Okay, people have asked me about my use of spelling like "coupla," "gotta," and "haveta" as well as my use of contractions like "'em" for "them".
This reflects at least three primary cultural influences.
Homer J Simpson, a master of simplicity and of living in the moment; the latter being my fondest [...]Check out the Veterans Benefits Administration Innovation Initiative
' [...]
I'm in Washington, ready to make my own microscopic contribution, via an innovation contest sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The deal is that rank and file workers know what's going, and know how to fix things. Social networking can be used for people to work on those ideas [...]
Citizens work with people in government to hold our government accountable, like to show where the money goes.
Part of this is the Sunlight Foundation Hackathon, where people are writing software to search open government data and to display it in a way even a [...]
Hey, it's good that the current Administration supports the troops.
You might recall that the prior Presidency, um, forgot to pay a lot of them for some of their service.
The good news is that stop-loss pay starts flowing on Dec. 16.
From the Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America:
After weeks [...]Today, the White House announced the Open Government Initiative, which basically means a huge commitment to:
listening to all Americans, hearing what they have to say telling people what's going on in gov't, like where the money goes
This is an ongoing announcement, more later, but here's the gist:
The deal is to get ideas from the rank and file, starting with good simple ideas.
First step, experiment, while getting something real. We're talking simple, real stuff.
Check out the White House SAVE experiment:
Christie Dickson from the Social Security Administration in Alabama calls for saving time and money by allowing people to [...]Around twenty years ago, I was an IBM Systems Engineer, focusing on tech like imaging systems for health claims processing.
Visited a big facility, talked to customer service reps.
Feedback regarding the mouse? "Thanks, but no thanks!"
If you're doing heads-down customer service, you don't want to remove your hands from the [...]
Hey, you might recall The Great Schlep from last year, with Sarah Silverman getting the vote out.
Its co-founder (Ari Wallach) is rapidly building something similar for health insurance reform. I know he needs help in areas like web, video, content etc.
If you are interested in helping [...]
Okay, now they can tear down the Fortress of Suet with ease.
I suspect an alliance with the local racoons... can racoons climb?
I will prevail.
[...]Hey, check out an article in Business Week about how things are changing in Washington, and the blog which fills in the rest.
I was impressed by the Obamans respect for the people who work in government. The Bush administration treated government workers like lazy dolts—setting rigid goals for them and [...]Wikipedia really is the "first draft of history" and more than that, maybe a vital part of how our species is working together for the common good.
Today, I step up my personal involvement, hopefully to play a very minor role is creating a better immune [...]
Hey, this Administration has stepped up to support returning veterans with educational and medical benefits (also back pay) that the previous Administration neglected.
The folks at the Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America remind us that we need to prepare for a lot more Afghanistan vets, and we should at [...]
Hey, the US State Department is really serious about trying to reach out more to everyone across the world, using Internet tech.
They're running something called ExchangesConnect, an international social network that promotes mutual understanding among members by connecting people through their own user-generated content like [...]
Hey, for whatever reasons, I'm pretty interested in the history of ancient Rome, from Republic to Empire.
Recently I found a podcast series, The History of Rome, which is a very entertaining, well-researched series from Rome's founding, still in progress.
The parallels between the US and [...]
Hey, Jeff Jarvis has something big here at Buzzmachine.
I want to suggest abandoning the article for the constantly updated topic page (a la Wave). The problem with an article online is that it has a short half life and gathers few links and little ongoing attention and [...]
Hey, I've been working with Kiva.org and CHF International to get small microfinance style loans to small businesses in the West Bank of Palestine.
You can check out my portfolio here.
The deal is that this creates jobs where we really need jobs.
I'm doing [...]
Christmas trees in front of Cole Valley Hardware smell all piney.
In spring and summer, they have lots of flowers out.
[...]People are using wiki technology in lots of ways to help each other out.
Starting in San Francisco, early 2007, social workers and lawyers got together and built a wiki to host homeless resources -- SFHomeless.net lists all the known service providers plus using wiki categories, including Food, Shelter, Veterans, etc.
In June [...]
Hey, a country can only get real about being competitive if we have lots of engineers, scientists, and people teaching in those areas.
It's a long term deal, but Obama's launched a program to that end: the Educate to Innovate campaign.
Speaking to key leaders of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & [...]
To Craigslist founder thank you (Harlem / Morningside)
And
happy thanksgiving. Was laid off. found a job and an apartment here.
Got a lot of stuff here through your website. On this day of
Thanksgiving may you be blessed!!!
(link might be expired when you read this.)
Hey, I was just there bearing witness to the good work they do, feeding people, and helping use computers to find jobs.
(I'm more involved with the latter.)
These guys do the heavy lifting, much harder than sitting on one's butt all day, even if doing [...]
Hey, it's good to have an Administration which genuinely supports the troops. Here's a few areas where things are getting better, with a focus on veterans and jobs.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (the VA) has a veterans youtube channel, leading right now with a video on green jobs. Homeland Security [...]DonorsChoose.org does a great job getting classroom projects funded throughout the US.
Check out The "Write" Stuff from Mrs C who teaches at a school in South Carolina:
We do not have enough pencils, crayons and writing paper to last the entire school year... The materials [...]
It's also a little experiment in using video, your feedback appreciated. [...]
a few observations
ֱ
1. people use social media to discuss the ways they can better run their company, agency, or country.
2. they reinforce each other, gaining strength and power.
3. people in entrenched power, can work with the mass of participants, giving up entrenched power for equivalent influence.
4. alternatively, people [...]
Yes, there are better uses of my time.
(Note reinforcement of suet cage to prevent damage by Enhanced Squirrels.)
[...]Steller's Jay, right outside where I do most of my craigslist customer service.
No particular reason, just felt like posting.
[...]Hey, Beth Noveck is working at the White House getting really serious about giving all Americans a serious voice in running our Federal government.
She talks about how this is happening at city and state levels in Open Government Laboratories of Democracy:
Inspired by the President’s call for more open government, [...]Hey, the folks at Tomorrow's Youth Organization are doing a great job.
I made a minor contribution for systems, looks like they're getting the job done.
Photos: Annie Escobar
[...]Customer service anchors you to reality. [...]
You've heard how government rank and file workers are working together, throughout the US and with citizens, to provide increasingly better public service. Their dedication has been consistently impressive, particularly during some bad years.
I've been chatting recently mostly with Federal workers, though the following is true of all large [...]
I had been warned, but really wasn't prepared for squirrel-related terror.
This one's one of the smaller beasts, and the photo doesn't show, but it's about two foot long, maybe thirty or more pounds.
If we do drive ourselves to extinction, the Squirrels are Ready.
[...]Here's a brief version of what I heard from Julie M and Pete J:
... we were enjoying our Honeymoon in Maui and decided to take some surf lessons. We had a great time, even got up a time or two; and were getting ready for [...]
' [...]
Hey, GovLoop.com is a really good social network for government. They've just launched the AwesomeGov charity fund as a way to give back and highlight, honor, and support public service.
The deal is that from now until December 15th, GovLoop donates $1 for every [...]
Okay, sure, Ms Couric is way too kind regarding big influencers in media.
However, I feel that this has nothing to do with reality, but more to do with my naming in 2000 as one of the "top ten bachelors of Silicon Valley", and [...]
Well, I'm also involved with OneVoice, a serious peace movement involving hundreds of thousands of Palestinian and Israeli moderates.
You'd think the really good-looking guy, middle right, is me, but that's Jason Alexander, George Costanza in Seinfeld. He's a far more important guy in OneVoice.
[...]Hey, you can check out the news here, but anyway, I'll stand up for him.
I've worked with him, he's very much of one of the good guys.
Someone says different, send 'em to me.
[...]Okay, I'm more of a couch potato, but the work the Wikipedia does is important enough to rouse myself and stand up. Mostly, I'm interested in information quality and governance issues.
Why Wikipedia? Here's what I wrote for Newsweek:
Wikipedia is an accomplishment of major [...]Hey, these guys have the right idea, have a list of people in DC who are successfully using new/social media, in particular: Beth Noveck, Peter Corbett, Alec Ross, Andrew Mcglaughlin, Aneesh Chopra, Julius Genachowski, Katie Stanton, and [...]
In the wake of global economic collapse, conceptual artist Jonathon Keats introduces a hedge against future catastrophe by creating a mirror economy designed to skyrocket as world markets plummet.
The first holistic response to the great recession, this far-reaching financial innovation seeks to offset materialism with modern [...]
Maybe it should be common sense, but it's not, not in private industry, nor in government. Effective communication is most frequently a matter of simple language and brevity, keeping it simple.
In honor of World Usability Day, the folks at the GSA are reminding [...]
A year ago today, the Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America, with the Ad Council, launched a big campaign to welcome new veterans home and help 'em find resources for the transition to civilian life at Community of Veterans. That's the first and [...]
Hey, the folks at the US National Archives are figuring out really smart ways to do the job better.
For example, they're soliciting feedback from the public like
[...]I've already praised Consumer Reports for standing up for Americans, taking on some really powerful and ruthless politicians.
Now, the AARP, the American Association of Retired Persons, has taken up the fight on behalf of us, adding their voice.
Consumer Reports and AARP are two [...]
There're a lot of people in government across America who passionately believe in the vision that they
should really serve the citizenry, and do a better and better job.
Candi Harrison is a recently retired Federal web manager, and she can freely express the gist of what [...]
Hey, the folks at Consumer Reports have the best record for integrity and fairness anywhere I've ever seen. They've been looking at health care for years, and are really good at the issues. Here's a little more from Jim Guest there.
We’re not a political group. We’re independent and [...]
Yup, that's me, figuring I should practice what I preach, in addition to strongly supporting the Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America.
Craig Newmark, the founder of “craigslist” and a well-known technology visionary, has agreed to serve on the blue-ribbon panel of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that will review and [...](from the site of the Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America)
A new bill to improve care for female veterans and military families has just been introduced in Congress, but lawmakers need to hear from you.
The bill includes three of IAVA's top priorities for this year:
a package of improvements for female veterans, [...]The folks at Consumer Reports provide some of the most trustworthy reporting anywhere, doing lots of fact checking, with the highest degree of integrity humans can exhibit.
They give you straight info at PrescriptionForChange.org and that's not easy to find these days.
For decades, Congress has [...]The folks at Consumer Reports provide some of the most trustworthy reporting anywhere, doing lots of fact checking, with the highest degree of integrity humans can exhibit. (yes, I've said that before, and will repeat.)
Well, they explain Net Neutrality better than I ever could:
Network neutrality is a [...]
Could this be a Lesser Goldfinch? Maybe a male juvenile or female?
UPDATE: could be Yellow-rumped Warbler
[...]Sometimes banks try to pull a fast one on you, like mailing statements nearly late, then charging you for late fees.
Consumer Reports is helping get reasonable consumer protection for us all and I'd appreciate it you took a look at CreditCardReform.org
Here's the deal:
A key [...]
It's good to have a White House that genuinely supports the troops.
ABC News reports: Military Families Visiting Dover: Statistics
When President Obama was on hand for the return of 18 fallen Americans at Dover Air Force Base last night, 14 families of the fallen were [...]
Hey, Paul leads the Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America, he's the real deal, and they get stuff done.
CNN does a good job with Rieckhoff takes veterans' fight from 'sandbox' to White House:
Rieckhoff's experience inspired the 30-something executive director and founding member of the [...]
DonorsChoose.org is all about funding classroom projects a few dollars at a time, much like microfinance.
I'm still running a personal challenge where you can help kids out, particularly at a small school in South Carolina.
Please check out my DonorsChoose challenge, and consider a modest [...]
Hey, these guys are about neighborhood level connection.
Neighbors for Neighbors operate neighborhood-centric community-generated social networks for each of Boston’s neighborhoods. They function as a springboard for action and provide tools for them to communicate and to organize around their common interests.
City personnel like Neighborhood Coordinators and BPD Captains [...]
four house sparrows and a cameo by the Townsend's Warbler. [...]
Hey, I'm no big deal, but I figure I can help do something real for peace and jobs for Palestine and Israel.
You can help out also.
Kiva.org is the big microfinance org, working with people with boots on the ground, like CHF International.
Check out [...]
Squirrel keeps figuring out how to tear down the suet feeder, getting to the tasty contents within.
I'll figure something out...
' [...]We're seeing something new from Washington, sites which are being used to help figure out how to better serve citizens.
Toward that ends we're seeing sites used to get ideas as to how to run agencies better, and how to improve fundamental processes involved in areas like acquisition, the purchase [...]
Okay, I use social media to humor myself, and to promote the efforts of other people who are getting stuff done.
Right now, that's a combination of Facebook, blogging, and Twitter.
In Twitter, sometimes, I promote other people by retweeting their tweets. However, the RT phrase, which includes their [...]
The big deal is that it contains provisions fought for by the Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America like mandatory mental health screenings, which have the potential to save more lives than all the MRAP's money can buy.
Check out UPDATE: Senate Passes NDAA, Mental Health Provision
Every minute we wait [...]
People in Washington get increasingly dedicated to better public service, often via the Net.
In September 2009, the CDC launched a three-month text messaging pilot to get the word out regarding big health issues, like the H1N1 thing.
To subscribe to the pilot, text HEALTH to 87000. They tell me you can [...]
Hey, as part of my DonorsChoose.org fundraising challenge, I'm supporting the kids and teachers at the East Elementary School in Dillon, South Carolina. You know it as the "Home of the Wild Kittens"
If you contribute, even small amounts before [...]
In the US, we have folks who are serious about supporting the troops, and getting them back pay they earned.
The Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America have the latest info:
Effective October 21, 2009, the $500 allowance will be paid for each month or any portion of a month during which someone [...]
Well, I had written recently about the need for people to work together so we could figure out ways to select and share news that was important, trustworthy, and needed to get persistent mindshare.
Maybe that applies to entertainment media as well. For example, a music label seems to exist to [...]
"Net neutrality" is hard to explain, but a bunch of folks are standing up for America.
Here's a letter we sent to the FCC:
For most of the Internet’s history, FCC rules have ensured that consumers have been able to choose the content and services they want over their Internet connections. Entrepreneurs, technologists, [...]
There are a lot of new technologies which already affect news consumption and future business models. As a nerd, I'm excited by the new tech, particularly mobile, including new display systems and pervasive connectivity.
However, the tech is secondary, not nearly as important as repairing some current issues [...]
The folks at Consumerist do remarkably good reporting, focusing on consumer matters that affect us in our day to day lives.
You might recall that they've drawn our attention to front groups and astroturfers, which are companies paid to deceive the public, like on [...]
1. I love birds, particularly hummingbirds.
2. Dignity, not so important to me.
3. gf probably won't admit that I have one, if purchased.
more info here, including exciting video!
[...]
> Half way through a trip
> Mourning dove, for the gf;
> I've been gone too long
(haiku-ized by Davi Ottenheimer, thanks!)
[...]The deal is that the Veterans Administration can get the job done without political interference.
Check out the latest from the Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America:
On Wednesday, IAVA’s Executive Director and Founder Paul Rieckhoff joined Speaker Pelosi as she sent an Advanced Appropriations bill to [...](Hey, it's good to have a President that genuinely supports the troops)
From the Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America...
After clearing Congress late Tuesday night, historic legislation aimed at preventing lawmakers' inability to get its work done on time from hurting veterans' medical care is on its way [...]
I'm passionate about the unexciting, like getting a pothole fixed or the garbage removed, not thrilling until you need it done.
Cities including San Francisco have 311 systems, you call or use the Web to tell 'em what you need, and it gets done.
What the new deal is that by [...]
