FTC Warns Consumers About Online Dating Scams
"he Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, warns that scammers sometimes use online dating and social networking sites to try to convince people to send money in the name of love. In a typical scenario, the scam artist creates a fake profile, gains the trust of an online love interest, and then asks that person to wire money—usually to a location outside the United States.
Here are some warning signs that someone you met online could be in it for the money:
Wanting to leave the dating site immediately and use personal e-mail or IM accounts.
Claiming instant feelings of love.
Claiming to be from the United States but currently overseas.
Planning to visit, but being unable to do so because of a tragic event.
Asking for money to pay for travel, visas or other travel documents, medication, a child or other relative’s hospital bills, recovery from a temporary financial setback, or expenses while a big business deal comes through.
Making multiple requests for more money.
The FTC warns consumers that wiring money to someone they haven’t met is the same as sending cash. Once it’s gone, it can’t be recovered..."
Monday, November 29, 2010
Fact Sheet: Cutting the Deficit by Freezing Federal Employee Pay
"Because of the irresponsibility of the past decade, the President inherited a $1.3 trillion projected deficit upon taking office and an economic crisis that threatened to put the nation into a second Great Depression. He moved quickly to get the economy moving again. Now, the economy is growing, and we have gained private sector jobs for the past 10 months. But families and businesses are still hurting, and our top priority is making sure that we are doing everything we can to help boost economic growth and spur job creation.
Now, we need to turn our attention to addressing the massive deficits we inherited and the unsustainable fiscal course that we are on. Doing so will take some very tough choices. Just as families and businesses around the nation have tightened their belts so must their government. That must be done in a targeted way that focuses our investments in what works and in what will lay the foundation for job creation and economic growth for years to come while cutting back elsewhere in our budget.
That is why the President has decided to propose a freeze in civilian pay for federal employees for two years, 2011 and 2012..."
"Because of the irresponsibility of the past decade, the President inherited a $1.3 trillion projected deficit upon taking office and an economic crisis that threatened to put the nation into a second Great Depression. He moved quickly to get the economy moving again. Now, the economy is growing, and we have gained private sector jobs for the past 10 months. But families and businesses are still hurting, and our top priority is making sure that we are doing everything we can to help boost economic growth and spur job creation.
Now, we need to turn our attention to addressing the massive deficits we inherited and the unsustainable fiscal course that we are on. Doing so will take some very tough choices. Just as families and businesses around the nation have tightened their belts so must their government. That must be done in a targeted way that focuses our investments in what works and in what will lay the foundation for job creation and economic growth for years to come while cutting back elsewhere in our budget.
That is why the President has decided to propose a freeze in civilian pay for federal employees for two years, 2011 and 2012..."
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Question and Answer Center
NAICS: Classification code for my business
Question:How can I look up the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for my business?
Answer:At www.census.gov/naics/, enter a key word in the search box in the upper left corner, then pick the best code from the list returned. Then click on the code to see the formal definition of the category.
It is not possible to look up a NAICS code by company name.
NAICS: Classification code for my business
Question:How can I look up the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for my business?
Answer:At www.census.gov/naics/, enter a key word in the search box in the upper left corner, then pick the best code from the list returned. Then click on the code to see the formal definition of the category.
It is not possible to look up a NAICS code by company name.
Factors Influencing Rural Residents’ Utilization of Urban Hospitals
"Objective—To examine, using nationally representative data, which patient, hospital, and county characteristics influence rural residents’ urban hospitalization.
Methods—Rural residents hospitalized in urban hospitals (crossovers) are compared with those hospitalized in rural hospitals (noncrossovers). National Hospital Discharge Survey data were merged with Area Resource File and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services data to study rural inpatients’ characteristics; hospital descriptors; and county or state socioeconomic and health service variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified covariates of the likelihood of being a crossover.
Findings—About one-third of the rural resident hospitalizations in 2003 were in urban hospitals. Other factors constant, those requiring greater resources had higher odds of crossing over, as did younger inpatients, those transferred from other hospitals, receiving surgery, and with mental diagnoses or congenital anomalies. Males, emergency admissions, and intervertebral disk disorder inpatients had lower odds of crossing over compared with those who were not in these categories. Crossover patients’ hospitals had higher Medicare case mix indices than hospitals used by noncrossovers. Rural inpatients in government hospitals, rather than proprietary or non-profit hospitals, had greater odds of crossing over, as did rural patients from counties with lower population density, fewer hospital beds, more hospitals, more commuters, and lower per capita income compared with those in other categories.
Conclusions—Rural hospitals continue to be an important source of inpatient care, but rural residents travel to urban hospitals in some specific instances."
"Objective—To examine, using nationally representative data, which patient, hospital, and county characteristics influence rural residents’ urban hospitalization.
Methods—Rural residents hospitalized in urban hospitals (crossovers) are compared with those hospitalized in rural hospitals (noncrossovers). National Hospital Discharge Survey data were merged with Area Resource File and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services data to study rural inpatients’ characteristics; hospital descriptors; and county or state socioeconomic and health service variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified covariates of the likelihood of being a crossover.
Findings—About one-third of the rural resident hospitalizations in 2003 were in urban hospitals. Other factors constant, those requiring greater resources had higher odds of crossing over, as did younger inpatients, those transferred from other hospitals, receiving surgery, and with mental diagnoses or congenital anomalies. Males, emergency admissions, and intervertebral disk disorder inpatients had lower odds of crossing over compared with those who were not in these categories. Crossover patients’ hospitals had higher Medicare case mix indices than hospitals used by noncrossovers. Rural inpatients in government hospitals, rather than proprietary or non-profit hospitals, had greater odds of crossing over, as did rural patients from counties with lower population density, fewer hospital beds, more hospitals, more commuters, and lower per capita income compared with those in other categories.
Conclusions—Rural hospitals continue to be an important source of inpatient care, but rural residents travel to urban hospitals in some specific instances."
CPSC Releases Top Three Tips for a Safer Holiday Toy Shopping and Playing Experience
"As the holidays approach and toy catalogs begin to arrive in the mail, toy shoppers can become overwhelmed with all the choices. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants parents and consumers to know that safeguards put in place in recent years are making a positive impact and helping to restore confidence in the safety of toys in the marketplace.
The new toy safeguards include: establishing the lowest lead content and lead paint limits in the world; setting limits on the use of certain phthalates; converting the voluntary toy standard into a mandatory standard; and working with Customs and Border Protection data systems to track shipments as they are in transit from other countries thereby increasing our effectiveness in discovering dangerous products coming into U.S. ports.
These safeguards, along with safety-conscious steps taken by many toy makers and sellers, have contributed to a dramatic decline in toy recalls since 2008. There were 44 toy recalls in fiscal year 2010. This is down from 50 recalls in 2009 and 172 recalls in 2008. Toy recalls related to lead in 2010 were down to 3, which is far fewer than 9 in 2009 and 19 in 2008.
In addition to a decline in recalls, toy-related fatalities decreased in 2009. A new report (pdf) released by CPSC today notes that for 2009 CPSC received reports of 12 deaths to children under the age of 15, which is down from 24 toy-related fatalities in 2007 and 2008. Riding toys were associated with almost 60 percent of the reported deaths in 2009: 3 with tricycles, 2 with powered riding toys, and 2 with nonmotorized riding toys or unspecified riding toys. Most deaths were from drowning, motor vehicle accidents, or airway obstruction from a small toy or small part of a toy..."
"As the holidays approach and toy catalogs begin to arrive in the mail, toy shoppers can become overwhelmed with all the choices. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants parents and consumers to know that safeguards put in place in recent years are making a positive impact and helping to restore confidence in the safety of toys in the marketplace.
The new toy safeguards include: establishing the lowest lead content and lead paint limits in the world; setting limits on the use of certain phthalates; converting the voluntary toy standard into a mandatory standard; and working with Customs and Border Protection data systems to track shipments as they are in transit from other countries thereby increasing our effectiveness in discovering dangerous products coming into U.S. ports.
These safeguards, along with safety-conscious steps taken by many toy makers and sellers, have contributed to a dramatic decline in toy recalls since 2008. There were 44 toy recalls in fiscal year 2010. This is down from 50 recalls in 2009 and 172 recalls in 2008. Toy recalls related to lead in 2010 were down to 3, which is far fewer than 9 in 2009 and 19 in 2008.
In addition to a decline in recalls, toy-related fatalities decreased in 2009. A new report (pdf) released by CPSC today notes that for 2009 CPSC received reports of 12 deaths to children under the age of 15, which is down from 24 toy-related fatalities in 2007 and 2008. Riding toys were associated with almost 60 percent of the reported deaths in 2009: 3 with tricycles, 2 with powered riding toys, and 2 with nonmotorized riding toys or unspecified riding toys. Most deaths were from drowning, motor vehicle accidents, or airway obstruction from a small toy or small part of a toy..."
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Unveils Study Showing Dramatic Gains in Seat Belt Use from Tougher Laws and Stiffer
"In urging Americans to buckle up and drive safely over the Thanksgiving holiday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today released new research that shows that states that strengthen belt laws and increase fines for unbuckled motorists see substantially increased seatbelt use.
"We want everyone to have a safe and happy holiday travel season," said Secretary LaHood. "For the sake of your loved ones and everyone else on the road, please remember to buckle up and put away your cell phone every time you get behind the wheel."
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study confirms that states that upgrade from a secondary to primary seat belt law show belt use gains of 10 to 12 percentage points. It also shows that states that increase the fine for a belt use violation from $25, the national median, to $60 show gains of 3 to 4 percentage points in belt use. Those that raise the penalty to $100 show 6- to 7-percent point gains..."
View the full report
"In urging Americans to buckle up and drive safely over the Thanksgiving holiday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today released new research that shows that states that strengthen belt laws and increase fines for unbuckled motorists see substantially increased seatbelt use.
"We want everyone to have a safe and happy holiday travel season," said Secretary LaHood. "For the sake of your loved ones and everyone else on the road, please remember to buckle up and put away your cell phone every time you get behind the wheel."
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study confirms that states that upgrade from a secondary to primary seat belt law show belt use gains of 10 to 12 percentage points. It also shows that states that increase the fine for a belt use violation from $25, the national median, to $60 show gains of 3 to 4 percentage points in belt use. Those that raise the penalty to $100 show 6- to 7-percent point gains..."
View the full report
Surveillance of Screening-Detected Cancers (Colon and Rectum, Breast, and Cervix) — United States, 2004–2006
"Population-based screening for cancer requires screening persons who might be at risk for but do not display symptoms of a particular cancer (1). Effective cancer screening reduces, through early detection and treatment, disease-associated morbidity and mortality (2–4). Screening also helps prevent cancer by detecting precancerous lesions (e.g., colorectal adenomatous polyps and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) that can be removed. Based on systematic reviews of the evidence of the benefits and harms and assessments of the net benefit of screening, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends population-based screening for colon and rectum cancer, female breast cancer, and uterine cervix cancer (5). Sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, USPSTF is an independent panel of experts in prevention and primary care that systematically reviews the scientific evidence of the effectiveness of clinical preventive services, including screening for cancer, and develops recommendations for these services. USPSTF grades the strength of evidence as follows: “A” (strongly recommends), “B” (recommends), “C” (offers no recommendation for or against), “D” (recommends against), or “I” (finds insufficient evidence to recommend for or against)..."
"Population-based screening for cancer requires screening persons who might be at risk for but do not display symptoms of a particular cancer (1). Effective cancer screening reduces, through early detection and treatment, disease-associated morbidity and mortality (2–4). Screening also helps prevent cancer by detecting precancerous lesions (e.g., colorectal adenomatous polyps and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) that can be removed. Based on systematic reviews of the evidence of the benefits and harms and assessments of the net benefit of screening, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends population-based screening for colon and rectum cancer, female breast cancer, and uterine cervix cancer (5). Sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, USPSTF is an independent panel of experts in prevention and primary care that systematically reviews the scientific evidence of the effectiveness of clinical preventive services, including screening for cancer, and develops recommendations for these services. USPSTF grades the strength of evidence as follows: “A” (strongly recommends), “B” (recommends), “C” (offers no recommendation for or against), “D” (recommends against), or “I” (finds insufficient evidence to recommend for or against)..."
House Price Index for the United States (USSTHPI)
A quarterly index of housing prices for the United States from 1975 to July 2010.
A quarterly index of housing prices for the United States from 1975 to July 2010.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Current Price Topics: The Use of the CPI in Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs)
"More than 50 million people currently receive Social Security benefits.[1] In 1972, Congress passed legislation tying Social Security cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to changes in the Consumer Price Index. Specifically, these COLAs are based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), All Items, from the third quarter of one year to the third quarter of the next year.
COLA effective for 2009. The third quarter average 2007 CPI-W, All Items index stood at 203.596. The CPI-W average for the third quarter of 2008 was 215.495, an increase of 5.8 percent. (See table 1.) This 5.8-percent cost-of-living increase, which became effective in 2009, was the highest COLA in more than 25 years. The steep rise was due to both sharply higher gasoline prices, which climbed 35.2 percent from the third quarter of 2007 to the third quarter of 2008, and higher prices for food, which increased 6.2 percent over the same period.
COLA effective for 2010. From the third quarter of 2008 to the third quarter of 2009, the CPI-W actually fell 2.1 percent, due in large part to gasoline prices, which dropped 32.5 percent over that period. This was the first time the CPI-W, All Items index had fallen since Social Security COLAs were tied to the CPI. When the CPI-W falls, Social Security benefits do not fall. Instead, they remain unchanged.[2] For this reason, there was no COLA for 2010.
COLA effective for 2011. In the third quarter of 2010, the CPI-W stood at 214.136. Although this was higher than the 2009 third-quarter CPI-W average of 211.001, Social Security recipients will not receive a COLA in 2011. This is because, by legislation, the CPI-W must exceed its previous third-quarter peak, recorded in 2008, in order for there to be a positive COLA the next year. Put another way, because the third-quarter 2010 CPI-W level of 214.136 did not exceed its previous peak of 215.495 in 2008, there will be no automatic COLA in 2011..."
"More than 50 million people currently receive Social Security benefits.[1] In 1972, Congress passed legislation tying Social Security cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to changes in the Consumer Price Index. Specifically, these COLAs are based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), All Items, from the third quarter of one year to the third quarter of the next year.
COLA effective for 2009. The third quarter average 2007 CPI-W, All Items index stood at 203.596. The CPI-W average for the third quarter of 2008 was 215.495, an increase of 5.8 percent. (See table 1.) This 5.8-percent cost-of-living increase, which became effective in 2009, was the highest COLA in more than 25 years. The steep rise was due to both sharply higher gasoline prices, which climbed 35.2 percent from the third quarter of 2007 to the third quarter of 2008, and higher prices for food, which increased 6.2 percent over the same period.
COLA effective for 2010. From the third quarter of 2008 to the third quarter of 2009, the CPI-W actually fell 2.1 percent, due in large part to gasoline prices, which dropped 32.5 percent over that period. This was the first time the CPI-W, All Items index had fallen since Social Security COLAs were tied to the CPI. When the CPI-W falls, Social Security benefits do not fall. Instead, they remain unchanged.[2] For this reason, there was no COLA for 2010.
COLA effective for 2011. In the third quarter of 2010, the CPI-W stood at 214.136. Although this was higher than the 2009 third-quarter CPI-W average of 211.001, Social Security recipients will not receive a COLA in 2011. This is because, by legislation, the CPI-W must exceed its previous third-quarter peak, recorded in 2008, in order for there to be a positive COLA the next year. Put another way, because the third-quarter 2010 CPI-W level of 214.136 did not exceed its previous peak of 215.495 in 2008, there will be no automatic COLA in 2011..."
CBO's Projections of Federal Receipts and Expenditures in the Framework of the National Income and Product Accounts
"The fiscal transactions of the federal government are recorded in two major sets of accounts. One is The Budget of the United States Government, which is prepared by the Office of Management and Budget and is the framework generally used by executive branch agencies and the Congress and typically discussed in the press. The other set of accounts is the national income and product
accounts (NIPAs), which are produced by the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis.
The purposes served by the budget and the NIPA accounting frameworks, the conceptual differences, and the relationship between those two sets of data are examined briefly below and more thoroughly in previous publications by the Congressional Budget Office(CBO).In August, CBO reported its latest baseline projections of federal revenues and outlays in the standard structure for budget accounting. This report presents those projections in the NIPA framework(see Tables 1 and 2)..."
"The fiscal transactions of the federal government are recorded in two major sets of accounts. One is The Budget of the United States Government, which is prepared by the Office of Management and Budget and is the framework generally used by executive branch agencies and the Congress and typically discussed in the press. The other set of accounts is the national income and product
accounts (NIPAs), which are produced by the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis.
The purposes served by the budget and the NIPA accounting frameworks, the conceptual differences, and the relationship between those two sets of data are examined briefly below and more thoroughly in previous publications by the Congressional Budget Office(CBO).In August, CBO reported its latest baseline projections of federal revenues and outlays in the standard structure for budget accounting. This report presents those projections in the NIPA framework(see Tables 1 and 2)..."
2011 Army Weapon Systems
"The Army Acquisition, Logistics and Technology community is charged to perform a vital mission to
provide our Soldiers a decisive advantage in any mission by developing, acquiring, fielding, and
sustaining the world’s best equipment and services and leveraging technologies and capabilities to
meet current and future Army needs. Soldiers are the decisive edge. We provide them with leading-edge technologies and advanced capabilities to dominate in our current operations across the battlespace while simultaneously preparing to respond decisively to future threats.
This annual publication describes how we are accomplishing our mission and highlights our major
acquisition programs. You will learn what each program is designed to achieve for our Soldiers and the program’s status. Furthermore, you will learn about the contractors involved, teaming arrangements, and critical interdependencies with other programs and fielded systems. In addition, this handbook augments several key publications that characterize the strategic context for our work, including the 2010 Army Posture Statement, the 2010 Army Modernization Strategy, and our Science and Technology Master Plan..."
"The Army Acquisition, Logistics and Technology community is charged to perform a vital mission to
provide our Soldiers a decisive advantage in any mission by developing, acquiring, fielding, and
sustaining the world’s best equipment and services and leveraging technologies and capabilities to
meet current and future Army needs. Soldiers are the decisive edge. We provide them with leading-edge technologies and advanced capabilities to dominate in our current operations across the battlespace while simultaneously preparing to respond decisively to future threats.
This annual publication describes how we are accomplishing our mission and highlights our major
acquisition programs. You will learn what each program is designed to achieve for our Soldiers and the program’s status. Furthermore, you will learn about the contractors involved, teaming arrangements, and critical interdependencies with other programs and fielded systems. In addition, this handbook augments several key publications that characterize the strategic context for our work, including the 2010 Army Posture Statement, the 2010 Army Modernization Strategy, and our Science and Technology Master Plan..."
CDC Vital Signs: Access to Health Care
"New 2010 estimates show that the number of Americans without health insurance is growing,
affecting middle-income Americans as well as those living in poverty. About 50 million adults
18–64 years old had no health insurance for at least some of the past 12 months. People in all
income brackets have been affected, not just adults living in poverty, according to a 2009 survey.
In the past few years, the number of adults aged 18–64 who went without health insurance for
at least part of the past 12 months increased by an average of 1.1 million per year. About half of
those additional adults were middle-income.* Adults without consistent health insurance are
more likely to skip medical care because of cost concerns, which can lead to poorer health, higher
long-term health care costs, and early death..."
"New 2010 estimates show that the number of Americans without health insurance is growing,
affecting middle-income Americans as well as those living in poverty. About 50 million adults
18–64 years old had no health insurance for at least some of the past 12 months. People in all
income brackets have been affected, not just adults living in poverty, according to a 2009 survey.
In the past few years, the number of adults aged 18–64 who went without health insurance for
at least part of the past 12 months increased by an average of 1.1 million per year. About half of
those additional adults were middle-income.* Adults without consistent health insurance are
more likely to skip medical care because of cost concerns, which can lead to poorer health, higher
long-term health care costs, and early death..."
Prevalence and Severity of Dental Fluorosis in the United States, 1999-2004
"Key findings
Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2004 and the 1986-1987 National Survey of Oral Health in U.S. School Children
Less than one-quarter of persons aged 6-49 in the United States had some form of dental fluorosis.
The prevalence of dental fluorosis was higher in adolescents than in adults and highest among those aged 12-15.
Adolescents aged 12-15 in 1999-2004 had a higher prevalence of dental fluorosis than adolescents aged 12-15 in 1986-1987..."
"Key findings
Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2004 and the 1986-1987 National Survey of Oral Health in U.S. School Children
Less than one-quarter of persons aged 6-49 in the United States had some form of dental fluorosis.
The prevalence of dental fluorosis was higher in adolescents than in adults and highest among those aged 12-15.
Adolescents aged 12-15 in 1999-2004 had a higher prevalence of dental fluorosis than adolescents aged 12-15 in 1986-1987..."
Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2010
"This report is the thirteenth in a series of annual publications produced jointly by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Institute of Education Sciences (IES), in the U.S. Department of Education, and the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) in the U.S. Department of Justice. This report presents the most recent data available on school crime and student safety. The indicators in this report are based on information drawn from a variety of data sources, including national surveys of students, teachers, and principals. Sources include results from a study of violent deaths in schools, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; the National Crime Victimization Survey and School Crime Supplement to the survey, sponsored by the BJS and NCES, respectively; the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and the Schools and Staffing Survey and School Survey on Crime and Safety, both sponsored by NCES. The most recent data collection for each indicator varied by survey, from 2007 to 2009. Each data source has an independent sample design, data collection method, and questionnaire design, or is the result of a universe data collection. All comparisons described in this report are statistically significant at the .05 level. Additional information about methodology and the datasets analyzed in this report may be found in appendix A.
This report covers topics such as victimization, teacher injury, bullying, school conditions, fights, weapons, availability and student use of drugs and alcohol, and student perceptions of personal safety at school. Indicators of crime and safety are compared across different population subgroups and over time. Data on crimes that occur away from school are offered as a point of comparison where available."
"This report is the thirteenth in a series of annual publications produced jointly by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Institute of Education Sciences (IES), in the U.S. Department of Education, and the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) in the U.S. Department of Justice. This report presents the most recent data available on school crime and student safety. The indicators in this report are based on information drawn from a variety of data sources, including national surveys of students, teachers, and principals. Sources include results from a study of violent deaths in schools, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; the National Crime Victimization Survey and School Crime Supplement to the survey, sponsored by the BJS and NCES, respectively; the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and the Schools and Staffing Survey and School Survey on Crime and Safety, both sponsored by NCES. The most recent data collection for each indicator varied by survey, from 2007 to 2009. Each data source has an independent sample design, data collection method, and questionnaire design, or is the result of a universe data collection. All comparisons described in this report are statistically significant at the .05 level. Additional information about methodology and the datasets analyzed in this report may be found in appendix A.
This report covers topics such as victimization, teacher injury, bullying, school conditions, fights, weapons, availability and student use of drugs and alcohol, and student perceptions of personal safety at school. Indicators of crime and safety are compared across different population subgroups and over time. Data on crimes that occur away from school are offered as a point of comparison where available."
1 in 4 of the Largest U.S. Airports Still Allows Smoking Indoors
"s the nation approaches Thanksgiving, the busiest travel season of the year, a new CDC report shows that 22 percent of U.S. passenger boardings take place at seven of the largest airports that still allow smoking indoors, putting air travelers and workers at risk of being exposed to secondhand smoke. Studies have shown that exposure to secondhand smoke can cause heart attacks, lung cancer, asthma attacks, and other diseases.
The study, published in this week's MMWR, compares the status of smoke-free polices among the largest U.S. airports in 2002 and 2010. Although more airports prohibit smoking today than in 2002, smoking is still allowed inside seven of the nation's largest airports, including three of the five busiest airports—Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, and Denver International Airport. Other airports that still allow smoking indoors include: Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, and Salt Lake City International Airport..."
"s the nation approaches Thanksgiving, the busiest travel season of the year, a new CDC report shows that 22 percent of U.S. passenger boardings take place at seven of the largest airports that still allow smoking indoors, putting air travelers and workers at risk of being exposed to secondhand smoke. Studies have shown that exposure to secondhand smoke can cause heart attacks, lung cancer, asthma attacks, and other diseases.
The study, published in this week's MMWR, compares the status of smoke-free polices among the largest U.S. airports in 2002 and 2010. Although more airports prohibit smoking today than in 2002, smoking is still allowed inside seven of the nation's largest airports, including three of the five busiest airports—Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, and Denver International Airport. Other airports that still allow smoking indoors include: Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, and Salt Lake City International Airport..."
Question and Answers Series.
Question: do you have data on literary.
Answer:
"
No, we have not collected data on literacy for many years. We do have data that might be of use to people interested in literacy. In the American Community Survey, we collected data on related subjects – namely, on language proficiency and linguistic isolation. In addition, you can obtain these data in Census 2000 Summary File 3 and Summary File 4; accessible for many kinds of geographic areas from the American FactFinder. Note too the Census 2000 Brief on Language Use and English Speaking Ability PDF.
For literacy data, we suggest the following:
*Go to the National Center for Education Statistics. The 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL) measures the English literacy of America's adults (people age 16 and older living in households and prisons). Results are available in the publication "A First Look at the Literacy of America’s Adults in the 21st Century". To download the report as a PDF file, please visit.
*Go to the Statistical Abstract of the United States to view summary data on this topic. Select the edition (year) of interest, then go to the section on "Education" or browse the "Index" for this topic.
*A Current Population Report, entitled Literacy and Educational Attainment, March 1959 PDF, gives an overview of the way literacy data were collected up to that point. (See page 9.)
* Finally, check out the topic using our Google This link to a non-federal Web site does not imply endorsement of any particular product, company, or content. search. There, you will find a number of reports on:
*
o Literacy in various countries.
o Selected research reports dealing with literacy issues.
o Selected training materials designed to help teach map and statistical literacy."
Question: do you have data on literary.
Answer:
"
No, we have not collected data on literacy for many years. We do have data that might be of use to people interested in literacy. In the American Community Survey, we collected data on related subjects – namely, on language proficiency and linguistic isolation. In addition, you can obtain these data in Census 2000 Summary File 3 and Summary File 4; accessible for many kinds of geographic areas from the American FactFinder. Note too the Census 2000 Brief on Language Use and English Speaking Ability PDF.
For literacy data, we suggest the following:
*Go to the National Center for Education Statistics. The 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL) measures the English literacy of America's adults (people age 16 and older living in households and prisons). Results are available in the publication "A First Look at the Literacy of America’s Adults in the 21st Century". To download the report as a PDF file, please visit.
*Go to the Statistical Abstract of the United States to view summary data on this topic. Select the edition (year) of interest, then go to the section on "Education" or browse the "Index" for this topic.
*A Current Population Report, entitled Literacy and Educational Attainment, March 1959 PDF, gives an overview of the way literacy data were collected up to that point. (See page 9.)
* Finally, check out the topic using our Google This link to a non-federal Web site does not imply endorsement of any particular product, company, or content. search. There, you will find a number of reports on:
*
o Literacy in various countries.
o Selected research reports dealing with literacy issues.
o Selected training materials designed to help teach map and statistical literacy."
Questions and Answers: Crime
Another in the Census Bureau's Question and Answer series.
Questions: Do you have statistics on Crime?
"Answer:
The Census Bureau releases some statistics on the criminal justice system in our data on government employment and finance, but none on crime, criminals, or victims. Our annual Statistical Abstract of the United States has a wide range of tables related to crime issues. Additional sources include:
*
FedStats has crime data by Federal Judicial District.
*
Housing and Urban Development's (HUD). State of the Cities This link to a non-federal Web site does not imply endorsement of any particular product, company, or content. database also has crime data.
*
Agencies of the U.S. Department of Justice, notably the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons, offer many statistics on crime as well."
Another in the Census Bureau's Question and Answer series.
Questions: Do you have statistics on Crime?
"Answer:
The Census Bureau releases some statistics on the criminal justice system in our data on government employment and finance, but none on crime, criminals, or victims. Our annual Statistical Abstract of the United States has a wide range of tables related to crime issues. Additional sources include:
*
FedStats has crime data by Federal Judicial District.
*
Housing and Urban Development's (HUD). State of the Cities This link to a non-federal Web site does not imply endorsement of any particular product, company, or content. database also has crime data.
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Agencies of the U.S. Department of Justice, notably the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons, offer many statistics on crime as well."
Grants.gov
"What is a Grant?
Grants are not benefits or entitlements. A federal grant is an award of financial assistance from a federal agency to a recipient to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a law of the United States. Federal grants are not federal assistance or loans to individuals.
A federal grant may not used to acquire property or services for the federal government's direct benefit. The 26 federal agencies offer over 1,000 grant programs annually in various categories.
Grant Categories
Agencies that Provide Grants
PLEASE NOTE: If you are in need of personal financial assistance such as Social Security/Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid or State Social Services, you can find help at www.GovBenefits.gov. This type of individual assistance is not available on this website. If you are interested in student loans, please go to www.Studentaid.ed.gov. If you are a small business looking for a loan, please visit the Small Business Administration."
"What is a Grant?
Grants are not benefits or entitlements. A federal grant is an award of financial assistance from a federal agency to a recipient to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a law of the United States. Federal grants are not federal assistance or loans to individuals.
A federal grant may not used to acquire property or services for the federal government's direct benefit. The 26 federal agencies offer over 1,000 grant programs annually in various categories.
Grant Categories
Agencies that Provide Grants
PLEASE NOTE: If you are in need of personal financial assistance such as Social Security/Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid or State Social Services, you can find help at www.GovBenefits.gov. This type of individual assistance is not available on this website. If you are interested in student loans, please go to www.Studentaid.ed.gov. If you are a small business looking for a loan, please visit the Small Business Administration."
Business.gov
Find information on starting a business, register a business, business loans and grants, business law, business management, business opportunites, business types and industries and local and state government resources.
Find information on starting a business, register a business, business loans and grants, business law, business management, business opportunites, business types and industries and local and state government resources.
Benefits.gov
"Benefits.gov (formerly GovBenefits.gov) was launched in an effort to provide citizens with easy, online access to government benefit and assistance programs. Eight years after its initial launch, GovBenefits.gov underwent a major redesign and became Benefits.gov. However, the program's mission remains the same: reduce the expense and difficulty of interacting with the government while increasing citizen access to government benefit information.
The site's core function is the eligibility prescreening questionnaire or "Benefit Finder." Answers to the questionnaire are used to evaluate a visitor's situation and compare it with the eligibility criteria for more than 1,000 Federally-funded benefit and assistance programs. Each program description provides citizens with the next steps to apply for any benefit program of interest.
At the time of the site's launch in 2002, it featured 55 programs, representing the ten original Federal agency partners. Today, the website now includes over 1,000 programs representing 17 Federal partners. For an in-depth review of our activities, take a look at Benefits.gov: A Progress Report to Citizens (2008), a summary of our mission and efforts to serve citizens."
"Benefits.gov (formerly GovBenefits.gov) was launched in an effort to provide citizens with easy, online access to government benefit and assistance programs. Eight years after its initial launch, GovBenefits.gov underwent a major redesign and became Benefits.gov. However, the program's mission remains the same: reduce the expense and difficulty of interacting with the government while increasing citizen access to government benefit information.
The site's core function is the eligibility prescreening questionnaire or "Benefit Finder." Answers to the questionnaire are used to evaluate a visitor's situation and compare it with the eligibility criteria for more than 1,000 Federally-funded benefit and assistance programs. Each program description provides citizens with the next steps to apply for any benefit program of interest.
At the time of the site's launch in 2002, it featured 55 programs, representing the ten original Federal agency partners. Today, the website now includes over 1,000 programs representing 17 Federal partners. For an in-depth review of our activities, take a look at Benefits.gov: A Progress Report to Citizens (2008), a summary of our mission and efforts to serve citizens."
Monday, November 22, 2010
EPA Releases Reports on Dioxin Emitted During Deepwater Horizon BP Spill
"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today released two peer reviewed reports concerning dioxins emitted during the controlled burns of oil during the Deepwater Horizon BP spill. Dioxins describe a group of hundreds of potentially cancer-causing chemicals that can be formed during combustion or burning. The reports found that while small amounts of dioxins were created by the burns, the levels that workers and residents would have been exposed to were below EPA’s levels of concern.
Controlled burning of oil on the surface of the ocean (also called in situ burning) was one method used by the Unified Command during the Deepwater Horizon BP oil spill, to reduce the spread of oil and environmental impacts at the shoreline. A total of 411 controlled burn events occurred of which 410 could be quantified, resulting in the combustion of an estimated 222,000 to 313,000 barrels of oil (or 9.3 to 13.1 million gallons).
With support from the U.S. Coast Guard, EPA conducted sampling of emissions at the source of the controlled burns in the Gulf of Mexico to determine if dioxins were present. The sampling was conducted to identify potential dioxin exposures and determine the potential risks from inhalation to workers in the vicinity of the fires, risks from inhalation to the general population and risks to the general population from consuming fish caught in the area..."
"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today released two peer reviewed reports concerning dioxins emitted during the controlled burns of oil during the Deepwater Horizon BP spill. Dioxins describe a group of hundreds of potentially cancer-causing chemicals that can be formed during combustion or burning. The reports found that while small amounts of dioxins were created by the burns, the levels that workers and residents would have been exposed to were below EPA’s levels of concern.
Controlled burning of oil on the surface of the ocean (also called in situ burning) was one method used by the Unified Command during the Deepwater Horizon BP oil spill, to reduce the spread of oil and environmental impacts at the shoreline. A total of 411 controlled burn events occurred of which 410 could be quantified, resulting in the combustion of an estimated 222,000 to 313,000 barrels of oil (or 9.3 to 13.1 million gallons).
With support from the U.S. Coast Guard, EPA conducted sampling of emissions at the source of the controlled burns in the Gulf of Mexico to determine if dioxins were present. The sampling was conducted to identify potential dioxin exposures and determine the potential risks from inhalation to workers in the vicinity of the fires, risks from inhalation to the general population and risks to the general population from consuming fish caught in the area..."
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Releases Annual List of Candidates for Endangered Species Act
"The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) today released its Candidate Notice of Review, a yearly appraisal of the current status of plants and animals considered candidates for protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). One species has been removed from candidate status, five have been added, and four have a change in priority from the last review conducted in November of 2009. There are now 251 species recognized by the Service as candidates for ESA protection.
“The candidate list offers the Service and our partners a unique opportunity to address the threats to these species through voluntary conservation efforts on public and private lands,” said Acting Service Director Rowan Gould. “We will continue working to reduce the number of candidate species by developing conservation agreements that reduce or eliminate the threats they face, and by listing species that warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act as soon as possible.”
Candidate species are plants and animals for which the Service has enough information on their status and the threats they face to propose them as threatened or endangered, but developing a proposed listing rule is precluded by higher priority listing actions. Candidate species do not receive protection under the ESA, although the Service works to conserve them. The annual review and identification of candidate species provides landowners and resource managers notice of species in need of conservation, allowing them to address threats and work to preclude the need to list the species. The Service is currently working with landowners and partners to implement voluntary conservation agreements covering 5 million acres of habitat for more than 130 candidate species..."
View complete list
"The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) today released its Candidate Notice of Review, a yearly appraisal of the current status of plants and animals considered candidates for protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). One species has been removed from candidate status, five have been added, and four have a change in priority from the last review conducted in November of 2009. There are now 251 species recognized by the Service as candidates for ESA protection.
“The candidate list offers the Service and our partners a unique opportunity to address the threats to these species through voluntary conservation efforts on public and private lands,” said Acting Service Director Rowan Gould. “We will continue working to reduce the number of candidate species by developing conservation agreements that reduce or eliminate the threats they face, and by listing species that warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act as soon as possible.”
Candidate species are plants and animals for which the Service has enough information on their status and the threats they face to propose them as threatened or endangered, but developing a proposed listing rule is precluded by higher priority listing actions. Candidate species do not receive protection under the ESA, although the Service works to conserve them. The annual review and identification of candidate species provides landowners and resource managers notice of species in need of conservation, allowing them to address threats and work to preclude the need to list the species. The Service is currently working with landowners and partners to implement voluntary conservation agreements covering 5 million acres of habitat for more than 130 candidate species..."
View complete list
EEOC Explores Plight Of Older Workers In Current Economic Climate
"At a meeting held today, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission heard testimony that age discrimination is causing the nation’s older workers to have a difficult time maintaining and finding new employment, a problem exacerbated by the downturn in the economy. The number and percentage of age discrimination charges filed with the EEOC have grown, rising from 16,548 charges — 21.8 percent of all charges — filed in fiscal year 2006, to 22,778 —24.4 percent — in fiscal year 2009.
The Commission heard testimony from a number of experts on the impact of the economic crisis on older workers, the legal issues surrounding age discrimination today, and best practices to retain older workers. Dr. William Spriggs, Assistant Secretary for Policy, U.S. Department of Labor, testified that the rate of unemployment for people age 55 and over “rose from a pre-recession low of 3.0 percent (November 2007) to reach 7.3 percent in August, 2010, making the past 22 months the longest spell of high unemployment workers in this age group have experienced in 60 years.” Older workers also spend far more time searching for work and are jobless for far longer periods of time compared to workers under 55.
Assistant Secretary Spriggs’ testimony reflected the experience of Jessie Williams, who had worked for 31 years in Las Vegas at Republic Services, a multi-million dollar waste disposal company. After more than three decades of stellar employment, he was terminated along with four other foremen over 40. He testified, “I was told that I wasn’t needed any longer . . . [and] that they were going to ‘get rid of the old foremen and get some new blood.’” Following his discharge, Mr. Williams had to move out of state to find employment. He later became part of the EEOC’s suit against Republic filed on behalf of more than 20 workers discharged due to their age. The case was ultimately settled for nearly $3 million..."
"At a meeting held today, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission heard testimony that age discrimination is causing the nation’s older workers to have a difficult time maintaining and finding new employment, a problem exacerbated by the downturn in the economy. The number and percentage of age discrimination charges filed with the EEOC have grown, rising from 16,548 charges — 21.8 percent of all charges — filed in fiscal year 2006, to 22,778 —24.4 percent — in fiscal year 2009.
The Commission heard testimony from a number of experts on the impact of the economic crisis on older workers, the legal issues surrounding age discrimination today, and best practices to retain older workers. Dr. William Spriggs, Assistant Secretary for Policy, U.S. Department of Labor, testified that the rate of unemployment for people age 55 and over “rose from a pre-recession low of 3.0 percent (November 2007) to reach 7.3 percent in August, 2010, making the past 22 months the longest spell of high unemployment workers in this age group have experienced in 60 years.” Older workers also spend far more time searching for work and are jobless for far longer periods of time compared to workers under 55.
Assistant Secretary Spriggs’ testimony reflected the experience of Jessie Williams, who had worked for 31 years in Las Vegas at Republic Services, a multi-million dollar waste disposal company. After more than three decades of stellar employment, he was terminated along with four other foremen over 40. He testified, “I was told that I wasn’t needed any longer . . . [and] that they were going to ‘get rid of the old foremen and get some new blood.’” Following his discharge, Mr. Williams had to move out of state to find employment. He later became part of the EEOC’s suit against Republic filed on behalf of more than 20 workers discharged due to their age. The case was ultimately settled for nearly $3 million..."
EPA Releases the 2010 Fuel Economy Trends Report/Carbon dioxide decreases as fuel economy increases
"For the sixth consecutive year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reporting a decrease in average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and a slight increase in the average fuel efficiency for new cars and light duty trucks, according to EPA’s annual report “Light-Duty Automotive Technology, Carbon Dioxide Emissions, and Fuel Economy Trends: 1975 through 2010”.
EPA projects a small improvement in 2010, based on pre-model year sales estimates provided by automakers, to 395 grams of CO2 per mile and 22.5 miles per gallon (mpg), though there is uncertainty in these projections as they were made during the atypical automotive market in 2009. The 2010 final data will be available in next year’s report.
For 2009, the last year EPA has final data from automakers, the average CO2 emissions from new vehicles were 397 grams per mile and the average fuel economy value was 22.4 mpg.
The report confirms that average CO2 emissions have decreased and fuel economy has increased each year beginning in 2005. Average CO2 emissions have decreased by 64 grams per mile, or 14 percent, and average fuel economy has increased by 3.1 mpg, or 16 percent, since 2004. The positive trend beginning in 2005 reverses a long period of increasing CO2 emissions and decreasing fuel economy from 1987 through 2004..."
View full report
"For the sixth consecutive year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reporting a decrease in average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and a slight increase in the average fuel efficiency for new cars and light duty trucks, according to EPA’s annual report “Light-Duty Automotive Technology, Carbon Dioxide Emissions, and Fuel Economy Trends: 1975 through 2010”.
EPA projects a small improvement in 2010, based on pre-model year sales estimates provided by automakers, to 395 grams of CO2 per mile and 22.5 miles per gallon (mpg), though there is uncertainty in these projections as they were made during the atypical automotive market in 2009. The 2010 final data will be available in next year’s report.
For 2009, the last year EPA has final data from automakers, the average CO2 emissions from new vehicles were 397 grams per mile and the average fuel economy value was 22.4 mpg.
The report confirms that average CO2 emissions have decreased and fuel economy has increased each year beginning in 2005. Average CO2 emissions have decreased by 64 grams per mile, or 14 percent, and average fuel economy has increased by 3.1 mpg, or 16 percent, since 2004. The positive trend beginning in 2005 reverses a long period of increasing CO2 emissions and decreasing fuel economy from 1987 through 2004..."
View full report
Unemployment Insurance Benefits and Family Income of the Unemployed, November 17, 2010
"The unemployment insurance (UI) program provides a weekly benefit to qualified
workers who lose their job and are actively seeking work. The amount of that benefit
is based in part on a worker’s past earnings. The composition of the worker’s family
and the income of the family as a whole are not generally taken into account. Nevertheless,
the worker’s whole family is likely to be affected both by the spell of unemployment
itself and by the support that the UI benefit provides.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) examined the role of UI benefits in supporting
the income of families in which at least one person was unemployed at some point
in 2009. The analysis addressed how that role varied with the amount of family
income and the number of weeks of unemployment for all family members. CBO
also examined how the poverty rate and related indicators of financial hardship would
have differed in the absence of the UI program.
The unemployment rate averaged 9.3 percent in 2009, more than double what it was
in 2007 and the highest it had been since 1983.1 In 2009, nearly one in four people
(including children) lived in a family in which at least one family member was unemployed
at some time during the year.2 Among people living in a family with income below the poverty threshold, one in three lived in a family in which at least one person was unemployed at some point..."
"The unemployment insurance (UI) program provides a weekly benefit to qualified
workers who lose their job and are actively seeking work. The amount of that benefit
is based in part on a worker’s past earnings. The composition of the worker’s family
and the income of the family as a whole are not generally taken into account. Nevertheless,
the worker’s whole family is likely to be affected both by the spell of unemployment
itself and by the support that the UI benefit provides.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) examined the role of UI benefits in supporting
the income of families in which at least one person was unemployed at some point
in 2009. The analysis addressed how that role varied with the amount of family
income and the number of weeks of unemployment for all family members. CBO
also examined how the poverty rate and related indicators of financial hardship would
have differed in the absence of the UI program.
The unemployment rate averaged 9.3 percent in 2009, more than double what it was
in 2007 and the highest it had been since 1983.1 In 2009, nearly one in four people
(including children) lived in a family in which at least one family member was unemployed
at some time during the year.2 Among people living in a family with income below the poverty threshold, one in three lived in a family in which at least one person was unemployed at some point..."
PUBLIC SPENDING ON TRANSPORTATION AND WATER INFRASTRUCTURE
"In fiscal year 2007—the most recent year for which data on combined spending by the federal government and by state and local governments are available—total public spending for transportation and water infrastructure was $356 billion, or 2.4 percent of the nation’s economic output as measured by its gross domestic product. For the purposes of this study, transportation and water infrastructure encompasses infrastructure for all forms of surface transportation (highways, mass transit, rail, and waterways), aviation, water resources (such as dams and levees), and water distribution and wastewater treatment..."
"In fiscal year 2007—the most recent year for which data on combined spending by the federal government and by state and local governments are available—total public spending for transportation and water infrastructure was $356 billion, or 2.4 percent of the nation’s economic output as measured by its gross domestic product. For the purposes of this study, transportation and water infrastructure encompasses infrastructure for all forms of surface transportation (highways, mass transit, rail, and waterways), aviation, water resources (such as dams and levees), and water distribution and wastewater treatment..."
Preventing and Defending Against Cyber Attacks
"The Nation’s first ever Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR), delivered to Congress in February 2010, identified “safeguarding and securing cyberspace” as one of the Nation’s five priority homeland security missions.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responsible for helping Federal Executive Branch civilian departments and agencies secure their unclassified networks (.gov). DHS also works with owners and operators of critical infrastructure and key resources (CIKR)—whether private sector, state, or municipality-owned—to bolster their cybersecurity preparedness, risk assessment and mitigation and incident response capabilities..."
"The Nation’s first ever Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR), delivered to Congress in February 2010, identified “safeguarding and securing cyberspace” as one of the Nation’s five priority homeland security missions.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responsible for helping Federal Executive Branch civilian departments and agencies secure their unclassified networks (.gov). DHS also works with owners and operators of critical infrastructure and key resources (CIKR)—whether private sector, state, or municipality-owned—to bolster their cybersecurity preparedness, risk assessment and mitigation and incident response capabilities..."
FTC Issues Final Rule to Protect Struggling Homeowners from Mortgage Relief Scams
"Rule Outlaws Advance Fees and False Claims, Requires Clear Disclosures
Homeowners will be protected by a new Federal Trade Commission rule that bans providers of mortgage foreclosure rescue and loan modification services from collecting fees until homeowners have a written offer from their lender or servicer that they decide is acceptable.
“At a time when many Americans are struggling to pay their mortgages, peddlers of so-called mortgage relief services have taken hundreds of millions of dollars from hundreds of thousands of homeowners without ever delivering results,” FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz said. “By banning providers of these services from collecting fees until the customer is satisfied with the results, this rule will protect consumers from being victimized by these scams.”
The FTC is issuing the Mortgage Assistance Relief Services (MARS) Rule to protect distressed homeowners from mortgage relief scams that have sprung up during the mortgage crisis. Bogus operations falsely claim that, for a fee, they will negotiate with the consumer’s mortgage lender or servicer to obtain a loan modification, a short sale, or other relief from foreclosure. Many of these operations pretend to be affiliated with the government and government housing assistance programs. The FTC has brought more than 30 cases against operations like these, and state and federal law enforcement partners have brought hundreds more..."
"Rule Outlaws Advance Fees and False Claims, Requires Clear Disclosures
Homeowners will be protected by a new Federal Trade Commission rule that bans providers of mortgage foreclosure rescue and loan modification services from collecting fees until homeowners have a written offer from their lender or servicer that they decide is acceptable.
“At a time when many Americans are struggling to pay their mortgages, peddlers of so-called mortgage relief services have taken hundreds of millions of dollars from hundreds of thousands of homeowners without ever delivering results,” FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz said. “By banning providers of these services from collecting fees until the customer is satisfied with the results, this rule will protect consumers from being victimized by these scams.”
The FTC is issuing the Mortgage Assistance Relief Services (MARS) Rule to protect distressed homeowners from mortgage relief scams that have sprung up during the mortgage crisis. Bogus operations falsely claim that, for a fee, they will negotiate with the consumer’s mortgage lender or servicer to obtain a loan modification, a short sale, or other relief from foreclosure. Many of these operations pretend to be affiliated with the government and government housing assistance programs. The FTC has brought more than 30 cases against operations like these, and state and federal law enforcement partners have brought hundreds more..."
Afghanistan: U.S. Rule of Law and Justice Sector Assistance
"Developing effective Afghan justice sector institutions is considered by many observers to be
essential in winning the support of the Afghan population, improving the Afghan government’s
credibility and legitimacy, and reducing support for insurgent factions. Such sentiments are
reinforced in the face of growing awareness of the pervasiveness of Afghan corruption. To this
end, establishing the rule of law (ROL) in Afghanistan has become a priority in U.S. strategy for
Afghanistan and an issue of interest to Congress. Numerous U.S. programs to promote ROL are
in various stages of implementation and receive ongoing funding and oversight from Congress.
Major programs include the following:
• State Department’s Justice Sector Support Program (JSSP) and Corrections
System Support Program (CSSP);
• U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID’s) formal and informal
ROL stabilization programs (RLS);
• Justice Department’s (DOJ’s) Senior Federal Prosecutors Program, which, with
State Department funds, provides legal mentoring and training; and
• Defense Department’s (DOD’s) operational support through Combined Joint
Task Force 101 (CJTF-101), as well as through Combined Joint Interagency Task
Force 435 (CJIATF-435)..."
"Developing effective Afghan justice sector institutions is considered by many observers to be
essential in winning the support of the Afghan population, improving the Afghan government’s
credibility and legitimacy, and reducing support for insurgent factions. Such sentiments are
reinforced in the face of growing awareness of the pervasiveness of Afghan corruption. To this
end, establishing the rule of law (ROL) in Afghanistan has become a priority in U.S. strategy for
Afghanistan and an issue of interest to Congress. Numerous U.S. programs to promote ROL are
in various stages of implementation and receive ongoing funding and oversight from Congress.
Major programs include the following:
• State Department’s Justice Sector Support Program (JSSP) and Corrections
System Support Program (CSSP);
• U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID’s) formal and informal
ROL stabilization programs (RLS);
• Justice Department’s (DOJ’s) Senior Federal Prosecutors Program, which, with
State Department funds, provides legal mentoring and training; and
• Defense Department’s (DOD’s) operational support through Combined Joint
Task Force 101 (CJTF-101), as well as through Combined Joint Interagency Task
Force 435 (CJIATF-435)..."
DOD Establishes Wounded Warrior Task Force
"The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness announced today the names of 14 people who will serve on the Department of Defense Task Force for Care, Management, and Transition of Recovering Wounded, Ill, and Injured Members of the Armed Forces.
The four year mission of the congressionally directed task force is to provide independent advice and recommendations to the department, ensuring comprehensive services are provided to wounded members of the armed forces and their families.
The task force will look at areas including medical and non-medical case management; staffing of wounded warrior units; performance and accountability systems; services for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as the effectiveness of the centers of excellence. Individual service members, their families, and the public will have the opportunity to provide input to the task force as it develops its recommendations on DoD’s wounded warrior programs..."
"The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness announced today the names of 14 people who will serve on the Department of Defense Task Force for Care, Management, and Transition of Recovering Wounded, Ill, and Injured Members of the Armed Forces.
The four year mission of the congressionally directed task force is to provide independent advice and recommendations to the department, ensuring comprehensive services are provided to wounded members of the armed forces and their families.
The task force will look at areas including medical and non-medical case management; staffing of wounded warrior units; performance and accountability systems; services for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as the effectiveness of the centers of excellence. Individual service members, their families, and the public will have the opportunity to provide input to the task force as it develops its recommendations on DoD’s wounded warrior programs..."
FBI Releases 2009 Hate Crime Statistics
"Today, the FBI released 2009 statistics which indicated that 6,604 criminal incidents involving 7,789 offenses were reported as a result of bias toward a particular race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity/national origin, or physical or mental disability. Hate Crime Statistics, 2009, published by the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, includes data from hate crime reports submitted by law enforcement agencies throughout the nation..."
View full report
"Today, the FBI released 2009 statistics which indicated that 6,604 criminal incidents involving 7,789 offenses were reported as a result of bias toward a particular race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity/national origin, or physical or mental disability. Hate Crime Statistics, 2009, published by the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, includes data from hate crime reports submitted by law enforcement agencies throughout the nation..."
View full report
Monday, November 15, 2010
Healthy Animals: ARS Scientists Find Solutions to Help Keep Catfish Healthy
"Innovation is the key for Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists looking for ways to keep farm-raised catfish and other aquatic animals healthy and productive. Their research accomplishments, which include superior vaccines to fight pathogens and the fine-tuning of oxygen management systems for ponds, help protect and sustain America's aquaculture industry.
There's More than One Way to Hatch an Egg
For example, an ARS scientist in the Mississippi Delta is on a mission to help commercial growers improve farm-raised catfish production.
Fish biologist Les Torrans is constructing an innovative egg incubator he calls the "see-saw" to provide a better mix of dissolved oxygen for vulnerable catfish eggs. Torrans works in the ARS Catfish Genetics Research Unit of the Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center located at the Mississippi State University (MSU) Delta Experiment Station in Stoneville, Miss..."
"Innovation is the key for Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists looking for ways to keep farm-raised catfish and other aquatic animals healthy and productive. Their research accomplishments, which include superior vaccines to fight pathogens and the fine-tuning of oxygen management systems for ponds, help protect and sustain America's aquaculture industry.
There's More than One Way to Hatch an Egg
For example, an ARS scientist in the Mississippi Delta is on a mission to help commercial growers improve farm-raised catfish production.
Fish biologist Les Torrans is constructing an innovative egg incubator he calls the "see-saw" to provide a better mix of dissolved oxygen for vulnerable catfish eggs. Torrans works in the ARS Catfish Genetics Research Unit of the Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center located at the Mississippi State University (MSU) Delta Experiment Station in Stoneville, Miss..."
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Vital Signs: Health Insurance Coverage and Health Care Utilization --- United States, 2006--2009 and January--March 2010
"Background: The increasing number of persons in the United States with no health insurance has implications both for individual health and societal costs. Because of cost concerns, millions of uninsured persons forgo some needed health care, which can lead to poorer health and potentially to greater medical expenditures in the long term.
Methods: CDC analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) for 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 and early release NHIS data from the first quarter of 2010 to determine the number of persons without health insurance or with gaps in coverage and to assess whether lack of insurance coverage was associated with increased levels of forgone health care. Data were analyzed further by demographic characteristics, family income level, and selected chronic conditions.
Results: In the first quarter of 2010, an estimated 59.1 million persons had no health insurance for at least part of the year before their interview, an increase from 58.7 million in 2009 and 56.4 million in 2008. Of the 58.7 million in 2009, 48.6 million (82.8%) were aged 18--64 years. Among persons aged 18--64 years with family incomes two to three times the federal poverty level (approximately $43,000--$65,000 for a family of four in 2009), 9.7 million (32.1%) were uninsured for at least part of the preceding year. Persons aged 18--64 years with no health insurance during the preceding year were seven times as likely (27.6% versus 4.0%) as those continuously insured to forgo needed health care because of cost. Among persons aged 18--64 years with diabetes mellitus, those who had no health insurance during the preceding year were six times as likely (47.5% versus 7.7%) to forgo needed medical care as those who were continuously insured.
Conclusions: An increasing number of persons in the United States, including those at middle income levels, have had periods with no health insurance coverage in recent years, which is associated with increased levels of forgone health care. Persons aged 18--64 years with chronic conditions and without consistent health insurance coverage are much more likely to forgo needed medical care than persons with the same conditions and continuous coverage..."
"Background: The increasing number of persons in the United States with no health insurance has implications both for individual health and societal costs. Because of cost concerns, millions of uninsured persons forgo some needed health care, which can lead to poorer health and potentially to greater medical expenditures in the long term.
Methods: CDC analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) for 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 and early release NHIS data from the first quarter of 2010 to determine the number of persons without health insurance or with gaps in coverage and to assess whether lack of insurance coverage was associated with increased levels of forgone health care. Data were analyzed further by demographic characteristics, family income level, and selected chronic conditions.
Results: In the first quarter of 2010, an estimated 59.1 million persons had no health insurance for at least part of the year before their interview, an increase from 58.7 million in 2009 and 56.4 million in 2008. Of the 58.7 million in 2009, 48.6 million (82.8%) were aged 18--64 years. Among persons aged 18--64 years with family incomes two to three times the federal poverty level (approximately $43,000--$65,000 for a family of four in 2009), 9.7 million (32.1%) were uninsured for at least part of the preceding year. Persons aged 18--64 years with no health insurance during the preceding year were seven times as likely (27.6% versus 4.0%) as those continuously insured to forgo needed health care because of cost. Among persons aged 18--64 years with diabetes mellitus, those who had no health insurance during the preceding year were six times as likely (47.5% versus 7.7%) to forgo needed medical care as those who were continuously insured.
Conclusions: An increasing number of persons in the United States, including those at middle income levels, have had periods with no health insurance coverage in recent years, which is associated with increased levels of forgone health care. Persons aged 18--64 years with chronic conditions and without consistent health insurance coverage are much more likely to forgo needed medical care than persons with the same conditions and continuous coverage..."
Model Strategies for Recruitment and Hiring of People with Disabilities as Required Under Executive Order 13548
"On July 26, 2010, President Obama issued Executive Order (EO) 13548, which directs Executive departments and agencies to improve their efforts to employ Federal workers with disabilities and targeted disabilities through increased recruitment, hiring, and retention of these individuals. OPM, in consultation with the White House, the Department of Labor (DOL), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), has developed, as required by the EO, model recruitment and hiring strategies for agencies to use to increase their employment of people with disabilities. That document is attached to this memorandum.
Agencies now have 120 days from the date of this memorandum to submit their plans for increasing employment of people with disabilities to OPM. The model strategies document contains detailed guidance on what agencies should include in their plans.
Executive Order 13548 demonstrates the President’s strong commitment to making the Federal Government a welcoming place for people with disabilities where they can thrive and make the most of their talents and abilities. We must all make it a priority to do a better job of recruiting, hiring, and retaining people with disabilities. These attached strategies set us on that path. OPM is committed to helping your agency achieve this important goal..."
"On July 26, 2010, President Obama issued Executive Order (EO) 13548, which directs Executive departments and agencies to improve their efforts to employ Federal workers with disabilities and targeted disabilities through increased recruitment, hiring, and retention of these individuals. OPM, in consultation with the White House, the Department of Labor (DOL), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), has developed, as required by the EO, model recruitment and hiring strategies for agencies to use to increase their employment of people with disabilities. That document is attached to this memorandum.
Agencies now have 120 days from the date of this memorandum to submit their plans for increasing employment of people with disabilities to OPM. The model strategies document contains detailed guidance on what agencies should include in their plans.
Executive Order 13548 demonstrates the President’s strong commitment to making the Federal Government a welcoming place for people with disabilities where they can thrive and make the most of their talents and abilities. We must all make it a priority to do a better job of recruiting, hiring, and retaining people with disabilities. These attached strategies set us on that path. OPM is committed to helping your agency achieve this important goal..."
Location-Based Preferences in Federal and Federally Funded Contracting: An Overview of the Law
"The recession that began in December 2007 has prompted increased interest among some
Members of Congress and their constituents in legal authorities that could require or allow federal agencies to prefer contractors in one state or locality over those in other states or localities. Federal spending on procurement contracts has remained high, totaling $523.9 billion in FY2009, at a time when many other businesses have scaled back their purchases of goods and services. However, this spending has historically been localized in three to five states, which receive nearly half of all federal procurement dollars, prompting concerns about whether other states receive their “fair share.”
The federal government generally awards contracts to the lowest qualified responsible offeror,
regardless of the offeror’s location. However, some provisions of federal law require or allow
contracting agencies to favor vendors in certain localities. The main government-wide
preferences are for (1) “local contractors” in areas affected by presidentially declared disasters or emergencies; (2) businesses in “labor surplus areas,” or areas with particularly high
unemployment; and (3) small businesses in Historically Underutilized Business Zones
(HUBZones), or census tracks, nonmetropolitan counties, or other areas with low household
income or high unemployment. Federal agencies may conduct set-asides for, or grant evaluation
preferences to, local contractors; use firms’ status as labor surplus area concerns, or willingness to locate facilities in labor surplus areas, as a tie-breaker in sealed bid procurements or an evaluation factor in certain negotiated procurements; and make special sole-source awards to, conduct setasides for, or grant price evaluation preferences to HUBZone small businesses. Other agency specific preferences also exist, such as those for “local private, nonprofit, or cooperative entities” under the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 (P.L. 111-88)..."
"The recession that began in December 2007 has prompted increased interest among some
Members of Congress and their constituents in legal authorities that could require or allow federal agencies to prefer contractors in one state or locality over those in other states or localities. Federal spending on procurement contracts has remained high, totaling $523.9 billion in FY2009, at a time when many other businesses have scaled back their purchases of goods and services. However, this spending has historically been localized in three to five states, which receive nearly half of all federal procurement dollars, prompting concerns about whether other states receive their “fair share.”
The federal government generally awards contracts to the lowest qualified responsible offeror,
regardless of the offeror’s location. However, some provisions of federal law require or allow
contracting agencies to favor vendors in certain localities. The main government-wide
preferences are for (1) “local contractors” in areas affected by presidentially declared disasters or emergencies; (2) businesses in “labor surplus areas,” or areas with particularly high
unemployment; and (3) small businesses in Historically Underutilized Business Zones
(HUBZones), or census tracks, nonmetropolitan counties, or other areas with low household
income or high unemployment. Federal agencies may conduct set-asides for, or grant evaluation
preferences to, local contractors; use firms’ status as labor surplus area concerns, or willingness to locate facilities in labor surplus areas, as a tie-breaker in sealed bid procurements or an evaluation factor in certain negotiated procurements; and make special sole-source awards to, conduct setasides for, or grant price evaluation preferences to HUBZone small businesses. Other agency specific preferences also exist, such as those for “local private, nonprofit, or cooperative entities” under the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 (P.L. 111-88)..."
Thursday, November 11, 2010
New Federal Reserve Publications on Credit Reports and Credit Scores
"A new online resource from the Federal Reserve provides practical answers to questions about credit reports, credit scores, and the importance of protecting personal credit histories. The Consumer's Guide to Credit Reports and Credit Scores describes the content of a credit report, explains how a credit score is used, and discusses the role of credit bureaus in collecting and disseminating this information.
Mortgage lenders, banks, insurers, utilities, employers, and other businesses may obtain credit reports from credit bureaus to assess how an individual manages their financial responsibilities. Consumers need to know what's in their credit report and understand how negative information, such as late payments or a bankruptcy filing, might affect a lender's decision to grant credit. The guide answers questions ranging from "What is a credit score?" to "How can I get a free copy of my credit report?" to "How long does negative information stay on my credit report?" It contains tips to help consumers improve their credit scores and provides step-by-step instructions for correcting an error in a credit report.
The Consumer's Guide to Credit Reports and Credit Scores can be found at www.federalreserve.gov/creditreports. It is one of several online Federal Reserve publications, such as 5 Tips for Improving Your Credit Score and 5 Tips for Getting the Most from Your Credit Card. Many of these publications are available in Spanish."
"A new online resource from the Federal Reserve provides practical answers to questions about credit reports, credit scores, and the importance of protecting personal credit histories. The Consumer's Guide to Credit Reports and Credit Scores describes the content of a credit report, explains how a credit score is used, and discusses the role of credit bureaus in collecting and disseminating this information.
Mortgage lenders, banks, insurers, utilities, employers, and other businesses may obtain credit reports from credit bureaus to assess how an individual manages their financial responsibilities. Consumers need to know what's in their credit report and understand how negative information, such as late payments or a bankruptcy filing, might affect a lender's decision to grant credit. The guide answers questions ranging from "What is a credit score?" to "How can I get a free copy of my credit report?" to "How long does negative information stay on my credit report?" It contains tips to help consumers improve their credit scores and provides step-by-step instructions for correcting an error in a credit report.
The Consumer's Guide to Credit Reports and Credit Scores can be found at www.federalreserve.gov/creditreports. It is one of several online Federal Reserve publications, such as 5 Tips for Improving Your Credit Score and 5 Tips for Getting the Most from Your Credit Card. Many of these publications are available in Spanish."
Long Tarmac Delays in September Down From Last Year
"The nation’s largest airlines reported four flights in September with tarmac delays of more than three hours, down from six flights in September 2009, with only a slight increase in the rate of canceled flights, according to the Air Travel Consumer Report released today by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
Data filed with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) showed the only tarmac delays longer than three hours reported in September by the 18 airlines that file on-time performance data with DOT involved delays caused by weather in New York and Philadelphia on Sept. 22. September was the fifth full month of data since the new aviation consumer rule went into effect on April 29. There have been only 12 total tarmac delays of more than three hours reported from May through September this year, compared to 535 during the same five-month period of 2009. BTS is a part of DOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA)...:
"The nation’s largest airlines reported four flights in September with tarmac delays of more than three hours, down from six flights in September 2009, with only a slight increase in the rate of canceled flights, according to the Air Travel Consumer Report released today by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
Data filed with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) showed the only tarmac delays longer than three hours reported in September by the 18 airlines that file on-time performance data with DOT involved delays caused by weather in New York and Philadelphia on Sept. 22. September was the fifth full month of data since the new aviation consumer rule went into effect on April 29. There have been only 12 total tarmac delays of more than three hours reported from May through September this year, compared to 535 during the same five-month period of 2009. BTS is a part of DOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA)...:
CDC Releases Two Reports on Excessive Alcohol Use and Related Harms
"CDC's Guide to Community Preventive Services has released two reports on "Maintaining Limits on Days and Hours of Sale of Alcoholic Beverages to Prevent Excessive Alcohol Consumption and Related Harms". These reports were posted online today by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine and will be published in their December 2010 issue.
The reports show that increasing the number of hours and days when alcohol can be sold in bars, restaurants, and liquor stores leads to greater alcohol use and related harms, especially motor-vehicle crashes. National, state, and local policies that remove previously banned alcohol sales on weekend days (usually Sundays) or that increase the hours of sale by 2 or more hours contribute to excessive drinking and many dangerous outcomes, including driving after drinking and alcohol-related assault and injury.
The Task Force on Community Preventive Services, an independent, nonfederal body of public health experts, recommends maintaining limits on the days or hours during which alcohol can legally be sold, based upon a state-of-the-art systematic review process of all available studies on the topic..."
View full report
"CDC's Guide to Community Preventive Services has released two reports on "Maintaining Limits on Days and Hours of Sale of Alcoholic Beverages to Prevent Excessive Alcohol Consumption and Related Harms". These reports were posted online today by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine and will be published in their December 2010 issue.
The reports show that increasing the number of hours and days when alcohol can be sold in bars, restaurants, and liquor stores leads to greater alcohol use and related harms, especially motor-vehicle crashes. National, state, and local policies that remove previously banned alcohol sales on weekend days (usually Sundays) or that increase the hours of sale by 2 or more hours contribute to excessive drinking and many dangerous outcomes, including driving after drinking and alcohol-related assault and injury.
The Task Force on Community Preventive Services, an independent, nonfederal body of public health experts, recommends maintaining limits on the days or hours during which alcohol can legally be sold, based upon a state-of-the-art systematic review process of all available studies on the topic..."
View full report
Access to Health Care
"New 2010 estimates show that the number of Americans without health insurance is growing, affecting middle-income Americans as well as those living in poverty. About 50 million adults 18–64 years old had no health insurance for at least some of the past 12 months. People in all income brackets have been affected, not just adults living in poverty, according to a 2009 survey. In the past few years, the number of adults aged 18–64 who went without health insurance for at least part of the past 12 months increased by an average of 1.1 million per year. About half of those additional adults were middle-income.* Adults without consistent health insurance are more likely to skip medical care because of cost concerns, which can lead to poorer health, higher long-term health care costs, and early death..."
"New 2010 estimates show that the number of Americans without health insurance is growing, affecting middle-income Americans as well as those living in poverty. About 50 million adults 18–64 years old had no health insurance for at least some of the past 12 months. People in all income brackets have been affected, not just adults living in poverty, according to a 2009 survey. In the past few years, the number of adults aged 18–64 who went without health insurance for at least part of the past 12 months increased by an average of 1.1 million per year. About half of those additional adults were middle-income.* Adults without consistent health insurance are more likely to skip medical care because of cost concerns, which can lead to poorer health, higher long-term health care costs, and early death..."
America Recycles Day - November 15th
"Everyday Americans recycle their trash because they know it’s an important activity that can have a positive impact on the environment.
But once a year the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets aside November 15 to remind everyone that recycling plays a dramatic role in reducing pollution. It’s a great day to recommit to recycling, and to consider adding some additional recycling activities to our daily routines.
The average American discards about 4.5 pounds of trash, also known as solid waste, every day. This trash goes mostly to landfills, where it is compacted and buried. Thirty-three percent of solid waste, or 83 million tons, is recovered and recycled or composted; and 54 percent, or 135 million tons, is disposed of in landfills..."
"Everyday Americans recycle their trash because they know it’s an important activity that can have a positive impact on the environment.
But once a year the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets aside November 15 to remind everyone that recycling plays a dramatic role in reducing pollution. It’s a great day to recommit to recycling, and to consider adding some additional recycling activities to our daily routines.
The average American discards about 4.5 pounds of trash, also known as solid waste, every day. This trash goes mostly to landfills, where it is compacted and buried. Thirty-three percent of solid waste, or 83 million tons, is recovered and recycled or composted; and 54 percent, or 135 million tons, is disposed of in landfills..."
Proposed Cigarette Product Warning Labels
"Overview
The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (Tobacco Control Act) requires that cigarette packages and advertisements have larger and more visible graphic health warnings.
FDA issued a proposed rule, Required Warnings for Cigarette Packages and Advertisements, proposing to modify the required warnings that appear on cigarette packages and in cigarette advertisements. These new required warnings would consist of nine new textual warning statements accompanied by color graphics depicting the negative health consequences of smoking.
Timeline for Final Regulations
The Tobacco Control Act requires FDA to issue final regulations requiring these color graphics by June 22, 2011. It also specifies that the requirement for the new health warnings on cigarette packages and advertisements will take effect 15 months after issuance of this final rule..."
"Overview
The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (Tobacco Control Act) requires that cigarette packages and advertisements have larger and more visible graphic health warnings.
FDA issued a proposed rule, Required Warnings for Cigarette Packages and Advertisements, proposing to modify the required warnings that appear on cigarette packages and in cigarette advertisements. These new required warnings would consist of nine new textual warning statements accompanied by color graphics depicting the negative health consequences of smoking.
Timeline for Final Regulations
The Tobacco Control Act requires FDA to issue final regulations requiring these color graphics by June 22, 2011. It also specifies that the requirement for the new health warnings on cigarette packages and advertisements will take effect 15 months after issuance of this final rule..."
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
U.S. Census Bureau Reports Men and Women Wait Longer to Marry
"The median age at first marriage increased to 28.2 for men and 26.1 for women in 2010, an increase from 26.8 and 25.1 in 2000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This increase is a continuation of a long-term trend that has been noted since the mid-1950s. In addition, the overall percentage of adults who were married declined to 54.1 percent in 2010 from 57.3 percent in 2000.
According to America's Families and Living Arrangements: 2010, the average household size declined to 2.59 in 2010, from 2.62 people in 2000. This is partly because of the increase in one-person households, which rose from 25 percent in 2000 to 27 percent in 2010, more than double the percentage in 1960 (13 percent).
These data come from the 2010 Current Population Survey, which provides a look at the socioeconomic characteristics of families and households at the national level..."
"The median age at first marriage increased to 28.2 for men and 26.1 for women in 2010, an increase from 26.8 and 25.1 in 2000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This increase is a continuation of a long-term trend that has been noted since the mid-1950s. In addition, the overall percentage of adults who were married declined to 54.1 percent in 2010 from 57.3 percent in 2000.
According to America's Families and Living Arrangements: 2010, the average household size declined to 2.59 in 2010, from 2.62 people in 2000. This is partly because of the increase in one-person households, which rose from 25 percent in 2000 to 27 percent in 2010, more than double the percentage in 1960 (13 percent).
These data come from the 2010 Current Population Survey, which provides a look at the socioeconomic characteristics of families and households at the national level..."
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Veterans’ Benefits: Current Life Insurance Programs
"The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers and supervises several life insurance
programs for active servicemembers and veterans. The VA supervises the Servicemembers’ Group
Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) programs, which are
administered by the Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (OSGLI), a division of
Prudential Financial. The Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance (S-DVI) program, on the other
hand, is administered entirely by the VA. Access to VA-administered life insurance programs
gives servicemembers and veterans, who may not be eligible for private life insurance policies,
the opportunity to carry group life insurance. This provides for their families in the event of the
servicemember’s or veteran’s death..."
"The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers and supervises several life insurance
programs for active servicemembers and veterans. The VA supervises the Servicemembers’ Group
Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) programs, which are
administered by the Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (OSGLI), a division of
Prudential Financial. The Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance (S-DVI) program, on the other
hand, is administered entirely by the VA. Access to VA-administered life insurance programs
gives servicemembers and veterans, who may not be eligible for private life insurance policies,
the opportunity to carry group life insurance. This provides for their families in the event of the
servicemember’s or veteran’s death..."
Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS): Overview and Issues
"Federal policy has played a key role in the emergence of the U.S. biofuels industry. Policy
measures include minimum renewable fuel usage requirements, blending and production tax
credits, an import tariff, loans and loan guarantees, and research grants. This report focuses on the mandated minimum usage requirements—referred to as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)—
whereby a minimum volume of biofuels is to be used in the national transportation fuel supply
each year. It describes the general nature of the RFS mandate and its implementation, and outlines
some emerging issues related to the sustainability of the continued growth in U.S. biofuels
production needed to fulfill the expanding RFS mandate, as well as the emergence of potential
unintended consequences of this rapid expansion..."
"Federal policy has played a key role in the emergence of the U.S. biofuels industry. Policy
measures include minimum renewable fuel usage requirements, blending and production tax
credits, an import tariff, loans and loan guarantees, and research grants. This report focuses on the mandated minimum usage requirements—referred to as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)—
whereby a minimum volume of biofuels is to be used in the national transportation fuel supply
each year. It describes the general nature of the RFS mandate and its implementation, and outlines
some emerging issues related to the sustainability of the continued growth in U.S. biofuels
production needed to fulfill the expanding RFS mandate, as well as the emergence of potential
unintended consequences of this rapid expansion..."
NEW COMMERCE DEPARTMENT REPORT SHOWS BROADBAND ADOPTION RISES WHILE 'GAP' PERSISTS
"The Department of Commerce's Economics and Statistics Administration (ESA) and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today released a new report, “Digital Nation II,” that analyzes broadband Internet access and adoption across the United States. The study – the most comprehensive of its kind -- finds that socio-economic factors such as income and education levels, although strongly associated with broadband Internet use, are not the sole determinants of use; even after accounting for socioeconomic differences, significant gaps persist along racial, ethnic, and geographic lines. The report analyzes data collected through an Internet Usage Survey of 54,000 households conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau in October 2009. Earlier this year, NTIA released initial findings from the survey, showing that while virtually all demographic groups have experienced rising broadband Internet adoption at home, and 64 percent of households overall have broadband at home, historic disparities among demographic groups have persisted over time..."
"The Department of Commerce's Economics and Statistics Administration (ESA) and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today released a new report, “Digital Nation II,” that analyzes broadband Internet access and adoption across the United States. The study – the most comprehensive of its kind -- finds that socio-economic factors such as income and education levels, although strongly associated with broadband Internet use, are not the sole determinants of use; even after accounting for socioeconomic differences, significant gaps persist along racial, ethnic, and geographic lines. The report analyzes data collected through an Internet Usage Survey of 54,000 households conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau in October 2009. Earlier this year, NTIA released initial findings from the survey, showing that while virtually all demographic groups have experienced rising broadband Internet adoption at home, and 64 percent of households overall have broadband at home, historic disparities among demographic groups have persisted over time..."
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Outbreaks Following Wild Poliovirus Importations --- Europe, Africa, and Asia, January 2009--September 2010
"The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) began in 1988. By 2006, indigenous transmission of wild poliovirus (WPV) had been interrupted in all but four countries (Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan) (1). However, outbreaks following WPV importations into previously polio-free countries remain an ongoing risk until polio is eradicated (1--3). The GPEI Strategic Plan for 2010--2012 (4) set the following two goals for outbreak control: 1) end outbreaks occurring in 2009 by mid-2010 and 2) end outbreaks occurring during 2010 to mid-2012 within 6 months of confirmation. This report describes new outbreaks that have occurred in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region and updates previous reports on the status of outbreaks in Africa and Asia (3). In 2010, the first WPV importation into the European Region since the region was declared polio-free in 2002 resulted in 476 confirmed cases: 458 in Tajikistan, 14 in Russia, three in Turkmenistan, and one in Kazakhstan. In Africa and Asia, 11 new importations into six countries were observed in 2010; 30 WPV importations that occurred during 2008--2009 resulted in 215 cases in 15 African countries during 2009--2010. An outbreak is considered interrupted if 6 months have elapsed since the latest confirmed case and surveillance performance indicators meet WHO standards. All 2009 outbreaks in Africa appear to have been interrupted, and 2010 outbreaks in three countries appear to have been interrupted. Maintaining high routine vaccination coverage and sensitive surveillance at all times and rapidly instituting additional immunization programs to control outbreaks are key to limiting and stopping the spread of WPV..."
"The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) began in 1988. By 2006, indigenous transmission of wild poliovirus (WPV) had been interrupted in all but four countries (Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan) (1). However, outbreaks following WPV importations into previously polio-free countries remain an ongoing risk until polio is eradicated (1--3). The GPEI Strategic Plan for 2010--2012 (4) set the following two goals for outbreak control: 1) end outbreaks occurring in 2009 by mid-2010 and 2) end outbreaks occurring during 2010 to mid-2012 within 6 months of confirmation. This report describes new outbreaks that have occurred in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region and updates previous reports on the status of outbreaks in Africa and Asia (3). In 2010, the first WPV importation into the European Region since the region was declared polio-free in 2002 resulted in 476 confirmed cases: 458 in Tajikistan, 14 in Russia, three in Turkmenistan, and one in Kazakhstan. In Africa and Asia, 11 new importations into six countries were observed in 2010; 30 WPV importations that occurred during 2008--2009 resulted in 215 cases in 15 African countries during 2009--2010. An outbreak is considered interrupted if 6 months have elapsed since the latest confirmed case and surveillance performance indicators meet WHO standards. All 2009 outbreaks in Africa appear to have been interrupted, and 2010 outbreaks in three countries appear to have been interrupted. Maintaining high routine vaccination coverage and sensitive surveillance at all times and rapidly instituting additional immunization programs to control outbreaks are key to limiting and stopping the spread of WPV..."
State-Specific Prevalence of Cigarette Smoking and Smokeless Tobacco Use Among Adults --- United States, 2009
"The health consequences of cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco use both have been well documented, including increased risk for lung, throat, oral, and other types of cancers (1,2). To assess state-specific current cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco use among adults, CDC analyzed data from the 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). This report summarizes the results of that analysis, which indicated wide variation in self-reported cigarette smoking prevalence (range: 6.4% [U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI)] to 25.6% [Kentucky and West Virginia]) and smokeless tobacco use (range: 0.8% [USVI] to 9.1% [Wyoming]). For 15 of the states, Puerto Rico, and Guam, smoking prevalence was significantly higher among men than among women. The prevalence of smokeless tobacco use was higher among men than women in all states and territories. Smokeless tobacco use was highest among persons aged 18--24 years and those with a high school education or less. From 0.9% (Puerto Rico) to 13.7% (Wyoming) of current smokers reported also using smokeless tobacco. Clinicians should identify all tobacco use in their patients and advise those who use any tobacco product to quit. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends implementing this approach in combination with other measures, including raising excise taxes on tobacco and strengthening smoke-free policies to prevent tobacco-related deaths..."
"The health consequences of cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco use both have been well documented, including increased risk for lung, throat, oral, and other types of cancers (1,2). To assess state-specific current cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco use among adults, CDC analyzed data from the 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). This report summarizes the results of that analysis, which indicated wide variation in self-reported cigarette smoking prevalence (range: 6.4% [U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI)] to 25.6% [Kentucky and West Virginia]) and smokeless tobacco use (range: 0.8% [USVI] to 9.1% [Wyoming]). For 15 of the states, Puerto Rico, and Guam, smoking prevalence was significantly higher among men than among women. The prevalence of smokeless tobacco use was higher among men than women in all states and territories. Smokeless tobacco use was highest among persons aged 18--24 years and those with a high school education or less. From 0.9% (Puerto Rico) to 13.7% (Wyoming) of current smokers reported also using smokeless tobacco. Clinicians should identify all tobacco use in their patients and advise those who use any tobacco product to quit. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends implementing this approach in combination with other measures, including raising excise taxes on tobacco and strengthening smoke-free policies to prevent tobacco-related deaths..."
Friday, November 5, 2010
Apportionment Countdown
"2010 Census
Apportionment Countdown — Incorporate the 2010 Congressional Apportionment Countdown Clock into your website to help share the importance of census participation. The first data released from the 2010 Census are the official national and state population count, which are used to apportion seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. As mandated by the Constitution, this data must be delivered to the President of the United States on or before Dec. 31. For the apportionment widget, go to>..."
"2010 Census
Apportionment Countdown — Incorporate the 2010 Congressional Apportionment Countdown Clock into your website to help share the importance of census participation. The first data released from the 2010 Census are the official national and state population count, which are used to apportion seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. As mandated by the Constitution, this data must be delivered to the President of the United States on or before Dec. 31. For the apportionment widget, go to
Apportionment Countdown
"2010 Census
Apportionment Countdown — Incorporate the 2010 Congressional Apportionment Countdown Clock into your website to help share the importance of census participation. The first data released from the 2010 Census are the official national and state population count, which are used to apportion seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. As mandated by the Constitution, this data must be delivered to the President of the United States on or before Dec. 31. For the apportionment widget, go to>..."
"2010 Census
Apportionment Countdown — Incorporate the 2010 Congressional Apportionment Countdown Clock into your website to help share the importance of census participation. The first data released from the 2010 Census are the official national and state population count, which are used to apportion seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. As mandated by the Constitution, this data must be delivered to the President of the United States on or before Dec. 31. For the apportionment widget, go to
Health Communicator's Social Media Toolkit
Access health resources at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention using its' Health Communicator's Social Media Toolkit.
Access health resources at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention using its' Health Communicator's Social Media Toolkit.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Civil Litigation Management Manual, Second Edition 2010 Judicial Conference of the United States, Committee on Court Administration and Case Management
"This manual provides trial judges a handbook on managing civil cases. It sets out a wide array of case-management techniques, beginning with early case screening and concluding with steps for streamlining trials and final disposition. It also discusses a number of special topics, including pro se and high visibility cases, the role of staff, and automated programs that supports case management. This new edition incorporates statutory and rules changes and contains updated advice on electronic case management, electronic discovery, and ways of containing costs and expediting cases. The manual, which was produced and is being updated pursuant to a requirement set forth in the Civil Justice Reform Act of 1990, is based on the experiences of federal district and magistrate judges and reflects techniques they have developed. It was prepared under the direction of the Judicial Conference Committee on Court Administration and Case Management, with substantial contributions from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts and the Federal Judicial Center, and was approved by the Judicial Conference in March 2010. This new edition supersedes the first edition (2001) and the Manual for Litigation Management and Cost and Delay Reduction (1992)..."
"This manual provides trial judges a handbook on managing civil cases. It sets out a wide array of case-management techniques, beginning with early case screening and concluding with steps for streamlining trials and final disposition. It also discusses a number of special topics, including pro se and high visibility cases, the role of staff, and automated programs that supports case management. This new edition incorporates statutory and rules changes and contains updated advice on electronic case management, electronic discovery, and ways of containing costs and expediting cases. The manual, which was produced and is being updated pursuant to a requirement set forth in the Civil Justice Reform Act of 1990, is based on the experiences of federal district and magistrate judges and reflects techniques they have developed. It was prepared under the direction of the Judicial Conference Committee on Court Administration and Case Management, with substantial contributions from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts and the Federal Judicial Center, and was approved by the Judicial Conference in March 2010. This new edition supersedes the first edition (2001) and the Manual for Litigation Management and Cost and Delay Reduction (1992)..."
Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress
"The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened concerns about the region’s future. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial interests in the region. On January 12, 2009, the George W. Bush Administration released a presidential directive, called National Security Presidential Directive 66/Homeland Security Presidential Directive 25 (NSPD 66/HSPD 25), establishing a new U.S. policy for the Arctic region.
Record low extent of Arctic sea ice in 2007 focused scientific and policy attention on its linkage to global climate change, and to the implications of projected ice-free seasons in the Arctic within decades. The Arctic has been projected by several scientists to be perennially ice-free in the late
summer by the late 2030s..."
"The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened concerns about the region’s future. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial interests in the region. On January 12, 2009, the George W. Bush Administration released a presidential directive, called National Security Presidential Directive 66/Homeland Security Presidential Directive 25 (NSPD 66/HSPD 25), establishing a new U.S. policy for the Arctic region.
Record low extent of Arctic sea ice in 2007 focused scientific and policy attention on its linkage to global climate change, and to the implications of projected ice-free seasons in the Arctic within decades. The Arctic has been projected by several scientists to be perennially ice-free in the late
summer by the late 2030s..."
Census Bureau Reports Nearly 1 in 3 Unmarried Women Who Give Birth Cohabit
"The U.S. Census Bureau reported today that among the 1.5 million unmarried women who gave birth during the period between June 2007 and June 2008, about 425,000, or 28 percent, were living with a cohabitating partner. These unmarried mothers included those who were separated and those married with an absent spouse.
These findings are contained in Fertility of American Women: 2008, which reports that 4 million women age 15 to 44 gave birth during that time.
“The report shows that many unmarried new moms are not raising their child alone,” said demographer Jane Dye, who authored the report. “This is actually the first time the Census Bureau has reported on births to women in cohabitational relationships. One of the report's data sources, the Current Population Survey, recently added a direct question on cohabitation in order to measure this population.”
According to the report, by the time women reached the 40 to 44 age range in 2008, they had averaged 1.9 births in their lifetime, down from 3.1 births in 1976, when the Census Bureau first collected data on fertility. This reflects the decline in the likelihood of women having three or more children, as well as the increase in the proportion not having any at all..."
"The U.S. Census Bureau reported today that among the 1.5 million unmarried women who gave birth during the period between June 2007 and June 2008, about 425,000, or 28 percent, were living with a cohabitating partner. These unmarried mothers included those who were separated and those married with an absent spouse.
These findings are contained in Fertility of American Women: 2008, which reports that 4 million women age 15 to 44 gave birth during that time.
“The report shows that many unmarried new moms are not raising their child alone,” said demographer Jane Dye, who authored the report. “This is actually the first time the Census Bureau has reported on births to women in cohabitational relationships. One of the report's data sources, the Current Population Survey, recently added a direct question on cohabitation in order to measure this population.”
According to the report, by the time women reached the 40 to 44 age range in 2008, they had averaged 1.9 births in their lifetime, down from 3.1 births in 1976, when the Census Bureau first collected data on fertility. This reflects the decline in the likelihood of women having three or more children, as well as the increase in the proportion not having any at all..."
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Mortality in Local Jails, 2000-2007(Revised)
"This report has been revised. Please note the highlighted revisions in the Mortality in Local Jails PDF file. An errata sheet explaining the purpose of these revisions is also available for review.
Describes the specific medical conditions causing deaths in jails nationwide during an eight-year period. For the leading medical causes of mortality, comparative estimates and mortality rates are presented by gender, age, race and Hispanic origin, and the length of time served in jail. The report includes detailed statistics on causes of death as well as more acute events such as suicides, homicides and accidents. Mortality as related to the size of the jail will also be discussed. Jail inmate death rates are compared with rates in the general U.S. resident population using a direct standardization. Estimates and mortality rates for the top 50 jail jurisdictions in the United States are also presented.
Highlights include the following:
* From 2000 through 2007, local jail administrators reported 8,097 inmate deaths in custody. Deaths in jails increased each year, from 904 in 2000 to 1,102 in 2007.
* The mortality rate per 100,000 local jail inmates declined from 151 deaths per 100,000 inmates to 141 per 100,000 between 2000 and 2007, while the jail inmate population increased 31% from 597,226 to 782,595.
* Between 2000 and 2007, the suicide rates were higher in small jails than large jails. In jails holding 50 or fewer inmates, the suicide rate was 167 per 100,000; in the largest jails, the suicide rate was 27 per 100,000 inmates..."
"This report has been revised. Please note the highlighted revisions in the Mortality in Local Jails PDF file. An errata sheet explaining the purpose of these revisions is also available for review.
Describes the specific medical conditions causing deaths in jails nationwide during an eight-year period. For the leading medical causes of mortality, comparative estimates and mortality rates are presented by gender, age, race and Hispanic origin, and the length of time served in jail. The report includes detailed statistics on causes of death as well as more acute events such as suicides, homicides and accidents. Mortality as related to the size of the jail will also be discussed. Jail inmate death rates are compared with rates in the general U.S. resident population using a direct standardization. Estimates and mortality rates for the top 50 jail jurisdictions in the United States are also presented.
Highlights include the following:
* From 2000 through 2007, local jail administrators reported 8,097 inmate deaths in custody. Deaths in jails increased each year, from 904 in 2000 to 1,102 in 2007.
* The mortality rate per 100,000 local jail inmates declined from 151 deaths per 100,000 inmates to 141 per 100,000 between 2000 and 2007, while the jail inmate population increased 31% from 597,226 to 782,595.
* Between 2000 and 2007, the suicide rates were higher in small jails than large jails. In jails holding 50 or fewer inmates, the suicide rate was 167 per 100,000; in the largest jails, the suicide rate was 27 per 100,000 inmates..."
US Department of Labor launches Veterans Hiring Toolkit for employers
"The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of a new online toolkit to guide employers through the process for hiring veterans. The free toolkit is designed to assist and educate employers who have made the proactive decision to include veterans and wounded warriors in their recruitment and hiring initiatives.
"Many employers have told us that they are interested in developing or enhancing a veterans hiring initiative for their company, but that they don't know where to begin," said Ray Jefferson, assistant secretary for the department's Veterans' Employment and Training Service. "This toolkit was created with these employers in mind. It's designed to simplify the process and put valuable, vetted resources at the employer's fingertips."
Developed as part of the department's "America's Heroes at Work" initiative, the Veterans Hiring Toolkit features a straightforward six-step process pinpointing helpful tools for a business to design a veterans hiring initiative. These steps include creating an educated and welcoming environment for veteran employees; actively recruiting veterans, wounded warriors and military spouses; learning how to accommodate qualified veterans and wounded warriors in the workplace; and promoting an inclusive workplace to help retain veteran employees. The toolkit also helps employers navigate the plethora of resources for hiring veterans available to them..."
Access the toolkit
"The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of a new online toolkit to guide employers through the process for hiring veterans. The free toolkit is designed to assist and educate employers who have made the proactive decision to include veterans and wounded warriors in their recruitment and hiring initiatives.
"Many employers have told us that they are interested in developing or enhancing a veterans hiring initiative for their company, but that they don't know where to begin," said Ray Jefferson, assistant secretary for the department's Veterans' Employment and Training Service. "This toolkit was created with these employers in mind. It's designed to simplify the process and put valuable, vetted resources at the employer's fingertips."
Developed as part of the department's "America's Heroes at Work" initiative, the Veterans Hiring Toolkit features a straightforward six-step process pinpointing helpful tools for a business to design a veterans hiring initiative. These steps include creating an educated and welcoming environment for veteran employees; actively recruiting veterans, wounded warriors and military spouses; learning how to accommodate qualified veterans and wounded warriors in the workplace; and promoting an inclusive workplace to help retain veteran employees. The toolkit also helps employers navigate the plethora of resources for hiring veterans available to them..."
Access the toolkit
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Iraq Casualties: U.S. Military Forces and Iraqi Civilians, Police, and Security Forces
"This report presents U.S. military casualties as well as governmental and nongovernmental
estimates of Iraqi civilian, police, and security forces casualties.
For several years, there were few estimates from any national or international government source
regarding Iraqi civilian, police, and security forces casualties. Now, however, several Iraqi
ministries have released monthly or total casualty statistics. The U.S. Department of Defense
(DOD) releases the monthly trend of Iraqi civilian, police, and security forces deaths. In addition,
the United Nations Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has charted the
trend of civilian casualties from August 2007 to April 2009, and the United Nations Assistance
Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) reported on the number of deaths by suicide bombers in 2008.
Nongovernmental sources also have released various estimates of Iraqi civilian, police, and
security forces casualties. This report includes estimates from the Associated Press, the Brookings Institution, Iraq Body Count, the Iraq Coalition Casualty Count, Iraq Family Health Survey, the most recent study published in the Lancet, and the British survey firm, Opinion Research Business..."
"This report presents U.S. military casualties as well as governmental and nongovernmental
estimates of Iraqi civilian, police, and security forces casualties.
For several years, there were few estimates from any national or international government source
regarding Iraqi civilian, police, and security forces casualties. Now, however, several Iraqi
ministries have released monthly or total casualty statistics. The U.S. Department of Defense
(DOD) releases the monthly trend of Iraqi civilian, police, and security forces deaths. In addition,
the United Nations Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has charted the
trend of civilian casualties from August 2007 to April 2009, and the United Nations Assistance
Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) reported on the number of deaths by suicide bombers in 2008.
Nongovernmental sources also have released various estimates of Iraqi civilian, police, and
security forces casualties. This report includes estimates from the Associated Press, the Brookings Institution, Iraq Body Count, the Iraq Coalition Casualty Count, Iraq Family Health Survey, the most recent study published in the Lancet, and the British survey firm, Opinion Research Business..."
Gun Control: Statutory Disclosure Limitations on ATF Firearms Trade Data and Multiple Handgun Sales Reports.
"For FY2003-FY2009, a rider on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
appropriations has prohibited that agency from disclosing firearm trace data (based on firearm
transfer records maintained in part by licensed gun dealers) and multiple handgun sales reports
data for any purpose other than supporting a criminal investigation or agency licensing
proceeding. This rider is known as the “Tiahrt” amendment, for its sponsor in full committee
markup of the FY2004 Commerce-Justice-State appropriations bill, Representative Todd Tiahrt. A
coalition of 210 city mayors led by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg favors the repeal
of this rider, but the Fraternal Order of Police favors retaining it, as does ATF. For FY2008,
Congress included modified Tiahrt amendment language in the Consolidated Appropriations Act,
2008 (P.L. 110-161). This modified language states explicitly that it does not prohibit the release of aggregate statistical data on illegal gun trafficking or statistical information on the U.S. firearms industry. For FY2009, similar language was included in the Omnibus Appropriations
Act, 2009 (P.L. 111-8). .."
Focus on Fire Safety: Smoke Alarms
"Smoke alarms are a very important means of preventing home fire fatalities by providing an early warning signal so you and your family can escape. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), an estimated 385,500 fires occur in residential buildings every year resulting in 2,770 civilian deaths and 13,250 injuries. When a smoke alarm sounds, it is time for you to spring into action..."
"Smoke alarms are a very important means of preventing home fire fatalities by providing an early warning signal so you and your family can escape. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), an estimated 385,500 fires occur in residential buildings every year resulting in 2,770 civilian deaths and 13,250 injuries. When a smoke alarm sounds, it is time for you to spring into action..."
Monday, November 1, 2010
Drug Courts: Background, Effectiveness, and Policy Issues for Congress
"Drug courts are specialized court dockets, or portions of judges’ calendars of cases, that generally target nonviolent offenders with substance-abuse problems. These programs provide offenders with intensive court supervision, mandatory drug testing, substance-abuse treatment, and other social services as an alternative to adjudication or incarceration. In this way, drug courts are designed to break the cycle of substance abuse, addiction, and crime by changing the behavior of
substance-abusing offenders. Participation in these programs is voluntary. Eligible defendants
must agree to the program’s requirements and successfully complete the program in exchange for
avoiding incarceration, having their criminal charges reduced or dismissed, or having their
sentences reduced. Drug courts encourage participants’ compliance and impose sanctions on
those who fail to comply with the program’s requirements. Drug courts are widely considered an
important strategy for reducing incarceration, providing drug treatment, and reducing drug use
and recidivism (reoffending) among nonviolent offenders..."
"Drug courts are specialized court dockets, or portions of judges’ calendars of cases, that generally target nonviolent offenders with substance-abuse problems. These programs provide offenders with intensive court supervision, mandatory drug testing, substance-abuse treatment, and other social services as an alternative to adjudication or incarceration. In this way, drug courts are designed to break the cycle of substance abuse, addiction, and crime by changing the behavior of
substance-abusing offenders. Participation in these programs is voluntary. Eligible defendants
must agree to the program’s requirements and successfully complete the program in exchange for
avoiding incarceration, having their criminal charges reduced or dismissed, or having their
sentences reduced. Drug courts encourage participants’ compliance and impose sanctions on
those who fail to comply with the program’s requirements. Drug courts are widely considered an
important strategy for reducing incarceration, providing drug treatment, and reducing drug use
and recidivism (reoffending) among nonviolent offenders..."
Environmental Laws: Summaries of Major Statutes Administered by the Environmental Protection Agency
"The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established in 1970 to consolidate numerous
federal pollution control responsibilities that had been divided among several federal agencies.
EPA’s responsibilities grew over time as Congress enacted an increasing number of
environmental statutes and major amendments to these statutes. EPA’s primary responsibilities
include the regulation of air quality, water quality, and chemicals in commerce; the development
of regulatory criteria for the management and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes; and the
cleanup of environmental contamination. EPA also provides financial assistance to states and
local governments to aid them in administering pollution control programs and in complying with
certain federal environmental requirements. Several federal statutes provide the legal authority for
EPA’s programs and activities. The major provisions of each of the following statutes are briefly
summarized in this report, as laid out in existing law as of this writing..."
"The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established in 1970 to consolidate numerous
federal pollution control responsibilities that had been divided among several federal agencies.
EPA’s responsibilities grew over time as Congress enacted an increasing number of
environmental statutes and major amendments to these statutes. EPA’s primary responsibilities
include the regulation of air quality, water quality, and chemicals in commerce; the development
of regulatory criteria for the management and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes; and the
cleanup of environmental contamination. EPA also provides financial assistance to states and
local governments to aid them in administering pollution control programs and in complying with
certain federal environmental requirements. Several federal statutes provide the legal authority for
EPA’s programs and activities. The major provisions of each of the following statutes are briefly
summarized in this report, as laid out in existing law as of this writing..."
Defense Surplus Equipment Disposal: Background Information
"The Department of Defense (DOD) through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) component
called DLA Disposition Services [formerly the Defense Utilization and Marketing Service
(DRMS)] has a policy for disposing of government equipment and supplies considered surplus or
deemed unnecessary, or excess, to the agency’s currently designated mission. DLA Disposition
Services is responsible for property reuse (including resale), precious metal recovery, recycling,
hazardous property disposal, and the demilitarization of military equipment. The effort to dispose
of surplus military equipment dates back to the end of World War II when the Federal government
sought to reduce a massive inventory of surplus military equipment by making such equipment
available to civilians. (Note: disposal of surplus real property, including land, buildings,
commercial facilities, and equipment situated thereon, is assigned to the General Services
Administration’s Office of Property Disposal.).."
"The Department of Defense (DOD) through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) component
called DLA Disposition Services [formerly the Defense Utilization and Marketing Service
(DRMS)] has a policy for disposing of government equipment and supplies considered surplus or
deemed unnecessary, or excess, to the agency’s currently designated mission. DLA Disposition
Services is responsible for property reuse (including resale), precious metal recovery, recycling,
hazardous property disposal, and the demilitarization of military equipment. The effort to dispose
of surplus military equipment dates back to the end of World War II when the Federal government
sought to reduce a massive inventory of surplus military equipment by making such equipment
available to civilians. (Note: disposal of surplus real property, including land, buildings,
commercial facilities, and equipment situated thereon, is assigned to the General Services
Administration’s Office of Property Disposal.).."
World Health Organization report via Nursing Schools Blog:
20 Common Illnesses that Kill People in the Developing World
"For those living in corners of the world where clean water flows, food sources sit (mostly) safe and inspected on grocery store shelves, and vaccines, antibiotics and prenatal care are readily available, complacency oftentimes clouds reality. When they suffer from diarrhea, they rarely fret over whether or not it signifies their impending demise — so they easily forget that millions across the globe oftentimes perish violently from the exact same affliction. The flu, measles and other "everyday" diseases that leave an American child out of school for a few days can kill a full-grown man in Somalia. Cures exist for many, but political, cultural, economic, logistical and supply issues all hinder the medical professionals trying to quell the global health crises. The following diseases, supported by statistics from the World Health Organization, exist as some of the more easily dismissed (if not outright invisible) in the developed world — yet they cut a fatal swath through the developing. This list purposely leaves off entirely incurable or shakily unpreventable illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes and heart disease, as all of those place a massive dent on high-income populations as well. Rather, it focuses on those for which medical solutions or vaccines already exist instead as a means of illustrating divides between different regions..."
20 Common Illnesses that Kill People in the Developing World
"For those living in corners of the world where clean water flows, food sources sit (mostly) safe and inspected on grocery store shelves, and vaccines, antibiotics and prenatal care are readily available, complacency oftentimes clouds reality. When they suffer from diarrhea, they rarely fret over whether or not it signifies their impending demise — so they easily forget that millions across the globe oftentimes perish violently from the exact same affliction. The flu, measles and other "everyday" diseases that leave an American child out of school for a few days can kill a full-grown man in Somalia. Cures exist for many, but political, cultural, economic, logistical and supply issues all hinder the medical professionals trying to quell the global health crises. The following diseases, supported by statistics from the World Health Organization, exist as some of the more easily dismissed (if not outright invisible) in the developed world — yet they cut a fatal swath through the developing. This list purposely leaves off entirely incurable or shakily unpreventable illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes and heart disease, as all of those place a massive dent on high-income populations as well. Rather, it focuses on those for which medical solutions or vaccines already exist instead as a means of illustrating divides between different regions..."
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