Holding a Charge (April 27, 2009)

What's your biggest pet peeve? Mine is when my Logitech diNovo wireless keyboard and mouse stop working in the middle of something rather important (or anything at all for that matter) because all their batteries suddenly die at the same time! Yes, they're all rechargeable, but apparently the mouse dock doesn't charge them quite as well as a battery charging module you purchase at Walmart for $49.95. Although that morning a couple days ago was a real pain in the ass, I am quite happy with the purchase of this Duracell 15 Minute Charger. Not only did the batteries I had recharge in approximately 15 minutes, I haven't yet had to put my mouse back on the dock to charge up again. Apparently, if your rechargeable batteries give you any flack, you can call up Duracell and they will replace them as well.

We are quickly becoming the age of not only technology, but the age of the battery. Sure, we've had the use of batteries for quite a long time now, but with all this new wireless technology the demand for smaller, lighter, longer-lasting, and of course cheaper batteries is quickly becoming a reality. Unfortunately, many of us would still rather spend a fraction of the cost on disposable (non-rechargeable) batteries up front, and eat the costs down the road when we have to replace them with more 'land-fill' batteries. On a brighter note, and a start to solving those kinds of dilemmas, companies like The Battery Broker are taking advantage of a real problem and helping people (and companies) deal with their share of 'land-fill' batteries.

The Peepoo Bag ()

Interesting, yet completely accurate name for this little invention; or should I say 'innovation'. Using plastic bags for collection and disposal of human waste is hardly a new concept. Unfortunately, it's also becoming a huge problem not only because of the non-biodegradable material (plastic), but because a very simple system like this doesn't ensure the safety of the surrounding ground water.

This new bag has some very encouraging attributes and is definitely worth seriously investigating and promoting. I am really interested in seeing the potential usage for this product, not only the obvious application in a third world environment, but how we might use it here in Canada. A few ideas that come to mind are camping, remote agricultural work, and construction - obviously where a portable toilet is unavailable. Although, what if a modified version of these were developed for a portable toilet as well? I'll let you read the article and come up with your own ideas.

Check out this article that I was introduced to and I think you'll be quite amazed as well: Improving Sanitation with the Peepoo Bag.

Basecamp Project Management (April 20, 2009)

I've known about this Basecamp software for quite a while now, but I wanted to wait until my clientele warranted the cost of this project management application. Well, now it has and I'm really excited to start using it!



This application can provide a stable environment to manage task lists, milestones, messages, files, and over all project (or in my case website) management.

I have a few clients on board so far and the response has been very encouraging. I believe many are finding it relatively easy to use and also see the potential it has to not only keep track of tasks, but keep both parties in touch and on based (as it were) with current projects. If you haven't heard of it, and you are a business owner or, especially if you are a client of mine I would strongly recommend you check it out.

If you are using it, let me know what you think of it.

Go Green or Go Home (April 17, 2009)

It's amazing how advanced, as Canadians, we consider ourselves. We have all the luxuries of modern technology, advanced education, social and health programs, and energy solutions. We have the freedom to choose exactly how we want to pursue those luxuries. Shouldn't we be choosing what is best for all Canadians? Choosing the most cost effective, socially acceptable, safest... cleanest... solution for all those areas of our lives. Of course we should! So why don't we?

Take a look at this broadcast from the CBC News - The Fifth Estate:
The Gospel of Green (41:52)