Ayubowan !

That would be "Hello" in Sinhalese! It's definitiely getting busier around here in Melbourne! For one thing, traffic is back and I had gotten so used to the lack of cars in the road that I think I ran late more than ever to work this week!

How is it where you are?

Before I go on, a small ask (as always!). If you have a friend who you think would enjoy the this email, maybe forward it on? It helps A LOT! You can even use your own referral link:

Week in the life

Apart from running late everywhere, day to day life is getting closer to normal. I went to the local gym for the first time in ages! Yes, it made me realise how unfit I had become...

I did, however, spend lots of time with the furbaby, Luna the Whisper. She's been incredible affectionate the last week or 2.

Just as lockdowns lifted my weekends are being filled up with the rush of surgical cases. One of these days I'll have to go away and (finally) take some photos around the rest of Victoria!

PxR & Kickstarter update

PxR Store

https://www.photosbyraffy.com/shop

Still in the waiting phase at the moment, so nothing major to report here. I'll check in with the manufacturer later next week to see if there are any issues with the batch.

In the meantime, I decided that I'd put the high res image up so that people can look at it when trying to complete it. It's a bit...colourful... but that's to make sure that the final print version is punchier.

I was going to link it here but the website is down is the host is currently doing a server migration! Also, a few calendars still available if you are interested in counting the days next year with some Antarctica photos...

Gadgets & tech

Bolt: Heater coffee mug

https://bolt-a-modular-heated-mug.kckb.st/photosbyraffy

You might remember the old Ember smart mug that I mentioned in the times gone by. While I use it every day, I don't really see why it needs an app or why it can't be dishwasher safe.

So when Bolt came along, it seemed to know my exact thoughts! Also the cup is USB rechargeable and at about half the price of the ember.

I do like the design of the Ember a bit better, but hey, this is a pretty awesome alternative!

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:

• Oculus Quest 2 - The easiest to set up and best standalone VR experience currently available. Seriously, if you're remotely interested, try this. It's pretty darn awesome!
• Floately floating planter - This is still awesome! Very much still enjoying my plants spin around weightlessly.
• Zens Wireless charging pad - My current wireless charging pad of choice. Works with iPhones and most Android devices and it's GREAT to not have to line up the charging coils!

Learn

How the Australian Parliamentary System Works

https://peo.gov.au/understand-our-parliament/how-parliament-works/

I know, it sounds like a dry topic, but after watching the roller coaster that was the US elections, aren't you curious as to how the Australian system works?

Could we have similar situations? Do you know who is actually responsible for each level of government?

The good news is that this website from the government has had a recent make over and features far more interactive and video content than what I remember from my school days.

I spent 15-20mins on a bit of a refresher.

Watch

Spent my life savings on an abandoned ghost town

https://youtu.be/NZulDyerzrA

How is this for an epic project? This guy and his investors essentially bought an old abandoned mining ghost town and are spending the time slowly rebuilding it and getting it functional, one brick at a time in the town of Cerro Gordo

It's oddly satisfying watching the old buildings and remnant bits and pieces of history and how they go about fixing things up...

Listen

Spotify: Coffee table Jazz

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DWVqfgj8NZEp1?si=cZ-f0a_-Tryi_hElSkXXrg

I found this playlist several years ago on Spotify and it's been played quite regularly ever since. It's smooth, relaxing jazz that's akin to what you'd hear at a late night low key bar.

The playlist is very mellow and is one of the regular things I listen to after coming home from work. It's regularly updated with new songs, but I still feel like starting in the middle with David Hazeltines "I'll let you know" was the best way to start (when I found the playlist, that was the beginning song).

Quote I'm pondering

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."

― Dr Seuss

I didn't grow up with the Dr Seuss books but every so often I hear one of his quotes and I have to say, they're quite striking for what they manage to convey in a children's book.

The one above is very true for anything you care about really. It's easy to complain and it's easy to be a cynic. It's much a harder to do.

Truly random

How are you finding the random section? Would love feedback if you liked this.

• Another day, another dollar - I do have a fascination with random sayings and this one has been there for a little while in the back of my mind. Turns out it may have originated during the construction of the Panama Canal and popularised with a song!
• Laser is actually L.A.S.E.R. - Did you know that the word "laser" is an acronym? Here's some other regular words that you might not know are acronyms too.

Thanks again for joining me on yet another week of randomness. What was your favourite bit? Email me and let me know!

Stay safe and stay random!

- Raffy

PS - I want to plan a road trip out of Melbourne. Where would you go? Let me know!

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