Friday, September 19, 2008
2007 American Community Survey Characteristics Data
On September 23, 2008, the Census Bureau will release 2007 data on social, economic, housing and demographic characteristics. These data cover topics ranging from language to education, from family size to work commute, and are available for more than 7,000 areas, including all congressional districts as well as counties, cities, metro areas, and American Indian and Alaska Native areas of 65,000 population or more. Special population profiles and Public Use Microdata Sample data will also be released. Data will also be available from the Puerto Rico Community Survey.
Help Improve the Census Bureau Web Site!
please take 10 minutes to fill out the 2008 Survey of Census Bureau Web Site Visitors. The U.S. Census Bureau is conducting this study to evaluate its online presence, products, and services to you. Your opinions and ideas are important to them. Your responses are voluntary and will remain confidential. This survey is being conducted under OMB Clearance Number 0607-0760, which expires on November 30, 2010. For further information regarding this clearance, please contact the Customer Liaison and Marketing Services Office at 301-763-4094.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
FBI Releases 2007 Crime Statistics
After rising for two straight years, the estimated number of violent crimes in the nation declined from the previous year’s total. The declining trend continued for property crimes, as those offenses were down for the fifth year in a row.
Statistics released...by the FBI show that the estimated volume of violent crime was down 0.7 percent, and the estimated volume of property crime decreased 1.4 percent in 2007 when compared with 2006 figures. The estimated rate of violent crime was 466.9 occurrences per 100,000 inhabitants (a 1.4 percent decrease from the 2006 rate), and the estimated rate of property crime was 3,263.5 per 100,000 inhabitants (a 2.1 percent decline).
Here's the paragraph I think is 1) most important and 2) most likely to be ignored.
Caution Against Ranking—Each year when Crime in the United States is published, some entities use reported figures to compile rankings of cities and counties. These rough rankings provide no insight into the numerous variables that mold crime in a particular town, city, county, state, or region. Consequently, they lead to simplistic and/or incomplete analyses that often create misleading perceptions adversely affecting communities and their residents. Valid assessments are possible only with careful study and analysis of the range of unique conditions affecting each local law enforcement jurisdiction. The data user is, therefore, cautioned against comparing statistical data of individual reporting units from cities, metropolitan areas, states, or colleges or universities solely on the basis of their population coverage or student enrollment.
Statistics released...by the FBI show that the estimated volume of violent crime was down 0.7 percent, and the estimated volume of property crime decreased 1.4 percent in 2007 when compared with 2006 figures. The estimated rate of violent crime was 466.9 occurrences per 100,000 inhabitants (a 1.4 percent decrease from the 2006 rate), and the estimated rate of property crime was 3,263.5 per 100,000 inhabitants (a 2.1 percent decline).
Here's the paragraph I think is 1) most important and 2) most likely to be ignored.
Caution Against Ranking—Each year when Crime in the United States is published, some entities use reported figures to compile rankings of cities and counties. These rough rankings provide no insight into the numerous variables that mold crime in a particular town, city, county, state, or region. Consequently, they lead to simplistic and/or incomplete analyses that often create misleading perceptions adversely affecting communities and their residents. Valid assessments are possible only with careful study and analysis of the range of unique conditions affecting each local law enforcement jurisdiction. The data user is, therefore, cautioned against comparing statistical data of individual reporting units from cities, metropolitan areas, states, or colleges or universities solely on the basis of their population coverage or student enrollment.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Star Rebate Check Mailing Starts September 29
New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Commissioner Robert L. Megna announced this week that the Department will begin to mail rebate checks the week of September 29 to New York homeowners who qualify for the 2008 Middle Class STAR Rebate Program.
The mailing will continue through the end of October.
Unlike 2007, most homeowners will not have to apply for this year's rebate. If a household's 2008 property information remains unchanged from 2007, no reapplication is necessary. These homeowners will get their checks automatically.
Property owners who did not apply in 2007, and homeowners whose property information changed during the past year, will have to apply. Applications to these households will also be mailed automatically beginning September 29.
Nearly 3.3 million households may be eligible for a STAR rebate, which is in addition to the STAR property exemption on taxpayers' school tax bills. It is expected that more than $1.1 billion will be turned back to homeowners through this year's rebate program.
Commissioner Megna said, "Every eligible household should take advantage of this benefit, which is targeted to middle class homeowners and senior citizens. It is income based, so those who need it most will receive the largest benefit."
Rebate checks and applications will be mailed automatically in alphabetical order, by county, meaning that Albany County homeowners will receive their checks or applications first, followed by homeowners in Allegany and Broome Counties. Mailing to all of the state's counties, including the City of New York, will be completed by the end of October.
Residents can access the Tax Department's website at www.nystax.gov to find out when their checks will be mailed and the amount of the rebate they will receive. Information for senior citizens getting the Enhanced STAR rebate, and information for homeowners who need to apply for the 2008 program, can also be found on the website.
Last year there were about 635,000 rebate checks mailed to senior citizens who receive Enhanced STAR, and about 2.3 million checks mailed to homeowners who get the Basic STAR exemption.
The maximum benefit for those receiving the Basic STAR rebate goes to upstate homeowners earning $90,000 or less, and New York City metropolitan region homeowners earning $120,000 or less. The benefit diminishes until a homeowner's income reaches $250,000. Taxpayers earning over $250,000 are not eligible for the rebate, but continue to receive the STAR exemption on their school tax bills.
Applicants are encouraged to apply on line at www.nystax.gov. All applications must be received by December 31, 2008. Enrollment is easy and the rebate checks are mailed to homeowners as the applications are processed. Online applications take less time to process and the check is issued faster than with a paper application.
To apply, the homeowner only has to verify the property information provided on the application, enter the names, social security numbers, and all required information for all resident property owners and their spouses, verify the mailing address, and submit the application.
This year, rebates for Basic STAR recipients are subject to offset for debts owed to New York State agencies, the Internal Revenue Services, and certain other states.
The mailing will continue through the end of October.
Unlike 2007, most homeowners will not have to apply for this year's rebate. If a household's 2008 property information remains unchanged from 2007, no reapplication is necessary. These homeowners will get their checks automatically.
Property owners who did not apply in 2007, and homeowners whose property information changed during the past year, will have to apply. Applications to these households will also be mailed automatically beginning September 29.
Nearly 3.3 million households may be eligible for a STAR rebate, which is in addition to the STAR property exemption on taxpayers' school tax bills. It is expected that more than $1.1 billion will be turned back to homeowners through this year's rebate program.
Commissioner Megna said, "Every eligible household should take advantage of this benefit, which is targeted to middle class homeowners and senior citizens. It is income based, so those who need it most will receive the largest benefit."
Rebate checks and applications will be mailed automatically in alphabetical order, by county, meaning that Albany County homeowners will receive their checks or applications first, followed by homeowners in Allegany and Broome Counties. Mailing to all of the state's counties, including the City of New York, will be completed by the end of October.
Residents can access the Tax Department's website at www.nystax.gov to find out when their checks will be mailed and the amount of the rebate they will receive. Information for senior citizens getting the Enhanced STAR rebate, and information for homeowners who need to apply for the 2008 program, can also be found on the website.
Last year there were about 635,000 rebate checks mailed to senior citizens who receive Enhanced STAR, and about 2.3 million checks mailed to homeowners who get the Basic STAR exemption.
The maximum benefit for those receiving the Basic STAR rebate goes to upstate homeowners earning $90,000 or less, and New York City metropolitan region homeowners earning $120,000 or less. The benefit diminishes until a homeowner's income reaches $250,000. Taxpayers earning over $250,000 are not eligible for the rebate, but continue to receive the STAR exemption on their school tax bills.
Applicants are encouraged to apply on line at www.nystax.gov. All applications must be received by December 31, 2008. Enrollment is easy and the rebate checks are mailed to homeowners as the applications are processed. Online applications take less time to process and the check is issued faster than with a paper application.
To apply, the homeowner only has to verify the property information provided on the application, enter the names, social security numbers, and all required information for all resident property owners and their spouses, verify the mailing address, and submit the application.
This year, rebates for Basic STAR recipients are subject to offset for debts owed to New York State agencies, the Internal Revenue Services, and certain other states.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
New Report Finds Retrenchment in State/Local Social Welfare Spending
Instinctively, this seems a logical result of belt tightening by states and localities, but it still shows the scary state of the "safety net". A new report entitled The New Retrenchment: Social Welfare Spending, 1977-2006 is now available on the Rockefeller Institute’s website. The report shows recent declines in social welfare spending — including cash assistance, medical assistance, and social services — as well as major shifts in the relationship between state fiscal capacity and social welfare spending. Read the news release.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Review
Newsletter of the Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council
Volume 5, Number 3, Fall 2008 available here includes:
Preparing Village "Main Streets" for Planning Guidebook Complete
Why Downtown Planning?
G/FLRPC Revolving Loan Fund: Helping to Create Jobs in the Region
A Sense of Place
Upcoming Events
Recent G/FLRPC Publications
Recent G/FLRPC Presentations
G/FLRPC Staff Comings and Goings
Volume 5, Number 3, Fall 2008 available here includes:
Preparing Village "Main Streets" for Planning Guidebook Complete
Why Downtown Planning?
G/FLRPC Revolving Loan Fund: Helping to Create Jobs in the Region
A Sense of Place
Upcoming Events
Recent G/FLRPC Publications
Recent G/FLRPC Presentations
G/FLRPC Staff Comings and Goings
Company Insight Center
J.J. Hill Library's recommendation this week is Company Insight Center from BusinessWeek magazine, which "profiles 42,000 public and 322,000 private companies from across the globe. For public companies you'll find detailed financial data, executive pay, news stories, and stock performance. Private company coverage is much thinner and includes contact info and varying degrees of news coverage."
Saturday, September 13, 2008
In Digital Age, Federal Files Blip Into Oblivion
Here's a scary story for data users from the New York Times by ROBERT PEAR.
Published: September 12, 2008
WASHINGTON Countless federal records are being lost to posterity because
federal employees, grappling with a staggering growth in electronic
records, do not regularly preserve the documents they create on government
computers, send by e-mail and post on the Web.
Federal agencies have rushed to embrace the Internet and new information
technology, but their record-keeping efforts lag far behind. Moreover,
federal investigators have found widespread violations of federal
record-keeping requirements.
Many federal officials admit to a haphazard approach to preserving e-mail
and other electronic records of their work. Indeed, many say they are
unsure what materials they are supposed to preserve.
This confusion is causing alarm among historians, archivists, librarians,
Congressional investigators and watchdog groups that want to trace the
decision-making process and hold federal officials accountable. With the
imminent change in administrations, the concern about lost records has
become more acute.
We expect to see the wholesale disappearance of materials on federal
agency Web sites, said Mary Alice Baish, the Washington representative of
the American Association of Law Libraries, whose members are heavy users
of government records. When new officials take office, they have new
programs and policies, and they want to make a fresh start.
Published: September 12, 2008
WASHINGTON Countless federal records are being lost to posterity because
federal employees, grappling with a staggering growth in electronic
records, do not regularly preserve the documents they create on government
computers, send by e-mail and post on the Web.
Federal agencies have rushed to embrace the Internet and new information
technology, but their record-keeping efforts lag far behind. Moreover,
federal investigators have found widespread violations of federal
record-keeping requirements.
Many federal officials admit to a haphazard approach to preserving e-mail
and other electronic records of their work. Indeed, many say they are
unsure what materials they are supposed to preserve.
This confusion is causing alarm among historians, archivists, librarians,
Congressional investigators and watchdog groups that want to trace the
decision-making process and hold federal officials accountable. With the
imminent change in administrations, the concern about lost records has
become more acute.
We expect to see the wholesale disappearance of materials on federal
agency Web sites, said Mary Alice Baish, the Washington representative of
the American Association of Law Libraries, whose members are heavy users
of government records. When new officials take office, they have new
programs and policies, and they want to make a fresh start.
Friday, September 12, 2008
A Chance at Free Credit Monitoring
"If you opened a credit card account, got a car loan or mortgage or used any other line of credit in the past 20 years, you may be eligible for free credit monitoring for up to nine months because of a recent class action lawsuit settlement with TransUnion, one of the three major credit-reporting bureaus...
Under the $75 million settlement, TransUnion will provide free credit monitoring... plus the ability to block third parties from viewing your credit history. You qualify if you had an open credit account or an open line of credit from a registered subscriber with a credit bureau between Jan. 1, 1987, and May 28, 2008.
You can choose from two options—six months of credit monitoring valued at nearly $60 and the possibility of getting an additional cash settlement, or nine months valued at $115, which has more services but disqualifies you from a cash settlement.
To receive either, register before Sept. 24 at www.listclassaction.com or call 1-866-416-3470 toll free."
From AARP.
Under the $75 million settlement, TransUnion will provide free credit monitoring... plus the ability to block third parties from viewing your credit history. You qualify if you had an open credit account or an open line of credit from a registered subscriber with a credit bureau between Jan. 1, 1987, and May 28, 2008.
You can choose from two options—six months of credit monitoring valued at nearly $60 and the possibility of getting an additional cash settlement, or nine months valued at $115, which has more services but disqualifies you from a cash settlement.
To receive either, register before Sept. 24 at www.listclassaction.com or call 1-866-416-3470 toll free."
From AARP.
Sales tax data
I do love this stuff:
2007-2008 Annual Statistical Report of New York State Tax Collections - Statistical Summaries and Historical Tables
This publication contains a series of statistical tabulations detailing taxes administered by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. The information presented includes revenues and selected tax structure and consumption information for the State's major taxes. It also presents data for some locally imposed taxes.
This edition presents information for New York State Fiscal Year 2007-2008 (SFY 2007-2008) and some historical statistics. New York State's fiscal year is April 1 - March 31.
To download the entire publication and statistical tables, please visit here.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Fire statistics resources
Next month is national fire prevention month, so here are links to some info.
U.S. Fire Administration. Fire Statistics
Fire Statistics (Center of Fire Statistics) June 2006
Yes, some of it is NOT in English. Still, if you look on page 46 (table 2a) Note row for U.S., as well as figures for other countries (see also p. 12 for some table explanation). Not so incidentally, for U.S.A. in 2003, (country no. 1), population is given in thousands (290789; adding 3 zeros, 290,789,000).
U.S. Fire Administration. Fire Statistics
Fire Statistics (Center of Fire Statistics) June 2006
Yes, some of it is NOT in English. Still, if you look on page 46 (table 2a) Note row for U.S., as well as figures for other countries (see also p. 12 for some table explanation). Not so incidentally, for U.S.A. in 2003, (country no. 1), population is given in thousands (290789; adding 3 zeros, 290,789,000).
Monday, September 8, 2008
Census Should Only Count Legal Residents, GOP Platform Says
According to an AP wire story,
The 2008 Republican platform...says only those legally residing in the United States should be counted in the next census.
"The integrity of the 2010 census, proportioning congressional representation among the states, must be preserved," says the platform language, which is a reinterpretation of the Constitution that could affect how congressional seats are apportioned. "The census," it says, "should count every person legally abiding in the United States in an actual enumeration."
The 14th Amendment of the Constitution, ratified in 1868, says that representatives to the U.S. House "should be apportioned among the several states according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each state, excluding Indians not taxed."
"Our mandate is to count all residents regardless of legal status," said Mark Tolbert, a spokesman for the Census Bureau.
Interesting, if unfortunate. Will a McCain Presidency actually alter the 2010 census, or is the platform just rhetoric to be ignored if the candidate is actually elected? as far as I know, the Democrats have made no suc statement in their platform.
The 2008 Republican platform...says only those legally residing in the United States should be counted in the next census.
"The integrity of the 2010 census, proportioning congressional representation among the states, must be preserved," says the platform language, which is a reinterpretation of the Constitution that could affect how congressional seats are apportioned. "The census," it says, "should count every person legally abiding in the United States in an actual enumeration."
The 14th Amendment of the Constitution, ratified in 1868, says that representatives to the U.S. House "should be apportioned among the several states according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each state, excluding Indians not taxed."
"Our mandate is to count all residents regardless of legal status," said Mark Tolbert, a spokesman for the Census Bureau.
Interesting, if unfortunate. Will a McCain Presidency actually alter the 2010 census, or is the platform just rhetoric to be ignored if the candidate is actually elected? as far as I know, the Democrats have made no suc statement in their platform.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
2010 Census and the GAO, again
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) this week released the following report:
2010 Census: Census Bureau's Decision to Continue with Handheld Computers for Address Canvassing Makes Planning and Testing Critical. GAO-08-936, July 31.
Highlights.
Well, yeah. My sense is that the general public has no idea what's involved in the Census in terms of planning and testing; I think most people think they just print up the forms every 10 years, and wait for them to come back in the mail.
2010 Census: Census Bureau's Decision to Continue with Handheld Computers for Address Canvassing Makes Planning and Testing Critical. GAO-08-936, July 31.
Highlights.
Well, yeah. My sense is that the general public has no idea what's involved in the Census in terms of planning and testing; I think most people think they just print up the forms every 10 years, and wait for them to come back in the mail.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Most Movers Stay in the Same County
Geographical mobility, unsurprisingly, is a function of life stages.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
2008 World Population Data Sheet
The Population Reference Bureau’s 2008 World Population Data Sheet and its summary report offer detailed information about country, regional, and global population patterns.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
2007 Judicial Facts and Figures
Judicial Facts and Figures is a set of tables containing historical caseload data primarily for the fiscal years from 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2002 through 2007. The tables include data on the U.S. Courts of Appeals, the U.S. District Courts, and the U.S. Bankruptcy Courts.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Great .gov Web sites
These 10 sites show agencies putting the power of the Web to work. From Government Computer News. No, Census is NOT on the list.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Rutgers Market Research Guide
From J.J. Hill library:
When someone hunkers down to do "market research" they can be embarking on about a thousand different journeys. They may focus on customers, competitors, industry data, or any number of other options - so having a guide to those options can help.
The Rutgers University Library offers one such guide, with this market research pathfinder. From commercial reports to government data and research centers, this collection (which focuses on consumer income, consumption, and demographics) highlights some of the best market research the Internet has to offer.
While a couple of the links within the guide don't go exactly where they intend to, the resource as a whole is an excellent intro to this multi-faceted research task.
When someone hunkers down to do "market research" they can be embarking on about a thousand different journeys. They may focus on customers, competitors, industry data, or any number of other options - so having a guide to those options can help.
The Rutgers University Library offers one such guide, with this market research pathfinder. From commercial reports to government data and research centers, this collection (which focuses on consumer income, consumption, and demographics) highlights some of the best market research the Internet has to offer.
While a couple of the links within the guide don't go exactly where they intend to, the resource as a whole is an excellent intro to this multi-faceted research task.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
The SIC/NAICS thing
An interesting conversation arose on a listserv I monitor about someone doing industry research at the SIC level. This led to conversations about why. I wrote:
NAICS was supposed to supersede SIC as of the 1997 Economic Census.
SIC, last updated in 1987, won't be revised, but NAICS will, every five years (2002, 2007).
That said, a lot of data are still in SIC.
Someone noted that the business analysts, all "recent business school grads", are only being taught SIC, not NAICS.
Others noted the D&B Market Identifiers File 516 database on Dialog uses both NAICS and SICs but other D&B products on Dialog only use SICs, as does the print D&B Industry Norms/Key Business Ratios.
The SEC still uses SIC codes, though "value-added vendors allow for searching by NAICS.
So why does SIC linger? One vendor reportedly suggested that while the government pushed for NAICS, the private sector is still happy with SICs. Companies such as D&B and RefUSA have each developed extended codes; e.g. SIC 7389-11, which differ from each other, of course.
I suspect that SIC will eventually shrink away, but may take a while. As one librarian noted: "Despite any residual warm feelings for SIC codes--extended or otherwise--that we may have, the SIC manual has no future. The Feds (OMB) are not going to revise it, whereas the NAICS codes will be updated every five years. As the years go by SICs will get more and more out of date. One only has to look at earlier SIC manuals to see how certain industries wither and flourish over the decades since the first one in 1939."
NAICS was supposed to supersede SIC as of the 1997 Economic Census.
SIC, last updated in 1987, won't be revised, but NAICS will, every five years (2002, 2007).
That said, a lot of data are still in SIC.
Someone noted that the business analysts, all "recent business school grads", are only being taught SIC, not NAICS.
Others noted the D&B Market Identifiers File 516 database on Dialog uses both NAICS and SICs but other D&B products on Dialog only use SICs, as does the print D&B Industry Norms/Key Business Ratios.
The SEC still uses SIC codes, though "value-added vendors allow for searching by NAICS.
So why does SIC linger? One vendor reportedly suggested that while the government pushed for NAICS, the private sector is still happy with SICs. Companies such as D&B and RefUSA have each developed extended codes; e.g. SIC 7389-11, which differ from each other, of course.
I suspect that SIC will eventually shrink away, but may take a while. As one librarian noted: "Despite any residual warm feelings for SIC codes--extended or otherwise--that we may have, the SIC manual has no future. The Feds (OMB) are not going to revise it, whereas the NAICS codes will be updated every five years. As the years go by SICs will get more and more out of date. One only has to look at earlier SIC manuals to see how certain industries wither and flourish over the decades since the first one in 1939."
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Census Bureau Releases 2007 ACS Data
U.S. Census Bureau Releases 2007 American Community Survey Data on Income, Poverty, and Earnings.
The Census Bureau released income, poverty, and earnings data from the 2007 American Community Survey (ACS), in conjunction with the Census Bureau's annual release of income, poverty, and health insurance data from the Annual Social and Economic Supplement to the Current Population Survey.
Data are again available for the nation, the 50 states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, every congressional district and all counties, places, school districts, and metropolitan areas with populations of 65,000 or more.
The Census Bureau's Web site now contains guidance on comparing 2007 ACS data to 2006 ACS data, as well as comparing 2007 ACS data to Census 2000 data. This guidance may be found here.
The ACS Web site recently was redesigned to make navigation easier and to help users find the information they need more quickly. Information about the 2007 Data Release can be found here.
The Census Bureau released income, poverty, and earnings data from the 2007 American Community Survey (ACS), in conjunction with the Census Bureau's annual release of income, poverty, and health insurance data from the Annual Social and Economic Supplement to the Current Population Survey.
Data are again available for the nation, the 50 states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, every congressional district and all counties, places, school districts, and metropolitan areas with populations of 65,000 or more.
The Census Bureau's Web site now contains guidance on comparing 2007 ACS data to 2006 ACS data, as well as comparing 2007 ACS data to Census 2000 data. This guidance may be found here.
The ACS Web site recently was redesigned to make navigation easier and to help users find the information they need more quickly. Information about the 2007 Data Release can be found here.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
September is National Preparedness Month
I received an e-mail from the CPM Industry Insider that had a link to the article Survey: American Small Businesses Not Prepared For Power Outages. Probably not coincidentally, on the very same day, SBA sent out a press release about September being National Preparedness Month, from which I will quote extensively:
Homeowners, Renters and Businesses Are Encouraged to Plan Before Disaster Strikes
WASHINGTON – Recent floods in the Midwest and hurricanes/tropical storms in Texas and Florida have cost homeowners, renters and businesses millions of dollars in damages. These events serve as reminders to the public to have a disaster preparedness plan in place.
National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is designed to enhance the public’s awareness of the necessity of having an emergency plan in place to respond to a natural or man-made disaster. The U.S. Small Business Administration is one of the many government and private sector coalition partners participating in this fifth annual National Preparedness Month.
"There’s a tendency – and it’s human nature – to think that a large-scale disaster is not going to happen where you live," said SBA Acting Administrator Sandy K. Baruah. "Accepting the inevitability of an emergency, and then taking responsibility for your own recovery are the necessary first steps toward protecting your family, your assets, and your community."
To prepare for disasters, SBA offers the following tips:
• Develop a solid emergency response plan. Find evacuation routes from the home or business and establish meeting places. Make sure everyone understands the plan beforehand. Keep emergency phone numbers handy.
Business owners should designate a contact person to communicate with other employees, customers and vendors. Individuals and business owners should ask an out-of-state friend, colleague or family member to be a “post-disaster”
point of contact, supporting the flow of information about short-term relocations, recovery, additional sources of assistance, etc.
• Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage. Disaster preparedness begins with having adequate insurance coverage – at least enough to rebuild your home or business. Homeowners and business owners should review their policies to see what is or isn’t covered. Businesses should consider “business interruption insurance,” which helps cover operating costs during the post- disaster shutdown period. Flood insurance is essential. To find out more about the National Flood Insurance Program, visit the Web site at www.floodsmart.gov.
• Copy important records. It’s a good idea to back up vital records and information saved on computer hard drives, and store that information at a distant offsite location. Computer data should be backed up routinely. Copies of important documents and CDs should be stored in fire-proof safe deposit boxes.
• Create a "Disaster Survival Kit." The kit should include a flashlight, a portable radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, non-perishable packaged and canned food, bottled water, a basic tool kit, plastic bags, cash, and a digital camera to take pictures of the property damage after the storm.
More preparedness tips for businesses, homeowners and renters are available on the SBA’s Web site.
The Institute for Business and Home Safety also has information on protecting your home or business. To learn more about developing an emergency plan, visit the DHS’s Ready Campaign Web site at www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY to receive free materials.
The SBA makes low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and non-farm businesses of all sizes. Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace damaged real estate. Individuals may borrow up to $40,000 to cover losses to personal property.
Non-farm businesses and non-profit organizations of any size may apply for up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged business assets and real property. Small businesses that suffered economic losses as a direct result of the declared disaster may apply for a working capital loan up to $2 million, even if the property was not physically damaged.
Homeowners, Renters and Businesses Are Encouraged to Plan Before Disaster Strikes
WASHINGTON – Recent floods in the Midwest and hurricanes/tropical storms in Texas and Florida have cost homeowners, renters and businesses millions of dollars in damages. These events serve as reminders to the public to have a disaster preparedness plan in place.
National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is designed to enhance the public’s awareness of the necessity of having an emergency plan in place to respond to a natural or man-made disaster. The U.S. Small Business Administration is one of the many government and private sector coalition partners participating in this fifth annual National Preparedness Month.
"There’s a tendency – and it’s human nature – to think that a large-scale disaster is not going to happen where you live," said SBA Acting Administrator Sandy K. Baruah. "Accepting the inevitability of an emergency, and then taking responsibility for your own recovery are the necessary first steps toward protecting your family, your assets, and your community."
To prepare for disasters, SBA offers the following tips:
• Develop a solid emergency response plan. Find evacuation routes from the home or business and establish meeting places. Make sure everyone understands the plan beforehand. Keep emergency phone numbers handy.
Business owners should designate a contact person to communicate with other employees, customers and vendors. Individuals and business owners should ask an out-of-state friend, colleague or family member to be a “post-disaster”
point of contact, supporting the flow of information about short-term relocations, recovery, additional sources of assistance, etc.
• Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage. Disaster preparedness begins with having adequate insurance coverage – at least enough to rebuild your home or business. Homeowners and business owners should review their policies to see what is or isn’t covered. Businesses should consider “business interruption insurance,” which helps cover operating costs during the post- disaster shutdown period. Flood insurance is essential. To find out more about the National Flood Insurance Program, visit the Web site at www.floodsmart.gov.
• Copy important records. It’s a good idea to back up vital records and information saved on computer hard drives, and store that information at a distant offsite location. Computer data should be backed up routinely. Copies of important documents and CDs should be stored in fire-proof safe deposit boxes.
• Create a "Disaster Survival Kit." The kit should include a flashlight, a portable radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, non-perishable packaged and canned food, bottled water, a basic tool kit, plastic bags, cash, and a digital camera to take pictures of the property damage after the storm.
More preparedness tips for businesses, homeowners and renters are available on the SBA’s Web site.
The Institute for Business and Home Safety also has information on protecting your home or business. To learn more about developing an emergency plan, visit the DHS’s Ready Campaign Web site at www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY to receive free materials.
The SBA makes low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and non-farm businesses of all sizes. Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace damaged real estate. Individuals may borrow up to $40,000 to cover losses to personal property.
Non-farm businesses and non-profit organizations of any size may apply for up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged business assets and real property. Small businesses that suffered economic losses as a direct result of the declared disaster may apply for a working capital loan up to $2 million, even if the property was not physically damaged.
Friday, August 22, 2008
The Death of Census.gov?
Following up on yesterday's piece about the SEC's EDGAR changing, the J.J. Hill Library wonders whether other government sites will follow. "A recent study from Princeton researchers suggests that the government give up creating their own Web sites altogether and instead focus on creating data feeds of government information to third party site creators. Interesting, in that this would surely result in better-designed sites, troubling in that it may bring agendas into the mix of public data. We’ll keep a keen eye on the developments."
I opined: "How will this play in the copyright issue? Currently, most govt stuff can't be copyrighted, but if the vendor brings 'value-added', then who owns what?
Maybe I'm being overly cynical. Probably not."
I opined: "How will this play in the copyright issue? Currently, most govt stuff can't be copyrighted, but if the vendor brings 'value-added', then who owns what?
Maybe I'm being overly cynical. Probably not."
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Goodbye, Edgar. Hello, IDEA
SEC Plans Switch From Edgar To Interactive Database
Edgar, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s electronic database of corporate filings, will be replaced by a new system dubbed IDEA, or Interactive Data Electronic Applications, the SEC announced Tuesday.
“This isn’t just a renaming of Edgar,” but an entirely new approach, SEC Chairman Christopher Cox said at a press conference to unveil the new system.
IDEA will supplement Edgar to start and eventually replace it altogether. Once the system is up and running, Cox said it will give investors faster and easier access to key financial information about public companies and mutual funds.
Edgar, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s electronic database of corporate filings, will be replaced by a new system dubbed IDEA, or Interactive Data Electronic Applications, the SEC announced Tuesday.
“This isn’t just a renaming of Edgar,” but an entirely new approach, SEC Chairman Christopher Cox said at a press conference to unveil the new system.
IDEA will supplement Edgar to start and eventually replace it altogether. Once the system is up and running, Cox said it will give investors faster and easier access to key financial information about public companies and mutual funds.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
I Love My Librarian Award Announced
From the announcement:
Carnegie Corporation of New York has awarded the American Library Association $489,000 to support a new Carnegie Corporation of New York/New York Times I Love My Librarian Award.
Administered by the ALA’s Public Information Office and Campaign for America’s Libraries, the award will launch this year and will continue annually through 2013. The award encourages library users to recognize the accomplishments of librarians for their efforts to improve the lives of people in their community.
Carnegie Corporation of New York has awarded the American Library Association $489,000 to support a new Carnegie Corporation of New York/New York Times I Love My Librarian Award.
Administered by the ALA’s Public Information Office and Campaign for America’s Libraries, the award will launch this year and will continue annually through 2013. The award encourages library users to recognize the accomplishments of librarians for their efforts to improve the lives of people in their community.
USFA Announces 2007 Firefighter Fatalities Report
The report continues a series of annual studies by the United States Fire Administration of on-duty firefighter fatalities in the United States. The USFA is the single public agency source of information for all on-duty firefighter fatalities in the United States each year.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
IRS Issues Summer 2008 Statistics Of Income Bulletin
he Internal Revenue Service released the summer 2008 issue of the Statistics of Income Bulletin, which features tax year 2005 data on the growth in profits and tax liability reported by foreign-controlled domestic corporations.
According to 2005 data, there were 61,820 foreign-controlled domestic corporations (FCDCs), accounting for 1.1 percent of the total of all U.S. corporations. However, FCDCs generated $3.5 trillion of total receipts with $9.2 trillion of total assets, accounting for 13.7 percent of receipts and 13.9 percent of assets reported on all U.S. corporation income tax returns.
According to 2005 data, there were 61,820 foreign-controlled domestic corporations (FCDCs), accounting for 1.1 percent of the total of all U.S. corporations. However, FCDCs generated $3.5 trillion of total receipts with $9.2 trillion of total assets, accounting for 13.7 percent of receipts and 13.9 percent of assets reported on all U.S. corporation income tax returns.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Do Business Definition Decisions Distort Small Business Research Results?
According to SBA: This working paper has two purposes. It presents special tabulations from the U.S. Census Bureau's Survey of Business Owners (SBO) to offer the public detailed information on businesses with and without employees and their owners (including owner age, home-based status, franchises and financing).
Second, the authors consider the characteristics of nonemployer and employer businesses. Their examination shows that research results based on data on nonemployers are not necessarily applicable to employers and vice versa.
A copy of the report is located here and the research summary can be found here.
Should you need further information, please feel free to contact Brian Headd or Radwan Saade at (202) 205-6533 or advocacy@sba.gov.
Second, the authors consider the characteristics of nonemployer and employer businesses. Their examination shows that research results based on data on nonemployers are not necessarily applicable to employers and vice versa.
A copy of the report is located here and the research summary can be found here.
Should you need further information, please feel free to contact Brian Headd or Radwan Saade at (202) 205-6533 or advocacy@sba.gov.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Canadian dollars per litre
On a website, I saw a reference to the price of gas as 1.279. Initially, I didn't get it. Then I realized I was on a Canadian website and it was a reference to Canadian dollars per liter. So what is that in US dollars per gallon? And how do I figure it out without having to do two calculations, one for liter to gallon and another for the currency.
Google, of course. To use my example, type: 1.279 CAD per litre in USD per gallon and click "Google Search". When I did it at noon on August 11, the result was "1.27900 (Canadian dollars per litre) = 4.58349234 U.S. dollars per US gallon". By the way, it doesn't matter if you spell "litre" or "liter".
What you will need is the three-letter code for currency, which you can find several places, including here, one of the sites noted on this website.
More about Google's unit conversions g=here.
Tip of the cap to Arthur @ AmeriNZ, who mentioned this on his podcast.
Google, of course. To use my example, type: 1.279 CAD per litre in USD per gallon and click "Google Search". When I did it at noon on August 11, the result was "1.27900 (Canadian dollars per litre) = 4.58349234 U.S. dollars per US gallon". By the way, it doesn't matter if you spell "litre" or "liter".
What you will need is the three-letter code for currency, which you can find several places, including here, one of the sites noted on this website.
More about Google's unit conversions g=here.
Tip of the cap to Arthur @ AmeriNZ, who mentioned this on his podcast.
Monday, August 11, 2008
My Blogger Nightmare is Over
Last week, I found that I could post blogs on this blog - thus the test posts, whicjh I'm leaving up for posterity - but that I couldn't actually see the main blog page. This was weird, because it happened to only one of my five Blogger blogs. Moreover, if I had the specific link to a previously posted item, I could get to that.
Looking through Blogger help, I finally discovered that a number of people were having the same problem, getting an error message that started with bX. I posted my situation on some Blogger board and Saturday, it seemed to be working again.
Actual content soon.
Looking through Blogger help, I finally discovered that a number of people were having the same problem, getting an error message that started with bX. I posted my situation on some Blogger board and Saturday, it seemed to be working again.
Actual content soon.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Annual Report on the Performance of State Highway Systems
The Reason Foundation's 17th Annual Report on the Performance of State Highway Systems measures the performance of all state-owned roads and highways from 1984 to 2006. The study calculates the effectiveness and performance of each state in 12 different categories, including traffic fatalities, congestion, pavement condition, bridge condition, highway maintenance costs, and administrative costs.
Estimates of U.S. population for July 1, 2007
La Paz, Ariz., Population is Nation’s Oldest County. Also, 302 counties, or nearly one in every 10, are “majority-minority” — meaning the county had a population with more than 50 percent minority residents.
Among the majority-minority counties with a minority population of 1 million or more were Bronx, N.Y.; Miami-Dade, Fla.; Los Angeles, Calif.; Queens, N.Y.; Bexar (San Antonio) and Dallas, Texas; San Bernardino, Calif.; Kings (Brooklyn), N.Y.; Harris (Houston), Texas; Santa Clara (San Jose) and Riverside, Calif.; Cook (Chicago), Ill.; and Orange, Calif.
Among the majority-minority counties with a minority population of 1 million or more were Bronx, N.Y.; Miami-Dade, Fla.; Los Angeles, Calif.; Queens, N.Y.; Bexar (San Antonio) and Dallas, Texas; San Bernardino, Calif.; Kings (Brooklyn), N.Y.; Harris (Houston), Texas; Santa Clara (San Jose) and Riverside, Calif.; Cook (Chicago), Ill.; and Orange, Calif.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
International Visitation to the U.S. on the Rise
Visitor Spending Hits Record High in May
The U.S. Department of Commerce today announced that 4.3 million international visitors traveled to the United States in May, an increase of 14 percent over May 2007. For the first five months of 2008, visitation was up 12 percent compared to 2007. International visitors also spent a record $11.8 billion in May, a 21 percent increase from May 2007.
The U.S. Department of Commerce today announced that 4.3 million international visitors traveled to the United States in May, an increase of 14 percent over May 2007. For the first five months of 2008, visitation was up 12 percent compared to 2007. International visitors also spent a record $11.8 billion in May, a 21 percent increase from May 2007.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Friday, August 1, 2008
New York Adjusted Gross Income and Tax Liability
New York Adjusted Gross Income and Tax Liability - Analysis of 2005 State Personal Income Tax Returns by Place of Residence
This annual study provides statistical information on New York State personal income tax returns that were timely filed during 2006. The data are from full-year resident, full-year nonresident, and part-year resident returns. The report categorizes returns as either taxable or nontaxable, depending on the presence or absence of taxable income and income tax liability. Data presented include the distribution of New York adjusted gross income and tax liability by residence and the value of deductions, exemptions, and taxable income by income class.
To download the entire publication and statistical tables, please visit here.
This annual study provides statistical information on New York State personal income tax returns that were timely filed during 2006. The data are from full-year resident, full-year nonresident, and part-year resident returns. The report categorizes returns as either taxable or nontaxable, depending on the presence or absence of taxable income and income tax liability. Data presented include the distribution of New York adjusted gross income and tax liability by residence and the value of deductions, exemptions, and taxable income by income class.
To download the entire publication and statistical tables, please visit here.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Occupational Outlook Quarterly
Summer 2008
In this issue:
+ Working in politics (PDF; 881 KB)
+ The class of 1993: Earnings and occupations by college major, 1 and 10 years after graduation (PDF; 2.1 MB)
+ Healthcare jobs you might not know about (PDF; 664 KB)
+ Brief items of interest to counselors and students
+ You’re a what? Home stager (PDF; 216 KB)
+ Job openings by industry (PDF; 280 KB)
In this issue:
+ Working in politics (PDF; 881 KB)
+ The class of 1993: Earnings and occupations by college major, 1 and 10 years after graduation (PDF; 2.1 MB)
+ Healthcare jobs you might not know about (PDF; 664 KB)
+ Brief items of interest to counselors and students
+ You’re a what? Home stager (PDF; 216 KB)
+ Job openings by industry (PDF; 280 KB)
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Is Cuil Cool?
A new search engine, Cuil - pronounced "cool" - started today. You can read all about its claims of being "better than Google" here and here, among many other places. Apparently, it was having start-up jityters, as one person indicated that one couldn't access it at all fotr a time.
But I got through and tried New York State Small Business Development Center; it actually suggested the whole name after I had typed New York State Sm
My result:
We didn’t find any results for "New York State Small Business Development Center"
Some reasons might be...
a typo. Please check your spelling.
your search includes a term that is very rare. Try to find a more common substitute.
too many search terms. Please try fewer terms.
Finally, try to think of different words to describe your search.
It’s the first item on Google. Meh.
And as a matter of vanity, I cuiled my blogs and they showed on the 7th page, while they're on the first page on Google.
As this writer noted: Cuil Not So Cool.
But I got through and tried New York State Small Business Development Center; it actually suggested the whole name after I had typed New York State Sm
My result:
We didn’t find any results for "New York State Small Business Development Center"
Some reasons might be...
a typo. Please check your spelling.
your search includes a term that is very rare. Try to find a more common substitute.
too many search terms. Please try fewer terms.
Finally, try to think of different words to describe your search.
It’s the first item on Google. Meh.
And as a matter of vanity, I cuiled my blogs and they showed on the 7th page, while they're on the first page on Google.
As this writer noted: Cuil Not So Cool.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
State Export Data
Annual estimates of U.S. exports by State and commodity group based on each State’s share of U.S. agricultural production.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
UN Recruitment Exam
2009 UNITED NATIONS NATIONAL COMPETITIVE RECRUITMENT EXAMINATION
For U.S. citizens seeking junior professional posts.
EXAMINATION CRITERIA (all must be met)
1. Be no more than 32 years old as of December 31, 2009 (UN requirement).
2. Have at least an undergraduate degree (advanced degree is an advantage but is not required) in one of the following occupational fields or related areas:
· Administration
· Economics
· Finance
· Information Technology
· Public Information
· Social Affairs
· Statistics
3. Be fluent in English and/or French, the two working languages of the
Secretariat. Knowledge of additional official languages of the UN (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish) is a definite advantage.
NOTE: The exam may be limited to the 40 most qualified Americans per occupational group.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 31, 2008
Detailed information and application forms may be obtained at target=_new>www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/examin/ncrepage.htm
Examination will be held on February 24, 2009, in New York City and San Francisco.
Travel expenses to and from exam site will NOT be paid by the UN or U.S. Government.
For U.S. citizens seeking junior professional posts.
EXAMINATION CRITERIA (all must be met)
1. Be no more than 32 years old as of December 31, 2009 (UN requirement).
2. Have at least an undergraduate degree (advanced degree is an advantage but is not required) in one of the following occupational fields or related areas:
· Administration
· Economics
· Finance
· Information Technology
· Public Information
· Social Affairs
· Statistics
3. Be fluent in English and/or French, the two working languages of the
Secretariat. Knowledge of additional official languages of the UN (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish) is a definite advantage.
NOTE: The exam may be limited to the 40 most qualified Americans per occupational group.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 31, 2008
Detailed information and application forms may be obtained at target=_new>www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/examin/ncrepage.htm
Examination will be held on February 24, 2009, in New York City and San Francisco.
Travel expenses to and from exam site will NOT be paid by the UN or U.S. Government.
Monday, July 21, 2008
ZIP Code to MSA
There's bad news and then there's good news.
The bad news is that the US Department of Labor link noted here no longer works. I discovered this when I was contacted by a Ph.D. student named Alan who came across the post.
I called the DOL to ask what was up. The person there, clearly reading a script, referred me to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That person, confused by why DOL referred me there, passed me on to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The Census guy told me about this great program called the State Data Centers. Specifically he mentioned one in Missouri that has a cool database:
1. Click on the link on the right of above page to GEOCORR 2K.
2. Pick a state or states. (The Census guy I called tried NY.)
3. Select one or more SOURCE codes. (He picked the MSA). Select one or more TARGET codes. (He picked 5-digit ZIP, which are actually ZCTAs).
4. You need to pick a weighed variable. (He picked as 2000 Pop census). He picked CSV, and Codes and Names in both category.
5. Then run it. Then download it.
(I haven't tested it, but Alan probably wanted to flip what I got by putting ZIP on SOURCE and MSA as TARGET, which may be more like his goal.)
Still, since GEO IN GEO doesn't work on the American FactFinder for this purpose - for good reason - I really liked this solution. Not so incidentally, one can use this tool for other calculations as well, down to the block level.
The bad news is that the US Department of Labor link noted here no longer works. I discovered this when I was contacted by a Ph.D. student named Alan who came across the post.
I called the DOL to ask what was up. The person there, clearly reading a script, referred me to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That person, confused by why DOL referred me there, passed me on to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The Census guy told me about this great program called the State Data Centers. Specifically he mentioned one in Missouri that has a cool database:
1. Click on the link on the right of above page to GEOCORR 2K.
2. Pick a state or states. (The Census guy I called tried NY.)
3. Select one or more SOURCE codes. (He picked the MSA). Select one or more TARGET codes. (He picked 5-digit ZIP, which are actually ZCTAs).
4. You need to pick a weighed variable. (He picked as 2000 Pop census). He picked CSV, and Codes and Names in both category.
5. Then run it. Then download it.
(I haven't tested it, but Alan probably wanted to flip what I got by putting ZIP on SOURCE and MSA as TARGET, which may be more like his goal.)
Still, since GEO IN GEO doesn't work on the American FactFinder for this purpose - for good reason - I really liked this solution. Not so incidentally, one can use this tool for other calculations as well, down to the block level.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Census Nixed Married Gay Couples
While the Canadian census will count same-sex married couples, the Census Bureau in the US contends that the federal so-called Defense of Marriage Act -- which defines marriage as solely between a man and a woman for all purposes related to federal regulations -- prohibits it from recognizing same-sex marriages, such as the ones now legal in Massachusetts and California. "For the 2010 survey, the bureau intends to maintain the policy established in 2000, whereby it will edit the responses of married same-sex couples. Same-sex spouses will be reported as "unmarried partners" in all census tabulations. Read the Census position.
Friday, July 18, 2008
New Birth, Death, and Employment Firm Size Data
Advocacy funded, U.S. Census Bureau Statistics of U.S. Businesses dynamic data has been updated to 2005. The data contains firm/establishment births, deaths, and related employment creation and destruction data by firm size, industry, and geographic location.
From 2004 to 2005, firm births numbered 644,122 and deaths numbered 565,745. Firms with fewer than 500 employees accounted for 78.9 percent of the net employment growth during this period. See the dynamic data sections of http://www.sba.gov/advo/research/data.html for details.
Should you need further information, please feel free to contact Brian Headd at (202) 205-6533 or advocacy@sba.gov.
From 2004 to 2005, firm births numbered 644,122 and deaths numbered 565,745. Firms with fewer than 500 employees accounted for 78.9 percent of the net employment growth during this period. See the dynamic data sections of http://www.sba.gov/advo/research/data.html for details.
Should you need further information, please feel free to contact Brian Headd at (202) 205-6533 or advocacy@sba.gov.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
TradeVibes Company Search
From the J.J. Hill library.
Looking for detailed information on private companies, such as funding source, number of employees, names of key decision makers, and competitor listings? Good luck. This type of information is generally locked in the realm of expensive databases.
But TradeVibes isn't expensive. In fact, it's free. And it brings together just this type of detailed information on thousands of private companies throughout the consumer Web, technology, and advertising industries. There's that fairly strict industry focus, but if you're looking for data on a Web-savvy company, you'll likely find it here.
The site is built on a wiki platform, so anyone can contribute, but that makes it all the better as a good starting place for tech company research.
Looking for detailed information on private companies, such as funding source, number of employees, names of key decision makers, and competitor listings? Good luck. This type of information is generally locked in the realm of expensive databases.
But TradeVibes isn't expensive. In fact, it's free. And it brings together just this type of detailed information on thousands of private companies throughout the consumer Web, technology, and advertising industries. There's that fairly strict industry focus, but if you're looking for data on a Web-savvy company, you'll likely find it here.
The site is built on a wiki platform, so anyone can contribute, but that makes it all the better as a good starting place for tech company research.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Baseball
From BNET: "From its origins amid scandal to its status as a legal monopoly to its modern-day experiments in online media, here's how the business of Major League Baseball has evolved." Also check out The Revenue Model: Why Baseball Is Booming and MLB’s Labor and R&D Formula, also linked off the post above.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Word clouds
I've read about word clouds, a/k/a tag clouds, how they reflect which words are being emphasized in a website/blog or newspaper or any written document. From Tag Crowd here's the one done on July 15, 2008 of the NYS Data Center website:
And here's the cloud for this blog:
Other sites that can generate clouds are Wordle and the Tag Cloud Generator.
access affiliates age areas available bureau business census center change community contact cpi data demographic development economic empire employed ethnicity federal file history index individual information issues local metro ny organized page planning population product program rather records residents resources site state statistical subject symbols view web year-to-year years york
created at TagCrowd.com
And here's the cloud for this blog:
account affairs affiliates age agencies article available billion births blog bureau business census center com comments crime data department distinct fusion gas green growth hispanic immigration indian internet labels links litigation local network nys past pm population post prices program provide public reversal roger site skip state web years york
created at TagCrowd.com
Other sites that can generate clouds are Wordle and the Tag Cloud Generator.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Census Switch Worries Some
Yet another article. Subtitle: "Return to Paper Forms Leaves Little Time for Adjustment".
Thursday, July 10, 2008
How to turn Census data into business knowledge
That's the provocative title of this article from the J.J. Hill library blog. It links to an Ad Age article about The Changing Face of the U.S. Consumer.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Crime in the United States
From BUSLIB-L:
The FBI tracks crime in its annual publication, Crime in the United States. Numbers for 2007 are preliminary, but 2006 is final.
There is a site called CrimeReports.com, which allows police departments to voluntarily load their crime stats (you can then run analytics for each department on daily, weekly or monthly intervals). For a list of participating agencies, go here. No NYS agencies are represented.
The FBI tracks crime in its annual publication, Crime in the United States. Numbers for 2007 are preliminary, but 2006 is final.
There is a site called CrimeReports.com, which allows police departments to voluntarily load their crime stats (you can then run analytics for each department on daily, weekly or monthly intervals). For a list of participating agencies, go here. No NYS agencies are represented.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Census re-examines using Internet for 2010 count
This is "a reversal from its earlier assertion that it did not have the time to develop an application and could not adequately protect information from cyberattacks." Internet is merely an option being considered, not a sure thing. Read the whole article here.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
World Population Approaches 7 Billion
The population is expected to go from 6 billion in 1999 to 7 billion in 2012, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. More detail data is available at The International Data Base.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Indian Affairs Web site reconnected
After years of litigation requiring its Internet links to be disconnected, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is back on the World Wide Web. I had written about a workaeround to the closure here.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Births, Not Immigration, Fueling Hispanic Growth
Births, not immigration, now account for most of the growth in the nation's Hispanic population, a distinct reversal of trends of the past 30 years.
Births, not immigration, now account for most of the growth in the nation's Hispanic population, a distinct reversal of trends of the past 30 years...
This natural increase -- more births than deaths -- is accelerating among Hispanics in the USA because they are younger than the U.S. population as a whole. Their median age is 27.4, compared with 37.9 overall, 40.8 for whites, 35.4 for Asians and 31.1 for blacks...
Births, not immigration, now account for most of the growth in the nation's Hispanic population, a distinct reversal of trends of the past 30 years...
This natural increase -- more births than deaths -- is accelerating among Hispanics in the USA because they are younger than the U.S. population as a whole. Their median age is 27.4, compared with 37.9 overall, 40.8 for whites, 35.4 for Asians and 31.1 for blacks...
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Copyright Office opens Web portal for online registrations
"The U.S. Copyright Office is opening a new online portal intended to help the office move from a paper-based environment to electronic processing.
The office, a part of the Library of Congress, handles about 550,000 copyright claims annually. Beginning July 1, anyone will be able to use the Electronic Copyright Office (eCO) portal to submit basic claims and copyright applications electronically, make online payments and upload works being registered. Those submitting hard copies of the registered material can generate and print shipping labels."
The office, a part of the Library of Congress, handles about 550,000 copyright claims annually. Beginning July 1, anyone will be able to use the Electronic Copyright Office (eCO) portal to submit basic claims and copyright applications electronically, make online payments and upload works being registered. Those submitting hard copies of the registered material can generate and print shipping labels."
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
.com Is So Faux Pas
From the Branding Indentity Guru:
Web regulators Thursday voted to allow the creation of thousands of new domain names, from .paris to .Pepsi, in one of the biggest shake-ups in Internet history, a French web official said.
The overhaul is expected to radically change the way users navigate the Internet and has major implications for businesses and consumers worldwide.
Under the new system, the web’s 1.3 billion users would be able from 2009 to buy an unlimited number of generic addresses based on common words, brands or company names, cities or proper names.
The popular online trading site eBay is one of the many companies that wants to have its own domain name.
Read the entire story here.
Now, I'm wondering about someone buying pepsisucks.pepsi and what Pepsi might be able to do about it.
Web regulators Thursday voted to allow the creation of thousands of new domain names, from .paris to .Pepsi, in one of the biggest shake-ups in Internet history, a French web official said.
The overhaul is expected to radically change the way users navigate the Internet and has major implications for businesses and consumers worldwide.
Under the new system, the web’s 1.3 billion users would be able from 2009 to buy an unlimited number of generic addresses based on common words, brands or company names, cities or proper names.
The popular online trading site eBay is one of the many companies that wants to have its own domain name.
Read the entire story here.
Now, I'm wondering about someone buying pepsisucks.pepsi and what Pepsi might be able to do about it.
Monday, June 30, 2008
We're Number 15
SAN DIEGO – Massachusetts...is in the best position of any state to achieve high-quality economic growth thanks to its vast array of technology and science assets, a new Milken Institute study shows.
Massachusetts ranks first in the Milken Institute’s 2008 State Technology and Science Index, followed by Maryland, Colorado and California. And New York? See above. (Thanks, Dale.)
Massachusetts ranks first in the Milken Institute’s 2008 State Technology and Science Index, followed by Maryland, Colorado and California. And New York? See above. (Thanks, Dale.)
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Trendpedia - Blog Search
From the James J. Hill Library
Say you're interested in finding recent blog posts on a particular topic or in a niche industry. Or you want to track the use of a term in blogs over time. Forget about Google. Remember Trendpedia.
Trendpedia searches across recent postings in an attempt to shed light on what bloggers are talking about at a distinct moment in time. Today, for example. Or yesterday. Run a search on a term and find a chart tracking that term's use over time, complete with links to the actual blog posts themselves. You can also compare multiple terms (e.g. mobile vs. email marketing) and email results.
The site is European, which becomes evident from the date structure (June 24 = "24-06"), but the coverage is universal. Use Trendpedia to keep close tabs on the blogosphere.
Say you're interested in finding recent blog posts on a particular topic or in a niche industry. Or you want to track the use of a term in blogs over time. Forget about Google. Remember Trendpedia.
Trendpedia searches across recent postings in an attempt to shed light on what bloggers are talking about at a distinct moment in time. Today, for example. Or yesterday. Run a search on a term and find a chart tracking that term's use over time, complete with links to the actual blog posts themselves. You can also compare multiple terms (e.g. mobile vs. email marketing) and email results.
The site is European, which becomes evident from the date structure (June 24 = "24-06"), but the coverage is universal. Use Trendpedia to keep close tabs on the blogosphere.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Religious Americans: My Faith Isn't the Only Way
Religious Americans embrace many paths to eternal life, even if their denominations don't.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Preparations for the 2010 census are a shambles.
From the June 23, 2008 New York Times; free registration may be required.
Committees in the House have been holding hearings to vet the problems and monitor progress. But with each hearing, it becomes more obvious that prospects for a robust census are unlikely to improve considerably unless and until the next president brings in new leaders. They are needed at the Commerce Department, which includes the Census Bureau, and at the bureau itself, which — like so many federal agencies — has been mismanaged and demoralized during the Bush years.
Committees in the House have been holding hearings to vet the problems and monitor progress. But with each hearing, it becomes more obvious that prospects for a robust census are unlikely to improve considerably unless and until the next president brings in new leaders. They are needed at the Commerce Department, which includes the Census Bureau, and at the bureau itself, which — like so many federal agencies — has been mismanaged and demoralized during the Bush years.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Gambling Revenue to the States
Gambling revenue plays a consistently important role in state finances, but slower growth in recent years may present new budget challenges for states, according to a new Rockefeller Institute report. States vary widely in their reliance on gambling revenue, the report finds. Read From a Bonanza to a Blue Chip? Gambling Revenue to the States.
"For more than two decades, states saw lotteries and casinos as a bonanza of new dollars for education and other programs," Institute researchers write. "Gambling revenue is now at an all-time high, but growth is slowing due to objections about social impacts and broader economic trends. From a fiscal perspective, state-sponsored gambling now resembles a blue-chip stock — reliably generating large amounts of cash, but no longer promising dramatic growth in revenue."
The report shows that states vary widely in their reliance on gambling revenues. Nevada, West Virginia, and Rhode Island lead the states in the proportion of their total revenues obtained from gambling, while New York, Illinois, Florida, and New Jersey are at the top in total dollars collected.
The Rockefeller Institute of Government is the public-policy research arm of the State University of New York.
"For more than two decades, states saw lotteries and casinos as a bonanza of new dollars for education and other programs," Institute researchers write. "Gambling revenue is now at an all-time high, but growth is slowing due to objections about social impacts and broader economic trends. From a fiscal perspective, state-sponsored gambling now resembles a blue-chip stock — reliably generating large amounts of cash, but no longer promising dramatic growth in revenue."
The report shows that states vary widely in their reliance on gambling revenues. Nevada, West Virginia, and Rhode Island lead the states in the proportion of their total revenues obtained from gambling, while New York, Illinois, Florida, and New Jersey are at the top in total dollars collected.
The Rockefeller Institute of Government is the public-policy research arm of the State University of New York.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Latino Census Network
In a recent e-mail, I discovered that there is A National Informational Network on Latino Census Issues organized by the National Institute for Latino Policy (NiLP), 101 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013.
The story reads: The challenges facing an accurate Latino count by the 2010 Census in light of the negative environment created by anti-immigrant and anti-Latino sentiment in this country and other factors will be enormous. It is, therefore, critical that Census Bureau staff who will be doing the outreach have adequate numbers of Latinos in their ranks at all levels. It goes on to say that Census has done an inadequate job of hiring Latinos, below the civilian work force and even below the federal government workforce. Without being an apologist for the Bureau, I know the folks covering the regions that include New York State are anxious to have a well-trained d, diverse workforce.
The Census Bureau is now in the process of hiring people in preparation for the 2010 Census to staff their Early Regional Census Centers in management and office positions in
Atlanta
Boston (includes Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands)
Charlotte
Chicago
Dallas
Denver
Detroit
Kansas City
Los Angeles
New York
Philadelphia
Seattle
For more information about employment openings at the Census Bureau, contact US Census Bureau Regional Offices or the Census Bureau.
The story reads: The challenges facing an accurate Latino count by the 2010 Census in light of the negative environment created by anti-immigrant and anti-Latino sentiment in this country and other factors will be enormous. It is, therefore, critical that Census Bureau staff who will be doing the outreach have adequate numbers of Latinos in their ranks at all levels. It goes on to say that Census has done an inadequate job of hiring Latinos, below the civilian work force and even below the federal government workforce. Without being an apologist for the Bureau, I know the folks covering the regions that include New York State are anxious to have a well-trained d, diverse workforce.
The Census Bureau is now in the process of hiring people in preparation for the 2010 Census to staff their Early Regional Census Centers in management and office positions in
Atlanta
Boston (includes Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands)
Charlotte
Chicago
Dallas
Denver
Detroit
Kansas City
Los Angeles
New York
Philadelphia
Seattle
For more information about employment openings at the Census Bureau, contact US Census Bureau Regional Offices or the Census Bureau.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Bill proposes name for Census Bureau HQ:
The House of Representatives passed legislation (H.R. 5599) to name the new Census Bureau headquarters building in Suitland, MD, after President Thomas Jefferson, who as Secretary of State oversaw the first census in 1790. Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) sponsored the bill. The measure’s bipartisan original cosponsors include Rep. Tom Davis, senior Republican on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which oversees the census and federal statistical policy generally.
Rep. Maloney called Jefferson “the father of the modern census” who “knew an accurate census was the key to fulfilling the Founding Father’s vision of a government with fair representation.” The House Committee on Transportation approved H.R. 5599 earlier this month; the House approved the bill by voice vote on June 4. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Rep. Maloney called Jefferson “the father of the modern census” who “knew an accurate census was the key to fulfilling the Founding Father’s vision of a government with fair representation.” The House Committee on Transportation approved H.R. 5599 earlier this month; the House approved the bill by voice vote on June 4. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Friday, June 20, 2008
3 Minute Ad Age
If you know people who care about marketing trends, they might consider spending 180 seconds checking out video news from AdAge every weekday. The June 13 post, for example, noted that as the "green" market tries to promote itself, the notion of "sacrifice" is not loved, that "environmentalism" is polarizing, and "conservationalism" is frumpy. However, the term "sustainability" is embraced better as an idea suggesting responsible consumption.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Open Door New York
"New Yorkers should know where their tax dollars are going. Open Book New York is part of State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s effort to promote more openness in government and give taxpayers better access to the financial workings of government."
"Easy-to-use online search tools identify spending for 113 State agencies and public authorities and display more than 60,000 State contracts. These tools will help you find out how much state government spends on everything from travel and employees’ salaries to telephones and consultants. You can also search State contracts in real time to see who is doing business with the State."
"Easy-to-use online search tools identify spending for 113 State agencies and public authorities and display more than 60,000 State contracts. These tools will help you find out how much state government spends on everything from travel and employees’ salaries to telephones and consultants. You can also search State contracts in real time to see who is doing business with the State."
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Why Boomers Are Forgoing Retirement
BNET.
The demographics are in our favor because a worker shortage is forecast over the next few decades...companies are now figuring out how to entice their older workers to stay rather than ushering them out the door with a gold watch and pat on the fanny.
The demographics are in our favor because a worker shortage is forecast over the next few decades...companies are now figuring out how to entice their older workers to stay rather than ushering them out the door with a gold watch and pat on the fanny.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
2008 Horizon Report - Emerging Tech
From JJ Hill.
Every business is in the business of education. Telling potential customers about your product or service and showing them the benefit to buying it are essential business activities.
So when the 2008 Horizon Report profiles the top learning technologies set to dive into the mainstream over the next one, three, and five years, the implications for the business community are at least implicit. These technologies are the ones your business could be using to teach customers about you.
In the next year, look to grassroots video and online collaboration; in the next two to three years, think mobile and mashup ; and by the dawning of the five-year horizon, chances are that successful teaching businesses will be using collective intelligence and social operating systems to tell their stories. Will yours?
Every business is in the business of education. Telling potential customers about your product or service and showing them the benefit to buying it are essential business activities.
So when the 2008 Horizon Report profiles the top learning technologies set to dive into the mainstream over the next one, three, and five years, the implications for the business community are at least implicit. These technologies are the ones your business could be using to teach customers about you.
In the next year, look to grassroots video and online collaboration; in the next two to three years, think mobile and mashup ; and by the dawning of the five-year horizon, chances are that successful teaching businesses will be using collective intelligence and social operating systems to tell their stories. Will yours?
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Press Release Grader
From jjhill.org:
Even with social media, virtual world marketing, mobile outreach, and all the other newfangled marketing niches, the press release remains a standard in effective public relations. But are you doing press releases correctly?
The Press Release Grader analyzes your press release, gives you an overall score, and offers suggestions for optimizing your release for length, readability, online links, and more. Just paste your text from Word or the Web into the site and enter your email address. The tool creates an instant report card and sends you a perma-link so you can share the findings.
Use the Grader to improve your next press release - for both general readability and SEO should you decide to get all "newfangled marketing niche" and post your releases online.
Even with social media, virtual world marketing, mobile outreach, and all the other newfangled marketing niches, the press release remains a standard in effective public relations. But are you doing press releases correctly?
The Press Release Grader analyzes your press release, gives you an overall score, and offers suggestions for optimizing your release for length, readability, online links, and more. Just paste your text from Word or the Web into the site and enter your email address. The tool creates an instant report card and sends you a perma-link so you can share the findings.
Use the Grader to improve your next press release - for both general readability and SEO should you decide to get all "newfangled marketing niche" and post your releases online.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Trapped in Gasoline Ghettos/How Many Use Public Transportation?
June 10, 2008
American Consumers Newsletter
from Cheryl Russell, Editorial Director, New Strategist Publications
If you have questions or comments about these editorial, e-mail New Strategist at demographics@newstrategist.com.
Trapped in Gasoline Ghettos
OK, this is bad. The rapid rise in the price of gas is turning the nation's far-flung rural and suburban areas into gasoline ghettos, locking millions of Americans into houses they cannot sell, far from their jobs, with little hope of escape.
Even before prices soared, gasoline consumed a large portion of the household budget. In 2006--the most recent year for which there is household spending data--gasoline ranked sixth among items on which the average household spends the most. Back then, the average price of a gallon of gas was less than $3.00. Those were the good old days. With gasoline now above $4.00 a gallon, it is likely the fourth most costly item in the household budget, behind only Social Security deductions, mortgage interest (or rent), and car payments.
This is worse than ouch. Gasoline is the blood supply of the sprawling American lifestyle. Here are the facts: most of us drive to work, and three out of four workers drive to work alone. The average commuter spends 25 minutes getting to his job. Many are in the car much longer. Twenty-one percent of workers live 20 or more miles from their place of work. Among the unlucky workers who live in newer homes (built in the past four years), an even larger 29 percent live at least 20 miles from their work, according to the American Housing Survey.
Those newer homes are the epicenter of the housing crisis because of their distance from jobs. According to an analysis (pdf download) by David Stiff, chief economist for Fiserv Lending Solutions, single-family home prices are falling the most in areas farthest from employment centers. "Because of sharp increases in gasoline prices, living closer to work has become an even more important consideration in the location decisions of homebuyers," says Stiff. He maps housing price changes from the price peak through the first half of 2007 in two metropolitan areas, showing how prices in Los Angeles and Boston have fallen the most in the outer rings. The future doesn't look bright either. "When combined with large inventories of unsold housing on the edges of urban areas, this shift in preferences will mean that prices for homes in outlying neighborhoods will continue their more rapid decline and will be slower to rebound when housing markets finally start to recover."
On top of this bad news, most of the millions living in gasoline ghettos have no alternative but to drive. Only 54 percent of households in the United States have access to public transportation, according to the American Housing Survey. Among homeowners, the figure is a smaller 47 percent. Among homeowners in newer houses--the houses in exurban rings--just 27 percent have public transportation in their area.
If we are lucky, the spike in gasoline prices is only a bubble, which will deflate once speculators withdraw from the market, or the summer driving season ends, or a new administration is in the White House. The bursting of an oil price bubble will give us time to prepare for the permanent era of expensive gasoline. We will have time to build more efficient vehicles, encourage people to live closer to job centers, and invest in public transportation. If we are not lucky, then we have run out of time, and we are about to feel the fury of all those trapped many miles from stores, schools, and jobs.
BET YOU DIDN'T KNOW
Percentage of Americans who favor requiring car makers
to manufacture cars that use less gasoline: 92.
Source: American Attitudes: Who Thinks What About the Issues That Shape Our Lives
2. Q & A
How Many Use Public Transportation?
Billions and billions. Public transit ridership reached an all-time high of 10.3 billion trips in 2007, according to the American Public Transportation Association. This is the highest level in 50 years, brags the APTA. Not to rain on their parade, but the U.S. population is also larger than ever, so it is only natural that the use of public transportation should be up. A more promising APTA statistic is this: the use of public transportation has grown 32 percent since 1995, more than double the 15 percent gain in population.
Still, the percentage of Americans who use public transportation is pitifully small. Overall, only 5 percent of the nation's workers use public transit to get to work, according to the 2006 American Community Survey. There is a good reason for this lack of use. Only 54 percent of households in the United States have public transportation available in their area, according to the American Community Survey. Narrow the focus to homeowners, and the numbers are even smaller. Only 47 percent of homeowners have access to public transportation. The figure is a higher 69 percent for renters, who are more likely to live in urban areas.
These numbers were collected a few years ago and are undoubtedly higher today. But not much higher. It takes years to get public transportation systems up and running. And we have another problem. The United States is the third largest country in the world. To make public transportation work here will require an enormous financial commitment at a time when the economy is already severely stressed. The way gasoline prices are rising, however, we may have no other choice.
By Cheryl Russell, editorial director, New Strategist Publications
If you have any questions or comments about the above Q & A, e-mail New Strategist at demographics@newstrategist.com.
BET YOU DIDN'T KNOW
Hours per day Americans spend traveling
from one location to another: 1.24.
Source: American Generations: Who They Are and How They Live
American Consumers Newsletter
from Cheryl Russell, Editorial Director, New Strategist Publications
If you have questions or comments about these editorial, e-mail New Strategist at demographics@newstrategist.com.
Trapped in Gasoline Ghettos
OK, this is bad. The rapid rise in the price of gas is turning the nation's far-flung rural and suburban areas into gasoline ghettos, locking millions of Americans into houses they cannot sell, far from their jobs, with little hope of escape.
Even before prices soared, gasoline consumed a large portion of the household budget. In 2006--the most recent year for which there is household spending data--gasoline ranked sixth among items on which the average household spends the most. Back then, the average price of a gallon of gas was less than $3.00. Those were the good old days. With gasoline now above $4.00 a gallon, it is likely the fourth most costly item in the household budget, behind only Social Security deductions, mortgage interest (or rent), and car payments.
This is worse than ouch. Gasoline is the blood supply of the sprawling American lifestyle. Here are the facts: most of us drive to work, and three out of four workers drive to work alone. The average commuter spends 25 minutes getting to his job. Many are in the car much longer. Twenty-one percent of workers live 20 or more miles from their place of work. Among the unlucky workers who live in newer homes (built in the past four years), an even larger 29 percent live at least 20 miles from their work, according to the American Housing Survey.
Those newer homes are the epicenter of the housing crisis because of their distance from jobs. According to an analysis (pdf download) by David Stiff, chief economist for Fiserv Lending Solutions, single-family home prices are falling the most in areas farthest from employment centers. "Because of sharp increases in gasoline prices, living closer to work has become an even more important consideration in the location decisions of homebuyers," says Stiff. He maps housing price changes from the price peak through the first half of 2007 in two metropolitan areas, showing how prices in Los Angeles and Boston have fallen the most in the outer rings. The future doesn't look bright either. "When combined with large inventories of unsold housing on the edges of urban areas, this shift in preferences will mean that prices for homes in outlying neighborhoods will continue their more rapid decline and will be slower to rebound when housing markets finally start to recover."
On top of this bad news, most of the millions living in gasoline ghettos have no alternative but to drive. Only 54 percent of households in the United States have access to public transportation, according to the American Housing Survey. Among homeowners, the figure is a smaller 47 percent. Among homeowners in newer houses--the houses in exurban rings--just 27 percent have public transportation in their area.
If we are lucky, the spike in gasoline prices is only a bubble, which will deflate once speculators withdraw from the market, or the summer driving season ends, or a new administration is in the White House. The bursting of an oil price bubble will give us time to prepare for the permanent era of expensive gasoline. We will have time to build more efficient vehicles, encourage people to live closer to job centers, and invest in public transportation. If we are not lucky, then we have run out of time, and we are about to feel the fury of all those trapped many miles from stores, schools, and jobs.
BET YOU DIDN'T KNOW
Percentage of Americans who favor requiring car makers
to manufacture cars that use less gasoline: 92.
Source: American Attitudes: Who Thinks What About the Issues That Shape Our Lives
2. Q & A
How Many Use Public Transportation?
Billions and billions. Public transit ridership reached an all-time high of 10.3 billion trips in 2007, according to the American Public Transportation Association. This is the highest level in 50 years, brags the APTA. Not to rain on their parade, but the U.S. population is also larger than ever, so it is only natural that the use of public transportation should be up. A more promising APTA statistic is this: the use of public transportation has grown 32 percent since 1995, more than double the 15 percent gain in population.
Still, the percentage of Americans who use public transportation is pitifully small. Overall, only 5 percent of the nation's workers use public transit to get to work, according to the 2006 American Community Survey. There is a good reason for this lack of use. Only 54 percent of households in the United States have public transportation available in their area, according to the American Community Survey. Narrow the focus to homeowners, and the numbers are even smaller. Only 47 percent of homeowners have access to public transportation. The figure is a higher 69 percent for renters, who are more likely to live in urban areas.
These numbers were collected a few years ago and are undoubtedly higher today. But not much higher. It takes years to get public transportation systems up and running. And we have another problem. The United States is the third largest country in the world. To make public transportation work here will require an enormous financial commitment at a time when the economy is already severely stressed. The way gasoline prices are rising, however, we may have no other choice.
By Cheryl Russell, editorial director, New Strategist Publications
If you have any questions or comments about the above Q & A, e-mail New Strategist at demographics@newstrategist.com.
BET YOU DIDN'T KNOW
Hours per day Americans spend traveling
from one location to another: 1.24.
Source: American Generations: Who They Are and How They Live
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Sorry not to have posted recently
I've been laid up in a semi-comfortable chair. I'll be at work for the first time in a week. If you find post-worthy items, e-mail them to me, and I will endeavor to post.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
What Americans Think
There is an interesting book from New Strategist Publications called American Attitudes: What Americans Think about the Issues That Shape Their Lives, 5th ed. Price: $89.95. New Strategist also puts out the American Consumers newsletter. Here are some things Americans believe, based on the General Social Survey; the most recent results are from the 2006 survey.
1. We are tough. Among the world's nations, the United States ranks number one in prisoners per capita, yet
68 percent of Americans still think the courts are not harsh enough on criminals.
72 percent agree that it is sometimes necessary to discipline a child with a "good, hard spanking."
2. We want it both ways. Fully 63 percent of the public wants to cut the government's purse strings. Only 13 percent oppose spending cuts. But when asked what we should cut, our enthusiasm wanes. These are the percentages of Americans who want to cut spending by specific program area:
education: 4
health care: 6
retirement benefits: 7
law enforcement: 8
environment: 13
natural disasters: 14
military: 26
arts: 30
3. We are careless. Americans are forever thumping their chests with pride, and the one thing we boast about the most is our freedom. Yet the majority of Americans are willing to give up that freedom without much of a fight:
56 percent think the government probably or definitely should have the right to jail people without a trial.
4. We are religious. Among the world's developed countries, the United States stands alone in its religiosity.
59 percent pray at least once a day.
Only 50 percent believe in evolution.
5. We are hard working. In fact, we are workaholics. This may explain why American workers have so little vacation time compared to their European counterparts and why we do not demand more time off:
70 percent would continue to work even if rich.
6. We are diverse. The Census Bureau continually tells us how diverse we are, but does it matter much anymore?
74 percent of blacks have trusted white friends.
52 percent of whites have trusted black friends.
54 percent of blacks have white family members.
20 percent of whites have black family members.
7. We are alienated. Americans do not have warm and fuzzy feelings toward public officials or their fellow citizens:
Only 35 percent say politicians are interested in the problems of the average person.
Only 32 percent believe most people can be trusted.
80 percent believe others will take advantage of you if you are not careful.
8. We are uptight. Americans have a well-deserved reputation for being prudish about sex:
Only 46 percent believe premarital sex is not wrong at all.
Only 32 percent believe homosexuality is not wrong at all.
But we are also practical:
89 percent support sex education in the public schools.
54 percent think teens should have access to birth control.
9. We like to stay put. Americans live in the third largest country in the world, but they restrict themselves to a very small portion of it.
38 percent still live in the same city they lived in at age 16.
62 percent live in the same state they lived in at age 16.
10. We still dream. Perhaps the single defining characteristic of Americans in both good times and bad is our steadfast belief in the American Dream:
69 percent say hard work, rather than luck or connections, determines success.
70 percent say the United States gives people like them the opportunity to improve their standard of living.
1. We are tough. Among the world's nations, the United States ranks number one in prisoners per capita, yet
68 percent of Americans still think the courts are not harsh enough on criminals.
72 percent agree that it is sometimes necessary to discipline a child with a "good, hard spanking."
2. We want it both ways. Fully 63 percent of the public wants to cut the government's purse strings. Only 13 percent oppose spending cuts. But when asked what we should cut, our enthusiasm wanes. These are the percentages of Americans who want to cut spending by specific program area:
education: 4
health care: 6
retirement benefits: 7
law enforcement: 8
environment: 13
natural disasters: 14
military: 26
arts: 30
3. We are careless. Americans are forever thumping their chests with pride, and the one thing we boast about the most is our freedom. Yet the majority of Americans are willing to give up that freedom without much of a fight:
56 percent think the government probably or definitely should have the right to jail people without a trial.
4. We are religious. Among the world's developed countries, the United States stands alone in its religiosity.
59 percent pray at least once a day.
Only 50 percent believe in evolution.
5. We are hard working. In fact, we are workaholics. This may explain why American workers have so little vacation time compared to their European counterparts and why we do not demand more time off:
70 percent would continue to work even if rich.
6. We are diverse. The Census Bureau continually tells us how diverse we are, but does it matter much anymore?
74 percent of blacks have trusted white friends.
52 percent of whites have trusted black friends.
54 percent of blacks have white family members.
20 percent of whites have black family members.
7. We are alienated. Americans do not have warm and fuzzy feelings toward public officials or their fellow citizens:
Only 35 percent say politicians are interested in the problems of the average person.
Only 32 percent believe most people can be trusted.
80 percent believe others will take advantage of you if you are not careful.
8. We are uptight. Americans have a well-deserved reputation for being prudish about sex:
Only 46 percent believe premarital sex is not wrong at all.
Only 32 percent believe homosexuality is not wrong at all.
But we are also practical:
89 percent support sex education in the public schools.
54 percent think teens should have access to birth control.
9. We like to stay put. Americans live in the third largest country in the world, but they restrict themselves to a very small portion of it.
38 percent still live in the same city they lived in at age 16.
62 percent live in the same state they lived in at age 16.
10. We still dream. Perhaps the single defining characteristic of Americans in both good times and bad is our steadfast belief in the American Dream:
69 percent say hard work, rather than luck or connections, determines success.
70 percent say the United States gives people like them the opportunity to improve their standard of living.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Recovering from the 2005 hurricanes
The recovery process in communities damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 has begun accelerating while local officials who once talked optimistically of rapid rebuilding now talk of 10-year timeframes for recovery, according to the latest GulfGov report issued by the Rockefeller Institute of Government in New York and the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana. This latest report, the sixth, will be followed by a book that will examine overall lessons learned in the wake of the catastrophes. The joint effort was aided by a grant from the Ford Foundation.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
US consumer time with media
This was a question posed on the BUSLIB listserv: How much time do americans spr=end on leisue=re? Here are some of the amswers.
This document provides a webliography and bibliography of a sampling of sources dealing with a wide range of aspects of the use of free time and covers various age groupings in the sources cited.
US Dept of Labor (Bureau of Labor Statistics) publishes the American Time Use Survey (which is where New Strategist's American Time Use gets most of their data. I love New Strategist's books since they sort through all the massive amounts of data
MPAA study, esp. page 24. (That was my suggestion.)
The Statistical Abstract has this data, extrapolated from the VSresearch.
This document provides a webliography and bibliography of a sampling of sources dealing with a wide range of aspects of the use of free time and covers various age groupings in the sources cited.
US Dept of Labor (Bureau of Labor Statistics) publishes the American Time Use Survey (which is where New Strategist's American Time Use gets most of their data. I love New Strategist's books since they sort through all the massive amounts of data
MPAA study, esp. page 24. (That was my suggestion.)
The Statistical Abstract has this data, extrapolated from the VSresearch.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Commission of Investigation of the State of New York
With a broad mandate to investigate "any matter concerning the public peace, public safety and public justice," the State Commission of Investigation undertakes investigations of corruption, fraud and mismanagement in New York State and local government. The Commission is also charged with conducting investigations into organized crime and labor racketeering and their relation to the enforcement of State law.
Established by statute in 1958, the Commission recently issued its 50th Anniversary 2007 Annual Report. The report highlights investigations conducted during 2007.
Annual Reports and other reports of the Commission are available online from the Commission.
Established by statute in 1958, the Commission recently issued its 50th Anniversary 2007 Annual Report. The report highlights investigations conducted during 2007.
Annual Reports and other reports of the Commission are available online from the Commission.
Monday, June 2, 2008
American Institute for Economic Research
The American Institute for Economic Research (AIER) conducts independent, scientific, economic research to educate individuals, thereby advancing their personal interests and those of the Nation. It offers commentaries regularly. The May 28 post, A Billion Americans? by 2100, based on Census projections, was particularly interesting.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Program on Applied Demographics
The Program on Applied Demographics (PAD) at Cornell University applies demographics methods and techniques to the latest economic and population trends to provide data and recommendations to institutions and agencies in the public and private sector. Check out ther publications in particular which feature workshop presentations offered at the most recent State Data Center Affiliates meeting.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Current Trends in State Finances
Rockefeller Institute of Government researchers analyzed current state fiscal conditions in recent presentations to the National Tax Association, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston/Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, and the National Education Writers Association. View the presentations on the State and Local Government Finance section.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Databases & Directories
The Times Union has a list of Databases & Directories. Some of them contain data that can be found elsewhere (FBI Uniform Crime Report, Baby Names from Social Security), or are of local interest (Artists & Artisans, Camp Guide). The piece that caught my attention was the Top Pensions paid to New Yorkers.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
The GAO on the 2010 Census
Last week, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released: 2010 Census: Bureau Needs to Specify How It Will Access Coverage Follow-up Techniques and When It Will Produce Coverage Measurement Results. GAO-08-414, April 15.
Highlights.
Highlights.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
The public comments on the web about ACS
An Indiana data detective has been been browsing the web to see what news and information is out there about the American Community Survey, noting that "Google yields about 2 million items when searching for American Community Survey and the top links are to the Census Bureau. However, on the first results page there are a number of blogs referenced that purport to be reactions from recipients of the survey..."
Here is just one of the many links found.
It appears that there is a great deal of concern about the "intrusiveness" of the ACS and about privacy, "difficult to assuage in the face of modern technology and general mistrust of 'the government'."
I believe that the Census Bureau, which has little money to publicize the ACS program at all, nevertheless needs to find a way to address these issues. I remember a conversation I had four or five years ago with a data detective. I posited the theory that the USA “PATRIOT” Act and other activities would undermine Census' capacity to gather information in the future. That understandably suspicious future is now.
The data gathered in the ACS, and before that in the long form of the Census, is vitally important to government and industry. Of course, the "short form" questions are required for reapportionment of Congress and state legistures, as well as a myriad of other uses.
Here is just one of the many links found.
It appears that there is a great deal of concern about the "intrusiveness" of the ACS and about privacy, "difficult to assuage in the face of modern technology and general mistrust of 'the government'."
I believe that the Census Bureau, which has little money to publicize the ACS program at all, nevertheless needs to find a way to address these issues. I remember a conversation I had four or five years ago with a data detective. I posited the theory that the USA “PATRIOT” Act and other activities would undermine Census' capacity to gather information in the future. That understandably suspicious future is now.
The data gathered in the ACS, and before that in the long form of the Census, is vitally important to government and industry. Of course, the "short form" questions are required for reapportionment of Congress and state legistures, as well as a myriad of other uses.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Census considers rewards for data
From USATODAY.com
It's not the first time the idea has come up. The Census Bureau explored launching sweepstakes in the 1990s. It rejected the plan partly because of concern that it would cheapen the national population count mandated by the Constitution every 10 years. It's not clear if using budget money to fund prizes is even legal.
Feh. What ever happened to civil duty?
It's not the first time the idea has come up. The Census Bureau explored launching sweepstakes in the 1990s. It rejected the plan partly because of concern that it would cheapen the national population count mandated by the Constitution every 10 years. It's not clear if using budget money to fund prizes is even legal.
Feh. What ever happened to civil duty?
Monday, May 19, 2008
Community-College Utilization and Tuition Vary Widely
Another Rockefeller Institute Study:
Every state offers community colleges as the first rung on the ladder of higher education. They prepare students for four-year colleges, educate key professions like nursing and firefighting, offer job training and basic skills, and bolster economic development. But a new report from the Rockefeller Institute finds that the 50 states differ widely in the extent to which they use their community college systems. Read the press release.
Every state offers community colleges as the first rung on the ladder of higher education. They prepare students for four-year colleges, educate key professions like nursing and firefighting, offer job training and basic skills, and bolster economic development. But a new report from the Rockefeller Institute finds that the 50 states differ widely in the extent to which they use their community college systems. Read the press release.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Layered Local Governments in New York
From the Rockefeller Institute of Government:
New York's local governments are among the most heavily "layered" in the nation, Rockefeller Institute Senior Fellow Donald J. Boyd writes in a new paper. Unlike most states, New York is characterized by at least two general-purpose local governments in every region except New York City. Boyd was a consultant to the New York State Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness, chaired by former Lieutenant Governor Stan Lundine. The Commission has just issued a report with recommendations to make local government more streamlined and cost-effective. Robert Ward, the Institute's deputy director, analyzed the Lundine Commission's report in a May 1 commentary for WAMC/Northeast Public Radio.
New York's local governments are among the most heavily "layered" in the nation, Rockefeller Institute Senior Fellow Donald J. Boyd writes in a new paper. Unlike most states, New York is characterized by at least two general-purpose local governments in every region except New York City. Boyd was a consultant to the New York State Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness, chaired by former Lieutenant Governor Stan Lundine. The Commission has just issued a report with recommendations to make local government more streamlined and cost-effective. Robert Ward, the Institute's deputy director, analyzed the Lundine Commission's report in a May 1 commentary for WAMC/Northeast Public Radio.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
New York State Statistical Yearbook
The Rockefeller Institute of Government has published the 32nd edition of its popular New York State Statistical Yearbook, providing updated information on a vast array of state data and state agency contacts for news media, citizens, government officials, and others. The 714-page Yearbook contains information ranging from population and health statistics to information on education in the state. Information is freely available online as a series of Excel pages here.
For more information or to obtain a copy, click here. Read the news release.
For more information or to obtain a copy, click here. Read the news release.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
A New Twist on Spring Cleaning
Economy Has Consumers Feeling the Urge to Purge, which does have its upsides.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Inside the American Community Survey - A Non-Planner's View
The apartment where Ishmael Sanchez lives was randomly selected to participate in the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey. He's not a planner or a demographer, and doesn't use or particularly care about Census data. But, because he was required by law to do so, he responded to the survey.
An interesting view of the ACS from one who was surveyed.
An interesting view of the ACS from one who was surveyed.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Local Area Personal Income
From the Hill Library:
When the BEA says "personal income" they mean wages, health insurance benefits, investments and a bunch of other stuff. Looking at a flat-out personal income figure for a location, comparing locations, or tracking income over time can offer much insight into a place's economy and consumers.
The Bureau of Economic Analysis recently released new estimates on personal income in counties and metro areas across the U.S., with data from 1969 to 2006. This site walks you through the steps of accessing that data. Follow these steps by first selecting a table - or topic - and then selecting a geography and date range.
When the BEA says "personal income," you might say "holy cow this site is overwhelming." If so, check out BEA Regional Facts, where this data is simplified and presented in paragraph form.
Personally, I prefer the tabular form of LAPI to the narrative form of the BEAR Facts.
When the BEA says "personal income" they mean wages, health insurance benefits, investments and a bunch of other stuff. Looking at a flat-out personal income figure for a location, comparing locations, or tracking income over time can offer much insight into a place's economy and consumers.
The Bureau of Economic Analysis recently released new estimates on personal income in counties and metro areas across the U.S., with data from 1969 to 2006. This site walks you through the steps of accessing that data. Follow these steps by first selecting a table - or topic - and then selecting a geography and date range.
When the BEA says "personal income," you might say "holy cow this site is overwhelming." If so, check out BEA Regional Facts, where this data is simplified and presented in paragraph form.
Personally, I prefer the tabular form of LAPI to the narrative form of the BEAR Facts.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Caveats for users of ACS tabulations
Sample Size Matters by By Lynn Wombold, ESRI Chief Demographer
Someone who knows a lot more about these things than I noted that "these are issues known to most folks heavily involved with the ACS." Demographic groups have been "encouraging the Census Bureau to find ways to increase the ACS sample from 3 million addresses to the originally (back in the early '90s) 3 percent sample. Given the current federal budget situation, the need for the Census Bureau to convert 2010 Census NRFU to paper, etc. we are not likely to see any increase in the ACS data collection budget until sometime after the 2010 Census."
Someone who knows a lot more about these things than I noted that "these are issues known to most folks heavily involved with the ACS." Demographic groups have been "encouraging the Census Bureau to find ways to increase the ACS sample from 3 million addresses to the originally (back in the early '90s) 3 percent sample. Given the current federal budget situation, the need for the Census Bureau to convert 2010 Census NRFU to paper, etc. we are not likely to see any increase in the ACS data collection budget until sometime after the 2010 Census."
Friday, May 9, 2008
New postage rates
The Post Office is raising the postal rates starting Monday, May 12 to 42 cents for the first ounce, 17 cents each for the next few ounces, and 27 cents for a postcard. 
Lots of people I've talked to seem unaware of the rate change. I wonder if the Post Office still has those "forever" stamps?
Lots of people I've talked to seem unaware of the rate change. I wonder if the Post Office still has those "forever" stamps?
Thursday, May 8, 2008
2010 Census Web site
What You Need to Know about the 2010 Census
PDF Fact Sheets for:
Businesses
Community and Social Service Organizations
Educators
Elected Officials
Faith-Based Organizations
Media
Everyone
PDF Fact Sheets for:
Businesses
Community and Social Service Organizations
Educators
Elected Officials
Faith-Based Organizations
Media
Everyone
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Small Business Economic Trends
Monthly Small Business Economic Trends Analysis from the National Federation of Independent Business.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Sales Tax Collections in Most States Declined in First Quarter
State sales tax revenues delivered the weakest performance in six years during the first quarter of 2008, while growth in overall state tax revenues continued to deteriorate, according to preliminary data issued May 1, 2008 by the Rockefeller Institute of Government. With 36 of the 45 states that collect sales tax reporting, revenue from sales taxes declined both nationwide and in 21 states during January to March 2008, compared to the same period a year earlier. Southeastern states were hit the hardest: nine of the 21 states reporting sales tax declines were in that region. When adjusted for inflation, sales tax revenues declined in at least 27 states. For the states reporting so far, the overall level of sales tax collections fell slightly — the first time such revenues have not grown in six years.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Saturday, May 3, 2008
2010 Census Miscount Fears Raised
Thursday, Apr. 24, 2008; By AP/GARANCE BURKE from CNN and TIME magazine.
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