Geothermal power could top 10 Gigawatts, new industry report shows
A new report by the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) shows strong growth in new geothermal power projects continuing through 2009. U.S. Geothermal Power Production and Development Update, September 2009 identifies 144 new geothermal projects under development in fourteen states that could represent as much as 7,100 MW of new baseload power capacity. When added to the 3,100 MW of existing capacity, 10 Gigawatts of geothermal power appears to be feasible.
“It is great to see that between March 2009 and September 2009 there was a continued increase in new geothermal projects,” remarked Dan Jennejohn, the report’s author. “Interest in geothermal development continues to grow, with the number of projects up 50% and megawatts under development nearly doubling over the past two years.” He added, “In 2009, we are seeing new power projects being initiated as well as new applications, such as geothermal-hydrocarbon coproduction, being pursued.”
The report found a total of 144 projects under development that could add between 4,699.9 and 7,109.9 MW of power to the U.S. geothermal energy output. At the high end, that would be enough baseload power to supply about 20% of California’s total electric power in 2008 — or enough generating capacity to supply the power needs of about 7.2 million people.
On a state-by-state basis the GEA report found: (state, number of projects/potential MW) — Alaska, 6/70-115 MW; Arizona 1/2-20 MW; California, 37/1841.8-2435.8 MW; Colorado, 1/10 MW, Florida 1/0.2-1 MW; Hawaii, 2/8 MW; Idaho 5/238-326 MW; Louisiana 1/.05 MW; Mississippi 1/.05 MW; Nevada, 64/1876.4-3473.4 MW; New Mexico, 1/20 MW, Oregon, 13/317.2-368.2 MW, Utah, 10/272.4-332.4 MW; Washington 1/Unspecified.
The number of states with geothermal projects under development also increased, from 12 to 14 over the past six months, with the addition of two oil-field co-production projects in Louisiana and Mississippi. “Despite the recession, geothermal power projects continue to move forward,” observed Karl Gawell, Executive Director of GEA.
While the report shows generally good news, it also shows a decline in projects currently listed in “phase 4,” or under construction. According to GEA this was due to 4 new geothermal power projects moving to completion, but also reflects difficulty obtaining final permits and difficulty obtaining financing.
The recession, as the report confirms, is having an impact on the industry, according to GEA. “Financing is expensive and scarce, and available lenders are requiring much more work be done before they will finance projects,” noted Gawell. “We hope the tax, loan guarantee, and DOE spending provisions of the stimulus bill will help turn this around, but there have been delays implementing these initiatives by the federal agencies.”
“It also appears that some projects seeking final construction permits are having difficulty acquiring them because of the tremendous demands being placed on federal, state, and local agencies by a wave of renewable energy project applications,” Gawell noted. “These geothermal projects would otherwise be ‘ready to go’ bringing new jobs and spurring economic growth,” he stressed. “So it’s important that federal and state agencies don’t neglect the needs of geothermal projects.”
Copies of the report will be available at the GEA booth at the Geothermal Energy Expo in Reno, Nevada, which takes place from October 4-7, 2009. (For information on the Expo go to: http://www.geothermalenergy2009.com/.) There will be a presentation on the report at the Expo on Tuesday, October 6 at 10 a.m. which will be webcast. Also, copies of U.S. Geothermal Power Production and Development Update, September 2009 are available to download free of charge from the GEA Web site at: http://www.geo-energy.org/.
Source: Geothermal Energy Association
MV Agusta unveils brand new Brutale 990R and 1090RR models for 2010
Renowned Italian Motorcycle Maker Introduces Highly Anticipated Newly Engineered Naked Bike Designed in the Spirit of Award Winning Predecessor
With 15,400 Brutale models sold globally through a decade boasting countless international design awards and accolades, MV Agusta proudly introduces the new Brutale 990R and 1090RR for 2010. Conceived at MV Agusta’s CRC design center, the highly-anticipated launch of the new Brutale models signifies a new renaissance for the distinguished Italian brand, known for its success crafting high-performance, beautifully designed motorcycles. (see 2010 MV Agusta Brutale 990R and 1090RR Video Presentation)
With U.S. prices set at $15,000 for the Brutale 990R and $18,000 for the Brutale 1090RR, MV Agusta is currently unveiling the 2010 naked bikes for the first time at the famed Misano Autodromo circuit in Italy. Completely reengineered in every facet of its design with only the newest components featuring the latest technology, MV Agusta produced a brand new Brutale 990R and 1090RR which still capture the aggressive, legendary aesthetic of its predecessor.
Made in the world famous spirit of MV Agusta, the company ensured every aspect of the design and production for the new Brutale was overseen in-house. Using the knowledge gained from a winning tradition of racing excellence with 38 world championship titles and 37 manufacturers’ championships alongside motorcycle icon Giacomo Agostini, MV Agusta focused on producing the most versatile Brutale to date, with all the track-ready power of previous models, but with revolutionary attention brought to comfort and ease of riding at any speed.
“With the unveiling of the new Brutale 990R and 1090RR, MV Agusta looks forward to once again showing the world why the company continues to be one of the most respected names in the motorcycle industry,” comments MV Agusta Director of US Operations, Larry Ferracci. “The launch of the new Brutale models marks a revolution for the MV Agusta brand as it moves forward producing motorcycles echoing the spirit of its Italian heritage while also demonstrating the highest quality of manufacturing.”
For more information on the Brutale 990R and Brutale 1090RR, visit www.mvagustausa.com.
Can’t afford to be generous? Blame the economy – New study says one in three Americans now giving less
Three Out of Four Say Current Economic Climate Has Affected Their Charitable Giving
Americans Say Faith-Based Organizations and Non-Profits Bear Responsibility for Helping the World’s Poor
Three out of four U.S. adults say the “current economic climate” has affected their charitable giving and one in three is giving less to charities, according to a new Child Sponsorship Survey just released by World Vision, an international Christian relief and development organization. Most polled say faith-based organizations (67%) and non-profit foundations (63%) should bear responsibility for helping the world’s poor.
According to the study, one in five adults (21%) say they’re now less likely to sponsor a child because of the economy and more than half (54%) say they would be more likely to sponsor a child if they had more money. Ten percent say they’re actually giving more this year, despite the recession. Still, World Vision Child Sponsorship numbers show a modest increase (3%). Revenue forecast is for 8 percent growth in 2009 but private cash donations are expected to be down 3% from 2008.
The survey, conducted by Harris Interactive, represents a definite shift from the charitable mood Americans were in less than a year ago. In late October, 2008 seven out of ten Americans said while the worsening economy meant they would probably spend less on holiday shopping, half said they were more inclined to give or receive a charitable gift for the holidays.
Lana Reda, World Vision’s VP for Donor Engagement says, “The sputtering economy has made it more difficult for hard working Americans to give what’s on their hearts. As the economy gets better, we believe Americans will step up to meet the urgent needs of children and families around the world. Our survey speaks to this optimism. Even now, ten percent of Americans are giving more and our sponsors at World Vision have hung in there.” Reda has been with World Vision 8 years.
The poll was conducted by telephone by Harris Interactive on behalf of World Vision, an international Christian relief and development organization, between August 28th and 31st, 2009 among 1,006 U.S. adults ages 18 +. For complete methodology, including weighing variables, please contact John Yeager.
Source: World Vision
Young adults visit doctors least at an age when risky behavior peaks
When adolescents graduate to young adulthood, their preventive care tends to fall by the wayside. A recent study has found that young adults are much less likely to use ambulatory or preventive care, even though their mortality rate is more than twice that of adolescents.
“Young adults are generally a healthy population, but many risky behaviors peak in young adulthood and few resources are available for this population,” said Robert J. Fortuna, M.D., M.P.H., senior instructor in Pediatrics and Internal Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center. “Despite having the highest rate of many preventable diseases, young adults garner relatively little attention from advocacy groups, researchers or policymakers.”
Before the study was published in the most recent bi-monthly edition of Annals of Internal Medicine, little was known about how young adults use ambulatory care. The study’s findings provide a new focus on health care in young adulthood, breaking down patterns based on sex, race and ethnicity, in addition to rates of preventive care in young adults.
Fortuna conducted the study with two other researchers, Brett W. Robbins, M.D., associate professor in Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, and Jill S. Halterman, M.D., M.P.H, associate professor in Pediatrics.
The study found that young adults, especially black and Hispanic males, underuse ambulatory medical care and infrequently receive preventive care. Young men had nearly half the preventive care visits compared with adolescents (age 15 to 19 years) and older adults (age 30 to 39 years). Young men also had less than one-fourth the rate of preventive care visits than young women did. On average, young men were seen less than once every 9 years for preventive care and young men without insurance were seen once every 25 years, according to the study.
Young black and Hispanic men received less care in general than young white men and half the amount of care for chronic conditions compared to white men. The authors expressed concern over this finding, since the risk for death of young black and Hispanic men is considerably higher than the risk for young white men.
Ambulatory care may be relatively underused by this age group for a number of reasons, including limited access to care, lack of health insurance and low self-perceived risk, explained the authors. Young adults are the most likely age group to be uninsured, with nearly one-third lacking medical coverage. The study found that young adults without insurance had one-fourth as many visits as those with insurance.
The prevalence of substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), homicide and motor vehicle crashes all peak in young adulthood. Yet the study’s findings show that when young adults were offered counseling, which occurred at about one third of all ambulatory care visits, they infrequently received counseling directed at the greatest threats to their health.
The counseling that was offered to young adults was most often concerning exercise and diet, rather than more immediate threats to their health. Young adults have higher rates of tobacco use, alcohol use, illicit drug use and STDs than both adolescents and older adults. The authors wrote that counseling on these issues remained infrequent, despite the fact that counseling has been shown to effectively improve tobacco cessation rates, modify high-risk sexual behaviors and decrease drug abuse.
“Greater awareness is needed among health care providers and policymakers to improve access to care and ensure that young adults receive appropriate preventive services,” said Fortuna. “During a time when many risks peak and unhealthy lifestyle habits form, routine medical care and preventive counseling can improve both immediate and long-term health.”
To characterize ambulatory medical care among young adults age 20 to 29 years, the researchers used data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) between 1996 and 2006.
The authors pointed to the goals of Healthy People 2010, a set of national objectives provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as an important reason to evaluate how ambulatory care is used by young adults. The set objectives aim to reduce mortality, motor vehicle crashes, the incidence of STDs and alcohol- and drug-related injuries among young adults. The study concludes that to reach these goals, young adults need to have access to resources that will help them receive appropriate preventive care, especially given the current underuse of ambulatory care services and insufficient amount of counseling available to young adults.
Source: University of Rochester Medical Center
Survey: U.S. drivers say texting while driving should be banned; Voice technoogy seen as safer
A national survey released today showed 86 percent of licensed U.S. drivers described handheld texting while driving as “very dangerous,” with 93 percent supporting a nationwide ban on texting – Despite strong support for a nationwide handheld texting ban, only 42 percent of respondents believe drivers would stop texting if banned. More than 75 percent believe there would be more compliance if hands-free or voice-activated technologies were widely available – Sixty-seven percent of drivers said they believed voice-activated technology is a safe alternative to handheld texting – The most recent and most complete research shows that distractions that take drivers’ eyes away from the road for an extended period of time are a factor in nearly 80 percent of accidents
The vast majority of U.S. drivers believes handheld texting while driving is very dangerous and should be banned nationwide, according to a new national survey released today.
The survey showed that 86 percent of U.S. drivers believe handheld texting while driving is “very dangerous” and 93 percent support a nationwide ban on texting. At the same time, only 42 percent of respondents believe drivers would stop texting behind the wheel if the practice was banned. However, more than 75 percent believe there would be more compliance if hands-free or voice-activated technologies were widely available.
The online survey was conducted September 18-21 by Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates on behalf of the Ford Motor Company. Ford commissioned the survey as part of its efforts to understand driver perceptions related to distracted driving. Ford last week endorsed a proposed nationwide ban on handheld texting introduced by Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) and Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY).
“Research shows that activity that draws drivers’ eyes away from the road for an extended period while driving, such as text messaging, substantially increases the risk of accidents,” said Jim Vondale, director of Ford’s Automotive Safety Office. “That is why we support a nationwide ban on handheld texting while driving and why Ford has developed hands-free and voice-activated technologies to allow drivers to remain connected, but to do so while keeping their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.”
The survey shows that 67 percent of drivers said they believed voice-activated technology is a safe alternative to texting, and 76 percent said such a feature would be an appealing feature in a car.
The survey results come as the U.S. Department of Transportation is scheduled to host a summit on driver distraction in Washington, D.C., next week.
According to the survey, there is confusion among drivers over existing state laws prohibiting handheld cell phone use and/or texting while driving. Currently 18 states have enacted such bans but nearly 40 percent of drivers in these states indicated they were unaware of the ban in their own state.
Research on driving solutions
According to a NHTSA-sponsored 100-car study conducted by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, driver inattention that may involve looking away from the road for more than a few seconds is a factor in nearly 80 percent of accidents.
“A growing number of drivers are using handheld wireless communications and music-playing devices while driving,” said Dr. Louis Tijerina, Ford senior technical specialist. “Research clearly shows that manual operation of those devices that takes the driver’s eyes from the road for an extended period of time creates the kind of distraction that causes accidents.”
Ford developed the Virtual Test Track Experiment (VIRTTEX), a state-of-the-art simulator that monitors and analyzes a variety of driving behaviors. Since VIRTTEX opened in 2001, Ford has completed a number of driver distraction studies that have contributed to the development of Ford’s Driving Skills for Life teen driving education program, the MyKey(TM) programmable teen-safety feature and SYNC hands-free communication technology.
“Our studies show that teens are much more willing to take risks while driving, such as manually dialing on a mobile phone in situations that demand greater attention,” said Jeff Greenberg, senior technical leader, Ford Research & Advanced Engineering.
Survey Methodology
Penn, Schoen & Berland fielded an online poll on behalf of Ford Motor Company from September 18-21, 2009, interviewing a nationwide sample of 1,000 licensed U.S. adults drivers aged 18 years and older.
Source: Ford Motor Company
NASA instruments reveal water molecules on Lunar surface
NASA scientists have discovered water molecules in the polar regions of the moon. Instruments aboard three separate spacecraft revealed water molecules in amounts that are greater than predicted, but still relatively small. Hydroxyl, a molecule consisting of one oxygen atom and one hydrogen atom, also was found in the lunar soil. The findings were published in Thursday’s edition of the journal Science.
NASA’s Moon Mineralogy Mapper, or M3, instrument reported the observations. M3 was carried into space on Oct. 22, 2008, aboard the Indian Space Research Organization’s Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft. Data from the Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer, or VIMS, on NASA’s Cassini spacecraft and the High-Resolution Infrared Imaging Spectrometer on NASA’s EPOXI spacecraft contributed to confirmation of the finding. The spacecraft imaging spectrometers made it possible to map lunar water more effectively than ever before.
The confirmation of elevated water molecules and hydroxyl at these concentrations in the moon’s polar regions raises new questions about its origin and effect on the mineralogy of the moon. Answers to these questions will be studied and debated for years to come.
“Water ice on the moon has been something of a holy grail for lunar scientists for a very long time,” said Jim Green, director of the Planetary Science Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “This surprising finding has come about through the ingenuity, perseverance and international cooperation between NASA and the India Space Research Organization.”
From its perch in lunar orbit, M3’s state-of-the-art spectrometer measured light reflecting off the moon’s surface at infrared wavelengths, splitting the spectral colors of the lunar surface into small enough bits to reveal a new level of detail in surface composition. When the M3 science team analyzed data from the instrument, they found the wavelengths of light being absorbed were consistent with the absorption patterns for water molecules and hydroxyl.
“For silicate bodies, such features are typically attributed to water and hydroxyl-bearing materials,” said Carle Pieters, M3’s principal investigator from Brown University. “When we say ‘water on the moon,’ we are not talking about lakes, oceans or even puddles. Water on the moon means molecules of water and hydroxyl that interact with molecules of rock and dust specifically in the top millimeters of the moon’s surface.”
The M3 team found water molecules and hydroxyl at diverse areas of the sunlit region of the moon’s surface, but the water signature appeared stronger at the moon’s higher latitudes. Water molecules and hydroxyl previously were suspected in data from a Cassini flyby of the moon in 1999, but the findings were not published until now.
“The data from Cassini’s VIMS instrument and M3 closely agree,” said Roger Clark, a U.S. Geological Survey scientist in Denver and member of both the VIMS and M3 teams. “We see both water and hydroxyl. While the abundances are not precisely known, as much as 1,000 water molecule parts-per-million could be in the lunar soil. To put that into perspective, if you harvested one ton of the top layer of the moon’s surface, you could get as much as 32 ounces of water.”
For additional confirmation, scientists turned to the EPOXI mission while it was flying past the moon in June 2009 on its way to a November 2010 encounter with comet Hartley 2. The spacecraft not only confirmed the VIMS and M3 findings, but also expanded on them.
“With our extended spectral range and views over the north pole, we were able to explore the distribution of both water and hydroxyl as a function of temperature, latitude, composition, and time of day,” said Jessica Sunshine of the University of Maryland. Sunshine is EPOXI’s deputy principal investigator and a scientist on the M3 team. “Our analysis unequivocally confirms the presence of these molecules on the moon’s surface and reveals that the entire surface appears to be hydrated during at least some portion of the lunar day.”
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., manages the M3 instrument, Cassini mission and EPOXI spacecraft for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington. The Indian Space Research Organization built, launched and operated the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft.
For additional information and images from the instruments, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/topics/moonmars
New survey: Most Americans want health care reform, oppose abortion coverage, support conscience protection laws
Two to one: U.S. adults favor ‘reform to provide affordable health insurance for all’
Sixty-eight percent do not want abortion coverage in their own policy, whether public or private
Sixty-three percent favor keeping conscience protection laws
A nationwide survey commissioned by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has found widespread public opposition to including abortion in health care reform and majority support for conscience rights protection – views shared by those who favor efforts to pass health care reform.
Conducted by International Communications Research (ICR) from September 16-20, 2009, the phone survey of 1,043 U.S. adults found that 60 percent favor – and only thirty percent oppose – “efforts to pass health care reform to provide affordable health insurance for all.” Focusing on that sixty percent, the survey found that:
– Sixty percent of those favoring reform oppose – and only 25 percent support – “measures that would require people to pay for abortion coverage with their federal taxes.”
– By a 49-39 percent plurality, those who favor reform oppose “measures that would require people to pay for abortion coverage with their health insurance premiums”; and
– Among those favoring reform, those who favor maintaining “current federal laws that protect doctors and nurses from being forced to perform or refer for abortions against their will” outnumber those who oppose keeping such laws in place by a margin of two to one (60-30).
Opposition to abortion coverage was somewhat stronger in the total sample of U.S. adults – for example, 67 percent of the total sample opposed requiring people to pay for abortion coverage through their taxes and 56 percent opposed making them do so through their insurance premiums.
The survey also asked: “If the choice were up to you, would you want your own insurance policy to include abortion?” Sixty-eight percent of U.S. adults said ‘No’ and only 24 percent said ‘Yes.’
“The USCCB survey confirms other recent polls conducted by Public Opinion Strategies (August 30-September 1) and Rasmussen Reports (September 14-15) on health care policy and abortion,” said Deirdre McQuade, Assistant Director for Policy & Communications at the USCCB’s Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities. “With each passing week it gets clearer: The American public generally does not want to pay for abortion coverage and does not want health care reform used to promote abortion,” she said.
“Abortion is not health care. The bishops of the United States are working hard to ensure that health care reform serves the most vulnerable among us – especially the poor, immigrants, and the unborn,” McQuade said.
For more information on the U.S. bishops’ position on health care reform, visit www.usccb.org/healthcare.
Survey Methodology
ICR / International Communications Research, based in the Philadelphia suburb of Media, PA, is a top-ranked and nationally recognized market research organization. ICR fielded this study in their national, weekly EXCEL Omnibus telephone survey on behalf of the USCCB from September 16-20, 2009, interviewing a nationwide sample of 1,043 adults aged 18 and older. EXCEL is weighted to provide nationally representative and projectable estimates of the population ages 18+. At a 95 percent level of confidence, the margin of error for this sample of 1,043 is +/-3.0 percent. A full methodology and profile of the pollster are available upon request.
Source: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities
2008 American Community survey data
The U.S. Census Bureau today released the latest American Community Survey (ACS) data, providing a statistical portrait of the characteristics of the nation’s population in 2008.
According to the new snapshot, one-in-four people in Texas (24.1 percent) lacked health insurance in 2008, the highest rate in the nation. At the other end of the spectrum, fewer than one-in-20 Massachusetts residents (4.1 percent) lacked coverage.
Health insurance coverage was one of three new topics added to the ACS for 2008. Every question on the ACS is included either because the data are required to satisfy one or more federal laws, regulations or court decisions, or are needed to manage federal programs and allocate more than $400 billion of federal tax dollars annually to states and local communities.
The ongoing survey of approximately 3 million addresses every year provides one of the most complete pictures of our population available. It covers more than 40 topics such as income, educational attainment, housing, family structure and more. All survey responses are strictly confidential and protected by law.
Today’s release compiles social, housing, demographic and select economic data collected throughout 2008 and includes areas with populations of 65,000 or more. Additional 2008 ACS economic data related to family income, poverty and receipt of food stamps will be released on Tuesday, Sept. 29. Findings in today’s data include:
Health Insurance Coverage
– By state, the uninsured rate for children ranged from 2.1 percent (Massachusetts) to 20.2 percent (Nevada). (See detailed table B27001.)
Income
– The median household income in 2008 ranged from a median of $70,545 for Maryland to $37,790 for Mississippi. New Jersey’s income ($70,378) was not statistically different from Maryland’s, and West Virginia’s income ($37,989) was not statistically significant from Mississippi’s. (See ranking table R1901.)
– Five states — Kansas, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York and Texas –saw an increase in real median household income between 2007 and 2008.
Between 2006 and 2007, 33 states saw an increase.
– Five states — Arizona, California, Florida, Indiana and Michigan –saw real median household income fall between 2007 and 2008. Just one state had a decline between 2006 and 2007.
The 2008 ACS questionnaire asked about income from the previous 12 months, and the survey was conducted each month beginning in January 2008. The Census Bureau is also releasing a new series of short briefs on a range of economic topics covered in the ACS (located in the “New and Notable” section of the ACS Web site).
Citizenship and Year of Naturalization
– An addition to the citizenship question asked naturalized citizens to list their year of naturalization. Of the 38 million foreign-born living in the United States in 2008, about 16 million, or 43 percent, were naturalized citizens. More than half of these became citizens in 1996 or later, with 14 percent gaining citizenship in the last three years. (See detailed table B05011.)
– The total foreign-born population represented 12.5 percent of the population in 2008; it was 12.6 percent in 2007. (See comparison profile, U.S.; and table B05002.)
– In 2008, there were about 21.6 million non-citizens, compared with 21.9 million non-citizens in 2007. The percentage of naturalized citizens increased, from 42.5 percent in 2007 to 43.0 percent in 2008. (See detailed table B05001.)
Marriage
– The percentage of women 15 and over who have never married was 28.1 percent in 2008, up from 27.6 percent in 2007 and 27.3 percent in 2006. (See: data profile for the U.S.)
– Three-fourths of people who have ever been married have done so only once (75.7 percent of women, 75.4 percent of men). About one-in-five
have been married twice (19.3 percent of women, 19.4 percent of men), and about one-in-20 have been married three or more times (5.1 percent
of women, 5.2 percent of men). (These data are available for the first time in the 2008 ACS; see detailed table B12505.)
Multigenerational Households
– In 2008, there were 3.8 million multigenerational households in the United States. (This is the first year that the ACS has produced a data table on this household structure; see: detailed table B11017.)
Commute to Work
– The percentage of workers who drove alone to work decreased slightly between 2007 and 2008 — from 76.1 percent in 2007 to 75.5 percent in 2008. (See: U.S. data profile.)
– The percentage of carpoolers increased from 10.4 percent in 2007 to 10.7 percent in 2008.
– The percentage of commuters using public transportation increased slightly between 2007 and 2008, from 4.9 percent to 5.0 percent.
Service-Connected Veteran Disability Status and Ratings
– A new topic was added to the 2008 ACS to measure veterans’ service-connected disability status and ratings. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) uses data on service-connected disability status and ratings to measure the demand for VA health care services in local market areas across the country. Of the approximately 22.4 million veterans nationwide, 15.1 percent reported a service-connected disability rating. 41.5 percent had a rating of 10 or 20 percent and 17.4 percent had a rating of 70 percent or higher. (See: detailed table B21100.)
Housing
– California homeowners with mortgages ($2,384) had the highest median housing costs in the nation. New Jersey had the second highest median housing cost ($2,360). Hawaii ($2,265) and the District of Columbia ($2,218) followed, but were not significantly different from each other. Rounding out the top six were Connecticut ($2,108) and Massachusetts ($2,105), which also were not significantly different from each other.
– Median selected monthly housing costs for homeowners with one or more mortgages, after adjusting for inflation, rose between 2007 and 2008 for nine states and declined for eight states. Five states that experienced increases were in the West (Hawaii, Montana, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming), three were in the Northeast (Connecticut, Maryland, and Pennsylvania), and one was in the South (Mississippi).
– Five states that experienced declines were in the South (Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and West Virginia) and three were in the Midwest (Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio). The average decrease in the median selected monthly housing costs for homeowners with mortgages in the United States was 0.3 percent between 2007 and 2008.
– The percent change in median home values decreased in the United States (-2.0 percent) and in 22 states between 2007 and 2008 — five in the Northeast (Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, and New Hampshire); four in the South (Florida, Maryland, West Virginia, and Georgia); eight in the Midwest (Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois); and five in the West (Nevada, California, Arizona, Hawaii, and Washington). Although the rate of decline was not significantly different from each other, two states showed larger percentage declines than the other 48 states and the District of Columbia: Nevada (16.0 percent) and California (15.5 percent). Florida (8.6 percent) ranked third.
– States that experienced increases were Texas, Utah, Wyoming, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Of those states, no one state had a rate of increase that was significantly higher than the other six.
As part of the Census Bureau’s reengineered 2010 Census, the data collected by the American Community Survey (ACS) helps federal officials determine where to distribute more than $400 billion to state and local governments each year. Responses to the survey are strictly confidential and protected by law.
The 2008 ACS estimates are based on an annual, nationwide sample of about 250,000 addresses per month. In addition, approximately 20,000 group quarters across the United States were sampled, comprising approximately 200,000 residents. Geographic areas for which data are available are based on total populations of 65,000 or more.
As is the case with all surveys, statistics from sample surveys are subject to sampling and nonsampling error. All comparisons made in the reports have been tested and found to be statistically significant at the 90 percent confidence level, unless otherwise noted. Please consult the data tables for specific margins of error. For more information, go to http://www.census.gov/acs/www/UseData/index.htm.
Visit “American Factfinder,” the Census Bureau’s online data tool, to obtain ACS data for nation, all states and the District of Columbia, all congressional districts, approximately 800 counties, and 500 metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas, among others.
Additional 2008 ACS economic tables will be released on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009. On Oct. 27, 2009, the Census Bureau will release three-year data (2006-2008 ACS) for areas with a population of 20,000 or more, including the nation, all states and the District of Columbia, all congressional districts, approximately 1,800 counties, and 900 metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas, among others.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
The 61st Primetime Emmy Awards winners
The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences tonight (Sunday, September 20, 2009) awarded the 2008-2009 Primetime Emmys for programs and individual achievements on the “61st Primetime Emmy Awards” originating on the CBS Television Network from the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles. The Academy’s Chairman & CEO John Shaffner participated in the awards ceremony. Don Mischer was Executive Producer of the telecast.
In addition to Emmys in 28 categories announced tonight, Emmys in 75 other categories and areas for programs and individual achievements were presented at the Creative Arts Awards on September 12, 2009 from the Nokia Theatre. The awards were tabulated by the independent accounting firm of Ernst & Young LLP.
The total primetime awards announced on tonight’s telecast were distributed as follows: (Note: The figures in parenthesis represent the grand total of Emmys awarded, including those announced tonight and those announced September 12th).
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
KRISTIN CHENOWETH as Olive Snook ABC
Pushing Daisies
OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A COMEDY SERIES
MATT HUBBARD, Writer NBC
30 Rock
Reunion
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
JON CRYER as Alan Harper CBS
Two And A Half Men
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
TONI COLLETTE as Tara Gregson SHOWTIME
United States Of Tara
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A COMEDY SERIES
JEFFREY BLITZ, Director NBC
The Office
Stress Relief
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
ALEC BALDWIN as Jack Donaghy NBC
30 Rock
OUTSTANDING HOST FOR A REALITY OR REALITY-COMPETITION PROGRAM
JEFF PROBST, Host CBS
Survivor
OUTSTANDING REALITY – COMPETITION PROGRAM
THE AMAZING RACE CBS
Bertram van Munster, Executive Producer
Jerry Bruckheimer, Executive Producer
Jonathan Littman, Executive Producer
Hayma “Screech” Washington, Executive Producer
Elise Doganieri, Co-Executive Producer
Amy Nabseth Chacon, Co-Executive Producer
Mark Vertullo, Co-Executive Producer
Matt Schmidt, Supervising Producer
Jarratt Carson, Supervising Producer
Evan Weinstein, Supervising Producer
Giselle Parets, Senior Producer
Michael Norton, Senior Producer
Patrick Cariaga, Senior Producer
Phil Keoghan, Producer
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR MOVIE
SHOHREH AGHDASHLOO as Sajida HBO
House Of Saddam
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE
KEN HOWARD as Phelan Beale HBO
Grey Gardens
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE
BRENDAN GLEESON as Winston Churchill HBO
Into The Storm
OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A MINISERIES, MOVIE OR A DRAMATIC SPECIAL
ANDREW DAVIES, Writer PBS
Little Dorrit
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A MINISERIES, MOVIE OR A DRAMATIC SPECIAL
DEARBHLA WALSH, Director PBS
Little Dorrit
Part 1
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE
JESSICA LANGE as Big Edie HBO
Grey Gardens
OUTSTANDING MADE FOR TELEVISION MOVIE
GREY GARDENS HBO
Lucy Barzun Donnelly, Executive Producer
Rachael Horovitz, Executive Producer
Michael Sucsy, Executive Producer
David Coatsworth, Produced By
OUTSTANDING MINISERIES
LITTLE DORRIT PBS
Anne Pivcevic, Executive Producer
Rebecca Eaton, Executive Producer
Lisa Osborne, Producer
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY SERIES
BRUCE GOWERS, Director FOX
American Idol
Show 833 (The Final Three)
OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY SERIES
STEVE BODOW, Head Writer COMEDY CENTRAL
JON STEWART, Writer
DAVID JAVERBAUM, Writer
JOSH LIEB, Writer
RORY ALBANESE, Writer
KEVIN BLEYER, Writer
JASON ROSS, Writer
TIM CARVELL, Writer
JOHN OLIVER, Writer
SAM MEANS, Writer
ROB KUTNER, Writer
J.R. HAVLAN, Writer
RICH BLOMQUIST, Writer
WYATT CENAC, Writer
ELLIOTT KALAN, Writer
RACHEL AXLER, Writer
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL MUSIC & LYRICS
WILLIAM ROSS, Original Music ABC
JOHN KIMBROUGH, Original Music
DAN HARMON, Original Lyrics
ROB SCHRAB, Original Lyrics
BEN SCHWARTZ, Original Lyrics
81st Annual Academy Awards
Song Title: Hugh Jackman Opening Number
OUTSTANDING VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY SERIES
THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART COMEDY CENTRAL
Jon Stewart, Executive Producer/Host
David Javerbaum, Executive Producer
Rory Albanese, Executive Producer
Josh Lieb, Executive Producer
Kahane Corn, Co-Executive Producer
Jennifer Flanz, Supervising Producer
Jim Margolis, Supervising Producer
Steve Bodow, Supervising Producer
Adam Lowitt, Supervising Producer
Jill Katz, Producer
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
MICHAEL EMERSON as Ben Linus ABC
Lost
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
CHERRY JONES as President Allison Taylor FOX
24
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A DRAMA SERIES
ROD HOLCOMB, Director NBC
ER
And In The End
OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A DRAMA SERIES
KATER GORDON, Writer AMC
MATTHEW WEINER, Writer
Mad Men
Meditations In An Emergency
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
GLENN CLOSE as Patty Hewes FX NETWORKS
Damages
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
BRYAN CRANSTON as Walter White AMC
Breaking Bad
OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES
30 ROCK NBC
Lorne Michaels, Executive Producer
Tina Fey, Executive Producer
Marci Klein, Executive Producer
David Miner, Executive Producer
Robert Carlock, Executive Producer
John Riggi, Co-Executive Producer
Jack Burditt, Co-Executive Producer
Ron Weiner, Co-Executive Producer
Matt Hubbard, Supervising Producer
Jeff Richmond, Supervising Producer
Don Scardino, Producer
Jerry Kupfer, Producer
OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES
MAD MEN AMC
Matthew Weiner, Executive Producer
Scott Hornbacher, Co-Executive Producer
André Jacquemetton, Supervising Producer
Maria Jacquemetton, Supervising Producer
Lisa Albert, Supervising Producer
Microsoft gives teachers free resources to address classroom challenges due to the impact of H1N1 Flu Virus
Office Live Workspace answers Department of Education’s call to help teachers and students stay connected virtually anytime, anywhere.
It’s the start of the school year, and there are already empty seats in classrooms and lecture halls because of unfortunate outbreaks of the H1N1 flu virus. Today, Microsoft Corp. is furthering its commitment to the U.S. Department of Education and schools and universities across the nation by offering a free technology resource that will help educators stay connected with their students and continue the learning process if they are forced to stay home from school or miss class. Microsoft Office Live Workspace allows educators to create an online class workspace where they can share assignments, handouts and manage collaborative group projects so that students can access course work virtually anytime and anywhere with just an Internet connection. This tool and other H1N1 resources are available today at http://www.microsoft.com/education/h1n1.
“We can all work to keep ourselves healthy now by practicing prevention, close monitoring and common sense,” said Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education. “We know that some students may be affected by H1N1, and our top priority is making sure that they have a way to get well, stay well and to keep learning. We’re providing a menu of strategies for educators to help ensure that the learning process will continue.”
Microsoft’s H1N1 resources for educators include access to Office Live Workspace, how-to videos for training and to see how other educators are using the software in the classroom, tips to spur collaboration, and other free and simple technologies to make classroom content more engaging online.
Learning Goes Online in Alabama When H1N1 Strikes
There have already been cases of the H1N1 flu virus at St. Paul’s Episcopal School in Mobile, Ala., since the opening of school this year. Kelli Etheredge is the school’s Tech & Learning Resources Director and a World Literature teacher and says a few students are absent from her class each day due to the virus. Following Etheredge’s success using Office Live Workspace last year, she immediately set up a class workspace so her students could collaborate to create virtual tours of ancient medieval epic heroes while away from the classroom. The online tool not only connects her students in various locations but also teaches her students about what it means to work as a team and how to accomplish goals together.
“This resource has helped my students stay connected to me and to the rest of their class,” Etheredge said. “Through collaborative projects and online resources, my students have been able to continue their learning of the ancient and medieval epics as well as work on their museum projects in a team environment and not miss a beat.”
Educators and students can access documents on their class workspace from virtually any computer with Internet access — even if not connected to the school network. Educators and students can work collaboratively on projects in a safe environment that is password-protected and invitation-only. Even if they don’t have a desktop version of Microsoft Office at home, they can still view and work on documents in a browser.
“We’re concerned for the students and families impacted by the H1N1 virus and understand this could be a difficult time for students worried about their health and that they could fall behind in their studies,” said Anthony Salcito, vice president of Worldwide Public Sector Education at Microsoft. “We are happy to be able to provide affordable and accessible technology solutions that educators and students can use to mitigate any disruptions in the classroom due to a possible outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus.”