Day archives: March 9th, 2010

CRS: Social Networking and Constituent Communications: Member Use of Twitter During a Two-Month Period in the 111th Congress

Social Networking and Constituent Communications: Member Use of Twitter During a Two-Month Period in the 111th Congress, February 03, 2010 “Beginning with the widespread use of e-mail by Congress in the mid-1990’s, the development of new electronic technologies has altered the traditional patterns of communication between Members of Congress and constituents. Many Members now use …

Subjects: Blogs, Congress, E-Mail, Internet, Knowledge Management

Google Translate Service Reaches Around The Globe

New York Times: “Google Translate service handles 52 languages, more than any similar system, and people use it hundreds of millions of times a week to translate Web pages and other text.” [Note: Translate text, webpages and documents – users may upload documents]

Subjects: Search Engines

CRS Satellite Surveillance: Domestic Issues

Satellite Surveillance: Domestic Issues, Richard A. Best Jr. Specialist in National Defense, Jennifer K. Elsea, Legislative Attorney, February 1, 2010 “This report provides background on the development of intelligence satellites and identifies the roles various agencies play in their management and use. Issues surrounding the current policy and proposed changes are discussed, including the findings …

Subjects: Civil Liberties, Government Documents, Privacy

CRS Afghanistan Casualties: Military Forces and Civilians

Afghanistan Casualties: Military Forces and Civilians, Susan G. Chesser, Information Research Specialist, February 26, 2010 “This report collects statistics from a variety of sources on casualties sustained during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), which began on October 7, 2001, and is ongoing. OEF actions take place primarily in Afghanistan; however, OEF casualties also includes American casualties …

Subjects: Government Documents

CRS: Metropolitan Transportation Planning

Metropolitan Transportation Planning, Metropolitan Transportation Planning, William J. Mallett, Specialist in Transportation Policy, February 3, 2010 “Federal law requires state and local governments to designate a metropolitan planning organization (MPO) in each urbanized area with a population of 50,000 or more to help plan surface transportation infrastructure and services. There are currently 381 MPOs nationwide. …

Subjects: Government Documents

FinCEN Clarifies Expectations Regarding Beneficial Ownership Guidance Released in Conjunction with Financial Regulators

News release: “The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) today issued guidance, Guidance on Obtaining and Retaining Beneficial Ownership Information, which clarifies and consolidates regulatory expectations for obtaining beneficial ownership information for certain accounts and customer relationships. FinCEN worked closely with its regulatory partners to develop the guidance and is issuing it jointly with the Federal …

Subjects: E-Government, Government Documents

CRS: Israeli-Arab Negotiations: Background, Conflicts, and U.S. Policy

Israeli-Arab Negotiations: Background, Conflicts, and U.S. Policy. Carol Migdalovitz, Specialist in Middle Eastern Affairs, January 29, 2010 “Congress is interested in issues related to Middle East peace because of its oversight role in the conduct of U.S. foreign policy, its support for Israel, and keen constituent interest. It is especially concerned about U.S. financial and …

Subjects: Congress, Government Documents

FinCEN Provides Anti-Fraud Information for 12th Annual National Consumer Protection Week

News release: “FinCEN joins with other Federal, State and Local government agencies and consumer protection organizations to recognize the 12th Annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 7-13. This coordinated consumer education campaign encourages individuals across the country to take full advantage of their consumer rights. FinCEN provides a number of special resources to educate …

Subjects: Cybercrime, E-Government, Government Documents, ID Theft, Privacy

Studies Reveal Why Drinking Water Wells are Vulnerable to Contamination

News release: “New USGS groundwater studies explain what, when, and how contaminants may reach public-supply wells. All wells are not equally vulnerable to contamination because of differences in three factors: the general chemistry of the aquifer, groundwater age, and direct paths within aquifer systems that allow water and contaminants to reach a well. More than …

Subjects: E-Government, Government Documents

Thank you!