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..."

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..."

Smoke Alarms

Tips for smoke alarms safety from the U.S. Fire Administration

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."

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..."

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."

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."

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..."

Federal Library Directory

A directory of federal libraries around the world.

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..."

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.."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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."

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..."

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

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..."

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

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..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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..."

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.

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).."

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)..."

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 Future of Producing Social and Economic Statistical Information, Part I

Census Bureau's Director Robert M. Groves outlines future plans for the Census Bureau collection of social and economic statistical information.

The Future of Producing Social and Economic Statistical Information, Part 2.
The Future of Producing Social and Economic Statistical Information, Part. 3.

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.

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

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%)..."

Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction

Follow activities of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, also know as the "supercommittee."

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..."

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.."

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

Move to Improve Arthritis

"Physical activity is beneficial for the management of arthritis, yet data shows that 44% of people with arthritis are physically inactive. This year on World Arthritis Day, October 12, 2011, adults with arthritis are encouraged to engage in regular physical activity to better manage their arthritis each and every day..."

Home Fire Escape Plan

Develop a home fire escape plan.

Beep That Can Save Your Life

"BEEEEEEEP! BEEEEEEEP!

That’s the sound you want to hear if there’s a fire in your home. Unfortunately, too many people never hear an alarm.

We estimate that nearly 2,400 people die each year because of unintentional home fires. About two-thirds of these fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or with smoke alarms that don’t work, perhaps because someone has removed the battery and forgotten to replace it. A smoke alarm’s warning can cut the risk of dying from a fire in your home by almost half..."

Spina Bifida

"Each year, about 1,500 babies are born with spina bifida.

Hispanic women have the highest rate of having a child affected by spina bifida compared with Non-Hispanic White and Non-Hispanic Black women:

* Hispanic: 4.17 per 10,000
* Non-Hispanic Black or African-American: 2.64 per10,000
* Non-Hispanic White: 3.22 per 10,000

[Read summaryExternal Web Site Icon]

# In 1992, the U.S. Public Health Service recommended that all women of childbearing age consume 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily to reduce the risk of having a pregnancy affected by neural tube defects (NTDs), such as spina bifida. [Read article] Subsequently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration mandated adding folic acid to all enriched cereal grain products by January 1998..."

Children's Health Month- learn about environmental health risks

"Did you know that the air you breathe, the water you drink, and the food you eat can affect the way your body grows and works? It’s true. By learning about hazards in the environment (air pollution, pesticides, hazardous wastes, etc), and how they can affect your health, you can take charge of your environment and make a real difference in your life and the lives of your family and friends..."

White House Announces 2011 Fall Gardens and Grounds Tours

"The White House will open its gardens and grounds to visitors on Saturday, October 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and on Sunday, October 16th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Visitors can view the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden and the South Lawn of the White House. The Kitchen Garden will once again be accessible to tour guests.

The Garden Tours are free and open to the public; however, a ticket is required for all attendees (including small children). The National Park Service will distribute free, timed tickets at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion located at 15th and E Streets on each tour day beginning at 8:00 a.m. Tickets will be distributed -- one ticket per person -- on a first-come, first-served basis..."

Fire Prevention: Family and Home Safety

Tips for keeping your family and home safe from fire.

Children's Health Month, October 2011

Resources from the EPA highlighting environmental hazards to children.

FTC Testifies on Protecting Children Online

"The Federal Trade Commission today told a House Subcommittee that it is committed to protecting children online, and that the agency recently proposed changes to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA Rule) to make sure the Rule keeps pace with fast-changing technology.

Delivering testimony on behalf of the FTC, the agency’s Associate Director for Advertising Practices, Mary K. Engle, told the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade, that the FTC has actively promoted adherence to the COPPA Rule through enforcement actions and by educating businesses and consumers. The modifications to the Rule proposed by the FTC last month are designed to make sure that the Rule continues to be effective even as evolving technology is changing the way children access and use the Internet, the testimony states..."

Screening for Prostate Cancer: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. Draft

"Summary of Recommendation and Evidence
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based screening for prostate cancer. This is a grade D recommendation.
This recommendation applies to men in the U.S. population that do not have symptoms that are highly suspicious for prostate cancer, regardless of age, race, or family history. The Task Force did not evaluate the use of the PSA test as part of a diagnostic strategy in men with symptoms that are highly suspicious for prostate cancer. This recommendation also does not consider the use of the PSA test for surveillance after diagnosis and/or treatment of prostate cancer..."

Smokefree.gov

"Smokefree.gov is intended to help you or someone you care about quit smoking.

Different people need different resources as they try to quit. The information and professional assistance available on this Web site can help to support both your immediate and long-term needs as you become, and remain, a nonsmoker.

Smokefree.gov allows you to choose the help that best fits your needs. You can get immediate assistance in the form of:

A step-by-step quit smoking guide
Information about a wide range of topics related to smoking and quitting
An interactive U.S. map highlighting smoking information in your state
LiveHelp, National Cancer Institute's instant messaging service
National Cancer Institute's telephone quitline, 1-877-44U-QUIT
Local and state telephone quitlines, 1-800-QUIT-NOW
Publications to download, print, or order"

Flu Season, 2011

Find places where flu shots are given; read expert opinions about the flu and flu vaccines; discover myths about the flu; and find free resources for schools and communities.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October 2011

Resources from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 2011.

Housing Characteristisc: 2010 (2010 Census Briefs)

"This report, part of a series that analyzes data from the 2010 Census, highlights housing in 2010 and changes in housing characteristics between 2000 and 2010 in the nation, regions, states, metropolitan areas, counties, and ten most populous cities..."

Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay

"Just in case you had forgotten, the 2009 War Supplemental Appropriations Act authorized retroactive stop loss special pay of $500 for every month/partial month served in stop loss status.

Service members, veterans, and beneficiaries of service members who were involuntarily extended under stop loss between 9/11 and September 30th 2009 are eligible.

The Congress generously set aside $534.4 million to pay out those funds, but as of the end of last month only $219 million in claims have been paid.

We’ve used all kinds of different ways to reach out to people and let them know, including letters to homes and help from Veteran/Military Service Organizations. But there are still those who have yet to apply..."

US Labor Department launches economic and employment statistics app

"The most up-to-date employment data and economic news releases from the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics and its Employment and Training Administration now can be viewed using a new mobile application.

The free app displays real-time updates to the unemployment rate, Unemployment Insurance initial claims, the Consumer Price Index, payroll employment, average hourly earnings, the Producer Price Index, the Employment Cost Index, productivity, the U.S. Import Price Index and the U.S. Export Price Index as they are published each week, month or quarter. News releases providing context for the data are also available through the app and can be viewed within a mobile browser or as PDF documents..."

Strengthening the Scientific Understanding of Climate Change Impacts on Freshwater Resources of the United State

"This report responds to the requirements of Section 9506 of the Omnibus Public Lands
Act [Public Law (PL) 111–11; Appendix A] calling for a report to Congress that describes the impacts of global climate change on freshwater resources of the United States, and identifies key actions to improve the Nation’s capacity to detect and predict changes in freshwater resources that are likely to result from a changing climate. The steps described in the report are intended to help decision-makers and water resource managers by facilitating improvements in observational data, data acquisition, and modeling capabilities..."

Diversify Your Workforce: A Four-Step Reference Guide to Recruiting, Hiring, & Retaining Employees with Disabilitie

"...While research shows that people with disabilities make excellent employees,
not all employers know how to effectively recruit, hire and retain such individuals.
That’s where this booklet comes in. It’s a quick reference guide outlining the
advantages of hiring people with disabilities, along with four simple steps to
increasing the inclusiveness of your workforce. With n umerous resources and
Web links, the following pages are a helpful starting point for organizations looking to beneit from the talents of qualiied individuals with disabilities."

National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2011

"Each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, or NDEAM as it has become known, is a time to celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. This year's theme, "Profit by Investing in Workers with Disabilities," focuses on improving employment opportunities that lead to good jobs and a secure economic future for people with disabilities — and America. This theme emphasizes the dividend we all gain by increasing employment opportunities for workers with disabilities..."

CDC report shows about 112 million annual incidents of people drinking and driving

"Adults drank too much and got behind the wheel about 112 million times in 2010—that is almost 300,000 incidents of drinking and driving each day—according to a CDC Vital Signs study released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The four million adults who drink and drive each year put everyone on the road at risk,” said CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “In fact, nearly 11,000 people are killed every year in crashes that involve an alcohol–impaired driver.”

For the study, CDC analyzed data from the 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey.

The study also found that:

Men were responsible for 81 percent of drinking and driving in 2010.

Young men, ages 21–34, made up only 11 percent of the U.S. population in 2010, yet were responsible for 32 percent of all episodes of drinking and driving.

Eighty–five percent of drinking and driving episodes were reported by people who also reported binge drinking. Binge drinking means five or more drinks for men or four or more drinks for women during a short period of time..."

A Business Guide to the FTC's Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule

"What Does the Rule Cover?

It applies to most goods a customer orders from the seller by mail, telephone, fax, or on the Internet.

It does not matter how the merchandise is advertised, how the customer pays, or who initiates the contact.

What is the Mail or Telephone Order Rule?

The Rule requires that when you advertise merchandise, you must have a reasonable basis for stating or implying that you can ship within a certain time. If you make no shipment statement, you must have a reasonable basis for believing that you can ship within 30 days. That is why direct marketers sometimes call this the "30-day Rule.".."

A Glimpse at 'Gluten-Free' Food Labeling

"...FDA has been working to define “gluten-free” to:

eliminate uncertainty about how food producers may label their products.
assure consumers who must avoid gluten that foods labeled “gluten-free” meet a clear standard established and enforced by FDA.
FDA’s actions on Aug. 2 bring the agency one step closer to a standard definition of “gluten-free.” On this date:

FDA reopens the public comment period on its proposed gluten-free labeling rule published on Jan. 23, 2007.
FDA makes available, and seeks comments on, a report on the health effects of gluten in people with celiac disease. The report includes a safety assessment on levels of gluten sensitivity in people with the disease..."

City of Madison 2012 Executive Operating Budget

City of Madison 2012 Executive Operating Budget, Executive Capital Budget, Mayor's Message - Operating Budget, Mayor's Message - Capital Budget and Calenders for both budgets.

Population Distribution and Change: 2000 to 2010

"The 2010 Census reported 308.7 million people in the United States, a 9.7 percent
increase from the Census 2000 population of 281.4 million. This report discusses population change between 2000 and 2010 for several geographic levels, including regions, states, metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas, counties, and places.."

New Employee Orientation - Retirement Benefits(Wisconsin ETF)(video)

"Recent legislation (June 2011) required changes regarding the employee contributions and eligibility referred to in this video. These changes are addressed in the FAQ on our website and will be included in this video as soon as possible.

This presentation provides general information to employees who are new members to the Wisconsin Retirement System. It covers the basics that new employees need to know as they begin WRS-covered employment with State or Local government employers..."