Staying Connected With Hawaii During A Tsunami

I woke up at 9:30 am EST today, and like every Saturday, I turned on my computer and checked my Facebook wall, which was scattered with status updates from friends in Hawaii who had posted about a Tsunami warning.  I was instantly concerned.  As all of Hawaii was still asleep (it was 4 am there), I was in New York trying to figure out how serious the situation is back home.

Until today, when I needed to know what was going on halfway around the world in real-time, I did not understand how useful Twitter, Facebook or online streaming video can be.  I have been watching streaming live video of Hawaii's shorelines on CNN, reading tweets from total strangers in Hawaii about the progression of the Tsunami and viewing mobile uploads of crazy gas station lines in Hawaii.  It is interesting to see how a sudden, urgent event plays out online:  UFC champion BJ Penn has been video blogging his preparation for the disaster on his site BJPenn.com and Hawaii's newspaper The Honolulu Advertiser (@HonAdv) needed some help learning how to tweet.

Social media is surely changing the way we get news, and obviously, media channels are learning to adapt; however, the easiest and quickest way to find out what's going on is a phone call, and after talking to my family, I know that they will be okay and I have nothing to be concerned.  Stay safe Hawaii!  

Forget Gold, I Want the SMYTHE Point Blanket Coat

Oh Canada, finally something more desirable than your maple syrup!  Rachel Bilson recently sported an adorable, comfy coat at the Vancouver Olympics designed by Toronto-based label SMYTHE.  The limited-edition coats--only 10 were made (I really hope this is a lie)--are made out of the Canadian Clothing store Hudson's Bay Company's signature point blanket.  Besides the wide-rainbow stripes and oversized hood, I'm in love with the single clasp.  Oh, and I really like the really large pocket.  It was like SMYTHE made this jacket for me--easy access, great to pass out in because its practically a blanket and it can hold my chapstick, camera and a little snack!  AHHH I WANT ONE. 

Olympic Hockey Predictions - Another US Canada Matchup?

I took a minute to fill out the bracket.  If you're wondering, my decisions were based on very little rationale, except that I predict USA winning gold and Canada pulling through in tonight's game against Russia (as much as I love you Ovechkin, Canada's blow out game last night against Germany is a sign).  The Czechs and Swedes are also really good (and this is based on how many NHL players I know), so I see them moving on to the semi-finals as well.  BIG GAMES TODAY! GO USA!