Wednesday, March 12, 2008

If Governments Could Speak...

Oh wait, ours does! Did you know that the Government of the United States of America has a BLOG?!? Yes, a BLOG! It's called Gov Gab, and no, I'm not lying. I love it when the government tries to be all young and hip. Just check out the blogger bios... and then go visit the blog at: http://blog.usa.gov/

Who Are The Bloggers?

We are federal employees who work in the Office of Citizen Services and Communications at the U.S. General Services Administration. In our daily jobs, we encounter a staggering amount of U.S. government information and services that can benefit your life. From saving money and visiting National Parks to finding out about government auctions and the latest recalls, we want to bring these resources to you in a new way—through our blog.

Jake (Monday)

Jake playing the guitarJake quickly bumbled, stumbled and tumbled into the federal gubmint in the summer of '04. Jake works with the USA.gov frequently asked questions and plans to draw on these and his interests for his bloggings. When the plucky twenty-something Virginian isn't gabbing, he keeps himself way too busy. Be it going to rock shows, playing guitar, watching team sports, searching for the perfect Italian sub, reading too much Dave Barry or negotiating meal times with his cat, there is never a dull moment.

Joanne (Tuesday)

JoanneJoanne is USA.gov's outside the beltway connection—way outside the beltway. She lived in the big city for 10 years, but now revels in the dichotomy of working on a world-class website while she can hear the clip clop of a horse and buggy passing by her window. Intent on being super woman, she works full time, cares for two young daughters and loves to read, cook, throw pots, ride her bike and has a knack for home brewing.

Sam (Wednesday)

Girl shoppingSam is a twenty-something Southern belle who brought her pointed-toe shoes (now peep toe) and passion for all things accessories to the federal government 4 years ago. When she's not relying on the kindness of bureaucrats or telling anyone who'll listen about all of Uncle Sam's great resources, you can find Sam shopping for the latest bargains, planning her next exotic vacay, or cheering on her beloved Georgia Bulldawgs. Other passions: flea markets, banana pudding, and celebrity gossip.

Nancy (Thursday)

NancyNancy grew up watching GSA's television public service announcements for "Pueblo, Colorado" and even sang a couple old ones (off-key) during her job interview. They hired her anyway. Today, the New Jersey native manages TV, radio and print PSA campaigns. When not messing around with all things media at work, Nancy messes around with all things media at home: hosting a local radio show; promoting emerging musicians; and dabbling in comedy, writing and photography. Nancy also likes to help people in the community—from getting gang kids off the street to counseling recently widowed people. At home, she's usually in the kitchen inventing recipes or in the workshop, trying unsuccessfully to repair something. A bureaucrat since 1991, Nancy tells everyone she was hired at age 12. As this claim becomes less believable each year, Nancy's begun to investigate wrinkle creams.

Sommer (Friday)

SommerBorn in South Dakota in the late '70s, Sommer moved to the nation's capital in 2000 to sample big city life during a college internship. She laughed when all the long-time residents told her "That's what I did 20 years ago—and I'm still here!" Well, she's still here too (after a short stint at Ohio State to pick up a master's and a husband)! As a web content manager for USA.gov, Sommer helps the public cut through red tape by trying to make the maze of government programs understandable. She spends free time dreaming of ways to fix up her 1940's townhouse, learning to garden, and clipping coupons.

Colleen (Substitute Blogger)

Colleen at a football gameColleen or "Bean" as she is known to friends and family, makes no secret of the two loves of her life—the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles. Hailing from the city of real cheesesteaks, Colleen crossed the Keystone State to attend college at the University of Pittsburgh. Here she developed another passion—the PITT Panthers. Besides being a sports junkie, Colleen takes pride in her knowledge of seemingly useless trivia, being the world's greatest rockstar while behind the wheel, and the owner of an absolutely obscene amount of shoes. This Irish girl is a newbie to the bureaucrat world, where she is a Consumer Information Specialist.

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