As I was reading this article on the Washington Post’s Federal Page today about the looming Federal government shutdown, a few thoughts crossed my mind. What will this mean for my friends in the government? How long would a shutdown last? Is it really possible for the U.S. Gov’t to cease certain operations? The lastRead… Read more »
President Barack Obama delivered remarks at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Phoenix Awards in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011. The President stated that he needed the help and determination of the Congressional Black Caucus in supporting and helping pass the American Jobs Act: With patient and firm determination, I am going toRead… Read more »
Starting today in Ottawa County, Michigan, citizens can access their government documents, such as their birth certificates, marriage licenses, property deeds and other records, from the Internet. Testing for the system has been in effect for the past month using a program called TrueCertify to help ensure security and encryption for these documents to preventRead… Read more »
Government Exec reported that on Friday legislation was introduced that would allow Federal employees to donate their unused sick leave to an agency wide leave bank. The bill was sponsored by Representatives Gerry Connolly, Jim Moran and Chris Van Hollen and all have stated that the bill will be nearly cost neutral. Government Executive reports:Read… Read more »
Does this look like your typical day as a local, state, or Federal worker? 31% of your work day is made up of purely ad-hoc, never happens the same way twice tasks 30% of your work revolves around consistent, defined goals but various ways to achieve those goals 20% of your work involves documented andRead… Read more »
So it would be wise for all Water Works personnel to seek additional real-world PLC safety and reliability training, not just scholastic learning. (A PLC is a Programmable Logic Controller) See the video to learn more about the risk to our infrastructure and proper training. If any of you have questions about PLCs, I canRead… Read more »
Bay Area Rapid Transit (CA) directors held a special meeting last week to hear proposals for a cell-phone shutdown policy from a newly appointed citizens review panel. The action was in response to BART’s shutdown of cell-phone access at several stations in anticipation of a planned protest in August. One proposal called for requiring threeRead… Read more »
Cell phone service continues to improve throughout the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (DC) Metrorail system. Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile are working to meet the agency’s deadline of wiring the rail system by October 16, 2012 — a date mandated by Congress four years ago as part of a federal funding agreement. “On anyRead… Read more »
Mashable reports that Google has improved its IOS Google+ app: The search giant follows Tuesday’s Android update of Google+with a similar refresh to its iOS version, now available free on the App Store. What’s new? Like its Android cousin, the iOS version of the Google+ mobile app now supports Hangouts, letting groups communicate with eachRead… Read more »
Metro-North Railroad (NY) will test quiet cars on select peak hour trains on the Hudson and Harlem lines starting on October 17. The last car on certain morning peak trains and the first car on selected evening peak trains will be set aside for customers seeking a peaceful commute. The MTA expects the voluntary programRead… Read more »