PortaPocket Notebook

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. 

We're excited to announce we've added our first neck pillow to our assortment.
It's a super cool innovation called the Tube, created by Donna Cooper of Tubular Travel
in Jacksonville, FL.

The Tube is the only neck pillow you stuff with clothes so you get extra storage space
when you fly, along with a handy device for neck or lumbar support to make your
flight experience more comfortable. 

Check it out here, and be sure to take one along on your next adventure!

. . 

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

Do you love uncrowded, off-the-beaten-path castles? 
If so, this small castle-like manor house is a MUST DO if you're ever in Edinburgh!

We happened across this Scottish charmer while booking with our airbnb host in Cramond Edinburgh and were very excited to be staying in a place just a few blocks away. This 16th century country house (complete with towers) is in a walkable, residential neighborhood, within 1.5 miles of the turreted Whitehouse Road home of Harry Potter author JK Rowling...and every bit as intriguing to visit.

With high season in mid August and the popular Scottish fringe and tatoo festivals underway, boisterous crowds turned our effort to see Edinburgh Castle into a standing-room affair.  With discomfort a certainty, we happily aborted our mission to the vast landmark and enjoyed a peaceful soujourn to Lauriston, instead.  Its more human-scale and quiet grandeur is a delight and the small group tours (ours was about 8 guests) allow a much more personalized approach, no reservations required. 

On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate this experience a solid 9+ 

Fast facts:

Location: 2A Cramond Road South | Davidson's Mains, Edinburgh EH4 5QD, Scotland

Grounds open daily, 7:30am to 8p

Cost: Adult £8, Concession £6 (under 5 free);
Grounds are Free to explore

Notes: free parking on site; website here

Maybe something else to fit in PortaPocket? ;) 

Would you like blueberry or cherry?