NonSociety – Live Differently. Meghan Asha Tech Addict

Following My Lifecast: Here's a glimpse into my life. Scroll to the right to view chronologically, and click 'earlier' to see more.

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Mar 23, 10 10:48am

reconinstruments.com

reconinstruments.com

Sisterly boarding buddies!

Sisterly boarding buddies!

SPORTY TECH 

As a snowboarder, one of the most important accessories you need is a good set of goggles. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way on my last trip where the majority of my time was spent squinting and readjusting annoying eyewear. There’s a ton of great goggles on the market, but only one that caused me to pause and take note: Recon-Zeal Transcend. These smart tech goggles use GPS technology and state-of-the-art sensors to read your current speed, altitude, and much more. A mirror and lens make the image from a 0.6-inch LCD in the lower right corner appear as a virtual 14-inch display! This kind of technology is pricey starting at $350, but makes a great gift for the ultimate boarder that wants non-intrusive smart optics for high speed boarding. 

Feb 11, 10 11:05am
Nothing says “I love you” like spying on your mate… With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, rather than gushing about gifts I’ve decided to post on how to use technology to spy on your loved ones. WARNING: These tips should be used only as a last resort to make sure your love’s wandering eye is staying put where it belongs. I Spy A Camera!: Almost every object you can think of has the ability to be equipped with a spy camera. In researching just what types of devices were secretly equipped with spying lenses, I found spy cameras in iPods, pens, eyeglasses, belts, even in a hairclip (as seen with this backstage video at a Chanel fashion show). Spy cameras range from a couple hundred to thousands of dollars, which is a hefty price to pay for a little snoop session. A better option is to rent the camera through the Internet, so you can keep the price down while playing secret agent. Tracking Online Activities: Do you need a better idea of what your significant other is doing on the Internet?  You can use software like keyloggers and spyware, these systems will monitor everything on the computer. Don’t forget that you can also visit his/her online mail accounts (Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, etc.). Many of these sites keep users logged in, and save the passwords. Look for multiple accounts, if you see your loved one has a couple of different email addresses then something shady just might be going on. Also, take a look at the days or weeks online website search history to get a more accurate account of what sites your significant other has visited. Be wary if you find the history is cleared, this may mean that your loved one is hiding something. Capture Cellphone Data: Many companies have come up with a way to extract all of the data off a phone’s SIM card, so you can retrieve contacts, deleted texts, and numbers last dialed. Simply pull out the SIM and plug it into your computer’s USB. This is another way of retrieving any data you think your companion is trying to hide from you. Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!: Whether you’ve had suspicions of deceptive behavior in the car or office, you can easily place a digital recorder or a webcam with audio. Just make sure the device is small, silent, has a reliable battery and is legal!

Nothing says “I love you” like spying on your mate…

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, rather than gushing about gifts I’ve decided to post on how to use technology to spy on your loved ones.

WARNING: These tips should be used only as a last resort to make sure your love’s wandering eye is staying put where it belongs.

I Spy A Camera!: Almost every object you can think of has the ability to be equipped with a spy camera. In researching just what types of devices were secretly equipped with spying lenses, I found spy cameras in iPods, pens, eyeglasses, belts, even in a hairclip (as seen with this backstage video at a Chanel fashion show). Spy cameras range from a couple hundred to thousands of dollars, which is a hefty price to pay for a little snoop session. A better option is to rent the camera through the Internet, so you can keep the price down while playing secret agent.

Tracking Online Activities: Do you need a better idea of what your significant other is doing on the Internet?  You can use software like keyloggers and spyware, these systems will monitor everything on the computer. Don’t forget that you can also visit his/her online mail accounts (Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, etc.). Many of these sites keep users logged in, and save the passwords. Look for multiple accounts, if you see your loved one has a couple of different email addresses then something shady just might be going on. Also, take a look at the days or weeks online website search history to get a more accurate account of what sites your significant other has visited. Be wary if you find the history is cleared, this may mean that your loved one is hiding something.

Capture Cellphone Data: Many companies have come up with a way to extract all of the data off a phone’s SIM card, so you can retrieve contacts, deleted texts, and numbers last dialed. Simply pull out the SIM and plug it into your computer’s USB. This is another way of retrieving any data you think your companion is trying to hide from you.

Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!: Whether you’ve had suspicions of deceptive behavior in the car or office, you can easily place a digital recorder or a webcam with audio. Just make sure the device is small, silent, has a reliable battery and is legal!

Feb 05, 10 1:11pm

A Clothing Clattered - Very Chaotic - Event!

Twenty 20-something women came over to my apartment with the hopes of swapping out our their old duds for something new. How did it go? Well, I think it’s safe to say that only the most aggressive gatherers survived.

Here’s a little explanation from Jordan’s Lifecast on exactly what we did:

1. First, we had an “ugliest clothing” contest (we all voted on which item of clothing was the ugliest). I won with a brown velour (I think) baby-doll dress bedecked with flowers. (My prize: a gift certificate to Dashing Divas.)

2. Every person in the room got a number (we just counted off in a circle).

3. We spent a few minutes perusing the wares, and then each person went in turn and picked their top item. (It was incredible: literally everyone had their eye on something totally different, and it seemed to me that everyone got their top pick.)

4. Then we went around the room again, this time in reverse order (so the people with the lowest numbers didn’t get the short end of the stick).

5. After a few rounds of this, we declared a free-for-all.

Jan 21, 10 3:01pm
iStyle! Another CES find that I’ve been dying to post about are these clever iStyle Original T-shirts. The packaging includes an individually designed “softwear” box. Which was created to emulate “softwear” packaging, featuring the Technical Specifications, System Requirements, and product information that will make you laugh out loud - a fun, affordable gift for dogs, babies, and adults.

iStyle!

Another CES find that I’ve been dying to post about are these clever iStyle Original T-shirts. The packaging includes an individually designed “softwear” box. Which was created to emulate “softwear” packaging, featuring the Technical Specifications, System Requirements, and product information that will make you laugh out loud - a fun, affordable gift for dogs, babies, and adults.

Dec 22, 09 1:40pm
juliaallison: The NonSociety Christmas brunch at Sarabeth’s on Central Park South. We were sad to be missing our fourth member, Miss Megan Alagna, who was snowed in.  I ate enough for both of us, though. ;) My gift to Jordan and Julia was a 3G Juice Portable iPhone Battery Charger. It may not be the most glamorous of presents, but it sure is functional.

juliaallison:

The NonSociety Christmas brunch at Sarabeth’s on Central Park South.

We were sad to be missing our fourth member, Miss Megan Alagna, who was snowed in.  I ate enough for both of us, though. ;)

My gift to Jordan and Julia was a 3G Juice Portable iPhone Battery Charger. It may not be the most glamorous of presents, but it sure is functional.

Dec 21, 09 7:03pm
GADGET STOCKING STUFFERS Make in-flight entertainment more comfortable with the iFlyz Portable Video Player Stand. It’s a stand that holds your device (iPod, iPhone, or Zune) to one end, and clips onto the tray table of an airplane seat. Helpful idea at $29.95 for those of us obsessed with consuming media on-the-go.

GADGET STOCKING STUFFERS

Make in-flight entertainment more comfortable with the iFlyz Portable Video Player Stand. It’s a stand that holds your device (iPod, iPhone, or Zune) to one end, and clips onto the tray table of an airplane seat. Helpful idea at $29.95 for those of us obsessed with consuming media on-the-go.

Dec 02, 09 12:37pm
GEEKY GIFT IDEAS “Let’s get some shoes. Let’s get some shoes. Let’s get some shoes. Let’s get some shoes.” Sorry, I just had to quote that amazing YouTube viral video by Kelly. I don’t normally post too much about fashion, but I really must tell you about my favorite shoe purchase this season: the Hidden Heel Shoes by 8020.  My sister and I spotted them in an overpriced vintage store in Soho and as good little online shoppers know how to do - we found them online at a cheaper price. I’ve been wearing them for months and am shocked at how comfortable they are. Not only do these shoes by 8020 have a hidden wedge heel (all to make you look longer and leaner), but also they’re incredibly light and versatile. With all the bloody walking in Manhattan, this is the best most practical purchase I’ve made this season.

GEEKY GIFT IDEAS

“Let’s get some shoes. Let’s get some shoes. Let’s get some shoes. Let’s get some shoes.”

Sorry, I just had to quote that amazing YouTube viral video by Kelly.

I don’t normally post too much about fashion, but I really must tell you about my favorite shoe purchase this season: the Hidden Heel Shoes by 8020.  My sister and I spotted them in an overpriced vintage store in Soho and as good little online shoppers know how to do - we found them online at a cheaper price. I’ve been wearing them for months and am shocked at how comfortable they are. Not only do these shoes by 8020 have a hidden wedge heel (all to make you look longer and leaner), but also they’re incredibly light and versatile. With all the bloody walking in Manhattan, this is the best most practical purchase I’ve made this season.

Dec 02, 09 12:35pm
GEEKY GIFT IDEAS Friends don’t let friends sing off key drunkenly during Karaoke. But…if your friend must have the mic, why not get him/her Andrew Hamilton Crawford’s Crystal Microphone Necklace. It’s a lux way for that spotlight stealer to feel like a rock star without being embarrassing. At $75.00, this crystal pendant is definitely on my wish list.

GEEKY GIFT IDEAS

Friends don’t let friends sing off key drunkenly during Karaoke.

But…if your friend must have the mic, why not get him/her Andrew Hamilton Crawford’s Crystal Microphone Necklace. It’s a lux way for that spotlight stealer to feel like a rock star without being embarrassing. At $75.00, this crystal pendant is definitely on my wish list.

Dec 02, 09 12:31pm
GEEKY GIFT IDEAS Customizable Protein Bars? I’m in! I usually dislike energy bars because I’m extremely picky about the ingredients. All those strange proteins and sweeteners just don’t sit well with me. That’s why I’m elated about YouBar, a company that let’s you customize your own protein and energy bars. YouBar even allows you to control the amount and type of sweeteners, grains, proteins, and fruit in your personalized snack bars. *A brilliant gift suggestion from author Tim Ferris.

GEEKY GIFT IDEAS

Customizable Protein Bars? I’m in! I usually dislike energy bars because I’m extremely picky about the ingredients. All those strange proteins and sweeteners just don’t sit well with me. That’s why I’m elated about YouBar, a company that let’s you customize your own protein and energy bars. YouBar even allows you to control the amount and type of sweeteners, grains, proteins, and fruit in your personalized snack bars.

*A brilliant gift suggestion from author Tim Ferris.

Dec 02, 09 10:11am
GEEKY GIFT IDEAS Do you know someone addicted to carbonation? If so, the Penguin Water Carbonator may be just what the mixologist ordered. It’s a handy contraption that allows you to create your own favorite carbonated beverages at home. You can even customize each batch so that it has just the right amount of fizz. Interestingly enough, there are no batteries or electricity required. Who knew DIY drinks could be so easy?

GEEKY GIFT IDEAS

Do you know someone addicted to carbonation? If so, the Penguin Water Carbonator may be just what the mixologist ordered. It’s a handy contraption that allows you to create your own favorite carbonated beverages at home. You can even customize each batch so that it has just the right amount of fizz. Interestingly enough, there are no batteries or electricity required. Who knew DIY drinks could be so easy?

Nov 30, 09 9:13pm

FYI to my readers!

juliaallison:

Hello there!

I wanted to address the new FTC blogger disclosure laws, coming into effect tomorrow, December 1st.

Anything that I am compensated for - whether monetarily or through free product - will always be disclosed.  This has been the case more or less throughout my blog’s history, with the “less” being attributable not when I’m trying to “pass one over on you” - that’s stupid/pointless - but when I assume that you would already know about prior history (like Blueprint Cleanse, which I’ve had a relationship with for over a year, for product), or when I write about it in one post (like when I went to Seaworld) but not Every. Single. One. of the 12 Seaworld Posts I did.

Bottom Line: Anything that is gifted or a paid sponsorship will be acknowledged in italics at the bottom of the post, or first post in a series of posts.

Endorsement deals such as SONY, however, I think are more than obvious.  If I post a SONY ad with me in it, I think it’s clear that I’m being paid to endorse SONY.  Do I still have to post, below a video clip of an ad, “I’m compensated by SONY for this ad”?  You guys aren’t idiots.  I think you get that!

Moreover - and most importantly - please know that I do not affiliate myself with any products or companies I do not actively support.  There have been several instances when NonSociety or TMIweekly turned down brands we didn’t feel comfortable working with, or stopped working with brands we decided didn’t have quality products, and I’m sure that will happen again.

Authenticity is the most important part of a good relationship between reader and author, and to the extent that the FTC laws support that, we at NonSociety support those laws.

God, I feel so corporate writing that!  ew.

This post was endorsed by my lawyer father.*

*That’s not true, he hasn’t read this.  But I’m sure he would appreciate it!

This stands the same for every NonSociety Contributer and Guest Contributor. I want our readers to know that product integrated posts will be highlighted differently with blatant disclosure on each post, so there’s no confusion. Transparency is key - we will provide that to our audience.

Nov 28, 09 5:29pm
GEEKY GIFT IDEAS Everyone in my family has protection…I mean, protection for their laptops. For me (based on my proven tech curse) laptop cases and covers are an absolute necessity. That’s where Speck comes in to help protect my beloved electronics that I juggle around the city on daily basis. Not only are these cases durable, but also they make a bold gadget fashion statement without trying too hard. Hence, why I’m including Speck Products on my holiday gift guide this year.

GEEKY GIFT IDEAS

Everyone in my family has protection…I mean, protection for their laptops. For me (based on my proven tech curse) laptop cases and covers are an absolute necessity. That’s where Speck comes in to help protect my beloved electronics that I juggle around the city on daily basis. Not only are these cases durable, but also they make a bold gadget fashion statement without trying too hard. Hence, why I’m including Speck Products on my holiday gift guide this year.

Nov 28, 09 5:00pm
GEEKY GIFT IDEAS This may be a bit dorky, but I think a practical gift for someone who’s cost conscious is this PUR Three Stage Vertical Faucet Filter for $30. Not only are you helping your loved one abstain from buying those environmentally unsound plastic bottles, but you’re also getting them purified water direct from the tap.

GEEKY GIFT IDEAS

This may be a bit dorky, but I think a practical gift for someone who’s cost conscious is this PUR Three Stage Vertical Faucet Filter for $30. Not only are you helping your loved one abstain from buying those environmentally unsound plastic bottles, but you’re also getting them purified water direct from the tap.

Nov 30, 09 8:00am
GEEKY GIFT IDEAS As much as I love seeing a holiday house with colorful lights. My ultimate dream for 2010 is to bring in the season without wires with items like Powermat. Electrical outlets will one day be a thing of the past, so I advise you to give the gift of the future: Powermat. What does it do? Powermat allows you to charge all your gadgets wirelessly on mat, it even modifies the amount of charge it provides by checking on the battery of each item you charge, thus conserving power with the utmost efficiency. Now all I need is this technology built into my kitchen counter (trust me, it will happen).

GEEKY GIFT IDEAS

As much as I love seeing a holiday house with colorful lights. My ultimate dream for 2010 is to bring in the season without wires with items like Powermat. Electrical outlets will one day be a thing of the past, so I advise you to give the gift of the future: Powermat. What does it do? Powermat allows you to charge all your gadgets wirelessly on mat, it even modifies the amount of charge it provides by checking on the battery of each item you charge, thus conserving power with the utmost efficiency. Now all I need is this technology built into my kitchen counter (trust me, it will happen).