http://www.geniusswitchstudio.com/ en christian@geniusswitchstudio.com Copyright 2010 2010-06-28T14:13:23+00:00 http://www.geniusswitchstudio.com/index.php/blog/post/genius-featured-on-seacoast-online-for-two-great-launches/ http://www.geniusswitchstudio.com/index.php/blog/post/genius-featured-on-seacoast-online-for-two-great-launches/#When:14:13:23Z We have been featured on Seacoast Online (http://www.seacoastonline.com/) for our two recent launches, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (http://www.pedaids.org/) and Leary Firefighters Foundation (http://www.learyfirefighters.org/). Read the story here… 2010-06-28T14:13:23+00:00 http://www.geniusswitchstudio.com/index.php/blog/post/the-studio-welcomes-two-new-geniuses/ http://www.geniusswitchstudio.com/index.php/blog/post/the-studio-welcomes-two-new-geniuses/#When:17:19:47Z genius switch studio is happy to announce that two new rockstars have joined the team. Shawn, a user interface designer, has a great eye for design, loves typography and has a man-crush on ampersands. He is currently planning out his nerdtastic web-design tattoo. JR, a project managing machine, can usually be found fishing for blue fin or kicking back and knocking a few back in the sun. He also bleeds Red Sox red, long live The Nation! 2010-04-06T17:19:47+00:00 http://www.geniusswitchstudio.com/index.php/blog/post/hot-one/ http://www.geniusswitchstudio.com/index.php/blog/post/hot-one/#When:16:48:42Z The Leary Firefighters Foundation was founded in 2000 by actor Denis Leary in response to a fire that broke out in an abandoned warehouse in downtown Worcester, Massachusetts, his hometown, in December of 1999. Over 75 firefighters ran into what some have called “the perfect fire” and six of them never came out. One was Denis’ first cousin, Jerry Lucey and another Lt. Tommy Spencer, was a childhood friend and high school classmate. In an effort to find a positive way to deal with this overwhelming loss, Denis established The Leary Firefighters Foundation in the spring of 2000. The Leary Firefighters Foundation is dedicated to providing fire departments with funding and resources for up-to-date equipment and training. A lifelong hockey fan, Denis teamed up with Boston Bruins legends Bobby Orr and Cam Neely to organize The Celebrity Hat Trick, “Hockey’s Greatest Skate for America’s Bravest,” a two-day event that features two teams made up of hockey legends and Hollywood celebrities. Thousands of New England residents turn out to enjoy the game and to honor the memory of the “Worcester 6”. The Leary Firefighters Foundation has directed total of $2 million dollars to The Worcester Firefighters Local 1009 Equipment Fund to support the equipment and training needs of firefighters in Central Massachusetts. These funds have been used to design and build a new burn tower and training facility and to purchase a new rescue boat and an SCBA Response Unit, a mobile maintenance unit to service and repair air tanks. The success of the Celebrity Hat Trick allowed the LFF to expand its reach to the city of Boston. Our first gift to the Boston Fire Department, a Tactical Command Unit, was presented to Boston Fire Commissioner Paul Christian on August 11, 2004 at a special ceremony outside City Hall. Built into a retro-fitted Ford Excursion SUV, this emergency management vehicle is capable of increased communications control and improved maneuverability on Boston’s narrow streets. To date, $425,000 has been raised and directed towards the equipment needs of the Boston Fire Department, including the Tactical Command Unit and the acquisition of a new Fire Rescue / Diver Support Boat for the Department’s protection of Boston Harbor, was deployed in the summer of 2006. In the wake of the events of September 11, 2001, The Leary Firefighters Foundation established The Fund for New York’s Bravest to raise money for the families of the 343 firefighters who perished in the line of duty. With enormous support from friends in the entertainment community, we threw a landmark New York City benefit, The BASH for New York’s Bravest, to celebrate our local heroes. Through the success of The BASH and the overwhelming support shown by donors throughout the nation, The Fund for New York’s Bravest raised over $1.9 million before it was closed in 2003. Every dollar collected went directly into the hands of the families without any administrative costs. The BASH for New York’s Bravest is now an annual, celebrity-studded event that continues to honor New York’s firefighters while raising funds to support their equipment and training needs. In 2002, we expanded our focus to include assisting the FDNY with their critical need to enhance operations and advance first responder training. An in-depth working relationship has been formed with senior commanders and it is through their expertise that we prioritize the disbursement of funds received from donors. Using dollars raised at The 2003 BASH for New York’s Bravest, we partnered with the FDNY’s Fire Safety Education Fund to purchase a Mobile Command Center for the FDNY. This emergency management vehicle, which was deployed on July 19, 2004, is equipped with state-of-the-art audio and video monitoring capabilities and directly answers the call for a heightened level of communications and planning at large-scale events and emergencies. It serves as a visible point of contact for communications between the FDNY, NYPD, FBI and OEM, as well as media and local officials, and as a staging area at major events such as last year’s Republican National Convention at Madison Square Garden. We have also donated two Flashover Simulators to the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall’s Island. In January 2005 these Flashover Simulators were incorporated into the training regiment of both probationary and veteran firefighters to help them understand progression of fire, which will increase their chance of survival in the field. Every community relies on their firefighters to keep their population safe. Their bravery and commitment to saving lives is indisputable and is demonstrated on a daily basis. Our current development campaign is focused on the completion of two major projects: building a technologically advanced High-Rise Training Simulator at the FDNY Fire Academy to combat the potentially catastrophic high-rise fires. In early 2009 we will fulfill our pledge to the New Orleans fire department of rebuilding 11 firehouses in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The Leary Firefighters Foundation remains dedicated to keeping the needs of firefighters in the forefront of the country’s awareness and to upholding our pledge to provide them with funding and resources to acquire the tools necessary to maintain the highest level of public safety. 2010-02-10T16:48:42+00:00 http://www.geniusswitchstudio.com/index.php/blog/post/client-aversion-to-wordpress/ http://www.geniusswitchstudio.com/index.php/blog/post/client-aversion-to-wordpress/#When:03:10:27Z First, I’d like to mention that there are a number of really great CMS solutions out there (both PHP and .NET based) that are all good solutions. We do preach Expression Engine and WordPress the most, as those are our favorite solutions. But we can work with a variety of them. More often than not however, we’re probably preaching WordPress, as we’ve just found it the easiest for clients to use. For whatever reason (well actually because it’s structured so elegantly) we have the easiest time (by far) training a client how to use it. We’ve quite successfully spent 30 minute training sessions with very non-technical clients, and they immediately take to it. The point of this late Saturday night entry, however, is regarding the aversion people have when they hear WordPress. Clients that are technically inclined, will immediately recognize it as a great solution, and more often than not are coming to us asking for it. However, with folks that are not as technical, when they hear WordPress, they immediately think of a blog. They express question and doubt regarding wordpress, and it becomes a bit hard to peel them away from that notion. It just dawned on me why. The confusion is from them not knowing the difference between WordPress the CMS and the free blog solution WP offers on wordpress.com. Wordpress.com is a free blog that anyone can signup and start, that sits on a stripped down version of the WordPress CMS. This is a fantastic solution for anyone that wants to simply start a personal blog or site, doesn’t want to pay for it, and wants to benefit from having a URL at wordpress.com. However, that is quite different from having a custom designed website, and having it hand coded, and integrated into the WP CMS platform.  So to wrap up this late night writing, I hope that this is the reason why folks have the stigma with the term WordPress, and that we can easily remove the concern with a simple explanation. We wouldn’t be suggesting WordPress (or any other CMS or Ecommerce solution for that matter) if we didn’t do our homework and feel it is absolutely the right one. 2009-12-20T03:10:27+00:00 http://www.geniusswitchstudio.com/index.php/blog/post/studio-to-redesign-and-redevelop-the-elizabeth-glaser-pediatric-aids-founda/ http://www.geniusswitchstudio.com/index.php/blog/post/studio-to-redesign-and-redevelop-the-elizabeth-glaser-pediatric-aids-founda/#When:14:37:39Z The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation was born from the most powerful force of all: a mother’s love for her children. Elizabeth Glaser contracted the AIDS virus through a blood transfusion in 1981 while giving birth to her daughter, Ariel. She and her husband, Paul, later learned that Elizabeth had unknowingly passed the virus on to Ariel through breast milk and that their son, Jake, had contracted the virus in utero. The Glasers discovered, in the course of trying to treat Ariel, that drug companies and health agencies had no idea that HIV/AIDS was prevalent among children. The only drugs on the market were for adults ¡X nothing had been tested or approved for children. Which meant that there was no medical treatment for the infection that was quickly destroying Ariel’s life. Ariel lost her battle with AIDS in 1988. Fully aware that Jake’s life was also in danger, Elizabeth rose to action. She approached her close friends, Susie Zeegen and Susan DeLaurentis, for help in creating a foundation that would serve to raise money for basic HIV/AIDS research. The Foundation had one critical mission: to bring hope to children with AIDS. Few researchers were focusing on issues specific to pediatric HIV/AIDS, there were no drugs available for children, and the infection rate was rapidly rising. Elizabeth, Susie, and Susan sought to change that harsh reality. Foundation History What three mothers began around a kitchen table in 1988 is now the leading global nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing pediatric HIV infection and eradicating pediatric AIDS through research, advocacy, and prevention and treatment programs. The Foundation’s influence has been dramatic. Today, there is an entire community of pediatric AIDS researchers that didn’t exist before. Fewer children are being born with HIV, and children with HIV infection are living longer and healthier lives. In every area of the Federal government ¡X from research priorities at the National Institutes of Health to the halls of Congress ¡X children with HIV are no longer forgotten. And while Elizabeth lost her personal battle with AIDS, her son Jake is now a healthy young adult. The Foundation has stayed true to its mission while also expanding its reach. As a result of the leadership of many dedicated individuals, most notably Paul Glaser, the Foundation expanded its focus to battle the HIV/AIDS pandemic around the globe. These international programs have rapidly expanded across the developing world, battling mother-to-child transmission of HIV and bringing care and treatment to the families who need them. Through its varied and innovative programs, the Foundation is breaking through barriers in providing for the health of our most vulnerable population and creating a future of hope for children and families worldwide. In addition to an architectural overhaul, genius switch will be redesigning the site, and implementing the revised design in to an ASP.Net CMS.  Additionally, the studio will be designing and developing a microsite for the Join the Moment campaign.  A great project and an even better cause. 2009-10-21T14:37:39+00:00 http://www.geniusswitchstudio.com/index.php/blog/post/revolution-energy-green-technology-rock-starts-come-aboard-the-good-ship-ge/ http://www.geniusswitchstudio.com/index.php/blog/post/revolution-energy-green-technology-rock-starts-come-aboard-the-good-ship-ge/#When:15:44:43Z Revolution Energy’s mission is to become the leader in providing affordable and meaningful energy solutions for non-profits, governments, and businesses seeking sustainability who are unable to finance large investments and/or are dissatisfied with other energy service companies who provide high-cost low-impact solutions. Revolution Energy helps customers achieve their energy-related goals through an ongoing commitment to do the right thing. We believe that this unique crossroad of environmental awareness and economic progress empowers our customers through an ethical and principled approach. We understand the challenges and opportunities for non-profits, governments, and businesses with respect to energy and sustainability. Our ties to policy makers and industry leaders in Northern New England provide us with insight and influence in developing projects and accessing incentives for innovative project solutions. In addition to a successful branding exercise (just completed), genius switch will be developing a brand new web presence for RE including a website, blog, and full content management system.  Check out their splash here. 2009-09-30T15:44:43+00:00 http://www.geniusswitchstudio.com/index.php/blog/post/tranquility-farm-equestrian-flips-the-on-switch/ http://www.geniusswitchstudio.com/index.php/blog/post/tranquility-farm-equestrian-flips-the-on-switch/#When:15:45:15Z Tranquility Farm Equestrian brings together rescued horses and hurting people and helps them heal each other. They meet on 55, slightly rolling, acres in a valley at the foot of the Catoctin Mountains, not far from Camp David, just below Thurmont, Maryland and just above Frederick. You can be part of this healing as a rider, a parent, a volunteer, a therapist, a supporter. This site will help you discover the good that flows between a horse and a human, the good that comes about at Tranquility Farm because Sarah Transeau, our founder, cares. Each abused or abandoned horse Sarah cares for takes about $300 a month to feed. Thatfs $75 a week, about $11 a day for each horse. It takes about $450 for a child with autism or cancer, or an adult with depression or post traumatic stress disorder, to take 10 riding lessons under Sarahfs caring teaching on these horses. The result is amazing. Everything looks better from the back of a horse, including ¡V and especially ¡X yourself. Thatfs Sarahfs gift and the gift of Tranquility Farm Equestrian.  Check out the new site here. 2009-09-28T15:45:15+00:00 http://www.geniusswitchstudio.com/index.php/blog/post/pablove.org-a-genius-switch-design-featured-in-filter-magazine/ http://www.geniusswitchstudio.com/index.php/blog/post/pablove.org-a-genius-switch-design-featured-in-filter-magazine/#When:21:14:37Z Dangerbird Records Co-Founder Announces Pablove Across America: 3000 Miles In 30 Days On 2 Bikes For 1 Cause by Staff | 09.14.2009On October 10, Dangerbird Records co-founder, Jeff Castelaz, along with his friend and coach Rick Babington, will embark on a 30-day bike expedition across the entire United States, with the sole mission to improve the treatment experience for children with cancer. Castelaz’s goal is to raise $1 million in funds and to increase awareness of pediatric cancer along the way. His pilgrimage is deeply rooted: he’s riding in honor and remembrance of his 6-year old son, Pablo Thrailkill Castelaz, whose individual fight with cancer ended June 27, 2009 after a 13-month battle. At the onset of Pablo’s diagnosis, Castelaz and his wife Jo Ann Thrailkill founded The Pablove Foundation. Pablove Across America is Castelaz’s physical show of commitment to fighting cancer. His message is urgent: kids get cancer too. Families need help and hope – not only to find a cure, but to increase joy and compassion during the day-to-day grind of treatment. The 3,100-mile ride will begin in St. Augustine, Fla. and culminate at Pablo’s grave at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles. Various guest cyclists such as Pablo’s friend Lance Armstrong will join on different legs of the jaunt, as they cover 100-plus miles a day, six days a week. Two special benefit concerts will take place: one in Austin, Texas, at Emo’s Jr. on October 28, one in Los Angeles November 21. Concert details will be announced shortly. This extensive journey is just one of many ways Castelaz and his family — armed with Pablo’s ever-inspiring spirit, love and boundless energy — continue to promote the purpose of the Pablove Foundation. Along the ride route, Castelaz will visit children’s hospitals to connect with kids just like Pablo; he will also promote the Pablove Foudnation’s mission in the media. A video crew will be alongside to document the journey and offer daily content online – anything to drive home the mission of the Pablove Foundation, and to keep Pablo’s spirit alive. The Pablove Foundation supports national pediatric cancer concerns with a focus on the pediatric cancer community in and around Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, where Pablo was treated. CHLA is a nonprofit hospital with a reputation as an international leader in providing state-of-the-art medical care for children. Each year they provide complex care for more than 93,000 children from across the United States and the world. The year-old foundation intends to announce its support of national programs beginning in 2010. In conjunction with Pablove Across America, the foundation will hold a high-profile eBay charity auction, including celebrity experience and memorabilia items. Details will be in announced the next few weeks. “Pablove Across America,” says Castelaz, “is about standing up, hammering the pedals, speaking out – and FIGHTING back. We want people to support and spread our message that kids get cancer too. It’s not somebody else’s problem. As the Pablove Foundation community grows, we can make a sizable difference in peoples’ lives.” Lance Armstrong once again lent his support while in Los Angeles this week, as he joined Castelaz for the official announcement and website launch. | Lance Armstrong "Pablove Across America" Announcement |    2009-09-15T21:14:37+00:00 http://www.geniusswitchstudio.com/index.php/blog/post/new-site-for-the-pablove-foundation-brought-loving-to-life-by-the-genius-sw/ http://www.geniusswitchstudio.com/index.php/blog/post/new-site-for-the-pablove-foundation-brought-loving-to-life-by-the-genius-sw/#When:16:33:56Z The Pablove Foundation is named after Pablo Castelaz, the son of Jo Ann Thrailkill and Jeff Castelaz, and the little brother of Grady Gallagher. On May 17, 2008, Pablo was diagnosed with bilateral Wilmsf Tumor, a rare form of childrenfs cancer. The cancer appeared out of nowhere, with no warning signs in Pablofs general demeanor or health. He underwent treatment at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. On June 27, 2009, Pablofs individual fight with cancer ended. But we fight on in his name, with the spirit of love that Pablo embodied and inspired. Every year, the Pablove Foundation gives money to improve the lives of children with cancer, at both a national level as well as a local level here in Los Angeles. As we carry out our mission, we wave a flag for anyone to see. On it are these words: Kids get cancer too. They need your help. Itfs not somebody elsefs problem. Childrens Hospital Los Angeles sits at the intersection of Sunset and Hollywood Boulevards ¡V literally the crossroads of Hollywood, Los Feliz and Silverlake, LAfs indie rock and roll heart. CHLA is a not-for-profit, independent operation. They treat everyone, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. In 2008, they treated over 97,000 children, and doled out $58.4 million in charitable care to children whose families were not able to pay for treatment, or who simply do not have insurance. The Pablove Foundation directly supports the pediatric cancer community in and around CHLA. In the months Pablofs family spent around the hospital, a fire flared up in their hearts. They have seen how much help the doctors, researchers, administrators and legions of volunteers at CHLA need in their effort to lay it down for the kids. Itfs all about the kids. But the helpers, and the support system, need all the help they can get. Just as important to kids with cancer is having an outlet for fun and recreation while in the hospital ¡X sometimes for weeks on end ¡X getting chemo treatments or waiting out a blood infection. In this spirit, The Pablove Foundation supports hospital play activities, music and arts programs. This year, we sponsor the evening and weekend hours in the CHLA cancer unit play room. This eunitf is actually an entire floor of the hospital. Itfs filled ¡X usually to capacity ¡X with brave, beautiful children at any time of the year. A strolling minstrel, a board game, a book, or an art easel bring such joy to the heart of a child whose life has been temporarily reduced to a small hospital room. Pablo found unending joy in the fourth floor playroom at CHLA. It was a place for him to interact with other kids, to let his imagination run wild over an art project, to get away from the monotony of lying in his bed. Itfs also where Pablo hung out with Lance Armstrong. genius switch studio proudly provided the foundation with custom design, development, and content management implementation.  Check out the new site here. 2009-09-10T16:33:56+00:00 http://www.geniusswitchstudio.com/index.php/blog/post/new-website-for-foundation-for-fair-civil-justice-goes-live/ http://www.geniusswitchstudio.com/index.php/blog/post/new-website-for-foundation-for-fair-civil-justice-goes-live/#When:18:21:20Z The Foundation for Fair Civil Justice (FFCJ) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational and charitable organization. Their mission is to develop and disseminate materials to educate the public and the leadership community on liability reform issues related to the fairness and health of civil justice systems at the state level. FFCJ works to educate the public and key stakeholders about the vital role and importance of state civil justice systems to the American way of life, to motivate stakeholders by helping them understand their personal stake in liability reform so they want to actively support broad improvements that ensure the fairness and effectiveness of state civil justice systems and to empower stakeholders with materials and toolkits to leverage the impact of their activities in support of liability reforms to end lawsuit abuse. genius switch studio was proud to deliver full development services inclusive of completely customized content management system, online donation capability, and rich media imbed functionality.  Check out the site here.  2009-08-31T18:21:20+00:00