Friday, February 28, 2014

Berkeley Plus 15.6" Laptop + Tablet Backpack Review

The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.*

I recently received a Berkeley Plus 15.6" Laptop + Tablet Backpack from Case Logic  to review. I was just so excited because my old laptop bag is 6 years old, plain and the strap was going to break at any time because my dog had chewed on the strap a bit when he was a puppy.



I love blue so as soon as i saw this I  just had to get it. This photo doesn't really do it justice because I had to use the flash on my phone. 




I am so happy with this backpack. I find it is big and perfect for me. This backpack is excellent if you tend to carry a lot like I do. Most of the time I have my laptop, my laptop plug, a portable external hard drive, a couple of USB sticks, a book, my ipad, smartphone and ofcourse my wallet and there is still some room left in there.

Not much in there in this photo. I only had my laptop in my bag


  I love that it has a bunch of compartments because it keeps everything organized. 





The adjustable straps are so comfortable and I love the back zippered pocket. This backpack is good quality and I know it will last me for years. 

I love the side pockets. They are perfect for a water bottle.

This is very good for school or for traveling because it is big and you can carry a lot of stuff that you need. 


All in all I am very happy and very impressed with Berkeley Plus 15.6" Laptop + Tablet Backpack and I highly recommend it.



Thursday, February 27, 2014

‘Cause We Are Living in a Technological World



Let’s face it: we live in a technology-based era. Think about it: how long can you last without your smartphone, your tablet, or your laptop? The answer, most likely, is not for very long. Some of us tend to get that feeling of being ‘lost’ without our gadgets—and in some cases, others feel extreme anxiety without a smartphone—whether it is an iPhone, Android, or a Samsung Galaxy. There is no doubt about it: technology rules our planet, and new discoveries and advances are created seemingly every day. Even experts have suggested that 2014 could be the year that "the cloud" takes over.

Now, for those of you who do not necessarily understand what this cloud is, this post will provide helpful information.

The best way to describe the Cloud is to consider our systems from back in the day. During that time, our data—such as photos, files, music, and documents—were stored on a piece of hardware. Examples include a floppy disk or even a CD.

However, now that we have such a significant amount of photo sharing—such as Facebook, Flickr, and Instagram—as well as free music providers such as Pandora and Spotify, we have instant access to what we need without the use of nearly ancient hardware.

Not to mention you can watch television programs through YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon.

The movies, photos, and music that aren’t on your computer directly—rather, on the internet instead—are known as the Cloud. It is almost synonymous with the internet.

Of course, the internet plays a major role for many business industries as well. Take advertising companies, for example. Without the Cloud, finding information, photos, and even free music through internet channels to listen to while working would be exceptionally difficult.

Another industry which highly benefits from the Cloud is the world of information technology. Whether you are using the Cloud for IT services in New Jersey or any other part of the country, there is truly no denying its power and resourcefulness for this industry. In fact, most businesses in the information technology industry are relying on Cloud computing and consumerization as two of the most transformative trends in IT enterprise today. Cloud computing and consumerization can affect roughly every single aspect of IT. This includes from application development to application delivery and from data storage to even the importance of data security.

Businesses used to rely on more traditional resources, while they are now updating to the digital information realm. Despite word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and graphs being saved on professional computers as unlosable files, there are other options such as Google documents where businesses can gather plenty of information while stored in the Cloud.

Of course, there are plenty of other industries who rely highly on this very cherished Cloud. These include the following:








  • Accounting







  • Advertising, Branding & Marketing







  • Agriculture







  • Aircraft







  • Automotive







  • Banking







  • Capital Markets







  • Chemicals, Coatings & Plastics







  • Communications







  • Consumer Products







  • Convenience Pay Services







  • Cosmetics







  • Service







  • Television







  • Textile & Fashion







  • …and not to mention, plenty more.



  • Your business will soon depend on the Cloud, as it is an excellent resource from information and storage. Experiment with programs and websites and see how it works for you.



    Christopher Forsythe is an expert in the field of information technology, who works in his New York based firm. He graduated with a degree in technology management. His passion for the Cloud and all it has to offer is a tremendous part of his life. Christopher enjoys fishing, boating, and hiking in his spare time.

    Tuesday, February 25, 2014

    Keeping your Kids Safe from Predators

    The world is a different place than what it was when you were growing up.

    You’ve heard people say that but the realities of Elizabeth Smart, Jaycee Dugard, and Za’Mor Turner give it more gravity. We may have grown up in a world where we could play outside and our parents didn’t have to give much thought to someone bothering us, but that is not the case anymore. People are brazen now. They have taken children right out of their homes while their family slept in the next room, as in the case of Elizabeth Smart or on the way to school in Jaycee Dugard’s case. Sometimes the children are found alive as the aforementioned were. Sometimes they are found dead as a countless number have been. Some are still missing as in the case of La’Mor Turner. In all cases the emotional scars for everyone involved are almost unbearable.

    It’s a parent’s nightmare, but one we can try to prevent. Here are some things you can do to keep your child safe:

    Talk About It

    Arming your child with information is not a bad thing. The key is to understand what is age appropriate and what isn’t. Frightening the child away from playing outside and being a kid is not what you mean to do, but being liberal with information at too young of an age can have that effect. As your child grows and starts to gain independence introduce them to the concept of a stranger. Talk to your child about your connection to them and what happens when they are gone from sight. Make sure your child understands that impact of their actions and that will open the door to deeper discussions about who to trust and what to do in certain situations.

    Define Stranger


    Stranger is a relatively nebulous term. Anyone that your child doesn’t know is a stranger. That could include your sister who doesn’t live locally or the policeman who lives two streets away. It is important that you talk about who safe strangers are (law enforcement, teachers in their school, etc.) and what strangers are dangerous.

    Practice Makes Perfect


    While belaboring the point about not talking to strangers can cause a reaction and make your child afraid of strangers, their behavior in a questionable situation must be discussed. Make a game of it. Run through some of the scenarios predators use, such as the missing dog or the hurt leg. Make sure your children knows to steer clear of those people, to never get in a car with a stranger, to not believe that you sent the stranger to pick them. Make sure they know to speak loudly and run away, using keywords to call attention to their situation. Children learn through play, so play act.

    It’s terrifying to think that our children could be at risk, but this is the world we live in now. Prepare them at home so that they can walk confidently and safely in the world. No one ever wants to see a child in danger, help keep this world a safer place for all of our children.




    The Law Offices of David Michael Cantor is Arizona's Premier Criminal Defense Law Firm. We handle all types of cases including defense of false allegations of sex crimes. For more information on David Michael Cantor and his history in Arizona law, please see their website.

    The String Arcade review




    The String Arcade is a well-curated collection of music arranged for string quartet by Dren McDonald (Ghost Recon Commander, Ravenwood Fair) and Jason Poss (Lord of the Rings film trilogy, World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King). The arrangements go far beyond chamber music emulations of the original themes, with each piece creatively interpreted, embellished, and reimagined to capture emotions evoked by the games. In conceiving the project, McDonald was inspired by John Lurie's Stranger Than Paradise film soundtrack (1984), which featured a moody, string quartet score.


    Besides giving gamers a new way to enjoy beloved classics, The String Arcade is also poised to inspire young musicians to pick up a violin, viola, or cello. Several tracks were specifically chosen from games popular among kids, and all album proceeds will be donated to the Alameda Music Project (http://www.alamedamusicproject.org), a tuition-free K-5 after-school program launching in September.
    About The Music

    The String Arcade's 15 original arrangements (plus 2 CD bonus tracks) were inspired by games from Galaga to Minecraft and performed by local musicians, with a special appearance by the Boston-based Videri String Quartet. One preview track, Plants Vs. Zombies' "Grasswalk," has been released as a free digital download: https://soundcloud.com/dren-mcdonald/plants-vs-zombies-from-the
    The String Arcade digital download can be ordered on iTunes for  $9.99  https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-string-arcade/id805763356

    The CD version, which includes two bonus tracks not included with the digital download, can be preordered from BandCamp for $9.99 (regularly $11.99): http://thestringarcade.bandcamp.com
     MY REVIEW

    Ok First off I do not usually listen to this kind of music and I am not really a fan of this kind of music but I really liked these tracks. I guess maybe because I am a gamer. If you aren't a gamer you might not really like this but I thought it was well done.

    I give this 4 out of 5 

    Monday, February 24, 2014

    Reinforce Commands and Control Bad Behavior With a Dog Training Collar

    An e-collar is an effective and safe training device to help dog owners control their loyal companion. Although dogs generally like to please their owners, many get distracted easily by things like other people walking by, the mailman, or dogs nearby. With the proper use of a training collar, dog owners may be able to see a significant improvement in their dog’s behavior and the way their pet responds to their commands.

    How Do Training Collars Work?
    Training dog collars look almost like a normal collar but come equipped with a small square device attached to the side. When the owner sends a signal to the collar through the transmitter, a mild stimulus will be applied to the dog’s neck. This feeling is similar to a slight electrical shock and does not actually harm the dog.
    In order for this training device to be successful, dog owners should read the instructions that come with the collar thoroughly and make sure it works before putting it on their dog. They should then attach the collar to the dog’s neck and adjust the stimulation level. Starting at the lowest level, owners should adjust it until the stimulus causes their dog to prick up their ears or turn their head. If the dog whines or yelps when the stimulus applied, it needs to be turned down a notch.

    Reinforcing Commands
    Training collars are generally used for one of two reasons – to reinforce commands or control bad behaviors. Before a dog owner can start using the collar to reinforce common commands, like sit, stay, or speak, they should make sure their dog is familiar with them. Once the dog can recognize these commands, they can introduce the training collar for reinforcement using this process:
    • Say the command and then wait for the dog to respond. If the dog is not paying attention, press the button on the transmitter and then repeat the command.
    • When the dog responds, praise him.
    • Reinforce their behavior with a pat or a special treat.
    The training collar in conjunction with praise and other positive incentives will eventually teach the dog to respond without hesitation to these commands.

     Controlling Bad Behaviors
    A puppy that constantly gets into the trash or a dog that doesn’t stop barking at cars that drive by can be stopped if their owner implements a training collar into their training routine. In order for dog owners to successfully curb these bad behaviors, they should:
    • Plan for the bad behavior to take place. For example, if a new puppy instantly starts digging holes when they are let out to the backyard, their owner should be prepared to train him whenever he is let outside.
    • Stay hidden when they apply the stimulus so that the dog does not associate them with the slight shock they feel from the collar.
    • Apply the stimulus whenever they see their dog engage in the bad behavior for no longer than three seconds.
    Whether a dog owner is trying to get their dog to stop barking at neighbors or wants to teach them new commands, using a training collar is an effective way to accomplish these training goals.


    Please feel free to contact Ella Gray at ella.l.gray@gmail.com with any questions.

    Sunday, February 23, 2014

    EasyCanvasPrints.com: 1 8x10 Canvas Print Giveaway










    Sponsored by 






    Hosted by 



    Co-hosted by:








    One lucky winner will win



    1 8 x 10 Canvass Print (Free Shipping. USA & Canda Only)



    Dates:

    March 15-30

    US and Canada Residents only.




    We appreciate the support of our sponsor, hosts, Co-hosts and bloggers promoting, please show your support by following them on their social media pages.








    Disclaimer: Life in an Island Paradise is not responsible for the awarding of the prize.  If you have any questions about this giveaway, please email the host at grasyah@gmail.com

    Thursday, February 20, 2014

    New Smart Wearable Mobile Security Device Fights Crime, Collects Evidence


    First Sign Technologies today announced the launch campaign for the first-ever hair clip that serves as an automatic personal security system against violent crimes.  The First Sign Hair Clip is a smart wearable device worn in the hair or clipped on clothing that works with a mobile App to automatically call for help and to collect evidence at the first sign of trauma in an emergency situation. This mobile security device is the only solution of its kind that has the capability to identify, deter, apprehend, and prosecute attackers.



        First Sign Technologies is accepting pre-orders and contributions to its mission through its Indiegogo campaign.  A strong show of support in the next few weeks is needed to start production of First Sign Hair Clips, providing peace of mind and safety by Fall 2014.  People that believe in the mission and product can pre-order HERE.
     
    “The response to the Technologies has been overwhelming. Violence against women is far too common and this is the first solution to not only be automatic, but to focus on increasing the prosecution rate,” said Rachel Emanuele, co-founder, First Sign Technologies.  “The First Sign Hair Clip can be used in so many different situation to protect you - when dating, walking at night, exercising alone, traveling, to protect kids against bullying, and many more.”
     
    The First Sign Hair Clip’s alarm is activated when a violent attack is detected by the hair clip’s embedded accelerometer and gyroscope.  It then uses a Bluetooth paired cell phone to collect more evidence and call for help while the phone’s speaker lets the attacker know that “evidence has been collected and help is on the way.”  
             
     
    Features of the First Sign Hair Clip include:
     
    Automatic Alarm: Working with the user’s smartphone, the First Sign Hair Clip triggers an alarm that alerts professional security personnel at the first sign of violent movement using its gyroscope and accelerometer. 
     
    Evidence Collection: Evidence is immediately collected once the alarm is activated.  A microphone on the hair clip transmits audio evidence while it connects via Bluetooth to the user’s phone to access its camera, GPS, speaker, and cell signal.  The evidence is streamed to the professional security monitoring station so all evidence will remain available to prosecutors even if the phone is destroyed.  
     
    Lifestyle Friendly and Fashionable: The hair clip can be worn discretely concealed under the hair, as a fashion accessory, or clipped on the body somewhere close.  Either way, the clip is “out of sight and out of mind” but it will never stop working for you.  There is a 15-second window to deactivate it in the rare case of a false alarm.  
     

    First Sign Technologies is on the cutting-edge of the shift in personal safety and products that make society safer.  For more information go to the First Sign Technologies' Indiegogo page at http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/first-sign-hair-clip-the-first-automatic-security-system-against-violent-crimes.  

    Wednesday, February 19, 2014

    PK4 Picture Keeper Review And Giveaway



    I have recently received a PK 4 Picture Keeper to review.  I really don't have many photos and really I keep all my photos on a portable external hard drive.



    Picture Keeper is the easiest way to make a backup copy of your pictures. This is perfect for busy families. There is a embedded software on the Picture Keeper drive that does all of the work for you. No software to install, no wires to connect and no passwords to remember.



    Picture Keeper has 4 different models to choose from:

    PK4 (model received)
    PK 4 
    Holds up to 4,000* photos 
    $29.99
    Keeps up to ~4000* pictures safe! 
    *ESTIMATE - based on an average size of 1 MB per picture 



    PK 8 
    Holds up to 8,000* photos 
    $59.99
    Keeps ~8000* pictures safe! 
    *ESTIMATE - based on an average size of 1 MB per picture


    PK 16 
    Holds up to 16,000* photos 
    $99.99
    Keeps ~16,000* pictures safe! 
    *ESTIMATE - based on an average size of 1 MB per picture


    PK Pro 
    Holds up to 250,000* photos based on a 1MB photo size. ( drive color may vary) 
    $189.99
    With Picture Keeper Pro, it's a snap to save up to 250,000* pictures! And because there's no software to install, it's that much easier. 
    How much is peace of mind worth to you? With Picture Keeper you can store thousands of pictures – safely and securely. The Picture Keeper automatically finds and saves your pictures. Just plug it in, click start and Picture Keeper does the work for you.  Use it in a digital picture frame, LCD TV, photo kiosks or just store it away.
    The Picture Keeper Difference
    ▪   Skips duplicate photos
    ▪   No software to install, wires to connect, passwords to remember, or monthly fees.
    ▪   Use on multiple computers; both PC and Mac compatible.
    ▪   Once one Picture Keeper fills, just use another and the second will continue where the first left off.  Amazing!
    ▪   Works well with all photo organizing softwares like Kodak Easy Share.  
    ▪   Easily use with your digital photo frame, favorite print kiosk or keep in a fire proof safe.

    It is super simple to use and you don't need to search your computer for all your photos because this little 
    Picture Keeper device finds all your photos for you or just pick and choose which you want to save in this little stick.  



    You click Start Backup and the Picture Keeper device starts searching for all your photos on you hard drive or your external hard drive that you have hooked up to your computer. 



    Then when it is done it shows you how much room you have left on the stick .



    Like I said I do not have many photos so it didn't take much time to save the photos and I still have a lot of room on my Picture Keeper.

    I really like this because well it is super easy to use and you don't have to spend a lot of time to find your photos on your computer because it does it for you and it doesn't really take it long to find and add your photos.

    You can also use the mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android . It provides a simple, easy way to wirelessly  backup the photos on your mobile device to your computer and that too is super easy to use but personally I won't be using it much because I do not take many photos from my phone that I really want to keep.

    Do I recommend Picture Keeper? Yes I do. It is a great product.





    "Picture Keeper has agreed to giveaway the PK4 device. I was not paid in cash for this posting. I was sent a product for review and all opinions are my own." 

    Saturday, February 15, 2014

    Swamp Men: Season 4 on DVD Giveaway (US ONLY)




    It’s Swamp People Season 4 on HISTORY® and the resolute crews face wild weather, a ticking time clock and life-threatening feats. While surrounding states are knee-deep in drought and dehydration, the people of south Louisiana once again wade through the Atchafalaya waters as Hurricane Isaac hits on gator season's opening day. Dropping temperatures spur prematurely hatched eggs and early retreat for alligators. With the ultimate goal for bigger gators and higher profits, the hunters remain true to their resourceful Cajun traditions while employing newfangled and unconventional baiting techniques.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    FilmBook, a movie website, is sponsoring this giveaway.

    How I Live Now on Blu-ray Giveaway (US ONLY)



    Set in the near-future UK, Ronan plays Daisy, an American teenager sent to stay with relatives in the English countryside. Initially withdrawn and alienated, she begins to warm up to her charming surroundings, and strikes up a romance with the handsome Edmund (George MacKay). But on the fringes of their idyllic summer days are tense news reports of an escalating conflict in Europe. As the UK falls into a violent, chaotic military state, Daisy finds herself hiding and fighting to survive.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway




    FilmBook, a movie website, is sponsoring this giveaway.

    Warner Bros. February DVD Giveaway

    February is the one month of the year where everyone has love on their minds! It’s can be romantic, it can be love for your children or parents or you could just be a movie lover! Whatever you love, this February Warner Bros. has you covered with some amazing DVDs perfect for the whole family!
    If you’re a love lorn poet, there’s the Peanuts Collection! If you want to smother your significant other with kisses we have the Looney Tunes Pepe Le Pew Collection, and if you want to solve some madcap mystery, I’ll bet Scooby-Doo is the one for you!



    I know it is late but I think these are great to download and print and save up for next year.






    Tuesday, February 11, 2014

    SLOTDOG review

    The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.*

    My husband and I love hot dogs so we were super happy to try the SLOTDOG.  

    We had planned to make hot dogs on the BBQ on a Saturday but then that plan changed because we had snow the night before and I shoveled on Saturday morning and ended up with a sprained ankle so instead my husband made hot dogs in a frying pan but it still works.


    What you do is Simply press the SLOTDOG down on two opposite sides of a hot dog, then toss it on the BBQ or in a frying pan like my husband did that night. 



    This one turned out a little burned but I didn't mind because I noticed with the slots in the hot dog it actually made it more juicy. We just can't wait for the weather to be nicer and warmer so we can make hot dogs on the BBQ again.

    Yes I know my hot dog looks lame but I  don't like mustard and we didn't have any relish


    Both my husband and I really like the SLOTDOG because it super easy to use and it is easy to clean.I had no problems cleaning the SLOTDOG with soap and water but it is even dishwasher safe. Oh and you can't see it from this photos I took but the condiments stay better one the hot dog. I only put the ketchup on buns though but my husband puts his condiments on the meat and he loved the fact that the condiments stay better on the hot dog. 

    We will  be using this every time we make hot dogs from now on because it sure make hot dogs look much better.





    If you would like to purchase this product go to Slotdog website.The SLOTDOG is $14.99 CDN Plus Shipping & Applicable Taxes so it isn't expensive at all


    I highly recommend this product