Former United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will speak at Georgia Southern University’s Hanner Fieldhouse Sept. 8, 2009 beginning at 7 p.m. Rice will speak to the student body about leadership, followed by a short question and answer session.
There are a limited number of seats available to the public for this event. Complimentary tickets will be distributed to the public on Aug. 31, Sept. 1, and Sept. 2 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Hanner Fieldhouse on the Georgia Southern campus. The box office will only remain open until all tickets are distributed on a first come, first served basis.
Tickets will not be available at the door the evening of the event. Those planning to attend the event should also note that doors will close at 6:45 p.m. and no one will be admitted to Hanner Fieldhouse after that time.
Rice served as United States secretary of state from January 2005 to 2009. Prior to her position as America’s chief diplomat, she served as national security advisor from January 2001 to 2005.
Rice is now the Thomas and Barbara Stephenson Senior Fellow on Public Policy at the Hoover Institution and professor of political science at Stanford University. She also serves as a member of the board of trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. In addition, she is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Rice’s visit to Georgia Southern University is sponsored by the Office of the Vice-President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management and the Office of Student Leadership and Civic Engagement. The program is sponsored by AT&T with support from Target.
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Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests are a-Twitter!
The birds in the trees are not the only creatures twittering these days on the Chattahoochee and Oconee National Forests. In an effort to share up-to-date information with forest visitors, U.S. Forest Service personnel are now posting updates on Twitter, the internet service that enables information to be instantly published on the web and to mobile devices.
Forest Supervisor George Bain said, “We realize that there are a number of different tools that allow us to talk with people these days. Setting up a twitter account will allow us to communicate with forest users and share up-to-date information about the national forests in Georgia.” While most of the ‘tweets’ will be informational in nature, there are times when having access to immediate information can be critical. Bain stated, “We have discussed using this tool when fighting wildfires, for example, to allow concerned citizens to get frequent updates on the status of the fire.”
Anyone interested in following the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests can do so at twitter.com/ChattOconeeNF. There is also a link on the Forest Service website at www.fs.fed.us/conf.
“I’m really interested in feedback on this service,” stated Bain. If you would like to find out more about the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest or provide ideas for tweets, please contact Mitch Cohen at (770) 297-3095.
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Forest Supervisor George Bain said, “We realize that there are a number of different tools that allow us to talk with people these days. Setting up a twitter account will allow us to communicate with forest users and share up-to-date information about the national forests in Georgia.” While most of the ‘tweets’ will be informational in nature, there are times when having access to immediate information can be critical. Bain stated, “We have discussed using this tool when fighting wildfires, for example, to allow concerned citizens to get frequent updates on the status of the fire.”
Anyone interested in following the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests can do so at twitter.com/ChattOconeeNF. There is also a link on the Forest Service website at www.fs.fed.us/conf.
“I’m really interested in feedback on this service,” stated Bain. If you would like to find out more about the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest or provide ideas for tweets, please contact Mitch Cohen at (770) 297-3095.
-----
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Cash for Clunkers Finishes, Dealer Stimulus Program Begins
/PRNewswire/ -- Cash for Clunkers is coming to an end. National Automobile Dealers Association officials asked the government to suspend the cash-for-clunkers program because a survey by the group found that the $3 billion fund has been exhausted, NADA Chairman John McEleney said.
While the Cash for Clunkers program is coming to an end manufacturers and dealers are concerned that their business will return to pre-clunker levels. To address this concern, some of the leading U.S. Automotive Retailers are participating in a privately funded stimulus program to help consumers who were left behind by the government's plan. Due to the restrictions of the government's program, over 90% of consumers were not eligible. As a result, some of the largest retailers in the country are promoting a new dealer funded stimulus program that gives consumers up to $4500 of additional trade-in value towards the purchase of a new or used vehicle. See Program details at www.AutoStimulusPlan.com. The new stimulus plan is more inclusive because all trade-ins older than 2007 are eligible regardless of their current MPG and consumers can purchase or lease any new or used vehicle with an improved fuel economy of 2MPG. This is a contrast to the government program which excluded trade-ins with more than 18MPG, used cars and short term leasing and some vehicles needed to get at least 4MPG improvement to qualify.
"The business that came from the Cash for Clunkers program started off very strong and it has since leveled off," said Vince Sheehy from Sheehy Automotive Group in Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland and Baltimore. "But we did not expect it to end so fast." While clunker business began to slow down, dealers participating in the New Stimulus Plan have seen their sales continue to rise because they are helping the larger group of consumers that were left behind by the government program. In fact, according to Brian Benstock, General Manager and Vice President at Paragon, has helped them rise from 17th in new vehicle sales to #4 in the nation. In addition, the used vehicle component of the new stimulus plan has helped them become the #1 certified pre-owned Honda and Acura dealer in the world this month. "This is our best used vehicle month ever," said Benstock.
Paragons results since the New Stimulus Plan took effect have led to a historic month:
-- They are on pace for 600 new vehicles to be sold and 300 used
vehicles. This represents a 100% increase in new car business and a
50% increase in pre-owned business.
-- 900 vehicle sales created estimated sales tax revenues of $2,000,000
for the month.
-- 900 unit sales created $24,000,000.00 in gross sales.
John Malishenko, Director of Operations for Germain Automotive, another participating dealer in the Stimulus Plan, is reporting that his dealership just had their second best three day weekend of the year. "We've seen a 40% increase in unit sales versus July and we are currently pacing $45,000,000 of sales for the month. While other dealer's business has been falling off we are picking up." The program has worked well because it has focused on the majority of the people that were not eligible for the government plan.
In the wake of the government's program dealers are running low on cash and their inventories are lopsided with most of the new vehicles that qualify selling out while they still have a surplus of other vehicles that don't qualify. "The new dealer stimulus plan will help us sell the cars that are left over and help us build up our used vehicle business," said Brian Benstock from Paragon Auto Group, one of the participating dealers in New York City.
Used vehicle inventories have shrunk because the clunkers have to be destroyed. "We have to buy more used cars at auctions for higher prices," said John Malishenko, Director of Operations for the Germain Automotive Group who owns dealerships in Ohio, Arizona, Florida and Arkansas. "I would prefer to give customers 20 percent more for their trade-in to earn their business rather than paying more to Manheim Auction. If I overpay under the new stimulus plan I still sold a car and I have a customer who will service with me over the long term."
The dealer-funded Auto Stimulus Plan includes used vehicles and allows dealers to resell the trade ins. "Letting consumers buy a used vehicle or lease a new vehicle makes it affordable for a lot of people who could not participate otherwise," said Scott Gruwell from Courtesy Auto Group in California and Arizona, one of GM's largest dealers and a participating dealer.
"We needed to do something to help out all the customers who were upset that they could not participate," said Rick Case, owner of Rick Case Automotive Group in Florida, Georgia and Ohio. "Consumers love it because the new stimulus saves them a lot of money on their purchase and reduces their gas and repair bills."
The Auto Stimulus Plan is a private sector program promoted by retailers to provide incentives to consumers that will help the economy and the environment at the same time. To qualify for an incentive a consumer must select a new or pre-owned vehicle with a 2MPG improvement over their current vehicle, which is the same requirement the government program has for SUV's, but it applies to all vehicles under the dealer's plan.
"The MPG requirements are lower because our primary goal is to help consumers that don't qualify for the government's program and to stimulate the economy through improved sales, jobs and spending," said Gruwell. "As a result, the environmental benefits may not be as big as the government program but it will help more customers get into more fuel efficient vehicles."
"If a consumer does not have a trade, they can benefit from the extraordinary manufacturer incentives that are out today," added Case. "In addition to the stimulus, our dealership is offering up to $4500 of savings to consumers."
Consumers can learn more about the program and begin connecting with participating retailers by visiting: www.AutoStimulusPlan.com.
The Auto Stimulus Plan gives consumers up to $4500 of additional trade-in value towards the purchase or lease of a new or used vehicle with improved fuel economy. The program has fewer rules, easier paperwork and no minimum MPG requirements for trade-ins.
Below is a summary of the program Requirements:
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Current Vehicle Requirements
-- Vehicle must be older than 2007
-- Vehicle must be in working condition
-- Vehicle has been owned and registered for at least 6 months
-- No minimum MPG requirements
-- Vehicles that are not eligible are: salvaged vehicles and vehicles
with floor or frame damage
Replacement Vehicle Requirements
-- Replacement vehicle must have a minimum of 2MPG improvement
-- New and Used Vehicles Qualify
-- All makes and models
-- No minimum MPG requirements
-- No price restrictions
-- This plan is not valid in combination with the government's C.A.R.S.
program
The plan varies based on the year, make and model of the eligible vehicle. The plan may also vary in some states due to state laws that regulate automotive advertising and promotion. The Auto Stimulus Plan was planned to end when the government's program expired but they have extended it to November 1st. Visit www.AutoStimulusPlan.com for details.
The organization informs consumers that they should be patient if they cannot get through to the website, www.AutoStimulusPlan.com, on their first try. During the program's launch there was an overwhelming level of traffic resulting in periods of interruption. Consumers are advised to visit at a later time if the site is not functioning properly.
-----
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While the Cash for Clunkers program is coming to an end manufacturers and dealers are concerned that their business will return to pre-clunker levels. To address this concern, some of the leading U.S. Automotive Retailers are participating in a privately funded stimulus program to help consumers who were left behind by the government's plan. Due to the restrictions of the government's program, over 90% of consumers were not eligible. As a result, some of the largest retailers in the country are promoting a new dealer funded stimulus program that gives consumers up to $4500 of additional trade-in value towards the purchase of a new or used vehicle. See Program details at www.AutoStimulusPlan.com. The new stimulus plan is more inclusive because all trade-ins older than 2007 are eligible regardless of their current MPG and consumers can purchase or lease any new or used vehicle with an improved fuel economy of 2MPG. This is a contrast to the government program which excluded trade-ins with more than 18MPG, used cars and short term leasing and some vehicles needed to get at least 4MPG improvement to qualify.
"The business that came from the Cash for Clunkers program started off very strong and it has since leveled off," said Vince Sheehy from Sheehy Automotive Group in Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland and Baltimore. "But we did not expect it to end so fast." While clunker business began to slow down, dealers participating in the New Stimulus Plan have seen their sales continue to rise because they are helping the larger group of consumers that were left behind by the government program. In fact, according to Brian Benstock, General Manager and Vice President at Paragon, has helped them rise from 17th in new vehicle sales to #4 in the nation. In addition, the used vehicle component of the new stimulus plan has helped them become the #1 certified pre-owned Honda and Acura dealer in the world this month. "This is our best used vehicle month ever," said Benstock.
Paragons results since the New Stimulus Plan took effect have led to a historic month:
-- They are on pace for 600 new vehicles to be sold and 300 used
vehicles. This represents a 100% increase in new car business and a
50% increase in pre-owned business.
-- 900 vehicle sales created estimated sales tax revenues of $2,000,000
for the month.
-- 900 unit sales created $24,000,000.00 in gross sales.
John Malishenko, Director of Operations for Germain Automotive, another participating dealer in the Stimulus Plan, is reporting that his dealership just had their second best three day weekend of the year. "We've seen a 40% increase in unit sales versus July and we are currently pacing $45,000,000 of sales for the month. While other dealer's business has been falling off we are picking up." The program has worked well because it has focused on the majority of the people that were not eligible for the government plan.
In the wake of the government's program dealers are running low on cash and their inventories are lopsided with most of the new vehicles that qualify selling out while they still have a surplus of other vehicles that don't qualify. "The new dealer stimulus plan will help us sell the cars that are left over and help us build up our used vehicle business," said Brian Benstock from Paragon Auto Group, one of the participating dealers in New York City.
Used vehicle inventories have shrunk because the clunkers have to be destroyed. "We have to buy more used cars at auctions for higher prices," said John Malishenko, Director of Operations for the Germain Automotive Group who owns dealerships in Ohio, Arizona, Florida and Arkansas. "I would prefer to give customers 20 percent more for their trade-in to earn their business rather than paying more to Manheim Auction. If I overpay under the new stimulus plan I still sold a car and I have a customer who will service with me over the long term."
The dealer-funded Auto Stimulus Plan includes used vehicles and allows dealers to resell the trade ins. "Letting consumers buy a used vehicle or lease a new vehicle makes it affordable for a lot of people who could not participate otherwise," said Scott Gruwell from Courtesy Auto Group in California and Arizona, one of GM's largest dealers and a participating dealer.
"We needed to do something to help out all the customers who were upset that they could not participate," said Rick Case, owner of Rick Case Automotive Group in Florida, Georgia and Ohio. "Consumers love it because the new stimulus saves them a lot of money on their purchase and reduces their gas and repair bills."
The Auto Stimulus Plan is a private sector program promoted by retailers to provide incentives to consumers that will help the economy and the environment at the same time. To qualify for an incentive a consumer must select a new or pre-owned vehicle with a 2MPG improvement over their current vehicle, which is the same requirement the government program has for SUV's, but it applies to all vehicles under the dealer's plan.
"The MPG requirements are lower because our primary goal is to help consumers that don't qualify for the government's program and to stimulate the economy through improved sales, jobs and spending," said Gruwell. "As a result, the environmental benefits may not be as big as the government program but it will help more customers get into more fuel efficient vehicles."
"If a consumer does not have a trade, they can benefit from the extraordinary manufacturer incentives that are out today," added Case. "In addition to the stimulus, our dealership is offering up to $4500 of savings to consumers."
Consumers can learn more about the program and begin connecting with participating retailers by visiting: www.AutoStimulusPlan.com.
The Auto Stimulus Plan gives consumers up to $4500 of additional trade-in value towards the purchase or lease of a new or used vehicle with improved fuel economy. The program has fewer rules, easier paperwork and no minimum MPG requirements for trade-ins.
Below is a summary of the program Requirements:
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Current Vehicle Requirements
-- Vehicle must be older than 2007
-- Vehicle must be in working condition
-- Vehicle has been owned and registered for at least 6 months
-- No minimum MPG requirements
-- Vehicles that are not eligible are: salvaged vehicles and vehicles
with floor or frame damage
Replacement Vehicle Requirements
-- Replacement vehicle must have a minimum of 2MPG improvement
-- New and Used Vehicles Qualify
-- All makes and models
-- No minimum MPG requirements
-- No price restrictions
-- This plan is not valid in combination with the government's C.A.R.S.
program
The plan varies based on the year, make and model of the eligible vehicle. The plan may also vary in some states due to state laws that regulate automotive advertising and promotion. The Auto Stimulus Plan was planned to end when the government's program expired but they have extended it to November 1st. Visit www.AutoStimulusPlan.com for details.
The organization informs consumers that they should be patient if they cannot get through to the website, www.AutoStimulusPlan.com, on their first try. During the program's launch there was an overwhelming level of traffic resulting in periods of interruption. Consumers are advised to visit at a later time if the site is not functioning properly.
-----
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Wednesday, August 19, 2009
The Other Eiffel Tower
After 120 years, the famous landmark's original design gets another look
For pictures of its other look:
http://www.aip.org/isns/reports/2009/090818_eiffel.html
By Jason Bardi
Inside Science News Service
A new engineering analysis of the Eiffel Tower in Paris shows what the famous landmark would have looked like if its builder had constructed the tower to take into account more realistic wind profiles.
The design was revolutionary 120 years ago, incorporating engineer Gustave Eiffel's newly patented methods for constructing freestanding structures of great height. His method eliminated the need for diagonal truss elements to resist the bending due to an oncoming wind.
The Eiffel Tower was to be his masterpiece -- a testament to engineering progress and the centerpiece of the 1889 Exposition held in Paris on the centennial of the French Revolution. Eiffel wanted to make sure that the thousands of tons of iron used to erect the tower would never collapse in a strong wind.
Like all scientists and engineers of his generation, Eiffel did not completely understand the physics of turbulent wind flow over rough landscapes like urban Paris. Because of this, he did not properly model the wind shear his tower might experience in a strong storm.
By the time construction on the 1,000-foot-tall tower began in 1887, Eiffel had introduced more liberal factors for safety. In order to err on the side of caution, his final design made the tower wider on its lower half than originally intended. The fact that the tower remains intact over the past 120 years is testament to his insight to include substantial factors of safety.
P. D. Weidman, a mechanical engineer at the University of Colorado, Boulder was the first to find the mathematical equation for the skyline shape of the tower according to Eiffel’s patented method of construction. A few years ago, he showed that the shape of the tower is exponential when one assumes, as did Eiffel, that the oncoming wind is uniform with height.
In a paper published last month in Physics of Fluids, Weidman shows what the skyline tower profile would be if it were designed and constructed for a realistic "turbulent boundary-layer" wind profile over Paris. The breakthroughs that allowed engineers to model realistic wind profiles were not discovered until after 1908 -- two decades after the tower was completed.
The end result is that the tower for a realistic atmospheric wind would be wider and have less curvature than the existing tower. According to Weidman, the existing tower is "far more elegant" than the tower designed specifically for a turbulent wind.
The attractive thing about this study, said Jim Brasseur, a Pennsylvania State University professor who was not involved in the research, is that it combines history, architecture, fluid dynamics and beauty. "What more can you ask for?" he asked.
---
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---
For pictures of its other look:
http://www.aip.org/isns/reports/2009/090818_eiffel.html
By Jason Bardi
Inside Science News Service
A new engineering analysis of the Eiffel Tower in Paris shows what the famous landmark would have looked like if its builder had constructed the tower to take into account more realistic wind profiles.
The design was revolutionary 120 years ago, incorporating engineer Gustave Eiffel's newly patented methods for constructing freestanding structures of great height. His method eliminated the need for diagonal truss elements to resist the bending due to an oncoming wind.
The Eiffel Tower was to be his masterpiece -- a testament to engineering progress and the centerpiece of the 1889 Exposition held in Paris on the centennial of the French Revolution. Eiffel wanted to make sure that the thousands of tons of iron used to erect the tower would never collapse in a strong wind.
Like all scientists and engineers of his generation, Eiffel did not completely understand the physics of turbulent wind flow over rough landscapes like urban Paris. Because of this, he did not properly model the wind shear his tower might experience in a strong storm.
By the time construction on the 1,000-foot-tall tower began in 1887, Eiffel had introduced more liberal factors for safety. In order to err on the side of caution, his final design made the tower wider on its lower half than originally intended. The fact that the tower remains intact over the past 120 years is testament to his insight to include substantial factors of safety.
P. D. Weidman, a mechanical engineer at the University of Colorado, Boulder was the first to find the mathematical equation for the skyline shape of the tower according to Eiffel’s patented method of construction. A few years ago, he showed that the shape of the tower is exponential when one assumes, as did Eiffel, that the oncoming wind is uniform with height.
In a paper published last month in Physics of Fluids, Weidman shows what the skyline tower profile would be if it were designed and constructed for a realistic "turbulent boundary-layer" wind profile over Paris. The breakthroughs that allowed engineers to model realistic wind profiles were not discovered until after 1908 -- two decades after the tower was completed.
The end result is that the tower for a realistic atmospheric wind would be wider and have less curvature than the existing tower. According to Weidman, the existing tower is "far more elegant" than the tower designed specifically for a turbulent wind.
The attractive thing about this study, said Jim Brasseur, a Pennsylvania State University professor who was not involved in the research, is that it combines history, architecture, fluid dynamics and beauty. "What more can you ask for?" he asked.
---
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Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
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www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---
Monday, August 17, 2009
A Look Inside The Latest Health Care Proposals (H.R. 3200)
Note: One of the end results of this proposed health care bill is the increase of taxes. The increase would likely be felt by individuals and by companies. Hence, let your representative know your thoughts on the subject.
/PRNewswire/ -- With so much turmoil surrounding the federal government's health care initiatives, the Federation of American Consumers and Travelers (FACT) is attempting to create a summary of key provisions. The goal is to condense incredibly lengthy and convoluted language into something which all consumers can digest so that they can then decide which way they want their legislators to proceed.
Some initial findings:
A tax surcharge would be imposed on individuals who earn more than $350,000.00. The surcharge would start at 1% and would increase up to 5.4% for those who have a modified adjusted gross income that exceeds $1 million.
A non-compliance tax would be imposed on individuals who do not acquire an "acceptable health insurance policy" (as determined by a government committee) for themselves and their families. This proposed non-compliance tax would be 2.5% of adjusted gross income, which would be effective after December 31, 2012. (Certain persons, including nonresident aliens, would be exempted from individual taxes.)
A non-compliance tax would be imposed on employers who do not provide their employees health care coverage which meets government-specified minimum coverage requirements. This noncompliance tax would equal 8% of the gross wages; it would be in addition to the social security tax and there would be no wage base limitation. (The Ways and Means Committee proposes an exception for small businesses that have an employee payroll of less than $400,000.00.) Coverage requirements would be mandated by a government committee, headed by a Health Commissioner who would be appointed by the president.
The Commissioner would be empowered to establish qualified health benefits plan standards, establish and operate a Health Insurance Exchange and conduct compliance audits at random. (The person or entity being audited would be required to cover the Commissioner's expenses.) The Commissioner also would be free to collect data for purposes of carrying out his or her duties.
Individual states could establish health exchanges of their own, subject to providing "timely and reasonable notice to the Commissioner." Such exchanges could be terminated at the Commissioner's discretion.
A public health insurance option would be established under the auspices of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The Secretary would collect "such data as may be required" to establish premiums and "to reduce racial, ethnic, and other disparities in health and health care." Premiums would be geographically adjusted and would comply with the premium rules established by the afore-mentioned Commissioner.
The Treasury would appropriate "such sums as necessary" to cover the first 90 days worth of claims reserves based on projected enrollment.
A physician or health care practitioner who agrees to participate in both Medicare and the public health insurance option would receive payments which are 5% greater than the rates paid to nonparticipating practitioners.
Vicki Rolens, managing director of FACT, says, "HR 3200 as drafted may or may not be passed into law. We just feel that people are entitled to know what the bill contains and that they should make their feelings known to their congressmen. The matter is far too important to be treated in a haphazard fashion by our elected officials, but without a strong public voice there is always a danger of that happening."
Citizens can find out how to reach their respective lawmakers by visiting http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml.
-----
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Fayette Front Page
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Arts Across Georgia
/PRNewswire/ -- With so much turmoil surrounding the federal government's health care initiatives, the Federation of American Consumers and Travelers (FACT) is attempting to create a summary of key provisions. The goal is to condense incredibly lengthy and convoluted language into something which all consumers can digest so that they can then decide which way they want their legislators to proceed.
Some initial findings:
A tax surcharge would be imposed on individuals who earn more than $350,000.00. The surcharge would start at 1% and would increase up to 5.4% for those who have a modified adjusted gross income that exceeds $1 million.
A non-compliance tax would be imposed on individuals who do not acquire an "acceptable health insurance policy" (as determined by a government committee) for themselves and their families. This proposed non-compliance tax would be 2.5% of adjusted gross income, which would be effective after December 31, 2012. (Certain persons, including nonresident aliens, would be exempted from individual taxes.)
A non-compliance tax would be imposed on employers who do not provide their employees health care coverage which meets government-specified minimum coverage requirements. This noncompliance tax would equal 8% of the gross wages; it would be in addition to the social security tax and there would be no wage base limitation. (The Ways and Means Committee proposes an exception for small businesses that have an employee payroll of less than $400,000.00.) Coverage requirements would be mandated by a government committee, headed by a Health Commissioner who would be appointed by the president.
The Commissioner would be empowered to establish qualified health benefits plan standards, establish and operate a Health Insurance Exchange and conduct compliance audits at random. (The person or entity being audited would be required to cover the Commissioner's expenses.) The Commissioner also would be free to collect data for purposes of carrying out his or her duties.
Individual states could establish health exchanges of their own, subject to providing "timely and reasonable notice to the Commissioner." Such exchanges could be terminated at the Commissioner's discretion.
A public health insurance option would be established under the auspices of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The Secretary would collect "such data as may be required" to establish premiums and "to reduce racial, ethnic, and other disparities in health and health care." Premiums would be geographically adjusted and would comply with the premium rules established by the afore-mentioned Commissioner.
The Treasury would appropriate "such sums as necessary" to cover the first 90 days worth of claims reserves based on projected enrollment.
A physician or health care practitioner who agrees to participate in both Medicare and the public health insurance option would receive payments which are 5% greater than the rates paid to nonparticipating practitioners.
Vicki Rolens, managing director of FACT, says, "HR 3200 as drafted may or may not be passed into law. We just feel that people are entitled to know what the bill contains and that they should make their feelings known to their congressmen. The matter is far too important to be treated in a haphazard fashion by our elected officials, but without a strong public voice there is always a danger of that happening."
Citizens can find out how to reach their respective lawmakers by visiting http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml.
-----
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Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.artsacrossgeorgia.com
Arts Across Georgia
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Members of Over 71 Million U.S. Households Ignored by Universal Healthcare
/PRNewswire/ -- The following is being issued by PetMedicationCard.com, Inc.:
Here are the facts, most Americans have health care insurance (140 million have either Medicare or Medicaid plus 110 million are in private payer insured plans, which equal 250 million insured), and only 10 million of the estimated 50 million uninsured which have uncovered healthcare claim expenses. Put in terms of percentages, 20% of the 50 million claimants (or 3.25% of the entire population of the United States) don't have health insurance and don't pay their healthcare expenses.
On the other hand, more than 71 million U.S. households have livestock and pets that have no health care plan, no insurance and no prescription drug coverage. These uninsured animals are many times original sources of disease and illnesses such as mad cow disease, aids, swine flu, bird flu and other diseases. To humans these uninsured animals' healthcare is a vital component of maintaining the health of mankind. The case for universal health coverage for livestock animals and pets is therefore a compelling one. Universally covering our livestock animals and pets first would allow the government to work out real savings in healthcare for citizens.
"The primary reason human healthcare costs are so high for the insured population is cost shifting," says Rex Bowden, President of PetMedicationCard.com. "Cost shifting occurs when Medicare, Medicaid and the under-insured shift real costs to the private insured. Put another way, 60% of all medical expenses which are caused by the cost shifting groups are paid based on the federal government's payment schedule (meaning they are paid at less than the actual cost). The discrepancies in these costs are then shifted to the private sector and result in 110 million insured Americans paying their own medical costs and the cost of care not paid by the government's reduced payment schedule for Medicaid and Medicare. The proposed universal healthcare bills on both sides of the aisles will increase costs, increase government controls, shift the cheese to a different group, reduce medical miracles and sadly will not improve healthcare in America." In an example of health care run by governments, the MRI wait time in Canada can be up to 6 months for humans, but if your animal needs a MRI it is scheduled for the same day as ordered.
The 2009 / 2010 National Pet Owners Survey exposes the breadth of the healthcare problem for pets and livestock (and therefore the Americans in contact with them) -- 71.4 million households would have at least one uninsured pet, animal, or livestock. Universal healthcare for these animals would save human consumers money by reducing transmission of animal borne illness. It is estimated humans currently spend $12.2 billion annually on pet vet expenditures (according to the American Pet Products Association). By implementing some of the proposed cost savings ideas proposed for humans on animals many of these expenses could be reduced thereby reducing the source of illness and the associated costs.
One of the proposed ideas for humans for cost saving mandated by the federal government is to get end of life savings reductions by counseling people not to go through the all out life saving methods and expenses when humans lives are coming to an end. This is called euthanasia in the animal kingdom, and instant death administered by the veterinarians which has saved pet owners and all livestock owners money. However, this methodology has also shortened the lives of many animals and pets. The case for universal healthcare for these animals is that with universal coverage, the quality of that life would have been better, and they would have lived longer healthier lives.
"Universal coverage would allow for better preventative care," says Bowden. "We think about good health practices such as keeping our blood pressure in check when it comes to ourselves, but we owe it to our pets and livestock to keep them healthy as well. Sometimes pet medications just aren't affordable. Would we place our kids or our parents to the curb for getting sick? Unlikely, but that's exactly what happens to sick pets when their owners can't afford to get them the medications they need -- or worse.
The CDC's National Center for Infectious Diseases gives Americans reason to visit www.PetMedicationCard.com. In "Healthy Pets Healthy People, they remind citizens that even an innocent-looking favorite pig, chicken, cow and even my cat can carry the plague. Unlikely," says Bowden, "but sometimes a little bit of reality-based fear is exactly what people need to realize the dangers of doing nothing. By not thinking about healthcare costs for the millions of pets out there, people are potentially putting themselves at risk for minor to serious conditions, disease and infections -- and isn't prevention a priority in cutting our own healthcare costs?"
Americans can start protecting their pets immediately with a free pet medication card from www.PetMedicationCard.com. The free card can be printed from the website after filling out a short form, and is eligible at more than 52,000 pharmacies nationwide. With savings as high as 75% on retail prices of prescription pet medications, Americans may wonder exactly what Washington is waiting for when their pets can get better, and cheaper, coverage than themselves. Or they can stop wondering and use the free card for their own (human) prescription drugs as well, saving an average of 40% without enrolling in any complicated or costly programs.
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Here are the facts, most Americans have health care insurance (140 million have either Medicare or Medicaid plus 110 million are in private payer insured plans, which equal 250 million insured), and only 10 million of the estimated 50 million uninsured which have uncovered healthcare claim expenses. Put in terms of percentages, 20% of the 50 million claimants (or 3.25% of the entire population of the United States) don't have health insurance and don't pay their healthcare expenses.
On the other hand, more than 71 million U.S. households have livestock and pets that have no health care plan, no insurance and no prescription drug coverage. These uninsured animals are many times original sources of disease and illnesses such as mad cow disease, aids, swine flu, bird flu and other diseases. To humans these uninsured animals' healthcare is a vital component of maintaining the health of mankind. The case for universal health coverage for livestock animals and pets is therefore a compelling one. Universally covering our livestock animals and pets first would allow the government to work out real savings in healthcare for citizens.
"The primary reason human healthcare costs are so high for the insured population is cost shifting," says Rex Bowden, President of PetMedicationCard.com. "Cost shifting occurs when Medicare, Medicaid and the under-insured shift real costs to the private insured. Put another way, 60% of all medical expenses which are caused by the cost shifting groups are paid based on the federal government's payment schedule (meaning they are paid at less than the actual cost). The discrepancies in these costs are then shifted to the private sector and result in 110 million insured Americans paying their own medical costs and the cost of care not paid by the government's reduced payment schedule for Medicaid and Medicare. The proposed universal healthcare bills on both sides of the aisles will increase costs, increase government controls, shift the cheese to a different group, reduce medical miracles and sadly will not improve healthcare in America." In an example of health care run by governments, the MRI wait time in Canada can be up to 6 months for humans, but if your animal needs a MRI it is scheduled for the same day as ordered.
The 2009 / 2010 National Pet Owners Survey exposes the breadth of the healthcare problem for pets and livestock (and therefore the Americans in contact with them) -- 71.4 million households would have at least one uninsured pet, animal, or livestock. Universal healthcare for these animals would save human consumers money by reducing transmission of animal borne illness. It is estimated humans currently spend $12.2 billion annually on pet vet expenditures (according to the American Pet Products Association). By implementing some of the proposed cost savings ideas proposed for humans on animals many of these expenses could be reduced thereby reducing the source of illness and the associated costs.
One of the proposed ideas for humans for cost saving mandated by the federal government is to get end of life savings reductions by counseling people not to go through the all out life saving methods and expenses when humans lives are coming to an end. This is called euthanasia in the animal kingdom, and instant death administered by the veterinarians which has saved pet owners and all livestock owners money. However, this methodology has also shortened the lives of many animals and pets. The case for universal healthcare for these animals is that with universal coverage, the quality of that life would have been better, and they would have lived longer healthier lives.
"Universal coverage would allow for better preventative care," says Bowden. "We think about good health practices such as keeping our blood pressure in check when it comes to ourselves, but we owe it to our pets and livestock to keep them healthy as well. Sometimes pet medications just aren't affordable. Would we place our kids or our parents to the curb for getting sick? Unlikely, but that's exactly what happens to sick pets when their owners can't afford to get them the medications they need -- or worse.
The CDC's National Center for Infectious Diseases gives Americans reason to visit www.PetMedicationCard.com. In "Healthy Pets Healthy People, they remind citizens that even an innocent-looking favorite pig, chicken, cow and even my cat can carry the plague. Unlikely," says Bowden, "but sometimes a little bit of reality-based fear is exactly what people need to realize the dangers of doing nothing. By not thinking about healthcare costs for the millions of pets out there, people are potentially putting themselves at risk for minor to serious conditions, disease and infections -- and isn't prevention a priority in cutting our own healthcare costs?"
Americans can start protecting their pets immediately with a free pet medication card from www.PetMedicationCard.com. The free card can be printed from the website after filling out a short form, and is eligible at more than 52,000 pharmacies nationwide. With savings as high as 75% on retail prices of prescription pet medications, Americans may wonder exactly what Washington is waiting for when their pets can get better, and cheaper, coverage than themselves. Or they can stop wondering and use the free card for their own (human) prescription drugs as well, saving an average of 40% without enrolling in any complicated or costly programs.
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Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The Appropriate Next Step for the Free People of America: Location and Dates Announced for Modern-Day Continental Congress
GG Note: It's been a long time since a Continental Congress was assembled. Did you know that the US Constitution is the oldest and the shortest still in use today? It took less than 100 days to for the 55 delegates to draft it back in 1787. The US Constitution celebrates its 222th anniversary in September. Have you taken the time to read it?
/PRNewswire/ -- Constitutional activist Robert L. Schulz, chairman of We The People Foundation for Constitutional Education, Inc and We The People Congress, Inc, today announced plans to move forward with a Continental Congress, a national assembly of citizen-nominated and elected delegates representing The People of the fifty states and D.C., to convene from November 9-22, 2009 at the Pheasant Run Conference Center in St. Charles, Illinois. Attendees will establish a formal historical record that documents, before a worldwide audience, the record of constitutional violations which have taken place over many years, crossing all branches of government and both political parties, and are devastating America. Delegates will collaborate, debate and develop real-world strategies and civic actions to restore Constitutional obedience. Continental Congress 2009 is to defend, not amend the current Constitution.
The decision to organize CC2009 comes on the heels of more than fourteen years of Petitioning the Government for Redress of repeated violations of the Constitution by Schulz and members of We The People Foundation, along with an increasing number of Americans who are demanding constitutional accountability from their government officials. Schulz has established a long and thorough legal record of those violations and government's refusal to respond when obligated to do so under the accountability clause of the 1st Amendment -- the People's CAPSTONE RIGHT.
Volunteer groups in each state are being organized to inform and invite citizen participation leading to the Continental Congress. Delegates to the meeting will be elected from a national pool of American citizens required to have a proven passion for the Constitution. Schulz and others associated with the event hope the seats will be filled with "America's best" as constitutional scholars, authors, activists and champions of popular sovereignty, nominated by their fellow citizens. Nominations are now taking place through the event's "state pages" which can be found through www.givemeliberty.org or www.cc2009.us
Preparation is underway for a National Delegate Election to take place on Saturday, October 10, 2009. State coordinators and volunteer teams are in the process of identifying appropriate Voting Centers in all fifty states. The election will be significant in its constitutional validity, using visible and transparent vote counting, an effort planners hope will restore valid electoral procedures for elected office.
"Continental Congress is not a political or partisan event," said Schulz. "It is a rallying cry for Americans to step up and embrace the Gift given to us through our Declaration of Independence, our Constitution and Bill of Rights, documents which transcend politics, parties and personalities, if only we would obey them. Each time we ignore the philosophy, principles and order of Rights which they represent, we suffer more," he continued. "Few Americans realize what our country would be like - in the most positive sense of the word - if we would fully embrace our Constitution. At this time in America, thousands of educational and civic-minded organizations have prepared templates for civic action. Continental Congress can be the catalyst to bring everyone together so our voice will be heard at this defining moment in our history."
Information about Continental Congress 2009 can be found at www.cc2009.us or www.givemeliberty.org.
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/PRNewswire/ -- Constitutional activist Robert L. Schulz, chairman of We The People Foundation for Constitutional Education, Inc and We The People Congress, Inc, today announced plans to move forward with a Continental Congress, a national assembly of citizen-nominated and elected delegates representing The People of the fifty states and D.C., to convene from November 9-22, 2009 at the Pheasant Run Conference Center in St. Charles, Illinois. Attendees will establish a formal historical record that documents, before a worldwide audience, the record of constitutional violations which have taken place over many years, crossing all branches of government and both political parties, and are devastating America. Delegates will collaborate, debate and develop real-world strategies and civic actions to restore Constitutional obedience. Continental Congress 2009 is to defend, not amend the current Constitution.
The decision to organize CC2009 comes on the heels of more than fourteen years of Petitioning the Government for Redress of repeated violations of the Constitution by Schulz and members of We The People Foundation, along with an increasing number of Americans who are demanding constitutional accountability from their government officials. Schulz has established a long and thorough legal record of those violations and government's refusal to respond when obligated to do so under the accountability clause of the 1st Amendment -- the People's CAPSTONE RIGHT.
Volunteer groups in each state are being organized to inform and invite citizen participation leading to the Continental Congress. Delegates to the meeting will be elected from a national pool of American citizens required to have a proven passion for the Constitution. Schulz and others associated with the event hope the seats will be filled with "America's best" as constitutional scholars, authors, activists and champions of popular sovereignty, nominated by their fellow citizens. Nominations are now taking place through the event's "state pages" which can be found through www.givemeliberty.org or www.cc2009.us
Preparation is underway for a National Delegate Election to take place on Saturday, October 10, 2009. State coordinators and volunteer teams are in the process of identifying appropriate Voting Centers in all fifty states. The election will be significant in its constitutional validity, using visible and transparent vote counting, an effort planners hope will restore valid electoral procedures for elected office.
"Continental Congress is not a political or partisan event," said Schulz. "It is a rallying cry for Americans to step up and embrace the Gift given to us through our Declaration of Independence, our Constitution and Bill of Rights, documents which transcend politics, parties and personalities, if only we would obey them. Each time we ignore the philosophy, principles and order of Rights which they represent, we suffer more," he continued. "Few Americans realize what our country would be like - in the most positive sense of the word - if we would fully embrace our Constitution. At this time in America, thousands of educational and civic-minded organizations have prepared templates for civic action. Continental Congress can be the catalyst to bring everyone together so our voice will be heard at this defining moment in our history."
Information about Continental Congress 2009 can be found at www.cc2009.us or www.givemeliberty.org.
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Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Opinion: The Losing Battle Over Indigent Defendant Rights in Georgia
In 1963, the US Supreme Court held in the landmark case Gideon v Wainwright that the Sixth Amendment of the US Constitution requires state courts to provide attorneys to any criminal defendant who is unable to afford one. In the past 46 years, however, many states have been unable -- sometimes even unwilling -- to meet this important obligation.
Right now Georgia is facing a crisis in the funding of its public defender program. The state has been unable to pay attorneys representing indigent clients, simply because the funds are not there. Many are quick to point their fingers at the Georgia Public Defender Standards Council, which is in charge of allocating the money set aside by the state for appointed lawyers. Some argue the Council has made unwise funding decisions and poured too much money into too few cases.
Proponents of this view point to the Brian Nichols case. In 2008, Nichols was sentenced to a life sentence without the possibility of parole for murdering four people and brutally beating a guard at the Fulton County Courthouse where he was on trial for rape. The capital murder case quickly ate up more than $1.5 million of the annual $4.5 million dollar budget for indigent defense. It was later revealed that the judge appointed to the case, Senior Judge Hilton Fuller, signed a secret order in 2007 that earmarked for the Nichols case the remainder of the state's budget for defending death penalty cases -- leaving the fund penniless for other defendants facing death penalty charges for the remainder of the 2007-2008 fiscal year.
Others point to the overzealous state prosecutor in charge of bringing the case against Nichols for running up the costs of his defense. The case was supposed to be a "slam-dunk" case, complete with a taped confession to the murders by Nichols. But the Fulton County District Attorney assigned to the case, Paul Howard, brought more than 50 charges against the defendant and had 400+ witnesses, all of which dramatically increased the costs of the appointed defense team representing Nichols.
One thing is certain: the state has not allocated enough money to provide indigent people charged with crimes the legal representation that they not only deserve, but are entitled to under the US Constitution. As a fundamental right under the constitution, the right to council must be held above the vagaries of partisan politics and held to a higher standard than other funding decisions such as deciding to spend more or less on road repair.
To date, the battle for acquiring the necessary funding has not been successful. In 2008, the Governor proposed an additional $3.6 million for indigent defense. The state senate, however, eventually only approved a little over $500,000. In fact, the amount of money allocated for indigent defense in Georgia has steadily decreased over the last four years. In 2005, the state allocated $9 million for the fund. By 2007, this amount had been reduced to $4.5 million.
And these numbers are expected to decline further as the tough economic conditions force the state to choose where cuts must be made. Unfortunately, one of the areas where some legislators have been more than willing to make these concessions is the indigent defense fund. One state senator in particular, Sen. Preston Smith (R-Rome), has been a vocal advocate against indigent defense and has worked hard to ensure additional state money is not allocated to this important cause.
The problems facing Georgia are not unique. States throughout the country are having difficulty providing sufficient funding for public defenders. As a result, public defenders are being forced to take more cases than they can handle at one time, meaning defendants may wait weeks before meeting with their attorneys, if they meet with them at all. According to the Southern Center for Human Rights some criminal defendants in Georgia have waited as long as 6 months before having an attorney assigned to their case. Currently, there are on-going lawsuits in several states where the lawyers are claiming the state is violating indigent defendants' rights to an attorney.
Additionally, public defenders are asking the courts to be removed from cases because they are not being paid and cannot afford to adequately prepare a defense for their clients for free. Private attorneys who once would agree to take indigent clients are now refusing to do so because they know the state has no way to pay them.
As legislators fight over money, the constitutional rights of those who cannot afford their own legal representation are completely forgotten in the struggle.
These rights are not dependent on whether the defendant is wealthy or poor, has the most expensive defense attorney in town or a state appointed public defender. Georgia has a constitutional obligation, moreover a moral obligation, to ensure that every single criminal defendant who is unable to afford an attorney will have one provided to them.
Garland, Samuel & Loeb, P.C.
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Right now Georgia is facing a crisis in the funding of its public defender program. The state has been unable to pay attorneys representing indigent clients, simply because the funds are not there. Many are quick to point their fingers at the Georgia Public Defender Standards Council, which is in charge of allocating the money set aside by the state for appointed lawyers. Some argue the Council has made unwise funding decisions and poured too much money into too few cases.
Proponents of this view point to the Brian Nichols case. In 2008, Nichols was sentenced to a life sentence without the possibility of parole for murdering four people and brutally beating a guard at the Fulton County Courthouse where he was on trial for rape. The capital murder case quickly ate up more than $1.5 million of the annual $4.5 million dollar budget for indigent defense. It was later revealed that the judge appointed to the case, Senior Judge Hilton Fuller, signed a secret order in 2007 that earmarked for the Nichols case the remainder of the state's budget for defending death penalty cases -- leaving the fund penniless for other defendants facing death penalty charges for the remainder of the 2007-2008 fiscal year.
Others point to the overzealous state prosecutor in charge of bringing the case against Nichols for running up the costs of his defense. The case was supposed to be a "slam-dunk" case, complete with a taped confession to the murders by Nichols. But the Fulton County District Attorney assigned to the case, Paul Howard, brought more than 50 charges against the defendant and had 400+ witnesses, all of which dramatically increased the costs of the appointed defense team representing Nichols.
One thing is certain: the state has not allocated enough money to provide indigent people charged with crimes the legal representation that they not only deserve, but are entitled to under the US Constitution. As a fundamental right under the constitution, the right to council must be held above the vagaries of partisan politics and held to a higher standard than other funding decisions such as deciding to spend more or less on road repair.
To date, the battle for acquiring the necessary funding has not been successful. In 2008, the Governor proposed an additional $3.6 million for indigent defense. The state senate, however, eventually only approved a little over $500,000. In fact, the amount of money allocated for indigent defense in Georgia has steadily decreased over the last four years. In 2005, the state allocated $9 million for the fund. By 2007, this amount had been reduced to $4.5 million.
And these numbers are expected to decline further as the tough economic conditions force the state to choose where cuts must be made. Unfortunately, one of the areas where some legislators have been more than willing to make these concessions is the indigent defense fund. One state senator in particular, Sen. Preston Smith (R-Rome), has been a vocal advocate against indigent defense and has worked hard to ensure additional state money is not allocated to this important cause.
The problems facing Georgia are not unique. States throughout the country are having difficulty providing sufficient funding for public defenders. As a result, public defenders are being forced to take more cases than they can handle at one time, meaning defendants may wait weeks before meeting with their attorneys, if they meet with them at all. According to the Southern Center for Human Rights some criminal defendants in Georgia have waited as long as 6 months before having an attorney assigned to their case. Currently, there are on-going lawsuits in several states where the lawyers are claiming the state is violating indigent defendants' rights to an attorney.
Additionally, public defenders are asking the courts to be removed from cases because they are not being paid and cannot afford to adequately prepare a defense for their clients for free. Private attorneys who once would agree to take indigent clients are now refusing to do so because they know the state has no way to pay them.
As legislators fight over money, the constitutional rights of those who cannot afford their own legal representation are completely forgotten in the struggle.
These rights are not dependent on whether the defendant is wealthy or poor, has the most expensive defense attorney in town or a state appointed public defender. Georgia has a constitutional obligation, moreover a moral obligation, to ensure that every single criminal defendant who is unable to afford an attorney will have one provided to them.
Garland, Samuel & Loeb, P.C.
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Monday, July 27, 2009
Prospective Adoptive Families to Meet Children Aug. 22nd
Prospective adoptive families will have an opportunity to meet approximately 20 children, each with the hope of finding a permanent family, at an adoption gathering on Saturday, August 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Macon State College in Macon.
Sponsored by the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), this event will give prospective adoptive parents a unique opportunity to meet the children in a comfortable, fun-filled environment. Families who are unable to attend the gathering in Macon may still interact with this same group of children via video on Saturday, August 22, from 10 a.m. to noon. Videoconference sites will be set up at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Esquire Solutions in Atlanta and Augusta and Valdosta State University.
“This is the time of year when kids are getting geared up to go back to school, make some new friends and see some old ones. But, for children who need a permanent family it just marks more time without a family of their own as having passed,” said Mark Washington, assistant commissioner of DHS. “We want these kids to start the next school year knowing they have a permanent family to come home to everyday.”
There are approximately 2,200 children in Georgia who need adoptive families. They are typically 8 years old and older, African American and/or a member of a sibling group being placed together.
Families interested in adopting older children or learning more about the program are encouraged to attend either the event in Macon or one of the videoconference sites. To avoid confusion, only children in need of adoptive families should attend the adoption gathering. Families who plan to attend one of the videoconference sites are more than welcome to bring their children.
For more information, call toll-free 877- 242-5774 or visit the DHS website at www.dfcs.dhs.georgia.gov/adoptions.
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Sponsored by the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), this event will give prospective adoptive parents a unique opportunity to meet the children in a comfortable, fun-filled environment. Families who are unable to attend the gathering in Macon may still interact with this same group of children via video on Saturday, August 22, from 10 a.m. to noon. Videoconference sites will be set up at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Esquire Solutions in Atlanta and Augusta and Valdosta State University.
“This is the time of year when kids are getting geared up to go back to school, make some new friends and see some old ones. But, for children who need a permanent family it just marks more time without a family of their own as having passed,” said Mark Washington, assistant commissioner of DHS. “We want these kids to start the next school year knowing they have a permanent family to come home to everyday.”
There are approximately 2,200 children in Georgia who need adoptive families. They are typically 8 years old and older, African American and/or a member of a sibling group being placed together.
Families interested in adopting older children or learning more about the program are encouraged to attend either the event in Macon or one of the videoconference sites. To avoid confusion, only children in need of adoptive families should attend the adoption gathering. Families who plan to attend one of the videoconference sites are more than welcome to bring their children.
For more information, call toll-free 877- 242-5774 or visit the DHS website at www.dfcs.dhs.georgia.gov/adoptions.
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Wednesday, July 22, 2009
U.S. Virgin Islands’ Economy Tops $19 Billion in Sales in 2007
The 2,583 businesses in the U.S. Virgin Islands’ economy generated $19.5 billion in sales and employed 35,300 people, with $1.1 billion in annual payroll, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2007 Economic Census of Island Areas: Geographic Area Series for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Retail trade sales increased 15 percent to $1.4 billion between 2002 and 2007.
The U.S. Virgin Islands is a U.S. territory in the Caribbean. The economic census ― conducted every five years ― profiles the territory as a whole, and the three islands (St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas) and towns individually for businesses with paid employees. The 2007 Economic Census included the petroleum refinery industry, which was excluded in the 2002 Economic Census.
Other findings:
-- Retail trade employment over the same period increased 2 percent to 6,773 in 2007. Payroll increased 14 percent to $146.1 million in 2007.
-- In 2007, the largest share of retail sales was found in clothing and clothing accessories stores (30 percent of total retail sales), and in food and beverage stores (18 percent of total retail sales).
-- Clothing and clothing accessories store sales increased 3 percent, from $403.5 million in 2002 to $414.0 million in 2007.
-- Food and beverage store sales increased 14 percent, from $217.3 million in 2002 to $246.8 million in 2007.
-- Businesses in St. Croix reported $16.1 billion in total sales — 83 percent of U.S. Virgin Islands total sales in 2007 — while St. Thomas reported $3.1 billion in total sales.
-- The U.S. Virgin Islands had 109 businesses with 50 or more employees, representing 4 percent of all businesses. These businesses accounted for 84 percent ($16.3 billion) of total sales.
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The U.S. Virgin Islands is a U.S. territory in the Caribbean. The economic census ― conducted every five years ― profiles the territory as a whole, and the three islands (St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas) and towns individually for businesses with paid employees. The 2007 Economic Census included the petroleum refinery industry, which was excluded in the 2002 Economic Census.
Other findings:
-- Retail trade employment over the same period increased 2 percent to 6,773 in 2007. Payroll increased 14 percent to $146.1 million in 2007.
-- In 2007, the largest share of retail sales was found in clothing and clothing accessories stores (30 percent of total retail sales), and in food and beverage stores (18 percent of total retail sales).
-- Clothing and clothing accessories store sales increased 3 percent, from $403.5 million in 2002 to $414.0 million in 2007.
-- Food and beverage store sales increased 14 percent, from $217.3 million in 2002 to $246.8 million in 2007.
-- Businesses in St. Croix reported $16.1 billion in total sales — 83 percent of U.S. Virgin Islands total sales in 2007 — while St. Thomas reported $3.1 billion in total sales.
-- The U.S. Virgin Islands had 109 businesses with 50 or more employees, representing 4 percent of all businesses. These businesses accounted for 84 percent ($16.3 billion) of total sales.
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Friday, July 17, 2009
Georgia Department of Community Health Reminds Georgia Parents, Never Leave a Child Unsupervised in a Car
As temperatures increase and family schedules change, parents and caregivers should avoid leaving children unsupervised in or near vehicles.
“Even with the windows partly open temperatures in a vehicle can spike to 160 degrees Fahrenheit within a matter of minutes on a hot and humid day, and a young child can suffer from heat stroke,” said Dr. Patrick O’Neal, director of the Division of Emergency Preparedness and Response with the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH). “Most of these cases are preventable.”
Children in vehicles under extreme heat conditions are vulnerable. Heat stroke, a life-threatening emergency, can occur in temperatures as low as 80 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on humidity levels. Body temperatures higher than 105 degrees Fahrenheit can cause permanent brain damage or even death, especially among children.
Other serious injuries occur when children get entrapped in trunks or when they set a vehicle in motion leading to crashes. DCH is working alongside Safe Kids coalitions across the state to increase awareness about child safety.
“Injuries and deaths can be prevented through awareness, supervision and adult intervention such as locking doors and teaching children that vehicles are not playgrounds,” said Lisa Dawson, director of the Injury Prevention program.
Parents and caregivers can assess and revisit these recommendations:
- Make your car safer. Always keep car doors and trunks locked, even in the garage or driveway, to keep kids out. Treat it as the multi-ton, fast-moving enclosure and piece of machinery that it is. Keep the rear fold-down seats closed to prevent kids from getting into the trunk from inside the car
- Supervision is key. Even if the windows are down, never leave your child unattended in a car. Never leave your car keys where children can get them. Teach children not to play in or around cars. If a child is missing at home, check the car first, including the trunk
- Adopt safety-focused behaviors. Consider placing your purse or briefcase in the back seat as a reminder that you have your child in the car. Be sure everyone leaves the vehicle when you reach your destination
- Notification plan. Consider having your child’s teacher or childcare provider call you if your child does not arrive when expected
- Get involved if you see a child alone in a vehicle. If they are hot or seem sick, get them out as quickly as possible and call 911 or your local emergency number immediately
For more information visit:
http://www.safekidsgeorgia.org/
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“Even with the windows partly open temperatures in a vehicle can spike to 160 degrees Fahrenheit within a matter of minutes on a hot and humid day, and a young child can suffer from heat stroke,” said Dr. Patrick O’Neal, director of the Division of Emergency Preparedness and Response with the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH). “Most of these cases are preventable.”
Children in vehicles under extreme heat conditions are vulnerable. Heat stroke, a life-threatening emergency, can occur in temperatures as low as 80 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on humidity levels. Body temperatures higher than 105 degrees Fahrenheit can cause permanent brain damage or even death, especially among children.
Other serious injuries occur when children get entrapped in trunks or when they set a vehicle in motion leading to crashes. DCH is working alongside Safe Kids coalitions across the state to increase awareness about child safety.
“Injuries and deaths can be prevented through awareness, supervision and adult intervention such as locking doors and teaching children that vehicles are not playgrounds,” said Lisa Dawson, director of the Injury Prevention program.
Parents and caregivers can assess and revisit these recommendations:
- Make your car safer. Always keep car doors and trunks locked, even in the garage or driveway, to keep kids out. Treat it as the multi-ton, fast-moving enclosure and piece of machinery that it is. Keep the rear fold-down seats closed to prevent kids from getting into the trunk from inside the car
- Supervision is key. Even if the windows are down, never leave your child unattended in a car. Never leave your car keys where children can get them. Teach children not to play in or around cars. If a child is missing at home, check the car first, including the trunk
- Adopt safety-focused behaviors. Consider placing your purse or briefcase in the back seat as a reminder that you have your child in the car. Be sure everyone leaves the vehicle when you reach your destination
- Notification plan. Consider having your child’s teacher or childcare provider call you if your child does not arrive when expected
- Get involved if you see a child alone in a vehicle. If they are hot or seem sick, get them out as quickly as possible and call 911 or your local emergency number immediately
For more information visit:
http://www.safekidsgeorgia.org/
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Thursday, July 9, 2009
50,000 Letter's Strong: CFIF Activists Urge EPA Not to Open Liability "Floodgates" on Small Business
We received this on June 22nd, so we're a bit late in posting. We've been revamping our sites and lost track of the news for a while...
Last Friday, the Center for Individual Freedom ("CFIF") submitted a public comment to the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") urging it to reconsider its proposal to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act, and requesting that the agency extend the period for public comment on the issue.
CFIF's comment reinforces the voices of its activists, who, over the past two weeks, have sent more than 50,000 letters to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, President Obama and Congress objecting to the proposed regulation. A version of the letter they sent, along with the names of each person who sent letters, was attached to CFIF’s official comment.
If enacted, the proposed ruling by the EPA would classify greenhouse gas emissions as an endangerment to public health and welfare. Using such a precedent-shattering finding, Administrator Jackson could regulate emissions of carbon dioxide and other so called "greenhouse gasses" using the same strict standards EPA currently applies to lead, mercury and other poisonous substances.
"If unelected bureaucrats at the EPA get their way, every sector of the U.S. economy could be blamed for a wide range of health problems," said Timothy Lee, CFIF's Director of Legal and Public Affairs. "The new regulation would open a floodgate of unfair and costly litigation aimed at small businesses, farmers, public utilities, and nearly every other sector of our economy. Opportunistic plaintiffs' lawyers would come out of the woodwork and pounce on the opportunity to pad their already deep pockets."
With only a few days left before the scheduled close of public comments on EPA's proposed ruling, CFIF is also urging Administrator Jackson to allow the American people to be heard on this important issue. Specifically, it is requesting that the comment period be extended to 120 days - the typical time allotted for public comment on EPA's work – rather than the shortened period of 60 days the Agency is allowing for this issue.
"Extending the public comment period an additional 60 days will ensure that the concerns of tens of thousands of average citizens from across the country are given the careful consideration they deserve," said Lee.
"Our leaders in Washington need to understand that EPA's public health ruling will only further the economic hardship small businesses and hard working American's are currently facing," Lee concluded.
Last Friday, the Center for Individual Freedom ("CFIF") submitted a public comment to the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") urging it to reconsider its proposal to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act, and requesting that the agency extend the period for public comment on the issue.
CFIF's comment reinforces the voices of its activists, who, over the past two weeks, have sent more than 50,000 letters to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, President Obama and Congress objecting to the proposed regulation. A version of the letter they sent, along with the names of each person who sent letters, was attached to CFIF’s official comment.
If enacted, the proposed ruling by the EPA would classify greenhouse gas emissions as an endangerment to public health and welfare. Using such a precedent-shattering finding, Administrator Jackson could regulate emissions of carbon dioxide and other so called "greenhouse gasses" using the same strict standards EPA currently applies to lead, mercury and other poisonous substances.
"If unelected bureaucrats at the EPA get their way, every sector of the U.S. economy could be blamed for a wide range of health problems," said Timothy Lee, CFIF's Director of Legal and Public Affairs. "The new regulation would open a floodgate of unfair and costly litigation aimed at small businesses, farmers, public utilities, and nearly every other sector of our economy. Opportunistic plaintiffs' lawyers would come out of the woodwork and pounce on the opportunity to pad their already deep pockets."
With only a few days left before the scheduled close of public comments on EPA's proposed ruling, CFIF is also urging Administrator Jackson to allow the American people to be heard on this important issue. Specifically, it is requesting that the comment period be extended to 120 days - the typical time allotted for public comment on EPA's work – rather than the shortened period of 60 days the Agency is allowing for this issue.
"Extending the public comment period an additional 60 days will ensure that the concerns of tens of thousands of average citizens from across the country are given the careful consideration they deserve," said Lee.
"Our leaders in Washington need to understand that EPA's public health ruling will only further the economic hardship small businesses and hard working American's are currently facing," Lee concluded.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Welfare Watch - July 07, 2009 - Budget Shortfalls Threaten Services
While Georgia is faring better in this economic crisis than most other states, we still face significant budgetary issues as we move forward into FY10 and FY11. The Governor has called for more cuts last month of more than $274 million for the 2009 fiscal year or 25% for the month of June in order to complete fiscal year without a deficit. He did not want to pull money from the reserve fund in order to balance the budget. This still may be a possibility because the shortfall in FY2009 may be greater than projected.
We enter a new fiscal year with not much hope for an improving picture for the economy or the State's budget. According to an estimate by Georgia State University, the 2010 budget shortfall may be as great as $800 million. If reserve funds from the State are not used, revenue estimates may be needed to be lowered by $1 billion. This picture gets even bleaker in FY2011. According to a report by the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, as Georgia enters FY2011(which begins June 30, 2010), it may have to use the State Fiscal Stabilization Funds that have been set aside for FY 2011 to help close the FY 2010 deficit. If this happens, we could face a deficit of more than $1.5 billion.
The GBPI warns that to avoid crippling cuts over the next two years to state services, which include education, healthcare, public safety and social services (85% of the State's budget), the Legislature and Governor will need to take a hard look at not only expenses but revenue. Georgia is 49th in per capita spending by state governments and according to a recent study, the 8th best managed state in the county. Georgia is neither wasteful nor excessive in its spending. We have a revenue problem. Georgia just does not have enough money to cover the legitimate expenses of state government.
These are hard decisions that the Legislature and Governor will have to take up in the next session. They have been here before, made some very good decisions about enhanced revenue sources, tax cuts and elimination of tax breaks and incentives that mitigated some of the pain that all Georgians are experiencing today.
Welfare Watch, an email newsletter of the Georgia Association of Homes and Services for Childrenas a public service.
http://www.gahsc.org
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---
We enter a new fiscal year with not much hope for an improving picture for the economy or the State's budget. According to an estimate by Georgia State University, the 2010 budget shortfall may be as great as $800 million. If reserve funds from the State are not used, revenue estimates may be needed to be lowered by $1 billion. This picture gets even bleaker in FY2011. According to a report by the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, as Georgia enters FY2011(which begins June 30, 2010), it may have to use the State Fiscal Stabilization Funds that have been set aside for FY 2011 to help close the FY 2010 deficit. If this happens, we could face a deficit of more than $1.5 billion.
The GBPI warns that to avoid crippling cuts over the next two years to state services, which include education, healthcare, public safety and social services (85% of the State's budget), the Legislature and Governor will need to take a hard look at not only expenses but revenue. Georgia is 49th in per capita spending by state governments and according to a recent study, the 8th best managed state in the county. Georgia is neither wasteful nor excessive in its spending. We have a revenue problem. Georgia just does not have enough money to cover the legitimate expenses of state government.
These are hard decisions that the Legislature and Governor will have to take up in the next session. They have been here before, made some very good decisions about enhanced revenue sources, tax cuts and elimination of tax breaks and incentives that mitigated some of the pain that all Georgians are experiencing today.
Welfare Watch, an email newsletter of the Georgia Association of Homes and Services for Childrenas a public service.
http://www.gahsc.org
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---
Monday, June 22, 2009
Recent Poll by Progressives for Immigration Reform Shows Concern Among Liberals and Progressives Over Current Immigration Levels
/PRNewswire/ -- A nationwide poll of 600 self-indentified liberals and progressives shows that liberals are concerned about the current levels of immigration into the United States and the harmful effect that current immigration policies are having on U.S. population growth, the environment, and the availability of jobs. The poll was conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC in April 2009.
Key findings of the poll revealed:
-- Sixty seven percent of liberals and progressives felt the level of
population growth caused by immigration negatively impacts the quality
of life in the United States.
-- Fifty eight percent felt that the current levels of immigration are
harmful to the environment.
-- Sixty three percent said that current levels of immigration hurts job
prospects for American workers.
-- With regard to undocumented workers already here, the poll revealed
that self-identified liberals are split over whether illegal
immigrants should be offered an amnesty. Fifty three percent were in
support of a pathway to citizenship and forty five percent were
opposed.
"The results of this poll demonstrate what many on the political left have known for some time. Immigration is not a partisan issue. There are many progressives and liberals that are concerned about the unintended consequences that large scale immigration has on the environment, economy, and other issues that many liberals are concerned about," says Leah Durant, Executive Director of Progressives for Immigration Reform. "It is time to take this issue off the back burner. We need to talk frankly about the effects of immigration and find solutions that benefit both Americans and the global community."
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Key findings of the poll revealed:
-- Sixty seven percent of liberals and progressives felt the level of
population growth caused by immigration negatively impacts the quality
of life in the United States.
-- Fifty eight percent felt that the current levels of immigration are
harmful to the environment.
-- Sixty three percent said that current levels of immigration hurts job
prospects for American workers.
-- With regard to undocumented workers already here, the poll revealed
that self-identified liberals are split over whether illegal
immigrants should be offered an amnesty. Fifty three percent were in
support of a pathway to citizenship and forty five percent were
opposed.
"The results of this poll demonstrate what many on the political left have known for some time. Immigration is not a partisan issue. There are many progressives and liberals that are concerned about the unintended consequences that large scale immigration has on the environment, economy, and other issues that many liberals are concerned about," says Leah Durant, Executive Director of Progressives for Immigration Reform. "It is time to take this issue off the back burner. We need to talk frankly about the effects of immigration and find solutions that benefit both Americans and the global community."
-----
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Thursday, June 18, 2009
Milk or Water Still Best Thirst Quenchers
With so many sports drinks, vitamin waters, energy drinks and specialty teas on the market, consumers may wonder which is best for them. An expert with University of Georgia says to be wary of them all and that milk and water are still the best thirst quenchers.
“These special drinks are loaded with calories, and we don’t need it,” said Connie Crawley, a nutrition expert with UGA Cooperative Extension. “There is a time and place for some of these drinks, and having one as a lunch beverage is not appropriate.”
Sports drinks
Athletes and exercisers who spend more than an hour working out and sweating profusely may need a boost of electrolytes from a sports drink.
“A teenage boy practicing football for three hours a day may need a sports drink, but a child riding a bike for an hour does not,” Crawley said. “It is not uncommon for an athlete to lose one to two pounds of sweat at practice. This is water weight, and they need to replenish what they’ve lost. But, they shouldn’t continue drinking these salted and sugary beverages for several hours after practice.”
Even juice is not the best choice. It is easy to consume several hundred calories from juice if you drink more than a small glass. Instead, eat the fruit during practice or exercise.
Vitamin water
Vitamin waters and enhanced teas offer extra doses of vitamins and minerals. Drinking a bottle of water with added vitamin C will not ward off a cold, Crawley said. These marketing ploys aren’t based on science.
“There is a misconception that the more vitamins you get the better,” she said. “You need vitamins, but for the most part you can get all you need from what you eat if you eat a balanced diet. For a few nutrients, you can actually get too much.”
Fluoridated water is the only mineral water needed. Fluoride helps to build strong teeth and bones. Most bottled water lacks fluoride, so drink water from the tap if your city water is fluoridated. Fluoride supplements are also available from your child’s doctor.
Energy boosters
Store shelves offer an array of energy-boosting beverages loaded with caffeine. Once you start drinking these regurlarly, more is needed overtime to feel the boost.
“To increase the effect of these beverages, limit them,” Crawley said. “Caffeine is more effective if you drink it only occasionally.”
When we take in extra calories through drinks, our brains don’t process them like calories from foods, she said. So we don’t feel full. We still want to eat the same amount of food, or calories, at our meals and snacks.
“Our bodies are programmed not to metabolize fluid calories the same way as food,” Crawley said. “As a method of self preservation, we continue to drink so we don’t get dehydrated and die. If fluid calories made us feel full, we might not drink enough to keep us hydrated.”
Milk and water
Milk and water are still the best drinks. Adults need about eight 8-ounce glasses of liquid a day. If those come from water and two or three cups of milk, you limit the empty calories going into your body.
In 1994, the average teenager consumed 64.5 gallons of soft drink per year. In 2002, consumption had decreased slightly, but teenagers were still drinking 21 ounces of soda each day and only 11 ounces of milk. Teenage girls were drinking even less milk, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
Children, especially girls, need to drink at least 16 ounces to 24 ounces of milk a day. Once a person reaches adulthood, bones store less calcium. So, kids need to build strong bones during their childhood and teenage years, Crawley said.
Set a good example for your kids and give up sodas and specialty drinks.
“Cut out 100 calories a day of empty calories from sweet drinks and you will lose 10 pounds a year, as long as you don’t add the calories somewhere else,” she said.
Also look at the nutrition labels. Be aware that some cans and bottles actually hold two to three servings inside. If you drink the whole can or bottle, you will be getting double or triple the calories and sugar listed.
(Author April Sorrow is a news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.)
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---
“These special drinks are loaded with calories, and we don’t need it,” said Connie Crawley, a nutrition expert with UGA Cooperative Extension. “There is a time and place for some of these drinks, and having one as a lunch beverage is not appropriate.”
Sports drinks
Athletes and exercisers who spend more than an hour working out and sweating profusely may need a boost of electrolytes from a sports drink.
“A teenage boy practicing football for three hours a day may need a sports drink, but a child riding a bike for an hour does not,” Crawley said. “It is not uncommon for an athlete to lose one to two pounds of sweat at practice. This is water weight, and they need to replenish what they’ve lost. But, they shouldn’t continue drinking these salted and sugary beverages for several hours after practice.”
Even juice is not the best choice. It is easy to consume several hundred calories from juice if you drink more than a small glass. Instead, eat the fruit during practice or exercise.
Vitamin water
Vitamin waters and enhanced teas offer extra doses of vitamins and minerals. Drinking a bottle of water with added vitamin C will not ward off a cold, Crawley said. These marketing ploys aren’t based on science.
“There is a misconception that the more vitamins you get the better,” she said. “You need vitamins, but for the most part you can get all you need from what you eat if you eat a balanced diet. For a few nutrients, you can actually get too much.”
Fluoridated water is the only mineral water needed. Fluoride helps to build strong teeth and bones. Most bottled water lacks fluoride, so drink water from the tap if your city water is fluoridated. Fluoride supplements are also available from your child’s doctor.
Energy boosters
Store shelves offer an array of energy-boosting beverages loaded with caffeine. Once you start drinking these regurlarly, more is needed overtime to feel the boost.
“To increase the effect of these beverages, limit them,” Crawley said. “Caffeine is more effective if you drink it only occasionally.”
When we take in extra calories through drinks, our brains don’t process them like calories from foods, she said. So we don’t feel full. We still want to eat the same amount of food, or calories, at our meals and snacks.
“Our bodies are programmed not to metabolize fluid calories the same way as food,” Crawley said. “As a method of self preservation, we continue to drink so we don’t get dehydrated and die. If fluid calories made us feel full, we might not drink enough to keep us hydrated.”
Milk and water
Milk and water are still the best drinks. Adults need about eight 8-ounce glasses of liquid a day. If those come from water and two or three cups of milk, you limit the empty calories going into your body.
In 1994, the average teenager consumed 64.5 gallons of soft drink per year. In 2002, consumption had decreased slightly, but teenagers were still drinking 21 ounces of soda each day and only 11 ounces of milk. Teenage girls were drinking even less milk, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
Children, especially girls, need to drink at least 16 ounces to 24 ounces of milk a day. Once a person reaches adulthood, bones store less calcium. So, kids need to build strong bones during their childhood and teenage years, Crawley said.
Set a good example for your kids and give up sodas and specialty drinks.
“Cut out 100 calories a day of empty calories from sweet drinks and you will lose 10 pounds a year, as long as you don’t add the calories somewhere else,” she said.
Also look at the nutrition labels. Be aware that some cans and bottles actually hold two to three servings inside. If you drink the whole can or bottle, you will be getting double or triple the calories and sugar listed.
(Author April Sorrow is a news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.)
---
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Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
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