Since April 8, 1953, when the first major 3D Hollywood movie was released, people have been in awe of motion picture that literally jumps off the screen. Since then, countless Hollywood hits- from Disney’s “Meet the Robinsons” to James Cameron’s groundbreaking 2009 blockbuster “Avatar”- have leapt off the big screens and into audience’s memories. Movies have been released in 3-dimensional format more and more in recent years, but that hasn’t caused the wonder and excitement to taper off in the least.

Now, viewers can feel the same wonder and excitement at home. Samsung (as well as a few of its competitors, including Sony and Panasonic) has recently introduced its series of 3D-capable home entertainment products. Here you will get a closer look into what it’s all about.

Samsung introduces its 3D home entertainment products in four platforms- LED TVs, LCD TVs, Plasma TVs, and the ever popular Blu-ray Players. The technology behind bringing home such a great entertainment experience isn’t quite simple, but in laymen terms:  the TV “will display two separate but overlapping images of the same scene simultaneously” at ever-so-slightly different angles.” Just like in the movie theaters, these new 3D TVs require a pair of very fashionable but functional glasses that will allow viewers to see the two separate 2D images as one, incredibly clear and eye-popping 3D image.

Samsung’s 3D home entertainment products work with the revolutionary Blu-ray discs, so when movies like Toy Story 3 come out on Blu-ray, your entire family can watch them in all their 3D glory with the ultra-stylish Action Glasses.  And if you don’t want to watch movies all day, but want to continue to enjoy the wonder of 3D, Samsung’s TVs have a built-in processor that can convert 2D media into 3D with just a push of a button. All of this is offered in full HD clarity.

Samsung isn’t the only company capitalizing on the 3D market. Sony Bravia and Panasonic have also introduced home entertainment systems that utilize the same technology to bring you the same great experience. This new world of 3D Home Entertainment is not only for watching great movies; it can even open up a whole new world of entertainment in sports, music, and so much more. In fact, DIRECTV has introduced a brand new channel dedicated to HD3D home entertainment.

Panasonic is also putting the power of 3D in your hands with the world’s first 3D camcorder, allowing users to capture and view life’s great moments in a completely new way.

Having so many options to choose from in this exciting, new era of entertainment may be pretty overwhelming, and you may have loyalties to one or another of the brands (or their celebrity spokespeople-Sony’s commercials feature Justin Timberlake and the Colts’ Peyton Manning), but the best way to figure out whether or not 3D home entertainment is for you and your family is to take a trip into a Samsung, Sony, or Panasonic store or retailer, and experience it for yourself.

Samsung’s 3D-compatible TVs range in price from $2,000-$7,000. Sony Bravia’s 3D-compatible TVs range in price from $2,100-$4,500, and Panasonic’s 3D-compatible TVs range in price from $2,500-$4,300. For a full list of all these brands’ 3D-compatible products, check out their websites at www.samsung.com/us/learningresources3D/ (Samsung), www.sonystyle.com (Sony), and www.panasonic.com (Panasonic).

No related posts.

Cookouts, barbeques, and block parties galore! Amazing summers like these are what amazing grilling gizmos are made for! And who better to be at the helm of the Grillin’ Bandwagon than the grillin’ master himself. Cooking up a perfect fun-in-the-sun meal has gotten much easier and much more enjoyable. Here, we offer up must-haves that are beyond worthy of his manly “Kiss the Cook” apron.

*Weber Smokey Joe Grill-  $49.95

It’s one thing to be able to throw down in the grilling arena while at home, but how about throwing down on the beach, at the park, or at a football tailgating party? Now, with the Weber Smokey Joe Grill, your guy can throw down just about wherever he pleases without throwing out his back in the process. The Smokey Joe Grill is a lightweight, portable grill that packs all the punch and grilling power as a regular sized grill. Made of steel and aluminum, and boasting a 14.5”-diameter cooking grate, it is essential for all of your portable grilling needs. Available exclusively at Crate and Barrel.

*George Foreman Evolve Grill- $129.99

Your guy may or may not be the type to bake muffins, but if he is, the Evolve Grill – the newest from the ever-popular George Foreman grill company- will allow him to do that and more. With bragging rights including an 84-square-inch cooking area that allows for cooking up to four servings of food, four removable plates for versatile cooking options, and 11 more removable plates coming soon for added versatility, the Evolve Grill by George Foreman will give your man tons of grilling pleasure, and never a dull cooking moment.

*Digital BBQ Fork- $29.99

If your grill master is one to take swift precision and accuracy very seriously, then the Digital BBQ Fork from The Sharper Image is his ideal item. It allows you to set the desired temperature, and beeps when your food is done. It also includes a built-in flashlight, making it perfect for a midsummer night’s dream grilling session. Available at The Sharper Image.

*Grill-It iPhone app- $1.00

With this fun and functional app for the iPhone, your guy will be able to use one gadget he’s loyal to in order to become even more loyal to another. This app for the iPhone features recipes for grilling up almost everything under the sun, from poultry to seafood, and pork to veggies. The app also allows you to save your favorite recipes, so your guy can cook them to perfection again and again. This app is available on iTunes from the iTunes Store, or straight from the App Store from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.

*Broilmaster Super Premium Series Grills- Prices Vary

Known as “The Most Durable Grill Known to Man,” Broilmaster grills go above and beyond most peoples’ expectations of a good grill. Products from Broilmaster’s Super Premium Grill Series are not for the novice griller. They are for the man who knows his way around 695 square inches of heavy-duty cast aluminum mighty grilling power. A pricey choice, but if your guy has a passion and talent for whipping up delectably yummy grilled decadence on a regular basis, a Super Premium Series Broilmaster product is well worth the buy. Broilmaster products are available through selected dealers. For a list of dealers in your area, go to broilmaster.com and type in your zip code.

With these great grilling gadgets, the rest of your summer is sure to be deliciously mouth-watering, and chock full of perfectly placed grill lines. Happy Cooking!

No related posts.

These days the heat is hard enough to beat even with fans and air conditioners blasting at their highest settings. It would literally feel like a horrible day in hell if one or both of those appliances were to succumb to the scorching temperatures. However, sometimes that turns out to be the unfortunate scenario.

Even though such an adverse situation is sometimes unavoidable, every Guts.Glam.Grace girl knows that it is neither cute nor healthy to sweat it out during this especially sweltering season. What she may not know is what else she can do to beat the heat when it has beaten her first lines of defense. Fortunately, we are here to help with a list of great gadgets to help keep cool when the fan and AC fail under the hot pressure.

FirstStreet Artic Ties – $20 for a pack of two

They may look like regular bandanas, but these neck ties not only have great fashion potential, they’re also hiding gel crystals that keep you cool. When soaked in cold water, the gel expands, allowing you hours of cool bliss, no freezing or refrigerating necessary. FirstStreet Artic Ties are available at firststreetonline.com.

Misty Mate Personal Air Cooler – $30

It’s great to be able to move around.  The Misty Mate allows you to do just that. It may be only eight ounces, but it packs a punch. Requiring no batteries and having no motorized parts, the Misty Mate is super easy to use. Just fill it with water and with a few pumps, you will be in misty- cool heaven. Available at Target.

The Bedfan -$75

Being hotter than the months of June, July, ans August put together is already pretty unbearable, but it gets worse when you’re trying to sleep. By sending cool air traveling between your sheets, and stopping your own body heat from getting trapped, the Bedfan keeps you feeling breezy and comfortable through the night.  Available online at secure-bedfan.com

The Insulated Evaporative Cooling Cap – $25

This may look like a regular cap, but it does more than just shield your eyes and face from the dun. Using its Hydroweave technology, this cap uses solar energy to cause water to evaporate, drawing heat from your head. All you have to do is run the cap under cool water, and wring out the excess. This cap keeps your head 30 degrees cooler than temperature outside. And don’t worry about ruining your hair or dealing with a dripping wet hat. The cap includes an inner lining that keeps your head cool and dry as it does its job. Available through Hammacher Schlemmer (online at hammacher.com, through the Hammacher Schlemmer catalog, or by phone: 1.800.321.1484)

This heat may feel like too much to handle, but it’s easier than ever to stay breezy and cool in these sizzling summer days.

Stay Cool!

No related posts.

QUESTION:

Can we talk about netiquette also known as network and email etiquette?

ANSWER:

During my adventures in cyberspace, I have seen some email messages that make me smile with glee, yet there are other messages that make me shake my head with worry and concern. Let me offer some reminders.

Be friendly, not careless. Please do not use texting emblems and elements in your email. You can be yourself and be less formal, but remember, you still must connect to proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation rules. Be mindful of tone and manner. Your email messages are a reflection of you, your company, and your profession.

Think before you send. Walk away from your laptop or your desktop when you are angry or discontented. You don’t want to send a message that you will live to regret at a later time. Work hard to keep your messages succinct. Focus on one message per email.

Keep the personal touch. There are times when we all need human contact. Please don’t let email replace “live and in person” or phone communication.

Email is very public and is not a private affair. At your place of employment, your email is considered company property. You don’t want one message to cause you and your employer strife. You never know who will read your business or personal emails. Also, create separate emails for your professional use and personal use.

Use your subject line wisely. People are busy. You must write a subject line that can catch the eye and get straight to the point. State your purpose. For example, “The Weekly Report for Your Review and Immediate Response” would be a strong subject line.

No chain letters and other unnecessary messages. You might want to send your colleagues and friends a warning about the next big online virus, but think before you send. Let the Golden Rule lead: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Do you want your inbox filled with well-intended but burdensome messages?

Create a grateful exit. Utilize a signature that includes contact information. Remind people how to get in contact with you. Provide your signature, contact information with your mailing address, website, fax, and phone numbers.

If you want to learn more about netiquette, go to:

1. www.emailreplies.com

2. www.netmanners.com

3. www.library.yale.edu/training/netiquette

Trust your gut. Sustain your glam. Maintain your grace.

No related posts.

NFL players, models, media, and executives all came out to New York City’s hotspot, Jay Z’s 40/40 Club, to kick off the much anticipated 2010 New York International Auto Show. On March 31, 2010, the excitement was already buzzing around the event’s guest of honor, the 2011 Jaguar XJ.

The new XJ, which appears in Jay Z’s video for “Onto the Next One” made a grand appearance and drew much attention from the event’s guests as well as passersby. Two XJ’s posed out front for those eager to take pictures. Guests were welcome to get up close and personal with the XJ to get a glimpse of what this hot new car has to offer.

As if the reimaged sexy and sleek exterior wasn’t enough, the Jaguar XJ boasts soft grain leather, a Jaguar Smart Key System, which grants keyless entry and keyless start, interior mood lighting, an HD touch-screen navigation screen, Interactive Voice, which allows voice control over features like climate control, audio, and navigation, and a panoramic roof with electronically controlled blinds.

NY Giants’ Danny Ware, Andre Brown and Osi Umenyiora, Kimatni Rawlins of Automotive Rhythms, TR Luxury, and Jaguar all united forces to introduce and show off one of the hottest cars to look out for in Fall 2010.

In a new XJ, of course, Danny Ware arrived to the 40/40 Club, where photographers jumped on the opportunity to catch Ware and other popular faces, including comedian Kevin Hart and DJ Clue who stopped through, in the new XJ.

Inspired by the combined sophistication and sportiness of the XJ, this VIP event was one to remember. Guests were greeted with wine and comforted with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, which included delectable sliders and kabobs from 40/40’s menu, and an open bar. DJ L blasted the hottest tunes and kept the energy up. Images of the XJ displayed throughout the event was a great way to get everyone excited about the fast-approaching Auto Show.

The New York International Auto Show stakes its claim at the Jacob Javitz Convention Center April 2-11, 2010. The Auto Show is one of New York City’s most anticipated events. For car aficionados, enthusiasts, and admirers alike, this event is a car lover’s dream. It is the opportunity to introduce cars like the BMW Sdrive 35is and Bentley Continental Supersports Coupe; the chance to reveal 2011 models like the Audi R8 Cabrio; and the time to show off innovative cars, such as alternatively fueled cars like the Mercedes Benz S400 Hybrid, all in one place. With over a week of shows, tours, contests, giveaways, and opportunities to test drive cars, it is no surprise that this is one of New York City’s hottest events.

Fueled by her passion for travel and her desire for post-collegiate direction, Danielle Fontus is the publisher of Her Journey magazine. Her Journey magazine shares extraordinary travel adventures with our readers as well as offers them guidance on their individual journeys to success. Follow Danielle’s adventures at http://herjourneyblog.blogspot.com/.

No related posts.

Maybe you don’t have a need for a talking pen or maybe they haven’t yet invented a teleporting machine to eliminate travel costs. However, there are many travel gadgets and gizmos created to alleviate some of your travel woes. Check out these 10 cool travel gadgets and decide which are must haves for your next trip, whether it be out of necessity or just for fun.

1. For the woman who wants to carry every possible pair of shoes she might wear, or the lady who wants to bring back a piece of the island for every friend and family member she has, thankfully there is the luggage scale. With luggage fees and restrictions, this gadget can save you some money (and the embarrassment of having to reorganize your luggage at the ticket counter).

2. Reading electronically seems to be the new thing to do. All the cool kids are doing it. With electronic book devices like the Kindle and the Sony reader, which come with great features like a touch screen and Wi-Fi capabilities, you too can enjoy this convenience.

3. Everyone loves to catch the memorable moments from a trip, but obstacles like water can pose a threat to a precious (and often expensive) camera. Luckily, companies like Canon, Olympus, and FujiFilm make waterproof cameras, allowing you to capture underwater adventures (and create memories that are even more precious) without causing any damage.

4. Also, with gadgets like the Gorillapod, a flexible tripod, you don’t have to beg strangers to take your picture or look through all those failed attempts at self-shots in which you cut your forehead off.

5. Show off your pictures with a camera equipped with a projector like the Nikon COOLPIX S100pj or invest in a Cinemin Swivel Projector for iPods and iPhones to project your photos and movies on a 60-inch “screen.”

6. Safety is certainly an important issue, especially for the brave souls who do enjoy traveling alone. With a companion like the security travel door alarm, you’ll feel even more comfortable going solo.

7. A Stash Card is a sleek holder that hides valuables like credit cards, cash, or memory cards neatly in the PC card slot of your laptop.

8. You can save yourself lots of headaches, time, and money if you invest in a portable Global Positioning System, which can guide you on your explorations. There is also an iPhone app that provides directions as well as bus routes and schedules.

9. A multi-tasking charger, like a Chargepod, can be the solution to limited outlets. Your cell phone, laptop, camera, and iPod can refuel simultaneously. Rechargeable batteries and a battery charger can also be helpful on your trip. The guys at vagabondish.com recommend USBCELL batteries, which you can charge just by plugging into the USB port of your computer.

10. A WiFi detector or portable WiFi hotspot is a must have for anyone with constant Internet needs.

BONUS:

Language translators and plug converters are especially important on international trips. You might be surprised to find that some countries have different power outlets than those in the U.S. Even though converters are relatively easy to find, it is better to be equipped beforehand rather than to have to discover this little tidbit when you need to plug in your iron or charge your camera.

Brookstone has earned its reputation as a place for cool stuff, and they do not disappoint when it comes to satisfying travel needs. A few of these fun finds can be found there. A Google search may also help you find other more cost-friendly alternatives. Also, visit vagabondish.com to stay updated on the new travel gadgetry.

No related posts.

Mimoco, maker of the MIMOBOT® collection of pop-art infused USB flash drives, announce the latest in the Infectious^TM x MIMOBOT community-designed series of MIMOBOT storage devices: GiddyUp by Hila Rosenberg Arazi. Hila is an Australian/Israeli artist who loves to draw tiny things and create miniatures.

In August 2009, Mimoco partnered with Infectious.com (purveyors of adhesive art for iPhones, iPods, laptops, walls, and cars created by a mix of professional artists and a thriving designer community) for the second contest in their community-designed MIMOBOT series. Mimoco received an astounding number of entries (666 to be exact). Hila’s whimsical dreamy illustration was the perfect precursor to a killer MIMOBOT.

“I’ve been a fan of the Mimobot USB drive from its very start,” said Hila. “I’m a proud owner of a few, including one of the first series to be released. I missed out on the first Mimobot challenge and was hoping for a new one to come along… and when it finally did, I knew that my personal challenge would be to confront the Mimobot shape in a different way. To think outside of the Mimobot bear-like-shape, if you will. In addition to the shape aspect, I knew I’d like to offer Mimoco an innocent girly design that I, as a girly (and not so innocent) buyer would like to see in their collection… And that’s how the GiddyUp design came about.”

In addition to having her design made into the next community-designed MIMOBOT flash drive, Hila received a MIMOBOT and Infectious Prize Pack, and a $1,000 cash prize – an award that will surely help her growing business creating worldwide orders for custom dolls and miniatures.

With an Israeli mother and Australian father, Hila spent her childhood traveling back and forth between both countries, juggling hobbies such as building a cozy house for the garage opossum (he ate it) and making tiny gas-masks for all her stuffed animals during the first Gulf War. She went on pursuit of a bachelor degree in Visual Communications but slowly drifted towards the Animation department, concentrating on stop motion and the wonderful world of miniature set design.

Hila’s winning design joins the MIMOBOT USB flash drive roster including original characters and licenses from Star Wars^TM and Hello Kitty® to pop-artists like Gary Baseman, tokidoki^TM, and FriendsWithYou, amongst other graffiti and contemporary artists. MIMOBOT flash drives are available in 2GB to 16GB capacities, are Mac/Windows compatible, and include preloaded bonus content like wallpapers, avatars, screensavers, and mimoByte^TM sound software. Visit http://mimoco.com for more info on Boston-based art toy meets consumer electronics maker, Mimoco.

Infectious collaborates with artists from around the world to turn blank surfaces into canvases for art. Current artists include Junko Mizuno (Japan), Julie West (UK), Dalek (USA), Tara McPherson (USA), Shag (USA), and nearly 100 others. For more info on San Francisco-based Infectious, their design community and vast selection of adhesive art for iPhones, iPods, laptops and more, visit http://infectious.com.

No related posts.

The Fitbit is a new device that tracks a person’s activity by logging in the number of calories burned, sleeping patterns, distance traveled, and sleep quality. It conveniently records how far you have walked and how long you were sedentary throughout the day and compiles that information with nighttime statistics of when you went to bed, how many times you were awakened, and your actual sleep time.

All of these metrics are stored in a small apparatus about the size of an iPod Nano, and it comes with a docking station and a band to attach the device to your arm at night. Whenever you approach the wireless base station, the day’s data is uploaded to the Fitbit.com website.

The user can store minute-by-minute data for up to 7 days or daily data for up to 30 days on their website. Unfortunately, there are no long-term benchmarks, graphs, or any overall indication of personal achievement from a “digital personal trainer”. For this reason, the Fitbit comes off as fairly two-dimensional, not for its purpose but for its lack of data summary. The tracking data does give a good sense of how your activity levels and sleep patterns change from day to day, but the question remains: What does the user do with this data and how is it compiled to help you lose weight, become more healthy, or sleep better?

Sadly, America spends more money on dieting annually than many other countries do on food. The Fitbit falls into the caste of glorified pedometer mixed with Weight Watcher’s calorie-counting, a dash of an Ekg, with a touch of a toddler leash. Nonetheless, there is a formidable market of consumers that still try to meander around the concept of eating reasonably and exercising often so there may be some demand for this product.

The Fitbit costs $99.00 and there is no cost to register on the www.fitbit.com website. We look forward to your comments and opinions on this product and its overall utility.

No related posts.

Just in time for the holiday season comes the Verizon Droid Smart-Phone, which is poised to bring the most formidable market challenge to the already favored iPhone. This is because the Droid is the brain child of three powerhouses: Motorola, Verizon, and Google.

Motorola has fashioned a very finished and sophisticated phone with slide-out full QUERTY keyboard, a 5 megapixel camera, a highly touted 480 x 854 pixel resolution with a 3.7-inch display that is said to be the best on the market, and it’s all run on the Android 2.0 operating system.

Verizon forms more Voltron with inclusions like Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity and full multi-media and social networking capabilities. The knockout blow may lie in the fact that Verizon has 5 times more 3G coverage than AT&T, which exclusively sells the iPhone.

The Droid also incorporates a high-powered Google search engine. A highly innovative option is the voice-activated search selection, so now you don’t have to type a search option in the search engine for results. You can simply speak your search, and it will respond. For instance, say you’re driving to a meeting in the next state and using your turn-by-turn directions from Google Maps, you can now speak the command and the Droid will dictate directions right back at you.

The Verizon Droid costs $199.99 for a two-year contract with a $30 per month mandatory data plan. This data plan does have a 5GB cap whereby the iPhone has the same $30 per month data plan with no limit. Despite this, it can be said confidently that the Verizon Droid is the best contender to come to the Smart-Phone platform since the iPhone itself!

No related posts.

Now in the new millennium, women can make their adoring presence known to their men from any distance. Whether it’s in the bedroom or at the office, he will always have a little piece of you to cherish even when you are away by using these fun and hip gadgets.

For the Home:

If your man prefers beer and cocktails over wine, these Fred Cool Shooter Shot Glass Molds are the perfect gift for him. He can impress his friends with a shot glass made entirely of ice. A little water and time will create the perfect shooter for the next game or party. Fill it with orange juice, freeze, shoot some gin, and then take a bite out of the shot glass.

Sold for $7.95 at X-tremegeek.com

For Commute:

If your man’s car has more scratches on its tail than Freddy Krueger’s face, then you should get him the Roadmaster Wireless Backup Camera with a 2.5-inch LCD Monitor. With this cool gizmo, he can finally see what is happening behind his vehicle simply by installing a license plate frame backup camera that transmits a wide-angle color picture to a dash-monitored receiver. No more backing up into the only BMW parked on the block anymore. Think lovability and no liability!

Sold for $99.95 at X-tremegeek.com

For the Office:

One of the best gifts you can give this year is a digital photo frame. Check out the Insignia 8″ widescreen LCD Digital Photo Frame. This gift totally trumps Facebook pictures, and you can create your own special 40+ high-quality photo slideshow.

Sold for $89.99 at BestBuy.com

For the Office:

If the most interesting object on your man’s desk is a plastic carton containing leftover lo-mein noodles from lunch, you know you have to get him the Iz from Zizzle. This cubical companion plays music from any mp3 player and even bops to the music as it streams. The Iz also says funny things that are sure to put you in a good mood, and there are lights you can turn on to accompany the music.

Sold for $39.95 at Amazon.com

No related posts.