Code Across America

Originally posted on codeforamerica.org From February 24 through March 4, passionate citizens around the country will come together to “Code Across America” — to make their cities even better. In over a dozen cities, there will be hackathons to build civic apps, “brigades” to deploy existing apps, unconferences to plan for the year ahead, andRead… Read more »

You can’t expect citizens to engage with you if you don’t engage with them

I am proud of how far many Australians governments have come in their online use over the last few years. A number of agencies have begun embracing the new tools available to communicate with the public. They are blogging, tweeting and facebooking, bypassing traditional media to share their news publicly with the Australian community. NextRead… Read more »

Trends on Tuesdays: Smartphones, Age & Income

According to Mashable and a new study by Nielsen: Smartphone penetration among young people in the lowest income bracket is higher than it is among older people in the wealthiest bracket. Among 18- to 24-year-olds, more than half of respondents who make less than $15,000 each year said they own a smartphone….Making less than $15,000Read… Read more »

Toughest Moments: Dealing with Being Accused

“Dave, you’re going to want to see this.” C.P. handed me a single white piece of paper. On it were three short paragraphs. No signature. “What’s this?” I asked. “It’s not good.” said C.P. Less than a minute later, I handed it back to C.P. “I’m not worried about it. There’s no credibility in thisRead… Read more »

The Surveillance State – No Warrant Required

Yesterday a number of police organizations came out in support of bill C-30 – the online online surveillance bill proposed by Minister Vic Toews. You can read the Vancouver Police Department’s full press release here – I’m referencing theirs not because it is particularly good or bad, but simply because it is my home town.Read… Read more »

NC Telehealth Network connects first non-profit hospital

The North Carolina Telehealth Network (NCTN) has connected its first non-profit hospital. The Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, NC will be connected to the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN) thanks to completion of the first phase of the state’s Golden Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative. Vidant Medical Center is part of Vidant Health,Read… Read more »

Free Speech Debate

For those interested in multi-lingual online dialogue, check out Free Speech Debate, a new project led by Timothy Garton Ash, Professor of European Studies at Oxford University. The one-pager explains the project in-depth. In short, the site hosts editorially-led discussions on the topic of freedom of speech in today’s networked world. The site invites participantsRead… Read more »

High tech police gadgets to fight crime

Would you have a problem with a police van being parked in your neighborhood? This same armored vehicle has large red letters painted on the side that state, “Warning: You are under video surveillance.” The front bumper taunts, “Whatcha gonna do when we come for you?” This is the “The Peacemaker,” the Fort Lauderdale PoliceRead… Read more »