Randi Zuckerberg's Blog, page 39

Momnesia Is Real – And I Have It

If you’re a mom you’ve heard of the term “baby brain,” and have most likely even experienced it yourself.  Lately I’ve been living in a constant state of Momnesia, so I can say without a doubt, “baby brain” exists. Ironically this brain fog commonly associated with pregnancy and new motherhood was something my friends forgot to share with me before I had kids.  They were clearly suffering from Momnesia, too.

Doctors blame hormones for Momnesia, but I blame the pressures of everyday life as a mom.  Before kids I took pride in my ability to never miss a detail. I was that friend who actually remembered to send birthday messages before we had Facebook sending us reminder notifications. Now I can’t seem to remember anything. Motherhood requires you to be in 3 different places at once, all the while maintaining that other life you had before kids. Since I love my kids and they’re here to stay, I figured it was time to enlist the help of some great apps and new procedures to get and stay organized – at least, of course, until I can hire a life assistant.

Visual Work / Chore Calendar – I hung a large whiteboard in my kitchen and on it scheduled my business hours because I work from home.  I also schedule laundry, cleaning and workouts. This helps me focus on the task at hand without getting overwhelmed.

The Cozi app helps you effortlessly manage your family calendar, shopping lists, to-do lists, and family journals while you’re on the go.

aCal Lite is a great calendar organizer which automatically syncs with all iPhone calendars. You can write your to-do list, create notes with photos, and even get your weather updates.

Square Hub s a social network that keeps your family connected, organized and happy. You can send private group messages and photos with each other, share calendars, share to-do lists, share child location information, and create those spontaneous moments of joy with the people who matter most to you – your family.

BillMinder ($.1.99, iOS) simplifies your life by bringing all your bills into one manageable place. You will know at a glance, which need your attention. The nerd in me loves that you can also track your expenses with comprehensive charts and graphs.

Moms Daily Planner is the ultimate universal family planner. It has all the same features as the products mentioned above, but it also allows you to assign chores and share them with your family.

Now armed with all these great resources, I just hope my brain fog clears enough to remember to use them.

By Holly Rust

 

 

 

 

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6 Gadgets That Make Traveling Way Easier

Whether you’re taking a road trip across the state or flying around the world, traveling can be made a whole lot easier (and more comfortable) if you’re equipped with the tools of the trade. Ask any frequent flyer, jet setter, professional athlete or business person whether they have a must-have travel item, and the answer is likely to be an emphatic “yes!” Packing smart and bringing the right accessories can make all the difference.

These six gadgets make traveling so much more convenient.

1. Bang Bang Tent. For the campers out there, there’s no better accommodation than a Bang Bang tent. Beyond their bright colors, mesmerizing patterns and ample space, Bang Bang tents also feature optional solar power, which allows you to charge your phone or power your speakers – the choice is yours. Who said that camping had to be boring – or a sacrifice?

2. Walkin’ Bag. Raise your hand if you’ve ever sat on your carry-on luggage while waiting for a connection at the airport (feel free to do so figuratively; we don’t want your co-workers looking at your strangely). Most of us have, and we can all attest to how uncomfortable and unstable it is. That’s where the Walkin’ Bag comes in. This carry-on luggage has a built-in seat for those moments when you’re seeking a reprieve. Simply unpack the chair and sit down anywhere you can find a spot.

3. Samsung Galaxy S5. The latest model in Samsung’s popular Galaxy line is not like other smartphones – it’s waterproof. Great for making calls in the rain, taking pictures near the pool, or simply for carrying around in your pocket, rain or shine, the Galaxy is a robust, powerful, eminently usable phone. And thanks to mobile provider T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy S5 users can even make international calls with ease, as the company is offering free roaming on the device. For frequent travelers, there’s no better smartphone.

4. Nap Zapper. Similar in appearance to a Bluetooth headset, and worn the same way, the Nap Zapper is a rather simple yet ingenious bit of technology. The wireless device measures the angle of the neck, and if it detects movement that may indicate the user is nodding off, will sound an alarm, waking the driver. For explorers traversing large stretches of land by car, particularly at night, the Nap Zapper is the perfect companion.

5. SteriPEN Ultra Water Purifier. Illnesses from water-borne pathogens seems to have a different nickname depending on your destination. Regardless of what this ailment may be known by in the country you’re planning on visiting, the SteriPEN Ultra water purifier can see to it that you aren’t afflicted with unpleasant side effects. Using an OLED light diode, the Ultra eliminates bacteria, viruses and protozoa via UV rays, and is 99.9% effective. With the Ultra in your bag, you’re never without clean water.

6. Mojo Slim Universal Travel Adapter. Anyone who’s ever been overseas can tell you that having the right power adapter is an absolute must! The Mojo Slim Universal Travel Adapter, by ibattz, is the world’s slimmest, making it incredibly easy to throw in a bag or a purse. And with a USB port built in, it allows for charging of mobile devices quickly and easily. There’s no doubt that you’re going to need one – you might as well get the best one.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a multi-country expedition, these six unique gadgets will help ensure you have a more enjoyable trip.

Jennifer Thayer is an editor at the technology blog  Freshly Techy . She enjoys covering other subjects like entertainment, food, and deals. Follow her on  Twitter  to see what useful tricks and fun tips she uncovers next. 

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Radio Show Recap: Connecting with the Experts Online

Continuing education is becoming more attainable even with our busy schedules, but how do we trust someone’s abilities as an expert? And if you are an expert, how do you market yourself and get users to commit to more than one class?

We recently tackled the growing trend on “Dot Complicated with Randi Zuckerberg on SiriusXM.” Check out these choice soundbites from our guests:

Ingrid Sanders is the CEO of PopExpert, a site that allows others to learn the things they’ve always wanted to learn in live, face-to-face video sessions with experts.

On the vast amount of similar content sites online: “It goes to show the ability of different people to connect into the consumer consciousness”

On entrepreneurship: “It’s hard to know when you launch a company where it’s going to end up. Because the idea came from an experience I had, my vision has stayed fairly true.”

On the easiest way to learn something new: “Make it accessible from video so you could watch the teacher from home using online workshops where you can learn at your own pace featuring the very best teachers”

On finding work/life balance: “The way we’ve spoken about it for 10 or 15 years is as one singular ideal for the perfect life balance. The reality is very few would claim that they’ve achieved that.”

“Gain a clear understanding of what you value in your life at that given point of time. If you value achievement and are working 10 to 12 hour days, that’s ok because that’s what you value at that time.

On starting a company: “It’s far easier and way harder to start a company than I ever would’ve imagined.  Anyone can do it if you have the will. It’s easy because you can find a way to make it happen. It’s hard because to make it successful you have to do whatever it takes.”

On finding experts: “We think about how we can affectively showcase and elevate amazing experts that are teaching and coaching others. In order to attract them, we have to resonate well with their own personal brand.”

If someone could only take one course: “How to play the ukulele in 7 days. It makes people smile. It’s easy to play. Plus it’s important to have creativity in your life to create a sense of wonder.”

On mentorship: “Know thyself in authenticity. Understand what you’re seeking and find a way to connect with somebody that resonates on that same level. People like to be mentors because it makes them feel good and help others.

Favorite apps: SHOTO “The app can auto-recognize photos from events that you can share or not share.”

LADY TIMER: “For girls only. It gives nice insight into your cycle. So many of us are not taught about what our body goes through during the month and how our cycle affects us.”

Apps deleted: “I like SLEEPCYCLE which monitors your sleep patterns, but you have to sleep with your phone under your pillow and I decided to remove all electronics out of the bedroom or at least put them on airplane mode.”

Find more out about Ingrid Sanders and POPEXPERT or follow her @ingridsands or @PopExpert

Damona Hoffman is has a background in television but switched over from TV production to becoming an online dating expert.

On why she moved from TV to online dating: “I used to teach classes for actors for on how to brand and market themselves when I was a casting director. I was also online dating at the same time and realized some similarities between what I would tell an actor about having a photo that stood out.”

On marketing yourself: “Authenticity is so important. All you really have is you. It’s the strategy that I know works.”

A favorite online dating tip: “Have pictures that capture your life story. Tell your story through pictures and through what you’ve written aside from saying it subjectively.”

How clients discover her: “Word of mouth or seeing other people go through the process.”

The biggest dating mistake: “Trying to be all things to all people. Specificity is important. A nice, pretty picture doesn’t say anything about you. Turn off the people who are not going to be a good fit for you is better than trying to be a catch-all.”

Favorite app: WAZE “I live in Los Angeles so you need something that’s in real time and adapts with you. It cuts time off my commute.”

Deleted app: ELMO’S POTTY “My daughter is finally potty trained.”

Read more about Damona Hoffman at Datesandmates.com or follow her @DearMrsD or @DatesMatesMedia

Jeanne Lewis is the founder of Creative Bug, an online hub for arts and crafts instruction videos and tutorials aimed at people with hectic schedules.

On the thought process: “Visualization is a powerful thing.”

On starting a creative-driven start-up: “I started Creative Bug out of my own passion. I wanted to learn from experts. I wanted every man in the room to want to learn how to paint after watching our prototype pilot video. I wanted to tell a story.”

On conquering hurdles to pitch to investors: “I used analogy: We would be Netflix for creatives. Partnering a more modern aesthetic with very little time.”

On getting value out of paying to learn a craft: “We create value in the space. The categories we have are born out of domestic needs and these crafts at a real art form.”

On how to value time: “My personal life has suffered starting a company. So I’ll carry knitting around with me as a fix for myself in stolen moments. My goal for this year is more time with friends.”

Favorite app: SILVA MEDITATION “I use the Good Morning exercise before meeting with investors or before a pitch.”

SPRIG: “Ordering on-demand, delivery-only restaurant in San Francisco.”

Deleted app: FITBIT “I’ve gone through my 3rd Fitbit and that finally died. I would not exercise unless I could measure it.”

Find out more about Jeanne Lewis and CreativeBug or follow her @CreativeBug or @FounderMom

Tune into “Dot Complicated with Randi Zuckerberg on SiriusXM” next Wednesday when we discuss parenting and technology. Our show airs every Wednesday at 9am PST / 12 EST on Sirius XM 111.

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Bechdel Test creator named MacArthur “Genius”

Quick – name a film that 1) has two female characters 2) who talk to each other 3) about something other than a man? Tougher than you might think, right? If you’ve seen this quiz before, thank Alison Bechdel – artist, feminist icon, and newly minted MacArthur Genuis. She’s in good company. Her fellow Genius award winners – 21 in total– include Act of Killing documentarian Joshua Oppenheimer, civil rights lawyer Mary Bonuato, and saxophonist Steve Colman.

The now-famous Bechdel Test caused a stir when it was first posted as “The Rule” in cartoonist Bechdel’s comic strip “Dykes To Watch Out For” back in 1985. But it was the Internet that gave her posits on women in film a new life when Feminist Frequency posted a piece on “The Rule” to its YouTube channel in 2009. This reignited a conversation about the portrayal of women in the media that moved quickly out of gender studies classrooms and into mainstream coverage.

The popularity of the Bechdel Test spawned a host of trend stories from across the entertainment world—headlines like “10 Surprising Films That Pass the Bechdel Test” and “Superhero Movies That Pass the Bechdel Test” spring up every so often and her theory has almost become a household term, with critics putting video games and music videos to the test and even adapting the rules to analyze other underrepresented minorities in the media. In a move cheered by women in film proponents, a movie theater chain in Sweden recently announced they would mark films with a Bechdel Test “seal of approval.”

Bechdel has been hesitant in the past about her association with the now-famous test. On her blog, she writes that it’s not her idea alone – it’s a distilled interpretation of a chapter in Virginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own, which discusses a (fictional) novel that features two female protagonists. “I am pretty certain that my friend Liz Wallace, from whom I stole the idea in 1985, stole it herself from Virginia Woolf. Who wrote about it in 1926,” Bechdel writes.

She also addresses her role in the larger discussion of women’s representation in media:

I have always felt ambivalent about how the Test got attached to my name and went viral. (This  ancient comic strip  I did in 1985 received a second life on the internet when film students started talking about it in the 2000′s.) But in recent years I’ve been trying to embrace the phenomenon. After all, the Test is about something I have dedicated my career to: the representation of women who are subjects and not objects. And I’m glad mainstream culture is starting to catch up to where lesbian-feminism was 30 years ago. But I just can’t seem to rise to the occasion of talking about this fundamental principle over and over again, as if it’s somehow new, or open to debate. Fortunately, a younger generation of women is taking up the tiresome chore. 

So perhaps the MacArthur award of $625,000 will allow us to see more exciting work from Bechdel and allow her to be recognized in the various art forms she pursues, and not only the test that bears her name. Her work since 1985 includes the continuation of her comic strip Dykes To Watch Out For through 2008 and then two graphic novels – Are You My Mother (2012) and Fun Home (2006), which was made into a musical at the Public Theater in New York.

By Laura Hertzfeld

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Randi Hosts Cyndi Lauper and Harvey Fierstein to Celebrate “Kinky Boots” Tour

You might think the stage is the last place technology would find an outpost. Really, doesn’t it seem like sacrilege to condense Shakespeare into a bunch of tweets? But theaters around the world are thinking up new ways to connect with audiences all the time and technology is making so many more productions available to more people.

Back in the late 90s, “web circles” and personal fan sites connected fans of the musical Rent. And more recently, the National Theatre in London launched a series of live events, including broadcasting the U.K. production of A Streetcar Named Desire to movie theaters worldwide. So when Randi Zuckerberg sat down to talk about the Broadway smash hit Kinky Boots with the show’s creators — 80s rock icon Cyndi Lauper and Broadway vet Harvey Fierstein — she of course got their take on how tech is changing theater and how it affected their experience of creating the show.

When Lauper was writing the score for Kinky Boots, she would use her iPhone to dictate the songs into the phone and then play them back later, so she could be writing music wherever she traveled.

Lauper and Fierstein were tweeting up a storm backstage before heading out for the interview. Harvey showed off his new iPad, but Randi didn’t have the heart to tell him Apple was coming out with a whole new suite of products the following day

They didn’t take too kindly to the idea of phones in the audience, though. Randi asked what they thought about “tweet seats” in some theaters and Harvey said, “don’t you dare!”

Kinky Boots, based on the 2005 film of the same name, tells the story of Charlie, the heir to a shoe factory in the English Midlands, and Lola, a drag queen who becomes Charlie’s shoe muse and reinvigorates a dying company town with new life. Ben Brantley wrote in the New York Times that the show has a “love- and heat-seeking score that performs like a pop star on Ecstasy.” Kinky Boots won six Tony awards in 2013 including Best Musical and Best Score.

The touring production opened earlier in September in Las Vegas and will open in San Francisco on Dec. 2.  One of San Francisco’s best-kept secrets is that it is a great theater town and SHN theaters, which owns the Orpheum Theatre where Kinky Boots will play, has brought dozens of great shows to the Bay Area in recent years.

Here are a few more highlights from Randi’s chat with Lauper and Fierstein on her Sirius show last week live from the Orpheum in S.F.:

On trailblazing:

Lauper was the first woman to win alone in the best score Tony category – a huge honor. She talked about the climate for women working behind the scenes on Broadway today.

They both gushed about actor Kyle Taylor Parker’s performance as Lola in the touring cast. It’s a tall order to fill the shoes – er… boots — that Billy Porter, who originated the role, struts in on the Broadway stage.

They both gushed about actor Kyle Taylor Parker’s performance as Lola in the touring cast. It’s a tall order to fill the shoes – er… boots — that Billy Porter, who originated the role, struts in on the Broadway stage.

On friendship:

Harvey got teary when Randi asked him about working with Robin Williams. The two starred together in 1993’s Mrs. Doubtfire.

We hope to share a full stream of the interview with you soon. In the meantime, get your tickets to Kinky Boots in S.F. here.

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A Mom’s Day in Tweets

It’s not like I’m a social media addict. But if I was, and I live tweeted my day, it might look something like this.

You. Guys. It’s *way* too early. Go back 2 bed. #itsstilldarkoutside

Great, now u woke ur sister up. #iusebadgrammarat5am

 

It’s ur brother’s turn 2 pick the cartoon. #notheotherbrother

I know, I know. You’re far too grown up for cartoons now. I meant “show”. #pleasedontpickKickinIt

Ooh, good pick. I’ll stay & cuddle w/someone. Anyone. #teamAustinandAlly

I wasn’t watching anyway. No, really, I wasn’t. Yeah, I’ll get u some milk. #anothergallongone

Ok, u can put the lid on the sippy cup all by yourself. #spillnumberone

Sure, u can sit in my lap. #allthatmilkaintlight

Stop fighting. You can *both* sit in my lap. After all, I have 2 legs. #andvaricoseveins

Oops, have 2 go pack ur lunches. #andmakebreakfast #toddlerhelper #notsohelpful

TV off. Now. #noreallyturnitoff #now #now

1 raisin bread- butter, no crust. 1 raisin bread- butter, w/crust. 1 raisin bread- no butter, tops cut off. #shortordercook

Sit down. In the middle of your chair. Yes. Now stay there. #formorethan5seconds

Ok, go brush ur teeth, comb ur hair & get dressed. #likewithtoothpasteandacomb

Well, I don’t know where ur shoes are either. #ourhouseisnotthatbig #butyourshoesare

Come on, guys. U should be ready by now. Almost time 2 leave 4 the bus. #andwevebeenupforanhourandahalf

Nice! Love how u found a way to incorporate every single color of the rainbow into ur outfit again. #andpulledyoursocksuptoyourcrotch

Ok, grab ur lunch boxes, pack up ur backpacks. #Daddy’s taking you to the bus again. #stillinmyjammies

Wait! #LilSis is going 2 the bus stop w/u. #withthreedollsafootballandamajorcaseofbedhead

Exhale.

#damnforgotsunscreen

Guess I should do the breakfast dishes now. #orcheckFacebook #andInstagram #Twittertoo

How was the bus stop? Doing my exercises. Wanna play w/ur dolls? #pleasesayyes #mamaneedstoburnoffherchardonnay

Well #LilSis, sorry I’m not sweating as much as u think I should be while u watch from the couch. #towelplease #andoxygen

I’m gonna hop in the shower. #showerfortwo #notthesexykind

What?! No! Don’t wear a diff outfit 2 school than u wore 2 the bus this am. Pleeeese. #fashionista #laundrywhore

Detangler. Comb. Tears. Chase. #repeat

Let’s go! Your teachers r waiting for u. #ofcoursetheylllikeyourdress #andsparklyshoes

Press this button to open the door. Good job, hop in. #justlikethat #haveyoureadmyminivanmanifesto

They can still c u behind my leg. Why don’t u show #MsTeacher ur shoes? #theyremoreexpensivethanmine

Ok, c u in a bit. I

I’ll just check a couple emails. Work on a post or 2. #orcheckFacebook #andInstagram #Twittertoo

Wait, how is it pick-up time already? #stillhaventdonethosebreakfastdishes #ormyhair

Hi, sweetheart. I missed u 2. Tell me more! #ohmyheart

Sure u can have 12 different things that don’t make any sense together 4 lunch. #whatbabywantsbabygets

Wow #LilSis just talked for 45 mins straight. My stomach muscles r sore. #notfromworkingout #didntsweatenuf #fromlaughing

Nap time. Good night, sleep tight, God bless u. #yesillleavethelighton #andthedooropen

Wonder if her dolls

Now I’ll get to those emails. And posts. #orcheckFacebook #andInstagram #Twittertoo

Wait, it’s *what* time?! #stillhaventdonethosebreakfastdishes #orlunchdishes #ormyhair

Sweetie, time 2 get up 2 go get ur brothers. #bedheadround2 #screwit #wewillbetwinsies

Who are all these moms in cute outfits w/makeup & hair done?! #nofriendsofmine #shouldhavegonethruthecarpoolline

#pleasedontbecrying #pleasedontbecrying #pleasedontbecrying

Hi, #LilBro! #smiling #exhale

Hug. #yesplease #kindergartenistough

A boy was doing *what* on the playground? Why?! #pleasetellmehesnotyourfriend #mamahaskindergartenfearstoo

Hi, #BigBro! How was your day? #notayesornoquestion #fineisnotanacceptableanswer

Wow, 5th grade homework in 3rd grade? Your teacher does sound tough. #goodluckwiththatkid #imnotsmarterthana5thgrader #ora3rdgrader

Sure, I’ll turn up the music so I can’t ask u any more questions abt ur fine day. #whyugottabesorude #shakeitoff #shakeitoff

Snacks. More milk. Breakfast dishes. Lunch dishes. Snack refills. Snack dishes. #littlekidsbigmesses #spillnumbertwo

Fine w/me if u boys go tackle each other senseless. #thankgoodnessforbrothers #thatwontlastlong

Why don’t we go play soccer or baseball outside? #andbyweimeanyou #illblowbubbles

Kicks. Giggles. Pop flies. Giggles. Bubbles. Giggles. Slides. Giggles. Hose. Giggles. #Pinkswateringcanisoverflowing #andsoismyheart

Heading in 2 make dinner. Clean up & come inside in a few. #nuggetswillbewaiting #theyreorganic #notreally

I don’t know when Daddy’s coming home 2nite. Around dinnertime. #repeat #againandagain #andagain

Yay! He’s home. #magic

Sit! In your chair. With your butt in the middle. Pushed in to the table. Yes, like that. #noreallysitdown

What was 1 funny thing that happened 2 u today? #bodilyfunctionsareoffthetableatthetable #notreally

Seriously. Sit down & stay there. #doineedtostrapyoutoyourchair

What was 1 thing that upset you today? #notincludingme

My job here is done. #foodonplates #convoinmotion #withasideoflaughter #andwineforme

Shower time. Yep, u can get in together. Keep the water in the tub! #dirtbegone #droughtbegone

You. Guys. Why is the bathroom floor soaking wet?! Out. Now. #everytime #whowillwintheblamegame

Get back in, #BigBro. Still have soap in ur hair. #everytime #thereisnowaythisisyourbrothersfault

Inhale. #lovethesmellofcleancuddles

It’s ur brother’s turn 2 pick the cartoon. #notheotherbrother

I know, I know. You’re far too grown up for cartoons now. I meant “show”. #pleasedontpickKickinIt

No, no, *no*! #hepickedKickinIt #wouldratherdothedinnerdishes

Bedtime, #LilSis. Yes, you can sing this one. #allbyyourself #twinkletwinkle #yesillleavethelighton #andthedooropen #wider

Good night, sleep tight, God bless you. Daddy & I

Your turn boys. #nottoobigtocuddle #yet #buttheyreadtomenow

Superhero sheets. Missing teeth. Multiplying freckles. Tired eyes. Racing minds. So big, yet so little. And they’re all mine. #fornow

Their words. My pride. Their backs. My scratches. Their fears. My kisses. #missionaccomplished #peace

Owwww! You. Guys. How many times do I have 2 tell u 2 clean up when ur done playing?! #steppedonaLego

Good night, sleep tight, God bless you. Daddy & I

What #LilSis? No, nobody’s going to come in ur room 2nite. Yes, because we put a sign on ur door. #postitnotesscarebadguys

Now I’ll get 2 those emails. And posts. #orwatchSYTYCD #andScandal

What’s the matter, #LilBro? #sureillcomelieinbedwithyou #whatdidwedobeforeDVRsFinally. Asleep. #lovewatchingthemdream #littleangelsonearth

My mind’s still racing. #longdaysshortyears #patienceisavirtue #notminethough #justdoingmybest

Tomorrow will be different. #notreally #hopenotatleast #lovethislife #chaosincluded

#motherhoodunfiltered

By Amy Heinz. This post originally appeared on Using Our Words and is reprinted here with permission. 

 

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Poof! How to Communicate in the Age of Disappearing Messages

Snapchat is reportedly valued at over $10 billion. So it’s no surprise that Facebook is experimenting with messages that expire – and that brands and organizations are thinking creatively about how to use these types of services to prove that they aren’t just for the teenage set anymore. How can you take advantage of these advances in messaging (and look pretty cool to the teens in your life at the same time)?

Even if you’re not sexting (and we believe you, although, let’s be honest, the numbers don’t lie), there are several reasons you might want to experiment with messages that expire:

1. Send messages more securely. The more we work online, the more available our information is, and messages that leave no trace could eventually become secure and useful means for sending payment information and other sensitive materials, setting up meetings, and of course planning Mission Impossible-style encounters. A company called CrypText is just one company that’s gotten press lately as they target ways to improve on the ‘disappearing message’ phenomenon to make mobile messages more secure.

2. Tell a better story.  The new Snapchat stories tool creates timelines that aggregate user videos and photos to give a 360-view of live events. Want to be at Coachella without the heat and the boho flower headbands? Watch a Snapchat story and feel like you were there – or if you are there, add your images to a larger event feed and really feel like part of the event, both online and off. NowThisNews has built a significant audience on Snapchat jumping off from this model, making smaller clips of the buzziest news stories of the day.

3. Find a new audience. Every social media tool has its pros and cons, but experts agree that targeting content specific to each type of channel – Twitter, Facebook, SnapChat, etc one of the best ways to build buzz. So disappearing message options provide a new – maybe younger, definitely growing – audience for content.

4. Solve visual problems quickly. Stuck on a crossword clue? Need a protip to get beyond the next level of a game? Not sure if the paint color you chose for the bedroom is exactly right? There’s a good chance someone out there is only a click away from helping you out – in nearly real time. And who needs to save a crossword clue? A disappearing clue is way faster than emailing your mom a photo or paying for a hint.

5. Meet new people. It may seem a little weird now to meet new people on a social service that’s not geared towards dating, but Snapchat already has a track record in the video game space, hooking up players for various games and showing fans sharing parody content. It makes total sense that Facebook would want in on this part of the disappearing messaging action – wouldn’t it be cool to integrate quick visual messaging with friends of friends you’ve already vetted via the biggest social network out there?

6. Get sneak peeks. Fashion and beauty releases are a natural fit for disappearing message services. Just like they say on Project Runway, one day you’re in and the next, well, you know. Makeup line NARS has already taken advantage of Snapchat, using the service to release a sneak peek at a special line released last fall. Designer Rebecca Minkoff has also used the service preview new clothing lines and sponsor product giveaways for fans.

Are you on Snapchat or would you use a disappearing message service if it came to Facebook? Tell us your experiences below or tweet us @dotcomplicated!

By Laura Hertzfeld

 

 

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Choose Your Own (Interactive!) Adventure

Remember the Choose Your Own Adventure books from the ’80s? Technology now allows for adventures with books far beyond what many of us ever imagined possible. From interactive books for kids to grownup mystery game apps to new ways of channeling classic authors, developers are looking at print in a whole new light.

Of course, games and apps for kids were some of the first to experiment in the interactive story space. Sesame Street’s line of interactive stories star the famous muppets and feature challenges as kids answer questions and unlock new content. Alice for the Ipad was also an early adopter of interactivity. The app makes Lewis Carroll’s beloved children’s book come alive, letting readers throw tarts at the Queen of Hearts.

Increasingly, stories are starting to feel more like games than novels as developers play around with new ways to help readers delve deeper into stories. CNN.com reported this week that British studio Inkle is taking the Jules Verne classic Around the World in 80 Days and putting readers in the passenger seat next to Phineas Fogg. Don’t think you can use this to cheat on any tests though – the tale has been revamped to allow for user choice and new paths, rewritten in a steampunk style by Meg Jayanth (@betterthemask). The developers describe the project as a “story-narrative adventure” in this intro video.

Original stories are also making their way into the interactive space. Device 6, which came out last year, is an interactive ghost/mystery story that leads players through a haunted house with clues based on numbers, memory, and sound. The iPad-only game incorporates some of the tablet’s coolest features, asking users to turn the device or listen to codes to unlock clues along the way.

The Inkle writer puts the creativity back in users’ hands, allowing writers to build interactive experiences as they go with questions and choices that show up within the app as they write them. It’s a tool teachers will have a field day with assigning as a creative writing exercise.

By Laura Hertzfeld

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Radio Show Recap: Wearable Tech

From the runways of New York’s Fall Fashion Week to Diane Von Furstenberg’s signature Google Glasses to the huge announcement from Apple CEO Tim Cook about the upcoming Apple Watch, is the crossover of tech in fashion a mere status symbol or is this a sign of the next big thing in personal style?

Take a look at the numbers: Fitness bands are boasting sales of over 3.3 million between April 2013 to March 2014. That’s 500% increase in sales. While prices are still high, fashion innovators like Ralph Lauren’s 4D experience at this year’s Fashion Week proves styles are a-changing, and they’re incorporating technology.

The guests on yesterday’s radio show are all part of fashion’s big tech movement. Read their best soundbites below, and check out the full show here.

Christina Mercando is the founder of Ringly, an elegant cocktail ring that alerts you to texts, calls, and notifications all at the tip of a finger—literally! The color alerts are different for different applications, like purple for a Facebook alert or green for a calendar alarm.

After raising over $1M, Mercando and her partner created a line available for early winter 2015 delivery. In 8karat matte gold and with precious and semi-precious stones, the rings come in 3 sizes and—as a special bonus—the first 1000 sold include a diamond setting.

Here are Christina’s thoughts on wearable tech:

On why she started Ringly: “I looked to technology to fit all the things I needed into something I could wear.”

On selfie mania:  “I love it. It’s fun. it brings joy to people’s life. The selfie meme is hysterical. There’s even a selfie mirror that takes photos for you.”

On smaller wearable tech: “I needed to make the technology feel discreet. Even if it didn’t have a screen.”

On discretion in wearable tech: “It gives designers more flexibility to work around. No buttons, only a little contact on the base for charging. You would just think it was a beautiful ring.”

On distraction with phones: “We only want the things are most important to us, so you know what’s going on at all times. Our approach was similar to a watch that you glance at to check the time.”

An example of Ringly’s interface with different apps: “You can find out when someone likes your Instagram photo without having to read a message.”

On being in their first retail store: “We’re now in New York’s STORY, a store that’s theme changes every month. This month is Style. Tech. That’s where I first heard about the Selfie Mirror. It’s showcasing Ringly an activity watch. It’s our first retail experience. If we went to a jewelry store our ring looks like regular jewelry. Here all staff carry iPads to show how [Ringly] works.”

On tech fashion as a status symbol: “It’s definitely mainstream now. Look at the Apple Watch. It’s such an elegant solution to having a smart watch. Fashion and style is about the individual. We change our clothing and accessories everyday so we needed to adapt to what fits personal style. When you’re going for a run it’s going be different from what you’re wearing at a cocktail party.”

On where the pre-orders are coming from: “New York, San Francisco, LA. But also globally like Australia, Japan and Germany. The more exposure, the more mainstream it gets, the more people will buy into it.”

On who’s been chomping at the bit to get one: “Miss Teen USA, Miss America and Miss Universe were together tweeting about it. Saying ‘we want one!”’

On Ringly’s future: “Currently we have integration with 20 apps that we work with. I’m interested in getting rid of all stuff in our life: wallets, purses, Metrocards. Soon when we pay for something we’ll be able to tap our ring or open doors with a mere gadget. ‘

On making rings for guys: “We’ll be collaborating with other designers to create for men soon.”

Follow Christina @JETPEA or @GetRingly  Ringly.com

Rebecca Minkoff moved to New York when she was 18 from St. Petersberg, FL to attend FIT. She got her first taste of fame when actress Jenna Elfman wore her ‘I Love NY’ shirt on the Jay Leno show. From sewing t-shirts on the floor of her living room in 2005 to creating her signature Morning After Bag, Rebecca has made a ready-to-wear line increasing worth more than $17 million. Her clothing is available online in over 900 stores worldwide.

On creating tech accessories: “The tech / fashion crossover sparked excitement. So I created stylish items when we launched our Audio Clutch. Our customer speaks tech but she’s wants to be cool looking—not something funky. We put design first.”

On maintaining a design aesthetic: “We had long conversations about what can we fit in the smallest amount of space. We know she [OUR CUSTOMER] needs to charge her phone and share info so we created the USB Bracelet.

On her inspiration: “3D prints using photo manipulation from Deborah Turbeville.”

On creating 3D dresses: “We created something where if you have 3D glasses you could see the design. Our last five looks were in 3D. But if you don’t have the glasses  it’s still a beautiful floral.”

On designers incorporating tech into their wares: “I think this is only the beginning of what we’re about to see. We’re in the pioneering stage of what’s to come. We’ve embraced it so it’s really part of our DNA to make it as seamless as possible to the customer.”

On the wearable tech that’s most inspiring to her: ‘Apple and the launch of their new iWatch. I’m glad they made it beautiful, not just functionable. What Ralph Lauren did with 4D experience is beautiful.”

On how she’s getting the word out there: “We’re putting out as much information on social channels as possible and each channel has a different follower base. The girl logging onto Facebook likes different items versus the one on Instagram.”

Rebecca will be opening a flagship store in NYC this fall.

Find more about Rebecca at  rebeccaminkoff.com . Follow her @RebeccaMinkoff

Hasti Kashfia, CEO/Founder of Kashfia Media and celebrity stylist turned tech entrepreneur, came on to discuss her top trends in wearable tech:

On the Apple Watch: “I have no idea what it feels like or looks like but they had me at 18k carat gold and leather bands. I want to add this to my own collection.”

On collaborations: “Tory Burch’s new FitBit partnership has tech with a fashion feel. It’s nice to see that fashion component. And it sold out within three hours.”

On tech and the runway: “Look at Chromat, who did Beyonce’s outfit at the VMAs. You may not know there’s a tech component they look so good.

On design houses and retail collaborations: “Then there’s Barney’s partnership with Intel and their Opening Ceremony bracelet. I have no idea what it really does but that’s the power of the partnership.”

Follow Hasti @HastiKashfia or on Facebook

Carrie Hammer came from a background in sociology and the Parson’s School of Design to create customer designed clothing based on actual measurements not standard mannequin sizes. She held her fashion show Role Models, Not Runway Models live and via LiveStream from Fordham University featuring quadruple amputee Karen Crespo.

On going from marketing to fashion design: ‘Going from economics to UCLA for digital advertising sales, I was working in a predominately male workplace. There were 30 people in my team who were mostly male. They’d get all these custom shirts and suits and I said, ‘I’d really love to get a dress made. There aren’t many options available for work clothes and I have a hard time finding things that fit.’ I asked a woman about the company these men were going to and she said they don’t make things for women and that there isn’t a place in New York with a price point of under $1000 for women. I did the research and she was right. So I started getting things made for myself. People would stop me ten times a day and ask where I got my dresses with such a beautiful fit. I realized we needed a market for it.”

On the DIY market: “I only do the design and leave the sewing and cutting to very talented factories and people like that. It takes years and decades of skill you can’t learn overnight. Making something at home is great but finding an impeccable fit is something to leave to the professionals.”

On Photoshop backlash: “We’re finally reaching a point where Photoshop has been abused for too long. It’s a recent part of fashion. You used to use a paintbrush to clear a blemish. It’s jumped the shark. There are now laws in Europe that there have to be disclaimers on images that have been changed.”

On using real women in her fashion show: Last February during New York fashion week, we featured CEO execs and incredible women. One model was in a wheelchair her whole life. Come to find out she was the first-ever model on a runway in wheelchair. We received over 300 emails from girls and moms of girls with disabilities saying,  ‘It’s so wonderful to feel included.’ Then we received one from Karen Crespo who suffered from bacterial meningitis and had to amputate all 4 limbs. She loves fashion— a totally girly girl. Her kind and positive email after the show had me crying. I told her, ‘You are so inspiring to me, walk our next show.’ After her debut we received thousands of comments and emails. Any woman or man who ever felt self conscious, and for women and young women, we do have positive and healthy women to look up to—to emulate.”

Find more about Carrie at carriehammer.com or follow her @CarrieHammer

Join Dot Complicated next week, when Randi discusses how to connect with experts online. Dot Complicated with Randi Zuckerberg airs every Wednesday at 9 am PST / 12 EST on channel 111 on Sirius XM.

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Humin Will Make Your iPhone Contacts Obsolete

By this point in life, you probably know a lot of people. And keeping track of all of them (your childhood neighbor, your mom’s new best friend, your kid’s substitute math teacher) can be tricky. Adding people to the list of contacts in your phone probably doesn’t cut it anymore.

You need Humin, a new iPhone app that organizes your relationships in the same way you think about them—by context rather than less-than-helpful alphabetical order.

Once you create a free Humin account, the app culls data about your contacts from your email, address book, and social media platforms. Humin then generates a master entry for every person in your phone. So it might know from your LinkedIn profile that Sarah Smith works at Teach for America and studied at UCLA, and from your Gmail calendar that you met her last May and have a meeting with her this coming Wednesday. (And all this info is displayed on Sarah’s profile page.)

“Think of it like page rank for people,” explains Humin’s co-founder and CEO Ankur Jain. Every set of search results is ordered to show relevant people based on the user, time of day, place, etc. If you can’t remember someone’s name, simply type in the search bar “met today” or “met last week.” “It’s designed the way you think,” says Jain.

Our favorite part is that you can search for people with phrases like: “That lady I met at Yoga People,” or “the guy I met last week who teaches fifth grade and lives in New York.” Humin finds the person that matches those criteria.

This may be the end of awkward moments.

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