Women in STEM: A Gender Gap to Innovation
"Today Commerce's Economic and Statistics Administration released the second in a series of reports on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This report, entitled Women in STEM: A Gender Gap to Innovation (PDF), looked at women and STEM. The results offer an opportunity and an imperative for women and America. The results showed that women are vastly underrepresented in STEM jobs and among STEM degree holders despite making up nearly half of the U.S. workforce and half of the college-educated workforce. That leaves an untapped opportunity to expand STEM employment in the United States, even as there is wide agreement that the nation must do more to improve its competitiveness..."
View full report.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
FTC Releases Reports on Cigarette and Smokeless Tobacco Advertising and Promotion
"The amount spent on cigarette advertising and promotion by the largest cigarette companies in the United States declined from $12.49 billion in 2006 to $10.86 billion in 2007, and again to $9.94 billion in 2008, according to a report released today by the Federal Trade Commission.
The largest spending category in both 2007 and 2008 was spending on price discounts
paid to cigarette retailers or wholesalers in order to reduce the price of cigarettes to consumers. This category accounted for $7.70 billion, or 70.9 percent of total spending on advertising and promotion in 2007, and $7.17 billion, or 72.1 percent of that total, in 2008.
The number of cigarettes sold or given away to wholesalers and retailers in the United States declined from 350.5 billion in 2006 to 342.8 billion in 2007, and to 322.6 billion in 2008..."
"The amount spent on cigarette advertising and promotion by the largest cigarette companies in the United States declined from $12.49 billion in 2006 to $10.86 billion in 2007, and again to $9.94 billion in 2008, according to a report released today by the Federal Trade Commission.
The largest spending category in both 2007 and 2008 was spending on price discounts
paid to cigarette retailers or wholesalers in order to reduce the price of cigarettes to consumers. This category accounted for $7.70 billion, or 70.9 percent of total spending on advertising and promotion in 2007, and $7.17 billion, or 72.1 percent of that total, in 2008.
The number of cigarettes sold or given away to wholesalers and retailers in the United States declined from 350.5 billion in 2006 to 342.8 billion in 2007, and to 322.6 billion in 2008..."
Building a Better Credit Report
"If you've ever applied for a credit card, a personal loan, or insurance, there's a file about you. This file is known as your credit report. It is chock full of information on where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you've been sued or arrested, or have filed for bankruptcy. Credit reporting companies sell the information in your report to creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses with a legitimate need for it. They use the information to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, or a lease.
Having a good credit report means it will be easier for you to get loans and lower interest rates. Lower interest rates usually translate into smaller monthly payments.
Nevertheless, newspapers, radio, TV, and the Internet are filled with ads for companies and services that promise to erase accurate negative information in your credit report in exchange for a fee. The scam artists who run these ads not only don't deliver — they can't deliver. Only time, a deliberate effort, and a plan to repay your bills will improve your credit as it's detailed in your credit report..."
"If you've ever applied for a credit card, a personal loan, or insurance, there's a file about you. This file is known as your credit report. It is chock full of information on where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you've been sued or arrested, or have filed for bankruptcy. Credit reporting companies sell the information in your report to creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses with a legitimate need for it. They use the information to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, or a lease.
Having a good credit report means it will be easier for you to get loans and lower interest rates. Lower interest rates usually translate into smaller monthly payments.
Nevertheless, newspapers, radio, TV, and the Internet are filled with ads for companies and services that promise to erase accurate negative information in your credit report in exchange for a fee. The scam artists who run these ads not only don't deliver — they can't deliver. Only time, a deliberate effort, and a plan to repay your bills will improve your credit as it's detailed in your credit report..."
Assistance Program Helps Human Trafficking Victims
"Human trafficking is one of the most heinous crimes that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents investigate. Akin to modern-day slavery, victims are often forced into prostitution, involuntary labor and other forms of servitude. They are often hidden in plain sight, voiceless and scared.
ICE not only targets and apprehends human traffickers, but it also provides assistance to human trafficking victims through its Victim Assistance Program. That assistance comes in various forms like temporary immigration benefits, counseling, and more..."
"Human trafficking is one of the most heinous crimes that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents investigate. Akin to modern-day slavery, victims are often forced into prostitution, involuntary labor and other forms of servitude. They are often hidden in plain sight, voiceless and scared.
ICE not only targets and apprehends human traffickers, but it also provides assistance to human trafficking victims through its Victim Assistance Program. That assistance comes in various forms like temporary immigration benefits, counseling, and more..."
CBO ANALYSIS OF AUGUST 1 BUDGET CONTROL ACT
"The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has estimated the impact on the deficit of the Budget Control Act of 2011, as posted on the Web site of the House Committee on Rules on August 1, 2011. The legislation would:
Establish caps on discretionary spending through 2021;
Allow for certain amounts of additional spending for "program integrity" initiatives aimed at reducing the amount of improper benefit payments;
Make changes to the Pell Grant and student loan programs;
Require that the House of Representatives and the Senate vote on a joint resolution proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution;
Establish a procedure to increase the debt limit by $400 billion initially and procedures that would allow the limit to be raised further in two additional steps, for a cumulative increase of between $2.1 trillion and $2.4 trillion;
Reinstate and modify certain budget process rules;
Create a Congressional Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to propose further deficit reduction, with a stated goal of achieving at least $1.5 trillion in budgetary savings over 10 years; and
Establish automatic procedures for reducing spending by as much as $1.2 trillion if legislation originating with the new joint select committee does not achieve such savings..."
"The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has estimated the impact on the deficit of the Budget Control Act of 2011, as posted on the Web site of the House Committee on Rules on August 1, 2011. The legislation would:
Establish caps on discretionary spending through 2021;
Allow for certain amounts of additional spending for "program integrity" initiatives aimed at reducing the amount of improper benefit payments;
Make changes to the Pell Grant and student loan programs;
Require that the House of Representatives and the Senate vote on a joint resolution proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution;
Establish a procedure to increase the debt limit by $400 billion initially and procedures that would allow the limit to be raised further in two additional steps, for a cumulative increase of between $2.1 trillion and $2.4 trillion;
Reinstate and modify certain budget process rules;
Create a Congressional Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to propose further deficit reduction, with a stated goal of achieving at least $1.5 trillion in budgetary savings over 10 years; and
Establish automatic procedures for reducing spending by as much as $1.2 trillion if legislation originating with the new joint select committee does not achieve such savings..."
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Updated: The New Crib Standard: Questions and Answers
Information from the Consumer Product Safety Commission on new crib safety rules.
Information from the Consumer Product Safety Commission on new crib safety rules.
Cultural Heritage Tourism
This summer visit one of the many cultural heritage centers in the United States.
This summer visit one of the many cultural heritage centers in the United States.
Credit Card Repayment Calculator
"Welcome to the Federal Reserve’s Credit Card Repayment Calculator. Based on the information you provide, the calculator will give you an estimate of how long it will take you to pay off your credit card balance. The calculator assumes:
you make no more charges; and
you make only the minimum payment each month.
A second calculation can help you develop a plan for paying off your balance sooner..."
"Welcome to the Federal Reserve’s Credit Card Repayment Calculator. Based on the information you provide, the calculator will give you an estimate of how long it will take you to pay off your credit card balance. The calculator assumes:
you make no more charges; and
you make only the minimum payment each month.
A second calculation can help you develop a plan for paying off your balance sooner..."
Lyme Disease
"Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (e.g., rash), and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks; laboratory testing is helpful if used correctly and performed with validated methods. Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics. Steps to prevent Lyme disease include using insect repellent, removing ticks promptly, applying pesticides, and reducing tick habitat. The ticks that transmit Lyme disease can occasionally transmit other tickborne diseases as well..."
"Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (e.g., rash), and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks; laboratory testing is helpful if used correctly and performed with validated methods. Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics. Steps to prevent Lyme disease include using insect repellent, removing ticks promptly, applying pesticides, and reducing tick habitat. The ticks that transmit Lyme disease can occasionally transmit other tickborne diseases as well..."
FTC Warns Consumers to Exercise Caution When Selling a Timeshare Through a Reseller
Find tips from the Federal Trade Commission on buying a timeshare.
Find tips from the Federal Trade Commission on buying a timeshare.
Dietary Supplements Label Database
Find information on the label ingredients on some 6000 plus dietary supplements.
Find information on the label ingredients on some 6000 plus dietary supplements.
The Post-Foreclosure Experience of U.S. Household
"Despite the recent flood of foreclosures on residential mortgages, little is known about what happens to borrowers and their households after their mortgage has been foreclosed. We study the post-foreclosure experience of U.S. households using a unique dataset based on the credit reports of a large panel of individuals to from 1999 to 2010. Although foreclosure considerably raises the probability of moving, the majority of post-foreclosure migrants do not end up in substantially less desirable neighborhoods or more crowded living conditions. These results suggest that, on average, foreclosure does not impose an economic burden large enough to severely reduce housing consumption..."
"Despite the recent flood of foreclosures on residential mortgages, little is known about what happens to borrowers and their households after their mortgage has been foreclosed. We study the post-foreclosure experience of U.S. households using a unique dataset based on the credit reports of a large panel of individuals to from 1999 to 2010. Although foreclosure considerably raises the probability of moving, the majority of post-foreclosure migrants do not end up in substantially less desirable neighborhoods or more crowded living conditions. These results suggest that, on average, foreclosure does not impose an economic burden large enough to severely reduce housing consumption..."
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
First Battle of Manassas map in NOAA’s Civil War chart collection shows Confederate strategic advantage at Bull Run
"The 150th anniversary of the Civil War’s First Battle of Manassas, also known as the First Battle of Bull Run, offers an interesting peek into a significant advantage the Confederacy held over the Union Armies – better battlefield knowledge.
Maps and battlefield charts, highlighted this week as part of NOAA’s historic “Charting a More Perfect Union” map collection, played a significant role throughout the war. NOAA’s collection features two maps – one Confederate, one Union – of Manassas Junction, Va. and the surrounding area..."
"The 150th anniversary of the Civil War’s First Battle of Manassas, also known as the First Battle of Bull Run, offers an interesting peek into a significant advantage the Confederacy held over the Union Armies – better battlefield knowledge.
Maps and battlefield charts, highlighted this week as part of NOAA’s historic “Charting a More Perfect Union” map collection, played a significant role throughout the war. NOAA’s collection features two maps – one Confederate, one Union – of Manassas Junction, Va. and the surrounding area..."
FMCSA Announces Redesigned "Protect Your Move" Web Site
"The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has launched a newly designed Web site with resources to help consumers protect themselves from fraudulent or unscrupulous interstate household goods moving companies.
The Web site - www.ProtectYourMove.gov - includes a user-friendly database that allows visitors to look up interstate moving companies by state or by name and to review both the consumer complaint history as well as the company's on-road safety performance records. A new feature of the Web site allows state consumer protection agencies to easily update state contact information for shippers who have questions about household goods movers.
The www.ProtectYourMove.gov Web site features a new public service announcement, "Don't Be a Victim," that focuses on ways consumers can prevent moving fraud..."
"The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has launched a newly designed Web site with resources to help consumers protect themselves from fraudulent or unscrupulous interstate household goods moving companies.
The Web site - www.ProtectYourMove.gov - includes a user-friendly database that allows visitors to look up interstate moving companies by state or by name and to review both the consumer complaint history as well as the company's on-road safety performance records. A new feature of the Web site allows state consumer protection agencies to easily update state contact information for shippers who have questions about household goods movers.
The www.ProtectYourMove.gov Web site features a new public service announcement, "Don't Be a Victim," that focuses on ways consumers can prevent moving fraud..."
Strategy to Combat Transnational Organized Crime
"The Strategy to Combat Transnational Organized Crime applies all elements of national power to protect citizens and U.S. national security interests from the convergence of 21st century transnational criminal threats. This Strategy is organized around a single unifying principle: to build, balance, and integrate the tools of American power to combat transnational organized crime and related threats to national secu- rity—and to urge our foreign partners to do the same. The end-state we seek is to reduce transnational organized crime (TOC) from a national security threat to a manageable public safety problem in the United States and in strategic regions around the world..."
"The Strategy to Combat Transnational Organized Crime applies all elements of national power to protect citizens and U.S. national security interests from the convergence of 21st century transnational criminal threats. This Strategy is organized around a single unifying principle: to build, balance, and integrate the tools of American power to combat transnational organized crime and related threats to national secu- rity—and to urge our foreign partners to do the same. The end-state we seek is to reduce transnational organized crime (TOC) from a national security threat to a manageable public safety problem in the United States and in strategic regions around the world..."
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