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One Small Step For Man, One POWERleap for Mankind

Some of the most brilliant ideas come from the simplest of places, an apple falling out of a tree, a child playing with a kite, the every day occurrence of a bird flying through the air.

Elizabeth Redmond and her newest invention POWERleap, falls into this category it stems from the act of people walking, and it's just simply brilliant.

Elizabeth Redmond invented the POWERleap, a flooring system that generates electricity every time you move on one of the tiles. Constructed with glass and concrete, the energy generating tiles can bear a heavy load and are being designed to be placed in areas that experience high-foot traffic. It is Elizabeth's intention to have cities powered by the people who live, work, and play there rather than outside energy sources.

Elizabeth explains her invention on the Sundance Channel :

Now that it is out there this idea seems so obvious. It makes you wonder why we haven't done anything like this until now, and what other absolutely obvious things we are missing?

The science behind POWERleap from Elizabeth's website:

At rest, your body is emitting 100 watts of power. That is more than enough energy to power the computer on which this is written. Given this, imagine how much energy we are emitting while walking to [or at] work, running at the gym, or dancing at the club! It doesn’t take a genius to appreciate the thought of that energy doing something more for us than dissipating into the ground or environment…

POWERleap is currently manifested in an installation of urban sidewalk tiles designed and engineered by Elizabeth Redmond. The system utilizes the phenomena of piezoelectricity: electricity from applied stress, founded by the Curie brothers in the 1880’s. A piezoelectric material when compressed distributes a charge across the surface of the material that can be harnessed and used to generate electricity.

Project POWERLeap has come up with a solution to the problem of wasted human kinetic energy. We have designed a flooring system that will harness your exerted kinetic energy, and use it to generate electricity for us to enjoy. By integrating these interfaces that generate electricity from our daily activities in public and semi-public built environments, each individual will have the ability to generate electricity for their community.

WHERE WILL POWERleap BE USED?

CITY SIDEWALKS AIRPORT TERMINALS
TRAIN STATIONS SPORTS STADIUMS
CONFERENCE HALLS DANCE CLUBS
CORPORATE CAMPUSES UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES
FITNESS CLUBS PUBLIC PARKS

POWERleap is still in it's infancy stage and looking for backers, investors, and contributors to get it into the mainstream. Here are some other sources for more information:

Here is a link to her NPR radio interview

http://www.here-now.org

Here is a link to her Earth Keepers at Changents

("Changents is an entertainment-driven online destination that enables "change agents" to tell their amazing stories while building a network of fans around the world who want to help them. Through videos, photos, blogs, mobile messaging and podcast dispatches from the field, change agents draw in "backers" to lend a hand - virtually or in person.)

http://www.changents.com/powerleaper

POWERleap website:

www.powerleap.net

Fusing Gotta-Have-It Technology with Social Responsibility

In my previous post Sexy Bluetooth I wrote about the Jawbone 2 Bluetooth headset and how necessity, function, and fashion can all merge together in one device. The Aliph company is the owner of the JAWBONE but the designer is Yves Behar and his company Fuseproject.

Yves Behar is unique in that he believes that it is his mission to bring technology into the human experience. Behar uses design to transform every day items by considering the human need, finding new functionality, while also merging utility and beauty.

Yves Behar felt that the JAWBONE should be more than just a headset and designed it in such a way that it becomes a useful attribute rather than an annoying distraction.

Humanistic technology rests on your skin, knows when you are talking, take out all the techie and nerdy pieces and make it beautiful. If it isn't beautiful it doesn't belong on your face.

Behar's designs go far beyond a Bluetooth headset, to watches, computers, home interior and technology, footware, as well as architectural pursuits. Yves Behar proves that the merging of art with science not only enhances an object, but can improve the performance and function of that object.

The tag line for Fuseproject is Design Brings Stories To Life, watch this Ted.com video to see the story behind Behar's designs.

Yves Behar on Ted.com

From the Ted website:

Over the past decade, Yves Behar and his firm fuseproject have become the design group that companies turn to for a game-changing idea. Take the re-invention of the Bluetooth headset, for one; or the re-envigoration of the venerable but dowdy Birkenstock line; or Behar's LED-chic Leaf lamp for Herman Miller.

And yes, Behar and fuseproject are the people who put the green bunny ears on the XO laptop -- and are redesigning the next-gen XOXO laptop due in 2010. This quirky but deeply felt project encapsulates much of his recent work, fusing gotta-have-it design with a mission of social responsibility.

"[Behar] has the ability to strip something down to its basic functional logic and then apply a set of emotional and aesthetic considerations to create something unique. It's an art."

Chris Hacker, chief design officer at Johnson & Johnson

Sexy Bluetooth That Proves Crime Does Pay

I know, I know women can make an accessory out of anything!!

Hear me out here though. Now that it is mandatory to be hands free while driving, I really think that we need to discuss stylizing the Bluetooth. I know you think I am just being a girl, but there is one company that not only agrees with me, but is already capitalizing on the changing laws.

The company is Aliph, the product is the JAWBONE 2, and I have to say I like them a lot.

Let's start with the name Jawbone...love it! They only have one product -in three different colors, a Bluetooth device that doesn't fit on the jawbone. It goes around the ear but it points towards the jawbone. Do you see it now? I thought so, me too! Seriously it's good branding, catchy and easy to remember.

Next we move into the very hip, stylish, and goes with so many of my outfits, necklaces, shoes, and handbags look. Oh yeah it looks like it walked out of Gucci, Prada, or a Louis Vuitton store doesn't it?

JAWBONE 2

Note: The first one had a few issues, with charging and it was too bulky, but # 2 (a lot like Aliens compared to Alien) is getting better reviews.

Now aside from being just to die for cute, this product is actually pretty high tech. Oh yeah, Sexy and Smart. It has a patented VAS and an Advanced DSP Algorithm, no it can't drive you to work, what that means is it has a voice activity sensor and NoiseAssassin (I know that should be two words, talk to them it's their trademark) technology. In plain English now - it detects the frequency of your speech, even in the presence of noise, and then assassinates the background noise so the listener only hears you. The whole NoiseAssassination Algorithm thing, they say was developed for DARPA (Defense) but, is now available for the common folk. Check out the DEMO.

Finally the cashing in on crime thing, I know it's in the title and you were wondering what that was about, well they have this area on their website that helps those poor unfortunates that have gotten caught by mister law talking on the phone, by discounting their Bluetooth purchase.

Here's the Ticket Processor:

If you're busted breaking the Hands Free Law, JAWBONE will help soften the blow.

How? When you buy a new JAWBONE online we'll deduct $20 from the purchase price. (The phones are $129)

Why? Because having a conversation shouldn't be a crime.

So now the Smart Gals:

5 out of 5 Smart Gals on this one! Was there ever a doubt!!

You've Arrived....Blogger Recognition

So recently, actually a while ago I am late on this post-so very late, I received an award from another blogger. Getting the award felt a lot like winning the blue ribbon at a spelling bee. Ok, I was never part of a spelling bee, I was on the debate team but that analogy just didn't seem to work here. In any case I was touched and very flattered by the gesture. I tell clients that if you are going to jump on the blog/social networking train you better be real, there is no faking it here. So to have someone that visits my blog regularly say hey I'm not bored yet I like your style is a real honor.

Heidi over at the Health Nut Wannabee Mom blog is the blogger that bestowed the special award, known as the Arte y Pico Award, on me. What you haven't heard of it before? Well let me tell you, that is because it is a very rare, prestigious, and selective award that not many people get. Come on it's my first award so of course I think it's the best award out there!! Seriously I am touched and very thankful for the recognition, it is a lot of pressure an honor. I hope I can continue to provide award worthy content and support those other blogger's that are doing the same.

Ladies and Gents:

The Arte y Pico Award

The "Arte y Pico" Award was created and to be given to blogger's who inspire others with their creative energy and their talents, whether it be writing, artwork in all media's.

It was so meant for me...look at the hot smart chick on it!

Part of receiving this award is sharing it with at least 5 other blogger's. So now I get to bestow this wonderful award to you people....drum roll please!

This Brazen Teacher

About Site - I am an Art Teacher.This site is a revenge against my career. Against my paycheck. Against Politics. Against the standardization of everything. And I mean everything. We have a couple of teachers in the family and let me tell you these ladies are wild! As a kid I knew but could never prove it this blog does that for me. I am giving her this award even though she has gotten a few others, because I want to. She has Calvin & Hobbes on her page, Paulo Coelho in her roll, Crotchety's seal of approval, and I am never bored when I stop by.

Crotchety Old Man Yells At Cars

His Bio - I'm a crotchety old guy who enjoys ranting and raving about the injustices of the world. While many of my rants are political in nature, I can complain about almost anything. If I were a cartoon character, I'd be Grandpa Simpson or an elderly Eric Cartman. I personally love his rants they are intellectual, informative, and incredibly amusing. which is difficult to accomplish, but so wonderful when done well.

Secrets of a Black Heart

Lunanik is a wonderful blogger, she's been doing it for quite a while and it shows. Her writing style is wonderfully engaging. she is witty, funny, and most importantly real. She writes about every day things which could get boring, but the way her personality comes through I cant wait to see what she is going to write about next. Lately Miss Lunanik feels a little drained, a bit uninspired, and has been thinking about pulling back. I sincerely hope that she doesn't, she is a great blogger.

A Little Piece of Me

Blog Description-"Just a general blog about me and my life. You will find anything from my counseling homework, photography, hiking, traveling, doodles and more on this blog." I personally do not visit this blog enough, when I do happen by I am always happy I did. She is one of those people that you would want to know in person, if you like that full package perfect chick thing (just kidding). Seriously great blog, great commenter-if you see her comments you know they are going to be interesting, with envy inducing doodles. Check her out.

Regretful Morning

The tag line "We Laugh At Your Misfortune. Initially I thought this blog would be one of those blogs that I would check out once, hate, and never return. I was wrong! Though it is not a blog for the faint of heart (good humor never is), it is hysterical. This blog could have been one of those uninspired, nonsense, shock effect, fall short blogs but surprisingly it is not. Jason takes alcohol induced regretful stories (we all have them), mixes in his own humor, and throws it out there for the wolves to devour. All of this makes for a fun blog.

So there you have it, those are the chaps I think deserve an award whether they like it or not!

Social Networking...Keeping It All Together!

In order to capitalize on the social networking phenomenon, you need to ask yourself some questions....

Who are you?

What are you looking for?

Where do you want this machine to take you?

Why are you here?

When will you have the time?

How do you exchange your ideas?

I am sure you know this but there are oodles and oodles of social sites out on the web to join, and though your first inclination may be to jump on as many as possible, if you become part of too many you will never keep up! Your efforts will be diluted and counterproductive. The idea is to connect, build mutually beneficial relationships, and enjoy a little self expression.

Are you a music buff, does your business fall into or compliment the music world? Then you may like one of these:

Bebo * Imeem * Pandora * Ijigg * Last.FM

http://www.social-music.info/

Are you an art or photography connoisseur, or perhaps you are trying to promote a creative business endeavor? Here are a few sites for you:

Flickr * Stumbleupon * Mixx * Squidoo * Myspace

Are you a news or information addict, does your business provide a service that would be benefited by the exchange of information? Then here are some sites to check out:

Digg * Reddit * Del.icio.us * Mixx * Twitter * Plurk

Are you part of the video revolution or would video help your business? Then these sites may interest you:

Youtube * Vimeo * Seesmic * Dailymotion * Break * Stumbleupon

Are you looking for business collaboration and networking? Then pop on by a few of these:

LinkedIn * Plaxo * Startupnation * Zoom Info * Biznik

I haven't even scratched the surface with this list, I could literally go on for days maybe even months listing social and networking sites. So how do you choose which to join and spend what little time you have on? Your personality, motivation, business style and/or type will dictate which social sites you should sign up for.

Whichever way you go the trick with these sites is to know the website's demographic, to be active, and like the name says BE SOCIAL. If you are not meeting people, creating rapport, and establishing mutually beneficial relationships these sites will not help you. Like high school the more popular you are, the more people you will meet, and the more visible your business and website will be.

Finally do not fake it until you make it, the posers are easy to spot, and they will eat you up and spit you out. Don't waste your time, if you can not be there and be real find another way to market yourself and your business.

Here are few more sources you may want to check out:

Wikipedia Social Website List

http://www.mobile-social-network.info/

http://www.social-travel.info/

http://www.social-tv.info/

Brought to you by: GetSmartWomen

Women in Business vs. Men

We know women in business are different then men in business, but how different are they and is being different really a bad thing?

Men control the business world, men hold higher and more influential positions than women, and men get paid more. So why do women even bother? I am a woman and I am in business, and I do not worry or even think about what positions men hold, or how much they make. In business my greatest concerns are how to do business well, be ridiculously successful, while also living life on my terms. Don't get me wrong I am competitive but the competition starts with me and moves to those companies that are in my market place.

In sports if you are a basketball player do you tryout for the football team? You are both athletes but football and basketball are very different and you do not have to be good at one to be good at the other. So why would a women try to be a man, what does one have to do with other? The competition is not between men and women it is between your company and the competing company.

The Author of "What Men Don't Tell Women About Business," Chris Flett, believes that women are missing the boat by not studying successful businessmen, learning from them, and conforming to them. Mr. Flett recently appeared on Donny Deutsch's The Big Idea to plug his new book and to take on some pretty opinionated women. I watched the episode and I must say that Flett didn't do too well, in fact there were times when he looked downright scared. So much for the "Alpha Male" dominating the "Submissive Females"!

The biggest problem Flett has is that he is naive which makes him seem condescending. I am giving him the benefit of the doubt here, really he could be just clueless or worst case a pompous ass, but let's just go with well meaning in a bungling sort of way. Flett portrays women as being weak in every manner possible, yet the demographic he is targeting are those women who had the strength to get where they are and now just need help getting to the next level. News flash Chris you wrote this book for women to learn from and yet you do not know women at all do you?

Chris contributed to The Big Idea Blog after the show and there a few points that I find interesting so let's look at them and discuss...shall we?

When a woman says, "It's us against them, I don't need to know what men think", you know that at some point in her past, she has been excluded from the conversation and is not happy about it.

How like a man to think that? I personally do not treat business like a war, where there is war there is turmoil and plenty of casualties, I am not looking for either in my business. I also do not need to know what men think. I need to know what successful entrepreneurs think, and then I need to incorporate that into who I am and how I do things.

One guest said that she couldn't "get into the board room so she left to form her own company". Having knowledge like we talked about today IS only available in the board room, but some are so furious about past experiences that they disregard it and refuse to even listen to what is being offered.

Chris, Chris, Chris - you make this sound like a bad thing! A woman who chooses to create her own successful company as opposed to trying to do it on someone else's terms is inspirational not weak. If I am not wanted in that boardroom then you are damn right I am going to create my own. Work on your weaknesses but play to your strengths, that is how you win the game. Chris did you have this same opinion of Steve Jobs, when he wasn't being listened to in the Apple boardroom and went his own way in 1986? I don't think so.

There is one area I agree with Mr. Chris Flett and that is knowledge is power, you should keep yourself educated, informed, and never be afraid to learn from others be they men or women. I am not that interested in reading this book and is not that he doesn't make some good points, rather that there are other books out there that would provide more value for me.

Choosing people to learn from and business acumen to incorporate into your company should be done based on your industry, business style, and ultimately your goals. I will say Flett seems to spread his naivety beyond the female gender and into the corporate domain by insuating that all boardrooms are equal. Fortunately all men and women are not created the same. Warren Buffet and Donald Trump are two very successful men but I would wager that they are very different in the boardroom. Martha Stewart, Susie Orman, and Oprah all very successful women and how much alike do you think they are behind closed doors?

I know I could learn from all five of these individuals but what I would choose to take from each would be dependant on who I am and what I want. Business is not about conformity it is about inspiration, innovation and just getting out there and doing it. Mentors are important but they are meant to be learned from and improved upon, not cloned. So by all means go out there and learn from others, there is no reason to recreate the wheel, but don't forget who you are in the process.

www.getsmartwomen.com