For me, buying shoes for the workplace isn’t as fun as buying kicks for everyday use. But it’s something that’s gotta be done. Luckily, Rockport shoes have been my staple for years. While I may experiment with other brands occasionally, I always come back to Rockport, specifically the Northfield Oxford
Usually, I get these from Macy’s on sale, but I haven’t seen them discounted for some time. And heck, Amazon is selling them at a good price so why not?
But it’s okay. I passed the criteria set by The Oatmeal’s “Should you buy a selfie stick?” test. It’s all about the angles and versatility that led me to buy a selfie stick, not vanity (for real). I wanted a stick for my GoPro to get different angles for shots. But then, why buy a monopod made for one device? Why couldn’t I use the same stick for another device like an iPhone? I wouldn’t want two selfie sticks, right? That’s when I found the ThrillPro by The Alaska Life
Essentially the ThrillPro is a selfie stick, capable of extending 36-inches, but it’s sturdier, more versatile, and ultimately more costly than other products. But that’s okay. This single stick comes with different mounts so you can easily use it with a GoPro or any smart phone that fits its clamp (a regular encased iPhone 6 fits). In theory, you could also mount a video camcorder, SLR, or DSLR camera as well. Just don’t go too heavy. The ThrillPro is sturdy but not unbreakable. Once extended, lock rings keep everything in place.
The angle of the head of the ThrillPro can be adjusted to turn your camera on its side or to reverse its orientation. The included strap and clip latch securely fastens the stick to your hand or a bag.
The only negative I have is that the ThrillPro does not include a remote control capability. There’s no Bluetooth remote or other means to remotely snap a picture. You have to rely on the GoPro or iPhone’s self timer. Inconvenient but understandable. Incorporating an universal remote that can work with a GoPro, digital camera, smartphone, and camcorder would be too tall of an order. One option with a GoPro is to use a Pebble watch and GoPro app as a remote shutter, and it does work (albeit with some additional setup needed).
So if you’re looking for a versatile and sturdy selfie stick and don’t mind paying for the quality, check out the ThrillPro.
Don’t look now, but did Amazon reboot the venerable iPod with the introduction of the Echo? We all know the iconic iPod isn’t the draw it once was and is in need of a remake. I’ve mentioned before how the iPod could be re-imagined to a multi-purpose home device. A WiFi basestation/extender, a multi-device charger, AirPlay speakers, maybe Time Machine backups – there are many roles a revamped iPod could play, and right now, Amazon’s Echo is headed in that direction with the additional benefit of being a Siri-like end point with Alexa. Instead of grabbing an iPhone or iPad to ask Siri a question, the Amazon Echo is always listening, ready to research directed questions. This surely makes sense and makes voice recognition commands more approachable.
Along with the Alexa voice command feature, the Echo contains 360-degree audio speakers to fill a room with music, a solid addition for a living room hub. For Amazon, a very relevant aspect is Echo’s potential to create grocery lists. I can easily see an Echo in or near a kitchen. As your pantry empties out, asking Alexa to add items to a grocery list is a great convenience then having the ability for Amazon to fulfill your order, now that’s scarily possible.
While the Echo is still a new product with mixed reviews, there are definite futures for this device, and maybe your next iPod will be spelled E-c-h-o.
It’s not too late to become a “social media giants.” You can learn the proverbial ropes of how to use social media to build your brand and online presence by reading Guy Kawasaki’s latest book, The Art of Social Media: Power Tips for Power Users
Just published, this contemporary book is rated at 4.8 out of 5 stars after 144 reviews, so you know it’s gotta be good! If you’re gifting this book to a future social media-ist consider the Kindle version that can conveniently launch the book’s links. Read it, see it, do it. Can’t be much easier to pick up the tricks and start mastering the art of social media.
More suggestions from the Pulpconnection Holiday Gift Guide, 2014 edition.
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It’s been a long time since my last drink of Surge. Discontinued in the early 2000’s, Surge is now back (at least temporarily) for that retro caffeine kick with the OG recipe. It’s not a reboot or a new flavor. This is straight up Surge.
After 14 years, Surge is more fizzy than I remember. It’s still loaded with sugar, and it still uses the it’s-so-ugly-it’s-glorious logo in green and red. Yup, nostalgia is worth 230 calories.
This is for the security conscious techie person in your life. You may have heard about the many recent online incidents dealing with stolen passwords, credit card information, and personal photos. The key take away is that the traditional password just isn’t enough to protect your online identity. This holiday season you need to better protect yourself with a second factor security key.
Yubico has released an USB security key that’s needed in addition to your password in order to access accounts such as the ubiquitous Gmail. So if your password is leaked, hacked, or guessed, the bad guy would still need your security key as the second form of authentication to access your account. In conjunction, these two walls of security will help protect yourself considerably.
And at only $18, this is a very affordable gift! Buy a FIDO U2F Security Key
More suggestions from the Pulpconnection Holiday Gift Guide, 2014 edition.
Follow Gee Why’s board Holiday Gift Guide 2014 on Pinterest.
I wish I had the radio advertisement for Zula to play back for you since really it says it all. A local style workout DVD featuring all Hawaiian kine music. The perfect gift for your friends on the mainland!
Okay, really, that’s all I know about Zula which I’m guessing is a word mashed up from zumba and hula. Somehow sumo great, Konishiki, is involved as well. Anyways, this is one of those gifts that is truly unique this holiday season.
Get Zula Fitness Vol. 1
More suggestions from the Pulpconnection Holiday Gift Guide, 2014 edition.
Follow Gee Why’s board Holiday Gift Guide 2014 on Pinterest.
Wow, just wow. Thanks to the social media push of the Surge Movement, Coca Cola is bringing back Surge for a limited time. From 1996, Surge battled Mountain Dew in the citrus soda space but eventually lost out when Surge was discontinued in the early 2000’s.
Available only from Amazon, the return of Surge was met with high demand as inventory is already wiped out. Surge is sold
Why include Surge on Pulpconnection’s 2014 Holiday Gift Guide? Family nostalgia that’s why. I’ll let you in on a little secret. In past family Christmas parties, I made the punch using Malolo’s lime syrup, ice, water, sherbert, and my secret ingredient of Surge. Forget the uncaffeinated Sprite or 7-Up. Surge was the draw. It was a perfect complement to the drink and during those times, I would have several 2-liter bottles of Surge ready to mix with. Such memories. Maybe my Surge-powered punch will make a reappearance this holiday season…
It’s time to reorder white popcorn, a healthy whole grain snack, according to Bob’s Red Mill Corn Popcorn
I never really thought about it, but it seemed like all popcorn was white (when not drenched in butter). But seeing how there’s different varieties of corn, it stands to reason that there’s different popcorn. Anyways, place your (re)order now.
Consider the Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 PSI 1.76 GPM Electric Pressure Washer, 14.5-Amp
Free Amazon Super Saver Shipping to boot!
And if you need a quick disconnect, just say DRAMM as in the Dramm 22729 Heavy-Duty Quick Disconnect Brass
If your Toyota key remote aka FOB has seen better days and is breaking, don’t head straight to Toyota for a replacement. An authentic replacement costs big bucks and also requires a programming fee for your vehicle. If it’s just the exterior plastic casing that’s broken, check out this replacement sold on Amazon.
This remote is a three button remote
It’s a fast repair job requiring a coin like a penny to pop open the cases. If the remote battery is running low, now’s the chance for a new DL2016 (or CR2016).
With the two halves of the case separated, it’s easy to see my worn out plastic key ring area. One good yank and the metal ring would have surely detached.
And it’s time to pickup this Patriotic American Flag tank