Brad Rourke

Category: Tech

  • Wolves, Rivers, Hindsight, and the "Butterfly Effect"

    There is a video that is currently being shared on social media by a number of people I know. It is about the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone and the wide-ranging effects this “keystone species” had on the environment. A keystone species is a top-of-food-chain creature whose presence or absence has wide-ranging impacts. In the…

  • Co-Production: Blobs and Squares

    In a class, we have been talking a little bit about “co-production” from the standpoint of federal government organizations. Co-production is the idea that institutions and citizens (or other entities) can and should work in complementary ways. As an example, the “see something, say something” campaign is such an effort. There are a couple of ways…

  • A Fourth Systems Thinking Building Block?

    Some of my friends and readers know I am nearly finished pursuing a master’s degree in public administration at American University. (No, I am not intending to pursue a career in the federal government; the MPA is like the MBA of the social sector and I thought it a useful higher degree to have.) In my current course,…

  • Google Chrome OS Netbook My Go-To Household Computer

    Friends and colleagues know that I am very, very heavily into new technology — and I typically put it through its paces. I want everything just to work. I am also seemingly on a constant search to find just the right tool for the right job. When it comes to matching computing activity with equipment,…

  • The Verizon iPhone Commercial

    Happy Friday! My friends know that I’ve been waiting with bated breath for the iPhone to finally come to Verizon. I refuse to put up with AT&T’s network problems. Up to now, I have been happy with my Motorola Droid (I am a big-time Google guy) but in hindsight I have to admit it was…

  • Two Ways to Use Google Voice

    Google Voice is often referred to as the “one number to rule them all” service. That does not really describe what the service does — or can do. I have been a user of the service since it began (and used its predecessor, Grand Central, before that). Some of my friends have asked me about…

  • Review Of Livescribe Smart Pen: Good For Leaders And Professionals On The Go

    My latest piece is posted at Public Square Today, my blog at Washington Times Communities: Review Of Livescribe Smartpen Livescribe Smartpen For Christmas this year, some family members fulfilled a long-standing desire I’d had and got me a Livescribe Smart Pen. I’ve been using it for a couple of weeks now, and I think this product is…

  • Real-World Verizon Droid Review

    My latest piece is posted at Public Square Today, my blog at Washington Times Communities: Mobile professionals are not the only ones who have discovered the usefulness of the smartphone. More and more public leaders are busting out Blackberrys and iPhones when they are out and about. At my recent talk at the National League…