BLAGO TRIAL UPDATE. The Times. “Disgraced former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich did not want to mix fundraising and governing, a former aide said on Monday, but other witnesses said political donations and government favors were linked.” COALITION AGAINST DRAFT EO. Story here. “In a letter sent Monday to Obama, groups such as the U.S. ChamberRead… Read more »
I am giving a talk to future civil servants at the JSSA Employment and Career Services. http://getagovjob.eventbrite.com/ I am talking about developing internal champions within the agency they want to work. Richard Nelson Bolles, in “What Color Is Your Parachute” suggests doing research to find needs that the job seeker is uniquely qualified to meet.Read… Read more »
Can you think of behaviors or traits that might make you say, “Hey this person would make a great civil servant!” Or conversely, would cause you to say “Hey, this person needs to start their own business, they really might not fit in with the government?” I am giving a speech to the JSSA EmploymentRead… Read more »
Guest post by Denis Geoghegan As a program manager the second most common question I’m asked is “what is the difference between a project manager and a program manager?”. The first most popular question I’m asked is “what is a program manager anyway?”. Deliverables Versus Benefits The classic explanation of the difference between project managersRead… Read more »
Chiltern Railways (UK) launched a mobile ticketing application that allows customers to buy, download, and validate tickets on their mobile phones. The free application delivers a 2D barcode, which can be scanned at the faregate and by ticket inspectors. “This innovation in ticketing is a first within the rail industry,” said marketing director Thomas AblemanRead… Read more »
Maglev without the magnets? The Aero-Train (which almost shares a name with another futuristic train) keeps the levitation but, according to Fast Company, the prototype from Japan would use the principles of “wing-in-ground effect” to eliminate drag by flying very close to the ground. So is it transit? Fast Company says yes: “Take one ofRead… Read more »
In addition to getting transit directions, HopStop users can now find out how many calories they’re burning on the walk to and from the subway stop. “It’s nice that I’m getting something out of it,” an Upper East Side lawyer told the New York Post. “I won’t feel guilty drinking a Frappuccino.” Earlier this month,Read… Read more »
New York City has released its plan to become a digital hub. Mayor Michael Bloomberg was joined by Rachel Stern the city’s new Chief Digital Officer in announcing the plan which is also detailed in this report. The plan includes wireless Internet access in city parks, more open data and live chats with 311 agents.Read… Read more »
I recently did an OpEd on Yahoo News on my views of Medicare and some of the pending proposals to reform the system. As I was writing the article, I came to a somewhat startling conclusion. Check this link to see what it was: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ac/20110512/pl_ac/8453683_near_retirement_govt_worker_will_forgo_medicare_1. How many other federal workers out there are concerned aboutRead… Read more »
I had an extraordinary customer experience this past Saturday at my local Home Depot. I walked in with a small list of materials I needed for the day’s home improvement projects around the house. As I walked around the store, I encountered Home Depot associates at every turn. Without exception, every one of them greetedRead… Read more »