![\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/3dcccb125f.jpg\")
Photo by Annie Spratt [/caption]UK moves to ban smoking for everyone born after 2008
\nThe UK has passed a generational smoking ban, meaning individuals born after January 1, 2009, will never legally be able to purchase tobacco products. This landmark public health intervention, which also tightens regulations on vaping, will apply across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
\n", "date_published": "2026-04-22T07:27:54-04:00", "url": "https://kiledjian.com/2026/04/22/uk-moves-to-ban-smoking.html", "tags": ["Personal \u0026 Culture"] }, { "id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/12/30/true-north-strong-and-carried.html", "title": "True North Strong and Carried: A Celebration of Canadian Gear Makers", "content_html": "If you spend time in the “Everyday Carry” (EDC) or tactical communities, you are fighting a losing battle against the algorithm. The YouTube reviews and “Best Of” lists are relentlessly American, convincing us that “Mil-Spec” means made in the USA and that shipping should be free.
\nFor Canadian collectors, this is a trap. We pay the exchange rate, we swallow the FedEx brokerage fees, and we often end up with gear designed for a sunny Californian office park rather than a damp November in the Ottawa Valley.
\nBut the reality is that Canada is a sleeping giant of soft-goods manufacturing.
\nFrom the humid summers of Ontario to the sub-zero wind tunnels of the Prairies, our landscape forces designers to be better. We do not just stitch nylon here; we engineer survival.
\nWhether you are a CISO managing a field team, a backcountry explorer, or a collector of fine tools, here is your guide to the world-class gear being built in your own backyard—no brokerage fees required.
\nPrice Guide:
\n$ = Under $100 | $$ = $100–$250 | $$$ = $250–$500 | $$$$ = $500+
Cocotte Équipement
\nMontreal, Que. | Price: $$
Bowman Gear
\nRichmond Hill, Ont. | Price: $$–$$$
LOF Defence Systems
\nEdmonton, Alta. | Price: $$$
CPGear (Wheelers)
\nFredericton, N.B. | Price: $$
Northern Ultralight (NUL)
\nNelson, B.C. | Price: $$$
Terrain Ultralight
\nGatineau Region, Que. | Price: $$
Space Bear Bags
\nInnisfil, Ont. | Price: $
North Arm Knives
\nQuathiaski Cove, B.C. | Price: $$
Popov Leather
\nNelson, B.C. | Price: $$
Little King Goods
\nMorriston, Ont. | Price: $$$
Hammerthreads
\nWoodstock, N.B. | Price: $
Nanuk
\nTerrebonne, Que. | Price: $$
Wild Med Kits
\nMuskoka, Ont. | Price: $$
Nightingale Threadworks
\nMerrickville, Ont. | Price: $$
Transparency Note:
\nWhile these manufacturers are based in Canada and perform design, assembly, and finishing domestically, some raw materials may be sourced internationally where no Canadian alternative exists. This is standard industry practice.
Note on Lead Times: Many of these makers operate small workshops. “In stock” often means made to order. Expect four to eight weeks for cottage manufacturers. The quality justifies the wait.
\nA Note on Arc’teryx:
\nArc’teryx and its LEAF division are intentionally excluded. While Vancouver-born and iconic, they are now a global enterprise. This guide focuses on independent shops and cottage makers.
Safety Disclaimer:
\nActivities involving tactical gear, wilderness travel, or first aid carry inherent risks. Users are responsible for ensuring equipment suitability for their specific use case.
Editorial Disclosure:
\nThis article was produced independently. No manufacturer commissioned, sponsored, or reviewed this content, and no compensation or free product was received.
Keywords : #MadeInCanada #CanadianMade #SupportCanadian #EDC #EverydayCarry #CarryCulture #GearAddict #TacticalGear #OutdoorGear #FieldGear #CottageMakers #SmallBatch #Craftsmanship #IndustrialDesign #PrecisionMade #BuiltForCanada #CanadianDesign #BuyLocalCanada #MakerCommunity #HardUseGear #BackcountryGear #UrbanCarry #TechCarry #KnifeCommunity #LeatherGoods #Ultralight #AdventureReady #FunctionalDesign #QualityOverHype #NoBrokerage #TrueNorth #ProudlyCanadian #IndependentMakers #GearReview #EDCLife
\n![](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/255457/2025/chatgpt-image-dec-30-2025-at-10-16-32-am.png\")
",
"date_published": "2025-12-30T13:16:00-04:00",
"url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/12/30/true-north-strong-and-carried.html",
"tags": ["Personal \u0026 Culture"]
},
{
"id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/12/15/the-most-useful-stocking-stuffer.html",
"title": "The Most Useful Stocking Stuffer You’ve Probably Never Heard Of",
"content_html": "Nothing deflates a holiday moment faster than a dying phone. One minute you are navigating to a family gathering or lining up a photo of an ugly sweater contest; the next, a low-battery warning takes centre stage. We rely on our phones for everything, yet routinely overlook the one accessory that keeps them running.
\nThis holiday season, skip the novelty gifts. A portable battery pack may not look festive, but it is one of the few stocking stuffers that remains genuinely useful long after the decorations come down.
\nThere is one brand in particular that deserves more attention than it gets.
\nMost consumers recognize established charging brands such as Anker or Mophie. Their products are dependable, but pricing often reflects brand recognition as much as performance.
\nIniu, pronounced “in you,” has taken a different approach. Over the past several years, the company has focused on producing compact, modern power banks that meet current charging standards while consistently undercutting larger competitors on price. It is not a household name, but among frequent travellers, reviewers and power users, Iniu has built a reputation for delivering solid performance at reasonable cost.
\nIt is the kind of brand people discover once and then quietly recommend.
\nIniu’s lineup ranges from pocket-sized chargers to near-industrial power bricks. The right choice depends on how, and what, you intend to charge.
\nThis is Iniu’s most practical option for most people. About the size of a smartphone and slim enough to fit in a pocket or small bag, it delivers roughly two full phone charges without noticeable bulk.
\nIt is well suited for commuting, social outings or emergency backup.
\nImportant buyer caution: avoid old stock.
\nRetailers, including Amazon, sometimes list older Iniu models alongside newer ones.
\nAvoid models that charge via Micro-USB. These are slower and outdated.
\nLook for “PD” (Power Delivery) and a USB-C input/output port to ensure fast charging and compatibility with modern devices.
In 2023, Iniu voluntarily recalled specific batches of its B41 model sold in the United States after reports of overheating and fire risk. The recall applied only to a limited set of serial numbers manufactured in 2021.
\nWhat matters for consumers is how the company responded. Iniu publicly acknowledged the issue, issued clear guidance, and offered refunds or replacements to affected customers. Other models were not implicated, and later B41 units were revised. Among users and reviewers, the company’s handling of the recall is generally viewed as responsible and customer-focused.
\nIf you are purchasing used equipment or clearing old inventory, check serial numbers carefully and discontinue use of any recalled unit.
\nThis is the practical sweet spot for frequent travellers. With up to 100 watts of output, the B63 can charge laptops, tablets and gaming devices at full speed, not just phones.
\nIt is larger and heavier than the B41, but still manageable in a backpack. Iniu includes a protective pouch and a quality cable, small details that matter when travelling.
\nFor most users who need laptop-class charging, this is the most balanced option in the lineup.
\nOn paper, the B64 is impressive. With 140 watts of output, it can charge even a 16-inch MacBook Pro at full speed.
\nThe trade-off is weight. At more than 600 grams, it is heavy enough to be immediately noticeable in a bag. Unless you routinely need maximum output, the smaller B63 is usually the more practical choice.
\nThis model is best reserved for specialised use cases rather than everyday carry.
\nPower bank capacity labels are easy to misread. The mAh figure reflects the capacity of internal cells, not what your phone or laptop ultimately receives. Once voltage conversion and efficiency losses are factored in, real-world output is typically 20 to 30 per cent lower.
\nIndependent testing shows this is normal across brands. In controlled tests, Iniu’s charging efficiency has been found to be broadly comparable to similarly sized models from Mophie, while reviews of Iniu’s 25,000 mAh, 100W-class products report strong measured capacity relative to their labels. Results vary by model and batch, and not every unit meets its printed claim, but this variability is not unique to Iniu.
\nThe practical takeaway is simple: choose based on output, ports and warranty rather than headline mAh alone.
\nIniu does not outperform established brands such as Anker, Ugreen or Mophie across every dimension, but that is not its objective.
\nAnker and Ugreen tend to lead on industrial design, compactness and ecosystem depth, and they price accordingly. Mophie focuses heavily on retail presence and build quality, often at a premium relative to capacity and output.
\nIniu’s advantage is value. On a rough dollars-per-milliamp-hour basis, Iniu power banks are frequently priced 25 to 40 per cent below similarly specced models from Anker or Mophie, while delivering comparable usable capacity. The trade-off is slightly bulkier designs and fewer premium touches.
\nFor buyers who prioritise absolute compactness or brand continuity, Anker or Ugreen may be the safer choice. For those who care more about output, warranty and price efficiency, Iniu makes a compelling case.
\nAirline battery rules are frequently misunderstood.
\nPower banks must be packed in carry-on luggage only. They are prohibited in checked bags due to fire risk.
\nAirlines regulate batteries by watt-hours, not milliampere-hours.
\nThe common threshold for unrestricted carry-on approval is 100 watt-hours, though enforcement ultimately rests with airlines and security agents.
To convert milliampere-hours to watt-hours, multiply by 3.7 volts and divide by 1,000.
\nThe B63 (25,000 mAh) is rated at 92.5 Wh and is permitted.
\nThe B64 (27,000 mAh) is rated at 99.9 Wh and is permitted, but very close to the limit.
Travellers should ensure the watt-hour label is visible and be prepared for additional scrutiny.
\nA review of Reddit threads, YouTube reviews and independent testing sites reveals a consistent pattern.
\nWhere Iniu earns praise: strong value relative to price, modern charging standards across most models, and a three-year warranty that users report is honoured without unnecessary friction.
\nCommon caveats: older stock remains a risk if buyers are not careful, some smaller models show inconsistent behaviour late in their lifespan, and the 140-watt B64 can run warm under sustained maximum load, which is typical at that power level.
\nOverall sentiment trends positive, particularly around the B63 as a travel-friendly workhorse.
\nA good power bank is not glamorous, but it is indispensable. It is the difference between a dead phone and a solved problem, between missing a moment and capturing it.
\nIniu may lack brand recognition, but it delivers where it matters. For most people, the B41 or B63 strikes an excellent balance of performance, safety and price, making them among the most sensible small gifts you can give.
\nThis article was written independently. I received no compensation, products, discounts or incentives from Iniu, Amazon or any other retailer. No links referenced are affiliate links, and I receive no direct or indirect financial benefit from purchases made as a result of this post. All opinions expressed are based on publicly available information, independent testing and aggregated user feedback, and are shared solely for the benefit of readers.
\nKeywords: #technology #techreviews #gadgets #portablepower #powerbank #charging #traveltech #holidaygifts #giftideas #stockingstuffer #mobiletech #smartphones #laptops #usbC #powerdelivery #digitalnomad #frequenttraveler #canadiantech #consumertech #techblog #productreview #techrecommendations #workfromanywhere #travelgear #batterytech #everydaycarry #edc #techaccessories #valueformoney #techbuyers #holidayshopping #techjournalism #canadianblogger #techwriting
\n![](\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/255457/2025/chatgpt-image-dec-15-2025-at-09-32-01-am.png\")
",
"date_published": "2025-12-15T12:32:00-04:00",
"url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/12/15/the-most-useful-stocking-stuffer.html",
"tags": ["Personal \u0026 Culture"]
},
{
"id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/12/13/epic-games-store-leak-reveals.html",
"content_html": "\nA leak from the Epic Games Store has allegedly revealed plans for free game giveaways throughout December 2025, totaling nearly $300 in value. While the authenticity is unconfirmed, the list includes titles like Hogwarts Legacy, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Mortal Kombat 11.
\n", "date_published": "2025-12-13T22:32:00-04:00", "url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/12/13/epic-games-store-leak-reveals.html", "tags": ["Personal \u0026 Culture"] }, { "id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/11/02/police-across-canada-warn-parents.html", "content_html": "Police across Canada warn parents after morphine, staples, needles found in candy | Globalnews.ca
\nPolice across Canada are warning parents to carefully inspect Halloween candy after reports of morphine, needles, and staples found in treats in Ontario, B.C., and Saskatchewan. Authorities advise checking wrappers for tampering and reporting any suspicious items to the police.
\n", "date_published": "2025-11-02T16:22:00-04:00", "url": "https://kiledjian.com/2025/11/02/police-across-canada-warn-parents.html", "tags": ["Personal \u0026 Culture"] }, { "id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2025/05/12/book-summary-ghost-in-the.html", "title": "Book Summary: Ghost in the Wires: My Adventures as the World's Most Wanted Hacker by Kevin Mitnick", "content_html": "![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/1e4195d60f.jpg\")
\nMitnick's fascination with deception began in childhood, nurtured by a love of magic tricks and sleight of hand. His early interest in manipulating audiences evolved into social engineering — the art of manipulating people for information. By his teenage years, Mitnick was already gaining access to personal data using phone calls and learned to speak the lingo of employees at various institutions to establish trust.
\nMitnick exploited rudimentary digital systems at a time when cybersecurity was almost nonexistent. By impersonating authority figures and manipulating trust, he accessed DMV records and gained admin rights at private companies. His exploits caught the FBI's attention, but due to a lack of applicable laws and his age, he received only a warning.
\nA friend's ex-girlfriend retaliated by exposing Mitnick and his hacking partner to the authorities. Despite no personal or financial motive, Mitnick was sent to juvenile detention. His behaviour baffled judges unfamiliar with hacking as a thrill-seeking activity.
\nNow infamous in the IT community, Mitnick found a legitimate job with a phone company he had previously hacked. When his background came to light, he was let go. Mitnick returned to hacking, including breaching Santa Cruz Operations. Legal threats were dropped after Mitnick cooperated, resulting in probation.
\nMitnick met a hacker named Eric Hines, who turned out to be an FBI informant. Through wiretaps and counter-surveillance, Mitnick confirmed the trap and took steps to avoid arrest, including moving out and assuming a new identity.
\nMitnick kept a step ahead by eavesdropping on FBI calls and clearing his apartment of evidence. He relocated to Las Vegas under a new identity, cleverly obtaining legal documents under the name Eric Weiss, a nod to Harry Houdini.
\nA theft forced Mitnick to find real work. He created fake references and landed a job in Denver. Still, he continued hacking, this time targeting major mobile phone companies. When NEC discovered the breach, the FBI began closing in.
\nFired from his Denver job, Mitnick assumed a new identity in Seattle. Paranoia set in. Despite care, his phone cloning activity drew local police interest, escalating to the FBI. A former friend turned informant helped reveal his location. Mitnick fled to North Carolina but was finally captured.
\nCharged with massive offences, Mitnick faced exaggerated sentencing threats. The government pushed hard despite the lack of malicious intent or financial gain. Denied bail and basic rights, Mitnick became a cause célèbre. Public pressure helped him negotiate a plea deal: reduced damages, limited tech use, and monitored freedom. He served five years.
\nPost-release, Mitnick found a new purpose. He testified before the U.S. Senate, advised organizations on cybersecurity, and starred in a cameo on Alias. His writing and consulting career flourished, helping companies secure their systems legally — using the same skills he once employed to break them.
\nKevin Mitnick's story demonstrates the fine line between misuse and mastery of technology. A brilliant but misguided youth became a respected cybersecurity expert. His tale reminds us that sometimes, the best way to beat hackers is to hire one.
\nKeywords: #Cybersecurity #KevinMitnick #EthicalHacking #InfoSec #HackerLife #DigitalForensics #PenTesting #CyberCrime #SocialEngineering #NetworkSecurity #ITSecurity #DataBreach #CyberAwareness #SecurityConsulting #HackerEthics #WhiteHat #CyberLaw #DigitalIdentity #OnlineSecurity #ThreatIntelligence #FBI #ComputerForensics #TechHistory #HackingCulture #InformationSecurity #DigitalIntrusion #SecurityResearch #PublicAwareness #DigitalTransformation #CyberDefense #SecurityEducation #SystemBreach #CyberLegends #SecurityInnovation
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/b486eeb46d.jpg\")
\nAs we embrace the final days of 2024, I extend warm wishes to our global cybersecurity community. May this holiday season bring peace, security, and prosperity to all, whether you're celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or welcoming the upcoming Lunar New Year.Wishing you moments of joy and reflection as bright as the city lights that connect our digital world. In every language and across every tradition, may these days be filled with warmth, unity, and the spirit of collaboration that makes our cybersecurity community stronger.Here's to a secure and prosperous 2025! Joyeuses fêtes, Felices Fiestas, Buone feste, and Season's Greetings to all!
\nThis famous video (by Milton Friedman) illustrates the power and beauty of the free market system in promoting cooperation, efficiency, and harmony among people around the world using a simple pencil.
In Friedman's view, no individual on earth can make a pencil entirely by themselves. The wood is derived from a tree, perhaps located in Washington state. A saw is used to cut down the tree, which requires steel, which is derived from iron ore. The graphite core may originate from mines in South America. The eraser is made from rubber harvested from Malaysian trees. Brass ferrules and yellow paint have unknown origins. Thousands of people contribute to the manufacture of a pencil. It is remarkable that these people do not know each other and might even not like each other if they met. They may speak different languages and practice different religions. Yet they all cooperate and coordinate to produce pencils.
What is the mechanism that allows such a complex global collaboration to occur? As Friedman explains, it is a free market price system. Without any central planning authority, the pricing mechanism provides the information and incentives for people to work together productively.
By purchasing a pencil, you are effectively exchanging a small amount of your labour for the labour of thousands of other people, as facilitated by an impersonal price system. Friedman contends that the free market is essential for economic growth. In addition to promoting productivity efficiency by allocating resources intelligently, they also promote social harmony and peace among the world's diverse peoples.
Without central control, the free market allows people to cooperate and benefit from trading with one another. Friedman's simple story of the pencil serves as an effective metaphor for the incredibly complex global economy and how the free market coordinates production and trade in an unplanned, bottom-up manner for everyone's benefit.
The example illustrates Adam Smith's concept of the \"invisible hand\" and the interaction it facilitates between individuals and groups. The pencil illustrates how economic freedom leads to social harmony and cooperation.
Keywords : #MiltonFriedman #FreeMarkets #InvisibleHand #EconomicFreedom #Cooperation #Efficiency #Harmony #GlobalEconomy #AdamSmith #Capitalism
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/d3d6354ff8.jpg\")
\nA fascinating website called tree.fm allows users to listen to sounds recorded in forests worldwide. The site curates an audio library of nature's symphony that anyone can access to find a moment of peace or inspiration. The site was created by the organization Sounds of the Forest, which crowd-sourced recordings from people's local forests. The result is an eclectic collection of woodland reveries from locations as diverse as Malaysia's rainforests, Bosnia's oak groves, and Namibia's arid landscapes.
\nIt has been shown that even brief exposure to natural environments has surprising health benefits:
\nReduced stress, anxiety, depression, anger, and fatigue
Faster recovery times and less need for medication in hospital patients
Increased attention, memory, creativity, and cognitive performance
Viewing images of trees and greenscapes has also been associated with a positive mood and outlook.
\nThere is evidence that trees profoundly affect our mental and physical well-being, even though scientists do not fully understand the mechanisms behind these effects.
\nThe great thing about tree.fm is that it makes these benefits readily available to anyone with an internet connection. We cannot always make it out to a forest trail or park, but this platform brings peaceful nature scenes right to our ears. Whether you need assistance getting through a stressful day or just want to relax in the evenings, it provides a tranquil environment for relaxation, creativity, and concentration. In addition, it raises awareness about the threats to forests due to global development and climate change. Please take a moment to listen to tree.fm. Enjoy the sounds of rustling leaves, bird song, and rain dripping from trees. It is amazing what a few minutes of listening can do!
\n\nKeyworkds : #TreeFM #NatureSounds #MentalWellness #ForestTherapy #EcoAwareness #Relaxation #CreativeInspiration #GlobalForests #NatureLovers #DigitalWellbeing #SustainableLiving #Mindfulness #Soundscapes #EnvironmentalConservation
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/b9d8942c3b.jpg\")
\nThe global stage is set for what can be described as a historic year in electoral politics as we enter 2024. It is estimated that 4 billion people, nearly half the world's population, will participate in national elections across more than 50 countries. The significance of this event lies not only in the sheer volume of participants but also in its potential to shape global politics for many years to come.
\nThe following insights into some of the major elections around the world provide a glimpse into the diversity and significance of these political events:
\nTaiwan: The elections here are set against the backdrop of China's looming threat, with domestic issues like youth unemployment and rising costs also taking center stage.
El Salvador: Controversial decisions, such as adopting Bitcoin as legal tender and a militarized approach to gang violence, have marked the country's political landscape.
Pakistan: The election scenario is complex, with a history of military coups and legal challenges for former prime ministers.
Indonesia: The election sees a contest between various candidates, including a defence minister accused of human rights violations.
Iran: After the death of Mahsa Amini, the elections came at a time of significant public disaffection.
Russia: With President Putin's long-standing rule, the election's conduct and reported margins will be closely watched.
India: The world's largest democracy heads into elections, with the current Prime Minister's party in a strong position.
Mexico: The country is potentially poised to elect its first female president.
European Union: The European Parliament election will reflect the continent's political direction, with nationalist and populist parties gaining ground in several countries.
United States: A highly anticipated presidential election with global implications, particularly regarding support for Ukraine and relations with China.
South Africa: The African National Congress may not gain a majority for the first time since apartheid's end.
Venezuela: The election comes amid a socioeconomic crisis and concerns about electoral integrity.
United Kingdom: The election could see a shift in power, with the Labour Party potentially ending years of Conservative rule.
As a result of interconnected global issues such as immigration, economic insecurity, and regional stability, this year's elections may have broader implications than just the countries in which they are held. The outcome of these elections will likely have a lasting impact on international relations and global policy.
\n\nKeywords: #Elections2024 #GlobalPolitics #InternationalRelations #PoliticalDiversity #HistoricYear #Democracy #WorldwideElections #GlobalImplications #PoliticalInsights #Vote202
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/043c020bdf.jpg\")
\nWith Tunefind, fans can explore iconic soundtracks, uncover behind-the-scenes stories, and connect with their favourite cinematic moments through music. Become a part of the musical journey today.
\nMusic has long played a prominent role in movies and television shows in evoking emotions, enhancing storytelling, and creating unforgettable moments. Recognizing the importance of music in the cinematic experience, Tunefind has evolved into a distinguished platform that celebrates the magic of music in film and television, allowing fans to discover and explore the soundtracks that enrich their favourite movies.
\nSince its inception in 2005, Tunefind has established itself as the premier music source from television, movies, and video games. Whether it is an infectious tune from a movie trailer or a poignant ballad from an intense television scene, the platform's mission is to assist fans in finding songs that resonate with them, from Guardians of the Galaxy mixtapes to Orange is the New Black emotional tracks.
\nTunefind has provided exclusive interviews with music supervisors, behind-the-scenes accounts of significant music moments, and round-ups of the most popular songs and artists on its platform over the years. In addition to providing insights into the creative process that shapes the soundtracks of our favourite films and television shows, the platform's blog has developed into a destination for music enthusiasts.
\nThere was an exciting feature describing the soundtrack's success to \"To All The Boys I've Loved Before.\" During the panel discussion, the film's music supervisors, Laura Webb and Lindsay Wolfington, discussed their experiences in curating the perfect soundtrack for the teen romance, highlighting the importance of music in telling a story. Following the film's release, the soundtrack gained popularity, driving traffic and inspiring viewers to discover new artists and songs.
\nAs an integral part of the cinematic experience, Tunefind strongly believes music plays a significant role. As part of the platform, fans can discover the soundtracks that make their favourite moments irreplaceable. As Tunefind continues to grow and evolve, it invites enthusiasts to join them on this journey of musical discovery. Tunefind promises more exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and curated playlists that celebrate the power of music in film and television.
\nTunefind welcomes casual viewers and die-hard fans, encouraging them to explore the world of music in film and television. Viewers may find the perfect soundtrack for their journey in life as the melodies guide them through the narratives they hold dear.
\n\nKeywords : #MusicInMovies #MusicInTV #Tunefind #FilmSoundtracks #TVSoundtracks #MovieMusic #CinematicExperience #EmotionsInMusic #Storytelling #IconicTracks #GuardiansOfTheGalaxy #OrangeIsTheNewBlack #MusicDiscovery #MusicSupervisors #BehindTheScenes #PopularSongs #MusicEnthusiasts #CreativeProcess #ToAllTheBoysIveLovedBefore #SoundtrackSuccess #MusicMoments #FilmAndTVPlaylists #MusicalJourney #CasualViewers #DieHardFans #MelodiesInNarratives #LifeSoundtrack
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/ab130746e8.jpg\")
\nDiscover the Armenian people's rich history, authentic Christian traditions, and resilient spirit as we explore their ancient roots, cultural heritage, and timeless tapestry of endurance.
\nFor millennia, the Armenian people have cultivated their unique culture in the highlands surrounding the biblical mountains of Ararat. Among the oldest continuous ethnic groups on earth, Armenians boast a fascinating history that weaves together ancient roots, authentic Christian beliefs, and time-honoured traditions.
\nArchaeological discoveries in the Armenian Highlands have shed light on the region's early history as a center of human civilization. For example, a 1.7-million-year-old fossil human skull with African ancestry has been discovered during excavations, indicating that the region was significant in the evolution of humanity.
\nArmenia was first mentioned in Urartian inscriptions in the 8th century BC. From these early beginnings, the Armenian people have developed their identity and culture, which are reflected in their unique language. Consequently, Armenian is classified as an independent branch of the Indo-European language family, emphasizing the distinctive nature of its cultural heritage.
\nArmenian Apostolic (Orthodox) Church plays an important role in the lives of many Armenians, having preserved numerous original ceremonies and traditions from early Christianity. Notably, Armenia became the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 AD, further highlighting the nation's unique cultural heritage.
\nGenetic research has demonstrated that the Armenian people are indigenous to historical Armenia. Because there has been little to no evidence of admixture since the 13th century BC, the Armenian genetic continuity spanning over 6,000 years is a testament to the resilience and endurance of the Armenian people throughout history.
\nVarious artistic forms reflect Armenia's ancient culture, including architecture, painting, and sculpture. It is also evident in the nation's contributions to history, including the world's oldest winery discovered in an Armenian cave dating back to 4100 BC and various contemporary inventions.
\nThe oldest-known winery was discovered in the \"Areni-1\" cave in Vayots Dzor, Armenia. Dated to c. 4100 BC, the site contained a wine press, fermentation vats, jars, and cups.
\nDespite numerous challenges and oppressors over the centuries, including the devastating Armenian Genocide, the Armenian people have preserved their culture, traditions, and Christian faith. Armenian Apostolic Churches, in particular, have maintained many early Christian practices, such as the liturgy of the 4th century and the celebration of Christmas on January 6th, coinciding with the ancient Epiphany festival.
\nThe Armenian people are known for their rich history, ancient roots, and authentic Christian traditions that have created a tapestry of cultural heritage that has survived the test of time. Throughout our exploration of their remarkable past, we continue to be impressed by their resilience and strength.
\nKeywords: #ArmenianHistory #AncientRoots #ChristianTraditions #CulturalHeritage #ArmenianHighlands #ArmenianApostolicChurch #Resilience #WorldsOldestWinery #ArmenianGenocide #TimelessTapestry #AraratMountains #IndoEuropeanLanguage #ArmenianCulture #AuthenticChristianity #ArmenianArt #ArmenianInventions #ArmenianOrthodox #ArmenianIdentity #HistoricalArmenia #CulturalLegacy #ArmenianPreservation #ArmenianEndurance
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/0cdd02c9d5.jpg\")
\nExplore Armenia's rich winemaking heritage and the world's oldest winery, Areni-1, as we explore the nation's cultural roots and the revival of its wine industry. Discover fascinating wine facts and the ancient techniques Armenian wineries embrace today.
\nArmenia, a country with a long history and deep cultural roots, is home to the world's oldest winery, Areni-1 Winery. The ancient winery, discovered in 2007, dates back over 6,100 years and is preserved in the darkness of a cave.
\nWine Fun Facts:
\nPer recent molecular archaeology research, the French learned to make wine from the Italians around 425 BC.
There are nearly 65,000 wine producers worldwide, with around 14,000 of those producers located within the U.S.
The sense of smell is over 10,000 times more sensitive than the sense of taste, so smelling is the most important aspect of enjoying wine.
The juice of 600 to 800 grapes is contained in a 75cl bottle of wine.
It was centuries ago that people drank wine instead of water because the water was not always clean, and natural fermentation made wine safer to consume
As a result of the discovery of the winery, a new light has been shed on Armenia's long-standing tradition of winemaking, which has been an integral part of the nation's culture and identity for many years.
\nThere is a wine press for crushing grapes, a fermentation area, and a cellar-like storage area at Areni-1 Winery. The presence of malvidin, the pigment found in red wine, further confirms the site's winemaking history. An ancient winery like this is a testament to the perseverance of Armenian culture and the art of winemaking, which has been handed down from generation to generation.
\nArmenia's wine industry has experienced a renaissance in recent years, despite numerous challenges, including the Soviet era's focus on brandy production. Armenian winemaking has been propelled into the 21st century by the emergence of wineries such as ArmAs and Zorah, which embrace the region's ancient techniques and storied wine culture.
\nArmenia's oldest winery, Areni-1, symbolizes the nation's rich winemaking heritage and is a testament to its resilience and innovation. The Armenian wine industry continues to grow and evolve, but preserving and celebrating its ancient roots is important.
\nKeywords: #Armenia #OldestWinery #Areni1Winery #WineHistory #CulturalRoots #WineFacts #WinemakingTradition #ArmenianWineIndustry #AncientTechniques #WineCulture #Resilience #Innovation #WineLovers #ArmenianHeritage #WineArchaeology #ArmenianWineries #ArmAs #ZorahWinery #WineTasting #HistoricWinery #WinePress #WineFermentation #AncientWine #ArmenianRenaissance
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/9bf2a49738.jpg\")
\nIt is the responsibility of the Canadian Ethics Commissioner, an independent officer of Parliament, to ensure that federal public officeholders and public officeholders in certain other organizations adhere to the Conflict-of-Interest Act and the Conflict-of-Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons.
\nThe Ethics Commissioner's role is to provide confidential advice and guidance to public officeholders on avoiding conflicts of interest and investigating alleged violations of the conflict of interest rules. Also, the Ethics Commissioner may make recommendations to the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the House of Commons, or other officials regarding possible violations of the rules and make public reports on investigations and findings.
\nEven though the Ethics Commissioner has the authority to investigate and make recommendations, they cannot enforce their decisions or impose penalties on public officeholders who violate conflict of interest rules. In response to the Commissioner's findings, other bodies, such as the courts or Parliament, are responsible for taking action.
\nAs a whole, the Canadian Ethics Commissioner's role is to promote transparency and accountability in the government by ensuring that public officeholders act in the public interest and avoid conflicts of interest. The Commissioner does not have direct enforcement powers, but their findings can have significant political and reputational ramifications for those holding public office.
\nA recent investigation:
\nThe Canadian Ethics Commissioner recently investigated the conduct of former Minister of Finance Bill Morneau. Morneau was found not to have repaid travel expenses paid by WE Charity for trips he and his family took to Kenya and Ecuador in 2017. We Charity, which had been awarded a government contract to administer a student grant program, had close ties to Morneau.
\nMorneau was investigated by the Ethics Commissioner and found to have violated the Conflict of Interest Act by not recusing himself from discussions regarding the WE Charity contract and not disclosing his affiliation with the organization. In addition, Morneau failed to disclose the gift of travel expenses from WE Charity, violating the Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons.
\nAs a result of the investigation, Morneau resigned as Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament. In addition to its political implications, the Ethics Commissioner's findings led to a loss of public trust in the government due to the controversy surrounding the WE Charity contract and Morneau's conduct.
\nCounter argument:
\nWhile the Ethics Commissioner's findings may have led to a loss of public trust in the government, it is important to note that Morneau resigned voluntarily and was not removed from his position by the Prime Minister or the Liberal Party. Additionally, the Ethics Commissioner's report did not find that Morneau acted illegally or that he had broken any laws.
\n\nKeywords: Canadian Ethics Commissioner, role, power, responsibilities.
\n[caption id="" align=“alignnone” width=“7640”] Photo by Annie Spratt [/caption]
Indoor plants provide many benefits to your home. As well as improving indoor air quality, providing fresh oxygen, and reducing stress, they can help you relax. Plants can also boost your mood and make your home feel more positive. Additionally, indoor plants can help purify the air of toxins and chemicals. As well as reducing noise levels, they create a more peaceful environment. Last but not least, indoor plants can increase your home's value. Consider adding some indoor plants to your home if you're looking for a way to improve your indoor air quality, reduce stress, and boost your mood.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/2b4e94b0fb.jpg" alt="">\nSnake plants, spider plants, and peace lilies are three easy indoor plants that produce lush foliage and clean the air. Snake plants thrive in low light and release oxygen at night, making them perfect for bedrooms. Spider plants are easy to care for and they filter out toxins. Peace lilies are also easy to grow and have beautiful white flowers. These plants require minimal care and will improve your home's indoor air quality.
\nChecking the soil moisture level is one way to figure out how much water an indoor plant needs. Insert it about two inches into the potting mix. Water the plant if the mix feels dry. Wait a few days before watering again if the mix is still moist. You can also look at the leaves to figure out how much water an indoor plant needs. The plant needs more water if the leaves are wilting or drooping. Too much water will make the leaves yellow or brown.
\nFertilizer gives indoor plants the nutrients they need to grow. Different plants need different kinds of fertilizer, so it's important to choose the right one. Nitrogen fertilizer is the most common type of fertilizer for leafy plants. Fertilizer with phosphorus is suitable for flowering plants, and fertilizer with potassium is suitable for fruit and vegetables. All of these fertilizers are available at nurseries and garden centers.
\n [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="3456"]<img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/ace49cc942.jpg" alt=" Photo by Gabriel Jimenez "> Photo by Gabriel Jimenez [/caption] \nYou'll need to know the size of your plant to figure out how much fertilizer to apply. For every square foot of plant space, use one pound of fertilizer. It would take 10 pounds of fertilizer to fertilize a 10-square-foot plant. Once you've decided how much fertilizer to use, you can apply it to the soil. Make sure you follow the directions on the fertilizer package. Fertilizers can damage your plants if you apply too much.
\nIf you're not sure what kind of fertilizer to use, ask a nursery employee. They can usually recommend the right fertilizer for your plants. They can also help you with questions about fertilizer application.
\nIndoor plants need bright, indirect light to grow. When you don't have a lot of natural light in your house, you can grow plants under artificial lights. Plants grow best under fluorescent lights. Incandescent lights are also an option, but they're less efficient and produce more heat.
\nPlants need 14-16 hours of light a day if they're grown under artificial lights. Turning the lights on and off with a timer will do the trick. During the winter months, when there's less natural light, you may need to keep the lights on 16-18 hours a day.
\nSunlight can damage most indoor plants. Too much direct sunlight will burn the leaves. You should only put plants in the sun for a few hours a day if they need direct sunlight. It's best to give your plants bright, indirect light.
\nHere are 10 tips for taking care of indoor plants:
\nWater your plant thoroughly, making sure the soil is soaked.
Make sure your plant gets plenty of indirect light.
Keep an eye on your plant's water needs, as overwatering or underwatering can be bad for it.
Give your plant a light feeding once a week with a water-soluble fertilizer.
Check your plant regularly for pests or diseases and take action if needed.
In enclosed spaces, make sure your plant has enough ventilation.
You may need to add supplemental humidity if you're growing a tropical plant.
Don't shock your plant with sudden temperature changes or light changes.
Make sure your plant is pruned as needed to keep it healthy and shaped.
You'll enjoy your new indoor plant for many years if you take care of it
Keywords: indoor plants, plant care, watering, light, fertilizer, pests, disease, humidity, tropical plants, pruning
\nDescription: Taking care of indoor plants doesn't have to be difficult. By following a few simple tips, you can keep your plants healthy and thriving. Watering, lighting, and fertilizing are the key components of plant care. Be sure to inspect your plants regularly for pests or diseases and take appropriate action if necessary. With proper care, your new indoor plant will thrive and bring you enjoyment for many years to come.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/1c733e66a9.jpg\")
\nWe live in a world that is moving faster and faster, and it is normal to feel like you can't slow down or relax. For many this constant hustle is a constant source of stress.
\nWhen we feel stressed, our bodies go into fight-or-flight mode. This is an evolutionary response that helped our ancestors survive when they were faced with a dangerous situations. In today's world, the problem is that we are constantly bombarded with stressors (work deadlines, traffic jams, financial worries, etc.), which keep our bodies in a state of high alert. This can lead to several problems, both mental and physical.
\nMentally, stress can cause anxiety, depression, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. It can also make it hard to make decisions and remember things.
\nPhysically, stress can cause headaches, muscle tension, stomach problems, sleep issues, and high blood pressure. Additionally, chronic stress has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
\nFortunately, there are many things you can do to reduce your stress levels and protect your health. Some of these include getting enough rest and exercise, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation, eating a healthy diet, and spending time with people who make you feel good.
\nOne way to reduce stress is to use soothing sounds throughout the day. Enter a site called Forrest Sounds. From its sparse webpage, it links to user-recorded forest sounds from around the world.
\nYou can listen to:
\nWood Buffalo National Park, near Pine Lake, Alberta, CANADA with the song of a bird
Jarbidge Wilderness, Nevada, USA with the sound of a river flowing gently
Japurana, Nova Bandeirantes, Mato Grosso, BRAZIL with the sounds of various birds singing and pecking
Sinaraja Rainforest, SRI LANKA
The effects of relaxing sounds on stress are well-documented. Studies have shown that listening to soothing sounds like those found on Forrest Sounds can help lower blood pressure and heart rate, reduce muscle tension, improve sleep quality, and promote feelings of calm and relaxation. Additionally, studies have shown that these sounds can help ease anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms. If you are looking for a way to reduce your stress levels, give Forrest Sounds a try!
\n\nSources:
\n1. \"The Effects of Relaxing Sounds on Stress\", Psychology Today, [www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/o...](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/our-humanity-naturally/201606/the-effects-relaxing-sounds-stress)
\n2. \"How Sound Can Help Reduce Stress\", Healthline, [www.healthline.com/health/ho...](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-sound-can-help-reduce-stress)
\n3. \"The Science of Stress Relief: What Really Works\", Harvard Health Publishing, [www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-...](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-science-of-stress-relief-what-really-works-201506178096)
\n4. \"How to Reduce Stress Naturally\", Medical News Today, [www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/...](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322143.php)
\n\nkeywords: reducing stress, fight-or-flight response, relaxation techniques, healthy diet, soothing sounds
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/d9c9d96d3e.jpg\")
\nThe World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations concerned with international public health. It was established in 1948, and its headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland.
\nThe WHO's stated goal is \"to build a better, healthier future for people all over the world.\" It does this by providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries, and monitoring and assessing health trends.
\nThe WHO is governed by the World Health Assembly, a forum for member states to discuss and debate health issues. The Assembly elects the WHO's Executive Board, which is responsible for overseeing the organization's administrative affairs. The WHO also has a Secretariat, which is responsible for carrying out the decisions of the Assembly and the Executive Board.
\nThe WHO's work is organized into six primary programs: Communicable Diseases, Non-communicable Diseases, Promoting health through the Life-Course, Preparedness, Response and Research, Health Systems and Innovation, and Universal Health Coverage.
\nNo single country is responsible for providing financial support to the WHO; instead, its funding comes from assessed and voluntary contributions from member states.
\nThe WHO structure includes six regional offices and a network of more than 150 country offices. The organization counts a staff of over 7,000 people from more than 150 countries. In addition, it works closely with many other international organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), UNICEF, and the World Bank.
\nThe WHO has been instrumental in helping to reduce global death rates from infectious diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, measles, and polio. It has also helped alleviate health issues such as malnutrition, undernutrition, and non-communicable diseases like diabetes.
\nWhile the WHO has been successful in many of its efforts over the years, it also faces new challenges. For example, it works to improve health systems and promote universal health coverage in more than 150 countries. The organization aims to reduce premature death from cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases. In addition, the WHO is working to reduce deaths from injuries like road accidents and suicides.
\nDespite these challenges, the WHO has been instrumental in improving global health. Its work has saved countless lives and helped improve the quality of life for millions of people worldwide. The organization will continue to play a vital role in global health in the years to come.
\nkeywords: world health organization, global health issues, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, universal health coverage
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/d9af51b2d5.jpg\")
\nXi Jinping is the president of China and is widely regarded as one of the most influential leaders in Chinese history. He was born into a rural peasant family in 1953 and went on to study political science at Tsinghua University in Beijing. After graduating, Xi entered politics and quickly rose through the ranks due to his skillful leadership abilities and keen understanding of Chinese politics.
\nIn 2002, Xi became the governor of Fujian province, where he successfully implemented several economic reforms that helped boost local growth. Two years later, he was promoted to become the party secretary of Zhejiang province, where he remained until 2007. During this time, Xi proved himself to be an effective leader who implemented innovative ideas that brought economic success to the region.
\nIn 2007, Xi was elected as the party secretary of Shanghai, one of China’s most important economic hubs. He remained in this position until 2012 when he was appointed as the vice president of China. In 2013, Xi became the president of China after being unanimously elected by the National People’s Congress.
\nSince becoming president, Xi has implemented several significant reforms across China. He has cracked down on corruption, reduced poverty levels, and improved environmental conditions. He has also liberalized China’s economy and increased its global trade ties. Under Xi’s leadership, China has become one of the world’s most powerful nations, both economically and politically.
\nDespite his successes, Xi has also faced several challenges during his time as president. He has been criticized for his heavy-handed approach to leadership, which some argue threatens political stability in China. Additionally, many have expressed concerns over the growing economic inequalities that have emerged under Xi’s rule. Nevertheless, despite these challenges, Xi is generally seen as a successful and effective leader who has played an important role in helping modernize China and making it a global power.
\nOne of Xi Jinping's key priorities has been to crack down on the Uyghurs, a predominantly Muslim ethnic minority group in China. This crackdown is driven by several factors, including concerns over rising terrorism and religious extremism within the Uyghur community. Additionally, many analysts believe that Xi is seeking to consolidate his power by targeting groups that threaten stability in China, such as the Uyghurs. Finally, some experts argue that Xi's actions are part of a broader effort by the Chinese government to exert greater control over minority groups and suppress dissent. Despite these criticisms, Xi will continue his crackdown on the Uyghurs for the foreseeable future as he seeks to maintain his hold on power and keep China stable.
\nThe Uyghurs are an ethnic minority group who predominantly live in China's Xinjiang region. They have their language and culture but have faced significant discrimination and persecution by the Chinese government.
\nSeveral minority groups live in China, including the Uyghurs, Tibetans, and Mongols. Each group has its language and culture, but they have often faced discrimination and persecution by the Chinese government due to their ethnic backgrounds. This has led many members of these groups to call for greater autonomy or even independence from China. Despite these grievances, Xi Jinping will continue to suppress minority rights as part of his broader crackdown on dissent within China.
\nIn 2008, Xi Jinping played a key role in securing China's hosting of the Olympic Games. This was seen as an important milestone for China and a testament to the country's growing global influence under Xi's leadership.
\nDuring this time, Xi was appointed as vice president of China and became one of the country's most prominent political figures. He was seen as instrumental in helping China prepare for the Olympics, spearheading efforts to improve air quality and infrastructure across many parts of the country.
\nXi's successful effort to host the Olympics drew praise from many worldwide, cementing his reputation as an effective leader with strong international ties. However, critics argued that this focus on foreign affairs came at the expense of domestic policy issues in China, such as economic inequality and human rights abuses. Nevertheless, Xi's success in securing the Olympics remains a key part of his legacy as president.
\nXi Jinping has taken a hardline stance on Taiwan, a self-governing island China considers part of its territory. This has led to increased tensions between China and Taiwan and strained relations with the United States, which is a key ally of Taiwan.
\nUnder Xi's leadership, China has sought to isolate Taiwan diplomatically and economically to pressure the island into accepting Chinese sovereignty. This has caused significant hardship for the people of Taiwan, who have seen their economy suffer due to Beijing's actions. Additionally, this hardline stance has also led to increased militarization in the region, as both China and Taiwan have sought to bolster their militaries in preparation for a potential conflict.
\nDuring his time as president, Xi Jinping has pursued a more assertive foreign policy, particularly toward the Philippines. This can be seen in China's militarization of the South China Sea, where it has engaged in territorial disputes with the Philippines over control of several islands and vital shipping routes.
\nAs tensions between China and the Philipines continue to escalate, many analysts expect that this dispute will become one of the defining issues of Xi's presidency as he seeks to solidify China's position as a global power.
\nChina has long sought to gain control of the South China Sea, arguing that it is historically part of its territory. This claim has been met with significant pushback from other countries in the region, including Vietnam and the Philippines, which also have territorial claims over parts of this area.
\nThe South China Sea is strategically important due to its location near several key shipping routes and its rich natural resources, such as oil and gas deposits. As a result, there has been a great deal of competition for control over these islands and waterways.
\nUnder Xi Jinping's leadership, China has stepped up its efforts to gain greater control over these areas. This includes an increased military presence in the region and investments aimed at securing access to these vital shipping routes.
\nXi Jinping is often compared to his predecessor, Jiang Zemin. Both leaders oversaw significant economic growth in China and worked to solidify the country's position on the global stage. However, there are some notable differences between their approaches to leadership.
\nXi has taken a more assertive stance on foreign policy issues, particularly the South China Sea dispute. Additionally, Xi has sought to centralize power within the Chinese Communist Party, whereas Jiang allowed for a greater degree of internal competition within the party. Finally, Xi has taken a harder line on dissent and increased media censorship, while Jiang was more tolerant of criticism.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/18a4dc50e2.jpg\")
\nVladimir Putin was born in Leningrad, Russia, on October 7th, 1952. His father was a factory worker, and his mother worked as a nurse. During his childhood, he experienced many hardships living during the Soviet Union era when food shortages were common and living with political turmoil at home. He grew up admiring Joseph Stalin and dreamed of being an intelligence officer like him in the KGB (Komitet Gosudarstvennoy Bezopasnosti). He achieved his goal by joining the KGB right after high school, where he quickly rose through the ranks and became one of the youngest officers to be appointed at headquarters in Moscow.
\nIn 1985, as communism was starting to lose its grip on power, Putin was sent to work in Dresden, East Germany. He worked there right before the fall of the Berlin Wall and experienced first-hand how divided Germany was at that time. He witnessed the protests against communism and started to feel disillusioned with the system he had previously believed in so strongly.
\nAfter returning from East Germany, Putin became heavily involved in politics when Boris Yeltsin rose to power after Mikhail Gorbachev was ousted as leader of the Soviet Union. Putin became Chief Adviser for Yeltsin’s government in 1996 and helped him consolidate his power as president until 1998, when Yeltsin appointed him Deputy Chief of Staff. By 1999, he was named Prime Minister under Yeltsin’s presidency, but he quickly began to consolidate power for himself.
\nIn 2000, Putin was elected President of Russia after Yeltsin resigned. He then began to change the Russian Constitution to stay in power for as long as he wanted. In 2008, he was re-elected for a second term and served until 2012, when he stepped down due to term limits. He then became Prime Minister again and remained in that position until 2018, when he was elected President for a fourth term.
\nUnder Putin’s leadership, Russia has become a major world power once again. His policies have been controversial, but there is no doubt that he has changed the course of Russian history. He has been praised for restoring Russian pride and fighting against Western imperialism, but he is also criticized for his aggressive foreign policy, authoritarian rule at home, and questionable human rights record. Regardless of how history will judge him, Putin’s life story continues to fascinate the world.
\nThe KGB, or Komitet Gosudarstvennoy Bezopasnosti, was the main intelligence and security agency of the Soviet Union. It was responsible for conducting espionage, counter-espionage, and monitoring internal and external threats to national security. Vladimir Putin joined the KGB right after high school and worked his way up through its ranks until he eventually became one of its most senior officers at headquarters in Moscow. He had a long career in the KGB, which helped shape his views on politics and foreign relations.
\nThe Soviet Union was a socialist state in Eurasia from 1922 until its collapse in 1991. It was made up of 15 Soviet republics and included many different ethnic groups and languages, but the country's official language was Russian. The economy of the Soviet Union relied heavily on industrialization, agriculture, and mining, but it also struggled with underdevelopment and poverty during its later years.
\nThe USSR collapsed mainly due to growing political and economic instability brought about by internal dissent, an arms race with the West, and popular revolutions in neighbouring countries. By the late 1980s, protests against Soviet rule became widespread across the country, and Mikhail Gorbachev, who was the leader, tried to introduce reforms that would modernize and liberalize the economy and preserve the communist rule. However, these reforms were ultimately unsuccessful, and by 1991 the Soviet Union had dissolved entirely.
\nSoviet communism differed from Chinese communism in several key ways. For one, the Soviet Union was a highly centralized state with heavy government control over all aspects of economic and political life, whereas China was more decentralized and allowed for some degree of private enterprise. Additionally, the leaders in power in each country had very different ideological beliefs and approaches to governing. While both countries were communist states with socialist economies, they did not always see eye to eye on issues such as foreign policy or human rights. However, many of their differences stemmed from their unique historical contexts and experiences.
\nThe relationship between China and Russia is a complex one. They are two of the world’s largest countries and share a long border, but they have had different experiences under communism. After the Soviet Union collapsed, Russia turned to the West while China continued to develop its brand of socialism. However, in recent years, their relationship has been strengthening as they both seek to challenge Western hegemony. They are now allies in many international organizations and often cooperate on trade, energy, and security.
\nStalin was one of the most influential leaders of the Soviet Union and played a major role in developing the Russian economy. He was born Joseph Vissarionovich Dzhugashvili on December 21, 1879, in Gori, Georgia. Stalin’s early life was difficult, and his childhood experiences would shape much of his later actions as leader of the Soviet Union. Stalin had to drop out of school due to health problems and poverty when he was young. His father abandoned him, which forced him to become self-sufficient at an early age. He worked various jobs to support himself, including selling goods on street corners.
\nIn 1900, Stalin moved to Tbilisi, where he met a fellow revolutionary named Sergei Kirov. Stalin and Kirov became close friends and started working together as Marxist revolutionaries. By 1914, Stalin had become a prominent member of the Bolsheviks and was arrested for his revolutionary activities. He was exiled to Siberia but managed to escape in 1917 after the Russian Revolution.
\nAfter the Russian Revolution, Stalin quickly rose through the ranks of the Communist Party and eventually took control over the Soviet Union during Lenin’s illness. One of his first acts as a leader was to implement a series of economic policies to modernize Russia. These policies helped transform Russia from an agrarian society into a global superpower. Although these policies provided short-term benefits, they also caused widespread famine throughout Russia that is believed to have cost millions of lives.
\nDuring World War II, Stalin played a pivotal role in defeating Nazi Germany. He worked closely with U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to coordinate the Allied effort against Hitler. After the war, Stalin’s relations with the West quickly deteriorated as he began to implement policies designed to expand Soviet control over Eastern Europe. This led to the Cold War, a period of tension and conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union that lasted for almost 50 years.
\nUnder Stalin’s rule, the Soviet Union underwent rapid industrialization and became one of the most powerful nations in the world. However, the brutal methods he ruled with also resulted in the death of millions of people. Stalin died on March 5, 1953, at the age of 73. Although he is often criticized for his brutal dictatorship, Stalin’s legacy continues to be debated by historians and political analysts.
\nBoth Stalin and Putin were born into poverty and had to drop out of school due to financial difficulties.
Both men rose to power through the Communist Party and played a significant role in shaping the Soviet Union.
Stalin and Putin both implemented policies that helped modernize their respective countries.
Both leaders are known for their brutal methods of rule and for the millions of people who died during their time in power.
![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/9d86901731.jpg\")
\n\n\nNext I’m buying Coca-Cola to put the cocaine back in
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 28, 2022\n
Coca-cola was first created in the late 1800s by John Pemberton, a pharmacist from Atlanta, Georgia. At this time in history, cocaine was a popular recreational drug and could be found in many different products at one time or another. One of these products was Coca-Cola.
\nInitially, Coca-Cola did contain cocaine. This was a selling point for the product, as people believed it would give them energy like caffeine does now. However, by 1903, all traces of cocaine had been removed from Coca-Cola and replaced with another substance called 'Merchandise 7X'.
\nMerchandise 7X is a mixture of coca leaves, alcohol, and lime. It does not contain any cocaine and is safe to consume. Coca-Cola has not contained cocaine since 1903, and there are no plans to add it back into the recipe. The decision to remove cocaine from Coca-Cola was made for health and marketing reasons.
\nToday, Coca-Cola is one of the most popular soft drinks globally. It is sold in more than 200 countries and made by The Coca-Cola Company, its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.
\nkeywords: coca-cola, cocaine, history, Coke, Cola, Elon, Musk
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/b13c923a77.jpg\")
\nLibertarianism is a political philosophy that upholds liberty as its principal objective. Libertarians seek to maximize autonomy and freedom of choice, emphasizing political freedom, voluntary association and the importance of property rights.
\nLibertarianism developed in the 18th century out of a desire to defend individual liberty from state encroachment. It was influenced by classical liberal thinkers such as John Locke and Jean-Baptiste Say. Libertarianism first became a distinct political movement in the mid-19th century, when it began to advocate for laissez-faire economic policies.
\nFamous libertarians include John Stuart Mill, Friedrich Hayek and Milton Friedman. Libertarianism is generally associated with right-wing politics, although there are some left-libertarians.
\nLibertarianism is a broad church with many different schools of thought within it. However, there are some core beliefs that all libertarians share. These include a belief in individual liberty, limited government, free markets and property rights.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/61b8533ff6.jpg\")
\nThe European Union is an economic and political union of 78 member states located primarily in Europe. The EU was created in the aftermath of World War II to promote peace and stability throughout the continent. It has grown over the years to become one of the largest economic blocs in the world, with a combined GDP of over $16 trillion.
\nThe EU has several supranational institutions that wield considerable power, such as the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the European Court of Justice. However, each member state still maintains a high degree of sovereignty, and there are several areas in which the EU does not have jurisdiction. For example, defence and foreign policy are still primarily the domain of individual member states.
\nTo become a member of the EU, a country must first meet several economic and political criteria. Once these criteria are met, the country must then undergo a lengthy process of negotiations in order to join the Union.
\nThe European Union has several requirements that must be met in order for a country to become a member. These requirements are known as the Copenhagen Criteria and include:
\nA stable democracy that respects the rule of law and human rights
A functioning free market economy
The ability to take on the responsibilities of membership, including adherence to the EU’s common policies
In addition, a country must also be willing to join the euro currency in order to become a member of the EU.
There are several benefits that come with being a member of the European Union. These benefits include:
Access to the EU’s single market, which allows for the free movement of goods, capital, services, and people
Membership in the euro currency zone
Receiving structural and financial assistance from the EU
Being part of a large political and economic bloc with considerable clout on the global stage
There are also several drawbacks to being a member of the European Union. These drawbacks include:
\nHaving to adhere to strict EU regulations
Contributing to the EU budget
Giving up certain aspects of sovereignty
Potential for conflict with other members states
A number of countries founded the European Union in the aftermath of World War II. These countries include:
\nBelgium
France
Germany
Italy
Luxembourg
The Netherlands
-Portugal
The most recent countries to join the European Union are Croatia, which joined in 2013, and Romania and Bulgaria, which joined in 2007.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/3ea471058f.jpg\")
\nThe British Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 member states. Most are former territories of the British Empire, but several members have never been under British rule, such as Mozambique and Rwanda. The Commonwealth's membership spans the globe, representing 2.4 billion people, making it the world's most prominent political association after the United Nations.
\nThe Commonwealth is not a political union like the European Union, and its members are sovereign nations that retain complete control over their internal affairs. However, the member states cooperate on a range of issues, such as trade, education, and defence. The Commonwealth also has its own institutions, including the Secretariat (its headquarters), the Commonwealth Games, and the Commonwealth Bank.
\nThe modern Commonwealth traces its origins back to the British Empire. After World War II, many of Britain's colonies became independent nations, but they chose to remain part of the Commonwealth out of a shared sense of heritage and identity. Today, the Commonwealth is an important force for good globally, promoting democracy, development, and human rights.
\nThe Commonwealth is a voluntary association of independent states, so no one person or country leads the organization. Instead, it operates on the principle of consensus, which means that decisions are only made if all member states agree to them.
\nHowever, the Commonwealth does have a few formal institutions, such as the Secretariat (the organization's headquarters) and the Commonwealth Games. The head of the Secretariat is the Commonwealth Secretary-General, who is appointed by the member states. The current Secretary-General is Patricia Scotland, who was elected on April 1, 2016.
\nThe Commonwealth also has a symbolic head in the form of the Head of the Commonwealth. This position is currently held by Queen Elizabeth II, who has been the Head of the Commonwealth since her coronation in 1952.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/4b38c8fdec.jpg\")
\nThis blog article is not advertising and is not a sponsored post.
\nQuip is a new entrant in the competitive and packed electric toothbrush space. Unlike many of the larger bulkier electric toothbrushes, Quip is a sleek, shiny and well designed modern looking toothbrush.
\nLike all modern electronic works of art, it comes in different colours, finishes and materials.
\nIt also has the seal of approval from the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. The ADA website explains it as \"To this day, dentists and consumers recognize it as the gold standard for evaluating safety and efficacy of dental products.\"
\nSo what how is the Quip compare? Quip is a simpler toothbrush that delivers the basics: it has a vibrating alert timer (to measure brushing each quadrant) and has gently cleaning vibrations that won't harm your gums.
\nWhat does it come with? The basic kit comes with a pre-installed battery, brush head and a slim toothbrush holder (attaches to your mirror with micro suction cups but also doubles as a travel cover). I have had it attached to my bathroom mirror for 30 days, and it hasn't fallen off once. I have traveled with it once, rinsed it with warm water when I got back, and it stuck right back on the mirror.
\nHow do you charge the battery? I have used OralB and Philips electric toothbrushes, and they each come with their charging bases (which are usually bulky and consume valuable counter space). The Quip uses a single AAA battery that can be changed within seconds. Since Quip is a Toothbrush As A Service, when you subscribe to their toothbrush head replacement plan, they also send you a replacement battery every three months. If you travel and run out of power, replace it with a cheap AAA, you can buy anywhere, and you don't have to carry a bulky charger.
\nHow does it compare to a \"normal\" (non-powered) toothbrush? The Quip is definitely better than a normal plastic toothbrush because it offers gentle vibrations and helps with timing. Additionally, they send replacement heads automatically which means you never have to worry about timing replacements.
\nHow does the Quip compare to other electric toothbrushes? It depends. The truth is that the newer electric toothbrushes that vibrate and rotate seem to deliver an easier and better clean. However, the Quip is less than half the cost, easier to travel with and effective when used as directed (in conjunction with flossing and regular dentist visits).
\nGeneral recommendations included with the introductory guide are:
\nUse a pea-sized amount of toothpaste
Brush gently (don’t push too hard or you will injure your gums)
Make sure you brush every tooth from all directions
Brush for two minutes (30 seconds per quadrant)
Brush your tongue (the back of the brush head has a scraper)
Don’t rinse your mouth right after brushing
What are the cons?
\nThe Quip is better than a plain non-powered toothbrush, but its performance is significantly worse than the modern sonic toothbrushes.
The Quip's bristles are better than a non-powered toothbrush, but they aren't as good as the ones on powered brushes that seem to have better reach into hard to reach crevices.
Conclusion: I like the Quip, but it isn't the most effective electric toothbrush. Not a bad offering but you need to determine what your actual needs are. I hope Quip releases another generation of their product with rotating bristles that uses real sonic pulses.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/dfe30eabb5.jpg\")
\nThe media is quick to publish reports about the \"evils\" of social media. Twitter is a favourite whipping target.
\nHere is a little-told story about 26 young girls (aged 10-14) being saved from the clutches of human traffickers in India because of a simple tweet. Adarsh Shrivastava, a good samaritan, travelling on an Indian train noticed a group of young girls that seemed to be in distress. He twitted the train operator which was the start of their rescue.
\n\n\n\nI am traveling in Avadh express(19040). in s5. in my coach their are 25 girls all are juvenile some of them are crying and all feeling unsecure.@RailMinIndia [@PiyushGoyal](https://micro.blog/PiyushGoyal) @PMOIndia @PiyushGoyalOffc @narendramodi @manojsinhabjp [@yogi](https://micro.blog/yogi)
— Adarsh Shrivastava (@AdarshS74227065) July 5, 2018\n
A representative from the Ministry of Railways forwarded a support request to the railway police.
\n\n\n\nKindly look into this matter @rpfner
— Indian Railways Seva (@RailwaySeva) July 5, 2018\n
Shortly after being notified, the railway police intervened and rescued the girls. Two men were arrested.
\nSource: NDTV
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/ab9bb92a46.jpg\")
\nThose who know me well know that I love the outdoors and I love knives. If I were stranded on an island and could only bring one home comfort, it would be an outdoor knife. Having many outdoor enthusiast readers, I am regularly asked what knife I like best.
\nWhen I first started studying survival skills, I had the misguided belief that the more expensive your equipment, the better it must be. I quickly learned that this wasn't always the case and sometimes even the most basic tool, used correctly, could be a lifesaver.
\nNowhere is this more true than outdoor (camping or survival knives). I say outdoor because my choice for an everyday carry knife is very different.
\nI have been camping for 30+ years and have been interested in wilderness survival and native survival skills for the last five years. I have been fortunate enough to have participated in training camps with some of the industries most recognized names in forests hours from the nearest city.
\nWhile camping or during a survival event, a knife could be the difference between life and death. It can help you catch & process food, build shelter, start a fire and much more. In the wild, I can
\nWhat I can't make in the wild is a knife. Sure you can use a sharp rock, but that won't allow you to batton firewood or perform any of the hundreds of tasks a real sturdy knife can.
\nLet's be clear, a knife without training won't save your life. But with decent knowledge, a bit of practice and a good knife, you can save your life even in the most treacherous environment.
\nI carry a Victorinox Swiss Champ with me every day (EDC). I wouldn't leave home without it. I own and carry various dependable leatherman multitools, but in the wild, I want a knife. A multitool just wouldn't be able to take the abuse of real outdoor survival. You try batoning a log with a multitool and see how long it lasts.
\nThe answer is No. Just in case you were confused, the answer is no, no and no. Go to any Walmart, and you will find a dozen knives marked as survival knives. Most are garbage, but unless you are an experienced user, you will undoubtedly be overwhelmed with conflicting marketing messages and the sheer number of possible options.
\nBlade: My preference is the Scandinavian grind (SG). The SG is a wide flat bevel (V) that wind to the end of the blade. There is no secondary bevel. This produces a knife with excellent cut control. It is slightly more fragile than over edges and can be strengthened with a slight secondary bevel. This is a blade edge that is easy to maintain in the field with a single sharpening stone and sharpening requires less skill [compared to other edges].
\nLength: Blade length is a very personal decision, but I have found 4-6\" to be the sweet spot. Too short and the knife's usefulness is greatly diminished. Too long and the blade will be difficult to control and will be on your way when hanging on your belt.
\nPrice: As mentioned earlier, it has to be expensive enough to be well built from quality materials. It shouldn't be too expensive causing you to avoid using it in the field.
\nIf I had to pick one knife right now that I would want in a survival situation, it would be the Morakniv Garberg MultiMount. Anyone interested in camping or survival has probably heard of MoraKniv. The poster child for Mora knives (Mora is a region in Sweden) is Cody Lundin from the Aboriginal Living Skills School and TV personality.
\nThe Garberg meets all of my requires. It is durable, versatile, easy to maintain in the field and affordable. I have used the cheaper $20 Mora knives in the early days, and most of them are still in my collection today and are regularly used.
\nThe MoraKniv Garberg has a simple but comfortable plastic handle which means you have better control and won't have hand pain after extended use.
\nIt is a full-tang knife, which means it can withstand the abuse of batoning. You can easily baton 3.5-4inch pieces of wood with ease.
\nThe Morakiv Garberg uses 14C28N stainless steel which does not rust, hold's an edge relatively well and is easy to sharpen in the wild with a stone. Surprise surprise it has a Scandinavian grind.
\nThe back end of the blade has a 90-degree spine so you can use it with magnesium or a feral rod to start a fire.
\nThe Garberg comes with a nice sheath that works well for righties or lefties. Mora also included Velcro straps that allow you to easily hang the knife on a free or a backpack (Molle attachment). The blade is made from rust-resistant stainless steel but Mora still included drainage holes in the sheath (a nice touch).
\nTo make a good knife deal even better, Morakniv offers a lifetime warranty that covers defects. As long as you have maintained the knife according to their guidelines and haven't abused the product, Morakniv will fix or replace the product if you have any issues (this is their Knife for Life guarantee).
\nThis is not a sponsored post so I won't link to any specific retailer but you should be able to buy a Morakniv Garberg Multi-Mount (make sure you pick up the multi-mount version) for $70-$80 USD (~$125CAD). Online retailers, you can check out include:
\nMake sure you shop around because prices can be $10-30 different per site for the same item.
\nI have tested over 50 knives in the last 3 years and conducted hours of research before choosing this knife. I take this type of review seriously and put in the hours, so you don't have to. As I write this (December 2017) The Morakniv Garber multi-mount is the best deal on an outdoor knife available. The offers the biggest band for the buck and has the least negative characteristics.
\nLink to Morakniv
\nNote: This is not a sponsored review.
\n![](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/5c25ebbdac.jpg\")
\n",
"date_published": "2017-12-19T13:20:00-04:00",
"url": "https://kiledjian.com/2017/12/19/review-of-the-morakniv-garberg.html",
"tags": ["Personal \u0026 Culture"]
},
{
"id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2017/11/15/my-history-with-mobile-gadgets.html",
"title": "My history with mobile gadgets",
"content_html": "![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/8bb8812831.jpg\")
\nI've been involved in technology for a long time and bought my first real personal digital assistant (PDA) in 1997. It was an Apple Computers MessagePad (Newton) 130, and it was a thing of beauty. It had handwriting recognition, an external keyboard attachment and fueled my geek dreams about what wondrous technologies the future would bring.
\nAlong the way, I owned hundreds of devices including Palm pilots, Treos, Handspring devices, Nokias and almost every other portable gadget in between.
\nAs you can imagine, I also bought the first iPhone and almost every one since (in the last ten years). Every time I watched an Apple keynote, I was like a kid in a candy store. I starred at the presentation anxiously waiting to see what amazing new technologies Apple would bring into my life. Apple didn't invent most of that tech, but it usually made it usable and practical.
\nThen Steve passed away, and many were worried whether Apple had lost its mojo. Fans defended the Cupertino giant, but we started to see some cracks forming in its otherwise perfect and shining armor. Tech reviewers what would never have dared to challenge the superiority of the big Apple began to ask difficult questions.
\nFor the past five years, I have been carrying both Android and IOS smartphones, but the iPhone has always been my primary daily driver. September 2017, was time for me to upgrade my \"primary driver\" from an iPhone 6s Plus + an iPhone 7 (yes I have both). I watched the keynote and was dumbfounded by the iPhone X. It was a beautiful piece of kit but had a screen smaller than the plus models and a price tag of $1500CAD. The camera wasn't materially better than the one in the iPhone 8 Plus. The only new \"thing\" it brought to the table was the FaceID sensor, an OLED screen, and smaller bezels.
\nSurely I had missed something. A ~$400 price increase had to bring something new and revolutionary? But it didn't. Having been a gadget geek for the last 25+ years, I knew perfectly well that previous devices contained technology Apple commercialized many years later:
\nApple made many of these technologies better but by the time it included it, Android devices at half the price of an iPhone had them built in.
\nApple has been a significant force pushing smartphone manufacturers to make safer, more secure devices and operating systems. This has been a clear win for consumers. Good healthy competition is good for the marketplace.
\nTechnologically yes. Apple's IOS is designed with strict application controls to protect user information. Its hardware (e,g, the secure enclave) is a thing of beauty and incredibly well designed to protect your biometric and financial information.
\nIn the real world, for the average consumer that is not being targeted by skilled blackhat hackers or nation-state threat actors, both can be made equally safe with minimal handling precautions.
\nA couple of months ago, Apple made headlines when it blocked all VPN apps from its China app store. This decision was made to comply with local laws, and Apple had no choice. The problem arises when you realize that Apple doesn't have a mechanism for users to sideload apps onto its devices.
\nSideloading apps is a risk because it could be an attack vector, but shouldn't the user be able to accept the risk and perform their desired action on an $800-1000 device?
\nThis had a chilling effect on some activists in China, but the same model of application category control could be applied to anything else in any other country (e.g., a country can outlaw social media or dating apps, etc.).
\nApple's latest financial results show that the company is doing smashingly well. They are selling record numbers of mobile devices, and their cash horde is only getting larger. Any talk about its demise is greatly exaggerated.
\nThere is, however, a growing number of users, who were once ardent fans gobbling up all Apple branded tech, as fast as the company could release them, that are now looking at alternatives. I am amongst this group. My decision to switch isn't based on the cost of the device, but on the more advanced Artifical intelligence features like the built-in assistant.
\nMy latest car can support both platforms, but anyone that has used Apple Maps will tell you, it sucks. I can't tell you how many times it has navigated me into a major traffic jam or has taken me 20 minutes in the wrong direction. Apple doesn't like competition and would rather offer a sub-par experience to its users and maintain control.
\nOn Android Auto, I can use other mapping apps, but on the iPhone, you can only use Apple Maps.
\nOn Android Auto, you can choose which music app is your default and voice control it. On Apple, you can only voice control Apple Music.
\nAnd this is an example of the user-hostile behavior exhibited by Apple. Not only does it block competition, forcing you into inferior apps, but it isn't even improving the core interaction mechanisms of Car Play: the visual interface and SIRI.
\n
Most iPhone users from teenagers to CEOs use Siri a couple of times at first, then give up. I had hoped that Apple would update Siri's capabilities with IOS 11 (particularly with the expected December release of the Siri powered home speaker system, the HomePod). Surely Apple would impress us with massive gains in understanding and capabilities. Nope. Nothing.
While the Amazon Echo and Google Assistant improve every month, Apple hasn't developed Siri in years. It feels like Amazon and Google are working in internet time while Apple is working ... To be honest, I don't even think they are working on Siri. I say that facetious. I know they are working on Siri, but until users benefit from that work, it is useless.
\nI work in security and understand that absolute security is the enemy of usability. An absolutely secure system is not usable.
In the enterprise space, we are continually struggling to find the right balance between security and usability.
It feels Apple has taken a more security-focused approach and is willing to sacrifice modern functionality.
\nAny modern deep learning expert (aka neural networking that powers smart assistants) will tell you that the key to success is having vast amounts of ingestible data. Apple doesn't have this type of data because of it is privileging user privacy, whereas Google and Amazon do. Where Apple's image search can show you a dog, Google's can find the chihuahua on a beach eating a hotdog.
\nSiri is a parlour trick you get tired of after a day or two. Google Assistant will become a real time saver and thus will become something you will likely come back to over and over.
\nThe latest and greatest thinking in machine learning from Geoffrey Hinton may eventually be beneficial for Apple. It is called Capsule Theory and is a new way of developing machine learning models that require much less data, but this is still early day research.
\nAs I search for my next daily driver, I am testing a handful of new Android smartphones that I will review shortly on my blog. First-up will be a review of the Samsung Note 8. I won't be discussing the specifications but looking at it from the viewpoint of an iPhone user considering the switch.
\nI am hoping to also get my hands on a Mate 10 Pro, Pixel 2 XL and the ONePlus 5T.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/9a05ad8daf.jpg\")
\nArmenia is a country located in the southern Caucasus region. Christianity is said to have first arrived in Armenia in the year 301 AD, making it one of the oldest Christian nations in the world. The Armenian king Tiridates III was converted to Christianity by St Gregory the Illuminator after being tortured and imprisoned by the king himself. St Gregory is also credited with curing the king of a debilitating illness. Christianity then quickly spread throughout Armenia and became the country's national religion.
\nGregory the Illuminator was the man who first introduced Christianity to Armenia. He was also responsible for converting the Armenian king Tiridates III to the Christian faith.
\nKing Tiridates III tortured and imprisoned Gregory the Illuminator because he was trying to prevent Christianity from spreading throughout Armenia.
\nGregory the Illuminator is said to have converted the Armenian king Tiridates III to Christianity after healing him of a debilitating
\nThere are two main branches of Christianity in Armenia: the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Catholic Church. The Armenian Apostolic Church is an autocephalous Eastern Christian church that recognizes the authority of the Catholic Church but is not in communion with it. On the other hand, the Catholic Church is in full communion with the Pope and the rest of the Catholic Church.
\nChristianity has played a significant role in the history and identity of the Armenian people. Armenia was the first country to officially adopt Christianity as its state religion, and the Armenian Apostolic Church has played a central role in the country's history and culture. Christianity has also been a source of strength and comfort for Armenians during times of hardship, such as the Armenian Genocide.
\nThe Bible is the authoritative source of religious teachings.
There is one God who exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ is both fully human and fully divine. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, and died on the cross to save humanity from its sins.
Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. He will return to judge the living and the dead.
Humanity is fallen and in need of salvation. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
The church is the body of Christ on earth, consisting of all those who have been saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
The church is led by bishops, who are successors of the apostles.
The sacraments are outward signs of inward grace, instituted by Christ, that give us communion with God. There are seven sacraments: baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, penance, anointing of the sick, marriage, and ordination.
We will experience both physical and spiritual resurrection. At the end of time, Jesus will return in glory to judge the living and the dead, and those who have been saved will spend eternity in heaven with God.
The Armenian Apostolic Church is in communion with the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Churches. However, it is not in communion with the Protestant churches.
The main differences in beliefs between the Catholic Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church are as follows:
\nThe Armenian Apostolic Church does not recognize the authority of the Pope.
The Armenian Apostolic Church teaches that Jesus Christ is both fully human and fully divine, while the Catholic Church teaches that Jesus Christ is true God and true man.
The Armenian Apostolic Church does not believe in purgatory, while the Catholic Church does.
The Armenian Apostolic Church allows for the marriage of priests, while the Catholic Church does not.
The Armenian Apostolic Church believes that the sacraments are outward signs of inward grace, while the Catholic Church believes that the sacraments are instituted by Christ and confer grace upon those who receive them.
The Armenian Apostolic Church is not in communion with the protestant churches because of differences in beliefs, such as the following:
\nThe Armenian Apostolic Church teaches that the Bible is the authoritative source of religious teachings, while many protestant churches teach that the Bible is not the only authority.
The Armenian Apostolic Church teaches that there is one God who exists in three persons, while many protestant churches teach that there is only one person in the Trinity.
The Armenian Apostolic Church teaches that humanity is fallen and in need of salvation, while many protestant churches teach that humanity is not fallen and does not need salvation.
The Armenian Apostolic Church believes in seven sacraments, while many protestant churches do not believe in any sacraments.
The Armenian Apostolic Church teaches that we will experience both physical and spiritual resurrection, while many protestant churches teach that we will only experience spiritual resurrection.
The Armenian Apostolic Church teaches that Jesus will return in glory to judge the living and the dead, while many protestant churches teach that Jesus has already returned or will not return.
![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/83562a0d3c.jpg\")
\nSEE UPDATE BELOW ABOUT WARRANTY CLAIM
\nAs a frequent traveler, I had always been looking for a lighter alternative that is safe to fly (as long is it is in your carry-on) so I decided to test the Plazmatic X lighter. This is also convenient to users wanted alternatives to disposable lighters or ones that require constant refueling.
\nThe Plazmatic X is a well built product made from metal.It is light to carry every day (as part of your EDC) but feels solid and reliable in the hand.
\nThe device charges with a standard USB cable and you can go from empty to full charge in about 1 hour (depending on your power source). In my testing, the device pulled 5.15V & 0.15A (from a 2.4A Capable charger). Once charging is complete, it is pulling 0 Amps, which is a good thing.
\nWhen you plug it in, the blue charging light comes on and the battery is full when that indicator light switches off. With a full charge, I was able to get about 80 \"normal uses\". I was able to charge the lighter with a USB wall adapter, car lighter USB charger, external battery, Biolite CampStove and 7W GoalZero solar panel.
\nThe battery is not user serviceable and my question to support about battery cycles hasn't been answered yet. My expectation is that the battery should be able to support 300-400 cycles which means it gives you about 24000 lights (which should last 5 years or more for the average user).
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/bb0ded57de.jpg" alt="">\nI was surprised to find that the Plazmatic X lighter was able to light anything I threw at it, as long as the item fit inside the 4 electrodes. It was able to light little twigs, cigarettes (no I don't smoke), candles, paper, and more within a second or two.
\nYou will have issues because larger items (like cigars) won't fit but this is the exception rather than the rule.
\nThe lighting mechanism is wind proof so there is no concern in high wind situations.
\nIf you are a smoker, the use of a lighter is self explanatory. Even if you don't smoke, I believe you should carry a lighter with you all the time as part of your Everyday Carry Kit (EDC). I carry one along with a Victorinox SwissChamp. You can use it to :
\nI have been testing my device for 1 month and so far the product is working and looks exactly like it did the day I opened the package. If it breaks, I'll write an update but so far it looks like it will last
\nI ordered a handful of Chinese clones from AliExpress (Alibaba) and found that the cheaper products were cheaply made. One refused to charge. The Other charged but gave me 20 lights per 1 hour charge. A third one was so slimy and the top fell off.
\nSo forget about the $16 copies.
\n1 of the more expensive ones was a very good copy matching the performance of the Plazmatic but the price was so close, you might as well get the original from an American company.
\nMy biggest issue was receiving the item. From the time the order was confirmed to the time I received the item was almost 3.5 weeks. I kept being told that they were waiting for their shipment from the manufacturer so...... I would say they need to improve their logistics processes. An item like this should be in a consumers hands within 3-4 days of being ordered.
\nPutting shipping aside, I love the product and would recommend it to anyone looking for an easy to use every day carry reliable lighter than doesn't require fuel, is travel safe and not disposable (better for the environment).
\n\n
\n
UPDATE 1-14-2017:
\nA day after writing this entry, my lighter malfunctioned and I send a warranty request to Plazmatic. A gentleman called Nils collected the required information and 2 days later, still no information about how they will proceed. I will update this post as the warranty claim progresses.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/2202defbe9.jpg\")
\nI don't normally post about games on my blog but a game I really enjoy is free today on the iTunes AppStore for IOS devices. Not 1 but all 3 games in the series are free today so download them fast:
\n\nGreat way to spend some time unwinding with a good game.
\n[caption id="" align=“alignnone” width=“1160”]![\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/93a5786ff3.jpg\")
Images courtesy of AOTW [/caption]
Feast your eyes on a marketing idea(link) dreamed up by Moroch (Dallas based marketing company) for McDonald's. We don't know the who, what, when, where and why but it's an interesting idea.
\nGive people McDonald's gloves and they'll market the fries for you while staying \"toasty\" warm.
\nAre you crazy those warm, salty, crispy McDonald's french fries yet?
\n\n
![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/4796fe6ceb.jpg\")
\nIt's Tuesday morning and you need that fresh cup of piping hot joe to wake you up. Instead of coffee, why not watch this Point of Vue video of the Fury 325 at the Carowinds amusement park. What's so special you ask? It is a 95 MPH roller coaster with a 325 foot drop.
\nEnjoy and welcome to Tuesday
\n[caption id="" align=“alignnone” width=“1280”]![\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/6e323312cb.jpg\")
Image by Jeramey Jannene used Under Creative Commons License [/caption]
If been in the computing business for a long time. I remember the old \"classic\" DOS based games that provided hours or days of senseless fun. Sure you could download an emulator, find the games and run them but most people would quickly give up.
\nThe Internet Archive has just added over 2,000 classic MS DOS games that will bring back memories of years gone by. The great thing is that you play these games via your browser instantly. No messy emulators to install or configure. Some games may not work properly but you have over 2,000 to choose from so go out and waste a couple of hours.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/61fa6dd09d.jpg" alt="">\nCheck out the catalog and play games here (link)
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/60658809c0.jpg\")
\nGoogle Play Music is offering the \"Here's the metal compilation\" for free. It is a 13 track album of heavy metal songs.
\nDownload it for free here (Link)
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/e3cb19f93d.jpg\")
\nFlahlights are very important to me. They are incredibly useful when camping, travelling or for survival situations. I carry a small pocket flashlight with me as part of my EDC (Everyday Carry) kit. Until recently, my favourite brand of flashlight has been Thrunite. Thrunite offers well built flashlights at competitive prices. A friend introduced me to OLight and these guys make incredible products.
\nThis review is about their S15R Baton pocket rechargeable flashlight. The R means rechargeable (as you probably guessed) and the unit comes with a magnetic USB powered charging dock. The end-cap of the flashlight has a strong magnet which mates with the USB charging base very well and it seems to use conductive charging.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/c5e68c2e94.jpg" alt="">\nRechargeable means you won't be fumbling for batteries in the dark. It means the battery will last longer than disposable batteries and it means I can use my OrangeJoos (link) solar charger to recharge my flashlight when camping or in a survival situation. All very good characteristics.
\nThe USB dock is made from plastic and is very simple. One port connects the dock to a USB charging port (computer, solar charger, external battery pack, wall outlet, etc) and it has another USB port called Extended which allows you to daisy chain another device that can charge simultaneously. The reality is that I don't like to daisy chain charge any devices because you will charge them at the rate of the slowest device and this is no exception. That USB extension port is nice to have in case but not something I would use regularly
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/d093b37d69.jpg" alt="">\nThe user interface is very simple and consists of a top switch that switches the light into one of 3 modes. If you hold the button while the light is on, it will cycle through the Low, Medium and High settings. When you release the button and chose a mode, it is remembered and the next time you turn on the device, it will start in that mode. Let's say the last mode you used it in was low or medium but you want to turn it on in High powered mode, simply double press the button (when the light is off) and it will switch to on in high powered mode.
\nOne additional nice design choice is to surround the power button with a solid metal ring which protects it from accidentally turning on in your pocket. Nice design touch.
\nThe front panel is actually anti-reflective coated tempered glass which means most of the light is usable. Cheaper products use plastic.
\nI had a chance to compare the S15R to the various other flashlights I own from Phoenix, Thrunite, Led lenser, Maglite, etc.
\nThe minute you hold the S15R in your hands, you can feel the quality aircraft grade aluminium construction. It is solid and fairly drop resistant. When you press the button, it makes a satisfying click.
\nthe body is textured which means you have a good solid grip even when your hands are slightly wet or with gloves.
\nUnlike many of its competitors, even the pocket clip is built extremely well. Whereas most clips can easily be removed with the slightest pressure, this thing holds on for dear life (which is fantastic).
\nWhen the battery starts to get low, a light around the power switch will glow red (which is a nicer way of finding out its recharge time rather than waiting for the light to dim and die).
\nThe magnet on the tail cap is used to hold the device onto the charging dock but it can also be used to hold the light on other metallic surfaces when working.
\nI know companies are in a lumen race but the reality is that the high powered mode of this flashlight (280 lumens) is powerful enough to illuminate any non-tactical situation. It is actually brighter than I would typically use while camping or when rummaging in a dark area. I found myself using mode 2 very often which provides a clean 70 lumens of light ad gives you 4 hours of use from a single charge.
\nThis isn't a tactical light but a fantastic EDC light that you will use over and over. It is a device that will last many years with minimal maintenance and if the battery every get's weak, you can easily buy a replacement online.
\nOlight S15R is now my EDC light (the one I carry with me every day) and it is the one that made me switch from Thrunite (as my preferred brand) to OLight.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/53f8121422.jpg\")
\nI will be a panelist at the CIO Summit in Montreal on Feb 9 talking about \"Cyber Espionage and the Advanced Persistent Threat\" (http://www.ciosummit.ca/agenda.php) .
\n\n
I will be moderating the CIO Event security panel in San Francisco Feb 17-18 about Espionage and Cyber Security (http://sanfran.cioevent.com/site/HomePage/)
\nI love meeting all of you . If you are attending or will be in the area, pass by and say hi!
\n\n
![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/5bad0fc288.jpg\")
\n\n
Buy what ? Where? hun?
\nYou read right... Burger King is opening its first restaurant in India and is hoping eBay will help drive sales. You were able to pre-order a Mutton Whopper on eBay or 128 rupees ($US 2.08 - $CAD 2.38 - £ 1.31).
\nPre-ordering one meant you got a voucher for a burger and a Whopper TShirt.
\nLink to auction page (link)
\n![](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/6283387c9f.jpg\")
\n",
"date_published": "2014-11-05T08:15:00-04:00",
"url": "https://kiledjian.com/2014/11/05/buy-a-burger-king-burger.html",
"tags": ["Personal \u0026 Culture"]
},
{
"id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2014/11/05/diversity-coming-to-unicode.html",
"title": "Diversity coming to Unicode",
"content_html": "![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/0e3686a8f5.jpg\")
\nTech companies are working with the Unicode Consortium to implement a new skin tone control for character emoji to allow users to more accurately express themselves (and their identity).
\nWe now learn how these companies propose Unicode implement this change using a skin tone modifier. The technique being proposed is simple enough to be implementable and usable on a phone. Additionally this technique is backward compatible with devices that don't yet support the skin tone modifier (i.e. the emoji would fall back to the original non skin tone adjusted version).
\nThe Unicode consortium hasn't accepted this new proposal just yet but it would be hard pressed to turn it down (considering most tech users today are members of a visible ethnic group).
\nI'm all for diversity and think this is a positive step. Hopefully this becomes a new standard soon.
\nYou can read the proposal here (link).
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/5d8c6544eb.jpg\")
\nThis weeks iTunes free app of the week is a modern twist on the old classic of Pac-Man (aka Pac-Man Friends). The price for this app has ranged between $1,99 and $4,99 since release but this is the first it has gone free.
\nYou can download it from iTunes now (link)
\n\n
![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/8c06315a5c.jpg\")
\nThe ever popular Simpson's character groundskeeper Willie presenting his \"unbiased\" opinion about the upcoming Scottish independence vote.
\nThe Biolite CampStove has something of a cult following in the camping and survival world. It's claim to fame is its ability to burn easily available biomass (aka anything natural) and also recharge external USB powered devices. Some absolutely love it while others abhor it.
\nThe truth is that there are other products that can do each of the individual functions better (a battery for device recharging, a liquid gas stove for cooking, etc) but is the whole worth more than the sum of its parts? Read on to find out.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/6b66059199.jpg" alt="">\nThe stove is composed of the main combustion chamber, a pot stand and the power module.
\nThe power module is built in heat resistant plastic that remains relatively cool to the touch during operation and houses the battery, fan & power conversion module. The fan is used to push oxygen to feed the fire, which gives it the ability to burn any time of biomass. The conversion module converts heat into electricity which recharges it's internal battery, power the fan and then uses the surplus power to charge your devices.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/7ed7927649.jpg" alt="">\nAt first I assumed that the built in battery would also be used to recharge my connected electronic device but it doesn't. The Biolite CampStove only uses excess electricity to recharge your device (once its internal battery is full and it is generating enough power to keep turning the fan.)
\nWhen you first receive the unit, you are asked to charge the battery using the provided (yellow) USB cable with a computer or USB Wall Adapter. After that, you will never need to recharge it this way as long as you use the stove at least once every 6 months.
\nThe power module fits inside the burning chamber so it is \"fairly compact\" but shouldn't be considered small.
\nThe device is designed so that the external stainless steel mesh case can he held even when the fire is scorchingly hot. It has 3 legs which means it won't sterilize the ground (where it is placed) and won't cause the snow to melt (for winter camp).
\nCompared to most liquid fuel based camping stoves, it is much bigger and heavier. The Biolite CampStove is (packed):
\nMy fully loaded packed MSR Whisperlite weights in at a mere 14 oz and packs in a quarter of the size. Unless you are an ultralight packer though, this shouldn't be much of an issue for you as it is the size of a large Nalgene bottle.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/85c930dc6b.jpg" alt="">\n\n
Especially if you buy the Kettlepod accessory, the entire kit stores in the KettlePot making it even more compact. I'll talk about the KettlePot a bit later.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/c253442d88.jpg" alt="">\nBiolite provides 5 fire starter sticks to get you going and you can buy a 10 packs from most sporting good stores for a couple of dollars. Combine this with a Zippo lighter and even semi-dry kindling will light into a warm bright fire.
\nBasically you light the fire starter, gently drop it into the combustion chamber then gently top it off with the kindling. You then slowly add the biomass fuel. After 15-20 seconds, you press the fan button once to start a gentle blow. As the fire starts to heat up, you start to add more wood (ideally the ticker woods which will last longer per load) or other thicker biomass. About a minute into the burn, you press the fan button again to switch it into high gear. Small sticks and twigs will burn within a few minutes while the thicker wood like maple may last up to 10 minutes.
\nOnce the fire is hot, you can add almost any kind of biomass. I tried using fresh wet oily cedar tree branches and it burned them no problem. Pine cones, wood pellets, birch bark, wood, different grasses, leaves, animal dung are no problem for this hot oxygen fed fire.
\nNow people criticize the fact that it burns the biomass quickly (because of the high temperature) and that you will have to continually reload the CampStove to keep the fire burning and charging your devices. They complain about the impact on the forests of providing that much fuel, but the reality is that everywhere I've gone camping over the last 20 years has had more than enough dead biomass available on the forest floor.
\nThe fire can get very hot which is good because the hotter the fire the more electricity it generates but if you need a slow simmer, you simply allow the fire to die down a bit bit, feed fuel more slowly and switch the fan speed to low. To boil water, you add a lot of wood and put the fan on high. The fact is that controlling a natural fire's temperature is much more complicated than a fuel based camping stove, so you'll have to be more attentive.
\nBecause it burns very hot, all that is left is a small amount of ash that is environmentally safe and easy to dispose of. Plus the high heat means the fire generates less smoke.
\nI was able to boil 1.5 liter of water in their KettlePot in 5-6 minutes even when the ambient air temperature was in the low teens.
\nRemember that you can recharge almost any USB powered device but.....
\nI tested with various smartphones (iphone 5s/4s, Nexus 4/5, Samsung Galaxy S4/5, HTC One M7 and all of them were receiving power and charged.
\nMy Nexus 7 (2012) tablet charged but not the iPad. The reality is that the Biolite should not be your only gadget power source. Recharging a completely dead modern smartphone will take many hours of stocking and restocking the fire.
\nThe first rule of survival is redundancy. Always have 2 ways to accomplish a critical task. To build a fire, I always carry a lighter and a ferro stick. So to power your devices, I would use the Biolite CampStove and maybe a Solar charger as well ( I am testing and will be reviewing the Joos Solar Orange Joos Solar charger and battery soon). The Orange Joos solar panels charge an internal 5,000 mAh battery which can then power your power hungry devices. I recommend you take the same approach with the CampStove. Use the CampStove to recharge an external battery then use this battery to charge your devices.
\nIt took 2.5 hours to charge my iPhone 5s from 12% to 50%.
\nIt's a 1.5L kettle you can use to boil water, rehydrate food, make soup, boil pasta or veggies.It is an extremely versatile piece of kit that makes using the CampStove that much better. It's bottom has a heatsynch which means it collects the maximum amount of heat which efficiently boils 1.5L (of room temperature) water in about 5-6 minutes with a hot fire.
\nOnce you are done cooking, you can clean the Kettlepot with water and a soft sponge and store the CampStove inside it for efficient space use.
\nI sent a couple of \"issue\" emails to their customer service group and responses where always prompt, courteous and complete. In this day and age of offshoring most support services, it was nice to deal with a company that seems to offer good reliable customer service.
\nI tested the unit a couple of times before making any judgements about it. I know many online reviewers complain that they have to find biomass and keep feeding the Campstove but I really don't see that as an issue. The way I look at it, it means I don't need to carry fuel with me which is really attractive for longer multi-day excursions or off-grid survival situations (when you lose power at home).
\nI never leave a lit fire unattended anyway, so dropping some wood into the device every 10 minutes isn't a big issue for me. You can sit around it with friends and chat.
\nAdditionally there are drier periods when open campfires are not permitted but most authorities will allow you to use the Biolite, which means you can also use it to roast marshmallows, make smores or just relax around a \"mini campfire\". This thing is beautiful to watch at night in the dark ( I would even say mesmerizing).
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/e5a8a783b5.jpg" alt="">\nBefore I list the positives and negatives, let me just say that I actually liked the Biolite CampStove and will be using it for my personal camping excursions. There are a lot of negative write-ups but please make up your own mind.
\nDislikes
\nI wish the device could generate power more efficiently, charge devices faster and maybe use part of the built in battery to charge devices when the stove is not in use.
\nIt is a bit on the heavy side so I wish they would cut down on weight a bit (20-30%)
\nI wish you could lower the intensity of the LED lights on the power module. They are fairly bright at night in a dark forest environment. Either reduce the brightness, allow me to adjust the brightness or have an option to use red light which doesn't ruin night vision.
\nLikes
\nA great backup in survival or power down situations.
\nEasy to find fuel for your fire almost anywhere in the world. You don't need to lug heavy containers of fuel and if you travel internationally, you won't have to scramble in your destination country to find compatible fuel. I love the fact it uses standard highly available biomass.
\nI wish the fire chamber was a bit bigger so I could use larger pieces of wood but then people would complain about the increase in size.
\nIt burns down the biomass completely into ash which means means you won't leave any trace.
\nThe legs of the CampStove lift the device off the ground so you are not sterilizing the ground and are not risking starting a forest fire.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/bfae7068a9.jpg\")
\nI love thrills like the next guy but this is kind of ridiculous. It is basically a 17 floor drop at about 100km/h. It is so fast that you'll already be in the catch pool by the time you realize you have made a horrible horrible mistake.
\nThe ride is composed of the scary horrifying death drop and a 4 person raft you slide down in.
\nAll I can say is thanks but no thanks
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/8854af0caf.jpg\")
\nSince it's friday afternoon, why not post something a little light and put a smile on that face. Here is a young woman that manages to perform some amazing tricks using the plain old regular hula hoop.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/f1e76800cd.jpg\")
\nWe all know that the most important time of the day is when you punch out to go home so the only time you really care about it 5PM. Now a company has turned your punch put obsession into a clock that has just one time marking on it.
\nThis wondrous clock can be had for only $100 on Amazon (link).
\nUnfortunately it seems this clock sold out quickly and is no longer available on Amazon. I decided to post this anyway to show the wonderful world of modern design.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/3a678f723e.jpg\")
\nSince we've cured all sickness and disease, the human race can now turn its attention to the incredible important issue of dining while at a picnic. All right... We haven't cured everything yet which is why I am so dumbfounded when I see people waste energy on absolutely useless inventions like this.
\nI can't wait to see the ads for it on TV.
\nMichael Jan, an industrial designer in Taiwan, has heard your cries for a better picnic dining experience and has created the napkin table (link). Each person wear's one end of this horrific contraption which even has slots for your cup and bowl.
\nI guess some weardos will want one but they have to wait. At this point this is only a design but you know someone will commercialize this.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/592405001a.jpg\")
\nEveryone loves Mac and Cheese. It is that wonderful comfort food that reminds me of my childhood. Just the smell evokes so many positive memories. That smell takes you back to wonderfully serene mental state.
\nIf you want to easily go into that automatic Mac and cheese trance, you can with the Mac and cheese air freshener for only $5 on Amazon (link).
\n\n
![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/f82b6fe088.jpg\")
\nReaders and manufacturers often want to know where my traffic originates from... For the month of May (2014), the top 10 countries generating traffic for my site are [in order of traffic]:
\nThe top 2-3 are always on the list but the rest fluctuate per month depending on the content.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/47638ee550.jpg\")
\nEvery once in a while we hear about a dog that saves its owners life and the internet loves these heartwarming stories. Now there is a situation where a cat saved a little boy from a dog attack.
\nI'm more of a dog person but this is a great story I wanted to share anyway ;-)
\nBasically a boy is playing in his front yard and a dog tries to drag him away when the family cat jumps to the rescue.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/50b15ef5da.jpg\")
\nWhat makes the world an interesting place is that there are all kinds of people. If you are a woman that liked to party and sometimes wakes up in a \"shameful situation\" then this kit may be just the life-saver you need.
\nIt is a kit that contains :
\nThe card is basically your way of telling the other person to call you or bugger off.
\nThe kit costs $34.99 (link) and can be bought wholesale ( if you own a store or if this kind if thing happens way too often in your life).
\n[caption id="" align=“alignnone” width=“2200”]![\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/906e2cfdfd.jpg\")
Image by mollybob under Creative Commons License [/caption]
Selfies are so popular, Apple built an entire app collection in the AppStore for it. Selfies are a way to preserve memories when your having a good time with friends but selfies can be dangerous for your health.
\nA California lice expert, Marcy McQuillan, told the SFist (link) \"I've seen a huge increase of lice in teens this year,\" . \"Typically it's younger children I treat, because they're at higher risk for head-to-head contact. But now, teens are sticking their heads together every day to take cell phone pics.\"
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/05a1aa24ef.jpg\")
\nHow do you want to be remembered when you hit the bucket (aka pass away)? Do you want to be buried? Cremated? How about being turned into a real genuine diamond? A Swiss startup called Algordanza (link) does just that. For a fee, they will convert your (or your loved ones) cremated ashes into a timeless diamond that can be turned into jewellery and passed down from generation to generation.
\nRemember that a \"real\" diamond is nothing more than carbon exposed to incredible heat and pressure. The human body is also composed of 18% carbon so it works well. The process take 4-8 months and they can use all of the ash or part of it (if you still want some kind of traditional funeral.
\nAlgordanza claims its \"memorial diamonds\" are indistinguishable from the traditional mined diamonds.
\nEach diamond is accompanied by a certificate prominently displaying the authenticity, clarity, cut, size and biological origin of the diamond.
\nA basic ash to diamond conversion costs about $5,000USD and other options will be proposed so don't think of this as a cheap option.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/6197805b57.jpg\")
\nThe Sony W series is a completely waterproof (up to 2 meters) mp3 player that Sony has been offering for a while. they actually market it for swimmers but its great for anyone exercising in wet, humid or outdoor environments.
\nThe marketing whiz-bangs at New Zealand ad agency DraftFCB came up with an original bottled Walkman concept. The Walkman is sold from a vending machine stored inside a bottle of water.
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/5391b4c754.jpg" alt="">\nSony has installed these vending machines in places where its target demographic likes to frequent (gyms, pools, etc). The packaging conveys a clear message that is understood immediately and they get a 100 points for originality.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/ef13536d1e.jpg\")
\nDo you have a pizza fetish. Do you eat, sleep and dream of pizza? Are you jealous of the pizza man because he always smells like fresh pizza pie?
\nNow Demeter brings you Pizza Cologne ($US20). What does it smell like? Tomato sauce, cheese and oregano. This is sure to make you irresistible to the ladies. surprisingly, the customer reviews are positive.
\nYou can buy it straight from the manufacturer (link).
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/8420e331c6.jpg\")
\nAs a scuba diver I love the water. On vacation, all I want to do is go diving or grab my mask and snorkel looking for fish, lobster and coral. Every trip, I meet vacationers who profess their love for snorkelling but admit not being able to use the traditional snorkel (breathing from your mouth).
\nThe new Easybreath (link) is a fantastic option for these people. The Easybreath fits over your entire face allowing you to breath normally, has an air intake high above your head (so you don't have to worry about keeping the snorkel straight) and has a one way valve to prevent water from seeping in.
\nAll of this can be had for a low $US55.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/12f6f6fa8c.jpg\")
\nPininfarina is synonymous with beautifully functional desire that plays with peoples emotions. They are best known for designing cars like Ferrari but they have also produced buildings and consumer products.
\nNow they bring their magical design skills to a pen, the Pininfarina Cambiano Inkless Pen (link). Looking at the above picture, you can see how simple, clean and beautiful the pen is. The tip is made with ethergraph which is designed to write forever without having to replace ink cartridges.
\nNo price yet but you can rest assured most of us won't be able to afford it.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/819358dd61.jpg\")
\nAs you mature from a teen to an adult, your taste buds change. You develop a more refined palette and search for more delicate & exquisite flavours... Or at least some of us do. It seems the fine folks at Jelly Belly have been receiving requests for beer flavoured jelly beans \"for decades\". After years of research and development, you can now enjoy the wonderful taste of draft beer anywhere alcohol is not allowed.
\nTo be clear, these taste like draft beer but contain no alcohol. Link to information page here (link).
\nHere are some recommended mixes to spice things up at your next party:
\n![](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/45ca998f1c.jpg\")
\n",
"date_published": "2014-02-04T13:45:00-04:00",
"url": "https://kiledjian.com/2014/02/04/draft-beer-flavoured-jelly-beans.html",
"tags": ["Personal \u0026 Culture"]
},
{
"id": "http://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/2014/02/03/tim-hortons-offers-blackberry-donut.html",
"title": "Tim Horton's offers Blackberry Donut",
"content_html": "![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/89957df462.jpg\")
\n\nWho's hungry? A special guest will be buying some [@TimHortons](https://micro.blog/TimHortons) with the new @BlackBerry TimmyMe App. pic.twitter.com/r4F7H6o1iA
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) January 31, 2014\n\n\nTo celebrate the launch of the TimmyMe blackberry app (which allows customers to pay via their BB10 device), tim Hortons and Blackberry launched a special promotional campaign at the Adelaide Street West location.
\nThis is a tasty promo, not sure it would make me buy a blackberry device!
\nThe top 10 countries sending visitors to my site for January 2014 are:
\nTop browsers used to visit my site in January 2014
\n2/3 of my traffic came from desktop computers with mobile growing in importance steadily over the last 6 months.
\n\n
![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/0b7b8cd79a.jpg\")
\nBacon is a magical food. It makes everything taste better. You can eat it, sprinkle it, brush with it, etc. Now you can drink it! Oh ya, drink it.
\nEnter these wonderful Bacon flavoured effervescent tabs. You simply drop one into a glass of water and enjoy that bacon flavour.
\nI found these little wonders on Amazon here (link)
\nI have provided a link for convenience and this is not a referral link. I get no compensation for providing this link.
\nI love technology but technology for me isn't limited to products that process bits and bytes. One major complaint every homeowner has is related to using a wheelbarrow on an uneven surface.
\nEnter a neat little invention called Level Legs which automatically levels itself (up to 8\")
\n![](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/81b07412b8.jpg\")
\n\nIt seems every major retailer carries these from Amazon to Walmart to Home Depot.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/b5684f1289.jpg\")
\nNo one likes paying retail and I'm always looking for ways to save. RetailMeNot has both a US and Canadian site. Its sole purpose in life is to provide money saving coupons for online sites you already use.
\nYou go to the site and search for the retailer you are about to conduct a transaction with:
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/3edcb228d8.jpg" alt="">\nMost of the time, you will be presented with a series of discounts for each retailer, you select the promo that looks the most attractive and click on the Show Coupon Code. The site opens the retailer in a new browser window and displays the discount code:
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/6fbdc0af28.jpg" alt="">\nThe voting allows users to confirm the validity of a deal and the description provides the condition of the offer. Typically they display the hottest most popular deals on their homepage.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/b450db41aa.jpg\")
\nKids in Bridgewater show how wise they can be when they stand up for a friend that was being bullied. Inspirational and beautiful.
\n![](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/2fbe7d439a.jpg\")
\n\nWhy is a great question to ask. It shows curiosity and generally makes you smarter. Why not, is a valid response though and sometimes the only valid response. In honor of Movember, I give you Disney Princesses with beards, because why not:
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/f803a19827.jpg" alt="">\n\n\n\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/9721226299.jpg" alt="">\n\n\n\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/c9803fef4c.jpg" alt="">\n\n\n\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/21aebd5341.jpg" alt="">\n\n\n\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/fefba8fa7e.jpg" alt="">\n\n\n\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/3ac103aa7f.jpg" alt="">\n\n\n\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/5499f07622.jpg" alt="">\n\n\n\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/00669ca924.jpg" alt="">\n\n\n\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/aa09928688.jpg" alt="">\nvia Buzzfeed
\n![](\"http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/NYbs0firps8/hqdefault.jpg\")
\n\nBlack Friday is almost here for my american readers and the'll have to chose with console to pickup. Obviously this is a first-world problem.
\n[caption id="" align=“alignnone” width=“2500”]![\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/c45a280e67.jpg\")
Flickr. Creative Commons image by YLev [/caption]
This is an older bit of news but one I think is interesting and wanted to share it. In July 2013, Amazon released its list of Most well read cities in Canada. The list comes from Amazon compilling its sales data for all Canadian cities with more than 100,000 residents and the top 20 cities are:
\nI was surprised that my home city of Montreal isn't part of the list.
\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/e6c88f5df5.jpg\")
\nSure most of us don't need a bullet proof suit but it sure sound very James Bond-esque. Garrison Bespoke uses a special carbon nanotube material so that the suits are flexible and normal. The minute a bullet makes contact with the material, it hardens to protect the principal wearing this magical clothing.
\nThe material is 50% lighter than Kevlar (the traditional bullet proof material) and was tested to stop .22 and .40 caliber bullets. Before you run out to buy one, its important to remember that this wondrous tech costs about $US20,000 but I'm sure the intended customers can easily afford this additional layer of protection.
\n\n![\"\"](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/2ffc582f44.jpg\")
\nHave you ever been so frustrated that you wanted to break something? Through plates on the floor, hit a screen with a bat or jump on a laptop? There are better ways to deal with your emotions but it you want the satisfaction of primal destruction then you are in in. There are now special clubs called \"break clubs\" where you can go and break stuff.
\nThese clubs are popping up around the world.
\n![](\"http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/11OucI4NbB0/hqdefault.jpg\")
\n\nWe have seen hundreds of posts about magazines using Photoshop to \"unrealistically beautify\" models but now a video shows the complete process (sped up). The process starts with makeup and hair styling then moves to digital editing.
\nBefore all the improvements
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/03851db21e.jpg" alt="">\nAfter all the improvements
\n <img src="https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/f0be4f90c2.jpg" alt="">\nyou can watch the entire transformation here:
\n![](\"https://ekiledjian2.micro.blog/uploads/2025/f03f73e899.jpg\")
\n\nHere are the most popular posts (for the last 7 days):
\nI found it rather surprising that 3 of the top 10 posts this week were related to different Bose products.
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