For those unable to find it in the iOS App Store: Search for a Google app (i.e. Google+) and click "Related". You'll find Hangouts in the See All list.
I filed a ticket this morning after I was unable to login to the Mac client. Here's their response:
"Dear Valued Customer,
We're truly sorry for the inconvenience this has caused you this morning. We are attempting to contact our entire userbase about this matter, but we feel that immediate action in these cases is the most prudent course."
The rest of the email contained the contents of their blog post.
I also have poor spatial memory (especially when it comes to navigating), but the book recommends using a place you're extremely comfortable with as your memory palace. I used the second house I grew up in for the first memory task (a to-do list). After a few times walking through the house and seeing the hilarious images I've placed in each room, not only do I remember the to-do list but I've enhanced my memory of my home. I can remember how the carpet felt, what the wall textures look like, and how it even smelled.
Picked up the e-book a few hours ago and read this gem:
"Monotony collapses time; novelty unfolds it. If you spend your life sitting in a cubicle and passing papers, one day is bound to blend unmemorably into the next -- and disappear. That's why it's important to change routines regularly, and take vacations to exotic locales, and have as many new experiences as possible that can serve to anchor our memories. Creating new memories stretches out psychological time, and lengthens our perception of our lives."
Really struck me personally since it reminds me of my grandmother. She's in her 70s now and she has a daily routine that consists of eating, watching the news, playing Hearts, and hygiene duties. She's in really good health but it's obvious that she is getting mentally slower and her memory is fading.
Reason I mention this is because I picked up the book expecting it to be filled with scientific data and memory improvement techniques I've read about before. But instead, it has been a really enjoyable read filled with anecdotes and passages that made me stop and think about how I can improve my personal life (beyond improving memory).
It might not be the best book for what you're looking for specifically but just wanted to share my gains in case it interests anyone.
general advice: be sure to give any pair of headphones a test drive before making the purchase. you should be able to find a wide range of headphones at a local sound specialty store or local distribution center.
i'm currently using the denon ah-d2000's while programming. if comfort is a high priority for you, i highly recommend you check them out.
however, even though these denons have the perfect balance of comfort, noise isolation, and sound clarity for ME, make sure you choose a pair that is right for YOU.
you're correct; if you go to bed with the sun shining on you, not only will you have uncomfortable sleep, you will also have an extremely weak immune system and will be more prone to sickness (due to the lack of melatonin). further points are discussed in the bullet lists.
the best environment to sleep in would be a dim/dark room. personally, I'm sleeping in the living room, so I make sure that the blinds are properly blocking potential sunlight to ensure uninterrupted sleep.
i also want to note that the statement you quoted (and the entire article) should not be used as a guide for those diagnosed with sleeping disorders. in their case, they may be required to take melatonin to fall asleep.
i also recommend getting diagnosed by your physician before taking melatonin supplements; it works differently for everyone.
i personally met my co-founders through super smash brothers: melee and during college (separate occasions). we've been good friends for over 4 years, most likely due to our similar interests.
i agree with your post that you should not rush or force yourself to find a co-founder. for those sole founders, i recommend attending mixers to meet people with similar interests and approaching people without the intent of finding a co-founder. make true friendships instead; your co-founders/life partners will follow.
thanks for the kind words, rewind! you make a great point. i wish it was as magical as it sounds and that everyone who pursues their dreams will be successful. realistically, there are a neverending challenges in building a startup (beyond building a great product or finding the perfect team), but i guess that's what makes the process so exciting and rewarding.
it definitely helps to be prepared (mentally, financially) before making the jump. analyze your financial limitations and decide how long you can support yourself. understand the worst-case scenario and be ready to face it.