Barry Bekkedam

Golf is no longer just about feel and technique—technology is transforming how you train, compete, and even watch the game. Smart clubs and GPS-enabled balls now track swing speed, launch angle, and ball flight in real time, while portable launch monitors and simulators bring professional-level practice to your home. AI-powered swing analysis apps give instant feedback, helping you fix mechanics frame-by-frame. Wearables like Garmin Approach watches and Arccos sensors offer club recommendations, wind-adjusted yardages, and shot-by-shot stats—turning every round into a data-rich learning session. On the entertainment side, virtual leagues like TGL and mixed-reality golf create interactive, high-tech formats that appeal to a younger audience, while course operations benefit from drones, GPS carts, and autonomous mowers for faster play and better conditions. From smart gear to immersive virtual play, golf’s future is more connected, data-driven, and exciting than ever. ⛳ Ready to brin...

Utilities are no longer just managing infrastructure—they’re operating smart, data-driven networks. From IoT sensors that track performance in real time to AI tools predicting equipment failures, digital transformation is reshaping reliability, efficiency, and customer trust. Smart meters now give both utilities and customers instant insights—improving outage detection, usage transparency, and billing accuracy. Automated grids can reroute power, integrate solar and storage, and restore service without manual intervention. Predictive maintenance replaces costly surprises with planned, efficient repairs. Customers also benefit from digital convenience—self-service portals, mobile apps, real-time outage updates—all building transparency and loyalty. And with cyber threats growing, utilities are strengthening protections across systems while training staff to prevent breaches. This shift isn’t just about technology—it’s about people. A digitally skilled workforce can analyze data, work ...

Climate change is redrawing the map for global fisheries. Rising ocean temperatures are pushing species northward or into deeper waters, forcing fishers to adapt to new catch patterns. Marine heatwaves are hitting harder and more often—sometimes wiping out entire fisheries, like Alaska’s snow crab industry, in a single season. Ocean acidification is weakening shellfish and plankton populations, threatening the base of the marine food chain. Meanwhile, warmer waters and pollution are creating low-oxygen “dead zones” that drive fish away from traditional grounds. Seasonal cues for spawning and migration are also shifting, disrupting harvest timing and market cycles. For small-scale fishing communities, these changes can be devastating, as limited resources make adaptation harder. International fisheries agreements are under strain too, with species moving across borders and sparking disputes. The reality? Old patterns aren’t coming back. Success now depends on tracking real-time ocean...

Solar power is no longer a future vision—it’s happening now. From homes and businesses to national grids, renewable energy is breaking dependence on fossil fuels and unstable fuel markets. Affordable rooftop systems, community solar programs, and financing options mean more people can generate their own electricity and control their energy costs. Government incentives, like the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, are accelerating adoption, fueling manufacturing growth, and creating jobs. Utility-scale solar farms are reshaping power supply worldwide—cutting imports, lowering wholesale rates, and making grids more resilient. Energy storage, both at home and at the grid level, is solving the “nighttime” challenge, ensuring solar remains reliable around the clock. Even abandoned coal mines are being reborn as solar fields, turning industrial scars into clean energy hubs. Despite policy uncertainties, global investment remains strong because the long-term demand for solar is undeniable. From ...

  As the world transitions towards cleaner energy, solar power stands at the forefront of renewable solutions. Within the solar industry, two primary methods of harnessing this energy have emerged: rooftop solar and solar farms. While both approaches rely on the same basic technology—photovoltaic panels that convert sunlight into electricity—they serve different markets, face different challenges, and offer unique advantages. The debate over which system will dominate the future of solar is ongoing, and in this article, I’ll break down the key aspects of both, providing insights into their respective strengths and weaknesses. What is Rooftop Solar? Rooftop solar refers to the installation of solar panels on the roofs of residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. This method allows individual homeowners or businesses to generate electricity primarily for their own use. Any excess energy produced can be fed back into the grid, often providing credits on the user’s electricity ...

  The NBA is not just a platform for athletic talent; it’s also a stage for leadership at the highest level. Whether it’s players leading their teams on the court or coaches managing complex personalities, the lessons from the NBA have proven to be transferable to business environments. These principles—teamwork, adaptability, resilience, and communication—are essential not only in basketball but in any professional setting. This article will explore the leadership lessons drawn from the NBA that can inspire and guide leaders in the business world. Teamwork is the Foundation of Success One of the most fundamental leadership lessons from the NBA is the importance of teamwork. No matter how talented an individual player may be, championships are won through collective effort. The Golden State Warriors ’ success during their dynasty years wasn't just due to individual stars like Stephen Curry or Kevin Durant, but how the entire team functioned as a unit. In the business world, leader...