Thursday, November 18, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Live Coverage of We the People-Owensboro
Updated:
See this link for a sociological look at the event, the process our team to took, and considerations for qualitative research. Found here
---------
First off a huge thanks goes to Mary Lauran Hall with the AmericaSpeaks project, Steve Metzger, Jessie Schartung, Michelle Montalvo, the Public Life Foundation and the local We the People project.
The archived coverage of the We the People event Oct. 23rd event is below. Click "replay" to thumb through all the work we did for the day.
An initial draft of the days events has been released, and can be accessed here and here.
Concluding thoughts by our local team can be found here.
See this link for a sociological look at the event, the process our team to took, and considerations for qualitative research. Found here
---------
First off a huge thanks goes to Mary Lauran Hall with the AmericaSpeaks project, Steve Metzger, Jessie Schartung, Michelle Montalvo, the Public Life Foundation and the local We the People project.
The archived coverage of the We the People event Oct. 23rd event is below. Click "replay" to thumb through all the work we did for the day.
An initial draft of the days events has been released, and can be accessed here and here.
Concluding thoughts by our local team can be found here.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Public Life Advocate: The Tracker (May 2006)
* Corporatization refers to the homogenization resulting from large private interests (corporations) consuming and/or replacing smaller private and public interests (small businesses and governmental functions).
* Corporations have marketed themselves and their interests robustly over time. The total number of registered clients lobbying the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate in 2000 was just over 14,000. In 2004 the number was over 20,000.
* In 1998, the total lobbying expenditure at the federal level was $1.43 billion. In 2004, the total was $2.16 billion.
* In 1990, General Dynamics (a major defense contractor) made nearly $400,000 in federal campaign contributions (59% to Democrats, 41% to Republicans). In 2004 the total was nearly $1.5 million (43% to Democrats, 57% to Republicans).
* The largest commercial bank in the United States, Citigroup, maintains connections through its board of directors with 25 corporations. The 153 boards of directors representing these corporations also serve with an additional 214 corporations.
* Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc, the top U.S. lobbying firm from 1998-2004, has represented over 250 states, companies, and organizations ranging from the Commonwealth of Kentucky to Wheelchairs for the World Foundation.
* From Kentucky, Brown & Williamson Tobacco spent the most money, over $35 million, in federal lobbying between 1998-2004. The eighth largest federal lobbying effort from Kentucky during the same period was from Western Kentucky University, with just under $1 million.
* In the 2003-2004 election cycle, Owensboro ($405,000) ranked fourth behind Louisville, Lexington, and Northern Kentucky in Kentucky metropolitan area donations to federal candidates, political action committees, and political parties.
* More than half of the 170 psychiatric experts who contributed to latest edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) has financial ties to the pharmaceutical companies that make the medications to treat the illnesses the DSM defines.
* Corporations have marketed themselves and their interests robustly over time. The total number of registered clients lobbying the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate in 2000 was just over 14,000. In 2004 the number was over 20,000.
* In 1998, the total lobbying expenditure at the federal level was $1.43 billion. In 2004, the total was $2.16 billion.
* In 1990, General Dynamics (a major defense contractor) made nearly $400,000 in federal campaign contributions (59% to Democrats, 41% to Republicans). In 2004 the total was nearly $1.5 million (43% to Democrats, 57% to Republicans).
* The largest commercial bank in the United States, Citigroup, maintains connections through its board of directors with 25 corporations. The 153 boards of directors representing these corporations also serve with an additional 214 corporations.
* Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc, the top U.S. lobbying firm from 1998-2004, has represented over 250 states, companies, and organizations ranging from the Commonwealth of Kentucky to Wheelchairs for the World Foundation.
* From Kentucky, Brown & Williamson Tobacco spent the most money, over $35 million, in federal lobbying between 1998-2004. The eighth largest federal lobbying effort from Kentucky during the same period was from Western Kentucky University, with just under $1 million.
* In the 2003-2004 election cycle, Owensboro ($405,000) ranked fourth behind Louisville, Lexington, and Northern Kentucky in Kentucky metropolitan area donations to federal candidates, political action committees, and political parties.
* More than half of the 170 psychiatric experts who contributed to latest edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) has financial ties to the pharmaceutical companies that make the medications to treat the illnesses the DSM defines.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Public Life Advocate: The Tracker (March 2006)
* “Quality of Life, Well-Being, and Livability” is generally measured by social indicators such as health, economic indices, and subjective experiences.
* The Centers for Disease and Control measures quality of life relative to general physical health, general mental well-being, and activity limitation.
* Quality-adjusted life years, or QALYs, is a measure of the benefit of a medical intervention based on the number of years of life that would be added by the intervention.
* There are over 25 reputable resources measuring the quality of life for children, and 25 separate tools to measure quality of life during terminal and palliative care.
* It is generally accepted that measuring quality of life associated with gender equality, family life, job security, political freedom, social capital, and community life varies according to survey definitions and design.
* The Vanderford-Riley Well-Being Schedule examines per capita full time equivalent hours worked per week, the value of equity in property per person, the ratio of property owners to non-owners, and ratio of self-employment to total employment.
* A country’s well-being is often examined using the Gross National Product (GNP). GNP is the total value of final goods and services produced in a year by a country's nationals (including profits from capital held abroad).
* A country’s well-being is often examined using Gross Domestic Product (GDP). GDP is defined as the total value of final goods and services produced within a country's borders in a year, regardless of ownership.
* The Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) examines well-being as a country’s economic growth in relation to the improvement of the welfare of the people of that country.
* The Gross National Happiness (GNH) index measures quality of life based on whether material and spiritual development of a society occurs simultaneously.
* The United Nations Human Development Index (HDI) is a comparative measure of well-being examining poverty, literacy, education, life expectancy, childbirth, and other worldwide factors.
* The Economist measures quality of life according to nine indices: material well-being, health, political stability and security, family life, community life, climate and geography, job security, political freedom, and gender equality. In 2005 the U.S. ranked 13th behind 9 European countries.
* The Centers for Disease and Control measures quality of life relative to general physical health, general mental well-being, and activity limitation.
* Quality-adjusted life years, or QALYs, is a measure of the benefit of a medical intervention based on the number of years of life that would be added by the intervention.
* There are over 25 reputable resources measuring the quality of life for children, and 25 separate tools to measure quality of life during terminal and palliative care.
* It is generally accepted that measuring quality of life associated with gender equality, family life, job security, political freedom, social capital, and community life varies according to survey definitions and design.
* The Vanderford-Riley Well-Being Schedule examines per capita full time equivalent hours worked per week, the value of equity in property per person, the ratio of property owners to non-owners, and ratio of self-employment to total employment.
* A country’s well-being is often examined using the Gross National Product (GNP). GNP is the total value of final goods and services produced in a year by a country's nationals (including profits from capital held abroad).
* A country’s well-being is often examined using Gross Domestic Product (GDP). GDP is defined as the total value of final goods and services produced within a country's borders in a year, regardless of ownership.
* The Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) examines well-being as a country’s economic growth in relation to the improvement of the welfare of the people of that country.
* The Gross National Happiness (GNH) index measures quality of life based on whether material and spiritual development of a society occurs simultaneously.
* The United Nations Human Development Index (HDI) is a comparative measure of well-being examining poverty, literacy, education, life expectancy, childbirth, and other worldwide factors.
* The Economist measures quality of life according to nine indices: material well-being, health, political stability and security, family life, community life, climate and geography, job security, political freedom, and gender equality. In 2005 the U.S. ranked 13th behind 9 European countries.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Public Life Advocate: The Tracker, Jan. 2006
* Social connectedness is a much stronger predictor of the perceived quality of life in a community than the community's income or educational level.
* Youth volunteering is up since 1995, but the gap in volunteering between children with a college-graduate mother and children with a high-school dropout mother increased by almost 50 percent since 1976.
* 82% of high school seniors volunteered in 2004, a 14% jump from 1986.
* In 2005, 42% of those volunteering became involved because they were asked by someone in the organization.
* Persons age 35 to 44 are most likely to volunteer (35%), closely followed by 45 to 54 year-olds (33%).
* Married persons volunteer at a higher rate (34%) than never-married persons (23%) and persons of other marital statuses (23%).
* Parents with children under age 18 are more likely to volunteer than persons without children of that age, 37% compared with 26%.
* Among volunteers with children under 18 years old, 45% of mothers and 36% of fathers volunteered mainly for an educational/youth service-related organization, such as a school or sports team.
* Employed persons are more likely to volunteer than the unemployed. Part-time workers participate in volunteer activities at a higher rate than full-time workers.
* In 2005, 45% of volunteers age 65 and over performed volunteer activities mainly through or for a religious organization, compared with 28% of volunteers age 16 to 24.
* Among volunteers in 2005, people with higher levels of educational attainment were more likely to provide professional or management assistance, tutor or teach, mentor youth, coach, referee, or supervise sports teams, or provide counseling, medical care, fire/EMS, or protective services. They were less likely to collect, prepare, distribute, or serve food, or be an usher, greeter, or minister.
* Participation in clubs and civic organizations has been cut by more than half over last 25 years.
* Joining one group cuts your odds of dying over the next year in half. Joining two groups cuts it by three quarters.
* Youth volunteering is up since 1995, but the gap in volunteering between children with a college-graduate mother and children with a high-school dropout mother increased by almost 50 percent since 1976.
* 82% of high school seniors volunteered in 2004, a 14% jump from 1986.
* In 2005, 42% of those volunteering became involved because they were asked by someone in the organization.
* Persons age 35 to 44 are most likely to volunteer (35%), closely followed by 45 to 54 year-olds (33%).
* Married persons volunteer at a higher rate (34%) than never-married persons (23%) and persons of other marital statuses (23%).
* Parents with children under age 18 are more likely to volunteer than persons without children of that age, 37% compared with 26%.
* Among volunteers with children under 18 years old, 45% of mothers and 36% of fathers volunteered mainly for an educational/youth service-related organization, such as a school or sports team.
* Employed persons are more likely to volunteer than the unemployed. Part-time workers participate in volunteer activities at a higher rate than full-time workers.
* In 2005, 45% of volunteers age 65 and over performed volunteer activities mainly through or for a religious organization, compared with 28% of volunteers age 16 to 24.
* Among volunteers in 2005, people with higher levels of educational attainment were more likely to provide professional or management assistance, tutor or teach, mentor youth, coach, referee, or supervise sports teams, or provide counseling, medical care, fire/EMS, or protective services. They were less likely to collect, prepare, distribute, or serve food, or be an usher, greeter, or minister.
* Participation in clubs and civic organizations has been cut by more than half over last 25 years.
* Joining one group cuts your odds of dying over the next year in half. Joining two groups cuts it by three quarters.
Monday, November 28, 2005
The Tracker: November 2005
* Kentucky ranks in the top ten poorest states in the United States.
* Rates of smoking are highest in states with higher poverty.
* Medicaid recipients have approximately 50% greater smoking prevalence than the overall U.S. population. In 2002, Kentucky was 1 of 15 states which did not include medication coverage for tobacco dependence treatment under Medicaid.
* In 2004, Kentucky had the highest adult smoking rate in the country at 28%.
* The local adult smoking rate (18 and older) is 26%. The local youth smoking rate (8th-12th graders) is 24%.
* From 2001-2003, the percent of adults that tried to quit smoking in Owensboro-Daviess County was 56%. The state percentage was 48%.
* In 2004, the number of local manufacturers offering smoking cessation programs to their employees was 52%. The state percentage was 48%.
* According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, during 1997-2001, cigarette smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke resulted in approximately 438,000 premature deaths in the United States, 5.5 million total years of potential life lost, and $92 billion of annual losses in worker productivity.
* In 2003, the percentage of local schools banning smoking on school grounds was 64%. The state percentage was 42%.
* In 2003, the percentage of local restaurants that were smoke free was 57%. The state percentage was 45%.
* In 2002, Kentucky had the fifth highest age-adjusted death rate in the United States. Out of 50 states, citizens in 45 live healthier and longer than Kentuckians.
* The four leading indicators of death in the Kentucky are 1) heart disease; 2) cancer; 3) stroke; and 4) chronic lower respiratory disease.
* Cigarette smoking is the single most common preventable cause of death for the four leading indicators of death.
* Rates of smoking are highest in states with higher poverty.
* Medicaid recipients have approximately 50% greater smoking prevalence than the overall U.S. population. In 2002, Kentucky was 1 of 15 states which did not include medication coverage for tobacco dependence treatment under Medicaid.
* In 2004, Kentucky had the highest adult smoking rate in the country at 28%.
* The local adult smoking rate (18 and older) is 26%. The local youth smoking rate (8th-12th graders) is 24%.
* From 2001-2003, the percent of adults that tried to quit smoking in Owensboro-Daviess County was 56%. The state percentage was 48%.
* In 2004, the number of local manufacturers offering smoking cessation programs to their employees was 52%. The state percentage was 48%.
* According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, during 1997-2001, cigarette smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke resulted in approximately 438,000 premature deaths in the United States, 5.5 million total years of potential life lost, and $92 billion of annual losses in worker productivity.
* In 2003, the percentage of local schools banning smoking on school grounds was 64%. The state percentage was 42%.
* In 2003, the percentage of local restaurants that were smoke free was 57%. The state percentage was 45%.
* In 2002, Kentucky had the fifth highest age-adjusted death rate in the United States. Out of 50 states, citizens in 45 live healthier and longer than Kentuckians.
* The four leading indicators of death in the Kentucky are 1) heart disease; 2) cancer; 3) stroke; and 4) chronic lower respiratory disease.
* Cigarette smoking is the single most common preventable cause of death for the four leading indicators of death.
Friday, November 04, 2005
The Profound Role of Leadership: by Gary Hall
All of us have been positively influenced by leaders throughout our lives.
Whether they were a Little League coach, youth minister, an inspirational teacher or a wise grandparent, our perceptions and character are formed by these personal relationships.
We also have been affected by leadership. Think of how American's collectively feel when it is perceived no one is at the helm of the ship in Washington, D.C..
The challenge of leadership is to successfully bring a critical number of people to a unified conclusion resulting in support for action.
Research has shown that the critical number of people needed to cause community change is surprisingly a minimum of thirty percent. When Americans fought and won independence from the British, interestingly enough, it was not by means of unanimous support. In fact, the population was bitterly divided into three equal camps. There were the Tory's, those loyal to the crown, the Revolutionaries fighting for independence, and those who were neutral in the entire matter. Eventually, they all were benefactors of those few leaders who did not wait to gain the support of the majority but garnered enough support to accomplish what was right for the new nation.
In August of this year, a survey was conducted of registered voters in Owensboro/Daviess County revealing that sixty-five percent of respondents favored an ordinance restricting smoking inside many public buildings and businesses. This survey had a confidence level of 95% + 5%. Results were published in the Messenger-Inquirer on October 5.
One question surrounding the jointly written ordinance is, "Does passive smoke harm those who are exposed? Too many studies have repeatedly shown that second-hand smoke does have adverse effects on adults and especially children.
The issue of whether or not individual rights of smokers would be infringed is also important to consider. Does a smoker have the right to exhale smoke in an enclosed space shared also by nonsmokers and children? Many years ago, cities saw the need to pass ordinances to restrict snuff/tobacco chewers from spitting on city sidewalks. Why? Because it was smelly, unsightly with ambeer staining the soles of pedestrian's shoes.
Although not as visible, passive-smoke is inhaled clinging to the lungs of non-smokers.
Smoking restrictions do not infringe on the rights of smokers, it actually provides specific guidelines where one can smoke while also protecting the rights of the non-smoking population.
Dr. Howard Gardner, professor at Harvard Graduate School of Education defines leadership this way: "A leader is an individual (or, a set of individuals) who significantly affects the thoughts, feelings, and/or behaviors of a significant number of individuals." Having verifiable strong community support, the next step is for our city/county officials to carry out their responsibility as duly elected leaders. With the authority their offices hold, they must move to support a comprehensive ordinance protecting as many of our members of our community as possible.
Gary Hall, 2415 North Stratford Drive, Owensboro
Whether they were a Little League coach, youth minister, an inspirational teacher or a wise grandparent, our perceptions and character are formed by these personal relationships.
We also have been affected by leadership. Think of how American's collectively feel when it is perceived no one is at the helm of the ship in Washington, D.C..
The challenge of leadership is to successfully bring a critical number of people to a unified conclusion resulting in support for action.
Research has shown that the critical number of people needed to cause community change is surprisingly a minimum of thirty percent. When Americans fought and won independence from the British, interestingly enough, it was not by means of unanimous support. In fact, the population was bitterly divided into three equal camps. There were the Tory's, those loyal to the crown, the Revolutionaries fighting for independence, and those who were neutral in the entire matter. Eventually, they all were benefactors of those few leaders who did not wait to gain the support of the majority but garnered enough support to accomplish what was right for the new nation.
In August of this year, a survey was conducted of registered voters in Owensboro/Daviess County revealing that sixty-five percent of respondents favored an ordinance restricting smoking inside many public buildings and businesses. This survey had a confidence level of 95% + 5%. Results were published in the Messenger-Inquirer on October 5.
One question surrounding the jointly written ordinance is, "Does passive smoke harm those who are exposed? Too many studies have repeatedly shown that second-hand smoke does have adverse effects on adults and especially children.
The issue of whether or not individual rights of smokers would be infringed is also important to consider. Does a smoker have the right to exhale smoke in an enclosed space shared also by nonsmokers and children? Many years ago, cities saw the need to pass ordinances to restrict snuff/tobacco chewers from spitting on city sidewalks. Why? Because it was smelly, unsightly with ambeer staining the soles of pedestrian's shoes.
Although not as visible, passive-smoke is inhaled clinging to the lungs of non-smokers.
Smoking restrictions do not infringe on the rights of smokers, it actually provides specific guidelines where one can smoke while also protecting the rights of the non-smoking population.
Dr. Howard Gardner, professor at Harvard Graduate School of Education defines leadership this way: "A leader is an individual (or, a set of individuals) who significantly affects the thoughts, feelings, and/or behaviors of a significant number of individuals." Having verifiable strong community support, the next step is for our city/county officials to carry out their responsibility as duly elected leaders. With the authority their offices hold, they must move to support a comprehensive ordinance protecting as many of our members of our community as possible.
Gary Hall, 2415 North Stratford Drive, Owensboro
Monday, October 03, 2005
Kentucky takes only 'baby steps' on health
Health problems caused by smoking and obesity kill thousands of Kentuckians annually and cost billions of dollars in medical care, yet the state until recently has done little in response.
Click here for this article from the Courier-Journal (10/2/05).
Click here for this article from the Courier-Journal (10/2/05).
Fletcher links health, Kentucky prosperity
To be more prosperous, the state must get healthier, Gov. Ernie Fletcher told health leaders at a conference in Louisville yesterday.
Click here for this article from the Courier-Journal (10/2/05).
Click here for this article from the Courier-Journal (10/2/05).
Friday, September 30, 2005
Smoke free Owensboro
Submitted by Don Crask (see contact information below)
When considering public health issues, I try to be able to put the issue in terms of risk and risk management.
I wish to list those questions and my assessment of the Smoke-free issue. (SHS=Secondhand Smoke)
Question 1: Is it a hazard? Reliable reviewed scientific findings by the CDC, EPA, and the AMA indicates that SHS is a major health hazard.
Question 2: How large a hazard is it? The CDC indicates that SHS exposure is the third leading cause of preventable death.
Question 3: What can be done about the hazard? An environmental strategy that involves large populations and promotes removing SHS from the air is the recommended methodology. Continuing education about the dangers of SHS should accompany the separation of smoke from large populations. Smoke-Free ordinances that protect all individual in public places and workplaces provide the needed level of protection.
Question 4: What are going to be the societal effects? Questions of personal and business rights will be pitted against the interest of public health causing much public discussion and uncertainty about the change. Comments concerning change that involves traditions will attempt to move the discussion away from the undisputable health facts and remedy appropriateness.
All in all, the precedents invoking the inherent legal rights of the public and defined public health role in these matters overwhelm any perceived infringement of personal and business rights. With the passage of time and the acceptance of public authority in this area, the health of the community will be advanced. This will be seen as a watershed event in the history of Daviess County.
Don Crask
Tobacco Control Coordinator
Green River District Health Dept.
1501 Breckenridge Street
Owensboro, Ky. 42303
270-686-7747, extension 5617
When considering public health issues, I try to be able to put the issue in terms of risk and risk management.
I wish to list those questions and my assessment of the Smoke-free issue. (SHS=Secondhand Smoke)
Question 1: Is it a hazard? Reliable reviewed scientific findings by the CDC, EPA, and the AMA indicates that SHS is a major health hazard.
Question 2: How large a hazard is it? The CDC indicates that SHS exposure is the third leading cause of preventable death.
Question 3: What can be done about the hazard? An environmental strategy that involves large populations and promotes removing SHS from the air is the recommended methodology. Continuing education about the dangers of SHS should accompany the separation of smoke from large populations. Smoke-Free ordinances that protect all individual in public places and workplaces provide the needed level of protection.
Question 4: What are going to be the societal effects? Questions of personal and business rights will be pitted against the interest of public health causing much public discussion and uncertainty about the change. Comments concerning change that involves traditions will attempt to move the discussion away from the undisputable health facts and remedy appropriateness.
All in all, the precedents invoking the inherent legal rights of the public and defined public health role in these matters overwhelm any perceived infringement of personal and business rights. With the passage of time and the acceptance of public authority in this area, the health of the community will be advanced. This will be seen as a watershed event in the history of Daviess County.
Don Crask
Tobacco Control Coordinator
Green River District Health Dept.
1501 Breckenridge Street
Owensboro, Ky. 42303
270-686-7747, extension 5617
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Smoke Free Owensboro
Thanks to those that sent their comments along regarding Smoke Free Owensboro week at the Owensboro Blog.
Here are some links to letters to the local paper that may prompt more thought on this manner. Be forewarned, I can not be held accountable to much of the fiction contained in these letters!!!
One last point! It's interesting how emotion and addiction can take the place of rational thought, isn't it!?
Reader's Write Letter
Reader's Write Letter
Reader's Write Letter
Reader's Write Letter
Reader's Write Letter
Reader's Write Letter
Newspaper Editorial
Here are some links to letters to the local paper that may prompt more thought on this manner. Be forewarned, I can not be held accountable to much of the fiction contained in these letters!!!
One last point! It's interesting how emotion and addiction can take the place of rational thought, isn't it!?
Reader's Write Letter
Reader's Write Letter
Reader's Write Letter
Reader's Write Letter
Reader's Write Letter
Reader's Write Letter
Newspaper Editorial
Monday, September 19, 2005
Smoke free Owensboro
A guest post...
I am excited about the possiblility of Owensboro becoming Smoke-Free!
Before I had children, I tolerated smoking in public places like restaurants. Now that I am responsible for two young human beings, my children, I do my best to avoid places with cigarette smoke. I am responsible for protecting their health from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. I support a smoke-free Owensboro.
Yolanda Gonzales
I am excited about the possiblility of Owensboro becoming Smoke-Free!
Before I had children, I tolerated smoking in public places like restaurants. Now that I am responsible for two young human beings, my children, I do my best to avoid places with cigarette smoke. I am responsible for protecting their health from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. I support a smoke-free Owensboro.
Yolanda Gonzales
Smoke free Owensboro
A guest post....
Jeff, Addison and I support a smoke free Owensboro. Everytime we walk into a restaurant that is smoking I cringe at what we are inhaling and it just isn't fair. What I find ironic is when you want to be seated in a non-smoking section many times you must walk through the smoking section to get there. Makes no sense to me!
Lois Hausner
Jeff, Addison and I support a smoke free Owensboro. Everytime we walk into a restaurant that is smoking I cringe at what we are inhaling and it just isn't fair. What I find ironic is when you want to be seated in a non-smoking section many times you must walk through the smoking section to get there. Makes no sense to me!
Lois Hausner
ANNOUNCING!!!!!! Blogging Smoke free Owensboro at the Owensboro Blog this WEEK!!!
Ok, enough is enough...enough laziness and enough apathy!!!
To kick of Blogging Smoke Free Owensboro week here at the Owensboro Blog, I will refer our readers to the research I was cited as citing (read that again if you need to, it really did make sense) in the Messenger Inquirer here.
Oh, here is the research.
To kick of Blogging Smoke Free Owensboro week here at the Owensboro Blog, I will refer our readers to the research I was cited as citing (read that again if you need to, it really did make sense) in the Messenger Inquirer here.
Oh, here is the research.
Phones worse than smoke
This is a little something that appeared in the local newspaper, the Messenger-Inquirer on September 19th.
It is not only amazing, but comical the lengths that people will go to when their addiction is threatened.
Click here for the reader's write article.
*Jan. 2006 update: This link is no longer available because the Messenger requires payment for its online version.
It is not only amazing, but comical the lengths that people will go to when their addiction is threatened.
Click here for the reader's write article.
*Jan. 2006 update: This link is no longer available because the Messenger requires payment for its online version.
Friday, September 16, 2005
The Tracker: September 2005
This edition's Tracker can be found by clicking here.
This edition of The Tracker will provide comparative data related to Global Economic Development. As Owensboro-Daviess County continues to weigh economic development approaches and strategies, data indicators are presented to give local citizens insight into the challenges of our world.
* In 2002-2003, the under five mortality rate for the United States was 8 per 1,000. The same rate in Israel was 6, and in the West Bank-Gaza the rate was 24.
* Using the nutritional status of children under five years of age in the United States as the baseline in 2002-2003, 47% of children in Ethiopia were considered malnourished, 35% in Pakistan, 34% in Vietnam, 10% in Nicaragua, 0% in Germany, and 0% in France.
* The incidence of tuberculosis per 100,000 in 2003 in the United States was 5. In Spain the rate was 27, in Somalia 411, in Sweden 4, in Iraq 157, in Costa Rica 15, and 102 in China.
* Life expectancy at birth in 2003 for the United States was 77 years of age. In the United Kingdom, the expectancy was 77, in Singapore 78, in Rwanda 39, in Peru 70, 77 in Cuba, 42 in Burundi, and 69 in Brazil.
* In 2002-2003, the ratio of female to male enrollments in primary and secondary school in the United States was 100:100. In Venezuela the ratio was 104:100, in India 80:100, in Niger 69:100, and in the United Kingdom 116:100.
* The percent of total seats in national parliaments filled by females in 2004 was 14% in the United States, 25% in Uganda, 45% in Sweden, 7% in Nigeria, 23% in Mexico, 7% in Kenya, and 12% in Italy.
* The unemployment rate for ages 15-24 in 2002 in the United States was 12%. In Argentina the rate was 32%, 36% in Colombia, 5% Austria, 26% in Greece, 29% in Panama, and 44% in South Africa.
* In 2003, the net percent of gross national income attributed to assistance in the developing world by the United States was .1%. The percent of giving by Denmark was .8%. Canada, Japan, Portugal, and New Zealand, portioned .2% of their gross national income to the developing world.
This edition of The Tracker will provide comparative data related to Global Economic Development. As Owensboro-Daviess County continues to weigh economic development approaches and strategies, data indicators are presented to give local citizens insight into the challenges of our world.
* In 2002-2003, the under five mortality rate for the United States was 8 per 1,000. The same rate in Israel was 6, and in the West Bank-Gaza the rate was 24.
* Using the nutritional status of children under five years of age in the United States as the baseline in 2002-2003, 47% of children in Ethiopia were considered malnourished, 35% in Pakistan, 34% in Vietnam, 10% in Nicaragua, 0% in Germany, and 0% in France.
* The incidence of tuberculosis per 100,000 in 2003 in the United States was 5. In Spain the rate was 27, in Somalia 411, in Sweden 4, in Iraq 157, in Costa Rica 15, and 102 in China.
* Life expectancy at birth in 2003 for the United States was 77 years of age. In the United Kingdom, the expectancy was 77, in Singapore 78, in Rwanda 39, in Peru 70, 77 in Cuba, 42 in Burundi, and 69 in Brazil.
* In 2002-2003, the ratio of female to male enrollments in primary and secondary school in the United States was 100:100. In Venezuela the ratio was 104:100, in India 80:100, in Niger 69:100, and in the United Kingdom 116:100.
* The percent of total seats in national parliaments filled by females in 2004 was 14% in the United States, 25% in Uganda, 45% in Sweden, 7% in Nigeria, 23% in Mexico, 7% in Kenya, and 12% in Italy.
* The unemployment rate for ages 15-24 in 2002 in the United States was 12%. In Argentina the rate was 32%, 36% in Colombia, 5% Austria, 26% in Greece, 29% in Panama, and 44% in South Africa.
* In 2003, the net percent of gross national income attributed to assistance in the developing world by the United States was .1%. The percent of giving by Denmark was .8%. Canada, Japan, Portugal, and New Zealand, portioned .2% of their gross national income to the developing world.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
"Sweet Home New Orleans..."
Well, it's a very very sad day for those of us that love New Orleans. My wife and I were very fortunate to live in the New Orleans area for just about a year back in the late 1990s. I also make a commitment to get down to the Big Easy for Jazz Fest every year.
Well, right now I can only follow the destruction, the stories, the sights, the sounds, and the complete disaster wrought by Hurricane Katrina. Here are a couple of places to visit to learn more about what has happened, and what will happen.
WDSU in New Orleans
Times-Picayune and NOLA.com
Craigs List
American Red Cross
Well, right now I can only follow the destruction, the stories, the sights, the sounds, and the complete disaster wrought by Hurricane Katrina. Here are a couple of places to visit to learn more about what has happened, and what will happen.
WDSU in New Orleans
Times-Picayune and NOLA.com
Craigs List
American Red Cross
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Freedom from Oil Project
Given the incredible amount of deceit often engendered on the part of our elected officials about the need for war, the future of democracy in the world, and the future of our dependence on oil for energy, this national push for more efficient use of our current oil supply on this planet and a glance at alternative energy sources seems only appropriate.
Enjoy, and sign if you wish! Click here to visit the Freedom from Oil project.
Enjoy, and sign if you wish! Click here to visit the Freedom from Oil project.
Monday, May 16, 2005
Public Life Advocate: The Tracker (May 2005)
This edition of The Tracker can be found in print publication of the Public Life Advocate at the website of the Public Life Foundation. Sources for this edition's Tracker can be found at the end of this post. Check back for additional information on an ongoing basis.
* Each year 32,000 older adults suffer from hip fractures—contributing to more than 1,500 deaths—attributable to drug-induced falls.
* Two million older Americans are addicted or at risk of addiction to minor tranquilizers or sleeping pills because they have used them daily for at least one year.
* According to the Fortune 500 in 2002, the drug industry ranked second among all business sectors in return on shareholder equity, with a rate more than two-and-a-half times the 2002 Fortune 500 median (27.6% compared with 10.2%).
* In the 1990s, the drug industry’s profitability grew to almost four times the Fortune 500 median.
* Vioxx (arthritis medication now off the market) was more heavily advertised in 2000 than Budweiser and Pepsi.
* Pfizer (maker of Benadryl, Celebrex, Cortizone, Lipitor, Neosporin, Rolaids, Sudafed, Viagra, Zoloft, Zyrtec, and other medications) had more profits in 2001 than all of the Fortune 500 homebuilding, apparel, railroad and publishing companies combined.
* Of the 50 most popular drugs discovered, 45 were discovered with taxpayer-funded research.
* Compared to all other industries, the federal tax burden on the drug industry is 40% lower.
* According to the National Institute of Health, taxpayer-funded scientists conducted 55 percent of the research projects that led to the discovery and development of the top five selling drugs in 1995.
Sources:
Public Citizen: "Public Citizen is a national, nonprofit consumer advocacy organization founded in 1971 to represent consumer interests in Congress, the executive branch and the courts."
* Each year 32,000 older adults suffer from hip fractures—contributing to more than 1,500 deaths—attributable to drug-induced falls.
* Two million older Americans are addicted or at risk of addiction to minor tranquilizers or sleeping pills because they have used them daily for at least one year.
* According to the Fortune 500 in 2002, the drug industry ranked second among all business sectors in return on shareholder equity, with a rate more than two-and-a-half times the 2002 Fortune 500 median (27.6% compared with 10.2%).
* In the 1990s, the drug industry’s profitability grew to almost four times the Fortune 500 median.
* Vioxx (arthritis medication now off the market) was more heavily advertised in 2000 than Budweiser and Pepsi.
* Pfizer (maker of Benadryl, Celebrex, Cortizone, Lipitor, Neosporin, Rolaids, Sudafed, Viagra, Zoloft, Zyrtec, and other medications) had more profits in 2001 than all of the Fortune 500 homebuilding, apparel, railroad and publishing companies combined.
* Of the 50 most popular drugs discovered, 45 were discovered with taxpayer-funded research.
* Compared to all other industries, the federal tax burden on the drug industry is 40% lower.
* According to the National Institute of Health, taxpayer-funded scientists conducted 55 percent of the research projects that led to the discovery and development of the top five selling drugs in 1995.
Sources:
Public Citizen: "Public Citizen is a national, nonprofit consumer advocacy organization founded in 1971 to represent consumer interests in Congress, the executive branch and the courts."
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