Gaget Sessions: A Marine version GPS with a unique twist!

This is the Garmin GPSMAP640. An ultra portable touch screen navigator that comes ready to help on land & at sea. It’s waterproof (IPX7) with a super-bright 5.2” WVGA touch screen display (800 x 480 pixels). It ships preloaded with comprehensive street maps of North America and worldwide shaded relief mapping in addition to detailed U.S. coastal BlueChart g2 charts. A unique twist for this device comes when it’s placed in the marine mount, which is included with the unit. Once it’s placed in the mount it recognizes the connection and automatically starts up in marine mode!

So instead of street maps you’ll see marine charts with shaded depth contours, port plans, wrecks, restricted areas and more. Being a huge fan on the ABC series LOST I couldn’t help but to think of the Oceanic Six. And yes, when you leave the boat and place the 640 in your car it does switch to automotive navigator. Just in case you were wondering. On the road this device gives voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions. It’s also customizable, so users can also create their own custom Points of Interest list & set up proximity alerts for the ultimate in driver awareness.

MSRP is $1199.99. And with optional BlueChart g2 Vision cards, you'll get 3D 'mariner's eye view' above the waterline and 'fish eye view' below the waterline. Users also benefit from Auto Guidance technology that searches chart data to suggest the best passage.

For more info check out: www.garmin.com.

Gadget Sessions: A Solution to the AC Outlet deficient Hotel Room

I came across the Belkin Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger & had to share it! Hotel rooms and airport terminals never seem to have enough power outlets to plug in & charge all the devices us (cool) techie types bring along when we travel. Thanks to this new gadget you can now you can add 3 AC outlets, two USB charging ports, and peace of mind on business trips and vacations with the Belkin Mini Surge Protector. It has a rotating plug so you can face the device in the direction that is most convenient. And there’s a green LED to let you know the surge protection is on. It even comes with a full size to mini USB charging cable!

Belkin has this important warning on their website: Important: This product’s USB outlets cannot be used as a USB hub and does not transmit data. The powered USB outlets on this unit are intended solely for charging devices that can be charged via a USB interface $24.99.

Also check out OUTLETS TO GO & OUTLETS TO GO w/USB at Monster Cable:

http://www.monstercable.com/power/travel_power/outlets_to_go.asp

Via www.belkin.com

North Shore Style Perspective: Dealing with Disagreements

This post was made in reflection of numerous group projects throughout my college career. Again I decided to address my strategy for working through problems not only when it concerns group projects, but also personal situations when dealing with disagreements. (Warning: Excuse the sports analogies because frankly…. I am a MAJOR sports enthusiast and I always associate strategy to sports!).

Dealing with Disagreements
The Best Offense is a Great Defense

When people fear being attacked or humiliated, they become defensive. This is only natural. I found that if the conversation gets heated, it’s good to back off and work to re-establish common ground and safety (no that was not a football related pun!). I personally “re-up” my listening efforts. It’s important that others see that you care about their goals, interests and values. If necessary, take a break however; always agree on a time to revisit the topic. I wouldn’t suggest letting the disagreement go unsettled if it’s important.

One strategy I coined for working through problems is “ACE”: Agreeing, constructing & evaluating. When arguments occur, I first look for areas of agreement. I then point out those agreements and build on common ground. Next, I evaluate and compare my perspective with the other person’s and rather than suggesting they’re wrong, I suggest that we differ. Work together to accommodate those differences.

Do you want to WIN, or do you want to solve the problem?

Move away from wanting to win and instead focus on what’s really wanted from the conversation. Maintaining this focus can help deflect defensiveness in ourselves and others (no pun intended sports enthusiast). Don’t be afraid to clarify misinterpretations and apologize. Conversations sometimes hit an impasse. When this occurs:

1) Commit to seek a MUTUAL purpose. An example would be agreeing to work together to find a compromise on dividing the workload.

2) Identify what the other person wants, through asking questions, listening and restating.

3) Create a mutual purpose or goal: “Both of us want to present well in order to get a good grade”.

4) Brainstorm new strategies and solutions (ARealist’s Favorite!).

Make a game plan.

A good end result to a crucial conversation is to have a plan, a move to action. When having a game plan athletes have to be fit and prepared. When we’re under stress, we’re more likely to fall back into negative forms of communicating. To be effective communicators, we must take care of ourselves. Having said that, do you have any tips to handling disagreements?

*image from freedomblogging

Style Sessions: Diversify your style with scarves

Now that it’s winter you’re probably going to be wearing the same couple of coats throughout the whole season. Well, the best way to diversify your style is to add accessories. A scarf will add the perfect amount of noticeable style and selection to your outfit, not to mention the extra warmth!

Personally I feel there is an elegant quality that comes with a scarf, giving the person who dons one an extra touch of Je ne sais quoi or swagger (a term used by many now).

There are so many ways you can wear a scarf. The most practical ways will not take long to learn & requires little effort. The look works for casual or business attire.

This pictorial step-by-step scarf-tying guide demonstrates various ways on how to tie the scarves for men & women (Ranging from the Ascot to the European Loop Knot): http://www.texeresilk.com/cms-scarf_tying_guide.html


Scarves can be purchased almost anywhere. For a trendy variety & great prices check out:
• Amazon.com
• Urban Outfitters

If you’re interested for in-store designer scarves check out:
• Barneys
• Neiman Marcus
• Nordstroms

I feel that one should never take too lightly the power of details! The last item of clothing on is more often than not the first thing noticed. So mind the details instead of throwing together the main parts of your outfit. These “Details” can include a scarf all the way down to the way you knot your tie. Do you know of a store that offers nice scarves? How do you wear yours?

Courtesy of texeresilk.com.

Koguma Red by TokyoPlastic

mphlabs and award winning 3D animation team Tokyoplastic presents Koguma, the third character from the Tokyoplastic series to make the jump from 2D to 3D. The tubby bear in the high tech chair welcomes all visitors to the Tokyoplastic website with a steady beat and a winking flash.The red edition featuring Koguma lounging in the classic red chair complete with swivel action is made of vinyl and measures in at 8.5 inches in height. Buy it now at North Shore Style: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=2351629 (If you can't click the link, just copy/paste into your browser. Stock is VERY LOW so act fast!!!)