by Lidia Paulinska | Dec 10, 2015
The very words “Bolshoi Ballet” strike awe in the hearts of every devoted balletomane world-wide, and justifiably so. And on December 6, 2015, the world was indeed rewarded with an outstanding production of John Neumeier’s classic The Lady of the Camellias direct from Moscow compliments of Fathom Events, featuring the exquisite Svetlana Zakharova in the lead role of Marguerite, the consumptive courtesan who falls tragically in love with the young Armand, performed with style and strength by Edvin Revazov. This is a true ensemble production in which every element is essential to the outstanding success of the whole.
The story is a familiar one of star-crossed lovers based on Alexandre Dumas’ 19th century novel and operatically immortalized in La Traviata. Neumeier’s lyrical interpretation possesses a meditative, almost hypnotic quality as his dancers flow magnificently through Frédéric Chopin’s exquisitely romantic music, performed on pianos both on stage and in the orchestra pit and backed by the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra under the able direction of Pavel Sorokin.
This is a relatively brief, beautifully-paced ballet, running as it does in three, forty-five minute acts with two twenty-five minute intermissions. Because of this compactness, the audience is left in the end with a sense of peaceful contentment due in part to the work’s magically contemplative pace which mitigates to some degree the tragic nature of the storyline. The sheer beauty of the movement, the music, and the entire miss en scene imparts to us a serenity that defies analysis and lies beyond critical judgement; we select from the experience what we will, meditating on the aesthetics and making them our own. And that is the sign of a true classic.
by Lidia Paulinska | Dec 8, 2015
The latest version of Beddit products, the sleep trackers that monitor our sleep, has a Bluetooth connection so it can be connected to you smart phone overnight. The brand is primary focus on Apple devices but it also has an app on the Google play. Recently the software was updated to add an iWatch connection. The iWatch application has all the same functions as the phone app, plus some additional features. The screen is adjusted to the smaller view, so it requires 3-4 swipes to see the information normally on a smart phone display.
Both iPhone and iWatch have an easy process to install the apps from the iTunes site. The Google Play app for Android is also easy to find and install. Once installed, the app has a single start button to operate, so it is very easy to use as well. The information are collected overnight and can be simple to understand and analyze.
As everyone with the sleeping problems knows it is difficult to fall asleep again after waking up during the night. The Beddit sleep monitor helps you figure out your sleep cycles and the product does not need any uncomfortable straps on the person being monitored that can affect their sleeping. The unit has a band that goes under the sheets and attaches with adhesive to the edge of the mattress while the sensor goes under the sleeping person about chest height.
The Beddit sleep monitor is currently available at on-line and retail outlets. For the holidays, they have a bundle with an anti-snore pillow that is highly recommended for the people with mild sleep apnea. The sleep monitor with an anti-snore pillow are available at Brookstone.
by Lidia Paulinska | Dec 8, 2015
One of the challenges in today’s busy world is finding the time and taking the time to relax your body and mind. One of the methods is through meditation, but what happens when you meditate and you don’t know if you doing that right? You have all those thoughts running through your brain that often are hard to silence and let you relax. Solution? Muse, the brain sensing headband was created to help us meditate easy and experience all the benefits of meditation and relaxation. The headband equipped with sensors can sensed the EEG brain activity and connects to a smart phone app via Bluetooth. The app not only has the guided relaxation sounds, but also has a tracking screen so you can see your progress.
Getting in to a relaxed state is not as easy as it sounds, based on a study by the psychologists at Harvard University. Most people spend 47% of their day thinking about something other than they are currently doing. That is also the case for people who mediate or try to relax. The Muse headband helps train you in 3 minute sessions, to control your stress and tension and move to a productive meditation.
With device like Muse you visualize with your audio representation what is happening in your mind with the weather metaphor. So if you have Muse headband on you and you occupied with many thoughts it would sound stormy and windy. Muse will help you calm and find peace by breathing exercise and focus exercise. The app has graphs of the progress and stress in the current session and allows you to track prior sessions. This tracking allow you to train yourself to have a productive relaxation and meditation session which will bring increased focus on activities and tasks following the session.
by Lidia Paulinska | Dec 6, 2015
Kingston just expanded its HyperX headset line with the new Cloud Mav Edition, Freestyle Series. The limited edition over the head and over ear headphones are designed for the serious gamers. The headphones are used in serious eSports competition including Intel Extreme Masters, Brazil Game Show, China Joy, DreamHack, gamescom and PAX, where is highly appreciated by them. This apprecaiation is not just because of the performance but also their jazzy look, which is a loving baby of the cooperation between Kingston Company and the artists.
The headphones feature a large memory foam ear cushions surrounding the high-fidelity 53mm drivers, a closed cup design and detachable microphone. The two set of ear cushions (leatherette and velour) provide excellent sound isolation, so background noises in the game and sound effects can be clearly heard. One of the challenges with gaming headphones versus general listening headphones is the how the sound is separated to insure that voices come out clearly over the background. HyperX headset uses a separate detachable microphone to insure high quality communications in multiplayer games. The microphone uses a 6.5 mm diameter electret condenser capsule that is configured in a Cardioid pattern to minimize environmental noise pickup.
The headphones and microphone system is a wired design that is compatible with PCs, notebooks, tablets, mobile phones, airplane adapters and PS4 consoles though a standard 3.5mm mini stereo jack connector. The wired design works well for multiple people playing in one area as well as eliminating noise and false sounds that may come from other electronic devices. Most wireless headset systems pickup sounds from cell phones, tablets, laptops and other devices when connected to consoles and gaming computers. The high quality connection cable and the memory foam ear cushions give a very clean and isolated experience allows for deep immersion in the gaming environment.
The headphones are available from most retail channels for holiday season and comes with two-year warranty.
by Lidia Paulinska | Dec 6, 2015
This holiday season Moshi brings to its variety of electronics accessories new stylish and tech-savvy, messenger style Aerio bag. Designed for 15” laptop or tablet has also many, some expandable, packets/compartments for camera, headphones, wallet, phone etc. The bag features a proprietary ViscoStrap solution, the strap that reduces the effective weight of the bag on your shoulder when it is carried. The bag comes in two colors – Black and Grey. It is made of sturdy, premium, water-resistant fabric with stylish leatherette trim. It is All-in-One bag solution for professional, tech community that cares for design and usefulness.
The bag is very functional and addresses the need for the modern traveler – whether it is plane, train, bus or car – to have their laptop/tablet with them, along with the camera, cables, chargers, and purse supplies. The size is set nicely for not being too big, but large enough to hold what is needed. The bag is sized to fit under the seat for airlines, so you can have your items near you for flights.
by Tomasz Kolodziejak
