The Propeller – Did you call Mom? – 5-12-2024

While my mom may not be fluent in the language of gigabytes and pixels, her brand of magic transcends the digital realm. She may not know her way around a computer as well as I do, but her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering support have been the driving force behind every tech adventure I’ve embarked upon – even helping me as a star worker when I opened up a cybercafé called the Hard Drive Cafe. Her love knows no bounds—even in a world where gadgets reign supreme. So here’s to my mom, the ultimate tech novice turned expert in matters of the heart. Happy Mother’s Day to the woman who reminds me that the most valuable connections aren’t measured in megabits, but in moments shared with love.

I had a chance to hang out with a great friend, Dennis, whom I haven’t seen in a long time while I was in Dallas a couple weeks ago.  He demoed some great headphones for me that he uses daily.  He could tell I liked them, so he gifted me a new pair of them!  The Shokz OpenRun headphones stand out in the crowded market of audio wearables, thanks to their innovative bone conduction technology. Designed to deliver premium sound without obstructing your ears, these headphones redefine comfort and performance.

One of the standout features of the Shokz OpenRun headphones is their bone conduction technology. Instead of relying on traditional speaker drivers that transmit sound through the air, these headphones utilize vibrations to transmit audio directly through your cheekbones to the inner ear. This not only allows you to enjoy your favorite tunes but also keeps your ears open to ambient sounds, enhancing situational awareness—a crucial aspect for outdoor activities like hiking, running or cycling.  I especially enjoy these while taking evening walks (especially when you pass by your neighbors and they want to talk – you can hear them and carry on a conversation without having to remove your headphones) and I also enjoy them on Hikes – I can still listen to audiobook or music, but also hear wildlife, etc.

One common frustration with traditional earbuds is their tendency to fall out during rigorous activities. The Shokz OpenRun headphones address this issue head-on with their open-ear design, which sits comfortably on the cheekbones and behind the ears. This design ensures a secure fit, allowing you to move freely without worrying about readjusting or losing your headphones mid-stride.  I don’t know how many times I’ve had earbuds fall out and then I am scouring the ground trying to find them.

Moreover, the open-ear design eliminates the discomfort often associated with prolonged use of in-ear headphones, making the Shokz OpenRun ideal for long hikes/runs or workouts. The headphones are also IP55-rated, providing water and sweat resistance, further enhancing their durability and suitability for active lifestyles.

In terms of sound quality, the Shokz OpenRun headphones deliver a rich and immersive audio experience. While they may not match the bass depth of traditional headphones, the clarity and detail of the sound are impressive, especially considering the unique technology powering them.  They also have a built-in Mic, so you can take phone calls if needed.

Overall, the Shokz OpenRun headphones offer a compelling alternative to traditional earbuds, combining comfort, performance, and safety in one sleek package. Whether you’re a dedicated hiker/athlete or simply enjoy listening to audiobooks and music on the go, these headphones are sure to elevate your audio experience while keeping you connected to your surroundings.

Thanks, Dennis, for letting me know about these and then gifting me one!

Pick up your own here:  https://amzn.to/3JXT2rE 

Here are Ralph Waldo Emerson’s 9 Pillars of Success:

1. To laugh often and much: Laughter keeps us young. Without laughter, you aren’t really living!

2. To win the respect of intelligent people: Earning the respect of people you admire (my adaptation on “intelligent people”) through the way you live your life.

3. To win the affection of children: Children see through BS. You cannot earn their affection without being kind, genuine, and trustworthy.

4. To earn the appreciation of honest critics: Earning respect of good faith critics through the way you live your life.

5. To endure the betrayal of false friends: Surviving the inevitable betrayals of people you thought were friends. Painful, but impossible to avoid.

6. To appreciate beauty: Expressing gratitude for the tiny daily beauties all around us.

7. To find the best in others: It’s easy to point out the flaws in others, but it’s much better to seek out the best in them and focus there.

8. To leave the world a bit better: Taking daily actions to improve the world’s condition, whether in a grand or tiny way.

9. To know one life has breathed easier because you lived: Acting in the service of others, rather than solely in the service of the self.

So much beauty in these ideas and words.

How are you doing on this definition of success?