Questions to Korten and Long on KUOW's Weekday

I recently posed questions to economist and author, David Korten, and Michelle Long, Executive Director of BALLE and co-founder of Bellingham's Sustainable Connections, on KUOW's Weedkay with Steve Scher. I've been a guest on KUOW in the past on the topic of sustainable design (find it here) so its always fun to call in with questions when the opportunity arises. For this show, I asked Korten and Long how they thought local living economies could make it mainstream, as well as what they thought the future might be if the trend in localized economies continues. Scher always puts on a great show and Korten and Long were both eloquent and super informed on the topic so it was a fantastic discussion. You can find the podcast here. You'll find my short questions near the end of the show.

First eBook Review

Originally posted on Future-ish - I'm pleased to announce that I finally broke down and purchased my first eBook. Not that I was opposed to it or anything, I just hadn't found any new titles I wanted to read yet. I tried for Alvin Toffler's 1970 Future Shock, but alas, no electronic version was available. Lucky for me, I happened upon Nick Bilton's book I Live in the Future & Here's How It Works. I'm only a few pages...er, I mean percentages...in and I'm already enjoying both the book and the electronic format. I went with the Kindle app on my iPhone and am pretty happy with all the little bells and whistles. As long as I can highlight and add notes, I'm a happy camper. I did purchase my first robot earlier this year, an iRobot Scuba, so I'm not too far behind the times.

I will say that it is a bit trippy (slang appropriate for both decades in which these books were written) reading I Live in the Future after Future Shock, but I'll save a discussion of all the connections until I finish both. Stop back in for a full report soon.

Update: 12/4/10...

I just finished the book and was actually pretty pleased with both the ebook experience and the actual content. I would say that Bilton isn't living all that far off into the future, but his understanding of past, present, and future media did provide a good framework with which to ponder where things are going. Everyone seems to be blogging about what lies ahead for journalism and social media so I none of Bilton's key points were all that revolutionary as I've heard them from may other authors and bloggers. I did really appreciate his many anecdotes for how to think about what is to come, however. The fact that surgeons with a background in video games may perform better is a great thing to tell your folks who complained about your hours behind the console. Bilton's point near the end of his book in which he points out that new media doesn't allow any of us to make mistakes or forget things is poignant too. All in all, a great read for sure. Like the movie theater vs. 'wait for the dvd debate' with books you have the paper vs ebook deliberation. I Live in the Future & Here's How It Works isn't one of the titles that requires the romance of a hard copy book read by the fire. Rather, it is the perfect format and content for a quick ebook read...especially considering the online extras that come with the book, QR codes and all (like the one below that references this particular blog post).

Press | The Intersection

The Intersection. November 2010. God Bless America (and its scientific capacity). Science journalist and author Chris Mooney calls out Sean in his Discover Magazine blog, The Intersection, for bringing Brad Paisley's pro science song and video Welcome to the Future to his attention via Future-ish.com.

Little Bright Light

Could green get any cuter? The Solar Pocket Light from MoMA offers both form and function. With bamboo, PLA, and LED components it makes the best little green gift around...for you or someone else.

Organic LEDs from Lomox

The future looks bright indeed. With twice the efficiency of CFLs and endless design applications, from interior design to apparel, organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are promising a revolution in the lighting industry. Most recently, Lomox, a UK company leading the charge in the optoelectronics industry has taken the technology from a mere glimmer to full-on glitz by showcasing the technology as interior wallpaper.

Shanghai's Seed Cathedral

The UK Pavilion at the 2010 World Expo has both scientists and designers all abuzz. Designed by English designer Thomas Heatherwick, the building utilizes 60,000 transparent rods that move with the wind and send shimmering light into the interior of the stucture by day and cast an etherial glow by night. Even more impressive...each rod tip contains a seed from Kumming's Institute of Botany. Inspired by Englands love of gardening and public parks, and the Kew Gardens Millennium Seed Bank, Heatherwick created the building and broader pavilion to honor and celebrate green spaces, sustainability, and biodiversity.

Dorothy Grant's cultural couture

Looking for a one of a kind dress or sportcoat? Vancouver BC based Haida fashion designer Dorothy Grant brings her culture and keen eye for great style to casual and high-fashion apparel for men and women. In featuring ancient traditions, contemporary Haida design, and sustainable materials she creates wearable art that is both social and environmental responsibility. In her own words, the mission of Ms. Grant's work is to "share the richness of the Haida culture, to create a vehicle for transformation, pride and self-awareness, and to employ First Nations people." Most importantly, Ms. Grant's substance and style make here a fantastic role model for all those budding 'Indigenistas' out there. Brava!

MIT's 'double bubble' green machine

Innovators at MIT have conceptualized the perfect ride for jet set environmentalists...what they call the double bubble. Using 70% less fuel, the aircraft will go far in reducing the footprint of air travel in coming decades.

Conscious computing

ASUS recently announced a new line of laptops called U Bamboo Collection. It not only features the beauty of bamboo, it uses 15% less plastic than conventional laptops and saves energy in multiple ways.

Latina Nina

I was psyched to hear judge Nina Garcia switch into Spanish in the first episode of Project Runway Season 8 on Lifetime. Casanova, one of season 8's competitors, wasn't quite understanding what host Heidi Klum was asking so Nina stepped right in to help out. Spanish is pretty rare in mainstream American television, particularly connected to design, so it really was great to see happen. Kudos for diversity in design!