Amazon Offers Cloud Storage for All

By Tracey Dowdy

One of my favorite quotes from Anchorman is the line, “Boy, that escalated quickly.” That’s kind of how I feel about Amazon’s latest move in the cloud storage arena.

Last year they announced free, unlimited photo storage on Cloud Drive for members of Amazon Prime. That was a significant boost for Prime when coupled with membership perks like free two day shipping and unlimited streaming video. Yesterday, with their announcement of Unlimited Photos or Unlimited Everything for members and non-members alike, they’ve changed the landscape of cloud storage again.

Amazon certainly isn’t the first to offer cloud storage but they are the first to offer it to anyone, regardless of membership. Unlimited photo storage will still be free for Prime members, but for everyone else the service is offered at $11.99 for photos and $59.99 for all other media – video, documents, music – per year and when compared to other cloud storage providers, there’s a significant price difference.
amazon-cloud-storage
Amazon has recognized one very important fact: the average consumer has accumulated a significant amount of media over the years from photos and video to documents, all scattered across multiple devices, and most of us really have no idea how much storage we need.

“Most people have a lifetime of birthdays, vacations, holidays, and everyday moments stored across numerous devices. And, they don’t know how many gigabytes of storage they need to back all of them up…With the two new plans we are introducing today, customers don’t need to worry about storage space–they now have an affordable, secure solution to store unlimited amounts of photos, videos, movies, music, and files in one convenient place.” Josh Petersen, Director of Amazon Cloud Drive

To make the deal even sweeter and lure potential users from other cloud services, Amazon is offering a free three month trial. They’re banking on both the sweetness of the deal and the fact that frankly, most of us are not going shift again in three months once we’ve taken the time and trouble to upload in the first place. Plus, once you’ve chosen to store everything on Cloud Drive, how much more likely are you to choose Prime membership to take advantage of that free, two day shipping? And since you’re already buying books, why wouldn’t you just buy your music…and your movies…and your groceries…

But before you jump from DropBox or iCloud, stop and consider what you need. A terabyte is a lot of storage and for most of us, more than sufficient. Plus, if you’ve already invested time and money uploading to other cloud services, moving everything over is daunting and may not be worth it. On the other hand, if you’ve been debating what to do and just need to get everything tucked away to sort through and manage at some point in the future, it’s hard to argue with Amazon’s price point. And as several commentators have pointed out, at the very least Amazon’s announcement may force other cloud storage providers to examine their prices and services in order to stay competitive.

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Toronto, ON. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances and researches on subjects from family and education to pop culture and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

VZWBuzz Spring 2015 Photo Competition

Catch the spirit of Spring for a chance to win a Samsung GALAXY Camera!

Celebrate the arrival of Spring by entering the #VZWBuzz Instagram Photo Contest hosted by Tony Bennett. Any outdoor photo hashtagged with both #VZWBuzz and #VZSpring and posted to Instagram on or before Thursday, April 9 will be eligible. Keep in mind that this is a themed contest and you should do your best to tell a Spring story. Three semi-finalists will be selected Tony and the photo with the highest number of likes after a 48 hour voting period will be declared the winner!

Here’s how you enter:

1) Take a picture on your mobile device or camera and share it on Instagram using the #VZWBuzz and #VZSpring hash tags.

2) Share as many photos as you want but every share must include the #VZWBuzz and #VZSpring hash tags.

3) The contest will end at 12 midnight ET on April 9, 2015.

4) Tony Bennett will select the three photos, which will be posted on Tony’s Instagram account no later than Monday, April 13.

5) The grand prize of a Samsung GALAXY Camera will be awarded to the photo that receives the most likes in the 48 hours after the three photos have been posted.

6) The grand prize winner will be announced on Instagram and Twitter on Wednesday, April 15!

Best of luck and Give Us Your Best Shot!

*Contest is for US residents only. Void where prohibited by law. All decisions of the judge are final.

Best Apps for Keeping Kids Entertained

By Tracey Dowdy

Are we there yet? How much longer? When is it my turn? How many minutes is “soon”? I’m boooooored.

Whether you’re waiting to see the doctor or on a road trip to grandma’s house, I guarantee you’ve heard all of those statements at one time or another. And whether you need your kids to hang tight for ten more minutes or two more hours, the following apps can keep your kids entertained and many of them will even teach them a thing or two along the way.

Toca Pet Doctor

tocaToca Pet Doctor allows kids to choose an animal from their virtual waiting room to treat and nurse back to health. Kids learn empathy and caring for others as they care for the animals and even help them to fall sleep. Kids can wake up the animals when they want to care for them again. Like other Toca Boca apps, the idea is no rules and no stress, so there are no points to earn or rewards, just free play that encourages compassion and may even reduce your child’s fear of going to the doctor. (iOS, Android – $2.99)


Wallykazam! Letter and Word Magic

wallykazamBased on the Nickelodeon show, Wallykazam! Letter and Word Magic lets your child interact with Wally Trollman and his friends to learn letters and words by going on adventures through the forest, tracing words in the night sky, or building towers out of rhymes. The 3D graphics are outstanding and the even the reward activity is educational and fun. The app gives your pre-schooler a head start on phonics and sound combinations, while entertaining him for hours. (iOS, Android – $3.99/$6.99)


Little Fox Music Box

little-foxLittle Fox Music Box offers just three songs but don’t let that deter you. Each song is animated with its own interactive world, so kids will enjoy searching the landscape to see what surprises are in the hidden in the background. Kids can change the season by turning the wheel during “Old Mac Donald Had a Farm” or paint the Northern Lights during “Evening Song.” Parents can turn off the music and switch to the karaoke version, so you and your little ones can sing along or play your own music and record it in Fox’s Studio. Note: In-app purchases are still enabled even when turned off, so parents should be mindful if little ones are playing unsupervised. (iOS, Android – $2.99 with in-app purchases)


Reading Rainbow

reading-rainbowReading Rainbow is everything you loved about the TV show – including beloved host LeVar Burton – transformed into an app. The focus is on books and the joy of reading, and kids can choose to read themselves or have a book read aloud to them. Reading preferences are customized to the child’s interests – action, adventure, animals, fairy tales, dinosaurs – so kids are sure to stay engaged. Finishing a book earns rewards and parents can track progress through the app’s dashboard. (iPad, Kindle Fire – Free but with in-app purchases)


Art of Glow

art-of-glowHow much did you love your Lite Brite? How much did you hate trying to keep track of the little pegs? Or better yet, how many did your mom suck up in the vacuum cleaner? The Art of Glow is basically your old Lite Brite transformed for this generation. Kids can finger paint using shapes, colors and animation, and designs can be simple or complex using original artwork or adding animated twinkling stars or fireworks. (iOS, Android – Free/$.99 Pro version)


Lego Fusion

lego-fusionVoted one of the best toys of 2014 by Parents Magazine, Lego Fusion brings all the fun of Lego without the terrifying possibility of stepping on a piece barefoot in the dark. The app requires purchasing a Lego Fusion product from the Lego Store or Toys R Us and then downloading the corresponding app. The child can then design and build their own town, battle towers, or resort within the app, and then capture the design to create a virtual world that they can explore. The possibilities are limited only by your child’s imagination and that guarantees hours of creative play. (iOS, Android – Free)

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Toronto, ON. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances and researches on subjects from family and education to pop culture and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

The Problem with Kid-Shaming

By Tracey Dowdy

An Internet-age phenomenon that often says more about the parent than the child.

“I am a bully. Honk if you hate bullies.” That’s the first image that came up when I did a Google search of what seems to have become a popular form of discipline for some parents – a picture of a child holding a poster while standing on a street corner with his dad by his side.

Kid-shaming isn’t new. It’s been around as long as the Internet, and every once in a while a story comes along that puts it back in the news. Remember the dad that posted a YouTube video of himself shooting his daughter’s laptop after she complained about doing chores on Facebook? Or how about the viral photos of the dad who wore ‘short shorts’ out to dinner to teach his daughter a lesson about modesty? Then there’s the dad who posted photos after he cut his son’s hair like an old man’s to teach him a lesson about acting his age.

Compare that approach with this quote from Dr. Brene Brown who has spent the last decade researching shame: “The difference between shame and guilt is the difference between ‘I am bad’ and ‘I did something bad.’”

That statement stands in complete contrast to the kid-shaming approach to parenting. There are a lot of miles between ‘I am bad’ and ‘I did something bad’. Asking strangers to honk at your son if you hate bullies is inviting strangers to hate your child. Is bullying acceptable? Absolutely not. So why is it okay if the individual being bullied is a child and the bully is a parent?

Ishtar Gabriel, Child and Family Therapist at Bayridge Counselling Centres and founder of KIDU, says, “How could anyone see this as an effective form of parenting? The one individual who should be your ally, your protector, the one who stands beside you against the bullies, is the one making you a victim.”

To be fair, most parents can relate to feeling overwhelmed or at a loss with what to do with our children at some point in our lives. Whether it’s a toddler having his third meltdown of the day before you’ve finished breakfast or a teenager who thinks she has a right to privileges she hasn’t come close to earning, there are times when we’ve all felt defeated.

Most of us can also relate to having those moments happen in public – a “Terrible Twos” meltdown in the aisle at Target or a teen giving us an attitude in front of their friends. Too often we feel embarrassed and the issue switches from why this behavior is happening to “You’re embarrassing me.”

And that may be the crux of the issue. Kid-shaming is less about changing behavior and more about punishing a child for humiliating you. It’s not about “You need to learn self-control,” it’s about “You made me look incompetent as a parent.”

It comes down to the difference between punishment and discipline. Punishment seeks to assign a penalty for an action. It tends to be reactive. On the other hand discipline is responsive. It takes the focus off what was done and looks at the reason behind it. Punishment seeks to change behavior by instilling a fear of what will happen if the individual commits the offense again, while discipline looks to change the behavior behind the offense so the individual understands why what they did was wrong.

More importantly, discipline separates the child from the action. Going back to Dr. Brown’s quote, it’s the difference between being bad and doing bad. Kid-shaming may bring short term changes but ultimately the long term consequences won’t bring your desired result. If anything, the child has learned not to trust you.

Instead, my challenge to parents is to teach your children this lesson from Dr. Brene Brown: “You’re imperfect, and you’re wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.”

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Toronto, ON. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances and researches on subjects from family and education to pop culture and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

Friday, April 24: The Latest Smartphone Features

VERIZON INSIDER TWITTER PARTY

#VZWBuzz

When: TODAY, Friday, April 24, 2015
3:00-4:00 pm ET
12:00-1:00 pm PT

‘The Latest Smartphone Features’

Join @TheOnlineMom @RobynsWorld @TheTechDad @geekbabe  and friends TODAY at 3 pm ET (12 noon PT) as we learn about The Latest Smartphone Features!
From innovative camera apps to cutting-edge surround sound, the latest state-of-the-art mobile features are once again changing how we use our smartphones and tablets. We take a look at some of these ground-breaking improvements and showcase the devices that are leading this latest mobile revolution!
RSVP and attend the party for a chance to win one of THREE brand new HTC One M9 smartphones!
Join @TheOnlineMom on the Video Recap right after the chat for TWO more chances to win a HTC One M9 smartphone!

(Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats. You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: VZWBuzz) and include your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://ow.ly/KKMKS     
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#VZWBuzz) today between 3 – 4 pm ET
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!
PRIZE WINNERS will be announced during the Party!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Verizon Wireless.)

Friday, May 1: Essential Smartphone Accesories

VERIZON INSIDER TWITTER PARTY

#VZWBuzz

When: TODAY, Friday, May 1, 2015
3:00-4:00 pm ET
12:00-1:00 pm PT

‘Essential Smartphone Accessories’

Join @RobynsWorld @TheOnlineMom and the #VZWBuzz team TODAY at 3 pm ET (12 noon PT) as we look at Essential Smartphone Accessories!
Smartphones and tablets have become our personal hubs for an increasingly connected world. We take a look at the accessories that are leading this wireless revolution and ask ourselves ‘How did we ever live without them?’
RSVP and attend the party for a chance to win a Sony Xperia Z3v smartphone or an iPlanet Bluetooth selfie stick!
Join Monica Vila (@TheOnlineMom) and special guest Marybeth Hamilton (@BabySavers) on the Video Recap right after the chat for another chance to win a selfie stick or a Sony Xperia Z3v smartphone!

(Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats. You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: VZWBuzz) and include your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://ow.ly/KKLGx      
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#VZWBuzz) today between 3 – 4 pm ET
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!
PRIZE WINNERS will be announced during the Party!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Verizon Wireless.)

Friday, April 17: Keeping It Green

VERIZON INSIDER TWITTER PARTY

#VZWBuzz

When: TODAY, Friday, April 17, 2015
3:00-4:00 pm ET
12:00-1:00 pm PT

‘Keeping It Green’

Join @TheOnlineMom @RobynsWorld @geekbabe and @TheTechDad TODAY at 3 pm ET (12 noon PT) as we celebrate Earth Day and chat about Keeping It Green!
Wednesday, April 22 is Earth Day. Join us as we explore the many options for recycling personal technology, and consider the other steps we can take to support a greener, more environmentally friendly lifestyle!
RSVP and attend the party for a chance to win a Nest Home Thermostat or a Motorola Droid Turbo smartphone!
Join @TheOnlineMom and special guest @RobynsWorld on the Video Recap right after the chat for another chance to win a Droid Turbo smartphone!

(Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats. You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: VZWBuzz) and include your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://ow.ly/KKI94     
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#VZWBuzz) today between 3 – 4 pm ET
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!
PRIZE WINNERS will be announced during the Party!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Verizon Wireless.)

Friday, April 3: Mobile Health and Fitness

VERIZON INSIDER TWITTER PARTY

#VZWBuzz

When: TODAY, Friday, April 3, 2015
3:00-4:00 pm ET
12:00-1:00 pm PT

‘Mobile Heath & Fitness’

Join @TheOnlineMom @RobynsWorld @geekbabe and @TheTechDad TODAY, Friday, April 3 at 3 pm ET (12 noon PT) as they chat about Mobile Health and Fitness!
Dozens of connected devices and a host of innovative apps are encouraging us to become more active. Join @RobynsWorld and friends as we take a look at some of the latest offerings in this rapidly expanding marketplace and suggest ways in which we can take advantage of wireless technology and transition to a healthier lifestyle!
RSVP and attend the party for a chance to win a Fitbit Charge Wireless Activity Tracker or a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 smartphone!
Join @TheOnlineMom and special guest @joycecherrier on the Video Recap right after the chat for another chance to win a Galaxy Note 4 smartphone!

(Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats. You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: VZWBuzz) and include your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://ow.ly/KKz0S     
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#VZWBuzz) today, Friday, April 3 between 3 – 4 pm ET
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!
PRIZE WINNERS will be announced during the Party!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Verizon Wireless.)

Tuesday, March 24: Verizon FiOS – Your Online Lifestyle Partner

Verizon FiOS: Your Online Lifestyle Partner!

#LifeOnFiOS

When: TODAY, Tuesday, March 24, 2015
8:00 – 9:00 pm ET
5:00 – 6:00 pm PT
Join @mistygirlph @theonlinemom and friends TODAY at 8 pm ET as we explore the many features of Verizon FiOS and show you how FiOS can help you stay safe online and enjoy the ultimate entertainment experience!
RSVP and attend the chat for a chance to win a Sony Xperia Z2 tablet!

  (Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats. You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: LifeOnFiOS) indicating your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://ow.ly/KESLf
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#LifeOnFiOS) today between 8:00 – 9:00 pm ET.
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!
PRIZE WINNERS will be announced during the Party!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Verizon.)