Technology

Product Review: Blue Light Glasses from Clearly

Published

4 years ago

August 4, 2020

BY CHRISTINA GWIRA

Sunglasses give me a headache. As much as I’d love to rock this traditional summer accessory, the headache that ensures after wearing them for not even 30 minutes is simply not worth it. In my adult life, I’ve probably only owned two pairs of sunglasses; both of them came from Walmart. So, I was very, very skeptical in ordering blue light glasses for work. As you know, I live by my computer (now laptop, don’t worry, Dell XPS 15 review is coming soon!) and so the thought of having to wear glasses while working was very very worrying for me. However, the headaches and eye fatigue were really not doing much for me.

Enter Clearly
I’ve heard quite a bit about the company from their conspicuous ads on social media, namely Instagram story ads. As someone who has never needed to wear glasses, nor someone who wore glasses casually, I didn’t know much about the company or about glasses shopping in general. However, I did know that I needed to have something to make the endless hours in front of the computer bearable.

To be honest, it wasn’t a desperate need for myself to use blue light glasses, but my sister. She was complaining of headaches after a pretty intense work week. She was in bed for most of the week – she’s a Facebook ads manager and thus, can work literally anywhere – but her complaints were becoming more and more noticeable. So, she decided to take the plunge and purchase a pair. Myself and my brother followed suit and we wrote it off as a company expense.

Order process, pricing and styles
The order process was quite painless, in fact, it was quite fun. Firstly, Clearly uses AR (augmented reality) for you to be able to try on each pair of glasses in real time. This was a very, very exciting part of the order process. As I wasn’t a very picky shopper when it came to glasses, I decided to focus on getting an affordable pair that would meet my needs. However, if you’re looking to go splashy, there were frames that were several hundreds of dollars, designer as well as the quirky and chic for you to choose from.

I picked up a fairly low-cost pair of frames from the Clearly Basics line. Even within the basics line, I found several frames that I liked which I find is always a good thing. Sometimes, brands skimp out on the “no name brand” versions of their products, not the case with Clearly. The price came to $39 before lenses were added in. I went with the Clearly Standard A2017 CS in Tortoise. The warm tones of the frames went with my undertones and I love a good animal print. Next, it was time to add the lens and this is where I messed up just a little bit. I didn’t need a prescription for my glasses, but I made the mistake of not getting this added perk: SIGHTRELAX^TM. Firstly, because I wanted to be cheap, I kept with the BlueReflect^TM lens which is the standard blue light lens that Clearly offers. I missed the very clear description of this lens: it’s meant for light screen time use, which they estimated was 2 – 4 hours of screen time per day.. LOL. I’m at my computer for at least 10 hours per day, every day. I feel like this is one of those rare instances where what you don’t know won’t hurt you, but maybe it will… I don’t know yet.

Shipping times and first glance
It took about two weeks for the glasses to arrive. We were a bit miffed that they took a while but then again, coronavirus. When they arrived, they were in a fairly small box, nothing too fancy about the packaging to be honest. I ordered my pair of glasses with my brother and this is where you notice some of the discrepancies in getting a budget pair of glasses. Only one of us got a glasses bag – not even a case – even though two pairs of glasses were ordered. My sister also ordered from the basics line, but she received a case, something to bear in mind. There was also only one proper cleaning cloth.

Conclusion
As an avid laptop and cellphone user I have noticed that my headaches from long computer and phone use have become non-existent. This is great because it means that I can work for longer but also be more productive. I’ve picked up the habit of wearing my glasses for that last round of Township before bed and also while on Zoom calls. I’m very happy with the quality of the frames; they are sturdy and fashionable. I’ll definitely be investing in new pairs of frames as the seasons change and I can say that thus far, the blue light glasses have helped me and made my quality of living much better.

Technology

How Toronto’s Caribbean Community is Leading in Digital Innovation

Published

4 weeks ago

April 16, 2024

TOCaribNews

Toronto’s Caribbean community is making significant strides in the realm of digital innovation, reflecting a vibrant and dynamic force within the city’s tech sector. This burgeoning influence spans across various sectors, including technology incubation, digital education, and entrepreneurship, underscoring a profound impact on Toronto’s digital economy.

Fostering a Culture of Innovation

The Caribbean community in Toronto is actively contributing to a culture of innovation that is pivotal for the city’s future advancements. Through collaboration with local and international businesses, startups, and academic institutions, this community is part of the driving force behind Toronto’s position as a hub for innovation. The city is home to over 70 incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces, offering programs that support startups in technology, manufacturing, food production, fashion, arts, and music.

Central to this ecosystem is the MaRS Centre, one of the world’s largest urban innovation hubs, which houses entrepreneurs building Canada’s next generation of growth companies. Toronto’s impressive tech industry, supported by giants like Microsoft, IBM, Cisco, Google, and Facebook, benefits from the diverse talents and innovative spirit of the Caribbean community.

Digital Education and Entrepreneurial Spirit

The Toronto Caribbean community’s commitment to digital education and entrepreneurship is evident through initiatives such as the Toronto Reference Library. This hub invites users of all ages and skill levels to explore digital creation, offering activities and workshops on topics like 3D printing, graphic novel book clubs, and crafting circles. Such programs are crucial for fostering a culture of lifelong learning and innovation, enabling community members to acquire and refine digital skills.

Contribution to the Digital Economy

In the rapidly evolving digital economy, Toronto’s Caribbean community is not just a participant but a trendsetter. This is evident in the diverse range of digital services thriving in the city, including sectors such as life sciences and healthcare. The community’s innovative spirit contributes significantly to the city’s standing as a leading North American tech hub, with a vibrant biotechnology cluster and a comprehensive network of hospitals, research institutes, business incubators, and venture capital organizations. Also, initiatives like the Caribbean Digital Summit and The LEGUP Wealth Symposium featuring leaders from Caribbean governments and the tech industry, exemplifies the community’s active engagement and leadership in digital transformation and governance on a broader scale.

The real-time table games in Canada exemplify the wide array of online services prospering under this innovative umbrella. This digital sector benefits from the technological advancements and entrepreneurial drive within the Caribbean community, illustrating the diverse impact on Toronto’s digital landscape.

Toronto’s Caribbean community is playing a pivotal role in shaping the city’s digital innovation landscape. Through a commitment to education, entrepreneurship, and collaboration, this vibrant community is contributing to Toronto’s reputation as a global hub for technology and innovation. The synergy between the Caribbean community and the broader tech ecosystem in Toronto is proof of the power of diversity in driving progress and creativity in the digital age.

Technology

Jamaica’s Back-to-Back CONCACAF Gold Cup Final Appearances

Published

2 months ago

March 11, 2024

TOCaribNews

Jamaica, a small island in the Caribbean, may not be one of the first countries that come to mind when you think of soccer. However, in recent years, the Reggae Boyz have been making waves. And following the underdog stories unfolding at the current African Cup of Nations, the Jamaicans may well feel that success is just around the corner.

2024 – A Big Year For International Football

In the Ivory Coast this winter, AFCON has been making waves following the stunning early exits of almost every heavy hitter. The likes of Algeria, Tunisia, and Ghana all bowed at the group stage, while Egypt and Morocco followed them in the round of 16.

But it isn’t just Africa that has a continental competition taking place this year. Both the 2024 European Championships and Copa America will take place, tournaments that online sports betting sites have made England and Argentina the favorites to win, respectively. Caribbean involvement will have to wait until next year when the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup gets underway, and Jamaica will be hoping to channel their success from years gone by into action.

2015

The 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup was held in Canada and the United States, with Jamaica competing against some of the best teams from North and Central America. Despite being underdogs in many matches, the Reggae Boyz managed to make it all the way to the final. Inspired by the performances of former Premier League wingers Jobi McAnuff and Gareth McCleary, the Caribbean outfit defeated the highly-rated Costa Rica to top Group B.

That set up a meeting with Haiti in the quarterfinals, and a goal from former Derby County man Giles Barnes was enough to secure a narrow 1-0 victory. In the semifinals, they met a much fancied United States in front of 70,000 raucous fans at the Georgia Dome. But they weren’t intimidated, racing into a two-goal lead before clinging on for dear life in the second half and eventually running out 2-1 victors. Unfortunately, they were ultimately downed 3-1 by Mexico in the final, but not before they had captured the hearts of North America.

2017

Two years later, in 2017, Jamaica once again found themselves in the final of the tournament. This time around they faced the reigning champion Mexicans in the group stage, holding them to a goalless draw. Victories against Curacao and a draw with El Salvador were enough to seal their spot in the knockout round however, they headed into the latter stages as an unfancied side once more.

In the quarterfinals, the Jamaicans duly brushed aside Canada thanks to goals from Shaun Francis and Romario Williams. That set up a meeting with Mexico once again, and this time around, they would have their redemption. Fullback Kemar Lawrence scored the only goal of the game in the 88th minute, leaving El Tri stunned and sealing the Reggae Boyz’ spot in the final.

There, they faced off against the hosting United States at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California – home of the San Francisco 49ers. The Jamaicans were hoping to repeat their heroics of two years prior and come out on top, however, this time around it was the Stars and Stripes that ran out victorious. With the contest level at one goal apiece, Seattle Sounders striker Jordan Morris popped up with an 88th-minute winner to secure the victory.

Technology

Staying Safe: A Guide to Responsible Gambling in Ontario

Published

4 months ago

January 12, 2024

TOCaribNews

If you want to test your luck, gambling is one of the most thrilling activities. But it’s important that every player practices safe gambling habits. Since gambling sites are easy to access, players are at a higher risk of problem gambling.

The Ontario government has put several measures in place to promote responsible gambling at online casinos. Both the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario work together to ensure all legal gambling is conducted in a safe manner and players are aware of the risks.

To better dive into the topic we’ve asked gambling experts from CasinoRIX to share their awareness and competence. CasinoRIX Ontario is well-known for the focus on responsible gambling and how it affects the players’ well-being. Below, we’ll unveil more insight on how you can stay safe when you gamble online.

Understanding Responsible Gambling

Before you play casino games online, you should be familiar with the concept of responsible gambling. Basically, it’s using a set of principles to minimize any risks of gambling. You should also be aware of what risks are involved with gambling and how they could affect you.

Some basic rules to follow for a responsible gambling experience include:

Setting limits for how much you spend and how long you play.
Gamble for entertainment only.
Never chase losses.
Only bet money that you can afford to lose.

One thing to remember about gambling is that there is never a guarantee that you will win. The results are always random. It’s very easy to get caught up in the thrill of playing casino games, especially if you have won big in the past.

Government Regulations and Support Services

All online casinos must register for a license with AGCO in order to operate in Ontario. AGCO is responsible for regulating online casinos and gambling activity. Their goal is to ensure that online casinos are working in a safe and accountable manner.

In order for a casino to qualify for an AGCO license, it must meet specific standards. This will include a full review of policies, games, culture, advertising/marketing, and other features.

An AGCO license is the most important thing to look for when you want to gamble at a safe online casino in Ontario. However, there are other resources available that are aimed at helping to limit the risks of problem gambling. This includes:

Responsible Gambling Council– a non-profit agency with helpful information and resources.
ConnexOntario– 24/7 support focused on problem gambling, mental health, and addiction.
OLG PlaySmart– helpful information on making good choices while gambling.

Tips for Responsible Gambling

Playing casino games can be a lot of fun. But, it’s only a fun experience if you’re playing responsibly. That’s why you should always follow rules to ensure you play safe and responsibly. Here are some tips for responsible gambling:

Play within your budget. Your gambling budget should be an amount that you’re comfortable losing.
Set a time limit. Avoid playing casino games for long periods of time. If you do plan on playing games all night, make sure you take breaks in between.
Wager on games you’re familiar with. You should always know the rules and odds of a game before placing a bet. You can also play demo rounds of casino games to become familiar with them before wagering.
Accept your losses. You should always be mentally prepared to lose money when gambling. Avoid the temptation to win back the money you lost because it usually results in losing more money.
Only gamble for fun. It’s not a legitimate way to make money. Casino games are for entertainment purposes.
Know the warning signs. Every gambler should be aware of what warning signs point to problem gambling. This includes increasing your gambling budget, borrowing money to place bets, and neglecting your responsibilities to gamble, among many other signs.

Community Initiatives and Education

One of the best community programs for safe gambling education is the Responsible Gambling Council. This is a non-profit organization that’s focused on preventing problem gambling and creating gambling safeguards. They have been leaders in the industry for over 40 years.

The main initiative of this organization is to promote a positive change with gambling. They also provide several programs, like the Discovery Conference and Youth Gambling Awareness Program.Conclusion

We believe that every player needs to be aware of the risks of gambling to develop safe habits. The concept of responsible gambling is to promote safe practices and minimize risks. Setting rules and limits before you play is an excellent way to start off your experience on the right path.

If you or someone you know is showing signs of problematic gambling, there are several support resources available. This includes the Responsible Gambling Council, ConnexOntario, and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.