Monthly Archives: November 2016

Home Security 

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We flew from Miami to Los Angeles this morning. We left Miami at 7:30am and got to LA, 9:30am west coast time.  It’s really wonderful to have two home security cameras that watch our front door and balcony.

At any time, I can check to see if it’s raining on my balcony , 36 stories up. If the furniture is being moved around from the wind. If anything is out-of-sorts, I can call the front desk of my condo and have someone make the proper adjustments.

If anyone enters the front door, I get an alert on my iPhone so I can watch the comings and goings of handymen, housekeepers, and special package deliveries from the concierge.

It’s really a pleasure and comforting to know that all is well at home. We use the Arlo home security cameras and app. Because we travel and go out a lot, it’s nice to know that something is looking out for us.

 

Airbnb Enters Travel Biz 

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Airbnb wants to combine their home rental business with a travel agency. If you think about it, it’s a natural. I’m not sure how many DigiDame readers have ever used Airbnb, but now you may have a reason to.

Called Airbnb Trips, the company wants to offer local experiences that travelers don’t readily have access to.  Learn how to surf, ski, bake a cake. Airbnb feels this new service is perfect for people who are lonely when traveling, and want to get out and do new things.

Airbnb is starting with 12 cities. For starters, the travel service will be featured in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Paris. Airbnb wants to offer experiences in 50 cities as soon as possible. 

From the minute I heard about this new Airbnb service, I had one thought. The company will now be known as a destination to find cool stuff. This is going to be very interesting.

Celebrating Optical Art 

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Our local art institute, the Perez Art Museum of Miami, honored the work of Julio Le Parc, (born September 23, 1928) an Argentina-born artist who devoted a great portion of his life to creating modern op art and kinetic art. 

I am not an art aficionado, but I know what I like. I was always drawn to geometric designs and tonight I got to see a lot of it on the walls and on the fashion worn by many of the art patrons who attended the opening night.

In case you think you recognize the Julio Le Parc name, you’re right. Hermès collaborated with the artist to produce the Hermès Éditeur initiative, works of his art on silk scarfs. Hermès claims they are wearable masterpieces. 


 

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Color Me Experienced 

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I took a giant step forward today in my wonderful world of coloring. I actually went over to the Apple Store on Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, and took a class on Sketch, Draw, and Paint With the iPad.

I have owned an iPad Pro for a number of months now. I didn’t know how to use the Apple Pencil and most of the apps devoted to creating art work.

I know that many DigiDame readers have figured this out by themselves but I really needed assistance. Plus, I wanted to experience one of the workshops I read so much about. An Apple instructor spent one hour with me and gave me the basics of what I needed to know using three apps, Notes, Adobe Sketch, and Procreate. He also showed me how to use the Apple Pencil, power it up, and apply it to the page via colors and shading. 

All classes are free. Today, I was the only student. Most classes only attract a few people at a time because they are frequently conducted.

The lesson was out in the open and the instructor spoke through a mini mic. I could easily see and hear everything.

This is the Apple Pencil. You can charge it through the iPad or wall socket. It only takes 10 to 15 minutes to charge and lasts all day.

This is the packaging for the Apple Pencil. You don’t need to keep it. I was told the Apple Pencil should be treated like any other pen or pencil but don’t get it wet. Hold on to the extra tip and mini charger connector for the wall socket.

Notes is perfect for the Apple Pencil. No charge.

Adobe Sketch was free and Procreate was $6.00. Each app offers all kinds of new and different features.

My email appointment confirmation.

I don’t know why but my favorite doodle word is “Queens.” My first effort using the Apple Pen.

Learning to use the ruler and how to access the selection of colors.

Practicing and experimenting.

For those of you who are artistically inclined, drawing on an iPad will just be an extension of your creative talents. For me, and others like me, a whole new world just opened up.

Super Moon

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Eliot captured the moon which is closer to us tonight than it has been in 70 years






Next case…...

Click here to see some of the innovations coming up at CES in Vegas. CES posted the video they took at an event called “Unveiled” last week in New York.

And…….








Finally....

Foldable Phone 

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I don’t think most people are anxious to buy a new Samsung cell phone. However, that doesn’t mean if the manufacturer came  up with something completely new that a lot of folks wouldn’t change their minds. 

The tech industry just found out that Samsung filed a patent with the Korean Intellectual Property Office for a foldable smartphone. That’s huge news for those of us who want the convenience of a more compact cell. 

Those in the know, say Samsung is planning for a device that features a screen that bends and folds.That reminds me of the old flip phones. The Verge, the tech site, showed a sketch of what this could look like. The numbers represent where the folds are situated. 

Korea Intellectual Property Rights Information Service

Korea Intellectual Property Rights Information Service

 
I predict that this is the cell phone of the future. Not a word about price and availability. When I find out more, I will let you know.

Sheila Elias’ iPad Creations 

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It’s amazing how the iPad has entered the serious world of art creation and collecting. Sheila Elias, a multi-talented artist whose work has been shown around the world, is a leading force in iPad art creations.  I’ve written about Sheila before. Click here.

Look at some of these amazing pieces of art. Sheila prints her work on aluminum, canvas, and paper. She loves working on the iPad because she can create her art on-the-go.  It has given her the ability to instantly express herself and take advantage of spontaneous ideas. She loves it.

It’s truly wonderful that a mature artist can truly appreciate the benefits of digital  technology. 

Congratulations Sheila.

Lipstick And Paint Make You What You Ain’t 

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I can still hear my mother saying “Lipstick And Paint Make You What You Ain’t.” She used to say that after she finished applying her makeup.

I thought of her words when I was introduced to the app, You Cam Makeup. This app allows you to try on make up without getting your face dirty. This is like a dream come true.

Great Balls On Fire 

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I can’t make this stuff up. A company called Spartan Underwear, from Paris, France, was at @CES Unveiled New York (trade exhibition) today showing off high tech boxer briefs that protect a man’s private parts from wi-fi and cellphone radiation. You may want to tell your sons and grandsons about this.

Meet Arthur Menard, Co-founder and CEO

 

The underwear is made of anti-bacterial silver fibers. The company brochure says, “A number of major scientific institutions around the world have raised alarms over the harmful effects of wireless radiation on male fertility, especially if smartphones are carried around in the pockets of pants. 

“At Spartan, we don’t want to stop using technology or change our habits to stay safe. We developed a high-tech  fabric by incorporating silver fibers into our cotton weave which together act as an electromagnetic shielding.”

I have included a video which explains the entire concept. Each undie is about $45.00. A small price to pay to protect your worldly goods.
https://youtu.be/EnL4cmeqwEk