Who’s who!

Yahoo News Image

Danger is everywhere it’s just part of our culture; but does being on social media increase it?

I’m wondering that when I read a story today about a Portland Maine teen who was murdered as a result of some odd plot that evolved on Facebook.  Full story here:  http://news.yahoo.com/maine-teens-wary-social-media-homicide-222620513.html

Someone who she didn’t know tricked her.  They created an account and pretended to be someone else.  This is beyond catfishing.

Ideally in social media we are all looking to increase our numbers but are we also inviting increased danger?  Let’s face it you can’t “really” keep track of thousands of people.  No one can

Here are some things to consider before pressing “post” :

-An acquaintance is not necessarily a friend – you don’t know someone just because you share some funny posts online. 

-You NEVER know who is watching  - Ever! 

-Is it necessary to post your child’s name, age or where they go to school?

-Is a Foursquare discount worth someone knowing where you are real time?

-We’re glad you’re on vacation and it sure sounds fun but we also know where you live because you posted that last week!

Can you add more?

I Gotta Feelin' (archives)

Because it makes me happy I pulled the from the dusty archives.  Your welcome.

My friend Joyce Cherrier attended Blissdom this week (lucky her).  She mentioned about a flash mob dance that was done that really moved her (this is not that video).

However, it did remind me of this awesome video featuring the Black Eyed Peas on the Oprah show.  I wanted to post it just because whenever I watch it makes me smile, be bop and leaves me feeling generally energized and inspired.  By a dance video?  Yes; because it symbolizes to me that together we can do some pretty cool things!

I gotta a feelin' that tonite's gonna be a good night.

Thank you Joyce!

Game on! 6 Reasons To Love Xbox 360!

ATARI 2600

Quick!  What Year? *(find answer at the end of this post) 

That was then.

THIS IS NOW!

XBOX 360 KINECT (image via xbox)

Xbox 360!  It’s not just a gaming system.  It''s an entertainment “experience”.

6 Reasons To Love  XBOX 360

1. Xbox 360 has the most games, the most variety, and best graphics quality- period.

2. Kinect for Xbox 360 - with this motion sensor bar accessory you're not stuck holding a bulky controller while trying to play.  YOU ARE   the controller! The Kinect accessory also lets you control movies, tv and other functions with voice commands. 

3.  Family Fun - Nobody's left out of the fun.  With SO many game options there is fun for every level from little ones to seniors and everyone in between.  Plus with Kinect there is no complicated controller to navigate you can jump right in!

4. Xbox Live -  the online optional service for Xbox 360.  For a nominal monthly fee it transforms your system and television into a connected entertainment “experience”.  Xbox live allows you to play with your friends real time, online.  You can download demos for most Xbox 360 games so you can try before you buy <-- awesome.  Gotta have a game right now?  Use the game on demand option and download a digital version immediately!  HD movies, tv shows, music and so much more! 

5.  Parental Control –  use the Xbox 360 parental controls to control the console itself and access TO Xbox Live.  You can even control how long someone would be allowed to play!  *some features may require Xbox Live subscription.

6.  Online Safety -  Xbox Live’s Online Safety Settings control online privacy, communication and other activities between you, your friends and the Xbox LIVE community.   Monitor what children play, watch, browse and share.  *some features require Xbox Live subscription.

Games we're loving now!

Nike + Kinect Training

It's like having your own personal trainer! Nike Training Kinect tracks your movements.  If your form is off, it helps you correct your movement to get the most out of your workout.   A personalized program that evolves as you do.  It measures your progress and provides real time feedback.

 

 

Disneyland Adventures

No fast pass required!  Explore the park, meet characters, jump into attractions and collect  souvenirs and pins.

Kinect Sports -Season Two

Game On!  All new features and six new sports!  Golf, football, baseball, tennis, darts, skiing.  Like to kick butt and hate to work out?  This is for YOU!

 

Dance Central 3

Wanna party like it's 1999?  OMG I LUV the Dance Central games!  Over 40 new tracks, party mode for up to 8 players and quick in and out feature.  Use the Xbox SmartGlass App and turn your phone into a party!

*The Atari 2600 video game console was released in October 1977 - GAH!

Sources: microsoft marketplace,microsoft store, xbox, xbox live, wikipedia.

Disclosure:   I have been compensated for my participation.  Opinions are my own.

Verizon’s High Speed Internet : 12 Geek’d Out Cliffs Notes About Cyber Monday

1.  Can you believe “Cyber Monday” came out of the observation that millions of people were doing major online shopping the Monday after Thanksgiving because for many it was the only internet access they had?  Is it me or do you hear a dial up buzzing?

2.  Cyber Monday was conceived in 2005 by Shop.Org the National Retail Federation’s Digital Division.  

3.  It’s actually “Cyber 5”:  Thursday (Thanksgiving Day), Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.  Saturday is now quickly becoming “Small Business Saturday”.

4.  Some reports show that more than 80% of Americans now have a computer in their homes, and of those, almost 92% have internet access.

5.  116 Million People own a smartphone

6.  89.9 Million American consumers accessed retail content on their mobile devices.

7.  55% of people use their mobile devices to access social networks and as we know you can get a deal any day of the week from Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, FourSquare…

8.  Only 48% of retailers have mobile optimized websites

9.  Retailers that have both mobile sites and mobile apps saw increased sales in excess of 117% over last year

10.  Purchases from mobile devices almost doubled from last year

11.  Twenty-five percent of all mobile traffic came from apps.

12.  iPad was the most popular device for purchases, accounting for 40.6 percent of total sales for those two days.

Retail sites were taking twice the normal load time but maybe that’s an access issue!  For popular items that you need to act fast on, this can make the difference between a great deal or missing out completely.  Since Verizon FiOS customers enjoy the fastest and most consistent Internet speeds available -- unlike cable company broadband that actually slows down when more of its customers are using it --. FiOS Internet users can take full and fast advantage of amazing deals any time. 

And, because FiOS Internet uses a Verizon-provided WiFi router, they have freedom-of-speed throughout your home. Connect your laptop, your tablet or your smartphone, wherever you wish, whenever you like.  Only FiOS Quantum Internet has the extra speed you need to stay fast

Sources: practicalecommerce.com, channeladvisor.com , forbes.com, Wikipedia.com

 Disclosure:   I have been compensated for my participation as a #SmartHome Ambassador .  Opinions are my own.

REMEDIAL TWEETING 101 - THE SYLLABUS (Archives)

A. DESCRIPTION

This course involves a careful examination of all things Twitter.  Emphases are on development of basic awareness of completely foreign Twitter terms, resources and a ton of crap you never knew existed!  It is an exploratory, first course designed primarily for Tweeters that rode in on the short bus! It also meets the needs of anyone who needs a good laugh!

B. ORGANIZATION

This is a lecture course in which topics are presented in the order by which they confuse me. The course is a prerequisite for absolutely nothing because by the time we get there, everything will have been updated to a newer version!  Students generally have no idea what they've gotten themselves into!

C. COURSE OBJECTIVES

1.  To introduce students to Twitbonics, the primary language used in Twit City.

2.  To inundate students with Twitter protocol.  The do's, don'ts but did it anyways.

3.  To orient students to the endless range of Twitter additives.

4.  To provide students with a warning of the addictive nature of Twitter.

5.  To transition without knowledge into the wide world of web 3.0.

Remedial Tweeting 101 will meet as soon as I get a full night's sleep!

Online Safety & Your Cyber Senior

Your online, your kids are online and now your parents or even your grandparents are ready to join the digital world.

October is National Cyber Safety Month!  Is your cyber senior safe while surfing? (Say that five times fast!). 

You can help by teaching them how to use the web safely by protecting their personal information, learning about and recognizing potential scams and by keeping their computers protected and up to date.

1. Initiate a discussion and talk about how they’re using the web so that you know what to teach them in order to be safe.

2.  Make sure firewalls are strong, that anything connected to the web is protected, that security software is up to date, and automate system updates if possible.

3.  Explain the importance of strong passwords and make sure they have them written down and kept in a safe place.

4.  Explain email.  If they don’t know who it’s from, delete it.   When in doubt, throw it out.

5.  Make sure you keep them up to date on the latest scams, how to recognize them and where to find that information.

6.  They should never post their whereabouts, location or schedules.  NEVER disclose personal information.

7.  Discourage meeting up with new “online” friends.   This could put them in danger or in the hands of a predator.

8.  Explain to them to never feel pressured by banks or creditors to conduct their business online.

For more information, tips and advice on cyber safety check out StaySafeOnline.org 

 Disclosure:   I have been compensated for my participation as a #SmartHome Ambassador .  Opinions are my own.

50 MOST POWERFUL WOMEN (archives)

From the archives November 2008 - still makes me laugh!

Fortune magazine stirs my inner conflict. Sometimes I feel empowered, sometimes I feel inadequate but mostly I feel provoked.  The endless lists of this, that and the other is like a soap opera recap.  An opportunity to critique and rally the heroines.  Don't be distracted by the expected Oprah mention (I'm so over it already).  Shall we?

Christine Gold - Western Union.  Every time I make a phone payment, I'll think of you! You count the profits.

Ann More - Time Inc.   I checked out your new baby Maghound(http://tinyurl.com/3lmnnl)  Good job! I think I might try it.

Carol Myrowitz- TJX - Props!  Try putting two Western Unions across the street from each other.  I don't think so!  Go on with your bad self!

Susan Chambers - WalMart.  I know it's not your department but can you talk to someone about wider aisles and the lighting, oy!

Abigail Johnson - Fidelity.  Can you say nepotism!

Pamela Nicholson - Enterprise.  Hey Abigail!  She did it without the bloodline!

Cece Sutton - Wachovia.  Isn't your back killing you, having to carry the whole company like that!  Hang in there!

Claire Babrowski - ToyRUS.   My son calls Target the toy store.  I didn't even know Radio Shack still existed.  Good luck with that!

Anne Sweeney - Walt Disney.  Finally we come eye to face.  I needed to know who was draining the pockets of tween moms everywhere!  You look good in pink!

Cathie Black - Hearst Magazine.  Wow! 64!  You look great! I'm still partial to Maghound tho.  Sorry!

Most photogenic: It's a tie - Lisa Weber and Marissa Mayer - congrats!

Obviously the companies listed KNOW that the largest margin of purchasing decisions are made by women.  What better strategy than to put them at the helm.  All comments made with love and affection.  It's sattire folks, get over it! 

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/mostpowerfulwomen/2008/full_list/

//

The Future Is Here And It’s Making Life Easier!

Verizon is already a name we trust to provide us with innovative quality products and unsurpassed customer service.  Now they’re making life easier with a NEW! home monitoring and home control (#smarthome) product!

Do I need a home control/monitoring product?  Depends…do you need peace of mind while you’re away from home?  Whether you’re at work, out running errands or on vacation you can stay connected anytime or anywhere, virtually.

Verizon’s advanced technology offers security, energy management, and monitoring in one flexible convenient package at an affordable price.

Five Cool Things Verizon #SMARTHOME Home Monitoring and Home Control can offer:

1)            Set your thermostat remotely

2)            Turn the lights on or off remotely

3)            View activity inside and outside your home remotely

4)            Lock or unlock doors remotely

5)            Monitor your home’s energy efficiency

Verizon Home Monitoring Starter Kit – Starting at $89.99 + Monthly Service Fee

Peace of mind... priceless!

Tip:  check with your homeowners insurance to see if there is any coverage discount for protecting your home.

Disclosure:   I have been compensated for my participation as a Verizon #SmartHome Ambassador .  Opinions are my own.

Five ways Verizon Home Monitoring and Control Home Automation Systems puts you 50 years ahead of Jane Jetson.

That was then: 2062 Orbit City Skypad Apartments. This is now: 2012 your house anytime, anywhere…virtually

Five ways Verizon Home Monitoring and Control Home Automation Systems puts you 50 years ahead of Jane Jetson.

1)  You’re out with the girls for happy hour.  The husband took the kids to the park, left his keys on the counter, and one of the munchkins locked the door behind them. 

a)  You rush home, your friends are talking about what a moron your husband is.   You can’t believe he ruined your night.

☑  b)  He tells you about it when you get home.  You have Verizon Home Control so he unlocked the door with his smartphone.   

2)  You’re leaving for vacation and couldn’t find anyone to house sit.

a)  You leave one lights on for 7 days while you’re gone, praying nothing bad happens.

 ☑  b)  Duh!  You have Verizon Home Control – you control the lights (on, off,timer, dim) using your smartphone!

3)  The weather is totally unpredictable – it was 50 degrees when you left this morning.  You went out for lunch and now it’s 85!

a)  You are cranky all day knowing your house will be a sauna when you get home.

☑  b)  You go about your business.  You have Verizon Home Control and adjusted the temperature in your house from your smartphone. 

4)  You’re at the office it’s 3pm your 17 year old calls saying “I hope it’s okay; I invited some friends over last minute.”

a)  You tell her your calling the police

☑  b)  You say thanks for letting me know.  You have Verizon Home Control cameras inside and out so you can see from your smartphone how many “some” actually is.  You can watch everything they’re doing until you get home to ground her.  

5)  You flash back to YOUR mother when you hear yourself say, “How many times do I need to tell you to turn off the lights when you leave a room?”

a)  You check the mirror to see if there was a freak morphing episode.

☑  b)  You log into your Verizon Home Control Dashboard so you can show them what your carbon footprint looks like and turn it into a teaching moment. 

Verizon Basic Home Monitoring Kit Starting $ 89.99.

Safeguarding your family and keeping your home energy smart……PRICELESS!

Get started now with the Verizon’s Home Monitoring and Control Advisor