OtterBox Cases

You've heard me sing the praises of OtterBox products in the past, but I'm always wary about brands becoming complacent in their processes after they've realized success. This isn't the case (pun intended) with this case manufacturer.

I first discovered them a few years ago at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and every since I've been buying them to protect my electronic devices. They also have outdoor equipment cases and sleeves for sale, but I usually focus on the phone cases.

Thanks to the folks at OtterBox, I now have a shipment of new phone cases to test out. Here are some photos of the box that showed up on my doorstep and here is what I've found...

By the way, I tested these all on the iPhone 4.

The Impact, Commuter and Defender Series each have a specific role in the company's line - buy only what you need.

Impact is for the least obtrusive amount of protection. It has a silicone outer shell and a screen protector film. That's it. Simple, but enough to keep your phone from daily bumps and dings.

Commuter is a bit more. It's the standard case design a lot of companies are selling for the iPhone. A hard shell wraps around the phone and covers the back and sides. There is a silicone sleeve that keeps the case grippy and adds impact absorption. It also has a screen protector film. Better than the Impact, but still not really enough to let you skip your phone across the pavement without worry.

The Defender is the mac daddy. And it's what I choose every time. The case has built-in screen and camera hole protection, a full hard shell that snaps together at multiple points, and a silicone wrap sleeve with port covers and doors. I have actually skipped my phone across a granite bathroom floor with no damage. I've also dropped the phone a few times and it's still in great shape. You can't even see the dings on the case...that's cool.

So what's the damage when it comes to price? Pretty standard. While the Defender will set you back $50 and comes in eight colors, you can go for less with Commuter at $35 and one color (black), or the Impact at $20 and five colors.

What do I say? You already know. If you don't have a case for your phone, get one. And if you aren't like the purists who maintain that a phone doesn't warrant a cover, then go for one of these. They're made well and protect your phone from pretty much everything you can throw at them.

*I would like to test a waterproof case for the phone, but the only one I've used so far is the Magellan ToughCase and that's a GPS receiver and charger case. A totally different beast. I just hear so many stories of iPhones turning into iPhlushes when people drop them in a toilet, that a waterproof case is likely going to grow in demand.

You can find more details at OtterBox.

The convergence of green + design + emotion

The convergence of green + design + emotion

What defines “great design?”  I love Paola Antonelli’s response to this question.   She advises:

“Think as if this object were not on earth? Would you miss it? The moment an object seems like a necessity or a good addition to the world, that usually works” (as an indicator of good design) - Paola Antonelli

Now what about defining green design?

READ the rest of this post at the link above. Shared graciously by John Bergdoll.

Consumer Experiences

[EDITED for clarity - re: Jeffrey Cutler and confusion of Jeff Cutler™brand]

In the past week, I have been a consumer no fewer than a dozen times amassing $2000+ in purchases and a wealth of experiences. Today, I'm going to share just three of those experiences. Two that totaled $1600 and one that cost me nothing.

First up, Sullivan Tire.

My little car was misbehaving. A little squeak in the front end, some exhaust noise, a whine in the belt area, and tires that were skating all over the road. So I reached out to Sullivan Tire via Twitter and there was a hiccup. I wrote about this on my social media blog, but won't hammer it anymore. Suffice it to say that cell phone and Internet coverage in this country is woefully inadequate for a population interested in remaining connected at all times.

So after reaching out to Sullivan Tire, I set up an appointment in minutes. The store in Nashua was able to fit me in with short notice and was confident they could fix, adjust and repair the shortcomings of my little xA. They succeeded.

What? You want more detail? OK. $1120 later (after being told it could be as much as $1300), I got a car back that runs like a top, makes no noise, feels safe, and has since transported me in relative comfort about 1000 miles.

I'm pleased and I'm telling my friends and readers. If your auto shop doesn't treat you respectfully, explain their processes to your satisfaction, and doesn't fix your car...go somewhere else. And if you have a Sullivan Tire nearby, give them a shot.

Next on the docket, Scooters Go Green.

OK, ok, ok. This post is mostly about vehicles. Two that physically transport me and one that transports my content online and over the Internet. But they're still viable businesses that interacted with me and provided a service. So, let's continue.

In the case of Scooters Go Green, I ride a scooter when I'm not in my car. My scooter was damaged by a hit and run driver a year ago and I recently received restitution from the organization that I approached for repairs. As the agreement I signed with them dictates, I can't say who they are. But common sense would say that anyone who likes to remain safe, stay away from the front of buses in the greater Boston area.

So, damaged scooter was still rideable but wonky. And the shop where I bought the scooter in RI went out of business (not fully, but they're not as accessible for repairs as they once were). When I got the check from the damagers I went to SGG and provided them a list of repairs and adjustments I wanted done.

SEAMLESS! They replaced my tires, headlight assembly, oil, filter, gear oil, air filter, spark plug, cleaned the carb, test rode it and handed it to me last night. It rides as if it were new. And the best part is the price.

When I spoke with Steve at SGG, he estimated the time it would take and I know how much some other shops charge for certain labor, so I thought I was looking at $700 or so. Not even close. The final bill was just shy of $500.

That's two wins in two tries this week. I'm smiling now just thinking about taking a ride later.

Finally, have you heard of YouTube?

You would think - correctly - that most Google properties are locked down tight and reaching a human at these entities is impossible. In most cases you're correct. But what I was trying to do was secure my brand and my name on YouTube. I have had an account for years, but was not able in 2007 when I opened my YouTube account, to get the jeffcutler username. It seemed that another person had squatted on it. That's frowned upon, but isn't exactly against all terms of service for the video sharing site.

What is against the rules is trademark infringement. As you might have seen in January, I began steps to trademark my name because I felt there was a bit of confusion in the social media sphere in Boston. A guy named Jeffrey Cutler [new] had a family tie with a non-profit in Boston and was asked to come in and speak with them. Some people on staff contacted me thinking I was going to be presenting to them and therein began the confusion. [end new] was getting training gigs with clients who may have mistaken him for me. In one instance, he went to train an organization that then called me after he was done. It seemed that they needed some more complete training.

I didn't want to be confused with a guy working for a PR firm who was blogging about sneakers "all-white kicks" as they're called. And further, I wanted to continue to build my brand across the properties most visible in the general population. YouTube fit that model.

So, after filling out a bunch of forms I got an email granting me my username. Now I have to move all my videos over (or probably just start populating the correct site with all my subsequent videos) to further my brand awareness.

YouTube wins for that one.

And there we have a happy trifecta of customer service wins. Not every day that you can say that's happened. How about you? What have you had happen lately that you want to share. Jet me an email and I'll give you access to post here on the Test Lab. It's a site all about reviews and experiences.

Thanks for reading.

Smarter plug design

I spend enough of my life in hospitals that I've seen all sorts of equipment. Syringes, gauges, pumps, whosits, whatsits, etc. There's also a slew of electronics.

For the electrical gear, I sometimes wonder about the safety. Specifically the safety of having electrical cords always being yanked out of walls and replugged in. I mean, plugs can get frayed at the end and a hospital isn't a place that is Sahara-desert dry.

Can you say SHOCKING?!

Well, take a look at what's been introduced - at least at Faulkner Hospital in Boston.

This plug has a handle around it so the stress of removal from the wall is put on the case and the handle, and not on the plug. No more worries about frayed cords. No more worries that lazy workers will ruin equipment. It's an awesome little design change, don't you think?

Just something I noticed today. If you've got a product or even an item review you want to share, send me an email with your idea. I'll probably just have you write it and post it here on the site.

Thanks for reading!

Magellan Tough Case - Review by Jeff Cutler

I'm a traveler. I like to take trips around my neighborhood, my city, my region, my country and even into and between other countries. And the device that's served me well most of the time has been a handheld GPS that I bought years ago online.

As coincidence would have it, that GPS is a Magellan Meridian and I've used it for everything from geocaching to plotting where my plane was going.

Now, Magellan has come out with a multi-use device that makes me think I might be done with the standalone GPS I'm so used to carrying with me. This device - and bear in mind that this is a first-look review...I've only had the gadget for a mere 24 hours - is fantastic at first blush. It's the Magellan ToughCase for iPhone and iPod Touch.

What makes it so fantastic? The case is fully sealed, totally protective, and it includes a GPS transceiver that boosts and assists GPS navigation so that you can use your iPhone for even more precise navigation than ever before.

Here are some photos provided by the company and then shots of my iPhone in my hand in the case. Notice the size and the thickness of the case. Not horribly huge, but still a bit of a surprise. The main thing you need to remember is that instead of carrying two devices - a GPS and a phone - you're carrying one.

Further, you are also carrying a charger. Yes, the ToughCase is a charger too. It keeps your iPhone or iPod Touch juiced up nicely.

What you can see right off the bat is that the case is a little bulky. But you need that. If you're going to trust your iPhone to a case, I'm of the opinion that the case you use better be bombproof. This one is. It's solid and waterproof.

Let me quickly list my thoughts on the Magellan ToughCase...

The charger is a great touch. I am always walking around with a cable and a charger plug to keep my phone powered. This removes the need for me to do that.

The GPS just plain works. I love the additional accuracy of the GPS receiver inside. It boosts whatever GPS app or the map application of the iPhone. I'm still monkeying with the settings as it seems that you still need to have some sort of cell or Wifi signal to use the GPS. That might be a sticking point but I'll figure it out soon.

The protection factor is huge for me. I usually carry around an OtterBox case that's almost waterproof and is definitely rugged. This case leaves that in the dust with its waterproof construction and all-around heft.

What don't I like? I'm not sure I like the price - it's $199 for the case.

I really want the case to allow me to sync my iPhone while inside...but it doesn't. This is clearly a drawback of having a completely sealed unit. But having to take the iPhone out repeatedly to add podcasts and files is a bummer. It also makes it possible for dirt and dust to enter the case if you're not careful.

I love the power options. The buttons on the bottom of the case allow you to charge the phone; use the GPS while charging the phone, or just allow the phone to run normally and not deplete the GPS or charge in the case.

And the case comes with an insert for your iPod Touch and all the necessary cables to charge the case.

*Inside the case is a dock that fits the iPhone or iPod Touch perfectly.

It's a good option for anyone who uses their phone as a GPS, travels for work or pleasure a lot, or just runs down their phone incessantly.

I'll let you know what I think after I've used the case for a few weeks in the wild.*

*I'm headed to New Orleans in a week or so to travel around the marshes and Gulf of Mexico to assess and report on the environmental impact the oil spill has had on businesses in the region. I'll be relying on the ToughCase to direct me around the area.

Rhode Island Energy & Leadership Day in Washington, DC

John Bergdoll at the Rhode Island Energy & Environmental Leadership Day event in Washington, DC

At the invitation of Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Jim Thomas, West Warwick Town Manager, myself, and other Rhode Island constituents were fortunate to participate in the Rhode Island Energy & Environment Leadership Day conference held in Washington, D.C. to learn about federal programs, share and connect with environmental leaders. Senator Whitehouse opened the session by saying, “We are now at a time of crisis and opportunity.”

Throughout the day there were repeating themes of environmental crisis, opportunity and urgency. Without a doubt, the confluence of environmental and economic events is arguing for action. Broad scientific agreement indicate that carbon emissions play a significant role in climate change urging us to end our fossil fuel dependence.

“The impacts of climate change are always being reinforced,” said Senator John Kerry. “The arguments are so powerful and yet we still have resistance,” With fire in the belly, Kerry explained, “We are in trouble folks. It’s a hell of a battle. Get in gear.”

John Bergdoll, Sustainability Business Coordinator for the Town of West Warwick, Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, and Jim Thomas, Town Manager of West Warwick, RI

“Rhode Island is preparing itself for the impact of climate change. We must prepare for the inevitable.” explained Nancy Sutley, Chair, White House Council on Environmental Quality. Sutley further explained that there is tremendous stress on our oceans and, “We must find ways to balance the competing demands from our oceans. We are looking to create new and successful partnerships. A healthy environment and a healthy economy go hand in hand.”

“The Clean Energy and Environment Bill now being drafted is a major piece of legislation.” Sen. Whitehouse said. “Putting a price on carbon will be an important component.” It needs 60 votes to pass.

Lisa Jackson, EPA Administrator and Massachusett Senator John Kerry

Massachusetts Senator John Kerry said, ‘We must become energy independent. The arguments are so powerful and yet we still have resistance. The energy market is a 6 trillion dollar market. It’s the mother of all economies, but we still have fear mongering, ideological battles, damaged gridlock, demagoguery.”

“Deforestation is one of the greatest causes of carbon emissions. We need incentives. It is a major impact on climate change. We need a grassroots revolution.”

“It’s rare in public life when you get a ‘two-fer’, said Kerry. “This is a ‘five-fer’ citing national security, jobs, U.S. could be leading the world, competitiveness, and the moral imperative of environmental stewardship.”

Lisa Jackson, EPA administrator, stated, “We need to move past the lobbying and into action. We need some growth sectors.” The devastation of the BP oil spill only adds to the urgency. Clean energy has to be profitable.”

Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed closed the session by saying, ”There are no shortages of issues.”

Regarding global climate change, Senator Reed summed it up by saying:

- China has surpassed U.S. dramatically. They are dealing with the problem and are setting up the technology the rest of the world will demand.”

- It's an opportunity to be competitive in a global marketplace where our success in the world could depend upon it.

- Our health and the planet’s reform

“Solutions will come from everywhere.”

“The era of cheap oil is drawing to a close. Drilling for oil now has to go deeper and further out which highlighting environmental risks and continuing concern about our dependence on the Middle East for energy. The price of carbon-based fuels will need to be higher for the nation to undergo a fundamental shift to clean energy.”

Samsung Behold 2 - Droid-esqe Google Phone

So I broke my iPhone. I'll go into how that happened on my social media blog, but here I wanted to give the quick version of what I like and HATE about the Samsung Behold 2 - a phone running on the T-Mobile network and serving as my current smartphone while I wait for an iPhone fix.

The Samsung Behold 2 - purchased used off Craigslist for $150 - is a good phone. If you're not already spoiled by years on the iPhone OS, it will certainly amaze you. It's not an Incredible, but it works quite well and has the power of the Android Marketplace and community behind it. Let's do a quick list of the good, the bad and the verdict.

The Good
A nice size for a cellphone. It's not an EVO and it's even smaller than the iPhone. Fits in any pocket and any hand.
It's a multi-processor. That means it lets stuff run in the background so you can quickly access mail, Twitter, maps and other apps. No need to start this stuff up. Once they're running, they stay running.
The screen is a nice. It's crisp and clear and color. It's also pretty responsive.
Call quality and speakerphone. Both of these are good. No trouble hearing people and the speaker is really loud.
Camera - fantastic functionality built in with the standard camera. 5MP with zoom, flash and lots of other functions. It's what Apple JUST NOW put in the iPhone 4.0.

The Bad
Battery life. This thing sucks power like an air conditioner or a huge projection television. With so many apps running all the time, I had to install an app killer app so I could stop processes from running in the background. Once I did that I got some battery life back.
The standard keyboard is infuriating. The keys are placed just close enough together that I cannot type any word without having to delete and retype a letter. I don't know if the Behold 2 will learn words, but this is probably the most limiting function for me as I use my phone to type stuff on email, Twitter, Tumblr and sometimes even to blog.
Connectivity. Not the networks - the 3G is AWESOME and fast. No, I'm having a bear of a time trying to transfer information to the phone. Since I had to move to the Behold from the iPhone without warning, the new phone has no contact info in it. In three full days of trying I cannot get the phone to show up as a hard drive and I can't find a way to import my contacts. I may have to give in and go to a T-Mobile store later today.

The Verdict
From what I've learning in my clicking around, this phone is a good option if you got it new and will be ready for another phone after a year. By that time you're reach the limit of the OS and will be ready for a newer Droid.
Samsung has said publicly that they won't be upgrading the OS to 2.0, so the phone is trapped in the dark ages (there is a class-action suit in the works because Samsung told buyers that the phone WOULD get upgrades up to 2.0 and more over time).

I say, if you are new to smartphones, can deal with a touchscreen interface, are smart enough to know how to monkey around with phone settings (it's not hard) and have small fingers, get this phone. It can be had for $150 new with a contract or probably for similar money online.

Let me know what you have for a phone and what you like or dislike about your model. Thanks!

Boston Red Sox Green Team...a matter of convenience

John Bergdoll (standing left of center) and the Boston Red Sox Green Team Volunteers from CEN/REBN (Clean Economy Network/Renewable Energy Business Network). We patrolled Fenway Park collecting recyclable bottles, plastic cups and containers during a spring Red Sox night game. It was a fun way to help out with community service, encourage environmental responsibility, reduce our environmental impact, raise awareness, and catch an exciting baseball game. Each green shirt was made from five recycled water bottles.

Volunteering for the Boston Red Sox Green Team was a good opportunity for me to experience first-hand how eager people are willing to recycle when given the option. Some people even rushed their drinks so they could give me their plastics cups.

It was interesting to note how grateful and supportive all the fans were toward me for my recycling efforts of walking up and down the isles asking for plastic recyclables.

The Boston Red Sox Green Team was successful in collecting recyclables because it was a ready option and it was convenient. I did not, however, observe anybody holding on to their recyclables to dispose of them in the recycling bins underneath the stands.

CONCLUSION

People are very willing and interested in recycling when it's convenient but less apt to recycle when it's inconvenient.

SOLUTION

Placing permanent recycling bins in the isles in place of a couple seats on each isle would be a visible and a convenient option. Public service announcements should also be made to encourage responsible disposal of all recyclables at the ballpark.

Recycling bins underneath the stands are inconvenient, and in my view, underused. Ignoring the convenience factor of fan behavior fosters a wasteful linear approach to our natural resources which is unsustainable in our planet of finite resources.

What are your thoughts?

Twitter @JohnBergdoll

Making things by Hand - Book Review

I'm a book author. And as such, I have the power and the skill to evaluate books by other authors. Or so you might think. In fact, readers are vary particular people who like what they like and hate what they hate. Lucky for Mark Frauenfelder, I liked his book.

Oooh, sorry for the spoiler. But I've just saved you some time. You can either read the entire review or just scroll down to the Amazon link below and buy the book. Enjoy!

Here's the book cover and below this photo is the review.

Mark Frauenfelder is the founder of Boing Boing and the editor in chief at Make magazine. He knows a little something about technology and a lot about using materials to create useable items. In fact, he now wrote the book on that topic.

So let's go beyond the "advance uncorrected proofs" tag on the front cover and dig inside to what I liked and didn't like about this book. *Hopefully they have a Kindle version for those of you who are against wasting paper.

The Good

In Made by Hand, Frauenfelder writes like he's talking. That's a good thing. People who write as if they're talking to you often are more effective at sharing their point of view, their topics and find more success imparting knowledge that remains with readers. At least that's what I've found. And this book does that.

From blaming public relations pioneer Edward Bernays for the demise of do-it-yourself projects and the rise of subliminal advertising; to teaching readers what things they need to start beekeeping in their own yard, Frauenfelder takes us on a jaunt across time and space that ends with the re-establishment of our self reliance.

While I don't really make anything myself, I still see it as a romantic notion. I've had relatives who have built boats, friends who can build computers from scratch and even girlfriends who created their own clothing. The last great thing I made was a table in eighth-grade wood shop. *The table is still standing and is probably worth about $42Million, but that's neither here nor there.

Essentially, I like the journey Frauenfelder takes me on with vignettes and practical tips. I got a taste of this from his podcast that aired in 2007, pimping another book, Rule the Web. So let's look at the less pleasing aspects of this current book.

The Bad

This book is a rambler. As much as the discussion style of the tome is fun, it also can be draining. Frauenfelder rolls along through his stories with a direction...but this direction is slightly ill-defined. He wants to tell us about chicken coops and growing your own vegetables and even making guitars and wooden spoons.

Sure, this is a fun trip, but it requires an investment of time. Maybe that's the irony of this book, that it requires the very dedication and investment that people will learn how to adopt by reading the book.

Feel like you're in a wormhole? Right.

Well, the stories were well thought out and the descriptions were lively and accurate (though I have to confess I have not made a spoon and have not started keeping bees). But the last spot where the book failed me a little bit was the end. It came full circle, which is what you should expect from an essay or a term paper or even a thesis, but I wasn't ready to have the "and so this illustrates how do-it-yourself was dying and now can be brought back to life" lecture on the waning pages of the book.

Overall Thoughts

Buy it. Really. I like the content. I like the stories in the book. I even like the projects he shares and the premise he carries throughout. While you might put it down a couple times because of pacing and rambling, I was given a pre-release copy that may have been tightened up considerably in the final editing process.

Ultimately, Frauenfelder is a guy with ideas from another century - but they still make sense. Look around you and dream a little bigger. Think of how you can reuse some of the 'trash' in your life. And how that reuse can enrich both you and the world around you.

Were I grading this as a paper, I'd give it a B-. Plenty good to at least make it into your summer reading list. Maybe good enough to give as a gift. You decide.

Made by Hand can be found here...

I can be found at various places that link to here.

Please leave comments on this blog if you have them.

Verizon's HTC Droid Incredible - First Look

Verizon contacted me with the request that I review their new phone - the HTC Droid Incredible - and of course I said yes. I had planned to shop the review to some of my other outlets, but they already had an Incredible in house and were doing their own review of the Google phone. So, here's my take - and a quick video showing how quick the phone is in comparison to my iPhone.

By the way, the phone is not mine to keep. I have to return it to Verizon...as much as I'd like to have it for my very own.

First off, it's slim. As you can see from its profile as it sits next to the iPhone, it's tiny. It fits easily in my pocket and the only drawback right now is the limited number of cases for the phone. There will certainly be dozens of case manufacturers jumping on board, but in many instances they don't want to fill the market with cases for a phone that might not be a great seller. I think this phone will be.

Let's go through the pluses and minuses.

Pluses

Size. It's slim and easy to use.
Operating system. It's on Google and allows users to download apps from the Android/Google Marketplace.
The OS also makes it fast as does the onboard memory - 1GHz processor and 32MB of available memory.
Network. It's on Verizon and I found the signal strength and 3G availability during my test to be great. This isn't a knock on other carriers, just a comment that Verizon's network near Boston is pretty strong.
Camera. An 8MP camera took fantastic photos and also allowed me to take videos with ease.
Lock screen. The lock screen was as easy to use as the one on other phones...even the iPhone...and used a swiping, pattern recognition instead of a typed in password to unlock the phone. Cool as well.
Google integration. If you're a gmail user, this phone syncs immediately and easily so that all your information is suddenly in the palm of your hand. This is fascinating and a little scary. Just remember to lock your phone. But it helps you keep your calendar, contacts and mail all within reach at all times.
GPS/Location. I use Foursquare and Gowalla a lot. The innards of the HTC Incredible had no issue finding me and finding me quickly. This made checking in a breeze. It also made apps like Google Sky Map AWESOME. Imagine pointing the phone at the sky and being able to identify star formations from what the phone tells you. Love that app.

Minuses

Battery life. It didn't really last as long as I had hoped it would. But I was using bluetooth, Wifi, all sorts of apps and definitely putting the phone through its paces. If you shut down the haptic feedback, vibration, volume, screen brightness, bluetooth and Wifi, you're sure to get much better longevity.
Size. Not the phone's actual size, but the keyboard size. Keys - although they are onscreen and not physical - are small just because the form factor of the phone is tiny. I would have liked a key profile that was a hair bigger, but then where would you add the space?
Keyboard function. I'm used to the iPhone and how you use different key sets to get to special characters. With the Incredible, that isn't the case. To get a hash sign, an exclamation mark or a number (and many other symbols and digits) you must hold a key down. This is most frustrating when you're typing in passwords that have different characters in them. After a while I imaging typing would become natural, but it also irked some of the folks I let try the phone during my evaluation.

Random stuff....

In all, I like it. Were I not such an Apple fanboy, I might switch today. I have a Verizon account and could well justify moving to a phone that consolidates all my Google data in an instant.

The camera is cool, works fast and has a flash. All great points.

Contrary to what iPhone folks say, the Google Marketplace has a TON of apps and games and useful stuff in it. I was expecting to go there and find two minesweeper games and a maps app. There are radio streaming apps, the aforementioned star chart thing, Twitter, Foursquare, Facebook and other social networking apps and much more. You won't be wanting for stuff to load on this phone.

So take a look at the video I took, think about the $200 price tag, and make your own decision. I would say this phone wins in my book. At least until iPhone ups its processor and adds more carriers.



More photos and info are easy to find at Verizon as well.

What are you calling on these days? What do you want to be calling on? Have you used the phone? What did you think? Leave your comments here.

Networking Survival

Diane Darling is charming and upfront about her skillset and her mantras. She wants to see people succeed and has a vision in how that can happen. For even experienced networking and social media professionals, Darling's tips and insight can be valuable.

For instance, in her most recent book...

DISCLAIMER, I CONTRIBUTED A SECTION TO THIS BOOK



...Diane gets down and dirty in how professionals at all levels leverage their skills and outgoing nature to make connections and ultimately make themselves more successful financially and emotionally.

Give it a read...even if you buy it just to see my section...it's a nice primer for those who are a bit skeptical that traditional networking still can get the job done. I believe a mix of traditional and new media is the right route, but I'm a tech-head early adopter, what do I know?

ALSO, there's an event coming up on May 18 where you can meet Diane in person and get your book signed. I expect that I'll be there too and will sign anything you bring in - doesn't have to be a book.

Here's the info on that May 18 event.

Got a product you want reviewed? Share it here or ping me, perhaps I'll allow you a guest post. NO OVERT PIMPING!

Thanks!

Solutions to Water Crisis at Shanghai Summit

I caught up with Karen Weber, founder of Earth Our Only Home, Inc. and Boston GreenFest just hours before she embarked on her trip to the World Green Roofs Conference and Shanghai Summit on Solutions to the Water Crisis.

This groundbreaking summit, organized by Earth Our Only Home, Inc. explores green roof design and related technologies to address the growing drinking water shortages in China, India and neighboring countries. Hoping to find solutions as a facilitator and activist, Weber has assembled delegates from China, India, Taiwan, Korea, US, Canada, UK and Germany to share perspectives and expertise, identify challenges, connect technologies, discuss policy and finance, and to develop realistic timelines for action.

China and India are in need of short-term and long-term solutions that work with nature not against it. Now is the time plan for the future infrastructure. India plans to build the equivalent of 70 “New York Cities” over the next 20 years. It is unknown how many cities China is planning to build.

The concern is that buildings are being built without green roofs (with vegetation) resulting in hot cities that will not function in an organic way. Weber explains, “Utilizing green roofs will help regain the natural balance, creating a beautiful and cooler space that will foster the proper cycle of water. It will make a garden from the dessert, maintain cloud cover and help continue the normal water cycle. It helps the oxygen and carbon dioxide equation.”

India has mandated rainwater capture systems for buildings and homes, but there are concerns. Depending on the receptacle used, open roof collection systems will cause the water to become stagnant and open to mosquitoes, and if it’s not properly installed in the basement, it could be foster illness.

Roofs can serve as a primary filter for the collection of drinking water and help continue the water cycle. It provides moisture back into the hydrologic cycle restoring the natural balance of how water moves in and out of the atmosphere. Surprisingly, green roof design has never been linked to drinking water before.
Professor Brad Bass of University of Toronto also shares this vision.

Weber explains, “The goal is to envision how the building growth can be done to make it healthy and sustainable. Now is the time to put green roof design into the planning and policy. It puts China in a leadership role. It also makes the return on investment very economical.”

What are your thoughts?

Twitter @JohnBergdoll

Beyond the Green Monster

Kathleen Harrington, Coordinator of Boston Red Sox Planning and Development, and John Bergdoll

Scattered showers did not delay the Green Tour of Fenway Park hosted by CEN/REBN Clean Economy Network/Renewable Energy Network. Gathered at the Absolut Bar underneath the ballpark were about 100 clean and renewable energy fans to hear Kathleen Harrington, Coordinator of Boston Red Sox Planning and Development, make her presentation on the recent earth-friendly improvements at Fenway Park.

When I was in high school, I was a walking vendor at Fenway Park. I knew the park pretty well so it was refreshing to see and hear about the new sustainability initiatives and programs.

Here's what we learned:
- Fenway Park installed 28 solar panels on the upper deck behind home plate saving energy and avoiding 18 tons of CO2 emissions each year.


- There are 11 Big Belly Solar Trash Compactors that hold up to 6 times more trash than regular trash containers.
- There are 28 no-flush urinals and 23 dual flush toilets (18 in the women's room and 5 in the men's room) reducing water waste by 30%.
- Most Red Sox publications including game day programs, calendars, and yearbooks are printed on recyclable paper.
- The ground crew uses biodiesel fuel (a non-petroleum based and clean burning) to power mowers that cut the grass and leaf blowers that clean the trash left behind in the stands after games.
- Organic fertilizer is used on the grass and the grass clippings are left to naturally decompose.
- The Poland Spring Green Team collects water bottles during the game with the help of volunteers who wear green shirts made of recycled water bottles that feel like cotton. Water bottles that don’t make it to the recycling bins are sorted.

Here's sustainability improvements that I think should be made:
The carbon arc light towers at Fenway Park were installed in 1947 and have remained unchanged since then. Carbon arc lights were made between 1933 and 1944 and originally intended to search for enemy planes at night before radar was invented. The searchlight beams could reach more than five miles and could be seen more than 30 miles away.1 They represent a huge energy-efficient opportunity to reduce the carbon footprint, reduce light pollution, and save money. One of the most eco-friendly options is LED light bulbs. “LED lights contain absolutely no mercury or toxic chemicals. They don't generate RF wavelengths that cause radio interference, or emit ultraviolet (UV) light -- so LEDs will not readily attract bugs and other insects.”2

Rainwater storage is a smart way of conserving energy. It would be a valuable way to conserve water that could be used as potable water, irrigate the grass and infield, and in the flushing of toilets. Rainwater is energy. It brings life. To ignore it is wasteful and costly. In 2004, the EPA issued results of a survey indicating that, "36 states will have water shortages in the next ten years - - - even under non-drought conditions."

There is a missed opportunity for a green roof on the second level behind home plate. Right now there is a flat rooftop that absorbs the sun's energy, heats up, and reradiates that heat to the ambient air resulting in a summertime heat island effect. Urban heat islands affect energy use, air quality, human health and water quality. Instead, I propose a green roof top system that provides environmental benefits that would support hearty native ground cover and requires little maintenance. It would also beautify the space and view from the EMC Club and Pavilions. The space above center field parking garage also presents a green roof top opportunity.

Since all baseball teams incur a huge environmental impact with their airplane travel, I asked if there was any consideration to carbon offsetting the airplane travel. Travel can be made carbon neutral helping our environment in our fight against climate change. Harrington said there were no plans to do so. A member of the crowd then mentioned that occasionally the Red Sox take the Amtrak train when they are visiting the New York Yankees. Trains are more environmentally friendly and the players like it because it takes them right into the city.

I propose the idea of developing a ‘Baseball Stadium Sustainability Index (or Report Card)’. Sustainability rankings would be based on stadium energy performance, sustainability, environmental impact, reduce-reuse-recycle efforts, water conservation, renewable energy and social responsibility. There is no overall energy rating in place for Fenway Park nor with other Major League Baseball stadiums to my knowledge. The goal is to get off the grid, return power to the grid and embrace best practices in sustainability and social responsibility.

Major League Baseball rewards the best team performance on the field with a World Series Championship. It's time to acknowledge and reward Stadium Sustainability Performance as well. I commend the Red Sox for making sustainability inroads, but there is an opportunity and a social responsibility to set the standard as community leaders and Sustainability Champions. Ranking high on a Stadium Sustainability Index is attainable and something Red Sox Nation and the rest of the world could cheer about.

1. Darin McGilvra, eHow Contributing Writer, "History of Carbon ARC Lighting", May 1, 2010

2. Organic Consumers Association, “Mercury Contamination Alert: Why LED Light Bulbs Are Safer Than Compact Fluorescents”, May 1, 2010

Twitter @JohnBergdoll

WorkBar Boston

Today I'm writing in a shared work space in downtown Boston. The space - WorkBar Boston - is one of a few sites where the concept of co-working has taken hold. In fact, today is the monthly free co-working day at WorkBar and I decided to see what it was like to plant myself here for the day.

In deference to coffee shops and libraries - which offer similar amenities as WorkBar or the Digilounge at Tech Superpowers - the venues that have been set up with co-working in mind are much more valuable to the freelance or contract worker.

For instance, both WorkBar and Digilounge have plugs. Many cafes have begun covering their power outlets to limit the time people can squat in their space and nurse a cafe au lait. Let's go in to a list of how WorkBar is better than just camping at Panera or Starbucks...

Wifi at WorkBar - fast, free and did I say fast!
Coffee and other treats at WorkBar - plentiful, fresh and provided in a vast variety.
Manners at WorkBar - they're here. People are respectful of space, both physical and audio.

None of this is true at the local cafe. Wifi can be wonky at best and sometimes costs you money. Panera even shuts you off after 30-60 minutes during peak meal times...even if you've made a purchase.

Food at these other venues isn't free. That's understandable because these are stores have to make their money via sales. WorkBar and other co-working spaces charge a monthly or daily fee. At WorkBar it's a reasonable $20 a day and $150 per month.

Finally, you never know what you're going to run into at the local coffee shop. People are as likely to pour broccoli and cheddar soup on your head and equipment as they are to leave you alone and respect your space. At WorkBar, there are conference rooms (additional cost if you rent space daily, included with a monthly plan), and the staff monitors the behavior of participants to make sure nobody is stepping on other people's nerves.

All in all, if you need to move yourself away from the kids, pets and other distractions of your home office, WorkBar Boston seems like a simple and smart choice. In a day of pounding the keyboard here, I've gotten five blog posts done, a bunch of client work completed and am leaving with a smile on my face.

The only caveat is if you hate people or are unmotivated or easily distracted, this might not be a great solution for you. But then neither are coffee shops or other random spaces.

Where do you do your best work? Share in the comments.

Adobe Youth Voices - Youth Producing Change

Want to buy a child? Seriously. It will only cost you a bag of millet. Leila was sold...traded really. For a bag of food that would feed her family.

If you’re not interested in purchasing a child, what about children who work as many hours a day as they are old just to support their family.

Alcides parents—both parents—died of HIV/AIDS.

Are these tales put on the airwaves and television to tug at your heartstrings and empty your wallet? No. These are true stories put out by youth filmmakers to raise awareness.

As part of Adobe Youth Voices and the Youth Producing Change Event in Boston, ten young filmmakers were armed with digital cameras and their own creativity. They made films to expose human rights issues they faced or had seen in their community.

With issues ranging from child labor to police harassment, these films aired at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts this past weekend as the showcase series featured in Human Rights Watch Film Festivals in London, New York and San Francisco.

Made possible by The Adobe Foundation, Youth Producing Change is part of Adobe Youth Voices and is “designed to provide youth in underserved communities with critical skills they need to become active and engaged members of their communities and the world at large.”

In just over three years, 20,000 children in 30 countries have taken part in the Adobe Youth Voices training programs to create media for social change.

What’s that mean? It means you learn a little bit about Human Rights Watch. You learn about The Adobe Foundation. And you learn firsthand what kids already know.

In films that explored these topics...

Clean water is a basic human necessity, yet corporations seeking profit are purchasing community water supplies around the world.

Shocked by the claim that more than half of all rapes happen to people under 18, young filmmakers searched for the roots of sexual violence and call for change.

Each night 1,600 teenagers in New York City find themselves homeless. Clemins and Jackie, two formerly homeless teens from New York City shared their stories of overcoming adversity and their work to create a community of support around teen homelessness.

Using new media tools, kids shared these videos and then the event was publicized via Twitter and Facebook. From what I read and learned about these kids, the only thing more powerful than their videos is their resolve to address human rights issues.

Michelle Mann, Executive Director of the Adobe Foundation, said, “By calling attention to human rights issues, these youth are inspiring audiences worldwide and demonstrating the power to express ideas, engage stakeholders and effect change through digital media.”

Anyone can do this stuff, but these kids are inspiring because they got out and explored the world around them, then they got in front of the camera to share their thoughts, their pain, their stories.

Pictures...especially moving pictures...are more moving when they engage and tell a story that matters. The films that aired this past Friday at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston did just that.

You can find out more a couple of ways. Give a click over to Facebook... http://www.facebook.com/adobeyouthvoices or jump on Twitter and follow @adobeyv to see what else is happening with Adobe Youth Voices.

You can see images and learn more about Human Rights Watch at http://www.hrw.org/iff.