This Pocket Drum Machine Is Perfect For On-The-Go Producers

A calculator-sized drum machine.

Teenage Engineering has been creating tiny versions of music producing equipment for a while now as part of their Pocket Operator line, but their latest product offers more flexibility for producers than ever before. The PO-32 Tonic drum machine gets upgrades that allow users to import and export sounds via a standard 3.5mm headphone input or microphone.

Pocket Operator has a wide range of miniature, calculator-sized drum machines available that all come with slightly different sounds, but with the new accompanying Microtonic VST plug-in, producers can make new drum and synth samples they can load into their pocket-sized drum machine.

The drum machine features a small, quirky screen, and it has 16 buttons to assign sounds and patterns to, two knobs for adjusting pitch and modulation and 64 patern chaining. It runs on two AAA batteries.

Teenage Engineering offers a wide range of pocket drum machines, and the PO-32 is the most expensive at $90. The Microtonic VST is an additional $99 but if you pre-order them together the cost is only $140. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until the first week of April to get your hands on the PO-32.

Glitch Based Graphic Dances To Michael Jackson

It's an increasingly bleak world, we need to find joy. We need to find music. Yes, we need to look… to this computer student's video game graphic glitch being set to Michael Jackson's Billie Jean. Beautiful. Brilliant. A new movement is at hand. A movement of dance.

Yes friends, gather round this mad creation, the digital world's imperfection put on display as you gaze upon the unknowable, the unforeseeable — look into the eye— of a tiny digital mutant hitman wiggling along with movements!

Friends, what a delight, what a thrill, what a miserable metaphor for everything human in our lives! For are we not just shaking digital beings trying to make the most out of it!?

What a time to be alive. And also be a digital dancing man in someone's student film. What a time.

What did you think of the video? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter at @WhatsTrending.

Airline Travel Needs More Kitties and Puppies

Since a lot of us are dealing with stressful airline travel on our way home for the holidays - an estimated 38 million of us - we’ve got a couple of stories about adorable animals in airplanes and airports to help us out.

The first one is about a cat that somehow got out of its carrier on a Delta plane and encountered a flight attendant who was NOT happy to see it.

The video shows the thoroughly grumpy woman shooing the cat out of the attendants’ area and calling over the intercom for the animal’s owner to come claim it. “I need them to come and get their pet,” she announced curtly, telling other passengers to wake them up if necessary.

United Airlines understands that some of us would enjoy meeting a pet during our travels, however - they’ve started a program to bring dogs to airports to help travelers relax.

More than 230 trained comfort dogs are currently hanging out at the airport in Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Neward and Washington - so keep an eye out for them if you want cuddles.

What Is Depression

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is the fourth most burdensome disease each year.  Burdensome diseases are defined as those that affect people for an extended period of time, typically for years.  They estimate that there are 120 million people that suffer from this illness every year worldwide.  In the U.S. the total estimated to be diagnosed each year is about 17 million sufferers, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.  Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed as men, but this disparity is probably due to the fact that women are much more likely to seek help than men are when they feel depressed.



There are various levels of depression, and approximately 80% of those that are diagnosed with depression each year suffer from it to the point that their depression interferes in some way with their daily lives.  Close to 30% of those diagnosed suffer bad enough to make medical intervention necessary.  The most alarming figure to consider that is among those that have actually been diagnosed with depression, less than 50% of them will seek follow-up professional help.  That is particularly disturbing because about 90% of those that receive the diagnosis go on to at least attempt suicide, according to the Journal of Employee Assistance.



How does one know if they have a case of clinical depression, or if they are simply feeling the blues?  There are symptoms to look for.  Sometimes it can be difficult for the person that is actually suffering from the disease to recognize the signs and to admit to them self that they should seek medical assistance.  Often, particularly for men, they are embarrassed to admit that they may need help.   If you are a loved one of someone that you suspect could be suffering from depression, there are some symptoms to look for to determine if you need to encourage them to get help.



Some symptoms to consider are:  fatigue, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, insomnia, irritability, lack of interest in activities you normally enjoy including sex, loss of appetite, aches and pains that just will not go away, empty feelings, and thoughts of suicide.  These are according to the National Institute of Mental Health.  You may have some, or all of these symptoms.  Certainly if you are plagued by thoughts of suicide you should seek immediate help.



Depression is a medical illness, and as such it is a treatable condition.  It is not a sign of weakness and nobody should ever fail to seek help because they are embarrassed.  Consider this final statistic, and possibly it will motivate you to seek help for yourself or your loved one who you suspect is depressed.  Depression is life threatening.  One out of ten people who suffer from it do end up successfully committing suicide.  Anyone who expresses thoughts of suicide should be taken seriously.    You should call the local suicide hotline, or seek other medical assistance right away.  Recognizing the signs of depression and taking immediate action can literally save the life of someone that you love dearly.

Understanding Depression

Winston Churchill described his depression as a black dog that followed him around constantly. The sad truth is that not much has changed in the way depression is stigmatized in society today than it was when Mr. Churchill was walking his black dog.



It is still an issue that those suffering from the illness feel must be swept under the carpet and hidden. People not suffering from depression often feel that sufferers should just get over it or grin and bear it.



However, much has changed in the way that depression has been medically defined and is being treated today than it was way back then. The first thing people need to know so that they can understand depression is that there are different types of depression.



The most common type of depression and least known is probably reactive depression. This refers to a person succumbing to depression for a short period of time as a reaction to a traumatic or sad event that has taken place in their lives.



Reactive depression can be treated with therapy or even medication on a short term basis to help speed up the recovery time but most people tend to "get over it" on their own without any help. Reactive depression can however return in a more severe form if it is not dealt with.



Clinical depression is perhaps the most well-known of the different genres of depression. This is major depression and affects sufferers on a continual or recurring basis. In other words, it may seem that a person has overcome their depression through therapy or treatment but they will often begin displaying symptoms again even with continued treatment.



Clinical depression is a mental illness such as any serious medical illness that does not recede but can be managed and lived with like diabetes. Sufferers will probably have to deal with the symptoms for the rest of their lives.



Depression is also one of the major symptoms related to Bi-polar disorder. Bipolar disorder must be treated with a cocktail of different medications as well as therapy on an ongoing basis. Bi-polar depression can also be described as mood swings meaning that a person with the disorder can suffer extreme lows followed by extreme highs.



These extreme lows are major depressive episodes and can lead to a person thinking about and even acting on suicide. The extreme highs on the other hand leave the person feeling that they are on top of the world and has been compared to the feelings of elation that a cocaine user would experience.



There are other types of depression but more important than understanding the types of depression, understand the symptoms and treatments. It is advisable for a person to seek help if they are suffering from any of the following symptoms.



- A feeling of sadness without knowing the reason why they are sad.

- Feeling as if life is not worth living.

- Thoughts of suicide.

- Being so overwrought that they cannot maintain the function of normal tasks.



Don't feel alone and get help for depression.

What Is Chronic Depression

It is estimated that in the United States approximately 17 – 18 million Americans suffer from depression every year.  Of those people, only 5 to 6 million people actually seek treatment.  This is unfortunate, because depression is a treatable medical condition.  About 80% of those that have sought treatment have reported that their lives were significantly improved by their treatments.



While there are several different types of depression that have been defined, chronic depression is among the most frequent reported.  According to the National Inst. of Mental Health, approximately 1.5% of Americans suffer from chronic depression at some point in their lives. Chronic depression differs from major depression primarily by the fact that the severity of the emotions associated with them are less severe.  Though chronic depression is a milder form, the symptoms can last for a very long time, sometimes years.  Though it is less disabling than major depression, it still prevents people from functioning at their best.  People who suffer from chronic depression can also go through short periods of major depression.



Experts are divided on what exactly causes chronic depression.  Many believe that genetics do play a role; however there is dispute as to how great that role is.  Many who are treated for chronic depression report no instances of having other relatives that have suffered from the condition as well.  It is commonly accepted that changes in the chemistry of the brain are involved.  It is also believed that chronic illnesses, life stressors, and some medications contribute too.



The symptoms of chronic depression are the same as that for major depression, but are far less severe.  They include the following:  the feeling of sadness that lasts most of the day, the lack of enthusiasm for things that were once enjoyable, major changes in appetite or weight, either excessively sleeping or insomnia, physical restlessness, fatigue, feelings of hopelessness, difficulty concentrating and making decisions, and suicidal thoughts.



Diagnosis is made by examination of the symptoms by a medical doctor.  The doctor will rule out other possible physical causes, such as hypothyroidism.  He or she will examine your family history and will discuss with you any medications that could be causing your symptoms.  Unfortunately there is no blood test that can conclusively indicate that the symptoms are caused by depression rather than another cause.



As with any chronic disease, early diagnosis and treatment is very beneficial for lessening the duration and intensity of the symptoms.  Early treatment is also indicated to be effective for reducing the possibility of a relapse.  Treatment usually consists of psychotherapy, medication, or a combination.  Your primary care physician can usually treat the disease.



The cost of depression is very high, both in terms of human suffering and economic impact.  Education is the key to improving the quality of life for those that suffer from any form of depression.  Most people can be helped by treatment, and can go on to fully realize their potential having been freed from the debilitating effects of the disease.

Important Tips To Help You Get More Fit

When it comes to our overall fitness, most of us are not in the shape we want to be. As we grow older and start working, exercise takes a back seat to other important aspects of our lives. However, no matter how busy you are, it is important that you make some time to maintain and/or improve your fitness. If you are someone who wants to get back in shape, you've come to the right place. In the article below, you will learn a few key tips that will help you achieve your fitness goals.



#1 - Don't Overdo It

While not exercising at all is not good for you, exercising too much can be just as harmful. Often times when people start working out, they are extremely motivated. This may cause them to workout their body's too hard. In order to make fitness gains, you have to let your muscles rest after each workout. As a general rule, you should wait a minimum of 48 hours before working out a particular muscle group. This means that if you work on your leg muscles on day, you should give yourself at least the next day to rest before working your leg muscles again.



#2 - Stretch, Stretch, Stretch!

The importance of stretching cannot be overstated. Studies have shown that increased flexibility has proven to help promote more muscle growth and better overall fitness. Now most of you who exercise regularly probably stretch as a warm up before you begin your workout. However, stretching your muscles AFTER you workout is when you will actually gain the most benefits. Stretching while you cool down, when your muscle are already loose allows you to make the most flexibility gains.



#3 - Don't Workout Too Long

Ever see those people that just seem to live in the gym? They spend hours and hours on their workouts. While their dedication is to be commended, they actually are not being very efficient with their workout at all. Studies have shown that workouts that last longer than an hour cause the body to produce cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that blocks testosterone production and causes stress. This means that you are actually making very little gains even though your workout will seem harder to you. Make sure to keep all strength based workouts under one hour.



#4 - Always Lift With Dumbbells First

When ever you are working your upper body with free weights, it is important that you start your workouts with dumbbells and then move on to barbell exercises. The reason is quite simply. Dumbbells require more balance and stabilization on your part so it is best to use them when you have all your strength. Barbells require much less stabilization and machines don't need any stabilization at all so make sure to use this order.



With the tips mentioned above, you should now be able to workout effectively and efficiently. Make sure to use what you have learned and you are sure to reach your goals in no time.

How You Can Successfully Reach Your Weight Loss Goal

Shedding weight is a scary job due to the fear of possible failure. Your personal weight loss objectives may be realized, however, with determination, advanced preparation and moral support. Look over this article for simple ways that you can safely reach your weight loss goal.



Perhaps you want to play a ball game with your kids or not be embarrassed when you join a health club. Perhaps you are trying to find a boyfriend or girlfriend or you want to play sports.  To do these things you are going to have to shed pounds.



Write out a list of each of the foods you are able to eat on your new eating plan. Any time you visit the supermarket walk away from anything that isn't on the list. Start a journal and keep track of the pounds you have lost at normal time intervals -- weekly is usually best. Take a photo of yourself at your beginning weight and put it on the family fridge. As you lose a predetermined quantity of weight (for example 10 or 20 pounds), take another photo and put it on the fridge next to your starting photo. Keep doing this each time you lose another 10 or 20 pounds.



You know it's really important that you exercise, but your workout routines need to be enjoyable. A successful loser one time explained jogging was boring --- but when he's playing basketball he will happily run back and forth the length of the court for hours on end. Whatever routine you decide on, keep track of your everyday exercise as part of your weight loss journal. Learn to calculate the number of calories you have burned up in the course of each and every session --- also the routines that work best for you.



You put on your weight in stages and that's how it will come off. Set up initial goals of five to twenty pounds and give yourself a reward as soon as you achieve the first goal. That doesn't mean heading out to a restaurant and / or allowing yourself an ice cream sundae.  Instead, treat yourself to a  a new shirt or blouse or perhaps a super romantic night out with your partner.



Do not forget that a few cheers from your close friends and family will help you enormously. It is the folks who love you most that are going to be rooting for you and who will be in your corner. Don't be embarrassed about discussing your goals and personal achievements with them. You need their encouragement and to be able to use them as a sounding board in order to keep you serious about your program. Burning off fat is definitely a process that will require staying on plan and working out regularly.



Keep your goal in mind --- you can achieve the sexy physique you have always dreamed about. The secret is to keep motivated. Keep this tips in mind and you can successfully reach your weight loss goal.

Important Tips To Help You Get Fit

Are you tired of being out of breath every time you climb a flight of stairs? Do you find yourself lacking energy in the middle of the day? Maybe you want to lose that spare tire and replace it with a six pack. There are plenty of reasons why people might want to increase their fitness, however, it is much easier said than done. Everyone looks for a shortcut when it comes to fitness, but the truth of the matter is, getting fit is hard work. It is going to take a great deal of willpower and dedication in order to reach your goals. If you think you are up to the challenge, you've come to the right place. In the article below, we will explain a few important tips to help maximize your efficiency so that you can get fitter faster. Read on and learn.



When it comes to increasing your fitness, aerobic exercises are the most important thing you can do.  I can't tell you how many times I've seen guys with muscles on top of muscles struggle to jog even half a mile. While they might appear to be in good shape, they are most definitely not. It is important for you to increase the rate at which your body takes in oxygen. This will give you more stamina during any type of workout, be it aerobic or anaerobic. While jogging for hours on end will help you lose weight, it does very little to help you get more fit. Instead, you should focus on shorter more intense workouts. High intensity interval training is particularly great at both increasing fitness, and burning fat. Be warned though, it is not easy. While a HIIT workout may last as little as 15 minutes, those are going to be the most brutal 15 minutes of your life.



Right along with aerobic training, it is also important that you incorporate strength training as well. Whether you are a man who wants to add some bulk, or a woman who just wants to look a little more toned, strength training is very important to overall fitness. Try and workout each muscle group 1-2 times per week and avoid training the same muscle groups on consecutive days because your muscles will need at least 36 hours to repair themselves after each workout.



Last but most certainly not least, your diet also plays a vital role in your fitness. You need to eat a well balanced diet so that your body has all the nutrients it needs to perform the workouts you put it through. Make sure to eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, as these should be your main source of carbohydrates. Also, if you want to lose fat and/or build muscle, a high protein diet will help you do just that.



Getting fit is not going to be easy. However, if you start a good routine and use the tips above, you are sure to reach whatever goals you create for yourself.

Important Steps for Better Fitness and Health

Every individual wants a well sculpted body, and one that is well proportioned. This can be acquired through body toning exercises that are designed to produce a long sleek look. Many individuals believe that it takes too much time and effort to create a phenomenal looking body. However, there are easy steps.


The Effects of Obesity


Obesity is the leading cause of disease and disharmony in our modern society. Excess body fat affects millions of individuals worldwide, and is often the result of a busy sedentary lifestyle. In addition, it is exacerbated by living a life of poor nutrition and a complete lack of daily exercise.


The Benefits of Exercise


Routine exercise can assist an individual in achieving the dream of acquiring a well-toned body. It also maximizes health and fitness. Exercises that tone the body will also maximize weight loss. It has significant than if it’s in helping the health of individuals worldwide.



Body Resistance



The ideal body sculpting exercises require some type of resistance, where your body can work against it. This might include lifting weights, extensive walking on an incline, or other type of isometric exercise. At first, the body’s excess weight will require specific resistance.



To maximize the results of body toning exercise, never repeat the exercise at a fast pace. Quickly performing exercises never give the body the opportunity to work against tension and resistance, and will often provide undesired results.



Before beginning any exercise, warm-up is compulsory. If the muscles are not warm properly before the exercise routine, the individual can easily injure themselves. Recognize that any complementary body workout plan is going to cause some level of pain and discomfort to the muscles. However, it’s important to never give up. After a few days, your body will start to develop endorphins, and make the entire exercise program exciting, worthwhile and enjoyable.



Achieving a Toned Body



Essential body toning exercises can assist in defining abdominal muscles, slender legs, and even a sexy butt. It does not require a trainer, and can be done nearly anywhere, including in the confines of home.



Body toning exercises for better health and fitness are designed to develop lean muscle mass in the body. In turn, the extra muscle mass will increase the body’s metabolic rate, burning off even more unwanted body fat.



Usually, toning exercises require the use of barbells, dumbbells, or any heavy object that can be lifted and manipulated. Workout routines often incorporate hammer curls, bicep curls, tricep kickbacks, shoulder presses, and tricep extensions. On the legs, many women and men use a variety of exercises including lunges, squats, walking lunges, inner thigh squats, and compound exercises to tone the muscles in the legs.



To achieve the best results in improving health and fitness you’ll need to combine strength training with a cardio workout. You’ll also need to incorporate a variety of stretching exercises into your fitness training plan. However, with the right determination, motivation and sticking to your plan, you can easily develop better health and fitness in a well-toned body quickly.

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Things to Do This Week to Lose Weight

Things to Do This Week to Lose Weight

Once you've made the decision to lose some weight then it's time to take action. Thinking about losing weight won't make any difference to the weighing scales and it won't make the button any easier to fasten on your pants, if you want to lose weight you've got to actually do something about it.

Here are some things which you should do this week at the start of your journey to a lighter, fitter you.

Make a Plan

Before you head off to the supermarket and pick up a bunch of salad along with your usual jelly donuts, stop and make a plan. Losing weight starts in the kitchen and what ends up in the kitchen starts on your grocery shopping trip. A healthy weight is only achieved by eating healthy, balanced meals so plan out your weekly menu and try to stick to it. Look for fresh foods and choose low fat or healthy alternatives to your usual favorites.

Make Your Own Treat

We all need a treat every now and then to prevent boredom from setting in. Some people like to treat themselves with a pizza, others like a takeaway. Think about your favorite treat and how you can make it at home using alternative healthier ingredients. Lots of popular takeaway dishes can be replicated at home with fewer calories yet equal or even more flavor. If you really can't give up on your takeaway then try to think about choosing one which is healthier than your usual meal. Every little helps.

Get Active

You are going to need to increase your activity level if you are really serious about losing some weight so now's the time to start thinking about what you 're going to do, where you're going to do it and how often. The amount of physical activity which is right for you is largely dependent upon your age.  People aged between 20 and 60 years should aim for at least 30 minutes moderately intense aerobic activity five times per week - this could include things like brisk walking and cycling or taking up some sort of exercise class. If you really want to lose serious amounts of weight you may need even more than that.

Watch Out for the Danger Zone

Everyone has their potential danger zones lurking in the days ahead, think about them and decide upon a plan of attack. The danger zones could be the times when you are most likely to eat lots of high sugar foods - maybe because you will be eating out or maybe because it's the end of a long, hard week and you usually treat yourself to something naughty. Plan ahead about how you can limit these danger foods but don't be too hard on yourself, everybody needs a little treat sometime.

The most effective way to lose weight and keep healthy is by adopting a lifestyle change and these could be the first steps towards your healthier lifestyle. Not only will you lose weight but you will also feel fitter and happier than you could imagine.

The Only 2 Things You Need To Know About Weight Loss

The Only 2 Things You Need To Know About Weight Loss

Weight loss is a billion dollar industry. It's an industry full of empty promises, where everyone promises that their product is the one product that can help you finally lose weight. I have to ask, if their products are so great, why are people still overweight? Why do we have a childhood obesity, diabetes and hypertension epidemic?


The truth is that there aren't any shortcuts to weight loss. Perhaps liposuction is a shortcut but who really wants to go through surgery? I'm willing to bet that people who have liposuction often gain the weight back.


When it comes to weight loss and life, you should try to get things right the first time. What I mean by this is, you should ignore the promises and gimmicks and focus on the core principles of weight loss. Dissect what actually allows a person to lose weight and to only focus on those things.



So, before we talk about what works, lets focus on what doesn't work. We are doing this so that you can throw all these concepts into you mental waste basket.

Here's what doesn't work:

(1)Crash and starvation diets don't work


(2)Spot reduction doesn't work (Try to lose fat in one area of the body)


(3)Extreme workouts don't work


So what really works? The basics work, diet and exercise.


Diet is more important than exercise! It is a FACT that what you eat has a greater impact on your body fat than how much you exercise. A person can always out eat their exercise efforts. A workout that burned 1000 calories can easily be nullified by eating the wrong foods.



We need to get over the whole idea that we will eat a bad meal and then exercise to equal things out. It doesn't work!



The one method of dieting that works is volumetrics. Volumetrics is a diet created by a dietitian who has found that the key to losing weight is getting full from eating fewer calories. The problem we have with the modern diet is that it is high calorie and people find it impossible to get full, so they keep on eating and eating.


The original volumetrics is about eating high fiber foods like vegetables and grains. I have changed it so that it uses less grains and more vegetables.


When you eat like this you stay full all day from eating healthy foods. My basic diet consists of eating lean cuts of meat like chicken breast and mixing it with an extra large portion of vegetables, eating like this has been the first time that I have been able to get full without stuffing my face with unhealthy food.


Exercise? You need it. The body is made to move. If your diet is in check all you need to do is stay active. Get out of your chair and do anything that will keep you on your feet for at least an hour a day.


As you can see, the natural way to lose weight is the easy way.

The Most Effective Weight Loss Program Involves Better Habits

The Most Effective Weight Loss Program Involves Better Habits

Every member of the family probably recognizes the best way they can stay fit and remain slender, even if they require significant amount of weight loss. Typically, fit families are those that have established habits based on a healthy lifestyle. This is often challenging within a busy home, where both parents are off working throughout the day.

Managing a weight loss system in an active family requires dedication of consuming a balanced diet, and performing regular exercise. While it might appear to be much more convenient to simply stop by the fast food joint for dinner, than to prepare a healthy meal, in the long run it can cause significant issues and diminish the health of the family.

An effective weight loss program to keep the family fit and slender requires basic steps. These include:

Do Not Forget Breakfast – Yes it is true that the most essential meal of the day is breakfast. Without it, the body’s metabolism will quickly slow down, making weight loss significantly more challenging. By creating a healthy breakfast at home, loaded with low-fat proteins, vegetables and fruits, whole grains and low-fat dairy products is essential to a healthier lifestyle.

30 Minutes of Exercise a Day – Signing up for a gym that is 10 or 15 minutes away from home is usually a waste of time. Consider gathering the entire family together to enjoy a brisk walk or some effective activity. Attempt to keep the family workouts convenient and short. Remember that the young children will quickly become bored, so mix up the daily activities to keep them entertained.

Purchase Groceries Using a List – Just like you should never purchase groceries on an empty stomach, you should only buy food using a list. It is very easy to select low quality foods simply because they are within sight. If it helps, take along a healthy snack, to enjoy while grocery shopping. This not only benefits you, but also the child that is begging for the purchase of a snack that is truly unhealthy.

Eat Meals Together Every Night – Enjoying the family meals together at dinner time is the perfect opportunity to entertain each other, and stay connected. It helps develop better weight loss strategies, by eating the correct portion sizes. Avoid bringing cell phones to the table, or watching TV during dinnertime.

Set a Pre-Determine Bedtime – Everyone in the family including the parents requires an essential night’s sleep to maintain optimal health. Without it, it is easy to put on weight, causing everyone in the family to get on a weight loss program. By setting a routine bedtime for every member of the family, everyone can be assured of receiving a minimum of six hours and an optimal level of eight hours of quality sleep every night.

When the family eats right, by developing better habits, there is no need to create a weight loss system, because everyone is slender and fit. However this takes determination and dedication from every member of the family, especially mom and dad.