Saturday, June 21, 2008

Mash*Up

I am a huge fan of Google Maps Mash-ups, so you know how happy I had to be when I was led to (thanks Regina!) the Google Maps Elections '08 Map Gallery. Maps are as simple as state-by-state primary results and as plugged in as Twitter. You can even embed one of 'em into your own blog, like this:


Saturday, June 14, 2008

We'll miss you, Tim Russert

As avid readers of GovDocs@Gelman know, I like to point out the moments when government information takes on a different form than the publications that come out of the GPO. And every Sunday at 11:30, Tim Russert delivered government information to us in a way that everyone can understand. He was the cross-examiner of the country, questioning politicians and officials and getting down to what really mattered: the truth. He'll be remembered by many this weekend, but see for yourself-- Meet The Press transcripts are available in Lexis/Nexis Academic. Limit your search by the program starting with 1991 (you can do this in the Power Search-- just look for "Meet the Press") and you'll get the transcript for each program.

Thanks TR... November 4th just isn't gonna be the same without you.


Monday, June 09, 2008

get your navy bean soup while it lasts

A story in today's Post says that the famed Senate dining room is about to go private contract. While the House's in-house eateries have been contracted out since the 80s, the Senate's facilities have remained within the confines of the government, but are pretty much in the red. What does it mean for the most pampered politicians in all the land, their staffers and interns? It basically means more J Street and less tradition. It also means a decrease in wages for all food service employees who will serve you your overpriced jumbo slices and salad by the pound. My recommendation: who cares-- Firehook is right there!