Yearly Archives: 2012

GovBytes: Most confusing hi-tech terms of the decade (so far) named at SXSW

With new technology constantly emerging, I often find myself Googleing what exactly the latest hi-tech term means, and I’m certainly not alone. The Global Language Monitor, a media analytics company which tracks language trends,determines a yearly list of the most confusing hi-tech jargon, which is presented at the SXSW Conference. The list is determined usingRead… Read more »

Good morning, here are today’s political law links

SUPER PAC SATURATION. NPR. “The super PACs have advantages over campaign organizations: Primarily they can accept unlimited donations, allowing a few wealthy backers to give large sums, something tailor-made for TV campaigns.” REFORM AFTER STEVENS? Roll Call. “The release of a scathing report this week detailing widespread prosecutorial misconduct that botched the corruption trial ofRead… Read more »

Firefox was removed from my government PC – Why this is a symptom of a bigger problem

Social Connect via: This week, Firefox was removed from my government work PC. This action itself was relatively minor and hardly noteworthy. However, the removal of the Firefox web browser is a symptom of a greater problem within government information technology and restricting public servants in being productive through the technology they use to doRead… Read more »

From open data to useful data

At BarCamp Canberra on Saturday I led a discussion asking how we can help governments take the step from open data (releasing raw datasets – not always in an easily reusable format) towards usable and useful data (releasing raw datasets in easily reusable formats plus tools that can be used to visualise it). To frameRead… Read more »

Reverse Innovation: Recap + Resources from SXSW

Last week in Austin, TX was an amazing time at South by Southwest (SXSW). Apart from catching up with colleagues and friends that I don’t usually get to see on a regular basis, I just felt more apart of the “what’s around the corner” vibe that originally brought me to the event. This was partlyRead… Read more »

A Toilet That Symbolizes Intelligent Municipal Government

The City of Portland has designed a public toilet that it has patented and is selling to other municipalities. The public restroom contains the following features: Stainless steel anti-graffiti wall panels mounted on a slim-profile steel structure, that weighs a fraction of a typical restroom, making it easier to install in high traffic locations. ItRead… Read more »

What I’ve been reading

I find this stuff so that you don’t have to. Facebook’s ‘dark side’: study finds link to socially aggressive narcissism – “Psychology paper finds Facebook and other social media offer platform for obsessions with self-image and shallow friendships.” The UK Hackspace Foundation – “Hackerspaces are physical places where people can meet to learn, socialise andRead… Read more »