Bricks and blank pages. Moleskine meets LEGO®

Two pilots flying towards the snowy moors, through blank pages yet to be filled, imaginary cities yet to be built. A paper and brick animation video presents a new limited series with the iconic LEGO® plate set into the cover. 




The plate is red, yellow, green or black, depending on the model of notebook. The inside pocket holds a special collection of related adhesive labels, to customize the notebook in LEGO® style.

   

The video is made by Combocut Film. The set is a regular household kitchen; after the flight, you return to the ordinary land of reality. For grown-up children who have never stopped flying.

Available at the MoleskineStore, MoleskineUS and MoleskineAsia.

F29 is a test for cyberactivism

Twityer is a buzz with talk of Occupy protest for 29th.  Track on Twitter with hashtag #t29. It will be interesting to see what happens and if web based discourse can translate quickly in to real world activism.

The Best Free Phone on Every Carrier

 

• Top Stories

 

 

Remember when the best free phone you could get was monochrome candy bar phone? And you were thankful because that Nokia phone had Snake on it. Things are better now—you can get an actual smartphone from a carrier for free (with the usual two-year contract). But which is the best one from each carrier? Let's jump into the bargin bin and find out. Also remember: some of these deals are ending soon and are web only.


 
T-Mobile: Hurry! The HTC Sensation is available for free on T-mobile through the end of the day. It's the best free phone you can possibly get right now, on any carrier. It has a 1080p camera, 4.3-inch qHD screen, it runs on T-Mobile's 4G network. This is an awesome phone that's free. Compared to this, it's like AT&T and Verizon aren't even trying.
 

 
 Verizon: Verizon's free phones are pretty crappy. The best free phone you're going to get is the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play. The Playstation/Android phone has a slide out gaming pad, is running Android 2.3, has a four-inch display and works on Verizon's 3G network. Which sounds fine, but most Android games don't support the game pad. The non-gaming phone option, is the LG Enlighten. Which is kinda sad.

 
 AT&T: The HTC Status is the, free tiny-screen, physical-keyboard having, Android phone from AT&T you should check out. If can't you update your Facebook status with those pesky virtual keyboards, this is your phone. The Status has a 5MP camera and runs Android 2.3. Of course if you're already part of the Apple ecosystem, you can get a free two-year-old iPhone 3GS from Apple's site. And if you're really adventurous, AT&T has the webOS-powered Palm Pixi Plus available for free. None of these are great phones, it's more of a three-way tie for mediocrity.

 

Sprint: The HTC Evo, while over a year old, is Sprint's best free smartphone. It has a 4.3-inch display, snaps pictures with an 8-megapixel sensor, flies around on Sprint's 4G WiMax network and runs Android 2.3. There's also the new Samsung Conquer, but it's sort of a meh phone. The HTC Evo Shift, which also runs Android 2.3 and has a slide out keyboard, is tempting, but packs a smaller display and lower resolution camera. According to Sprint's site, the free HTC EVO offer ends 12/14.
 source

Free Ringtones for Verizon

Free Ringtones for Verizon Wireless Users

By Greg Thompson

Are there free ringtones for Verizon Wireless users? Verizon wants you to use their proprietary phone software to download ringtones for your phone, but savvy cell phone owners can create and find free ringtones.

From Verizon Wireless

You can get a little savvy when you purchase ringtones directly from Verizon Wireless. You will have to initially purchase a ringtone pack, which gives you credits. The most common pack is the $9.99 pack that gives you four credits. Since each ringtone typically costs $2.99 to $3.99, you are paying for three ringtones and getting one free (each ringtone works out to $2.50 per purchase).

Creating Your Own

Just as you can make your own cell phone wallpapers, the same can be done with ringers as well.

From Your Cellphone

Depending on what phone you have and what cell phone operating system is installed, you may be able to make free ringtones for Verizon Wireless users right from the phone. Some Windows Mobile 6.1 users have a program called MP3 Trimmer that lets you import a full MP3 song and block off a section of the song that you can save to the ringtone folder or automatically set as the main ringtone. While the program is powerful, it does take some time to convert the song. For a 20-second clip, the trimmer program takes about 5 minutes, which can drain the battery significantly. Make sure you plug in the phone to a charger for the MP3 Trimmer.

-==Sound Programs=== If you have one of the advanced audio editing programs like Cool Edit Pro, Adobe Audition or something similar, then you can chop down an audio clip to ay section you want in superb detail. After editing is complete, you will need to save the file in the format your phone uses for the ringtones. The most common formats are MIDI and MP3. You should find what type you use under the Ringtone Type heading in the Sound Settings.

Once you create your song on the computer, the easiest way to get the ringtone to your phone if you don't have a phone that uses a file system (Windows Mobile, Blackberry, iPhone, etc.) is to email the ringtone as an attachment to your Text number, which is usually the 10 digit phone number followed by "@" and then your providers domain name. Verizon Wireless is "vzw.com". If you have a data plan or access to the Internet, then you will receive a link to click that will save the sound file to your phone. This is one the best ways to get free ringtones for Verizon Wireless users.

With one of the other types of phones using a file system, you can save the audio clip to the ringtone folder. It may not be called "Ringtone", so you have to do some digging to find the folder. For example, the "Ringtone" folder could be under the "My Documents" folder.

Myxer Tones

At Myxer you have two options to download free ringtones for Verizon Wireless users.

• First, you can search through the current catalog of ringtones and download one of these. Keep in mind that these are not officially released ringtones. The Myxer community edits and uploads these so you may have three or four different ringtones of the same song, but they could be totally different parts of the song. You can find current hits as well as independent bands that are promoting themselves.
• Second, you can create your own. Create an account and then select a song on your computer to upload and then you'll use the Myxer Java software to edit the block of the song you want (basically moving two sliders to the spot you desire). After that, the website will convert the song to your mobile phone specifics. Before using the site, make sure your phone is supported.

NOTE: Verizon Wireless users may notice a lag in delivery. The ringtones may be sent to your phone immediately or hours later. So, be patient.

Free Ringtones for Verizon Wireless Users

Verizon Wireless is very particular about where users download ringtones. Of course, Verizon Wireless wants you to use their ringtone store, but some people find the prices to costly. By using the techniques and website above, you can obtain free ringtones for Verizon Wireless users just as quick and easy.

Verizon: Free phones!… And Free texting

Need a free phone?

Families, millenniums, and everyone else looking to save some money, this is for you!

We put a list of some of the best free phones under the Verizon Wireless umbrella, so you and your family can still communicate without having to pay tons of money for a device.

Some of the options are: LG Cosmos, HTC Ozone, Samsung Gusto, LG Accolade, and Pantech Jest.

Want to save even more money on text messages and minutes every month?

Read on!

Lg Accolade

It’s a small but mighty flip phone with a compact design that’s easy to tuck in a pocket or toss in a handbag. The LG Accolade has all the essential features you need to help keep your family on schedule and your life on track: easy to read keys, speaker–independent voice commands, messaging and Bluetooth headset support. Free with two year plan.

HTC Ozone

Offered exclusively by Verizon Wireless, the HTC Ozone has everything you need to take care of business whether you’re out of the office or out of the country. It features Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard with the convenience of a full QWERTY keyboard and a 5–way navigation key. View and edit documents in Word and Excel, view PowerPoint files, filter your Inbox.

Samsung Gusto

A sharp display and noise cancellation technology make sure nothing gets in the way of your zest for life, and free text and picture messaging are great for reliving and relishing every moment. Providing crystal clear audio and sharp images without breaking the bank, the Gusto is a steal of a deal with a zeal you can feel. Free with two year plan.

LG Cosmos

That’s the LG Cosmos has a nice 4–line keyboard makes serious texting seriously easy. Insta–uploading of pics to Facebook  make it a snap to let your friends in on the action. IM and email keep everyone in your life right with you. Free with two year plan

Pantech Jest

The JEST sets new standards for wireless social communication with a 2.0 megapixel camera – all in a neat slider form factor. The Jest is a feature phone that’s perfect for the heavy texter or for those who simply want to keep in touch. The Self Icon feature allows you to create your own Icons and Banners and display an electric sign on the phone display. Free with two year plan.

And if you are also looking for accessories and applications that can help you save even more money on text messages and minutes every month make sure you download Nimbuzz. It will allow you to stay connected with all your family and friends for free, and it will aggregate all your favorite IMs and social networks (Facebook, MSN, Yahoo, AIM, Gchat, Myspace, ICQ) in one organized contact list

Any other phone that you want to add to this list? Please let us know in the section below!

source

Chocolate cake breakfast could help you lose weight

Eating chocolate cake as part of a full breakfast can help you lose weight, say scientists

LONDON - It sounds too good to be true but new research says having dessert - along with the traditional fry up - burns off the pounds.

Morning is the best time to consume sweets because that's when the body's metabolism is most active - and we have the rest of the day to work off the calories, a new study shows.
Eating cookies or chocolate as part of breakfast that includes proteins and carbs also helps stem the craving for sweets later.

Researchers split 193 clinically obese, non-diabetic adults into two groups who consumed either a low-carb diet that included a 300-calorie breakfast or a balanced 600-calorie breakfast that included a chocolate cake dessert.

Halfway through the 32-week study both groups had lost an average of 33 lbs (15 kg) per person. But in the second half of the study the low-carb group regained an average of 22 lbs per person - while the dessert gorgers lost another 15 lbs each.

At the end those who had consumed a 600 calorie breakfast had lost an average of 40 lbs more per person than their peers.

Although both groups consumed the same daily total calories - the men 1600 calories per day and the women 1400 - "the participants in the low-carbohydrate diet group had less satisfaction and felt that they were not full," said Professor Daniela Jakubowicz.

Their cravings for sugars and carbohydrates were more intense and eventually caused them to cheat on the diet plan.

This also suggests that the dessert group will be more successful at keeping the weight off, said the researchers whose findings are published in journal Steroids.

Prof Jakubowicz said: "But the group that consumed a bigger breakfast, including dessert, experienced few if any cravings for these foods later in the day."

Prof Jakubowicz, of Tel Aviv University, said attempting to avoid sweets entirely can create a psychological addiction to these same foods in the long-term.

A meal in the morning provides energy for the day's tasks, aids in brain functioning and kick-starts the body's metabolism, making it crucial for weight loss and maintenance.

And breakfast is the meal that most successfully regulates ghrelin, the hormone that increases hunger, said Prof Jakubowicz.

While the level of ghrelin rises before every meal, it is suppressed most effectively at breakfast time.
Basing their study on this fact, the researchers hoped to determine whether meal time and composition impacted weight loss in the short and long term, said Prof Jakubowicz, or if it was a simple matter of calorie count.

She said one of the biggest challenges that people face is keeping weight off in the long-term. Ingesting a higher proportion of our daily calories at breakfast makes sense.

It's not only good for body function but it also alleviates cravings. Highly restrictive diets that forbid desserts and carbohydrates are initially effective but often cause dieters to stray from their food plans as a result of withdrawal-like symptoms. They wind up regaining much of the weight they lost during the diet proper.

Ultimately this shows a diet must be realistic to be adopted as part of a new lifestyle. Curbing cravings is better than deprivation for weight loss success, said Prof Jakubowicz.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

谷歌Voice Actions快过苹果 Siri

Google Voice Actions 好，還是 Apple Siri好？Android 支持者和蘋果粉絲各有支持。

Motorola 就以 Motorola Droid RAZR 和 Apple 4S 比較，展示利用 Google Voice Actions 在發短訊，導航，寫 Notes，開網頁都較 Apple Siri 快。

Android全球激活量达3亿,Market45万apps

Andy Rubin 在谷歌+贴了有关机器人的最新数字。

Android的装置数量方面，全球已有3亿部的Android装置，而每日就有85万部新装置启动。至于Android市场已有超过45万应用程序。

Walking around Mobile World Congress and seeing the Android ecosystem at work is quite impressive. There are over 450,000 applications in Android Market. Some of the developers who built these apps are showing their latest and greatest in the Android stand. But the ecosystem doesn’t sleep. Our partners have activated a total of 300 million Android phones! Currently they are activating over 850,000 phones and tablets per day.

看看一路以来，Android的每日新装置启动的数字

10年5月中100,000

10年6月月尾160000

10年8月初200,000

10年12月初30万

11年4月初350000

11年5月初400000

11年6月月尾500000

11年7月中550000

12年1月中700000

12年2月月尾850000

再看约一个月前的数字，在今年1月20日谷歌公布季度业绩时，发布的数字

- Android的装置达2亿5千万

- 每日有70万部新装置启动

现在，Android的装置数量已达3亿，每日新装置启动量亦由70万增长至85万元。两个数字都增长惊人。

Mapping tweets and checkins from Mobile World Conference 2012

Map for 2 hours of tweets and trending checkins for Barcelona made with the clima.me technology

Not surprising we are seeing a mass of mobile tweets and foursquare checkins at the Barcelona Mobile World Conference 2012.  The image above shows how the conference is getting a mass cloud of tweets and checkins,  The map below shows the location of tweets and trending venues in foursquare over a 2 hour period on Monday afternoon.

Posture and spine care – How to get rid of backache

January 11, 2009 in Orthopedic Health

Pain may be due to lifting a heavy object incorrectly, over-exercising, sitting for long periods of time, or carrying a heavy backpack on one shoulder. By using proper lifting techniques, maintaining the appropriate body weight and tone, keeping the back and body muscles strong, and keeping good posture, many back injuries and episodes of low back pain could be avoided.

“My back hurts” is a common complaint for people of all ages.

At least 80% of the industrial population, 60% of general population, and 45% of college students expenence musculoskeletal back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain is the fifth most common health problem for which people visit the doctor. The cost to employers each year, due to low back pain problems alone, is in the order of several billion dollars.

The “ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” philosophy holds when it comes to low back pain. The appropriate time to take care of low back problems is before they occur. \our lifestyle may play a big part in the care or abuse of your back.

Pain may be due to lifting a heavy object incorrectly, over-exercising, sitting for long periods of time, or carrying a heavy backpack on one shoulder. By using proper lifting techniques, maintaining the appropriate body weight and tone, keeping the back and body muscles strong, and keeping good posture, many back injuries and episodes of low back pain could be avoided.

ANATOMY OF THE SPINE
The spinal column is made up of 33 bones, vertebrae, held together by tough bands of tissue called ligaments. Small cartilage discs help absorb shock and minimize friction between the vertebrae. The spinal column protects the spinal cord as it extends from the brain and branches into nerves connecting to various parts of the body. The nerves pass through openings between the vertebrae.

Spinal Cord is divided into five parts:

• Cervical
• Thoracic
• Lumbar
• Sacrum
• Coccyx

The Spine has three natural curves :

• Cervical spine : lordosis (with the spine arched backwards).
• Thoracic spine: kyphosis (with the spine slightly flexed forwards).
• Lumbar spine : lordosis.

These curves allow for the centre of gravity to be placed over ones feet. Disruption of one of these curves place an undue strain upon the other curves.

1. Cervical (C-1 to C-7) – Seven vertebrae in the neck support and move the heat.

2. Thoracic (T-1 to T-12) – Twelve vertebrae in the chest/upper back area support the shoulders and upper body.

3. Lumbar (L-l to L-5) – Five vertebrae in the low back support most of the body weight so they are the larges and strongest of all vertebrae.

4. Sacrum: Triangular structure of the five attached vertebrae. They form the base of the vertebral column.

5. Coccyx (tailbone): Four fused vertebrae.

FACTS ABOUT BACK PAIN – Most low back pain is caused by accident or injury. It is estimated that in 97% of low back pain, the source of pain is unknown.

However, it is believed that back problems often result from an imbalance between tissues (muscles, ligaments and tendons) surrounding the spine or incorrect spine alignment (posture). In ideal posture, the spinal column should form a gentle, sloping V shape. When the spine’s natural curves are too extreme or flattened for a long period of time, muscles, tendons and ligaments are forced to adapt by tightening or weakening.

Also, obesity may contribute to back pain by causing the lower back curve to arch too much. Maintaining a healthy weight may relieve some symptoms.

Back pain problems so prevalent that it seems everyone has experienced one or both at least one time in their life. Is there any way to avoid them? Once they start, are you doomed to have pain forever? Much of the answer is up to you. Research suggests that many spine problems are preventable because they result from poor posture and body mechanics, which subject the spine to abnormal stresses. Abnormal stress over time can lead to structural changes in the spine, including degeneration of disks and joints, lengthening or shortening of the supportive ligaments and muscles, and wear and tear of cartilage. All of these structural changes can lead to pain.

VARIOUS MEANS TO CONTROL BACKACHE

However, there are many things that you can do each day to minimize current spine pain and prevent future episodes from occurring. (Think of your body, especially the spine, as a machine that needs regular care and maintenance to keep it functioning properly and efficiently. For example, does your car work properly when the alignment is off?). The Key factors to taking care of your back and neck centre around three concepts.

1. Learning and practising good posture.2. Using good body mechanics during the day.
3. Regular exercise.

Now let us explore each one of them in detail.

POSTURE

The basis for good posture is maintaining a “neutral spine”. A neutral spine retains three natural curves.

1. Small hollow at the base of the neck.
2. A small roundness at the middle back.
3. A small hollow in the low back.

A neutral spine is neither rounded forward nor arched back too much. Maintaining a neutral spine is a dynamic process as your transition from one position to another.

Many people spend portions of their day sitting or performing tasks that require bending forward or lifting. Think about your lifestyle, the posture you assume, and the activities you perform each day. Let’s look in detail at proper alignment in standing, sitting, sleeping and lifting posture.

AN IDEAL STANDING POSTURE

1. Feet should be shoulder width apart, thigh muscles elongated without locking the knees back.

2. Maintain a small hollow in your low back, but avoid the tendency for too much arch/leaning back, especially with prolonged standing. The “tail” should remain slightly tucked down.

3. Lift the breastbone. As you do this, the shoulder blades will move down in back. This should create a good distance from your hip bone to rib cage.

4. Make your chin level. The highest point of your body should be the top back region of your head. Relax your jaw and neck muscles. With the mouth closed, rest your tongue on the roof of your mouth.

AN IDEAL SITTING POSTURE

1. Feet should be resting on the floor with knees and hips bent 90 degrees.

2. Maintain an arch in the low back. If you are unsure how much arch is “good”, go from a slouched position up to the extreme end range of erect posture. Now back off 10-15%. This is the neutral position for your low back. A “lumbar roll” is recommended to support the low back with prolonged sitting. It is a foam roll, approximately 4-5 inches in diameter, 12 inches long. To place it, scoot your hips back so that you are touching the back of the chair. “Bow” forward and place the roll in the natural arch of your low back.

3. Lift your breastbone. Picture a string tied to the 2nd or 3rd top button on a shirt pulling straight up to the ceiling. This again created a good distance from your ribcage to your hipbones. Your shoulder blades should be down in back. Think of the bottom tips of your shoulder blades as “anchors’, helping you to maintain this upright posture.

4. Make your chin level. If it helps, picture a book on your head. The highest point of your body should be the top back region of your head.

While it is okay to assume other positions for short periods of time, most of your sitting time should be spent as described to allow for the least stress on your spine. It is also strongly recommended to take frequent breaks from sitting and change your position, at least hourly if you have spine problems.

AN IDEAL SLEEPING POSTURE
1. In sleeping posture, the spine will be the most comfortable when a neutral spine is maintained. A sagging mattress or the use of more than one pillow will interfere with the neutral spine position.

2. The best sleeping positions for someone with neck or back pain is either lying on the side or on the back. When lying on the side, pillow between knees helps the spine neutral. People who lie on their side without a pillow between the knees sometimes draw one knee up high and in front. This asymmetry can result in pain over time.

3. Whether lying on the back or sides, rolls can be added to support the natural curves of the spine in the neck or low back.

GOOD BODY MECHANICS
Body mechanics is defined as maintaining proper position during movement. Constant or repeated small stresses over a long period of time can cause faulty body mechanics and can lead to injury.

Most people are aware that when they bend or lift something, they should bend their knees. While it is important to bend your knees, attention must also be paid to the position of your spine. In order to avoid injury, either at the moment of lifting something or, more likely, as a result of poor body mechanics over time, care must be taken to maintain the previously described “neutral spine”. Again, a neutral spine means that the three normal curves-at the neck, middle and lower back are maintained. When viewed from the outside, the back looks straight with a hollow in the low back.

IDEAL LIFTING AND BENDING POSTURES

1. Test the weight of the load first and get help if it is heavy or bulky.

2. Get close to the load.

3. Move the feet apart, one foot ahead of the other, toes pointed outward.

4. Perform the waiter’s bow plus squat.

5. Pick up the load and bring it in close to you.

6. Lift by using your legs and buttocks to push up to straight.

7. While turning, do not twist. Turn your feet by taking small steps.

8. If carrying is necessary, keep the stomach tight and maintain a neutral spine.

9. To lower the load, again perform the “waiter’s bow” plus squat, sticking the buttocks out behind you as you go down.

o It is easiest to load and unload it.

o Lifting’ is easiest from knuckles to shoulder range.

o With overhead reaching, use a stool or chair to bring yourself up to the level of the object; again, get as close as possible.

o Regarding pushing or pulling, PUSH! Do not PULL. The same body mechanics hold for pushing as bending and lifting neutral spine.

REGULAR EXERCISE

The final key to a healthy spine is regular exercise. Research has demonstrated that people who exercise regularly are less likely to suffer from back injuries and pain. They also show quicker recovery if injuries do occur than people who are less physically fit. Exercise can be divided into 3 basic groups, all of which are important to a healthy back.

1. Strengthening : The abdominals and back muscles are targeted because they help to support and stabilise the spine. They also help maintain good postural alignment. Strong hip and leg muscles help to facilitate proper body mechanics with bending and lifting.

2. Stretching : The soft tissues around the spine and in the legs need adequate flexibility to allow normal movement and to help prevent abnormal forces on the joints. With regard to the back, the goal is for balanced flexibility in both directions. Stretching also helps to prevent or address soft tissue inquiry and muscle soreness, and promotes relaxation.

3. Aerobic activities : Aerobic exercise helps to promote heart and lung function and overall conditioning. Aerobic activities are those that use several large muscle groups and increase your breathing and heart rate. Examples of activities include walking, biking, swimming and dancing. For maximum benefit, the goal is to work up to 20-30 minutes at least 3-4 times per week.

In short, the key to good posture is awareness and perseverance. It is not easy to change poor postural habits, nor do the changes come quickly. However, if good posture is practiced, it becomes easier and you will find yourself preferring the “neutral alignment” to your previously poor position. In addition to feeling better, good posture also makes you look better. It is said that good posture can make you look 10 pounds lighter and 10 years younger! Give it a try. The benefits are will worth the effort.

Source: http://www.naturalhealthcure.org/orthopedic-health/spine-care-lower-backache-causes-cures.html