Utilizing your time at CES

For those tech geeks -and, no, it is not a bad thing as technology is the 'IN' thing - I know you are excited: the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held in Las Vegas annually is in full swing! The event runs from January 8th to 11th. According to CESweb.org, the show floor is 15 miles long and there are more than 2,000 companies in attendance! With so much technology being unveiled, how can one maximize his or her time at CES?
The first thing to do is study the program like you are cramming for an exam! Know which companies you want to visit, where they are located and formulate a plan to hit them in a consecutive order, so you will not need to back track!

Be sure to take pictures of the interesting booths you see. Some companies have brand ambassadors to capture the attention of the audience. Blatantly said, they are good-looking people passing out flyers or promoting a product. There is also a TabletMan, a man dressed in an all-black one-piece "suit", wearing a dozen tablets on his body. For instances like these, you need to access your camera easily. The FlexARMOR X  Digital Camera Case allows you to keep your camera protected with its durable exterior and scratch-resistant interior, while having it attached to your belt loop or waist band.

Try to take part in a SuperSession. These thought-provoking panels allows you to get the latest tech news from those that are big players in the game. CNET, The Verge and Techonomy are just some popular companies that will be hosting sessions. Remember, it is on a first-come, first-serve basis so be sure to get there early to get a seat.

Enjoy Las Vegas! This town has so much to offer from architecture (you can enter every hotel for free just to see what it looks like!) to nightclubs, show, bars, hiking and, of course, gambling.  "Sin City" was not named the Top Fall 2012 travel destination in the US by Travel Leaders Group for nothing.

Most importantly, bring a bodyguard! With over 150,000 attendees, this bodyguard can be helpful in getting a seat at any of  those SuperSessions!

Have fun!

Smile! You need to look your best for 2013!

Counting today, there are four more days left of 2012.  With the new year, brings resolutions of dieting, learning a new language, being more organized, staying in touch with relatives and cleaning a car more than once a year (trust me - I've heard it all)! Psychotherapist William Anderson, writer for the Huffington Post, explains that instead of creating resolutions we should make written goals.  The simple act of writing down what we have to achieve will make it easier to make it possible.

While I do not have any resolut - I mean, goals - for 2013, I do have one big accomplishment I want to complete before the new year comes around:  have a good time as the clock is counting down! There are so many things I can do: go to a house party, watch the fireworks at an amusement park, take in the atmosphere on a boat party or even go to a club or a bar. No matter what I decide to do, I know that I am going to need to take as many pictures as I can! Enter in the dual charger.

There is nothing worse than going to a party and taking pictures just to have your camera battery die!  That has happened to me on many occasions!  Therefore, I decided to buy another battery. The dual charger will come in handy, because when one battery dies it can be charged immediately, while I still take photos with the other battery. I know for sure that this New Year's Eve, I will be able to take as many pictures as I want!

Whether you want to call it goals, resolutions or visions for the future, just be sure you go out with a bang in preparation for the upcoming battle. Who knows, those pictures you take can give you inspiration to achieve those goals in the new year!

The Last Day of the World - Bring Your Gadgets!

Believe it or not, but the end of the world occurred and we are still here! The ancient Mayans produced a 5,125-year calendar which signaled December 21st 2012 being the day that life would cease on Earth. People have been talking about it all year, "doomsday" merchandise has been produced and parties have been made in preparation for this grand occasion.

As this event happens only once in a lifetime, I wanted to see how other people were preparing for it. I asked my cousin what's the one thing she would take for the ending of the world.  She said she wanted to bring her tablet, because she does not want to be bored. 

My first thought was "what a great idea! I wouldn't want to be bored for the end of the world either."  Therefore, I suggested that my cousin get a Rugged Hard Shell Case for her tablet.

She was ecstatic by my suggestion!  Now she could protect her tablet without the fear that it would get trampled during the stampede to survive!

Granted, the world can still be ending today. It is only in the afternoon Pacific Standard Time. I need to make sure I bring my PS3 for when it does happen. I don't want to be the only one without something fun to play with!

Making your Smartphone (handler) more Intelligent

Believe it or not, I am NOT in the minority of people who do not own a technologically-advanced phone. According to a CBS News article from October 2012, about 1 billion people in the world have smartphones. This means that those other 85% are just like me. So all of those people who think I'm living in the past by not having a smartphone, you are wrong! You all are just too advanced for the rest of us!

This topic is being brought up as I heard a rumor - then I looked it up on Google, of course, so now it must be a fact! - that Apple will be releasing its iPhone 5S in summer 2013. Yes, you read that right! The same Apple that launched the iPhone 5 on Friday, Sept. 21, 2012, in the US and eight other countries selling more than 100 million phones in three days!   Apple lovers all over the world are excited as one bit of gossip is that a dual-Sim may be a new feature. But only time will tell.

My friend, one of the people harassing me about "getting my phone an education", recently upgraded to an iPhone 5. He tells me about all the apps, features, how much time it saves him, etc. He swears that he is more capable because of his phone. I really don't buy into this hype, but I decided to see it in action firsthand.

We go skiing and he takes his phone on the slopes. When he falls, his iPhone 5 falls with him - out of his pocket and into the snow. Naturally, he didn't realize this until about 2 or 3 hours later! His phone was so cold that the screen froze and his iPhone 5 was never the same again.

Seeing that I don't have a smartphone, who would think that I would be wise enough to suggest such a simple a solution: a weather-resistant case for a cell phone. This case is pretty impressive as it has a durable locking system: seal the two ziplocks, roll down the top and then close with the velcro. It protects your phone from dirt, smudges, stains and - for my friend - even snow!

Though there are many people who do have phones with fancy features, most people do not.  Think of all the remote areas in places like Canada, US and Australia that cannot even pick up reception.  Also, you have certain developing countries that do not even cater for that kind of technology.

But really, the moral of the story is this: it doesn't matter how "smart" your phone is. The phone is only as smart as the person operating it!

What do The Hobbit and Santa Claus have in common?

It seems like award-winning director Peter Jackson will end the year on a high note. The Hobbit, his highly-awaited prequel to Lord of the Rings, opens in US cinemas on Friday, December 14th. Many critics expect it to shatter box office records on opening weekend. In addition, Jackson shot this film - as well as the two sequels to The Hobbit - in 48 frames per second (the normal frame rate is 24). According to HuffPost Entertainment, Warner Bros. is planning a limited release to showcase this innovation.  Who knows - it may become the industry standard. Wouldn't that be a great line to add to your resume?!

Enter in Santa Claus. Mr. Claus' arrival is another greatly anticipated event for most children on December 25th. He will be going from house to house rewarding those kids who have been good all year and letting the bad ones know they have to change their ways. Right now, Little Joey should have already finalized his list and sent his letter out.  For those who did not mail their list, have no fear: you can always tell Santa Claus what you want in person! He can be seen at your local mall on the weekends waiting for you to sit on his lap to hear your every wish.  Just be sure to use the bathroom before you take a seat.

So to recap, we have two important events occuring this month: the release The Hobbit and Santa Claus "coming to town". You can prepare for each by going to parties, having a discussion or simply watching DVDs!  The Lord of the Rings triology is a must-see for any die-hard fan before watching The Hobbit. Then you have the multitude of Christmas-themed movies that can be viewed; take your pick: A Christmas Story, Santa Clause, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, Jingle All The Way, Elf, Bad Santa (hey, it still has 'Santa' in the title), etc.

If you choose to watch the movies on a laptop or desktop, you can prepare by having these accessories on hand: a USB-powered light (believe it or not, a bit of light comes in handy at some points); a USB-powered clip-on speaker (maximize your sound); and a wireless mouse (easily fast-forward or rewind a scene without having to go right up to the computer).  It'll be a great time you can have during this holiday season with your family and friends.

If all goes according to plan, it seems like this month will end well for everyone: Bilbo Baggins would have gained experience and wisdom on his journey, Santa Claus would have gotten away from the North Pole for a while, you would have succeeded in watching The Hobbit and receiving gifts from Santa Claus (if you are child) or giving gifts as Santa Claus (if you are an adult), AND I may have given Peter Jackson an idea from his next film. My agent will be awaiting your call, Peter.  

Hoi, Ni Hao, Salam ..might as well bring a dictionary

Did you hear about the man who traveled to every sovereign state in the world without flying? That is 201 countries!  His name is Graham Hughes, a Britain who received the last stamp from South Sudan in his passport on November 26th and earning him a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. Hughes stated that he used public transportation, taxis and ships to get around. Though he encountered some rough times - spending a couple of spats in jail and having his sister pass away during his travels - he succeeded. He spent nearly four years accomplishing this feat, spending less than $100 USD per week.

With only 18 countries under my belt - and knowing the frustrations that can be faced each time one travels - I am highly impressed by Hughes! He must have taken only the essentials and have placed a lot of trust in people. He would have had to set out a plan of what he would need, where he wanted to go and how he would get there. So while I highly doubt that I will be traveling to every country in the world withouth flying, it is always helpful to make a list of valuable things you should take with you when you leave your homeland:

#1 - Open Mind - not everyone is going to act or think like you. Not everyone will understand your humor or relate to your stories. Do not regard others as being "dumb" or "uncultured". If you happened to grow up in a developed country, your experiences will naturally be different that those who have not.  If someone offers you something, be polite and take it. Always be welcome to meeting new people and encountering a new aspect of their culture.

#2 - Dictionary - you must be able to (somewhat) communicate with the people that you meet. So while I am not saying to take a Pimsleur course if you are going to Azerbaijan or the countryside of Burkina Faso, knowing the basic greetings and most common phrases will always put you in a brighter light with the locals. And will also make your journey from point A to point B a lot less stressful.

#3 - Portable Charger - wouldn't you want to take pictures or keep in contact with those that you left behind from time to time?  With technology getting bigger and devices becoming smaller, you can now have a camera that can fit in your pocket or a "computer" (ie: tablet) that you can hold in your hand.  To make those devices keep up with you, a portable charger is the way to go. The ReStore 9200 is ideal as you can charge it via USB and then throw it in your backpack while you are on the move. You can easily plug your camera, tablet or smartphone to it and it can charge while you are on the train, bus or even boat! Just be sure to keep your eye open for someone with a laptop or computer who can keep the ReStore 9200 with juice flowing through it.  For more help with this, re-read #1.

Of course, this list can go on and on. Everyone is different, so people will have a varying list of essentials to take. However, if you are planning on becoming the next Graham Hughes, just be sure to bring your passport! You won't even make it out of your local airport without it!

Headaches and Holidays: The Joys of Traveling at this Time

"Has anyone else packed your luggage?" says the woman behind the counter checking you in for your flight as hundreds of other passengers stand in line and look on.

The weekend after Thanksgiving is the busiest travel time of the year. Walking into the airport, you know there are bound to be long lines, crying children, delays and cancellations. The security check line is going to give you a headache, you cannot find a seat in the Gate waiting area and the man in front of you will not get off his phone even after the flight attendant asked him for the second time! The only thing you can do is hope for the best, but expect the worst. After all, you need to make that journey to see your family and friends.

Packing for a flight can be difficult as you want to ensure you carry enough but don't want to overload yourself. Doing that means you will have to pay more money for an overweight suitcase and who wants to do that?! You should always keep an extra set of clothes in your carry-on luggage just in case the airline misplaces your checked-in suitcase. Just as well, you should not put any of your electronics in your checked luggage. Phones, tablets and cameras should be kept on you or in your carry-on. At this time of the year, camera bags and tablet cases are ideal items to have.

Though all of this does seem like a hassle, do not get stressed: flying is fun! You have the opportunity to get away from your "reality" for a while and engage in conversations with those sitting near you on the plane. You can even catch up on sleep while listening to your tunes. Be sure you have the proper headphones or this plan will go array.

Pretty soon, the plane will touch down and you will hear those words that you were waiting for: "Thank you for flying with us. Have a safe holiday season and we look forward to seeing you again."

Though you may have been delayed and your suitcase may have been damaged, you know you will do it again in a heartbeat as seeing the smile on your loved one's face is priceless!