Taxes play a large role in our national political dialogue. Yesterday’s “tea bag” parties got me thinking about our for-them-or-against-them ideology. I’d like to hear your thoughts on this too, so read on, no matter which side of this issue you’re on! Time and again I hear “Why should I pay taxes?” or “Why shouldRead… Read more »
Despite the urban legend of the lazy government worker, most of us have pretty good work ethics. We care about our work and try hard to get the job done right. We care so much that we work extra hours, endure extra stress, and suffer burnout and frustration when we hit roadblocks. So how doRead… Read more »
I went the whole day yesterday without ever once realizing it was Thursday. It wasn’t until I was feeling happy that today was Friday that I realized I missed my regular posting day! Now, those who’ve known me long enough know I tend to operate in geologic time. I don’t really relate to the calendarRead… Read more »
When I was first asked to blog in the early days of GovLoop, I thought it sounded like fun but wondered what I’d write about every week. After all, being a government employee isn’t really part of my self-identity. It’s just my job. Sure, I enjoy my job well enough and have a strong workRead… Read more »
My last two blog posts got me thinking…..The reason I am successful at my job lies squarely at the intersection of these two ideas — keeping it real and helping people out. And again, this is not about tooting my horn. It’s just some observations on being a public servant. In the world of outfitter/guideRead… Read more »
A while ago I wrote a blog about random acts of kindess. I’d kind of forgotton all about it, until I watched the movie “Evan Almighty” recently. One message of the film is about changing the world, one random act of kindness at a time. Hearing Morgan Freeman say those words got me thinking: howRead… Read more »
When I announced I would be moving to New York City for graduate school, I received the predictable responses. “It’s so dangerous!” “You’ll get mugged!” “You’ll get shot!” And of course, “New Yorkers are so rude!” Once transplanted, it didn’t take me long to discover that New Yorkers are in fact, not rude. They’re simplyRead… Read more »
newsletter_jan09.pdf Here is the January newsletter of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Green Team! There is a new feature this month: a “Dear Gaia” column. If you have been reading/utilizing these newsletters at your office, please feel free to contribute questions! I’m also game for any suggestions/comments anyone might have. Has anyone been using this locally?Read… Read more »
I have a confession to make. A really awful one. Something dark, so creepy it makes my skin crawl. I pray, dear reader, that the fog of post-New Year’s bacchanalia takes the edge off for you. Are you ready? Here it is: I agree with Bill O’Reilly on something. As unbelievable as this may seem,Read… Read more »
As much as I hate to do this, here’s your mushy holiday blog. I really wanted to rant about things political, but I guess the holiday spirit infected me. Remember the Aesop’s fable The Lion and the Mouse? You know, where the little mouse helps the big lion by pulling a thorn out of hisRead… Read more »