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Technology

Apr18

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2013 Vancouver Mini Maker Faire

Posted in: Events, Gadgets, Inspiration, Projects, Technology, Vancouver

Ever wanted to make your own robot? Set up an urban farm? Learn to paint with a bicycle? Both novices and experts are invited to get their hands dirty and learn from one another at the upcoming Mini Maker Faire, Vancouver’s biggest skill swap.

Vancouver Mini Maker Faire (VMMF) will feature over 100 makers who will demonstrate skills such as puppetry, electronics, computer hacking, music-making, quilting, farming and virtual reality. It’s where art meets science, craft meets utility, and farmer’s market meets backyard forum.

Originating in San Francisco, Maker Faire is a two-day celebration of making and creating. A fun, interactive collection of demonstrations, exhibits and displays, it’s an all-ages family festival promoting the DIY ethos on a large scale.

So what is a maker anyway? Mathematics, geometry, chemistry, and physics are all part of the typical maker’s toolkit, and all will be featured at a Maker Faire. Innovators and professionals will share their skills and knowledge through interactive exhibits ranging from robotics, engineering, and information technology to quilting, knitting, and woodworking.

“There’s something for everybody at a Maker Faire,” says VMMF Creative Director Emily Smith. “It brings together all of the local community groups to share what they are doing, while immersed in a spectacle of fun and excitement.”   Earlybird tickets are available until April 30. Be part of the city’s biggest show and tell. And if you want to help make the event happen, sign up to volunteer.

In addition to The Vancouver Maker Foundation, host organization and non-profit behind the event, local creatives such as Vancouver Hackspace, Vancouver Community Laboratory, Blim and SFU will be on hand to show how anyone can be a maker – all it takes is a little curiosity.

“There’s no shortage of raw talent, energy and enthusiasm than with a group of Makers,” says Smith. “It’s the type of event that will make you want to find a project and exhibit in the next year.”

Craft fair alert: Got Craft?, a modern twist on the conventional craft fair that showcases local, handmade artists, and one-of-a-kind goods, will have an increased presence at this year’s Faire. What once began as a booth has now sprouted into a full-fledged craft fair within the Faire.

Vancouver Mini Maker Faire
Dates: June 1 and 2, 10 am to 6 pm
Venue: PNE Forum: 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online (Early bird weekend pass) Adults, $20; students, $14; children, $10
Family packs are also available (up to five people, max. two adults) for $50

Follow updates leading to the event via Facebook and Twitter.
Photos courtesy of Vancouver Mini Maker Faire.
Apr1

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Vancouver Social Media Awards Recap

Posted in: Business, Events, Networking, Social Media, Technology, Yaletown

[Alexandra of Union Jack News with Dave Olson of HootSuite]

Last Thursday night, the first-ever Vancouver Social Media Awards kicked off at Yaletown’s Roundhouse Community Centre.

A packed room of students, social media lovers, and industry people enjoyed mingling over appetizers from various Vancouver eateries, Red Truck Beer, and Blenz Coffee.
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Mar26

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Vancouver Int’l Auto Show Preview

Posted in: Automotive, Environment, Events, Technology, Vancouver

[Environment Minister Terry Lake]

The Vancouver International Auto Show is now well underway at Vancouver Convention Centre. This morning, media were invited to have breakfast and hear opening remarks, one of which was big news for consumers considering a clean energy vehicle purchase. Environment Minister Terry Lake announced that the BC point-of-sale incentive program, originally due to have expired at the end of this month, has been given a one year extension.

BC residents can receive up to $5,000 on a qualifying CEV, including fuel-cell electric, hybrid, compressed natural gas and new battery electic vehicles. To date, 111 residential rebates for charging stations have been given. As well, $600,000 will be handed to BC for clean energy research.

Another positive outcome of BC car companies is that 70% are involved with charitable organizations and give back to the community.

[Fender Beetle, Super Beetle Turbo, 1952 Classic Beetle Unveiled!]

Our rather large group was then led down to the show floor where Volkswagen, Chevrolet, Mitsubishi, BMW/Mini, Volvo, Subaru, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and Chrysler/Fiat spokespersons introduced new model cars, trucks, hybrids, sports cars and SUVs. The common themes that carried over to most of the car manufacturers were customer engagement, comfort, safety, environment, and lifestyle.
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Mar6

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ZAGG Sparq6000 Dual USB Charger

Posted in: Electronic Accessories, Gadgets, Product Reviews, Technology, Vancouver

I was on the hunt for a universal USB charger that would work with all my devices, to charge on the go as well as having an extra charge supply on hand. The ZAGG Sparq6000 will hold four charges when its battery is at 100%.

The ZAGG Sparq6000 is part of a series of three USB chargers that differ in size, amount of charges they’ll hold, and price. The 1220 holds one charge, the 3100, two charges, and the 6000 can keep four charges on its two-USB port device.

All three Sparqs: 1220, 3100, and 6000 are named for their capacity. The 6000 ($99.99) has 6000 mAh and up to 2.1A at 5 volts. The other two, while smaller and with one USB port, each carry less charges, but are slightly smaller and are priced at $39.99 and $69.99 respectively.

The Sparq charges smartphones and tablets four times faster than a standard USB charger, and in the case of the 6000, can charge more than one USB device at a time.
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Feb21

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Test Drive: 2013 Cadillac ATS

Posted in: Automotive, Technology, Vancouver

Through Klout’s perks program, I was recently invited to take a 2013 Cadillac ATS for a three day spin around the province.

The sharply designed, silver car was delivered on Family Day, the perfect occasion for my husband and I to share a day trip to White Rock and environs, while putting the ATS through its highway and street paces.

[Roomy trunk space]

The first thing we noticed upon entry is the key fob. As long as the fob stays on your person, there’s no need to use it to open the doors. There’s a trunk-opening button on the fob, but the rest of the time, the key stayed in my bag.
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Jan23

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Victoria: Social Media Camp 2013

Posted in: Events, Networking, Social Media, Technology, Victoria

Social Media Camp is a great networking event along with the chance to meet fellow connected friends in real life.

This will be the conference’s fourth year. The three-day conference will see a talented line up of speakers including Mari Smith, CC Chapman, Amy Porterfield, and Jaime Stein, all accomplished in their specific fields.

Here’s a quick breakdown of events including the highly-anticipated Social Media Awards Dinner on Tuesday, May 7:

Monday, May 6
Kick-Off Party: Social Media Camp 2013 will kick off with a massive networking party at Victoria’s landmark party spot – the Strathcona Hotel, a two minute walk from the conference centre.
1 to 8 pm: Pre-Registration
2 to 3 pm: SMC Orientation – New this year, Paul Holmes will lead an orientation session to help newbies and return attendees get the most out of the conference
3 pm and 4 pm: Meet Your Coach – Back by popular demand is the SMC Coach, available to help you plan your SMC experience and answer questions
7 to 11 pm: Networking Bash – Hook up with speakers, sponsors, tweeps you haven’t met yet, connections from previous SMCs. Musical entertainment TBD.

Tuesday, May 7
8 am: Registration opens; sessions begin at 9 am
9 am to noon: Workshops, learning pods, presentations and panels
noon to 1 pm: Exclusive Luncheon Strategy Session with Mari Smith (Platinum ticket holders only)
1 pm: Opening Keynote presentation with Mari Smith
1 to 5 pm: Workshops, learning pods, presentations and panels
7 to 10 pm: Social Media Awards and Gala Dinner

Wednesday, May 8
9 to 10 am: Morning Keynote Address: Scott Monty, Head of Global Social Media Communications, Ford Motor Company
10 am to noon: Workshops, roundtables, presentations and panels
noon to 1 pm: Exclusive Luncheon Strategy Session with Boston-based CC Chapman (Gold ticket holders only)
1 to 5 pm: Workshops, presentations and panels
4 to 5 pm: Closing keynote address with CC Chapman

[Photo credit: radarhillwebdesign on Flickr]

Victoria is lovely in early May. Early bird pricing for the Gold Pass – including the Awards Gala Dinner – is in effect until January 31. The Silver Pass will allow you into the welcome reception as well as the trade show, main stage presentations, workshops and presentations, a social showcase and knowledge cafe, plus personalized coaching (while availability lasts). The early bird pricing for this ticket ends on April 5.

Other options include the Platinum Pass (all of the above, plus priority seating at keynotes and an exclusive opportunity to lunch with Mari Smith (limited to the first 40 registrants), as well as a Gala Dinner only ticket ($99 early bird price ends on January 30).

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in attending, I have a unique code to receive 10% off any ticket type! Visit the Social Media Camp website for updated information, and I hope to see you there!

The conference’s official hashtag will be #SMCamp.
Jan18

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The BC Liquor Stores iPhone App

Posted in: Cocktails, Craft Beer, Technology, Vancouver, Whisky, Wine

Over the holidays, while cleaning out unused apps on my iPhone, I also discovered a wonderful new one to download, available for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.

BC Liquor Stores have put an amazing (and free!) app together that’s feature-rich. This app will come in handy at the upcoming Vancouver International Wine Festival. If you can type it in, you can look it up later! Note: You must be at least 17 years of age to download the app.

- Wines can be searched via type, colour, country, price, volume, varietal, organic, VQA, etc.
- Browse and search through a huge database of wine, beer, and spirits
- See current inventory in nearby stores (allowing location based services to access your phone)
- Share created lists via email, Facebook, Twitter, and text message

- The wine and food pairing guide will help you find just the right wine with your creation
- There are food and drink recipes culled from BC Liquor Stores Taste magazine
- Items can be scanned in order to find details and store availability
- You can save your favourites and create a Cellar for easy access
- Rate and comment on your favourite discoveries

- Find a store, get directions, and view store hours
- Map view will show stores open (green pins) or closed (red pins)
- Detailed product information plus space for typing in your own notes

Find the app here. And remember to taste, sip, and spit at your next wine event!
Dec11

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Logitech’s Ultrathin Keyboard Cover

Posted in: Gadgets, Product Reviews, Technology

Perhaps you’ve got an iPad on your holiday wish list. Maybe like me, you’ve owned one for awhile and have a need for typing on the road (without the virtual keyboard). Either way, I decided it was time to check out an integrated keyboard cover and case.

Through research (and looking for the nicely-designed ones), I came across Logitech’s Ultrathin Keyboard Cover in white. And while this product’s been on the market for awhile now, it’s been recently launched in white – and even more recently, in red. As well, I wanted to wait for the latest unveiling in the iPad series to make sure that any case I’d be reviewing would fit the most current iPad on the market.
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Nov26

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Luminescence for the Holidays

Posted in: Education, Events, Exhibitions, Nature, Technology, Theater, Vancouver

Awhile back, I featured the opening of the Luminescence exhibit at the Vancouver Aquarium. Luminescence unleashes the many ways that animals create and reflect light in nature.

Through several exhibits, the Aquarium hopes to answer questions to some of the phenomena of the creatures in our oceans. Bioluminescence is light produced by a chemical reaction which originates in an organism. When both luciferin (producing light) and luciferase (creating a reaction) combine, light is generated as result of the energy released through the combination.

For some animals bioluminescence works as a defense mechanism to startle or divert attention from predators, and can also help to recognize their mate. Lighting also aids in luring prey.

Fluorescence, on the other hand, occurs when light of one wavelength (or colour) is absorbed by a substance and is almost immediately re-emitted or transformed into another wavelength (or colour). Fluorescence requires a light source.

[Electric eel]

I returned over the weekend to check out the exhibits, watch Scuba Santa dive into the pool in search of missing Christmas bells, and experience The Polar Express in 4D.

[All aboard for a 4D experience]

[Scuba Santa]

I loved the experience of smelling hot chocolate and being in a winter scene complete with snowflakes. If you remember the animated film, this is a 15 minute version, captured with some pretty amazing effects.

Luminescence is accompanied by Jelly Swarm, an interactive light installation created by Tangible Interaction, in collaboration with origami artist Joseph Wu.

And while you’re at the Aquarium, don’t forget about the other great underwater creatures!

If you’re with small kids, you’ll want to coordinate your visit to see Scuba Santa at the Strait of Georgia exhibit. He makes an appearance on weekends at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm, and daily from December 19 to 24.

Luminescence runs through January 22, 2013.
Nov16

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Chevy Equinox: Tech Fun + Safety

Posted in: Automotive, Technology, Travel

My husband and I recently hit the road south with a Chevrolet Equinox for Taste of Tulalip, an indulgent weekend of food and wine in Western Washington.

As we started off on a crisp fall morning, we familiarized ourselves with the onboard tech features, starting with MyLink, the home base for all things music and Bluetooth. MyLink incorporates voice-activated features, and pairs well with a smart phone (we used an iPhone 4 to test it out). Once the system recognized my phone, I was able to access my phone contacts, and dial handsfree.

Often-used menu items can also be found right on the steering wheel.

XM Satellite Radio meant a huge variety of channels instantly accessible for our trip. Cue my 80′s college soundtrack brought back to life: First Wave! The quality sound system is fully customizable through the menu screen.

A USB port in the centre console was a well-thought out addition. We arrived with a fully charged phone battery!

The screen checks for surrounding concerns as you back up. The Equinox gauges braking distance based on speed while on the highway. If you drive too close to oncoming cars, a sensor will trigger a red crash icon indicating that you’re getting close to danger.

Another safety feature we liked was the side mirrors that have a blind spot incorporated into them. They are also heated to stay clear through frosty weather.

The liftgate can open fully, 3/4, or be set to manual operation, all from the car’s inside. There’s a button that will close the liftgate on its own. I do hope that Chevy will soon implement the kick sensor liftgate feature that can be found on the 2013 Ford Escape, another SUV that I recently had the chance to take out for a day, courtesy of Ford Canada.

[MyLink paired with a 3rd generation iPod Nano]

This is a fun, roomy car that’s easy to operate, full of standard features, and up to date on the tech front. A couple of things we could have benefitted from were a lighted mirror adjustment panel on the driver’s door side (to change the mirror’s angle in the dark), as well as front passenger seat options (the driver’s seat has 8-way power options with lumbar support while the passenger side only has two manual adjustments).

The base price for a 2013 Equinox is $33,775. Many thanks to Carter GM for letting us get our hands on an Equinox for the weekend.