BT Considers Shifting Service Fleet to Electric Vehicles
For years many companies have used company cars that don't fall in line with their otherwise eco-friendly business practices. In recent years corporations have looked for more environmentally friendly alternatives to gas. BT, a British telecommunications company, is starting small by testing out the use of a small amount of electric vehicles for the fleet with plans to add many more if the move proves successful. This use of electric cars could pave the way for many other companies like BT to start using the same vehicles in their own fleet. This could start a wave of companies that choose to be pro-active in the ways they address cost issues of gas, environmental friendliness and image of the company.
Many other institutes such as colleges have already begun to use biodiesel buses and electric or hybrid cars in their fleet. One such university is my alma mater the University of South Florida. USF in 2002 started the initiative to use biodiesel buses for their Bull Runner buses that transport students around campus. The reasoning for using 100% biodiesel fuel was because it was a renewable resource, environmentally friendly and also reduces dependency on foreign oil. There were also many research opportunities for this program that were extended to undergrad and grad students in the field of science. At first, there were many problems with this somewhat new technology but eventually the bugs were fixed and the school became one of the first successful biodiesel programs of its kind in the country. Not only did USF pave the way for other school throughout the country but also is hopefully setting a good example in the community for more responsible living.
The article found is a great example of how progressive our world is becoming in saving energy and taking advantage of environmentally friendly resources, but this article is also a great example of planning. Switching to electric or biodiesel energy is no small task. Many vehicles have to be switched from one energy source to another, the trial period for the initial plan has to be closely monitored and documented, the budget must be maintained and bugs have to be worked out of the plan. Every one of these aspects of the plan also must be overseen by a group and managed by one person. Group dynamic must be strong in order for this plan to work. A company such as BT will undoubtedly have no problem executing their plans as they already have proven to be a leader in their field. BT's electric car trial is a great example of not only effective planning but great leadership as well.
http://usfweb2.usf.edu/Sustainability/academics/pdfs/Biodiesel%20080310.pdf
http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2010/11/24/bt-considers-shifting-service-fleet-electric-vehicles
About Me
- Isaac
- Working on writing, managing and discovery of talent. Lots happening in 2012, please stay tuned...
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Brandon Shade: Film Production Manager and Full Sail Alumni
I went to high school with Brandon for 3 years and always knew he had what it takes to succeed. As a star athlete in track and football, Mr. Popular and A-B honor roll student he exhibited leadership and managerial skills early in life. A look at him many years later shows that he is definitely putting to use skills mastered at a young age. Brandon now works as production manger and director on music videos in various locations throughout the U.S. as well as short films. Here are a few questions I asked of Brandon in a recent online chat session.What degree did you obtain from Full Sail? And how are you putting this degree to use?
My degree was film. I have been shooting short films and music videos, and doing photo shoots.
How has Full Sail prepared you for the real world?
I feel that Full Sail did prepare me for the real world, the tools they gave me allowed me to understand what I need to do on and off set.
Has your degree given you further leadership skills than you already possessed?
Full Sail did help me with leadership. I feel that I have been very aggersive in leading in the field that I am in.
Where do you see your career in 5 years?
In 5 yrs I hope to be directing my 2nd or 3rd film, or even producing bigger films. I hope to be directing in Hollywood some day.
I spoke with Brandon a while back and he said that he will be moving to LA soon for better opportunities in film and music videos. It seems as though he's definitely on the right track to making a name for himself and building his brand. Full Sail is also preparing me for the real-world by giving me tools to establish my brand, market and network among peers.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1044474322
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
VTech Exclusive: Bilal’s Live Performance of “LEVELS”
Bilal is a true professional who struggled in the industry but eventually found his niche at Plug Research that caters to the gifted but uncategorized.
Industry Professional Interview of Deborah Mannis-Gardner
This is an interview of Deborah Mannis-Gardner my boss and owner of many different companies all within the music industry.
What was the degree you obtained in college?
Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communications and Television Production with a minor in French, Theater and Creative Writing.
What is the business you run and how are you putting your degree to use now as a business owner?
I have several businesses: a Music Clearance Company, a Music Publishing Company, a Music Library and launching a Multi-Facet Company for labels that are downsizing offering royalty and accounting, Business & Legal Affairs, A&R Administration and Licensing.
Perhaps I am using my degree in mass communications.
How do you feel that the industry has changed?
The music industry since I have been part of it (over 20 years) keeps evolving but it feels circular when discussing growth. The big companies eat the smaller ones until they burst at the seams and then break apart and down size into small companies again. Then it starts all over again. With regards to technology the advancement - again I can play both sides of the fence. The internet has helped artists to promote themselves but bitten them in the butts GIVING AWAY their music which could have earned them revenue. The labels went after NAPSTER for free music instead of working out a deal with them to allow them to perhaps give away free music of their new artists and pay for established. Isn't it ironic now that majors give away free music with iTunes for at least one week from big artists to little artists?
Do you feel as though college and then moving right into the workforce helped build effective leadership for you?
Yes I do. I started from the bottom learning the ropes of how a company runs. Being an office manager throughout the ranks, especially how to treat people within the confinements of a small business.
Last question, where do you see yourself in the industry in 5-10 years?
I believe I will still be running all of my companies in 5 years. Perhaps in 10 they will be running more on their own with me managing them more than doing all of the clearances. (wishful thinking form a workaholic?)
What was the degree you obtained in college?
Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communications and Television Production with a minor in French, Theater and Creative Writing.
What is the business you run and how are you putting your degree to use now as a business owner?
I have several businesses: a Music Clearance Company, a Music Publishing Company, a Music Library and launching a Multi-Facet Company for labels that are downsizing offering royalty and accounting, Business & Legal Affairs, A&R Administration and Licensing.
Perhaps I am using my degree in mass communications.
How do you feel that the industry has changed?
The music industry since I have been part of it (over 20 years) keeps evolving but it feels circular when discussing growth. The big companies eat the smaller ones until they burst at the seams and then break apart and down size into small companies again. Then it starts all over again. With regards to technology the advancement - again I can play both sides of the fence. The internet has helped artists to promote themselves but bitten them in the butts GIVING AWAY their music which could have earned them revenue. The labels went after NAPSTER for free music instead of working out a deal with them to allow them to perhaps give away free music of their new artists and pay for established. Isn't it ironic now that majors give away free music with iTunes for at least one week from big artists to little artists?
Do you feel as though college and then moving right into the workforce helped build effective leadership for you?
Yes I do. I started from the bottom learning the ropes of how a company runs. Being an office manager throughout the ranks, especially how to treat people within the confinements of a small business.
Last question, where do you see yourself in the industry in 5-10 years?
I believe I will still be running all of my companies in 5 years. Perhaps in 10 they will be running more on their own with me managing them more than doing all of the clearances. (wishful thinking form a workaholic?)
Sunday, November 7, 2010
To share or not to share?
The shutting down of LimeWire has been a long time coming. Napster, Grokster and countless other file-sharing sites have been shut down due to misuse. A judge has stepped in with a court ordered injunction that demands the site permanently stop any file sharing. As a musician I believe this could be the right thing to do but as a consumer I’m fairly torn about the decision. One of the reasons is a lady by the name of Jamie Thomas-Rasset.
This mother from Minnesota has been in the news since 2007 for reportedly violating copyright laws on 24 songs. While she did break the law I don’t feel that the punishment fits the crime. It seems as though Jamie is being targeted by the music industry giants to pay a reported $1.5 million for reasons unknown. I understand as a musician that artists and companies that invest in them want to see profits but in this case I believe the amount they are asking for is a bit outrageous.
One of the reasons these companies are asking so much in compensation is to make an example of Jammie but in the end this plan could backfire. Many people believe that shutting down sites that share files as well as handing down such heavy fines could decrease record sales even more for companies. Many people are just as tired of major record companies trying to police ever bit of the internet almost as equally as people are tired of governments strong hold on rights. Some would say that the decisions to shut down LimeWire as well as the heavy fines for Jammie are equally unconstitutional. Both decisions say something about the responsibility of the government to be fair and just.
Jammie like many others has shared and downloaded many songs from her computer not realizing the full ramifications of that action. Like Jammie, many are tired of the government telling them they can’t share music that they have rightfully bought and own. Many people are also considering boycotting buying music because there are so many other ways to hear music besides buying it. There are sites like YouTube, Pandora, and many other places that allow us to hear music for free. There is no possible way to police the internet fully and it seems as though the freedom of the internet is a thing of the past.
On the other side of the fence the music industry has been hit hard by our economic slump. Smaller record labels are closing their doors and many musicians are struggling to make ends meet just making music. Working for a publishing and clearance company I see just how hard it is for the average label to stay afloat. The major labels are a different story with big artists and deep pockets. It’s a wonder why they are even worried about a single mother sharing music online. Her sharing in the long run is not going to make or break the pockets of these multi-million dollar conglomerates.
The best thing that these labels can do is to settle the case with Jammie for a much more reasonable fee. This fee should remain standard for any case they bring to court for copyright infringement on an individual. Large companies such as LimeWire should also be required to pay a fee but the amount they will supposedly ask for, $450 million, seems to be a bit unreasonable as well. In the end record companies could see major losses in profit if they proceed with targeting individuals such as Jammie because many people that do buy music are boycotting and will continue to boycott buying records if this type of misuse of power continues.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nf/20101027/tc_nf/75798
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-20021893-504083.html
This mother from Minnesota has been in the news since 2007 for reportedly violating copyright laws on 24 songs. While she did break the law I don’t feel that the punishment fits the crime. It seems as though Jamie is being targeted by the music industry giants to pay a reported $1.5 million for reasons unknown. I understand as a musician that artists and companies that invest in them want to see profits but in this case I believe the amount they are asking for is a bit outrageous.
One of the reasons these companies are asking so much in compensation is to make an example of Jammie but in the end this plan could backfire. Many people believe that shutting down sites that share files as well as handing down such heavy fines could decrease record sales even more for companies. Many people are just as tired of major record companies trying to police ever bit of the internet almost as equally as people are tired of governments strong hold on rights. Some would say that the decisions to shut down LimeWire as well as the heavy fines for Jammie are equally unconstitutional. Both decisions say something about the responsibility of the government to be fair and just.
Jammie like many others has shared and downloaded many songs from her computer not realizing the full ramifications of that action. Like Jammie, many are tired of the government telling them they can’t share music that they have rightfully bought and own. Many people are also considering boycotting buying music because there are so many other ways to hear music besides buying it. There are sites like YouTube, Pandora, and many other places that allow us to hear music for free. There is no possible way to police the internet fully and it seems as though the freedom of the internet is a thing of the past.
On the other side of the fence the music industry has been hit hard by our economic slump. Smaller record labels are closing their doors and many musicians are struggling to make ends meet just making music. Working for a publishing and clearance company I see just how hard it is for the average label to stay afloat. The major labels are a different story with big artists and deep pockets. It’s a wonder why they are even worried about a single mother sharing music online. Her sharing in the long run is not going to make or break the pockets of these multi-million dollar conglomerates.
The best thing that these labels can do is to settle the case with Jammie for a much more reasonable fee. This fee should remain standard for any case they bring to court for copyright infringement on an individual. Large companies such as LimeWire should also be required to pay a fee but the amount they will supposedly ask for, $450 million, seems to be a bit unreasonable as well. In the end record companies could see major losses in profit if they proceed with targeting individuals such as Jammie because many people that do buy music are boycotting and will continue to boycott buying records if this type of misuse of power continues.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nf/20101027/tc_nf/75798
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-20021893-504083.html
Friday, November 5, 2010
Indiegogo.com Review
With the economy in a slump, natural disasters that seem to never stop coming and civil unrest in many third world countries, it's a wonder how anyone has money to accomplish any of their goals. Rather than asking for donations on the street or fundraising the old fashioned way the site indiegogo.com is giving artists, filmmakers, humanitarians, entrepreneurs and most other walks of life the chance to raise money by way of the internet.
The way this site works is that a user creates a profile much like many social networks with a biography, pictures, articles and widgets. The difference in this site is that the user is seeking to meet a target goal, a monetary amount. Most people list the amount they wish to reach as well as the minimum donation they will take. Most of the time the minimum is $10 to donate, but of course you can donate as much as your heart desires. The website also gives you averages and statistics that tell you the average donation amount to projects.
As you can see when going to the main page that there are many categories when clicking the browse button. Film, Cause, Community and Music seem to be the most popular on this site, but one could argue that all causes big or small are worth consideration for funding. Haiti and Uganda along with many other poverty stricken, destitute lands have received much help from this site through the donations of people that seek to make a difference for people they have never met. This speaks volumes to the generosity of the human heart when people are desperately in need of help.
Indiegogo also has a very lively twitter page that features articles about movies, fundraising, green living, tips for business owners, job listings; the list really does go on and on. They cover a very broad range of categories and topics but it's epicenter remains humanitarianism.
Some may say that anyone can set up a profile on indiegogo and ask for money, which is for the most part true. Many of these projects are art based or musicians looking for help while touring, maybe creating an album. There are also those that have gone into debt because of an illness such as cancer or lupus. It's hard to fake something you are passionate about when there are pictures to prove your work and worth.
If you are a sham that will eventually shine through and no one is going to want to help you. It seems that sometimes we have to have faith in what we can't see or prove. This website does precisely that by acting as a link between the obtainable and a person's hopes of accomplishing the unthinkable through a little help from strangers and friends.
Saving Energy
This is a great sight not only for job searching in the green community but also for tips on how to save energy and MONEY! This particular article gives a few easy pointers on how to save.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Renewable-Energy/Save-Money-On-Energy.aspx
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Renewable-Energy/Save-Money-On-Energy.aspx
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