nemozone

“Zombies, Run!” isn't your typical fitness app. By expertly blending elements of immersive audio drama, location-based gameplay, and compelling storytelling, it has revolutionized the way we perceive exercise, making it not just a chore, but an exciting adventure. This mobile game takes fitness to the next level by transforming the act of running into an exhilarating game of survival from a zombie apocalypse.

Set in the backdrop of Abel Township, a struggling outpost amidst the zombie apocalypse, you play as “Runner 5”. Your mission is to help this township survive the undead threat by running, collecting crucial items, and unraveling mysteries through the game's vivid audio narratives.

The game truly shines in its immersive audio drama. Through your headphones, the game paints a vivid, post-apocalyptic world teeming with zombies, making you the protagonist of your very own zombie survival story. The narratives are so immersive that they can make a run in the park feel like a sprint through a zombie-infested wasteland.

Another key feature that sets “Zombies, Run!” apart from other fitness apps is its location-based gameplay. It doesn't matter whether you're jogging in your neighborhood, running in a park, or walking in your living room; the game adapts to your location, allowing you to outrun zombies anywhere in the world.

What makes “Zombies, Run!” even more engaging is its use of gamification techniques. The element of being chased by zombies adds a thrill to your regular run, making the act of running feel less like a chore and more like an exciting and necessary act of survival.

The storyline of “Zombies, Run!” is another aspect that makes it stand out. Primarily penned by Naomi Alderman and her team of writers, the game also features guest contributions from renowned science fiction authors such as Margaret Atwood and Andrea Phillips, adding depth and richness to the already gripping narrative.

As you run, the game allows you to collect supplies automatically. These supplies are instrumental in building and strengthening your base, adding a strategic dimension to the game and making each run feel more rewarding.

“Zombies, Run!” has been lauded for its innovative approach to fitness, making running more enjoyable and motivating people to run more frequently. It's a testament to the power of gamification in promoting healthy habits and an example of how technology can make fitness more accessible and fun. The game is available on both iOS and Android platforms.

In the end, “Zombies, Run!” is more than just a fitness app. It's an adventure, a story, a game, and a fitness regime, all rolled into one. It takes the monotony out of running and turns it into a thrilling experience that keeps you coming back for more.

Sources:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zombies-run/id503519713

https://www.makeuseof.com/what-is-zombies-run-app/

https://wikiless.org/wiki/Zombies,_Run!?lang=en

https://zombiesrungame.com/

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the grand cabaret of life, where the spotlight tonight is on a peculiar phenomenon, a potent potion of pixels and playtime, none other than TikTok, the app of endless entertainment. But hold your applause, my friends, for the enchanting performance is not what it seems. Beneath the sparkles and the sheen lies a bog of boredom, a quagmire of questionable content. They call it 'Sludge Content,' and it's about as appealing as it sounds.

Now, now, don't raise your eyebrows at me. What is this 'Sludge Content,' you ask? Picture this: You're scrolling, entranced, through an endless cavalcade of videos, each promising to be more exciting than the last. But as the hours slip by, you realize – you're not watching anything worthwhile. It's just a mishmash of mediocrity, a ceaseless stream of snippets that, despite their lack of substance, keep your fingers scrolling, your eyes glued to the screen.

Ah, the magic of Sludge Content! It doesn't have to be interesting. It doesn't have to be relevant. It just has to be there, ready to fill the void, ready to keep you hooked on the app. It's like the master magician who keeps pulling rabbits out of the hat, long after the audience has lost interest. But does he stop? Oh, no! For the show must go on!

But don't be fooled, my friends. For like every powerful potion, there's a side effect, a danger lurking in the shadows. The endless stream of Sludge Content is a siren song, luring us into a sea of overstimulation and addiction. We become entrapped in its hypnotic rhythm, lost in its deceptive dance. TikTok, the performer of the night, becomes the puppet master, pulling our strings, controlling our moves, dictating our time.

So beware, ladies and gentlemen, of the alluring allure of the Sludge Content. Don't let the dazzle of the digital divertissement deceive you. Look beyond the curtain, see the trick for what it is. Remember, the true magic of life lies not in the endless stream of Sludge, but in the meaningful moments that truly matter.

And as the curtains close on our little cabaret of caution, remember this – TikTok? Not even once! For in the realm of the Faces of TikTok, it's easy to lose oneself in the sticky morass of the Sludge.

Tread carefully, my friends. The stage is set, the lights are dimmed, and the choice is yours. Will you dance to the tune of the TikTok Sludge, or will you step out of the shadows and into the spotlight of your own life?

Sources:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/sludge-content-1.6716185

https://www.34st.com/article/2023/03/sludge-content-tik-tok-subway-surfers

Clone Hero, an innovative rhythm game developed over three years, is breathing new life into the music gaming sphere. Since its latest update in November 2022, the game has opened a world of opportunities for players, allowing them to experience the excitement of classic games such as Guitar Hero and Rock Band in an immersive and modern setting.

Clone Hero's success can largely be attributed to its vibrant community, which is continuously growing. The game has become a hub for various competitive events, engaging players in community efforts to complete setlists and in-person tournaments, particularly in the New York area.

Another striking feature of Clone Hero is the option to import custom songs. This has resulted in a vast library of user-generated content, expanding the game's song range. A variety of safe sites have been recommended by players for song downloads, contributing significantly to the game's customization.

Custom Songs Central is one notable community that has been influential in Clone Hero's development. They house a group of charters, or chartographers, who consistently create custom songs, adding to the game's diverse song catalogue. Moreover, the community has several ongoing projects that offer additional songs, packs, and setlists for Clone Hero, beyond the scope of Custom Songs Central.

In a nutshell, Clone Hero is revolutionizing the rhythm game genre with its constant updates, engaged community, and customizability. It is the go-to game for music lovers and gaming enthusiasts alike, offering a unique blend of entertainment and competition.

Links for further information:

Clone Hero's latest update: clonehero.net Clone Hero's Twitter feed: twitter.com/CloneHero Recommended sites for song downloads: Google Docs spreadsheets with song databases Chorus https://chorus.fightthe.pw/ https://db.c3universe.com/songs/all customsongscentral.com Custom Songs Central's community and charters: customsongscentral.com

The landscape of internet privacy is constantly evolving and as technology progresses, there is an increasing demand for privacy-focused tools. The Mull browser, an open-source mobile browser available on the F-Droid store, is one such tool.

Mull is a privacy-oriented and deblobbed web browser that's based on Mozilla technology. With a focus on privacy, it employs several features from the Tor Uplift project and uses preferences from the arkenfox-user.js project. These features are designed to enhance the privacy of the user by preventing tracking and other forms of data collection that are common on the internet today.

Despite the privacy benefits offered by Mull, the browser isn't without its downsides. One of these so-called “Anti-Features” is that its upstream source code isn't entirely free, meaning that some parts of its code may not be open for the public to inspect or modify. However, it's worth noting that Mull is licensed under the Mozilla Public License 2.0, which allows for some degree of freedom in the use and modification of the software.

For the best user experience, it is recommended to install the Mull browser via the F-Droid client, rather than directly downloading and installing the APK file. This is because installing via the F-Droid client allows for secure downloading and update notifications.

Mull requires Android 5.0 or newer and comes with a suite of permissions that include full network access, ability to view network connections, read and write contents of shared storage, and access to location services, among others.

Mull is forked from Fenix, which is the Firefox (or more specifically, GeckoView) project for Android. It is primarily developed by DivestOS, who also develops other privacy-conscious applications and the unofficial fork of LineageOS by the same name. One of the standout features of the Mull browser is that it eliminates many proprietary blobs (read: closed-source source code) from its own source code. This is achieved using a script developed by Relan.

For the best privacy protection, it's highly recommended to install the uBlock Origin extension. uBlock Origin is a staple in the privacy community; it blocks wide-spectrum trackers, ads, and additional tracking methods on a webpage without compromising your privacy on its end.

Sources:

https://f-droid.org/en/packages/us.spotco.fennec_dos/ https://github.com/Divested-Mobile https://avoidthehack.com/blog/best-android-privacy-browsers

When we consider the realm of Android-based operating systems, two names that often come up are DivestOS and LineageOS. Both operating systems offer unique advantages and have distinct focuses. However, understanding the core differences between them can help users make an informed choice about which system best aligns with their needs.

What is DivestOS?

DivestOS is a free operating system based on the Android mobile platform. It's essentially a soft fork of LineageOS and has a specific focus on enhancing user security and privacy while also supporting older devices. The operating system removes as many proprietary Android components as possible, striving to include only free software. It's also important to note that DivestOS builds are signed with release keys, allowing bootloaders to be re-locked on many devices.

DivestOS offers a wide array of key features:

Monthly security updates for all supported devices, and an automated patch checker for Linux kernel security issues. Support for bootloader relocking, which has been tested and found to work on several devices.

The inclusion of the Mulch hardened Chromium WebView, which provides enhanced security features and can be updated independently of the system image.

A powerful tracker blocker that blocks over 900,000 advertising and tracking servers, increasing the privacy level for users. A privacy-oriented browser (Mull), based on Mozilla technology, hardened against fingerprinting techniques thanks to the Tor uplift project and arkenfox-user.js project.

A focus on Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS). Inclusion of F-Droid, an app catalog specializing in the delivery of FOSS apps.

Additional tools like a free space eraser (Extirpater) and an open-source real-time malware scanner (Hypatia) for Android. What is LineageOS?

LineageOS is also an Android-based operating system, designed for smartphones, tablet computers, and set-top boxes. It primarily consists of free and open-source software and is known as the successor to CyanogenMod, which was discontinued in December 2016.

Key Difference

While both DivestOS and LineageOS are based on Android and include free and open-source software, their focuses diverge significantly in terms of security and privacy.

DivestOS' main objective is to maximize user privacy and security, with features like tracker blocking and malware scanning. The operating system also removes as many proprietary Android components as possible, and the bootloader can be re-locked on many devices.

In contrast, LineageOS, while also offering open-source software, doesn't have as much emphasis on these security features. This can potentially introduce additional attack surfaces, particularly through breaking verified boot and userdebug builds.

In terms of privacy, DivestOS takes a stand against using microG, a lightweight implementation of Google Play Services. The argument is that using microG still communicates with Google's servers and can compromise user privacy. On the other hand, LineageOS doesn't have this strict stance against microG.

In conclusion, the choice between DivestOS and LineageOS depends on your specific needs. If privacy and security are your top priorities, DivestOS might be a better choice. On the other hand, LineageOS might be suitable if you're looking for an open-source Android-based OS with a broader device support.

References:

Wikipedia. (2023). DivestOS. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DivestOS. Wikipedia. (2023). LineageOS. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LineageOS. Reddit. (2023). DivestOS vs LineageOS vs /e/. Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/PrivacyGuides/comments/r7gnso/divestos_vs_lineageos_vs_e/ DivestOS Mobile. (2023). Home. Retrieved from https://divestos.org/index.html

Volla is a company that focuses on giving users control over their digital life, particularly in terms of their data and time spent in the digital world. Their primary product is the Volla Phone, the most recent model of which is the Volla Phone X23. The company aims to offer a smartphone that prioritizes privacy and simplicity, with a streamlined user interface and an emphasis on security.

The Volla Phone X23

The Volla Phone X23 is a ruggedized smartphone meeting military standard MIL-STD-810H. It's IP68 dust and waterproof, with a replaceable battery, ensuring durability and resilience in various conditions. The phone includes an optional Volla OS and Ubuntu Touch, enabling users to decide their preferred operating system. The phone also has a 48 MP + 8 MP wide-angle main camera, an illuminated ring around the camera for notifications, 6 + 128 GB of internal storage (expandable by 1TB SD card), and an extra button for additional functions​​.

Volla OS: A New Kind of Operating System

The Volla OS is a minimalistic operating system with an innovative concept. Its features include the Springboard, a smart text field that allows users to start calls, send messages, and more. It also includes Collections, a feature grouping your most recently exchanged text and picture messages and your latest news, among other things. One of the standout features of the Volla OS 12 is its speech recognition. Using open-source artificial intelligence, users can speak to their smartphone to write messages and notes or invoke commands, all with no connection to the cloud for privacy protection​.

Volla OS is based on a free Android without Google and play services and without dependence on a cloud. It replaces basic apps like those for phone calls and the address book with curated apps that are also open source. The system also includes optional VPN for additional privacy protection​​.

Ubuntu Touch: An Alternative Mobile Linux

For those interested in a different approach, Volla also offers Ubuntu Touch, a puristic mobile Linux solution. This OS features a sidebar for quick access to important apps, compartments for open apps, and a terminal for full control and freedom​.

Multi-Boot Function

One unique feature of the Volla Phone 22 with Volla OS is its pre-installed Multi Boot function. This feature allows users to install additional operating systems on a memory card, enabling them to select Ubuntu Touch for startup, for instance. This is ideal for separating private and business use or for trying out something new​​.

Community and Delivery Update

Volla recognizes the importance of a community in creating alternatives to market-leading systems. Their community includes young and established companies, foundations, and individual users​.

As of June 2, 2023, Volla has completed mass production of the first batch of Volla Phone X23s, covering all pre-orders. They expect to dispatch these phones worldwide via their logistics center in Wuppertal, Germany, within the next week​​.

Final Thoughts

Volla stands out in its commitment to user freedom, both in terms of data privacy and time spent in the digital world. The Volla Phone X23, with its robust features and security focus, is a notable example of this commitment. Whether through its Volla OS or the alternative Ubuntu Touch, users can enjoy a unique, privacy-centered smartphone experience.

For more information, please visit the official Volla website:

https://volla.online/en/index.html

The richness of African culture is expansive and diverse, with the griot embodying a significant part of this cultural tradition. The griot, also known as a jeli or jali in some West African cultures, is a crucial part of the social fabric, carrying out a unique role in society that is as old as the societies themselves.

What is a Griot?

The griot is a traditional storyteller, oral historian, singer, musician, and advisor in West African societies. This role is often hereditary, passed down through generations in specific families. The term griot is French, derived from the Portuguese 'criado,' which means servant. The local terms jeli or jali translate to “blood” in the Manding language, signifying the deep connection that these individuals have with their communities and histories.

The Role and Responsibilities of a Griot

The responsibilities of a griot are manifold and deeply interwoven with the fabric of society. The griot acts as a living archive, preserving and recounting the histories, genealogies, and legends of their people. This preservation is not only of the past but also the present, as the griot continually updates the cultural record with contemporary events and narratives.

The griot is also a musician and a performer. Using instruments such as the kora (a 21-string lute-bridge-harp) or the balafon (a kind of wooden xylophone), griots provide musical accompaniment to their narratives, enhancing the emotional impact and memorability of their tales.

Moreover, the griot plays a crucial role as a social mediator. They may deliver praise or criticism, offer advice, and serve as an intermediary in disputes. In essence, the griot is a vital link between the past, present, and future, serving as the community's memory and conscience.

The Importance of the Griot

In societies where oral tradition is the primary means of preserving history and communicating wisdom, the role of the griot cannot be overstated. The griot is not only a preserver of history but also a creator of social cohesion and a guide for moral conduct.

Through their tales, the griot fosters a shared sense of identity and continuity among the community, bridging the gap between generations and reinforcing the collective memory. The narratives they share serve as moral compasses, providing lessons on cultural values and acceptable behavior.

The griot also holds an important place in community events and ceremonies. Their performances are not just entertainment, but a way of marking and celebrating life's milestones and communal events.

The Griot in Modern Times

The griot tradition continues to evolve in the modern world. Today, griots use radio, television, and digital media to reach their audiences. The transition to these platforms has allowed them to continue their role as cultural custodians while adapting to the changing times.

In conclusion, the griot is a central figure in West African societies, serving as a living testament to the power of oral tradition. They are storytellers, historians, musicians, advisors, and cultural ambassadors, performing a role that is as essential today as it was in the past. Their stories and songs continue to resonate, reminding us of the enduring importance of heritage, community, and the shared human experience.

Further reading: https://wikiless.org/wiki/Griot?lang=en

#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

Panic attacks can be overwhelming and distressing experiences that affect individuals both physically and emotionally. However, there are effective techniques that can help calm the body and mind during a panic attack. In this blog post, we will explore two valuable resources that provide insights into managing panic attacks. The first link, from the CFPSych blog, offers guidance on how to calm yourself during a panic attack. The second link, from Verywell Health, highlights a specific breathing exercise for panic attacks. Together, these resources shed light on the importance of self-regulation and breathing techniques in reducing the intensity and duration of panic attacks.

Link 1: “How to Calm Yourself During a Panic Attack” – CFPSych Blog The CFPSych blog provides practical advice on managing panic attacks. The main theme of this resource is the importance of self-awareness and self-regulation during a panic attack. Here are some key insights:

Recognizing the Signs: The article emphasizes the significance of recognizing the physical and cognitive signs of a panic attack. By understanding the symptoms, individuals can validate their experience and gain a sense of control.

Grounding Techniques: The blog suggests various grounding techniques to redirect attention away from the panic attack. These techniques include focusing on the environment, engaging the senses, and using positive self-talk.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation: The article introduces progressive muscle relaxation as a helpful technique for reducing anxiety during a panic attack. By systematically tensing and relaxing different muscle groups, individuals can release tension and promote relaxation.

Overall, the CFPSych blog article emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, grounding techniques, and progressive muscle relaxation as strategies to calm oneself during a panic attack.

Link 2: “Breathing Exercise for Panic Attack” – Verywell Health The Verywell Health article focuses specifically on a breathing exercise that can alleviate the symptoms of a panic attack. Here are the key highlights:

Diaphragmatic Breathing: The article introduces diaphragmatic breathing as a powerful tool for managing panic attacks. This breathing technique involves deep, slow breaths that engage the diaphragm, leading to a decrease in the heart rate and overall relaxation.

Step-by-Step Instructions: The resource provides a step-by-step guide to practicing diaphragmatic breathing during a panic attack. It offers clear instructions on posture, breath count, and exhaling techniques to maximize the calming effects.

Incorporating Breath Awareness: The article emphasizes the importance of cultivating breath awareness throughout daily life to better prepare for managing panic attacks. Regular practice of diaphragmatic breathing outside of panic attack episodes can help individuals build resilience and reduce anxiety levels.

By focusing on diaphragmatic breathing and its practical application, the Verywell Health article highlights the significance of breath control as a means of calming oneself during a panic attack.

Conclusion: Managing panic attacks requires a multi-faceted approach that combines self-awareness, grounding techniques, and specific strategies like diaphragmatic breathing. The CFPSych blog article offers valuable insights into self-regulation techniques and progressive muscle relaxation, emphasizing the importance of understanding the signs and redirecting attention during a panic attack. On the other hand, the Verywell Health article delves into the effectiveness of diaphragmatic breathing in reducing anxiety and provides a step-by-step breathing exercise to practice during panic attacks. Both resources underscore the significance of breath control and self-regulation techniques in managing panic attacks effectively.

By incorporating these techniques into daily life and during moments of distress, individuals can cultivate a greater sense of control and resilience in the face of panic attacks. It is important to note that while these techniques can be helpful, seeking professional help and guidance from mental health experts is crucial for comprehensive support and treatment for panic attacks.

Link 1: https://www.cfpsych.org/blog/how-to-calm-yourself-during-a-panic-attack/

Link 2: https://www.verywellhealth.com/breathing-exercise-for-panic-attack-5498745

#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

In the face of rising suicide rates, a leading cause of death globally, a powerful yet straightforward intervention has been discovered: caring letters. Sending regular letters from a caring individual to people at risk of suicide can help them feel connected and remind them that they are cared for, which is crucial in preventing suicide.

In a study conducted between 1969 and 1974 in San Francisco, psychiatric hospitals admitted over 3,000 people for depression or suicidal tendencies. Psychiatrist Jerome Motto and statistician Alan Bostrom spearheaded an initiative where some 843 of these patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups after they were discharged from the hospital.

In what was designated as the “contact group”, patients received periodic handwritten letters from a healthcare professional who had earlier interviewed them. These letters were not medical in nature, but rather expressed concern, care, and a desire to stay in contact. An example of the message was:

“Dear John,

It has been some time since you were here at the hospital, and we hope things are going well for you. If you wish to drop us a note, we would be glad to hear from you.

Best,

Susan”

Patients in the contact group received eight letters in the first year and four letters each year for the next four years, totaling 24 letters over five years. On the other hand, patients in the control group did not receive any letters.

The impact of these caring letters was profound. Two years after leaving the hospital, the time when at-risk patients are most likely to commit suicide, only 1.80% of patients in the contact group had committed suicide, compared to 3.52% of patients in the control group. Furthermore, even 13 years after hospital discharge, patients who had received letters from the hospital still had lower rates of suicide than those who had not.

Why does this work? The hypothesis is that receiving regular letters expressing care and concern helps individuals feel connected to others, a feeling that can be especially important during dark times. About a quarter of patients in the contact group sent back messages of gratitude, expressing how much the letters meant to them.

Perhaps most interestingly, this approach is particularly effective for people who are resistant to traditional medical treatment, often due to the stigma associated with mental illness. By communicating care and concern and creating a sense of social connection without demanding anything in return, caring letters can help these individuals survive the critical period following a psychiatric crisis, when they are most likely to take their own lives.

In conclusion, caring letters are a simple, low-cost intervention that can make a significant difference in the lives of those at risk of suicide. They offer a promising approach for healthcare providers and communities at large to help save lives and combat the global challenge of suicide.

Sources: https://sparq.stanford.edu/solutions/caring-letters-prevent-suicide

https://sparq.stanford.edu/sites/g/files/sbiybj19021/files/media/file/motto_bostrom_2001_-_a_randomized_controlled_trial_of_postcrisis_suicide_prevention.pdf

This a very good documentary. I had no idea who he is, but he is now a hero of mine :)

The world of economics can often seem difficult to digest, with complex theories and mathematical formulas. But what if we could explain it with something as simple and universally understood as a burger? In this case, the McDonald's Big Mac. This is where the Big Mac Index comes into play.

What is the Big Mac Index?

The Big Mac Index, first introduced by The Economist in 1986, is an informal but ingenious way of understanding and comparing the purchasing power parity (PPP) between different countries. The concept is based on the theory of purchasing-power parity, the notion that in the absence of transaction costs and official trade barriers, identical goods will have the same price in different markets.

The index uses the price of the Big Mac, McDonald's flagship product, as a common item produced and sold across many countries. The price of a Big Mac is then compared across different countries to determine whether a currency is under or overvalued.

How Does It Work?

Let's break it down with an example. Suppose the price of a Big Mac in the United States is $5, and in the UK it's £4. This would suggest an exchange rate of 1:0.8 (5 divided by 4). Now, if the actual exchange rate is 1:0.75, this would suggest that the British pound is overvalued – it's buying more dollars than the Big Mac Index suggests it should.

It’s important to note that while the Big Mac Index offers a fun and easy-to-understand snapshot of currency valuation, it is not a precise measure. Factors such as input costs, profit margins, and taxes can vary significantly from country to country and are not taken into account in the index.

The Relevancy of the Big Mac Index

Despite its simplicity, the Big Mac Index has maintained its popularity as a teaching tool and discussion starter in economic classrooms around the world. It provides a tangible way to understand purchasing power parity, an essential concept in economics.

Furthermore, the Big Mac Index can serve as a real-world check on more formal measures of PPP. While not accurate enough to guide policy decisions, it can highlight cases where currency value seems out of sync with its relative purchasing power.

Moreover, in recent years, the Big Mac Index has been adapted to reflect more than just currency valuation. For instance, it has been used to compare actual GDP per capita with what one might expect given the price of a Big Mac, helping to highlight disparities in wealth.

Conclusion

The Big Mac Index, while an informal measure, provides a tangible and accessible way to understand complex economic concepts. Despite its limitations, it continues to offer valuable insights into global economic trends, highlighting disparities, and prompting discussions about economic theory and practice. As long as the Big Mac remains a global fast food staple, the Big Mac Index will likely continue to be a relevant tool in the world of economics.

After all, who knew a burger could tell us so much about the world economy?

Remember: a Big Mac isn't just a burger, it's also an economic indicator!

https://wikiless.org/wiki/Big_Mac_Index?lang=en

Here you can look up the global price distribution:

https://wisevoter.com/country-rankings/big-mac-index-by-country/