Sending Mixed Signals Across the Spectrum
Communications / Regulation

Sending Mixed Signals Across the Spectrum

Last week I stacked the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) alongside such descriptors as ‘curmudgeon,’ while analyzing the need for regulatory reform at the agency primarily responsible for overseeing digital and telecommunications in the United States. In a radical shift of the narrative, internet news outlets were a buzz this week with the surprise claim that … Continue reading

Wen In New York: The American Capacitation of Chinese Censorship
America / China / Communications / Culture / Foreign Policy

Wen In New York: The American Capacitation of Chinese Censorship

The vacillation surrounding China’s view on public censorship is a troubling harbinger for the future of Sino-global affairs. 2012 saw a series of political scandals involving the communist regime: From the ambitious escape of blind dissident Chen Guangcheng to the government cover-up of British diplomat Neil Heywood’s murder. Yet it is the latest revelation in … Continue reading

America / Communications / Events / Politics

A Digital Avalanche

The first presidential debate contained many memorable moments. From the heated arguments difficult for moderator Jim Lehrer to control to Mitt Romney’s widely-targeted “Big Bird” comment, Wednesday night was a very entertaining night of television. Despite the excitement on our TV screens, it was the excitement on the screens of computers, smartphones, and tablets across … Continue reading

Communications / Culture / Economy / Fiscal policy / Politics / Tax / U.S. Domestic Policy

Weekly Graphic: Annual Expenditure Between Income Groups

As the debate over income equality in the US continues to build, economists and policy makers are focusing on the large amount of new and old studies that attempt to quantify the rising disparage of incomes. However, many of these studies and statistics can be misleading because they do not take several important factors into … Continue reading

Communications / Economy / Gov. Officials / Other

Data vs. Design: Key Problems Facing CBO and other Agencies

CBO and other government agencies produce huge amounts of data every day. They typically compile them into reports and glean out the important trends that will advise and inform policy makers. Traditionally these reports involve simple line and bar graphs with a few pie charts. However, the explosion in info graphics and interactive data has … Continue reading

Communications / Politics

The Accountability of Social Media

Social media instigated major political change in 2011.  Most notably the Arab Spring saw governments corrode under the pressure of its citizens who were fed up with years of corruption, poverty and joblessness.  Social media sites, Facebook and Twitter, enabled people to quickly learn about the demonstrations, organize and react through massive protests.  The accessibility … Continue reading

Communications / Economy / Regulation

A Shocking Development

By: Daniel Goldbeck Monday’s FCC deal on “Bill Shock” was one of those shockingly rare moments in the world of regulations. Stakeholders actually worked together on a difficult issue and found a solution amenable to their varied interests. Members of CTIA, the wireless industry’s trade association, will now implement new procedures that better inform their … Continue reading

Communications / Foreign Policy / Uncategorized

Publishing in International Relations

By: Mikel Kotonika Be it an add-on to a resume or a passion worth pursuing: writing pays off. With increasing expectations in today’s technological age for individuals to create their own “brand” – the importance of sound writing skills are critical. For college students and young professionals in the vast field of international relations, these … Continue reading

America / Communications / Culture / Economy / Gov. Officials / Healthcare / U.S. Domestic Policy / Uncategorized

Congress and Reform: Can it Happen?

Author: Ryan Holland An article yesterday reported that Congress’ approval rating has dropped to single digits in California- just 9 percent.  For many it is a dark time in the world of politics, as recession, war, health costs, and debt crisis have converged into a nightmare of endless battles over ideologies and policies.  Here in … Continue reading