Top: Time e-reader, photo credit: Sports Illustrated. Middle: Skiff e-reader. Bottom: iPad, image courtesy of Apple
With the rise of the public’s expectation of free internet content, the world of newspapers, magazines and books has struggled to make pace – and break even – with technology. However, innovation is happening and ushering in some of the most dynamic tech products since the unveiling of the iPod: new and improved e-readers, interactive devices appealing to a new generation of readers. Three in particular have caught our eye.
Time Inc.’s magazine tablet, unlike Amazon’s Kindle, is demonstrated as bright and filled with cool virtual technology. Unlike the static content of paper mags, the gadget allows publishers to pack in behind-the-scenes images and video, while also giving the reader the freedom to rearrange and dig deeper into content to their liking. Advertisements, no longer locked in a freeze-frame, can also come to life: a Weber ad, for example, features not only the page print, but video clips to accompany it. The Wonderfactory, has helped create a unbelievable video demo of the Time offering, which can be seen here.
Another soon to be released e-reader, the Skiff, is about the size of a magazine and will properly host magazines and newspapers, though only in black and white at this point. It is however remarkably thin, completely shatter resistant, and flexible. Its resolution surpasses other e-readers, and pages turn instantly at the swipe of a finger. Content can be loaded quickly via the Sprint 3G network, WiFi or mini-port, and there are 4 gigs of memory built into the device. Its battery power will last for about a week’s worth of reading. The Skiff also offers a cool search feature, allowing readers to scan for specific terms throughout the gadget’s contents or in one specific article.
Finally, the Apple iPad was announced just yesterday and will begin shipping in March. With a 9.7 (diagonal) inch screen, specially-made Apple processor and the remarkable touch screen interface found on the iPhone, this e-reader will be hard to beat. Apple announced a third store as well (iTunes and the App store being 1 & 2) – the iBookstore. For more photos and specs, go here. Starting price $499.
By now you’ve had a few weeks to test out your New Year’s resolutions. How’s it going? If you’ve already given up, consider looking at your year and goals from a larger perspective. We interviewed Blake Howard, Creative Director at Matchstic, an Atlanta-based brand identity firm, about a personal application to branding.
We’re all familiar with “brands” in the corporate context but what is a personal brand?
We live in a branded world full of swooshes, apples, and alligators and while many of us think of brands associated with large corporations, like Nike, Apple, and Starbucks, whether we recognize it or not, we all have a “personal brand.” A brand is simply the perception or gut feeling someone has about a product, service, company or person. People, at this very moment, have a perception of you. Right or wrong, good or bad, it’s there. The words you use, how you spend money, your eye contact during a conversation, how you handle conflict, the friends you choose, the art on your wall, what you post on Twitter or Facebook, the combinations of all these elements make the unique brand of you.
So is our personal brand simply who we are and what defines us?
Once you’re conscious that you have a brand in the minds of others, you can then take steps to align that perception with who you truly are and with your beliefs. Notice that we’re not talking about creating a false self or a façade in order to please others, rather, it’s about embracing your true self and living your life consistently. Clearly knowing what you stand for and matching that with how you live makes you truly unique – that is branding.
How do we work on that consistency in our lives?
We have a saying around our office: “You are what you Tweet.” The idea here is that all of us are constantly sending messages (even if we don’t literally use Twitter) that create a perception about us. So we should be thoughtful about what we’re broadcasting and what this says about us. Let’s say you use Twitter as your official complaint box, over time you’ll probably be known as a negative person. Many of us don’t realize the power of the messages we send to our family, friends and acquaintances. Each word is a part of forming our personal brand so following this “Tweet” rule, you begin to realize that the basis of building a brand is consistency.
How do we make this about substance and not a superficial façade of ourselves?
A brand must be about authenticity. People will eventually know if we are trying to present ourselves as something we really aren’t. I had to realize that my personal brand is about being who I was created to be, embracing it, and learning how to grow in that direction. It’s about me being authentic to who I am (and who I’m not), aligning my actions with my values and then living consistently each day. This kind of focus is how we simplify our lives and create the personal brand we want.
For many of us, food is an integral part of the holidays and nostalgic family gatherings. But after all the dinner parties, cocktails and office gift baskets it’s easy find yourself five pounds heavier come January. We asked a health expert for some basic tips for how to enjoy the holidays with a healthy balance.
Holiday Party – Fuel Up
A ravenous person is rarely a rational person. Make sure to eat a protein-packed breakfast and lunch before a holiday party to avoid over-eating. Also, to prevent the mid-party sinking spell, avoid the sugar-loaded drinks like eggnog and instead, opt for red wine or a basic mixed drink like a vodka and soda.
Christmas Feast – The Five Minute Rule
A typical Christmas dinner has around 3,000 calories. That’s more than the average person needs in a day. Go ahead and enjoy that traditional experience but eat slowly and savor the meal. Also, steer clear of eating two days worth of calories in one sitting by waiting five minutes before you go back for seconds. You’ll likely discover that you’re actually satisfied and can wait until the next day’s leftovers for more.
The Office – Wait Until The Afternoon
Your break room has probably already been converted into a holiday gift basket showcase. A piece of fudge, a sugar cookie and a couple of cheese straws can push the size of a typical meal. Wait until the afternoon to check out the sampler and look for something like roasted almonds.
Top to Bottom: Anthony’s Grab + Go; Art of Shaving Full Size Kit; Davidoff Cigars; Priority Pass; Freestyle CX; Joby Gorillamobile & Gorillatorch
Coffee
Garden & Gun recently mentioned Athens, Georgia-based 1000 Faces Coffee in their “Talk of the South” section, praising the company’s direct trade policy – company owner Benjamin Myers buys beans from small coffee growers in Latin America, Indonesia and Africa – and its high quality, small batch, roasted coffee. Buy a bag for $10-$12 a pound, or sign someone up for the company’s subscription service – 3 one pound bags per month, at $42 per month.
Beer
Beer of the Month’s four membership plans include rare domestic brews, beers from international breweries, collectors’ varieties, and a subscription that combines international and domestic brews. BMC doesn’t skimp on the service – the plan starts with twelve packs for $20 and goes up from there. If you’re buying for a couple and the better half isn’t a beer fan, combine the beer membership with one of the company’s other offerings for monthly wine, cheese, chocolate, flower or cigar memberships.
Stationery
As distinguished as it is classy, letterpress stationery makes the same brow-raising impression as a hand-engraved invitation. Two solid stationery sources for this gift are The Mandate Press and Twig & Fig, who both offer striking and sometimes whimsical designs. Mandate produces 250 sharp-looking business cards for just $95, and you can supply your own design, and works on a client by client basis for other paper goods. Twig & Fig has more “off the rack” options for personal stationery and can be found at many paper stores.
Grooming
If you have a friend of family member who travels a lot, check out the high-quality Anthony’s grab-n-go grooming kit. Stocked with 3 oz. bottles of everything a guy could need, from shaving cream to facial cleanser, and stored in a clear, FAA-approved bag, this $35 gift is the all-in-one package. Or, visit The Art of Shaving for shaving creams and accessories that put drugstore options to shame. We recommend the Sandalwood shaving cream and Pure Badger Brush.
Cigars
For the aspiring cigar connoisseur, give an education and hands on enjoyment with a Davidoff variety box. The company’s twelve-cigar package aims to teach casual smokers about the subtle differences in tobacco blends; the $185 box includes detailed tasting notes and strength ratings.
VIP Pass
A great gift for the frequent traveler is the Priority Pass, a VIP card that allows access to more than 600 cushy airport lounges in more than 100 countries. Rather than having to pay hundreds (and sometimes thousands) for a ticket that grants a VIP room, Priority Pass card holders can enjoy first class perks, including wi-fi access, complimentary snacks and drinks, and a relaxing atmosphere, for $99 to $300, depending on the plan selected.
Multi-Tool
Designed with campers, divers, MacGyvers and bikers in mind, Leatherman’s Freestyle CX pocket tool contains a stainless steel, clip point knife, needlenose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutters and hard-wire cutters in compact form. Easily opened with just one hand, the tool includes a locking blade, a removable pocket clip and comes with a 25 year warranty. Time Magazine recently named it one of the year’s best not-to-be-missed gadgets. $72.
Heat Vest
Originally designed for surfers, the Quicksilver Heat Vest offers Southern outdoorsmen just what they need to hunt, hike, ski, fish or run in cooler weather. The vest, which uses infra-red technology, delivers heat to vital organs while helping the body maintain core temperature. It comes with a rechargeable battery that guarantees hours of warmth, car and wall chargers, and it features waterproof heating pads with high and low heat settings.
Tie Case
Col. Littleton offers accouterments for men with classic American tastes. Their khaki and leather tri-fold tie case guarantees crease-proof traveling for up to a dozen ties — the perfect accessory for a wedding weekend when there are several dressy events to attend, or for a week’s worth of business meetings. $125; for $9 extra, the case can be engraved.
Mad Men
It’s one of the best shows on TV so if you or someone you know isn’t watching Mad Men yet it’s time to catch up on season 1 and 2. The addictive show tells the story of a group of Madison Avenue advertising executives in the early 1960s and captures that era of society through complex characters, brilliant art direction and compelling dialog.
Tripods
The Joby Gorillapod – that leggy, plastic flexible tripod for traveling camera toters – has recently morphed into two other like-kind creations, just in time for the holiday season. Now, in addition to its functional travel tripod, the company offers mobile device stands for iPhones and other handheld devices for easier hands-free communication. The GorillaTorch, a flashlight with magnetic feet and flexible legs, can lend light to any dark area — users can attach it to the inside of a car’s hood, or use it as an overhead light in a wilderness tent.
Image courtesy of How Publishing
There’s no shortage of books for men on manners and style but often these are either so old school they are pretentiously irrelevant or they try to be so modern and macho they seem forced and synthetic. To avoid these two extremes, our pick is the practical and philosophical “The Art of Manliness.” Taking a holistic view of a man, this book doesn’t just address the basic skills of a gentleman but goes into the virtues behind the actions. Themes of loyalty, respect, integrity and courage are apparent as you discover how to tip, ask out a woman properly, clean a fish, teach your kid to ride a bike, give a memorable speech, engage in witty conversation, buy a suit, treat a snakebite, etc. Filled with illustrations and insightful quotes, this tool will help make sure your manhood is defined by more than just your age. $11.55
