PortaPocket Notebook

How to avoid pickpockets when you travel in Europe (& beyond!)
have more confidence & peace of mind!

A funny thing that's happening on roller coasters now...
Not sure if you heard about this, but the latest apple iWatch and iPhone 14 have a new feature. It's a feature that seems useful, but it's actually creating a new problem unintentionally. While 'smart' electronics often enhance our lives, it seems that in this case it's having an opposite effect.
The issue stems from the new 'crash detection' feature. So when you're on a high speed ride, the sharp movements and drops are seemingly like those one might experience in a car accident. So your apple tech is now summoning the ambulances on your behalf. Oh my!
This is a fail on multiple fronts as any misguided efforts to assist people who don't need emergency services results in a waste of resources. Dispatching people and equipment to unnecessary missions disallows them to be available for more urgent situations where people actually need help.
Some parks that are now aware of this situation have started installing signage to tell patrons to please turn off their cell phones &/or watches, or leave them off the ride altogether. The first step in fixing the problem is always awareness.
It's a start.

the latest theme park rules that makes guests scream ...
After this summer's shooting-in-the-parking-lot incident at Great America in Gurnee, IL it seems corporate Six Flags has now decided to implement a new safety policy that has guests griping.
From this point forward (as I understand it, this goes beyond Fright Fest & Halloween events), no guest can bring in any bag that is larger than 12" x 12" x 6" in size. With the only exceptions allowed for medical reasons, or diaper bags brought in w/an infant or young child.
Though these changes are mainly done in the name of guest safety, some folks have a difficult time absorbing anything different to the way they go about their business. So if you pay attention, you'll notice they may end up venting their frustrations on line. Some are cited in this article:
https://insidethemagic.net/2022/10/theme-park-fans-outraged-six-flags-bag-policy-jc1/
Other parks beyond Six Flags are of like mind, too. For instance, Elitch Gardens in Denver has posted this:
*UPDATED* Fright Fest Bag Policy
Only bags, including purses, backpacks and fanny packs within the dimensions of 8″ x 5″ x 2″ are permitted as well as medical or diaper bags (child must be present). All bags are subject to be searched prior to entry.
While limiting a guest's options, the good news is we're here with simple solutions to help you enjoy your day with less hassle. Our PortaPocket wearables are all compliant with these new parameters and hence will be allowable to use.
Good fun to you, and a happy Halloween too!

Costume need pockets? Halloween help is here!
It's almost that time again for some Fall fun.
Halloween's coming!
So what are your plans?
Any parties?
Haunted houses?
Scary movies?
Pumpkin fests?
So many good things...never enough time. ;)
Though one thing to put on your 'to do' list now is to get organized before the big day. You don't want to end up with an awesome outfit, but a major disconnect with having nowhere to effectively carry your cellphone & ID/cards while you're out & about. Why not simply make your life easier and wear what you need.
Visit portapocket.com
...and help yourself!

what's STILL happening at the gym...
Every time I go to the gym (which is often), I see the same things. This has been going on for years and never seems to change. It's the cellphones. You know the drill. They're all over the floor. And balanced on water bottles. And left on the machines. Or forgotten by mistake in the bathroom stalls, etc. Sometimes you'll see them shoved in a waistband, or yes, sticking out from (or just the outfline showing that they're present in) a pants pocket...
It's a fail.
It's a fail because people are inconvenienced.
It's a fail because people lose things.
It's a fail because people are uncomfortable, and at times they break their phones by accidentally hitting their cells with a weight, or immersing them in sweat.
Why do we do this?
The good news is that we really don't have to anymore. There are easy answers if you look for them, and will stop these problems before they start.
Love,portapocket.com

Hello Zappos!

We're thrilled to announce PortaPocket has now been picked up by zappos.com especially due to the beneficial capabilities PortaPocket offers for those with disabilities. Zappos has been a force in providing resoures for the differently abled community and we applaud their efforts to promote inclusivity!
Check out PortaPocket and many other cool products on their adaptive menu, found at www.zapposadaptive.com
Many thanks to our PP model Users who shared their pix: radiant Megan (kudos to her mom Karen for this excellent picture at Wrigley Field!), the fabulous Anh and amazing Linda from the Abilities Show in Schaumburg, and a joyful pianist / composer Ros in Wilmette!
xox,
portapocket.com

Amazing catch?
While this definitely qualifies, it begs the question:
Why is this even happening in the first place?Just another reason parks and PortaPocket are destined to become best friends.
xo
photo credit: Attractions Magazine

Wear on your chair :)
Did we mention that PortaPocket is super convenient for those who use
walkers and wheelchairs?
No matter your situation, whether you're dealing with a temporary or chronic
condition, there are ways to hands-free carry your cell and small essentials
without worry. If you must have pockets, try these Must-Have pockets! :)
xox,
Indian Summer?
though it's not quite autumn, it looks like we're having an Indian summer...
and it seems they know (some of the ways) how to wear PortaPocket, too! ;)

Is it really Back-to-School time... already??
I sometimes get melancholy when that school bell rings and brings an end to summer. But it's also a fresh start and makes me feel good our daughter is off to new adventures and learning new things.
The start of Junior High can be exciting, but also nerve-wracking for soon to be teenagers trying to navigate through the corridors of life. With a little reassurance, I know my tween will meet her challenges head-on and find self confidence. And it doesn't hurt to know she's always got a part of me with her... every day. xo
p.s. keep that phone in your locker though, sweetheart... rules are rules ;)
Happy Mother's Day weekend!
It's Mother's Day tomorrow.
Enjoy!
Mothers are a blessing and should be cherished, daily.
Hug. Smile. Repeat.
To every mom out there... this is for YOU!
Love,PortaPocket
xox

Got an insulin pump? Now you can wear it anywhere!
So nice to be at the ADA Diabetes EXPO at McCormick Place in Chicago over this last weekend! We were able to show how PortaPocket pockets handily fit current models of insulin pumps on the market today, including those from Medtronic, Animas, Dexcom, One Touch, and Tandem Diabetes, among others.
It's often a challenge for people with diabetes, whether Type 1 or Type 2, to find comfortable solutions to wear their vital devices. Especially ones that actually work WELL.
PortaPocket is thrilled to serve this community, and provides tools for you to wear your pump (and other things) almost ANYwhere on your body. Our versatile system gives you choices in where and how you wear your pump, whether you want to hide it under a dress/skirt, wear it under a pantleg, or around waist/hip, arm or anywhere else. Our comfy neoprene components (and zero plastic or metal parts) mean it's a dream to use when you sleep at night, too.
Why not enjoy better comfort as you go about your day.
Visit portapocket.com
And make your life just a little bit easier.
xox