Crying babies and loud construction – those are only two of the audio options available on a new web widget called Zoom Escaper. If you’ve had enough of your Zoom meeting or want an excuse to log off early, the tool can help by playing fake audio effects that are so irritating during a call, the other people in it will want you to sign off.
Barking dogs, wind and even a bad connection are other choices readily available for those seeking it. Even better, they can all be played together, so you could even have the annoying combination of a crying baby and loud construction going on in the background all at once.
"My hope with Zoom Escaper is that people use it to escape Zoom calls and do less work," artist Sam Lavigne, the app's creator, told The Guardian. "I've been thinking about how sabotage might work in a digital context, especially one where the means of production are also personal devices that mediate your social life."
Other less unconventional noises include a crying man and an echo that is bothersome. Of course, it's worth remembering that whatever effect is chosen, there might need to be a follow-up explanation as to why a baby might be crying in the background if you're known to not have children or why people can hear the wind if you're clearly indoors.
If you’re absolutely sure you’ve had enough of Zoom, you can also download another of Lavigne’s projects called Zoom Deleter. The small programme continually checks for the presence of Zoom on your computer and will immediately delete it if found.
Lavigne, an artist and educator living in New York, often uses the themes of technology, data, surveillance and automation in his works.
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How to help
Call the hotline on 0502955999 or send "thenational" to the following numbers:
2289 - Dh10
2252 - Dh50
6025 - Dh20
6027 - Dh100
6026 - Dh200
The stats
Ship name: MSC Bellissima
Ship class: Meraviglia Class
Delivery date: February 27, 2019
Gross tonnage: 171,598 GT
Passenger capacity: 5,686
Crew members: 1,536
Number of cabins: 2,217
Length: 315.3 metres
Maximum speed: 22.7 knots (42kph)
World record transfers
1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m
The biog
Job: Fitness entrepreneur, body-builder and trainer
Favourite superhero: Batman
Favourite quote: We must become the change we want to see, by Mahatma Gandhi.
Favourite car: Lamborghini
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
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Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
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Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
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The biog
Alwyn Stephen says much of his success is a result of taking an educated chance on business decisions.
His advice to anyone starting out in business is to have no fear as life is about taking on challenges.
“If you have the ambition and dream of something, follow that dream, be positive, determined and set goals.
"Nothing and no-one can stop you from succeeding with the right work application, and a little bit of luck along the way.”
Mr Stephen sells his luxury fragrances at selected perfumeries around the UAE, including the House of Niche Boutique in Al Seef.
He relaxes by spending time with his family at home, and enjoying his wife’s India cooking.
