Less than three weeks before Cape Town.  Thank you all for your patience with the latency in replies and with handling the flurry of urgent emails from me.  There’s one of me, part-time and almost 40 of you!  As things get down to the wire, do not hesitate to call my directly at my mobile.  I don’t want you to have to wait for answers if I can help it!

Many of you had similar questions.  I thought it would be more beneficial to post them up here.  I will keep this page updated everyday with answers from questions from you if they are relevant enough the share with everyone.  Please bookmark this page and check back frequently!

Shino Jomoto, +1 415-999-3922, shino@bmic.org (gchat), shino.jomoto (skype)

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Transportation from the Airport to Cape Town: How?  Will you reimburse?

For those that have used their travel stipend in full, I will reimburse your transportation to and from the airport.  I will arrange for pick up for two students from each team.  Payment will not be pre-arranged and the cost for the transfers are R200 per person (~$25USD).  I will need to know your flight details so that I can arrange your transportation.  ***Please fill out this form*** I am including their contact info for purposes of transparency.  Reimbursement will be provided when I see you.

Sisonke Tourism Services: Phone + 27 21 696 4002, tourism@sisonketours.co.za

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Reimbursement: fiascoes, updates, questions

There was an issue with a batch of mail that never made it to their intended recipients.  ***Fill out this form,*** so that I can ensure that stipends get to you in a timely manner.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Housing: where, who, how much

The form you filled out from the transportation section above (***Please fill out this form***) will help me organize the arrangements based on gender and team.  Reiterating prior information:

• BMIC is arranging housing accommodations for two members from each team.
• Check in date: Sunday, May 27th until checkout
• Check out date: morning of Thursday, May 30th.  
• Location: Atlantic Point Backpackers Hostel.  
• Additional teammates? Can book at the same hostel for the same rate.  Please reference my name: Shino – Berkeley BMIC group.  If you need proof of purchase for accommodations for Visa purposes, you can find that documentation here.  Conversion rates in South Africa are superb right now!  You will find that things are more affordable while you are down there.  
• Plan to arrive before Sunday or depart after Thursday?  You must arrange your own accommodations.  If you find that Atlantic Point is booked, try the following hostels that are affordable and extremely close to Atlantic.
• House on the Hill
• A Sunflower Stop 
• Extending your travels and want to consider other hostels in another part of Cape Town?  These were two that are recommended:
• http://www.forty8backpackers.co.za/
  www.penthouseonlong.com

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Where is that link to the original logistics info?

HERE!

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University of British Columbia Wins 2012 University Mobile Challenge

The Berkeley Mobile International Collaborative (BMIC) and the GSM Association are pleased to announce the four-person company, “GoodNights”, from University of British Columbia (UBC) won the 2012 University Mobile Challenge at the annual competition held March 1st at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

Fourteen of the world’s best universities from nine different countries competed, each presenting a unique mobile application.  In the finals, the judges crowned Jeff Blake, Justin Locke, Michael Moll and James Hinton of UBC’s (Canada) “GoodNights” as the winner, with Bankin’ of ESSEC (France) coming in second, Dr. Diabetes of ESADE (Spain) in third and Candoo of Pace University (USA) in fourth.

GoodNights is a new “event ticketing” company poised to revolutionize the way consumers buy and redeem concert tickets.  The company hopes to bring efficiency to a $30 billion dollar industry that has not seen much innovation in the past 50 years.  Second place finisher, Bankin’ showcased their mobile banking app which has already generated substantial revenue for a startup that has yet to raise institutional financing.  Barcelona’s own ESADE team won 3rd place with their Dr. Diabetes application for the underserved Chinese market.  Rounding out the finalists, two freshmen from Pace University show cased their mobile solution for disabled users.

The University Mobile Challenge is part of a special program organized by BMIC, a non-profit organization promoting student innovation and entrepreneurship through competitions, educational bootcamps, and online resources.  This year’s University Mobile Challenge is made possible by sponsors GSMA, LabOne and AppCentral.

University Mobile Challenge Barcelona 2012 Alumni

We hope you all made it home safely.  We were thrilled to have met you all in Spain.  Please fill out this form if you did not receive your travel stipend in Barcelona.  Also, we will be following up with other news, questions, opportunities and will review the post competition feedback in the coming weeks.

University Mobile Health Challenge, Cape Town 2012 Applicants

Over twenty teams have registered to compete in this year’s first annual university mobile health challenge!  BMIC’s Shino Jomoto will send out more details to those that have registered with their intent to compete.  In the meantime, please go here for information regarding immediate next steps.  We would like to thank our sponsors, GSM Association, Qualcomm and QTel for their support with hosting this competition.

This is the logistical information page for those students teams that will be competing in the University Mobile Health Challenge in Cape Town.

FAQ page here. (updated Thursday, May 10)

GSMA Mobile Health Summit

This year’s GSMA Mobile Health Summit is scheduled from Tuesday, May 29 to Friday, June 1 in Cape Town, South Africa.  We recently sent registered team leaders a request to have all of those who, if chosen, plan to travel to Cape Town to compete to fill out the following form.  Please do so by Sunday, April 22 to ensure proper registration.  This includes faculty advisors as well.  Thanks to those that have already done so.  If you have not, make sure to submit your individual info as soon as possible!

Venture Boot Camp in Cape Town

We will be hosting a pre-competition entrepreneurial boot camp similar to the one held in Spain.  More details to come, but it is earmarked for Monday, May 28, 1pm – 5pm in the same room as the competition the following day.  We highly recommend that you attend this collaborative session.  The winning team from the University Mobile Challenge at Mobile World Congress admitted that they firmly think they would not have won the competition had it not been for the boot camp.  

Travel Stipends

BMIC will be providing a stipend to each participating University, which is meant to cover airfare for 2 students.  Each team is allowed to send 5 students and an advisor but the University must cover the airfare and hostel costs of the additional members.  The size of the stipend is based on the distance of origin.  Each team was awarded with a specified amount.  Once you send your airfare purchase receipt, Shino will mail you one check per team in the full amount.  With the exception of transportation from the airport to hostel and Monday night’s group dinner, all other expenses are non-reimbursable.  We encourage you to determine whether your university has a budget to further support your means of getting to South Africa. 

Housing

BMIC is arranging housing accommodations for two members from each team.  You are covered from check in Sunday, May 27th until checkout Thursday, May 30th.  You will staying at the Atlantic Point Backpackers Hostel.  Additional teammates can book at the same hostel for the same rate.  Please reference my name: Shino – Berkeley group.  If you need proof of purchase for accommodations for Visa purposes, you can find that documentation here.  Conversion rates in South Africa are superb right now!  You will find that things are more affordable while you are down there.  If you plan to arrive before Sunday or depart after Thursday, you must arrange your own accommodations.  If you find that Atlantic Point is booked, contact Shino and she will provide other recommendations for safe hostels in the area.

Conference Passes

Frequently asked questions about Summit Passes:

• Beyond 2 students, will additional teammates and faculty get free passes to the mHealth summit conference?  While we are limited at providing each team with two passes, we will logistically make sure that all students are able to attend the conference.  
• Why do some get Gold and others get the general exhibitor passes?  We wanted to make sure each team had at least one pass with full Gold member access.  Unfortunately we could not obtain Gold passes for everyone.  However, since you will have your own floor space on the conference show floor, it is unlikely that the team, together, will be needing full access at the same time.  You can share the different passes depending on when you have free time, what you’re interested in seeing, etc.  I have invited at least one member from each team to register for a gold pass.
• I realize not everyone has received an invitation to register on the GSMA website.  Preference went to those that needed Visas.  If you need a Visa letter, please register immediately.  If you have not received an email inviting you to register, please contact me right away.  I am in the progress of obtaining more passes.  To those that do not require a Visa, there is no time sensitivity in acquiring your passes from GSMA.  If you do not receive an invite to register by May 15, contact me and I’ll make sure you are setup.

Amazing Opportunities Ahead

With the support of GSMA, finalists that are selected to compete in Cape Town have some fantastic opportunities to look forward to.  Each finalist will be awarded a conference pass, valued at $1000USD, which will give you access to the open networking receptions throughout and the summit itself.  More event information can be found here.  You will have official space on the main exhibition floor to demo and pitch your application at the conference!   This is an incredible opportunity to have a booth presence to meet other exhibitors, mobile and medical industry leaders.  Your names, university logos and profile will be included in the Event Guide and will be displayed on your booth.

Happtique, Inc., the largest provider of mHealth Application Stores to Hospitals and Clinicians in the world, provides a cloud-based software-as-a-service that allows healthcare professionals to effectively browse and locate apps for Apple, Android, and HTML-5 enabled devices.  As part of the GSMA Mobile Health University Challenge, Happtique will be providing a free listing of each submitted app into the Happtique Professional Application Store which can then be freely browsed using the happtique mHealth app catalog.  Additionally, Happtique’s recently announced blue-ribbon panel will soon publish an open standard for the certification of mHealth apps as being both technically and medically sound.  Each team participating in the challenge will receive a free mHealth app certification when this service is available.

Visas and Vaccinations

Most nationalities do not require a visa to enter South Africa.  Check to make sure your passport is valid, does not expire within 6 months of May 2012 and has at least two empty pages for stamp endorsements. For a list of visa requirements per nationality see the South Africa Department of Home Affairs site.  Review any vaccinations required by your home country.  Some informative links about immunizations for those traveling to South Africa:

• Summary of Recommendations
• Cape Town Tourist Information
• Travel Advice (UK)
• US Department of State Cape Town Travel Information 

*************Update to Team Finalists, Tuesday, April 24, 2012**************

COMPETITION VIDEOS FROM BARCELONA

We threw a lot of information at you in the last few weeks.  Helen will email out an info packet which highlights the important details.  Look for this in the coming days.

Boot Camp

Review the list below to see if you are in the 9 – 12 AM or 12 – 3 PM session.  Regardless of which group you are in, you will be asked to meet early Wednesday morning at Hostel Lenin for a quick meeting before session A heads to ESADE Business School.

Meet, Greet and Help Each Other

The hostel will be buzzing with almost 50 students.  Introduce yourselves as you are checking in to stay.  The process leading up to Thursday is just as much of a learning experience as the actual competition.  Last year’s finalists bonded, explored the city together, learned from each other and made life long connections.  You are all leaders in entrepreneurship, so I encourage you to make the best of your time in Barcelona and really get to know each other.

Competition Lineup

Lineup is subject to a randomized drawing and will be announced at dinner.  Since you won’t know until then, prepare as if you were presenting first or pitching last!  Please remember to conceal which university you are representing, whether it be presentation slides or clothing.  We encourage this obfuscation, so that judging remains as fair and unbiased as possible.

Pitch Barcelona Opportunity

If you are in Barcelona on Tuesday, there is a great opportunity to practice pitching to Blumberg Capital, an early stage VC firm for Global Entrepreneurs.  It’s a chance to pitch and ask questions in 10-minute sessions.  You set the agenda.  If you can’t get a meeting time, join them for a drink at the happy hour event at the madvertise booth.  Register here.

In the same location, madvertise invites app developers, publishers, media agents and agencies to meet and talk mobile advertising, monetization and marketing.  Make sure to register to attend as capacity for both meeting and mixing is limited. Grab your time slot when you register, and plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early so we can get you checked in and ready.  Please note that if you are signing up for a time slot as a team, only ONE person needs to register.

Questions?

Please feel free to call me anytime between now and Monday.  415-999-3922 (shino.jomoto)

Previous Announcements

You can also find them off our the main University Mobile Challenge page.  All password protected sites no longer require a pw.

• Next Steps, Part 1
• Next Steps, Part 2
• Next Steps, Part 3

So let’s just get right to it:

Students that need Visas

If have still not received your Visa letter and are not in a current discussion between GSMA and BMIC, contact shino@bmic.org

Travel Stipends

Be aware that we will be awarding one check, in full, to each team.  Please work out the reimbursement distribution amongst your fellow teammates.  Bring your receipts or you can email them to files@bmic.org.  We need these for potential non-profit 501(c)(3) auditing by the US Internal Revenue Service.

Presentation Materials

We are relaxing any previous submission deadlines.  We recognize that many of you are still revising presentations and demos.  I predict you will have more edits after boot camp, too!  Make sure that your final presentation is with BMIC by the end of dinner Wednesday night.  Due to tight time constraints, we require all competition material be on a USB drive.  We ask that all demos on simulators be pre-recorded and transferable.  No executive summary is required, but your pitch should represent your business plan in some visual way.

Files, files, files!

There is a correction is the email address.  Use file@bmic.org if you are sending any attachments.  This includes, presentations, expense receipts, photos, mini-biographies.

Housing Arrangements

Arrangements have already been made at Hostel Lenin.  All students that have RSVP’d directly with Shino Jomoto are booked from Tuesday check-in to Friday check-out.  If you plan on arriving before or are staying after Friday, you must arrange your own accommodations.  I have made reservations for those stu$5dents that are intending to have additional team members attend.  If you have more than two students that require housing accommodations, those additional students are responsible for payment.  However, again, reservations have been made to include you.  If your stipend has room to include this expense, then please take that opportunity!  Otherwise, checks must be made out to the “Berkeley Mobile International Collaborative” for the amount of $57USD/additional student.  Official reservation documentation can be found here.

Boot Camp, Wednesday February 29

• You should receive your Visa letters from GSMA before the end of week *if* you have registered for your event pass.  You must register for Mobile Congress to initiate the process.
• I have sent you all as much info on our accommodations as I can to date.  I will send you the official receipt as soon as I get it which should be by tomorrow morning PST.  In the meantime, the supporting documentation and wire confirmation is the best I can do.
• I have sent you an invitation, as well, on behalf of BMIC.  If you need an ink signed copy, please contact me directly.
• If you are unsure about receiving a visa in time for the competition, you must purchase refundable plane tickets.  You will still be able to compete remotely via recorded video.

Housing

• Housing has been booked at Hotel Lenin
• Directions from the Hostel to Mobile World Congres
• Check in: Tuesday afternoon, 2/28
• World Check out: Friday morning, 3/2
• We are covering three nights for 2 students from each team.  However, I have booked more beds in consideration of teams that want to bring additional teams members because we want you housed at the same location.
• If you are bringing more than three, please send me a follow up email just so that I’m sure that I have an accurate headcount.  Additional members and faculty are responsible for all accommodations; however, BMIC has prepaid the entire projected headcount in order to minimize costs.  I can talk to those teams individually about payment and expenses.  
• If you are arriving earlier than Tuesday or leaving later than Friday, you must arrange your own housing accommodations and are at liberty to book anywhere, but it would serve you to conveniently stay at Hostel Lenin, so their contact info can be found at the link above.

Travel Stipend FAQs

I need the money now.  Can you send the stipend now? 

• If you absolutely need the money in order to make travel arrangements, contact info@bmic.  There are a few emails I have not responded back to.  I appreciate your patience.  Please resend to the info@bmic alias and we will work with those teams with immediate financial need.

I don’t need the money now, so when will I receive reimbursement?

• BMIC will award you with your check in full at the event.
• You must bring or email me your travel receipts in order to receive your stipend.  

If we find a cheaper means a traveling to Barcelona, can we use the leftover funds to bring along additional team members or pay for hostel accommodations for nights before Tuesday and/or after Friday?

• Yes!  We encourage you to maximize your stipend if it means you can cover any additional expenses related to the competition.  While we wish to cover everything and for all team mates, we don’t have the funds to make it happen this year.  Please save all receipts to hand in during reimbursement exchange.

Are we responsible for our meals?

• BMIC will cover dinner Wednesday night at the meet and greet banquet and pre-competition gathering.  All other meals and snacks must be covered by all individuals unless covered by your stipend.

Event Passes

• You should have all received an invitation to register with the GSMA if you filled out my pre-reg form.  If you have faculty members or additional team mates that are planning to attend, they must also fill out the form so that I can arrange to have event badges set aside for them

Student Photos, Bios and Resumes

• Before February 20th, I need a photo of you, a brief (100 word) student bio and a team photo.  These will be posted up on BMIC.org.
• Resume submissions are optional.  Our sponsors past, present and future are deeply interested in the pool of talent from our competitions.  There is no deadline and it is not mandatory.  
• All submissions of any attachment should be emailed to files@bmic.org.  This includes expense receipts, student pictures, bios, presentation materials, videos.  If any attachments are too big, let me know.  You can also cc: info@bmic.org if you need me to see the attachment as well.

Submitting presentation materials 

• Final presentations will be required on one USB Drive on the morning of the competition.  I realize that many of you are still working on your pitch/slide decks and demo videos.  This is okay.  One the week of February 20th, I will ask that you submit your most up to date presentation slides, videos or screen shots to files@bmic.org.  Rest assured, you will be able to provide Helen or another BMIC staff member with an updated version.  This is just for internal and sponsor review.  
• If you have not done so, please also upload your materials to your “doc” page within your university’s team page on BMIC.org.

You are cordially invited to the 2012 University Mobile Challenge in Barcelona on March 1, 2012.  Lots to cover.  So read up and take action!

Exhibition Passes to Mobile World Congress

Finalists, faculty advisors and sponsors will be given exhibition passes to attend Mobile World Congress.  An email was sent on Friday asking all expectant attendees to fill out the following pre-registration form.  If you have not already done so, fill out the form.  Expect a formal invitation to register for your Mobile World Congress pass by Tuesday, February 7.  Those who require visas will receive their letter from the GSM Association via registration.

Getting to Barcelona

Each participating university will receive a travel scholarship, meant to be used toward airfare for 2 students.  Each team is allowed to send 5 students and an advisor but the University must cover the airfare and hostel costs of the additional members.  The size of the stipend is based on the distance of origin and average transportation costs taken from last year.  We will expense the amount listed below for each team, so begin to make arrangements for travel.

Travel stipends, housing accommodations, the Entrepreneurial boot camp and most importantly, the competition would not be possible without the help from our sponsors.  We faced many challenges raising money in 2011, but we are determined to host this competition for many years to come.  Can you demonstrate your ability to raise capital?  Any team that can get a sponsor for the University Mobile Challenge at the annual level will be awarded $5000.  Start now or at the conference.  We will have flyers to hand out in Barcelona, advertising Thursday’s competition and asking for your alumni and home country’s support!

Start Up Bootcamp

We are hosting a crash course and the opportunity to practice your pitch on Wednesday, February 29.  Details are forthcoming.

Do Not Wait for Bootcamp!

Previously we alluded to reviewing your materials pre competition.  We are turning the tables back to you to do your research and prepare.  Last year’s alumni found, not just the competition, but the entire process as a learning experience.  The resources page is an excellent starting place to review great examples of VC pitches and to see the quality of apps and the caliber of the presenters that competed in last year’s challenge.

The Competition

The University Mobile Challenge will take place in AppPlanet’s 200 person auditorium.  There will be visual and audio support for teams and judges.  For those that cannot attend in person, we will also be streaming the competition live.  Through a randomized process, the field of 20 will be split up into 2 groups.  The are three sets of judges: morning, afternoon and for the final face off between the winning team from both groups.  Judges will determine winners through a non-points based group deliberation.  They will also provide feedback forms on three key areas:

• How well did the team articulate the value proposition of their application?
• What are the problems you see with their application?  What did they not address?  What would prevent them from getting funded?
• How can the team improve their application or presentation?

BMIC’s 2nd annual university mobile challenge is fast approaching.  Thanks to all of those that have registered to compete in this year’s competition.  We are anticipating as many as 15 to 20 finalists. On February 7, BMIC will announce those teams that are qualified to compete at Mobile World Congress. In the meantime, while you wait…

So What’s Next?

Here are a few good things to check up on while you wait:

• Make sure your school is listed on our University Roster and that you are able to join your school group page.  Under the ‘documents tab’ upload your preliminary executive summary and your pitch demos and presentations.  Email shino@bmic.org if you are running into issues.
• Make sure your passports are valid!
• Not sure if you need a Visa to enter Barcelona?  Check here.  We will work with GSMA to get you a visa supporting letter.  Even though we have not announced finalists, contact shino@bmic.org if you require a supporting letter.

Are you a student innovator interested in mobile health technology?

Are you ready to pursue your entrepreneurial dream?

This IS your opportunity!

Health services around the world see mobile as a new channel that will lower cost while improving the quality of care through new and innovative mobile healthcare solutions. Creative thinking on this topic is taking place within academic communities around the world. The GSMA, along with Qualcomm and the Qtel Group, want to foster and stimulate fresh thinking about mobile health in the top universities around the world. We are appealing to the best student brains to do something outrageously cool!

The GSMA Mobile Health University Challenge 2011-2012 seeks students that want to make a difference in the world with pioneering mobile health concepts, applications, and devices that address a health care need within wellness, awareness, diagnosis, treatment & monitoring, clinician support tools and health information systems. This collaboration between industry and academia will drive innovation and entrepreneurship, envisaging the power of mobile to deliver new innovative healthcare solutions worldwide.

Your hard work will give you the chance to be taken to showcase your idea at the prestigious GSMA-mHealth Alliance Mobile Health Summit in Cape Town, South Africa in May 2012 in Cape Town where you will have the opportunity to compete for a $5,000 prize of training and mentoring towards the future development of your innovation. The invited teams will also get full passes to the GSMA-mHealth Alliance Mobile Health Summit 2012 to network and engage with a number of the leading lights in the industry.

The GSMA Mobile Health University Challenge 2011-2012 Partners

GSMA

The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide. Spanning more than 220 countries, the GSMA unites nearly 800 of the world’s mobile operators, as well as more than 200 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset makers, software companies, equipment providers, Internet companies, and media and entertainment organizations. The GSMA is working with its mobile industry members and regulators to help healthcare professionals deliver better, consistent and more efficient healthcare. For the latest information on Mobile Health programme please visit www.gsmaembeddedmobile.com. We have created an Industry Portal where the mobile and health sectors come together, please visit www.mobilehealthlive.org to view latest news, publications and industry insights Industry.

Qtel

The Qtel Group, which has a presence in 17 countries across the MENA region and Southeast Asia, is committed to delivering innovative services and products to more than 77 million customers. A key focus area within this is mHealth, which uses advanced mobile technology to provide updates and alerts for individuals and organisations.
A range of new “mHealth” services were rolled-out earlier this year, with a particular focus upon prioritising illnesses that have an endemic impact across the community. These included health alert services for customers in Kuwait and Iraq, and a special appointment booking service via mobile used in the Maldives. Working closely with regional and global health experts, additional services will be gradually rolled out across the Qtel Group footprint in the future.
Participation in the GSMA Mobile Health University Challenge is part of the Qtel Group’s efforts to build new strategic alliances to help support the development of mobile health in the Middle East, Asia and North Africa. This collaboration between industry and academia will drive innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling The Qtel Group to expand the range of options for customers.

Qualcomm

Qualcomm is the world leader in next-generation mobile technologies and the world’s largest manufacturer of chipsets for the wireless industry. A pioneer in the development of machine-to-machine (M2M) technologies for wireless, Qualcomm is breaking new ground yet again, helping companies in the medical device, pharaceutical and life sciences industries develop connected health solutions. As part of that commitment, we are very pleased to sponsor the global Mobile Health University Challenge, which assembles the brightest minds from top universities to create and develop mobile health business concepts, applications and devices that address a health care need. The health care industry is ready for a new wave of technology innovation. Visit Qualcomm on the web at http://www.qualcomm.com or follow us on Twitter @Qualcomm_Health.

BMIC

The Berkeley Mobile International Collaborative (BMIC) was founded in 2009 by Ken Singer, Bill Washburn, and Paul Nerger. The idea started life as a Mobile Innovation and Entrepreneurship class, taught by Ken Singer at the University of California, Berkeley. After two years of a highly successful class program, BMIC was formed to take the concepts of the course and turn it into a global competition amongst teams from the top universities around the globe. BMIC now runs a number of University Mobile Challenges.

That said, I wanted you to know that we take the Mobile part of BMIC very seriously.  I think that BMIC would look pretty foolish if our web site did not work on mobile phones and tablets.  Well, I have good news for you — it does!

When you go to BMIC using your Android phone, Android tablet, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Blackberry or many other mobile devices, we look at the User Agent string of your browser, recognize that your on a mobile device and we then change the UI and optimize it for a mobile experience.  If you’re not logged in, all you will see is the BMIC home page with information about the organization.  However, if you’re logged in, you will see your personal activity stream and can update your status.  You’ll see a menu that is all focused on the social networking and communications aspects of the site.

Want to see what it looks like?  Below are two screen shots from my iPhone.  The first screen shot shows you the home page when logged in; the second one shows the mobile menu which has been scaled down.  Let me know what you think.