Friday, November 30, 2007

Urban Network Summit 2008

It's time to get ready for The Urban Network Summit. Coming in March 26-29 2008 in Newport Beach at The Hyatt Regency.

This is a link to the Sponsor opportunities.

You can learn more about the event by visiting www.urbannetwork.com

If you or anyone is interested please contact me.

Error 0x800cccof

Try this if you are getting this error with Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express.

Getting 'error 0x800CCCOF'. the connection to the server was interrupted?

1. If you are using Firewalls or Norton internet security etc, please disable them and try sending emails.

2. Follow these instructions:
1. At Tools menu, choose Account.
2. Choose Mail.
3. Click double to your Account.
4. Choose Servers.
5. Click My Server Requires Authentication.
6. Choose OK to complete.
Then try sending email.

3. Check this document for more reasons and solutions:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=813514

EVS Electric Vehicle Expo this weekend

Electric Vehicle Expo: The Future of Transportation
EVS 23 International Symposium & Expo/Sustainability: The Future of Transportation
The International Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exposition (EVS) series, organized by the World Electric Vehicle Association (WEVA), has long been recognized as the premier event for academic, government and industry professionals involved in electric drive technologies. The EVS series began in 1969 as an academic forum for global networking and the exchange of technical information. As electric drive technologies progressed from the classrooms and laboratories into the marketplace, EVS blossomed into an event that is both academic and business oriented.
Today, the EVS series is recognized as the global electric transportation industry's premier and largest forum, showcasing all forms of technologies in the market place and on the drawing boards--from low speed battery electric vehicles to fuel cell electric buses. The event attracts academic, government and industry leaders from around the world who are interested in exploring and understanding the technical, policy and market challenges to a paradigm shift toward use of electric transportation technologies.
Who are the exhitors?
? Domestic and international vehicle manufacturers ? Off-road, industrial, heavy-duty and bus manufacturers ? Fuel cell, battery, and drive-train suppliers ? Electricity, hydrogen, and other fuel suppliers ? Automotive, industrial and heavy-duty component suppliers ? Government agencies and laboratories ? Universities with breakthrough technology programs ? Industry, environmental, and consumer associations Date Sun, Dec/02/2007 Time: 11am Location: Anaheim Convention Center Hall A, Ballroom, Room 201-204, 303 800 W. Katella Ave. Anaheim, CA 92803

Cost: FREE and Open to the Public
Website: www.evs23.org
When: Sunday, December 2, 2007 at 11:00 AM
Where: Anaheim Convention CenterHall A,
Ballroom, Room 201-204, 303
800 W. Katella Ave.Anaheim, CA 92803
Event fee: USD10.00 per person

Rain in LA

So we are getting some rain this morning. Friday November 30, 2007. Around 5am it started drizzling in Pasadena, CA. It is cloudy and overcast at this time. No rain right now. But the streets are wet. More to follow later. This is a good sign for Southern California which is experiencing a severe drought.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Bush and Cheney Joke

Dick Cheney and George W. Bush were having breakfast at the White House.
The attractive waitress asks Cheney what he would like, and he replies,
"I'd like a bowl of oatmeal and some fruit."
"And what can I get for you, Mr. President?"
George W. replies, with his trademark wink and slight grin, "How about a quickie this morning?"
"Why, Mr. President!" the waitress exclaims. "How rude! You're starting to act like Mr. Clinton! ''As the waitress storms away, Cheney leans over to Bush and whispers ... "It's pronounced 'quiche'."

Solar for Townhomes

Tonight I am going to our homeowner meeting. I am bringing up the topic of solar systems for townhomes.

So I'll be doing research on this topic and posting updates. Stay tuned on my project.

Goji Berries healthy benefits and sources

Today I want to write about goji berries and the health benefits.

Goji berries
- Contain extreme levels of antioxidants. "It is quite possibly the highest antioxidant on earth."
- Contain Vitamin B1, B2, B6, and Vitamin E(rare in fruits).
- Contain more Vitamin C by weight than oranges.
- 13% protein
- Has been believed the Goju berries many be good for the treatment of eye problems, skin rashes, psoriasis, allergies, insomnia, chronic liver disease, diabetes, and tuberculosis.
- Also may be a good for the treatment of kidney and liver problems.
- Maye help LOWER cholesterol!

There are several brands and varieties you can buy. I sell some from Organic Nectars, which are one of the best around.
Himalania brand is pretty good too.
Gojilania.com
cjolsoncherries.com

More to follow on this topic.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Inconsiderate Drivers Continued

Today I was driving down the 210 Freeway in Pasadena and this is what I experienced.

I want to report the driver in vehicle # 407591 from Access Paratransit.

At approx 7pm on 11/28/07 near the offramp of Hill off the 210 Freeway, this driver was weaving in and out of traffic and driving down in the breakdown lane.

Our roads are dangerous enough without having this type conduct from an agency which is supposed to use extreme care when driving.

Pasadena Ford and Ford Motors at the LA Auto Show

Pasadena, CA
Date: 11/28/07
By: Victor Caballero

I have to say I am very disturbed by my experience with Ford and their dealers.

I stopped by the LA Auto Show booth for Ford and signed up for take a test drive and get a $75.

So since Saturday when I went I have received no fewer than 50 calls!!! Either from an unknown number or from 888 520 7225, which is not answered and has a recording that is not affiliated with any dealer.
This morning I decided enough was enough, so I answered the call.

I asked them for the number to the dealer and that I would call when I was ready to take the test drive and to please remove my number from their database. They give me the number to the Ford dealer. 626.793.3154.

A few minutes later I get a call from what appears to be the Ford dealer in Pasadena, Pasadena Ford from an unkown number. Get a clue people, stop calling from unknown numbers unless you have something to hide or you are trying to protect your identity. I typically will not answer calls from Private Caller or Unknown, usually a solicitor of some sort, or sales people.

Anyway the person on the other end was rude, asked me to hold while she listens to her voice mail, WTF. You call me, I'm busy and you ask me to hold! What nerve. Anyway I tell her, I justed talked to someone at some other place and they gave me a number to call and I told her I would call the number when I was ready or I would just stop by. She emphasized that the Ford Escape is hot and selling for sticker price, ok, whatever and then proceeds to give me a different number, 626.993.3600.

Couple things, FORD, get this right, your cars are crap. I already have a Ford Taurus and the trany is giving out at 50k miles..... what a joke! Your dealers are a bunch of idiots for allowing people like this to handle calls to potential customers. The rear window doesn't work, it just stopped working. The car is less than 3 years old and has been in the shop numerous times. I will never buy an american car, at least not FORD.

Will I come to take the test drive for the $75, most likely, but you bet I will report my experience, good or bad. Because the story continues.

Ford and Pasadena Ford, need to take a lead from other auto manafacturers. You guys are desparate, who wants to buy cars that use so much fuel and get such poor gas mileage. Plus the cars are so poorly made.

If you have something to add to your experience with Ford let me know.

Friday, November 23, 2007

Black Friday Shopping Experience

Today Nov 23, I got up around 6:30, thinking of not going to do any shopping, because I know how bad the crowds can be. And was I right.

Here's how it went.

I showed up to Fry's in Burbank around 7am, two hours after they opened at 5am. There was a line around the outside of the building of people just waiting to get in the store! After about 20min of waiting in the line I got in.

I spent maybe 30-45 minutes getting around and picking up some items. Then the most shocking part of the trip......the line to get out! One line, ran completely around the inside of the store, be the cafe, through the appliances around the software, through the bags, unreal... it felt like I was in the twighlight zone.

That lasted around 2.5 hours. Then I got to the checkout, and the guy seemed a little slow, actually very slow and he ended up charging me twice for an item. Then he had to go and get a credit, this whole checkout process while at the register lasted at least an hour! So 5.5 hours later I am out of Fry's in Burbank... What nice weather outside. Why would anyone want to spend such a nice day inside a store waiting in a line? Well you can save a few bucks, but is that really worth it? I wanted a camera, which they didn't have, there was items left scattered throughout the store in the line where people had abandoned the march to the checkout. So I picked up a few things.

Some advice, bring a buddy, you go through the store and pickup stuff and the other person stands in line. This could save you at least 45 minutes if the line was as bad as it was this morning.

The other thing you can do is pays someone to stand in line....or just buy the item from someone else.

Anyway, I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving and holiday.

I'll report on the various items I purchased in a future post.

Best wishes,
Victor

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Obituary: Eileen Bay Caballero

I am sadened to report that my Aunt Eileen Caballero passed away recently. She will be missed dearly.

I remember going up to visit them and go on trips down the Oregon Coast, which is so beautiful to see.

This is the Obituary from the Daily Astorian. The local paper of Astoria, Oregon where her and my Uncle Felix Caballero reside.

Obituaries: Eileen Bay Caballero
Astoria resident, 71
Eileen Bay Caballero, 71, of Astoria, died Monday, Nov. 12, 2007, in Astoria.

She was born Oct. 28, 1936, in Clatskanie, to Arnold and Hilja (Mustonen) Bay. Her parents preceded her in death.

Mrs. Caballero graduated from Knappa High School and attended beauty school in Portland. She moved to Southern California, where she worked as a hairdresser.

In February 1969, she married Felix Caballero in California. He survives, residing in Astoria. In 1971, the couple moved to Astoria.

Mrs. Caballero worked as a waitress at the Happy Inn and at local convenience stores. She was also co-owner of Bays Upholstery.

Mrs. Caballero attended the Bay View Baptist Church in Astoria and was a member of the Finnish Brotherhood Lodge.

Family members said she loved animals, especially Boston terrier bulldogs.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by a sister, Jeanne Fluhrer of Clatskanie; two brothers, Richard Bay of La Center, Wash., and Glen Bay of Minneapolis; and an aunt, Mildred Anderson of Knappa.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Knappa Prairie Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice, in care of Caldwell's Luce-Layton Mortuary, 1165 Franklin Ave., Astoria, OR 97103.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Green Glam - how to use various fruits and vegetables for skin care

GAYLE ANDERSON - GREEN GLAM
Gayle Anderson was live at the Artloris Eco-Salon, Los Angeles' FIRST eco-salon. Artur Zhamgaryan, founder of Artloris Eco-Salon, transformed his salon from conventional salon to environmentally focused salon in March of 2007. His team of celebrity stylists trained by the prestigious Legendary Beauty Expert Vidal Sassoon, are not only extraordinary hair stylists and makeup artists, but are making a difference by making eco-conscious choices in hair care, makeup and color lines.

Every other Friday, the salon features something called GREEN GLAMOUR FRIDAYS, where customers can enjoy the following NON-TOXIC salon services:

Wash and Blow Out
Men's Trim
Ladies Style
Makeup or Brows
Manicures
Mini Pedicures
Mini Massage


ArtLoris Eco-Salon
12606 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City (Across from the STAPLES STORE)
818.761.1788
www.artloris.com


Gayle also took a look at GREEN MANICURES AND PEDICURES. Those services were provided by Kristi Marie Jones (Narayan) Licensed Pedicurist.

Kristi Marie Jones/Narayan has been healing the soles of people for over 25 years . She has soaked, scrubbed and buttered feet from homeless shelters to the hills of Hollywood. Her work has appeared on the pages of Vogue Magazine to the screens of music videos & many red carpet events.

After completing Teachers Training in Kundalini Yoga & Meditation at Golden Bridge, Narayan searched for a way to bring both aspects of her life together & a way to reach more people than the hand full of clients she can see a day. Narayans passion for Yoga most specifically the Mantras along with her knowledge of natural ingredients & the ability they both have to heal the mind body & sole, lead her to create NARAYAN sacred healing beauty 100% natural, Organic when possible Mantra Infused, Sole Food products.

Kristi Marie Jones/Narayan
Amrit Davaa Wellness Center, Inc. at Golden Bridge
6322 De Longpre Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90028
323.988.4051
www.amritdavaa.com


On the subject of non-toxic cosmetics, according the the Safe Cosmetics.org website, toys made in China are not the only products laced with dangerous heavy metals: lipstick manufactured in the United States and used daily by millions of American women also contains surprisingly high levels of lead, according to new product tests released today by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. The lead tests were conducted by an independent laboratory over the month of September on red lipsticks bought in Boston, Hartford, Conn., San Francisco and Minneapolis.

Top findings include:
*More than half of 33 brand-name lipsticks tested (61 percent) contained detectable levels of lead, with levels ranging from 0.03 to 0.65 parts per million (ppm). None of these lipsticks listed lead as an ingredient.
*One-third of the tested lipsticks exceeded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's 0.1 ppm limit for lead in candy - a standard established to protect children from directly ingesting lead. Lipstick products, like candy, are directly ingested into the body. Nevertheless, the FDA has not set a limit for lead in lipstick, which fits with the disturbing absence of FDA regulatory oversight and enforcement capacity for the $50 billion personal care products industry.
*The good news is that the tests show it is possible to make lipstick without lead: 39 percent of lipsticks tested had no detectable levels of lead, and cost doesn't seem to be a factor. Some less expensive brands such as Revlon ($7.49) had no detectable levels of lead, while the more expensive Dior Addict brand ($24.50) had higher levels than some other brands.
*Among the top brands testing positive for lead were: -L'Oreal Colour Riche "True Red" - 0.65 ppm -L'Oreal Colour Riche "Classic Wine" - 0.58 ppm -Cover Girl Incredifull Lipcolor "Maximum Red" - 0.56 ppm -Dior Addict "Positive Red" - 0.21 ppm


Lead is a proven neurotoxin that can cause learning, language and behavioral problems such as lowered IQ, reduced school performance and increased aggression. Pregnant women and young children are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure. Lead easily crosses the placenta and enters the fetal brain where it can interfere with normal development. Lead has also been linked to infertility and miscarriage.

"Lead builds up in the body over time and lead-containing lipstick applied several times a day, every day, can add up to significant exposure levels. The latest studies show there is no safe level of lead exposure," said Mark Mitchell, M.D., MPH, president, Connecticut Coalition for Environmental Justice.

To learn more about so-called SAFE COSMETICS, visit the following websites:
www.toxicfreelegacy.org/safecosmetics
www.ecocycle.org
www.safecosmetics.org

Fresh Vegies Gift Idea

I read about this in the December 2007 issue of Money.

You can select from over 1600 farms and pickup the freshest produce.

Anna Lappe who co-authored the book "Grub: Ideas for an Urban Organic Kitchen"

The site is www.localharvest.org/csa

Cost is 350-500 for 20 weeks of produce.

This sounds like a very good deal. Comes out to 25 per week for produce for your your family.

It's work checking it out.

Let me know what you find out.

Victor Caballero

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Firefox + Google Toolbar Download

If you haven't downloaded the Firefox and Google Toolbar, now is a good time to try it out.





Especially with all the problems we hear about with Internet Explorer. Make sure to do an update to Firefox after you install. There's a new version coming.... Version 3 is available as a developer release, not meant for general consumers.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Wake up Services

Couple of services to check out that offer wake up/alarm type services.

PARTYPALACE
http://www.partypalaceentertainment.com

WAKERUPPER
http://www.wakerupper.com

TELEPIXIE
http://www.telepixie.com

IPING
http://www.iping.com

WAKEUPLAND
http://www.wakeupland.com

SNOOZESTER
http://www.snoozester.com

PHONEBUGGER
http://www.phonebugger.com

RentACoder Service

Receive an average of 5-6 qualified bids within
just 24 hours. Over 10,000 registered coders
are waiting to bid on your project.


Top 3 sites

DSNews list some interesting sites this month.
www.OfferAngel.com - offers borrowers' rescue by simplifying the information they receive in their federal disclosures to help them understand complex loan terms and so they can choose the right mortgage loan.

www.Classifiedflyerads.com - A new mobile option for creating advertisements with distribution to GoogleBase, Oodle, Lycos, and many more. Users can log into their account anytime and modify, ehance, or add their advertisement.

www.HomesTrackerOne.com - Now you can streamline the real estate process. BidSelect has supported the sale of more than 48,000 propertoes and achieved a listing average of 30 days on market with six offers per property.

Some good sites to check out.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Digestion Tips

I'm watching a KOCE special on digestion and they mention some interesting items.

One tip is to have a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar when you experience indegistion.

It's all about how to assist the digestion process and prevent disease.

Taking digestive enzymes with your food.

Another item is to talk hydrochloric acid supplements to aid the digestion process.

I have also found that eating slowly is a good thing. People in this country eat way too fast.

Some items that affect food digestion as well:
Stress
Inadequate Chewing
Food sensitivities

Bacteria - good bacteria, acidopolphis, symbiotic, helps you digest and absorb food.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Bob Dylan at Skirball Cultural Center

Bob Dylan's American Journey, 1956–1966
February 7 - June 8, 2008
Getty Gallery

The Bob Dylan exhibit that is part of the music experience is coming to Los Angeles in a couple months and will be here for a few months.

This acclaimed exhibition follows Bob Dylan from his beginnings in Hibbing, Minnesota to his debut on the Greenwich Village folk scene and his rise to fame as one of the first true rock stars and the artist who “electrified” contemporary songwriting. Visitors will be amazed by the exhibition’s unprecedented collection of films, artifacts, and listening stations, as they discover Dylan’s story intersecting with folk music, rock ‘n’ roll, and a nation in the throes of social change. Photo by Barry Feinstein.



ADMISSION:
$10 General
$7 Seniors and Full-Time Students
$5 Children 2-12
Free to Members and Children under 2
Free to all on Thursdays
Includes admission to all other exhibitions


This exhibition is organized by Experience Music Project, Seattle Washington, and is presented at the Skirball by Steve Tisch. Photo by Barry Feinstein.

Fender Bass Bash 2007

For the past two days(Nov 14 and 15, 2007) Fender has been holding the Fender Bass Bash at CenterStaging in Burbank, CA. The event drew some of the best bass players around to try out some new gear being released.

Video and photos of the event should follow soon.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Next TWIISTUP 1/16/08

Twiistup 3: Save 20% on Registration
Twiistup is the premier event that showcases tech talent in Southern California. Twiistup’s goal is to allow start-ups to showcase their ideas and create a friendly atmosphere where guests can network with fellow innovators, investors, job seekers, and established industry leaders. Twiistup 3, which will be held on January 16th in Venice, CA, will be focusing on “New Year’s Resolutions” startups related to the following 9 “Resolutions”:

1. Spend More Time with Family & Friends
2. Fitness
3. Quit Smoking
4. Enjoy Life More
5. Get Out of Debt
6. Learn Something New
7. Help Others
8. Get Organized
9. Dating

If you are a startup who would like to showcase your idea related to one of the above “Resolutions” then fill out your proposal form immediately, because the deadline is Thursday, November 16th.

If you wish to attend, Mashable is offering a 20% ($5) discount; just use the code “mashable” when registering.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Pasadena Area Solar Installation

SoPas firm energizing with solar-power panels
By Cortney Fielding Staff Writer
Article Launched: 11/11/2007 10:36:23 PM PST

SOUTH PASADENA -- One of the city's most prominent business leaders has gone solar -- in a big way.
Entrepreneur and commercial developer Jeffrey Burke will complete the installation this week of what Southern California Edison has called the largest commercial solar-power system in the Pasadena area.
Packed tightly atop of the roof Burke's company at 99 Pasadena Ave. are 200 solar panels capable of generating enough electricity each year to power 10 average houses, according to the project's specifications.
The array, which costs about $300,000 before government rebates and tax credits, is expected to provide about a quarter of the electricity needed for the 16,000-square-foot building, which is home to the digital-imaging company JupiterMedia.
Burke said the decision to undertake the project was based largely on a desire to clean up the Earth for his children.
"As much as I can, I really want to do the right thing in trying to leave a world my kids can live in," he said. "It sounds like a real platitude, but I really believe that."
But his decision wasn't entirely altruistic. Burke estimates he will make his money back through energy savings within eight to 10 years.
"And with gas prices shooting up, it could be sooner," he said. "If you've got the cash to invest into your property over time, it not only breaks even, but after break-even time, you're making money."
Burke also expects the solar installation will boost the overall value of his building.
Burke and his wife, Lorraine Triolo, made headlines in 2005 when they sold their imaging company, PictureArts, to JupiterMedia for $63.2 million in cash.
Jupiter's 60 employees moved into the Pasadena Avenue building, but the couple retained ownership of the building in the deal.
Once up and running, the solar panels are expected to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the air each year by nearly 67,000 pounds.
South Pasadena Mayor Michael Cacciotti said the project is a boon to the city.
"The effort to curb climate change must be undertaken by all segments of our society - from the government to the private sector," he said. "Jeffrey Burke and Lorraine Triolo's use of solar power - a clean, abundant and renewable resource - is a great example of entrepreneurial leadership and establishes an environmental benchmark for other businesses to follow."
The new solar system represents a first step in the redevelopment at 99 Pasadena Ave., located in a business park area known as the "Ostrich Farm" district.
Burke and Triolo have begun construction on a new three- story, 20,000-square-foot building on property acquired from the city of South Pasadena, to be attached to the existing structure. The addition will have a solar array of its own.
While still in preliminary stages, Burke said he and Triolo are looking into the possibility of harvesting wind power for the building, using new micro-turbine technology.
"Whatever we can do," Burke said, "we'll do."
cortney.fielding@sgvn.com
(626) 578-6300, Ext. 4494

Spain's Irrigation systems

The LA Times has an interesting story on Spain's upgrading of its national irrigation system.
The plan is to computerize and automate as well as upgrade from a flood type system to drip system. The savings will be substantial.

Read more here:
Water management 2.0

Farmers in Spain are going high-tech by pushing for a nationally controlled digital grid to manage irrigation and preserve precious agua.
By Ciaran Giles, The Associated Press November 12, 2007
ALBERIQUE, SPAIN -- For decades, Alberto Martorell and his family have been irrigating their rolling groves of orange and persimmon trees in this sweltering corner of eastern Spain by the traditional method -- swamping them under a flood of water from the local canal.But if a national farmers' group has its way, those days will soon be over.Martorell is one of a growing number of Spanish farmers who have signed up to go digital -- agreeing to switch to drip irrigation and connect their fields to a national grid monitored from Madrid.The idea is to save money and, equally important in an era of global warming, precious water. Officials say the system could end up saving 20% of the water Spain uses for irrigation today -- a whopping 1.3 trillion gallons per year.It is a watershed change for a country that is one of Europe's breadbaskets, but has been basically relying on a system introduced by Moorish invaders centuries ago."We're jumping from the 13th century to the 21st century," said Juan Valero, secretary general of Spain's irrigation farmers' federation, called Fenacore.Although computer-assisted irrigation is not new, Spanish officials believe that no other country is organizing it at a national level. So far 200,000 farmers have signed up for the project, Valero said. By 2010, the government hopes that number rises to 500,000, representing the vast majority of the farmers who utilize irrigation in Spain.Valero said that years of chronic drought, coupled with vastly increased water use, had worn down resistance to the changes. The government is chipping in, paying all the costs of the system right up to where it reaches each farmers' land.Martorell, a stocky, sun-beaten 50-year-old, acknowledged that his main motivation for making the switch was money, not becoming part of any green revolution."The methods we have been using are obsolete," he said, standing amid a field of persimmon trees. "New technology allows you to save time, improve harvests and most importantly, save water, which is the principal problem we have nowadays."His land's irrigation system is in the process of being modernized, and Martorell hopes to have it completed within three years.Under the project, Fenacore is encouraging farmers not just to move away from wasteful flood irrigation systems but also to lay highly efficient telecommunications cables alongside main water conduits.The telecommunications cables will be connected to computer centers regionally and nationally from where the irrigation grid can be monitored, with screens showing which land is getting water, how much it is getting, when and at what pressure."Instead of manually lifting sluice gates to flood fields, farmers will be able to do it from laptops or even mobile phones," Valero said. "The aim is to manage water better. We have to rationalize its consumption, and to do this, information is fundamental."The endeavor represents a revolution in a country that is 50% arid and outpaces the rest of Europe by devoting as much as 70% of its water resources to irrigation.But much of its system of channeling water from rivers for miles and miles is based on an intricate grid of open canals first developed by the Arabs after they invaded Spain in the 8th century.Such was the influence of the Moors that nearly every Spanish word dealing with irrigation and water stems from Arabic, such as acequia for irrigation ditch or alcantarilla for a drain.Although many of the Arab-styled watering ditches have been replaced with closed concrete piping, especially over the last century, many of the original open channels can still be seen crisscrossing the lush fields of southern and eastern Spain.But these systems lose millions of gallons through evaporation, poor maintenance and runoff, something a country just emerging from a drought caused by the lowest annual rainfall on record cannot afford."In almost half of Spain, the irrigation technique used is flooding, which uses up to three or four times more than the water that is necessary," Environment Minister Cristina Narbona said recently.Spain's profligate water usage has long concerned experts and conservationists. The country is estimated to lose more than 60% of its water before it reaches the tap, and only 1.5% is recycled.In addition, Spain's never-ending construction boom -- with sprawling urban projects, mushrooming tourist complexes and golf courses -- has greatly increased demand."Spain is finally bringing itself up to date in terms of irrigation," said Complutense University professor Manuel Ramon Llamas, one of Spain's leading water experts

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Your Online Identity

Some ways to manage your online identity.

So what can the savvy tech executive do to create and control ones online presence?

How can we make sure that those things we wish to be noticed for like favorable press releases and articles get higher billing on search engines and that things like that awkward photo of you with that silly grin holding a beer at what looks like a fraternity party never see the light of day.

With tools like Ziggs, Zoominfo, ClaimID, Ziki and other id management tools out there is there any excuse for not managing ones online identity as closely as one manages ones career. If nothing else join us as we explore the fine line between valid self promotion and narcissistic self-aggrandizement.

Monday, November 5, 2007

Lunch 2.0 November 16, 2007

Lunch 2.0 is at Business.com
Host: Business.com
When: Friday, November 16, 12:05 - 2:00 PM
Where: Santa Monica, CA
RSVP: on Mixergy
Lunch 2.0 in Los Angeles is growing. Our next one is hosted by Business.com.
If you’re in the area, RSVP now to let us know you’re coming. If you know someone in LA, help us get the word out by telling your LA friends.
About Business.com: Business.com was just named among the Best Places to Work by the Los Angeles Business Journal and has been a part of Southern California’s Internet community since 1999. Business.com is the leading business search engine / directory and pay-per-click advertising network serving more than 40 million unique business users and thousands of advertisers every month.
With the Q3 2007 Acquisition by RH Donnelley (RHD), the Business.com team will be adding staff to ensure the continued success of our sites; Business.com and www.Work.com, while working to launch our successful ad serving technology throughout RHD’s interactive business.