Howdy !

Apologies for the last newsletter - the final version didn't send properly and I really didn't want to bug you with an apology email, so I thought I'd just go on with the show. So, great to have you back on the third edition of the Sunday Surprise newsletter!

As always, if you find this remotely fun or chuckle-worthy, maybe send it to a friend to subscribe. It'd help a new newsletter get off the ground!

Care

Blood bank

https://www.donateblood.com.au/

While the attention of the world is stays on the latest crisis, there is a constant need for the essentials to maintain healthcare, especially expiring essentials such as blood. Medical procedures are ramping up again and so will the requirement for transfusions in the near future, so if you're well and can donate consider doing so!

As a side note, I included this in here since I've always been meaning to donate but have never actually gotten around to it. Being very averse to hypocrisy, I hope that by including it here, I'll actually get off my arse and do it! If you do decide to take action based on this newsletter, please reply and let me know to further my guilt trip!

Listen

Lo-fi Chilled Beats

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0vvXsWCC9xrXsKd4FyS8kM?si=GkH9bg1PSq-1bkUzADMj3A

If you're after some mellow beats to do some work/study or just chill to, this playlist has been whats on for me for the last few weeks while editing.

I also have my own for this sort of thing but decided to mix it up a bit. Let me know by replying if you'd like to listen to my one and I'll link it in future emails.

Inform

Snopes

https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/boy-eating-butter-ad/

In the current world of fake news, it's prudent to check yo-self! Or your facts at least and while there are a whole bunch of sites out there, I kinda like Snopes and am a member, even though the site isn't without controversy.

They cover the serious stuff as well as investigating fun memes like the one linked!

Tools

Snapdrop

https://snapdrop.net/

This one is for those OUTSIDE the Apple ecosystem (yes, a place outside exists!) and have forever have been jealous of AirDrop for transferring files (like me). I have used other tools, but this is the easiest by far! Just go to the URL on both devices, make sure you're on the same network and voila! File transfer heaven!

This is how I've been moving things between my Galaxy Note10+ (where I take most of the photos/videos) and my Hp Spectre x360, where I edit and write (like I'm doing now!). It is seriously awesome and easy to use!

Gadget

Lumos Ultra

https://lumos-ultra-the-new-standard.kckb.st/photosbyraffy

This one's very much not photography related, but most of the previous points aren't either! I do like cycling and this Kickstarter project caught my eye: it's essentially a helmet with a headlight AND indicators built in! Seems like a cool idea so I thought I'd back them.

It is a Kickstarter project so do so at your own risk!

Finally, photos!

I've decided to showcase photos from my portfolio on here and I'll try to keep editing my back log to show you new stuff before you see it on Instagram. For this week, here's one from Antarctica. I do have a lot of photos from there and now, this one hangs prominently in my apartment as a huge 1m print.

Check out more on the Antarctica Gallery.

Thanks for joining me on yet another week!

You're awesome!

-Raffy

PS - I'm in the process of setting up a competition for subscribers so keep an eye out for it in the next few weeks. There will be a Peak Design Messenger bag at least as a prize!

PPS - Wow! you got right to the end! Congrats! And thanks again!