PDAs

Keeping in Touch Through Technology

Aug 11th

Posted by patty in Alex's Blog

2 comments

Every month Global Traveler features an article called “Tech Toys.” Month after month I am amazed with the innnovative gadgets that exist to make our lives easier. These gadgets often make life for the traveler easy, but they also make the world a smaller and more manageable place in which to live.

Skype is an older tool that can be installed on many gadgets now, from mobile phones to video games, that helps make the world a more intimate place. At the press of a button on my computer I am able to telephone another computer or telephone number half way around the world for free! I am able to talk for as long as I want, breaking down all sorts of time and space barriers with technology that did not exist even ten years ago.

In the 60s my dad did two summer programs where he worked abroad in Europe, one summer in Zagreb and the other in Glasgow. Whenever he used to tell me stories about those summers, he said he only communiciated with his parents via phone once a month at most because it was so expensive to call home. When I was 15 and 16 and traveling through Europe and Asia, I remember the calls being expensive as well, maybe two dollars at the best rate to initiate the call, and obscene amounts after that per minute.

Now, with today’s technology such as Skype, it makes those who are far away from us — for business or personal matters — not so far away and easier to remain in touch. I still believe face-to-face contact is by far the best, and getting on a plane is always the best solution, but when in a bind, I am thankful for the innovative world of technology and communication.

–Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher

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Summer in the City

Apr 28th

Posted by Kim in America

2 comments

It’s here. No warning, no heads up. The heat has arrived in New York City. It’s really remarkable — it’s as if everyone has forgotten that, just a few days ago, they were donning turtlenecks and winter coats. Now, it’s bikinis in Central Park and no signs of spring — just summer.

One reason I like living in the Northeast is the fact we have four solid seasons, and usually the transition into each season is often the most enjoyable part. However, this year spring has sprung right over us. Summer is not my favorite season in NYC, mostly due to the humidity, but I have to admit it is nice to see the sun and people enjoying the outdoors.

In my travels, I’ve seen many different types of climates. In Southeast Asia, for example, the climate ranges from hot to hotter. Even locals I know in Singapore and Malaysia claim to never get used to the heat. On the extreme opposite, friends in Stockholm always seem shocked when the first snowfall hits. In fact, one year when I was visiting, the subways had technical issues due to the cold during the first snow. It was as if it was the first time they’ve seen cold in the region. Maybe they forgot about their history of long winters!

Bottom line, of the four different seasons, I’ve learned I’m a winter girl through and through. I try to avoid the heat. However, I wouldn’t mind spending some time in the sun if, say, I was in the Maldives or perhaps Bali for a few days. Where would you enjoy finding time in the sun?

-Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher

Text Messages – Friend or Foe?

Oct 28th

Posted by Kim in Alex's Blog

2 comments

I know many people in the workplace find email to be a help and an annoyance. It has allowed many people to rely on written messages as opposed to picking up the phone and talking to people the old-fashioned way. It has also made it more challenging, in some cases, for salespeople. Personally, I have found it easier for people to discard a question, or say “No” on an email than over the phone.

Outside the work place, I find more and more people relying on another form of email: the text message. The text message is a phenomenon that has finally reached the United States. For anyone not familiar with text messaging, it is a function on your mobile phone, similar to email, as it is a written message. It allows us to send quick, succinct messages to friends, family and colleagues. I do love texting in certain cases. For instance, when I’m running late, the ability to send a text and say “I’m running five minutes late” is often easier and more efficient than making a call. Or, if I’m in a meeting and have to get an urgent message out, a text is a great resource.

However, I see more and more friends relying on text messaging for communication, and this disturbs me. I see relationships started and ended over texts. I think it just loses so much meaning and leaves way too much time for people to start interpreting a message and analyzing what it means when nine times out of ten, the message was harmless and didn’t mean a thing!

I guess all I’m trying to say is next time you have something important to say and you lean towards sending a text, pick up the phone. It will make all parties involved much happier!

-Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher