Friday, December 30, 2011
INTERNATIONAL COMPARISONS OF HOURLY COMPENSATION COSTS IN MANUFACTURING, 2010
"Manufacturing hourly compensation costs in the United States in 2010 were lower than in several northern and western European countries, Australia, and Canada, but higher than in the United Kingdom and 19 countries in southern and eastern Europe, Asia, and South America, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today (see chart 1). U.S. hourly compensation costs rose about 2 percent from the previous year to $34.74 (see table 2)..."
Women in the Labor Force: A Databook (2011 Edition)
"This report presents historical and current labor force and earnings data for women and men from the Current Population Survey (CPS). The CPS is a national monthly survey of approximately 60,000 households conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau for the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unless otherwise noted, data are annual averages from the CPS. For a detailed description of the source of the data and an explanation of concepts and definitions used, see the technical note at the end of this report..."
Your Federal Income Tax Guide for Individuals, 2011
Latest issue of the annual IRS's Your Federal Income Tax Guide for Individuals, 2011 (pdf)(publication 17)
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Census Bureau Home Page New Features
"In an effort to improve navigation, improve ease of use and make statistics more discoverable, the U.S. Census Bureau today launched new features on the census.gov home page. Users will now see an economic dashboard with key indicators generated by the Census Bureau prominently located on the upper right. Visitors will also find a new interactive map that shows in-depth business and demographic information for the nation, states and counties. There will also be a “Stat of the Day” highlighting Census Bureau statistics. Navigation has also been improved by grouping links into themes. Those familiar with the features and links such as QuickFacts and the 2010 Population Finder will still find them on the new home page along with a feedback button to provide comments on their overall experience with the new design."
Texas Gains the Most in Population Since the Census
"Texas gained more people than any other state between April 1, 2010, and July 1, 2011 (529,000), followed by California (438,000), Florida (256,000), Georgia (128,000) and North Carolina (121,000), according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates for states and Puerto Rico. Combined, these five states accounted for slightly more than half the nation's total population growth.
"These are the first set of Census Bureau population estimates to be published since the official 2010 Census state population counts were released a year ago,” said Census Bureau Director Robert Groves. “Our nation is constantly changing and these estimates provide us with our first measure of how much each state has grown or declined in total population since Census Day 2010.”
The United States as a whole saw its population increase by 2.8 million over the 15-month period, to 311.6 million. Its growth of 0.92 percent between April 1, 2010, and July 1, 2011, was the lowest since the mid-1940s..."
see state population totals as of July 1, 1011.
"These are the first set of Census Bureau population estimates to be published since the official 2010 Census state population counts were released a year ago,” said Census Bureau Director Robert Groves. “Our nation is constantly changing and these estimates provide us with our first measure of how much each state has grown or declined in total population since Census Day 2010.”
The United States as a whole saw its population increase by 2.8 million over the 15-month period, to 311.6 million. Its growth of 0.92 percent between April 1, 2010, and July 1, 2011, was the lowest since the mid-1940s..."
see state population totals as of July 1, 1011.
Keeping America Informed: the U.S. Government Printing Office
2011 Annual report of the U.S. Government Printing Office.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
The Federal Food Safety Working Group Progress Report
"...The federal government has taken important steps to protect an increasingly complex food supply . In March 2009, President Obama created the Food Safety Working Group (FSWG), a central coordinating mechanism for the federal government’s food safety activities that is led by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U .S . Department of Agriculture (USDA) . The FSWG’s core mission is to strengthen federal efforts and develop short-term and long-term strategies to improve food safety . Partner agencies include HHS’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), and HHS’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Homeland Security, Department
of Commerce, Department of State, and the Office of the United States Trade Representative . The White House Domestic Policy Council convenes the FSWG..."Federal Food Safety Working Group Progress Report
of Commerce, Department of State, and the Office of the United States Trade Representative . The White House Domestic Policy Council convenes the FSWG..."Federal Food Safety Working Group Progress Report
Leading Health Indicators
"Healthy People 2020 provides a comprehensive set of 10-year, national goals and objectives for improving the health of all Americans. Healthy People 2020 contains 42 topic areas with nearly 600 objectives (with others still evolving), which encompass 1,200 measures. A smaller set of Healthy People 2020 objectives, called Leading Health Indicators, has been selected to communicate high-priority health issues and actions that can be taken to address them..."
No Leisure-time Physical Activity in Adults with Arthritis
"The prevalence of no leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is much higher among adults with arthritis than those without arthritis, and exceeds ≥30% in 23 states. Efforts to increase physical activity levels in the general population must address the large number of adults with arthritis to be successful..."
Women's Health 2011: A Year in Review
Review of the Centers for Disease Controal and Prevention's contribution to women's health in 2011.
WHAT DRIVES CRUDE OIL PRICES?
"As part of its Energy and Financial Markets Initiative, EIA is assessing the various factors that may influence oil prices — physical market factors as well as those related to trading and financial markets. This website describes 7 key factors that could influence oil markets. The analysis explores possible linkages between each factor and oil prices, and includes regularly-updated graphs that depict aspects of those relationships.
EIA's traditional coverage of physical fundamentals such as energy consumption, production, inventories, spare production capacity, and geopolitical risks continues to be essential. EIA is also assessing other influences, such as futures market trading activity, commodity investment, exchange rates, and equity markets, as it seeks to fully assess energy price movements..."
EIA's traditional coverage of physical fundamentals such as energy consumption, production, inventories, spare production capacity, and geopolitical risks continues to be essential. EIA is also assessing other influences, such as futures market trading activity, commodity investment, exchange rates, and equity markets, as it seeks to fully assess energy price movements..."
County Compensation by Industry, 201
"Compensation increased in 2,480 counties and declined in 633 counties in the U.S. in 2010, as the average annual compensation per job increased 2.7 percent to $58,451, according to statistics released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).¹ Total compensation of U.S. workers increased 2.2 percent in 2010, as net job losses partially offset compensation growth.Inflation grew 1.8 percent, as measured by the national price index for personal consumption expenditures..."
United States National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security
"The goal of this National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security is as simple as it is profound: to empower half the world’s population as equal partners in preventing conflict and building peace in countries threatened and affected by war, violence, and insecurity. Achieving this goal is critical to our national and global security.
Deadly conflicts can be more effectively avoided, and peace can be best forged and sustained, when women become equal partners in all aspects of peace-building and conflict prevention, when their lives are protected, their experiences considered, and their voices heard.
As directed by the Executive Order signed by President Obama entitled Instituting a National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security, this Plan describes the course the United States Government will take to accelerate, institutionalize, and better coordinate our efforts to advance women’s inclusion in peace negotiations, peacebuilding activities, and conflict prevention; to protect women from sexual and
gender-based violence; and to ensure equal access to relief and recovery assistance, in areas of conflict and insecurity...
Deadly conflicts can be more effectively avoided, and peace can be best forged and sustained, when women become equal partners in all aspects of peace-building and conflict prevention, when their lives are protected, their experiences considered, and their voices heard.
As directed by the Executive Order signed by President Obama entitled Instituting a National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security, this Plan describes the course the United States Government will take to accelerate, institutionalize, and better coordinate our efforts to advance women’s inclusion in peace negotiations, peacebuilding activities, and conflict prevention; to protect women from sexual and
gender-based violence; and to ensure equal access to relief and recovery assistance, in areas of conflict and insecurity...
Cookies: Leaving a Trail on the Web
"Have you ever wondered why some online ads you see are targeted to your tastes and interests, or how websites remember your preferences from visit to visit? The answer may be in the “cookies.”
A cookie is information saved by your web browser, the software program you use to visit the web. Cookies can be used by companies that collect, store and share bits of information about your online activities to track your behavior across sites. Cookies also can be used to customize your browsing experience, or to deliver ads targeted to you.
OnGuardOnline.gov wants you to know how cookies are used and how you can control information about your browsing activities. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about cookies – what they are, what they do, and how you can control them..."
A cookie is information saved by your web browser, the software program you use to visit the web. Cookies can be used by companies that collect, store and share bits of information about your online activities to track your behavior across sites. Cookies also can be used to customize your browsing experience, or to deliver ads targeted to you.
OnGuardOnline.gov wants you to know how cookies are used and how you can control information about your browsing activities. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about cookies – what they are, what they do, and how you can control them..."
EPA FACT SHEET: Mercury and Air Toxics Standard
"On December 16, 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the first national Clean Air Act standards to reduce mercury and other toxic air pollution from coal and oil‐fired power plants. The science shows that mercury and toxic air pollution is a threat to public health and has real impacts on people’s lives. This fact sheet provides an overview of the benefits and highlights key impacts..."
U.S. Arms Sales: Agreements with and Deliveries to Major Clients, 2003-2010
"This report provides background data on U.S. arms sales agreements with and deliveries to its major purchasers during calendar years 2003-2010, made through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. In a series of data tables, it lists the total dollar values of U.S. governmentto-government arms sales agreements with its top five purchasers, and the total dollar values of U.S. arms deliveries to those purchasers, in five specific regions of the world for three specific periods: 2003-2006, 2007-2010, and 2010 alone. In addition, the report provides data tables
listing the total dollar values of U.S. government-to-government arms agreements with and deliveries to its top 10 purchasers worldwide for the periods 2003-2006, 2007-2010, and for 2010 alone..."
listing the total dollar values of U.S. government-to-government arms agreements with and deliveries to its top 10 purchasers worldwide for the periods 2003-2006, 2007-2010, and for 2010 alone..."
Governmental Tracking of Cell Phones and Vehicles: The Confluence of Privacy, Technology, and Law
"This report will briefly survey Fourth Amendment law as it pertains to the government’s tracking programs. It will then summarize federal electronic surveillance statutes and the case law surrounding cell phone location tracking. Next, the report will describe the GPS-vehicle tracking cases and review the pending Supreme Court GPS tracking case, United States v. Jones. Finally, the report will summarize the geolocation and electronic surveillance legislation introduced in the
112th Congress..."
112th Congress..."
Department of Energy Releases its 2011 Critical Materials Strategy
"The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today released the 2011 Critical Materials Strategy. The report examines the role that rare earth metals and other key materials play in clean energy technologies such as wind turbines, electric vehicles, solar cells and energy-efficient lighting. The report found that several clean energy technologies use materials at risk of supply disruptions in the short term, with risks generally decreasing in the medium and long terms. Supply challenges for five rare earth metals (dysprosium, neodymium, terbium, europium and yttrium) may affect clean energy technology deployment in the years ahead..."
Budgetary Effects of the Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011, as Posted on the Website of the House Committee on Rules on December 22, 201
data from the Congressional Budget Office and the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation.
Homicide Trends in the United States, 1980-2008 Annual Rates for 2009 and 201
"Data in this report are from the FBI’s Supplementary Homicide Reports (SHR), unless otherwise noted. The SHR Program of the FBI collects yearly supplementary homicide data regarding homicides committed in the United States. Statistics in this report detail homicide trends by age, sex, and race, including homicides of children under age 5 and of persons age 65 or older. It examines the relationship between the victim and the off ender, particularly in cases of intimate and family homicide.."
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Prisoners in 2010
"The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) reported today that the number of offenders under adult correctional supervision in the U.S. declined 1.3 percent in 2010, the second consecutive year of decline since BJS began reporting on this population in 1980. At yearend 2010, about 7.1 million people, or 1 in 33 adults, were under the supervision of adult correctional authorities in the U.S.
In addition, the total U.S. prison population fell to 1.6 million at yearend 2010, a decline of 0.6 percent during the year, the first decline in the total prison population in nearly four decades. This decline was due to a decrease of 10,881 in the number of state prisoners, which fell to just under 1.4 million persons and was the largest yearly decrease since 1977. The federal prison population grew by 0.8 percent (1,653 prisoners) to reach 209,771, the smallest percentage increase since 1980..."
In addition, the total U.S. prison population fell to 1.6 million at yearend 2010, a decline of 0.6 percent during the year, the first decline in the total prison population in nearly four decades. This decline was due to a decrease of 10,881 in the number of state prisoners, which fell to just under 1.4 million persons and was the largest yearly decrease since 1977. The federal prison population grew by 0.8 percent (1,653 prisoners) to reach 209,771, the smallest percentage increase since 1980..."
Spotlight on Statistics: Automobiles
"The U.S. automobile industry can be viewed as both a barometer and beneficiary of American growth and economic achievement. Supporting that view is the fact that the automobile industry affects industries that manufacture steel, glass, plastics, and rubber, as well as those that refine and sell gasoline, build roads, and maintain, repair, and sell motor vehicles.
Motor vehicles also affect our daily lives. In 2010, on an average day, 67.6 percent of the civilian noninstitutional population aged 15 and over drove; those who drove spent on average 1 hour and 18 minutes driving.."
Motor vehicles also affect our daily lives. In 2010, on an average day, 67.6 percent of the civilian noninstitutional population aged 15 and over drove; those who drove spent on average 1 hour and 18 minutes driving.."
CBP’s[Customs and Border Patrol] 2011 Fiscal Year in Review
"U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) today released year-end data on fiscal year (FY) 2011 border enforcement and management efforts, highlighting trends that reflect the Administration’s ongoing commitment to securing the border and facilitating legitimate trade and travel through targeted operations, enhanced partnerships and unprecedented deployment of personnel, technology and infrastructure along the border...
U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions—a key indicator of illegal immigration—decreased to 340,252 in FY 2011, down 53 percent since FY 2008 and one fifth of what they were at their peak in FY 2000. Of these apprehensions, 87,334 people had a record in the FBI’s Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System, a law enforcement database of individuals with criminal charges and convictions..."
U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions—a key indicator of illegal immigration—decreased to 340,252 in FY 2011, down 53 percent since FY 2008 and one fifth of what they were at their peak in FY 2000. Of these apprehensions, 87,334 people had a record in the FBI’s Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System, a law enforcement database of individuals with criminal charges and convictions..."
2010 Report on Ethanol Market Concentration
Federal Trade Commission's 2010 report on the ethanol production industry.
National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey:2010 Summary Report
"This report presents information related to several types of violence that have not previously been measured in a national populationbased survey, including types of sexual violence other than
rape; expressive psychological aggression and coercive control, and control of reproductive or
sexual health. This report also provides the first ever simultaneous national and state-level prevalence estimates of violence for all state..."
rape; expressive psychological aggression and coercive control, and control of reproductive or
sexual health. This report also provides the first ever simultaneous national and state-level prevalence estimates of violence for all state..."
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Areas with Concentrated Poverty: 2006-2010
"People living in poverty tend to be clustered in certain neighborhoods rather than being evenly distributed across geographic areas. Measuring this concentration of poverty is important because researchers have found that living in areas with many other poor people places burdens on low-income families beyond what the families’ own individual circumstances would dictate. Many argue that this concentration of
poverty results in higher crime rates, underperforming public schools, poor
housing and health conditions, as well as limited access to private services and
job opportunities. In recognition of these burdens, some government programs
target resources to communities with concentrated poverty. Many of these programs use the Census Bureau’s definition of “poverty areas” (census tracts with
poverty rates of 20 percent or more)..."
poverty results in higher crime rates, underperforming public schools, poor
housing and health conditions, as well as limited access to private services and
job opportunities. In recognition of these burdens, some government programs
target resources to communities with concentrated poverty. Many of these programs use the Census Bureau’s definition of “poverty areas” (census tracts with
poverty rates of 20 percent or more)..."
Native North American Languages Spoken at Home in the United States and Puerto Rico: 2006–201
"This report presents data on the frequency and percentage of the U.S. population aged 5 and over who spoke a Native North American language at home. The data are based on 5-year estimates from the 2006–2010 American Community Survey (ACS) and the 2006–2010 Puerto Rico Community Survey. For the first time ever, this aggregation of ACS data over a 5-year period allows us to study small segments of the population, such as speakers of Native North American languages.."
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Custodial Mothers and Fathers and Their Child Support: 2009
"This report focuses on the child support income that custodial parents reported
receiving from noncustodial parents living elsewhere, and other types of support,
such as health insurance and noncash assistance. The most recent data in this report are from the Child Support Supplement to the April 2010 Current Population Survey (CPS). It provides demographic information about custodial parents as of 2010, as well as child support and other income or program data for the 2009 calendar year.."
receiving from noncustodial parents living elsewhere, and other types of support,
such as health insurance and noncash assistance. The most recent data in this report are from the Child Support Supplement to the April 2010 Current Population Survey (CPS). It provides demographic information about custodial parents as of 2010, as well as child support and other income or program data for the 2009 calendar year.."
The Older Population: 2010 ( 2010 Census Brief)
"The older population is an important and growing segment of the United States population. In fact, more people were 65 years and over in 2010 than in any previous census. Between 2000 and 2010, the population 65 years and over increased at a
faster rate (15.1 percent) than the total U.S population (9.7 percent)..."
faster rate (15.1 percent) than the total U.S population (9.7 percent)..."
Model-based Small Area Income & Poverty Estimates (SAIPE) for School Districts, Counties, and States
"The U.S. Census Bureau, with support from other Federal agencies, created the Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE) program to provide more current estimates of selected income and poverty statistics than those from the most recent decennial census.
Estimates are created for school districts, counties, and states. The main objective of this program is to provide updated estimates of income and poverty statistics for the administration of federal programs and the allocation of federal funds to local jurisdictions. Estimates for 2010 were released in November 2011. These estimates combine data from administrative records, intercensal population estimates, and the decennial census with direct estimates from the American Community Survey to provide consistent and reliable single-year estimates..."
Estimates are created for school districts, counties, and states. The main objective of this program is to provide updated estimates of income and poverty statistics for the administration of federal programs and the allocation of federal funds to local jurisdictions. Estimates for 2010 were released in November 2011. These estimates combine data from administrative records, intercensal population estimates, and the decennial census with direct estimates from the American Community Survey to provide consistent and reliable single-year estimates..."
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Who's Minding the Kids:Child Care Arrangements, Spring 2010
"Among fathers with a wife in the workforce, 32 percent were a regular source of care for their children under age 15, up from 26 percent in 2002, the U.S. Census Bureau reported today. Among these fathers with preschool-age children, one in five fathers was the primary caregiver, meaning their child spent more time in their care than any other type of arrangement.
The series of tables titled Who's Minding the Kids? Child Care Arrangements: Spring 2010 showed that in a typical week, 12.2 million (61 percent) of the 20 million children under age 5 were in some type of regular child care arrangement.
As married women have increasingly moved into the labor force, fathers have become more available for child care while their wives are working..."
The series of tables titled Who's Minding the Kids? Child Care Arrangements: Spring 2010 showed that in a typical week, 12.2 million (61 percent) of the 20 million children under age 5 were in some type of regular child care arrangement.
As married women have increasingly moved into the labor force, fathers have become more available for child care while their wives are working..."
Lead Hazards in Some Holiday Toys
"The holiday season is here, and that means many children will be given toys as gifts. While new toys are a holiday tradition, parents should be aware of potential lead hazards associated with toys, including toy jewelry. Review these important facts to keep your children safe this holiday season.
Lead is invisible to the naked eye and has no smell. Children may be exposed to it from consumer products through normal handling of the product. They often place toys and other objects, as well as their fingers that have touched these objects, in their mouth, which exposes them to lead paint or dust.
Lead in Toys
Toys that have been made in other countries and then imported into the United States, or antique toys or collectibles passed down through generations; often contain lead that puts children at risk for such exposure. To reduce these risks, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issues recalls of toys that could potentially expose children to lead. Learn more at..."
Lead is invisible to the naked eye and has no smell. Children may be exposed to it from consumer products through normal handling of the product. They often place toys and other objects, as well as their fingers that have touched these objects, in their mouth, which exposes them to lead paint or dust.
Lead in Toys
Toys that have been made in other countries and then imported into the United States, or antique toys or collectibles passed down through generations; often contain lead that puts children at risk for such exposure. To reduce these risks, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issues recalls of toys that could potentially expose children to lead. Learn more at..."
Secondhand Smoke and Children
"These brochures will educate those who care for children (birth to 11 years of age) on the health dangers of secondhand smoke (SHS). The goal is to deliver culturally relevant information to various populations that will motivate them to reduce SHS exposure to children by making their homes and cars smoke-free."
Monday, December 5, 2011
Role of Hydroelectric Power in the United States
"Conventional hydroelectric generators of varying capacity operated in 48 states in 2010. Operating expenses for hydroelectric generators are lower than for most other forms of electricity generation but facilities are limited by geography and operations are subject to seasonal constraints. There is a large concentration of capacity in the Pacific Northwest, contributing to low wholesale and retail electricity prices in that region, especially in the spring runoff season..."
Peer-to-Peer:Violence and Bullying:Examining the Federal Reponse
"Based on the evidence gathered by the Commission, we conclude that despite the harm that
peer-to-peer bullying and harassment due to a student‘s membership in certain classes, such
as race, religion, or sexual orientation, current federal laws (and the laws of many states) do
not fully protect all students from peer-to-peer bullying and harassment resulting from
animus toward their group status.
Specifically, the Commission‘s findings, by majority vote, are:
1. Bullying and harassment, including bullying and harassment based on sex, race, national
origin, disability, sexual orientation, or religion, are harmful to American youth.
2. Current federal civil rights laws do not provide the U.S. Department of Education with
jurisdiction to protect students from peer-to-peer harassment that is solely on the basis of
religion.
3. The current federal civil rights laws do not protect students from peer-to-peer
harassment that is solely on the basis of sexual orientation..."
peer-to-peer bullying and harassment due to a student‘s membership in certain classes, such
as race, religion, or sexual orientation, current federal laws (and the laws of many states) do
not fully protect all students from peer-to-peer bullying and harassment resulting from
animus toward their group status.
Specifically, the Commission‘s findings, by majority vote, are:
1. Bullying and harassment, including bullying and harassment based on sex, race, national
origin, disability, sexual orientation, or religion, are harmful to American youth.
2. Current federal civil rights laws do not provide the U.S. Department of Education with
jurisdiction to protect students from peer-to-peer harassment that is solely on the basis of
religion.
3. The current federal civil rights laws do not protect students from peer-to-peer
harassment that is solely on the basis of sexual orientation..."
HealthCare.gov Insurance Finder Gets Better for Consumers
"On Monday, November 15, 2010, the Department of Health and Human Services updated the HealthCare.gov Insurance Finder with more information on private insurance plans.
Created under the Affordable Care Act, www.HealthCare.gov was launched July 1, 2010, and is the first website of its kind to bring information about private and public health coverage options into one place to make it easy for consumers to learn about and compare their insurance choices.
HealthCare.gov and its Insurance Finder are critical new tools for consumers, making the health insurance market more transparent than it has ever been.
On October 1, the Insurance Finder added price estimates for private insurance policies for individuals and families, allowing consumers to easily compare health insurance plans – putting consumers, not their insurance companies, in charge and taking much of the guesswork and confusion out of buying insurance..."
Created under the Affordable Care Act, www.HealthCare.gov was launched July 1, 2010, and is the first website of its kind to bring information about private and public health coverage options into one place to make it easy for consumers to learn about and compare their insurance choices.
HealthCare.gov and its Insurance Finder are critical new tools for consumers, making the health insurance market more transparent than it has ever been.
On October 1, the Insurance Finder added price estimates for private insurance policies for individuals and families, allowing consumers to easily compare health insurance plans – putting consumers, not their insurance companies, in charge and taking much of the guesswork and confusion out of buying insurance..."
Vital Signs: HIV Prevention Through Care and Treatment — United States
"Background: An estimated 1.2 million persons in the United States were living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in 2008. Improving survival of persons with HIV and reducing transmission involve a continuum of services that includes diagnosis (HIV testing), linkage to and retention in HIV medical care, and ongoing HIV prevention interventions, including appropriately timed antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Methods: CDC used three surveillance datasets to estimate recent HIV testing and HIV prevalence among U.S. adults by state, and the percentages of HIV-infected adults receiving HIV care for whom ART was prescribed, who achieved viral suppression, and who received prevention counseling from health-care providers. Published data were used to estimate the numbers of persons in the United States living with and diagnosed with HIV and, based on viral load and CD4 laboratory reports, linked to and retained in HIV care.
Results: In 2010, 9.6% of adults had been tested for HIV during the preceding 12 months (range by state: 4.9%–29.8%). Of the estimated 942,000 persons with HIV who were aware of their infection, approximately 77% were linked to care, and 51% remained in care. Among HIV-infected adults in care, 45% received prevention counseling, and 89% were prescribed ART, of whom 77% had viral suppression. Thus, an estimated 28% of all HIV-infected persons in the United States have a suppressed viral load..."
Methods: CDC used three surveillance datasets to estimate recent HIV testing and HIV prevalence among U.S. adults by state, and the percentages of HIV-infected adults receiving HIV care for whom ART was prescribed, who achieved viral suppression, and who received prevention counseling from health-care providers. Published data were used to estimate the numbers of persons in the United States living with and diagnosed with HIV and, based on viral load and CD4 laboratory reports, linked to and retained in HIV care.
Results: In 2010, 9.6% of adults had been tested for HIV during the preceding 12 months (range by state: 4.9%–29.8%). Of the estimated 942,000 persons with HIV who were aware of their infection, approximately 77% were linked to care, and 51% remained in care. Among HIV-infected adults in care, 45% received prevention counseling, and 89% were prescribed ART, of whom 77% had viral suppression. Thus, an estimated 28% of all HIV-infected persons in the United States have a suppressed viral load..."
Recent Studies Show EPA Air Rules Do Not Threaten Electric Reliabilit
"In November 2011, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and M.J. Bradley and
Associates each released updated studies evaluating the effects of existing and upcoming EPA
regulations to control pollution from power plants. These assessments are still based in large part on proposed, rather than final rules. Nevertheless, they provide substantial assurance that the nation can achieve significant air quality improvements from cleaning up old polluting power plants without threatening the reliability of electricity supplies.."
Associates each released updated studies evaluating the effects of existing and upcoming EPA
regulations to control pollution from power plants. These assessments are still based in large part on proposed, rather than final rules. Nevertheless, they provide substantial assurance that the nation can achieve significant air quality improvements from cleaning up old polluting power plants without threatening the reliability of electricity supplies.."
FTC Issues The FY 2011 National Do Not Call Registry Data Book
"The Federal Trade Commission today issued the National Do Not Call Registry Data Book for Fiscal Year 2011. The FTC's National Do Not Call Registry provides consumers with an easy way to stop unwanted telemarketing calls. In its third year of publication, the Data Book contains a wealth of information about the Registry for FY 2011, including:
The number of active registrations and consumer complaint figures since the Registry began in 2003;
FY 2011 complaint figures by month and complaint type;
FY 2011 registration and complaint figures for all 50 states and the District of Columbia by population;
The number of entities accessing the Registry by fiscal year; and
An appendix on registration and complaint data by consumer state and area code..."
The number of active registrations and consumer complaint figures since the Registry began in 2003;
FY 2011 complaint figures by month and complaint type;
FY 2011 registration and complaint figures for all 50 states and the District of Columbia by population;
The number of entities accessing the Registry by fiscal year; and
An appendix on registration and complaint data by consumer state and area code..."
Identity Theft Reported by Households, 2005-2010
"In 2010, 7.0% of households in the United States, or about 8.6 million households, had at least
one member age 12 or older who experienced one or more types of identity theft victimization (fi gure 1). This percentage was similar to the 7.3% of households that experienced identity theft in 2009. However, it represented an increase from the 5.5% of households, or 6.4 million households, that were victims of one or more types of identity theft in 2005..."
one member age 12 or older who experienced one or more types of identity theft victimization (fi gure 1). This percentage was similar to the 7.3% of households that experienced identity theft in 2009. However, it represented an increase from the 5.5% of households, or 6.4 million households, that were victims of one or more types of identity theft in 2005..."
Food Recovery Challenge
"How much of your food and money are you literally throwing away? The Food Recovery Challenge, a Sustainable Materials Management Initiative, challenges participants to reduce as much of their food waste as possible — saving money, helping communities, and protecting the environment..."
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Estimates of the Legal Permanent Resident Population in 2010
"This report presents estimates of the legal permanent resident (LPR) population living in the United States on January 1, 2010. The LPR population includes persons granted lawful permanent residence, for example, “green card” recipients, but not those who had become U.S. citizens. The estimates are shown for the total LPR population and the LPR population eligible to apply to naturalize by country of birth, state of residence, and the year LPR status was obtained. Data for the estimates were obtained primarily from administrative records of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The methodology used for the 2010 estimates is similar to that used in previous DHS estimates (see Rytina, 2010).
In summary, an estimated 12.6 million LPRs lived in the United States on January 1, 2010. 8.1 million of those LPRs were eligible to naturalize..."
In summary, an estimated 12.6 million LPRs lived in the United States on January 1, 2010. 8.1 million of those LPRs were eligible to naturalize..."
Small Business Cyber Planner
"The FCC is launching the Small Biz Cyber Planner, an online resource to help small businesses create customized cybersecurity plans. This is the result of an unprecedented public-private partnership between government experts and private IT and security companies, including DHS, NCSA, NIST, The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, The Chertoff Group, Symantec, Sophos, Visa, Microsoft, HP, McAfee, The Identity Theft Council, ADP and others. The online tool is available at cyberplanner..."
Probation and Parole in the United States: 2010
"During 2010, the number of adults under community supervision declined by 1.3% from 4,954,600 at the beginning of the year to 4,887,900 at yearend (figure 1). The community supervision
population includes adults on probation and adults on parole or any other post-prison supervision. (See text box on page 2.) This represented the second consecutive decline in the number of adults under community supervision..."
population includes adults on probation and adults on parole or any other post-prison supervision. (See text box on page 2.) This represented the second consecutive decline in the number of adults under community supervision..."
Caregiving for Adults
"In the 2009 Caregiving in the U.S. report by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, it was estimated that approximately 48.9 million men and women in the United States provided unpaid care to someone older than age 18. These caregivers represented an estimated 28 million households (24% of all U.S. households). The one-year economic value of this unpaid labor force was recently estimated to be $450 billion (Feinburg, et. al, 2011).
If current trends continue, by 2030 the number of Americans aged 65 years and older is estimated to be 71.5 million— more than double what it is now. Offering policies that provide legal protections as well as programs that support caregivers' needs is necessary now and in the future..."
If current trends continue, by 2030 the number of Americans aged 65 years and older is estimated to be 71.5 million— more than double what it is now. Offering policies that provide legal protections as well as programs that support caregivers' needs is necessary now and in the future..."
Layaways and Fees
"As Black Friday draws near, thoughts turn to holiday shopping, and how to get the items you want for a price you can afford. If you choose to buy using layaway, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, has a few holiday tips for you:
First, get all the details about the retailer’s layaway plan in writing before you shop. Look for the terms of the plan — including the time you have to pay for your items, the store’s refund policy for layaway items, minimum payments, and layaway charges or other fees.
Second, it’s useful to compare the costs of using layaway versus using credit. Add up the total amount in fees you will pay at a specific store before you get your item(s) out of layaway. Then, if you have a credit card, determine how much money in interest you would pay if you charged the same item(s).
Third, be sure to check out the store, including online retailers, before you shop there at all. Your state Attorney General’s Office (www.naag.org), local consumer protection agency (www.consumeraction.gov), and your local Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) can tell you if consumers have filed complaints against the retailer or online service..."
First, get all the details about the retailer’s layaway plan in writing before you shop. Look for the terms of the plan — including the time you have to pay for your items, the store’s refund policy for layaway items, minimum payments, and layaway charges or other fees.
Second, it’s useful to compare the costs of using layaway versus using credit. Add up the total amount in fees you will pay at a specific store before you get your item(s) out of layaway. Then, if you have a credit card, determine how much money in interest you would pay if you charged the same item(s).
Third, be sure to check out the store, including online retailers, before you shop there at all. Your state Attorney General’s Office (www.naag.org), local consumer protection agency (www.consumeraction.gov), and your local Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) can tell you if consumers have filed complaints against the retailer or online service..."
Managing Diabetes During the Holidays
"The most important step in managing diabetes during holiday travel and festivities is preparing. Know what you'll be eating, how to enjoy a few traditional favorites while sticking with a healthy meal plan, and how to pack necessary supplies for a trip, and you're all set to celebrate!
Feasts and Parties
Before you go, take these steps to make sure you stick to your healthy meal plan.
Eat a healthy snack to avoid overeating at the party.
Ask what food will be served, so you can see how it fits into your meal plan.
Bring a nutritious snack or dish for yourself and others.
You don't have to give up all of your holiday favorites if you make healthy choices and limit portion sizes. At a party or holiday gathering, follow these tips to avoid overeating and to choose healthy foods..."
Feasts and Parties
Before you go, take these steps to make sure you stick to your healthy meal plan.
Eat a healthy snack to avoid overeating at the party.
Ask what food will be served, so you can see how it fits into your meal plan.
Bring a nutritious snack or dish for yourself and others.
You don't have to give up all of your holiday favorites if you make healthy choices and limit portion sizes. At a party or holiday gathering, follow these tips to avoid overeating and to choose healthy foods..."
White House Internshio Program
"The White House Internship Program provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and build leadership skills. This hands-on program is designed to mentor and cultivate today’s young leaders, strengthen their understanding of the Executive Office and prepare them for future public service opportunities..."
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
FTC Adds New Protections for Consumers Seeking to Work from Home
"The Federal Trade Commission has approved changes to its Business Opportunity Rule that will ensure that consumers have the information they need when considering buying a work-at-home program or any other business opportunity. The changes simplify the disclosures that business opportunity sellers must provide to prospective buyers. The simplified disclosures will help prospective purchasers assess the risks of buying a business opportunity, while minimizing compliance burdens on businesses.
In addition, the Final Rule, which will be effective on March 1, 2012, applies to business opportunities previously covered under the Rule, as well as work-at-home offers such as envelope stuffing and craft assembly opportunities. The final Rule requires business opportunity sellers to give consumers specific information to help them evaluate a business opportunity..."
In addition, the Final Rule, which will be effective on March 1, 2012, applies to business opportunities previously covered under the Rule, as well as work-at-home offers such as envelope stuffing and craft assembly opportunities. The final Rule requires business opportunity sellers to give consumers specific information to help them evaluate a business opportunity..."
Presidential Policy Directive 8 and the National Preparedness System: Background and Issues for Congress
"Presidential Policy Directive 8: National Preparedness (PPD-8) was signed and released by
President Barack Obama on March 30, 2011. PPD-8 and its component policies intend to guide
how the nation, from the federal level to private citizens, can “prevent, protect against, mitigate the effects of, respond to, and recover from those threats that pose the greatest risk to the security of the Nation.” These threats include terrorist acts, natural disasters, and other man-made incidents. PPD-8 evolves from, and supersedes, Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8, which was released under President George W. Bush. PPD-8 is intended to meet many
requirements of Subtitle C of the Post-Katrina Emergency Reform Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-295,
6 U.S.C. §741- 764)..."
President Barack Obama on March 30, 2011. PPD-8 and its component policies intend to guide
how the nation, from the federal level to private citizens, can “prevent, protect against, mitigate the effects of, respond to, and recover from those threats that pose the greatest risk to the security of the Nation.” These threats include terrorist acts, natural disasters, and other man-made incidents. PPD-8 evolves from, and supersedes, Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8, which was released under President George W. Bush. PPD-8 is intended to meet many
requirements of Subtitle C of the Post-Katrina Emergency Reform Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-295,
6 U.S.C. §741- 764)..."
Document Your Family's Health History
"Family health history can help your child's doctor make a diagnosis if your child shows signs of a disorder. It can reveal whether your child has an increased risk for a disease; if so, the doctor might suggest screening tests. Many genetic disorders first become obvious in childhood, and knowing about a family health history of a genetic condition can help find and treat the condition early..."
Helping Your Child Manage Diabetes at School
"You may already have bought the basic school supplies for sending your child back to school. But if your child has diabetes, you need to make additional preparations.
A person with diabetes must manage this chronic illness all the time, including during the school day. Staff such as nurses, teachers and coaches can work with you and your child on managing diabetes. This assistance may include helping your child take medications, check blood sugar levels, choose healthy foods in the cafeteria, and be physically active..."
A person with diabetes must manage this chronic illness all the time, including during the school day. Staff such as nurses, teachers and coaches can work with you and your child on managing diabetes. This assistance may include helping your child take medications, check blood sugar levels, choose healthy foods in the cafeteria, and be physically active..."
Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Among High School Students — United States, 2010
"A diet high in fruits and vegetables is associated with a decreased risk for many chronic diseases and some cancers (1), and can aid in weight management (2). Current daily fruit and vegetable recommendations for adolescents who participate in <30 minutes of physical activity daily are 1.5 cups of fruit and 2.5 cups of vegetables for females and 2 cups of fruit and 3 cups of vegetables for males (1) (1 cup is approximately equal to one medium apple, eight strawberries, 12 baby carrots, or one large tomato).* However, recently published data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003--2004 revealed that consumption was considerably below these levels (3). To assess fruit and vegetable consumption among high school students, CDC analyzed data from the 2010 National Youth Physical Activity and Nutrition Study (NYPANS). This report describes the results of that analysis, which indicated that, in 2010, the median number of times per day that high school students consumed fruits and vegetables was 1.2 for both. For vegetables, the median number of times per day was lower for non-Hispanic black students (1.0) and Hispanic students (1.1) than non-Hispanic white students (1.4). Overall, 28.5% of high school students consumed fruit <1 time daily, and 33.2% of high school students consumed vegetables <1 time daily..."
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Attorney General’s Task Force on Children Exposed to Violence
"This Task Force is part of the Attorney General’s Defending Childhood Initiative, a project that addresses the epidemic levels of exposure to violence faced by our nation’s children. Based on the testimony at four public hearings, on comprehensive research, and on extensive input from experts, advocates, and impacted families and communities nationwide, the Defending Childhood Task Force will issue a final report to the Attorney General presenting its findings and comprehensive policy recommendations in the fall of 2012. The report will serve as a blueprint for preventing children’s exposure to violence and for reducing the negative effects experienced by children exposed to violence across the United States..."
National Traffic and Road Closure Information
Find traffic, road conditons, weather for the 50 states in the union.
John F, Kennedy Assassination (November 22, 1963)
Historical resources from the Library of Congress on President John F. Kennedy's assassination
Lock it Up: Medicine Safety in Your Home
"Every year thousands of children are hospitalized—and some die—after taking medicine not meant for them. Teens share stolen prescription drugs at "pharm parties" and toddlers are tempted by colorful pills that look like candy. In this Consumer Update video, FDA pharmacist Connie Jung explains how you can prevent harm by locking your medicine up..."
The White Population:2010
"This report provides a portrait of the White population in the United States and discusses its distribution at the national level and at lower levels of geography.1 It is part of a series that analyzes population and housing data collected from the 2010 Census..."
The Black Population: 2010
"This report provides a portrait of the Black population in the United States and discusses its distribution at the national level and at lower levels of geography.1, 2 It is part of a series that analyzes population and housing data collected from the 2010 Census..."
New Home Movies Resurrect Endangered American Indian Language
"University of Minnesota Duluth education professor Mary Hermes says saving an endangered language goes beyond just enriching the people who speak it.
"I think people have got to get beyond thinking it's just for the Ojibwe people, that we want to save their Ojibwe language. There's 10,000 years of human evolution and knowledge in that language," she says.
With support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Hermes is combining the skills of native speakers with video technology to help others, young and old, learn the language in the most natural way. She's doing it by videotaping short movies of everyday situations, from going to a rummage sale to planting a garden to helping out a sick relative..."
"I think people have got to get beyond thinking it's just for the Ojibwe people, that we want to save their Ojibwe language. There's 10,000 years of human evolution and knowledge in that language," she says.
With support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Hermes is combining the skills of native speakers with video technology to help others, young and old, learn the language in the most natural way. She's doing it by videotaping short movies of everyday situations, from going to a rummage sale to planting a garden to helping out a sick relative..."
New Projection Shows Global Food Demand Doubling by 2050
"Global food demand could double by 2050, according to a new projection reported this week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
The analysis also shows that the world faces major environmental challenges unless agricultural practices change.
Scientists David Tilman and Jason Hill of the University of Minnesota (UMN) and colleagues found that producing the amount of food needed could significantly increase levels of carbon dioxide and nitrogen in the environment, and may cause the extinction of numerous species..."
The analysis also shows that the world faces major environmental challenges unless agricultural practices change.
Scientists David Tilman and Jason Hill of the University of Minnesota (UMN) and colleagues found that producing the amount of food needed could significantly increase levels of carbon dioxide and nitrogen in the environment, and may cause the extinction of numerous species..."
The World Factbook Is Changing
"With unrest sweeping the Middle East and economic problems in Europe, The World Factbook is trying to help readers identify the factors that may underlie these social, political, and economic changes. Accordingly, the Factbook is adding new categories of societal data, which—along with other demographic and economic entries—offer additional insight into a country’s economic strength, internal stability, and impact on the environment. After a comprehensive search for datasets that are current and regularly updated, nine new fields have been added, with the World Health Organization and the World Bank providing most of the information..."
Employees in Postsecondary Institutions, Fall 2010, and Salaries of Full-Time Instructional Staff, 2010–11
"This First Look presents findings from the Human Resources (HR) Component of the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) winter 2010-11 data collection. The HR component consists of the following three sections: Employees by Assigned Position (EAP) and Fall Staff for fall 2010 and Salaries for academic year 2010-11. Only the EAP and Salaries sections of the HR component were required for the winter 2010-11 collection; the Fall Staff section was optional. The HR data were collected through the IPEDS web-based data collection system..."
Reported Tuberculosis in the United States: 2010
"In 2010, the reported number of TB cases decreased slightly from the previous year. In 2010, there were 11,182 reported TB cases (3.6 cases per 100,000 persons) compared to 11,537 reported TB cases from 2009. TB case totals are now at the lowest number recorded since national reporting began in 1953. Yet, even though reported TB cases reached all-time lows in the United States, there are still disproportionately higher rates of TB among racial/ethnic minorities, especially U.S.-born blacks. TB rates are higher for some racial and ethnic groups, probably because a greater proportion of people in these groups have other risk factors for TB..."
Friday, November 18, 2011
Maternity Leave and Employment Patterns of First-Time Mothers: 1961-2008
"Fifty-one percent of working women who had their first birth between 2006 and 2008 received paid leave (i.e. maternity leave, sick leave, vacation) compared with 42 percent between 1996 and 2000, according to a report released today by the U.S. Census Bureau.
This finding comes from Maternity Leave and Employment Patterns of First-Time Mothers: 1961-2008 [PDF], a report that analyzes trends in women's work experience before their first child, identifies their maternity leave arrangements before and after the birth and examines how rapidly they returned to work..."
This finding comes from Maternity Leave and Employment Patterns of First-Time Mothers: 1961-2008 [PDF], a report that analyzes trends in women's work experience before their first child, identifies their maternity leave arrangements before and after the birth and examines how rapidly they returned to work..."
Small businesses have new tools in choosing health insurance
"We’ve added a new service to further help small businesses find the right health care coverage for their employees.
In addition to featuring information about new benefits in the law, HealthCare.gov also has a health insurance finder tool, which displays information about insurance plans with estimated base rates, doctor choices, number of applications that were denied, and other details that allow consumers to compare options. And as of today, this insurance tool includes private coverage options for small businesses: http://finder.healthcare.gov/..."
In addition to featuring information about new benefits in the law, HealthCare.gov also has a health insurance finder tool, which displays information about insurance plans with estimated base rates, doctor choices, number of applications that were denied, and other details that allow consumers to compare options. And as of today, this insurance tool includes private coverage options for small businesses: http://finder.healthcare.gov/..."
The Veteran Labor Force in the Recovery
"Veterans are an honored part of the United States labor market. In this report, veterans are defined as men and women who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and were civilians at the time of their participation in the Current Population Survey (CPS).1 In 2010, there were 11.8 million veterans working or looking for work, accounting for 7.7 percent of the U.S. labor force. Veterans are a broad population spanning from those who served in World War II (WWII) to recent veterans who were on active duty during the post-9/11 period known as Gulf War-era II.2 Although most veterans are men, women are a growing part of the veteran population, accounting for 8.1 percent of all veterans in 2010..."
Hate Crime Statistics: 2010
"Today, the Federal Bureau of Investigation released Hate Crime Statistics, 2010 based on information submitted by law enforcement agencies throughout the nation. These data indicate that 6,628 criminal incidents involving 7,699 offenses were reported in 2010 as a result of bias toward a particular race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity/national origin, or physical or mental disability..."
view full report
view full report
Electric Power Annual: 2010
"Presents 12 years (1999-2010) of National-level data on electricity generating capacity, electricity generation and useful thermal output, fuel receipts, consumption, and emissions..."
Fuel Economy Guide 2012
"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) produce the Fuel Economy Guide to help car buyers choose the most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets their
needs. The Guide is published in print and on the Web at www.fueleconomy.gov..."
needs. The Guide is published in print and on the Web at www.fueleconomy.gov..."
90+ in the United States: 2006–2008American
"This report presents an overview of the population aged 90 and over in the United States and a comparative analysis of selected characteristics between the 90-and-older and other older age groups. Data for this report primarily come from the 2006–2008 and 2008 American Community Surveys (ACS)..."
The Newly Arrived Foreign- Born Population of the United States: 2010
"Forty million foreign-born people lived in the United States in 2010, according to the American Community Survey (ACS).1 The majority (83 percent) of the foreign born reported entering the United States prior to 2005. Using 2010 ACS data on the period of entry of the foreign-born population, this report focuses on the “newly arrived” foreign born, defined here as those who came to live in the United States in 2005 or later..."
Child Poverty in the United States 2009 and 2010: Selected Race Groups and Hispanic Origi
"Poverty is a critical indicator of the wellbeing of our nation’s children. Changes in child poverty rates over time can provide an evaluation of a particular antipoverty initiative and help to identify people and groups whose most basic economic needs remain unmet. Children who live in poverty, especially young children, are more likely than their peers to have cognitive and behavioral difficulties, to complete fewer years of education, and, as they grow up, to experience more years of unemployment..."
Food Stamp/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Receipt in the Past 12 Months for Households by State: 2009 and 201
"As households continue to face uncertain economic times, food stamp/SNAP participation continues to increase in the United States. This report presents data on food stamp/SNAP receipt for the past 12 months at the national and state levels based on the 2009 and 2010 American Community Surveys (ACS). The data in this report are for households, not individuals. If any person living at the sample address at the time of the interview received food stamps/SNAP, the household is included in the count. Respondents were asked to report any spells of food stamp/SNAP receipt for the past 12 month..."
School-Aged Children With Disabilities in U.S. Metropolitan Statistical Areas: 201
"Of the 53.9 million school-aged children (aged 5 to 17) in the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population, about 2.8 million (5.2 percent) were reported to have a disability in 2010. For many of these children, the kinds of disabilities they experience may require special approaches to providing education or other accommodations..."
Education and Synthetic Work-Life Earnings Estimates
"The relationship between education and earnings is a long-analyzed topic of study. Generally, there is a strong belief that achievement of higher levels of education is a well established path to better jobs and better earnings.1 This report provides one view of the eco-nomic value of educational attainment by producing an estimate of the amount of money a person might earn over the course of their working life, given their level of education..."
Thursday, November 17, 2011
2010 Statistics on Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted
"According to information released today by the FBI, 56 law enforcement officers were feloniously killed in the line of duty last year; 72 officers died in accidents while performing their duties; and 53,469 officers were assaulted in the line of duty. The 2010 edition of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted released today provides comprehensive tabular data about these incidents and brief narratives describing the fatal attacks..."
view complete report
view complete report
2011 National Gang Threat Assessment
"According to the 2011 National Gang Threat Assessment released by the National Gang Intelligence Center (NGIC), approximately 1.4 million gang members belonging to more than 33,000 gangs were criminally active in the U.S. as of April, 2011. The assessment was developed through analysis of available federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and corrections agency information; 2010 NDIC National Drug Threat Survey (NDTS) data; and verified open source information..."
view complete report
view complete report
Geographic Mobility: 2011
"The percentage of people who changed residences between 2010 and 2011 ─ 11.6 percent ─ was the lowest recorded rate since the Current Population Survey began collecting statistics on the movement of people in the United States in 1948, the U.S. Census Bureau reported today. The rate, which was 20.2 percent in 1985, declined to a then-record low of 11.9 percent in 2008 before rising to 12.5 percent in 2009. The 2010 rate was not statistically different than the 2009 rate.
This information comes from Geographical Mobility: 2011, a collection of national- and regional-level tables from the Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement. The tables shed light on movement of people within the United States from one location to another during the year prior to the survey.."
This information comes from Geographical Mobility: 2011, a collection of national- and regional-level tables from the Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement. The tables shed light on movement of people within the United States from one location to another during the year prior to the survey.."
Friday, November 11, 2011
Economic Growth and the Unemployment Rate
"A persistently high unemployment rate is of concern to Congress for a variety of reasons,
including its negative consequences for the economic well-being of individuals and its impact on
the federal budget (i.e., deficit growth due to lower revenue and higher expenditures). The
unemployment rate was 9.5% when the economy emerged from the 11th postwar recession in June
2009, and it climbed further to a peak of 10.1% in October 2009. The unemployment rate very
slowly declined in 2010. It settled at about 9.0% during the first three quarters of 2011..."
including its negative consequences for the economic well-being of individuals and its impact on
the federal budget (i.e., deficit growth due to lower revenue and higher expenditures). The
unemployment rate was 9.5% when the economy emerged from the 11th postwar recession in June
2009, and it climbed further to a peak of 10.1% in October 2009. The unemployment rate very
slowly declined in 2010. It settled at about 9.0% during the first three quarters of 2011..."
Thursday, November 10, 2011
President Richard Nixon's Grand Jury Testimony, June 1975
"WASHINGTON—For the first time, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is providing public access to the transcripts of President Richard Nixon’s Watergate grand jury testimony. NARA and the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) have a long-standing collaborative relationship in publishing the Federal Register and in keeping with this relationship, will be supporting NARA in providing electronic access to the transcripts of the Nixon grand jury testimony on GPO's Federal Digital System (FDsys). GPO will be one of the sites that host the transcripts.
NARA is opening 26 files from its Records of the Watergate Special Prosecution Force collection including transcripts of President Nixon’s grand jury testimony of June 23-24, 1975. This is as a result of the July 29, 2011 order by Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia Royce C. Lamberth
that the transcript of Nixon’s testimony and the “Associated Materials” to that testimony be released to the public following the review of these documents for any information that must be redacted as required by law. This is the first time the public will have access to this historic collection..."
direct link to GPO site
direct link to NARA site
NARA is opening 26 files from its Records of the Watergate Special Prosecution Force collection including transcripts of President Nixon’s grand jury testimony of June 23-24, 1975. This is as a result of the July 29, 2011 order by Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia Royce C. Lamberth
that the transcript of Nixon’s testimony and the “Associated Materials” to that testimony be released to the public following the review of these documents for any information that must be redacted as required by law. This is the first time the public will have access to this historic collection..."
direct link to GPO site
direct link to NARA site
Teen to Teen:Magnet Talk
"High-powered magnets are a deadly safety risk to children age toddler through teen. Swallowing incidents are on the rise and can result in surgery."
Smokers underutilize proven treatment and services for quitting
"Most American adults who smoke wish they could quit, and more than half have tried within the past year, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The report says 68.8 percent of current American adult smokers say they want to quit and 52.4 percent of adult smokers tried to quit within the past year. The report says 48.3 percent of smokers who saw a health professional in the past year recalled getting advice to quit and 31.7 percent used counseling and/or medications in the past year. The use of these effective treatments can almost double to triple rates of successfully quitting..."
The report says 68.8 percent of current American adult smokers say they want to quit and 52.4 percent of adult smokers tried to quit within the past year. The report says 48.3 percent of smokers who saw a health professional in the past year recalled getting advice to quit and 31.7 percent used counseling and/or medications in the past year. The use of these effective treatments can almost double to triple rates of successfully quitting..."
National Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Registry
"...The goal of the National ALS Registry is to collect information to help scientists learn more about ALS. To get the best information, it is important to get as many PALS as possible to take part. Although you will not directly benefit from taking part in the National ALS Registry, your information could help PALS in the future. We hope that after you learn more about the National ALS Registry you will decide to join..."
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Needles and Other Sharps (Safe Disposal Outside of Health Care Settings)
Safely dispose of needles and other sharp object beyond the health care environment.
Nicotine Dependence and Its Risk Factors Among Users of Veterans Health Services, 2008-2009
"Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States and is disproportionately higher among veterans than nonveterans. We examined the prevalence of nicotine dependence and its associated risk factors among veterans who used health services in the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system..."
Exploring the Digital Nation - Computers and Internet Use at Home
"This report updates and expands last year’s report, Exploring the Digital Nation: Home Broadband Internet Adoption in the United States, based on data from the Census Bureau’s most recent Current Population Survey (CPS) School Enrollment and Internet Use Supplement. The report also provides additional information augmenting the February 2011 research preview, Digital Nation: Expanding Internet Usage, and includes new findings on computer and Internet use in the United States. For example, we use regression analysis to help explain some of the disparities in broadband Internet adoption that exist between demographic and geographic groups. The analysis reveals that, by holding constant certain factors such as household income, education, or age, the adoption disparities may decrease significantly..."
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Travelers' Health
Pick a country and find out information on how to stay healthy while in that country --vaccinations, diseases, clinics, specific groups and settings, etc.
Safe and Healthy Winter
"Winter storms and cold temperatures can be hazardous, but if you plan ahead, you can stay safe and healthy. Prepare your home and cars. Keep emergency kits stocked. Be ready for power outages. Wear appropriate clothing. Check on children, the elderly and pets..."
World Pneumonia Day is November 12
"What Is Pneumonia?
Chest x-ray of patient with pneumonia.
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause mild to severe illness in people of all ages. Signs of pneumonia can include coughing, fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing or shortness of breath, chills, or chest pain. Certain people are more likely to become ill with pneumonia. This includes adults 65 years of age or older and children younger than 5 years of age. People up through 64 years of age who have underlying medical conditions (like diabetes or HIV/AIDS) and people 19 through 64 who smoke cigarettes or have asthma are also at increased risk for getting pneumonia..."
Chest x-ray of patient with pneumonia.
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause mild to severe illness in people of all ages. Signs of pneumonia can include coughing, fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing or shortness of breath, chills, or chest pain. Certain people are more likely to become ill with pneumonia. This includes adults 65 years of age or older and children younger than 5 years of age. People up through 64 years of age who have underlying medical conditions (like diabetes or HIV/AIDS) and people 19 through 64 who smoke cigarettes or have asthma are also at increased risk for getting pneumonia..."
Diabetes & Pregnancy
"...How can diabetes affect my health?
Controlling blood sugar is hard, especially during pregnancy, but it is important work at it. When blood sugar is high most of the time in a woman with diabetes, she might have certain health problems.
A woman with gestational diabetes whose blood sugar stays high has an increased chance of:
Preeclampsia (high blood pressure, protein in urine, increased swelling)
Preterm birth (baby born before 37 weeks)
C-section.."
Controlling blood sugar is hard, especially during pregnancy, but it is important work at it. When blood sugar is high most of the time in a woman with diabetes, she might have certain health problems.
A woman with gestational diabetes whose blood sugar stays high has an increased chance of:
Preeclampsia (high blood pressure, protein in urine, increased swelling)
Preterm birth (baby born before 37 weeks)
C-section.."
Wisconsin Blue Book, 2011-2012
Digitized versions of the Wisconsin Blue Book going back to 1995-1996 are now available. Earlier versions of the Wisconsin Blue Book going back to 1853 are available at the Wisconsin Digital Collection.
Polling Places - Wisconsin
In addition to providing polling places for Wisconsin citizens, the Wisconsin Government Accountably Board includes information on campaign finance, election results, new voter ID law, recall campaigns, voter registration, etc.
Monday, November 7, 2011
More Young Adults are Living in Their Parents' Home, Census Bureau Reports
"Between 2005 and 2011, the proportion of young adults living in their parents' home increased, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The percentage of men age 25 to 34 living in the home of their parents rose from 14 percent in 2005 to 19 percent in 2011 and from 8 percent to 10 percent over the period for women.
(See Figure 1.)
These statistics come from America's Families and Living Arrangements: 2011, a series of tables from the 2011 Current Population Survey providing a look at the socioeconomic characteristics of families and households at the national level..."
(See Figure 1.)
These statistics come from America's Families and Living Arrangements: 2011, a series of tables from the 2011 Current Population Survey providing a look at the socioeconomic characteristics of families and households at the national level..."
Amerian Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month: November 2011
"As of the 2010 Census, the nation’s population of American Indians and Alaska Natives, including those of more than one race. They made up 1.7 percent of the total population. Of this total, 2.9 million were American Indian and Alaska Native only, and 2.3 million were American Indian and Alaska Native in combination with one or more other races..."
Veterans Day 2011: Nov. 11
V"Veterans Day originated as "Armistice Day" on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to change the name to Veterans Day as a way to honor those who served in all American wars. The day honors military veterans with parades and speeches across the nation. A national ceremony takes place at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia..."
The Subprime Crisis: Is Government Housing Policy to Blame
"A growing literature suggests that housing policy, embodied by the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) and the affordable housing goals of the government sponsored enterprises, may have caused the subprime crisis. The conclusions drawn in this literature, for the most part, have been based on associations between aggregated national trends. In this paper we examine more directly whether these programs were associated with worse outcomes in the mortgage market, including delinquency rates and measures of loan quality..."
Wisconsin Digital Archives - Historical Documents
Views significant historical publications in the Wisconsin Digital Archives database
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Prescription Painkiller Overdoses in the US
"Deaths from prescription painkillers* have reached epidemic levels in the past decade. The number of overdose deaths is now greater than those of deaths from heroin and cocaine combined. A big part of the problem is nonmedical use of prescription painkillers—using drugs without a prescription, or using drugs just for the "high" they cause. In 2010, about 12 million Americans (age 12 or older) reported nonmedical use of prescription painkillers in the past year..."
About Quality E-learning
"Information on quality e-learning is presented to help new or experienced instructional designers create compelling, accessible, and effective e-learning. A background in education, adult learning practice or instructional design is recommended for those who intend to use this content..."
Under Armour Recalls Chin Straps for Football Helmets Due to Laceration Hazard
"The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the retailer named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled product immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: UA Defender Chin Straps
Units: About 541,000
Retailer: Under Armour, Inc., of Baltimore, Md.
Importer: JR286, Inc., of Redondo Beach, Calif.
Hazard: The metal snap that connects the chin strap to the helmet has sharp edges, posing a laceration hazard when the user’s metal snap comes into contact with another player.
Incidents/Injuries: Under Armour has received six reports of injuries that required stitches.
Description: This recall involves all UA Defender Chin Straps. They were sold in the following colors: white and black, red, midnight, navy and royal and have a hard nylon shell, a padded chin area and a plastic strap with “Under Armour” printed on it. The chin straps have metal clasps that tighten the straps and attach them to the helmet.
Sold at: Sporting goods stores and Under Armour outlet stores nationwide and at www.underarmour.com from January 2008 through September 2011 for about $20.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled chin straps and contact Under Armour for a free replacement chin strap."
Name of Product: UA Defender Chin Straps
Units: About 541,000
Retailer: Under Armour, Inc., of Baltimore, Md.
Importer: JR286, Inc., of Redondo Beach, Calif.
Hazard: The metal snap that connects the chin strap to the helmet has sharp edges, posing a laceration hazard when the user’s metal snap comes into contact with another player.
Incidents/Injuries: Under Armour has received six reports of injuries that required stitches.
Description: This recall involves all UA Defender Chin Straps. They were sold in the following colors: white and black, red, midnight, navy and royal and have a hard nylon shell, a padded chin area and a plastic strap with “Under Armour” printed on it. The chin straps have metal clasps that tighten the straps and attach them to the helmet.
Sold at: Sporting goods stores and Under Armour outlet stores nationwide and at www.underarmour.com from January 2008 through September 2011 for about $20.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled chin straps and contact Under Armour for a free replacement chin strap."
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
2010 Surgeon General's Report—How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease: The Biology and Behavioral Basis for Smoking-Attributable Disease
"In 1964, the first Surgeon General’s report on the effects of smoking on health was released. In the nearly 50 years since, extensive data from thousands of studies have consistently substantiated the devastating effects of smoking on the lives of millions of Americans. Yet today in the United States, tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of death and disease for both men and women. Now, this 2010 report of the Surgeon General explains beyond a shadow of a doubt how tobacco smoke causes disease, validates earlier findings, and expands and strengthens the science base. Armed with this irrefutable data, the time has come to mount a full-scale assault on the tobacco epidemic..."
Faces of Distracted Driving
U.S. Department of Transportation's campaign against distracted driving.
Introduction to Adoption (November is National Adoption Month)
"Adoption is the social, emotional, and legal process in which children who will not be raised by their birth parents become full and permanent legal members of another family while maintaining genetic and psychological connections to their birth family. Adoption has many facets and touches people in different ways—depending on their role and perspective. In this section, find information on the history of adoption in the United States, definitions and the use of language in adoption, and core issues in adoption, as well as links to related resources and information..."
Lead in Paint, Dust, and Soil
"Why Do You Need to Be Concerned About Lead?
Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in paint and other products found in and around our homes. Lead also can be emitted into the air from industrial sources and leaded aviation gasoline, and lead can enter drinking water from plumbing materials. Lead may cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children six years old and under are most at risk
Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in paint and other products found in and around our homes. Lead also can be emitted into the air from industrial sources and leaded aviation gasoline, and lead can enter drinking water from plumbing materials. Lead may cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children six years old and under are most at risk
U.S. Natural Gas Imports & Exports: 2010
"Net imports of natural gas into the United States fell 3 percent to 2.6 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) during 2010. Continued growth in natural gas exports from the United States and falling imports of natural gas to the United States during 2010 accounted for the decline in net imports, which fell despite a 6-percent growth in domestic natural gas consumption during the year..."
Recent Development Efforts for Military Airships
"During the past decade’s operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, the U.S. military has come to rely heavily on the continuous or nearly continuous presence overhead of both manned and unmanned aircraft to support ground troops. Unmanned aircraft that
remain aloft in particular locations (or “orbits”) have been primarily used to provide timely information about activities on the ground and to attack ground targets on short notice. Most prominent among these aircraft are the Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) fleets of unmanned Predators, Reapers, and Global Hawks; however, satellites and manned conventional aircraft, including fighters and long-range bombers, have also contributed..."
remain aloft in particular locations (or “orbits”) have been primarily used to provide timely information about activities on the ground and to attack ground targets on short notice. Most prominent among these aircraft are the Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) fleets of unmanned Predators, Reapers, and Global Hawks; however, satellites and manned conventional aircraft, including fighters and long-range bombers, have also contributed..."
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Holiday Shopping Tips
"Whether your gift list is ready or you're wondering how long you can wait to start your holiday shopping, the Federal Trade Commission has online tips to help you get the best deals. The bottom line: Some extra research can really pay off:
Set a Budget. Create a gift list and check it twice to help you stay on track and not overspend.
Decide What Matters. Especially if you're buying gadgets, know what your "must-have" features are vs. those that are just nice to have.
Use Search Engines. Type a company or product name into your search engine with terms like "review," "complaint" or "scam" to find out more about it.
Read Reviews Online. Reviews from other people, experts, and columnists can give you an idea of how a product performs. But don't put all of your trust in one review.
Consider Reputation. A brand's reputation for quality and good customer service can really pay off.
Check Comparison Shopping Sites. They connect to many retailers selling the same product, sometimes at significantly different prices. Keep shipping costs in mind.
Consider Coupons. Some companies offer discounts via e-mail, and some websites collect and list codes for free shipping and other discounts. Search for the store with terms like "discount," "coupon" or "free shipping."
Read Return Policies. Not all stores have the same rules. Some charge fees for return shipping or restocking things like electronics.
Decide How to Pay. When you shop online, credit cards can offer extra protections.
Look for a Secure Checkout. Does the website start with https (the "s" stands for secure) when you're checking out?..."
Set a Budget. Create a gift list and check it twice to help you stay on track and not overspend.
Decide What Matters. Especially if you're buying gadgets, know what your "must-have" features are vs. those that are just nice to have.
Use Search Engines. Type a company or product name into your search engine with terms like "review," "complaint" or "scam" to find out more about it.
Read Reviews Online. Reviews from other people, experts, and columnists can give you an idea of how a product performs. But don't put all of your trust in one review.
Consider Reputation. A brand's reputation for quality and good customer service can really pay off.
Check Comparison Shopping Sites. They connect to many retailers selling the same product, sometimes at significantly different prices. Keep shipping costs in mind.
Consider Coupons. Some companies offer discounts via e-mail, and some websites collect and list codes for free shipping and other discounts. Search for the store with terms like "discount," "coupon" or "free shipping."
Read Return Policies. Not all stores have the same rules. Some charge fees for return shipping or restocking things like electronics.
Decide How to Pay. When you shop online, credit cards can offer extra protections.
Look for a Secure Checkout. Does the website start with https (the "s" stands for secure) when you're checking out?..."
State and Local Government Revenue: 2009
"In 2009, state and local governments brought in nearly $2.1 trillion, a 22.1 percent ($587.5 billion) decrease from 2008, according to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. Most tax revenue categories saw declines except property tax, which saw a 3.7 percent increase to $424.0 billion.
These findings come from the 2009 Annual Surveys of State and Local Government Finances, which include statistics on revenues (including taxes), expenditures, debt and assets (cash and security holdings) for state and local governments.
Revenue from the federal government increased 12.3 percent from $478.0 billion to $536.8 billion between 2008 and 2009..."
These findings come from the 2009 Annual Surveys of State and Local Government Finances, which include statistics on revenues (including taxes), expenditures, debt and assets (cash and security holdings) for state and local governments.
Revenue from the federal government increased 12.3 percent from $478.0 billion to $536.8 billion between 2008 and 2009..."
Monday, October 31, 2011
How Can I Help End Domestic Violence?
"Domestic violence not only affects those who are abused, but also has a substantial effect on family members, friends, coworkers, other witnesses, and the community at large. Children who grow up witnessing domestic violence are among those seriously affected by this crime. You can help break this cycle of violence by raising awareness of the effect domestic violence has on every community, every work place, and every school..."
Salazar Highlights Two Proposed Projects in Wisconsin to Promote Outdoor Recreation
"...Establishing the proposed Lake Michigan Trail as a National Water Trail and expanding the Ice Age Trail are among 100 projects nationwide that will be highlighted in next week’s report — two in every state — as part of President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative to establish a 21st century conservation and recreation agenda and reconnect Americans to the outdoors..."
Identity Theft
Advise on dealing with identity theft from the FTC's Guide to Assisting Identity Theft victims.
State of the Environment Photo Project
"We invite you to help us capture images of the state of the environment as you see it. Based on Documerica, a 1970s project of the same idea, we want to see how you see the environment today - where we've come from and where we need to go.
Photos selected from those submitted might also be used in a display by EPA and the National Archives for Earth Day 2012..."
Photos selected from those submitted might also be used in a display by EPA and the National Archives for Earth Day 2012..."
Social Jobs Partnership
"Facebook, the U.S. Department of Labor, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), DirectEmployers Association (DE), and the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) created the ‘Social Jobs Partnership.’ The partnership’s goal will be to facilitate employment for America’s jobless through the use of social networks..."
The World Population at 7 Billion
"The world’s population will shortly reach 7 billion. The United Nations estimates the world will reach this milestone on October 31, 2011. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates the world population will pass 7 billion on March 12, 2012 (see graph; for a link to Census Bureau’s estimates of today’s population, as well as annual midyear estimates from 1950 to 2050.
Spotlight on Statistics: Automobiles
"The U.S. automobile industry can be viewed as both a barometer and beneficiary of American growth and economic achievement. Supporting that view is the fact that the automobile industry affects industries that manufacture steel, glass, plastics, and rubber, as well as those that refine and sell gasoline, build roads, and maintain, repair, and sell motor vehicles.
Motor vehicles also affect our daily lives. In 2010, on an average day, 67.6 percent of the civilian noninstitutional population aged 15 and over drove; those who drove spent on average 1 hour and 18 minutes driving..."
Motor vehicles also affect our daily lives. In 2010, on an average day, 67.6 percent of the civilian noninstitutional population aged 15 and over drove; those who drove spent on average 1 hour and 18 minutes driving..."
Generators & Engine-Driven Tools
"Generator Danger Warning
CO from a generator is deadly and can kill you in minutes. One generator produces as much CO as hundreds of cars. It can incapacitate and kill consumers within minutes.
NEVER use portable generators indoors or in garages, basements, or sheds. They should always be used outside well away from windows, doors, vents, or any other opening.
Always have a working CO alarm in your house.
Also, never burn charcoal grills indoors, even with ventilation. Charcoal also quickly produces deadly CO."
CO from a generator is deadly and can kill you in minutes. One generator produces as much CO as hundreds of cars. It can incapacitate and kill consumers within minutes.
NEVER use portable generators indoors or in garages, basements, or sheds. They should always be used outside well away from windows, doors, vents, or any other opening.
Always have a working CO alarm in your house.
Also, never burn charcoal grills indoors, even with ventilation. Charcoal also quickly produces deadly CO."
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Guide to State and Local Census Geography
"The first Guide to State and Local Census Geography (1990 CPH-I-18) was issued in June 1993 as a joint venture between the US Census Bureau and the Association of Public Data Users (APDU). The book contained an overview of census geography and had information about key geographic concepts for each state as it related to the 1990 Census.
The US Census Bureau updated this publication based on geography for the 2010 Census and is making it available as a web publication. The format of this publication is similar to the 1993 publication in that it has information about the census geography of each state..."
The US Census Bureau updated this publication based on geography for the 2010 Census and is making it available as a web publication. The format of this publication is similar to the 1993 publication in that it has information about the census geography of each state..."
World Stroke Day 2011(October 29, 2011)
"Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. About 137,000 Americans die of stroke every year1. The theme for this year's World Stroke Day builds on last year’s theme "1 in 6:" 1 in 6 people worldwide will have a stroke in their lifetime; every 6 seconds, someone somewhere will die from stroke2.
This campaign not only stresses how prevalent stroke is but also highlights the fact that stroke can be prevented and that stroke survivors can recover and regain their quality of life with care and support."
This campaign not only stresses how prevalent stroke is but also highlights the fact that stroke can be prevented and that stroke survivors can recover and regain their quality of life with care and support."
Investing in Gold? What’s the Rush
"You see the ads on TV and online, and you hear them on the radio: they tout gold as a solid investment. It's true that people sometimes use gold to diversify their investment portfolio: it can help hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. But how much gold to buy, in what form, at what price, and from whom, are important questions to answer before you make that investment.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, says if you are interested in buying gold, do some digging before investing. Some gold promoters don't deliver what they promise, and may push people into an investment that isn't right for them."
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, says if you are interested in buying gold, do some digging before investing. Some gold promoters don't deliver what they promise, and may push people into an investment that isn't right for them."
Investing In Bullion and Bullion Coins
"If you're thinking about investing in bullion or bullion coins, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, says your best bet is to research your options and get smart. Being uninformed can have serious consequences..."
myRight-to-know mobile phone application
"myRight-to-know is an EPA Web application designed for mobile devices. For any location or address, myRTK maps nearby facilities that report to TRI, as well as large permit holders in the Air, Water or Hazardous Waste programs that are expected to produce, manage or release TRI-reportable chemicals. The application compares individual facility releases to releases by other facilities in the county, as well as to other facilities in the same industrial sector..."
Facts About Child Development
"The early years of a child’s life are very important for his or her health and development. Healthy development means that children of all abilities, including those with special health care needs, are able to grow up where their social, emotional and educational needs are met. Having a safe and loving home and spending time with family―playing, singing, reading, and talking―are very important. Proper nutrition, exercise, and rest also can make a big difference.."
Salmonella Outbreaks
"Salmonellosis is an infection with bacteria called Salmonella. Most persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized..."
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Laser Incident Information and Reporting
"Shining a laser into the cockpit of an aircraft is a serious safety risk and violates federal law. Many high-powered lasers can completely incapacitate pilots who are trying to fly safely to their destinations and may be carrying hundreds of passengers. Unfortunately, reported incidents of lasers aimed at aircraft are steadily increasing.
The FAA is working with law enforcement agencies across the country to pursue monetary civil penalties against individuals who purposely try to interfere with a flight crew by aiming a laser into an aircraft cockpit.."
The FAA is working with law enforcement agencies across the country to pursue monetary civil penalties against individuals who purposely try to interfere with a flight crew by aiming a laser into an aircraft cockpit.."
Afghanistan Casualties: Military Forces and Civilians
"This report collects statistics from a variety of sources on casualties sustained during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), which began on October 7, 2001, and is ongoing. OEF actions take place primarily in Afghanistan; however, OEF casualties also includes American casualties in Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Guantanamo Bay (Cuba), Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Jordan, Kenya,Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines, Seychelles, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Yemen.
Casualty data of U.S. military forces are compiled by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), as tallied from the agency’s press releases. Also included are statistics on those wounded but not killed. Statistics may be revised as circumstances are investigated and as records are processed through the U.S. military’s casualty system. More frequent updates are available at DOD’s website at http://www.defenselink.mil/news/ under “Casualty Update..."
Casualty data of U.S. military forces are compiled by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), as tallied from the agency’s press releases. Also included are statistics on those wounded but not killed. Statistics may be revised as circumstances are investigated and as records are processed through the U.S. military’s casualty system. More frequent updates are available at DOD’s website at http://www.defenselink.mil/news/ under “Casualty Update..."
Affordable Care Act and Preventive Services
"The Affordable Care Act was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama on March 23, 2010. Many insurance plans are now required to cover the full cost of important preventive services, like medical tests (screenings) and shots (vaccines)..."
Diesel Vehicles
"Diesel vehicles may be making a comeback. Diesel engines are more powerful and fuel-efficient than similar-sized gasoline engines (about 30-35% more fuel efficient). Plus, today's diesel vehicles are much improved over diesels of the past..."
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Help Americans Manage Student Loan Debt"
"...Help Americans Manage Student Loan Debt by Capping Monthly Payments to What They Can Afford
* Allow borrowers to cap their student loan payments at 10% of discretionary income. In the 2010 State of the Union, the President proposed – and Congress quickly enacted – an improved income-based repayment (IBR) plan, which allows student loan borrowers to cap their monthly payments at 15% of their discretionary income. Beginning July 1, 2014, the IBR plan is scheduled to reduce that limit from 15% to 10% of discretionary income.
* Today, the President announced that his Administration is putting forth a new “Pay As You Earn” proposal to make sure these same important benefits are made available to some borrowers as soon as 2012. The Administration estimates that this cap will reduce monthly payments for more than 1.6 million student borrowers..."
* Allow borrowers to cap their student loan payments at 10% of discretionary income. In the 2010 State of the Union, the President proposed – and Congress quickly enacted – an improved income-based repayment (IBR) plan, which allows student loan borrowers to cap their monthly payments at 15% of their discretionary income. Beginning July 1, 2014, the IBR plan is scheduled to reduce that limit from 15% to 10% of discretionary income.
* Today, the President announced that his Administration is putting forth a new “Pay As You Earn” proposal to make sure these same important benefits are made available to some borrowers as soon as 2012. The Administration estimates that this cap will reduce monthly payments for more than 1.6 million student borrowers..."
Trends in the Distribution of Household Income Between 1979 and 2007
"From 1979 to 2007, real (inflation-adjusted) average household income, measured after government transfers and federal taxes, grew by 62 percent. During that period,
the evolution of the nation’s economy and the tax and spending policies of the federal government and state and local governments had varying effects on households at different points in the income distribution: Income after transfers and federal taxes (denoted as after-tax income in this study) for households at the higher end of the income scale rose much more rapidly than income for households in the middle and at the lower end of the income scale..."
the evolution of the nation’s economy and the tax and spending policies of the federal government and state and local governments had varying effects on households at different points in the income distribution: Income after transfers and federal taxes (denoted as after-tax income in this study) for households at the higher end of the income scale rose much more rapidly than income for households in the middle and at the lower end of the income scale..."
Discretionary Spending
Testimony of Douglas W. Elmendorf,Director, Congressional Budget Office before the
Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction U.S. Congress, October 26, 2011.
"Discretionary outlays—the part of federal spending that lawmakers generally control
through annual appropriation acts—totaled about $1.35 trillion in 2011, or close to
40 percent of federal outlays.1 Slightly more than half of that spending was for
defense. The remainder went for a wide variety of government programs and activities,with the largest amounts spent for education, training, employment, and social services; transportation; income security (mostly housing and nutrition assistance); veterans’ benefits (primarily for health care); health-related research and public health;international affairs; and the administration of justice.
Discretionary outlays declined from about 10 percent of gross domestic product
(GDP) during much of the 1970s and 1980s to 6.2 percent in 1999, mostly because
defense spending, as a share of GDP, declined over that period. Since then, discretionary outlays have risen relative to the size of the economy, totaling about 9 percent of GDP in 2010 and 2011, in part because of military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq and in part because of the discretionary funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA, Public Law 111-5). The 2010 and 2011 figures were the highest in about 20 years..."
Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction U.S. Congress, October 26, 2011.
"Discretionary outlays—the part of federal spending that lawmakers generally control
through annual appropriation acts—totaled about $1.35 trillion in 2011, or close to
40 percent of federal outlays.1 Slightly more than half of that spending was for
defense. The remainder went for a wide variety of government programs and activities,with the largest amounts spent for education, training, employment, and social services; transportation; income security (mostly housing and nutrition assistance); veterans’ benefits (primarily for health care); health-related research and public health;international affairs; and the administration of justice.
Discretionary outlays declined from about 10 percent of gross domestic product
(GDP) during much of the 1970s and 1980s to 6.2 percent in 1999, mostly because
defense spending, as a share of GDP, declined over that period. Since then, discretionary outlays have risen relative to the size of the economy, totaling about 9 percent of GDP in 2010 and 2011, in part because of military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq and in part because of the discretionary funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA, Public Law 111-5). The 2010 and 2011 figures were the highest in about 20 years..."
Age and Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Prepregnancy Smoking Among Women..
"Prenatal smoking remains one of the most common preventable causes of poor pregnancy and infant outcomes (1). Though prenatal smoking prevalence in the United States has declined over time (2), it was 10.4% in 2007, which remains far above the national goals for 2010 and 2020 of 1% (3-5). In addition, prenatal smoking varies greatly among states, from 6.2% in Utah to 35.7% in West Virginia (6)..."
Madison Prepares for Concealed Carry Law
Via City of Madison News blog:
"In preparation for Wisconsin's Concealed Carry Law going into effect on November 1st, Mayor Paul Soglin and City staff have developed guidelines and restrictions regarding firearms in City buildings, property and buses...
Private businesses and homeowners are also able to prohibit firearms by posting notice. Apartment and condo residents are able to post for their individual units, and multi-family building owners may post that weapons are prohibited in the common areas.
There are specific requirements for appropriate signs. They must be at least 5 inches by 7 inches and indicate that weapons are prohibited on the property. Madison has signs available for purchase or download from the city website at.
The website has additional information on the law including frequently asked questions."
"In preparation for Wisconsin's Concealed Carry Law going into effect on November 1st, Mayor Paul Soglin and City staff have developed guidelines and restrictions regarding firearms in City buildings, property and buses...
Private businesses and homeowners are also able to prohibit firearms by posting notice. Apartment and condo residents are able to post for their individual units, and multi-family building owners may post that weapons are prohibited in the common areas.
There are specific requirements for appropriate signs. They must be at least 5 inches by 7 inches and indicate that weapons are prohibited on the property. Madison has signs available for purchase or download from the city website at.
The website has additional information on the law including frequently asked questions."
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Pay-for-Delay: When Drug Companies Agree Not to Compete
"One of the FTC’s top priorities in recent years has been to oppose a costly legal tactic that more and more branded drug manufacturers have been using to stifle competition from lower-cost generic medicines. These drug makers have been able to sidestep competition by offering patent settlements that pay generic companies not to bring lower-cost alternatives to market. These “pay-for-delay” patent settlements effectively block all other generic drug competition for a growing number of branded drugs. According to an FTC study, these anticompetitive deals cost consumers and taxpayers $3.5 billion in higher drug costs every year. Since 2001, the FTC has filed a number of lawsuits to stop these deals, and it supports legislation to end such “pay-for-delay” settlements..."
Preventing Infections in Cancer Patients
"Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy are more likely to get an infection. For these people, any type of infection may become serious quickly. If you have cancer and are receiving chemotherapy, learn the facts about infection..."
Monday, October 24, 2011
Getting the Lead Out
"If you live in a home that was built before 1978, there is a high likelihood that lead-based paint was used. Lead is a poison that can damage the brain, kidneys, and nervous system and is particularly dangerous to children and pregnant women. A toddler with lead poisoning is at risk for learning disabilities, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, abnormal maturation of their bodies and aggressive behavior.
Old lead painted surfaces begin to peel off in paint chips and can create lead dust in the home; especially floor surfaces where young children have an increased risk of exposure when they crawl and put their hands in their mouths. Renovations and remodeling activities if done without regard to lead can generate very high levels of lead in the home environment. To ensure that these home improvements are completed safely, families living in these older homes or apartments need to confirm if lead is present by having paint chips tested. If confirmed, all repainting and remodeling must be done using specific lead-safe procedures...
Details about the program
Old lead painted surfaces begin to peel off in paint chips and can create lead dust in the home; especially floor surfaces where young children have an increased risk of exposure when they crawl and put their hands in their mouths. Renovations and remodeling activities if done without regard to lead can generate very high levels of lead in the home environment. To ensure that these home improvements are completed safely, families living in these older homes or apartments need to confirm if lead is present by having paint chips tested. If confirmed, all repainting and remodeling must be done using specific lead-safe procedures...
Details about the program
Draft Gulf War Task Force Report Is Released
"...This year’s report focuses on improvements in the delivery of health care for Gulf War Veterans. One of the most substantial additions is modifications to clinical care models used for Gulf War Veterans, which is the most critical point of service VA provides. There are better linkages between specialty knowledge and services at the basic point of care. Clinical research and development is significantly contributing new concepts and methods to clinical practice and clinical education throughout VA..."
WORKPLACE INJURIES AND ILLNESSES – 2010
"Nearly 3.1 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported among private industry employers in 2010, resulting in an incidence rate of 3.5 cases per 100 equivalent full-time workers—down from 3.6 cases in 2009, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. (See tables 1 and 2.) The total recordable cases (TRC) injury and illness incidence rate among private industry employers has declined significantly each year since 2002, when estimates from the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII) were first published using the current OSHA requirements for recording occupational injuries and illnesses..."
Lead Poison Prevention Week
"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is recognizing National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW), October 23-29, 2011 to raise awareness of lead poisoning in children. For children, even low levels of exposure to lead can cause a host of developmental effects such as learning disabilities, decreased intelligence and speech, language, and behavioral problems, which can affect children for a lifetime.
Major sources of lead exposure among children are lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust found in deteriorating buildings. Lead most commonly occurs in the environment as a result of improper repair or renovation of pre-1978 homes. Despite the continued presence of lead in the environment, lead poisoning is entirely preventable..."
Major sources of lead exposure among children are lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust found in deteriorating buildings. Lead most commonly occurs in the environment as a result of improper repair or renovation of pre-1978 homes. Despite the continued presence of lead in the environment, lead poisoning is entirely preventable..."
Friday, October 21, 2011
Breast Cancer: Rates of New Cases and Deaths
"Not counting some kinds of skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States. Breast cancer is the most common cause of death from cancer among Hispanic women, and the second most common cause of death from cancer among white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women...
For example, white women had the highest incidence rate for breast cancer. Black women had the second highest incidence rate, followed by Hispanic,† Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women. On the other hand, black women had the highest death rate for breast cancer, followed by white, Hispanic,† American Indian/Alaska Native, and Asian/Pacific Islander women."
View full report
For example, white women had the highest incidence rate for breast cancer. Black women had the second highest incidence rate, followed by Hispanic,† Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women. On the other hand, black women had the highest death rate for breast cancer, followed by white, Hispanic,† American Indian/Alaska Native, and Asian/Pacific Islander women."
View full report
Cholesterol
"Did you know…?
Women over age 20 should have their cholesterol checked by their doctor.
Women over the age of 55 tend to have higher cholesterol levels than men.
High cholesterol can increase your chance of having heart disease.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fat-like material in your blood. Your body makes its own cholesterol. When you eat foods that have lots of fat or cholesterol, you can have too much cholesterol in your blood.
Cholesterol can build up on the inside the blood vessels of your heart. If too much cholesterol builds up, then the blood cannot flow through to your heart. This can cause a heart attack.
Good vs. Bad Cholesterol
Not all cholesterol in your blood is bad for you. There are three kinds of blood cholesterol that you should know about: HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides..."
Women over age 20 should have their cholesterol checked by their doctor.
Women over the age of 55 tend to have higher cholesterol levels than men.
High cholesterol can increase your chance of having heart disease.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fat-like material in your blood. Your body makes its own cholesterol. When you eat foods that have lots of fat or cholesterol, you can have too much cholesterol in your blood.
Cholesterol can build up on the inside the blood vessels of your heart. If too much cholesterol builds up, then the blood cannot flow through to your heart. This can cause a heart attack.
Good vs. Bad Cholesterol
Not all cholesterol in your blood is bad for you. There are three kinds of blood cholesterol that you should know about: HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides..."
Stars, stripes - and scams
"Between the picture of the President and Vice-President standing in front of the American flag and the references to government funds to stabilize the economy, it’s understandable that people who signed up for the service advertised on the Grant Connect website thought they were on their way to landing a grant. Promoters even described Grant Connect as “a unique, consumer-friendly US government grant program that delivers all of the tools for the consumer to search multiple databases, write grant proposals, and deliver polished plans. . .”
Not so, alleged the FTC in a lawsuit against Juliette Kimoto, Johnnie Smith, and others behind the Grant Connect operation. The FTC also charged the defendants with making misleading claims for other products, including First Plus Platinum, an online shopping club represented to be a line of credit; One Hour Wealth Builder, a purported work-at-home business opportunity; and Acai Total Burn, a purported weight loss pill the defendants falsely claimed had been endorsed by Oprah Winfrey and Rachael Ray..."
Not so, alleged the FTC in a lawsuit against Juliette Kimoto, Johnnie Smith, and others behind the Grant Connect operation. The FTC also charged the defendants with making misleading claims for other products, including First Plus Platinum, an online shopping club represented to be a line of credit; One Hour Wealth Builder, a purported work-at-home business opportunity; and Acai Total Burn, a purported weight loss pill the defendants falsely claimed had been endorsed by Oprah Winfrey and Rachael Ray..."
What Should You Know About Congenital Heart Defects
"Congenital heart defects are conditions that are present at birth and can affect the structure of a baby’s heart and the way it works. They are the most common type of birth defect. As medical care and treatment have advanced, infants with congenital heart defects are living longer and healthier lives. Many now are living into adulthood..."
Carbon Monoxide: the Invisible Killer
"Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is called the "Invisible Killer" because it's a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas.
More than 150 people in the Unites States die every year from accidental non-fire related CO poisoning associated with consumer products. These products include faulty, improperly-used or incorrectly-vented fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters and fireplaces.
Never use portable generators inside your home, garage, basement or shed. CO from a generator can kill your family in minutes. Only use them outside and far away from windows, doors and vents.
Keep charcoal grills outside where they belong. Never use a charcoal grill in the house or garage. They can produce lethal levels of carbon monoxide..."
More than 150 people in the Unites States die every year from accidental non-fire related CO poisoning associated with consumer products. These products include faulty, improperly-used or incorrectly-vented fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters and fireplaces.
Never use portable generators inside your home, garage, basement or shed. CO from a generator can kill your family in minutes. Only use them outside and far away from windows, doors and vents.
Keep charcoal grills outside where they belong. Never use a charcoal grill in the house or garage. They can produce lethal levels of carbon monoxide..."
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Energy Savers
Energy savings tips for your home, workplace, vehicles, etc from the U. S. Department of Energy.
Presidential Nominating Process: Current Issues
"The presidential nominating calendar for 2012 is still unsettled, as some state and party officials continue to consider date changes for primaries and caucuses in response to recent scheduling changes. Consequently, the dates of the earliest contests in Iowa and New Hampshire are still unknown. These two states, along with South Carolina and Nevada, are exempt from both parties’ national rules that do not allow delegate selection contests to be held before the first Tuesday in March. On September 30, 2011, officials in Florida announced that the state will hold a January 31, 2012, primary, in violation of party rules, which prompted South Carolina and Nevada to schedule an unsanctioned event as well. South Carolina will hold its primary on January 21, and
Nevada Republicans have scheduled party caucuses for January 14. States that violate the timing
rules risk losing half their delegates..."
Nevada Republicans have scheduled party caucuses for January 14. States that violate the timing
rules risk losing half their delegates..."
Afghanistan: Politics, Elections, and Government Performance
"The limited capacity and widespread corruption of all levels of Afghan governance are factors in
congressional debate over the effectiveness of U.S. policy in Afghanistan and in implementing a
transition to Afghan security leadership. That transition is to be completed by the end of 2014, a
timeframe agreed to by the United States, its international partners, and the Afghan government.
While trusting only his closest allies, most of whom are ethnic Pashtuns, Karzai has tried to
satisfy leaders of other ethnic and political faction leaders. However, some of these faction
leaders oppose Karzai on the grounds that he is too willing to make concessions to insurgent
leaders in search of a settlement, and that he has tried to use his office to manipulate Afghan
institutions and election results to the advantage of him and his faction. A dispute over the results of the 2010 parliamentary elections paralyzed governance for nearly a year, but appears to have been resolved in August 2011 with Karzai’s suspension of a special court that sought to remove the declared winners of nearly a quarter of the seats of the elected lower house of parliament. Karzai also has tried, through direct denials, to quell assertions by his critics that he wants to stay in office beyond the 2014 expiration of his second term, the limits under the constitution..."
congressional debate over the effectiveness of U.S. policy in Afghanistan and in implementing a
transition to Afghan security leadership. That transition is to be completed by the end of 2014, a
timeframe agreed to by the United States, its international partners, and the Afghan government.
While trusting only his closest allies, most of whom are ethnic Pashtuns, Karzai has tried to
satisfy leaders of other ethnic and political faction leaders. However, some of these faction
leaders oppose Karzai on the grounds that he is too willing to make concessions to insurgent
leaders in search of a settlement, and that he has tried to use his office to manipulate Afghan
institutions and election results to the advantage of him and his faction. A dispute over the results of the 2010 parliamentary elections paralyzed governance for nearly a year, but appears to have been resolved in August 2011 with Karzai’s suspension of a special court that sought to remove the declared winners of nearly a quarter of the seats of the elected lower house of parliament. Karzai also has tried, through direct denials, to quell assertions by his critics that he wants to stay in office beyond the 2014 expiration of his second term, the limits under the constitution..."
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Decorative Contact Lenses: Is Your Vision Worth It?
"Wouldn’t it be cool to have Twilight vampire eyes for Halloween?
Or deep violet eyes to match your purple sweater?
How about your favorite sports team’s logo on your eyes just for fun?
You can have all of these looks with decorative contact lenses (also called fashion contact lenses or color contact lenses, among other names). These lenses don’t correct vision—they just change the appearance of the eye.
But before buying decorative lenses, here’s what you should know:
They are not cosmetics or over-the-counter merchandise. They are medical devices regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Places that advertise them as cosmetics or sell them without a prescription are breaking the law..."
Or deep violet eyes to match your purple sweater?
How about your favorite sports team’s logo on your eyes just for fun?
You can have all of these looks with decorative contact lenses (also called fashion contact lenses or color contact lenses, among other names). These lenses don’t correct vision—they just change the appearance of the eye.
But before buying decorative lenses, here’s what you should know:
They are not cosmetics or over-the-counter merchandise. They are medical devices regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Places that advertise them as cosmetics or sell them without a prescription are breaking the law..."
Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2012
"This annual factbook contains more than 1,400 tables of social, political and economic facts about our nation and the world. Among the broad topics covered are marriage and divorce, health, education, law enforcement, national security, social insurance, business, science and technology, agriculture, natural resources, energy, information and communications, banking and international statistics. The source of the data is not limited to the Census Bureau -- statistics are also derived from other federal agencies and private sources. Data in this edition are generally for the most recent year or period available by spring 2011."
Internet address.
Internet address.
Options for Changing the Tax Treatment of Charitable Givin
Statement of Frank J. Sammartino,Assistant Director for Tax Analysis,CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE, October 18, 2011.
"Under current law, taxpayers who itemize deductions may deduct the amount they donate to charities from their adjusted gross income (AGI) when determining how much they owe in federal income taxes. That deduction gives people who itemize an incentive to contribute to charities. Like other forms of preferential tax treatment, the deduction also costs the federal government revenues that it might otherwise collect. At current levels of charitable giving, the cost of that deduction—measured as the additional revenues that could be collected if the deduction was eliminated—will total about $230 billion between 2010 and 2014, according to the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT).."
"Under current law, taxpayers who itemize deductions may deduct the amount they donate to charities from their adjusted gross income (AGI) when determining how much they owe in federal income taxes. That deduction gives people who itemize an incentive to contribute to charities. Like other forms of preferential tax treatment, the deduction also costs the federal government revenues that it might otherwise collect. At current levels of charitable giving, the cost of that deduction—measured as the additional revenues that could be collected if the deduction was eliminated—will total about $230 billion between 2010 and 2014, according to the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT).."
The Effects of the Great Recession on Central Bank Doctrine and Practice
"The financial crisis of 2008 and 2009, together with the associated deep recession, was a historic event--historic in the sense that its severity and economic consequences were enormous, but also in the sense that, as the papers at this conference document, the crisis seems certain to have profound and long-lasting effects on our economy, our society, and our politics. More subtle, but of possibly great importance in the long run, will be the effects of the crisis on intellectual frameworks, including the ways in which economists analyze macroeconomic and financial phenomena..."
Voter ID Information
Via City of Madison Clerk's Office:
"Photo identification used for the purpose of voting is not required to have a current address.
Acceptable forms of photo identification if the expiration date is after the November 2, 2010, election:
Driver license issued by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, even if driving privileges are revoked or suspended
Identification card issued by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Military identification card issued by a United States uniformed service
United States passport
Additional acceptable forms of photo identification:
A certificate of naturalization that was issued within two years of the election for which it is used as ID
Unexpired driving receipt issued by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Unexpired identification card receipt issued by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in Wisconsin
Unexpired identification card issued by a Wisconsin-accredited university or college that contains a date of issuance, signature of the student, and expiration date no later than two years after the date of issuance (must also prove current enrollment)..."
"Photo identification used for the purpose of voting is not required to have a current address.
Acceptable forms of photo identification if the expiration date is after the November 2, 2010, election:
Driver license issued by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, even if driving privileges are revoked or suspended
Identification card issued by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Military identification card issued by a United States uniformed service
United States passport
Additional acceptable forms of photo identification:
A certificate of naturalization that was issued within two years of the election for which it is used as ID
Unexpired driving receipt issued by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Unexpired identification card receipt issued by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in Wisconsin
Unexpired identification card issued by a Wisconsin-accredited university or college that contains a date of issuance, signature of the student, and expiration date no later than two years after the date of issuance (must also prove current enrollment)..."
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Excessive Drinking Costs U.S. $223.5 Billion
"Excessive alcohol consumption is known to kill about 79,000 people in the United States each year, but a new study released by the CDC and The Lewin Group shows that it also has a huge impact on our wallets as well.
The cost of excessive alcohol consumption in the United States reached $223.5 billion in 2006 or about $1.90 per drink. Almost three-quarters of these costs were due to binge drinking. Binge drinking is defined as consuming four or more alcoholic beverages per occasion for women or five or more drinks per occasion for men, and is the most common form of excessive alcohol consumption in the United States..."
The cost of excessive alcohol consumption in the United States reached $223.5 billion in 2006 or about $1.90 per drink. Almost three-quarters of these costs were due to binge drinking. Binge drinking is defined as consuming four or more alcoholic beverages per occasion for women or five or more drinks per occasion for men, and is the most common form of excessive alcohol consumption in the United States..."
The Future of Producing Social and Economic Statistical Information, Part I
USCPSC's photostream
Photos of recalled products at the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission site.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Oct.2011
Tips from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women on addressing domestic violence.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Work -at-Home Ads.
"Want to work from home or make some extra money? Ads for work-at-home opportunities may appeal to you. But before you send in any money in response to an offer, check it out. Fraudulent promoters use the classifieds and the Internet to tout all kinds of work-at-home offers, from medical billing and envelope stuffing to assembly and craft work. Too often, these ads make promises about earnings, merchandise, or marketability that sound great, but aren’t truthful. The result: consumers can get ripped off."
Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial Dedication, Remarks by President Barack Obama
Full text of President Barack Obama's remarks at the dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Sunday, October 16, 2011.
Digital Raster Graphics (DRGs) a.k.a. Topographic Maps
"Digital Raster Graphics (DRGs) are optically scanned map images originally produced by the US Geological Survey (USGS). This page describes DRGs for the State of Wisconsin as acquired from USGS and enhanced by DNR.
Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS) - purchase printed topographic maps at their Madison Map Sales Office or call (608) 263-7389
Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS) - purchase printed topographic maps at their Madison Map Sales Office or call (608) 263-7389
Trends in High School Dropout and Completion Rates in the United States: 1972–2009
"...This report builds upon a series of National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports on high school dropout and completion rates that began in 1988. It presents estimates of rates in 2009, provides data about trends in dropout and completion rates over the last nearly four decades (1972–2009),5 and examines the characteristics of high school dropouts and high school completers in 2009..."
Prevalence of Coronary Heart Disease — United States, 2006–2010
"From 2006 to 2010, CHD prevalence overall in the United States decreased from 6.7% to 6.0%. Prevalence varied substantially by sex (men, 7.8%, versus women, 4.6%), race (American Indians/
Alaska Natives, 11.6%, versus Asians or Native Hawaiians/Other Pacific Islanders, 3.9%), education (those with less than a high school education, 9.2%, versus those with more than a college
degree, 4.6%), and state of residence, with prevalence generally greater in the South, the highest in Kentucky (8.2%) and the lowest in Hawaii (3.7%)..."
Alaska Natives, 11.6%, versus Asians or Native Hawaiians/Other Pacific Islanders, 3.9%), education (those with less than a high school education, 9.2%, versus those with more than a college
degree, 4.6%), and state of residence, with prevalence generally greater in the South, the highest in Kentucky (8.2%) and the lowest in Hawaii (3.7%)..."
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction
Follow activities of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, also know as the "supercommittee."
Thursday, October 13, 2011
TV and Furniture Tip-Over-Related Deaths and Injuries
"The most common tip-over scenarios involve toddlers who have climbed onto, fallen against or pulled themselves up on furniture. About 70 percent of children's fatalities (169 incidents) involved falling televisions, and 27 percent (65 incidents) involved only furniture falling. Of the 135 child fatalities where furniture fell by itself or fell with a TV, the majority of incidents (64%) involved a chest, dresser, or a bureau. Often, these pieces of furniture have drawers that children can use to climb.
To prevent tragedies follow these safety tips in any home where children live or visit:
Anchor furniture to the wall or the floor.
Place TVs on sturdy, low bases.
Or, anchor the furniture and the TV on top of it, and push the TV as far back on the furniture as possible.
Keep remote controls, toys, and other items that might attract children off TV stands or furniture.
Keep TV and/or cable cords out of reach of children.
Make sure freestanding kitchen ranges and stoves are installed with anti-tip brackets.
Supervise children in rooms where these safety tips have not been followed..."
To prevent tragedies follow these safety tips in any home where children live or visit:
Anchor furniture to the wall or the floor.
Place TVs on sturdy, low bases.
Or, anchor the furniture and the TV on top of it, and push the TV as far back on the furniture as possible.
Keep remote controls, toys, and other items that might attract children off TV stands or furniture.
Keep TV and/or cable cords out of reach of children.
Make sure freestanding kitchen ranges and stoves are installed with anti-tip brackets.
Supervise children in rooms where these safety tips have not been followed..."
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Dedication, October 16, 2011
"The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial will be dedicated this Sunday, October 16, in a ceremony hosted by the Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation in West Potomac Park in Washington, D.C. The dedication activities will begin with an 8 a.m. hour-long “Morning Joy” program, emceed by Roland Martin. The Dedication program, emceed by PBS NewsHour’s Gwen Ifill, will begin at 9 a.m. and pay tribute to Dr. King with the words of noted speakers including civil rights leaders and King family members, as well as musicians and poets. President Barack Obama will deliver the dedication address..."
Health Insurance Coverage Estimates for All Counties
"The Census Bureau's Small Area Health Insurance Estimates (SAHIE) program produces estimates of health insurance coverage for states and all counties. In July 2005, SAHIE released the first nation-wide set of county-level estimates on the number of people without health insurance coverage for all ages and those under 19 years old. In October 2011, SAHIE released 2008 and 2009 estimates of health insurance coverage by age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, and income categories at the state-level and by age, sex, and income categories at the county-level."
Short‐Term Energy and Winter Fuels Outlook
"EIA projects average household heating expenditures for natural gas, propane,and heating oil will increase by 3 percent, 7 percent, and 8 percent,respectively, this winter (October 1 to March 31) compared with last winter,while electricity heating expenditures fall by less than 1 percent. Average expenditures for households that heat with oil are forecast to be higher than in
any previous winter.."
any previous winter.."
2011 Determinations of Political Jurisdictions Subject to Minority Language Assistance Provisions of Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act
"Pursuant to specifications in the Voting Rights Act as amended in July 2006, the U.S. Census Bureau released today a list of 248 jurisdictions across the nation that must provide language assistance during elections for groups who are unable to speak or understand English adequately enough to participate in the electoral process.
The list, which will be published in the Federal Register tomorrow, identifies which jurisdictions are covered by Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act and must provide language assistance for Hispanic, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Asian language groups. The Census Bureau has made these determinations following each decennial census since Section 203 was enacted in 1975. In 2006, Congress specified that the Census Bureau shall use statistics from the American Community Survey to make the determinations following the 2010 Census...
see also Voting Rights Determination File
The list, which will be published in the Federal Register tomorrow, identifies which jurisdictions are covered by Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act and must provide language assistance for Hispanic, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Asian language groups. The Census Bureau has made these determinations following each decennial census since Section 203 was enacted in 1975. In 2006, Congress specified that the Census Bureau shall use statistics from the American Community Survey to make the determinations following the 2010 Census...
see also Voting Rights Determination File
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