Need a unique gift idea for the upcoming holidays? Check out these suggestions from your fellow members from around the nation.
ALABAMA: Powerbag Gives You a Charge on the Go
—From Jim Pattillo, Attorney, Norman Wood Kendrick & Turner
The Powerbag Rolling Office Case, with a battery for charging smartphones, tablets, and e-readers, is a rolling briefcase conservative enough for court, but it packs a punch when you need to power mobile devices. Whether flight delays, court appearances, or extended mediation, claims professionals and defense counsel occasionally find themselves spending more time away from the office than intended. This rolling bag has a built-in, but removable, charging system with a 6000mAh battery to power USB devices. It comes with almost every conceivable connector and a USB port, and it can accommodate a 15-inch laptop. $99, amazon.com
FLORIDA: xCraft PhoneDrone
—From Bevrlee J. Lips, Managing Editor
Imagine being able to use your phone’s video and camera capabilities anywhere. Instead of having to buy expensive equipment to get in on the drone craze, this nifty device uses your phone’s sensor, processor, and wireless capabilities. It’s cloud-connected and has a periscope feature that allows three camera views—side, forward, and down. It uses a USB source for charging, or you can use batteries for extended flight time. $235, http://xcraft.io/phone-drone
KENTUCKY: Bose In-Ear Noise Canceling Headphones
—From Harry Rosenthal, Publisher
If you happen to travel a lot like I do, Bose’s in-ear noise canceling headphones are a must have. If you’re looking for quiet time on a plane or need high-quality, hands-free performance for that important client call, Bose meets the need. I own both the over-the-ear model as well as the more travel friendly in-ear device and highly recommend either. The only downside is that they are a little pricy, but they’re a great investment in my view. $299, bose.com
MICHIGAN: Ravean HeatedTech C6 System Down Jacket
—From Jeff Schultz, Vice President of Communication, CRDN
Wherever your job takes you, you can face the harshest elements without sacrificing comfort or convenience. This ultralight, any season heated jacket offers multiple levels of heat for temps from -4°F to 55°F, and it also can charge your phone! A 12-volt battery provides the warmth for nearly any climate, and an adjustable dial inside lets you control the temperature. The battery can be charged in just 90 minutes using any outlet. It conveniently connects to your smartphone and other mobile devices to keep them ready when needed. It’s the ultimate in flexibility for any claims situation. $195, ravean.com
OHIO: NoNotes Transcription
—From Eric Gilkey,Executive Editor
Anyone who has ever spent hours transcribing a long interview or deposition can tell you it’s a special sort of hell. Even the fastest typist—I clock in at 90 words a minute—can get bogged down in this menial, time-sucking task. If you can relate, save yourself the misery by trying this transcription service. It’s reasonably affordable, accurate, and simple to use. Just call from your phone, select “record and transcribe,” and within a few days a full transcription will be emailed to you in Microsoft Word format. $370 for 10 hours of call recording and transcription time, nonotes.com
PENNSYLVANIA: Video Guide to DJI Phantom Quadcopter Drones
—From Donna J. Popow, President, Donna J. Popow LLC
With an increasing number of insurance carriers and insurance-related companies securing approval to use drones, I envision that claims professionals will need to fully understand these devices. They will need to know how they work, how to pilot a drone, and more as part of their skill sets. The DJI Phantom Series is the most popular civilian drone. This video takes you through everything you need to know to fly these drones precisely and safely, not to mention manage the video data. $65, photoshopcafe.com
TENNESSEE: Memphis Barbecue to Go
—From Jimmy Wright, Partner, Butler Vines & Babb
You can work up a powerful hunger after a long day of claims handling or litigation. For the meat lover, you can’t go wrong with barbecue from Central BBQ in Memphis, Tennessee. Their ribs and pulled pork hit the spot, and their flavors are excellent. It’s my favorite, and the good news is that they ship anywhere in the U.S. $85 for three pounds pulled pork, store.cbqmemphis.com
TEXAS: Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie
—From Harrison Yoss, Partner, Thompson Coe
Hardworking insurance industry pros need a special treat every once in a while, especially around the holidays. The treats are bigger in Texas, and our pecan pies are no exception. The Brazos Bottom pecan pie is a big, gooey, rich pie that is filled with pecans fresh from the banks of the Brazos River. It’s a great way to treat yourself, a colleague, or a loved one. $40, goodecompany.com
WASHINGTON: Take Your Love of Reading with You
—From Karen Kalzer, Attorney, Helsell Fetterman LLP
How many of us entered into what we do because of a love of reading? As Author Neil Gaiman once said, “A good book is a dream that you hold in your hand.” Now it is a dream that you can wear. Litograph T-shirts are created from the texts of our favorite books and essays. Each T-shirt has a unique illustration and approximately 40,000 words of text. Choices include The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Les Miserables, the Declaration of Independence, Crime and Punishment, Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style (for the readers and writers among us), and The Last Unicorn. No To Kill a Mockingbird yet, though. $34, litographs.com