5 DONTS of travelling with gadgets

March 8, 2015November 29, 2015 ToniLeave a comment

1. Your ipad is NOT for taking photos on your holiday.

Yes, we know it has a camera on it – but that doesn’t mean it is for taking shots standing in front of the Leaning tower of Pisa or the Eiffel Tower, blocking the shots of everyone standing behind you. Plus, you are basically alerting any pickpocket within 50metres of you that you are:

a) a tourist

b) well-off enough to have an ipad, therefore have money.

c) not that tech savvy.

All making yourself a target for theft, or worse.

The only exception to this are the elderly or mature-aged travellers who may need the iPad to see attractions more clearly.

2. Hogging the powerpoints at the airport.

I get it. You forgot to charge your phone or laptop before you left the hotel. But that doesn’t mean you get to hog the powerpoint for hours while you wait for your plane to board – a 40% charge is enough, then move on so someone else can have a turn. Or better yet – buy a portable charger.

3. Say no to bum bags. To quote the TV Show ‘IT Crowd’, “Are you from the past?”

4. Don’t spend too much time taking selfies. Remember to put down the phone or camera, take a deep breath and soak in all the stimuli around you.

5. Up your Travel Insurance so it includes cover for your gadgets. There is nothing better than peace of mind when the unexpected happens.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

April 16, 2014November 29, 2015 ToniLeave a comment

Since I read the announcement in 2009 that there was to be a theme park devoted to recreating the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I was beyond excited. After waiting in line for each of the books release – I started late as I only discovered the Harry Potter books just before Book 3 was released in 1999 – it was on my bucket list to see the world I had come to love in the books come to life.

I would read reviews and watch celebrities like Ellen visit the WWOHP and lap it up. And four years later, in 2013 I finally got the chance to go Universal Studios Orlando to see it for myself.

It was the middle of Summer and so rehydrating is a must.

All the stores in WWOHP are true to the books. When I asked one of the Wizard shop assistants at Olivanders about shipping stuff back home, she pulled out a Book of Spells and flipped to the Shipping Spells section. Also JK Rowling made sure that all the drinks sold in this part of Universal were authentic to the Wizarding World – so no soft drinks like Coke. Only Butterbeer, water, Pumpkin Juice, traditional lemonade and craft beer at the Three Broomsticks.

Once it was announced that the theme park was expanding to include a real life Hogwarts express that will take you between the existing Hogesmead to Diagon Alley, and the Knight Bus, I started a savings plan to make sure I don’t have to wait another four years to go back.

How social media can bring our footy stars closer than ever

March 15, 2014November 29, 2015 ToniLeave a comment

You can be connected to your favourite sports team both at the game and online. Using social media is becoming more and more important to raising a rugby league players profile – although it does come with risks, recent news stories featuring players indiscretions displayed online are becoming more and more common.

However there are many positives.

Lets look at they ways in which social media helps our footy stars.

Building the brand of each player helps get them much-needed exposure. Let’s face it, being a rugby league player at the highest level can bring 10-15 years shelf life. During that time sponsorship can bring additional income, and social media can raise a players profile -both in positive and negative ways.
Many players have their own Twitter profile which provides followers with up to date news feed on their training and social outings between games. You no longer need to wait for game day to see your favourite player – a continuous stream of pictures and posts are available for you to read anytime you like.
Preparation for post-footy life. Social media brings out a players personality. Those that are well suited for commentary or regular media spots are more likely to also shine online – having a social media profile can help get players these kind of roles once they hang up their boots for good. Nothing like preparing for retirement.
Fan posts can make or break you. Players that are attentive with fans, take time to stop, take photos and sign autographs, will have their good deeds spread via social. Conversely irritated fans use social media to air their grievances if players are not performing, leave for other clubs, or worse still, as a means to bully or post harsh comments.
Many clubs including Canterbury Bulldogs, use social media to connect with fans and provide live score updates during each game, and to raise the profile of community work and fan initiatives.