New Year's Resolutions

Hope you had a wonderful holiday season! It's hard to believe that 2010 is only a few short days away. It's the time of year to reflect on the things that really matter in life and create your plan to really ENJOY LIFE!


Here's a look at New Year's resolutions from OttLite team members. Please share yours with us, too!

Resolution: To drop 20 lbs & remain smoke free.
Matt Lee
Marketing Team



Here are my resolutions : Lose weight, volunteer in associations, try to be less on the Internet.
Anne-Laure Joubaire
International Business



I think mine will be to energize my life! Get more done around the house faster, Get out more, go to the park with the kids instead of the movies, go for walks and bike ride instead of watching TV.
Gigi Lebron
Operations Manager


Be kinder to my tomorrow self! That means put the kids’ clothes out the night before, think about dinner a day ahead, order gifts early, etc.
Jessica Kremkau
Marketing Team

Best wishes for a wonderful 2010!!!

OttLite December Rock Star

Next on my list of things I have to see: one of Gary Richardson’s productions!

This month, our OttLite Rock Star is talented pastor, storyteller, and man-of-many-hats, Gary Richardson. He has been writing and performing theatrical stories for 12 years now. Since there’s no set and production is kept to a minimum, you wouldn’t consider these the normal, elaborate kinds of musicals you’ve seen before. Gary’s theatrical storytelling captivates you so that you generate your own vision. No one set or costume will ever be the same when you, the audience member, are the one creating it.

Gary believes that stories that are meant to be passed verbally, generation to generation, and he opens up a wonderful world of theatrical storytelling possibilities.

So let’s shine the spotlight on our inspiring OttLite Rock Star, Gary Richardson. His works truly seem like a treat for all ages!

OttLite on TV!

OttLite CEO Don Barry visited Tampa, Florida's Channel 10 to show them the OttLite difference and share our cool new styles.

Watch the interview to learn about how BRIGHTER ISN'T BETTER. OttLite simulates the outdoor light, but without the brightness and glare. OttLite lets you see better and enjoy what you're doing even more! Plus, it's energy efficient and eco-friendly. Check out the video to learn more.

Red Carpet Premiere!!!

We just had our first-ever, super-fun OttLite Party!! On Tuesday, November 17th from 5 pm to 10 pm EST, tons of OttLite enthusiasts logged on to see the unveiling of two new, innovative OttLite Lamps -- The POD Lamp and the Telescoping Lamp.

The event was well attended and my favorite part was the online chat room. Bringing the OttLite community together was a blast!

We invite you to share in the fun by watching the POD and Telescoping Lamp walk the red carpet in this great stop motion video. Plus, check them out online. These are great for holiday presents!

We've created these lamps with smart features. The POD lamp doubles as a place to stow and charge your portable devices. And the Telescoping lamp has an incredible range of adjustment with a ball join at the base that rotates 360 degrees.

To join in on the fun at upcoming events, click here.

We Love Customer Letters!!!

We receive the most incredible letters from OttLite customers. Here are two that really speak to what OttLite is all about -- helping people do the things they love! Helping them Enjoy Life!


Letter from Juliann F. in Napa, California

I couldn't read at night without my Ottlite. I have had two detached retinas, one in each eye, in 1994 and 1995. One surgery was done perfectly and the other left a wrinkle in the material used to reattach the retina. Reading was difficult. When I saw the advertisement for your light I sent for one. It was the best thing I did.

 Now I can read with plenty of light on the newspapers, books or magazines. There is no heat given out nor bright light, just as your advertisement proclaims.

 Letter from Cathy M in Ft. Wayne, Indiana

As one ages, one's eyesight diminishes. I have to say that this light has made all the difference in working at my desk!! I am lucky to have natural sunlight, but it's too bright on my monitor screen. Therefore, I have to close the shade and depend on my OttLite to "light" the way! Thanks again for your terrific customer service.

It’s Aliiiiive!

Hey OTTers!No doubt you’ve noticed by now that our new site is up and running, and we could not be more thrilled about it.
 

It’s actually been an amazing process redesigning the site, and many of the ideas that guided the development came from you.

You’ll notice that shopping is now easier than ever: you can browse product by category (e.g., desk lamps, floor lamps, etc.), by lifestyle need (e.g., office, hobby, gardening), or by lamp style (e.g., retro, modern, classic). We also simplified and streamlined the checkout process.

But I think the best part is the enhanced OttLite Channel. You and I both know that being an OTTer is a way of life, and the OttLite Channel is 100% dedicated to celebrating that.

We’re dedicating space on our webpage to the people who truly enjoy life (we call them our Rock Stars). And we’re making it easier for passionate, brilliant OTTers (like yourselves) to connect with one another. We’re all about the global OTTer community — because when creative, passionate people get together, amazing things can happen!

Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook (not just for the community; we’ll also be posting secret discount codes there) — and leave us a comment to tell us what you think so far!

We’re excited about the possibilities!

Why is it dark so early?

It hit me when I stepped out of the bright and happy (incredibly well lit :-) OttLite office last night -- darkness. It was only 6 pm! Oh, that's right, Daylight Saving Time ended. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the extra hour of sleep, but I miss the sunlight on my way home.

Like many people wondering why we set our clocks back every fall, I consulted about.com. Here are some fun Daylight Saving Time facts:

• Daylight Saving Time was instituted in the United States during World War I to save energy for war production by taking advantage of the later hours of daylight from April to October
• Starting in 2007 Daylight Saving Time is four weeks longer with the hope that it would save 10,000 barrels of oil each day through reduced use of power by businesses during daylight hours
• Not everywhere in the US observes Daylight Savings Time
• It's Daylight Saving Time, not Daylight Savings Time (with an s)
• The European Union observes "European Summer Time", similar to our Daylight Saving Time

The first thing I did when I got home was turn on my OttLite lamp to spread a little sunshine in the room. OttLite is a great way to go from dark and dreary to bright and happy! Click here for some great deals on OttLite lighting!

Bon Jour!

Hi everyone ! My name is Anne-Laure.

I really wanted to introduce myself to all readers of this blog, whether you are avid customers of OttLite products, or eager to know more about our team and products.

I just entered the company as an intern on the 1st of October and am already thrilled by the amazing working atmosphere here !

I am a French junior student from Sciences-Po Paris (Institute of Political Sciences). We have to spend our 3rd year abroad either studying in a university or doing an internship, wherever we want. I looked for internships solely in the US, because it is a country I’ve always wanted to discover. I love the States (though I miss French bread and cheese), and everyone at the company is welcoming and friendly. What’s more, I’m going to learn lots of interesting stuff as I will be working in departments (Marketing, communication, International) in which I may want to work later.

So be prepared, I’m going to post on a regular basis on this blog, whether about my discovery of OttLite products, or about my experience in an American company and the main differences between ways of doing business in France and in America. For those able to read French, you can check out my blog.

What's Under CEO Don Barry's OttLite?

Check out what OttLite president and CEO Don Barry is reading during National Book Month ...

"I'm reading, Americans in Normandy. It is the story of the U.S. soldiers who fought in the hedgerow battle on the Cotentin peninsula in Normandy, France. It was some of the most brutal fighting of World War II, and you sure get an appreciation for our Freedom (and that of Europe) when you read what these 18 to 22 year old guys did (and how some lived and some died). Tragic but spellbinding!"

Click here to tell us what you're reading!

What are you reading?

We are just days away from October – hard to believe!!! October is National Book Month, so we’ve asked the team here at OttLite to tell us what they’re reading. I must say, I’m a little concerned about all the vampire stories – but I guess it’s almost Halloween, too. Here's what they have under their OttLite lamps ...

Kelley B – OttLite VideographerI'm reading The Collected Short Stories of Arthur C. Clarke. I’m interested in science and he’s one of the most renowned science fiction writers of all time. It’s awesome.

Shilo C – OttLite Marketing
I just finished reading Harry Potter and the Dealthy Hallows. Well, I've finished reading it twice. When I got the book, I skipped to the last chapter and read it. Now that the Harry Potter books are over, I'm on to the vampires of Twilight.

Julia T – OttLite Sales Team
I'm reading The Strain by Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan. It's about a virus that comes over people … vampire-esque. It creeped me out. Vampires form Europe on a plane. Everyone seems dead. Like I said, creepy!

Jessica K (me) – OttLite Marketing

I'm on the fourth Twilight book ... only 100 pages left to go. I can't bring myself to finish it because I'm sad that it will be over! I also love reading about the Elizabethan era.

So, what are you reading? Please, comment below!

Homework in Kindergarten?

Guest Blogger: Shilo Coleman

My name is Shilo, and I am the Marketing Traffic Manager at OttLite. On August 24th my son Nathan started Kindergarten. He loves it! Everyday he comes home so excited to tell me about all the things he did and learned. Surprisingly Kindergarteners have homework too, so at night we sit at his desk next to his OttLite and study. Nathan knows all about OttLite. He has a black Learning Light that he decorated himself with skateboard and rock n’ roll stickers all over it.

Not only does he know that it’s a great light for reading but for color matching as well. When it’s time for bed and he wants to wear black sweatpants not blue, he will take both pairs over to his OttLite, hold them under the light and see which one is black and which one is blue.

I am so glad that Nathan is developing good learning habits so early, and we will continue to help him by having him study and read with an OttLite next to him.

What You Can See IN Your Eyes

While browsing through the web today at lunch, I found an amazing article about the eye.
You've heard the eyes are the windows to the soul, but did you know they can also be the window to your health?


 MSN's article 14 Things Your Eyes Say About Your Health covers everything from bumpy yellowish patches on the eyelid to thinning brows.
Here's an excerpt from the article:

"The eye is a unique window into health" says ophthalmologist Andrew Iwach, spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and executive director of the Glaucoma Center of San Francisco.


"It's the only place in the body where, without surgery, we can look in and see veins, arteries and a nerve [the optic nerve]."

The eyes' transparency explains why common eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration can be detected early with regular eye exams.

"Unfortunately, people get busy and delay not only eye exams but regular physicals. That's why eye doctors sometimes discover other issues, like diabetes or high blood pressure" Iwach says.

_______________________________________________________________

To learn more about Ottlite and vision, visit http://www.ottlitebettervision.com/

Confessions of an Animator

By Guest Blogger: Kelley Barry

Animation is one of my passions. It has been ever since seeing the movie The Nightmare Before Christmas when I was a kid. At the time I didn’t know how the process worked, but eagerly wanted to learn! Throughout the years leading up to the present I have learned many things regarding animation and it has intrigued me even more. I ended up studying animation in college, and ultimately finding a job out of college where I am able to continue to create and learn the art of animation.

Working at OttLite Technologies gives me a large amount of artistic freedom for which I am very thankful. In college, I became interested in the process of Stop Motion Animation, which is a style of animation created using numerous photographs placed in a sequence to show movement. It is basically like shooting a film , only with a still camera instead of a video camera. It is a very difficult and time-consuming process, however the final outcome is extremely rewarding. There are many examples of this form of animation out there for the public to see including commercials (i.e. Xbox, Sony, Nikon) and films, (i.e. Coraline, The Science of Sleep, James and the Giant Peach) and even on the OttLite website! If you are interested in learning about this intereting style of animation, check it out!

Video Results Revealed!

About a month ago, we asked our OttLite Community newsletter members to help us name the star of our first stop motion animated video.

Well, the results are in! Our favorite answers for the name were "Ottonator" and "Lampalicious", but the overwhelming winner was Otto D'Lite. And what should Otto do next? Love, fight, party? Click on the video below and see for yourself!

OttLite Lamp of the Month!

This is my new favorite OttLite lamp - the Dakota. I have the floor lamp and desk lamp in my living room. My living room isn't as posh and fabulous as the one in the cool graphic below ... more a mix of comfortable contemporary and preschooler functional :-) I love it because it is elegant, but also so very functional. The swing arm and rotating head lets me move it around to highlight whatever I'm reading or working on, which is really good for my laptop because you need a different light angle for that kind of work. Also great for before bed storytime.

We have some great deals every month with our Lamp of the Month specials. Keep an eye out on our home page ... or, if you haven't already, join our community and we'll send invites right to your inbox.

Great OttLite Review on The Digital Story Blog!

At the CHA Super Show in Orlando, we met Stephanie, the Creative Editor of The Digital Story blog/website. She went home with an OttLite and liked it so much, she wrote about it on her blog! Stephanie is also a designer for Kodomo Inc. - this stuff is gorgeous (see image below)!

 

Here's a look at what she wrote:

 

"I recently wrote about your amazing lamp in a blog and got a wonderful response. Thank you for a terrific product!

 

"OttLites are awesome! They offer full spectrum lighting that more accurately replicates natural outdoor lighting. It's perfect for people like myself who may need to take product shots, but don't own a lot of lighting equipment."

Thanks, Stephanie, for sharing your OttLite story!

Cool You Tube Comment!

You Tube is such a cool way to connect with people! We received this comment on the OttLite You Tube channel from "rockford74".

"My entire house is lite up by Ottlight and I love it. I have them in my bathrooms, my kitchen, bedrooms and in all the high hats in my home. I can't stand to see the light ANY other light bulb gives off.

"After using Ottlight I am now spoiled and every other light that is not an Ottlight looks yellow to me. I can not stand to use any other kind of lighting, only Ottlight for me! I think everyone should call and just order one Otlight, any Ottlight and trust me you will be hooked!! You will be ordering more right away I guarantee it!

"When you call to order your Ottlight you should ask for a lady named "Debra Simpson" she is by far the nicest sales person you will EVER meet in your life. She will talk to you and help you decide witch light fixture is best for you. She is such a pleasure to speak with and if you have any pets at home be sure to tell her about them! She is the biggest animal lover I have ever met! Enjoy your Ottlight, I guarantee you will love it."

Incredible Craft Space!

Check out this beautiful craft space from Stampin' Up Demonstrator Katie H. Here's what she has to say about OttLite and how she uses it ...

“I am so proud of my new OttLite. And would love to share how it enhances any creative space. To share a little about myself, I am a mother of two (ages 7 and 16) and a wife to the amazing man who let me create this wonderful crafting space.

"I am a scrapbooker at heart but have really started to branch out. I became a Stampin' Up Demonstrator in March and just love sharing their products and my creative ideas with others. I love crafting cards, scrapbook pages, home decor and many many gifts for others using a wide variety of mediums.

"Currently, I am attempting to learn to sew - my OttLite is so light and portable that I am able to move it from my computer space, to my craft table, to my sewing machine, etc. ... I just love the 'true' light it brings into my creative space!"

Thank you, Katie, for sharing your cool space with us. Good luck with sewing!!!!

Big Fun at the CHA Craft SuperShow

We had a blast at the first ever CHA Craft SuperShow in Orlando! Big crowds, lots of really cool crafts and amazingly creative people. The OttLite booth was buzzing with activity -- make and takes, people seeing our lighting for the first time and lots of prizes and fun.

Thank you to the hundreds of creative people who stopped by our booth! You are what makes OttLite so great!

Check out this video to see the OttLite booth in action.

New Stop Motion OttLite Video!

Welcome to the world premiere of filmmaker Kelley Barry's stop motion film. Starring the filmmaker, this short video shows the OttLite lamp coming to life to do something we all do ... check in with friends on Facebook :-)



Here's a quick interview with Kelley:

Q. What gave you the idea to bring the OttLite to life?
A. It's got very life-like features like the swiveling neck. It almost reminds me of a Transformer or robot.

Q. What was your inspiration to do stop motion video?
A. Coming from an animation background, I utilized the various techniques used by major stop motion animators such as Henry Selick and Tim Burton, the minds behind Corpse Bride and Nightmare Before Christmas. And especially Jan Svankmajer -- a lesser known stop motion animator.

Q. How long did it take you to film all those tiny lamp movements?
A. About 5 or 6 hours and lots of angles and patience.

Q. Will there be a sequel? What will you have the lamp do next?
A. Definitely a sequel ... maybe a visit to Match.com or a lamp house party. We'll find out what kind of music the lamp likes.

Any ideas? Stay tuned for the next installment!

Super Sewer Darlene Cahill Backstage Studio Tour!

This is the ultimate backstage pass to HSN sewing expert Darlene Cahill's fabulous sewing studio. There is nothing this woman can't do ... sewing, stained glass, embroidery, interior decorating, writing. She's amazing.

Check out this video and see her super cool studio for yourself. Darlene demos Brother and Singer sewing machines on HSN -- over 60 machines in the past 3 years. She has to learn the specifics of each machine and create projects to show the functionality on air.


Her studio is filled with OttLite lamps, too. Enjoy!

A Shared Love of Books

My niece and I have always had a connection. When she was really little, it was easy -- Strawberry Shortcake dolls, my old magic set, our shared love of musicals. Now that she's 10, she is wonderfully independent and a little harder to read. When she told me she had just devoured the first two Twilight books, I jumped at the chance to read them. I then did what any loving aunt would do ... I bought her the third Twilight book.

It is so fun to have this common story, our own inside conversation. I'm on the first book ... and can't put it down. When I found out the main character Bella loves Jane Austin books, I was so excited. What a nice literary role model for my niece. However, that's where Bella's sense and sensibility ends. I don't want my sweet niece hanging out with bad boys or vampires. Though, Edward does seem like alot of fun!


And, of course, my niece reads by the light of her own OttLite lamp. I have the suspicion that it's on 'til the wee hours of the morn illuminating Bella and Edward. Maybe after she finishes the series, her OttLite will light up the fiery romance of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.

- Jessica

The Happy Minimalist Enjoys Life with OttLite

If you're looking for a unique Father's Day present, check out this book by Peter Lawrence -- The Happy Minimalist. It's one of those books that really makes you think about life and what is important. Peter talks about how to live simply without feeling deprived. The book is practical and inspirational at the same time.

And what does the man who lives so minimally have? An OttLite! He's had it since 1997. One of Peter's tips is to "slay the energy vampires" by reducing electricity costs, turning off appliances and switching to energy efficient lighting. Here's what Peter says about OttLite ...

"I have a portable lamp that I use when I read. I bought that lamp in 1997 and have yet to replace the bulb. It is not only better for your eyes, it also saves energy."

New Craft Blog Speaks from the Heart

Check out this new blog from craft design expert Kathy Peterson and health expert Barb Dehn, RN, NP. Craft for Health is all about the healing power of crafting. Kathy said she's had stories pouring in from all over from readers who have turned to crafting to work through grief, pain, stress and more.

There is such a healing power with crafting. When my grandmother passed away, I picked up a cross stitch needle for the first time and stitched my way out of grief. I felt connected with her somehow, by doing something she loved. Then sharing those pieces with my newborn niece and nephew really continued the circle for me.

Now that I have kids of my own, I plan to pass this tradition on to them. Crafting teaches us appreciation for creating something with our hands. In our instant-gratification society, I want my kids to learn patience and that good things take time and effort. That’s what my grandmother taught me in everything she said and did.

At OttLite, we've captured stories about the Power of Creativity in a video series.

 

These teachers and artists share how creativity has changed their lives and the lives of their students. Crafting is powerful and healing all at the same time. Please share your stories with us!

I Love My OttLite!

My favorite part of going to a trade show or event is when someone sees my OttLite shirt and says, "I LOVE my OttLite!" I just smile from ear to ear!! So, we decided to capture all these incredible stories of how OttLite has helped people enjoy what they do even more.

Take a look at these fun videos from the gang at Keep Me In Stitches in Tampa, Florida. This place is so cool -- filled with color, great fabrics and flooded with OttLite lighting in the overheads. It's like walking into the sunshine :-)

We would love to hear your OttLite story. Please send us your video or an e-mail today!

Artists of America - Helping Foster Children

We received an incredible e-mail from a very special artist -- Diedre Burke. She works with a group called Artists of America. Their mission is to provide art classes for America's foster children and at-risk youth. Their goal is to "improve lives, one child at a time."

Diedre sent us a picture of her with a portrait she painted ... using her OttLite lamp! Here's what she has to say about OttLite:

"As an artist, I use Ott Lite Bulbs when I paint, so I know personally how vitally important the quality of the light a person uses is!"

We want to thank Diedre for sharing her story with us and for all the work she does sharing the incredible gift of art with kids. THANK YOU DIEDRE!!!!

For more info on Artists of America, visit www.artistsofamerica.info

OttLite Launches New Low Vision Video Series!

We recently sat down with Dr. Marc Jay Gannon of the Low Vision Institute in Ft. Lauderdale Florida. Dr. Gannon is an authority on low vision and approaches it from an occupational therapy perspective. Instead of saying, you have macular degeneration and can't read anymore, Dr. Gannon works with patients to find ways for them to adapt to their condition and enjoy doing the activities they love.

We're proud to launch our Low Vision Video Series featuring Dr. Gannon. He explains low vision problems and new approaches to living with and overcoming low vision conditions.

We invite you to watch this series and get information to help yourself and your loved ones.

Video Topics:

Introduction to Low Vision and Macular Degeneration

Diabetic Retinopathy

Glaucoma

Cataracts

Low Vision and Nutrition

Lighting for Low Vision and Other Solutions