Cinemood TV Review: Portable, easy to set up, but pricey - Gearbrain

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The Cinemood TV is a 3.3-inch, wireless, movie projection cube, developed by Palo Alto, California-startup, Cinemood, which specializes in content for kids. According to the company's website, the Cinemood TV not only lets you project videos and other content on a wall or a screen, but you can also stream and project movies, TV shows and other content from your favorite services, like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and Disney+. What's unique is that there is a lot of content that ships right on the device's 40 GB storage drive, which includes captivating VR experiences, including 360-degree video content and 360-degree games.

Overall, the content and ability to stream your favorite services is impressive, but I didn't find that the Cinemood TV lived up to all its claims mentioned as features on its websites—for instance, there wasn't any way to use voice commands to activate various features, which is stated on their website. Nevertheless, there was a lot of compelling multimedia and some first-rate VR experiences.

In the box and setting it up

Open the box and you'll find only a few items in it: The Cinemood TV cube, a USB-C cable and charger and a quick-start guide. I found the set-up process quite easy. Start the device by pressing the center button on top of the unit. You can focus the picture by pressing the two circle buttons on the side of the device.

You can use the controls on top of the device in order navigate around the various folders in the menu structure, including the settings section to connect to various wireless hubs and make other settings.Terry Sullivan/GearBrain

In order to access the content that ships with the device, or to begin streaming, on services like Netflix or YouTube, you'll need to scroll through the device's simple but useful menu system. You can use the device itself to scroll to the folder you want to access, but you should download the mobile app, too, which mirrors the experience of using the controls on the top of the Cinemood TV.

The app also lets you use two buttons at the top of the screen—a smaller light gray circle with a filled in center and a larger light gray empty circle (which has a dark gray center—to focus the image, just like the buttons that appear on the left side of the device. (The app is compatible with both iOS and Android mobile platforms.)

The mobile app worked as expected on both my iPhone 12 and Google Pixel 3a, but it did occasionally lose its connection, at which point I couldn't use the app to control the Cinemood TV. However, I could still use the on-board control on top of the device to move around the menu and access content stored on the unit's hard drive.

Three views of the Cinemood TVTerry Sullivan/GearBrain

Features & Image/Video/Audio Quality

On the website, the company claims you can project the Cinemood TIV up to 150 inches, since this newer model has a brighter picture than past Cinemood models (200 lumens on this model vs 35 lumens on the older model). However, it's important to note that this newest model still lacks full-HD resolution and 4K capabilities. In fact, the Cinemood TV displays at just 848 x 480, lower than full-HD resolution of 1080 x 1920. So, if you do project the image as large as 150 inches (diagonally), expect a much softer and fainter image. I didn't find the audio quality on the Cinemood TV all that bad, but it's not what I would consider "home-theater" quality since you really don't get a full-resonant bass sound.

Note: The Cinemood TV accepts LTE SIM cards, which lets you always stay connected.

The app has a virtual representation of the controls found on the top of the Cinemood TV (left). Plus, it also includes instructions on how to use the controls in the app (right).Terry Sullivan/GearBrain

In terms of quality, I found the overall video, still-image and audio to be relatively decent — the videos played slow and fast action sequences smoothly, displayed good color fidelity and lacked any significant lags or delays. But it's important to know that even an inexpensive HD TV will generally offer superior image and video quality. I found the audio quality to be average, which lacked any resonant bass sound. Also, the overall tone was compressed and lacked some of the finer details you hear on other systems.

Content (Included on the Cinemood TV)

There is a large collection of multimedia content, targeted at children, that comes free with Cinemood TV. Additionally, you can add or access your own content on the device, or, if you'd like, you can purchase additional content. Here are some of the sections you'll find on the sit:

You can find a variety of animated cartoons in the "Watch" section of Cinemood TV.Terry Sullivan/GearBrain

• In the "Read" section, you'll find books", which are actually narrated slide shows, of Disney stories, like "Frozen" and "Aladdin."
• The "Watch" section has various animated cartoons, as well as videos from the Disney's "The Science of Disney," including one on "Design and Models" and another on "Friction."
• In the "Listen" section, there are narrated Audiobooks, including "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," "The Three Little Pigs", as well as various Sherlock Holmes tales, "Oliver Twist", and many others. You can also find audio clips of classical music.

In this composite image of three photos, I show how you can rotate the Cinemood TV a full 360 degrees in order to see various parts of the panoramic video. This video, "Elephant Encounter in 369 – Ep. 2 | The Okavango Experience," is one of several VR segments created by National Geographic, and shoTerry Sullivan/GearBrain

• A very intriguing section on the device is the "VR" section, which lets you watch 360-degree documentaries and animation. Since there are VR sensors in the Cinemood TV, you can physically turn the Cinemood 360 degrees around, as well as point the projection unit up and down, and it will show new content in all directions. There are some very powerful videos, including wonderful National Geographic VR experiences, such as one with photographer Ami Vitale on Pandas from China. But there are others, such as swimming with sharks in the ocean, flying by a volcano eruption, and more. In some of these, you're not just looking around you, but above and below, too.

If you'd like to project or listen to your own content—photos, audio or video—you can connect a thumb drive by using a USB-C adapter, and then view or hear your own content.

Price and is it worth buying

The website indicates that the Cinemood TV was originally priced at $999, but it's currently on sale for $499, which is still expensive for this type of projector. There are intriguing features, but you should know that most other projectors and speakers provide higher resolution and better quality.

However, I thought much of the children-focused content on the Cinemood TV is quite captivating and unique. So, it might fit the bill for some parents-on-the-go looking for entertaining and educational content that's also portable.

Pros:

• Ideal for traveling: Very portable and easy to set up
• Loaded with lots on intriguing content for children and young adults
• You can load your own content, including video, audio and still photos
• Includes 360-degree videos and 40GBs of available storage

Cons:

• Expensive for a projector aimed at kids
• Lower video quality than most projectors at this price
• Audio is adequate, but lacks full bass sound
• Mobile app isn't responsive at times
• You can't use voice commands to control it

The Link Lonk


June 28, 2021 at 07:00PM
https://www.gearbrain.com/cinemood-tv-childrens-projector-review-2653377121.html

Cinemood TV Review: Portable, easy to set up, but pricey - Gearbrain

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Health officials urge Granite Staters to take it easy during hot weather - WMUR Manchester

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As New Hampshire enters what could be its second heat wave of the month, health officials are warning Granite Staters to take precautions.Medical experts said some people don't take the heat seriously enough and try to go on as normal, which can lead to significant problems.A heat advisory is in effect in the state until 8 p.m. Monday, with temperatures expected to surge into the 90s. With high humidity, the heat index — a measure of how hot it feels — will range from 95-100 degrees for several hours in the afternoon.Health officials said heat exhaustion or heat stroke are possible in such conditions. Christ Stawasz, regional director of American Medical Response, described some of the symptoms of heat stroke."People don't sweat," he said. "They're very hot. They have a racing pulse. You can easily die from heat stroke."He said it's important to pay attention to what your body is telling you."If you're sweating profusely, that's a clear sign that your body is overheating," he said. "You want to take a break then."During the first heat wave this month, a lot of people were still inside because of the pandemic, Stawasz said. Now, more people are out and about."We'll see an increase in heat-related calls of people who are actively outside exercising or working strenuous jobs," he said. "A lot of people think they're Superman, that they're able to get things done if they are out in the sun. That's just not the case."One time-tested way to beat the heat is to head to the water. In Laconia, people have been packing Weirs Beach."Sunday, being the hotter of the two days, a sunnier beach day, we had about 1,200 people," said Amy Lovisek, Laconia's director of recreation and facilities.The beach is expected to remain a popular destination during the heat wave, even as other recreational activities are put on hold."I see them staying away from the track and tennis and basketball," Lovisek said. "That may not happen as much, but I see the beaches really, really packing them in."Officials said staying hydrated during the heat is also important. They said they also want people to give themselves permission to take it easy.

NASHUA, N.H. —

As New Hampshire enters what could be its second heat wave of the month, health officials are warning Granite Staters to take precautions.

Medical experts said some people don't take the heat seriously enough and try to go on as normal, which can lead to significant problems.

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A heat advisory is in effect in the state until 8 p.m. Monday, with temperatures expected to surge into the 90s. With high humidity, the heat index — a measure of how hot it feels — will range from 95-100 degrees for several hours in the afternoon.

Health officials said heat exhaustion or heat stroke are possible in such conditions. Christ Stawasz, regional director of American Medical Response, described some of the symptoms of heat stroke.

"People don't sweat," he said. "They're very hot. They have a racing pulse. You can easily die from heat stroke."

He said it's important to pay attention to what your body is telling you.

"If you're sweating profusely, that's a clear sign that your body is overheating," he said. "You want to take a break then."

This content is imported from Facebook. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

During the first heat wave this month, a lot of people were still inside because of the pandemic, Stawasz said. Now, more people are out and about.

"We'll see an increase in heat-related calls of people who are actively outside exercising or working strenuous jobs," he said. "A lot of people think they're Superman, that they're able to get things done if they are out in the sun. That's just not the case."

One time-tested way to beat the heat is to head to the water. In Laconia, people have been packing Weirs Beach.

"Sunday, being the hotter of the two days, a sunnier beach day, we had about 1,200 people," said Amy Lovisek, Laconia's director of recreation and facilities.

The beach is expected to remain a popular destination during the heat wave, even as other recreational activities are put on hold.

"I see them staying away from the track and tennis and basketball," Lovisek said. "That may not happen as much, but I see the beaches really, really packing them in."

Officials said staying hydrated during the heat is also important. They said they also want people to give themselves permission to take it easy.

The Link Lonk


June 29, 2021 at 12:37AM
https://www.wmur.com/article/health-officials-urge-granite-staters-to-take-it-easy-during-hot-weather/36865558

Health officials urge Granite Staters to take it easy during hot weather - WMUR Manchester

https://news.google.com/search?q=easy&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

8 Secret Spots on Cruise Ships That Allow for Easy Social Distancing - Cruise Blog

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Sailaway celebrations on the Lido Deck, pina coladas by the pool, room service on the balcony and everything else we love about cruising are once again within reach. With federal approval and cutting-edge safety measures building cruisers’ confidence in returning to the high seas, some still want to further distance themselves from other passengers when they’re onboard.

If you look beyond the popular outdoor spaces, you’ll find that cruise ships are sprinkled with “secret” sun decks, hot tubs and lounging nooks unknown to most passengers. We’ve combed through reviews and deck plans to locate these eight secret spots on cruise ships for you – even on some of the industry’s newest vessels. Find them before anyone else does, and social distancing will be a (salty) breeze.

1. Carnival Cruise Line’s Forward Decks

Planning to sail on Carnival Cruise Line? You’ll be pleased to know that most of the line’s fleet features “hidden” forward decks.

The location varies by ship but generally includes decks 5, 6, 7 and 10. To reach these more secluded areas, you’ll enter through two doors that take you outside. Note: Most of these doors are unmarked, and they are usually locked at night and whenever there are high winds. 

Where to Find Them: Carnival Radiance, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Vista, Carnival Breeze, Carnival Dream, Carnival Magic, Carnival Glory, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Valor, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Elation, Carnival Paradise, Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Ecstasy

2. Royal Caribbean’s Aft Chairs

Some of the world’s biggest cruise ships offer plenty of space for social distancing, though most of it’s not a secret.

For a tranquil hideaway with picture-perfect views, head to the back of deck 5 on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships. Situated on the running track, ironically enough, is a quiet deck area unbeknownst to many passengers. There are only a few deck chairs, overlooking the wake, so you’ll want to get there early to claim your spot. 

Where to Find Them: Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas

3. Princess Cruises’ Viewing Decks

You won’t find lounge chairs on Princess Cruises’ “secret” viewing decks, but you will be able to take in awe-inspiring vistas without having to navigate crowds.

The line offers a wide array of itineraries, including many exotic destinations, so another place to sneak away and savor the scenery is a welcome retreat. Only two ships offer these decks, but on either one, you’ll need to access via an unmarked door at the end of the hallway.

Where to Find Them: Island Princess (decks 10 and 11 forward) and Coral Princess (deck 10 aft)

4. Disney Cruise Line’s Aft Overlook

The doors are marked, but many cruisers still don’t know about the Aft Overlook on some Disney Cruise Line ships.

Walk all the way toward the back of the ship on deck 7, enter through the door at the end of the hallway, and you’ll be welcomed by a crowd-free oasis – complete with lounge chairs. The views are unobstructed, making this an ideal spot not only for sunbathing but also during sailaway.

Where to Find Them: Disney Magic and Disney Wonder

5. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Top Deck

Private lounging space tucked away on the top deck sounds too good to be true. But that’s exactly what you’ll find on Norwegian Cruise Line, and it’s completely free.

Next to The Haven, an exclusive suite sanctuary, and the adults-only Vibe Beach Club, is a small, public deck space with chairs. This “secret” deck is found on the line’s newer ships, varying between decks 17 and 19. Some of these ships have an additional “hidden” deck space on deck 18 aft.

Where to Find Them: Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway (deck 17) and Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Bliss (deck 19)

6. MSC Cruises’ Forward Decks

They say “the best things in life aren’t easy,” and that’s certainly the case with MSC Cruises’ forward decks. Those willing to make the trek to this seemingly undiscovered area will be greeted by what some say are the most breathtaking views from the ship.

To find them, head to the deck 10 forward elevators, enter the cabin corridor and continue walking all the way toward the front of the ship until you reach an unmarked door. Several MSC Cruises’ ships have this space, as well as similar ones on decks 9 and 11, but you’ll find them on only one U.S.-based ship.

Where to Find Them: MSC Divina

7. Carnival Cruise Line’s Lanai

While cruisers battle it out for lounge chair space on the Lido Deck and adults-only Serenity area, those looking for more peace and quiet will find it on Carnival’s Lanai. Found on only a handful of ships, including some of the line’s newer ones, are cozy seating nooks along deck 5 that offer respite from the crowds and equally beautiful views.

Select ships’ Lanai decks also feature balconies that extend out over the ocean. Bars and eateries are conveniently located only a few steps away, for when hunger strikes or you need a drink refill.

Where to Find Them: Carnival Panorama, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Vista (deck chairs only) and Carnival Breeze, Carnival Dream and Carnival Magic (deck chairs and hot tubs)

8. Royal Caribbean’s Helipad

During the day, Royal Caribbean’s helipad offers an escape from all the action and the chance to soak up stunning sea views. At night, this “hidden” deck treats passengers to some of the best stargazing, as long as the weather conditions are conducive.

To reach the helipad, passengers must walk all the way forward on decks 4 or 5 to unmarked doors.

Note: Depending on the ship and deck, you might need to take some stairs.

Where to Find Them: Freedom of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas

The Link Lonk


June 28, 2021 at 08:43PM
https://cruise.blog/2021/06/8-secret-spots-cruise-ships-allow-easy-social-distancing

8 Secret Spots on Cruise Ships That Allow for Easy Social Distancing - Cruise Blog

https://news.google.com/search?q=easy&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

East Redondo's Mexican hideaway - Easy Reader

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Chano Hipolito owns the El Amigo chain, which now includes three restaurants. Photo by JP Cordero.

There are certain amenities that send a restaurant investor’s pulse racing. A view of the ocean is the most obvious, but having the closest burger joint to a high school or the closest pizzeria to a hotel are also obvious winners. Surfers, students, and tourists have varying budgets, but they all get hungry, and being the closest place with food is an obvious advantage.

The location of El Amigo #3 doesn’t look like it has this kind of advantage. It’s on 182nd Street in North Redondo, flanked by a hair salon and a medical clinic. However, just down the street is the King Harbor Brewing brewery and tap room, and scientists have found beer and tacos go very well together. Granted, everybody else knows the joys of that pairing too, but some scientist has probably gotten paid to document it. Though the brewery often has food trucks, the line for those can get intimidating, and many of their customers walk down the street to El Amigo. Some have become loyal customers, and stop in even when the brew isn’t flowing.

The rear entrance to El Amigo’s patio is more inviting than the front. Photo by Richard Foss

I stopped in at El Amigo for the first time after noticing the change from the previous restaurant, which had specialized in Mexican food that was healthy but not particularly flavorful. That was two years ago, and since then they have broadened their selection, remodeled their patio, and become one of my regular stops for Mexican food.

The menu has all the classics, plus a few items that go deeper into the cuisine, like birria, tortas, and sopes. Order at the counter and pull a soft drink or a beer from the cooler, taking care as you do to notice the handwritten note with the desserts – they aren’t on the menu. Homemade flan and Mexican rice pudding are often available. Then you have the choice of dining on the small front patio, the somewhat loud interior with kitchen noise, or the quieter and prettier back patio. You can guess which one I prefer.

Every meal starts with the requisite chips and salsa, which always give you a preview of the kitchen’s attitude. The salsa is medium thick and chunky with a little cilantro and a moderate chili kick. The chips arrive hot and crisp. Don’t eat too many, because as is often the case at Mexican places, the portions are immense. On one visit my wife and I ordered a quesadilla as a starter when we already had chosen burritos, and the manager, a friendly fellow named Edgar, dissuaded us. “That’s too much food for just the two of you,” he admonished, and that was indeed true.

Those burritos were not only immense, but generous with the protein. The big portion of tender, garlicky shrimp went quite nicely with a smoky red chile sauce that had some cumin and cinnamon modifying the heat. The green sauce on the al pastor burrito was spicier and had the tartness of tomatillo along with a mélange of spices I couldn’t identify. I’m a big fan of tomatillo sauce, and this was above average.

A garlicky shrimp burrito with a smoky red chile sauce, and an al pastor burrito with a spicy green sauce, with the tartness of tomatillo. Photo by Richard Foss

A specialty here is birria, the spicy stew that is probably from Jalisco and is usually made there with either goat or lamb. I tried this in a taco and it worked about as well as you’d expect a taco full of soup to work – it was delicious but I think a few dribbles made it all the way to my elbow. I haven’t tried it in a torta sandwich but suspect that would be only slightly neater. I asked for birria over a tostada but Edgar objected on the grounds that the hot stew would wilt the lettuce, and I bowed to his superior knowledge. Get it in a burrito and more of that tender meat in chile broth will make it into your mouth instead of your lap. I prefer goat, mutton, or lamb birria to beef because the stronger flavor of the meat complements the vinegar marinade and sauce, but this beef version is very good.

I do recommend the tortas here, which are made with the soft whole wheat cemita bread rather than the usual crusty bolillo or telera. They make tortas with all their regular meats or a Cuban-style sandwich with a combination, and the one we had with their soft, intensely porky carnitas hit the spot. There’s no reason a sandwich shouldn’t have guacamole and radishes in it, but I never think to do that at home and get reminded when I eat here.

The machaca plate at El Amigo. Photo by Richard Foss.

Of all the things I’ve tried at El Amigo #3, though, their machaca is the best. The mix of eggs scrambled with pot roast, bell peppers, and onions has a little smokiness and caramelization that gives it depth of flavor. The sides of tomato-scented rice, beans with cheese, and slightly spicy guacamole give you the materials for a succession of build-it-yourself tacos. I tend to leave a few scraps because it’s just too much food, and even then spent some time afterward feeling like a snake that had swallowed something much larger than itself.

As such I didn’t even try the flan I had ordered until the next day, but luckily flan travels well and keeps in the fridge. It’s a fine finish to a meal, even if it isn’t the meal from El Amigo.

El Amigo is the easternmost independent restaurant in Redondo, and a lot of locals don’t even know it’s here, or that this is even part of the city. It is worth the trip for very good food at modest prices, and while you’re here you might stop by the brewery down the street for a pint or two. Both are worthy destinations with their own considerable merits.

El Amigo #3 is at 4438 West 182nd Street in Redondo. Open daily except Sunday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Parking lot in rear. Beer and soft drinks offered. No website. (424) 350-7059. ER

The Link Lonk


June 28, 2021 at 12:34PM
https://easyreadernews.com/east-redondos-mexican-hideaway/

East Redondo's Mexican hideaway - Easy Reader

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Alito, Thomas & Gorsuch Accuse Court of Taking an 'Easy Out' in Police Excessive Force Case | National Law Journal - Law.com

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Three U.S. Supreme Court justices criticized their colleagues for failing to do the “hard work” of digging into an excessive force claim revived Monday against a metropolitan police department.

Justice Samuel Alito Jr., joined by Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch, dissented from an unsigned opinion that vacated and remanded a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit that police did not use unconstitutionally excessive force against a prisoner who was attempting suicide.

The Link Lonk


June 29, 2021 at 12:07AM
https://www.law.com/nationallawjournal/2021/06/28/alito-thomas-gorsuch-accuse-court-of-taking-an-easy-out-in-police-excessive-force-case/

Alito, Thomas & Gorsuch Accuse Court of Taking an 'Easy Out' in Police Excessive Force Case | National Law Journal - Law.com

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Meditating Is Easy The Way They Do It In Bali - Forbes

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Pagoda Style Hindu Temples On The Slope Of Sacred Gunung Agung, Bali, Indonesia.

Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Bali, Indonesia is called the Island of the Gods because it has over 10,000 temples in natural magical settings. For those who want to try meditation while on vacation, Bali is ideal because there’s always a temple nearby or the sound of the ocean or a tropical jungle. But what about those of us who can’t make it to Bali? Perhaps we’re sitting on a plane or train or stuck in traffic in the passenger seat of a car while trying to go on vacation. How are we supposed to quiet our restless and agitated minds? It’s impossible.

Ibu Fera, Wellness Mentor at Four Seasons Resorts Bali at Sayan, disagrees. "The beauty of meditation is that it can be done anytime, anyplace, whenever you need it," she says.

Ibu Fera leading a family in meditation at the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

Fera has created five steps for meditating at home, at the office, at an airport, outside in a park — basically, anywhere:

1. Find a quiet place and time, where you can be undisturbed: This can be in your office, in a garden or park, at home, even in a quiet corner of the airport while waiting for a flight or once in the air.  Indoor spaces have fewer distracting sounds, but if you prefer the outdoors, try and distance yourself from cars and other people.

Meditating in the Rainforest at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

2. Assume a comfortable posture : No matter where you are, find a comfortable chair with cushions and pillows and back support. Loosen any tight clothing. Take off your shoes. Turn off your phone. Remember to keep your back straight and your feet flat on the ground.

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3. Choose an object of concentration: First, concentrate on your breath. The purpose of meditation is to take your mind off distracting thoughts. Breathe in through your nose and hold it for two seconds. Keep your breath inside for another two seconds, then open your mouth and exhale for two seconds. Try and go one more second each time you practice. If you don’t like keeping your eyes closed, choose a nearby object to stare at. You may also light incense or a scented candle to both relax you and help you breath in a calming aroma.

Three candles against a wall.

Getty Images

4. Maintain concentration on the object chosen above: Set a timer for three to five minutes. Concentrate on following your breath in and out and empty your mind of thoughts. Naturally, your mind will wander because that’s what the mind likes to do. Just be aware and bring your mind gently back to the object of concentration. Relax. When you catch your mind wandering, remind yourself to concentrate on breathing. Play calming music or listen to the sounds of nature.

5. Set a positive intention for the activities ahead: For example, “May the event be successful." "May the meeting run smoothly."  "May my travels be safe." “May I not be afraid.” As you follow your breath in and out, empty your mind of thoughts.

Meditating at the Ayung River, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

Naturally, we can’t all go to Bali (right now) and stay at the iconic all-villa beach retreat of Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay, cascading down hilly headland and tropical water gardens adorned with hundreds of statues and shrines all the way to the sparkling Indian Ocean.

Meditating at the Sacred Ayung River adjacent to Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

Nor can we experience the Four Seasons Sayan, an intimate hideaway nestled between two rivers and offering spacious suites and private villas submerged in the jungle. Both resorts are ideal to mediate or learn to meditate, but you’re waiting to travel internationally right now, find a comfortable quiet spot, close your eyes, and listen to the sound of your breath.

A perfect place to meditate, in a Bale at the edge of the jungle and rice fields at Four Seasons ... [+] Resort Bali at Sayan

Four Season Sayan, Bali

Meditation is one of the best tools we have to release stress, counter the brain’s negativity, create positive intentions, and enjoy the peace of present moment awareness.

Ibu Fera leading a Sacred Nap class at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

The Link Lonk


June 28, 2021 at 06:00PM
https://www.forbes.com/sites/margiegoldsmith/2021/06/28/learn-to-meditate-as-they-do-in-bali/

Meditating Is Easy The Way They Do It In Bali - Forbes

https://news.google.com/search?q=easy&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

There's growing demand for greener goods, but it's not an easy sell | Greenbiz - GreenBiz

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More people than ever before are speaking out on behalf of the planet — not just with their voices and votes, but with their wallets as well. The individual consumer decisions that each of us makes, from the car we drive to the food we eat, may be mere drops in the bucket when it comes to solving the biggest ecological challenges, but together they add up to a groundswell of support for change — one that leaders from all sectors of society would be wise to embrace. 

A new global analysis, commissioned by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and conducted across 54 nations by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), offers the latest evidence for this rising tide of public concern about the environment. 

According to the report, the popularity of internet searches for sustainable goods around the world has increased by 71 percent in just five years. Even in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, that number has continued to grow. What’s more, this welcome news isn’t limited to developed nations and advanced economies. The EIU report found a similar trend in many developing nations and emerging markets as well. Ecuador, for example, has seen a staggering 120 percent growth in consumer clicks for sustainable goods.

Waking up to the urgency

The public’s shift toward green consumerism comes amid a recent rise in public discourse and activism concerning the environment. Since the EIU began its analysis in 2016, the global volume of Twitter conversations about nature-loss has increased by 65 percent, and over 159 million people have signed on to biodiversity-related campaigns.  

People are waking up to the urgency of the moment. They see 1 million species barreling toward extinction. They see forests, grasslands and other critical ecosystems vanishing at an alarming rate. And the symptoms of our ailing planet — rising seas, toxic pollution, out-of-control wildfires, new infectious diseases — are more than just images of some far-away problem splashed across our TV screens. 

Regardless of where we live, we can feel the impacts of humanity’s broken relationship with nature in our own communities and in our own daily lives.  

In this tragic saga, humanity is both culprit and victim. And just to add one more layer of irony, we also happen to be the only actors capable of ensuring a happy ending — for people and nature. That’s why this "eco-wakening" across the general public offers such promise. And yet, it’s also important to understand that public awareness and engagement, while certainly essential, are not sufficient on their own to solve this century’s biggest environmental challenges. 

The hurdles consumers face going green

Everyday citizens still face multiple hurdles in their quest to go green. Many simply don’t know what Earth-friendly options are out there. Some assume, often incorrectly, that sustainable goods are of lower quality than their conventional alternatives. Others remain skeptical about the extent of these products’ actual "green-ness." And even those who make good faith efforts to seek out such products often run into other barriers, such as high costs and limited availability.  

The reality is that people are ready and willing to embrace sustainability. But they need and expect companies and governments to do their part. This is how an issue such as food safety eventually became something that Americans by and large can take for granted. Thanks to government regulation and private sector leadership, consumers walking the grocery aisles today don’t worry if the items in their cart meet certain standards — it’s just a given. When consumers can shop with similar confidence without checking for a "green label," we’ll know we’ve succeeded. 

Savvy business leaders already can see which way the wind is blowing. What’s more, they can see the profits to be reaped by those companies quickest to change course. 

New markets are opening up

This surge in consumer demand for sustainable goods opens the door to new markets, particularly in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, fashion and food industries. It also presents new opportunities for companies to build public trust and enhance their brand reputation — and improve their bottom line in the process. 

For example, HP’s sustainability activities helped increase the company’s sales in 2019 by over $1.6 billion. And HP is not alone: According to research conducted by NYU Stern’s Center for Sustainable Business from 2013 to 2018, the number of products marketed as sustainable grew 5.6 times faster than products that were not.

Companies and governments can choose to stymie the change that people are clamoring for, or they can get onboard to help spur the innovation needed to ensure a clean, secure and prosperous future.

We’re not asking companies to go on this journey on their own. To address specific issues in their supply chains, there are stakeholder groups for just about every environmentally intensive commodity, including plastic, beef and palm oil. For those businesses without a sense of where to begin, several environmental science organizations, WWF included, can serve as guides on this journey. 

While some companies always will step up to be leaders in this space, we will never reach our sustainability-everywhere goal without leveling the playing field. And that will take a change in policy. 

Governments are taking notice

Governments are sitting up and taking notice. According to the EIU report, growing public awareness and pressure across the globe have helped to produce a wave of new laws and policies — one example being the surge in legislation restricting single-use or hard-to-recycle plastic items. As of 2019, 127 nations have enacted such laws.  

Successes such as these have given fresh momentum to the cause. Today, more than 2 million people are calling for a first-of-its-kind global treaty on marine plastic pollution. Will world leaders take up the gauntlet? They’ll have an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment on that issue and others when they gather later this year for the UN Climate Change Conference, scheduled to take place last year but delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The digital age has given individuals new and exciting tools to affect change on their own and demand change from their leaders. But one thing that hasn’t changed is that, by and large, companies and governments still operate the main levers of power. They can choose to stymie the change that people are clamoring for, or they can get onboard to help spur the innovation needed to ensure a clean, secure and prosperous future.  

The Link Lonk


June 28, 2021 at 02:36PM
https://www.greenbiz.com/article/theres-growing-demand-greener-goods-its-not-easy-sell

There's growing demand for greener goods, but it's not an easy sell | Greenbiz - GreenBiz

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