My Li'l Labor of Gov

Looka here... the site I design and maintain has been mentioned in the local paper! It's the fourth version of the website that I've been responsible for, and I think this version is our best yet.


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State redesigns alabama.gov

Montgomery Advertiser | 05.30.07
LINK

By RICK HARMON

Alabama's Web site has been ranked as one of the country's top 10 state Web sites for the past three years, and it just got better.

The Web site, www.alabama.gov, has introduced a new layout and a suite of new interactive tools. Included in this year's enhancements are a new interactive picture-in-picture window that provides technology enhancements for images, calendar listings, and featured services. This feature eliminates the necessity to click through numerous screens to find information. Instead it displays the information immediately to the visitor.

The site includes everything from weather reports, including an Alabama hurricane center with up-to-the-minute satellite photos, to Alabama trivia, including a state timeline.

*****
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact:

Alabama's Official State Web Site Receives a New Look

www.alabama.gov

MONTGOMERY, Ala. May 29, 2007 Ranked as one of the top ten state websites in the nation three years running by the Center for Digital Government, Alabama is striving to continue this trend in 2007 with the release of its new site design and state-of-the-art technology. Previous visitors of the site may notice significant changes to the design elements and may be compelled to spend time exploring the new technologies and tools implemented to enhance the visitor's experience.

With alabama.gov serving as one of the State's largest publications and 24/7 communication tool, the site remains focused on creating efficiencies through the use of technology. The site maintains its established alabama.gov icon, but has introduced a new layout and a suite of new interactive tools. Included in this year's enhancements is a new interactive picture-in-picture window providing technology enhancements for images, calendar listings, and featured services. This feature eliminates the necessity to click through numerous screens to find information, but instead displays the information immediately to the visitor. Additional services such as RSS feeds and Podcasting (syndication feeds), enhanced mapping tools, wireless live help, and language translations have also been added.

"The State of Alabama is excited to unveil the latest version of alabama.gov," said Jim Burns, Chief Information Officer for the State of Alabama. "In addition to providing a new look and feel to the website we have focused on building upon past successes, as well as introducing new and exciting features that will entice visitors to return frequently."

alabama.gov has revolutionized where and how visitors can access information they are looking for and also introduce them to new and innovative tools and information. Through this new design, Alabama hopes that users will continue to associate Alabama's official website with convenience and efficiency.

About Alabama Interactive
Alabama Interactive is the official eGovernment solutions provider for the state of Alabama. The company builds and manages interactive government services on behalf of the state and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of eGovernment firm NIC (Nasdaq: EGOV).

About NIC
NIC manages more eGovernment services than any provider in the world. The company helps government communicate more effectively with citizens and businesses by putting essential services online. NIC provides eGovernment solutions for 2,600 state and local agencies that serve more than 61 million people in the United States. Additional information is available at www.nicusa.com.

An Open Letter to Phil Collins

Dear Phil Collins,

GET BACK BEHIND THAT DRUM KIT. You heard me, get back behind that drum kit where you belong. Nobody is arguing the fact that you are an amazingly talented drummer. Granted, you're no Terry Bozzio or Neal Peart, but you do shine.

Before you took the mic, Genesis were mind-blowing pioneers of the most symphonic and experimental prog rock. Sure, they might have gotten the most of their run as relatively unknown cult sweethearts before you became frontman. And, okay, Genesis didn't have the popularity with Peter Gabriel on lead vocals that it had with you. But there are two reasons for that:

1. Complete removal of creativity and, ultimately, creative edge. Sizzle? Gone.
2. Selling out.

The 80s critically wounded several legitimate, talented musicians. Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton... but you... YOU... you took a whole band down with you. Down into the sludge-laden mire of pith like I Can't Dance and Invisible Touch. And, good lawd, who could forget Don't Lose My Number? Listen up, Phil, only one band and one band alone can perform a song about someone losing someone's number and that is STEELY MUTHAF***ING DAN. Why Genesis? Why could you not have taken the high road and let Genesis burn out naturally, like a shooting star? Why could you not have just started a new band, called it Phil Collins and the Sweaty Hawaiian Shirt Smiley Lads or something? No jackets required!

Now, I know some will argue that you improved what was once merely a weird, arguably flailing, inaccessible, live performance-oriented band. To that I say: Give me The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway and Peter Gabriel in a huge daisy costume any day. The only good thing to come out of Peter Gabriel leaving Genesis was his solo recording Solsbury Hill, inspired by his departure from the band, and now included (for some unknown reason) on every movie trailer this side of Siam.

So, to sum up: Stick to the drums, Phil Collins. It's what you do, and believe me, you've done enough.

Most Sincerely,
Colette

P.S. I hate your stupid cockney accent.
P.P.S. I will admit that I do like Land of Confusion. And, okay, I like Abacab too. BUT THAT'S IT.


Phil Collins, showing little to no pride in himself. It's what he does.