PROOF POSITIVE
When specifying a Pantone® color indicate the color along with number, such as “Pantone 267 (purple).” If a transposition happens, at least there is a better chance that the error will get caught before printing.

Become more eco-friendly with GUNTENBIRD'S GREEN TIP! New each week at www.sentinelinnovation.com/Tip

 

Novemeber 2010

First commerical solar installation  •  a Pain in the Neck  •  Too Much Information • Amazing Grace

 

The First Commercial
Solar Installation
in the Village of Hempstead

Sentinel Printing Company, the Marketing Professional's Print Partner, will become the first commercial solar installation in the Village of Hempstead.

“We have made significant investments in our sustainability, and we’re excited to become the first site within the village to generate our own energy from the sun,” says Glen T. Boehmer, President of Sentinel Printing.

For the past two years, Sentinel has made tremendous strides to improve its environmental impact. Presently, Sentinel is the first candidate in the Metropolitan area working toward Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP) certification, the only print-industry-specific green registration. (www.sgppartnership.org)

“Our focus at Sentinel has always been about family and community. It only makes sense that we preserve our environment for our children’s and grandchildren’s world. Through SGP, and the implementation of technologies such as solar energy, we continually improve how we work, and reduce the negative affects that industry can have on friends and neighbors,” according to Boehmer.

The system will generate approximately 23,000 kWh of electricity each year. Enough energy to support the digital operations of Sentinel, making that portion of their printing process completely eco-friendly. Of particular importance to the project is that all the panels being used for the installation are manufactured in the United States. The panels are produced in Atlanta.

“We have been doing business here in Hempstead since 1858, and as our discussions developed to implement a solar system, it was vital to us that all the elements would be manufactured here in the US,” Boehmer reported.

 

When Work Becomes a Pain in the Neck

It’s not rocket science. Nor is it a highcontact sport or risky behavior. But working in front of a computer all day can be taxing and stressful, both physically and mentally. And this time of the year, you need more stress like you need another fruitcake.

That’s where ergonomics comes in. Office ergonomics is the science of adapting the work environment to the needs of employees in order to promote safety and to increase productivity.

If you use a computer, you probably know that repetitive and prolonged use of a computer keyboard or mouse can lead to muscle aches and discomfort. Try to incorporate these suggestions into your work style to avoid problems.

Maintain good posture when working. Sit all the way back in the chair against the backrest. Keep your knees equal to or lower than your hips with your feet supported.

Avoid overreaching. Keep the mouse and keyboard within close reach. Center the most frequently used section of the keyboard directly in front of you.

Position the monitor correctly. Center the monitor in front of you at arm’s length. You should be able to view the screen without turning or tilting your head up or down.

Rest your eyes. Take eye breaks and intermittently refocus on distant objects.

Work at a reasonable pace and take frequent breaks. Take one- or two-minute breaks every 20 to 30 minutes, and fiveminute breaks every hour.

Also, your overall physical fitness affects how you feel at work. Staying in shape by stretching and exercising regularly can make you less prone to office-related aches and pains, as well.

 

Too Much Information

Some things are better left unsaid, especially on social networks.

If you post info on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or any of other various networking sites, you might feel like you’re just chatting it up with family, friends and colleagues. But the reality is, there could be identity thieves, scammers or stalkers viewing your posts.

Many people on social networks unknowingly put themselves at risk by revealing too much. According to Rob Douglas, an information security consultant and editor of the website IdentityTheft.com, here are some things you should avoid mentioning.

Addresses and birth dates. This is what identity thieves and burglars look for. So, if you’re throwing a party and need to provide directions to your house, do it through messages sent directly to your guests. If the site prompts you for
your address or birth date, remember—you don’t have to post it. It’s better to keep personal info personal.

Graduation years. This information helps scammers pretend to be former classmates, which is a common way they win your trust. Also, potential employers could use your graduation date to estimate your age, and decide against hiring you if they feel you’re too old or too young. Yes, this violates age discrimination laws, but it’s virtually impossible to prove.

Travel plans. If you mention when your next vacation is, it’s like announcing, “Here’s when my home is vacant.” And if your address is out there, you’ve really made yourself a target for would-be burglars. You can talk about your travels, but it’s best to avoid mentioning when you’re coming and going.

Bottom line—be cautious. Don’t assume everything you post is for your
friends’ eyes only.

 

Amazing Grace

Imagine meeting your boss’s daughter at the office holiday party and explaining how much you enjoy working for her father—only to discover the woman is actually his wife. Oops. Don’t worry, everyone commits a faux pas at one time or another. How you deal with it is what matters. Here’s how to handle a few common sticky situations with grace.

When you make an inappropriate fashion choice. Ever shown up to a formal affair in denim or to a casual get-together in a suit? Just go with it,
experts say. Be confident, even if you feel insecure. Acknowledge your fashion foible, laugh at yourself and carry on as if it’s no big deal. There is a phenomenon called the “spotlight illusion” that tells a person everyone is staring at him when they’re really not. The truth is, people are more concerned about their own appearance than yours. Act as if everything’s okay even when you’re feeling self-conscious—people will respect that.

When you call someone the wrong name. If it’s someone you’ve just met, apologize and say, “I’m sorry, I’m so bad with names.” Then say their correct name with a compliment (if it’s sincere)—“Lisa. I will remember it this time. I love that name, actually.” Saying a person’s name out loud will really help you remember it, and repeating it back to the person shows a level of respect. If you call someone the wrong name but you should know better, again, apologize, but also offer a reason for your absent-mindedness— “I’m sorry, it’s been a crazy day,” or “I apologize—this time of the year, my brain has a hard time keeping up.” But like most social mistakes, don’t dwell. The longer you belabor the point, the more awkward it is.

A sense of humor and a healthy dose of humility will get you through most social blunders. A good memory should keep you from repeating them.