Plastiki and other eco adventures

Two weeks ago Chris and I saw this amazing show called Eco Trip The Real Cost of Living


Just now, while surfing for mags that cover my new industry, i found Ode - a magazine for intelligent optimists. And, this same wild host of the show is sailing across
Ode Mag

Plastiki Website - amazing

Netbook Review - Samsung NC10 Editorial Review

Since Christmas my laptop battery has gone from useless to silly. There was not enough left to unplug power, walk across the room, plug in printer, and print a 3 page document on the 'fast draft' setting. Yes, that happened.

As a not-quite-impoverished grad student, I decided to put up my portable desktop. I probably lost a couple pounds carrying the power strip back and forth to school on my bike. Not a big deal. Then the power strip started acting funny. Occasionally, I'd plug it in and the laptop would go dead anyway. A short! I was about 20 pages into my thesis paper at that point and I could see that at any moment the latest progress could be locked inside the harddrive with no easy way to turn it on. And, I'd be computer-less.

Enter the Samsung NC10
This was essentially an impulse buy. An appointment stood me up one day at SFSU a couple days after the power cord short started. So, I was loitering in the bookstore where I found four cute little white netbooks ON SALE. The netbook idea appealed to me in general: cheap, light, online oriented, and modestly powered. These models were interesting. Three were from manufactures I'd only heard of recently ==> alarm bells. I've since confirmed that avoiding them was a good choice. Samsung has been a small laptop producer for a while but only recently distributing in the US. I liked that one b/c 1) 7 hr battery life 2) same size keyboard as my old laptop 3)comparably 'high' powered 4) it ran XP. So, after an hour of thinking about it and checking prices/options in the library, I bought one for $420.

Now, I had heard some things that were incorrect so I'll let you in on what I learned:
>>>First, there are non-Windows options for netbooks but, for me, they were not a good solution. My friend Benjamin has one. Escaping the clutches of Microsoft appealed to me. But, B reports that the office software is not as good and there are some compatibility problems. That's a big problem with all the group work I do. So, XP was important.
>>>Second, though netbooks are have less processor power, they will run MS office. This was a major issue. I have used Google Docs a lot, online and with Gears offline. I've written papers and used their xls program extensively. So, when I say, "it's not there yet" it's not without giving it a real try. Having local software - and that means MS Office - was critical. I had heard that netbooks wouldn't run Office smoothly. Not true, the screen is small, so that's a problem if you're doing a lot of graphics or reading a wide sheet. But, it's been no problem to use Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. I made a sharp ppt with layered graphics, animations, and big .jpg files. And, I showed it off the netbook and it was flawless.
>>>Third, that little screen wont kill you, but it might try. Two laptops ago, I had this big gateway thing - 14 inch screen I think. When I moved to my 10 inch screen Dell, I started getting upper back pain and sore elbows. My kindly occupational therapist friend said it wasn't my old age, just my new computer. Yippie. So, I bought this iCurve laptop stand and a Logitech wireless keyboard. After proving to myself that my local Chiropracter is a quack and getting some legitimate exercise, presto, I was healed. With this netbook, I actually have the computer elevated and up over top of my hands as I type - and the natural mouse position is behind the computer. Yes, weird, but comfortable. I've typed a couple hundred pages like this.

So, overall, I really like this little thing. It's light, the battery basically lasts forever, keyboard is great, good price, enough processor power, and it's a nice pearly white. Their new version has a larger touch pad - which would be nice. The touchpad mine has is too small. I'd like to get a bluetooth presenter mouse, which are beginning to become available. Of course, if you like to have more than about 3 programs running, or use a lot of processor power with video editing or CAD drawing, this is not for you. The big question mark is, "How will Samsung customer service do?" The computer appears solid, but if there's anything I've learned it is to expect computers to break. Samsung is a new provider so I don't think anyone knows what to expect.

back from the writing cave

About four weeks ago I asked Professor Paton when he would like a draft of my thesis. With his characteristic good humor, he said, "Yesterday....Or tomorrow". I faked confidence and said he'd hear from me right away. I think at that point I had about 3 pages written and several holes in the research.

All in all, the project on Whirlwind Wheelchair International was really interesting. I turned in 110 pages - which was probably overkill. But, I was really swept up in the interesting issues the company is facing. There are also thought provoking issues related to manufacturing, globalization and religious non profits (which I know a little about after 14 years working) Whirlwind is a really cool company. I'd love to work for a social business like this someday. They are entrepreneurial and focused on serving unmet needs in the developing world. This chair in the picture is their best product - it's all terrain, affordable, and uses bicycle parts so that it is repairable.

Finally! Catching up to China

Obama Unveils Plan to Fund High-Speed Passenger Rail

Fast trains have been old news in China, Japan, Europe, and elsewhere for decades. The Dick Chaneys have been working hard to keep us happy in the arranged marriage between suburbanites and automobiles with various measures to keep rail transportation from filling needs and government spending directed for less efficient and frustrating auto transportation. I've enjoyed relaxing on CalTrain on trips to San Jose instead of driving. I get work done and relax instead of sitting in the traffic. The interconnectivity with local transpo could be better. Bigger than spending public money, the challenge of developing partnerships between local bus and regional train systems is going to be a trick. I have heard that in China some of the high speed train systems take you hundreds of miles in no time and then dump you out into traffic jams that take as long to go less than 10 miles. All the same, I believe we can work it out.

Nerding Out

Three years ago the Spirit and Opportunity rovers landed on Mars and I was quite excited. I think I even tortured my staff with some monologues about exploration and innovation and then launched into metaphors based on Mars exploration. I wont do the same to you....their numb stares reminded me that it is only a narrow slice of humanity that is excited. But, if you want, like any great story, there is now a movie - Roving Mars. It is a little slow but with beautiful images from the red planet... no martians yet though. I did hear from my friend Grant today that Wall-E is good and there's an uncanny resemblance...

5 Thoughtful Minutes

Ecological Footprint Calculator

Two Great Resturants

We’ve had an uncommonly fun and social weekend with some of our best friends. Friday we went out with Kelly and Chad Newhouse to Walzwerk. But, but before that with Mark and Lisa we heard the director of The Last Emperor about Valentino speak at the DeYoung. Wild guy, but … netflix. At dinner, I gorged on bread, of course, – this time a dark walnutty dense slice. Mmmm. And, the Chicken stuffed with bacon and apples and topped with cherry cream sauce was terrific. I feel a little weird getting chicken since I make it at home, but this looked so good and even exceeded my expectations. It was a risk I’m glad I ventured into. And, we had some fun beers. Mine – Kostrizer Schwarzbier was dark and creamy. I got to chat a bit with Emily and learned about Credo Mobile, which has a remarkably progressive CSR policy that allows employees to participate in finding beneficiaries. And, their whole business model of ‘getting in the way of people’s spending’ for the purpose of redirecting funds into good causes seems like an attractive concept.

On Saturday, our dear friends from Tahoe, Hilary and Chris met us for a double museum tour of the Legion and the DeYoung. Hillary spent time in France and studied Rodin, so she was the ultimate guide through the Legion’s impressive bronze statue collection. Then we topped it off with dinner at Chou Chou which is a favorite country French restaurant. The baguette was perfect with the cheese plate and it was a good experience, though I’m afraid the management has changed. The good company and stories from Chris’ exciting job as an arson investigator were even better than my monkfish with truffle sauce, which is saying a lot. 

Rose Colored Glasses

My trashy glasses with the tape on them have finally died. On a wet climb in Yosemite last weekend a lense fell out onto the munge. Fortunately, I found the weird rose colored replacement lenses this morning. Shazzam! A like new pair, except now I feel strangely optimistic.


We did have a great trip last weekend. Note to remember: there are not bugs and fewer crowds in Yose in March. We did our usual stuff with rental bikes, a damp little fire, some climbing, and an evening visit to the Awahnee bar. The pianist even remembered us... love that place. Unbelieveably, we got just about the last site..we've already made reservations again for April b/c we're trying to go every month.

Gear Sherpa

Good things are still happening with my little ebay business. I made as much with it as I would have if I had a real job late last fall. That was a great surprise because the retail jobs I applied for didnt work out. One didnt offer enough money and the other quit hiring because of the economy. Actually, this has been great in retrospect, because I can fit in the work for Gear Sherpa any time so it doesnt interfere with class. And, it's flexible, so I can work more on weeks like this when I've got time off from school. Tents have turned out to be good items. I've got a system set up now to repair them - patched 7 holes in a tent this morning. And, they still seem to get a good price on ebay despite the recession. Gear Sherpa is probably the most overmanaged business of this size. I've had a great time applying on very small scale what I've learned in the MBA program - setting up accounting systems, upgrading my IT for more efficiency, expanding my number of bidders with some marketing concepts, and using some operations analysis to find my most profitable activities for business focus. Possibly obsessive? Dunno. One really funny and possibly sad experience is how much my customers seem to love me in their comments and reviews. I try to communicate very clearly and I'm proactive to clarify shipping and let them know when they should expect it. That apparently is enough to really make them happy.

Fall Colors Presented By Aspens and Kings

My family took a wonderful trip to Tahoe this last weekend. Chris and I slipped away to visit with old friends. Other than that it was all hanging out with the fam. My little sis even brought along her delightful boyfriend, Lal. They were gross and snuggly most of the time. At first all that gooey affection was cute. Ha ha ha. I'm happy for them.

We did have a couple fun moments worth sharing. First off, we were there one of the first big snows of the year. Marvelous. Here's my favorite pic while we were walking over to see the Kokanee Salmon at the underwater viewing of Taylor Creek. And, there was a mamma bear and 2 cubs fishing in the creek. Fun to watch.

Best of all we had a great little picnic at Sorenson's over near Hope Valley. That's the place to go to see the leaves and it was every bit as beautiful as we hoped.

$$$ and Robert Plant and Carbon Footprints

Life has been so great lately. I'm a little afraid of receiving my next investment reports. But, we have lots of backpacking equipment. So we can always move to some National Forest land and grow vegetables next to the pot farmers up in the mountains. I read Donald Miller on that and he says those are good people. Will this recession last 1 year or 5? Will I find a job this time next year. I'm hopeful that my used gear business wont be too tied to wallstreet's woes. I assume people will keep buying stuff and start looking for cheaper alternatives. I saw that a lot of discount stores are pumping up their marketing - trying to capture the fearful consumers. But, one of my bellweather items - a Jetboil Stove - sold for $45 and I expected $60. Hopefully, that's not a trend.

We saw Robert Plant and Allison Krauss on Friday night. There were thousands, reportedly 40,000 people there. That's my biggest crowd since the anti-Iraq invasion protests years ago. (And, yes, I do feel completely vindicated about pressing those arguments.) I was a huge Led Zeppelin fan back in highschool. So, it was really remarkable to hear Plant sing a couple of the old hits. But, the best moment was Krauss singing "Let's Go Down To The River To Pray" which was on the O Brother Where Art Thou? soundtrack. It was moving to see so many people singing along with her - and to be part of that crowd. There are too few SF moments like that.

And, I'm delighted to see even the reluctant conservative financiers in the Wall Street Journal talking about Carbon Footprints. The article is pretty entry level but very well done. Six Products, Six Carbon Footprints

Shopping and Cooking and Reading

What a good weekend. On Thursday night I actually said, "I dont feel like I need to get out this weekend." I had a bunch of stuff to do that was pressing on me. So, we scrapped our camping trip to the mountains and stayed home. Friday Chris was out with her friend Lisa at the bookstore and Lisa recommended Alice Water's The Art of Simple Food. We actually didn't have a general how to do most everything basic cookbook. And this one is great. Since reading B. Kingsolver's "Animal Vegetable Miracle" we've been trying to eat more locally and generally get the carbon footprint down on our food. Eating locally generally means there's been less fuel put into shipping. Though there are some interesting wrinkles in the concept. Any way, I also got to meet with a guy from Acre Gourmet last spring. He told me all about how they source their food locally and get to have personal relationships with small operator farmers. So, beyond the certified label's for Organic or Free Trade, they actually have the bonus of personal relationships. He feels this really enriches the human environment by building direct relationships instead of consumer/middleman.../supplier business relationships that are less personal. There could be something to that. Saturday morning we made it to the Alamany Farmers Market. What a wonderful time. It was insanely crowded, but we expected that. There was an old lady playing the saw with a dancing wooden cat. No kidding. I had a delightful pork tamale and we picked up a load of food. Back home, we a really simple dish from A.Water's book - a squash and penne pasta. Tasteee

Planet Granite in The Presidio is OPEN :)

For months I've been waiting and waiting for this new gym to open. I've been following the progress online and running by every few weeks when I've been out for a run on Chrissy Field. And, now it's opened a month ahead of schedule!

http://www.planetgranite.com/OldPG/Presidio/sf_picindex.html

Chris and I joined on Sunday - the year membership is less than we'd pay for the Y - which cant possibly last. We should have bought 2 years. The climbing is the best I've ever seen. They've got plenty of routes and an unbelieveable variety of bouldering. They even have an off-width crack and several other great cracks - one splitter! Very fun. So, I'm stoked. It is really fun to be able to go with Chris. Fortunately, it's on her way to work, so we've been able to get over there for a workout and still make it to her office by 9. My mornings have never been so wonderful.

Hetch Hetchy Trip

We had a great little trip away. The flowers in Tuolomne are all but completely gone. I have no idea what the late blooming tiny bushy purple ones are called. We've both got tricky ankles right now, so we took it easy with a couple short hikes up to Elizabeth Lake which is just below Unicorn Peak. And, we make it a few miles around Hetch Hetchy to a dry waterfall view. Back at the car, Chris' themometer registered 85 in the shade and 104 in the sun. The breeze itself was hot. We were pretty sapped of strength but it was really worth it. There's an amazing wall across the lake - with probably another 300 feet below the water.

It really stirs my imagination to see the canyon stretch up toward White Wolf and Glen Aulin. I'd really like to make that trip in the spring. The Grand Canyon of Tuolomne is supposed to be really amazing and relatively untraveled.

And, the abiding question of the worth of the reservoir really sticks in my mind. I hear that the reservoir's water reserve is redundant now that other areas have been developed. And, it certainly is an affront the concept of National Parks. But, water shortages seem to be mounting and we wont be able to rely on glacial storage in the future. In any case, we're definitely sacrificing some terriffic climbing and an amazing canyon with its potential ecotour revenue for the sake of an enormous bucket.

Interview with Matt from Kiva

Geoffrey Desa, my Entrepreneurial Process professor got the class off to a fast start with our first assignment. Typically, I don't expect anything outside of some reading for the first few weeks of a term. But, he set our first assignment, "Interview an entrepreneur and give a brief report in one week." OK. Well, I'm really trying to focus my class projects on areas of interest. So, the challenge was to find someone who could meet with me on short notice who was also a social entrepenuer or working in the sustainability field somehow. Good luck - right? I do love living in SF. Grace Turkis, my good ole coworker is volunteering at Kiva and she put me together with Matt Flannery. We met for an hour. I am very grateful for his time.

In short, Kiva matches lenders (not donors)with aspiring entrepenuers in developing nations. The results of this kind of micro lending development have been tremendous. The waste is much lower than working through corrupt governments and the direct empowerment is much higher.

Chris and I always have the very best conversations on our out of town trips together. We've decided to get behind someone today - it will only take $20 of our money to help some unfortunately born business person break out of the cycle of poverty. And, we'll get regular updates on how their business is progressing AND how the loan is being paid back. After a while, we'll get to repick and reinvest that money into another venture. Very very fun.

Read all about Kiva on their website. www.kiva.org

Gear Sherpa

Finding a job is tricky. Part on a whim and part on Chris' recommendation, I applied and interviewed for a bike messenger position. I got the feeling I was 'over qualified' and later heard from another messenger for the company that many of the others have 'substance abuse issues'. So, I was feeling pretty confident, presented myself pretty well (questionable self evaluation), got an offer, and turned it down. $12 an hour is not a lot. Then, I was offered less from a retailer off of Union Square. Who are they kidding? The sell jackects for $200 that cost them $5 to make in Vietnam and the store is doing record business every month. Come on.

Despite all these injustices, I've found a way to feed off the bottom in my spare time. Gear Sherpa is my little ebay business and basically I buy, repair, post, and sell backpacking equipment (about which I know waaaay too much). Shockingly, my little enterprize has gone pretty well and I was able to draw a paycheck this month. Look out world, I made a dollar.

It has been really fun to work out the simple business process for accounting, posting, shipping, tracking, and financing the business. I think Gear Sherpa is probably one of the most overmanaged companies in its class. :) So, I've created a fun little learning experience for myself that will hopefully pay for groceries. And, yes family, this year you will all be getting used outdoor gear for Christmas.

As I'm learning about bidness, I see that there's really some potential here. Ebay gives anyone access to a market for just about anything. Small operators who dont need a big margain to be profitable, unlike many larger businesses, can do salvage, repair, resell businesses. The possibility is really enormous - small appliances, electronics, small furniture. If it's light enough to ship and labor intensive to repair then there's probably an opportunity to make money off of it on ebay.

The Celtic Wheel of Prayer

One of the best things that has happened in our spiritual life in the last year has been taking up the practice of reading this book each evening. Chris and her friend Lisa were wandering through The Green Apple, which is a voluminous local used book store. Lisa bought it for Chris with the idea that it would be a good way to wind down the day. Chris and I really enjoy the wilderness and the old Celtic prayers really connect to the rhythms of the oceans, seasons, and farming. Most every evening we read and reflect for about 10 minutes with the guided prayers. There's a little thanksgiving section that's really helpful. And, occasionally we even do the morning prayer over breakfast together.

Mental Training

I'm venturing out beyond some of my old faithful sources of inspiration lately. On our trip to Kauai I read the cheezyiest named book I've ever heard of. But, it was pretty good. I had picked it up at Mission Cliffs while on a break when my arms were pumped and I couldn't climb. Ready? The Rock Warrior's Way: Mental Training for Climbers. I'll pause while you go puke.

So, with reluctance, I'll say that I think there's something to this. It's about actively taking ahold of our 'personal power' and using specific methods to learn mental focus, to untangle mental roadblocks to improved performance, and generally examing ego theory to discover poor decision making processes. At least, that's what I got out of it on my first reading. I'm planning on looking it over again and trying to use it as I'm working out. Most of my climbing trips lately haven't allowed reviewing mental training techniques before the beginning of a climb. But, I have started using a few ideas like a pre-climb routine of motions and short prayers. And, I'm more conscious of the go/no-go process that I use when evaluating a risk. Also, I am much more engaged in the mental messages that I say, "I'm gonna give this a shot." For me, that's code for, "I'm gonna give up but give my belayer the impression that I'm really making an effort by slapping the next hold." Either do it or dont.

A lot of this stuff is drawn from the spurious writings of Carlos Casteneda and various Japanese Samari teachings. I've been grateful for my friend, Joseph Farley. He has much experience in Tibetan Buddism and some of the American New Age offshoots. All of this is new to me, but he's got the perspective from having been far down that road already. I still need to buy those Rumi books he reccommended....

Kauaii

double click to see the big version

7 Days Left

For the last month, I've been slowly uninvolving myself in the work I've been doing for 13 years. It's really quite a remarkable experience. Here in SF, I've worked on the same team for 7 1/2 years - though I am the only member who was here years ago. Gradually, I've been counting 'lasts' last staff meeting, last board meeting, last regional conference, last party with our students, last trip to campus, last service project. Some of the 'lasts' have happened before I knew they were going on.

In general, it's becoming surreal. Things that have been dear to me for years are now happening in front of me and I feel differently inside. Instead of a deep connection, I stand like an outside observer. "They" are doing that, not "I". And, like any organization, it is carrying forward with renewed vision and direction. It is a bit like we were on a train, we got off, and the train kept going - barely slowing down. That's exciting for the travelers, but humbling for us. I think we see how replaceable and unimportant we are in reality - not the Titans we were in our own imagination. That, of course, is a healthy and good reality check.