DO YOU ERead?

Every year right before school starts, we usually make a list of every thing we need, such as shoes, outfits and a new hair cut. You know, all of the back to school necessities (wink).

This year, what you should really invest in is a very sleek and very new EReader. I’m almost positive you have heard of an EReader, but for those who haven’t, an EReader is simply an electronic device designed for digital reading.

I can only imagine what your thinking,” how much is this EReader going to cost me? ”   Well, what’s awesome about the EReader is they come in a variety, which means you can keep your backpack light and your pockets heavy! EReaders start at $120.

Maybe you’ll choose the Amazon Kindle (WiFi) for under $140 or you just might go big or go home and choose the Kindle DX for $379.

Let’s compare the EReader to the Amazon Kindle (Kindle 2) the Kindle DX:

1. Larger Screen – twice the surface area
2. Auto-Rotate the screen
3. Built-in PDF support
4. 1.9 GB (more available space for storage)
5. Ability to change the number of words per line (Kindle 2 has something similar - Shift + Alt + number Key - to change space between lines. The latter may or may not be present on KDX)
6. Perhaps a smoother 5-way controller – a few reviewers (at the Kindle DX news conference) have mentioned this
7. Keyboard takes less space on the front of the Kindle (Kindle Review)

But the Amazon Kindle is:

1. Cheaper by $130
2. Smaller size, which makes it more portable
3. Higher DPI which might mean better readability (Jakob Nielsen says so)
4. Keyboard has row for number keys
5. With the DX, you can’t use whispersync in PDF files and there are no table of contents - also, you cannot add notes or highlights (I think this is to ensure that students don’t use illegal PDF scans of textbooks) Kindle Review

So whether or not you choose the Amazon Kindle or the Kindle DX, you’ll be able to download your favorite books right to your device, which completely eliminates your end-of-the-day back ache.

You can most likely find EReaders at your local electronic store, such as Staples or Best Buy.  But, make sure  to call - they might be all sold out!

Tags: Amazing, Electronics, EReader, Kindle, Kindle DX, Kindle Review, Reading

Wayans Brothers. In Boston?

They’re brothers, they’re happy, they’re singing and…they’re coming to Boston?

That’s right.  This Saturday, comedian prodigies “The Wayans Brothers” , Shawn and Marlon Wayans, stars of the hit comedy show, “The Wayans Brothers” and “Don’t be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in The Hood,” will be performing at the Wilbur Theater in Boston.

And how awesome is it that tickets to see the Wayans brothers range from $25 - $35!  Now that’s what I call a deal. There are two shows on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. and 9:45 .p.m., which will give you plenty of time to go out, grab drink and a bite to eat before the show.

Not only are the Wayans brothers incredibly easy on the eyes, but they’re absolutely  hilarious. So this Saturday, if you don’t have plans, take  your friends or boyfriend/girlfriend to a great night and great view…I mean great laugh!

Tags: Boston, FiRE + iCE, Wayans Brothers, Wilbur Theater

I Scream, I Scream, We All Scream For ICE CREAM!

Dear Bostonians: Just when you started to get semi-depressed because the summer was rapidly ending and those beach days were slowing down, the geniuses behind FiRE + iCE have introduced a totally new yummy ice cream bar to lift your spirits.

After polishing off your delicious dinner, you now have the chance to create your own custom ice cream dish by using the candy toppings and infused sauces. The ice cream bar is $4.95 for one bowl of plain ice cream (Vanilla, Strawberry and Chocolate). Some of the toppings are:

Tags: Anaheim, Boston, chocolate, FiRE + iCE, FiRE + iCE Restaurant, Heath Bar, ice cream, m&m, Nestle Crunch, NY, Nyack, Providence, strawberry, summer, toppings, vanilla

Cake Balls! So Bad…But So Good

Every summer we’re sure of what to expect: no school, more hours at work, long days at the beach catching a tan, and of course, the occasional cookout (where your expected to contribute to feeding a bunch of people you don’t even know).

We’ve all been to at least one cookout where we somehow stumble upon an odd looking dish of food. As you stare at the complex creation, you wonder if whoever made it, actually expects you to eat it.  Regardless, you never want to be the person at the cookout who brings food that no one eats.

My simple solution for easy cookout  food is to always bring the dessert. If you don’t know which dessert to bring, a recipe that will impress everyone’s sweet tooth and get everyone talking are cake balls. Yummmy!

What are cake balls you ask? Well, cake balls are the most delicious dessert ever and are pretty simple to make. Here’s a simple break down of what cake balls are:

• Red Velvet cake (my favorite mmm…mmm) crumbled into a bowl
• Combine together a sugar and cream cheese batter
• Roll the batter into little balls
• Chill and set
• Dip each ball into melted chocolate (I don’t think dessert gets any better than that!)

Trust me, bring cake balls to your next cookout and you’ll be the talk of the party.

Tags: cake balls, Cooking, Cookouts, Dessert, Party, Recipes

Scavenger Hunt From Your Cell

We’re pretty much all familiar with the classic scavenger hunt game, right? To play, all  you have to do is gather a few friends, create a couple of teams and then seek to gather a number of specific items on a list, in which each team usually gets by taking a picture. Simple.

Now take that oh so classic game and tailor it to fit your business……and play it from your cell phone? Yes, your cell phone.

Traditional scavenger hunt is an entertaining game, but now with new technology and social media communities, people don’t even have to get out of bed to be entertained (I’m liking this already).

Creator Seth Priebatsch took this into consideration when he created SCVNGR.com,  an innovative game about going places, doing challenges and earning points….right from your cell phone.  Thats right. Scavenger hunt from your cell phone -  what will they think of next?

SCVNGR.com allows businesses to build there own scavenger hunt game tailored to their business. Amazing, huh? This is such an awesome way to get people interested in your company.

There has already been 550 institutions in 44 states and countries who have built on SCVNGR.com.  This is almost like a glorified Four Square.

Your company could be next! We suggest you check it out. http://www.scvngr.com/

Tags: Business, FiRE + iCE, Games, Scavenger Hunt, SCVNGR.com, Seth Priebatsch

HP Envy 14 is Back in Action

With all the new technology these days it’s become really difficult for consumers to choose which type of cell phone, GPS, digital camera, mp3 or computer they may want to purchase.

With computers and laptops, it seems everywhere you look more and more people are switching to Apple desktops and laptops. Not only do they have outstanding creditability but they are pretty stylish as well.

In my opinion, everyone needs to broaden their horizons.  Apple has been dominating the tech scene for quite some time now (new iPhone 4, iPods, etc).  However, just recently HP released it’s newest laptop, the Hp Envy 14.  With The HP Envy 14 you’ll find that many of the previous issues that affected the original Envy systems have been addressed.

The new HP Envy 14 is fresh and updated with all of  the concerns that consumers have had.  The new improvements include:

• Screen and audio
• HP performance
• Graphics and battery life
• Wrap up and software

And hey, it looks awesome too.  The smaller and more sleek new HP Envy 14 is all-aluminum with curved edges and the lid as a subtle swirly pattern (you can only really see from a distance).

You may just want to take a peak new HP Envy 14. I promise it won’t let you down.

Tags: Apple, Computers, HP Envy 14, iMac, IPhone, Laptops, Technology

Activity of the Summer: Blob Launching

Oh, the joy of summertime - short shorts, golden tans, warm nights and you know, the occasional blob launching.  Yes, you read that correctly. Blob launching.

Recently I heard about  blob launching, which is a very unique water activity that involves a huge blob, two people and jumping. Simple enough, right?

Basically, to engage in blob launching, all you need is a blob - which is a giant plastic bag filled with air - and place it in water (be cautious of where you plan to put the blob and make sure you are completely surrounded by water).  Then you sit on the blob and have another person (or two) climb up a tower and jump onto the other end of the blob, sending  you flying high into the air and into the water.  What I love most about blob launching is watching other people getting blob launched.  It’s an absolutely hysterical sight to see! Check it out: YouTube

So before the summer is over and all the blobs have gone away, get to a lake and prepare to have a fun filled, sight seeing day composed of blob launching!

Tags: Blob jumping, Blob launching, Summer activities, Summer fun

FeverFest 2010

Lets face it, we’ve all been to the movies and out to eat a million times.  Well, maybe  not exactly a million, but plenty enough that we’re starting to look for something….well something different to entertain us.

Finding fun, new and exciting actives to do can be a little challenging, especially when you’re  not sure what it is your looking for.  Here’s my two cents: don’t be picky when searching for new things to do.  Rather, choose something you thought you might never do. Who knows, you may discover a hidden passion or hobby you didn’t even know was there.

For instance, maybe you’d be interested in going to something like…FeverFest 2010.  Starting Saturday August 14th, The Factory Theater in Boston is presenting FeverFest 2010, an event where five local companies and artists get together and display there own interpretations of this years theme “Let off Dreaming.”

This year, the FeverFest line up includes artist such as, Rich Orloff, Bad Habit Productions; Silvia Graziano, Fort Point Theater Channel; Stacey Lane, GAN-É™-meed Theatre Project and Lynda Robinson.

Tags: FeverFest 2010, FeverFest Boston, Rich Orloff, Silvia Graziano

FiRE + iCE Beats

It’s funny how sometimes you can be inspired by the most random things.  Maybe you’re laying out at the park on a warm cloudy day and you happen to look up at the right moment and notice that the clouds make the most amazing portrait you’ve ever seen.

It happens to me every so often and when it does, I try to mimic what I’ve seen and put it on paper - you know, capture the moment somehow.  I usually produce a pretty cool drawing.  To be inspired is amazing, especially when you’re able to create a physical memory of that inspiration, such as a drawing, or a…..a music beat?

Yes!  Music beats!  Beats are so amazing, especially the ones that you can’t help but bob your head to, close your eyes and think, “how could someone create this brilliant music beat that’s making me feel so good right now?”   Then you happen to think, where did this beat originate from? Or,  what was the artist’s inspiration for this “feel good” melody?

I couldn’t help but think exactly that when I came across the Beats- [Fire and Ice] featured on YouTube by an artist named Boygnyus, no older than 18.  He created one of the dopest beast I’ve ever heard… and so effortlessly!

Beats- [Fire and Ice] YouTube video is simply inspiration manifested into one amazing R&B beat.  And it wasn’t until after I watched Beats- [Fire and Ice], that I found out the ” Fire and Ice” beat was actually inspired by the FIRE+ICE restaurant in Nyack NY!  Turns out B0ygnyus ate at the Nyack FIRE+ICE and immediately created the Beats- [Fire and Ice] video and rendered his FIRE+ICE dining experience as his “inspiration.”

I’m telling you, just watch and listen to B0ygnyus’ more than impressive creation. It’s guaranteed to get your head bobbing. www.youtube.com/user/b0ygnyus

Tags: Beats, FiRE + iCE, Food, NY, Nyack, Restaurant, YouTube, [Fire and] Beats

FiRE+iCE Anaheim’s 1 Year Anniversary!

Tags: Anaheim