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Happy Veterans Day from GET,LLC

Guam-A Different Perspective

The countdown to election day continues. Ahead of Super Tuesday, the most significant of election discourse took place last night at the University of Guam Fieldhouse. Started in 1994 by Public Administration students at UOG, "The Great Debates" have afforded the Island's electorate a chance to further understand the main policy vision of the men and women who have run for the position of Governor of Guam. Prior to this formal debate format, candidate plowed their trade in the scores of pocket meetings from Yigo to Umatac-all in hopes for getting enough support to ascend to the seat as Chief Executive of the U.S. Territory.

This election cycle is not any different than the ones in years past. Though in recent memory, this run for Adelup has been filled with more earned media bashing the integrity of the other candidate and paid media that just only now is filling the airwaves-a sign of Guam's economic reality.

The 2014 race pits a sitting Governor versus a Two-Term Governor. Much has changed in four years that has now made this race about record. But you wouldn't be able to tell that. There has now been two "public" interactions between the two candidates for Governor. Other efforts were not successful to engage the public interaction between Guam's political party candidates. Press releases and terse statements have filled local media in-boxes and fax machines that are filled with more political rhetoric than ever before. Yet, in four days the electorate is being asked to make a decision on our political landscape for the next four years.

Is this acceptable to you and me as a member of the electorate and tax-paying citizens of this great Island? The short answer is no. Something needs to change and quickly.

Public policy discussions on "pocket book" issues related to minimum wage, increasing commodities pricing and job creation were not showcased. The candidates for Governor did not articulate their plan to grow our isolated American economy over the next four years. The two shared little of their respective vision on federal policy, improving the state of healthcare, addressing the growing crime rate and position on growing a modern education system in Micronesia. The chance for the candidates to bring these and other important matters of our citizenry to the fold last night came out flat. The students questions were engaging and important to undecided voters who seem to have been able to now decide on which camp to vote for. Both candidates for Governor came out swinging in defense of their "integrity". Why? After nearly two weeks of defending "integrity", it made no sense to continue such rhetoric on Guam's biggest political stage of the season. The tone could have been set for a lively "debate" on the issues that matter the most to me and you. Did we all better understand the direction of our Island over the next four years?

Guam voters are very sensitive. Guam voters have long memories. Guam voters now have to make a choice. The time is get across their concerns, policy plans and vision came and went. "The Great Debate" did have a winner and an loser. Both camps will argue who did better than the other. The answer to this question will be soon be answered. When? The election for Governor of Guam was won following the final word and handshake. The prize will be a "Super Tuesday" victory and an Inauguration in January 2015.

LED Lighting: 80% of Market by 2030

The U.S. Department of Energy is reporting that light-emitting diode (LED) lighting will achieve an 84% general-lighting-market penetration by 2030, substantially more than the 74% penetration DOE predicted just last year.

In their "Energy Savings Forecast of Solid-State Lighting in General Illumination Applications" report, DOE found that in 2013, LED-lighting sales comprised an overall 3% market share. By 2020, the federal agency believes, LED sales will comprise almost half (48%) of all U.S. general-lighting-market sales.

By 2030, DOE estimates that LEDs will dominate in each of the eight sub-markets it examined-five indoor to include general service lighting and three outdoor that includes street lighting.

The Tennessee-Based Edison Report says that LED penetration of the general-service sub-market will grow fast-with the DOE saying it will attain a 55% market share by 2020. In the street/roadway sub-market, DOE is projecting an 83% LED market share by 2020 and an almost 100% share by 2030. LEDs’ market penetration should accelerate after that date, however, and is expected to also achieve a near-100% sub-market penetration by 2030.

Interesting to this blogger, the DOE report said that in 2013, lighting was responsible for about 17% of the nation's total electricity consumption and expect an increased reliance on LED lighting as the technology reduces U.S. lighting-energy consumption by 15% in 2020 and by 40% in 2030, saving about $26 billion at today's electricity prices. This point not lost by the largest advocate of High Benefit Lighting® for nearly four decades, the National Lighting Bureau.

“I’m confident that these are the best predictions available on this subject, but – like all predictions – they cannot consider the unknown," said National Lighting Bureau Chair Howard P. Lewis. "One of the biggest unknowns is ‘what will the lighting industry come up with next’? Between now and 16 years from now, it’s highly likely that we’ll be dealing with ‘the next big thing'. This means that more products and more types of products will be competing on the basis of efficiency, cost, and functionality, and that’s a good thing.”

The key here is efficiency. At some point, LEDs will be the only clearly viable solution to reducing energy while lighting our way in a growing world.

Need an LED solution for your facility? Check out our website at www.get-guam.com or give GET, LLC a call at 671-797-0789. We are a provider of Independence LED Lighting and Deco Lighting Inc. products-Made in America!!!

Public Sector-"Just Switch It!"

At GET,LLC, we can say we have just a bit of public sector experience in Micronesia. Having served at both the local and federal government levels in different capacities over the past decade, GET,LLC is a credible source to assist our government friends in bringing the latest technologies to the various work forces-particularly in Information Technology (IT).

Through our partnership with Cisco, we believe we can answer a couple of important questions relative to access across the government network.

A Cisco Unified Access solution helps state and local governments (SLG) provide a higher level of service to its citizens. Unified Access capabilities weave together services, people, agencies, and information into a single, pervasive solution using the network as the platform. Cisco is making it possible for state and local government, government agencies, and citizens to connect in ways never before imagined. With Cisco’s Unified Access solution, public sector organizations and agencies can do more with less while providing a higher level of service and offering constituents new tools and resources to enhance quality of life. It addresses and simplifies critical SLG challenges like BYOD, Software Defined Networking (SDN) Investment Protection, Video Deployments and Security.

Cisco’s Unified Access solution provides critical benefits to state and local government:

Simplifies SLG BYOD deployments by providing converged access-The backbone of the network is critical in supporting BYOD and mobility. SLG’s need to resolve inconsistencies between wired and wireless infrastructure in order to deliver operational simplicity, organizational agility, and better user experience. This is accomplished by the Unified Access integration of wired and wireless operational tools

Manages Mobile Device Surge: Manage Three Times More Devices on the Network-An average constituent now carries three times more devices. Internet of Things devices such as sensors, closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs), and building automation are being connected to the network. State and local governments can accommodate this surge with a highly secure, reliable wireless network consisting of Aironet 3700, 2600, and 1600 access points.

Provides SDN Investment Protection-Every government IT department is being asked to do more with less. At the same time, complexity is multiplying with more devices, more applications, and more traffic on the network. As a result, IT departments are looking at network automation and SDNs to facilitate simplicity, agility, and lower TCO. Cisco’s Catalyst 6800 and 6500-E switches support the Cisco onePK SDN toolkit. You can easily build applications to automate operations and create services across the campus for increased simplicity.

Optimizes Security-Security is a high priority for state and local governments due to BYOD, regulatory compliance, and increased network attacks. IT directors for SLG organizations often have dedicated budgets to address security and compliance challenges. Cisco’s Unified Access solutions can help if you currently have separate, inconsistent security policies for wired, wireless, and remote access with the Cisco Identity Services Engine.

Simplifies Energy Management Across the Network to Cut IT Costs-The Cisco EnergyWise suite of software and services will significantly reduce energy costs throughout the campus or distributed office environment-some of the highest in the United States.

If you are ready to refresh your respective government agency's infrastructure to meet the current needs of BYOD, Mobility, Advanced Security, & IT simplification, give GET,LLC and let's talk about making this happen over the course of the new fiscal year.

GET, LLC is a proud Cisco Registered Partner providing the latest Cisco products and services direct to businesses and government organizations. For more about our role as a Cisco Registered Partner and the benefits it brings to you and your particular government business contact us at 671-483-0789 or check out our website at www.get-guam.com.

Training vs. Compliance-What is best for Work At Height?

A great article was posted today by the on-line version of the Lift and Access Magazine. The Fort Dodge, Iowa based publication continues their support of the aerial lift industry with a intriguing look at training in the construction industry-specifically the safe use of lift equipment while ensuring local and federal compliance for jobsite safety and competency.

Got us thinking here at GET,LLC that training that does both should be the goal for any employer of lifting equipment operators. Safety experts agree that the best training combines elements of classroom, online, and hands-on training. It must cover general topics, practical instruction, assessment of knowledge, and familiarization.

“There is a difference between familiarization and training, and that’s one of the most misunderstood concepts in our industry,” says Scott Owyen, Global Training Manager for Genie Industries.

Owyen notes that classroom or online instruction followed by hands-on demonstration and practice should take 5-9 hours. Familiarization simply reviews the operational manual, controls and decals specific to the make and model not previously operated by a qualified operator.

Blended learning, which combines self-guided online instruction training with hands-on training, is viewed as more effective according to a 2010 U.S. Department of Education study called “Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning. According to the report: “Instruction combining online and face-to-face elements had a larger advantage relative to purely face-to-face instruction than did purely online instruction.”

The U.S. Department of Education’s study also reports that “online learning can be enhanced by giving learners control of their interactions with media and prompting learner reflection.”

Online program delivery ensures consistent and standard delivery of topics. With online training, employees can complete general material on their own time and at their own pace, which means less productivity downtime for employers and convenience for employees.

Additionally, the related assessment process is designed to verify the operator’s competency. Course results and proof of completion certificates are stored in databases-that allows employers or operators easy access to their records.

While OSHA prescribes specific expectations for forklift operator training, the industry has lacked any cohesive guidance when it comes to training operator of aerial work platforms. But that may be changing in the near future. We hope so and look forward in it being an iterative process.

If you have any aerial lift needs and would like to discuss potential solutions, please drop GET, LLC a line via our website at www.get-guam.com or give us a call at 671-797-0789-your authorized Terex/Genie Representative for Guam and Micronesia.

Guam-A Different Perspective

With the election cycle in full swing in Guam, this blogger felt the need to discuss the need to have a Gubernatorial Debate.

The debate allows discourse on the major issues of the day. Interaction between the two candidates for the Governor of a U.S. Territory or a State for that matter allows the electorate a glimpse into who the man or woman that is seeking the support to be their respective government's Chief Executive. But the debate cannot and should not be done for the sake of doing them and allowing a stage that does not dignify the respective office.

From Maryland to Ohio, this specific form of political speech is being played out in many a different forum. As incubators of democracy the Governor's Office is won or lost by what is said at these events. Years ago, a Texas politico described debates the best as a place where the ordinary voter can watch and witness their candidates answer questions that are well-thought-out with minimal opportunities for spin. Oh, how much changes with the years and candidates for public office.

While I missed seeing the first gubernatorial debate for the Office of the Governor of Guam in person, I must give technology props-specifically a You Tube video-that gave me a front row seat to the fireworks at the Rotary of Club of Guam's version of the debate held earlier today. Watching for the first time or seeing it multiple times via my favorite Facebook Friends, it was clear that both came ready for a brawl in front of a crowd that espouses "Service Above Self".

I was a bit taken back that both candidates did not recognize their audience and held to hard line political themes that would be better suited in the Great Debate hosted a week before the election by the University of Guam. From an appearance standpoint, both looked very relaxed. But as the barbs were traded from the start, the body language and facial expression told an entirely different story. They really didn't look at each other in the eye and at times looked angrily at the other. There was a look of indifference that each shared with one another and their "spin" was pretty poor for the first time out of the blocks this election season. The moderator and timer had completely lost control of the debate. Questions were answered-but not without plenty of political gamesmanship. In fact, I think the two struggled to answer the questions explicitly.

While I thought the former Governor and the incumbent Governor could have been a bit more focused on the issues of the day, both seemed intent on trying to crush each other's integrity from the onset. The informality did not help much and led to more candor reflecting the rhetoric being shared from village to village, from pocket meeting to pocket meeting, to strategy meetings with their respective Party faithful.

With more of these interactions to come, my advice to both parties-GET YOUR CANDIDATE UNDER CONTROL!

This election cycle is turning into one of the most pivotal in four decades. Many eyes are watching this theatre and are hoping that the best man to lead Guam over the next four years is chosen with a mandate of votes-more than a 487 vote margin. Many a decision in the voting booth starts and ends with what the electorate sees in the gubernatorial debates and forums.

So do we need debates?

You decide.

LED Light Creators Win Nobel Prize

The driving forces behind the creation of the Light-Emitting Diode were rewarded for their vision and revolutionary work. The Nobel Prize in Physics 2014 © The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences was awarded jointly to Isamu Akasaki, Hiroshi Amano and Shuji Nakamura "for the invention of efficient blue light-emitting diodes which has enabled bright and energy-saving white light sources".

The press release from the Nobel Foundation (http:www.nobelprize.org) said it all,

"This year’s Nobel Laureates are rewarded for having invented a new energy-efficient and environment-friendly light source – the blue light-emitting diode (LED). In the spirit of Alfred Nobel the Prize rewards an invention of greatest benefit to mankind; using blue LEDs, white light can be created in a new way. With the advent of LED lamps we now have more long-lasting and more efficient alternatives to older light sources.

When Isamu Akasaki, Hiroshi Amano and Shuji Nakamura produced bright blue light beams from their semi-conductors in the early 1990s, they triggered a fundamental transformation of lighting technology. Red and green diodes had been around for a long time but without blue light, white lamps could not be created. Despite considerable efforts, both in the scientific community and in industry, the blue LED had remained a challenge for three decades.

They succeeded where everyone else had failed. Akasaki worked together with Amano at the University of Nagoya, while Nakamura was employed at Nichia Chemicals, a small company in Tokushima. Their inventions were revolutionary. Incandescent light bulbs lit the 20th century; the 21st century will be lit by LED lamps.

White LED lamps emit a bright white light, are long-lasting and energy-efficient. They are constantly improved, getting more efficient with higher luminous flux (measured in lumen) per unit electrical input power (measured in watt). The most recent record is just over 300 lm/W, which can be compared to 16 for regular light bulbs and close to 70 for fluorescent lamps. As about one fourth of world electricity consumption is used for lighting purposes, the LEDs contribute to saving the Earth’s resources. Materials consumption is also diminished as LEDs last up to 100,000 hours, compared to 1,000 for incandescent bulbs and 10,000 hours for fluorescent lights.

The LED lamp holds great promise for increasing the quality of life for over 1.5 billion people around the world who lack access to electricity grids: due to low power requirements it can be powered by cheap local solar power."

Not many people know that the LED Blue Light was founded in our backyard after much work and effort. The Nobel awarding committee said the trio's work is in keeping with the spirit of Alfred Nobel, the founder of the prize, because LED lights save on energy, last long and are environmentally-friendly because they don't contain mercury.

It is such a thrill that the invention of the blue LED is just twenty years old, but since has already contributed to create white light in an entirely new manner to the benefit each and every one of us.