Official Google Blog: Think big with a gig: Our experimental fiber network

Official Google Blog: Think big with a gig: Our experimental fiber network

Pew's One-Year Case Study on Philly311

I've been working for the Nutter Administration for about two years now.  My first big job was being the project manager for the implementation of the 311 system.  The Pew Foundation just came out with a one-year performance report.  I think the piece is fair and balanced, and I remain very proud of the project and honored to have worked with talented people from all across the City's workforce to bring it to fruition.

Another comeback?

I've had this blog for a few years now, but my posting has really dropped off.  Is it time for another comeback?  Readership was never that high, or my posts too insightful, but I do enjoy my life on the blogosphere.  Let's see how it goes.

New upscale hotel opening in Center City

"Having a property like Palomar by Kimpton come to Philadelphia confirms that we have made it as a city," said Ed Grose of the Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association."

Donna Cooper

Nice article about Donna Cooper, arguably the most powerful woman in the state right now.

The Future of Trash Collections...it's already here

The future of trash collection has been here for a while.

The Fairmount Park Art Association

From their website, "The Fairmount Park Art Association is the nation's first private, nonprofit organization dedicated to integrating public art and urban planning. Founded in 1872, the Art Association commissions, interprets, and preserves public art in Philadelphia."

Just another one of the myriad non-profit organizations in Philadelphia working to make the City a more vibrant and excellent place to live, work, invent, or play.

Recycling in Philadelphia Up by 50 Percent

Part of the Nutter Administration's Greenworks Plan is to increase the recycling rate in the City; they've been pretty successful...recycling is up about 50%. By diverting waste that would have ended up in the landfill, residents and business saved the City nearly $5 million in landfill costs.

City Offices in Philadelphia Moving from Spring Garden to Market Street

The move should save $30 million dollars over the next 20 years.

Is it possible?

I can't believe I haven't had a post during 2009 thus far. To be honest, my job with City government for the last 18 months has been my busiest professional endeavor, leaving little time for other activities like blogs. Hopefully I will start getting things cranked up again. Hope everybody is well.

Green Houses in Philadelphia

Eco-houses on Broad Street.

The Kinks

FYI, the Kinks are my favorite band of all time.  Here's a video of one of their more recent hits.

Tiny Houses

Tiny Houses are cool.

I am on a break...

In case anybody was wondering, I am on a break. I have taken a new job working for the City of Philadelphia and will be focusing my time and attention on this work. Keep in touch.

Goodbye Philadelphia

If it's remotely related to Philadelphia, I like it. Along those lines, check out this song called "Goodybye Philadelphia", by Peter Cincotti.

Kirsty MacColl

One of my favorite singer/songwriters is Kirsty MacColl who was tragically killed by a boat while on vacation in Mexico in 2000. Here is a video of her singing "Days", one of her biggest hits that was written by Ray Davies and originally performed by the Kinks, my all-time favorite band.

Bike Sharing is Coming to Philadelphia

Philadelphia will soon have a bike-sharing program; think PhillyCarShare with bicycles.

Mayor Nutter in Forbes Magazine

From the PhillyInc. Blog: Forbes Magazine interviewed Philadelphia's new Mayor in their January 28th issue. In the article, the Mayor posits that "earlier city policies to spur job growth, which amounted to coddling the biggest employers with incentive packages, have failed."

State Office Building sold for $25 Million

Pennsylvania officials have agreed to sell their 19-story, 299,000 square foot office building at 1400 Spring Garden St. to Bart Blatstein's Tower Investments for about $25 million. The building will apparently be converted into condominums.

Agricultural Factoid

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the Commonwealth ranks 3rd nationally in butter production, making 72.2 million pounds annually in four processing plants generating nearly $100 million in sales.