The Informtion Needs of Communities: the changing media landscapein a broadband age
"...This report looks not only at the changing face of media, but at the relevant policy and regulatory situation, including the FCC’s own track record. Our basic conclusion: with the media landscape shifting as fast as it has been, some current regulations are out of sync with the information needs of communities and the fluid nature of modern local media markets.
In crafting recommendations, this report started with the overriding premise that the First Amendment circumscribes the role government can play in improving local news. Beyond that, sound policy would recognize that government is simply not the main player in this drama."
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Cross-State Air Pollution Rule(CSAPR)
"On July 6, 2011, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule that protects the health of millions of Americans by helping states reduce air pollution and attain clean air standards. This rule, known as the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), requires 27 states to significantly improve air quality by reducing power plant emissions that contribute to ozone and/or fine particle pollution in other states.
This rule replaces EPA's 2005 Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR). A December 2008 court decision kept the requirements of CAIR in place temporarily but directed EPA to issue a new rule to implement Clean Air Act requirements concerning the transport of air pollution across state boundaries. This action responds to the court's concerns..."
"On July 6, 2011, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule that protects the health of millions of Americans by helping states reduce air pollution and attain clean air standards. This rule, known as the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), requires 27 states to significantly improve air quality by reducing power plant emissions that contribute to ozone and/or fine particle pollution in other states.
This rule replaces EPA's 2005 Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR). A December 2008 court decision kept the requirements of CAIR in place temporarily but directed EPA to issue a new rule to implement Clean Air Act requirements concerning the transport of air pollution across state boundaries. This action responds to the court's concerns..."
Personal Income for Metropolitan Areas, 2010
"Personal income rose in 2010 in all but four of the nation’s 366 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), according to estimates released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Personal income in the metropolitan portion of the United States rose 2.9 percent in 2010 after falling 1.9 percent in 2009. Personal income growth in 2010 ranged from 10.1 percent in Elizabethtown, Kentucky to -0.9 percent in Grand Junction, Colorado. Inflation, as measured by the national price index for personal consumption expenditures, accelerated to 1.8 percent in 2010 from 0.2 percent in 2009."
"Personal income rose in 2010 in all but four of the nation’s 366 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), according to estimates released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Personal income in the metropolitan portion of the United States rose 2.9 percent in 2010 after falling 1.9 percent in 2009. Personal income growth in 2010 ranged from 10.1 percent in Elizabethtown, Kentucky to -0.9 percent in Grand Junction, Colorado. Inflation, as measured by the national price index for personal consumption expenditures, accelerated to 1.8 percent in 2010 from 0.2 percent in 2009."
Economic Recovery: Sustaining U.S. Economic Growth in a Post-Crisis Economy
"The 2007-2009 recession was long and deep, and according to several indicators was the most severe economic contraction since the 1930s (but still much less severe than the Great Depression). The slowdown of economic activity was moderate through the first half of 2008, but at that point the weakening economy was overtaken by a major financial crisis that would exacerbate the economic weakness and accelerate the decline..."
"The 2007-2009 recession was long and deep, and according to several indicators was the most severe economic contraction since the 1930s (but still much less severe than the Great Depression). The slowdown of economic activity was moderate through the first half of 2008, but at that point the weakening economy was overtaken by a major financial crisis that would exacerbate the economic weakness and accelerate the decline..."
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Charting International Labor Comparisons
"With ever-expanding global markets, international labor statistics have assumed a greater role in assessing the relative performance of individual economies and in influencing both national and international policy decisions. However, direct comparisons of statistics across countries can be misleading, because concepts and definitions often differ. To improve the comparability of international labor statistics, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) International Labor Comparisons (ILC) program adjusts data to a common conceptual framework.
The BLS 2011 edition of Charting International Labor Comparisons features 2009 data, as well as trends over time, for the main indicators published by ILC: gross domestic product, labor force, manufacturing hourly compensation costs and productivity, and consumer prices. To increase country and indicator coverage, data from other organizations also are included. (Notes are provided at the end of each section to detail sources used and to furnish helpful definitions.).."
"With ever-expanding global markets, international labor statistics have assumed a greater role in assessing the relative performance of individual economies and in influencing both national and international policy decisions. However, direct comparisons of statistics across countries can be misleading, because concepts and definitions often differ. To improve the comparability of international labor statistics, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) International Labor Comparisons (ILC) program adjusts data to a common conceptual framework.
The BLS 2011 edition of Charting International Labor Comparisons features 2009 data, as well as trends over time, for the main indicators published by ILC: gross domestic product, labor force, manufacturing hourly compensation costs and productivity, and consumer prices. To increase country and indicator coverage, data from other organizations also are included. (Notes are provided at the end of each section to detail sources used and to furnish helpful definitions.).."
Measuring Broadband America:A Report on Consumer Wireline Broadband Performance in the U.S.
"To make informed choices about purchasing and using broadband, consumers need to have access to basic information about broadband performance. Will a particular offering allow me to browse the web quickly and easily? Will it enable me to use new applications that help me maintain my health, search for a job, or take courses online? What should I look for in a provider if I want to watch high definition online video or play online video games? Does a given speed tier have sufficient upload capacity to enable video conferencing? Will a higher speed, higher priced service improve my Internet experience? Can I get by with a lower priced service? And does the speed a provider advertises match the actual speed I will receive at my home? To help answer these questions, this Report presents the results of the first rigorous,
nationwide study of actual home broadband performance in the United State..."
"To make informed choices about purchasing and using broadband, consumers need to have access to basic information about broadband performance. Will a particular offering allow me to browse the web quickly and easily? Will it enable me to use new applications that help me maintain my health, search for a job, or take courses online? What should I look for in a provider if I want to watch high definition online video or play online video games? Does a given speed tier have sufficient upload capacity to enable video conferencing? Will a higher speed, higher priced service improve my Internet experience? Can I get by with a lower priced service? And does the speed a provider advertises match the actual speed I will receive at my home? To help answer these questions, this Report presents the results of the first rigorous,
nationwide study of actual home broadband performance in the United State..."
Critical Infrastructures: Background, Policy, and Implementation
"The nation’s health, wealth, and security rely on the production and distribution of certain goods and services. The array of physical assets, functions, and systems across which these goods and services move are called critical infrastructures (e.g., electricity, the power plants that generate it, and the electric grid upon which it is distributed).
The national security community has been concerned for some time about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to both physical and cyber attack. In May 1998, President Clinton released Presidential Decision Directive No. 63. The Directive set up groups within the federal government to develop and implement plans that would protect government-operated infrastructures and called for a dialogue between government and the private sector to develop a National Infrastructure Assurance Plan that would protect all of the nation’s critical infrastructures by the year 2003. While the Directive called for both physical and cyber protection
from both man-made and natural events, implementation focused on cyber protection against man-made cyber events (i.e., computer hackers). However, given the physical damage caused by the September 11 attacks, physical protection of critical infrastructures has received increased attention.."
"The nation’s health, wealth, and security rely on the production and distribution of certain goods and services. The array of physical assets, functions, and systems across which these goods and services move are called critical infrastructures (e.g., electricity, the power plants that generate it, and the electric grid upon which it is distributed).
The national security community has been concerned for some time about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to both physical and cyber attack. In May 1998, President Clinton released Presidential Decision Directive No. 63. The Directive set up groups within the federal government to develop and implement plans that would protect government-operated infrastructures and called for a dialogue between government and the private sector to develop a National Infrastructure Assurance Plan that would protect all of the nation’s critical infrastructures by the year 2003. While the Directive called for both physical and cyber protection
from both man-made and natural events, implementation focused on cyber protection against man-made cyber events (i.e., computer hackers). However, given the physical damage caused by the September 11 attacks, physical protection of critical infrastructures has received increased attention.."
Monday, August 8, 2011
National Wildlife Refugee System
Planning a vacation, consider one of the National Wildlife Refugees.
Planning a vacation, consider one of the National Wildlife Refugees.
Shop and Save…at the Bank:A Buyer's Guide to Finding the Right Loan, Credit Card or Deposit Account
Consumer information on finding a bank from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Consumer information on finding a bank from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
CBO'S 2011 LONG-TERM PROJECTIONS FOR SOCIAL SECURITY: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
"This Congressional Budget Office (CBO) publication provides additional information about long-term projections of the Social Security program's finances that were included in CBO's 2011 Long-Term Budget Outlook (June 2011). Those projections, which cover the 75-year period spanning 2011 to 2085, and the additional information presented in this document update projections CBO prepared last year and reported in CBO's 2010 Long-Term Projections for Social Security: Additional Information..."
"This Congressional Budget Office (CBO) publication provides additional information about long-term projections of the Social Security program's finances that were included in CBO's 2011 Long-Term Budget Outlook (June 2011). Those projections, which cover the 75-year period spanning 2011 to 2085, and the additional information presented in this document update projections CBO prepared last year and reported in CBO's 2010 Long-Term Projections for Social Security: Additional Information..."
President Obama Directs New Steps to Prevent Mass Atrocities and Impose Consequences on Serious Human Rights Violators
"President Obama is committed to strengthening the United States Government’s ability to prevent mass atrocities and serious human rights violations. In 2010, he created the first-ever White House position dedicated to preventing and responding to mass atrocities and war crimes. And in Kyrgyzstan, Cote d’Ivoire, Libya, Sudan, and elsewhere, this Administration has prioritized the protection of civilians and the prevention of mass atrocity and serious human rights violations, and employed a wide range of economic, diplomatic, and other tools in service of those ends.
Today, President Obama is directing a comprehensive review to strengthen the United States’ ability to prevent mass atrocities. The President’s directive creates an important new tool in this effort, establishing a standing interagency Atrocities Prevention Board with the authority to develop prevention strategies and to ensure that concerns are elevated for senior decision-making so that we are better able to work with our allies and partners to be responsive to early warning signs and prevent potential atrocities. Today he is also issuing a proclamation that, for the first time, explicitly bars entry into the United States of persons who organize or participate in war crimes, crimes against humanity, and serious violations of human rights..."
"President Obama is committed to strengthening the United States Government’s ability to prevent mass atrocities and serious human rights violations. In 2010, he created the first-ever White House position dedicated to preventing and responding to mass atrocities and war crimes. And in Kyrgyzstan, Cote d’Ivoire, Libya, Sudan, and elsewhere, this Administration has prioritized the protection of civilians and the prevention of mass atrocity and serious human rights violations, and employed a wide range of economic, diplomatic, and other tools in service of those ends.
Today, President Obama is directing a comprehensive review to strengthen the United States’ ability to prevent mass atrocities. The President’s directive creates an important new tool in this effort, establishing a standing interagency Atrocities Prevention Board with the authority to develop prevention strategies and to ensure that concerns are elevated for senior decision-making so that we are better able to work with our allies and partners to be responsive to early warning signs and prevent potential atrocities. Today he is also issuing a proclamation that, for the first time, explicitly bars entry into the United States of persons who organize or participate in war crimes, crimes against humanity, and serious violations of human rights..."
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Seven Steps for Cleaning Fruits and Vegetables
Video from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on cleaning fruits and vegetable.
Video from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on cleaning fruits and vegetable.
THE EFFECTS OF RENEWABLE OR CLEAN ELECTRICITY STANDARDS
"Federal lawmakers have recently considered several policies to alter the mix of fuels used to generate electricity in the United States. Those policies, referred to as renewable or "clean" electricity standards, would lead to greater reliance on energy sources that produce few or no emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), the most prevalent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. This study examines how federal standards would change the mix of fuels used to generate electricity, the amount of CO2 emissions, and the retail price of electricity in different parts of the United States. In particular, the study explores how some proposed features of such standards (such as preferences, exemptions, and alternative compliance rules) would affect those outcomes. The study also highlights key elements in designing a renewable or clean electricity standard that would help minimize its costs to U.S. households and businesses..."
"Federal lawmakers have recently considered several policies to alter the mix of fuels used to generate electricity in the United States. Those policies, referred to as renewable or "clean" electricity standards, would lead to greater reliance on energy sources that produce few or no emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), the most prevalent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. This study examines how federal standards would change the mix of fuels used to generate electricity, the amount of CO2 emissions, and the retail price of electricity in different parts of the United States. In particular, the study explores how some proposed features of such standards (such as preferences, exemptions, and alternative compliance rules) would affect those outcomes. The study also highlights key elements in designing a renewable or clean electricity standard that would help minimize its costs to U.S. households and businesses..."
NOAA — Deepwater Horizon: A Preliminary Bibliography of Published Research and Expert Commentary
"This bibliography attempts to list all of the published research and expert commentary that has resulted from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. It includes peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, technical reports released by scientific agencies and institutions, and editorials published in peer-reviewed journals. The peer-reviewed publications and technical reports in this bibliography are sorted into three subject categories: natural, medical, and social sciences. Data sets, fact sheets, maps, and news items not published in peer-reviewed journals are outside the scope of this bibliography. Suggestions of articles not listed in this bibliography may be emailed to Chris Belter. This bibliography will be updated regularly as new articles and
reports are published..."
"This bibliography attempts to list all of the published research and expert commentary that has resulted from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. It includes peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, technical reports released by scientific agencies and institutions, and editorials published in peer-reviewed journals. The peer-reviewed publications and technical reports in this bibliography are sorted into three subject categories: natural, medical, and social sciences. Data sets, fact sheets, maps, and news items not published in peer-reviewed journals are outside the scope of this bibliography. Suggestions of articles not listed in this bibliography may be emailed to Chris Belter. This bibliography will be updated regularly as new articles and
reports are published..."
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
EMPOWERING LOCAL PARTNERS TO PREVENT VIOLENT EXTREMISM IN THE UNITED STATES
"The seal of the United States of America is inscribed with the Latin dictum E Pluribus Unum—out of
many, one. It is our great strength that the American social fabric continues to weave together waves of immigrants to the United States and people from all backgrounds and walks of life as part of an indivisible community. We are a pluralistic Nation and a society that does not just accept diversity; we embrace it, and we are stronger as a result. We surmount the many challenges that we face by remaining committed to the American ideals of freedom, equality, and democracy, which transcend differences of religion, ethnicity, and place of birth. Since America’s founding, our country and our ideals have been assailed by forces of hate and division, yet we remain strong, unified, and resilient..."
"The seal of the United States of America is inscribed with the Latin dictum E Pluribus Unum—out of
many, one. It is our great strength that the American social fabric continues to weave together waves of immigrants to the United States and people from all backgrounds and walks of life as part of an indivisible community. We are a pluralistic Nation and a society that does not just accept diversity; we embrace it, and we are stronger as a result. We surmount the many challenges that we face by remaining committed to the American ideals of freedom, equality, and democracy, which transcend differences of religion, ethnicity, and place of birth. Since America’s founding, our country and our ideals have been assailed by forces of hate and division, yet we remain strong, unified, and resilient..."
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