Every Providence public school educators to be fired at quarter conclusion

At the conclusion of the current winter public school quarter, each of the 1,926 educators in Providence, R.I., educational facilities could be dismissed, reports the Providence Journal. It’s a matter of a $ 40 million budget deficit, and the Providence School Board is addressing it in full panic mode. The budget deadline for Providence schools is March 1.

Large amount of pink slips handed out before at Providence educational facilities

Central Falls High School dismissed 88 teachers in the Providence area because standardized test score needs weren't being met. Yet the scale of the Providence School Board’s forthcoming move is unprecedented. In accordance with state law, Superintendent of Providence Educational facilities Tom Brady told every educators and staff via e-mail the move is a "precautionary action" designed to address the $40 million shortfall in the 2011-2012 spending budgets.

"Since the full extent of the potential cuts to the school budget have yet to be determined, issuing a dismissal letter to all teachers was necessary to give the mayor, the School Board and the district maximum flexibility to consider every cost savings option, including reductions in staff," said Brady.

Making every little thing more flexible

The teachers' union leadership was not happy even though the Providence School Board may not be firing all Providence educators.

"This is beyond insane," said Providence Teachers Union President Steve Smith. "Let's create the most chaos and the highest level of anxiety in a district where teachers are already under unbelievable stress. Now I know how the United States State Department felt on Dec. 7 , 1941," the day of the Pearl Harbor bombings.

Considering the March 1 deadline and city finance issues, the decision to fire Providence educators was necessary. Providence Mayor Angel Taveras told this to the local press. The school board and Providence city government was given "maximum flexibility" with the move.

What could be done without teachers?

Smith exclaimed that sending pink slips to all Providence public school educators is senseless if the school district is nevertheless committed to educating its students, although there is the spending budget issue.

"You have so many students," he said. "You need so many teachers. You have a student-teacher ratio of 26 to 1. Do the math."

Articles cited

CNN

articles.cnn.com/2010-02-24/us/rhode.island.teachers_1_teachers-union-troubled-school-reading-specialists?_s=PM:US

Providence Journal

projo.com/news/content/providence_teacher_layoffs_02-23-11_MCML6R3_v17.1a1cc6d.html

‘Exciting times in Rhode Island public education’

youtube.com/watch?v=wOCJ2Jnu4KY

Scientists discover connection between mobile phones and brain cells

A new research has found that cell phone use stimulates activity in brain cells. In the study, using a cellular phone increased the metabolism of cells in the brain of test subjects. Scientists confirmed that electromagnetic radiation from cellular phones has an impact on brain cells, but not if the effects are harmful.

First time cellular phone brain study

The Journal of the American Medical Association published a research Tuesday. It was the first ever to examine how the radiation from cell phones that is electromagnetic affects brain cells. The study focused on how cell phone use impacts normal brain cell function, known as glucose metabolism. The rate of glucose metabolism in brain cells was increased more than scientists were hoping with cellular phone exposure. Brain activity is a result of cells using glucose to create energy. Brain cells normally produce glucose as needed. It is unknown if it is bad or not, however it was found in the study that glucose metabolism amounts are increased artificially with a cell phone. Further research needs to be done though.

How cellular phones affect the brain

With all the phone calls going on, cell phone radiation has concerned medical experts. They have worried about what it is doing. Previous test results have been inconclusive. Nothing has been discovered before. Probably the most famous cell phone radiation studies have been reported to establish a connection with brain cancer. However, the research has been unable to prove the brain cancer in mobile phone users was actually brought on by cellular phone radiation. DNA mutations or other mutations that end up causing cancer and dementia are things that scientists have tried to link mobile phone radiation to though. The impact of cellular phones on children’s brains has been a particular concern because kids have thinner skulls, the radiation penetrates deeper and their brain cells metabolize glucose faster.

Always choose speakerphone as a suggestion

In a statement responding to the cellular phone brain cell study, the Wireless Association said scientific evidence proves that cell phones, used within limits established by the Federal Communications Commission, don’t pose a public health risk. Authors of the research suggested that until more is known about the effects of cellular phone radiation on brain cells, individuals should use the speaker phone function or a Bluetooth earpiece as often as possible.

Citations

CNN

cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/02/22/cell.phone.brain.activity/

Web MD

webmd.com/brain/news/20110222/cell-phones-affect-brain-but-does-it-matter?page=2

Wall Street Journal

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704071304576160652541652440.html

Branson film footage officially blamed on migraine

The speech issues featured in the viral video of Serene Branson were likely the product of a migraine. Branson, a media reporter for a local station in Los Angeles, slurred her speech and was fumbling for words in a newscast, the video of which quickly went viral. Many thought Branson was either intoxicated, or had possibly suffered a stroke. Serene Branson has been clinically diagnosed and recovered.

Media reporter from viral video did not have a stroke

The after Grammy Awards coverage was intended to be done by reporter Serene Branson. KCBS TV sent her to do it. In the Serene Branson Grammy coverage video, the reporter speaks gibberish and seems to have great difficulty talking, and the station easily cut to another story. Many thought maybe Branson had a stroke while others thought maybe the reporter had just gotten really drunk. There were a lot of tests done to discover out that Branson did not have a stroke. MSNBC reports that it was reported as a migraine. She said that she had felt numb on the right side of her face, had difficulty reading and couldn't form clear thoughts. The speech issue was brought on by these things.

Migraines not just a headache

Even though many say a migraine is just a headache, it’s much more than that. Several things take place in the brain at this time. The sensations that Branson experienced were likely the “migraine aura,” or rather a series of sensations that migraine sufferers experience when a migraine begins, in accordance with the Los Angeles Times, and symptoms can resemble a stroke. Not all migraines have a migraine aura. Those that do though, states WebMD, can have symptoms including speech difficulties, a numb face, and lights being seen as blurry or brighter, or even changes in vision.

Can debilitate people

Those with migraines know how difficult it is. It can be hard to do anything. Many individuals just need to lie down for several hours, however some headaches are incredibly severe. Since migraine auras are really severe sometimes, it may be a good idea to seek medical attention. Risk factors like smoking and family history of migraines can increase risk although the reason for them is unknown.

Articles cited

MSNBC

today.msnbc.msn.com/id/41652808/ns/today-entertainment/?gt1=43001

LA Times

latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-serene-branson-20110218,0,5921347.story

Web MD

webmd.com/migraines-headaches/guide/migraines-headaches-overview

After 2012, Senator Jeff Bingaman will leave Congress

In a statement that is anticipated to be made formal today, Sen. Bingaman is retiring. The Senator has been in public service for over 30 years. This could be the end of his fifth term in Congress. This year alone, 6 Senators have announced that re-election isn’t in the cards for 2012. Source for this article – Senator Jeff Bingaman not running for 2012 re-election by MoneyBlogNewz.

Retirement of Senator Jeff Bingaman

For five terms, Bingaman has served as a New Mexico Democratic senator. He was first elected to his Senate seat in 1982 right after spending four years as Attorney General in New Mexico. The original re-election polls showed that New Mexico had Bingaman effortlessly won which was shown right before the announcement.

At least six retirements in 2012

It can be almost another two years before the 2012 elections occur. Still, announcements are being made by senators. The retirements are the end of 2012 of Jon Kyl, Jim Webb, Kent Conrad, Joe Liberman, Kay Hutchinson and Bingaman have already been announced. Now, campaigns may begin. This is for everyone trying to get into senate. There will probably be lots of debate with the 2012 elections. Democrats hold a 51-47 majority in the U.S. Senate. Also, the Democrats have 2 independents on their side. In order to keep control, Democrats can lose no more than three seats and maintain control of the Senate.

Senator's retirement

Senator Bingaman is 67 years old, and he will be 68 years old at the end of the 2012 session. After age 62, any member of Congress can get a pension. They have to have spent five years in office though. Congress members typically end up with a $46,932 a year pension plan with retirement benefits although it depends on many things. This will go on top of the private retirement savings and social security benefits that could possibly be received by the senator.

Information from

Associated Press

m.apnews.com/ap/db_16026/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=RHDXy38c

Senate.gov

senate.gov/reference/common/faq/retirement_for_members.shtml

Politico

politico.com/news/stories/0211/49823.html

Banks unhappy with new rules regarding charge cards

New regulations for charge cards on how interest rates and fees can be assessed are working. However, not everybody is happy about it. Lenders aren’t thrilled with the new rules, which mandate greater disclosure to card holders. Guerrilla style fees and rate of interest raises are really decreasing as a result. Due to the lost revenue, B of A and many businesses are losing value from charge card units.

B of A realizes loss from credit card unit

The bank's credit card unit for Bank of America had a financial statement come out about this. Bloomberg reports that this can be changed now. The FIA Card services were worth $20.3 billion less in 2008 than it was in 2009. Bank of America announced this change for late 2009 from $10.4 billion to $20.3 billion. In order to show a greater loss of value than it was believed to be, the company adjusted the previous filings. Because of the prestige of the holder of the asset, the "goodwill" value was lost rather than true money. The "goodwill" is the value of an asset above sector value. The financial institution cited regulatory conditions and “deteriorating credit quality” for FIA Card Services being worth $10 billion less than estimated in 2009.

It was due to the CARD Act

The new regulations such as the CARD Act or Credit card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act, is what is being cited by loan companies like Bank of America as a reason for troubles. Banks are upset that there is less access to advance money for more lending. That means the law is working correctly though. There have been fewer cases of changes in rates of interest and late fees added on to individuals. CNN reports that this is because of the CARD Act.

Outcomes of card law

The CARD Act has been very helpful. The outcomes have been good. Interest rates have been raised on 2 percent of card holders since the law changed compared to before the CARD Act which was about 15 percent. Now only $427 million have been paid in late fees as of Nov 2010 after the Act was initiated. Before it started in January 2010, the amount was $901 million. That means corporations from Scottsdale to Birmingham and all over the U.S. that look to seemingly surreptitious practices for revenue are having a harder time, which is what the CARD Act is intended to do.

Articles cited

Bloomberg

bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-21/bofa-almost-doubles-credit-card-unit-writedown-to-20-3-billion.html

CNN

money.cnn.com/2011/02/22/news/economy/credit_card_act/?cnn=yes

Scientists not able to determine origin of anthrax in 2001 assaults

Where the anthrax used in the 2001 anthrax assaults came from is nevertheless a mystery to scientists and investigators. The anthrax spores found in the assaults are similar to a strain grown in the laboratory of Bruce Ivins however not completely identical. Investigators will never ultimately know if Ivins was the sole culprit, as he committed suicide before he might be brought in. Individuals have taken out huge sums of money in payday loans to finance finding where this strand was created with no luck. Source of article – Scientists unable to find source of anthrax used in 2001 attacks by MoneyBlogNewz.

NAS opposite of what FBI claims

Though the official investigation of the 2001 anthrax assaults is functionally over, the NAS has just released a report that calls findings of the Federal Bureau of Investigation into question, in accordance with USA Today. There were some disparities found between the FBI and review panel when the National Research Council did its own review of the FBI investigation. Dr. Bruce Ivins as a microbiologist for the Army had some anthrax in a flask for the U.S. Army Medical Research Institution for Infection Disease. These seemed to have similarities to the other anthrax spores. The NAS reported that there were definite similarities. However, there was not enough evidence to suggest they were the same as what Dr. Ivins had.

Innocence of Ivins not proved yet

The New York Times explained that the NAS report was only about sciences. Whether or not Dr. Ivins was guilty was not discussed. The relationship between strains was "consistent with and supports" the similarities. This was something the National Academy of Sciences concluded. Since the FBI didn't use very good methods for identifying the anthrax, it was reprimanded though. The FBI closed the case after Dr. Bruce Ivins committed suicide in 2008.

Nevertheless no information on anthrax assaults

The investigation of the 2001 anthrax assaults led to the founding of the new science of microbial forensics — tracing the beginnings of infectious agents. The scientific techniques the FBI used were applauded in the report though, the Washington Post report. Five people passed away in 2001 because of the anthrax attacks while another 17 got Bacillus Anthraces spores which usual leads to fatal disease anthrax in the end.

Citations

USA Today

usatoday.com/tech/science/2011-02-15-anthrax_N.htm

New York Times

nytimes.com/2011/02/16/us/16anthrax.html

Washington Post

washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/15/AR2011021502251.html?hpid=topnews

Dropping home values put record number of home loans under water

Plummeting home values has led to a record number of home loans being underwater. The value of houses nationwide has been steadily sliding downward as foreclosures, joblessness and tight credit take a toll on real estate. The next year might get worse, as values may continue to fall.

Underwater home loans all over the country

Home prices have been going down. This has been due to the recession effects. Because of continuing foreclosures, high unemployment and fewer homes being sold, the value of houses has continued to trend downward. It is called being under water on a mortgage when more money is owed on a home than it is worth. Currently, 27 percent of American homeowners face this problem, Bloomberg reports. Real estate information company Zillow released a report stating that more than 15 million house loans were under water. Home prices are estimated to have fallen by almost 6 percent in the past year and almost 3 percent since Sept, 2010. A 5 percent decline in 2011 is anticipated. They aren't going up just yet.

Foreclosure change misleading

Foreclosure activity has been closely viewed over the past year in the hopes that a slowing rate of foreclosure would mean a real estate sector close to recovering. The crisis isn't over yet, claims CNN. The slowing rate of foreclosures in January does not mean that. Because of the “robo-signing” scandal, where foreclosures were initiated by banks without reviewing the paperwork, the foreclosure process has been held up. After the foreclosures in court right now go down, it is likely that more personal financing and homes foreclosed on will increase again.

Specific places still doing bad

The foreclosures are making things really hard in areas that have real estate values every high. Nevada, Arizona and CA nevertheless lead the nation in foreclosure-affected states. FL has begun improving lately. Before this, it was in ninth place on the foreclosure rates list.

Information from

Bloomberg

bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-09/home-price-decline-leaves-27-of-u-s-owners-underwater-on-loans.html

CNN

http://money.cnn.com/2011/02/10/real_estate/foreclosure_filings_fall/