TT Note: Wow. This video really puts the current government spending into perspective. I know I'm not comfortable with the speed at which we are going. How about you?
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Monday, June 08, 2009
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Newspaper Print Ads Like Falling Off the Cliff
TT Note: All you have to do to verify this story is to look at the newspapers that get delivered to your home. They keep shrinking due to lack of advertisers. The recent economic woes have really hit this industry hard. Is the lack of unbiased reporting also contributing to the newspapers' demise?
From Terrible To Terrifying: Newspaper Ad Sales Plummet $2.6 Billion In Q1 2009
by Robin Wauters
Nothing like a telling graphic to illustrate what most have been expecting, albeit probably not in this order of magnitude. Veteran media exec Alan Mutter discovered some horrid statisticsabout the state of ad sales for American newspapers on trade organization NAA’s website, and published his view on the Q1 2009 numbers on his blog. They don’t look pretty.
The stats show that total newspaper ad sales dropped by an unprecedented 28.28% in the first quarter of 2009, a deep plunge.....http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/06/02/from-terrible-to-terrifying-newspaper-ad-sales-plummet-26-billion-in-first-quarter/
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From Terrible To Terrifying: Newspaper Ad Sales Plummet $2.6 Billion In Q1 2009
by Robin Wauters
Nothing like a telling graphic to illustrate what most have been expecting, albeit probably not in this order of magnitude. Veteran media exec Alan Mutter discovered some horrid statisticsabout the state of ad sales for American newspapers on trade organization NAA’s website, and published his view on the Q1 2009 numbers on his blog. They don’t look pretty.
The stats show that total newspaper ad sales dropped by an unprecedented 28.28% in the first quarter of 2009, a deep plunge.....http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/06/02/from-terrible-to-terrifying-newspaper-ad-sales-plummet-26-billion-in-first-quarter/
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Saturday, June 06, 2009
Mattel, Fisher-Price to Pay $2.3 Million Civil Penalty for Violating Federal Lead Paint Ban
Mattel, Fisher-Price to Pay $2.3 Million Civil Penalty for Violating Federal Lead Paint Ban
Penalty is highest ever for CPSC regulated product violations
As part of its commitment to protecting the safety of children, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that Mattel Inc., of El Segundo, Calif. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Fisher-Price Inc., of East Aurora, N.Y. have agreed to pay a $2.3 million civil penalty for violating the federal lead paint ban.
The penalty settlement, which has been provisionally accepted by the Commission, resolves CPSC staff allegations that Mattel and Fisher-Price knowingly (as defined in the Consumer Product Safety Act) imported and sold children's toys with paints or other surface coatings that contained lead levels that violated a 30-year-old federal law. In 1978, a federal ban was put in place which prohibited toys and other children's articles from having more than 0.06 percent lead (by weight) in paints or surface coatings. In 2007, about 95 Mattel and Fisher-Price toy models were determined to have exceeded this limit. Lead can be toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health consequences.
This civil penalty, which is the highest for violations involving importation or distribution in commerce of a regulated product and is the third highest of any kind in CPSC history, settles the following allegations:
Mattel imported up to 900,000 non-compliant toys between September 2006 and August 2007, including the "Sarge" toy car and numerous Barbie accessory toys, and distributed most of them to its retail customers for sale to U.S. consumers. The "Sarge" car was recalled in August 2007 and the Barbie toys were recalled in September 2007.
Fisher-Price imported up to 1.1 million non-compliant toys between July 2006 and August 2007, including certain licensed character toys and the Bongo Band, GEOTRAX locomotive, and Go Diego Go Rescue Boat toys. Most of these toys were distributed to retail stores for sale to consumers. The licensed character toys were recalled in August 2007, the Bongo Band and GEO TRAX toys were recalled in September 2007, and the Go Diego Go Boat toys were recalled in October 2007.
"These highly publicized toy recalls helped spur Congressional action last year to strengthen CPSC and make even stricter the ban on lead paint on toys," said CPSC Acting Chairman Thomas Moore. "This penalty should serve notice to toy makers that CPSC is committed to the safety of children, to reducing their exposure to lead, and to the implementation of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act."
This settlement also resolves other potential matters. In agreeing to the settlement, Mattel and Fisher-Price deny that they knowingly violated federal law, as alleged by CPSC staff.
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Penalty is highest ever for CPSC regulated product violations
As part of its commitment to protecting the safety of children, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that Mattel Inc., of El Segundo, Calif. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Fisher-Price Inc., of East Aurora, N.Y. have agreed to pay a $2.3 million civil penalty for violating the federal lead paint ban.
The penalty settlement, which has been provisionally accepted by the Commission, resolves CPSC staff allegations that Mattel and Fisher-Price knowingly (as defined in the Consumer Product Safety Act) imported and sold children's toys with paints or other surface coatings that contained lead levels that violated a 30-year-old federal law. In 1978, a federal ban was put in place which prohibited toys and other children's articles from having more than 0.06 percent lead (by weight) in paints or surface coatings. In 2007, about 95 Mattel and Fisher-Price toy models were determined to have exceeded this limit. Lead can be toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health consequences.
This civil penalty, which is the highest for violations involving importation or distribution in commerce of a regulated product and is the third highest of any kind in CPSC history, settles the following allegations:
Mattel imported up to 900,000 non-compliant toys between September 2006 and August 2007, including the "Sarge" toy car and numerous Barbie accessory toys, and distributed most of them to its retail customers for sale to U.S. consumers. The "Sarge" car was recalled in August 2007 and the Barbie toys were recalled in September 2007.
Fisher-Price imported up to 1.1 million non-compliant toys between July 2006 and August 2007, including certain licensed character toys and the Bongo Band, GEOTRAX locomotive, and Go Diego Go Rescue Boat toys. Most of these toys were distributed to retail stores for sale to consumers. The licensed character toys were recalled in August 2007, the Bongo Band and GEO TRAX toys were recalled in September 2007, and the Go Diego Go Boat toys were recalled in October 2007.
"These highly publicized toy recalls helped spur Congressional action last year to strengthen CPSC and make even stricter the ban on lead paint on toys," said CPSC Acting Chairman Thomas Moore. "This penalty should serve notice to toy makers that CPSC is committed to the safety of children, to reducing their exposure to lead, and to the implementation of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act."
This settlement also resolves other potential matters. In agreeing to the settlement, Mattel and Fisher-Price deny that they knowingly violated federal law, as alleged by CPSC staff.
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Thursday, June 04, 2009
Obama Administration Abandons American Workers, Refuses to Implement E-Verify Requirement
/PRNewswire / -- Billions of dollars in stimulus aid can be used by federal contractors to hire illegal workers because of the Obama administration's cancellation of a requirement that they use the E-Verify system. As unemployment soars in the U.S., taxpayer-funded assistance will be used to hire illegal aliens, according to Californians for Population Stabilization (CAPS).
"It is simply appalling that millions of Americans have lost their jobs, yet we are spending stimulus dollars to hire workers who have broken our immigration laws," said Diana Hull, the President of CAPS.
Nearly 6 million jobs have disappeared from the United States over the last year and a half, and unemployment hit a 25-year peak of 8.9% in April. The administration has promised to crack down on businesses that knowingly hire illegal workers, but it is delaying this measure to apply workplace rules to federal projects.
"Obama and other politicians claimed they were creating jobs for American workers with this huge stimulus package. Then they turn around and displace U.S. workers by failing to enforce our immigration laws," Hull noted.
The delay in the executive order until September was the fourth postponement this year. The new rule, if implemented, would require contractors to confirm the employment eligibility of all persons hired during a contract term with the federal government. E-Verify is free to employers, and 12 states now have some form of legislation to mandate its usage.
"Cancellation of E-Verify is unforgivable because this program is so effective. It is a clear signal that effective immigration enforcement is not a real goal of this administration," said Hull. "Struggling American workers and their families deserve better."
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"It is simply appalling that millions of Americans have lost their jobs, yet we are spending stimulus dollars to hire workers who have broken our immigration laws," said Diana Hull, the President of CAPS.
Nearly 6 million jobs have disappeared from the United States over the last year and a half, and unemployment hit a 25-year peak of 8.9% in April. The administration has promised to crack down on businesses that knowingly hire illegal workers, but it is delaying this measure to apply workplace rules to federal projects.
"Obama and other politicians claimed they were creating jobs for American workers with this huge stimulus package. Then they turn around and displace U.S. workers by failing to enforce our immigration laws," Hull noted.
The delay in the executive order until September was the fourth postponement this year. The new rule, if implemented, would require contractors to confirm the employment eligibility of all persons hired during a contract term with the federal government. E-Verify is free to employers, and 12 states now have some form of legislation to mandate its usage.
"Cancellation of E-Verify is unforgivable because this program is so effective. It is a clear signal that effective immigration enforcement is not a real goal of this administration," said Hull. "Struggling American workers and their families deserve better."
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Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Who will hold the leaders accountable? The media?
TT Note: Newsweek asks who is checking the media coverage? When will the media begin to really examine our leaders?
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Tuesday, June 02, 2009
China Blocks Twitter, Flickr, Others as Tiananmen Anniversary Looms
TT Note: So, the Chinese government doesn't want free speech on the web right now. But it's ok if google still works over there. How long before some in our own government decide to take this road here? Recent stories kind of make me wonder.
Thursday is the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, and as a foretaste, Chinese users were denied access to Blogger, Flickr, Twitter, Livejournal, Tumblr, the Huffington Post and Microsoft's Live.com, Hotmail, its MSN Space blog tool and its new search engine Bing, according to various reports.
"Looks like Twitter has been.....http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,524339,00.html
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Thursday is the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, and as a foretaste, Chinese users were denied access to Blogger, Flickr, Twitter, Livejournal, Tumblr, the Huffington Post and Microsoft's Live.com, Hotmail, its MSN Space blog tool and its new search engine Bing, according to various reports.
"Looks like Twitter has been.....http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,524339,00.html
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In Wake of Foreclosures, Mosquitoes Pose Serious Issues
TT Note: I have to admit it. I hadn't realized this potential consequence of foreclosure. With all the rain the south has seen recently, there is already a bumper crop of mosquitoes. Be sure to help us all by letting your health officials know where large bodies of water are standing in your neighborhood.
(BUSINESS WIRE)--Although national consumer confidence has risen in recent months, the recession is still significantly affecting homeowners. RealtyTrac reported in April 2009 that national home foreclosures were up 32 percent over just one year ago. More, according to CNN, Nevada, Florida, California and Arizona continue to lead the nation in foreclosures, accounting for more than 50 percent of foreclosed homes in April alone.
While these foreclosure figures underscore the current economic conditions, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) reminds homeowners to remain vigilant of an ancillary issue stemming from continued increases in vacated homes – potential mosquito infestations in the summer months, especially in and around those foreclosed properties with backyard pools.
The abandonment of pools due to foreclosure is important as mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. When pools are not maintained and/or properly treated, the potential for a significant mosquito infestation rapidly rises. Considering that the standing water that collects naturally in empty flower pots or bird baths provides a terrific opportunity for mosquito breeding, an abandoned swimming pool offers an even greater chance for a major pest infestation that can affect the homes adjacent to the foreclosed property.
“Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance pest but also, a major health threat,” said Greg Baumann, senior scientist for the NPMA. “While associated with causing itchy welts, these pests can also transmit West Nile virus (WNV). In fact, the Center for Disease Control reported that WNV resulted in more than 1,300 human cases and 44 fatalities across the U.S. in 2008. Awareness of conducive conditions for mosquito breeding, especially in and around foreclosed homes, is the key to preventing potential mosquito infestations and limiting WNV in 2009.”
If concerned regarding a foreclosed property with a backyard pool, homeowners should contact their local health department. If concerned by mosquitoes on their own property, homeowners can visit Pestworld.org for prevention tips or to find a local pest professional who can identify and treat the problem.
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(BUSINESS WIRE)--Although national consumer confidence has risen in recent months, the recession is still significantly affecting homeowners. RealtyTrac reported in April 2009 that national home foreclosures were up 32 percent over just one year ago. More, according to CNN, Nevada, Florida, California and Arizona continue to lead the nation in foreclosures, accounting for more than 50 percent of foreclosed homes in April alone.
While these foreclosure figures underscore the current economic conditions, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) reminds homeowners to remain vigilant of an ancillary issue stemming from continued increases in vacated homes – potential mosquito infestations in the summer months, especially in and around those foreclosed properties with backyard pools.
The abandonment of pools due to foreclosure is important as mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. When pools are not maintained and/or properly treated, the potential for a significant mosquito infestation rapidly rises. Considering that the standing water that collects naturally in empty flower pots or bird baths provides a terrific opportunity for mosquito breeding, an abandoned swimming pool offers an even greater chance for a major pest infestation that can affect the homes adjacent to the foreclosed property.
“Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance pest but also, a major health threat,” said Greg Baumann, senior scientist for the NPMA. “While associated with causing itchy welts, these pests can also transmit West Nile virus (WNV). In fact, the Center for Disease Control reported that WNV resulted in more than 1,300 human cases and 44 fatalities across the U.S. in 2008. Awareness of conducive conditions for mosquito breeding, especially in and around foreclosed homes, is the key to preventing potential mosquito infestations and limiting WNV in 2009.”
If concerned regarding a foreclosed property with a backyard pool, homeowners should contact their local health department. If concerned by mosquitoes on their own property, homeowners can visit Pestworld.org for prevention tips or to find a local pest professional who can identify and treat the problem.
-----
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