Podcasts about sound room

Thinking about George Foreman.  Dan rejoices at the return of baseball and marvels at the Japanese Obsession.  Tamsen contemplates Beef Tallow and Gougeres.  How about a Sound Room?  March Madness.  Sesame Street, still going strong?  Thomas Moser and the Continuous Arm Chair. Credits: Talent:  Tamsen Granger and Dan Abuhoff Engineer:  Ellie Suttmeier Art:  Zeke Abuhoff

In a world of evolving priorities and rapidly changing investment landscapes, three letters have ignited discussions that resonate far beyond the financial realm: ESG. Environmental, Social, and Governance is a trifecta of influence shaping how businesses get scrutinized, evaluated, and ultimately endorsed.  ESG has grown into a juggernaut of consideration, designed ostensibly to gauge a company's commitment to the planet, its people, and its principles. However, as the spotlight has intensified, so have the debates surrounding its genuine impact.  I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach, here to guide you in navigating the labyrinth of ESG with fresh insight and an open mind! I am delighted to have Tony Pratte of the Sound Room, join me to share his viewpoint as we discuss ESG and unravel its meaning. The Meaning and Impact of ESG  ESG is not just a buzzword but a framework that evaluates how a company performs in areas beyond financial metrics. ESG is a lens through which companies get scrutinized for their environmental practices, social responsibility, and corporate governance. It is significant for investors seeking to align their portfolios with ethical and sustainable values. However, much complexity and subjectivity are still involved in measuring those factors accurately. Navigating the Challenges  The challenges inherent in implementing ESG criteria include the potential pitfall of greenwashing, where companies manipulate or exaggerate their ESG efforts to appear more environmentally and socially conscious than they are. The lack of standardized reporting and varying interpretations of ESG metrics can make it difficult for investors to make informed decisions. Furthermore, the skepticism that ESG can evoke makes one wonder whether some corporations genuinely embrace these principles or are merely jumping on the bandwagon. Balancing Profit and Purpose  Balancing profit with purpose is a central theme when addressing the tension between financial success and ESG commitments because companies can indeed be both financially successful and socially responsible, and companies with strong ESG practices often have a competitive edge, attracting consumers, investors, and even talented employees who align with their values.  A Paradigm Shift in Business ESG considerations drive companies to adopt sustainable practices, create social impact, and enhance governance structures. There are many real-world examples of companies embracing ESG principles and reaping benefits like reputation, customer loyalty, and innovation. ESG has catalyzed a shift towards purpose-driven business models, redefining success beyond monetary gains. ESG on a Personal Level Individuals can contribute to the ESG movement in their personal lives with conscious consumption, ethical investment choices, and supporting companies aligned with their values. Education and awareness are essential to inform consumers because informed consumers can drive demand for responsible products and services. We need to understand that ESG is not solely a corporate endeavor. It is a collective effort that begins with small, intentional actions. A Call to Embrace the Potential of ESG The potential of ESG is crucial for positive change. Despite its complexities and controversies, ESG allows for a more sustainable and equitable future. So it is essential to engage with ESG discussions, ask critical questions, and support companies genuinely committed to making a difference.  Diverse Board Composition and Qualifications When examining the composition of a company board concerning ESG, some instances prompt the consideration of whether the lack of banking expertise could impact board decisions. That raises questions about the percentage of board members with banking experience and the potential implications for decision-making. Risk Management and Consequences Tony points out a scenario where poor risk management led to the approval of loans that could not get repaid, exposing an oversight in the ESG efforts of the company. That highlights the importance of evaluating the actual practices and consequences linked to ESG strategies because potential unintended outcomes can arise, even with well-intentioned ESG initiatives. Direct and Indirect Links in ESG Impact Various indirect links and unintended consequences could emerge when exploring the nuanced connections between ESG and outcomes. Those unintended consequences can arise when companies prioritize meeting ESG criteria over qualifications or expertise. That underscores the complexity of measuring the impact of ESG and how different motivations behind ESG integration can lead to contrasting outcomes. ESG and Energy Policy Considerations ESG discussions often intersect with debates about fossil fuels and renewable energy. That is why we need comprehensive energy policies to consider environmental and economic factors. ESG and Green Building Integration Certified green buildings align with ESG goals and contribute to sustainability and societal well-being. Green buildings lower risk, offer quality assurance and positively impact energy consumption and occupant comfort.  Balancing Perspectives and Encouraging Dialogue Individuals need to have a balanced perspective and open dialogues in the ESG discourse. Tony and I are willing to engage in productive conversations despite our differing viewpoints, and we encourage listeners to seek understanding, ask questions, and communicate the benefits of ESG efforts to foster positive change.  Have a great green day! Links and resources:  What AI and IoT can do for smart homes  Why Are AI-Enabled Smart Home Products the Next Big Thing?  The Sound Room (where Tony works)  Smart Home, Connected Home with Tony Pratte  Gift of a No-Touch Home with Tony Pratte  No Touch Home Control with Tony Pratte  The Future of Green Design and Home Technology   

One of the highlights at CEDIA Expo every year are the amazing home theater and audiophile demo rooms, and it looks like this year will be no different. One in particular that's sure to stand out at CEDIA Expo 2023 in Denver (Sept. 7-9) is the 11.6.6-channel Dolby Atmos theater being staged by Seymour-Screen Excellence, StormAudio, Grimani Systems, and RowOne Seating. The brands say it will be the first fully digital AES67 Audio-over-IP (AoIP) home theater at the show in Sound Room 10 of the Colorado Convention Center. To tell us more about what that means and how the room will be set up, I chatted with Anthony Grimani of Grimani Systems and Gary Blouse, VP of Sales for North America at StormAudio in this week's episode of the CE Pro Podcast.

Artificial intelligence has become the buzzword of the century, permeating news headlines, chat platforms, and even our everyday browsing experiences. Its presence in our lives is undeniable, revolutionizing the world of computing and enhancing human existence in ways we could have only dreamed of!  Amidst this AI revolution, another concept has been capturing our collective imagination for years- Smart Homes.  I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach! Today, I am excited to delve into the realm of smart and connected homes with a true expert in the field! I have Tony Pratt from the Sound Room joining me in the studio to explain how to tie smart home technology together with AI. Tony's insights will undoubtedly leave you captivated as we embark on an enlightening journey into the world of artificial intelligence and smart homes! Artificial intelligence and connected homes There are two parts to getting to grips with artificial intelligence and connected homes. The first is getting to understand all the different smart home devices. The second is learning how to tie them all together. (Companies like the Sound Room have the experience to know which features you can use to integrate and interact with your devices.) Still a work in progress Currently, the integration of artificial intelligence into smart home devices is still a work in progress. While AI has not fully permeated the realm of smart homes yet, it is undoubtedly the direction in which the technology is heading. Soon, AI algorithms will be capable of learning your preferences, such as the desired temperature for your thermostat, by analyzing data from various sources. This includes comparing it with external factors like outdoor temperature, humidity, and wind conditions. Through this correlation of information, AI will enable smart homes to provide a more personalized and optimized living experience. Privacy and Data Collection There are concerns surrounding data collection and privacy in smart home systems. Tony explains that while some systems collect data, it is kept within the house and not accessible externally. He points out the trade-off between inexpensive devices like Google and Alexa, which mine user data to offer cheaper products, versus systems that prioritize privacy and charge higher prices. Artificial Intelligence and Home Automation AI is transforming home automation by enabling more advanced data processing and analysis. AI allows systems to understand users' habits and preferences, leading to more personalized and efficient control of devices. Tony highlights the importance of planning and having multiple trigger points in an AI-powered smart home.  Challenges in Implementing Smart Home Systems There are several challenges in implementing smart home systems, particularly the shortage of computer chips and reduced quality control due to external factors like COVID-19. That has resulted in higher device failure rates, which can impact the user experience. Home Automation Start Points and Wifi Networks Tony suggests two starting points for home automation: environmental control (lights, locks, thermostats) and entertainment (audio-video systems). He explains that while entertainment systems are more appealing, environmental control is easier to implement initially. He stresses the significance of having a robust wifi network in smart homes, as that forms the backbone for connecting various devices and ensures smooth functioning, especially as AI becomes more integral to home automation. Lock and Leave By connecting additional devices to their smart home network, homeowners can ensure that all their devices interact seamlessly and respond to voice commands through platforms like Alexa or Google. That integration allows for convenient control over different aspects of the home, such as triggering routines like "good morning" or "good night," as well as indicating when the homeowner is leaving or arriving.  Future Trends in Smart Home Technology Future trends in smart home technology include low-voltage backlighting, integrated LED cans, and the need for compatibility between different smart devices.  The Internet of Things With the Internet of Things (IoT) and the connected city, everything relies on sensors. However, there is a significant challenge in the form of a shortage of computer chips, which are essential for these interconnected systems. The supply of computer chips has become extremely limited, and even the available ones suffer from a lack of quality control, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote diagnostics Remote diagnostics for HVAC systems will enable technicians to diagnose and even fix issues remotely. That will reduce the need for physical visits, speed up repairs, and enhance the overall user experience. Exciting opportunities and challenges The ongoing technological advancements bring exciting opportunities while also posing challenges that must be addressed for a seamless and secure smart home experience. The Power of Monitoring Internet Performance  New systems allow users to log in and monitor their internet performance. That real-time insight into a service provider or equipment issues is a game-changer for both consumers and service providers. While cable companies have offered similar monitoring capabilities for some time, recent advancements offer greater convenience and efficiency. Technology as a Solution to Labor Shortages With the labor shortages in the trade industry, there is a need for both skilled workers and advanced technology to meet the growing demands of the modern world. Tony points out that technology can be a powerful tool to augment that workforce.  Remote Troubleshooting with AI and Smart Home Technology  Tony had an experience where he used remote access and AI to troubleshoot a client's wifi system. He points out that technology can save us a lot of time and resources by diagnosing issues remotely and allowing technicians to be more efficient and effective. AI and Smart Home Technology Optimization Tony explains that to achieve true optimization, all devices must be interconnected and capable of learning from user habits. While that vision is still a work in progress, it promises greater automation and convenience in our daily lives. Smart Appliances Require a Robust WiFi Network A robust wifi network is crucial for the functionality of smart homes, especially as they advance to the AI level. In the future, smart homes will not only consist of individual devices like door locks, garage door openers, and light switches but will also include essential appliances like refrigerators and other power-dependent equipment. As the scope of smart home technology expands, the reliance on a strong and stable wifi network becomes even more critical to ensure seamless connectivity and communication between various smart devices and appliances. The Role of AI in Automation and Beyond  The role of AI is increasing in various fields, such as writing emails and creating content. We can anticipate continued growth and the integration of AI into our daily lives. The Future of AI and Smart Home Integration  When considering the future of AI and smart home integration, Tony suggests seeking advice from system integrators or automation specialists to navigate this evolving landscape. The Exciting Potential of AI and Smart Home Technology  Tony and I are excited about the potential of AI and smart home technology to improve our lives. We plan to explore this topic further in upcoming episodes and encourage listeners to stay updated on the latest developments in this exciting field! Have a great green day! Links and resources: Green Home Coach Workshop - How to Sell the Value of Green Homes and Features  What AI And IoT Can Do For Smart Homes Why Are AI-Enabled Smart Home Products the Next Big Thing? The Sound Room - where Tony works Smart Home, Connected Home with Tony Pratte  Gift of a No-Touch Home with Tony Pratte No Touch Home Control with Tony Pratte  The Future of Green Design and Home Technology  

Let us help you make your home more functional, look awesome, and SOUND great. Today we welcome Tony Pratte from The Sound Room to learn more.

What is the sound of where you come from? Is it a particular song you remember from your childhood? Maybe it's a collection of remembered sounds from your first home—a train that passed nearby, or the wildlife that would sing at night. Maybe it's the first song that you ever really connected to, the one that first made you feel like you belonged. In this special episode, we're exploring this question from many perspectives. Hanif speaks to composer and multi-instrumentalist Angélica Negrón, whose work is deeply invested in these questions of sound, home, and belonging. Plus we hear from Hanif's friends, and from you, our listeners, about what ‘the sound of where I come from' means to you. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, head over to https://www.mixcloud.com/sonos/ Music in this episode:O-H-I-O - Ohio PlayersLetter Home - Defiance, OhioFindlay, Ohio 1968 - Indigo GirlsCuyahoga - R.E.M.Cleveland Is The City - Bone Thugs-N-HarmonyLook At Miss Ohio - Gillian Welch Show Notes:In this episode, you heard: 1) La Nueva Ciudad, by Balún, 2) El Colapso by Angélica Negrón and 3) an excerpt from Sembrar & Pasajero, performed live by Angélica Negrón at The Greene Space as part of her variety show, El Living Room. Check out more of her work at https://www.angelicanegron.com/ and on instagram at @little_miss_echo. For photos of the Object of Sound Room from On Air: The Podcast Experience, check out experiencepodcasts.com. Credits:This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Schuyler Swenson, and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos. 

Each year I do a F1 season preview event here in St. Louis and this year we recorded the event. Join me as we discuss the upcoming season and other issues around Formula 1.This is a live event and they are always so much fun to do! A huge Thank you to Buddy Hardin as well as Tony and the entire crew at The Sound Room for graciously hosting the event.

Hour 3: Jazz Shaw, Columnist with HotAir joins the Mark Reardon Show to discuss trans kids in schools, Trump, midterms, and more! Then, Doug Heye, 97.1 Political Insider & former RNC spokesman joins Mark to discuss what went wrong in the midterm election, Trump's Special announcement tonight, and the leadership future of the GOP. Later, Davis Young, with The Sound Room, shares on his upcoming event with Mark Reardon, before Mark brings you the Audio Cut of the Day!

For the past two decades, Bjarke Ingels, founder of the eponymous architecture firm, has designed forward-thinking and conversation-starting objects, buildings, and master plans across the globe. In this conversation, Ingels talks about the sources of his optimism, creating a “master plan” for the planet, and how important storytelling is to design.   This episode features an edited version of “My Earth” by The Sound Room. The original can be found athttps://stockmusic.net/royalty-free-music/track/my-earth-instrumental/TRA-MAS1969 This episode features an edited version of “Water Fragments” by Joel Loopez. The original can be found athttps://stockmusic.net/royalty-free-music/track/water-fragments/TRA-JOL0084 This episode features an edited version of “Island 1” by The Sound Room. The original can be found at https://stockmusic.net/royalty-free-music/track/island-1/TRA-MAS0411 This episode features an edited version of “Glowing Moods” by The Sound Room. The original can be found at https://stockmusic.net/royalty-free-music/track/glowing-moods/TRA-MAS3828 This episode features an edited version of “Melodramatic Ambience” by Jonathan Hyde. The original can be found athttps://stockmusic.net/royalty-free-music/track/melodramatic-ambience/TRA-CB05 This episode features an edited version of “Dreaming Floating” by The Sound Room. The original can be found athttps://stockmusic.net/royalty-free-music/track/dreaming-floating/TRA-MAS0199

Barbara Groth has a striking ability to generate positive change. Her new company, The Nomadic School of Wonder, operates at the intersection of nature, art, and community and helps people to be deeply present in the moment, in their thoughts, in their bodies. In this conversation, Groth talks about her groundbreaking early explorations of multimedia design, including work for Disney, IBM, and Apple; the importance of play in our experience of the world; and how end-of-life palliative care led her back to celebrating the marvel of life itself.   This episode features an edited version of “Beautiful Beginnings” by The Sound Room. The original can be found at https://stockmusic.net/royalty-free-music/track/beautiful-beginnings/TRA-MAS1936 This episode features an edited version of “Dramatic Tension” by The Sound Room. The original can be found at https://stockmusic.net/royalty-free-music/track/dramatic-tension/TRA-MAS0943 This episode features an edited version of “Island 1” by The Sound Room. The original can be found at https://stockmusic.net/royalty-free-music/track/island-1/TRA-MAS0411 This episode features an edited version of “Chromatic Waves” by Joel Loopez. The original can be found at https://stockmusic.net/royalty-free-music/track/chromatic-waves/TRA-JOL0019 This episode features an edited version of “Space Walk” by The Sound Room. The original can be found at https://stockmusic.net/royalty-free-music/track/space-walk/TRA-MAS0708 This episode features an edited version of “Skiing the Silk Road Theme” by The Sound Room. The original can be found at https://stockmusic.net/royalty-free-music/track/skiing-silk-road-theme-instrumental/TRA-MAS0680 This episode features an edited version of “Calm Steady Background” by Botabateau. The original can be found at https://stockmusic.net/royalty-free-music/track/calm-steady-background/TRA-BHA0247 This episode features an edited version of “Kulikar 3” by The Sound Room. The original can be found at https://stockmusic.net/royalty-free-music/track/kulikar-3/TRA-MAS0454

We face so many challenges in our world today! That is why we need to connect the dots between our homes, and the health of our communities.  Many of us don't make the connection between our health, our homes, and the health of the world at large. Yet sometimes, without us even knowing it, the products in our homes make us sick. Or they impact our safety and comfort.  It all starts with us. Even though it might feel overwhelming, we need to understand that each one of us holds the world in our hands, and it is OUR challenge to take care of it.  I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach, and my co-host and partner in podcasting, Tony Pratte, aka The Green Guy, from The Sound Room, is with me! We are kicking off a new series today called Wicked Problems! Stay tuned for more! What is a wicked problem? Wicked problems are social or cultural problems that are difficult or almost impossible to solve. They are deeply complex problems that are broad in scope and large in scale. Most people have a hard time wrapping their heads around wicked problems.  The characteristics of wicked problems They are all unique They have multiple uncertain root causes There is a vast and open-ended source of possible solutions They involve numerous and varied stakeholders They can be improved but never really solved Solving wicked problems  All solutions for wicked problems involve large-scale changes in behavior, structure, and technology. Those solutions will probably create new problems and have unintended consequences. The deal There are many wicked problems in our world today. We are all about creating better health for people and society. But we understand that that could bring about even more wicked problems.  Super-wicked problems There is a sub-category of wicked problems called Super-Wicked Problems. They are characterized by time running out, having no decision-maker in charge, and those seeking to solve the problem also causing problems. Many of the complex problems we face today fit this description. And the tough part is that we all likely contribute to the wicked problems, and we all have the power to be part of the solution.  Trade-offs There are trade-offs for everything we do in our everyday lives. Personal health Although there is a lot of emphasis on personal health right now, people don't understand all the factors that may impact their health. There are also many different stakeholders in personal health, and they all many have competing viewpoints. Trust  We are reaching a point where people are starting to tune out of all the information because they don't know who to trust. A disconnected world I am all about the connectedness we feel inside us because even with all the technology available today, we still live in a disconnected world. A growing number of people are anesthetized today and tend to separate their feelings from whatever is happening in the world around them. Connectedness People need to understand that there is a connectedness between the various parts of where we function as humans and our health. Covid has helped with that understanding because it changed our appreciation for our personal space, relationships, and daily routines.  Maslow's hierarchy of needs Since the start of the pandemic, survival mode (in terms of Maslow's hierarchy of needs) has become more prevalent in most people's lives, and health has come to the fore for most of us. The global economy Many of our daily habits (like drinking coffee or sending our plastic waste overseas for developing countries to deal with) involve the global economy. During Covid, many things became unobtainable. Since then, we have become more accepting of everything available to us.  Thinking differently about our homes Spending all our time at home during Covid made us think about our homes differently, and we started noticing things that we were too busy to see before.  Healthier habits Many of us adopted healthier habits during the lockdown period. We started walking regularly or gardening because we had the time to do so. Doing those things also helped us connect with nature. Connecting our health to the world health Knowing how to connect our health to world health could be classified as a wicked problem. A statement made by John Holdren, a Professor of Environmental Science and Policy at Harvard during the Obama administration, helps us put that into perspective. He said we have three choices: mitigation, adaptation, and suffering. We will do some of each, but the question is what the next will be. The more mitigation we do, the less adaptation will be needed and the less suffering there will be. Addressing wicked problems When addressing wicked problems, we need to define what success looks like for that problem. Usually, success becomes improved outcomes, acceptable behavior, and reduced risk.  The common good There is great value in making the common good equal to our own. We need to understand that everything we buy, or use in our homes and daily lives, has an impact. Changing some of those can be a way of mitigating the health effects on ourselves, our communities, and the planet. Natural products No chemicals or synthetic fertilizers are used in the production of organic food. That benefits us, the farmers, and those manufacturing organic or more natural products. Using more natural products in our homes will have a similar benefit for us, those involved in producing the products, and the planet. Dealing with wicked problems To succeed when dealing with wicked problems, it helps to start small and get to a place where you have adapted and mitigated, and you are dealing with less suffering. Remember that small wins will breed momentum. Three ways to get started with dealing with the wicked problem of connecting our health, home, and world: Swap out two or three products you use every day for better (healthier and more natural/ethical) products. Only support companies that make products and offer services in line with your values and make concerted efforts to improve the world and people's lives. Speak up. Have conversations with people about using healthier products, developing their values, and forming better habits. Taking action These are not always easy things to think about, but taking small steps is easy, and that is where it starts! Remember, you don't have to solve the problem- you only need to make an impact! Earth Day Most people, women, in particular, tend to wear many different hats! Having a home that works for you rather than against you can make a critical difference in your day-to-day living. As women, we play a vital role in connecting the dots between our homes, our health, and the health of those for whom we care. As mothers, we like to stand up for our families, friends, and communities because we want our children, grandchildren, and future generations to have a good, safe, and healthy life.  I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach. Join me on Earth Day for a micro workshop where you will discover the connection between your home, your health, and the health of the larger world! You will have the chance to do a Dream Your Home exercise to uncover how you want your home to feel and perform for everyone living there! We will wrap up with some simple steps to improve your well-being via the connection between your home and your health.  Find us on Facebook Live on the Green Home Coach page at 11 am central time, on Friday, April 22nd, 2022. RSVP on the Green Home page to get your Dream Your Home worksheet! See you there on Earth Day! Links: Earth Day Webinar (complimentary) https://www.facebook.com/events/723921088968810?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22page%22%7D]%7D EGH Podcast Your Comfort, Health and Safety: Start Where You Live https://greenhomecoach.com/your-comfort-health-and-safety-start-where-you-live/ EGH Podcast Just for the Health of It https://greenhomecoach.com/maintaining-a-healthy-home/ https://porch.com/resource/climate-change-home-ownership IAQ is the next Big Deal, Shelton Group https://sheltongrp.com/IAQ-Is-the-Next-Big-Deal Two Things Maslow Can Teach Us About What is Happening Right Now, Shelton Group https://sheltongrp.com/two-things-maslow-can-teach-us-about-whats-happening-right-now/

Bruce Mau is a designer who has shaped some of the largest companies in the world, and is now working on even bigger questions, like how to reinvent higher education, the future of Guatemala, and a thousand-year vision for the holy city of Mecca. In this conversation, Mau talks about the origins and themes of his latest book, MC24, and about how inspiration is key to changing the world for the better.   Host: Paddy Harrington Producer: Heather Ngo Editor: Brian Sholis   This episode features an edited version of “Island1” by Thorn1 from the album “The Leave of Leaves.” It was sourced from the Free Music Archive. The original can be found at http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Thorn1/The_Leave_of_Leaves/02_-_Thorn1_-_Lorca This episode features an edited version of “Collide” by The Sound Room. The original can be found at https://stockmusic.net/royalty-free-music/track/collide-inst/TRA-MAS1541 This episode features an edited version of “Smooth Coffee” by The Sound Room. The original can be found at https://stockmusic.net/royalty-free-music/track/smooth-coffee/TRA-MAS0693 This episode features an edited version of “Orbiting” by John Presstone. The original can be found at https://stockmusic.net/royalty-free-music/track/orbiting/TRA-JOM0009 This episode features an edited version of “Time Ticking By” by The Sound Room. The original can be found at https://stockmusic.net/royalty-free-music/track/time-ticking-by/TRA-MAS1988 This episode features an edited version of “Go the Distance” by The Sound Room. The original can be found at https://stockmusic.net/royalty-free-music/track/go-distance/TRA-MAS1441 This episode features an edited version of “Dreaming Floating” by The Sound Room. The original can be found at https://stockmusic.net/royalty-free-music/track/dreaming-floating/TRA-MAS0199

You know what they say, “ Reduce, reuse and recycle.” Well, there are now four Rs. The first is REFUSE, which gives us the power to stop things from happening by simply refusing them. If we follow the 4 Rs to a T, then our world will be better for all those who come after us. Even though I'm sure you can think of plenty of examples of how society bearded itself over time with excessive production rates (I'm looking at YOU plastic bag!) and disposable containers, all hope is not lost! There is always a little room to improve our mindsets to be more cognizant of the 4 Rs, including minimizing what we purchase. Tony's bio Tony is the Director of Builder/Contractor Relations at The Sound Room in St. Louis, Missouri, where he is responsible for building relationships between home builders and The Sound Room System designers to help create the ultimate home experience. Tony has been working in the construction industry for more than eighteen years. During that time, he has been building relationships, and he has become a valued part of the construction team, assisting his builder clients with delivering their customers' dreams. He is currently a member of the Home Builders Association of St. Louis and Eastern Missouri, where he also served as a member of the Board of Directors from 2007 to 2011. His specialties are builder development, industry networking, and interior design. Is buying disposable worth it? In our current world, the general mindset is one of a “disposable society.” And as such, people believe everything should be replaced when it gets old or worn out - even if this means they're constantly spending money to keep up appearances or to save themselves a bit of time. Another important R The fourth R stands for Refuse. You can simply all-out refuse to buy or use things that you don't need, like straws, plastic water bottles, plastic bags; it's an easy way of reducing your environmental footprint without compromising on convenience! For example, if you buy a new appliance, you must do something with the old one. Look for someone who is in need of it, or try selling it to help recover part of the costs of the new one. Repairability; yet another R Repairability is very important because it conserves resources, and extends the reusability of items. We don't need to make more piles in landfills with items that could be repaired and used. Plastics The plastic problem has been around for a long time, but it's only recently that we have started to truly comprehend just how bad of an impact it is having. We constantly hear about the harm done by single-use plastics and what needs to happen in order to resolve these problems once and for all - yet nothing seems to be taken seriously enough! Refuse! The solution may lie within us though. Can you imagine your life without coffee cups or straws? Refuse to buy things you don't need. It seems like a small price to pay for the greater good.   Links and resources: The Sound Room Alternatives to Single-Use Plastic Bags from Everday Green Home Single-Use Plastics 101 Electronics Donation and Recycling  Everyday Green Home Shop for curated better and green products Earth 911 - living/well-being Earth 911 - garden/air conditioning

Alex Honnold is a rock climber best known for his ropeless ascents of the world's most forbidding rock walls. You might recognize him from the 2018 documentary Free Solo, which awed viewers with his forethought, tenacity, and focus. These qualities drove him to the top of his sport and now underpin the Honnold Foundation, his nonprofit devoted to promoting solar energy for a more equitable world. In this episode of First Things First, we talk about designing your life to achieve your goals, maximizing your impact, and the importance of “delicious” ideas to inspire change.   First Things First is produced as part of Frontier Media. Learn more at www.frontier.is Host: Paddy Harrington Producer and Editor: Max Cotter and Heather Ngo Frontier Media Director: Brian Sholis This episode features an edited version of “Go the Distance” by The Sound Room. The original can be found at https://stockmusic.net/royalty-free-music/track/go-distance/TRA-MAS1441 This episode features an edited version of “Dreaming Floating” by The Sound Room. The original can be found at https://stockmusic.net/royalty-free-music/track/dreaming-floating/TRA-MAS0199 This episode features an edited version of “Humble Pie” by Podington Bear from the album “Uplifting.” The original can be found at http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Uplifting/Humble_Pie This episode features an edited version of “Triumph” by Jon Luc Hefferman from the album “Production Music.” The original can be found at https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jon_Luc_Hefferman/20170730112628821/Triumph This episode features an edited version of “Lorca” by Thorn1 from the album “The Leave of Leaves.” It was sourced from the Free Music Archive. The original can be found at http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Thorn1/The_Leave_of_Leaves/02_-_Thorn1_-_Lorca This episode features an edited version of “Bumble” by Podington Bear from the album “Daydream.” The original can be found at https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Daydream/Bumble_1908 This episode features an edited version of “Vittoro” by Blue Dot Sessions from the album “Aeronaut.” The original can be found at http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Blue_Dot_Sessions/Aeronaut/Vittoro_1103 This episode features an edited version of “Upbeat” by Jon Luc Hefferman from the album “Production Music.” The original can be found at http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jon_Luc_Hefferman/20170730112628821/Upbeat

Hour 3: COVID is once again shutting down sports. Kevin Wheeler joins us to discuss that and college basketball. David Young, owner of The Sound Room, joins us in studio to discuss technology, big-screen TVs, and vinyl. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There seems to be an app for everything right now!  Could you imagine downloading an app for your house? Or even a whole bunch of apps? Well, that is what you need to do if you have a smart home! But how do you go about connecting everything in this time when technology is constantly moving and things keep on changing?   I am Marla, the Green Home Coach! Today, I am happy to have my co-host and resident expert, Tony Pratte from The Sound Room, joining me to have an in-depth conversation about the latest technological developments for smart homes.  In this episode, Tony and I talk about the intersection between home and tech, and we discuss the digital revolution that we are going through right now. Tony sheds some light on the technology you need for your smart home and explains how to connect and control everything to make your home easier to live in and more comfortable than ever before. We also offer some great tips for having a smarter and more connected home. Things are moving fast Technology is moving so fast right now we can barely keep up! Between the 1960s and the 1910s, technology did not change much. Now, the average homeowner seems to feel like a deer in headlights with all the technological changes happening! A proprietary system Our internet and cable provider also provides systems for security and home automation. So in my home, we have a proprietary app for security and our home automation system. Having a proprietary system means that the provider is the only one who can work on it. Adding a system If you already have a proprietary system and would like to add another DIY system, you will need to have a separate system for that. You will also have to have different apps for each system. Thermostats and HVAC warranties I have to use the thermostat supplied by my service provider, even though I liked the one I had before, better. If I have a problem with the thermostat and bring in an outside party to change it, it would result in the warranty on my HVAC system being voided immediately. Key entry points  There are key entry points for smart homes. The HVAC system is one key entry point, and security is another.  Environmental control Environmental control takes care of your home infrastructure. That includes your security, HVAC system, and door lock.   Entertainment The entertainment side controls the audio and video in your home. It can also control the home security side. Security cameras  Both the environmental controls and the entertainment controls can control security cameras. Video The environmental side might handle some small light audio, but it will not cope with video.  A digital revolution We are now experiencing a digital revolution known as the Fourth Revolution. Although it is a technological and digital revolution, it is how our lives are evolving. It is no different from the Industrial Revolution in the late 1800s and early 1900s.  Science fiction Our current technology is like science fiction. Tony points out that science fiction is rooted in what is to come in terms of technology.  Affordable technology Technology is expensive initially. But as it advances, people find ways to make it more accessible and affordable. Smart homes Smart homes have individual components that can be controlled remotely by a third-party device, like an app on a smart device or with voice control. The idea behind smart homes is to make our lives more convenient and comfortable and save time and energy. Connected homes In a connected home, everything is connected to the internet. All the items in the home are also connected via the same app or third-party device. A connected home absorbs and transmits data by working through the internet.  Maintenance In a connected home, the appliances transmit data to the manufacturers to inform them when parts start to fail. That makes home maintenance easier and allows the appliances to last longer. Setting scenes In connected homes, you can set scenes. For example, if you set up a “good morning” scene and turn it on by pushing a single button, the shades will go up, the door will unlock, the security system will disarm, the coffee pot will start making coffee, and music and the TV will switch on.  Systems and apps You can have several systems within a single app. You can also have a few single items, like voice-controlled Delta Faucets, that do not reside inside that app but can be tied into the overall system and controlled with a third-party voice-controlled trigger. Crossing systems Alexa and Google are the primary platforms for voice control. At The Sound Room , they also have more basic environmental systems that will operate well with Alexa and Google. The Sound Room provides a more custom DIY initial install experience and support. A growing awareness There is a growing awareness of the possible impact of having wifi-based electronics in our homes or on our bodies.  Crowded homes The term crowded home was coined because people's homes are so crowded with technology right now.  Infrastructure In the future, every electric item in our homes will be on wifi, so we will need the proper home infrastructure to support those devices. A hard-wired data jack  Having a hard-wired data jack on your smart TV will ensure that you have a continuous stream of the internet going to the TV, regardless of the number of people using the wifi in your home. Lighting The lighting in smart homes can be controlled remotely by a third-party device. Most lighting controls involve replacing the switches, not the light-bulbs. Lighting is more complicated, especially when it comes to dimmers and LED light-bulbs.    Remodeling When remodeling a home, if you would like to have someone like Tony install a DIY home-control system, rather than having a professional system installed, the people living in the home need to be smart and experienced enough to manage and support their items and equipment.  CEDIA CEDIA is an association to help people find integrator companies, like The Sound Room, in their cities. They handle all the accreditations and certifications and put on an annual show for custom electronics installation companies. Three tips Three tips for having a smarter and more connected home: Put in the best wifi system that your budget and home can handle. (This is vital because it is the backbone of a smart home.) Get a video doorbell. Find one item that would improve your life, like smart light-bulbs, a Sonos music system, or a learning thermostat, install it, and test-drive it.

Media rooms, playrooms, and other recreational spaces usually find their home in the lower level. Our basements are where many of us feel free to let our imaginations soar when it comes to design and usage. If you're in the process of building or renovating a home, you've likely been thinking about what to do with this space. We have Paul Hamtil of Hamtil Construction and Tony Pratte from The Sound Room joining up to talk about all of the different ways we can use the lower level and how to approach building and designing to make it feel like a natural extension of those above grade living areas that get most of the design love. For show notes and more information, visit us at HibbsHomesUSA.com

The new kindie music we're playing this week on Radio Active Kids is the product of a long tradition! New songs by Laurie Berkner Band, Hey DUBY, LOOPY TUNES Preschool Music, Ageeth de Haan, Rainbow Rosalind, Al deCant Family Entertainment, Billy Kelly, Claudia Robin Gunn & The Sound Room, Top of the Bus, Johnny and the Raindrops, Alison Faith Levy, Little Parade, Pete Moss, AGAIN AGAIN, Bloom- Emma Hughes-Martinet/Pom De Pin, The Microphone Doctors, Liederkoffer, & Candle Wix! Playlist: https://spinitron.com/WSFM/pl/14040048/Radio-Active-Kids

Anden presents Sound Room 041 #ASR041 Exclusive mix for SiriusXM Chill's #SXMDanceAgain Festival @weareanden Subscribe on iTunes >> bit.ly/ASRiTunes > www.facebook.com/weareAnden

Mark talks to David Young, president of The Sound Room on how hard it is these days to get people to apply for a job. And then Kylee Zempel, assistant editor of The Federalist on her latest piece "Corporate Media and Other Race-Baiters have Incited More Violence Than Trump Ever Did." Plus the Clip of the day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to another episode of the Everyday Green Home Podcast! This will be my last podcast for the year, and what a year it’s been! When we look back on this past year, my hope is that we are able to see the silver linings that were in amongst all the challenges that we faced in 2020. I’m pulling another great episode from the archives for today’s show. It features my regular guest and co-host, Tony Pratte from The Sound Room, and this podcast will be all about green labels. It’s easier than ever now to have a green household. However, many companies and labels provide misleading information. How do you know if your products are clean? One simple way is to see if it has a green label.  So, in this episode, Tony and I discuss what green labels are and why you should care...spoiler alert, the biggest reason you should care is for peace of mind! That is something we all need right now. We also discuss other labels and companies that provide certified clean and sustainable products and how you can integrate them into your home. I know you’re really going to enjoy this show! Green labels, explained Green labels are labels that show third-party certification for a product, an entire assembly, and sometimes even an entire building. The relevance of the third-party is that they are a separate entity saying that the green label is what it’s saying it is. Why we should care about green labels If third-party certifications did not exist, every company could make any claim at all about a product, even if those claims were not true. Greenwashing “Greenwashing” is a term that was coined around ten years ago when everyone started coming out with all these new “green” products. The idea behind greenwashing is that claims were made about products that were not necessarily true, but the manufacturers were wanting to catch a ride on the popularity of all things “green”. Many customers believe that what they read on labels is true, and therefore make purchases based on those claims. The beauty of third-party certifications (“green labels”) is that those certifications actually back up the claims. Regulations around claims The FCC, or Federal Communications Commission, has regulations about what claims are allowed to be made. In addition, the AMA (American Marketing Association) also has rules that prohibit marketers from making claims that are not true. An industry issue A lot of people, including those in the industry, do not understand what the terms mean, they don’t understand the value of those terms, and therefore, they do not know how to talk about them. Instead, the terms are thrown around loosely without understanding the consequences that come behind that. Meaningless words There are a lot of words used in the food and personal care products categories. One word that is meaningless is “natural”. The goal of green labels The goal of green labels is to give the consumer confidence that what they are purchasing is what has been claimed for that product, material, or home. A green label shows that research has already been performed by an independent party so the consumer doesn’t have to do their own research. This gives the consumer peace of mind. Green labels for the home Many of the products that I curate for you in the Everyday Green Home store have these green labels on them! For products that I list that do not have a green label, be assured that I have taken them through the same vetting process that we use in the National Green Building Standard to ensure that those products meet the requirements of what we would use in a green home certification. The reason why all products don’t go through a green certification process The reason is similar to why not everyone goes through the organic certification process: it’s expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, many small family farms choose not to go through this process. However, it’s an instant marketing flag and is often worth the effort. Green and sustainable? The following labels wrap around all the different characteristics we can find in homes: energy-efficiency, water-efficiency, resource-efficiency, toxin-free or lower toxins, and recycled materials. Green home certification Look for the Energy Star label when you are shopping, because Energy Star covers thousands of products, as well as complete home certification. You can be assured that you are getting a product that is at least 20% more energy-efficient than its standard non-certified product. WaterSense is to water what Energy Star is to energy. My simple advice to people I’m working with towards green certification is to choose all WaterSense plumbing fixtures and toilets in your home or building and you’re done! Many people think these products will be a lot more expensive than their non-certified counterparts, but that is not the case. In addition, you get that extra quality bump because you know somebody has taken the time to go through the process of certifying them. Greenguard Many people have not heard of Greenguard, but if you see this label you can be assured that the product has fewer toxins in it and it meets the California rules for air quality. The Greenguard certification now applies to a variety of products. Who doesn't want to breathe easier? The trend for airtight houses New construction houses are becoming more airtight, and if we’re recirculating fresh air into it, we need to be very careful about what is inside our house because we’re locked up inside with it! If you do more on the energy-efficiency side, with a little bit more thought it can also be better for the indoor air quality side. Cradle to cradle certifications This certification is different from the others because it is based on a book based on the same name. It’s an efficient way of using resources.  Other green labels There are other green labels out there, and I urge you to pay attention and read labels. Green-labeled products are designed to make your life easier and better. There are green-certified homes, too! Food and personal care products are two more categories in which we’ll be seeing a lot more future certifications. Links:  Green As You Go - Paint By Numbers Green Living – Saving Ourselves Green Your Holiday Gift Giving  Curated collection for you  Did you know if you go through EGH for your Amazon and Home Depot orders, you help EGH? This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. That means that if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe in and usually use myself.

Anden presents Sound Room 038 #ASR039 Live from Abracadabra TV @weareanden Subscribe on iTunes >> bit.ly/ASRiTunes > www.facebook.com/weareAnden

Welcome to another episode of the Everyday Green Home Podcast! It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is almost upon us again! With all that has happened this year, I feel that it is vital for us to focus on all the things for which we can feel grateful.  I have been keeping a list of all the things I’m thankful for, like my family, friends, and my precious husband! I’m also grateful for resources, my skills and experience, and for the plentiful abundance that I am so fortunate to have in my life. Today, I am bringing back a podcast from earlier this year. It is with my guest co-host, Tony Pratte, from The Sound Room, and it’s about having a no-touch home. I feel that it is relevant right now in the middle of this crazy pandemic because we have all become so much more aware of the things we touch. Having many of the things in our homes automated helps a lot when it comes to cleaning, preventing cross-contamination, and the spreading of germs. It can also be fun, safer, energy-saving, and a lot more convenient. And there are many DIY options available.  Tony Pratte is very knowledgeable about no-touch technology. In this podcast, he talks about three of the things that are most important to implement in a no-touch home. Those include internet and wifi, which form the backbone of a smart home, and the easiest places to start when automating your home. Stay tuned for more!   Technology for the masses The pandemic has forced people to understand what Tony and his company, The Sound Room, does. They are bringing technology to the masses. The quality of the internet Since the pandemic started, the quality of the internet in everybody’s house has become paramount because a good quality internet signal is what allows people to work from home. Wireless world Currently, we are progressing further and further along the route of wireless internet inside the house. Tony saw some statistics a while back that brought that to light for him. The statistics showed that sixty-five percent of people under a certain age will never plug into a hard-line internet connection. Wireless internet coverage Everything in a no-touch home starts with making sure that you have good wireless internet coverage in the house.  Do-it-yourself If you are a do-it-yourselfer, you will find all the products you need online. The main thing that you will need is a wireless router. The chances are that a good wireless router will provide enough internet coverage for a smaller house. If you have a bigger house you will need either a mesh system consisting of a router and access points or a wireless extender to make the wireless signal go further and reach all the rooms in the house. Checking the strength of your internet signal Once you have the wifi in your home up and running, the easiest thing to do is to take a smart device like a smartphone or an iPad, log onto your wireless wifi network, and walk around the house. By doing that, you will be able to check the strength of the signal in all the different areas of the house and verify that you have good internet coverage in all the rooms. Different ways to make your home more of a smart home Smart or connected homes are designed to simplify your life and make things easier so that you don’t have to touch anything as often. The three easiest things you can add to a smart home are thermostats, lighting, and sound. Thermostats You won’t have to touch your thermostat if it knows what to do. You can program smart thermostats, and many of them will also learn your patterns. Currently, there are many different wifi thermostats available. Tony’s company, The Sound Room, uses mostly Ecobee thermostats. Do-it-yourself smart lighting systems Several different kinds of do-it-yourself smart lighting systems are available. They have modules that plug into the wall, and you can then plug a lamp into the module and automate it. It can also be tied into voice-control. Smart homes versus controlled or automated homes A smart home has a feature in it, like the thermostat or lights, that has an app that you can put on your smart device and control it remotely. You may need to have different apps for all the things you want to control.  Controlled homes have a controller that operates all your different devices. The controller allows everything to work from the same app, and it lets you create scenes. Scenes allow you to select your preferred sequences with the devices in your home and bring them together to create an experience. So, for example, if you say “Good morning.” it might turn on the thermostat and some lights and disarm your security system. Voice and app control Voice control and app control make it a lot easier for people with limitations or disabilities to have more of a sense of independence and freedom. Smart home and connected home technology Smart home and connected home technology provide an extra layer of safety and peace of mind for the homeowner. Sound For do-it-yourself sound, Tony recommends Sonos. The Sonos app will guide you step-by-step through the installation. Voice command module The voice command module allows you to control the thermostat, the lighting, and the sound systems.  Creating a scene Sonos, Nest, and Ecobee integrate with a bridge called Caseta, made by Lutron. Those are all available from Home Depot, and they will allow you to create scenes. Links and resources: Smart Home Products Curated by Marla Hand Sanitizers Curated by Marla From Smart Home to Connected This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. That means that if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe in and usually use myself.

Marshall Smith is a composer, a songwriter, a producer, Musical Director of The Sound Room and Chairperson of the Screen Composers Guild of New Zealand. He started out in bands, pursuing a career as a recording artist and soon moved into producing and soundtrack work, establishing a studio and creating music and advertisements for a long list of New Zealand and international clients. We dive right into to an energetic conversation about his journey in music, building his company, social media and we even chat about mindfulness and meditation. This is an uplifting and fascinating chat. Enjoy!

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. A couple of years ago, my regular co-host, Tony Pratte, and I did a podcast about these three Rs. The idea behind this trio of actions is to extend the life of an item so that we don’t keep on having to manufacture new ones.  Well, there’s a fourth ‘R’ now, and that’s REFUSE, which gives us the power to refuse to act in any way that will add to the current global crisis. This global pandemic has changed so much about our day-to-day living and almost everything that we used to think normal has changed in some way. In fact, Tony feels that the only thing right now that is normal is chaos! Join us in the conversation to learn how this is the perfect time to look at everything in a different light and to consider doing things in a new and better way.  Tony’s bio Tony is the Director of Builder/Contractor Relations at The Sound Room in St. Louis, Missouri, where he is responsible for building relationships between home builders and The Sound Room System designers to help create the ultimate home experience.  Tony has been working in the construction industry for more than eighteen years. During that time, he has been building relationships, and he has become a valued part of the construction team, assisting his builder clients with delivering their customers’ dreams. He is currently a member of the Home Builders Association of St. Louis and Eastern Missouri, where he also served as a member of the Board of Directors from 2007 to 2011. His specialties are builder development, industry networking, and interior design.  A disposable society Although the manufacturing of products creates jobs and brings in revenue, one of the problems with wealthy economies is that the general mindset becomes one of a disposable society. And as a result, everything becomes disposable, and people feel that they need to keep on buying new things. The fourth R The fourth R stands for Refuse. You can flat-out refuse to buy or use things that you don’t need. This action is closely linked to Reduce, and the whole idea is for us to refuse to use single-use items, like straws, plastic bags, and disposable cups, any longer.  Latest and greatest mindset Many of us have even adopted the “use it and throw it away” mindset for some big things, like TVs, for example, or computers or phones because technology is always changing, updating and getting cheaper. And some people think they must always have the latest and the greatest of everything available. A practical example of reuse If you buy a new TV, something needs to happen with the old one. It could get donated to someone who needs it, or you could sell it at a garage sale. Broken items don’t get fixed Today, most people don’t even think about having anything repaired. And the prevailing mindset of most companies, when it comes to old technology, is to no longer manufacture any replacement parts because it works out cheaper to buy a brand new item. So people often end up with their old equipment on their hands, and they don’t know what to do with them.  Recycling electronics Once a week, a couple goes around to the electronics business where Tony works to collect old electronic equipment for recycling. They break it down, strip out any usable parts, and sell them on the internet as replacement parts.  Repairability Repairability also plays into the three Rs because it conserves resources, and it extends the reusability of items.  Plastic  Plastic is everywhere! It is useful, and it changed our lives in the previous generation. Single-use plastic items, however, have also contributed to the “throw-away” mindset. So, the way we use plastic, and how we treat it has become a big concern for many of us. Learn to refuse We all need to refuse to buy things we don’t need. And we also need to refuse to use single-use items, like plastic straws and water bottles. Remember, you can make a change by just saying “no”.  Links and resources:  The Sound Room Alternatives to Single-Use Plastic Bags from Everday Green Home Single-Use Plastics 101 Electronics Donation and Recycling 

Anden presents Sound Room 038 #ASR038 Live from Club Quarantine with Gabriel & Dresden @weareanden Subscribe on iTunes >> bit.ly/ASRiTunes > www.facebook.com/weareAnden

Today, Tony Pratte, our regular co-host from The Sound Room, joins us once again on the show. In the Everyday Green Home Podcast, we talk about green homes, green living, and green communities. And we discuss how to make all of it work for you in your life, and why it all matters. We offer solutions, and we love to talk about the kind of choices that all of us can make, to make our homes, and ultimately the whole world, a better place. The Living Standard The Living Standard, which was recently released by the US Green Building Council, is all about people. It’s about a dialogue about green living and sustainability, and it is here to help people understand.  In today’s episode, we discuss how the Living Standard helps people to help themselves, each other, and the environment. And we talk about what we can do, as individuals, to make a difference. The Living Standard is a toolkit  The Living Standard is a toolkit that has been designed to help us have a better conversation about what we can do to live a green and sustainable lifestyle. Small things count Tony explains that if you can make a small, incremental change in your life, you won’t have to worry about the big environmental problem. And if you can imagine a billion people making small changes, it makes a lot of sense because that ultimately adds up to a billion small changes that are happening all over the planet. A big conversation Talking about the environment is a big conversation to have, and there’s a lot that we need to understand. Unfortunately, a lot of people have problems when they talk about the environment because they become consumed with the big picture. What we need to understand We need to understand that everyone looks at things a little differently. And not everyone will always agree about certain things. However, not having everyone in agreement, will make no difference to the kinds of small changes that we can make, that are common sense.   There is always something you can do. There is always something that you can do, to be part of the solution, and to change things for the better. Sometimes we tend to become overwhelmed with everything we need to do to green our homes, but it does help to know that whatever we do on a small scale will ultimately also work on a bigger scale because, even if it’s a small thing, it will still move the needle.  The US Green Building Advocacy Committee A few months ago, the Missouri Gateway Chapter of the US Green Building Council asked Tony to be on their advocacy committee. Why the Living Standard was released Tony explains that the Living Standard was released to move the environmental conversation away from jargonized, scientific, builder-speak towards a more common language that is easily understood by everyone.  A non-confrontational conversation He points out that the conversation about the greening the environment, and sustainability, does not have to be a confrontational discussion. However, people tend to make it that way, mostly because it gets into politics.  The goal of this podcast The goal of this podcast is to keep the politics out of the way, to have a real conversation.  How to have the right kind of conversation, and take it to even more people We need to speak to more people who live outside of our community, and we need to use inclusive language and powerful images to help everyone to feel that they have the ability to take the necessary daily action towards creating a sustainable environment for all.  It’s all about a choice It’s all about the choice you make. And you can choose to take a small, incremental step that will make a big impact later on. The top three things you can do to make meaningful small changes in your home LED lightbulbs Green cleaning products Use recycled toilet paper Links and resources: Living Green Effortlessly: Simple Choices for a Better Home by Marla Esser Cloos The Living Standard Campaign The Standard Issue Report The Sound Room Energy Star The Watersense NAHB (National Association of Homebuilders) Sustainability and Green Building Toolkit

Anden presents Sound Room 037 #ASR037 Live from Sound Room Sunday, our weekly Twitch stream during Quarantine @weareanden Subscribe on iTunes >> bit.ly/ASRiTunes > www.facebook.com/weareAnden

Tony Pratte, our once-a-month guest co-host from The Sound Room, joins us today to talk about no-touch smart homes.  Tony has an extensive background in smart homes and automation. With the Coronavirus pandemic, it’s very helpful to have automated, no-touch systems in place in your home.  A wireless world Currently, we are going further and further along the route of wireless internet inside the house. A couple of years ago, Tony saw some interesting statistics that showed that 65% of people under a certain age will never plug into a hard-line internet connection. Tony explains that no matter what you do in the smart home world, everything starts with making sure that you have good wireless internet coverage in the house. For the do-it-yourselfer, the products that you will need are available online.  What you will need With everybody at home right now, there could be four or five people, with each of them using multiple devices, all needing to be on the internet at the same time. So you need to ensure that the wifi signal in the house is strong enough and that there is even coverage that’s accessible throughout the house.  You will need a wireless router. A good wireless router will provide enough coverage for an average, smaller home. For a bigger home, however, you will need a wireless repeater, or a wireless access point of some kind, to extend the range of the wifi signal from the router throughout the house.  The easiest thing to do For the homeowner, the easiest thing to do once the wifi in your home is up and running is to take a smart device like a smartphone or an iPad, log onto your wireless wifi network, and walk around the house. That way, you will be able to check the strength of the signal in all the different areas of the house and verify that you have internet coverage in every room. Ways to make your home more of a smart home With a smart home, or a connected home, you’re trying to simplify your life and make things easier, so you don’t have to touch things as often. The three easiest things that you can add to a smart home are thermostats, lighting, and sound.  If your thermostat knows what to do, you won’t have to touch it. There are a lot of different wifi thermostats available. Tony’s company mostly uses Ecobee thermostats. You can program smart thermostats, and many of them will learn your patterns as well.  There are several different kinds of do-it-yourself smart lighting systems available. These have modules that you plug into the wall, and then you can plug a lamp into the module and automate it. That way you will touch only your personal device and not the lamp itself. This can then be tied into voice-control. Smart homes Smart houses have features like thermostats, lights, or TVs that can be controlled remotely by an app on a smartphone, iPad, or some other device. There will also be some kind of controller in the house that all the remotely controlled devices and features talk to. The controller allows everything to be brought into the same app, and it allows you to create scenes. Scenes allow you to select your preferred sequences with the devices in your home, and bring them together to create an experience. For example, first turning on the coffee pot in the morning, then the music, and then the shower.  Voice and app control Voice and app control make it easier for people with limitations or disabilities to have more independence and freedom.  Sound Tony recommends Sonos for do-it-yourself sound.  The Sonos app will guide you through the installation, step-by-step. Voice command module The voice command module allows you to control the thermostat, the lighting, and the sound systems.  Sonos, Nest, and Ecobee integrate with a bridge, called Caseta, made by Lutron, available from Home Depot, which will allow you to create scenes. Links and resources: Ubiquiti  The Sound Room Smart Home Products from Everyday Green Home Hand Sanitizer from Everyday Green Home

Anden presents Sound Room 036 #ASR036 @weareanden Subscribe on iTunes >> bit.ly/ASRiTunes > www.facebook.com/weareAnden

Anden presents Sound Room 035 #ASR035 @weareanden Subscribe on iTunes >> bit.ly/ASRiTunes > www.facebook.com/weareAnden

Anden presents Sound Room 034 #ASR034 @weareanden Subscribe on iTunes >> bit.ly/ASRiTunes > www.facebook.com/weareAnden

Warning adult language and content. On today's podcast just a short explanation of interruptions. A story to come soon!! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/destarte/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/destarte/support

Anden presents Sound Room 033 #ASR033 @weareanden Subscribe on iTunes >> bit.ly/ASRiTunes > www.facebook.com/weareAnden 

Anden presents Sound Room 032 #ASR032 @weareanden Subscribe on iTunes >> bit.ly/ASRiTunes > www.facebook.com/weareAnden

Cortex VIP Cinemas exclusively sells and is a worldwide distributor of Dolby Laboratories’ professional cinema products for home use. In this episode, Co-Founders Steve Evanitsky and John Russel share what that means and how the company will demonstrate the revolutionary Dolby CP850-C Audio Processor as part of a Sound Room experience utilizing Pro Audio Technology speakers and components during CEDIA Expo 2019. Designed by the engineers at Dolby Laboratories, the CP850-C Audio Processor embodies the same hardware and software components utilized by commercial theaters across the globe and SR-6 is the only place on the CEDIA Expo show floor to experience it. Download, tune-in, and enjoy! #avtweeps #cediaexpo #kmbpodcasts @CortexVIP @CEDIA @CEDIAExpo

Anden presents Sound Room 031 #ASR031 @weareanden Subscribe on iTunes >> bit.ly/ASRiTunes > www.facebook.com/weareAnden

Anden presents Sound Room 030 #ASR030 @weareanden Subscribe on iTunes >> bit.ly/ASRiTunes > www.facebook.com/weareAnden

Anden presents Sound Room 029 #ASR029 @weareanden Subscribe on iTunes >> bit.ly/ASRiTunes > www.facebook.com/weareAnden

Anden presents Sound Room 028 #ASR028 @weareanden Subscribe on iTunes >> bit.ly/ASRiTunes > www.facebook.com/weareAnden

Anden presents Sound Room 027 #ASR027 (Live from Engine Company 31 [Sound Room Live] - New York City) @weareanden Subscribe on iTunes >> bit.ly/ASRiTunes > www.facebook.com/weareAnden

Anden presents Sound Room 026 #ASR026 @weareanden Subscribe on iTunes >> bit.ly/ASRiTunes > www.facebook.com/weareAnden

How do you look at your stuff? There’s a lot of stuff that makes up your home. When you think about it, your home is a collection of a bunch of resources, materials, and systems. Or, in other words, a lot of stuff. How can you look at the stuff in your home in terms of the three R’s when you bring in more stuff? The Three R’s and Your Stuff It can be a fun challenge to bring more stuff in your home following the three R’s: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Reduce Anytime you can reduce the amount of material you use, you win. This not only simplifies your life, but also reduces the amount of materials and how much it costs to put those things together for your home. For instance, maybe instead of putting flooring down, you may just want to finish the concrete. The simpler you can make it, maybe even by using a system, that can work to your advantage. Reuse There are secondhand stores everywhere, so this is pretty easy. Have you checked out Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores? They have so much stuff in there, and it changes all the time. It can be an adventure to search for used furniture and household goods for building materials. You might even be able to reuse components from homes that are being torn down, remodeled, or redecorated. How about taking an old door and turning it into a table or transforming a tabletop into a barn door? Recycle This is probably the one R we see the most. A lot of us have curbside recycling bins, so we feel like we’re constantly feeding the system. And we’re giving those materials a new opportunity for a new life when they’re recycled. Unfortunately, we don’t have enough places demanding those recycled materials, and a lot of our recycling efforts are not coming to fruition. But you can make a difference when you put new stuff in your home that has recycled components, such as flooring and paper. What Is the Stuff in Your Home? You’ll get all kinds of ideas on how to get the right stuff in your home in this podcast. Be sure to check back for new information regularly on how you can make your home greener by using the three R’s plus other ideas! Read more at The Green Home Coach Website! The Green Gab Podcast Links Bar:  Subscribe via iTunes |   Subscribe via RSS Feed |  Facebook Page |  Twitter Page |  Stitcher Page Connect with The Green Gab Podcast Hosts: — Marla Esser Cloos on – The Web – Twitter – Facebook – LinkedIn — Tony Pratte on – The Web – Facebook – LinkedIn  Green Gab: About the Hosts of The Green Gab Podcast: Green Gab Podcast Host Marla Esser Cloos is the Founder of The Green Home Coach – a company leading the way to inspire you to learn about, focus on and put into place Green Solutions when it comes to your life, home building and more. Marla is an NAHB Master Certified Green Professional, LEED AP and Missouri Woman Business Enterprise. She Earned her B.S. in Engineering and Public Policy and a Certificate in Energy from Washington University. Click here to learn more about Marla at her website online via TheGreenHomeCoach.Com Connect with Marla Esser Cloos on – The Web – Twitter – Facebook – LinkedIn Green Gab Podcast Host Tony Pratte is the Director of Builder/Contractor Relations at The Sound Room in St. Louis, Missouri. Tony is a graduate of St. Louis University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has earned a Masters in Environmental Management & Sustainability at Harvard University Tony’s 20+ year career has allowed to him to collect a number of experiences, connections and perspectives that offer an incredibly unique point of view that adds incredible value to each episode. Connect with Tony Pratte on – The Web – Facebook – LinkedIn

Anden presents Sound Room 025 #ASR025 @weareanden Subscribe on iTunes >> bit.ly/ASRiTunes > www.facebook.com/weareAnden

Every parent has said to their children—multiple times, “Turn off the water.” We teach our children the importance of not wasting water, but it’s important for us adults to remember as well. And it’s about so much more than just turning off the faucet. Water plays a bigger role in today’s modern world than it did in the past. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American family uses 300 gallons of water each day. And that only accounts for indoor water usage: drinking, cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene. That’s a staggering amount of water. To put it into perspective, imagine for a moment that you had to carry that much water to your home before you could use it. That would definitely make you think about the amount of water you’re using on a daily basis. The Leaks That Are Upping Your Water Usage Research shows that the typical home loses somewhere between 2,000 and up to 20,000 gallons of water each year because of leaks. That’s a lot of water! Leaks can come from a number of sources, some of which you might not have considered. What about your toilet that doesn’t shut off? Or a tiny leak in your plumbing? It all adds up to a noticeable increase in water usage. How can you tell if you have leaks in your home? Start by reviewing your water bill. If you see an unexpected rise, it’s probably be time to investigate. You might need help from a professional to inspect irrigation systems or pipes that you cannot easily access. Most leaks are not those that we see with the naked eye. Water as Power We use water in and around our homes and offices, but we also use water as a power source. It takes a little more than one gallon of water to produce one watt-hour of electricity. That means a 150-watt incandescent light bulb requires 174 gallons of water to operate for just one hour. But most of us don’t run a light bulb for just one hour. And that water usage just racks up. Reducing our water usage results in an energy savings. And the opposite is also true: Reducing our energy usage results in a water savings. We don’t think about this correlation most of the time, mostly because even Energy Star appliances aren’t labeled with how much water is used to create the energy they use. Easy Ways to Reduce Water Usage You can take small steps to cut back on your water usage on a daily basis. Here are just a few: • Take shorter showers: five minutes or less. • Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving. • Switch to a low-flow showerhead. • Use the half flush option on the toilet when available and appropriate. • Turn off water faucets tightly (and fix them as needed) to avoid drips. • Keep cold drinking water in the fridge so you don’t have to wait for it to cool at the tap. • When washing dishes, use a sink of water to wash and then rinse them all together instead of individually. • Water the garden only when plants really need it, and then just the roots and soil rather than spraying leaves and flowers. • Use soaker hoses instead of sprinklers. • Water outside in the early morning or late evening when water evaporates less. On this episode of Green Gab, you’ll learn even more about water usage from Angie Mendica of Crescent Plumbing. And read the full chapter about water usage in my book, Living Green Effortlessly, to learn more about how you can use less water—and less energy. Resources: Plumbing Fixture Recommendations Watersense Plumbing Fixtures Read more at The Green Home Coach Website! The Green Gab Podcast Links Bar:  Subscribe via iTunes |   Subscribe via RSS Feed |  Facebook Page |  Twitter Page |  Stitcher Page Connect with The Green Gab Podcast Hosts: — Marla Esser Cloos on – The Web – Twitter – Facebook – LinkedIn — Tony Pratte on – The Web – Facebook – LinkedIn  Green Gab: About the Hosts of The Green Gab Podcast: Green Gab Podcast Host Marla Esser Cloos is the Founder of The Green Home Coach – a company leading the way to inspire you to learn about, focus on and put into place Green Solutions when it comes to your life, home building and more. Marla is an NAHB Master Certified Green Professional, LEED AP and Missouri Woman Business Enterprise. She Earned her B.S. in Engineering and Public Policy and a Certificate in Energy from Washington University. Click here to learn more about Marla at her website online via TheGreenHomeCoach.Com Connect with Marla Esser Cloos on – The Web – Twitter – Facebook – LinkedIn Green Gab Podcast Host Tony Pratte is the Director of Builder/Contractor Relations at The Sound Room in St. Louis, Missouri. Tony is a graduate of St. Louis University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has earned a Masters in Environmental Management & Sustainability at Harvard University Tony’s 20+ year career has allowed to him to collect a number of experiences, connections and perspectives that offer an incredibly unique point of view that adds incredible value to each episode. Connect with Tony Pratte on – The Web – Facebook – LinkedIn

All of us want to breathe well in our homes.  Yet often, the indoor air quality or the indoor environment, may not be allowing us to breathe as well as we want.  There are immediate actions all of us can take to breathe well in our homes.  Years ago, I started switching to non-toxic, safer cleaners and now I even use a few homemade cleaners.  Both your local stores and online outlets offer many safer, non-toxic cleaning products and natural cleaning recipes abound on the internet.  Next, you will want understand how leaky your home is, as leaks bring pollutants into our homes, as well as leaking the heated or cooled air.  There is a lot you can do on your own, yet you may want to bring in a home professional, such as an energy auditor, to help locate the leaks and advise the best way to address them. Read more at The Green Home Coach Website! The Green Gab Podcast Links Bar:  Subscribe via iTunes |   Subscribe via RSS Feed |  Facebook Page |  Twitter Page |  Stitcher Page Connect with The Green Gab Podcast Hosts: — Marla Esser Cloos on – The Web – Twitter – Facebook – LinkedIn — Tony Pratte on – The Web – Facebook – LinkedIn  Green Gab: About the Hosts of The Green Gab Podcast: Green Gab Podcast Host Marla Esser Cloos is the Founder of The Green Home Coach – a company leading the way to inspire you to learn about, focus on and put into place Green Solutions when it comes to your life, home building and more. Marla is an NAHB Master Certified Green Professional, LEED AP and Missouri Woman Business Enterprise. She Earned her B.S. in Engineering and Public Policy and a Certificate in Energy from Washington University. Click here to learn more about Marla at her website online via TheGreenHomeCoach.Com Connect with Marla Esser Cloos on – The Web – Twitter – Facebook – LinkedIn Green Gab Podcast Host Tony Pratte is the Director of Builder/Contractor Relations at The Sound Room in St. Louis, Missouri. Tony is a graduate of St. Louis University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has earned a Masters in Environmental Management & Sustainability at Harvard University Tony’s 20+ year career has allowed to him to collect a number of experiences, connections and perspectives that offer an incredibly unique point of view that adds incredible value to each episode. Connect with Tony Pratte on – The Web – Facebook – LinkedIn

There is so much to talk about on the topic of lighting. Lighting in your home is of particular importance because there are so many choices. Today, we’ll be providing a few tips of things to think about when lighting your home. #1 Tip for Lighting in Your Home: Choose LEDs When it comes to lighting in your home, my top tip is to choose LED lights whenever possible. If you have working old-style bulbs, throw them out and replace them with LED as soon as you can. While it might sound like a waste to throw out bulbs, the truth is that you’ll save energy and money. LEDs will pay for themselves in a few months. Not only are LED lights more energy efficient, they’re fun to use as lighting in your home. You can create ambiance, and there are just so many choices. Even at big-box retailers, you can find LEDs to replace just about any bulb in your home. #2: Layer Your Lighting for Ambiance Where do you start when it comes to lighting in your home? Think about layering. I like overhead lighting for general light: chandeliers, ceiling lights, and hall fixtures. All of those can now be LEDs. If you’re having a challenge with chandelier bulbs being too bright, install a dimmer. Instant ambiance! Of course, make sure you’re using dimmable bulbs. Some dimmable bulbs get warmer colored as they’re dimmed and whiter when they’re bright. That’s the perfect choice for a room that pulls double duty since you can adjust the lighting easily. When putting lighting in your home for ambiance, consider cabinet lighting on your baseboards or above the cabinets. Or put lighting behind glass in your cabinets. And what about safety lighting? The possibilities are endless. #3: Automate Lighting in Your Home Automation packages give you control over the lights in some or all of your home. You can have your lights come on at set times to wake you or welcome you home. And when you’re on vacation, lighting automation acts as a safety feature as well. Get creative! Resources: LED Lightbulb Dimmer Safety Lighting Read more at The Green Home Coach Website! The Green Gab Podcast Links Bar:  Subscribe via iTunes |   Subscribe via RSS Feed |  Facebook Page |  Twitter Page |  Stitcher Page Connect with The Green Gab Podcast Hosts: — Marla Esser Cloos on – The Web – Twitter – Facebook – LinkedIn — Tony Pratte on – The Web – Facebook – LinkedIn  Green Gab: About the Hosts of The Green Gab Podcast: Green Gab Podcast Host Marla Esser Cloos is the Founder of The Green Home Coach – a company leading the way to inspire you to learn about, focus on and put into place Green Solutions when it comes to your life, home building and more. Marla is an NAHB Master Certified Green Professional, LEED AP and Missouri Woman Business Enterprise. She Earned her B.S. in Engineering and Public Policy and a Certificate in Energy from Washington University. Click here to learn more about Marla at her website online via TheGreenHomeCoach.Com Connect with Marla Esser Cloos on – The Web – Twitter – Facebook – LinkedIn Green Gab Podcast Host Tony Pratte is the Director of Builder/Contractor Relations at The Sound Room in St. Louis, Missouri. Tony is a graduate of St. Louis University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has earned a Masters in Environmental Management & Sustainability at Harvard University Tony’s 20+ year career has allowed to him to collect a number of experiences, connections and perspectives that offer an incredibly unique point of view that adds incredible value to each episode. Connect with Tony Pratte on – The Web – Facebook – LinkedIn

Today we’re gabbing with Kellye Markowski of Energy Smart Homes, an energy auditing and consulting company. She focuses on home comfort by helping homeowners reduce their energy consumption and costs. By working with a company like Energy Smart Homes, homeowners are able to improve the home’s energy efficiency, whether it is a new construction or remodel. And that puts more dollars in your wallet, not just today but for all of the years you own the home. That makes your home and life comfortable in more ways than one! Don’t Assume Your Home Is Energy Efficient One of the biggest issues Kellye sees in her work is the assumption that the house was built with energy efficiency in mind. Sometimes, yes, but sometimes, no. That’s why the best time to look at an energy audit is before you start a build or even a remodel. But if you’re feeling a difference in temperature in different parts of your home, or your energy bills seem high, it might be a good time to look into the issue. Usually, if there are challenges with home comfort, one of the first areas to look is the thermal envelope. This is how a home stays warm in winter and cooler in summer, how air is exchanged through walls, floors, and ceilings. While some homes have issues with the thermal envelope, they can often be addressed inexpensively. The key is knowing that the problem is there. And, of course, it’s easier to rectify before a build or remodel instead of tackling it after the fact. Home Comfort Includes Health and Safety During a home audit, not just home comfort is addressed. We spend a lot of time in our homes, and the audit also involves health and safety. It’s all about considering the holistic health of your home. Air quality in a home can contribute to many health issues, and a leaky house isn’t as safe as a tight home. The way the home was constructed can contribute to family members suffering from asthma and allergies. But their health might improve when air tightness and ventilation are addressed. A Small Investment Can Have a Huge Payout While you do have to pay an energy auditor to come and inspect your home, most homeowners feel that the report they receive gives them a huge return on investment. The number one reason homeowners schedule an energy audit is because their bills are high and their home comfort is low. An energy audit is a day-long process that addresses various aspects of the home and provides homeowners with a number of options to increase their home comfort. Working with someone like Kellye results in suggestions that are attached to various price points and can result in numerous improvements. “Weatherization isn’t glamourous, but it can really make a difference in the comfort of your home.” Subscribe on iTunes and get the show notes on The Green Gab Podcast. Get the gab with us as we share what we’ve done, as well as tips for greening up your home, your job, your family and your life! Get in on the gab for why green matters. Resources: Energy Smart Homes Shop Everyday Green Home Read more at The Green Home Coach Website! The Green Gab Podcast Links Bar:  Subscribe via iTunes |   Subscribe via RSS Feed |  Facebook Page |  Twitter Page |  Stitcher Page Connect with The Green Gab Podcast Hosts: — Marla Esser Cloos on – The Web – Twitter – Facebook – LinkedIn — Tony Pratte on – The Web – Facebook – LinkedIn  Green Gab: About the Hosts of The Green Gab Podcast: Green Gab Podcast Host Marla Esser Cloos is the Founder of The Green Home Coach – a company leading the way to inspire you to learn about, focus on and put into place Green Solutions when it comes to your life, home building and more. Marla is an NAHB Master Certified Green Professional, LEED AP and Missouri Woman Business Enterprise. She Earned her B.S. in Engineering and Public Policy and a Certificate in Energy from Washington University. Click here to learn more about Marla at her website online via TheGreenHomeCoach.Com Connect with Marla Esser Cloos on – The Web – Twitter – Facebook – LinkedIn Green Gab Podcast Host Tony Pratte is the Director of Builder/Contractor Relations at The Sound Room in St. Louis, Missouri. Tony is a graduate of St. Louis University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has earned a Masters in Environmental Management & Sustainability at Harvard University Tony’s 20+ year career has allowed to him to collect a number of experiences, connections and perspectives that offer an incredibly unique point of view that adds incredible value to each episode. Connect with Tony Pratte on – The Web – Facebook – LinkedIn

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay!  1. Guests speak about the Million Man March: Justice or Else and a 20 year MMM Retrospective through films and conversation, this Friday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m. at The ALTENHIEM COMMUNITY ROOM, 1720 MacArthur Blvd 94602, Oakland, CA 2. Ruth Price, drummer, joins us to talk about Witches Brew, her band which has a performance this weekend, Feb. 27, 8-10 p.m. at Musically Minded http://musicallyminded.org/event/ruthie-prices-witches-brew/ 3. Nicolas Beard joins us to talk about the musical, Bridges at Berkeley Playhouse through Mar. 6, and his new CD, "Invitation." CD release party is March 26 at the Sound Room in Oakland. 4. Adimu Madyun, host, Orisha Urban World Conference March 11-12 in Oakland, CA is joined by elders circle panelists: Baba Kola Abímbolá and Baba Obafemi. Visit http://www.orisaurbanworldfestival.com

1. Guests speak about the Million Man March: Justice or Else and a 20 year MMM Retrospective through films and conversation, this Friday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m. at The ALTENHIEM COMMUNITY ROOM, 1720 MacArthur Blvd 94602, Oakland, CA 2. Ruth Price, drummer, joins us to talk about Witches Brew, her band which has a performance this weekend, Feb. 27, 8-10 p.m. at Musically Minded http://musicallyminded.org/event/ruthie-prices-witches-brew/ 3. Nicolas Beard joins us to talk about the musical, Bridges at Berkeley Playhouse through Mar. 6, and his new CD, "Invitation." CD release party is March 26 at the Sound Room in Oakland. 4. Adimu Madyun, host, Orisha Urban World Conference March 11-12 in Oakland, CA is joined by elders circle panelists: Baba Kola Abímbolá and Baba Obafemi. Visit http://www.orisaurbanworldfestival.com