Tuesday, May 24, 2011
2011 State of the Birds Report Highlights Importance of Public Lands
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Agriculture Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Harris Sherman this month released the 2011 State of the Birds Report, the nation’s first assessment of birds on lands and waters owned by the American people. The findings indicate tremendous potential for bird conservation: these publicly owned habitats support at least half of the entire U.S. distributions of more than 300 bird species.
Monday, May 23, 2011
How Secondhand Smoke Affects the Brain
From the article:
Secondhand smoke has a direct, measurable impact on the brain similar to what's seen in the person doing the smoking, according to a new study. The finding highlights the importance of limiting exposure to secondhand smoke in cars and other enclosed spaces.
When not exposed to smoke (top image), brains show high levels (red and yellow) of a tracer molecule that binds to empty nicotine receptors. After 1 hour of exposure to secondhand smoke (bottom), nicotine displaces and reduces the level of tracer molecules.Image courtesy of Brody et al., Archives of General Psychiatry.
Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death nationwide. People who smoke are up to 6 times more likely than non-smokers to suffer a heart attack. Tobacco is also one of the strongest cancer-causing agents. Up to 90% of lung cancer deaths are attributed to smoking.
But the smoker isn't the only one harmed by cigarette smoke. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 50,000 deaths per year can be attributed to secondhand smoke. A Surgeon General's Report in 2006 concluded that secondhand smoke causes heart disease and lung cancer in nonsmoking adults. It also causes serious health conditions in children, including sudden infant death syndrome, respiratory infections and more severe asthma.
Secondhand smoke has a direct, measurable impact on the brain similar to what's seen in the person doing the smoking, according to a new study. The finding highlights the importance of limiting exposure to secondhand smoke in cars and other enclosed spaces.
When not exposed to smoke (top image), brains show high levels (red and yellow) of a tracer molecule that binds to empty nicotine receptors. After 1 hour of exposure to secondhand smoke (bottom), nicotine displaces and reduces the level of tracer molecules.Image courtesy of Brody et al., Archives of General Psychiatry.
Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death nationwide. People who smoke are up to 6 times more likely than non-smokers to suffer a heart attack. Tobacco is also one of the strongest cancer-causing agents. Up to 90% of lung cancer deaths are attributed to smoking.
But the smoker isn't the only one harmed by cigarette smoke. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 50,000 deaths per year can be attributed to secondhand smoke. A Surgeon General's Report in 2006 concluded that secondhand smoke causes heart disease and lung cancer in nonsmoking adults. It also causes serious health conditions in children, including sudden infant death syndrome, respiratory infections and more severe asthma.
New search engine for data & statistics
From an e-mail I received recently:
"I...thought that you might like to try our new search engine – Zanran – which is for finding data and statistics.
"It’s currently in beta – and it’s free. I think you’ll find it helpful - because of its focus on data, which makes it different from Google and Bing."
Worth taking a look.
"I...thought that you might like to try our new search engine – Zanran – which is for finding data and statistics.
"It’s currently in beta – and it’s free. I think you’ll find it helpful - because of its focus on data, which makes it different from Google and Bing."
Worth taking a look.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Educators' pensions posted online
More than 1,200 retired New York State school teachers and administrators are entitled to annual pensions of more than $100,000, according to pension data posted this week on www.SeeThroughNY.net, the government transparency website. The database from the New York State Teachers Retirement System (NYSTRS) includes name, benefit rate, retirement date and last known employer when available, for 136,644 people collecting pensions in 2010...
To read the full release, click here.
To visit the SeeThroughNY database, click here.
To read the full release, click here.
To visit the SeeThroughNY database, click here.
Numbers and Types of Public Elementary and Secondary Local Education Agencies
This First Look presents selected findings onthe numbers and types of public elementary and secondary local education agencies (LEAs) in the United States and the territories in the 2009-10 school year
Saturday, May 21, 2011
The Social Life of Health Information, 2011
Source: Pew Internet & American Life Project (PDF)
From the overview:
The internet has changed people’s relationships with information. Our data consistently show that doctors, nurses, and other health professionals continue to be the first choice for most people with health concerns, but online resources, including advice from peers, are a significant source of health information in the U.S.
As broadband and mobile access spreads, more people have the ability – and increasingly, the habit – of sharing what they are doing or thinking. In health care this translates to people tracking their workout routines, posting reviews of their medical treatments, and raising awareness about certain health conditions.
These are not yet mainstream activities, but there are pockets of highly-engaged patients and caregivers who are taking an active role in tracking and sharing what they have learned.
The survey finds that, of the 74% of adults who use the internet:
•80% of internet users have looked online for information about any of 15 health topics such as a specific disease or treatment. This translates to 59% of all adults.
•34% of internet users, or 25% of adults, have read someone else’s commentary or experience about health or medical issues on an online news group, website, or blog.
•25% of internet users, or 19% of adults, have watched an online video about health or medical issues.
•24% of internet users, or 18% of adults, have consulted online reviews of particular drugs or medical treatments.
•18% of internet users, or 13% of adults, have gone online to find others who might have health concerns similar to theirs.
•16% of internet users, or 12% of adults, have consulted online rankings or reviews of doctors or other providers.
•15% of internet users, or 11% of adults, have consulted online rankings or reviews of hospitals or other medical facilities.
From the overview:
The internet has changed people’s relationships with information. Our data consistently show that doctors, nurses, and other health professionals continue to be the first choice for most people with health concerns, but online resources, including advice from peers, are a significant source of health information in the U.S.
As broadband and mobile access spreads, more people have the ability – and increasingly, the habit – of sharing what they are doing or thinking. In health care this translates to people tracking their workout routines, posting reviews of their medical treatments, and raising awareness about certain health conditions.
These are not yet mainstream activities, but there are pockets of highly-engaged patients and caregivers who are taking an active role in tracking and sharing what they have learned.
The survey finds that, of the 74% of adults who use the internet:
•80% of internet users have looked online for information about any of 15 health topics such as a specific disease or treatment. This translates to 59% of all adults.
•34% of internet users, or 25% of adults, have read someone else’s commentary or experience about health or medical issues on an online news group, website, or blog.
•25% of internet users, or 19% of adults, have watched an online video about health or medical issues.
•24% of internet users, or 18% of adults, have consulted online reviews of particular drugs or medical treatments.
•18% of internet users, or 13% of adults, have gone online to find others who might have health concerns similar to theirs.
•16% of internet users, or 12% of adults, have consulted online rankings or reviews of doctors or other providers.
•15% of internet users, or 11% of adults, have consulted online rankings or reviews of hospitals or other medical facilities.
Friday, May 20, 2011
National Jukebox
Exceedingly cool!
Historical Recordings from the Library of Congress
The Library of Congress presents the National Jukebox, which makes historical sound recordings available to the public free of charge. The Jukebox includes recordings from the extraordinary collections of the Library of Congress Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation and other contributing libraries and archives. Recordings in the Jukebox were issued on record labels now owned by Sony Music Entertainment, which has granted the Library of Congress a gratis license to stream acoustical recordings.
At launch, the Jukebox includes more than 10,000 recordings made by the Victor Talking Machine Company between 1901 and 1925. Jukebox content will be increased regularly, with additional Victor recordings and acoustically recorded titles made by other Sony-owned U.S. labels, including Columbia, OKeh, and others.
Historical Recordings from the Library of Congress
The Library of Congress presents the National Jukebox, which makes historical sound recordings available to the public free of charge. The Jukebox includes recordings from the extraordinary collections of the Library of Congress Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation and other contributing libraries and archives. Recordings in the Jukebox were issued on record labels now owned by Sony Music Entertainment, which has granted the Library of Congress a gratis license to stream acoustical recordings.
At launch, the Jukebox includes more than 10,000 recordings made by the Victor Talking Machine Company between 1901 and 1925. Jukebox content will be increased regularly, with additional Victor recordings and acoustically recorded titles made by other Sony-owned U.S. labels, including Columbia, OKeh, and others.
Fertility; Women's Health
Data on fertility of American women for the noninstitutionalized population are collected biannually in the June Current Population Survey (CPS) for the Nation. Detailed information from recent surveys and historical trends in selected tables are listed below. Data on children ever born and mothers’ age at last birth are collected for women 15 to 44 years old arom 1971 to present and are available at the national level. These data are the best source for historical trends in fertility. (Note: Reports from 1997 to present are currently on-line).
Women’s Health Care Chartbook – Key Findings from the Kaiser Women’s Health Survey.
Women’s Health Care Chartbook – Key Findings from the Kaiser Women’s Health Survey.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
World Health Statistics 2011
World Health Statistics 2011 contains WHO’s annual compilation of health-related data for its 193 Member States, and includes a summary of the progress made towards achieving the health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and associated targets. (Available in 3 languages.)
From the press release:
An increasing number of countries are facing a double burden of disease as the prevalence of risk factors for chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart diseases and cancers increase and many countries still struggle to reduce maternal and child deaths caused by infectious diseases, for the Millennium Development Goals, according to the World Health Statistics 2011 released by the WHO today.
Noncommunicable diseases such heart diseases, stroke, diabetes and cancer, now make up two-thirds of all deaths globally, due to the population aging and the spread of risk factors associated with globalization and urbanization. The control of risk factors such as tobacco use, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet and excessive use of alcohol becomes more critical. The latest WHO figures showed that about 4 out of 10 men and 1 in 11 women are using tobacco and about 1 in 8 adults is obese.
In addition many developing countries continue to battle health issues such as pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria that are most likely to kill children under the age of five. In 2009, 40% of all child deaths were among newborns (aged 28 days or less). Much more needs to be done to achieve the MDGs by the target date of 2015, but progress has accelerated.
•Child mortality declined at 2.7% per year since 2000, twice as fast as during the 1990s (1.3%). Mortality among children under five years fell from 12.4 million in 1990 to 8.1 million in 2009.
•Maternal mortality declined at 3.3% per year since 2000, almost twice as fast in the decade after 2000 than during the 1990s (2%). The number of women dying as a result of complications during pregnancy and childbirth has decreased from 546,000 in 1990 to 358,000 in 2008.
From the press release:
An increasing number of countries are facing a double burden of disease as the prevalence of risk factors for chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart diseases and cancers increase and many countries still struggle to reduce maternal and child deaths caused by infectious diseases, for the Millennium Development Goals, according to the World Health Statistics 2011 released by the WHO today.
Noncommunicable diseases such heart diseases, stroke, diabetes and cancer, now make up two-thirds of all deaths globally, due to the population aging and the spread of risk factors associated with globalization and urbanization. The control of risk factors such as tobacco use, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet and excessive use of alcohol becomes more critical. The latest WHO figures showed that about 4 out of 10 men and 1 in 11 women are using tobacco and about 1 in 8 adults is obese.
In addition many developing countries continue to battle health issues such as pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria that are most likely to kill children under the age of five. In 2009, 40% of all child deaths were among newborns (aged 28 days or less). Much more needs to be done to achieve the MDGs by the target date of 2015, but progress has accelerated.
•Child mortality declined at 2.7% per year since 2000, twice as fast as during the 1990s (1.3%). Mortality among children under five years fell from 12.4 million in 1990 to 8.1 million in 2009.
•Maternal mortality declined at 3.3% per year since 2000, almost twice as fast in the decade after 2000 than during the 1990s (2%). The number of women dying as a result of complications during pregnancy and childbirth has decreased from 546,000 in 1990 to 358,000 in 2008.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
55% Have Married One Time, Another 15% Have Married More Than Once
Among all people 15 and older in 2009, 55 percent had been married once, with 30 percent never having been married at all, according to a U.S. Census Bureau report released today. At the same time, 15 percent had married more than once, including 12 percent who had married twice and 3 percent who had married three or more times.
The findings come from Number, Timing, and Duration of Marriages and Divorces: 2009, which uses data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation to provide a look at topics such as changes in the age at marriage, divorce and remarriage over the years, how long first marriages last, people who have been married multiple times, those who have been divorced or experienced other marital events, and the percentage of currently married couples that include spouses who are both in their first marriage.
More than half of currently married couples (55 percent) had been married for at least 15 years, while 35 percent had reached their 25th anniversary. A small percentage — 6 percent — had even passed their golden (50th) wedding anniversary. These percentages are about 1 to 2 percentage points higher than they were in 1996, reflecting both the leveling of divorce rates and increases in life expectancy.
For most couples (72 percent), both spouses were in their first marriage. Six percent of those married included a wife in her second marriage and husband in his first, 8 percent a husband in his second marriage and wife in her first, and 8 percent in which both spouses were in their second marriage. A small percentage of all currently married couples (1 percent) consisted of a husband and wife who had both been married three or more times.
Other highlights:
- First marriages that ended in divorce lasted a median of eight years for men and women. The median time from marriage to separation was shorter — about seven years.
- Half of men and women in all the race and Hispanic-origin groups who remarried after divorcing from their first marriage did so within about four years.
- For all groups of women 25 and older, the majority had married, as had the majority of men 30 and older.
- About one in five men and women ages 50 to 69 had married twice.
- Among people 70 and older, 23 percent of men and 51 percent of women had been widowed, and most were still widowed and had not remarried at the time of the survey.
- A higher proportion of the recently married in 2009 were Hispanic than in 1996. While one in 10 recently married adults was Hispanic in 1996, this increased to one in five by 2009.
- A higher proportion of recently married women had at least a bachelor’s degree in 2009 (31 percent) than in 1996 (21 percent).
- Changes in the percentage of women who never married between 1986 and 2009 suggest that a higher percentage of black women than white non-Hispanic women may never marry.
The findings come from Number, Timing, and Duration of Marriages and Divorces: 2009, which uses data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation to provide a look at topics such as changes in the age at marriage, divorce and remarriage over the years, how long first marriages last, people who have been married multiple times, those who have been divorced or experienced other marital events, and the percentage of currently married couples that include spouses who are both in their first marriage.
More than half of currently married couples (55 percent) had been married for at least 15 years, while 35 percent had reached their 25th anniversary. A small percentage — 6 percent — had even passed their golden (50th) wedding anniversary. These percentages are about 1 to 2 percentage points higher than they were in 1996, reflecting both the leveling of divorce rates and increases in life expectancy.
For most couples (72 percent), both spouses were in their first marriage. Six percent of those married included a wife in her second marriage and husband in his first, 8 percent a husband in his second marriage and wife in her first, and 8 percent in which both spouses were in their second marriage. A small percentage of all currently married couples (1 percent) consisted of a husband and wife who had both been married three or more times.
Other highlights:
- First marriages that ended in divorce lasted a median of eight years for men and women. The median time from marriage to separation was shorter — about seven years.
- Half of men and women in all the race and Hispanic-origin groups who remarried after divorcing from their first marriage did so within about four years.
- For all groups of women 25 and older, the majority had married, as had the majority of men 30 and older.
- About one in five men and women ages 50 to 69 had married twice.
- Among people 70 and older, 23 percent of men and 51 percent of women had been widowed, and most were still widowed and had not remarried at the time of the survey.
- A higher proportion of the recently married in 2009 were Hispanic than in 1996. While one in 10 recently married adults was Hispanic in 1996, this increased to one in five by 2009.
- A higher proportion of recently married women had at least a bachelor’s degree in 2009 (31 percent) than in 1996 (21 percent).
- Changes in the percentage of women who never married between 1986 and 2009 suggest that a higher percentage of black women than white non-Hispanic women may never marry.
Recession employment for mothers
Employment during the 2007–2009 recession
The U.S. economy officially entered a recession in December 2007. Nonfarm employment peaked in January 2008 and then entered a period of steady decline.
Share of married-couple families with an employed mother at its lowest, 1994-2010
In 2010, the mother was employed in 65.4 percent of married-couple families with children under the age of 18—a record low for the series. The series began in 1994. The mother was employed in 67.0 percent of families with children maintained by women in which no spouse was present.
Women’s Employment During the Recovery [PDF].
Compensation costs for private industry workers increased 2.0 percent for the 12-month period ending March 2011, compared to the 1.6-percent increase for the 12-month period ending March 2010.
The U.S. economy officially entered a recession in December 2007. Nonfarm employment peaked in January 2008 and then entered a period of steady decline.
Share of married-couple families with an employed mother at its lowest, 1994-2010
In 2010, the mother was employed in 65.4 percent of married-couple families with children under the age of 18—a record low for the series. The series began in 1994. The mother was employed in 67.0 percent of families with children maintained by women in which no spouse was present.
Women’s Employment During the Recovery [PDF].
Compensation costs for private industry workers increased 2.0 percent for the 12-month period ending March 2011, compared to the 1.6-percent increase for the 12-month period ending March 2010.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Veteran-Owned Businesses Numbered More Than 2 Million in 2007
In 2007, U.S. military veterans owned 2.4 million businesses, which accounted for 9.0 percent of all businesses nationwide, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. These businesses generated $1.2 trillion in receipts, or about 4.1 percent of all business receipts nationwide, and employed nearly 5.8 million people.
All in all, businesses where veterans were majority owners or half-owners numbered 3.7 million, representing 13.5 percent of all businesses nationwide, accounting for more than $1.6 trillion in receipts and employing 8.2 million people.
The new data come from the Survey of Business Owners (SBO): Veteran-Owned Businesses: 2007, which provides the first-ever detailed information for all veteran-owned businesses in the United States, including number of firms, sales and receipts, number of paid employees and annual payroll. Statistics are also shown for nonveteran-owned businesses, as well as for businesses that are equally owned by both veterans and nonveterans.
Nearly one-third of veteran-owned businesses (32.5 percent) operated in the professional, scientific, and technical services and the construction sectors.
More info HERE.
All in all, businesses where veterans were majority owners or half-owners numbered 3.7 million, representing 13.5 percent of all businesses nationwide, accounting for more than $1.6 trillion in receipts and employing 8.2 million people.
The new data come from the Survey of Business Owners (SBO): Veteran-Owned Businesses: 2007, which provides the first-ever detailed information for all veteran-owned businesses in the United States, including number of firms, sales and receipts, number of paid employees and annual payroll. Statistics are also shown for nonveteran-owned businesses, as well as for businesses that are equally owned by both veterans and nonveterans.
Nearly one-third of veteran-owned businesses (32.5 percent) operated in the professional, scientific, and technical services and the construction sectors.
More info HERE.
State of Cyberethics, Cybersafety and Cybersecurity Curriculum in the U.S.
Source: National Cyber Security Alliance and Microsoft
The 2011 State of K-12 Cyberethics, Cybersafety and Cybersecurity Curriculum in the United States [PDF] is a survey presented by the National Cyber Security Alliance and Microsoft. Building on the NCSA's previous K-12 studies from 2008 and 2010, this year's survey further explores the perceptions and practices of U.S. teachers, school administrators and technology coordinators in regards to cyberethics, cybersafety and cybersecurity education. This year's survey finds that young people still are not receiving adequate training and that teachers are ill-prepared to teach the subjects due, in large part, to lack of professional development.
The 2011 State of K-12 Cyberethics, Cybersafety and Cybersecurity Curriculum in the United States [PDF] is a survey presented by the National Cyber Security Alliance and Microsoft. Building on the NCSA's previous K-12 studies from 2008 and 2010, this year's survey further explores the perceptions and practices of U.S. teachers, school administrators and technology coordinators in regards to cyberethics, cybersafety and cybersecurity education. This year's survey finds that young people still are not receiving adequate training and that teachers are ill-prepared to teach the subjects due, in large part, to lack of professional development.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Census Bureau Wins 7 Awards from NAGC
The U.S. Census Bureau won a total of seven Blue Pencil/Gold Screen awards, including three first place awards, from the National Association of Government Communicators. The awards honor work during the 2010 Census Integrated Communications Campaign as well as other projects and were given for excellence in the following categories: media event, podcast, social media outreach, public service announcement and promotional campaign.
The Census Bureau, with a team of contractors, developed a communications campaign to create awareness and motivation about the 2010 Census. The campaign was multitargeted, multimedia and multilingual using traditional media like TV, radio, print as well as new media. The campaign complemented ongoing communications activities about Census Bureau data.
The Blue Pencil and Gold Screen awards competition salutes superior communications efforts of government agencies and recognizes the people who create them. Blue Pencil Award categories are designed for writing, editing, photography and published products, such as pamphlets, books, newsletters and other related materials. Gold Screen Award categories recognize audiovisual and multimedia products, including broadcast and Internet-based products.
The event “A New Portrait of America, First 2010 Census Results” won first place in the Blue Pencil Award media event category. On Tuesday,
Dec. 21, the nation received the first results from the 2010 Census as a new portrait of America began to take shape. The results included the resident population for the nation and the states, as well as the congressional apportionment totals for each state and were covered by media throughout the country.
The Profile America series won three Gold Screen Awards in the podcast category, including two first place awards. The entire series won a first place award and Profile America for Black History Month also placed first. The podcast “Al DÃa” also won a Gold Screen Award of Excellence. Profile America is a daily, 60-second feature that uses interesting vignettes from key events, observances or commemorations for that day to highlight information collected by the Census Bureau.
Social media use for the 2010 Census was recognized with a Gold Screen Award of Excellence. The Census Bureau used Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube and blogs to engage in a dialogue with the American people, reaching traditionally hard to count groups.
The 2010 Census Greg Biffle entry won second place in the Gold Screen Award public service announcement (PSA) category. The PSA showed the NASCAR star driving his car in a cul-de-sac while encouraging people to mail back their census forms. It utilized a trusted voice to communicate the importance of the 2010 Census and motivated participation among racing fans.
Finally, the Puerto Rico Doors campaign won a Blue Pencil Award of Excellence in the promotional campaign category. The print and out of home ads were developed to encourage participation during the nonresponse follow-up phase and were inspired by the unique antique doors of Puerto Rico.
“The Census Bureau is honored by the recognition it received from NAGC for its integrated communications campaign, which strove to reach everyone in America through a variety of communications techniques,” said Steve Jost, Associate Director for Communications.
In addition to the Blue Pencil and Gold Screen Awards, the 2010 Census communications campaign has received other recognitions. In March, the Advertising Research Foundation awarded the Census Bureau with two David Ogilvy Awards for excellence in advertising research. Last year, Mediaweek, a leading advertising industry trade publication, honored the 2010 Census advertising campaign with the “Best Multicultural Campaign” and “Best Branded Content” awards.
The Census Bureau, with a team of contractors, developed a communications campaign to create awareness and motivation about the 2010 Census. The campaign was multitargeted, multimedia and multilingual using traditional media like TV, radio, print as well as new media. The campaign complemented ongoing communications activities about Census Bureau data.
The Blue Pencil and Gold Screen awards competition salutes superior communications efforts of government agencies and recognizes the people who create them. Blue Pencil Award categories are designed for writing, editing, photography and published products, such as pamphlets, books, newsletters and other related materials. Gold Screen Award categories recognize audiovisual and multimedia products, including broadcast and Internet-based products.
The event “A New Portrait of America, First 2010 Census Results” won first place in the Blue Pencil Award media event category. On Tuesday,
Dec. 21, the nation received the first results from the 2010 Census as a new portrait of America began to take shape. The results included the resident population for the nation and the states, as well as the congressional apportionment totals for each state and were covered by media throughout the country.
The Profile America series won three Gold Screen Awards in the podcast category, including two first place awards. The entire series won a first place award and Profile America for Black History Month also placed first. The podcast “Al DÃa” also won a Gold Screen Award of Excellence. Profile America is a daily, 60-second feature that uses interesting vignettes from key events, observances or commemorations for that day to highlight information collected by the Census Bureau.
Social media use for the 2010 Census was recognized with a Gold Screen Award of Excellence. The Census Bureau used Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube and blogs to engage in a dialogue with the American people, reaching traditionally hard to count groups.
The 2010 Census Greg Biffle entry won second place in the Gold Screen Award public service announcement (PSA) category. The PSA showed the NASCAR star driving his car in a cul-de-sac while encouraging people to mail back their census forms. It utilized a trusted voice to communicate the importance of the 2010 Census and motivated participation among racing fans.
Finally, the Puerto Rico Doors campaign won a Blue Pencil Award of Excellence in the promotional campaign category. The print and out of home ads were developed to encourage participation during the nonresponse follow-up phase and were inspired by the unique antique doors of Puerto Rico.
“The Census Bureau is honored by the recognition it received from NAGC for its integrated communications campaign, which strove to reach everyone in America through a variety of communications techniques,” said Steve Jost, Associate Director for Communications.
In addition to the Blue Pencil and Gold Screen Awards, the 2010 Census communications campaign has received other recognitions. In March, the Advertising Research Foundation awarded the Census Bureau with two David Ogilvy Awards for excellence in advertising research. Last year, Mediaweek, a leading advertising industry trade publication, honored the 2010 Census advertising campaign with the “Best Multicultural Campaign” and “Best Branded Content” awards.
Food CPI and State Fact Sheets
From the Department of Agriculture
Food CPI and Expenditures – CPI for Food Forecasts
State fact sheets provide information on population, income, education, employment, federal funds, organic agriculture, farm characteristics, farm financial indicators, top commodities, and exports, for each State in the United States. Links to county-level data are included when available.
Food CPI and Expenditures – CPI for Food Forecasts
State fact sheets provide information on population, income, education, employment, federal funds, organic agriculture, farm characteristics, farm financial indicators, top commodities, and exports, for each State in the United States. Links to county-level data are included when available.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Public School Student Enrollment, Graduates and Dropouts
Public Elementary and Secondary School Student Enrollment and Staff From the Common Core of Data: School Year 2009-10
This First Look presents national and state level data on student enrollment by grade and by race/ethnicity within grade, the numbers of teachers and other education staff, and several student/staff ratios for the 2009-10 school year.
Public School Graduates and Dropouts from the Common Core of Data: School Year 2008–09
This report presents findings associated with public high school graduation and event dropout counts for the 2008–09 school year. These data were collected as part of the Common Core of Data Survey Collection, a universe collection of public schools operating in the United States and associated other jurisdictions.
This First Look presents national and state level data on student enrollment by grade and by race/ethnicity within grade, the numbers of teachers and other education staff, and several student/staff ratios for the 2009-10 school year.
Public School Graduates and Dropouts from the Common Core of Data: School Year 2008–09
This report presents findings associated with public high school graduation and event dropout counts for the 2008–09 school year. These data were collected as part of the Common Core of Data Survey Collection, a universe collection of public schools operating in the United States and associated other jurisdictions.
Tornado Watches and Warnings
Serious storms have occurred--or are occurring--in several states across the U.S. Follow reports from the National Weather Service to track storms in your area.
Learn more about what to do before, during, and after a tornado:
How to Prepare for a Tornado -- Learn about preparing a disaster supply kit, creating a plan, and knowing the signs of an approaching tornado (dark, greenish sky; large hail; low-lying and rotating cloud; and a loud roar, like a freight train).
What to Do During a Tornado -- Depending on whether you are in a building, outdoors, or in a vehicle when a tornado strikes, find out what to do.
What to Do After a Tornado -- Get tips on what to do in a potentially unsafe area following a tornado and learn about federal assistance.
Learn more about what to do before, during, and after a tornado:
How to Prepare for a Tornado -- Learn about preparing a disaster supply kit, creating a plan, and knowing the signs of an approaching tornado (dark, greenish sky; large hail; low-lying and rotating cloud; and a loud roar, like a freight train).
What to Do During a Tornado -- Depending on whether you are in a building, outdoors, or in a vehicle when a tornado strikes, find out what to do.
What to Do After a Tornado -- Get tips on what to do in a potentially unsafe area following a tornado and learn about federal assistance.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Major Depressive Episode and Treatment among Adolescents: 2009
From the Department of Health & Human Services
An estimated 2 million adolescents, or 8.1 percent of the population aged 12 to 17, had major depressive episode (MDE) in the past year. Rates of past year MDE increased between the ages of 12 and 15 (from 3.6 to 10.4 percent), and females aged 12 to 17 were over twice as likely as their male counterparts to have had past year MDE (11.7 vs. 4.7 percent). Adolescents who had past year MDE were 3 times as likely as those without past year MDE to have had a substance use disorder in the past year (18.9 vs. 6.0 percent).
An estimated 2 million adolescents, or 8.1 percent of the population aged 12 to 17, had major depressive episode (MDE) in the past year. Rates of past year MDE increased between the ages of 12 and 15 (from 3.6 to 10.4 percent), and females aged 12 to 17 were over twice as likely as their male counterparts to have had past year MDE (11.7 vs. 4.7 percent). Adolescents who had past year MDE were 3 times as likely as those without past year MDE to have had a substance use disorder in the past year (18.9 vs. 6.0 percent).
ACE Electoral Knowledge Network
The ACE Electoral Knowledge Network is a "portal to the world of elections. The ACE network promotes credible, and transparent electoral processes with emphasis on sustainability, professionalism and trust in the electoral process. ACE offers a wide range of services related to electoral knowledge, assistance and capacity development. The network comprises of a global, thematic component (the ACE Practitioners' Network) and a regional component (the ACE Regional Electoral Resource Centres).
"The ACE website is an online knowledge repository that provides comprehensive information and customised advice on electoral processes. The website contains in-depth articles, global statistics and data, an Encyclopaedia of Elections, information on electoral assistance, observation and professional development, region- and country-specific resources, daily electoral news, an election calendar, quizzes, expert networks and much, much more. The ACE website is freely accessible to all and the number of visitors is constantly growing - as of January 2011 the website has more than 1,5 million unique visitors per year."
"The ACE website is an online knowledge repository that provides comprehensive information and customised advice on electoral processes. The website contains in-depth articles, global statistics and data, an Encyclopaedia of Elections, information on electoral assistance, observation and professional development, region- and country-specific resources, daily electoral news, an election calendar, quizzes, expert networks and much, much more. The ACE website is freely accessible to all and the number of visitors is constantly growing - as of January 2011 the website has more than 1,5 million unique visitors per year."
Friday, May 13, 2011
PAD website updated with new Census 2010 data
The Demographic Profiles have been released for New York. Cornell's Program on Applied Demographics web site is updated and contains some of that data.
The main page for Census 2010 data.
There is also a report [PDF] describing the changed age composition in NY and comparing it between economic regions.
***
The Census Bureau release info.
The main page for Census 2010 data.
There is also a report [PDF] describing the changed age composition in NY and comparing it between economic regions.
***
The Census Bureau release info.
Independent Redistricting in Monroe County: A CGR Experiment
The Center for Government Research assumed the role of an independent redistricting commission and created a new map of Monroe County legislative districts based on the 2010 Census population counts. The maps were created with political blinders in place – no data on party enrollment of voters was used. Yet the maps preserved the 16-13 advantage for Republicans by creating 16 Republican-leaning districts. Find out why and browse a scalable map.
April 2011 New York-New Jersey CPI Data Summary
From the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Consumer Price Index Data Summary for April 2011 is now available. Please refer questions to BLSInfoNY@bls.gov.
Characteristics of Suspected Human Trafficking Incidents, 2008-2010
Bureau of Justice Statistics
Describes the characteristics of human trafficking investigations, suspects, and victims in cases opened by federally funded task forces between January 2008 and June 2010. This report provides information about investigations, persons involved in suspected and confirmed incidents of human trafficking, and case outcomes. Data are from the Human Trafficking Reporting System (HTRS), which was created in response to a congressional mandate in the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005 for biennial reporting on the scope and characteristics of human trafficking. HTRS is currently the only system that captures information on human trafficking investigations conducted by state and local law enforcement agencies in the United States. The report also describes HTRS data collection procedures and data quality issues.
Describes the characteristics of human trafficking investigations, suspects, and victims in cases opened by federally funded task forces between January 2008 and June 2010. This report provides information about investigations, persons involved in suspected and confirmed incidents of human trafficking, and case outcomes. Data are from the Human Trafficking Reporting System (HTRS), which was created in response to a congressional mandate in the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005 for biennial reporting on the scope and characteristics of human trafficking. HTRS is currently the only system that captures information on human trafficking investigations conducted by state and local law enforcement agencies in the United States. The report also describes HTRS data collection procedures and data quality issues.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Medical Expenditure Panel Survey
From the Department of Health & Human Services:
This public use data file contains jobs-level data from the 2009 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Household Component (MEPS-HC). Released as an ASCII file with SAS and SPSS programming statements and in SAS transport format, this public use file provides information collected on a nationally representative sample of the civilian noninstitutionalized population of the United States during the calendar year 2009. The file contains job-level information collected in Rounds 3-5 for the thirteenth Panel and Rounds 1-3 for the fourteenth Panel of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (i.e., the rounds for the MEPS panels covering calendar year 2009); it includes variables pertaining to household-reported jobs, including wages, hours, industry, and occupation.
This public use data file contains jobs-level data from the 2009 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Household Component (MEPS-HC). Released as an ASCII file with SAS and SPSS programming statements and in SAS transport format, this public use file provides information collected on a nationally representative sample of the civilian noninstitutionalized population of the United States during the calendar year 2009. The file contains job-level information collected in Rounds 3-5 for the thirteenth Panel and Rounds 1-3 for the fourteenth Panel of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (i.e., the rounds for the MEPS panels covering calendar year 2009); it includes variables pertaining to household-reported jobs, including wages, hours, industry, and occupation.
Missed Opportunity: Transit and Jobs in Metropolitan America
From Brookings
Public transit is a critical part of the economic and social fabric of metropolitan areas. Nearly 30 million trips are made every day using public transit. Almost all of these trips occur in the nation’s 100 largest metro areas, which account for over 95 percent of all transit passenger miles traveled. People take transit for any number of reasons, but one of the most common is to get to work.
However, when it comes to the question of how effectively transit connects people and jobs within and across these metropolitan areas, strikingly little is known. With governments at all levels considering deep budget cuts, it is increasingly important to understand not just the location and frequency of transit service, but ultimately how well transit aligns with where people work and live. To better understand these issues, the Metropolitan Policy Program developed a comprehensive database that provides the first comparable, detailed look at transit coverage and connectivity across and within the nation’s major metro areas.
From the Times Union article re the topic, No charm, but effective: A new study ranks Capital Region's transport system 29th in the nation in connecting people to their jobs:
A Brookings Institution report gives the Capital Region a relatively strong ranking for access to public transportation, when measured against the nation's 100 largest metropolitan areas. Here's how the region compares to nearby areas in two key measurements.
Area/% of jobs within Overall 45 min. of home/Average wait rank
Capital Region 10.8% 14.3 minutes 29
New York City 9.8% 4.5 minutes 13
Syracuse 12.3% 17.4 minutes 30
Springfield, Mass. 7.6% 21.1 minutes 44
Poughkeepsie 2.8% 51 minutes 100
Public transit is a critical part of the economic and social fabric of metropolitan areas. Nearly 30 million trips are made every day using public transit. Almost all of these trips occur in the nation’s 100 largest metro areas, which account for over 95 percent of all transit passenger miles traveled. People take transit for any number of reasons, but one of the most common is to get to work.
However, when it comes to the question of how effectively transit connects people and jobs within and across these metropolitan areas, strikingly little is known. With governments at all levels considering deep budget cuts, it is increasingly important to understand not just the location and frequency of transit service, but ultimately how well transit aligns with where people work and live. To better understand these issues, the Metropolitan Policy Program developed a comprehensive database that provides the first comparable, detailed look at transit coverage and connectivity across and within the nation’s major metro areas.
From the Times Union article re the topic, No charm, but effective: A new study ranks Capital Region's transport system 29th in the nation in connecting people to their jobs:
A Brookings Institution report gives the Capital Region a relatively strong ranking for access to public transportation, when measured against the nation's 100 largest metropolitan areas. Here's how the region compares to nearby areas in two key measurements.
Area/% of jobs within Overall 45 min. of home/Average wait rank
Capital Region 10.8% 14.3 minutes 29
New York City 9.8% 4.5 minutes 13
Syracuse 12.3% 17.4 minutes 30
Springfield, Mass. 7.6% 21.1 minutes 44
Poughkeepsie 2.8% 51 minutes 100
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
A Snapshot of Arts Education; National Report Card on Civics
From the National Center for Education Statistics
A Snapshot of Arts Education in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools: 2009–10
This first look report presents selected findings from a congressionally mandated study on arts education in public K–12 schools. The data were collected through seven Fast Response Survey System (FRSS) surveys during the 2009-10 school year. This report provides national data about arts education for public elementary and secondary schools, elementary classroom teachers, and elementary and secondary music and visual arts specialists. A later report will present findings on a broader set of indicators on the status of arts education in 2009–10 and comparisons with data from the 1999–2000 study where applicable.
The Nation’s Report Card – Civics 2010 [PDF]
Nationally representative samples of about 7,100 fourth-graders, 9,600 eighth-graders, and 9,900 twelfth-graders participated in the 2010 National Assessment of EducationalProgress (NAEP) in civics. At each grade, students responded to questions designed to measure the civics knowledge and skills that are critical to the responsibilities of citizenship in America’s constitutional democracy. Comparing the results from the 2010 assessment to results from two previous assessment years shows how students’ knowledge and skills in civics have progressed over time.
A Snapshot of Arts Education in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools: 2009–10
This first look report presents selected findings from a congressionally mandated study on arts education in public K–12 schools. The data were collected through seven Fast Response Survey System (FRSS) surveys during the 2009-10 school year. This report provides national data about arts education for public elementary and secondary schools, elementary classroom teachers, and elementary and secondary music and visual arts specialists. A later report will present findings on a broader set of indicators on the status of arts education in 2009–10 and comparisons with data from the 1999–2000 study where applicable.
The Nation’s Report Card – Civics 2010 [PDF]
Nationally representative samples of about 7,100 fourth-graders, 9,600 eighth-graders, and 9,900 twelfth-graders participated in the 2010 National Assessment of EducationalProgress (NAEP) in civics. At each grade, students responded to questions designed to measure the civics knowledge and skills that are critical to the responsibilities of citizenship in America’s constitutional democracy. Comparing the results from the 2010 assessment to results from two previous assessment years shows how students’ knowledge and skills in civics have progressed over time.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
2010 Census Demographic Profiles and Interactive Map for More States
Last week, the U.S. Census Bureau released the Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 for the District of Columbia, Florida, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia. The demographic profiles provide 2010 Census data on age and sex distributions, race, Hispanic or Latino origin, household relationship and type, the group quarters population, and housing occupancy and tenure (whether the housing occupant owns or rents). Throughout May, these profiles are being released on a rolling basis for all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Centers of Population presentation May 11
Each decade, after it tabulates the decennial census, the Census Bureau calculates the center of population. The center is determined as the place where an imaginary, flat, weightless and rigid map of the United States would balance perfectly if all residents were of identical weight.
Please join the US Census Bureau for a live UStream event discussing the new Centers of Population at 11 AM EDT on Wednesday, May 11. The event will feature Theodore Sickley, Geographer at the US Census Bureau. Ted will be taking questions from the public live during the event on Facebook and Twitter.
To view the UStream event broadcast, please visit Facebook or UStream.
You can watch the Center of Population move across the country and learn more about what historical factors contributed to this movement, on the Census Bureau's interactive map.
Learn more about the data release on the United States Center of Population.
Please join the US Census Bureau for a live UStream event discussing the new Centers of Population at 11 AM EDT on Wednesday, May 11. The event will feature Theodore Sickley, Geographer at the US Census Bureau. Ted will be taking questions from the public live during the event on Facebook and Twitter.
To view the UStream event broadcast, please visit Facebook or UStream.
You can watch the Center of Population move across the country and learn more about what historical factors contributed to this movement, on the Census Bureau's interactive map.
Learn more about the data release on the United States Center of Population.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Robert Scardamalia: The Impact of an Aging Society | April 13, 2011
At this public policy forum co-sponsored by the Rockefeller Institute and the Albany Guardian Society, demographer Robert Scardamalia discussed current and future trends in the aging of New York's population, especially upstate New York and the Capital Region. He followed Richard Jackson of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, who presented his Global Aging Preparedness Index.
Relationship between poverty and education - statistics
University of Wisconsin's Institute for Research on Poverty
NCES - use keyword of income
The Census Bureau has a whole section of data on poverty
NCES - use keyword of income
The Census Bureau has a whole section of data on poverty
Saturday, May 7, 2011
2010 Digest & Mini-Digest of Education Statistics
Digest of Education Statistics, 2010
The 46th in a series of publications initiated in 1962, the Digest's primary purpose is to provide a compilation of statistical information covering the broad field of American education from prekindergarten through graduate school. The Digest contains data on a variety of topics, including the number of schools and colleges, teachers, enrollments, and graduates, in addition to educational attainment, finances, and federal funds for education, libraries, and international comparisons.
Mini-Digest of Education Statistics, 2010
This publication is a pocket-sized compilation of statistical information covering the broad field of American education from kindergarten through graduate school. The statistical highlights are excerpts from the Digest of Education of Statistics, 2010.
The 46th in a series of publications initiated in 1962, the Digest's primary purpose is to provide a compilation of statistical information covering the broad field of American education from prekindergarten through graduate school. The Digest contains data on a variety of topics, including the number of schools and colleges, teachers, enrollments, and graduates, in addition to educational attainment, finances, and federal funds for education, libraries, and international comparisons.
Mini-Digest of Education Statistics, 2010
This publication is a pocket-sized compilation of statistical information covering the broad field of American education from kindergarten through graduate school. The statistical highlights are excerpts from the Digest of Education of Statistics, 2010.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Rising Gas Prices + Rising Transit Ridership = Cut Transit Funding
Unfortunately for those turning to public transportation for a reprieve [from high gas prices], they’re most likely experiencing a system that has been cut to the bone in the past 18 months as lawmakers in D.C. stood by. Not only did the 111th Congress fail to pass the Public Transportation Preservation Act of 2010, which would have provided emergency federal funds to restore and maintain transit service across the country, the 112th Congress has recently slashed transit funding as a way to curb federal spending. More could be on the way.
More from the New York State Transportation Equity Alliance (NYSTEA) blog.
More from the New York State Transportation Equity Alliance (NYSTEA) blog.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Research Your Genealogy
Do you have an interest in tracing your family history? If so, check out some genealogy resources to help you start your research, including:
Immigration Records -- Review ship passenger arrival records dating from 1820 to 1982.
Land Records -- Find records that document the transfer of public land from the U.S. government to private ownership.
State Archives and Historical Societies -- Get contact information for archives and historical societies in your state.
Immigration Records -- Review ship passenger arrival records dating from 1820 to 1982.
Land Records -- Find records that document the transfer of public land from the U.S. government to private ownership.
State Archives and Historical Societies -- Get contact information for archives and historical societies in your state.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
National Center for Education Statistics data
Numbers and Types of Public Elementary and Secondary Schools From the Common Core of Data: School Year 2009-10 - First Look
Description: This report presents findings on the numbers and types of public elementary and secondary schools in the United States and the territories in the 2009-10 school year, using data from the Public Elementary/Secondary School Universe Survey of the Common Core of Data (CCD) survey system.
Postsecondary Awards in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) by State: 2001 and 2009
Description: These tables provide state-level information on the conferring of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) awards (degrees and certificates) from academic years 2000–01 and 2008–09, both overall and by field.
Description: This report presents findings on the numbers and types of public elementary and secondary schools in the United States and the territories in the 2009-10 school year, using data from the Public Elementary/Secondary School Universe Survey of the Common Core of Data (CCD) survey system.
Postsecondary Awards in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) by State: 2001 and 2009
Description: These tables provide state-level information on the conferring of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) awards (degrees and certificates) from academic years 2000–01 and 2008–09, both overall and by field.
Monday, May 2, 2011
The Latino Electorate in 2010
More than 6.6 million Latinos voted in last year's election—a record for a midterm—according to an analysis of new Census Bureau data by the Pew Hispanic Center, a project of the Pew Research Center. Latinos also were a larger share of the electorate in 2010 than in any previous midterm election, representing 6.9% of all voters, up from 5.8% in 2006...
However, even though more Latinos than ever are participating in the nation's elections, their representation among the electorate remains below their representation in the general population. In 2010, 16.3% of the nation's population was Latino, but only 10.1% of eligible voters and fewer than 7% of voters were Latino.
More HERE from the Pew Hispanic Center.
However, even though more Latinos than ever are participating in the nation's elections, their representation among the electorate remains below their representation in the general population. In 2010, 16.3% of the nation's population was Latino, but only 10.1% of eligible voters and fewer than 7% of voters were Latino.
More HERE from the Pew Hispanic Center.
Advance GDP by Industry Statistics for 2010
Durable-goods manufacturing and retail trade were among the leading contributors to the upturn in U.S. economic growth in 2010, according to preliminary statistics on the breakout of real gross domestic product (GDP) by industry from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The economic recovery was widespread: 20 of 22 industry groups contributed to real GDP growth.
MORE HERE.
MORE HERE.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Consumer Price Index
Of course, looking for the Consumer Price Index Index, one would look at bls.gov/cpi, which has the CPI for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) in the U.S.
But someone on a listserv also suggested USDA.gov, and use the advanced search for, e.g., cheese cpi or milk cpi; not as systematic, but interesting.
But someone on a listserv also suggested USDA.gov, and use the advanced search for, e.g., cheese cpi or milk cpi; not as systematic, but interesting.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
First Glimpse at Medical Error Rates Separates the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Between Oct. 1, 2008 and June 30, 2010, Medicare patients at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Yonkers, N.Y., suffered thirteen instances of severe bed sores during their stay requiring additional treatment, a rate of nearly 2.9 per 1,000 treated. At St. John’s Riverside Hospital, three miles down Broadway from St. Joseph’s, the rate was 20 times lower: only one severe bed sore was reported, even though St. John's discharged far more Medicare patients during that period -- 8,270 to St. Joseph's 4,541.
Over the protests of groups like the American Hospital Association, Medicare officials this month publicly revealed for the first time where harmful events like these took place. In addition to bed sores, the data includes information on trauma and falls, infections and the egregious errors known as "never events," such as patients being given the wrong blood type, or foreign objects being left in the body after surgery.
As many as 98,000 Americans are thought to die annually from medical errors, and about as many succumb to infections they picked up during a hospital stay, according to oft-cited figures released a decade ago, but new research published last week suggests that "adverse events" like these occur about 10 times as frequently as previously thought, in about a third of all hospital stays.
MORE HERE.
Over the protests of groups like the American Hospital Association, Medicare officials this month publicly revealed for the first time where harmful events like these took place. In addition to bed sores, the data includes information on trauma and falls, infections and the egregious errors known as "never events," such as patients being given the wrong blood type, or foreign objects being left in the body after surgery.
As many as 98,000 Americans are thought to die annually from medical errors, and about as many succumb to infections they picked up during a hospital stay, according to oft-cited figures released a decade ago, but new research published last week suggests that "adverse events" like these occur about 10 times as frequently as previously thought, in about a third of all hospital stays.
MORE HERE.
America’s High School Graduates: Results of the 2009 NAEP High School Transcript Study
This report presents information about the types of courses 2009 high school graduates took during high school, how many credits they earned, and the grades they received. Information on the relationships between high school records and performance in mathematics and science on the twelfth-grade National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is also included. Transcripts were collected from a nationally representative sample of 37,700 high school graduates. The 2009 results are compared to the results of earlier transcript studies, and differences among graduates by race/ethnicity, gender, and other demographic characteristics are examined. In addition, the report takes a closer look at science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) coursetaking, ways in which graduates may earn more credits, and the coursetaking patterns of students with disabilities and English language learners.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Pipelines
The Office of Pipeline Safety is the Federal safety authority for ensuring the safe, reliable, and environmentally sound operation of the Nation's pipeline transportation system.
The National Pipeline Mapping System provides very limited access to information about pipelines. You can only view one county at a time, and I've found it sluggish, to say the least.
The National Pipeline Mapping System provides very limited access to information about pipelines. You can only view one county at a time, and I've found it sluggish, to say the least.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
List of best cities to get high
The online magazine The Daily Beast ranked...America's Pot-Smoking Capitals. The results were based on drug-usage surveys [from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration], arrest data and an [admittedly subjective] assessment of "local pot culture."
New York cities include: Albany (7), Manhattan - which is part of a city (8), Ithaca (22), Binghamton (27), Buffalo (28), Newburgh (33), Watertown (34), and Syracuse (36).
Read more in the (albany) Times Union HERE.
New York cities include: Albany (7), Manhattan - which is part of a city (8), Ithaca (22), Binghamton (27), Buffalo (28), Newburgh (33), Watertown (34), and Syracuse (36).
Read more in the (albany) Times Union HERE.
Sales tax on food in New York State
Inspired by the front page story in today's Albany Times Union, Food ready to eat on a plate? It's taxable
In New York State:
Food Item is///Tax Exempt if///Taxable if
Cold cuts///sliced and sold by weight///arranged on food platter
Pizza///frozen, refrigerated, unheated///heated
Hot dog///refrigerated (packaged)///served on a bun or heated
Fish///sold unheated///heated or served in a sandwich
Bread///sold by the loaf (whole or sliced)///served with a bowl of soup
Bananas///sold whole, individually or by the bunch///peeled or sliced as part of a fruit platter
Bagel///sold by quantity (whole or sliced)///toasted, buttered, or with cream cheese
Salad mix///packaged in bag///from a self-serve salad bar or prepared and arranged on a plate
Ice cream///sold in a container by weight (including hand-packed pints, quarts, etc.)///made-to-order cone or sundae
Macaroni salad///packaged and sold by weight///served with a sandwich, served in a tray as a side dish or on a plate, or from a self-serve salad bar
Chicken wings///sold unheated///sold heated
More fun explanations of the New York State sales tax law re food sold by food stores.
for food retailers.
for specific products and services.
In New York State:
Food Item is///Tax Exempt if///Taxable if
Cold cuts///sliced and sold by weight///arranged on food platter
Pizza///frozen, refrigerated, unheated///heated
Hot dog///refrigerated (packaged)///served on a bun or heated
Fish///sold unheated///heated or served in a sandwich
Bread///sold by the loaf (whole or sliced)///served with a bowl of soup
Bananas///sold whole, individually or by the bunch///peeled or sliced as part of a fruit platter
Bagel///sold by quantity (whole or sliced)///toasted, buttered, or with cream cheese
Salad mix///packaged in bag///from a self-serve salad bar or prepared and arranged on a plate
Ice cream///sold in a container by weight (including hand-packed pints, quarts, etc.)///made-to-order cone or sundae
Macaroni salad///packaged and sold by weight///served with a sandwich, served in a tray as a side dish or on a plate, or from a self-serve salad bar
Chicken wings///sold unheated///sold heated
More fun explanations of the New York State sales tax law re food sold by food stores.
for food retailers.
for specific products and services.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
What Congress Would Look Like If It Really Represented America
From http://www.good.is/
America is getting more and more diverse — for instance, our Hispanic population grew by 43 percent in the past decade alone — but you'd never be able to tell it by looking at our Congress. Here's what the House and Senate look like today, and what they would look like if they were demographically representative of our nation.
One thing not noted on this infographic is that, besides being nothing like America in terms of race, sex, or religion, our senators and representatives are also wholly different from most Americans in terms of wealth.
America is getting more and more diverse — for instance, our Hispanic population grew by 43 percent in the past decade alone — but you'd never be able to tell it by looking at our Congress. Here's what the House and Senate look like today, and what they would look like if they were demographically representative of our nation.
One thing not noted on this infographic is that, besides being nothing like America in terms of race, sex, or religion, our senators and representatives are also wholly different from most Americans in terms of wealth.
More Working Women Than Men Have College Degrees
New Census Bureau Data Provide Most Detailed Look Ever at Years of School Completed
Among the employed population 25 and older, 37 percent of women had attained a bachelor's degree or more as of 2010, compared with 35 percent of men, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau. In contrast, among all adults 25 and older, 29.6 percent of women and 30.3 percent of men had at least a bachelor's degree.
The data come from tabulations on Educational Attainment in the United States: 2010 and not only examine gender differences in attainment but also provide the most detailed information on years of school completed ever presented by the Census Bureau, showing for each level of attainment exactly how many years of education adults have.
Among the employed population 25 and older, 37 percent of women had attained a bachelor's degree or more as of 2010, compared with 35 percent of men, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau. In contrast, among all adults 25 and older, 29.6 percent of women and 30.3 percent of men had at least a bachelor's degree.
The data come from tabulations on Educational Attainment in the United States: 2010 and not only examine gender differences in attainment but also provide the most detailed information on years of school completed ever presented by the Census Bureau, showing for each level of attainment exactly how many years of education adults have.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Results From the Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study of 2004/09
Data presented in these tables come from the 2004/09 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:04/09), a study that followed first-time, beginning postsecondary students through their postsecondary education for a period of six years. These Web Tables disaggregate these students’ persistence and attainment outcomes by their participation in the Pell Grant program. Additional detail is provided by students' initial degree program, dependency status, and income quartile.
States see tax gains; local governments feel recession's pain
States' tax revenues finished strong in 2010 and show solid gains through the early part of 2011, continuing a trend toward gradual fiscal recovery, according to the Rockefeller Institute's latest State Revenue Report.
State tax revenues grew by 7.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2010, compared to the fourth quarter of 2009, according to Rockefeller Institute research and Census Bureau data. This is the fourth consecutive quarter that states reported growth in collections on a year-over-year basis. Forty-two states reported tax revenue growth
during the fourth quarter, with nine showing double-digit growth. Preliminary figures for January and February 2011 indicate further strength in state tax revenues this year. Overall collections in 45 early-reporting states showed growth of 9.5 percent compared to the same months of 2010, and 7.5 percent compared to the same months of 2009.
Local tax revenues, however, have experienced the reverse trend. Tax collections by local governments declined by 2.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2010, mostly driven by declines in property tax collections. This is the result in part of the lagged impact of falling housing prices on property tax collections. Such a lag in the recession's impact on local government coffers is somewhat typical, say report authors Lucy Dadayan and Donald J. Boyd.
To read the full report, visit the Institute's Web site.
> .
State tax revenues grew by 7.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2010, compared to the fourth quarter of 2009, according to Rockefeller Institute research and Census Bureau data. This is the fourth consecutive quarter that states reported growth in collections on a year-over-year basis. Forty-two states reported tax revenue growth
during the fourth quarter, with nine showing double-digit growth. Preliminary figures for January and February 2011 indicate further strength in state tax revenues this year. Overall collections in 45 early-reporting states showed growth of 9.5 percent compared to the same months of 2010, and 7.5 percent compared to the same months of 2009.
Local tax revenues, however, have experienced the reverse trend. Tax collections by local governments declined by 2.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2010, mostly driven by declines in property tax collections. This is the result in part of the lagged impact of falling housing prices on property tax collections. Such a lag in the recession's impact on local government coffers is somewhat typical, say report authors Lucy Dadayan and Donald J. Boyd.
To read the full report, visit the Institute's Web site.
> .
NACHA - fraudulent email warning
The Electronic Payments Association has recently issued on their website a warning that fraudulent emails are being sent out in their name. Our office has been getting a bunch of these lately (I had three in my in-box this morning).
It goes without saying, *don’t* open the .exe file that is embedded in the email. Clearly, they’re phishing.
This, BTW, is a variation of a problem that's been going on for nearly a month.
More from NACHA (a legitimate organization).
It goes without saying, *don’t* open the .exe file that is embedded in the email. Clearly, they’re phishing.
This, BTW, is a variation of a problem that's been going on for nearly a month.
More from NACHA (a legitimate organization).
Other Sources of Census Data
From the Pew Research Center:
Many State Data Centers (here is a map with links to all of them) have repackaged census data for their localities in simple-to-use tables. In Alaska, the look-up includes Alaska native villages and tribal areas as well as cities, boroughs and other units of geography. California offers detailed data and some numbers from earlier years. Colorado offers rankings as well as data. Connecticut offers a color-coded map of population change and Indiana has population maps by school district and other geographies. Pennsylvania has detailed group quarters numbers for each of its counties.
Also take a look at the “Sites & Sources” section in the right-hand column. This very blog is linked! Way cool.
Many State Data Centers (here is a map with links to all of them) have repackaged census data for their localities in simple-to-use tables. In Alaska, the look-up includes Alaska native villages and tribal areas as well as cities, boroughs and other units of geography. California offers detailed data and some numbers from earlier years. Colorado offers rankings as well as data. Connecticut offers a color-coded map of population change and Indiana has population maps by school district and other geographies. Pennsylvania has detailed group quarters numbers for each of its counties.
Also take a look at the “Sites & Sources” section in the right-hand column. This very blog is linked! Way cool.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Per-Capita Personal Income by State: 2000-2010
The links on this page include provisional per-capita income figures for each state along with rates of change, rankings, adjustments for inflation, and provisional estimates of intercensal population. These figures were produced by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget based on personal income and inflation statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and population statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
2010 Census Advance Group Quarters Summary File
The Census Bureau, in response to federal and state officials as well as other data users, is providing an early version of table P42 from the 2010 Census Summary File 1, showing population counts for seven types of group quarters. The institutionalized group quarters categories include correctional facilities for adults, juvenile facilities, nursing facilities/skilled-nursing facilities and other institutional facilities; while the noninstitutionalized group quarters categories include college/university student housing, military quarters and other noninstitutional facilities. Data are shown for states, counties, census tracts and blocks. This early release will be useful to data users in the redistricting community who must follow state legislation regarding group quarters populations in redrawing boundaries. This table will only be available via the FTP site and is identical to table P42 in Summary File 1 to be released this summer. At that time, characteristics of the group quarters population will also be available. More information about the definitions of the group quarters types and how to use the summary file can be found in the documentation accompanying the data on the FTP site and HERE. More information about census redistricting data..
January 2011 Airline System Traffic Up 2.2 Percent from January 2010
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported that U.S. airlines carried 53.7 million scheduled domestic and international passengers in January 2011. This is a 2.2 percent increase from January 2010. The January 2011 passenger total was 3.7 percent above that of two years ago in January 2009 but still remained 6.9 percent below the early recession level of 57.7 million in January 2008.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
2008 Immigration/Emigration Supplement Data
These data focus on five migration-related topics - citizenship, year of entry, residence one year ago, residents and emigrants abroad and monetary transfers. The monetary transfers section, in particular, is noteworthy because it represents the first time questions on both the giving and receiving of these transfers were included on a large, federally sponsored, nationally representative survey in the United States. This supplement to the Current Population Survey was fielded in August 2008. The purpose was to provide additional data to improve the statistics on the size and characteristics of the foreign-born population in the United States. These microdata can be downloaded from the Census Bureau website.
Jail Inmates at Midyear 2010
Presents data on numbers of jails as well as analyzes patterns of growth and decline in jail populations. These statistical tables include data on rated capacity of jails, percent of capacity occupied, and capacity added. They provide estimates of admissions to jails and detail the volume of movement among the jail population. This web document also includes total numbers for jail inmates by sex, race, and Hispanic origin. Standard errors for jail estimates are included.
Highlights include the following:
Between midyear 2009 and midyear 2010, the confined inmate population in county and city jails (748,728) declined by 2.4% (18,706 inmates).
On June 30, 2010, adults represented 99% of all jail inmates. Males accounted for 87.7%, and females accounted for 12.3%.
The estimated rated capacity for all jail jurisdictions at midyear 2010 reached 866,974 beds, an increase of 2.0% (17,079 beds) from midyear 2009.
Highlights include the following:
Between midyear 2009 and midyear 2010, the confined inmate population in county and city jails (748,728) declined by 2.4% (18,706 inmates).
On June 30, 2010, adults represented 99% of all jail inmates. Males accounted for 87.7%, and females accounted for 12.3%.
The estimated rated capacity for all jail jurisdictions at midyear 2010 reached 866,974 beds, an increase of 2.0% (17,079 beds) from midyear 2009.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Local Area Personal Income, 2009
The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released estimates of personal income at the county level for 2009. Among large counties (those with a population of more than 250,000) the change in personal income from 2008 to 2009 ranged from an 8.1 percent decline (in Oakland County, Michigan) to a 4.2 percent gain (in Loudoun County, Virginia). Growth slowed in all but one of the nation’s 255 large counties. For the nation, personal income fell 1.7 percent in 2009 after growing 4.0 percent in 2008.
In Case of Emergency: New Data on Medical Benefits
Most medical insurance plans provide coverage for emergency care, including visits to emergency rooms and transportation by ambulance, according to a recent study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics based on the National Compensation Survey (NCS). The study also found that emergency care coverage was subject to a variety of limits, including copayments and deductibles.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Summary Estimates for Multinational Companies
Employment, Sales, and Capital Expenditures for 2009
U.S. multinational companies: U.S. and foreign operations
Worldwide employment by U.S. multinational companies (MNCs) decreased 4.1 percent in 2009, to 31.3 million workers, with decreases in both the United States and abroad. Employment in the United States by U.S. parent companies decreased 5.3 percent, to 21.1 million workers, which mirrored the percent change in total private-industry employment in the United States. The employment by U.S. parents accounted for almost one-fifth of total U.S. employment in private industries. Abroad, employment by the majority-owned foreign affiliates of U.S. MNCs decreased 1.5 percent, to 10.3 million workers.
U.S. multinational companies: U.S. and foreign operations
Worldwide employment by U.S. multinational companies (MNCs) decreased 4.1 percent in 2009, to 31.3 million workers, with decreases in both the United States and abroad. Employment in the United States by U.S. parent companies decreased 5.3 percent, to 21.1 million workers, which mirrored the percent change in total private-industry employment in the United States. The employment by U.S. parents accounted for almost one-fifth of total U.S. employment in private industries. Abroad, employment by the majority-owned foreign affiliates of U.S. MNCs decreased 1.5 percent, to 10.3 million workers.
Searching for corporations
Can one search for corporations in all 50 states at once? Well, no. But one can use KnowX.com, an LN company.
As a librarian noted, "A multistate search is free and you can purchase individual or expanded records on a pay-as-you-go basis. Another option is a day pass. You could check for other KnowX pricing options. Also check coverage and updating information if those are key issues for you. Delaware is not included. Here is the blurb:
"'Research Corporate Records, and Search for Company Public Record Information. Search Corporate Record filings from the Secretary of State Offices across the United States. The types of information included in the Corporate Records search are records related to corporations, limited partnership, limited liability companies, trademarks, reserved names, and more.'"
As a librarian noted, "A multistate search is free and you can purchase individual or expanded records on a pay-as-you-go basis. Another option is a day pass. You could check for other KnowX pricing options. Also check coverage and updating information if those are key issues for you. Delaware is not included. Here is the blurb:
"'Research Corporate Records, and Search for Company Public Record Information. Search Corporate Record filings from the Secretary of State Offices across the United States. The types of information included in the Corporate Records search are records related to corporations, limited partnership, limited liability companies, trademarks, reserved names, and more.'"
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Poll: New Yorkers not saving, just hoping
The majority of New Yorkers who are not retired haven't invested heavily in their retirement savings over the past six months, fear Social Security will be gone by the time they retire and think saving enough money for retirement will be a problem, according to a Siena Research Institute Poll. However, they are not worried about maintaining their current standard of living when they stop working.
The poll, the first Special New York State Financial Planning Survey (PDF), released Monday asked 811 New Yorkers (511 not retired, 300 retired) about their current finances and tax filings, savings and retirement.
Read more HERE.
http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Poll-New-Yorkers-not-saving-just-hoping-1341986.php
The poll, the first Special New York State Financial Planning Survey (PDF), released Monday asked 811 New Yorkers (511 not retired, 300 retired) about their current finances and tax filings, savings and retirement.
Read more HERE.
http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Poll-New-Yorkers-not-saving-just-hoping-1341986.php
SDC Clearinghouse calendar
To keep up-to-date with census data releases and SDC project deadlines, check out the Data Release Calendar on the SDC Clearinghouse website.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Your 2010 Federal Taxpayer Receipt
In his State of the Union Address, President Obama promised that this year, for the first time ever, American taxpayers would be able to go online and see exactly how their federal tax dollars are spent. Just enter a few pieces of information about your taxes, and the taxpayer receipt will give you a breakdown of how your tax dollars are spent on priorities like education, veterans benefits, or health care.
Monday, April 18, 2011
10 Words That Should Never Appear on Your Website
From BNET:
"Here are words and phrases you should remove from your website — not just from your About Us page but from many other pages as well."
"Here are words and phrases you should remove from your website — not just from your About Us page but from many other pages as well."
Results of Selected Medical Benefits Survey Released
The National Compensation Survey this week released data on additional medical benefits not previously published in its recent survey of benefit provisions. The following are the 12 additional benefits included in this report: emergency room visits; ambulance services; diabetes care management; kidney dialysis; physical therapy; durable medical equipment; prosthetics; maternity care; infertility treatment; sterilization; gynecological exams and services; and organ and tissue transplantation. The findings presented include information on the coverage or exclusion of each of these benefits and the type of limits imposed on them.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 directs the Secretary of Labor to conduct a survey of employer-sponsored health plans to determine the benefits typically covered by employers, and to report the results of the survey to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. This study was conducted to supplement the medical benefit provisions regularly published as part of the National Compensation Survey’s (NCS) employee benefits program.
The full version of the report is available here (PDF). Links to this report and other recent health benefits data are available on the National Compensation Survey web page. The 12 additional medical benefits come from the same sample that yielded data for NCS: Health and Retirement Plan Provisions in Private Industry in the United States, 2009 (PDF).
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 directs the Secretary of Labor to conduct a survey of employer-sponsored health plans to determine the benefits typically covered by employers, and to report the results of the survey to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. This study was conducted to supplement the medical benefit provisions regularly published as part of the National Compensation Survey’s (NCS) employee benefits program.
The full version of the report is available here (PDF). Links to this report and other recent health benefits data are available on the National Compensation Survey web page. The 12 additional medical benefits come from the same sample that yielded data for NCS: Health and Retirement Plan Provisions in Private Industry in the United States, 2009 (PDF).
Saturday, April 16, 2011
What you didn't know but could learn for free, you may have to pay for
From the Daily Kos:
It was felt that the popular Statistical Abstract of the United States—the “go to” reference for those who don’t know whether a statistic is available, let alone which agency/department is responsible for it—could be sacrificed. Staff will be moving to “Communications,” digitizing the data set. It is hoped that the private sector—commercial publishers---will see the benefit of publishing some version of the title in the future...
Some would argue that this is just one more round in a policy that began under Ronald Reagan in which access to government data became ever more restricted—some of it not being collected at all—or commodified: collected but accessible only from private sources for payment. Or maybe it's just the Census Bureau's opening salvo, the usual approach of any organization under budgetary siege, picking one of its more popular programs as an example of what will be lost if it has to cut back.
Whatever the case, if the Statistical Abstract is something you'd like to keep around, you can sign a petition about it started by Alesia MacManus here.
American Housing Survey for the United States – 2009
From the Department of Housing and Urban Development - here's the PDF.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Census Director Groves Discusses Bureau’s Approach to Online Data Collection
In a recent blog post, Census Director Robert M. Groves discusses the Bureau’s approach to online data collection for surveys. Currently, 50 surveys have an online response option, which the Bureau hopes to increase to 60 in the near future. The Director also weighs the pros and cons of online data collection for varying survey types.
IRS Tax Stats - SOI Bulletin: Winter 2011
Includes Individual Income Tax Returns, Preliminary Data, 2009 and much more HERE.
Digest of Education Statistics, 2010
The 46th in a series of publications initiated in 1962, the Digest's primary purpose is to provide a compilation of statistical information covering the broad field of American education from prekindergarten through graduate school. The Digest contains data on a variety of topics, including the number of schools and colleges, teachers, enrollments, and graduates, in addition to educational attainment, finances, and federal funds for education, libraries, and international comparisons
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Multifactor productivity in private nonfarm business, 2009
In 2009, multifactor productivity—a measure of the change in output per unit of combined capital and labor—in the private nonfarm business sector grew at a modest 0.1-percent annual rate.
In 2009, the gain in multifactor productivity reflected decreases of 3.7 percent in output and 3.8 percent in the combined inputs of capital and labor.
More HERE.
In 2009, the gain in multifactor productivity reflected decreases of 3.7 percent in output and 3.8 percent in the combined inputs of capital and labor.
More HERE.
Univision on "The New American Reality"
-You've probably read the headlines: "New census milestone: Hispanics reach 50 million"; "U.S. Hispanic population tops 50 million" and one of our favorites "Los USA -- Latino Populations Grow Faster with Wider Spread." The U.S. Census numbers have confirmed that the Hispanic population has reached an important milestone, the 50 million mark. We are waking up to a new reality, a new face of America. The New American Reality video speaks to the unique experience of being Latino in America today.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Be Credit Savvy
Building good financial credit is important. It can affect your ability to make large purchases and qualify for a loan or mortgage. Learn more about credit:
How Credit Works
Why Credit Scores Matter
Build a Better Credit Report
General Credit Tips
How Credit Works
Why Credit Scores Matter
Build a Better Credit Report
General Credit Tips
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
US ImporT Prices
U.S. import prices rose 2.7 percent in March, following a 1.4 percent advance in February.
The March increase was driven by both higher fuel and nonfuel prices. The price index for U.S. exports increased 1.5 percent in March after rising 1.4 percent the previous month.
The March increase was driven by both higher fuel and nonfuel prices. The price index for U.S. exports increased 1.5 percent in March after rising 1.4 percent the previous month.
Does the Bankruptcy Code Provide a Fresh Start To Entrepreneurs?
The U. S. bankruptcy system is designed to recover funds for creditors while giving bankrupt small businesses an opportunity for a “fresh start.” While a fresh start is a goal of the system, little analysis has been done to evaluate the ability of small firms to reset and thrive after bankruptcy. This paper attempts to fill that gap. The research finds that 2.6 percent of firms filed for bankruptcy within the previous seven years, that they are comparable to other firms in terms of cash flow and firm size, and that they have a 24 percent higher likelihood of being denied a loan and are charged interest rates that are 1 percent higher than those charged other firms.
The research summary can be found HERE.
Should you need further information, please feel free to contact Brian Headd at (202) 205-6533 or advocacy@sba.gov.
The research summary can be found HERE.
Should you need further information, please feel free to contact Brian Headd at (202) 205-6533 or advocacy@sba.gov.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Healthmap
Healthmap, as someone noted, is "a site that aggregates freely available information and turns it into maps showing what is happening in human and animal public health, and where it's happening. The info comes from sources ranging from Google News, to the World Health Organization, to ProMED Mail—a site that reviews and curates reports of disease outbreaks."
The page has this caveat: "This site necessarily relies on publicly available third-party information. We assume no responsibility for its accuracy or completeness."
The page has this caveat: "This site necessarily relies on publicly available third-party information. We assume no responsibility for its accuracy or completeness."
Friday, April 8, 2011
Open Government Data Sites to Go Dark in May
Several of President Obama’s open government initiative data websites are scheduled to go dark in May due to lack of funding. Funding will run out on April 20 for IT Dashboard; Data.gov, which provides enhanced access to publicly available federal datasets; and Paymentaccuracy.gov, which tracks improper payments from government programs. Other open government public data sites scheduled to go dark after July 30 are USASpending.gov, which provides detailed information on federal contracts, and Apps.gov, a site that tracks how federal agencies use free web applications. More information about the proposed cuts is available here.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Free gov pubs online
The press release read: "Through a partnership among GSA, the U.S. Government Printing Office, and Google, 100 of the most popular government publications are now available to download for free online. This partnership will allow for greater access to these documents and contribute to an open and transparent government. As more documents become available online, it will eventually reduce the number of documents that GSA’s Federal Citizen Information Center prints while reducing costs and the environmental impact." Sounds great! So I decided to check it out at pueblo.gpo.gov/FreePubs.php. I should note that one can order almost any of the physical items and receive them in one to three weeks, rather than writing to Pueblo, Colorado, like I used to.
First couple categories, Cars and Consumer Action Handbook, each had only one item, but one could click on the link and make a PDF.
But several areas had no such link. Under Small Business was Diversifying Your Workforce, with no link. What to do? Check out the FAQ!
"During this pilot program, we are limiting copies to one per person. However, you can download and print copies of government publications from Google Books (http://books.google.com) or order print copies of publications from the Federal Citizen Information Center (http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov) and the Government Printing Office Bookstore (http://bookstore.gpo.gov).
I tried Google Books first. The export citation choices were BiBTeX (.bibtex), EndNote (.enw), and RefMan (.ris); my computer recognized none of the extensions. At the FCIC/Pueblo site, not only did I find a PDF of the resource, but links to related items. I couldn't find the item at all at the GPO bookstore.
Next I looked for, under Money, the item Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number. Both Google books and FCIC/Pueblo led me to the Social Security page with a PDF link. Again, no luck at the GPO bookstore.
Your experiences may vary.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Census Director Outlines His Vision for Moving Bureau Forward
Census Bureau Director Robert M. Groves discusses lessons learned and the future of the Census Bureau with the Senate Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services and International Security. Groves highlighted early quality indicators of the 2010 Census, outlined organizational changes geared to building the Census Bureau of the future and discussed planning efforts under way for a successful 2020 Census.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
The Census of Doom
From the New York Times blog:
Among all the events that touched off the [Civil War]... — there is one that has been strangely ignored by most historians. True, it was less dramatic than the others. It occurred when enumerators traveled from door to door throughout America, counting up Easterners and Westerners; Northerners and Southerners; blacks and whites; freemen and slaves. The numbers that they came up with helped to split apart the Union.
Eighteen-sixty was a federal Census year, and the results had begun coming in early that autumn — with exquisitely poor timing, as far as Southern paranoia and Northern hubris were concerned. At the very moment that the slave states faced the imminent election of a Republican, antislavery president, a candidate who would win without a single vote in the Deep South, came other, equally shocking signs of change.
More HERE.
Among all the events that touched off the [Civil War]... — there is one that has been strangely ignored by most historians. True, it was less dramatic than the others. It occurred when enumerators traveled from door to door throughout America, counting up Easterners and Westerners; Northerners and Southerners; blacks and whites; freemen and slaves. The numbers that they came up with helped to split apart the Union.
Eighteen-sixty was a federal Census year, and the results had begun coming in early that autumn — with exquisitely poor timing, as far as Southern paranoia and Northern hubris were concerned. At the very moment that the slave states faced the imminent election of a Republican, antislavery president, a candidate who would win without a single vote in the Deep South, came other, equally shocking signs of change.
More HERE.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Links to data, maps, analysis, and more about the 2010 Census
On March 24, 2011, the Census Bureau completed its state-by-state publication of official population counts from the 2010 decennial census. Data for New York State was included in this last release of states.
The Center for Urban Research has helpfully compiled much of the information available thus far.
The Center for Urban Research has helpfully compiled much of the information available thus far.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Finances of Selected State and Local Government Employee Retirement
Finances of Selected State and Local Government Employee Retirement Systems is a quarterly survey that provides national summary data on the revenues, expenditures, and composition of assets of the largest state and local government employee retirement systems. This survey currently consists of a panel of 100 retirement systems, which comprise 89.4 percent of financial activity among such entities, based on the 2007 Census of Governments.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Electronic tax filing
Nearly seven million taxpayers are expected to electronically file (e-file) their New York State tax returns this year, generally error-free.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Copyright quiz
From Lesley Ellen Harris at copyrightlaws.com
When it comes to copyright law, there is much misinformation. Take the test below to determine what you think is a copyright truth or myth (false).
Truth or Myth (False)?
T F 1. Only registered works are protected by copyright.
T F 2. Online content is in the public domain unless it has a copyright notice.
T F 3. In at least 164 countries that belong to the Berne [Copyright] Convention, copyright protection is automatic upon creation of the work.
T F 4. In all countries, the duration of copyright is seventy years after the death of the author.
T F 5. Fair use is intentionally ambiguous.
T F 6. You can copy 3 percent of a work without obtaining copyright permission.
T F 7. If a work does not have a copyright notice, ©, then you may freely use the work without obtaining permission.
T F 8. All U.S. government works are in the public domain.
T F 9. Fair use never applies in a for profit situation.
T F 10. There is no such thing as an international copyright law.
Answers HERE or below.
QUIZ 1 - general copyright knowledge
QUIZ 2 - international copyright knowledge
Answers to above quiz: 1F, 2F, 3T, 4F, 5T, 6F, 7F, 8F, 9F, 10T
When it comes to copyright law, there is much misinformation. Take the test below to determine what you think is a copyright truth or myth (false).
Truth or Myth (False)?
T F 1. Only registered works are protected by copyright.
T F 2. Online content is in the public domain unless it has a copyright notice.
T F 3. In at least 164 countries that belong to the Berne [Copyright] Convention, copyright protection is automatic upon creation of the work.
T F 4. In all countries, the duration of copyright is seventy years after the death of the author.
T F 5. Fair use is intentionally ambiguous.
T F 6. You can copy 3 percent of a work without obtaining copyright permission.
T F 7. If a work does not have a copyright notice, ©, then you may freely use the work without obtaining permission.
T F 8. All U.S. government works are in the public domain.
T F 9. Fair use never applies in a for profit situation.
T F 10. There is no such thing as an international copyright law.
Answers HERE or below.
QUIZ 1 - general copyright knowledge
QUIZ 2 - international copyright knowledge
Answers to above quiz: 1F, 2F, 3T, 4F, 5T, 6F, 7F, 8F, 9F, 10T
Thursday, March 31, 2011
State Personal Income and Per Capita Income 2005-2010
After declining last year for the first time since 1949, U.S. personal income rose three percent in 2010 to more than $12.5 trillion, according to a release from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). U.S. per capital personal income, which had also dipped in 2009, rose 14.6 percent to $40,584 last year. Both U.S. total and per capita personal income, however, remained below their peak levels in 2008. The largest percentage increases in personal income came in the Southwest region (Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas) and the Mideast region (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
Read the BEA release.
View the personal income table and the per capita personal income table.
More HERE.
Read the BEA release.
View the personal income table and the per capita personal income table.
More HERE.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Increase in household size could slow economic recovery
From USA Today:
The number of people living under one roof is growing for the first time in more than a century, a fallout of the recession that could reduce demand for housing and slow the recovery.
The Census Bureau had projected the average household size would continue to fall to 2.53 this year. Instead, the average is likely to hit 2.63, a small but significant increase because it is a turnabout.
The number of people living under one roof is growing for the first time in more than a century, a fallout of the recession that could reduce demand for housing and slow the recovery.
The Census Bureau had projected the average household size would continue to fall to 2.53 this year. Instead, the average is likely to hit 2.63, a small but significant increase because it is a turnabout.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Geographic Products Branch Information
The 2010 Census Geographic Products page is a resource for geographic and cartographic products related to the release of the 2010 Census.
In the past week, Census has released:
Updated Geographic Change Notes – Census 2000 – January 1, 2010
Geographic Comparability File –Places
TIGER/Line Shapefiles – national update including Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas and other related Statistical Areas, Military Installations, Tribal Census Tracts, and Tribal Block Groups
2010 Census to Census/2000 Census Tract Relationship File –
Centers of Population
Other selected geographic products currently available:
Reference:
Geographic Terms and Concepts
Tallies of Geographic Entities by state
Block Assignment Files
Name Look-up Tables
Gazetteer Files for Counties, County Subdivisions, Places, Tracts, Congressional Districts, School Districts, and State Legislative Districts
Maps:
Census Tract Reference Maps
County Block Maps
Voting District/State Legislative District Reference Maps
School District Reference Maps
2010 Census Total Population & Population Change Maps
On the 2010 Census Geographic Products page you will also find other reference resources, relationship files, and maps to support the 2010 Census. We are continuing to add products as they become available. If you have any questions about these products please contact geo.geography@census.gov or (301) 763-1128.
In the past week, Census has released:
Updated Geographic Change Notes – Census 2000 – January 1, 2010
Geographic Comparability File –Places
TIGER/Line Shapefiles – national update including Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas and other related Statistical Areas, Military Installations, Tribal Census Tracts, and Tribal Block Groups
2010 Census to Census/2000 Census Tract Relationship File –
Centers of Population
Other selected geographic products currently available:
Reference:
Geographic Terms and Concepts
Tallies of Geographic Entities by state
Block Assignment Files
Name Look-up Tables
Gazetteer Files for Counties, County Subdivisions, Places, Tracts, Congressional Districts, School Districts, and State Legislative Districts
Maps:
Census Tract Reference Maps
County Block Maps
Voting District/State Legislative District Reference Maps
School District Reference Maps
2010 Census Total Population & Population Change Maps
On the 2010 Census Geographic Products page you will also find other reference resources, relationship files, and maps to support the 2010 Census. We are continuing to add products as they become available. If you have any questions about these products please contact geo.geography@census.gov or (301) 763-1128.
Monday, March 28, 2011
The 10 most segregated urban areas in America
From Salon.com:
Decades after the end of Jim Crow, and three years after the election of America's first black president, the United States remains a profoundly segregated country.
That reality has been reinforced by the release of Census Bureau data last week that shows black and white Americans still tend to live in their own neighborhoods, often far apart from each other.
Decades after the end of Jim Crow, and three years after the election of America's first black president, the United States remains a profoundly segregated country.
That reality has been reinforced by the release of Census Bureau data last week that shows black and white Americans still tend to live in their own neighborhoods, often far apart from each other.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
How the districts may shift
The CUNY Mapping Service has mapped the 2010 population counts by legislative district in New York, to gauge how the districts (state and Congress) may need to shift within and across regions. This does not yet account for the other issues that will play a central role in redistricting – compliance with federal statutes and court decisions, prison population counts for state & local districts, etc – but it’s an interesting first-cut analysis of what’s to come.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
New words added to Oxford English Dictionary
'Muffin top' added to Oxford English Dictionary
The latest update of the OED, published on 24 March 2011, revises more than 1,900 entries and adds new words from across the dictionary.
The latest update of the OED, published on 24 March 2011, revises more than 1,900 entries and adds new words from across the dictionary.
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