Surfing the open data wave with NOAA

During hurricane season, my attention turns to the Atlantic Ocean. I keep an eye on swell-producing storms and use a variety of forecasting tools to get to the right spot for the best surf. But I never really thought about the data behind the tools I use. There are many different stats brought together byRead… Read more »

Eight Humor Styles in Action: Building Stress Resiliency with Interactive Humor – Part I & II

After my essay on the 9/11 Anniversary, I decided to make room for my basic Yin-Yang nature: here is an article on eight styles of humor. (The 9/11 essay, “Ten Years After: A Personal Remembrance of Sep 11th – Strategies for Grieving, Surviving and Evolving: (http://www-stressdoc-com.blogspot.com/2011/09/ten-years-after-personal-remembrance-of.html). The early-mid 20th century pioneering film-maker, artist and comedienne,Read… Read more »

What is a serious game?

The term serious game may seem to be a bit of an oxymoron; however, it has been in existence for a significant amount of time. The first types of serious games didn’t rely on computer technology, but rather on simple card games and board games that required the player to make choices that continued toRead… Read more »

List of federal social media policies & regulations

I compiled a list of publicly available social media policies, handbooks, guides, rules, etc. of federal departments and agencies on my blog: Social Media in the Public Sector. This is a rolling page and I will add more policies as they become available. Please email me iamergel (at) maxwell.syr.edu with additional policies for federal, stateRead… Read more »

California passes DREAM act

Illegal immigrants will be able to apply for state money to attend American universities in California thanks to a new law signed by California Governor Jerry Brown. Under the terms of the law, illegal immigrants who have attended school in California will be eligible to apply for Cal-Grant aid to continue their educations. Last yearRead… Read more »

GovBytes: New Law Blocks Cell Phones in California Prisons

Last Friday, California passed SB 26, a law that would block cell phone transmissions in the state’s prisons. The law also imposes strict penalties on the possession and smuggling of cell phones in prisons. California’s Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is allowed to monitor any attempted cell phone activity on premise. “We know that inmatesRead… Read more »

From the Editor: The Safety Issue

Last month, I announced that PUBLICYTE would begin publishing themed issues, roughly once a month. Our first theme, Connectivity, was a great success (you can read all the articles here). This month, aligned with the National Cybersecurity Awareness Month sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security, I am pleased to tell you that our themeRead… Read more »

Breast Cancer Care

It is my pleasure to announce the launch of my first iTunes collaboration app: Breast Cancer Care. This iPhone App Provides a FUN WAY to Learn About & ReduceDietary and Behavioral Risk Factors that May Contribute to Breast Cancer. Locate Cancer Care Clinics and Registered Dietitians in your area.Look at mortality and prevalence rates ofRead… Read more »