Benny's World

Friday, April 14, 2006

OAC Podcast Question Answered

Two weeks ago, I used the GCast system (at the OAC site) to submit a question for JRE and Elizabeth's next podcast. My question was selected and well answered!

Here was my question:

There have been spirited debates regarding immigration policies in our country on both progressive and conservative blogs. What are your thoughts about it?

If you want to hear their answers, go to the OAC Blog, download it (it's an mp3 file) and listen. They also answer questions on energy independence and reframing of Democratic messages to win elections this year and in 2008.

Elizabeth acknowledged the spirited debates I mentioned are not likely one party's view against another. And she is right.

Monday, April 10, 2006

Getting a Hat-tip

Yesterday, I was lurking at the OAC blog, where I hang out most days or nights. I discovered that someone had posted a diary on the Daily Kos, and looking for some recommendations.

It turned that I was referenced in that diary. It had to do with a transcript I found of JRE on Wolf Blitzer's show last Friday. Sure felt nice to get recognition for my post on OAC and flattering that my name was mentioned on a prestigious blog!

Kicked A** and Took Names Today

Seldom do I post about my work. Part of it is that lately we had a crisis due to a position getting cut in my unit, and the management group didn't explain or justify their reason why very well. When there is unclear communication, it causes more ambiguity and dissatisfaction among workers, but unfortunately, the management where I work sometimes doesn't read the latest thinking among management gurus.

As my group continues to work through this crisis..and while some of it has passed, there are banner days. Today I had one of them.

I taught a group of students who are practicing to become among us when they graduate. The topic was on print sources for business. In 50 minutes, I took them on a journey starting with our reserves collection and romped through our reference materials. Their eyes got large several times when I pointed out special reports, directories, and historical data in terms of black market currencies, trade statistics, and government finances. I pointed out several books that help business researchers understand buying patterns of families and concentrations of different immigrant groups in our country--and where to find them.

It was very satisifying for me, to say the least. While I'm considered one of the database queens where I work, I still love the print.

Anyway, that was part of my day. The other was preparing a draft for a presentation I am giving at a conference next week--on my favorite topic: blogs!