External opinion on the US Recession

Knowledge @ Wharton offers a summary of a speech delivered by Pedro Aspe, a former Mexican Secretary of Finance, about the causes of the recession and a brief analysis of the bailout and its fallout. I liked the perspective since it came from outside of the US and offers a slightly different--though no less critical--perspective.

Picking Plums

Every four years, in time for the arrival of a new administration, a copy of the Plum Book, "or list of the best Executive Branch jobs", becomes available. Many of the positions are filled by appointment, but some are open if you apply through USAJobs. Since civil service is one of the areas that is predicted to increase their hiring, this might be the time to explore some options in government employment.

And, yes, the Library of Congress does have positions listed on the Plum Book. But you can also search on USAJobs for current opportunities.

For more on the Plum Book, the AP has a brief article with links to related plummy write-ups.

Spark, Episode 55, Work 2.0

CBC's Spark Episode 55 is all about Work 2.0 with interviews with the CEO of Zappos and how to use 2.0 tech to be "transparent", Dan Tapscott on the Net Generation at work and who is using 2.0 in business.