Katelyn M. Thompson’s Blog

Thank you Core77’s Gift Guide for my first gem found on your list. The Drinking Glasses from The Container Store would make a great gag gift in your company’s Secret Santa. I’ll be dropping by to pick some up soon!

via Core77

I recently purchased the t-shirt that I mentioned in “Lens Bracelets” from Photojojo. Whether it was due to user error or a usability issue (not important in this story) I accidentally switched up my billing address and shipping address. When I got my confirmation e-mail I noticed this and proceeded to contact them to change it.

When I clicked on the “Contact Us” link in the e-mail I arrived at a simple form to submit a question to them. However, what wasn’t simple was their way of verifying that I was in fact human. Instead of using a CAPTCHA – as most websites do – they were able to incorporate their specialty (photography) and also not have to annoy their customers by being unable to read the letters. My only question is if it’s just as effective at stopping spam.

I consider myself to be somewhat of a freelance web designer. I’ve created my own website and some websites for friends and family. There’s been a lot of talk about HTML5 and how it’s going to change the world. I’ve been a little late to the game in this new language. Thanks to @taliabethralph I came across html5rocks.com which has implemented some new features and demonstrates them in their slideshow.

It all seems very cool, the ability to have rounded corners and especially the ability to have any font face, regardless of if it’s supported on the users’ computer. I’m hoping that when I take Web Design as part of my Graphic Designer Certificate at SMFA they will cover HTML5 in depth. I look forward to implementing these in my websites and creating some new ones as well!

Have a need to know the time in various locations across the world? It can certainly be confusing at times! When I was at H&R Block a number of the people I worked with were in Kansas City which was 1 hour behind us. It was very confusing at first! Luckily it was only one hour! For those of you who have more complex world time needs, I present to you the Bend Hand world clock.

Of course it’s not the easiest thing, but it does display the time zones all at one time. I’m wondering if somehow color coded rings would be helpful?? Anyway, it’s very useful for those of you who have to scan across the wall to find the clock for the time zone at hand.

via Yanko Design

I am 18-24. I never had a smartphone. I spend most of my time on Twitter [Twidroyd]. I prefer Swype to a physical keyboard. I’ve spent $0 on Android apps. I have 90 apps (everything under the apps button). I’ve never made a purchase or payment on my phone. I play Solitare and Jewels.

Mobclix shows how I measure up:

via @KatieMartell

I love these lens “Lance Armstrong” bracelets from Photojojo! I was hoping that the 50mm one was smaller, but they’re both 7inches and I have tiny wrists!

I did however find this to add to my Christmas list: the Photo Strap Tee!

via SwissMiss

Find a problem, create a solution.

Have you ever tried to drink out of the bathroom faucet? Cupping the water with your hand? Making a mess everywhere? I have cups in my bathroom for that purpose now. But Dreamfarm has created the Tapi which allows for most faucets to be turned into a water spout. For $7.95 (includes shipping) it can be yours! Although pictured in many fun colors, it seems as thought you can only buy it in grey.

via SwissMiss

I’m sure we all have some crazy stories about customer service. Just last week I called Verizon Wireless and EA/Nintendo customer service and ended up solving the issues myself.

<rant> For VZWireless, I had a downloaded app hanging at the “Installing” phase on my phone for weeks. I called and the rep told me that the only thing I could do was factory reset my phone. Uh, NO THANKS! I decided to clear the cache of the “Market” app and whala, the app needed to be updated! The next was when I was trying to download some new songs for Rock Band 2. When I would go to purchase it would give me an error that I needed to call EA Support. Well I did, the guy there told me I needed to call Nintendo. While on hold with Nintendo (and whistling along to the Mario theme) I solved the problem by shutting off the console and turning it back on. Now why couldn’t the EA guy told me to try this??? </rant>

Well, not surprising, Verizon has the worst customer service among U.S. Mobile companies. Bank of America also ranks up there pretty high. Not surprising since I recently submitted a disputed charge (the supermarket double charged me). It was awarded, but then they credited my account twice! Which they then had to charge me my account once again. Why????

“A customer is the most important visitor on our premises. He is not dependent on us – we are dependent on him.” -Unknown

via The Infographics Showcase

“A dead drop or dead letter box, is a location used to secretly pass items between two people, without requiring them to meet.” – Wikipedia

Wondering why I’m referencing something that sounds like a 1950s spy technique on my chic and up-to-date blog? Because Aram Bartholl has created modern day “dead drops” throughout NYC.

So, if you see someone awkwardly leaning up against a wall, be aware that they might be partaking in secret file sharing. As someone mentioned in the comments section, you might want to bring a cable so you don’t break off the USB stick.

My only concern here is about viruses. What happens if someone is malicous and places something on here to infect any machine that gets attached to it? It’s great idea, but I won’t be running to NYC to plug in my computer! I’ll stick to writing my name on small pieces of paper…

via SwissMiss

Although I don’t do too much travel, and of late I’ve been quite loyal to JetBlue, I thought this infographic “Converging Flight Paths” from the NYTimes was pretty cool. Shows you where airlines have gone and how we’ve ended up with the airlines we’ve got. I’m also really surprised at how small JetBlue is, but Boston is one of their biggest hubs and I don’t believe they do a lot of international flights, so.

via Cool Infographics