Summer is the perfect time to plan a fun party. Check out these ideas to make your party fun and interactive!
Send an eVite! Customize your party invitation and evite your guests using this nifty tool and of course you can also send one through facebook!
Create a Photo Booth - Set up a backdrop and use your laptop and webcam to snap pics. Bonus: Use a photo printer to print the pix on the spot or just upload them to facebook and tag your friends for a memorable event!
Movie in the Back!- Entertain your party’s wall flowers with a flick on a projector set up in your back yard. Check out how it’s done here.
Make some Noise- Set up a room for playing Rock Band, Guitar Hero, DJ Hero etc. These are super fun and everyone can join in! Don’t forget to make space for a dance floor!
Serve Up Something Sweet- Geek treats are the perfect way to put a smile on your guests face! Super Mario cupcakes anyone? Check out all of the yummy examples here!
What ideas have you tried that made your party a blast?
Online dating certainly isn’t a new invention, but jobs to assist the busy (and sometimes lonely) men and women behind those dating profiles are. Virtual dating assistants are creating compelling profiles, writing those witty messages, and booking the dates. New online dating sites are continuing to crop up to cash in on the action. We want to know:
As texting becomes the primary mode of quick communication for many of us, it’s wise to know how to decipher texts in certain contexts and that’s especially true in the dating world.
Check out our 5 quick tips to understanding the message behind the text message when it comes to a new relationship.
Text:Hey, it was really great meeting you. I’m looking forward to getting together soon.Translation:This is a genuine text, however, beware if he/she asks you out over text too. Texting is good and convenient, but they should also know when to pick up the phone!
Text: Hi, how’s your day going? Translation: This means they are thinking of you and are most likely genuinely interested in you.
Text: Hey I had a great time last night – Translation: This means he/she likes you and is thinking about you a good amount in their day, just as long as it was you who was on the date with him/her!
Text: I really like you Translation: Run for the hills! If this is the first time this person is saying this to you, or if it’s only been a week or so, it shouldn’t be on a text message. This person may be a bit needy, you should determine if that’s what your interested in getting involved in now.
Text: What are you doing tonight? at 5:30 p.m. that day… Translation: Hey, my other plans fell through and I don’t want to sit home alone. If your new beau really likes you, they’ll plan your dates more in advance.
What’s the most ridiculous thing that has ever been sent to you in a text message?
The success of NetFlix has transformed the way many of us rent movies. As traditional movie rental companies such as Blockbuster continue to decline there’s even more competition in the forecast with the onset of streaming video rentals. Companies such as Apple, Amazon, Walmart and now Best Buy among others are quickly getting into the game. So what does this mean for you? Check out our quick breakdown of the features and prices of each as well as a benefit that may make the difference for you. Also, take our streaming poll!
CinemaNow (Best Buy) – The latest to join the pack, Best Buy offers HD streaming video currently for PC users only as well as through internet connected LG TV’s + Blu-Ray players, Xbox among others. Costs: $1.99 for TV episodes and $2.99 for regular movies and $3.99 for new releases as well as the ability to purchase movies anywhere from $9.95 to $19.99. Cool Factor: Ability to integrate all media components via Windows 7 Media Center instead of piecing together the good parts of Net Flix, Hulu and an Apple TV without space constraints through one unique interface.
NetFlix - HD Streaming available for both Mac and PC users as well as a plethora of other devices including gaming consoles, streaming players, internet connected TV’s + blu-ray players, DVR’s and more. Costs: Cheapest Plan: $4.99 / month for traditional DVD rental, (1) DVD out a time + 2 hours of streaming video. Best Deal: $8.99 /month includes traditional DVD rental, (1) DVD out a a time + unlimited streaming video. Cool Factor: Most already have a Netflix account and for $8.99 a month unlimited streaming, is an awesome deal! Plus they have an app for both the iPhone and iPad!
Apple iTunes - Available for both Mac and PC Users, HD Streaming is available for the iPad and Apple TV. Costs: $2.99 for regular movies and $3.99 for new releases + $1 for HD and purchase movies from $9.99 for older movies and $14.99 for new releases. Apple TV $229 + Apple iPad starts at $499. Cool Factor: Use your iPhone as your remote with a free app!
Amazon OnDemand Video - HD Streaming available for both Mac and PC users. Several devices can be used to access the service including gaming consoles, internet connected TV’s, Blu-Ray Players, DVR’s including TiVo and Roku and more. Cost: $2.99 for regular movies and $3.99 for new releases. TV: $1.99 per episode or buy an entire season for approximately $35. Cool Factor: Amazon’s “unboxed” feature allows you to watch movies when you’re not connected to the internet, this is very handy for constant travelers who don’t want to shell out additional dollars for WiFi!
Vudu (Recently purchased by Walmart) – Streaming HD available through an internet connected HDTV or Blu-Ray player. Costs: $2.99 for regular movies + $3.99 for new releases (more $ for HD, maximum is $6 a movie). Cool Factor(s): More HD titles to choose from (currently over 2,000!) + Free OnDemand Television!
You Tube – That’s right, YouTube is now in the rental business! Costs: TV episodes and movies are available for rent between $0.99 to $3.99 through Google Checkout. The content is diverse including SunDance films, documentaries, Bollywood and Anime. Downside: There is currently no easy way to transport the content to a mobile device or TV, so grab your laptop and enjoy the show.
Hulu – This awesome free streaming service allows you access on any computer and is available with an internet connected TV. A wide variety of your favorite TV shows and movies are available. Hulu is free because its ad supported so be prepared to see a few advertisements, although mostly cleverly hidden and a simplistic interface make this a great way to view what you’re into especially when on a budget! If your TV isn’t internet ready grab your laptop and enjoy the show!
We follow a few tech gurus and celebs to stay abreast on the latest news and occasionally a bit of loose twitter talk gets sprinkled in there. Find out which tweets have us ROFL!
It’s about time our clothing and accessories catch up to our on the go techno-centric lifestyles! Check out these innovative ways to sport your favorite gadgets no matter what the activity.
Surf / Skate company Rusty unveils its “Wired” line for men and women including sweatshirts with built-in machine washable headphone drawcords for easy music listening on the go.
This innovative iPad case isn’t only a stylish way to tote your new iPad around town. It also has a built in mounting device and stand for a variety of functions.
The perfect gift for your geeky babe! Let her discreetly listen to tunes with these stylish ear bud earrings from Yanko Designs.
Nike has upped the ante once again with it’s new personal training technology, “Rock + Run”. A small sensor is embedded in your shoe which transmits data to your iPod on your progress, it includes different courses and goals all while listening to your favorite tunes!
Just when you thought you’d seen it all fashion gets interesting with clothing that is capable of transmitting virtual social media updates. This stylish frock keeps you connected with your Facebook pals even offscreen. Update your Facebook status with natural gestures such as putting on the hood. Ping, developed by Jennifer Darmour.
We’re in the mood for some comedy today at CowBoom. Get your laugh on with these hilarious electronics commercials!
What’s your favorite? Jack, CowBoom’s Marketing Specialist loves the Microsoft commercial the best. However, I think the Vodafone one is hilarious! Tell us your favorite video!