Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Ten Minutes from Annapolis . . . @jlalo Rocks!

I work with some amazing folks and Julie Lalo happens to be one of them.  It's a blessing and a stroke of luck that in two very unique professional roles for me I surround myself with individuals who have so much to contribute, share and impact so many in such a positive way.
 
I am committing my space to Jule who shares a piece she calls "Ten Minues from Annapolis"  - she is so passionate in promoting nature and the outdoors in and around the Chesapeake region.  Here is a taste of what Jule shares with staff at NWF - You ROCK Jule.  Happy Holidays to you as well!
 

Happy holidays, everyone!

 

I think it should be mandatory that you make at least one snow angel in your lifetime. It's a perspective-changing experience that you can do anywhere, I can attest! And now, my anecdotal research is verified. National Wildlife Federation has launched our national "Be Out There" initiative for the express purpose of reminding all of us of the gifts we can give ourselves and our families every day. Take an extra ten minutes sometime soon to check out the new Be Out There website. I'll warn you that you'll need more than ten if you spend any time looking through the photo-sharing site, or plugging options into the NatureFind tool. I gave that link as a free gift to my nephew. He's just come back from a posting in South Korea, and is now ready to explore Maryland with his six-year-old. (Spoiler: I am not getting her the puppy she asked me for. The craft kits, books and princess tiara will have to suffice.)

 

And in the new year, consider sending the links below to a teacher you know, with the following introductory note:

Be Out There™  is National Wildlife Federation's initiative to inspire families across America to open the door and get outside! A daily dose of the outdoors improves children’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. Join the Be Out There movement to get children outside, connecting to nature.

The benefits of outdoor play are real: healthier kids with a life-long appreciation of wildlife and nature.

www.nwf.org/beoutthere

www.nwf.org/campusecology

www.nwf.org/ecoschools

www.greenhour.org

It's been my pleasure to get to know each of you this year. You have all been a great gift to me. May your travels be safe, your days be joyful, and your burdens be light.

 

Julie Lalo

Regional Representative (DE, DC, MD, NC, PA, VA, WV)

National Wildlife Federation

Chesapeake Mid-Atlantic Office

Annapolis, MD  21401

Posted via email from Michael's Ramblings . . .

Sunday, December 13, 2009

The games are afoot - so is your cell phone bill

Happened to catch this piece in Time a few weeks back and part of me was elated to see such a successful use of the social networking environment, not to mention the boom of gaming that I always knew had the potential to explode in so many new ways - while at the same time all these flares went up both good and bad.

I'm excited to see this explosion as more and more people start getting the urge to explore the social networking use of games as Zynga has offered. From Farmville to Mafia Wars those who out there know what I'm talking about, the addictive rates appear to be staggering.

I'm not going to get into the revenue aspects of this world, in fact I applaud how they are using various resources the Time article touches upon. Caution on the part of us who dabble is always rule number one, or like this unsuspecting parent found out an extra $170 was tacked on to the cell phone bill. But still consider how easy it was for these guys to harness that integration of technology and revenue? As a technologist looking for that simple means to help raise money and awareness for good is always on the top of my task list.

On a pod cast I recently heard from The Chronicle of Philanthropy Social Good they spoke about the amazing growth of the business and how widely accepted it was becoming. Games for Change is creating interactive game systems that raise awareness and revenue for causes which for me is a really exciting opportunity. No longer is online gaming just geared towards teenage boys, in fact over 68% of all American homes are engaged with some sort of digital gaming and half of them according to the pod cast are women.

With the demographics quickly changing and people spending between 30 min to hours per day "playing" the opportunity to be harnessing this fast growing market is tempting. Which is great news as I see my oldest who has such a creative streak, tremendous programming skills and an uncanny ability to understand games will one day make his mark on the industry.

Mobility like the iPhone apps and easier access to game development are just the start. Interactions with others "playing" via Twitter and Facebook as Zynga demonstrated is only a natural expansion of this genre. Just keep an eye on your phone bill.

Posted via web from Michael's Ramblings . . .

Friday, December 11, 2009

To LED or NOT to LED - who else is on the fence?

Couldn't help but notice how few homes I see this year that are not switching to LED and in fact haven't put up ANY decorations on the outside this year? I'm wondering if it's the R reason or just people not feeling festive. Not sure.

I was on the fence about even replacing my decades worth of antiquated lights, in fact there was a recent poll from Frugal Living that seemed to indicate I wasn't alone. Almost 50% of those participating hadn't done so either but were considering.

Either way I'm still putting up my Festivus Pole, if I can only find my tinsel.

Before you choose below are some really good points made by the Home ImprovementDepot you may find of value.

enjoy and Happy Holidays!

The Home Depot’s Christmas Light Trade-In offer is being advertised as a “green” and environmentally friendly gesture, but truth behind that claim may be arguable. Last year we did an to see if they really could save you money and energy. Some of the things we found:

LED Christmas lights are still much more expensive than regular incandescent Christmas lights. Saving $3 per strand of lights is good, but the LED lights will almost definitely still be more expensive than regular Christmas lights if you compare cord length or even number of bulbs to light sources per strand.

LED Christmas lights do use much less energy and they are much less expensive to run through a holiday season. But you probably need to use those LED lights for lots of seasons to even begin to get back the money you initially spent in purchasing them. Unless energy prices skyrocket in the next few years your LED Christmas lights will still have a “higher cost of ownership” when you consider energy cost as well as purchase price.

LED Christmas lights are made of plastic and all those old Christmas lights you turn in are just going to end up in a landfill. Even those new LED lights will one day end up in a landfill, so the more Christmas lights you buy, the more trash you’re generating (that can be said about most things, though).

Posted via web from Michael's Ramblings . . .

Sunday, December 06, 2009

"it’s only on the brink that people find the will to change" - Basil Fawlty has the answers . . .

If you haven't seen the "The Day The Earth Stood Still" remake don't worry, you're not missing much - well except for what was an anti war movie now has an environmental twist.  In a nut shell the Earth is visited by an alien who has decided the planet needs to be saved and the one species who have fraked it up needs to go - that would be us.  But reasoning with the alien ( Keanu Reeves ) on a scientific level is none other then . . . Basil Fawlty or rather in a very serious role, Monty Pythons very own John Cleese.
 
In what was one of the few if not only standout moments in this rather odd remake caused for me what can only be called an "ah ha" moment when it came to Cleese and Keanu.
 
Cleese plays a Nobel Prize-winning scientist ( I'm not joking ) – the dialogue which I painstakingly had to use the pause, rewind, play and pause button several times went something like this:
Cleese: Well, there must be alternatives. You must have some technology that could solve the problem.
Keanu: The problem is not technology. The problem is you. You lack the will to change.
Cleese: Then help us change.
Keanu: I cannot change your nature. You treat the world as you treat each other.
Cleese: But every civilisation reaches a crisis point eventually.
Keanu: Most of them don’t make it.
Cleese: Yours did. How?
Keanu: Our sun was dying. We had to evolve in order to survive.
Cleese: So it was only when your world was threatened with destruction that you became what you are now.
Keanu: Yes.
Cleese: Well, that’s where we are. You say we’re on the brink of destruction, and you’re right.  But it’s only on the brink that people find the will to change; only on the precipice that we evolve. This is our moment – don’t take it from us. We are close to an answer.
This past week I've heard the term "political will" along with "being on the brink" then comes this flick and it all makes sense.  Seemed poetic to see this nicely summed up in a random viewing of a movie I never had pegged as a call to action to protect the planet.
 
When we are at the brink of Copenhagen and global climate change this coming week I hope they play this movie on the airplanes of all those who are going because we are close to that answer and we are on the brink.  This is our moment otherwise the ending of this movie may become a reality where we pay the ultimate price: no electricity, no cars, no trains, no oil, no man made pollution - wait a minute I'm waiting for the bad part.
 

Posted via email from Michael's Ramblings . . .

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Derreck Kayongo - proof that you can make a difference

Meeting inspiring people like Derreck Kayongo who began The Global Soap Project which recovers and recycles soap from American hotels and facilitates a process by which it is sanitized, melted and remolded into new bars, then distributed to refugee camps in Africa.

Uplifting and inspiring - proof positive that behind every revolution there is someone with a vision and in this case Derreck is putting that vision into action! http://www.globalsoap.org/

Posted via web from Michael's Ramblings . . .

Saturday, November 21, 2009

On the last train to Charleston

This marked my 8th year attending the Blackbaud Conference in Charleston SC. They have been doing this now for 10 years and I swear each time they reinvent the process.

When you see tweets like: "Best NPO Conferences I've been to. Great speakers, networking, idea sharing. Technology/ people rock!" You know you're part of something a little bit magical. It's like almost coming home and much of that is the relationships that are formed from within Blackbaud and the amazing, inspiring people you meet and continue to connect with.

The market place is a reminder of just how innovative the planning team gets in keeping the attendees engaged, relaxed and well fed. I was also watching the flow and process which maximized how the vendors interacted, the options for breaks even the chair massage - oh I would have killed to have sat in one of those chairs!

Of course there was the gestapo afternoon break folks who worked for the convention center. They refused to allow anyone access to the soda pail until 3:15 sharp. Didn't they know who I was? I actually had the bottle of soda in my hand and was told to put it back - should have licked the bottle as my Navy Alumni buds suggested, that would have been fun.

For me this year was a very different experience. I got to stretch the old noodle a bit and presented on a topic I was not all that comfortable with. I actually think I pulled it off even though I couldn't remember NWF's mission statement. Got ribbed for that one! I don't know my scores but as my "life twin" Kate who is sitting next to me said, I was "very animated, engaging and fun to listen and watch." Of course she told me this at the evenings reception hour so maybe I need to factor in the "tipsy" aspect of the review!

I attended a series of events I don't normally follow and I have to say it was liberating in a way to learn more about topics that I don't have to directly support. I find the learning to be invaluable as a technologist because you never know when I have to apply something I encountered to the job. I was also impressed that how in just a short time frame, folks attending many of the social networking sessions, were no longer questioning the terminology - they got it! So not the case last year.

I had the dubious honor of being listed at the conference as a top tweeter - http://wthashtag.com/Bbcon not sure I can include that in my resume but I understand I will have an ASP named after me. What I did get from all the tweets . . . is how by highlighting the session points during the engagement I can now go back and reference those comments, it's better then note taking! AND - connecting with other Tweets who were in the same or different sessions, priceless.

I FINALLY got to meet Holly Ross from NTEN http://twitter.com/ntenhross who used the geographical search feature on Twitter and found me at the session. For about 2 hours I was looking for a gal wearing a pair or Red Shoes and a Navy Blue blouse. We hooked up at her session where I publicly professed my love for her, she was as engaging in person as she has been online and spoke to the very point of what being a technologist means to me and how we use those skills to support those and provide service to do good in todays world. http://www.youtube.com/user/blackbaudinc#p/u/7/NhW4WCAfejI

I'm looking forward to sharing more about this awesome event http://twitter.com/#search?q=bbcon and to nurture the relationships both new and old as a result of my latest Charleston trip. Until next time.

We are of Peace. Always.

Posted via web from Michael's Ramblings . . .

Sunday, November 08, 2009

Trekking to Charleston, again

It's that time of year.  Ahhh yes, November when the leaves begin to turn and fall, holiday preparations and family plans are being discussed, breaking out the warm attire begins and of course it's the annual Blackbaud Conference for Non Profits - this is either my 7th or perhaps 8th time that I am making this visit.  I think after 10 years they name a DLL or a process after you, so like Bill Murray in Caddyshack when discussing his reward from the Dalai Lama, I got that to look forward to.  Of course I'm looking forward to seeing some great friends I have had the good fortune to make over the years and then there is the PACKING challenge.  In all the time I've traveled to Charleston I try to see how little I can get away with packing for the 3 days, which hasn't always worked out.

One year I had to purchase some Blackbaud shirts as I miscalculated or did I slurp one too many oysters and stain a shirt?  Last year I made the tactical mistake of not bringing a coat and it ended up being the coldest week ever. I swear I saw snow falling in the morning - but then again there were many mornings I was a bit bleary eyed thanks to the engaging and non stop energy attending a Blackbaud session such as this can provide.

This year however will be a little different for me, this year besides looking at the forecast, I will be attending the conference as a representative of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and NOT the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF).  Why is this different?  and I should be clear, different does not mean bad different or good different, different in this case is related to the scope of service which the two organization has chosen Blackbaud to partner with.  CBF followed the same rule of thumb my friends at Navy Alumni used, if Blackbaud made it we bought it.  NWF on the hand only has a limited engagement with their Raiser's Edge (RE) product.  RE is the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) component both organizations use to manage key members and it's only used for a small segment of NWF 4 million membership.

I was fortunate during my 10 years at CBF to not only witness the Blackbaud product line grow and take off as it has to encompass a great many needs of non-profits but also help guide and be part of that development by taking an active role in various early adopter programs and review panels on first versioning of Blackbaud's software solutions.  

NWF is much different in that there are already well placed teams and high capacity systems in place that have established the collection of data and the flow which in turn created partnerships with other competitors in the direct marketing field like Merkel.  My level of influence along with my understanding of the work flow on this front is still at it's early stages.  The history of the process and and what makes up the volume is also at its infancy as it's only been 6 months being in the role of lead Technologist.  Was I surprised that Blackbaud had reached out and asked me to participate in a Direct Marketing Panel discussion titled:  The Challenges and Successes of Managing an Advanced, Integrated Marketing Strategy and in this case representing NWF?  Oh, yes I most certainly was - while I was happy to have the opportunity it was clear I was not treading in unfamiliar territory.

Back in April I had the good fortune to do something similar in Boston at the Target Analytics session as part of CBF and Amelia Koch the CBF Director of Membership was with me answering the tough Marketing questions.  I won't have that safety net this time even though Amelia was also invited to be on this current panel along with Misty Thornton from Heifer International   I have to admit I'm a bit nervous now, before I could speak to a great many topics as I knew the CBF organization inside and out.  Not the case with NWF.

So now that I have the panel questions in hand I have two tacts to take:  take the opportunity to spend the next week trying to immerse myself in all things Direct Marketing related to the NWF organization or . . . and it's a gamble but here it is:  focus instead on where I see the organization moving forward on the Direct Marketing front and not worry about stats and what NWF has done in the past.

So to recap -

 

  • November, good month, leaves, turkey, family.  
  • Charleston, look at the forecast, pack accordingly this time, try to save brain cells and liver.  
  • Blackbaud conference, excited to see many friends and partners, maybe even a Baudcast.  
  • Direct Marketing Panel, speaker, pray, shoot from the hip - ask questions later.

I pitched them the idea of me participating in a more technical track but noooooo.  It's OK, really.  But fair warning - I'm bringing all my product flair.  Can't be seen only wearing the RE and Speaker flair on my name badge, I have a reputation to protect.  Chucktown, here I trek!

 

Posted via web from Michael's Ramblings . . .

Sunday, November 01, 2009

Chicago bound, time to SEE3

This week I am fortunate to attend a CIO NPO symposiums of sorts sponsored by one of our tech providers, CDW - these guys not only sell everything tech related thing under the sun and are well underway to servicing the non profit sector in more areas which this conference is geared towards. More on the CDW experience later, for now I want to talk about see3.

I had mentioned about my trip to Chicago sort of in passing a week ago via Twitter when one of my followers, http://twitter.com/Michael_Hoffman replied and was hoping to hook up when I arrived in Chi-Town.

Michael is President and CEO of see3 communications http://www.see3.net/ based in Chicago - a group I had the pleasure of being introduced to several years ago at an NTEN session in DC. I was impressed with their technology and services back then, even more now. As this incredible interactive video marketing piece from the American Cancer Society will attest to http://bit.ly/ZDew0

When talking with some of my program folks at National Wildlife Federation, in particular Julie Lalo who's the Regional Representative of the Chesapeake Mid Atlantic affiliate group, we had a lively discussion about the challenges of the affiliates in sharing each others experiences and stories. How video could be such a powerful tool and how they each have so many stories to tell and more importantly to share. Not only would the general public have a far richer experience, they could easily learn from one another, if . . . and that that's a big word - IF they had the means to easily access, post and follow a video oriented system.

The tools are out there, "see3" is a perfect example - the trick is bringing all the ingredients into the one pot.

When it all comes together the stew has the potential for tasting delish, but to follow the analogy one more step, if you put too many chefs in the kitchen who knows what the results will be. I'm hoping that I can swing a hook up with Michael - I mean we have the same name, that's one of the rules of Michael's we're drawn to one another by name alone - but seriously, I'm not sure at this point if I have the right the ingredients not to mention a big enough pot to promote these amazing tools and services. NWF is one of those groups with a lot of moving parts, trying to understand and follow it all is daunting.

It would take a concerted effort to pull not only the affiliates together but also the staff. I like the concept of giving them a pot to share their ideas in while contributing to the stirring and blending to come up with a unified message.

Aren't cooking analogies the best? Maybe I shouldn't be blogging before I eat?

Specialization without integration is fragmentation - Peter Forbes

Michael Sola is the Director of IT and lead technologist at the National Wildlife Federation. NWF is the United States' largest private, nonprofit conservation education and advocacy organization, with over 4 million members and supporters in 48 state-affiliated organizations

Posted via web from Michael's Ramblings . . .

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Chamber Of Commerce Strong-Arms Service Provider Into Shutting Down Spoof Site? Seriously?

Ok, here's the deal: The Internet Service Provider "Hurricane Electric" which hosts the web site for The Yes Men, who are trying to fix the world one huge prank after another, was forced to bar them off their service or face a lawsuit.

I guess Chamber President Tom Donohue here can't take the joke, well it's not really a joke. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/23/chamber-of-commerce-stron_n_332087.html

In the process of adhering to the "letter" Hurricane Electric had to shut down, for what ended up being several hours, hundreds of other legitimate client web sites. All because the US Chamber of Commerce threatened legal action against the ISP provider.

I wonder, what about the Service Level Agreement the hundreds of other clients signed into agreement with and expected from the ISP provider? If I was one of their clients who were shut down for no cause I would be talking to a lawyer about compensation and lost business!

You would think there could have been other ways to fix this. For instance: they could have told The Yes Men to shut down voluntarily or be forced off per their normal contract agreements due to violations as cited by the US Chamber. They could have limited their bandwidth - instead they hard shut the circuit and forced hundreds of client to be in the dark.

Nice customer service!

Here is the video

Posted via web from Michael's posterous

Thursday, October 15, 2009

It's not "climate change" . . . it's "climate revolution"

I was recently reminded how simple yet how hard it is going to be to rethink climate change.  I'm not even sure I like that word:  change.
 
It became clearer after seeing an old Star Trek episode titled Mirror Mirror when the "good" Captain Kirk was telling the alternate universe "evil" Mr. Spock that if he wanted to affect change he not only needed the power but had to have the will and desire.  James T. Kirk eloquently responded before departing that: "In every revolution, there's one man with a vision."  I like to think we have more then one man these days who now has that vision of what climate change means but instead of thinking of it as change perhaps we need to think more in terms of a revolution.
 
We see the revolution in so many walks of life now that it's almost impossible to keep it all straight.  I get easily confused with all the "green actions" to take or way to help and yet I want to do SOMETHING.  What I don't want is to be lumped into this "green box" and labeled a "tree hugger" just because I desire clean air and clean water.  HELLO - basics of life, without it we all stop living. 
 
But like the "alternate universe Mr. Spock" stated. at times I feel like I lack the power.  Marching on government offices, signing petitions, sending e-alerts to congress - it's all good but is it real power?  What is power in a movement such as this one?
 
I see power these days in all sorts of ways, and perhaps this is me being bias because I am part of the National Wildlife Federation staff but I will say that the "Be Out There" campaign is going to provide parents and children with some real powerful tools to help fight for climate revolution in a very different and progressive way - through our children!
 
Offering smart interactive tools and ways start a new generation of revolutionaries is the goal of so many and the NWF Be-Out-There web site is just one of them. 
 
Another revolutionary is "the playoutdoors lady" Bethe Almeras who pens The Grass Stain Guru which not only promotes ideas and ways to introduce kids to climate and the great outdoors but provides a place to share stories, experiences and outdoor passion that is required if our climate revolution will have success.
 
Like I said, there are so many wonderful resources it can get confusing, yet if you've come this far I trust you will go a little further.  Take action, be heard but more importantly - get out - see and feel that vision, we need you!  www.blogactionday.org for Climate Revolution is just step in the process. 
 
Warp Speed, arm the Photon Torpedo's - and full speed ahead!
 
 

Posted via email from Michael's posterous

Saturday, October 10, 2009

To Blog or Not to Blog . . .

There was a discussion recently that started with fellow tweet http://twitter.com/askdebra Debra Askanase where she posed the challenge: Why Uncensored Blogging is the Future of Corp Communications | Community Organizer 2.0 http://bit.ly/w2gub 

I liked the piece and re-tweeted it with a comment about how I had some misgivings related to uncensored blogging, mostly because of personal experience related to organizational strategy.  There needs to be a strategy, guidelines, flexibility - yes? and better yet does the blogger have to fear what they write?  

I think my feelings stem from my last gig where I blogged on the "no strategy" side of the fence.  My tech blog was not in line with the environmental or educational aspects of the organization.  I'd hear about the messages back and forth from management questioning why I was even permitted to blog.  Especially related to Debra's piece I was always in fear of what I had posted even though in my gut I felt I was trying to share a story, an experience related to how my technology program was impacting the community and the organization work being done.  

Writing is as much about style as it is content and having a personality come out of the written word I think connects the reader.  However if the "powers that be" don't buy into that concept of how blogging is a means of self expression and can be a great tool to message and share, then the blogger will quickly find themselves in a room with bright lights with a guy in a white coat and plyers.  It's one of the reasons it was time to move on as I felt the hierarchy didn't "get it" and being placed in the dog house was a shining example of how old school thinking still exists in this genre where there is no strategy.

Uncensored "corporate blogs" only works if the mentality and culture allows it to work.  Also it goes to trust, does the organization trust the staffer who will be blogging even if they go "off message" - which I whole heartedly support as I like a good ramble, it shows character and personality.  

Ramble on, and if possible try to ramble in 140 characters or less please.

Specialization without integration is fragmentation - Peter Forbes

Posted via email from Michael's posterous

Sunday, September 20, 2009

What it means to be a citizen . . .

I recently shared a commentary on my Facebook profile regarding an observation when seeing the movie 'Taking Woodstock' - I had found the word of mouth sharing of the event fascinating given the timeframe: the lack of Internet, email, Twitter, no social networking tools of any kind. Yet the sheer numbers and passion of the people who gathered for Woodstock was a sight to behold.

I had asked the question "why is it so hard in today's world to garner that same type of mobilization and passion?" We have as many passionate people today as back then and God knows there are a ton of heart wrenching causes. A friend of mine answered that questions in a few simple words:

"It's because we no longer have a sense of community." and she is right.

This piece I saw in the Sept 21 issue of Time hit a nerve, while the focus of the article speaks towards consumerism it would seem that this particular action of consumerism has brought people together. When the Time poll concluded that 68% of Americans "think they do not live up to their responsibilities as citizens" - I had to wonder, what does that mean?

Perhaps we are not passionate about our responsibilities or is it we are afraid to speak out for fear we won't be perceived well or not "politically correct". I'm not sure what that means anymore and maybe that's part of the problem, what is bringing us together? What is galvanizing us? What is keeping us from being stronger?

I recently saw Gallagher on his "Stuck in the 60's" tour http://www.gallaghersmash.com/ at 63 he is as witty and bright as ever and exercising freedom of speech to a brand new generation. So in the words of the "smartest man alive" : Freedom of speech includes volume.

That's right my bald headed friend: Crank it up, and let's get responsible in style!

Posted via web from Michael's posterous

Saturday, September 19, 2009

HOW TO: Celebrate International Talk Like a Pirate Day

Talk Like a Pirate Day is today - Sept 19, 2009 - learn how to talk Pirate.
So Yo-Ho matey, aye!

Cap'n Mike signing off

Posted via web from Michael's posterous

Sunday, September 13, 2009

The National Parks: America's Best Idea | PBS

I love the tag line ". . . as Americans we're not only connected to this land, we're connected by it." How simple an idea is that?

I know where I'll be on Sept 27 at 8pm EST - where will you be?

Posted via web from Michael's posterous

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Be Careful what you Tweet

I was playing with this Google auto search feature - how many of us Google our name?  I swear it's not vanity, the results may surprise you.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Where%20can%20I%20see%20michaelsola's%20official%20website 

So some of the results I expected, but then I started seeing some listings that looked, well - odd.  Thanks to the searching and API tools that have integrated Twitter posts into organizations web sites my name was showing up in some odd places.  

While I try and I'll say that again - TRY to be mindful of what I always say, I don't always think where it will end up. 

 
A few weeks back I did a post related to the obstacles I had using my insurance companies searching tools to find a Physical Therapist - after the first 4 attempts of dialing disconnected numbers I had my doubts of finding anybody in the Reston VA area.  Simply using the word Reston with NO hashtag or anything related to a web site or follower got me listed in a Reston web site.  

So regardless of where you contribute your thoughts or comments keep in mind, the online world is more integrated than you think.  

Specialization without integration is fragmentation - Peter Forbes

Posted via email from Michael's posterous

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

FernyBlog.net » Ellen DeGeneres: New judge of American Idol!

So - Ellen D, next judge on American Idol - you go girl! I've always like Ellen going way back. Should be a whole new twist!

Posted via web from Michael's posterous

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Nike and Lance Armstrong Unite to Inspire and Mobilize

I love this message - Lance Armstrong no matter the hype no matter the critics is an inspiration. So many count on him.

As he states in this very simple yet hard hitting piece, when he says he's "not back on this bike for them . . . " the message is clear who he's riding for, it's for those that can't - at least not yet.

I have this urge to go out and pedal.

www.livestrong.org/

Posted via web from Michael's posterous

#1 Twitter Songs on YouTube

Ben Walker actually has a nice voice and captured the Twitter universe very nicely. "we're validating each others insecurities" has to be my favorite line!

When I get the "look" as I pull out my Berry I will think of Ben's song and use some of the lyrics.

I'm excited to spread some "twitter love" in the near future - one of the internal surveys I did at work indicated staff wanted training on the use of Twitter. In a week I'm heading out to the NWF Great Lakes, Boulder and Seattle offices for the "Good Tech Tour 09" along with the diva of Social Media "@starfocus". I may have play this song as an intro!

Happy Sunday and TWEET On!

Posted via web from Michael's posterous

Monday, July 13, 2009

Not for the faint of heart . . .

O.M.G.I.G.P (Oh My God, I’m Gonna Puke)

The Microsoft ad for their browser IE 8 has certainly made an impression on our household. Loved the SNL feel, almost like when Dan Akroyd would step in to bring balance to the commercial.

Would love to know what the web page was, of course I would never need a private browser service . . . I use the clear history, that seems to work for me!

Now where do I pick up New Shimmer, the desert topping or is it a floor wax?!

Posted via web from Michael's posterous

Sunday, July 12, 2009

United Breaks Guitars

I don't know who out there hasn't been victim to travel woes, I've had my share of luggage come back beat up but this story if quite amusing. I think the best part of this is how an artist took the incident viral!

Goes to show what a few million hits will do when you get creative and Dave Carroll did just that, got creative. http://bit.ly/DrLsl This link is his follow up statement on the incident. We should all be this lucky!

The power of the pen, or in this case the zeros and ones!

Posted via web from Michael's posterous

Tormented Squirrel

In a sense this has to be poetic justice, I've had squirrels torment my bird feeders, rip holes in my screened in deck to get at the bird feed - it could be worst, this could have been the video for the Squirrel Ball of Death as invented by my good friend Chuck Epps.

I can't go into details but picture this:

- a bird feeder hung by a long wire
- the wire is greased with a lubricant
- midway on the wire . . . an embedded nail ball
- smart squirrels work their way down the wire, hit the grease, pick up speed, hit the nail ball with their tiny heads, they then fall to the ground with a thump, dazed and confused.
- bird feeder remains in tact
- birds are happy
- humans are entertained

I didn't create the contraption, I'm just relaying the concept! Happy Squirrel watching!

Posted via web from Michael's posterous

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Who's a spammer and who's for real

I am a believer of collecting followers that matter - not using these services that advertises "get thousands of tweets in a single click" is not what I'm trying to accomplish building my twitter network.  I've had this conversation many times, it's the quality not the quantity that counts.

But there are times I get "followed" and I have to wonder . . . are they real or is it just another scam? 

Last week I attended this awesome session at USA Today about Cause Marketing.  The timing was perfect as it led into some amazing discussions I had with colleagues, co-workers and friends looking for advise and guidance in this area.  Since the conference which I tweeted about http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23u2MAD , I have had a slew of new "followers" - I have a rule about "followers" - 
  • I don't follow in return unless I like what I see posted by the follower, 
  • they have an actual avatar and not John Cussacks face - only Joe Meehan can get away with that, and preferably the avatar should not be wearing a bikini - not that there is anything wrong with that . . .
  • and they have to have something written in their bio - anything
I came across a recent follower I almost decided to follow until I saw their tweets.  Here is a sampling:
  1. Deleting a few hundred spam followers. When will they ever learn?
  2.  from web
  3. Make a living on twitter, check it out http://bit.ly/tjUUL
  4.  from web
  5. Noticed there is not much swearing on Twitter... how does that work?
  6.  from web
  7. Getting ready to celebrate the Lakers wining the NBA Championship!
  8.  from web
  9. Make a living on twitter, check it out http://bit.ly/tjUUL
  10.  from web
  11. Been sat working in McDonalds all day, like a lonely loner...
  12.  from web
  13. I got laid off, making money on twitter saved my lifehttp://bit.ly/tjUUL
  14.  from web
  15. too much to do so little time
  16.  from web
  17. Taking the day off today
  18.  from web
  19. Jobless, but now I am even making more money on twitterhttp://bit.ly/tjUUL
  20.  from web
  21. Make a living on twitter, check it out http://bit.ly/tjUUL
  22.  from web
  23. Thanks to all the people following me! Looking forward to your Tweets!
  24.  from web
  25. I want a sexy business man with a brain, who's single
  26.  from web
  27. Let twitter pay your bills http://bit.ly/tjUUL
  28.  from web
  29. Want something stronger than tea to drink.
  30.  from web
  31. Jobless, but now I am even making more money on twitterhttp://bit.ly/tjUUL
  32.  from
  • Posted via email from Michael's posterous

    Thursday, July 02, 2009

    Making the Digital Switch - Hello FiOS

    We made the switch this week from Comcast to Verizon FiOS mostly to avoid the rate increase after the promotional period ended and the need for increased web speeds. So besides getting use to the new menu options I have to say so far I don't miss the tiling that would occur on the digital channels and there are certainly more channels in High Def offered by Verizon. On the Internet front, I don't miss my old wireless router and this one has more range bringing the hammock and laptop together again. Up-speeds are in the 20mb range where as download speeds are in the 4 - 5 not great when you consider all the gaming happening, not by me of course but by the boys - yeah that's it, the boys. on the down side, Verizon didn't make it easy to access the router, in fact they don't even allow you to access the admin menu, at least they never shared the password. . . . here's what else I don't like, and in no particular order: - the guide menu is way to crowded, too many words - it takes much longer to figure out what channel I'm on. - no FX On-Demand. How the frak am I suppose to catch up on Rescue Me, Always Sunny - all the other twisted shows? and am I crazy, but FX is not available in High Def!!! - a week later I had to reset the Internet router - like in turn it off, press and hold the reset button. It just stopped working for no reason, that better NOT become a normal occurrence. - and now comes the worst infraction: Both AMC and WE owned by Cablevision - like Fx not only are neither of these stations on-demand but they are NOT available in High Def. Evidently the Dolans who own Cablevision hate Verizon. Hey Dolans, the hate goes both ways, as they say on Southpark "you bastards" bottom line - I can't finish catching up on Mad Men previous seasons and if I miss an episode life as I know it may end. I could care less about WE. - it was also noted that the little interface cable box that each TV HAS to have, requires an AC adaptor, more electricity AND it included ALL the subscription channels except the High Def. no wonder the 16 year old started camping out in his room late at night - Max at Nite was available as was HBO's Cathouse and Real Sex . . . not that I watched those shows, noooo, well at least he doesn't have access to them. Many more channels but surprisingly the same "there's nothing on" has been uttered more then once.  
    Go figure.

    Posted via email from Michael's posterous

    Saturday, May 30, 2009

    Building a front porch, before it's too late

    This past week I was at my first NWF retreat where an amazing group of leaders from within the organization gathered to evaluate and take a hard look at community building and the act of making connections via conversation.  I was thrilled to attend and being only my 4th week on the job it was an honor being included.  I'm guessing my reputation and background played into getting the invite. 

    The concept of a World Cafe was the forum we worked from and at first I was skeptical but seeing how we were given markers and were allowed to write and draw on the table I got excited.  It's why I'm a fan of Macaroni Grill, I get to doodle and draw little starships and Pandas on the table.  The conversations and ideas that got captured exceeded expectations and I learned more in that one day then the past month.

    One of the more interesting concepts we focused on was how community and converstation has changed over the decades.
     

    Our homes is a perfect example of that change.  My house does NOT have a front porch. In fact most in my community do not.  Think about it, the front porch played a major part in how families talked.  How "back in the day" everybody would gather on their front porch and converse with not just themselves but their neighbors. 
     
    Over time this simple home structure has disappeared, over time it became the back deck which facilitated the seperation from our neighbors which further lessened conversing with them.  Because of air conditioning we've gone indoors in the "great / family room" or for many of us we're hunkered down in separate corners of the house to where the computer happens to be.

    Maybe I need to change gears, break the AC and build a front porch!   Wonder if that dead tree in my back yard will fall on the deck?  Hello, is this State Farm home insurance . . .

    Posted via email from Michael's posterous

    Wednesday, May 27, 2009

    What's wrong with this face?

    This weekend I had to submit my bio and picture for the chapter which I'm contributing for the Person to Person Fundraising project -
     

    the good news is I actually have some text written, like 8 pages and 2788 words.  I used "the" and "and" a lot . . . . dots too.  Unfortunately they don't like any of the pics I submitted, which is a problem as I don't know if I have any serious head shots that don't include a bottle of wine or a glass in my hand . . . kidding ( no, he's not ). 

    I bring it up because I like busting one of my co-contributors and fellow work mate / queen of the Baudcast and voice of NWF's social networking endeavors : Danielle Brigida ( who's name I can now spell ).  We have a standing coffee meeting every other week which I look forward to and is one of the reasons I drive 3 hours a day!  We typically trade geeky stuff back and forth.  Today we were on the topic of "tribes" as a prep for a retreat we both are attending this week.  I was telling her about Seth Godin's book Tribes and how I thought it played nicely into the session.  She hadn't seen or read it.

    As luck would have it we were sitting outside a book store where I promptly got up and bought it for her - happy early birthday / house warming / Kwanzaa Danielle I have no idea what that has to do with anything except it happened and I felt good doing that! 

    But then of course as I stated on my Facebook status yesterday: I'm thinking that no one wants to read every moment of my life . . . Oh I should twitter that

    Now where's my digital camera?

    Posted via email from Michael's posterous

    Sunday, May 10, 2009

    new this, new that - when isn't it new?

    I'm reminded when ever I see this Red Cross T shirt that life is indeed good, also - I need to schedule an apt, I'm way over due to give blood.  I actually had the good fortune to sit next to the CIO for the American Red Cross this past week at the annual CIO for Non Profits Summit, lovely chap - talk about a big operation! 

    There is always change and always something new coming around the corner. A friend of mine gave this audio book from Ariane De Bonvoisin about dealing with change in the first 30 days, it's interesting.  Many of the concepts I knew a bit about but hearing them and trying to recognize my own hesitations when dealing with change or something new has been . . . well, illuminating.

    The only way I'm even finding time to listen is while commuting, well that's an understatement as commuting infers movement and far too many days, there is NO moving on the top side of the Capital Beltway. 

    2 hours and 30 minutes to go 42 miles at the end of a long day is criminal, but then again it's new and a change - something I just need to adjust to, embrace and get over.  Unless someone loans me a helicopter or comes up with a Transporter device - where is Scotty when you need him?

    No complaints, after all it could be worst . . . . it could be raining.

    Peace!

    Posted via email from Michael's posterous

    Sunday, May 03, 2009

    Totally off the hook . . .


    I just thought this was a moment to share, hope I can do this story justice and at the same time protect the innocent - names have been changed and all that Dragnet stuff.

    Last night I went to a birthday party for a dear friend, I'll call her "Annmarie" - she's someone who could be categorized as a "work spouse" but in this case an "ex-work spouse" since she and I roughly at the same time left our former place of employment where we had connected and became friends.  In any event it was a fun gathering of about 30 or so people along with a good showing of folks we had worked with while still at our former place of employment.  One in particular is the sweetest guys you would ever want as a friend - I'll call him "Guy" - who's specialty is always showing up with this awesome sausage loaf bread, a "Guy" family tradition!

    Well being a birthday gathering, the topic of age had come up.  "Annmarie" had been careful to hide her birth year for quite sometime until our other close and dear friend ( I'll call her Red ) well "Red" spilled the beans on Facebook, of all things about "Annmarie's" birthyear being 1971 which fed into the table talk happening with the group - still with me?

    So not quite 40 yet and honestly would think "Annmarie" was in her late 20's maybe early 30 as she has done a good job at the looking young thing.  Anyways, "Guy" all of a sudden got all antsy and started whispering to some our mutual friend, I'll call her "Joni" and then bee lined it to the where the birthday cards had been piled - he then sheepishly tried to take away and hide his card, we all knew at this point someone was in trouble - in typical "friend pack" mentality we ganged up on him and he reluctantly and apologetically opened the "Happy 40th" birthday card.  He was 2 years early - not something you do to a woman before it's time  . . . the horror!  He was of course forgiven and we laughed our collective asses off.

    It was all in good fun and we razzed the hell out of "Guy" who confessed he wasn't sure when he picked it out but assumed because "Annmarie's" husband had just turned 40 this past summer he assumed she was 40 as well.  At this point I chimed in and I'm paraphrasing . . . "Guy, if you weren't sure then why the frak didn't you just buy a generic card?" his reply: "I  don't know" - he was totally off the hook and we loved every minute of it!

    Good times, good friends, good stories - makes life good!

    Posted via email from Michael's posterous

    Thursday, April 30, 2009

    Exploring


    What I like about being someplace new . . . exploring!
     
    Last week had a fun little nature walk during lunch.  There are some trails on the grounds behind National Wildlife Federations headquarters in Reston and was introduced to quite a few oddities including Skunk Cabbage!  don't let the name fool you, it's named that way for a reason.
     
    Then this week did a few off site lunch's at two new locations, Champs and Cafesano.  Exploring places to eat I think is more fun, less exercise of course!  But it has helped in learning the streets of Reston which can be a challenge even without the GPS!

    Posted via email from Michael's posterous

    Sunday, April 26, 2009

    Social Networking . . . is it like my phone?


    It was a year ago I was fortunate to attend an Non Profit CIO Summit held at The Nature Conservancy in Arlington Va. which meets annually for 3 days and holds a series of workshops that focuses on the sharing of ideas, issues we face as a group, common ground solutions and act as a resource.  I love this group, the focus the camaraderie - it's all there.

    Chuck Longfield, the founder of Target and now Chief Scientist at Blackbaud has been organizing this group for over 10 years.  He plays a very neutral role and the group really polices itself closely to keep it totally vendor neutral and that's key in all the discussions and sharing of information. 

    One of the topics we had discussed last year and still rears it's head every so often as it did this week during a budget discussion was the risk of letting ALL staff have access to Social Network sites and tools. 

    The risks:  Staff who don't understand the consequences of clicking on untrusted links or advertisements and the time they could potentially waste doing non productive "networking".

    The discussion we had at the last years session summed up nicely the role of IT in how it should address this concern and the level of protection to the infrastructure we should be tasked with while balancing the access of such time intensive tools.

    So here goes the summary of the discussion:

    Back in the day when we first got a phone on our desk we were told, ". . . the phone is only for business - no personal calls."  Remember those days?  Well maybe you don't - I do.  How long did that last? 

    Then along came e-mail and Internet access, almost an exact repeat of expectations - " . . . don't be using email for personal stuff and don't be surfing for anything non business related."  Was the mantra and shouldn't we be monitoring this?  See where this is going?


    "Social Networking is that original phone on your desk" - as one my colleagues so eloquently stated.  It's simply another tool to reach out with. 

    It's not up to IT to be setting the expectations or monitoring or limiting access, it's the role of management or supervisors to insure their staff are using their time efficiently and productively.  The same person who goofs off and spends all day Social Networking with friends is most likely going to find some other way to goof off or waste their time if that's their nature or what they are allowed to get away with.

    As more and more business applications are optimizing API calls to feed information between front end and back of house apps it's important to be diligent and have a united front on the strategies.  But let's not forget, the phone is still the phone.

    Besides, I don't want to be the traffic cop, those uniforms and the tight collars?  - I like the night stick and the badge, maybe I can replace the .45 with a water pistol?

    Posted via email from Michael's posterous