Have you pre-ordered the new Apple iPhone 5 yet? With iPhone’s latest installation hitting stores tomorrow, Friday, September 21st, it seems that the iPhone 5 craze is reaching an all time high. We have already heard about the iPhone 5’s new features- larger screen (4-inches), lighter weight, A6 chip, 8-megapixel iSight Camera with panorama, iOS 6, iCloud, 4G LTE and more.

Photo via Apple

But what really seems to be causing a stir is the new Lightning interface, an eight-pin, all digital connector. Many loyal Apple customers are unhappy with the prospect of paying close to $30 for an adapter so that they can use the new iPhone 5 with all their docking stations. According to the Wall Street Journal, business owners are having a hard time shallowing the Lightning connector as well. For the hotels and gyms that outfitted their facilities with the old docking station and charging docks, the logistics of figuring out their best, most cost-effective option is causing quite a headache.

What do you think of the new iPhone 5? Are you looking forward to this latest edition?

Much has been discussed on the merits of the LEED program in the last month.  Even renowned architect Frank Gehry strongly criticized LEED certification, claiming that it was more of a political issue and not based on performance.

According to an opinion piece in the New York Times by Alec Appelbaum, “The LEED program, which awards points for incorporating eco-friendly material and practices into buildings’ design and construction, has led to a sea change in the industry, introducing environmental awareness into everything from regulatory processes to rents.

But while the standard is well-intentioned, it is also greatly misunderstood. Put simply, a building’s LEED rating is more like a snapshot taken at its opening, not a promise of performance. Unless local, state and federal agencies do their part to ensure long-term compliance with the program’s ideals, it could end up putting a shiny green stamp on a generation of unsustainable buildings.”

We’d love to hear what you think about all the negative press LEED has been receiving lately.