MindComet

Technology Moves From Villian To Savior

Technology is Saving the Environment - I’ve been thinking about this for a while and all of the articles and snippets I read seem to support this idea; Technology is the catalyst for environmental improvement.  The interesting part of this movement, for me, is the shifting of “technology as the enemy” to “technology as a friend”.  As we became more urbanized, we individually became less interested in the land and more interested in our own comfort.  (Read here the “Giving Tree” phenomenon.)  With the paradigm shifts happening in society right now, due in large part to the new economy, we’re again interested in the land and how it’s use can ease/augment/support our lives.  Technological advances in recycling, biodegradable products, and product engineering have made it simple again to live earth friendlier lives.  As a self-proclaimed “light greenie”, I am interested in how small changes in my behavior can help offset my footprint.  Small changes have large impacts.  I love technology and I am fully embracing it’s ability to make me a better earth inhabitant.

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Posted by Jennifer Carey on May. 18, 2009

How Do I Smell?

Recently I’ve grown tired of the Bath and Body Works “Cherry Blossom” smell.  So, I went “scent shopping” again in Bath and Body Works and have discovered their new line called “Optimism”.  It’s a very orange-y clean smelling line.  It’s packaged in a clean, but powerful way.  They’ve put wishes/dreams on the containers.  Things like “I land my dream job.” “I win the lottery.” that really do (silly enough) give me hope and optimism.  I’m not sure if it’s targeted to me, the Gen X mother and professional, or not but it certainly speaks to me.  Good Job Bath and Body Works.  Not only do you provide excellent value, but you make me feel good about my purchases too. 

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Posted by Jennifer Carey on May. 14, 2009

If I Won The Lottery, I Would Buy This Car

Seriously, if I won the lottery I would buy a Tesla Motors car.  Check it out!  They are beautiful, eco-friendly, and electric.  At 244 miles per charge, I could ride for a week or more.  This is the wave of the future.  This car really sparks my imagination, fire, and excitement.  Bring it on, Tesla!!!  I hope they make it affordable enough for the masses.  With the momentum for sustainability in products growing, sometimes old-fashion glamour and design get lost or forgotten.  It’s obvious that the folks at Tesla made sure that didn’t happen to their product and it’s why I think it stands out from the herd of other hybrid/electric cars.

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Posted by Jennifer Carey on May. 11, 2009

Today is My Birthday….

As I look back at my time on this planet, I am struck with the volume of cool things that I’ve done and the lessons that I’ve learned.

Cool Things I’ve Done
I’ve visited many different countries (Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Switzerland, The Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy, Jamaica, China, and Hong Kong) and am now on my second passport.  I have an unused Chinese visa.  I’ve seen Volcano National Park on the Big Island, Hawaii.  I’ve seen the Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii.  I’ve ridden in a hot air balloon.  I’ve bungee jumped (I succumbed to peer pressure).  I’ve petted Killer Whales, Dolphins, and Sting Rays.  I’ve snorkeled with barracuda (this was accidental) and swam with sharks (this was not accidental).  I’ve visited every state park in the great state of Kentucky and managed to find myself with very cool jobs and friends.

Things I’ve Learned
I am totally willing to make a complete clown of myself in order to get my son, Caboose, to laugh.  I’ve realized that I enjoy singing out loud in my car no matter how crazy it makes me look.  I enjoy my X-Box360 and own games that are just for me.  I buy and enjoy girl-power anthems like P!nk’s “So What”, Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” and ABBA’s “Dancing Queen”.  I’m an Iron Dog, a Taurus, and a GenX mother.  I know enough to know that I really don’t know anything and I’m OK with that…. I may be getting older, but I still feel like a little kid.  I am me.  Who are you?

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Posted by Jennifer Carey on May. 07, 2009

Education for a lifetime

I ran across this site, Academic Earth that posts lectures from the worlds top scholars.  They have faculty and guest speakers from Stanford and Yale Universities talking about a wide range of topics.  The goal is to provide everyone with access to world class education.  It’s very cool.  They have presenters like Guy Kawasaki and a large number of companies like Google, JetBlue, and EA.  So go on!!  Get your fancy Ivy League education!

This is interesting from the Gen X point of view in that Gen Xers are fairly entrenched in their careers and families at this point in their lives.  Online continuing education for the sake of learning is something that appeals to me, as a member of that demographic.  With the thirty minutes of free time I have, I can listen to a lecture about Entrepreneurship or Astrophysics or whatever tickles my fancy.  Once your established in your field, learning goes from the quest for a degree to a thirst for knowledge and self-improvement.  Bravo Academic Earth.  Check it out and let me know what you think!

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Posted by Jennifer Carey on May. 04, 2009

Does riding the bus really save you money?

So I’ve been thinking about other ways to save money.  One such way is to take the bus.  My metro bus line provides a trip planner to help plan your journey.  For me to go from my house to my office (I selected “fastest route”) will take 2h42m, assuming I am also willing to walk 3 miles.  The total cost would be $2.00.  My estimated cost in driving is $6 per day, but it also takes me 40 minutes (each way).  Is the financial savings worth the inconvenience?  $4 per day for a savings of roughly $960 per year, but I also loose 4 hours (two each way) of my life on the bus.  Saving isn’t only about money, in this case my lost time is more valuable to me than the $4 cash savings every workday.  What are you willing to sacrifice to save?  Is your time more valuable than money?

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Posted by Jennifer Carey on Apr. 30, 2009

The Anti-Energy Drink

Finally a drink for the rest of us, something made to calm and center the drinker, not whip us up into some sort of caffeine induced frenzy.  (I’ve had a caffeine induced frenzy and it is fun…. while it lasts but the fall is hard.)  This new crop of beverages features benefits outside of energy; focus, calming, inner beauty.  I thought I should give it a try, as it seems to mesh with my new year’s resolution of “Be A Better Person” (which is my attempt at the following; patient, calm, understanding, empowering, and generally nicer.)  If a drink can help me get there, then I say “Why not!”.  I’m testing out Nutrisoda. I love the “Immune” and “Renew” flavors.  I didn’t like the “Energy” flavor as it was too peachy.  Overall, I liked my variety pack.  I would recommend them to anyone.

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Posted by Jennifer Carey on Apr. 27, 2009