Monthly Archives: September 2016

My Colorful Life

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For the last year or so, when no one is looking, I color. Most people think I’m on the Internet all of the time. It’s true that I spend more time then the average senior on my iPhone or laptop. However, I still find time to color. 

Unlike many others who have true artistic talents, I have none. I wish I could draw a little just to express myself. That will never happen, so I decided to buy adult coloring books when I really want to go into another zone. 

Coloring is a fabulous way to relax. I spend many hours coloring patterns. I really love it. I also like to knit and crochet. However, that requires a lot of concentration and focus. Coloring does not. I find myself totally immersed in the color schemes. I am not aware of my surroundings and normal day-to-day challenges. I’m not the only one. Adult coloring books are selling in record-breaking numbers.

I was thrilled to hear that the newest coloring book was inspired by the world famous street artists from the Wynwood Art District in Miami. It’s a natural. Watch the video. I ordered a copy about two months ago but haven’t started it yet. 

I’m busy coloring images made from a Spirograph. I bought 30 different colored Sharpies. I want to buy more. I can’t have too many colors.  Yes, I’m envious of those who create their own art. Trust me, this is the next best thing.



 
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My Anniversary: 50 Years Working September 9, 2016

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Fairchild Publications

I walked into the city room at WWD (Women’s Wear Daily) Fairchild Publications, September 9, 1966, and my whole life changed. It was located at 7 East 12th Street. It was my work home for eight years. I was a copy girl for John Fairchild, James Brady, Rex Reed, June Weir, Chauncey Howell, Billy Norwich, many other fashion and high society luminaries.

Then five months later, HFD (Home Furnishings Daily) Editor-In-Chief, Ed Mc Laughlin, promoted me to a CE/MAJAPS (consumer electronics and major appliance) reporter working for the late Aaron Neretin and the late Manning Greenberg. They became long time personal friends. 

The real reason I was promoted was because I was the only one in the city room who knew how to take the subway from the East Village to Long Island City where Panasonic was then located. 

The mission was to pick up a new type of clock radio that only Panasonic had at the time in less than two hours. It was for John Fairchild. He needed a unique gift for his guest at lunch that day, Jackie O. I left the office at 10am and returned before noon to a room of 40 reporters who gave me a standing ovation. I don’t remember being applauded like that ever again. 

That’s okay. Seeing my byline in HFD a few times a month for eight years was applause enough for me. I would stare at my name, Lois Schneider, in print for hours. It was the ultimate high. I was very lucky to have been in the right place, at the right time.

I still feel that way. Working in the age of digital communications is allowing me to stay in the game much longer than I ever thought possible. I can’t believe 50 years have passed so quickly. There is still so much I want to do.

First Day Of School

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My Facebook feed was packed with photos from proud parents. I just had to share them with you. I know the parents and the children. Fabulous milestones. Good luck to all.    


Turn Your iPhone Into A Ruler   

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I absolutely hate it when Eliot stands on a ladder to measure something. I have to look the other way. Now that I think about it, there should be a law that people over a certain age should not be allowed to climb on a ladder. 

I know that will never happen, but maybe Eliot will consider the iPin Spatial Ruler made specifically for the iPhone. All you have to do is plug the iPin Spatial into the headphone jack, download the app, and you have a laser measuring device. The developers say it is quite accurate. Watch the video to be amazed.

The iPin Spatial Ruler is presently in a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. The company raised over $100,000 so far, even though they only asked for $25,000. That means this product will be in high demand. They have 11 days to go. The iPin Spatial Ruler   should be ready to ship October 16th. Targeted price is $59.00.

A tutorial video shows you how to calibrate and measure. The iPin features a zoom feature on the touchscreen to precisely scan your measurements.

The big question is what will the company do when the iPhone reportedly eliminates its headphone jack in the future?  Rumors have been circulating for months that Apple is planning to incorporate Bluetooth wireless earbuds in the new iPhone 7. 

The iPin folks said not to worry. They have something in the works.

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Alarm Clocks Make Me Nervous 

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I love my iPhone but I don’t trust the alarm clock. Let me rephrase that. I don’t trust that I always set my alarm clock properly. Every time  we have to get up for an early flight, I make Eliot set the alarm on his iPhone too. 

In my opinion, there are just too many functions on the iPhone and not enough confirmations that everything is set correctly. As I get older, the paranoia about whether I set my alarm properly gets worse. I end up waking up every hour, checking the time to make sure I didn’t oversleep.

For $45.00, I can buy a simple alarm clock and not worry anymore.  Check out the Lexon InOut Alarm Clock, available in many colors. 

The alarm clock is designed by Hector Serrano. It’s an LCD alarm clock with dual display hour. It’s so simple to use. You just press  the  “plus” and “minus” buttons until you reach the desired time. You use the alarm display to turn it on or off. Batteries : 1.5 V AAA x 2.

Somehow, I just feel better relying on the Lexon for a good night sleep and an accurate wake up call.

Words Of Encouragement For Seniors To Make It Big On The Internet 

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Forty-year old Gary Vaynerchuk, one of the most successful entrepreneurs and investors in the digital world, says it’s time for seniors to become big time inventors and creators on the Internet. He wants to get rid of the notion that only millennials can make millions by inventing new concepts using the smartphone and other mobile devices.

I really encourage everyone reading this post to watch this six minute video. It’s the first time, in many years, that I heard any successful younger person say that the work experience of older people can help produce product and services that are truly needed and unique. Bless you Gary.

Gary’s message is not just about seniors who want to work. It’s more about not allowing those over 60 to think old. He feels we are in an ageless society where everyone should be able to contribute their talents forever. 

Let’s hope Gary continues to push his theory in his live speeches, videos, meetups, meetings, seminars, books, and all of his networking activities. 

Zika Virus Could Destroy Florida Political Careers 

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It’s going to be very interesting to see which Florida politicians survive the next election after Miami residents realize how previous decisions have impacted them now that they have to live with the threat of catching the Zika Virus. Steve and Lois discuss Marco Rubio, Rick Scott, and how the people of Miami are surviving Zika.

Click here to hear their podcast.

Apple’s New TV Show

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For those of you who love Shark Tank, get ready for Apple’s Planet of the Apps.  I don’t know why I was so surprised when I first heard  about it. This show makes total sense. 

There are over two million apps available on iOS (iPhone). Both young and old Americans are creating new ones every day. Several contemporaries of mine have also been busy developing apps as a second career. They are having more fun than ever before.

Friends tell me there is no official word whether this show will look like Shark Tank or focus on individual developers. One thing is for sure. Those entrepreneurs who get on the show will have access to some of the biggest investors and advisors in the world.

The mentors who are scheduled so far are: actress and  entrepreneur Jessica Alba; hip hop recording artist, musician and record producer Will.i.am; actress, singer, and food writer Gwyneth Paltrow; and entrepreneur, investor, author, public speaker, and internet personality Gary Vaynerchuk. 

For those of you who want to apply for the show, click here. 

The production company, Prospect Productions, provided a list of frequently asked questions that might interest you. Click here.

   

Check Your Wi-Fi Router 

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Image: Life After Caregiving

I am a little bit guilty. I like it when other senior people have tech problems. I don’t want to feel like I’m the only one. I get more tech snafus than most people my age, because I use computers and other gadgets for work. This week I had a frozen laptop, an outgoing email stuck on my iPhone, and earbuds that didn’t charge.

A few weeks ago we were out to dinner with a couple who live in a fancy dancy Sutton Place, NYC, condo. The wife is pretty mellow, but I saw her starting to get upset when she admitted that her laptop at home was giving her trouble. Then, all of a sudden, she threw her hands in the air, indicating she was ready to give-up. Five seconds later she is shrieking that she can’t take it anymore. 

“I can’t stand when I have to wait too long for a website to open,” she said.” “The older I get, the more intolerant I become. I find myself closing the website and moving on to another activity. I want to punish the company I can’t access by not doing business with them. Somehow, I think it’s their fault.”

Eliot explained that it wasn’t her laptop that was giving her trouble, but rather it was her wireless router. She needed an upgrade. Just by coincidence, the New York Post, recently did a pretty interesting story on how “The Wi-Fi router is your mainline to the internet. It may be time for an upgrade.”

The story is worth reading because we all find ourself in this predicament. It says that “you may have to pay up to get the latest technology, but the benefit is worth it. The cheapest AC routers start at about $70, while the high-end models top $300.”

Read about your options here. This story could eliminate tech aggravation in the future.