and will doubtless say again) that all books are books of magic. Just as this episode’s statement-giver says, opening a book allows you to enter the mind of someone who may well be long dead. In such cases, reading is a form of necromancy.

To read a book is to change your mind: to place thoughts there that are not your own, to see things you’ve never seen, walk through worlds you’ve never been to, that no longer exist or don’t exist yet, or that never will.

To write is to preserve a fraction of your own mind, freezing it in symbols which wait to be decoded by the incautious.

You don’t know what thoughts you’re inviting to live inside your mind when you settle down to decipher a lexical set. You can’t know what they’ll do to you, nor you to them (nor what they, changed, may do to you again). The promises in the titles, in the genres and the labels, can only tell you so much. What does this set of words contain? Have you even understood what is meant by the description—are you sure you know what it means when an old story is called a “romance,” or when a newer one is labeled “wuxia”?

Some thoughts won’t be able to live in your mind. Some you’ll never be able to get rid of. Personalities and people, scenes and scenarios, images and ideas... foreign things birthed in the minds of others; decode the twisting lines on the page before you, and they’ll spring to life in your mind as powerful as the day they were written.

Words can be wonderful—and dangerous.

Books are beautiful—and bewitching.

You should never read unwarily, because when you read you’re bringing alien thoughts to life in your mind, and you may not want them to make a home there....

Sebastian Adekoya says he used to work at Chiswick Library. As he describes it, it’s a local library very like the one I grew up with: cheaply furnished, full of battered paperbacks, open-feeling, and frequented by friendly, quietly chatting patrons. Probably the occasional Children’s Corner with a librarian who reads aloud well and a much-loved copy of, say, Matilda or Owl at Home, depending on the audience.

Our statement-giver says it was 1996 when the thing happened.

He’d been working for the library about a year at that point, and knew that the library bought its books new, when it bought them (though he didn’t know where they bought them from).

A patron returned five books at the front desk. One of them, he’d never seen before. It was not, however, new. “The barcode and ISBN,” Sebastian says, “both registered as being that of Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh, but the book itself was an almost featureless black paperback, with a title on the front in faded white serif font: The Bone Turner’s Tale.”

Confused, he calls the librarian (Ruth Weaver) over to look at it.

She also didn’t remember ever seeing it before, but it had the appropriate markings for a book from Chiswick Library, and the stamps on the lending label indicated it’d been in their collection for several years.

Weaver shrugs and says not to worry about it: they’ll get it put on the system properly. Sebastian, however, is bothered. So he does a bit of quick research.

The man who brought the book in, one Michael Crew, apparently only checked out four books, not five. Our statement-giver thinks maybe he’s a self-published author trying to get his book into the local library, and suggests this possibility to the librarian, who laughs and says that’s probably it—though why anyone would bother trying to get a book onto the shelves of this particular local library was beyond her.

Sebastian Adekoya notes that the book looked worn, “like it had seen decades of being read, with a line creased down the spine and one half of the cover faded from the sun. Nor, from what I could see, did it list any author at all.”

At this point, our fascinating book story is interrupted by the arrival of another character.

According to our statement-giver, this Jared Hopworth is, “not to put too fine a point on it, thick as mud.” He was also Sebastian’s best friend when the two of them were kids: inseparable. Hm. I must admit, I never had (nor wanted) anyone like that in my life. I suppose there was that other preacher’s oldest kid, from the church in the next church region over (it’s not called a diocese when you’re Protestant, but the effect’s much the same...). We were mostly friends in name, though, and never spent much time together.

In any case, Sebastian went to college and Jared hit the back alleys. For some reason, it seems, Jared Hopworth saw this as Sebastian Adekoya betraying him by being too smart, not him betraying Sebastian via being an idiot too stupid for college.

I do have to wonder how intelligent our statement-giver actually is, however, given that he apparently decided to just put up with what he describes as “a campaign of petty terror” for the sake of a memory of childhood friendship. Oh, sure, “he was always very careful to stop before he did anything that might get the police involved—but let’s be honest with ourselves, shall we?

You should only brush off malicious behavior from others if you’re enjoying it, and want to encourage them to do more.

...And now we get an even larger interruption. Excellent.

I do believe this is the very first time another character has actually broken into the middle of a recording. I don’t like it. Who is this Miss Herne, and why is her complaint so important that my story has to be disrupted?

I don’t even remember ever hearing her name before. I don’t know her, I don’t care about her—weren’t we in the middle of something?

...Oh, no, wait... I do remember her.

Naomi Herne, the annoying woman who doesn’t know how to appreciate a misty moonlit graveyard meadow. The one with the unusual attachment to that large piece of headstone. What’s she complaining about? I don’t remember that she had anything to complain about besides her own unfortunate lack of, as the children say, “chill.”

Well, whatever the case, it seems Jonathan Sims considers Naomi Herne’s statement a waste of time. It wasn’t, it was beautiful—but never mind. The interrupting messenger, someone named Elias (which rings a faint bell), tells the head archivist that the Lucas family gives the Magnus Institute financial support, so he shouldn’t annoy anyone connected with them if he can help it. Does Naomi Herne count as “connected to the Lucas family”? Her Lucas husband’s dead. She doesn’t even have the name. No children that I’ve heard of. No reason she should be connected that I can see. And they didn’t seem terribly interested in a connection at the funeral, did they? I think Mr. Sims can antagonize her all he wants without damaging future Lucas donations, frankly.

Our interrupter is also looking for Martin (the supposedly-but-not-apparently incompetent archival assistant). Mr. Sims says Martin is off sick with stomach problems this week, and Elias leaves.

...Wait.

Elias Bouchard? Jonathan Sims’ boss? Why is he running messages down to the archives? This makes even less sense than Rosie the receptionist being in charge of upkeep on recording equipment. Just how much disbelief is supposed to be suspended here? I’m asking seriously, because the Magnus Institute seems like a very badly put together organization if you think about it too much. Or at all.

Well. Elias Bouchard leaves, Mr. Sims expresses “blessed relief” at the fact of Martin’s being sick and thus not at work, and we return to the statement.

...Our main character really dislikes this particular assistant, and for (it would seem) no good reason. Is there history there? Did Martin do something especially bad to Mr. Sims at some point in the past?

Or is it just some kind of negative bias, like thinking a man will be no good with children because he’s a man, or that a woman will suck at math, or that a Hispanic cleaner will steal your jewelry because they’re Hispanic (you dropped your necklace down the back of the dresser, Grandma—I am never going to forget that unjust accusation, nor how plain you made it that your suspicion was based entirely on race).

In any case: back to the library.

Sebastian Adekoya notes that it’s typically a bad thing when Jared Hopworth turns up at the library, because it means Jared’s “bored enough to seek me out for harassment.”

This is apparently exactly what Mr. Hopworth has in mind, because he waits for Weaver to go back to her office and close the door, then knocks the returns cart over, spilling books everywhere. Which is a horrible thing to do. I can’t stand seeing books mistreated this way, I’d rather watch someone bash innocent children around (which, I realize, isn’t saying much given I’m the one talking—but still).

Despite obviously having done it on purpose, he smiles and apologizes.

I’m familiar with this particular method of annoying people. Deliberately doing something terrible, then acting as though it was accidental? Yes, indeed.

People have trouble dealing with this. You did a bad thing. You clearly meant to do the bad thing. This should give them the right to demand retribution. But then, instead of continuing in the “person who does bad things deliberately” role, you switch to “friendly mistake-maker,” and it throws them.

Really they shouldn’t give you the benefit of the doubt.

There’s no doubt!

Sebastian Adekoya bends down to pick the books up, and as anyone with a capacity for noticing patterns of behavior could have predicted, Jared Hopworth hits him in the back of the head with a book.

Which is, again, a terrible thing to do to a book. Human skulls are, on average, much sturdier than the covers of books.

This book, however, may be capable of taking care of itself.

“Behind me, Jared stood holding the book I had put aside—The Bone Turner’s Tale—and had apparently picked it up to hit me with. But rather than offering me a fake apology, or further violence, instead his eyes were locked on the book. We stood there in silence for a few seconds, until he said something about needing something new to read, turned around, and walked off.”

According to our statement-giver, Jared Hopworth isn’t much of a reader, “and the look in his eyes when he left had something in it not entirely unlike fear.”

Yes, I think this work might be able to handle that book-abusing felon just fine.

On his way home after leaving the library that night, Mr. Adekoya passes Mr. Hopworth’s house. Apparently they’re both living in the same houses they occupied as children, which is rather unfortunate for Sebastian, don’t you think? It’s late September, which is a nicely spooky time of year, and something’s moving in the pool of orange light under a streetlamp.

It’s a rat. A large white rat that looks as though it was once a pet. Something’s wrong with the back half of it, and its head seems to be turned around farther than it should be as it drags itself along by its front paws.

Which is also deliciously spooky.

Sebastian Adekoya stares at it until it drags itself off into the darkness and disappears from sight.

He notes that the lights were off in Jared Hopworth’s house. As someone who sleeps days, works nights, and routinely doesn’t turn the lights on as I go about my nightly affairs, I don’t find this particularly indicative of a lack of activity—but that’s me. I suppose most people, when their lights are shut off, don’t make and eat food, read books, do jigsaw puzzles, etc. Ah, how limiting it must be to have such weak senses.

Jared Hopworth more or less vanishes from the scene for a while. Weeks go by without him turning up to torment Sebastian Adekoya, who begins to feel worried. Almost a month with no torment? Surely something must be wrong!

...Hmm. Do you suppose our statement-giver might be just mildly masochistic?

Whatever the case, he’s not eager enough for unpleasantness to actually go to Mr. Hopworth’s house and check on him, so the Jaredless time rolls by until late October, when Jared’s mother turns up at the library with her arm in a sling, wearing an unnecessarily bulky coat and a hateful expression, carrying a familiar black-bound paperback book, which she flings onto the floor at our statement-giver’s feet before turning to leave.

Sebastian Adekoya asks after the health of her son, which arrests her departure and provokes a bit of an outburst: “She spun back and started to swear violently at me, told me I had no business with her son and that I—and my books—were to stay away from him.” This outburst also gives Sebastian a bit more time to inspect the arm... which reminds me markedly of the rat.

“As she spoke, I couldn’t look away from her arm and the odd ways it twisted as she gestured. How her fingers seemed to bend the wrong way.”

Well, well, well.

Before leaving, Mrs. Hopworth spits at Mr. Adekoya—and I find it interesting that, while she clearly has no problem throwing the book onto the floor like it’s a live animal and she wants to smash its skull, she avoids spitting on it.

Despite the absence of spittle, our statement-giver decides to employ paper handkerchieves in picking the book up, rather than touch it with his bare hands.

He sticks it in the book returns cart, locks up the library, and goes home.

It rains heavily that night and Sebastian Adekoya, in his converted attic bedroom, can’t sleep. He’s worrying about the book. He’s worrying that perhaps he shouldn’t have just left it there, unsupervised, as it were. “What if Ruth came in earlier than I did tomorrow and took it? What would happen to her?”

Frankly, that strikes me as an interesting experiment. What would happen to Weaver? Come to that, what happened to Hopworth? Was the idiot eaten by the bone book? Twisted beyond telling? Possessed, perhaps?

I’d quite like to know.

“Should I have destroyed it?” Sebastian Adekoya asks himself.

I’m not sure this question would even occur to me. “Should,” after all, presupposes some kind of ideal state for things to be in.

Should you do thus-and-such a thing? It’s an incomplete sentence. You’ve left off your goal. “In order to [X], should I [Y]?” That is a complete sentence. So—should Sebastian Adekoya destroy The Bone Turner’s Tale? It depends on what his goal is. If he wants to study it, then no: he definitely shouldn’t. If he wants to stop it from doing what it seems to be doing, then yes: he probably should.

Completely failing to define his goal for an ideal state of things RE: The Bone Turner’s Tale, Sebastian discards the idea of destruction on the grounds that he wasn’t sure he had it in him to destroy a book—”even one with such a strangeness to it.”

Well now. Thank you, Mr. Adekoya, for letting us know that you consider strangeness a helpful push towards destruction.

...Oh, I’m not really surprised. I do have a passing acquaintance with humanity, after all.

Sebastian Adekoya lies awake in bed until sometime around two in the morning, when he finally gives up and goes to get the book. He gets out of bed, dresses, grabs his gloves and a jacket, and walks twenty minutes to the library in the rain, where he unlocks the door, goes in, deactivates the alarm, and begins turning on as many lights as possible without making it too obvious that there’s someone in the building.

He tells us that part of him wanted to keep the library in its nearly pitch-black state, but he turned on lights anyway. I’m guessing this is due to his weak eyes, since he says “I had to half-feel my way through the foyer and into the library proper.” [with a complete lack of sympathy] Must be rough.

He also uses a flashlight—but not before he puts his bare hand on the book returns cart, catching his balance, and his fingers come away wet.

The books, it would seem, are all bleeding.

...That is very annoying. I think I would be very nearly angry. Blood-soaked books!? Have you any idea how difficult that is to clean? Frankly, it’s impossible! This had better be the type of supernatural blood that vanishes without a trace.

The Bone Turner’s Tale, meanwhile, is as dry as... well... a bone.

Sebastian Adekoya puts his gloves back on (which means, unless he washed his hands without telling us or this is the type of supernatural blood that vanishes without a trace, that the inside of at least one of those thick gloves is going to need some rather tricky cleaning done), and picks up The Bone Turner’s Tale. He puts it on the desk and—clumsily, because of the thick gloves—begins reading.

He doesn’t begin at the beginning, just opens it randomly, which I suppose is understandable given the current unwieldiness of his fingers, but still. I can’t really approve.

“It was written in prose, and certainly seemed to be a story of some kind. The part I read dealt with an unnamed man, at various points referred to as the Boneturner, the Bonesmith or just the Turner, watching an assembled group of people as they made their way into a small village.

“It’s unclear from what I read whether he is traveling with them, or simply following them, but I remember being unsettled by the details he observed in them: the way the parson would move his hand over his mouth whenever he stared too long at the nuns or how the cook looked at the meat he prepared with the same eyes that looked at the pardoner. It was only at that point that I realized the book was describing the pilgrims from The Canterbury Tales.”

You know, I’ve never read The Canterbury Tales.

“Now, this certainly wasn’t some lost section of a Chaucer classic,” our statement-giver tells us. “It was written in modern English, with none of the archaic spelling or pronunciation of the original, and besides that the writing itself was of questionable quality. There was something compelling about it, though.”

“I flicked ahead a few pages, and found the Bonesmith had apparently crept up to the miller while he slept. It described him silently reaching inside him, and… it’s a bit hazy. All I remember clearly is the line ‘and from his rib a flute to play that merry tune of marrow took’. And as for the rest, I don’t recall in detail, but I know that I almost threw up, and that the miller did not survive. This was on page sixteen, and it was a thick book.”

Funny, since he described it as a small paperback earlier. Hmm. Something like my paperback copy of Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, maybe? 6.75″ x 4.25″, over 1000 pages long—a veritable brick of a book. Hmm. Could be.

It also gives a bit of a hint as to what might have happened to the rat (and the mother... and possibly the son).

I like it.

Our statement-giver is notably less pleased, and turns to the frontispiece to see if he can figure out where this book came from. Apparently he’s given up on the idea that Michael Crew wrote and self-published it? I don’t see that that’s entirely out of the question at this point. I mean—what, after all, do we really know about Michael Crew?

Peeling off the Chiswick Library label, Sebastian Adekoya discovers another library label beneath.

This label is not in excellent shape. According to our statement-giver, it says something like “Library of Gergensburg” (or “Jürgenleit,” or “Jurgenlicht”), which suggests that the last library wasn’t in Britain.

I wonder whether it was still written in English there?

Giving credence to my tentative hypothesis regarding masochism, Sebastian Adekoya prepares to return to reading the book that nearly made him throw up.

At this point, however, Jared Hopworth breaks in. Literally. Through a window. Sebastian Adekoya recognizes Jared via voice, which is one of the only ways I ever manage to recognize anyone. (Why, yes: I am indeed borderline prosopagnosic. I blame humanity’s insistence on all looking basically identical. Two eyes, two ears, one nose, one mouth—and all in the same arrangement, at that. How, I ask you, is anyone supposed to tell any of you apart?)

As far as visuals go: Jared has apparently decided to dress himself in baggy pants and a thick coat with a face-concealing hood. This strikes me as a very reasonable way to dress, particularly if both coat and pants come well-supplied with those deep and useful pockets I take so much for granted in my clothing.

Sebastian says that Jared is now “longer” than he used to be, whatever that means.

If he meant “taller,” I’d expect him to say “taller.” But “longer”? I’m not entirely certain.... Does he mean to say that Jared has, perhaps, been a bit stretched? That would seem to fit with the pointyness of his fingers.

His bones, I’d say, are longer than they once were.

Jared Hopworth is also “standing at a strange angle, as though his legs were too stiff to use.” That’s interesting.

If I were to guess (which I’m about to), I’d say that reading this book gives people the ability to manipulate bone inside living bodies. Now, I might hypothesize that the book simply warps things all on its own... but that rat really did look like an experiment, and Jared coming for the book strikes me as an “I haven’t mastered this skill yet, I need more practice, give me the manual” type of thing.

Sebastian Adekoya, declining to give Jared Hopworth the book despite the obvious tidiness of giving a strange thing to a strange thing, decides to punch Jared Hopworth right in the solar plexus.

Whereupon Jared bites Sebastian with, not his teeth, but his ribcage.

“...I felt his flesh give way and almost retract, drawing me in close. And then I felt his ribs shift, shut tight around my hand, as though his ribcage were trying to bite me. They were sharper than I would have thought possible, and at last, this was what actually started me screaming.”

Now, if that isn’t just perfect for late October, I don’t know what is.

Sebastian drops The Bone Turner’s Tale. Jared grabs it and runs off. Sebastian starts chasing him, but....

“I started to chase after him, until I saw how he was moving. How many limbs he had. He had… added some extras. That was the moment it finally all got too much for me; I stopped running. It wasn’t my book, it wasn’t my responsibility and I had no idea what I was dealing with, so I didn’t. I just stood there in a daze and watched the thing that was once Jared disappear out into the rain. I never saw him again.”

Uh.

Well, that’s probably all for the best so far as Sebastian Adekoya’s concerned, but does he really think things are going to stay that way? Jared Hopworth likes bullying him; I somehow doubt that gaining new powers will have changed that.

Our statement-giver, I think, is just as doomed as... huh. As pretty much all of the others seem to have been, come to think of it.

Somebody heard Mr. Adekoya screaming, it seems, and called the police. They turn up to receive the best lie Sebastian Adekoya can come up with on the spur of the moment, which involves falling asleep at his desk and being awoken by an attempted robbery. He can’t remember how he explained the bloody books, which seems to me like a thing that would take some explaining.

Hmm. I wonder how many strange things the police see in the Magnus Archives universe. Maybe Sebastian didn’t explain the books at all—perhaps there are some things the police in this universe just... leave alone.

The blood, apparently, was not the disappearing type. Mr. Adekoya says “it took weeks to get out,” and I assume he means to imply “out of the carpet,” because let’s face it: blood-soaked books don’t clean. Those books had to be thrown away and we all know it.

...I wonder what the blood type was.

Jonathan Sims describes himself as “deeply unhappy” about this statement.

“I’ve barely scratched the surface of the archives, and have already uncovered evidence of two separate surviving books from Jürgen Leitner’s library. Until he mentioned that, I was tempted to dismiss much of it out of hand, but as it stands now I believe every word.”

So interesting, the things he believes and doesn’t believe. I’m becoming more and more convinced that he stubbornly denies things until evidence actually forces him to believe—which might seem like a good way to remain sane in a universe like this one, but consider: is the denial of reality sanity? I don’t see that it’s even safety, since not knowing about a thing (germs, say) has never prevented the thing from killing you.

An interesting side note: Mr. Sims’ boss, Elias Bouchard, apparently has a very hands-off attitude when it comes to the supernatural.

“Record and study, not interfere or contain.”

Personally, I think that study and interference aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive... but that’s me. In any case, I do think Sebastian Adekoya’s either very dense, or that library label was very oddly written. Two separate words with two separate capitals (Jürgen Leitner) seem difficult to confuse for a single word! “Jürgenleit”? Really? Come, now.

Tim and Sasha, two of the three amazingly competent archival assistants, have done research which proves that yes, Jared Hopworth had a warrant out for breaking and entering and assault, but no, nobody found him and the case was dropped.

And aha!

About seven years after giving this statement, Sebastian Adekoya was found dead in the middle of the road, body so messed up they figured it had to be a hit-and-run.

Even though there were no signs of crushing or trauma marks.

That’s lovely.

I’d like a Leitner.

[stimtoybox]

[image description: a small rectangular zip pouch or coin purse made from rainbow mermaid sequins backed with holographic silver, sitting on a red watermelon slice pillow. The rainbow side is facing up, with rose of yellow, green, red, pink, blue and cyan sequins. The coin purse has a black zipper and a white price tag stuck atop a barcode--reading $2.00”--attached to the zipper pull by a silver ball chain. The letter “H” in holographic silver sequins has been “drawn” on the front of the purse.]

Mermaid Sequin Coin Purse - Fantastic Variety, $2 AUD.

Dimensions: 14 cm x 9 cm.

There’s a round version on eBay for $0.99 USD (free worldwide shipping) but I’m having trouble finding the rectangular versions, which is a pity because I really like this size. I’d recommend checking out independent dollar shops and markets if those things are accessible to you.

This is a little wider and longer than the Typo coin purse, and, aside from being way more affordable, is backed with the reverse side being a soft black plush. I really like this feature, because it gives you two different textures for stroking inside a case large enough to easily fit a few smaller toys like Tangles or spinners. Because it’s a little bigger, it’s easier for me to hold and handle; it fits a really nice balance between being small enough for portability and large enough for usability.

The inside is lined with a plastic-type white fabric with foam padding between outer fabric and lining. It’s very thin, so I still wouldn’t store wet chewables inside, but I’m finding it great for storing my stretch cord, as the liner doesn’t add dust or fluff to the silicone cord the way real fabric does. It’d also likely work well for mochi squishies for the same reason.

If anyone knows an online source for these, please let me know. It’s annoying me that I can’t track down the exact same item when this one is really good both as a stim toy and for stim toy storage.

[coincolumnist-dot-com]

Decentralized identity can bring the analog world into the digital one

It is a given that connected devices need reliable, distributed ledger, technology-based digital identity solutions. That is an essential requirement for the Internet of Things (IoT). In the machine economy, devices must be able to recognize and communicate with one another; robust identity management solutions are key to effectively securing data and processes. But what about the multitude of analog “things” all around us? Surely they can also benefit from the advent of digital identity. Imagine the following: You are just back from a grocery run or a walk in the park with your pooch when you suddenly realize the family heirloom ring that has been getting a little too loose around your finger is not there anymore. You retrace your steps, scan the ground and check the gutters and molehills, but you come back empty-handed. So many aspects of our daily lives have moved online, with precious things like passwords, pin codes and login certificates safely stowed away in appropriate security solutions. You can retrieve them at any time and manage them centrally. Why can’t you have the same for your family ring or other analog valuables?Unlike your email password, your ring currently only lives in the analog world. You could tag it with a tracking device that connects to your phone, such as Apple’s AirTag, but this raises privacy and security issues, perhaps many more than it actually solves — not to mention, it is a bulky and odd accessory for a piece of jewelry. More importantly, we own a non-trivial number of analog valuables, and slapping trackers on each one at $40 a pop is not practical. The time has come to talk about the digital identity of analog things and finally invite our prized offline possessions into our increasingly virtual world.Related: The data economy is a dystopian nightmare

What is decentralized digital identity?

Decentralized identity, or DID, refers to a digital identifier for something existing in the physical world. This digital identifier is placed on an immutable distributed ledger and includes a detailed description of attributes, capabilities and ownership. In practical terms, this means there is a reliable record that establishes you as the owner of your now-lost family ring. It describes the ring closely and makes it instantly identifiable. With your credentials, you can prove you are the owner; a miniature QR or barcode — or another kind of scannable identifier — attached or lasered onto the object is all it takes. Depending on the item, digital tags with additional capabilities are another viable option.Compared to a simple tag or another tracking device, digital identity has a few other key advantages. It is stored safely because of its distributed ledger technology (DLT) backing, and it can establish ownership without leading directly to the owner. If you do not wish to publish your personally identifiable information on the ledger — a wise decision at any rate — you can create your own verified digital identity and associate your analog belongings with it. In the example of your lost ring, you have proof that you own the ring and can also use pseudonymization to make it harder for unwanted third parties to trace your valuables back to you.Related: No more pushes and pushbacks: Digital ID solves the privacy dilemma

Conspicuous ownership of inconspicuous value

Analog things hold different kinds of value — monetary, emotional, practical — and can attract unwanted access and potential theft from bad actors at any moment, for any reason. Establishing a robust system of DLT-based digital identity for valuable physical objects has the added benefit of discouraging theft, as confirming a stolen object’s provenance on the ledger would automatically negate the option to resell it. To further discourage misappropriation attempts, you can create different verifiable credentials associated with your digital identity. You also choose with whom you share this sensitive information — if anyone at all. Thanks to selective disclosure, you can establish your ownership of analog objects reliably, without sharing any more information than necessary. For instance, a public record on the ledger can list you as the owner of a white porcelain vase with blue floral motifs that is 20.5 inches tall and weighs 14.8 pounds. In a different verifiable credential, you can specify the vase is a Qianlong — a collector’s item worth millions of dollars. This information does not need to be public, but you can share it with potential buyers if you decide to part ways with your prized collectible. DLT-powered digital identity affords you complete control over how much information you make public and how you compartmentalize so that it matches your individual ownership, identification and security needs.Related: Decentralized identity is the way to fighting data and privacy theft

Identification and authentication on a global scale

Cross-platform communication remains a challenge in the digital realm, even more so on the analog side of things. Verifying the identity and ownership of an item across state borders and language barriers can be a prolonged, slow and expensive process that involves multiple steps and certified professionals’ services. In the case of especially valuable objects or real estate, verification involves notaries, translators, independent assessors and even consulates and embassies. A system of unified digital identity can replace lengthy approval and authentication chains with a simple DLT solution that instantly confirms an analog item’s ownership and characteristics anywhere in the world.However, digital identity is not only useful for cross-border transactions. Today’s supply chains span the globe, and tracing materials and product components across continents is an arduous task that remains, against all odds, surprisingly analog. Shipment tracking is still often done by hand and on paper. The possibility for human error is high, and mistakes carry over and multiply across the shipment’s lifecycle. An immutable digital identity can speed up and automate many logistics processes. Special items that require particular handlings, such as temperature control or motion stabilization, can be paired with sensors that monitor their shipping conditions. In the end, items will arrive at their destination with an immutable record of their transportation quality and safety.Such solutions are not limited to the logistics industry. The world is on the cusp of the post-COVID-19 era and the return to international travel it promises. Many of us will take to the sky in search of new, exciting destinations, but our bags will occasionally not travel with us. According to pre-pandemic statistics, airlines around the world misplace about 25 million bags per year. Chances are it has happened to you as well, and you know first-hand what a pain it is to track down and reclaim your lost luggage. Pairing your bag with a DID would make it instantly findable — no more looking for one black hard-shell suitcase among thousands. Airlines could also tag your bag at check-in with a DLT-enabled sensor that would give an audio or visual warning to luggage handlers if they are about to put your suitcase on the wrong plane.

A digital afterlife for analog things

Analog things get lost or misplaced — it is in their nature. Whether we are talking about production, logistics or personal items, such incidents are often costly and distressing. In our increasingly digitized everyday lives, our analog possessions are in danger of remaining disconnected permanently. Instead of leaving them behind, we can pair them with a digital identity that affords them the electronic afterlife they deserve without intruding on their nature. DID does not require analog objects to become digitized, and it does not need expensive sensors or hi-tech tags to work correctly. Instead, it offers an affordable, reliable and versatile way to take offline items out of the digital blindspot. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.Dominik Schiener is a co-founder of the Iota Foundation, a nonprofit foundation based in Berlin. He oversees partnerships and the overall realization of the project’s vision. Iota is a distributed ledger technology for the Internet of Things and is a cryptocurrency. Additionally, he won the largest blockchain hackathon in Shanghai. For the past two years, he has been focused on enabling the machine economy through Iota.Source Read the full article

[psychicdonutsuit]

Philips Speechmike Pro 5274 Windows 7 Driver

SpeechMike Pro Plus

Philips Speechmike Driver

Philips Speechmike Pro 5274 Windows 7 Drivers

USB Dictation Microphone Speech

After a Windows update you may find “Microphone Access for this device” is set to OFF. When this is off, your SpeechMike does not record and you may be presented with the message below: When this is off, your SpeechMike does not record and you may be presented with the message below. The SpeechMike Pro features customizable function buttons, allowing it to be adapted to your individual preferences as well as the features from the Pro 5274. Not sure why that s about a 3. Drivers anewkodi wifi usb Windows 7 download. Drivers anewkodi wifi usb Windows 10. Dictate directly onto your PC with the Philips SpeechMike Pro Plus LFH. Philips SpeechMike USB dictation microphone LFH5274 Push-button operation Winscribe edition Philips SpeechMike USB dictation microphone LFH5274 Push-button operation Winscribe edition LFH5274/42.

Win7pe se iso download. WIN7PE.ISO - Google Drive. Windows 7 PE (Live) - Win7PE - ISO. Windows 7 Preinstalled Environment (PE/Live) x64. Addeddate 2020-06-10 23:26:27 Identifier. DOWNLOAD OPTIONS download 1 file. Download and Install the Windows ADK. ISO, or VHD, see WinPE: Create a Boot CD, DVD, ISO, or VHD. WinPE for Windows 10. WinPE: Mount and Customize.

Old singer sewing machine serial number. ISMACS Singer Serial Number lookup. Look up your Singer Sewing Machine Serial Number to find out when your machine was made and identify what model.

That being said, WiFi is pretty widespread nowadays, so it shouldn’t be too much of an issue. It even has an app store where you can purchase add-ons for simulation, rendering, CAM and much more.There isn’t currently an offline version of Onshape, which can be a pain if you’ve not got access to the internet. If you’re constantly sharing files, you might be pleased to hear that you can even send designs to people who don’t have an Onshape licence, to view in their own browser.In the era of the cloud, Onshape is certainly at the forefront of the CAD industry. Solid works for mac. It doesn’t matter if you’re collaborating with people across the world, Onshape enables you to collaborate in real-time, erasing the issue of duplicate designs. Offering robust parametric 3D modeling, multi-part modeling and in-context editing, Onshape is intuitive and the perfect collaborative tool.

Microphone Speech Recognition Software Windows

PHILIPS SPEECHMIKE PRO PLUS DRIVER DETAILS:

Type:DriverFile Name:philips_speechmike_7765.zipFile Size:4.1 MBRating:

4.87

Downloads:55Supported systems:Windows 2K, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Vista 64 bit, Windows 7, Windows 7 64 bit, Windows 8, Windows 8 64 bit, Windows 10Price:Free* (*Registration Required)

PHILIPS SPEECHMIKE PRO PLUS DRIVER (philips_speechmike_7765.zip)

Philips speechmike pro drivers download, download and update your philips speechmike pro drivers for windows 7, 8.1. Record, edit and send dictation files directly from your smartphone and reduce document turnaround times. Men in black download torrent. Philips speechmike pro lfh3200 driver for windows download - prevent fatigue and repetitive stress injuries by offering a comfortable, ergonomic alternative to the keyboard and mouse. About philips products, services, events and promotions. The philips speechmike premium is the most advanced dictation microphone to date and to give the user even more room to personalize their devices, philips has added an instruction key at the top of the control panel of course fully and freely user configurable, especially useful for programming speech recognition commands. Description package contents boost your productivity with a professional dictation solution. Speechmike pro plus 5276 drivers for windows 7 - philips speechmike has been added to your cart.

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Philips Speechmike Driver

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Philips Speechmike Pro 5274 Windows 7 Drivers

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[mwcowan]

Georgia and Mark’s Big Trip

Chapter Three – Miscellaneous Ramblings I

It’s been a busy week here. Landscapers were interviewed, quotes received, the winner chosen and the project is already in full swing, dirt everywhere. Couples interested in becoming our housekeeper and caretaker have been interviewed and we have two “trial runs” set up over the next weeks to try them out (and vice-versa). Turns out we didn’t have to advertise for these positions; word gets out and people appear at our door. Georgia has had a crew of six here for 3 days now performing a thorough post-construction housecleaning. Think of having your car detailed but apply it to your house. Daily trips to the local Ace Hardware and the building supply store, where they’re getting to know me. But rather than bore you with our non-glamorous daily life, a few ramblings about the house and life over here.

Maaliwalas

Maaliwalas is a Tagalog word I learned early on in discussions with our architect. We were trying to convey the feeling we wanted in the house – open, breezy, airy, spacious, sunny, bright. Maaliwalas means all that. We wanted the feeling of living outdoors, bringing the outdoors inside. You’ve seen that the house has lots of windows; our living room and master BR (below) walls are mostly glass. More than that, all the windows open – we wanted the ocean breezes to move unimpeded through the house. That was the plan, but how well is it realized? You just don’t know how it’s going to work until you build it and open up the windows. Happily, we both feel we (with nods to the architects and builder) nailed it! Admittedly this is the cooler and breezier time of year here, but we haven’t needed the A/C yet to sleep, and even with the afternoon sun hitting our living room we haven’t turned the A/C on except a couple of times. For me, life without the A/C on is a first in the Philippines!

The Stairmaster House

We’re built on a lot that slopes steeply towards the cove, and the house follows the terrain. Stairs down from the carport to the entry foyer (kitchen and living room level), stairs down to the master BR level, stairs down to the guest bedroom level, and a last set down to the pool level. The picture below was taken from the small deck outside the guest BR’s. No real problem as we spend most of our time on the upper levels. Except when I’m doing projects. Something I notice when doing things at home is that I’ll forget to bring a tool in, or I go out to the shop to get a tool and forget what I went out for, one of those fun things that comes with maturity (I’m not going to call it old age…). Here, it seems that I’ll be doing something on the upper floor and need a tool I’ve left on the pool deck. Down three flights then up three flights. Then I realize I brought the screwdriver up but forgot the screws. You see how it goes. I’m either going to improve my memory or end up with amazing quads. Most likely the latter.

Our help will be faced with an additional challenge, the death spiral. We have a spiral staircase that goes directly from our kitchen to the caretaker’s apartment below. Eighteen small steps, one tight turn of terror. I’m getting better at it, learning to stay to the outside of the spiral and carefully watch my steps. The caretakers will be much younger.

Shopping

Efficiency is still a remote concept in the Philippines, at least when it comes to shopping. I learned this last year when we bought a coffee maker for Georgia’s mom’s house. In the US, we go to the store, grab the one we want, and breeze through the cashier or even use self-checkout. The stores here employ a LOT of people, and efficiency suffers as a result. To buy the coffee maker you will:

1)      Get past the security guard at the store entrance, who will check your bags and give you a quick pat-down.

2)   ��  Have a sales person attached to you, even if you just want to browse.

3)      Get directed to the coffee makers and make your selection.

4)      Wait for the sales person to find out if they have what you want, and if so, bring it out for you.

5)      Wait for possibly another person (a coffee maker specialist perhaps) to unbox and plug in your coffee maker to demonstrate to you that it works.

6)      Satisfied, you wait for your coffee maker to be carefully re-boxed.

7)      Follow your sales person as he/she carries your item to the cashier’s desk.

8)      A cashier will write up a receipt and take your credit card, which are handed to another cashier who will check it and process your payment.

9)      Follow your sales person with coffee maker and paperwork to a clerk who checks that everything is in order.

10)  Have your paperwork and your coffee maker scrutinized by another security guard who again checks that nothing is amiss, nothing ‘extra’ perhaps in your box.

11)  And finally, about ½ hour after you made your choice, you can walk out with your coffee maker.

Sorry for that long example, but it took you much less time to read it than endure it. What brought this to mind was our first trip to the builder’s supply store. Although every item had a barcode, the store had no barcode readers. The cashier, in her meticulous hand, copied the full barcode number, description, price etc. of every item, on a paper receipt book, in triplicate with real carbon paper.

The Sunset Show

Every night, right on time. I’ll never get bored with this.

[eliotlaidlaw-blog]

Diegetic Prototypes Week 3

This week, we focused mainly on redesigning the inside panel of the system, because the previous version was largely hacked together and not well-considered. We tried to really start from the ground up and question every part of the design, from what shape the panel should be to exactly where to put the auto lock/keep open switch. Some concepts we came up with can be seen in the sketch below.

We then mocked up a couple of these options in CAD.

We ended up actually making the version on the top left, in which the end of the handle pulls out for the “keep open” state, and can be pushed back in to set to “auto lock.” We liked the symbolic aspect of the switch being “open” when the door is open and “closed” when the door is locked. We also wanted to make a handle that was more functional and could theoretically be opened without hands free (It’s at least easier than a round door knob). 

To make the new prototype, we 3D printed the handle and switch and laser-cut a new panel. We decided to shorten and widen the panel a little bit to take up less vertical space but still feel substantial and secure.

Here’s my reflection and description of the final design:

The problem that we identified for this project was the inconvenience of using traditional keys. We brainstormed ways to get around the reliance on normal keys through biometrics or an RFID-like system. Out of those two, we settled on the latter because fingerprint reading requires that one’s thumb or fingers are exposed and not being used, and methods like facial recognition or iris scanning are either too complex or not reliable enough. From there we focused on where an RFID-like chip could be placed on the body such that the user would have it at any time outside the house. We eventually decided that shoes were the best place because people almost always wear shoes when they leave their home.

From there, we began to discuss the specifics of how something like this might actually work. We thought about a device that could scan or take a picture of the sole of someone’s shoes and match to that each time they tried to enter their house, but that wouldn’t work because lots of people have the same pairs of shoes. We also thought about putting a barcode sticker on the bottom of each pair of shoes and using a mat to scan those, but we eventually moved away from the mat idea because it felt restrictive and easy to steal. Finally, we decided on a sticker that would go in your shoe and could be sensed when in proximity to the door. Questions still remained, however, on when the door would lock and unlock and what would happen if someone tried to steal your shoes.

Also, at this point, we seriously considered what types of people we envisioned using this product. Because of the obvious benefits it would provide for those wearing gloves a lot or who have to carry things often, we originally wanted to focus on lab or industrial settings. After doing some research however, it seemed like not that many labs actually had different access zones within them, meaning this technology wouldn’t actually be very useful. We instead decided to cater to the needs of everyday consumers, because it’s the most all-encompassing user group and every person could benefit in some way.

As can be seen in the final video, the first step when using Shoe Key is to order and receive the set of components. The set consists of a lock box, outside panel, inside panel, light strip, and 50 ID stickers. The user then replaces their traditional door hardware with our hardware and attaches the LED strip to the bottom. Now they’re ready to set up their shoes, which they can do by placing a sticker in the shoe in a place where it won’t get worn down or destroyed and then calibrating the shoes via the Shoe Key app. The app also displays a dashboard showing whether each pair of shoes is in range of the house or your phone. Once it’s set up, Shoe Key is incredibly easy to use. The user just has to walk up to their door and it will unlock as they try to enter. Once inside, the user has a couple options. They can opt to keep their system on “Auto Lock,” in which case the door will lock every time it is closed. Alternatively, they can set it to “Keep Open,” which will leave the door unlocked until it’s set otherwise. This is useful in case the user wants to walk around barefoot outside or have guests over without having to keep unlocking the door. The final consideration we made was for the case where your shoes are stolen. Because the app can tell when the shoes are within range, it will notify you of suspicious activity, and any key can be disabled at anytime.

Overall, we feel that the design is fairly well-considered. As a next step, we think it would make sense to try to make a functional prototype and do some user testing to see what could be further developed, redesigned or otherwise improved.

[whatspriceofthe]

LG 190 L 4 Star Inverter Direct-Cool Single Door Refrigerator (GL-D201ARGY, Ruby Glow, Base Stand with drawer)https://amzn.to/2QX1Xy9 #Refrigerator https://amzn.to/2QX1Xy9 - LG 190 L 4 Star Inverter Direct-Cool Single Door Refrigerator (GL-D201ARGY, Ruby Glow, Base Stand with drawer) I am useing from last 1.5 month till now no issue. very good product. I recomend go for it. Product is good This is amazing product made by LG for small living family and more power saving and incredible design ... looking glorious .....And timely deliver by Amazon.in but behaviour of delivery person is very bad .....at the end everything is fine..... Nice Product under 13k , Everything looks good but need to improve quality of material , Awesome refrigerator and delivered on time and i m very happy... Thanks to amazon This product is working very well and not any issue with thik firz perfect Very nice refrigeratorLove you LGNo sound silent operationDelivery boy very funny 5 star This is osm prodect and lg is bleaveable brand nice product Nice color. some time getting more sound(I like lg refrigerator ) interior design super Nice product Perfect For family size upto 3. Amazing deal at 12400 with extra 1000 amazon cashback. It is working fine. I am writing review after using 6 months. Thank you Amazon and LG. Today I received this one.... Amazing product good quality.... Nice design.... Delivery with in time..... But vegetable storage box need to bigger size...... Finally happy with LG product Everything is good....but the stand for onions and potato is not fixed it will come seperately ....when you open the door the total body of refrigerator will shake ... I contacted LG customer service also good service responded in 2hours ..they tried there best ...but still slight shake will be there because of that plastic onions stand ... Like this product This is gift from me to my sister,I like this product,sound is very lessand cooling is so fast.... Good product Nice design and color The product is very good. But the delivery is very bad. They damaged a part of refrigerator . And the delivery company is "Delhivery" I am using this product from last month. I am truly happy with this freeze. It saying life's good but believe me its tru.Very nice product within this range. Very good I has purchased the product today. It is working very very silent and cooling also good. ICE cube only 60m amzing.. i will update the electricity consumption, before i assured the proformance of its is very very good. It is also working inverter only have required only 90w to 230w as stated at user guide. Thx to Amzone for latest frize. Really Its a good product I got this refrigerator as same as description. Thanks Amazon for great deal. Go for it really good one for small family. Value for money Must buy Very good quality.Value for money. Nice Its too good even my mom liked it very much very less electric consumption i purchased it at 11000 on amazon shopping days.... Good storage,good energy saving Refrigerator is awesome.. performance wise no doubt.you can go ahead with out secoend thought.Y i gave 4 star means...the barcode sticker was cut and removed and i dont know why it has happen.Please make sure your barcode sticker is well or not.I dont know the proper use of that sticker as of now.Images are attached. Pros: Good quality maintained by Samsung in this model. No coil mess behind the body, easy to clean. Always good looking. Separate storage for onion, potatoes is a good idea.Cons: power cord is very short. Nice product working good Design is premium. Shelves are newly designed. And LG branding worth for money It is less noise sound and in running mission we r side touch beep sound is very good technology. This refrigerator coming from Hyd but No scratches on refrigerator good safety to me. Fast cooling all and all treys available. Thank u amazon call me in 9949415640 Do you like review ? want to buy this then link is in description go ahead. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support. by Shopping Reviews

[gigsoupmusic]

Vinyl Corner : Om 'Advaitic Songs'

Vinyl Corner is a feature where we take a look at vinyl pressings of various albums and weigh them up to see just how good they sound, how well they're pressed and what sort of packaging to expect - as well as giving a brief overview of the music itself. For today's instalment, we're looking back at one of the most significant experimental rock albums of the previous decade - Om's 'Advaitic Songs'. The Music: Precious few artists who emerged from the sonic fury of the early '90s sludge metal scene have managed to survive the subsequent decades intact. Some fell by the wayside early on, swallowed by the blackened haze of drink and drugs; others lasted longer, only to eventually outstay their welcome and fade into irrelevancy. The fact that neither of these things happened to Om's Al Cisneros is impressive in itself - but it's his maturation and evolution as an artist that sets him apart as one his generation's most pivotal creative minds. Though criminally underrated for far too long, the 2010s saw his status rise significantly, both in Om and also his most famous group - the stoner metal legends Sleep. Considering the latter's triumphant 2018 return with 'The Sciences' (which we reviewed back upon its original release here) and their continued success in the live field, now seems to be as good a time as any to look back at 2012's Triumphant 'Advaitic Songs'. Om were born from the ashes of a disbanded Sleep; originally comprised of Cisneros - bassist, vocalist and de facto leader -  and stick-wielder Chris Hakius. Their early records were at once both immediately crushing in their heaviness yet significantly more meditative than anything Sleep had crafted. That sense of sanguine equilibrium was further explored on 2009's 'God Is Good' - released by an expanded three-piece configuration of the group - but it wasn't until 2012's exceptional 'Advaitic Songs' that Cisneros' vision of spirituality meshed with deep, pensive stoner rock was finally perfected. Those familiar with Cisneros' previous - and primarily metal - excursions could be forgiven for receiving the stunning album opener 'Addis' with some surprise. It's a devotional piece - or at least it has the feel of one - replete with gorgeous female vocals and subtle, lilting percussion. It isn't until 'State Of Non-Return' kicks in that the group deliver a taste of their signature heaviness - but, even then, it's toned down and accented with flourishes of strings which speak of an artistic vision unable to be kept with the confines of any one style. 'Advaitic Songs' confounded expectations in 2012 and it continues to amaze the best of a decade later. Although Om's earlier work may continue to offer much of worth, it's still this fantastic album that remains their definitive release. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKqoNrZ00Bg The Pressing: Evidently realising they had something special on their hands, the ever-excellent Drag City released 'Advaitic Songs' as a double LP cut at 45 rpm for superior sound quality. This was certainly a wise decision as this remains one of the richest, most sonically impressive titles in the label's considerable catalogue. At only 43 minutes in length, this could have been cut at 33 rpm on a single LP but much of the dubby, ground shaking weight of the bass would have been lost had they taken that course. As it is, the vinyl version of 'Advaitic Songs' is a treat; Cisneros' mellifluent, lyrical bass work throbs and hums beneath the rich arrangements. The drums, meanwhile, chime and snap with all the precision and realism you'd expect and the strings positively pop from the mix. This was a well-recorded album to begin with, but the vinyl mastering - handled by industry stalwart John Golden - more than does justice to this intricately crafted album. The choice to spread the album across two LPs no doubt helps in this regard; although mostly commonly found amongst electronica releases where heavy, pounding bass is an essential, it's a well known tenet amongst collectors that shorter sides equate to fuller bass. Not only that, but we've often found that the mid-range frequencies of well mastered double LPs are fuller and more impressive than those found on otherwise similar 33 rpm cuts. This certainly seems to ring true in case of 'Advaitic Songs'; people often speak of vinyl as sounding "warm" and while that's a vague description at best, the sound on this release is nothing if not warm. The pressing, too, is highly impressive. Pressed at America's excellent Record Technology Incorporated - arguably the US' best pressing plant - these discs boast clean playback throughout, benefitting from low noise floors and tidy surfaces bearing only a few very minor imperfections here and there. Precious few pressings sounds this good; a combination of a quality pressing and excellent mastering lead to the vinyl version of 'Advaitic Songs' impressing on multiple levels. The Packaging: The quality of the audio certainly sets a high bar for the packaging and presentation to reach, but it's one that is mostly met. The striking, beautiful artwork is presented in excellent quality - good enough to frame, for those so inclined. The image quality is sharp throughout and the layout is both classy and distinctive. The only concession towards budget here is the sleeve itself, which is a wide-spine single pocket, non-gatefold design. We've never been a big fan of this kind of sleeve for double LPs and it's true that the card stock used here is a tad on the light side - but that doesn't matter too much, as the presentation is excellent in all other regards. A lyric insert is included - which is a welcome bonus in itself but becomes all the more impressive when considering the beautiful spot-glossed artwork found on the flip-side of the sheet. Viewed in sunlight, it's quite something to behold. The inner sleeves are generic but highly impressive; they're made from high quality black polylined paper that will ensure the records remain in superb condition for their whole lives - so long as they're handled with due care by the owner, of course. Far too few modern releases are presented in such high quality inner sleeves, so that is more than enough to placate any concerns over the non-gatefold jacket. The cover is also free of a barcode, which is another sign of the unusual care put into this release, and it is instead found as a sticker attached to the shrinkwrap. Final Thoughts: This is an exceptional release of an exceptional album. Still readily available the best part of a decade on from its original release, the vinyl version of 'Advaitic Songs' comes enthusiastically recommended for all - whether you're a long-term fan rediscovering the album after a time away or one yet to envelop yourself in the its richness and warmth. Enjoyed this feature? We're always looking for further albums to highlight on Vinyl Corner - and if you have a vinyl release that you'd love to see written about here, please get in touch at martin.leitch@gigsoupmusic.com - it would be great to hear from you! Read the full article

[thisisrob]

Amazon Echo Show Tips and Tricks

I recently picked up an Amazon Echo Show 5 to get a better understanding of the Alexa ecosystem and because, frankly, it looked like it would make a really cool bedside alarm clock. Take a look at my Echo Show Tips and Tricks list below to get the most from your Alexa with a screen!

The Echo Show range bring a screen to Alexa. And that gives you a whole new way of interacting with it. And a host of new features that having a screen allows you to do.

The Echo Show range consists of the Echo Show 5, the larger Echo Show 8 and the positively tablet sized Echo Show (10)!

Echo Show Tips and Tricks

News Headlines in Video

‘Alexa, what’s the latest news headlines’ will fire up a news summary clip from BBC News. What’s nice is it’s a video summary so you can listen or watch depending on your mood.

Play Apple Music

Not screen specific but the Show has a pretty good speaker and if you subscribe to Apple Music already (like I do) then there’s no need to pay Amazon extra ££ for the full range of music.

Use the Apple Music skill and connect your Show to Apple Music. Then simply ‘Alexa, play U2 on Apple Music’ and you’re instantly listening to a random selection from your favourite artist.

Decide which cards rotate on screen

The feed on the home screen on Echo Show has several home cards that rotate automatically. But you can update which cards appear or don’t appear. Just say, “Alexa, go to settings,” or swipe down from the top of the Echo Show screen and select Settings. From there, select Home Screen, then select Home Card Preferences, and toggle the icon next to the card name.

Have a digital photo frame

You can create an album on Prime Photos, or link your Echo Show to Facebook and then ask Alexa to show your album for a slideshow (Alexa, show my [album name] album”).

To adjust the slideshow speed, go to Settings and then Display.

Turn off the screen

You can turn off the Echo Screen completely by simply saying ‘Alexa, turn off the screen’. The screen will remain blank until you give another voice command of touch it. Useful if you want zero distractions.

Ring Doorbell Monitor

Pair your Alexa Show with your Ring doorbell, and instantly see who’s at your door when your Ring doorbell activates.

Add the Ring Skill to your Alexa – detailed instructions are listed here.

The Echo Show also works with the amazing value Neos Smartcamera so you can check on your security cameras at work or in the garden easily.

Watch a film or TV show

Although an unusual use case you can actually watch films or TV shows on your Echo Show – but only from Amazon Prime Video or any active Amazon Channels subscriptions.

Just ask Alexa to show you films or TV shows by specific name or category. After your video starts playing, you can use your voice to control video playback.

You can also browse and watch YouTube content using the built in Silk or Firefox browser. It’s a little more clunky compared to Prime Video but it works.

Unrestricted access to Prime Videos or YouTube might not be what you want for your kids! Thankfully, the Echo Show has a couple of parental control settings that lets you block content or restrict access.

You can disable voice search for videos completely or activate the Video SafeSearch option.

Access these settings via these settings via: Settings > Restrict Access > Web Video Search

Scan A Barcode

Only just added the Echo Show can now use its camera to scan the barcode of an item, and add it to your shopping list!

Ask Alexa to “scan barcodes” or “scan this to my shopping list.” The camera is then enabled with a marker identifying where to hold the barcode up and the item is put onto the grocery list. Amazon is all about making it easier to buy things, and while this new feature is still being improved its there to play with and see what works!

Image courtesy of voicebot.ai

Echo Show Range & Accessories

If you’re interested in getting an Echo Show and taking advantage of having an Alexa with a screen, these are your options.

Echo Show 5 – size: 148 x 86 x 73 mm – 1MP camera – physical camera cover Mono speaker, £79.99 from Amazon UK

Echo Show 8 – size: 200.4 x 135.9 x 99.1 mm – 1MP camera – physical camera cover Dual speaker, £119.99 from Amazon UK

Echo Show (10) (2nd Generation) – size: 246 x 174 x 107 mm – 5MP camera – no physical camera cover, Dual speaker, £219.99 from Amazon UK

Echo Show Stand – get your Echo Show its own little stand so you can raise it slightly from the surface it sits on, and adjust the viewing angle to better suit the lighting conditions of the room. Available from £19.99 from Amazon UK or £39.99 for a slightly fancier one you can swivel.

I hope you found some of these Echo Show Tips and Tricks useful, any others you’d like to share please tweet us, or leave a comment below.

Written By: Rob Gordon

This post was written by Rob Gordon, an IT geek, gadget lover and blogger. Rob has been using the internets since 1994 when the only streaming video was that coffee pot in Cambridge (rip).... Follow Rob on Twitter - @robgordon - about.me/robgordonuk

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[coincolumnist-dot-com]

Decentralized identity can bring the analog world into the digital one

It is a given that connected devices need reliable, distributed ledger, technology-based digital identity solutions. That is an essential requirement for the Internet of Things (IoT). In the machine economy, devices must be able to recognize and communicate with one another; robust identity management solutions are key to effectively securing data and processes. But what about the multitude of analog “things” all around us? Surely they can also benefit from the advent of digital identity. Imagine the following: You are just back from a grocery run or a walk in the park with your pooch when you suddenly realize the family heirloom ring that has been getting a little too loose around your finger is not there anymore. You retrace your steps, scan the ground and check the gutters and molehills, but you come back empty-handed. So many aspects of our daily lives have moved online, with precious things like passwords, pin codes and login certificates safely stowed away in appropriate security solutions. You can retrieve them at any time and manage them centrally. Why can’t you have the same for your family ring or other analog valuables?Unlike your email password, your ring currently only lives in the analog world. You could tag it with a tracking device that connects to your phone, such as Apple’s AirTag, but this raises privacy and security issues, perhaps many more than it actually solves — not to mention, it is a bulky and odd accessory for a piece of jewelry. More importantly, we own a non-trivial number of analog valuables, and slapping trackers on each one at $40 a pop is not practical. The time has come to talk about the digital identity of analog things and finally invite our prized offline possessions into our increasingly virtual world.Related: The data economy is a dystopian nightmare

What is decentralized digital identity?

Decentralized identity, or DID, refers to a digital identifier for something existing in the physical world. This digital identifier is placed on an immutable distributed ledger and includes a detailed description of attributes, capabilities and ownership. In practical terms, this means there is a reliable record that establishes you as the owner of your now-lost family ring. It describes the ring closely and makes it instantly identifiable. With your credentials, you can prove you are the owner; a miniature QR or barcode — or another kind of scannable identifier — attached or lasered onto the object is all it takes. Depending on the item, digital tags with additional capabilities are another viable option.Compared to a simple tag or another tracking device, digital identity has a few other key advantages. It is stored safely because of its distributed ledger technology (DLT) backing, and it can establish ownership without leading directly to the owner. If you do not wish to publish your personally identifiable information on the ledger — a wise decision at any rate — you can create your own verified digital identity and associate your analog belongings with it. In the example of your lost ring, you have proof that you own the ring and can also use pseudonymization to make it harder for unwanted third parties to trace your valuables back to you.Related: No more pushes and pushbacks: Digital ID solves the privacy dilemma

Conspicuous ownership of inconspicuous value

Analog things hold different kinds of value — monetary, emotional, practical — and can attract unwanted access and potential theft from bad actors at any moment, for any reason. Establishing a robust system of DLT-based digital identity for valuable physical objects has the added benefit of discouraging theft, as confirming a stolen object’s provenance on the ledger would automatically negate the option to resell it. To further discourage misappropriation attempts, you can create different verifiable credentials associated with your digital identity. You also choose with whom you share this sensitive information — if anyone at all. Thanks to selective disclosure, you can establish your ownership of analog objects reliably, without sharing any more information than necessary. For instance, a public record on the ledger can list you as the owner of a white porcelain vase with blue floral motifs that is 20.5 inches tall and weighs 14.8 pounds. In a different verifiable credential, you can specify the vase is a Qianlong — a collector’s item worth millions of dollars. This information does not need to be public, but you can share it with potential buyers if you decide to part ways with your prized collectible. DLT-powered digital identity affords you complete control over how much information you make public and how you compartmentalize so that it matches your individual ownership, identification and security needs.Related: Decentralized identity is the way to fighting data and privacy theft

Identification and authentication on a global scale

Cross-platform communication remains a challenge in the digital realm, even more so on the analog side of things. Verifying the identity and ownership of an item across state borders and language barriers can be a prolonged, slow and expensive process that involves multiple steps and certified professionals’ services. In the case of especially valuable objects or real estate, verification involves notaries, translators, independent assessors and even consulates and embassies. A system of unified digital identity can replace lengthy approval and authentication chains with a simple DLT solution that instantly confirms an analog item’s ownership and characteristics anywhere in the world.However, digital identity is not only useful for cross-border transactions. Today’s supply chains span the globe, and tracing materials and product components across continents is an arduous task that remains, against all odds, surprisingly analog. Shipment tracking is still often done by hand and on paper. The possibility for human error is high, and mistakes carry over and multiply across the shipment’s lifecycle. An immutable digital identity can speed up and automate many logistics processes. Special items that require particular handlings, such as temperature control or motion stabilization, can be paired with sensors that monitor their shipping conditions. In the end, items will arrive at their destination with an immutable record of their transportation quality and safety.Such solutions are not limited to the logistics industry. The world is on the cusp of the post-COVID-19 era and the return to international travel it promises. Many of us will take to the sky in search of new, exciting destinations, but our bags will occasionally not travel with us. According to pre-pandemic statistics, airlines around the world misplace about 25 million bags per year. Chances are it has happened to you as well, and you know first-hand what a pain it is to track down and reclaim your lost luggage. Pairing your bag with a DID would make it instantly findable — no more looking for one black hard-shell suitcase among thousands. Airlines could also tag your bag at check-in with a DLT-enabled sensor that would give an audio or visual warning to luggage handlers if they are about to put your suitcase on the wrong plane.

A digital afterlife for analog things

Analog things get lost or misplaced — it is in their nature. Whether we are talking about production, logistics or personal items, such incidents are often costly and distressing. In our increasingly digitized everyday lives, our analog possessions are in danger of remaining disconnected permanently. Instead of leaving them behind, we can pair them with a digital identity that affords them the electronic afterlife they deserve without intruding on their nature. DID does not require analog objects to become digitized, and it does not need expensive sensors or hi-tech tags to work correctly. Instead, it offers an affordable, reliable and versatile way to take offline items out of the digital blindspot. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.Dominik Schiener is a co-founder of the Iota Foundation, a nonprofit foundation based in Berlin. He oversees partnerships and the overall realization of the project’s vision. Iota is a distributed ledger technology for the Internet of Things and is a cryptocurrency. Additionally, he won the largest blockchain hackathon in Shanghai. For the past two years, he has been focused on enabling the machine economy through Iota.Source Read the full article

[cutsliceddiced]

New top story from Time: Here Are the Best Cyber Monday Deals From Major Retailers

After Americans roasted their turkeys and thought of family and food, the Cyber Monday deals have started for people looking for the best Cyber Monday deals on everything from clothes to electronics, and make-up to books. If you’re staying home this year than actually going to a store this holiday shopping season, here are some of the best Cyber Monday 2018 deals to expect online.

SOPA Images—LightRocket via Getty Images Target store in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey.

Target Cyber Monday

Target is starting its Cyber Monday deals during the weekend after Black Friday so you don’t even have to wait until Monday. The shopping giant will kick off what they dub Cyber Week on Sunday, Nov. 25th with some Cyber Monday deals on popular items:

Looking for a hoverboard? Well the Swagtron Metro Hoverboard with LED lights, which is usually sold at $229.99 will now be on sale at $150.

If you love air frying your own french fries at home you’ll be happy to hear that the Philips Analog 4 qt. Air Fryer will be on sale at $99.99.

The holiday season is fun but also a messy time so make sure to look out for Target’s vacuum sales on the iRobot Roomba 960 at $449.99 and the Dyson V8 Absolute at $349.99.

If you have a new bundle of joy in your life, the Graco DuetConnect LX Swing and Bouncer is on sale for $99.99

Kids aren’t left out either. KidKraft dollhouses and kitchens are going to be 15% off.

Not only will Target offer deals during Cyber Week, but they will be having daily deals on products starting Sunday, Nov. 25 and ending Saturday, Dec. 1. There’s a new deal each day.

On the first day, Sunday, Nov. 25 Target is offering a buy one, get one 60% off all women, men and children’s apparel and accessories for your family’s wardrobe needs.

On the second day, Cyber Monday, Nov. 26, the same apparel deal will be in effect, in addition to 15% off many other items on the store’s website.

On the third day, Tuesday, Nov. 27, expect 30% off Target’s home brands (including but not limited to Project 62, Threshold, and Hearth & Hand with Magnolia)

On the fourth day, Wednesday, Nov. 28, if you spend $40 on beauty and self-care products you’ll get a free $10 Target gift card.

On the fifth day, Thursday, Nov. 29, is electronics day, so there will be discounts on technology products.

Also, from Tuesday, Nov. 27 to the last day, Sunday, Dec. 1, you can get 30% off bar stools, media stands and indoor rugs to spruce up your home at a reduce price.

Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images—LightRocket via Getty Images Walmart store in North Brunswick Township, New Jersey.

Walmart

Walmart has been overhauling their website to offer a better customer experience for Cyber Monday. They have even started a Deals Hub so that you can easily find all their best deals in one place. Make sure to stop by Walmart.com during your Cyber Monday and cash in on great deals.

Do you love the Pioneer Woman? Then make sure to check out her 16-piece Baking Set which will be on sale at $22.88.

Shopping for kids can be tough, but Walmart knows the best gifts which is why the Lifetime Dome Climber in primary colors is going to be on sale at $148.98.

The holidays are a great time to wear a robe and snuggle up by the fire so make sure to catch the Mayfair solid velvet robe for $12.99.

In preparation for the upcoming winter, make sure to get all your new gear like the Helium Down jacket by Jack Wolfskin for $110.47 or their Troposphere waterproof jacket for $129.97.

Thinking about traveling in the new year? Get a new hard-sided 3-piece luggage set from iFLY for $149.

SOPA Images—LightRocket via Getty Images Amazon logo is seen on an android mobile phone.

Amazon Cyber Monday

Amazon knows that they are a main event for Cyber Monday, and they will be selling everything from groceries to clothing to bedding at a discounted rate. There are just too many deals to chose from so here are a few key items to keep in mind while you strategize your online purchases.

Select clothing items from brands like Lands’ End, Champion, and Puma to name a few are 50%.

Still looking for a winter coat? Columbia will be on sale at 30% off select outerwear items.

If you love Crocs Shoes, Amazon is selling select styles for 50% off.

Want to know more about your family tree? AncestryDNA Genetic Testing Kit for just $49.

Get up to 30% off beauty and personal care items like Foreo and Clarisonic.

Looking to redo you home? You can get up to 35% off certain area rugs, mattresses, and furniture.

If you are an outdoor adventurer, you can save 30% on items from JanSport, Marmot and water packs from CamelBak.

Need to buy some new toys for kids this holiday season? Save up to 50% for select items from Play-Doh, NERF, Hasbro, and 30% for select LEGO toys.

While you are searching for those perfect items in the ether that is Amazon’s catalog of items, there are other perks while browsing the web.

If you love online clothes shopping but end up testing them out and returning what you buy, check out Prime Wardrobe. Prime members you can order clothes online, test them out for seven days and then return what you don’t want and only be charged for what you keep.

While you shop, Amazon will be streaming a holiday classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, on Prime Video.

Amazon is offering free shipping without a minimum purchase amount.

One option for those who don’t want to lug around a laptop is to use Snapchat. You can Snap a product or barcode and an Amazon card will show you the item or similar ones on the site you can purchase.

Drew Angerer—Getty Images Entrance of a JC Penney department store inside the Manhattan Mall in Herald Square in New York City.

JCPenny

JCPenny is offering a very significant number of deals from Nov. 25 through Nov. 28 for Cyber Monday on everything from clothes to home decor.

Women’s, men’s, and kid’s clothing will be discounted from 25% to 60% off for select styles.

Select handbags and wallets will be marked down 50%.

Expect 40% to 60% off jewelry.

Browse select toys that are marked 50% off.

Kitchen appliances, bedding and bathroom essentials for up to 50% off.

If you are headed on a trip in the new year you’ll need new luggage, which is discounted up to 50% off this Cyber Monday.

Clearance will be 50% to 70% off.

Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images—LightRocket via Getty Images Macy’s store in New York City.

Macy’s

The classic department store, Macy’s, will not only be hosting the Thanksgiving Day Parade down 6th Avenue in New York City but will also be offering Cyber Monday deals starting Sunday Nov. 25th all the way to Wednesday, Nov. 28th. If you spend more than $25, you get free shipping.

If you love sale items you’ll be happy to know there will be an extra 20% sale items.

Need boots for the winter season? Macy’s is offering a buy one, get one free pair of boots for the upcoming snowy season and 40% off cold weather accessories to complete the look.

Skincare is so important in these dry months so if you buy $50 worth of Sunday Riley products, Macy’s will throw in a free three-piece gift set from the skincare brand.

Fossil Q watches will be 30% off

Select handbags are 60% off.

Have a beauty lover in the family you need to get a gift for? With a $50 or more purchase, you can snag a $5 Beauty Box.

A holiday season isn’t complete without some family pajamas so Macy’s is offering them on sale for $19.99 and under.

Need some high tech gear for your home? The Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation is on sale for Cyber Monday for $179.99.

An item that is on almost everyone’s holiday wish list this year is the popular Instant Pot which Macy’s will be offering at $79.99.

After unwrapping all your gifts, you’ll need to clean up so make sure to snag the Dyson V8 Absolute Vacuum for just $379.99.

Now, as the New Year approaches, you might be thinking about upgrading key items like a mattress, if you get yours at Macy’s this Cyber Monday season, you’ll get a free box spring with select mattresses.

Ben Gabbe—Getty Images for Nordstrom Nordstrom Men’s Store in New York City.

Nordstrom

If you are an in-store shopper, there will be 60% off select items from the Black Friday sale available on Cyber Monday, Nov. 26. If you prefer to be a purist about Cyber Monday and do the experience from the your own home with your laptop, head over to Nordstrom.com where you can get 60% off select sale items starting on the night of Tuesday, Nov. 20 through until midnight on Monday, Nov. 26.

Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images—LightRocket via Getty Images CVS store in North Brunswick Township, New Jersey.

CVS

CVS could be worth adding to your Cyber Monday shopping sites to browse through for pharmacy sales.

They are offering 40% off sitewide

50% off select fragrances, bath, beauty, beauty tools and accessories, personal care, and health products.

There’s an extra 10% discount on select vitamins.

You’ll get an extra $10 off if you spend $50 or more.

If you spend $40 or more, you’ll get a free candy gift as a treat.

Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images—LightRocket via Getty Images Old Navy store in Times Square in New York City.

Old Navy

Old Navy is doing an interesting promotion in the time between Black Friday and Cyber Monday called Cyber Weekend. From November 24 to November 25 everything will be 40% off and you can get 50% off on all outerwear, sweaters and jeans. They are also doing a Pre-Cyber Monday sale exclusive to cardmembers who will be able to get 50% off everything on Sunday, November 25th, the day before Cyber Monday including free shipping. On actual Cyber Monday, the clothing brand is offering 50% off of everything to everyone and a free pair of socks with purchase. This deal will be extended into the following day as well.

Spencer Platt—Getty Images A Barnes & Noble bookstore in New York City.

Barnes & Noble

The beloved book retailer has some Cyber Monday deals not only on famous titles, but also for toys, games, and notebooks that could be ideal for personalized gift-giving. Many of the Black Friday items from this retailer will continue to be on sale during Cyber Monday. Barnes & Noble will also have a special extension called Cyber Week when more deals will be available .

Get collectible editions 50% off on Cyber Monday

If you spend $50 or more on Barnes & Noble gift cards from Nov. 22 through Cyber Monday, you will get a free $10 rewards card to be used starting Dec. 28 through Feb. 28, 2019.

Love James Patterson? Well, his new book Target: Alex Cross will be 50% off from Nov. 19 through Cyber Monday in-store and online.

Moleskine notebooks are pretty universal, and Barnes & Noble will be offering them at 50% off from Nov. 21 through Cyber Monday in stores and online.

S’Well bottles have become a huge must have item, so you can scoop yours up at 25% off from Nov. 21 through Cyber Monday in stores and online.

All entertainment, toys and games (except LEGO®s) will be 25% off online on Cyber Monday. However, toys and games will be discounted until Tuesday, Nov. 27.

CDs, DVD & Blu-Ray will be up to 60% off starting Cyber Monday through Sunday, Dec. 2.

If you love mixing and matching products, Barnes & Noble will let you pick 3 items from different sections for $25 starting Tuesday, Nov. 27 through Wednesday, Nov. 28.

Rindoff Petroff/Durand—Rindoff Petroff/Durand MAC Cosmetics flagship store during the MAC Cosmetics Champs Elysees Opening Party in Paris, France.

M.A.C Cosmetics

One of the biggest make-up retailers, M.A.C. Cosmetics, is offering some rare deals.

If you are a true fan of this brand, then you are a M.A.C. Select member. This means from Wednesday, Nov. 21 until Tuesday, Nov. 27 you can get 25% off your purchases (with some exceptions).

From Wednesday, Nov. 28 through Thursday, Nov. 29 if you spend $65 (with some exceptions) you can get a free Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour.

If you spend $50 (with some exceptions) online on Cyber Monday, Nov. 26 you can get a free eyeshadow.

via https://cutslicedanddiced.wordpress.com/2018/01/24/how-to-prevent-food-from-going-to-waste

[tenaciousstudenthologramus-blog]

The Role of Packaging in Successful Warehouse Operations

Different Types of Warehouses

With so many different types of packaging available, there is guaranteed to be packaging supplies available to suit every warehouse. Warehouses range in size from smaller scale factories and sheds being what you would find in your local industrial area to enormous warehouses situated within close range of busy international ports. The smaller scale operations might be something like a family run import/export business of products such as Mediterranean herbs and spices. These wholesale type businesses typically run a fairly streamlined set up in terms of packaging. Rebranding does not always occur and the only packaging they may predominantly use is whatever is required to divide up selected bulk items into custom orders and wrapping them and labelling them once they are loaded onto a pallet.

Larger scale warehouses will often have a lot of automated components in the packaging production line such as goods running along conveyors and automatically getting sorted by barcode or other form of identification. However even with so much of the packaging process being automated, there will always come a point where human intervention is needed to re load a plastic wrap machine, labeller, printer, or top up the stack of cardboard boxes.

Quality Control – a Vital Link in the Packaging Chain

There will always be a need for some form of quality control to ensure goods are packaged adequately and that the details on the label, match the goods in the bag or box. In a company that supplies hydraulic hoses and fittings for example, this is done in the receiving department as well as at despatch. Human error at one of these ends of the supply chain could result in costly downtime for clients, if they are supplied with incorrect fittings or components due to incorrect items being packaged.

The quality of packaging also reflects the standards set by that particular business or warehouse. Even in a smaller scale family run operation, it would be a poor look if customers are receiving goods in boxes that look like they have been used and reused multiple times. The same goes for something as simple as the quality of tape used or how the package is labelled. The item description carelessly scrawled on a package in permanent marker doesn’t have the same professional appearance as something that has been printed and attached to the package in a neat manner.

Where to Buy Packaging Supplies

Gone are the days where you will receive a package loaded with polystyrene material encasing your purchased product. Or if you still are seeing this in use, its days are numbered if the environmentalists have the last say on the matter. With the global push in recent decades on caring for our environment, environmentally friendly packaging materials is becoming high priority for many companies when deciding where to buy packaging supplies from. Though these packaging materials can cost more initially, the positive vibes the consumer experiences when they see the big ‘environmentally friendly packaging’ advertised all over their purchase makes it worth it in the long run for these companies. Purchasing wholesale packaging supplies in Australia can help to offset some of the cost.

[techgirlza]

I did a favourite finds post a few weeks ago and you loved it. So I’m thinking this needs to be a regularly thing. Mainly because I do find some gems. But to begin, this needs a name! Any suggestions? Drop them in the comments.

I have a few things I want to add to my list of rad geek inspiration and top tech finds this week and I’ve dropped them all below. Some are just funky items you can purchase while others are just rad internet finds I think you need to know about. Take a look:

The new ghd Gold

I actually did a video about my time with the new styler on Tuesday which you can watch here:

I had a chance to try it out and I really did feel a difference. I love the new metallic features but there are also a host of funky tech innovations that you need to pay attention to. It takes only 25 seconds to heat up and I thought it slid through my hair much quicker (while still doing a great styling job). The new ghd Gold has dual zone technology incorporated. This means it now has 2 heat sensors instead of 1 which allows it to control the optimum heat a bit better. I was really impressed with this baby and think if you’re looking for a new styler it is worth the splurge.

Seeing Allred

I mentioned yesterday with my Stationery post that I’ve started investigating the history of feminism a bit more. I’ve had to handle some heat recently when trying to defend the historical divides of gender and the blatant sexism on display in so many majority male industries. It is a tough conversation and I’ll be the first to admit that I feel like my eyes are being opened to a world I don’t really comprehend. The severity of the issues we, as females, face hasn’t hit me as hard as it has recently. In my search for materials to help me better understand the issues at hand I came across a documentary on Netflix called Seeing Allred. Gloria Allred is an extremely prolific women’s rights attorney. The documentary showcases her career and life so far. Watching it is fascinating, inspiring and depressing all at the same time. The public hate and misogyny she faces will make you feel so incredibly helpless and full of despair but her continual fight for equality will also drive you to do better. I think it is a documentary every female needs to watch. It really made me re-examine my own actions and also my own lack of action when it comes to fighting for what is right and just.

Overwatch Jewellery

I’m sure you’ve noticed but I’ve recently been slightly obsessed with Overwatch. I came across some of the best jewelry designs celebrating the game and I had to share. I cannot take credit though. ChipChick found these beauties. My favourite piece is pictured above. Unfortunately if you want to get your hands on these gorgeous designs you’re going to have to ship them in via Amazon. Not always easy but it can potentially be done if you use Aramex Global Shopper.

The Ford LEGO partnership

Call be biased, but I drive a Ford. So when this dropped in my inbox I had to share. LEGO has recently added the M-Sport Ford Fiesta WRC rally car kit to its LEGO Speed Champions range and I am kind of obsessed. Its a 203 piece set and you’ll be able to customise wheel trims, change out bonnets and even add your own little race-graphics. For the petrol heads out there this is kind of all sorts of amazing. You’ll only be able to order it from LEGO on 1 March though. Seriously how cute is this kit? I’ve stuck to building Star Wars LEGO sets but I’m seriously considering expanding to the Speed Champions range, if only for the Fiesta and the Mustang (which has also been added to the collection).

#Bites4Bytes

I love chocolate. Like a lot. Cadbury is my favourite. In fact, Cadbury Top Deck is basically my life go to. Besides chocolate I also like blowing ridiculous amounts of money on data. So adding to my favourites list is how these two come together. Till the 30th of April if you buy  5 bars of any of the chocolates pictured above and submit all five barcodes on the wrappers to a number you’re guaranteed data or air time. Basically for every five large bars you get 50MB of Data and for every 5 mini bars you get R5 of air time. It is an excuse to eat more chocolate right?

I still need a name for this little space. Working on that. But for now – those are my favs 😉

  More favourite things! Geek inspiration and top tech finds I did a favourite finds post a few weeks ago and you loved it. So I'm thinking this needs to be a regularly thing.