The Life's Way

Friday, 22 September 2023

My Road to 42 Years of Shree Hanuman Chalisa!

Hi Friends,

I always had a dream to do Shree Hanuman Chalisa for every day I am here living on Planet Earth. I got his idea long back and even printed the Excel sheets which was going toll 2,500 count and this remained with me for the last 14-15 years or so. So during lockdown when everyone was preparing Banana Cake and Coffees etc. I was devoted to this exercise of completing the Hanuman Chalisa for the years that I have lived here.

My Road to 42 Years of Shree Hanuman Chalisa!

I did one jap of Hanuman Chalisa for every day I am alive and the target was to complete this exercise before my 42nd birthday on 22 July 2022. This exercise was taken up as a thank you to Lord Bajrang Bali Ji for always blessing me in my life.

18 Years - 9 March 2021
19 Years - 14 March 2021
20 Years - 21 Mar 2021
21 Years - 23 Mar 2021
22 Years - 31 Mar 2021
23 Years - 7 Apr 2021
24 Years - 20 Apr 2021
25 Years - 30 Apr 2021
26 Years - 19 May 2021
27 Years - 09 June 2021
28 Years - 08 July 2021 - 10227
29 Years - 13 July 2021 - 10592
30 Years - 23 Aug 2021 - 10958
31 Years - 12 Oct 2021 - 11323
32 Years - 21 Dec 2021 - 11688
33 Years - 03 Jan 2022 - 12053
34 Years - 11 Jan 2022 - 12419
35 Years - 21 Jan 2022 - 12784
36 Years - 31 Jan 2022 - 13149
37 Years - 28 Feb 2022 - 13514
38 Years - 10 Mar 2022 - 13880
39 Years - 26 Mar 2022 - 14245
40 Years - 18 Apr 2022 - 14610
41 Years - 03 May 2022 - 14975
42 Years - 22 May 2022 - 15341

So finally I could finish it well ahead of my time I was thinking of completing this exercise by July 2022 but could do it a month before. I really felt grateful to the Lord Almighty for providing me with the power to do so.

I really felt grateful to Almighty Lord that I could complete my pending task that I promised and now I have completed the same as well. The strength given to me and the time spent in the devotion is really supreme. I felt divinely connected in my soul and I have lived the principles but some of them are totally missing inside me so maybe in future I will get some of them too.

I see that I have not captured the date for the previous counts of 18 Years as I didn't think that I would be writing this post. I also used to burn the pages so that they meet their makers once the page was full on the tracking diary from my friend and owner of Karnal Livestock Development Services (P) Ltd. in India. Our friendship also started when I gifted him a small purse version of Shree Hanuman Chalisa to tell him that he would soon come on the free seat and also join the Computer Engineering he wanted to do and that happened in less than a month or so after giving him the Chalisa. After that, he immediately invited me to his home and we became friends for life! Thanks to Lord Hanuman Ji! There are so many such stories that have happened in my life because of Lord Bajrang Bali ji where he was involved for sure. Will tell you the same as and when I could collect my thoughts around the same. Keep Praying! Keep Jap, Tap and Meditations going!

Aum Namah Shivay!

Till next time...Aashish
Thanks! Cheers!!!
https://linktr.ee/thelifesway

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Your Lifestyle and Technology Blog for the Last 10.5 Years!

Fujifilm GFX100 II Opens New Genres for Large Format Photography @Fujifilmx_za

Hi Guys,

The new flagship model delivers the highest burst-shooting, auto-focus and video performance in the history of the GFX Series. Three new GFX lenses were also added.

Fujifilm South Africa has announced the latest (and greatest) camera in the GFX lineup - the Fujifilm GFX100 II. This new flagship large format camera promises not only outstanding image quality due to its 102MP sensor but also improved shooting speed, auto-focus (AF) performance and video quality.

To start, the GFX100 II features the newly-developed GFX 102MP CMOS II HS high-speed image sensor consisting of 102 million pixels. At 43.8mm x 32.9mm in size it’s approximately 1.7 times larger than a 35mm full-frame sensor. The mirrorless camera is powered by the high-speed X-Processor 5 image processing engine, which in combination with the sensor provides double the signal readout speed compared to 2021’s Fujifilm GFX100S.

Fujifilm GFX100 II Opens New Genres for Large Format Photography @Fujifilmx_za

Improved speed and auto-focus

Thanks to this improved signal readout speed, the GFX100 II is capable of continuous shooting of up to 8.0 frames per second, up from 5.0 fps on the previous GFX model. With a reinforced buffer memory, it opens the GFX Series up to the field of sports photography. It does so without sacrificing the high definition and high image quality synonymous with the large format sensor.

However, the GFX100 II is also the first GFX Series mirrorless digital camera that features Fujifilm’s AI-based subject-detection AF, developed with Deep Learning technology. The use of an improved algorithm has evolved not only Face/Eye Auto Focus (AF) but now allows photographers to automatically track animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, aeroplanes, trains, insects and drones. Once again, this benefits sports photography, which requires advanced tracking capability to track a subject that moves quickly within the frame.

And enhanced video performance

The GFX100 II is the first GFX model that supports 8K/30P video recording, plus it can also record 4K/60P 4:2:2 10-bit video internally and features F-Log2, broadening post-production flexibility. The GFX100 II’s range of video features allows videographers to explore completely new avenues due to the possibilities of the large format sensor in use.

The camera is further equipped with the best Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) on a Fujifilm camera yet - a high-magnification and high-definition 9.44-million-dot EVF with 1.0x magnification. It boasts a smooth refresh frame rate of approx. 120fps in Boost Mode to accurately identify a subject’s fast movements. Alternatively, the 3.2-inch Tilt-Type touchscreen monitor at the back can be used, consisting of approx. 2.36 million dots.

This while low light performance is improved thanks to the five-axis In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) now set to an impressive eight-stops - more than any other camera in the full Fujifilm lineup.

For those looking for even larger images, GFX users can use the Pixel Shift Multi-Shot function. This controls the IBIS mechanism to shift the image sensor by 0.5 pixels at a time and shoot 16 RAW images in quick succession, with the dedicated software combining these to generate a mouth-watering 400MP image.

Price and local availability

The Fujifilm GFX100 II large format mirrorless camera, with its improved speed, AF and video capabilities, is set to land in South Africa during October 2023, with a suggested retail price of R160 000 incl. VAT.

Three new GFX lenses also coming

Fujifilm has also committed three new lenses to the GFX lens lineup. Two new tilt-shift lenses, the Fujinon GF30mmF5.6 T/S and the Fujinon GF110mmF5.6 T/S Macro, cater to the needs of professional photographers who want to explore composition and shooting positions in architecture, landscape and commercial photography. They do so by combining the tilt function of tiling their optical axis and the shift function of moving their optical axis, to alter how the optical axis relates to the imaging plane. The tilt-shift lenses are set to retail for a suggested R80 000 and R70 000 respectively.

Finally, the Fujinon GF55mmF1.7 R WR lens with its creamy bokeh characteristic and field-of-view close to that of human vision, allows for capturing genres ranging from day-to-day snapshots to full-fledged portraiture both indoors and outdoors. It comes with a suggested R45 000 retail price.

All the new Fujinon lenses are set to arrive in October 2023 in South Africa, alongside the Fujifilm GFX100 II large format camera.

Aum Namah Shivay!

Till next time...Aashish
Thanks! Cheers!!!
https://linktr.ee/thelifesway

Subscribe to my YOUTUBE Channel for historical tech, new gadgets, stationery, product reviews
and mystery unboxings. #TheLifesWay Link to all social media platforms - https://t.co/gUHjo8DQ7h
Your Lifestyle and Technology Blog for the Last 10.5 Years!

Fujifilm’s Instax Pal Camera Makes Small Moments Feel Big #InstaxPal @Instax_ZA

Hi Guys,

The palm-sized camera takes photos at the moment, to be shared through the smartphone app or printed directly via Instax Link printers.

Fujifilm South Africa is introducing a new palm-sized Instax camera into the Instax range of cameras and printers. The Instax Pal is different, being the first Instax device specialising in only taking photos. With a weight of approx. 41g, this is a camera you can take anywhere and the one you want by your side when pulling out a smartphone will only spoil the moment.

With a sensor capable of capturing 4.9MP images, the Instax Pal comes with internal storage able to store 50 photos, while a microSD card can also be used. Images from the Instax Pal can be automatically transferred via Bluetooth to a smartphone using the free Instax Pal smartphone app, from where it can be shared to social media, complete with Instax frames.

Fujifilm’s Instax Pal Camera Makes Small Moments Feel Big #InstaxPal @Instax_ZA

Various ways to shoot

The Instax Pal features a variety of functions to facilitate different shooting situations. To start, the Standard mode allows a picture to be taken by pressing the shutter button at the back of the camera. This snaps regular pics or allows users to take advantage of the wide-angle lens to shoot selfies from an elevated position, using just one hand to capture a dynamic photo that incorporates more of the background.

The Remote mode connects the camera via Bluetooth to a smartphone installed with the Instax Pal app so that pictures can be checked on the smartphone as they are taken.

Finally, there’s the dynamic Interval mode that snaps photos continuously at a three-second interval, in sequences of 3, 6, 11 or 21. The app can then be used to create an Instax Animation that combines multiple images into a flipbook video. Friends can play this video by scanning the QR code printed on an Instax print.

Direct print to Instax printers

The Pal also connects to the Instax Link series of instant printers to print straight away, which allows the Pal to be used like other analogue cameras in the Instax range. Users can print on Instax Mini film (Instax Mini Link 2), Square film (Instax Square Link) or Wide film (Instax Link Wide).

Each Instax Pal camera comes with a Multifunction Ring Accessory that can be used as a safeguard strap to prevent accidentally dropping the Pal, or as a simplified viewfinder and a camera stand when shooting a group photo. There’s also a built-in speaker for customisable pre-shutter sounds, which can be recorded by users through the app.

The Instax Pal has a built-in lithium-ion battery that’s set to last for approximately 240 frames per charge. The battery is recharged via the USB Type-C terminal, with a cable included with the camera.

Release date and availability

The new Instax Pal’s release marks the 25th anniversary of Fujifilm’s instant photo system was launched in 1998. It will be coming to South Africa in five different colours - Lavender Blue, Powder Pink, Milky White, Gem Black and Pistachio Green.

For now, the Instax Pal’s local release date and retail price have not yet been confirmed, but fans should keep an eye on Instax’s local social media for updates.

I really love the way Instax keeps bringing this technology that's really nice and lovable to the core of it. For that, I will grant Instax and Fujifilm full marks. This Instax Pal is so cool and I am sure this thing is going to be hit once it reaches South African shores.

Thursday, 21 September 2023

New Year Resolutions - Week 30 Achievements & Failures in 2023 #TheLifesWay

Hi Guys,

This time on my birthday I was really happy and this is the first time in many years I have felt like that. This may be due to the divine blessing from Lord Shiva. This week was more about entertainment and watching a lot of movies and web series. I also attended some of the launch events as well.

1. Entertainment - I started the week by watching the movie Oppenheimer which is okay in terms of its storyline but to show the guy has learned from the Hindu culture they should not do the scene of a sexual nature with the Bhagwad Gita as it's similar to showing a sex scene with Bible or other religious scripture in the hands of someone. I am sure if the same was done using the Quran or something of that sort the whole of Hollywood would have burnt in the fire. This scene has no impact and could have been showcased in another way as well. I am not sure why this picture is creating waves as this is just a biographical story of a man by the end of which you don't feel inspired at all.

New Year Resolutions - Week 30 Achievements & Failures in 2023 #TheLifesWay

I also watched the Secret Invasion Season 1 on the Disney+ Streaming platform before my annual membership was finished. It stars Samuel L. Jackson and Emilia Clarke and the story will continue in the next season of the same as well. I think there are a lot of spin-offs of all the characters one by one be it Marvel or DC Comics world after the huge releases of Avengers etc. I don't find them interesting enough as they are not full-feature films which you look forward to.

I also watched The Night Manager (Hindi) Episodes 5-7 without watching the first 4 episodes with my wife on Disney+ Hotstar as well. Because the Disney+ platform still doesn't have play speed control on their app it takes extra time and effort to watch the series at 1x speed. I can't waste my time as some series are shown so slowly to extend their episodes that it's always better to watch them at 1.5x speed.

I also watched Rocky aur Rani kii Prem Kahaani movie and really loved the movie directed by Karan Johar. Thankfully Karan didn't put her several agenda angles and lectures in this movie as he did in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Though he did some old bollywood songs this time he did extended sets and dance sequences to go with it rather than the antakshari kind of sequences in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. I totally loved the story though the Dharmendra love story was on the top. Definitely worth watching.

I also watched Satyaprem ki Katha movie which is a little serious with the message that a woman has to take a stand and then her family also needs to support her to at least get justice. One-time watch for sure. Then I went on to watch Kandahar movie which is totally action based starring Gerald Butler and Ali Fazal. You already know what kind of movies are these as they are oriented around a story of recuse or escape with all the action built around it.

I also wasted time on a movie named One Friday Night starring Raveena Tandon and Milind Soman. This is a total waste movie and you should not watch it at all. There are plenty of things you can do by saving your time rather than watching this one.

2. Launch Events - Samsung launched their new foldable Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 in their new avatars on 26 Jul 2023. I have been a fan of foldable from the start and for many years using Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 in my day-to-day life. I also used Galaxy Z Flip4 on my Mauritius trip and all the photographs and reels are using the same phone. Currently, I am also using Galaxy Z Flip5 as my daily device and the camera quality and big cover screen are really great. I can also watch YouTube on the cover screen as well now with the new Flip5. I also played a lot of games at Cracker Zac in The Zone Rosebank where the event was held. I also did the goodies review on my YouTube channel as well.

I also attended another event for Castrol New Can Design and 2 TikTok Influencers and this was the first event where there was Indian food for vegetarians. I really felt great to be attending the show and the goodies box I got from them now holds my fountain pens inks and other accessories.

Other than these two tasks I don't think I did anything else for the whole week. Yes being a salary day, it was good to get your one pay cheque for which you wait for the whole month. I have to break this cycle and with Lord Shiva's grace, I will be able to do so very soon. May Lord Shiva bless us all!

Ride into History: Uber celebrates Heritage with discounted rides to South Africa’s Iconic sites and Museums @Uber_RSA

Hi Guys,

As South Africa gears up for the much-anticipated Heritage Day, Uber is delighted to announce a special mobility activation that will allow South Africans and international visitors to connect with the country’s rich cultural heritage. From September 23rd to 30th, users will be able to enjoy discounted rides to some of the most iconic Heritage sites and museums in the cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, and Durban.

September is a month of profound cultural significance, culminating in the nationwide celebration of Heritage Day on September 24th and Uber is thrilled to be a part of this celebration and to leverage the cultural momentum that surrounds it. During the activation period, everyone who would like to explore the history of Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, and Durban will have the opportunity to enjoy discounted rides to some of these cities’ most iconic Heritage sites and museums:

Johannesburg: Constitution Hill, South African National Museum Of Military History, Hector Pieterson Memorial, Mandela's House, Apartheid Museum.
Pretoria: Union Buildings, Melrose House Museum, Ditsong National Museum of Natural History, Freedom Park Heritage Site & Museum, Voortrekker Monument.
Durban: Durban Holocaust & Genocide Centre, The Durban Central Post Office, House of Chief Albert Luthuli, The Old Durban Railway Station, KwaMuhle Museum.
Cape Town: Iziko Slave Lodge, Table Mountain, Castle of Good Hope, District Six Museum, Robben Island.

"For over 10 years, local and international tourists have relied on Uber to enrich their sightseeing experience. We want to continue leveraging the power of our platform to connect them with South Africa’s history and culture. By making it easier and more affordable to visit these iconic sites, we hope to encourage exploration of the rich tapestry our country’s past and present has to offer,” said Kagiso Khaole, General Manager at Uber in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Ride into History: Uber celebrates Heritage with discounted rides to South Africa’s Iconic sites and Museums @Uber_RSA

How does it work?

Open the app.
Enter the promotional code for the city you are in:
a. Johannesburg and Pretoria: HERITAGE1
b. Cape Town: HERITAGE2
c. Durban: HERITAGE3
Enter your destination among the selectable sites and museums in each city and enjoy two trips at 50% off.

Aum Namah Shivay!