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Let's talk about exercising, workout clothes, and home office. One thing I noticed during this crazy pandemic year is how many people I was suddenly meeting outside on their regular daily walks or runs.
Numbers don't lie - the data in the latest 2021 research from The National Center for Biotechnology confirm my assumption that some people exercise and move more. "Moderately active individuals pre-lockdown,β¦their physical activity was significantly higher during-lockdown compared to pre-lockdown, and these increased levels of vigorous physical activity were maintained post-lockdown."
What's even more interesting is the fact, that three in five Americans believe gyms will become a thing of the past due to the COVID-19 pandemic and it's easier for them to maintain their fitness routines in their own homes. πͺ
Terms like "athleisure" and "athflow" are stepping into the game. If you're not familiar yet, here is the Wikipedia definition of athleisure. Leggins and sweatpants are not new kids on the block. What's new though, is athflow, which Pinterest included in its Trending Report for 2021.
Athflow is the new athleisure. Add a bit of "elegant" spice into the workout clothes and you will get casual jumpsuits and oversized outfits that are great for an afternoon exercise and video meeting as well. According to Pinterest, "Athflow is professional enough for the (home) office, stretchy enough for the yoga mat, and comfy enough for the couch.β
You can bet the new connection of "good enough for office and yoga, too" has a lot to do with our work from home for a year. People can have a hard time going back into their uncomfortable suits and dresses after the home sweatpants culture. For some people (and millennials especially) the biggest HO advantage could be the ability to dress more casually.
In a survey done by Fashionista.com, more than 60% of respondents agree the pandemic will have a lasting impact on what they wear and buy in the future with a more casual approach. Brands and designers are watching carefully. In their new 2021 collection, Prada and Raf Simons presented extra long hoodies with skirts and it's definitely no coincidence.
source: Courtesy of Prada
So be prepared for the post-pandemic fashion - it will certainly be more enjoyable and comfy! π§ββοΈ
Latest Digi Snacks π©
πͺ Car Thing for your... car!
Spotify launched its first device called "Car Thing", which is selling only in the U.S. It's a voice-controlled device for controlling Spotify without the need for a phone screen. The price is shockingly low. πΆ
πͺ Amazon news
Amazon is launching its first high-tech hair salon in London. It will have AR mirrors showing you the hairstyles and colors before the treatment. On the other side of the world, in Seattle, U.S., Amazon will let customers pay with their hands at several Whole Food stores. πββοΈ
πͺ Headphones revolution?
You probably saw those new colorful iMacs, but have you ever seen solar-powered headphones? The Swedish brand Urbanista created wireless headphones charging through sunshine. An hour spent outside generates three playtime hours. π§
πͺ News from Facebook
Facebook's focus is on sound - it will launch new audio features reminding the Clubhouse app. Zuckerberg is also building competition for Tinder - Spark, a new video speed dating app by Facebook that is being tested right now. The app will pair you with somebody and you will have only 4 minutes to video-meet the other person. π
πͺ NFTs in a nutshell
The legendary "Leave Britney Alone" video was sold for $44,000. Christie's is selling the Cryptopunk NFT collection for 9 million. Paris Hilton is deeply into NFT and crypto. Even her dogs are called Crypto and Ether Reum.
![Twitter avatar for @ParisHilton](https://substackcdn.com/image/twitter_name/w_96/ParisHilton.jpg)
πͺ Today is Earth Day!
Let's not forget about climate change. Google partnered with NASA and brought time-lapse satellite images of the planet's surface from the past 37 years. Yes, it's getting worse.
Apple announced a carbon removal initiative - the Restore Fund - that will make investments in forestry projects to remove carbon from the atmosphere while generating a financial return for investors. π
One recommendation π
I believe that Taylor Lorenz doesnβt need a further introduction here. The New York Times technology reporter wrote an excellent piece about the future of the online world (and influencers, too), including more information about NewNew, a new social media platform where you can vote and make a real-life decision for your favorite influencer who needs to do as you told (on camera, of course). Nerve vibes, anyone?
source: The New York Times
One Fun Fact π
Hi, this picture below is called a βmemeβ. I am pretty sure you already met many times. But did you know that the word βmemeβ was actually originated in the 70s?
According to Merriam-Webster, it dates to evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins' 1976 bookΒ The Selfish Gene. In Dawkins' conception of the term, it is "a unit of cultural transmission or a unit of imitationβ. Originally it was a Greek word 'Mimeme', but he shortened it to meme.
Dawkins described memes as βan idea, behavior, style, or usage that spreads from person to person within a culture." π‘
Thatβs a wrap for edition no. seven!Β Did you like it? Feel free to share and your feedback is more than welcome.