It's time for another Sunday Surprise! 27th Sept 2020
Sep 27, 2020 10:01 am
Marhaban !!!
That's "welcome" in Arabic FYI. Thanks for joining me for another random email! I'm working this Sunday so this email was the first time I got my act together and started working on early.
The Kickstarter project is just 3 days away from finishing with 75% raised! If you're considering getting one, this is your last chance! Now is the time to pledge for your own Sixty Degrees South 1000 piece jigsaw.
Also, this is a new newsletter and if you've enjoyed it or found any of it useful, please let your friends know so they can subscribe to it! And also, thank YOU for reading along too!
Onwards to the surprises this week!
Watch
Tallest skyscrapers currently under construction
For this weeks video, I chose one highlighting the mega tall structures currently under construction. Did you know that the Burj Khalifa in the near future will no longer be the tallest building in the world?! The rumour is that the next height that everyone is aiming for is over 1000m! That's right: 1km+ tall skyscrapers!
Read
21 lessons for the 21st century - Yuval Harari
It explores pretty dystopian themes and provides quite an interesting framework in which to look at the problems facing modern society. Unlike the news, where problems are just highlighted, it does at least try and show some ways in which we can overcome the major issues.
The sections on AI, social media targetting and possible decline of democracy are pretty uncanny.
See also:
- New images show China's growing detention centre - the mistreatment of Uygurs is a modern day failing that I feel is going on with relatively low push back. Looks like those efforts are only intensifying. Currently, I'm torn on the ethics of this since essentially slave labour is being used to produce goods, but I also know that at least 3 of the brands of PPE we happen to use are being produced by companies with possible links. As such, I feel somewhat complicit everytime I use certain PPE, but whats the alternative currently? If you have any suggestions, I'm all ears.
Listen
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7LyiGVlYKJgdPBcZQ3e7Vv?si=0Q_X5zexQpqr9H6CHaWPFw
The whole movie is...subtle and somewhat enigmatic with all the themes present, but rarely are they being yelled in your face. Also, it's one of those movies that manages to visually show the feeling of being alone in crowd so well.
Given such an eclectic mic of moods in the movie, it's no surprise that the soudtrack varies between ambient and chilled tracks from Air and Squarepusher (who's not renowned for chill) to old school tunes like "Nobody does it better" to the punk rock that is Peaches.
Somehow, the movie uses all these tracks in a way that really suits each scene. While I'm sure that there will be VERY few who like this album all the way through, it is however, one of the most varied soundtracks/albums out there!
Gadgets & tech
https://stilform-ink.kckb.st/photosbyraffy
I bought their previous version, Kosmos in a matte black brass and it was GREAT! It had a weight to it that made writing anything feel more epic. The lid was a really cool magnetic system that was amazing for someone who likes to fidget. The only problem was that the glue holding the mechanism wasn't quite up to my level of fidgeting. So, when the mechanism broke, their lifetime warranty kicked in and they replaced the pen twice.
Now they've released the Titanium edition with a new mechanism that's MUCH more durable. Could me in! They also have a lighter aluminium version, but you know which one I got... ***cough**Matte black**cough**
Anyway, they're great pens and now I can fidget away til my hearts content. My only criticism would be that the nibs (like all non Japanese ones) are a bit thicker for my liking. Then again, most people find the nibs I like to be scratchy.
SEE ALSO
Some people keep asking about previous recommendations etc so I'm going to link a few that have come up in conversation in the last week below:
- Bose QuietComfort Earbuds - These headphones were pretty popular to the point that Amazon sold out! Here's a link to another Australian site where you can get a further discount with the following code: BosePreOrderOZB
- Lumos helmet - These guys are nearly done with the crowd funding, so if you want one in some exclusive colours, time to get one!
- chargeASAP - This ones from a Melbourne/California based company that I have backed on Kickstarter. Tiny 100w charger and the one that's about the size of my current charger puts out 200w!!!
PxR & Kickstarter update
PxR Kickstarter campaign is in the final stretch
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/photosbyraffy/sixty-degrees-south-antarctic-image-jigsaw-puzzle?ref=6nwuqk
There's only 3 days to go and we're over 75% of the total! We're so close! I'm putting out all the stops in trying to get the last 25% and will be seeing if any last minute friends and family can make it happen.
So if you or anyone you know are interested PLEASE share the project!
Quote I'm pondering
"Democracy: the fools have a right to vote. Dictatorship: the fools have a right to rule..."
―Bertrand Russell
As the world watches on to what promises to be one of the most definining elections in the entire world with Joe Biden and Donald Trump fighting for the heart and soul of the US.
Given all the trouble it seems to cause, that quote made me pause and chuckle. Democracy definitely has it's issues but also allows us to air our greivances and share ideas. In a dictatorship, there's only the right way, or no way at all.
Not to go on about Yuval Harari too much, but his book does ask if democracy can rewrite itself or can there be a new story that binds humanity? It's a bit scary to think because it's something that I can't even come up with any interesting ideas a pragmatic alternative!
Have you got any ideas about a system of society that is either democracy upgraded? Or something else entirely (that's not out there already). I'd love to hear your thoughts since my imagination seems a bit limited here!
Truly random
How are you finding the random section? Would love feedback if you liked this.
The lockdown has meant I have actually cooked a bit more and this one is fast becoming the crowd favourite. Doesn't take a super long time to make, but add some pesto and voila! A delicious and healthy dinner!
Random riddles
So some people really liked the puzzle from the last issue, so here's another one for this week from riddle.com:
I am small but what's inside me is big. You have to lick me to keep me silent. You put me in a dark room until you discover me. What am I?
Last weeks puzzle
"What five letter word becomes shorter when you add two letters to it?”
Answer: short
Thanks again for joining me on yet another week of randomness!
Stay safe out there!
- Raffy
PS - out of curiosity, what's your go to snack when you're hungry in between meals?
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