May 11 2012

Can't wait for the iPhone 5?

By Dan Harvey | Massachusetts, Lifestyle, Dan Harvey, | (2) Comments

For those of us that simply can't wait for the release of the iphone 5 the rumors are abound. Here are a few of the latest iphone 5 rumors.

According to Macworld, The iphone 5 could be release as early as September. We can expect to see a larger screen and several sources are reporting that the dock connector will be different. Hopefully the come out with an adapter too!
http://www.macworld.com.au/features/iphone-5-rounding-up-the-latest-rumours-53512/

There's another informative rumor round up from Cnet that does corroborate most of the chatter surrounding the iphone 5.
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19512_7-20073431-233/iphone-5-rumor-roundup/?tag=rb_content;contentBody

And if you still want to know more check out the posts at http://www.iphone5release.net/ The.re is a ton of interesting details here and mentions of a new liquid metal body which is really cool.

The take away from all of this is that whatever Apple decides to do with the iphone 5, it will be amazing.

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QR Codes in Action

By Dan Harvey | Massachusetts, Marketing, Lifestyle, Dan Harvey, | (1) Comments

A QR code or “Quick Response code” is a matrix barcode similar to UPC codes scanned by cash registers. These codes are designed to provide immediate access for any type of data the designer chooses. While some see QR codes as a marketing fad I think that they have a practical place in our lives. We crave instant information and as long as QR codes meet that need I think they will be around for while.

Here are a few QR placements in action:

1. Rock the vote. In the 2010 presidential election about 91 million American’s voted out of a total 217,342,419 eligible voters,
while around 122 million voted for the next American Idol. Until we can text in our votes for president, Rock the vote
volunteers have outfitted themselves with t-shirts featuring a QR code. People interested in voting simply scan the shirt and
are brought to a site where they can register, adding a little life to a process that can seem like drudgery to the gen-y crowd.
http://www.psfk.com/2012/03/t-shirt-voter-registration.html

2. The Home Depot has started using QR codes in a practical way. They have started placing QR codes on items that are
commonly purchased in large quantities by commercial customers. Maintenance technicians can download the app and
scan everything from shower heads to tubes of caulking. Once scanned these items are placed in their online shopping cart
taking the time out of managing inventory and ordering.
http://hdsupplysolutions.com/shop/home

3. QR codes just can be just for fun. There is a team at Facebook that is working to paint huge QR codes on the roofs of
buildings around the US. There is nothing practical about this, just good old nerdy fun.
http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/facebook-paints-giant-useless-qr-code- roof-headquarters-139202

4. A Portuguese artist Nuno Serrao is using QR codes to accompany pieces of art. People coming to view these works can
scan the code to access a soundscape that accompanies the piece, creating a unique experience for gallery visitors.
http://mashable.com/2012/02/25/qr-codes-art-music/

5. Soon Princeton Place Apartments in Worcester MA will be placing QR codes throughout corporate furnished apartments.
These codes once scanned will bring guests to a tutorial video for the item they scanned. You’ll find them on thermostats,
TV remote, appliance, anything that residents might need a little help using.

Where have you seen noteworthy QR code placement recently?

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The 26 Happiest Animals In The World

By Dan Harvey | Massachusetts, Apartment Living, Lifestyle, Dan Harvey, | (1) Comments

The internet is an invaluable tool with countless ways to improve our daily lives. Arguably one of the best uses of the internet is the ability to view cute animal pictures.

Check out the 26 happiest animals posted by BuzzFeed @ http://www.buzzfeed.com/animals/happiest-animals-in-the-world

Number 10 is my favorite, what is yours?

Enjoy!

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Worcester hospitality, Niche style.

By Dan Harvey | Massachusetts, Apartment Living, Food, Dan Harvey, | (2) Comments

Worcester, Massachusetts has many charms and none are more appreciated than the collection of unique restaurants and eateries. Foodies come from near and far to enjoy the offerings of these culinary hot spots. One restaurant group stands out among the rest, Niche Hospitality Group has 5 restaurants throughout Worcester each catering to specific taste. I could go on and on about all of the different locations but for now we’ll talk Mexican food.

When I’m craving the perfect margarita and Mexican food this is the place to go. They have an impressive cocktail menu but I recommend the house margarita, upgrade to 1800 tequila and you won’t be disappointed. Next I go for the guacamole flight, three types of guac feature fruit, corn nuts and the original. Did I mention it is made fresh and served traditionally in a molcajete? As for the main meal you can’t go wrong. Most recently I enjoyed the Salmon Vera Cruz, perfectly cooked salmon simmered with bell pepper and served with mint tomato salsa, simply amazing!

Mezcal Tequila Cantina- 166 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester. http://www.nichehospitality.com/

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How do you avoid social media overload?

By Dan Harvey | Massachusetts, Lifestyle, Dan Harvey, | (2) Comments

null How do you avoid social media overload?

Social media can be totally overwhelming when you’re trying to keep up with the latest posts on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Youtube and your favorite blogs. Not only do we have to keep up with all of these sources but we have our own digital identities to maintain both personally and professionally. Social media has changed how the world communicates in such a short time. It’s easy to get a digital hangover but it’s even easier to find simple ways to keep up.

1. Set expectations & goals. Why do you want to tweet, or maintain a profile on LinkedIn or connect with people on Facebook? Think about each platform and how it can bring value into your life, and if it doesn’t bring any value then don’t use it. Instead of diluting your social media experience focus on the sites that are relevant and enjoyable to you. Just like anything in life if your interest and effort isn’t genuine then it isn’t worth doing.

2. Time Management. I’ve realized that I like other have developed a symbiotic relationship with my ipad and iphone. These new appendages allow us to be updated and participant all of the time which can lead to burnout. Try to set specific times throughout the day to check in, maybe read your favorite blogs every morning while on the elliptical or set specific check in times each day to check in with facebook.

3. Use a social media management tool. These types of tools allow you to manage multiple social profiles from one interface. Just to name two, my favorites are www.hootsuite.com & www.flipboard.com.

What are some of the ways that you keep up?