Learning about Malibu safety features at ‪#‎bostonautoshow‬

Learning about Malibu safety features. #bostonautoshow

Posted by Steve Garfield on Thursday, January 14, 2016

Image courtesy Chevrolet.

Have teenagers, they are going to hate the Malibu safety features:

Malibu is the first vehicle in the industry to offer a built-in system to help encourage safe driving habits and let parents know how their teenager drove the vehicle. By inputting a PIN into your Chevrolet MyLink† display, available Teen Driver technology† can enable a whole host of features including:
• Muting audio when front seat occupants aren’t wearing their safety belts
• Giving audible and visual warnings when the vehicle is traveling over predetermined speeds
• Set limits on music volume
• Informing you if safety features like available Forward Collision Alert or Lane Departure Warning were triggered.

Big brother is here!

Learning about Jeep and seeing the Jeep Overland reveal at #bostonautoshow

Jeep Overland reveal at #bostonautoshow

Posted by Steve Garfield on Thursday, January 14, 2016

It was interesting to learn about the Jeep lineup, especially how good they are in the snow, which we have none of right now. ;-)

Bill Griffith of the Boston Globe talked about what we saw during the press preview in his article, Insider’s guide: What to look for at the New England Auto Show:

Manufacturers love to see us purchase well-optioned versions of our favorite vehicles.

And, in years between redesigns, nothing freshens up a model lineup like a fancy new trim level.

Jeep is bringing one by offering a premium Overland version of the 2016 Cherokee midsize SUV, a vehicle that saw a 23 percent sales jump in 2015.

“The new Cherokee Overland model is a direct response to consumers looking for benchmark 4x4 capability that only Jeep can offer, in a stunning, more luxurious package loaded with premium amenities,” said Mike Manley, head of Jeep brand for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

In case you need a reminder, the Cherokee also comes in Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk models. Features? Call this new one loaded. An optional Technology Group offers pre-collision braking and lane-keeping assist.

Learning about the new Chrysler Pacifica at #bostonautoshow

Image: Pacifica

Chrysler Pacifica at #bostonautoshow

Posted by Steve Garfield on Thursday, January 14, 2016

Watch video on Facebook.

I'm not in the market for a minivan, but this 2017 Chrysler Pacifica has some very cool features including:

- Redesigned Stow ‘n Go seating and storage system, which is easier than ever to use with the innovative Stow ‘n Go Assist
- New Stow ‘n Vac system offers most powerful vacuum in segment for quick and easy cleaning

I was very impressed with how the back seat folded into the floor.





Also, a vacuum! Cool. No AWD though.

Images courtesy Chrysler.

Learning about the Ford Fund at #bostonautoshow with Gerry Miles

Learning about the Ford Fund at #bostonautoshow with Gerry Miles

Posted by Steve Garfield on Thursday, January 14, 2016

Ford Press release:

FORD MOTOR COMPANY EXPANDS HUNGER-RELIEF PROGRAMS IN NEW ENGLAND AS PART OF BROADER COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
Ford Motor Company and its dealers are investing $2 million over five years to address hunger in New England

Ford contributions include a new Transit van for The Greater Boston Food Bank, and Ford Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) teen driving programs in Boston and Hartford, Connecticut

Innovative community outreach programs are part of Ford’s growing community presence across the U.S.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass., Oct. 15, 2015 – Ford Motor Company is expanding its commitment in New England by launching a new philanthropic initiative with local dealers that will include $2 million to fight hunger across the region.

Ford Motor Company Fund, the charitable arm of Ford Motor Company, will provide support, including vehicles, to 10 food banks in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont over five years. Ford is working with Feeding America®, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief organization, in connection with its outreach in New England.

“More than 12 percent of those living in the New England area lack reliable access to the food and nutrition needed to thrive,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “As part of our commitment to the communities we serve, we are stepping up our efforts in the fight against hunger.”*

Vella made the announcement at an event with local dealers, community leaders, and food bank representatives where Ford delivered the keys to a new Ford Transit van to The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB). GBFB will use the van to help deliver food to individuals facing hunger in eastern Massachusetts, becoming part of a national network of Ford Transits the company launched six years ago to meet hunger needs.

Over the last decade, Ford has helped provide more than 100 additional vehicles to Feeding America member food banks. These vehicles enable food banks to collect food and grocery donations received from retail stores, farmers and manufacturers and get it to people facing hunger.

“The support from Feeding America and Ford Motor Company Fund is extremely valuable to The Greater Boston Food Bank and our mission, which is to ‘End Hunger Here,’” said Cheryl Schondek, vice president of Food Acquisition and Supply Chain at GBFB. “As we enter the busiest time of year, this partnership will help us distribute more nutritious food and fresh produce throughout eastern Massachusetts.”

Last year, GBFB distributed 54 million pounds of healthy food. This year it plans to distribute even more to help the one in nine residents of eastern Massachusetts who struggle to have enough to eat. Other recipients of the new hunger-relief grants include the following Feeding America member food banks:

Connecticut: Connecticut Food Bank, East Haven; Foodshare, Bloomfield;
Maine: Good Shepherd Food Bank, Auburn;
Massachusetts: The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Hatfield; Worcester County Food Bank, Inc., Shrewsbury;
New Hampshire: New Hampshire Food Bank, Manchester;
New York: Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, Latham;
Vermont: Vermont Foodbank, Barre;
Rhode Island: Rhode Island Community Food Bank, Providence

Ford announced the latest philanthropic collaboration with its dealers at an event that also brought the award-winning Ford DSFL program to New England. Hundreds of teen drivers from the area will experience a safe driving course that puts them behind the wheel with professional instructors. Including today’s new programs, Ford and the Ford Fund have invested more than $12 million in hunger-relief, education and other New England community service programs over the past 10 years.

Ford’s expanded investments in the New England region are part of Ford Fund’s Operation Better World initiative. Launched in 2008, the Operation Better World framework enables the Ford Fund, Ford dealers and other groups to collaborate on a strategic approach to philanthropy and more effectively meet community needs. Including New England, the Ford Fund has launched Operation Better World programs in 25 cities and regions around the U.S.

Looking at the new Prius with Toyota at ‪#‎BostonAutoShow‬

Live with Toyota at #BostonAutoShow

Posted by Steve Garfield on Thursday, January 14, 2016

Images courtesy Toyota.



Watch video on Facebook.

From Toyota Press Release:

After selling more than 3.5 million hybrids worldwide and helping steer the industry toward hybridization, the fourth-generation 2016 Prius serves as a new disruptor. The fresh version of this global green icon takes the hybrid concept further than ever with a striking design, greater ride comfort and improved fuel economy. Fuel economy ratings have risen to 58 mpg city / 53 mpg highway / 56 mpg combined, thanks to lighter weight and further optimized aerodynamics.

New to the RAV4 family for 2016, the Higher levels of driving satisfaction and refinement will reward the Prius faithful and surprise those new to the move

Boston Auto Show 2016 Photo Album

Click through to look at all the photos.


New England International Auto Show
JANUARY 14-18, 2016
BOSTON CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTER

Photos taken with Samsung #NX1

What's the Best Webcam to Get for a Laptop Computer

I’d get the newer (2013) one below…

Logitech C920 has been the best and it has a tripod mount.

NEW
Looks like Logitech have a new one, the Pro Webcam: The Logitech Webcam C930e.



Here are the specs:

PRO WEBCAM
Ultra Wide Angle HD Webcam
For desktop video meetings, live feeds, webinars and more

LIST PRICE: $ 129.99
The Ultra Wide Angle webcam that brings pro-quality HD video and stereo audio to desktop video meetings.

• Full HD 1080p video calling (up to 1920 x 1080 pixels) 720p HD video calling (up to 1280 x 720 pixels) with supported clients
• 90 degree field of view
• H.264/SVC video compression
• Supports H.264 1080p for Skype® for Business, along with optimizations for best call performance in single or multiparty HD video.
• Zoom to 4X in 1080p
• Optional light application for control of pan, tilt and zoom
• ZEISS® lens certification
• Autofocus
• External privacy shutter
• Rightlight™ 2 Technology for clear image in various lighting environments, even low light
• Built-in dual stereo mics
• Automatic low-light correction
• Hi-Speed USB 2.0 certified (USB 3.0 ready)
• Tripod-ready universal clip fits laptops, LCD or CRT monitors

From Amazon.com, The Logitech Webcam C930e:

The latest technology for fluid full HD video calls
First 1080p HD webcam with on-camera video processing

Make a professional impression in vivid full HD video at up to a smooth 30 frames per second—without taxing your PC processing power. UVC H.264 encoding technology frees up bandwidth by putting video processing within the camera.

Easily focus in on details
Pan, tilt and zoom

With the ability to digitally pan, tilt and zoom, you can easily focus on visuals and presentations with the highest level of HD video detail. (To control experience, downloadable software application may be required.)

Extended 90-degree field of view
Widest-view business webcam

Now your video meetings can easily include whiteboard presentations or product demos. With an extended 90-degree field of view your clients and colleagues can clearly see you and whatever you’re presenting. And when the webcam is not in use, a convenient privacy screen covers the lens for added privacy and security.

Certified for Lync and Skype
Compatible with most video conferencing apps
Plug-and-play deployment

Enjoy easy USB connectivity to PCs or Macs and seamless compatibility with your familiar video apps—certified for Microsoft Lync 2013 and Skype, compatible with most UC and web conferencing applications, and supports H.264 1080p for Lync 2013.

Automatically adjusts for poor lighting
Autofocus. Auto light correction.

Smooth autofocus keeps your video image razor sharp, even in close ups. Logitech RightLight 2 technology automatically adjusts for low light or backlit situations so you’re always seen in just the right light.

Buy it at Amazon.com (affiliate link)


Logitech C930e 960-000971 USB 2.0 1920 x 1080 Video Webcam

Stay tuned for a hands on review. Here's PCMAG a review from 2013.

REVIEW: XShot Deluxe Selfie Kit With Remote

Image: XShot Deluxe Selfie Kit with Remote

I got an XShot Deluxe Selfie Kit with Remote for review. I've been a fan of XShot Camera Extenders for a long time and wondered why they didn't jump on the Selfie Stick craze. Well now they have, and just in time sine all the promo selfie sticks that I've gotten for free have broken. All of them. They were all cheaply made.

Now that XShot has a Selfie Stick with Remote, I've got one that looks a lot sturdier than the cheap imports.

XShot Deluxe Selfie Kit with Remote has some impressive specs:

Six brilliant colors in fully anodized aluminum construction.
Incredibly light and compact design perfect to take anywhere.
Quickly opens and stays in position at any length.
Includes Bluetooth®-compatible remote shutter.
Includes XShot premium phone holder for iPhone® or Android.™
Extends reach by 31” / 79 cm & closes to 8” / 20cm.

You can also get the Basic 2-Button Bluetooth remote and XShot Basic Phone Holder separately.

SETUP
My iPhone fit the holder very easily and the holder attached the the XSHot camera extender. The dial that you use to tighten the holder is plastic. The complete package is $29.95.





BLUETOOTH CONNECTION
You turn the route power on, then turn Bluetooth on in the iPhone settings. The iPhone finds the remote and adds it as a keyboard. This allows it to take photos using the large CAMERA IOS button. The other button is labeled Android.



TAKING PHOTOS
Press the CAMERA IOS button. Simple.



SHARING VIA SOCIAL MEDIA
After taking the photo, you can share as usual with social media. I shared on Flickr, I know old school, and when I tried to enter a title, my iPhone keyboard didn't pop up. I figured that it's because the Selfie Stick button took over the keyboard. So I turned Bluetooth off and was able to enter text with the iPhone keyboard.

CONCLUSION
If you've already got an XSHOT camera extender, the Bluetooth remote and phone holder would be a nice addition to your kit. If you want the whole package, this is a reasonable way to go without the fear of having it break in a week. The phone holder and attachment hardware looks very well made.

It seems like selfies and selfie sticks will be with us for a while, except for certain museums that have a well placed fear of people damaging fine art. If you want to experiment with a selfie stick, the XShot Deluxe Selfie Kit With Remote is a good way to go.

Buy on Amazon.com (Affiliate Link)


XShot Deluxe Selfie Kit, Blue Color (with Remote)

View the full XShot product line on Amazon.com

My Three Words for 2016: PLAY, FUN, and SURPRISE

I've been doing Chris Brogan's THREE WORDS exercise for New Years for a while now. What's ended up working for me is keeping the same words year to year.

It's become my mantra.

These three words help me focus on what's important to me.

Here they are:

PLAY

Carol and I are Social Media Travelers. Brands and Destinations have us share their story in real time via social media.

That includes sharing our experiences using popular tools like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, while we are expieriencing the brand or destination.

We are always experimenting with how best to tell stories.



Some fun examples from this past year are:

Superbowl XLIX as a #VIPwithGMC

Review: Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island Bahamas

Day Trip to Martha's Vineyard

Boston Public Market

Boston Harborwalk Photowalk with #NX1 for #MPB2B

ROW 34 is a Fantastic Oyster Bar in Fort Point, Boston

Bordeaux: Chateau Reverdi Wine Tasting and Blending Experience

Here's a Bordeaux Hotel for you: Best Western

Sonoma County Tourism

Great Night at Fenway

Please contact me if you'd like to tell a real-time story about your brand or destination.

FUN

I only choose to work with people who are fun. I enjoy helping fun people and companies grow. I'm good at saying NO. If a project isn't going to be fun, I won't do it. ;-)

I had a lot of fun helping my portfolio companies grow this year.

Boomsauce. Loving it! Cheers. @lordhobobrewing

A photo posted by Steve Garfield (@stevegarfield) on Dec 29, 2015 at 2:57pm PST

Mercedes-AMG Elite Center. First in the US. Come by to try it out.

A video posted by Steve Garfield (@stevegarfield) on Dec 15, 2015 at 12:30pm PST

Working with the Mercedes-Benz of Burlington and Lord Hobo Brewing Company social media teams to help guide their storytelling was fullfiling.

I had lots of fun test driving some new Mercedes-Benz cars, the S550 for example, and look forward to what's new in 2016. If you are in the market for a new car, please contact Sean King at the dealership and tell him Steve sent you. You have a friend in the business. ;-)

I also enjoyed taste-testing the new batches of Lord Hobo's Boomsauce throughout the year and think it's gotten to the point where it exceeds some of the best reviewed IPAs. Look for it and Steal this Can in a store or bar near you, (New England States, Colorado and NYC for now), and let me know what you think. I'm excited for the rollout of new beer styles this year including a Session IPA and a Wheat beer. Also, visit the brewery at 5 Draper Street in Woburn for some FREE tastings.

For 2016 I'm going to do more than just go the the driving range. I am going to get out on the golf course again.

SURPRISE

I'm excited for what's next and open to new adventures. Last year's biggest surprise was being invited to the Super Bowl as a guest of GMC. Let's see if anything can beat that this year. ;-) Go Pats!

Do you choose three words to start the year? I'd love to hear them.

City of Boston - Online Real Estate Payments

Happy 2016.

The year just kicked off in a good way from the City of Boston online payments system.

For a while now, the payments system would send an email with my real estate bill. To view the status, you'd have to log on and take a look to see your amount due.

View Online
It used to look like this.


Image: Old email

"A new invoice is now available to view online.

City of Boston has implemented a convenient online billing and payment system for you to access and pay your bills. Simply click on the View Invoice or Pay Now button to get started. You can review and print your invoice, pay electronically now, or schedule the date your invoice will be paid.

You may also access your invoice via our Customer Portal at https://www.invoicecloud.com/cityofboston."

No action is required
Today, 1/1/2016, I got a new bill notification email that states right in the email that my bill is already paid and no action is required.


Image: New Email

"NO ACTION NEEDED
Your account is currently enrolled in our auto pay program.

Your payment will automatically be made on 2/1/2016. Should you need to update or change the credit card or bank account information associated with your auto payment, please log into the customer portal. Note that you should receive one more payment reminder approximately 3 days prior to the automatic payment."

Thank you City of Boston. I've been asking for this change for a long time.

2016 is looking up!

Kerry O'Shea Gorgone's Disney Travel Tips

I'm looking into a trip to Orlando and Disney. My friend, and marketing and social media law expert, Kerry O'Shea Gorgone shared her tips her tips with me:


Okay, here's what I've got for Disney Travel tips.

Disney Experience App

First, download the Disney Experience app

You want that. You can link up your companions' passes and yours, so you can book FastPasses for rides, dining reservations, and stuff like that for everyone.

The scoop on FastPasses

Speaking of which, here's the scoop on FastPasses

They let you come back at a pre-set time so you don't have to wait in the standby line for rides. If you plan these right, they can save you a ton of time.

Are you staying on Disney property?
If so, you can book dining at the sit-down restaurants up to 6 months in advance (and you totally should, because the sit-down restaurants book up fast). You also get to book FastPasses for rides up to 60 days in advance. Again, definitely do it, because those go, too.

Magic Bands

People staying at a Disney hotel also get a Magic Band (awesome RFID bracelet you can link to your passes. It even links to your credit card for in-park purchases.

Extra magic hours
Guests also enjoy "extra magic hours," when they get to enter the parks early or leave late, so you get more park time than the plebes.

All the perks of staying "on property" at Walt Disney World are here

Attraction Tips
The Animal Kingdom's gotten much better over the years, with a roller coaster now. The Kilamanjaro Safari's the most popular ride, so hit it first thing in
the a.m., when it's faster to get on. Cooler temperatures mean you'll see more animals, too. I like to go on twice, because it's different every time! Take a Fast Pass for it, then go on through the regular line. By the time your first safari's over, you'll be able to use your FastPass!

At Disney's Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Mania is probably the most popular attraction, go straight for a "Fast Pass." That way, you can get on without too much of a wait later, although Fast Passes run out for that one pretty early.

It's a fun ride, but not worth waiting 90 minutes, which some families do! At Epcot, "Soarin'," a gentle ride that simulates a gliding experience, is the family-friendly ride that books up fastest. That's the Fast Pass to grab on your way in there.

For Magic Kingdom, the latest ride is the Seven Dwarves Mine Train. The wait is always insane. If you'er staying on property, this should DEFINITELY be one of the FastPasses you book in advance. Otherwise, decide how important it is to you, because it's a long-ass wait.

About Kerry O’Shea Gorgone, J.D./M.B.A.

Kerry is a lawyer, podcaster and speaker. former college professor, Kerry develops training programs for MarketingProfs, and has addressed audiences at industry conferences including the B2B Marketing Forum, the Social Brand Forum, Vocus Demand Success, and FLBlogCon. She has also spoken at specialty conferences including Bloggy Boot Camp and the Type-A Parent Conference, and frequently conducts private workshops for clients.

Listen to her Markerting Profs podcast.

JetBlue Airways Best Fare Finder

JetBlue Airways Best Fare Finder.
Have you ever clicked "My Dates are flexible" when looking for a flight on JetBlue? I usually don't, but today I did and found this.



It's a cool calendar showing fares for the whole month. Very nice user interface.

4 Tips for Great Webcam Video

4 Tips for Great Webcam Video



1. Get to the Point.
Don't rehash 'last week's show' or get sidetracked.

2. Listen for Great Sound.
Sound is the most important part of video. Use an external mic if you have one. It makes a difference.

3. Look for the Light.
Additional light is good. Light up the background too. Don't sit with a window behind you, have the window behind the camera, shedding light on the subject, you!

4. Position the Camera at Eye Level.
Look me in the eye. When recording yourself talking, or live streaming an interview or broadcast, raise the camera to eye level. If you have a laptop with an inbuilt camera, don't leave it sitting on your desk, raise it up with something like a stack of books.

4 Tips for Great Webcam Video 1. Get to the Point. Don't rehash 'last week's show' or get sidetracked.2. Listen for...

Posted by Steve Garfield on Tuesday, December 22, 2015

I have given up on Massachusetts Health Connector

It's December 26, 2015 and I have given up on Massachusetts Health Connector. They ate my payment. They took my money (11/12) and my insurance provider has not seen the payment (12/26).



Today, I paid my new insurance provider directly.
I'm going to just have to wait and see what happens to that payment that got eaten by the Mass Health Connector.
Happy New Year.
cc Charlie Baker

UPDATE:
Within minutes of making this payment DIRECTLY to my new health insurance provider, I got an email confirmation from them. That's how you do it.

UPDATE 12/28:
My DIRECT credit card payment to my insurance provider was received on 12/26 and posted to my account on 12/27. My Balance Due is now $0.00.

It's December 26, 2015 and I have given up on Massachusetts Health Connector. They ate my payment. They took my money...

Posted by Steve Garfield on Saturday, December 26, 2015

Star Wars The Force Awakens Figurine Playset Includes the Rey You Were Looking For

Star Wars The Force Awakens Figurine Playset includes: Flametrooper, Captain Phasma, Kylo Ren, Rey, BB-8, Finn



Star Wars The Force Awakens Figurine Playset (Affiliate Link)

Review: Typewriter: The Book

Review: Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island Bahamas

Image: Courtesy Atlantis Resort

Best Beer Bar in Amsterdam: Arendsnest Proeflokaal

Best Beer Bar in Amsterdam: Arendsnest Proeflokaal
Seriously, just go here. Inside, outside, it's all great. Plus, the bar tender will help you choose.

Massachusetts Health Connector Payment Portal Is Not Amazon.com

I just went through the sign up process for health insurance through the Massachusetts Health Connector. After enrolling, you have to make your first payment to complete the application process. You make a payment on the Payment Portal, a separate system from the enrollment system.

The Massachusetts Health Connector Payment Portal Is Not Amazon.com

There are issues. Many of them can be solved. Most deal with user interface, but the biggest problem is that the Payment Portal is a separate system from the enrollment system.

Massachusetts Health Connector: Enrollment System - BALANCE DUE
On the Massachusetts Health Connector enrollment system, after you place your order for health insurance and are presented with your BALANCE DUE, you have to go to the Payment Portal and enter everything in by hand.



That's not right.

It's a computer system.

Massachusetts Health Connector: PAYMENT PORTAL

Enrollment ID
If you choose to enter in your Enrollment ID, you have to enter it in without the "RefID_" prefix. Why is that even displayed?



Billing Information
Maybe since it's the first time through, the Payment Portal does not know what my balance due is, so you need to key it in to the Pay Other Amount field.

It's not easy. There is a default 00.00 amount there. I went over to the Massachusetts Health Connector and COPIED my amount due, and then tried to PASTE it into the Pay Other Amount field. It didn't work. I ended up re-keying it in.

Next up was Checking Account Number and Bank Routing Number
When you enter numbers into these fields they are hidden from view. You can't see what you are typing. Over to the right you can see the last four digits of the number you typed, after you type it in, but there's no way to turn off the hidden characters.



Give us the option to display what is typed.

Make Another Payment
If you've chosen both a health plan and a dental plan, at this point you want to make another payment.

First off, why can't I pay both dental and health with one payment? Again, it's a computer system that should know how to apply a total amount to individual payments.

Amazon does it with multiple vendors on the same order.

When you Make Another Payment you are back at square one and have to key EVERYTHING back in again. Enrollment ID, Billing Information, email, etc...

It would be nice it all your info was retained and all you had to do was enter in the new PLAN TYPE and AMOUNT.

Conclusion
It would be nice to complete enrollment on the Massachusetts Health Connector, then be able to click to pay the total balance due, having the system distribute the total between Health and Dental.

Boston Globe Links to A Website Online, But Not in the Print Edition

I'm happy to see the Boston Globe linking to a website that's featured in an article.

City Hall unveils StartHub ‘homepage’ for startups, partnering with IBM:

City Hall’s plan to attract and support startups is getting some more firepower.

On Tuesday, Mayor Martin J. Walsh unveiled StartHub, a website designed to serve as a homepage for technology entrepreneurs in Boston.

StartHub will feature information about the city’s technology scene, including a list of incubators and co-working offices, events calendar, industry news, and “a curated stream” of Boston-based companies and investors.

But when the article is printed in the newspaper, it needs to print the URL too, http://www.starthub.org


Image: Boston Globe StarHub Article with no link