3 Random Tools That I Like

[Kevin Beal]

I just wanted to plug some apps(?) I've been using that I think are pretty cool, are pretty simple and add some real value, in my opinion that I felt like sharing.

 

Numero Uno: SimplyRain (link)

This is basically a white noise generator that simulates the sound of rain and thunder. I really like it because it's very calming and helps me relax.

 

I have animals and random noises that happen around me so I don't much like silence and the contrast with that. So usually that means I'm listening to music all day.

 

I found that I like using it while I'm journaling and doing mecosystem convos to drown out other things and help me focus on that.

 

 

Numero Dos: Flux (link)

This is a program that runs on your computer and as the day turns into night, the hues on your computer turn gradually more into a red spectrum. The blue lights from your screen can make you wired right before you go to bed because your body associates blue light with morning / daytime. Anecdotally it appears to help with that a lot for me.

 

 

Numero Tres: Streak (link)

I honestly don't understand what the hell this thing is, but what I do know is that if you use it, you can be immediately notified whenever anyone reads an email you've sent them, so you know exactly when they've opened an email you've sent.

 

This is kinda freaky to think that some people out there know when you open emails you've sent them, but I really like it.

 

I personally don't enjoy wondering whether or not somebody got my email or not. This alleviates my anxiety around that. Probably something I should examine, but now I don't have to because I've got a tool for that

 

 

Anyway, let me know what you think and if you have similarly random vaguely productivity themed tools/apps that you use.

[David J. W.]

I like SimplyRain. It makes the silence of my room less deafening. 

 

Some apps I use are:

 

Texter, a text substitution app.

 

Anki, a flashcard and spaced-repetition app that helps me stop forgetting what I have learned. 

 

Memorization Tool, which creates first-letter cues for a piece of text that you may want to memorise. For example:

 

In Xanadu did Kubla Khan

A stately pleasure-dome decree:

Where Alph, the sacred river, ran

Through caverns measureless to man

   Down to a sunless sea.

So twice five miles of fertile ground

With walls and towers were girdled round;

And there were gardens bright with sinuous rills,

Where blossomed many an incense-bearing tree;

And here were forests ancient as the hills,

Enfolding sunny spots of greenery.

 

Becomes:

 

I X d K K

A s p-d d:

W A, t s r, r

T c m t m

   D t a s s.

S t f m o f g

W w a t w g r;

A t w g b w s r,

W b m a i-b t;

A h w f a a t h,

E s s o g.

[NigelW]

Hey Kevin,

 

I also use a white noise generator, but at work because It helps me focus. I listen to electronic music when I journal.. which really hasn't struck me until now! Haha

 

Flux sounds interesting. Have you gone as far as replacing your alarm clock?

 

I think I feel the same anxiety around things like facebook and linkedin. What do you think it is?

[SueBee]

For mobiles, the free "Twilight" app is something I think works great as far as the ability to control the output of the screen.