The Return Of The Nokia 3310

The smartphones that sit uncomfortably inside our pocket are now more powerful than the large desktop computers from 10 years ago. However, many people will tell you that these fantastic advances in technology are not always a sign of progress.

 

For example, anyone that remembers the days when the tank like Nokia 3310 ruled the world will scoff at our unusual modern ways. Back in simpler times, you didn't have to worry about dropping your phone or constantly searching for a power socket to charge your phone, and it even fit in your pocket.

You didn't feel the need to have to search for a game that you somehow buried on page 7 of your phone apps because the only game you played was called Snake. This was an era where reliability and resilience were rated much higher than shiny new gimmickry.

Sure, there was a reversal of fortune when the iPhone appeared on the scene, and we fell in love with mobile apps and screens that shatter just by looking at concrete. Eventually, Microsoft infamously acquired Nokia's mobile phone business in 2014 for a whopping $7.17 billion in a move that would eventually be the kiss of death for the Nokia phone as we knew it.

According to Evan Blass, HMD Global Oy, the Finnish manufacturer with exclusive rights to market phones under the Nokia brand have an interesting announcement on the horizon. It appears there are plans to announce four handsets at Mobile World Congress later this month including the much loved Nokia 3310 that many still remember as the first phone they fell in love with.

HMD is expected to unveil the phone that was first released back in 2000 at a launch event on February 26 in Barcelona. The attractive price of €59 will aim this new incarnation at nostalgic tech lovers who might want a second phone when they expect more battery life and resilience at a music festival or camping trip for example.

Although there will be two new Android phones on display too, it seems the love of all things retro will the Nokia 3100 will once again grab all of the headlines. Whether it's original users getting all nostalgic or hipsters promoting ironic living, there is clearly a lot of love for the 17-year-old phone.

We now live in a digital age where sophisticated smartphones from all manufacturers all look remarkably similar and are only separated by gimmicks. However, as users, we don't necessarily want waterproof phones, with curved screens or the ability to take live photos. The average user simply desires reliability, resilience and a half decent battery.

Nobody would seriously suggest returning to solely using phones that are nearly 20 years old. But, I think this is a clear indication of what consumers feel are lacking from their current generation of smartphones. There is an argument that if any phone manufacturer added these two requirements we once took for granted to their next model of smartphone, they could hit a winning formula.

Yes, we expect our model of choice to be aesthetically pleasing and contain all the features we know and love. However, savvy consumers have quickly realized that new features are often just gimmicks to create fake selling points.

Maybe, we also need to look in the mirror. Our desire for something new and exciting via annual refresh rates is responsible for leaving less time to develop anything genuinely new or exciting. Depending on your pocket size preferences, there are small or plus-sized phones to cover all tastes. But, what have we sacrificed along the way?

If we are completely honest, our obsession with being face down into a smartphone was almost non-existent in the days of Nokia reign. Our usage and expectations from these tiny devices have progressed to epic proportions, and maybe this is an inconvenient truth for those that look at the past through rose-tinted snap chat glasses.

However, the impending announcement of the Nokia 3310's return from the grave at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona certainly offers food for thought. What was your first and favorite mobile phone? Are you tempted to pick one up to use the second phone? Or do you prefer the past where it belongs?

The Importance Of Being Grateful

Gratitude is one of the most important elements for success. It’s the key to experiencing life at its best.

Many will tell you that hard work and dedication produce success. However, being grateful for your blessing in life is arguably what opens the door to a life of success and prosperity.

Gratitude is a powerful practice that can revolutionize your life forever! Here’s why.

The Importance Of Gratitude

1. Gratitude flows from a heart of “thanksgiving.”

Thanksgiving is not just a date on the calendar. Thanksgiving is a daily discipline that we should all develop in our lives.

2. Gratitude shifts the narrative of your life.

So many people in the world today are battling through toxic thoughts and negative words. These thoughts and words create negative cycles in your lives.

Being grateful changes the sequencing of words and the processing of your thoughts. It seasons your words and focuses your thoughts creating new possibilities for your life.

Your story changes, and therefore, the seasons of your life change. You are able to have the right perspective and understand the value that each cycle of life brings. You go from a life of complaining to a life of compassion and appreciation. Changing your story empowers you to create success in every area of your life.

3. Gratitude changes us for the better.

Humanity is in a constant state of evolution. We are all on a journey to become the highest expression of ourselves.

Gratitude is an advanced practice, but it yields abundant possibilities. The more grateful you are, the more authentic you become. Gratitude will change you into a peaceful, conscious, and sacrificial person. You will be able to be present, and you will be able to live in the flow of life.

4. Gratitude produces a more meaningful life.

When it comes to life meaning, nothing compares to living a life of gratitude. When you are truly grateful, you find yourself living with greater purpose and passion.

Being grateful will give you meaning because it allows you to capture the full essence of every moment. It takes the burden out of life while adding a dimension of beauty, and it allows you to find contentment even in moments of crisis.

The Takeaway

Being grateful is developing a mindset that nothing has the ability to compromise your contentment. Contentment will create the conditions that you desire to see in your life. Cultivating a lifestyle of gratitude will be the best decision you ever make.

Try These Great Tips To Get Rid Of Your Acne

You have tried everything from home treatments, to changing your diet, to over the counter medicines, but nothing will clear up your acne. Now it is time to get serious and consult with a professional. Here is a guide for what to look for in a dermatologist and what to expect at your appointment.

A paste of cinnamon and honey can be beneficial as an acne treatment. Combine ground cinnamon with a dab of honey to form a paste and apply it to the acne. Cinnamon is a natural antiseptic and honey is a natural antibiotic. Together they can relieve and cure a breakout.

If you typically wear makeup, avoid wearing it for a few days. You can also treat acne by switching to a foundation that is water-based. Your pores will become clogged if you cover them with makeup. Staying away from makeup all together is the best way to keep your pores clean and healthy.

Use cucumbers to combat acne. Many people already use cucumber to get rid of dark bags an puffiness beneath their eyes. While they do very little in that department, some people have had moderate success using cucumber slices to ease their acne. Try applying cucumber slices to your face while relaxing.

Applying tea tree oil can help to clear up your acne breakouts. You will need to dilute the tea tree oil before application. Simply use a cotton ball to apply the diluted solution directly to your acne. Tea tree oil helps to heal your breakouts quickly, by killing the bacteria.

Lemon juice can aid in treating acne and and scarring. The juice contains citric acid which will dry out a pimple. Simply put a little on a cotton ball and place it directly on the pimple. If you have very sensitive skin, be sure to dilute the lemon juice. You can also use it to lighten any red marks caused by scarring.

A great way to avoid breakouts and acne is by keeping your hair out of your face. If you have long hair or bangs, the dirt and oils from your hair can transfer to your face. The oils and dirt will contribute to clogged pores, eventually leading to a breakout.

Cutting back on your coffee intake can help to prevent acne. Coffee is linked to increased hormone levels in some individuals, which can trigger acne outbreaks. Eliminating or even reducing, the number of cups you drink a day, might have a positive effect on your complexion and overall, skin health.

To prevent oily skin that can make it easier to get acne, you should always apply hypoallergenic moisture cream or lotion after every wash. Dry skin indirectly results in acne by producing oil to protect and lubricate itself. This leads to a clogging of the pores, the main cause of acne.

Aloe Vera is a great product to use on your skin, especially if you are very red and uncomfortable from your acne. This green gel is very soothing when you apply it to your skin and can create a strong shield to block bacteria and the sun from impacting your face.

If you want to shrink the appearance of your pores, switch to a facial cleanser that contains the ingredient salicylic acid. This will wash out excess oils that can stretch out your pores. It is a bonus if the cleanser can exfoliate, as well. When you exfoliate, you wash away dead skin that could clog and stretch the pores.

Water is one of your best defenses against acne. When skin does not shed old cells, pores become blocked and this is one of the major contributors to pimples. For optimum benefits, drink two liters of water every day and rest assured that you are much better prepared to battle your acne, along with other methods, such as diet and ointments. Failure to consume sufficient water can really put you at a disadvantage.

Using a facial mask can help eliminate deep acne more than just a medicated gel can. Masks help pull out impurities and open up clogged pores. Once or twice a week, preferably at night, include a clay mask in your skincare regimen. Using the mask before the application of your regular acne medicine will help the medicine penetrate deeper into the pores of your skin.

Picking pimples is one of the first things that someone does when they notice it coming in, however, it is one of the worst things that you can do. It can cause the pimple to spread into a full blown acne breakout. As hard as it is to avoid it, do not do it.

Saw Palmetto is a natural herbal remedy that is used to treat many things. It is used to treat unbalanced testosterone levels and metabolism. You are sure to see some benefits when you use it on your face to treat acne problems, as well. It is a growing treatment for acne.

However tempted you may be, do not pop your pimples! When you pop a pimple, you are releasing the bacterium that was within it, which can then spread to other nearby areas of your skin. What may have started as one pimple could end up as ten, so resist the urge!

Lowering the amount of dairy products in your diet can help reduce acne issues. Dairy products contain hormones that consequently increase your own hormone levels. Increased hormone levels have a direct correlation with increased acne levels. Many people also have some level of lactose intolerance. When these people consume dairy products, the intolerance may manifest itself as acne. Therefore, if your daily diet consists of several dairy products, you should definitely consider removing some of them.

You tried everything that you could, but lost the war against acne. Do not worry, this is why there are people who make a living from learning about your skin and treating it. Follow the tips that we have provided and you will find success in choosing your dermatologist and will get the most out of your visit.

How To Be Happier in 8 Simple Steps

We think it’s pretty safe to assume none of us would say no to a little extra happiness in our lives. Whether you’re going through a rough time or you just want to add a little fun to break up the repetition of your busy day we’ve come up with 8 simple ways to bring some much needed joy into your life. These are so simple, you can even do a few of them while reading this post, so get reading and get happier!

1. Be In The Now

Worrying about the “What if’s” in life is the quickest and easiest way to get yourself down in the dumps. Instead of focusing on what could happen in the future, use your mind to focus on what is happening now. 

Chances are, you aren’t going to be able to change what might happen tomorrow – maybe you’ll lose your job, maybe you’ll win the lottery, maybe you’ll have a perfectly average day, whatever happens will be out of your control.

While “what if’s” can sometimes result in beneficial planning or strategizing – for example, if a storm is coming – most of the time they do nothing but waste your time and cause unnecessary worry and stress. Instead, if you focus on what you are experiencing at this moment, you will be using all you senses to appreciate the sights, sounds and smells that surround you and your brain will thank you with happiness.

2. Be Grateful

Practicing gratitude is one of the best and fastest ways to increase your happiness. Simply making a list of all the things that are going right as opposed to wrong in your daily life will bring you quickly to the realization that things really aren’t that bad.

According to Inc.com, we often expect happy things to make us feel grateful, but the fact of the matter is, it’s feeling grateful for things that make us perceive them as happy. Practicing feeling grateful for the little things in your day can instantly turn it around. Stepped in a puddle on your way to work and ruined your shoes? Be thankful you have those shoes and that you’re well enough off to get another pair.

Putting bad happenings in perspective will go a long way to making you appreciate all the things you have in your life. Writing them down is just an added way to remind yourself of them each and everyday. Soon it will become a mindless habit and your overall outlook on life will be happier and healthier.

3. Be Realistic

Chasing your dreams is one of the many things that can bring happiness to your day. Maybe you dream of becoming rich, famous or successful? These are great aspirations to have and working towards them will indeed make you happier, but keep in mind why you want to achieve these things.

Do you find yourself believing that a large sum of money or a sudden rise to stardom will make your life happier? Well, we hate to break it to you but this likely won’t be the case. Dan Gilbert (Psychologist) explains that our brains are actually wired to be happy with the lives we have, no matter what they are. So just because you become famous, win the lottery or reach major success, there’s no saying that you would be any less happy if you hadn’t accomplished those things.

Be happy with the life you have. Never stop reaching for your goals, but keep in mind that you can be happy no matter the situations in your life (although that may seem impossible at times).

4. Be Adventurous

While it’s true that money can’t buy happiness, it can buy adventures, new experiences and things that will enrich your life. Instead of rushing to the mall to spend money next time you’re feeling down, use that money to buy yourself an experience that you will remember forever.

For example, maybe you’ve always dreamed of skydiving out of a plane or climbing a mountain? Spending your money on things that will make this happen will contribute to your overall happiness, whereas buying random junk, will not.

One particularly good example of this is paying for a pet. Sure, they can be very expensive but the amount of joy you will get from them over your lifetime will be priceless. This can also ring true for an expensive vacation to an exotic destination. It may seem like a splurge at the time but the memories will keep you happy forever. Do the things your future self may regret not doing.

5. Challenge Yourself

Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi is a believer that happiness resides in something he calls flow. Flow is the feeling we get when we are doing something we love, are good at and have probably done before. It correlates perfectly with the phrase, “time flies when you’re having fun”.

When we experience flow everything else in the world seems to disappear. This may happen to you when you’re practicing your favourite activity, whether it is something creative like painting or recreational like a high-intensity game of basketball. When time starts to fly, you are truly in your happiness zone.

Csikszentmihalyi states that we can also experience flow when doing something challenging, like building a puzzle, solving a Rubik’s cube or even playing a hard video game. The complete opposite of flow would be boredom, where the days and hours seem to drag on endlessly. Which makes sense, because how many times have you said to yourself, “Man, I’m so happy that I’m painfully bored!”? Our guess is probably never.

6. Be Generous

Want to make yourself instantly happier? Make someone else happy. This could possibly be the most studied and scientifically measured determinants of a person’s happiness.

According to Business Insider, a review of 40 studies done over 20 years showed that making others happy (in most cases, by volunteering) was the most important activity for a psychological boost.

Another study in 2008 tested two groups of individuals by giving them money either to spend on themselves or on others. The volunteers recorded their happiness levels before and after the exercise and the results showed that the people who spent their money on others were significantly happier than those who spent it on themselves.

Being generous also helps us tap into our grateful side as well, by reminding us of how lucky we are to be able to help others in need.

7. Get Sweating

Your physical health is directly tied to your mental and emotional health; therefore a happy body will equal a happy mind. Not only does this go for exercising, but also for eating well, reducing stress and providing ourselves with enough relaxation and sleep.

Clinical Psychologist Jennifer Jones recommends these three tips for getting your body and mind happier:

1. Honour your circadian rhythm. This means going to bed just after sunset and waking up just after sunrise. While this may not always be possible, it will create a healthier functioning brain and therefore a happier outlook.
2. Incorporate play. Playing isn’t just for kids! Easy ways to add play to your daily routine are through exercise (think hula hooping, trampolining, dancing) or by having fun with friends. Being silly, laughing and having a good time will always make you happier.
3. Meditate. Taking a few minutes each day to clear you head and relax your mind and body will help your mind recuperate from the stress and anxiety of the day. Give yourself 10-15 minutes everyday to just relax and reset.

This doesn’t even touch on the fact that when you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are pretty much your bodies’ happy molecule.

8. Nurture Friendships

Friends are often the first thing to get cast aside when we decide our lives are getting too busy. When in fact, they are the last thing we should ever be throwing away. Having friends is a major benefit for your overall mental and emotional health (something Netflix simply can’t do) and your relationships with them should be top priority.

Andrea Bonior, a Clinical Psychologist, says that in the times we think we don’t have time for our friends, that is really the time that we need them the most. In fact, you can squeeze a lot of these happiness techniques into a single outing with a good friend. For example, say you take them out for dinner and help them get through a break up – which results in having a few laughs and trying something new and exciting? Or maybe you want to take a dance class with friend and add in some much needed play time?

The possibilities are endless; you can use any of these tips individually or group them together for a happiness overflow! Whichever you decide, make sure you’re making time for fun and happiness in your life. Your brain and body will thank you.