Sluice Issue #6

Sluice  | by Arthur H. Manners

Issue #6

Things to share this week

1. Books: A Little History of the World by E.H. Gombich. This famous book was written before World War 2, but is still one of the best resources out there for summarising the history of the Europe and the Middle East. I'm going to have to read it again, because I've already forgotten lots of it. But I can rest easy knowing that the book is easy to read and I can dip in to remind myself of something. Caution: The book is obviously Eurocentric and outdated by the better part of a century, so do make allowances for some old-fashioned perspectives in places. 2. Apps: Flow. A small but beautiful app for Mac that sits in your taskbar with a little countdown on it. The app is a timer programmed to follow the Pomodoro technique: 25 minute focus sessions, followed by breaks of 5 mins. After 4 sessions, it gives a 30 min break. You have some choice of the interval times, and with the premium version you can do anything you want, but I use the standard interval on the free version. A lifesaver for knuckling down. 3. Podcast: TANIS. I love TANIS. For sheer creepy creativity, best podcast ever, hands down. Told in an episodic mockumentary format, TANIS follows podcaster Nic Silver and his hacker buddy Meerkatnip (not her real name) down a rabbit hole of forboding mysteries in the forests of the Pacific Northwest. Complex, disturbing and effortlessly creative, it's my go-to escapist podcast.4. Concentration: Calmer. I've just started trying these out, and while the effect is subtle (and, who knows, maybe purely placebo) I have noticed an effect. They're like sleeves for your ears, similar to earplugs but instead of blocking sound they filter it for anxiety-inducing frequencies. They smooth out harsh sounds like barking dogs or alarms, and also soften music. They offer a 30 day money-back guarantee, so I tried them out and I'm pleased so far. If you're sensitive to sound or deal with autism, these come highly recommended.5. Books: How to Worry Less About Money by John Armstrong. This one was lent to me by my mother in law. Less a book of money tips than a guide to forming your personal philosophy of money and your relationship to it. An easy read and important brain churner if you're at a pivot point in life.

Until next time, be good.

Best regards,

Art

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