January 20, 2010

 Liam Kristopher Reid is one of the cutest babies I've ever seen.  He has porcelain white chubby cheeks.  Thin strawberry blonde hair.  And a tiny grin that would melt your heart.  Unfortunately, unless he gets some help, he'll never see his mom, his dad, or his two older brothers smile back at him at him.  

He suffers from an eye condition called Persistant Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous (PHPV) that has left him blind in both eyes.  His parents, Kristina and Dave, are trying to raise enough money to pay for his multiple surgeries, which they hope will restore some sort of vision for their son.  Since OHIP will not cover the baby's multiple operations with a well-known PHPV expert in Detroit, the family is trying to spread the word about Liam's fight for sight online.  

When I first heard about this story, I emailed Kristina.  With a son close to Liam's age (turning 1 in 2010), I knew I had to do something to help. Aside from donating, one thing I knew the family needed was to reach out to an even bigger community on the web. Recognizing that there are other families out there who are also experimenting with social media to raise awareness about one cause or another, here are some quick and easy Twitter tips to get Kristina, and others, started.

1.  Set up your profile information with as much detail as possible.  Include a photo and a link to your cause's website.

2.  Update on a regular basis, in 140 characters or less (3 or 4 times a day is a good start).

3.  Follow, which means subscribe, to as many people in your community as possible.  If you're wondering who to follow, there are Twitter directories available, such as WeFollow.com.  

4.  Respond to all your replies and direct messages when possible.

5.  Get involved in conversations.  The best way to build up your online presence is to engage in conversation with others.

Finally, I'll be the first to admit that it does take a lot of time and effort to build up a community online.  However, as we watch how social media is helping to raise millions after the recent earthquake in Haiti, among many other important causes, it's fair to say that the time is well spent.  

Please join me in welcoming Liam's mom Kristina to Twitter, http://www.twitter.com/liamsfight, and if anyone has any other tweeting questions leave me a comment here. 

Labels/Tags: Amber Mac, tech mummy, twitter, liam reid, phpv, persistant hyperplastic primary vitreous

Posted by AmberM at 17:37:25 View Comments | Click Here to Comment

January 04, 2010

One of the biggest tech headlines in Canada in 2009 (well, at least one that affects pretty much every multi-tasking Mom in town), is new laws banning the use of hand-held devices while driving.  Most recently, British Columbia outlawed the use of phones altogether while operating a motor vehicle. 

However, there are still few provinces, including Ontario, that allow you to talk and drive, as long as you're doing it with a hands-free device.  Now if you try using the headset that came in the box with your phone, chances are you're probably experiencing terrible audio quality, worse than an 8-track tape ramping up in your car on a cold winter day (yup, I really do remember this bulky technology!).

Over the past few years, I've tested out many Bluetooth headsets, which are dandy little gadgets that link up wirelessly with your phone so you can keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.  Plantronics, Motorola, and BlueAnt all make great devices, keeping in mind that if you choose a model from one of these companies you'll have to spend around $100 for quality features, such as voice controls, noise cancellation, and a comfy fit. 

When Erica Ehm tweeted me with a request to write about the best headsets on the market, I initially thought about writing a thorough review of three or five of the top sellers.  When I thought about how busy most of you ladies (and men) are, I decided to simplify my suggestion. 

There is a wonderful little accessory called the Jawbone Prime EARCANDY Bluetooth Headset that makes hands-free chatting fun, or at least crisp and clear.  Although it costs approximately $140, which is a bit more than you absolutely have to pay for a good headset, it's worth the extra dollars.  

The Jawbone offers up great noise cancellation, including wind noise reduction, voice amplification, and a stylish design.  Also, the battery charges back to a full 100%  in less than an hour (lasting for approx. 4.5 hours of talk time).  Oh, and I hate to get all girlie on you, but this device is available in four different fashionable colours.   

If you want to pick one up, they're available online in Canada at the Apple Store, among other retailers (but keep in mind this device wasn't designed for the iPhone, it will work with any Bluetooth phone). 

I can't say how long we'll be able to continue talking on our phones while driving, but if you do make car calling a habit, hands-free is the way to go.  Stay safe!

Labels/Tags: Amber Mac, tech mummy, earwear, bluetooth, jawbone prime earcandy headset

Posted by AmberM at 22:23:41 View Comments | Click Here to Comment

Amber - as a BC reader, your blog has confused me a little. Your comment, "...Most recently, British Columbia outlawed the use of phones altogether while operating a motor vehicle." I do believe that BC has ruled against the use of hand-held devices while driving, not the use of hand-held and hands-free devices. The exception to this is for "new" drivers - all new drivers are banned from using any hands-free, AND any hand-held device. Can you clarify? My Google research tells me it's just hand-held devices that are banned for experienced drivers, not hand-held AND hands-free. Thanks.

Angela Herron, Richmond (Vancouver), BC

• PAGE
• 1
• 2
• 3