See ya 2018!
It's December already!
What better time to look back and reflect on 2018. And in doing so, we have compiled this list of the most interesting things we have encountered, and the fun we’ve had online this year.
#1. This American Life
Ok, I know, we’re Canadian here, but this podcast is certainly one for both sides of the border. Truly ‘an oldie but a goodie’, This American Life offers endless hours of quality programming for just about any interest.
Something to get you started; we suggest ‘Ask a Very Grown Woman’ featuring Ira Glass and his friend Mary Ahearn (listen here).
And if you’re wondering what exactly a podcast is… well, think of it like a radio show that you can listen to anytime you want. To learn more about how to get listening check out This American Life’s guide on how to listen to podcast or, for a bit more fun, you can have Ira & Mary teach you about podcasts in this YouTube video.
#2. Netflix
Netflix is a great case study of how a company morphed with the times, from sending DVDs by mail to customers, to today delivering content ‘on demand’ to over 130 million subscribers. An interesting TED Talk that explores the evolution of the company is a great listen (click here to watch the TED Talk).
But Netflix has been in the news lately as they have hiked their subscription prices (see CBC article here) ... what do you think, is this service worth $10/month? How about $17/month? What does a movie in the theatres cost these days anyway?
#3. Sidewalk Labs
So here’s a controversial one: Sidewalk Labs and Toronto’s Docklands. Depending on who you ask, Sidewalk may be the best thing that could happen to Toronto... or the worst.
Just to back up, Sidewalk Labs is the ‘urban innovation’ division of Google (Alphabet) and it is working with Waterfront Toronto to develop the eastern waterfront and docklands around Cherry Street. It is a developing news story that will only get more interesting and controversial as it progresses. To learn more about the Sidewalk Labs project:
There was a lot of hype and excitement around the project, that Toronto was 'chosen' for this initiative, but then, more recently some controversy arose around the project, read about it in the articles listed below:
What do you think…?
#4 Mindfulness
You can’t turn around these days without encountering a new article on the benefits of mindfulness and meditation. Even CEOs are realizing the benefits of slowing down and taking a breath. Here are some great resources if you want to dip your toe into the mindfulness world:
#5 Overdrive = Your Public Library Online!
This is by far my most used app of the year (a couple years running now). In fact, it quickly becomes the favorite app of every book lover that I introduce it to! Overdrive allows you to borrow e-books, audio books, magazines and videos from your public library. It does take a bit of patience when setting it up, but know that it is well worth the effort.
I found the videos listed below online, they were posted by people who use Overdrive, and give a bit of a walk-through of the program. The first shows Overdrive on a computer, the second on an iPad.
Well, that's all for now. Have some fun with these resources while we whittle away the last few weeks of December and here’s to a 2019 filled with happiness and fast wifi for all.
Katherine
Retired & Wired
PS: I love to hear your thoughts, please feel free to email info@retiredandwired.com with whatever ‘tech’ is on your mind.
*NOTE: To learn more about anything you read in this article, click on the blue links. None of these links are 'affiliate links' and are just provided for your information and enjoyment.
What better time to look back and reflect on 2018. And in doing so, we have compiled this list of the most interesting things we have encountered, and the fun we’ve had online this year.
#1. This American Life
Ok, I know, we’re Canadian here, but this podcast is certainly one for both sides of the border. Truly ‘an oldie but a goodie’, This American Life offers endless hours of quality programming for just about any interest.
Something to get you started; we suggest ‘Ask a Very Grown Woman’ featuring Ira Glass and his friend Mary Ahearn (listen here).
And if you’re wondering what exactly a podcast is… well, think of it like a radio show that you can listen to anytime you want. To learn more about how to get listening check out This American Life’s guide on how to listen to podcast or, for a bit more fun, you can have Ira & Mary teach you about podcasts in this YouTube video.
#2. Netflix
Netflix is a great case study of how a company morphed with the times, from sending DVDs by mail to customers, to today delivering content ‘on demand’ to over 130 million subscribers. An interesting TED Talk that explores the evolution of the company is a great listen (click here to watch the TED Talk).
But Netflix has been in the news lately as they have hiked their subscription prices (see CBC article here) ... what do you think, is this service worth $10/month? How about $17/month? What does a movie in the theatres cost these days anyway?
#3. Sidewalk Labs
So here’s a controversial one: Sidewalk Labs and Toronto’s Docklands. Depending on who you ask, Sidewalk may be the best thing that could happen to Toronto... or the worst.
Just to back up, Sidewalk Labs is the ‘urban innovation’ division of Google (Alphabet) and it is working with Waterfront Toronto to develop the eastern waterfront and docklands around Cherry Street. It is a developing news story that will only get more interesting and controversial as it progresses. To learn more about the Sidewalk Labs project:
There was a lot of hype and excitement around the project, that Toronto was 'chosen' for this initiative, but then, more recently some controversy arose around the project, read about it in the articles listed below:
- Globe & Mail opinion piece by Jim Balsille ex-Chairman of Research in Motion 'Sidewalk Toronto has only one beneficiary, and it is not Toronto.'
- Privacy expert Ann Cavoukian resigns from Sidewalk Toronto smart-city project: ‘I had no other choice.’
What do you think…?
#4 Mindfulness
You can’t turn around these days without encountering a new article on the benefits of mindfulness and meditation. Even CEOs are realizing the benefits of slowing down and taking a breath. Here are some great resources if you want to dip your toe into the mindfulness world:
- The book 10% Happier is written by Dan Harris, ex-ABC news anchor and describes a very personal moment that brought him to meditation and mindfulness. I recommend this one to many Type A folks, men often, as it is easy for many to relate to (visit this website to see an ABC news story about Dan Harris’ jouney). https://www.10percenthappier.com/dan-harris-books (there’s an app too, of course!).
- Another accessible book on Mediation is: Unplug: A Simple Guide to Meditation for Busy Skeptics and Modern Soul Seekers by Suze Yalof Schwartz. I like this book, and this is the one I recommend to my Type A female friends. As with Dan Harris’ book, it shows that meditation can truly be accessible to everyone.
- And of course, there is an endless supply of apps available for the mindful crowd, my favourite as a staring point is Headspace (our app of the month!). Visit their website at www.headspace.com.
#5 Overdrive = Your Public Library Online!
This is by far my most used app of the year (a couple years running now). In fact, it quickly becomes the favorite app of every book lover that I introduce it to! Overdrive allows you to borrow e-books, audio books, magazines and videos from your public library. It does take a bit of patience when setting it up, but know that it is well worth the effort.
I found the videos listed below online, they were posted by people who use Overdrive, and give a bit of a walk-through of the program. The first shows Overdrive on a computer, the second on an iPad.
- Video describing how to use Overdrive on a computer.
- Video describing how to use Overdrive on an iPad
Well, that's all for now. Have some fun with these resources while we whittle away the last few weeks of December and here’s to a 2019 filled with happiness and fast wifi for all.
Katherine
Retired & Wired
PS: I love to hear your thoughts, please feel free to email info@retiredandwired.com with whatever ‘tech’ is on your mind.
*NOTE: To learn more about anything you read in this article, click on the blue links. None of these links are 'affiliate links' and are just provided for your information and enjoyment.