Be Contagious

It’s that time of year again! A new year is a chance to make lifestyle changes as we reflect on our lives over the past year and ask important questions about our health, personal habits, relationships and career. I have made it a point to be very practical this year with the anticipation that it will increase the likelihood of my success. Below are a few keys to help you live up to your resolutions for 2009.

If you fail to plan you plan to fail. Setting a goal without a plan is wishful thinking. You must clearly map out each step (baby step), that leads to success and reward yourself along the way each time you reach a milestone. It has also been proven that writing thoughts and ideas down on paper increase the odds of success and keep you encouraged.

“I get by with a little help from my friends,” are not only song lyrics, but words to live by. Cultivate a network that can support your efforts and motivate you when times become challenging. Tell your closest friends and family of what you are trying to achieve.

Be flexible and expect that your plan can and will change. Life has a way of throwing things at us and deviations are just a part of life and don’t have to become major setbacks. If you get off track, recognize your partial successes then review your plan and make adjustments. Don’t discourage yourself with a negative outlook and instead start over with a positive approach.

The most important thing to consider when resolving to create change in your life is to decide if you are truly willing to make the changes you want to accomplish for yourself. Share your successes, maintain a positive outlook and don’t forget to encourage friends and family!

From Inside She-Tech we would to thank all of you for our success. It was a great 2008 and we are certainly encouraged by your support that it will be a fantastic 2009. An optimistic tech-savvy attitude can be contagious. Make it a great 2009 and Happy New Year to all!

Internet2

The Internet is infected with spam, viruses and other ailments that threaten web servers across the world. The internet is also faced with the exponential growth in the demand for URLs to accommodate all kinds of new devices. These challenges are not new, but have recently charged conversations with corporations and government about the future of the internet. It is increasingly becoming more vulnerable and one of the earliest projects to overhaul the structure of the internet is the Internet2 initiative.

The Internet2 project was formed in 1996 when 34 university researchers met to discuss ways to develop and implement a new Internet: appropriately named Internet2. The project has grown into a nonprofit consortium formally administered by the University Corporation for Advanced Internet Development.

Members of this organization are busy developing, deploying, and using networking technologies that tap protocols like IPv6 to access an astronomical amount of new URL address space, as well as a host of middleware and security capabilities, such as federated authentication, and advanced applications like high-definition videoconferencing. In the future these technologies will provide substantially faster surfing/email and enable networking in ways that aren’t possible via the existing global commercial Internet. Among the possibilities are digital libraries, virtual laboratories, distance and independent learning and even health applications.

There is much more to come with the World Wide Web and I am excited to learn that it only gets better. Early critics of the internet must agree that internet connectivity, email, social networking and the like, are not fads, but methods of advanced communication that are part of our culture and unite people across the globe. The internet revolution is here. Spectate, participate and stay connected.

Frugal and Fabulous

The falling economy has lead to a plethora of behavioral changes. Like most challenging times, adversity can bring out the best in us. When faced with life’s pitfalls, particularly those related to economics, fashion-savvy shopaholics have their backs against the wall. But the strong and fabulous have truly prevailed and given rise to a new term: Recession-nista. Recession-nistas are those women, who in spite of financial barriers, manage to remain flawless AND fabulous. Perhaps you know one or two that don’t spend a fortune, but always look like a million bucks.

Well…I too have curbed my personal expenditures and have employed some Recession-nista like techniques to sustain during this dreadful economic downturn. My frequent trips to Starbucks have turned into a once-a-week special event. Personal maintenance, such as hair and nails, has also been minimized. Despite these curtailments, I have managed to preserve a somewhat fashionable tech-savvy image throughout the fall and winter seasons.

For those of you who need the help, here are a few online shopping tips to get you through this unfortunate period that I grabbed from Bargain Shopper Lady.com .

1. Do an on line coupon code search. If you are about to purchase an item on line search to see if any on line coupons are available.

2. Sign up your email address with your favorite stores on line. By being on their distribution lists they will quite frequently send you coupons, on line discount codes, sales notices and clearance alerts.

3. Join online bargain web sites to find clearance deals. There are a few bargain web sites that have been designed to help you find great deals on line. Bargain Shopper Lady recommends Slick Deals.

If you’re fortunate enough to be unscathed by the present storm, these techniques may enable you to put away few more bucks. For those of you that are struggling to stay afloat, remember most importantly that being fabulous is a state of mind. Be thrifty throughout the holidays, happy shopping and stay connected!

Explore Innovation

To kick off innovation for 2009, CEA, the Consumer Electronics Association, is putting on its annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas from January 8-11. CEA is the leading trade association promoting growth of consumer technology and represents more than 2,200 corporate members in the consumer electronics product industry. All profits from the show are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy. CES is an international event and over the past forty years it has spanned across global markets, connected the industry and fostered growth and innovation.

This show is an electronics playground and ideal for professionals in the industry or the everyday run of the mill gadget junkie. Such topics of interest that will be featured at the show are audio, gaming, wireless, home networking technology and more. The exhibition floor showcases 2,700 exhibitors across thirty different product categories and even includes exhibitions of the latest mind-blowing emerging technologies.

If you have plans or are making plans to attend this year's show, I am envious. This will surely be a spectacular event and a fascinating experience for all the tech-nista gadget enthusiasts. In addition to the 200 or so informational knowledge tracks, there will be celebrity speakers, an innovation awards ceremony and plenty of time to sight-see in Las Vegas. Enjoy this fantastic event if you are fortunate to attend. Inquiure, explore and stay connected!

Cyber Shopping

Cyber Monday is almost here and many retailers are wondering if the plummeting economy will take a toll on this year’s online shopping volume. While some critics believe Cyber Monday is simply a marketing ploy, others believe that there are valid reasons that lead to the surge in cyber shopping traffic on Monday, that closely parallels what we witness on Black Friday. Online retailers typically step up their promotions on Cyber Monday, particularly electronics dealers, and millions of consumers respond when they return to their high-speed internet connections at the office.

Take a look at these statistics posted by the National Retail Federation:
Cyber Monday statistics
· Last year approximately 70 million shopped for holiday gifts from work
· Men are more likely to shop from work than women (57.3% vs. 51.7%)
· Young adults 18-24 years old are more likely to shop from work than any other age group
· More than 550 online retailers posted holiday promotions/special savings on cybermonday.com last year

To kick off Cyber Monday, She-Tech is offering a pre-celebration sale. From November 28 to 12:00 midnight December 1st, you will receive 10% off all Arinna totes. She-Tech totes make great gifts and are a nice complimentary accessory for any fashion savvy tech-nista. We hope you have a phenomenal Cyber Monday. Happy shopping…stay connected!

A Season to Celebrate

The holidays are joyful times of festive celebrations with family and friends. For many, this season is something to look forward to and is always the best time of year. Unfortunately, for some, joy and excitement escape them and the holidays become hectic and stressful. Of course you want to put forth your best effort to make everything “perfect,” but don’t let this self-inflicted burden get the best of you and spoil your good times.

To avoid pressures related to holiday preparation, set realistic expectations. Even Wonder Woman can’t do it all, so don’t set yourself up to be disappointed by yourself and others. Instead, evaluate the amount of time you can allocate to shopping, cooking, coordinating and visiting family and friends and then determine how much you can accomplish without having to jump through hoops.

It also never hurts to set a budget. Retailers are offering deep discounts to encourage spending; however, these deals can quickly add up at the end of the day. No one wants to be in debt after the holidays and savvy shoppers all know that it doesn’t take a million dollars to be fabulous.

Something that I often like to do during this time of year is to help those that are less fortunate. Nothing feels better than taking the attention off of yourself and focusing on those in need. Make an effort this year to do something charitable for children, the elderly or the homeless. Most cities have shelters, donation centers and countless other volunteer opportunities.

To eliminate post-holiday regret always remember to avoid excess. The aftermath of gluttony can be depression, so it’s wise to avoid excessive shopping, eating and drinking. Doing life in moderation is a rule that shouldn’t be abandoned, even during the holidays.

From She-Tech we wish you the best and hope that this holiday is filled with family, friends and all the things you cherish the most. Celebrate life this season, be joyful and stay connected!

Blu-rays

Up until the recent year, the name Blue Ray may have provoked images of a delicate bird. Now when hearing the name , Blu-ray, you immediately associate it with the next-generation optical disc format, also known as Blu-ray Disc (BD). A group of the world's leading consumer electronics, personal computer and media manufacturers (including Apple, Dell, Hitachi, HP, JVC, LG, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Pioneer, Philips, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, TDK and Thomson) formed the BDA (Blu-ray Disc Association) and developed this new media format.

This new format was developed to enable recording, rewriting and playback of high-definition video (HD), as well as storing large amounts of data. The format can hold up to 25GB on a single-layer disc and 50GB on a dual-layer disc. This extra capacity combined with the use of advanced video and audio offers a heightened high-definition sensory experience. Current optical disc technologies such as DVDs rely on a red laser to read and write data; whereas, the Blu-ray format uses a blue-violet laser.

Thus far, seven of the eight major movie studios have adopted the new technology as a successor to today's DVDs. Disney, Fox, Warner, Paramount, Sony, Lionsgate and MGM have already released titles in the Blu-ray format. Check out this link for a listing of Blu-ray movies.

If you’re glued to your PC or laptop most of the time, you may be wondering if there are plans for this Blu-ray technology to be integrated with personal computing. Here’s the good news…there are plans to support the new format with two of the world’s largest PC manufacturer’s: HP and Dell.

I must say that the Blu-ray experience is not all hype. While shopping this past weekend, I came across a television that was playing a movie in Blu-ray. Without delay I was awestruck at the amazing clarity and sharpness that this format provides. Visit your nearest electronic retail store and check it out for yourself. Enjoy and stay connected!

Catalyst for Change

Given the recent election activity of 2008 and the record 94 women that served during the 110th U.S. Congress, one would think that gender barriers are beginning to fall. In the business world; however, progress is still somewhat sketchy. Women still earn less than men for "comparable" work, and they're still having trouble breaking into the highest executive positions.

A study conducted by Catalyst, a global non-profit organization who works to expand opportunities for women, discovered that women in technical fields were "relatively satisfied with their jobs and workplace cultures." It further stated that women were "less satisfied with their interactions with supervisors and their companies' approaches to fairness" compared with other workers." It was also perceived by women that companies failed to provide them with opportunities to participate in decision-making processes.

Nevertheless, female CIOs are growing in number and amongst InformationWeek’s 500 companies, about 75(15%) have a woman in the top IT position. Just five years ago there were only 45 women on the roster of top techs. Some additional news to make you smile is the impressive number of women that are in senior executive positions at some of the nation’s leading tech companies, such as Hewlett-Packard, Oracle, IBM, Google, Cisco and Microsoft. Unfortunately, Dell, receives no applause, with 0% women in senior exec positions and a pending class-action lawsuit filed in October by four women. These four former HR managers allege that the company systematically blocks women from entering its top executive “good old boy” ranks.

When hearing this news, the knee jerk reaction is to be appalled; however, we must closely assess the situation before passing judgment. At higher levels there is still a shortage of good talent and the field of IT is very much so male-dominated. I am a strong advocate of fair treatment, but before we play any card, whether it be race or gender, it behooves us all to examine ourselves.

If foul play is indeed the case at Dell, then I admire the four managers for their courage to challenge the status quo. Change is certainly possible and begins with the person in the mirror. At all levels let’s exude intelligence. Be a catalyst for change, be resilient and stay connected!

WIT

I would like to bring your attention to an organization that is a valuable resource for all tech-savvy women: WITI, Women in Technology International. WITI describes itself as the premier global organization dedicated to helping tech-savvy women attain their professional goals. They were founded in 1989 and currently have an international network of women that reaches over 2 million.

Over the years WITI has established powerful strategic alliances and programs to provide connections, resources, and opportunities within a supportive environment of women committed to helping each other. Their mission is admirable and you can also find regional networks in many metropolitan cities. If you ever get the opportunity I encourage you to attend one of their annual conferences. Just this past October in Silicon Valley, CA, they hosted a lineup of impressive women that spoke on topics, such as Workplace Innovation, Leveraging Your Skills and Leadership.

Throughout our professional lives we may come across those women that are trailblazers in their field or have demonstrated commendable tech-savvy, confidence and headship. For the first time in my career, my immediate manager is a woman and I feel fortunate to have her as a mentor. She is the backbone of the company and both the IT Director and President rely on her expertise.

Let each one, teach one so that we all can achieve greater success. Share your wisdom, be willing to learn and most of all…stay connected!

Subtle Signs

With the downturn of the economy and recent flurry of layoff stories in the news, one can’t help but wonder, “Am I next?” Very few receive fair warning of an impending doom and even if you do this is tough news to swallow. While there are some obvious signs that a staff reduction is forthcoming, like boxes in the hallway or the CEO gets escorted out the door, there are other tell-tale signs that are a bit more subtle.

If your company gets acquired, most likely the result is that some employees are going to be eliminated due to redundancy. Take note if other employees have similar jobs as you. If so, do your best to integrate with the new culture and learn how to do other functions fast.

Plummeting stock prices can also trigger corporate downsizing. Today’s market is fickle, but it is nonetheless a good indicator of a company's financial health and future well-being. Financially unstable companies can eventually go under or get acquired by stronger competitors.

If your job functions are suddenly minimized it may be a sign that your worth to the company has been devalued. For example, if you went from handling your company's biggest Fortune 500 accounts to doing data entry and menial tasks, your position may not be as vital to the company’s future.

An extreme measure to retain staff during challenging times is to ask an employee to take a pay cut. Naturally, most people raise serious objections, but for some this can be a last ditch effort before reducing headcount. If you are able to stick it out, there is the possibility the company’s stability and your salary will rebound.

Of course, there's always the chance that you hate your current position and are actually looking forward to a severance package. I’ve been laid of twice, and in hindsight, there can be some positives. So if the ax happens to fall on your desk, take a deep breath, smile and relax. There are thousands of others in your shoes and this time away from the daily grind can be a valuable learning and soul-searching experience. Keep your head up, maintain your tech-savvy and stay connected!

Work and Family

Life can be crazy and chaotic and it is a challenge for most of us to achieve a balance between work and family. October is the month to recognize this challenge and hopefully you are making some strides in the spirit of it being the fifth anniversary of National Work and Family Month. The month of October was designated as National Work and Family Month by a Resolution of the United States Senate in 2003.

"Reducing the conflict between work and family life should be a national priority."– U.S. Senate Resolution 210

For the remainder of the month, conduct an evaluation of your work-life situation. Do you spend enough time with family? Do you feel as if work takes precedence over family priorities? If so, look to your Human Resources office to provide assistance. There may be many resources available to you that you’re not aware of. Investigate if your employer offers Employee Assistance Programs, help with finding child care, options for special educational arrangements, teen communication or identifying dependent elder care resources.

If appropriate, you may also want to seek information on your companies flexible work options, such as flextime, compressed schedules and job sharing. These arrangements support efforts to manage work and family responsibilities, professional development activities, and even community service commitments.

It is possible for today’s tech savvy fashionista to achieve career success while maintaining a home life environment that is healthy and fulfilling. To help you with balancing your budget, this month She-Tech is offering 60% off of selected totes, messenger bags, accessories and more. If you have work, family and fashion…You have it all! Cherish all three and stay connected.

Generation Next

Much like our families, technology also births new generations. New generations of personal computers, iPods, video games and more are consistently produced. The next wave or generation of cellular phone service has been referred to as “3G.” So what’s all the hoopla about related to these third-generation services for mobile phones? What the heck is 3G?

Simply stated, 3G cellular technology will bring wireless broadband data services to your mobile phone. Providers are touting speeds up to 2.4Mbps, which closely parallels cable-modem speed. 3G networks allow you to fly through Web pages and enjoy streaming music video, on-demand video programming and play 3D games. If this isn’t enough, you can even videoconference with your fellow 3G comrades.

The surfing experience you have on a cell phone is undoubtedly different from a PC or laptop, but the connection speed and streaming stands to be very close to that of a broadband connection on a computer. Sounds good to me!

Well the age-old adage applies here as well. “You get what you pay for.” Three major carriers have introduced 3G services along with a decent variety of 3G-enabled handsets. Visit Verizon Wireless, Sprint, AT&T and T-Mobile to learn more. Presently, only those that live in urban areas will be afforded the luxury of 3G services, but most carriers plan nationwide rollout eventually.

With each generation there is always something new and it seems as if things can only get better. The quest for faster speeds, enhanced clarity and better sound will never cease. What can we expect from the next generation? One can only wonder. Enjoy, imagine and stay connected!

A Season for Fashion

Fall fashion is here ladies and I am pretty excited about what I have seen come down the runway. While I am the biggest supporter of individual style, there are a few Fall “must haves” that can accent and upgrade your wardrobe.

The staple accessory this fall is the belt. Belts can be worn with just about anything and can help to highlight a small waist. Wear them with sweaters, dresses, coats, blouses and anything else you can pull out of your closet.

The colors of the season are the ever so fabulous jewel tones; sapphire blue, claret red, maroon and deep gold's. The premier colors that I think you will see a lot of in most high-fashion collections is grey and purple.

If you’re a shoe lover, you should be happy to know that the high-heeled pump will be big this season. Pumps can be worn with dresses, skirts and your skinniest of jeans. The other shoe trend for fall is the flat riding boot. While those under five feet four inches tall may not be thrilled about this trend, if you’re a fan of comfort it’s nice to know that you can feel good in your shoes and still look hot.

You can also embrace your femininity this season by wearing more dresses. While the shirt dress will be popular, dresses all around have made a come back. The most common length will be those that are just about the knee, which is flattering on all shapes and sizes!

To complement your new fall fashion items, be sure to visit She-Tech for that laptop tote or digital accessory bag. There are many rich fall colors to choose from so that you stay in the mode. It's okay to be tech savvy and chic. Have fun and stay connected!

TV Revolution

If you’ve been paying attention, you are already aware that analog televisions are approaching extinction. They will soon be long gone like the Sony Walkman, Pac Man and VCRs. In February of next year, Television will upgrade to digital technology and will no longer be broadcast in analog, which is very similar to AM/FM radio. While the chore of upgrading may be cumbersome, the switch will provide a better picture, improved sound quality and more programming options!

If you’re inquisitive like me, you may be asking, “Why is this change happening?” This change in technology is occurring because our U.S. Congress has mandated this change to free up broadcast frequencies for police, fire and other emergency operations.

The next question you might be asking is “Will I have to purchase a new television?” Thankfully, the answer is NO, but there is a catch. If your TV set is analog, meaning you have “rabbit ears,” you will need to buy a converter box. If you have cable or satellite on your analog set, you should be able to operate as usual.

To learn more about this TV Revolution, visit the official government website on Digital Television. Remember to make the necessary transition by February 2009 and stay connected!

Strike a Balance

Have you ever been in a perceived trap at work where you are consistently taking work home? No matter how early you come in, or how many lunches you skip, you can’t seem to finish all you need to do by COB (close of business). I can certainly identify with this rut and since coming out of it, I have discovered a method to avoid the “taking work home” madness.

True indeed, times may arise where it is necessary to work a few hours in the evening or over the weekend, but the perpetual act of taking work home can actually be an impediment to productivity.


A trick that works for me is making a priority list the day before on what needs to be accomplished the following day. Prioritize these items and target the tasks that are time sensitive first. It doesn’t do you any good if you work on those projects you enjoy doing, while neglecting those you dislike. Completing those tasks that must be completed by COB can help to eliminate a lot of unnecessary stress. In addition, you may get some kudos by completing a critical project before the due date.



If you are finding that almost every project on your plate has a challenging deadline, your workload may be a little too heavy. It is not uncommon for upper management to grossly underestimate the resources required to perform a task. While no one likes to admit that they’re not qualified or up to the challenge, develop a proposal for bringing in temporary assistance to perform any tedious administrative tasks that are consuming too much of your time. After you’re caught up, hopefully your workload will become more manageable. If not, your position and/or qualifications may need to be reassessed.



Life is much too short to work all day and night. Even if you are totally thrilled with your occupation, it always helps to step away and return reenergized. Often times when you take a break, you become more productive than you were when you were completely absorbed. Strike a balance between your career and personal life, smell the roses and stay connected!

Disgruntled IT

There are so many career paths that one can pursue within a lifetime. If you’re fortunate, you may have discovered your niche and feel that the line of work you’re in is a “natural fit.” Well, if you truly enjoy what you do and you’re in a technology oriented career, I share your enjoyment and enthusiasm. You may; however, find it interesting that IT professionals are not the most engaged employees.

According to an “Employee Engagement” study conducted by Princeton consultants, BlessingWhite, Inc., fewer than one in four information technology department employees are fully engaged in their work. Of the eight staff areas studied, the IT function ranks last across the globe.

How can this be? Are all the techno-savvy fashionistas of the world “checked out” on the job? Compared with employees in other functions, IT workers are unusually independent, and tend to identify more with their profession than with the organization. IT workers tend to be achievement-oriented and the most important driver of increased performance is training and development opportunities. This comes as no surprise when you consider that IT employees are most often promoted based on their technical proficiency.

These are some additional findings you might find interesting:

• While only one-quarter of IT employees are fully engaged, at the other extreme nearly 20% of them are actually disengaged.

• Trust among IT employees is comparatively low with only 62% of IT employees trusting their organization’s senior leaders.

• In contrast, more than 78% of IT employees trust their immediate manager. Not surprisingly, trust tends to increase with engagement level, with 91% of engaged IT employees trusting their manager.

• Only 57% of IT employees said their manager recognizes and rewards their achievements.

• The most common reason for IT employees to remain with the organization is their career, with 28% agreeing or strongly agreeing with the statement “I have significant development or advancement opportunities.”

IT professionals are greatly valued and support the foundation of a company’s competitiveness. While many enjoy working in isolation, the value they bring is unique and deserves to be recognized. IT professionals stand and be counted! Life is too short to be disgruntled. Smile, engage and stay connected.

Silver Linings

I can’t help by being plagued with the slumping economy, devastated housing market and sharp surge in rising fuel prices. It’s in the media every day, we overhear depressing conversations and are even affected personally. Even those that are accustomed to spending somewhat lavishly are inevitably forced to examine their shopping behavior. This downward spiral has caused many of us to lose our homes as well as our jobs. For those of us that have managed to stay gainfully employed amidst the storm, there’s a silver lining, according to WorldatWork. Silver lining?

The WorldatWork association studies employment trends and according to their 2008-2009 Salary Budget Survey, “…organizations are in fact planning to continue the pay increases awarded in recent years; very few organizations are expecting pay freezes.” The national total salary budget increase average in North America is 3.9% for 2008 and this number is expected to grow by the same amount in 2009!

Many of us have probably prematurely calculated the money we won’t be receiving next fiscal, but there is a sound reason behind this good news. Simply stated, companies need to hold on to their existing employees and reward them so that productivity levels remain constant or even increase. Companies have also responded to rising fuel prices by adopting flexible scheduling and telework programs.

She-Tech understands your desire to remain stylish despite the not so chic economy and have also responded to these turbulent times. Our TOTEally Chic Event, going on now, offers up to 50% off some of our most popular totes. Shop now while supplies last. Times are tough, but tech savvy women always come out on top. Let’s weather the storm together and seek out the silver lining in every situation. Be a role model for optimism and stay connected!

Mobile Mail

We all like to keep in touch when we’re on the go whether the occasion is business travel or pleasure. While text messaging is a great convenience, when what we need to communicate requires more explanation or includes attachments and links, email is the preferred method. To ensure that your mobile communication goes smoothly while you’re on- the- go, the insightful folks at MSN have offered these suggestions.

Try doing e‑mail offline. Write messages when you're inspired, not when you're connected. If you have a laptop with you, take advantage of offline time to read messages you have already downloaded and compose replies and other new messages. Unlike Web-based e‑mail, programs such as Windows Mail save your messages locally (on your hard disk), rather than on the Web. The next time you connect to the Internet or your company network, you can download new e‑mail and send any messages you have ready to go, sitting in your Outbox.

Hone your skills at finding Internet cafés. If you're traveling without a mobile PC, train yourself to watch for Internet cafés and other places where you can rent a computer for a short period of time to check your e‑mail. Don’t wait until you absolutely have to check e‑mail and then expect to find a place on the nearest street corner. Depending on where you're traveling, there might not be very many Internet cafés. Learn what kinds of places offer computers with Internet access and wireless connectivity. You can also plan in advance and Look up Internet café locations before you go. This can be important if you will be traveling in areas where Internet access is less likely to be available. Several Web sites offer lists of Internet cafés around the world.

If at all possible, Stay at hotels that offer Internet access. This is becoming less of an issue as more hotels and motels offer Internet access. But if you really want to be able to do e‑mail from your room, you might want to skip that charming bed-and-breakfast or quaint country inn, where guest Internet access is probably not on the list of amenities. Most hotels or motels that have wireless Internet access include it in the price of a room or offer it for a modest fee. Business-class hotels usually offer the speediest Internet access. Ask about Internet access when you check in or make room reservations.

E‑mail important documents to yourself before you leave. E‑mail is for more than just communicating with people. If you're not bringing a laptop with you, you can use e‑mail to send important documents to yourself that you want to read or work on while traveling. Then you can access them from an Internet café or Internet kiosk. Another option is to put files on a Web-based storage service, although this will require you to find a service you like and sign up for an account there.

Communicating via email can be a lifesaver in many situations and I hope these helpful hints come in handy. While I am a big fan of electronic communication, I must admit that in some instances it's always best to pick up the phone. E-mail smart and stay connected.

Geek Chic

Let's face it; we all have boyfriends, husbands or brothers that need a little help with fashion some times. While tech savvy women are fashionable and chic, not all of our male counterparts are as stylish. For the everyday guy, non-metrosexual type, a little constructive advice may be appreciated. When the time is appropriate, casually introduce some of the following fashion tips.

The general rule is to never mix the color of your leathers. Meaning... black shoes require a black belt, brown shoes demand and brown belt, and so on. With the exception of athletic shoes, the coordination between leathers creates a well put together and refined look.

Since we’re already talking about shoes, even if your man is wearing a pair of $100 jeans with a sharp-looking shirt, it’s still embarrassing if he has them on with old loafers that should have been pitched in the 1990s. Nothing says chic like a man in good quality shoes that look smart and stylish. Remember, people check out shoes. Potential employers even look at them to judge a candidate's attention to detail. Investment in a good pair of shoes is much wiser than an overpriced pair of designer jeans.

It is also flattering if a man has on clothes that actually fit properly. Shirts that are too small to show of nicely developed pecs are not attractive. Similarly, neither are oversized shirts to hide a beer belly. If clothing right off the rack does not fit well, suggest a tailor to either take in the seams or let them out.

Some additional notes related to size… if you're short and stocky man, don’t wear horizontal stripes. Vertical stripes may not cure a Napoleon complex, but they at least elongate the body and create somewhat of an allusion. Along the same lines, for the guy with a few extra pounds, you can’t go wrong with black. Black clothing is slimming, classy and conveys confidence.

I admire a man who smells good, but the cool points are immediately taken away when you can still smell him 10 minutes after his departure. Kindly hint that he just spray a small amount into the air and walk through it. Less is definitely more.

Lastly, if your man dares to wear open-toed sandals, demand quite emphatically that he keep his feet groomed. If this rule is broken and his feet are not exactly “sandal ready”, suggest shoes and socks until the repair work is done.

As fashionably dressed tech-savvy women, we deserve to be with a well-groomed almost as chic man. Gently suggest the aforementioned tips, and on your man’s next shopping excursion try to steer him in a more fashionable direction. All Geeks can go chic. Enjoy the transformation and stay connected!

Gold Medal Technolgy

For the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the digital revolution is poised to attract a younger, more tech-savvy audience. In the United States, NBC will offer 3,600 hours of coverage of the Games. This is triple the coverage that was provided in Athens (2004), and about one third of this additional coverage will be streamed over the Internet.

The Summer Olympic Games is one of the sporting and television highlights of the year. In addition, the average age of viewers for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens was over 40 and it shows no signs of falling. With the help of technology however, the Olympic experience now reaches a broader audience.

According to Shoba Purushothaman, CEO of Web-based video marketing platform, The NewsMarket, digital media will have a transforming impact on the Olympics at multiple levels. "It will change story-telling for the Games by making it more human and personal,” believes Purushothaman.

It has been said the he Summer Games in Beijing is the first digital Olympics and access to communities in the digital world are important in deciding if the Olympics will retain their high profile. With the increased fascination of social networking sites among young people, the Olympic Games are being played out on Facebook, YouTube and Flickr. 3G mobile phone technology also has a huge impact on the Olympics, allowing athletes and visitors in Beijing to share their experiences with those back home. People taking photos and video with their cell phones have changed the way we watch the Games.

Watching the Olympics is no longer limited to a viewer’s living room TV. The "digital marketplace has the potential to re-engage hundreds of millions of people. In every facet of sports and entertainment, technology wins a gold medal. Enjoy the Summer Games through a variety of mediums and stay connected!

eDegrees

• A college degree is becoming an even more critical component of success in most fields these days. Your degree represents the mastery of a body of knowledge and is a symbol of your level of dedication to your profession. Even in a profession where a degree is not necessary, earning a college degree supplies you with skills and a competitive advantage that will open doors to your future and expand your earning potential.
  
  Just recently a friend of mine decided to purse a degree from an online university. She is a single mother who works full-time and this was really her only option. Who would have thought 20 years ago, or even 10, that pursuing a degree online would become such a common convenience? Many of us with ambitious schedules, especially those of us who are already employed full time, cannot take the time off to pursue a full-time degree in school. Earning your degree online or through distance learning brings education into your office or home so you can learn at your own pace, at your own time and at your convenience.
  
  Top Reasons for Studying Online
  
• Learn on your own schedule
• No traveling to campus- Study at your own pace
• Courses are available 24/7
• Study at home, work, or on the road
• Wide range of online degrees to meet your needs
• Wide range of prices to fit your budget
• Demonstrates solid grasp of Internet skills and discipline to potential employers
  
  

If you’re interested in pursuing a technology degree, visit geteducated.com to view their list of the of the top 29 online graduate degrees in Computer Science and Information Technology. You can earn a recognized degree from a well-known university or college, even if that school is across town, across the nation or across the world. All you need is the desire to succeed. Get online, get educated and stay connected.

Think Small

Working for a small business can be substantially different from working for a medium sized or large business in ways that many people don’t realize. Personally, I have worked for mostly large and multinational enterprises throughout the majority of my career...at least up until now. You may recall an earlier blog entry where I stated that I was beginning a new position at a much smaller company. I have been there for a little over a month and thus far the change in environment has been refreshing! I am now an advocate of working for small businesses and think it’s an interesting and highly beneficial experience that everyone should have at least once.

Why do you ask? Here’s some food for thought…

In a large company you may never interact with the CEO or head honcho, but in a small business, you’re more likely to interact with them frequently or even work directly for them. If you have any interest in running your own business in the future, particularly in the same field, the things you can learn from C-level executives will be invaluable.

Depending on what you’re looking for in a job, when you work for a small company, there will be times when decision-making tasks will fall on your plate. There are fewer people to discuss issues with and many times critical decisions are left up to one individual. In this environment, you’ll quickly learn to handle the stress of decision-making. This level of responsibility looks good on resumes and also builds character.

Typically smaller companies offer a more relaxed and casual work environment. Small businesses are more likely to be located in less glamorous office spaces; therefore, the company doesn’t need to worry as much about projecting a certain image to neighboring businesses and probably won’t have clients visit that often. Dress codes tend to be very loose, you can take interim breaks and you may have the flexibility to listen to music.

Even if your boss is so busy that she doesn’t seem to be aware of your contributions to the company on a day-to-day basis, you’ll have a much better chance of getting credit for your work when you’re not competing with 100 other employees who also want the boss’s attention. When you are more closely involved with your boss, it can be easier to justify raises and promotions because the person who can give you these things will have plenty of firsthand knowledge of what you’ve done for the company.

There are some great pros to working at a small business and although this list is not exhaustive, also realize that there are a number of cons too. With that being said, you may find a list of negatives in a future blog entry. Moreover, when considering today’s economic downturn and speculative job market, to be working anywhere is a good thing. Whether you think big or small, think employed and stay connected.

Web 2.0?

I have been working in Product Management for the past few years and with each new release of a product the version number changes. Upon release the product may be designated as “ABC 3.0.” If a minor change is made the next version would be labeled “ABC 3.1”; however, if any major changes or enhancements take place the next version would be designated as release 4.0. While much of this release numbering practice is for pure marketing purposes, there are some substantiating reasons as well.

With that being said, what is this Web 2.0 phenomenon all about? I didn’t realize that there was a prior version 1.0. According to Wikipedia and some industry gurus, “Web 2.0 is a term describing the trend in the use of World Wide Web technology and web design that aims to enhance creativity, information sharing, and, most notably, collaboration among users.” These concepts have led to the evolution of web-based communities and hosted services such as social-networking and blogs.

Supposedly the term Web 2.0 was coined during a brainstorming session between O’Reilly Media and Medialive International. It has been explained that they didn’t necessarily think there was any a new version of the web, they just wanted to make the point that the internet was making a resurgence and today's platform is much more sophisticated and widely accepted than it used to be.

Web. 2.0 fosters an environment that’s much more interactive than the past-tense proverbial version 1.0, which was primarily a platform to retrieve information. Now, software applications are browser-based and so user-friendly that content can be modified by visitors through a simplified user interface. Essentially, the whole “virtual” experience is amplified and becoming as dynamic and flexible as actuality.

Whether you use the web for business, personal or entertainment, discover the wonderful capabilities of Web 2.0. This internet frontier can be leveraged to enhance the promotion of your business or serve as an interactive tool to stay in touch with friends and family. Logon, learn and stay connected.

Technology Reads

Summer is here and many of us are well underway with our summer reading lists. Perhaps your fancy is a romance novel, or maybe you’re the non-fiction type and you love to cuddle up with a good biography. There are some great books in these categories and if you have the time, consider adding a technology related book to your lineup.

Questioning Technology by Andrew Feenberg is said to be one of the most important books on technology in the present era. It examines the cutting edge philosophy of technology which provocatively argues for its democratization. I wouldn’t classify this as a light read, but is excellent if you’re seeking something thought provoking and insightful.

Another book for the technista is Women, Gender and Technology by Mary Frank Fox. This book discusses the different aspects of how women and technology function together in various dimensions such as film, reproductive technology, information technology and the field of engineering.

The exponential growth of social networking sites like YouTube, MySpace and Facebook have promoted the expansion of Camgirls. Camgirls are women who broadcast themselves and/or their lives over the internet and become celebrities in the process. This web phenomenon is prolific and Camgirls by Theresa M. Senft, is a critical study of the feminist’s perspective. This book also explores the history of Camgirls from the beginning with home webcams to the current advanced and sophisticated technology.

I have always found reading to be a relaxing, entertaining as well as educational activity. It offers the opportunity to temporarily escape by providing a sense of solitude. In our busy lives consumed by our careers and family finding the time to read can be challenging. Even if you can only squeeze in a few pages while commuting to work or during your lunch break, make an effort to turn a few pages this summer. Take a trip to your local library or nearest book store and don't forget to browse the technolgy section. Happy reading and stay connected!

A Fresh Start

In an earlier blog entry I stated that I was anticipating some change in the near future regarding my career. Well….since that time, things have changed and I have launched my marketing career into a position of higher responsibility at a new company.

Thus far I have only been on the job for a week, but I may say the transition has been very enjoyable. Determined to make the very best impression on the big first day, I mentally prepared a few days before my debut. My recent experience brings me to write this entry about what to do on your first day at a new company to foster a smooth transition.

Firstly, you might find it necessary to mentally debrief by taking some time off between jobs. Clear your head of any negative feelings (if any) that you have about your old company so that you can begin the new one with a fresh and positive attitude.

Naturally, you want to make sure that you dress appropriately. It is advantageous that you dress your most conservative whether the office environment be business professional or business casual. Plan your outfits for the week accordingly to eliminate any unnecessary anxiety related to attire.

To eliminate anxiety about actually getting there, conduct a test commute before your first day to determine the best driving route or bus/train schedule. Leave a little earlier the first week to ensure that your arrival is prompt.

Also, keep an open mind and be flexible. Realize that one company’s way of doing business may be very different from another, so don’t be too judgemental. What initially does not make sense, may make sense to you later. Lastly, be flexible. Co-workers may barge in your office to say “hi” and you may receive impromptu invitations to lunch. The point is to get to know people so that you become part of the “family.”

These suggestions serve as friendly reminders and by no means is the list exhaustive. New beginnings can be a wonderful experience with a little preparation. Approach all that you do for the first time with a professional and ambitious attitude. Is it time for a fresh start? If so, be smart about it and stay connected.

Communicate with Caution

Not too long ago a coworker of mine sent an interoffice instant message that read “Darn…I can't make it. How can I say no to lunch with my boss.” To her unfortunate surprise, she mistakenly sent the message to her boss, who has the same last name as her friend. A Faux pas like this can be embarrassing to say the least, and if you are not careful, can be quite detrimental to your career. While instant messaging, or IMs, are becoming commonplace, their efficient and lightning quick nature require cautious use. Consider these tips to avoid an interoffice IM blunder.

I have discovered that it is always wise to send a greeting such as “hello” or “good morning” before diving into the conversation. Although someone may appear to be logged on, many people step away from their desks without changing their status from active to away or busy. The rule here is to never assume a co-worker is available just because the person's IM status indicates he or she is logged on. After receiving a response to your greeting, then it is appropriate to enter a dialogue.

I also find that it is best to keep your messages short and sweet. No one wants to read a 200-word IM rant about a frustrating colleague or bad date. Instant messages are intended and best for quick back-and-forth conversations that don’t require elaborate explanations. Many IM programs even limit the amount of text you can write, so if you're approaching that limit, it's a good sign that you need to switch to e-mail, or better yet pick up the phone.

Be mindful that electronic communication, including IM, e-mail and mobile text messaging, often gives people an excuse to ignore the rules of grammar. It is not necessary to spell out everything correctly; however, it is important that your communication be precise and clear. Consider these common IM phrases: "OMG," "LOL" or "CWYL." Do you know what they mean? IM has created a new language, but be aware that not everyone is fluent in it.

There's little doubt that instant messaging will continue to grow in popularity in the workplace and change how people interact. Knowing the most appropriate ways to use it will help you take advantage of its convenience and efficiency while avoiding "instant ignorance." Excercise caution, communicate clearly and stay connected.

Protect Yourself

Over the years it has become increasingly harder to protect your computer from the dangers posed by viruses. These malicious little programs have evolved into multiple forms and seem to spread like STDs. They can be contracted through a variety of ways, including opening email attachments, opening spam, and visiting corrupt websites.

I was just recently infected and learned that sharing USB drives with someone who is infected is also a surefire way to spread viruses. I was violated by a pretty virulent strain of spyware. Spyware secretly monitors the user's behavior and can collect various types of personal information, such as Internet surfing habits and login credentials. And if that isn’t enough to make you upset, spyware can also interfere with the performance of your computer by installing additional software, changing computer settings, resulting in slow connection speeds and loss programs. Apparently I contracted a serious infection because my laptop was basically rendered useless within a matter of days after first contact.

Fortunately, just as viruses have grown in strength and complexity, so have the tools used to

combat them. With the latest generation of antivirus software, you can give your computer a level of protection never before possible. The best antivirus software comes with multiple virus scans and real-time scanning, which scans your computer every few minutes thus stopping viruses before they have the opportunity to do any damage. Since new viruses are being created every day, the most effective antivirus programs offer convenient virus updates that occur regularly and automatically.

Good anti-virus software should be easy enough to both use and install. The software should effectively seek out and identify virus threats, as well as clean or isolate infected files. There should be understandable reporting available for each scan and plenty of user support available. Top Ten Reviews recommends BitDefender 2008, which they claim to be the best defense against viruses, spyware and spam. If you already have an anti-virus program but need additional defense, I highly recommend Webroot’s Spy Sweeper, an award-winning antispyware program that is internationally recognized.

Take precautionary measures to shield yourself from harmful infectious programs. Even tech-savvy women can become victims. A small investment can safeguard your data and provide peace of mind. Protect yourself and stay connected.

Go Offline

June 21 officially kicks of the first day of summer in the United States, although in many places the extreme temperatures have made us feel as if summer has been around for a while. Along with the warmer temperatures, fashionable sandals and need for sunscreen, summer is also a great time to take a vacation. There’s nothing like a getaway to help you unwind and forget about the daily grind of work, family and life. We all need some time to disconnect, but ask yourself…..can I?

The internet has not always existed (believe it or not) and many people find it agonizing to exist without access to the World Wide Web. If you have trouble disconnecting, consider some of these ideas to take your mind off of high-speed access.

Get outdoors and immerse yourself in activities. This is a great opportunity to become rejuvenated in a refreshing environment. Whether you take a walk along the coast or go hiking on a nature trail, physical activity is not only great for the body, but can help reduce stress and relax the mind. Those desk-trapped muscles need to be stretched and a little exercise never hurts.

Get plenty of sunshine and fresh air. Take time to enjoy the sights around you. If you are staying in a natural setting, listen for the sounds of nature, smell the scents and view the amazing sights about you. If you are artistic, take time to sketch what you see. If you are poetic, compose poems in your mind. If you love writing, do it in a journal.

For really heavy internet users, vacationing without access is a chance to reconnect yourself with the reality of life surrounding you. Consider it a luxury to not feel obligated to rush to the internet or respond to an email. Make a conscious effort this summer to rejuvenate and relax from everyday habits and chores. Life awaits you offline. Become reacquainted with humanity in the traditional sense and stay connected.

Digitial Dads

A Father's Day survey conducted by Best Buy, of all sources, revealed that Dad’s would prefer satellite radio service or a digital camera over a new set of golf clubs. Imagine that? The preference is technology over the traditional masculine gifts that we are accustomed to giving. So what's behind his preference for technology gifts?

Well…dads and men of parenting age in general, are beginning to appreciate how technology helps keep them connected as they strive to achieve better work-life balance. A poll by the National Center for Fathering revealed that 56.5 percent of fathers say they spend less time with their children than their fathers did with them. But thanks to devices like cell phones and PDAs, Fathers can e-mail the office from a son's soccer game or send a text message to his daughter while miles away on a business trip.

I recall a former boss that also took advantage of the convenience that technology provides. A critical business proposal was at stake so I sent him an email, with the expectation that he would reply when he returned from his father-son vacation at Disney World. To my astonishment, I received an immediate and quite thorough response to my question. He actually replied via Blackberry while standing in line for the Space Mountain ride. Gotta love it!

She-Tech laptop totes and accessories are definitely feminine and not suitable for most fathers, but after treating your father, why not treat yourself? While supplies last, She-Tech is offering a complementary pair of crystal ear phones ($30 value) with each tote purchase! Listening to your iPod has never been so stylish.

Hopefully if you are spending time with your dad this weekend, you can enjoy some of his technology toys together. Consider a day at the park taking family pictures or reminiscing about the “good old days” while rummaging through old music stored in your MP3 libraries. Cherish your fathers as they cherish you. Have a wonderful Father’s Day and stay connected!

Tech-sexy

I enjoy dressing up occasionally for the office and my personal style can be a little on the eccentric side. I think it’s okay to dress mildly spicy, but what are the rules of provocative dressing in the workplace? I'm all about bringing a little fashion and glamour to the office—but it's wise to be smart about it.

By now, most of us have learned to be careful with cleavage. No one will be listening to your ideas and recommendations if your v-neck shirt is yelling “look at these!" Plunging necklines can be very distracting for the boys, and also the women, who are probably not as impressed, if not completely turned off. I enjoy v-necks over scoop necks any day because they appear to be more flattering and feminine. To those that agree…wear your low-cut blouses and sweaters, but stock up on the appropriate undergarments such as camisoles, t-shirts, tanks and scarves.

If you’re a fan of short skirts, you should be happy to know that showing a little leg can be the safest way to suggest a little sex appeal without crossing the line. Most women are comfortable with their calves and able to show them off without feeling too revealed. The most flattering and appropriate skirt length hovers just a few inches above the knee. If you prefer to show a bit more thigh than a few inches, tone it down by avoiding stilettos and go for a lower heel.

By far, the sexiest part of your body that you have to display in and out of the office is your head. Brains are always your biggest asset and nothing stands out more than wit, charm, intelligence, inquisitiveness and professionalism.

On your way up the corporate ladder you don’t have to leave your sense of style behind. Be smart, tech-sexy and stay connected!

Cyber Safety

Keeping our children out of harms way is a fulltime job. We do our best to protect them from playground accidents, germs and infections, and now more than ever we have to be concerned with digital dangers. Today’s kids are internet savvy; however, this valuable and educational tool must be used responsibly. I have found several sites on the web that encourage healthy internet habits so that the whole family can enjoy the wonders of the internet.

One common sense guideline for all households with children is to place computers in common areas such as a kitchen or sitting area- not in the bedroom. Too much privacy can lead to too much trouble.

Educate yourself on parental controls and filtering software that can screen and block inappropriate content. Use search engines such as Yahoo! Kids and askforkids.com for younger children and teach them to never give out their phone number or address online.

Also, check your children’s internet browsing history and randomly check their emails and buddy lists. If your children participate in chat rooms, help them to pick screen names that don’t reveal their identity. In addition, be very cautious of your teens posting information that may reveal too much detail about them such as place of work, school name, age, photos, etc… While social networking can be entertaining, stay abreast of their online profile and the contacts they interact with. Don’t be afraid to cyber snoop.

It is also recommended that downloading of any kind should not be done without parent permission. Furthermore, while playground bullying can be taken lightly, any comments over the internet that appear threatening or dangerous should be reported to the police and the service provider.

You may not be the coolest parent by enforcing these guidelines, but they are very important to your child’s safety. If you would like more information about kids and computers visit NetSmartz411 for expert advice form the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. The internet is a fantastic tool and with everything safety comes first. To you and your loved ones, be careful out there and stay connected.

Diet and Technology

I have always enjoyed physical fitness and particularly enjoy the outdoor activities that you can participate in during the spring and summer months. The sunshine, blue skies and scenery provide a nice break from the confining walls of the gym. Just this past weekend I enjoyed an exuberant workout of roller skating and bike riding at the park.

It felt good to be amongst other park enthusiasts who also shared the love I have for outdoor fitness activities. There were myriad joggers, bike riders, skaters, those doing yoga, tai-chi and even new mothers performing stroller-aerobics.

With all the technological advancements we have, good old fashioned diet and exercise are still necessary to become physically fit. I have always had exercise discipline, but tend to struggle more with the diet piece. For the fitness oriented tech-nista there are some digital devices to help you stay on track.

Have you ever wanted to know how many calories were in the lunch portion of the Pasta Primavera at the Olive Garden or a Venti Starbuck’s Caramel Macchiato before ordering? If so, you can use your cell phone to text “diet1” with the name of the restaurant and menu item. Within seconds, diet.com’s Nutrition on the Go service will send you a reply listing the calories, total fat, carbohydrate, and protein in the requested food.

Have you ever weighed yourself in the morning to only discover that by that evening you were four pounds heavier? Not a good feeling, right? Typically in those scenarios the additional weight is attributed to water. To discern between weight gain and water pounds, the Tanita Duo Scale Plus Body Fat Monitor (model BF680W) provides accurate body weight, body fat percentage, and body water percentage readings. This enables you to precisely track your weight loss progress and you can also avoid the unnecessary frustration with being temporarily bloated. Relax….it’s only water.

You are what you eat; therefore, a food scale is just as important as a body scale. For people truly on-the-go, Liberta digital food scales from Escali literally fit in the palm of your hand. Now you can control your portions even when you’re traveling. These dandy scales fit nicely into your purse, briefcase or desk drawer at the office.

These devices can be helpful with your quest to achieve better health and fitness. They can be useful in enabling you to better adhere to your sensible eating plan or at least assist with damage control. So even if you order that 1000 calorie slice of cheesecake at dinner, you’ll have the knowledge to know how many bites equate to over indulgence. Dine wisely ladies and stay connected!

Surf and Sip

Cafés or coffee shops started as places for information exchange, and have always been used as places to read the paper, write, play games and engage in stimulating and sometimes controversial conversation. The explosion of the Internet and the growing need for “connectivity” has lead to the natural evolution of Internet Cafes.

Most Internet cafés are private businesses that were established to help bridge the “digital divide” by providing computer access to those without home access. With Internet cafés, the idea is to let people browse the Internet (or even do real work) while basking in the comfort of a familiar café.

Personally, I believe Internet cafes offer a welcome respite from the office, home office or library. There is a local establishment in the Atlanta area that I often visit. In between doing Internet research (and writing this blog), I inconspicuously take a break from working to enjoy a little eavesdropping, or should I say “environmental observation.” In doing so, I have overheard a wide range of humorous commentary from politics to backstabbing gossip. Those who are regular patrons tend to enter with a sense of ownership and are greeted by first name. These customers are very obvious, and if its crowded, they seem to appear a bit perturbed at the sight of someone seated in “their spot.” LOL.....too funny!

The number of Internet cafes across the U.S. is estimated to be well over 10,000. Most are surviving by offering more than just your traditional high-speed or wifi Internet access. Many establishments offer scanning, desktop publishing, printing and of course, tasty sandwiches and pastries to complement the mediocre-at-best java. Over the years; however, the number of pure Internet cafés is decreasing since more and more traditional cafés are now offering the same services.

If you’re living in or near a major metropolitan area there are probably some Internet Cafes near you. To determine where they are, visit these Internet café locator sites: CyberCaptive, Cybercafe and World66. Surf, sip and stay connected!

Digital Summer

Summer officially begins with the summer solstice, the day of the year with the longest period of sunlight. This occurs in the Northern Hemisphere around June 21 and in the Southern Hemisphere around December 21. For those of you that live in Atlanta like me, it may feel as if summer is already here. "Hotlanta" has arrived and I imagine even more sweltering temperatures are to come.

Besides the heat, the summer also brings trips to the beach, summer camp, water sports, suntanning and other activities. If you consider shopping a pleasurable activity, there are some digital gadgets that will make the upcoming summer season even more enjoyable!

How do you get high-quality audio underwater? You get a SwiMP3 MP3 player that clips to swim goggles and lets you listen to your favorite tunes underwater. The MP3 player's rechargeable battery and 256 MB of memory provide four hours of continuous play. Boogie while you backstroke!

You've got an iPod dock in your car, alarm clock, and stereo, so why not have one while you’re cooking? The George Foreman GIPOD200 has a dock, 10-watt amplifier and a speaker on an indoor/outdoor electric grill. The 200-square-inch grill's nonstick coating makes cleanup easy. Just like the original kitchen model, there is a channel that drains fat away from food (and, presumably, your iPod).

While you’re enjoying all those outdoor summer activities it’s nice to cool off indoors with a frosty beverage. Well now you can keep a canned beverage of your choice chilly cold and ready to drink at all times! The USB Mini Fridge holds a 12 ounce beverage can. The unit has a built-in cooling plate that quickly drops to its lowest operating temperature within five minutes after being plugged in.

To capture all of those great summer memories everyone needs a digital photo frame. Sony offers a very stylish option that has auto image rotation, red-eye correction and supports a variety of image formats. This is definitely “the must have” item of the summer.

Make it a digital summer and enjoy what the season has to bring. Life may not get any easier, but you can at least increase the fun quotient. Keep it cool this summer, be safe and stay connected!