Beech Tree News Network

Information increases at a phenomenal rate, doubling every ten to fifteen years. The Internet and media reports keep us informed about world, national and local occurrences. Yet, my interest in a topic helps me to retain – or discard – data. Recently, the following information gained my attention.

•    How many homes still have landlines?
According to a government report (www.cdc.gov/nchs), 4 out of 10 American households use only cellphones. About 3% of households have no landline or cellphone.
•    Which city in our region was rated among the top 10 safest small cities in south central Kentucky?
WBKO recently reported that Glasgow had received the rating by a real estate blog. (Congratulations, Glasgow!)
•    Can we pass illnesses on to household pets?
Recently, a Parade magazine article explained that although dogs and cats haven’t caught colds from people, researchers are concerned that virus mutations and new viral forms may be passed from humans to animals.
•    What are the new rules for pregnant workers?
New federal guidelines explain how the Americans With Disabilities Act applies to pregnant employees, and discrimination against female workers based on past or future pregnancies is illegal. The guidelines specify that regarding parental leave, “similarly situated” men and women must be treated alike (Daily News, 8A, July 16, 2014).
•    Where are the greatest earthquake risks in the U.S.?
An article by Seth Borenstein (Associated Press) explained that almost any place in the country could experience an earthquake. But, parts of 16 states have the highest risk, including: Alaska, Hawaii, California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Illinois, Kentucky, and South Carolina. Major faults and quake hazards exist along the west coast, in southern Alaska, Hawaii, the New Madrid fault area, and Charleston.
•    What does the law require regarding the unescorted foreign children coming to the southern border of the U.S.?
HNT News reported the following: “The laws are different for citizens of contiguous countries who cross the border. Unaccompanied children from Mexico and Canada are repatriated unless they are determined to be victims of trafficking. But with non-contiguous countries, children are taken into U.S. custody. Federal law says minors cannot be held at a Border Patrol facility for more than 72 hours. They have to be processed and then either sent to live with a relative in the United States or released to a shelter operated by the Office of Refugee Resettlement, which falls under the Department of Health and Human Services. The refugee office operates about 100 permanent shelters for unaccompanied minors, said spokesman Kenneth Wolfe. Right now, they are filled to capacity. The surge in children crossing the border has forced authorities to open three temporary shelters at military bases — Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, Fort Sill in Oklahoma and Naval Base Ventura County in California” (http://whnt.com/2014/06/14/thousands-of-children-are-crossing-the-southe...).
•    Why does Hamas (of Gaza) continue the fight with Israel?
According to Wikipedia, “Mousa Mohammed Abu Marzook, deputy chairman of Hamas political bureau, said in 2014 that ‘Hamas will not recognize Israel’, adding ‘this is a red line that cannot be crossed’” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamas). Syndicated columnist Charles Krauthammer said, “Hamas deliberately aims rockets at civilians; Israel painstakingly tries to avoid them, actually telephoning civilians in the area and dropping warning charges…” (leaflets warning of an imminent attack; Daily News, 2C, July 20, 2014). Krauthammer explained that Hamas placed rockets, etc., in schools, hospitals, mosques, private homes, as well as in underground tunnels. Krauthammer quoted the Israeli prime minister: “Here’s the difference between us. We’re using missile defense to protect our civilians and they’re using their civilians to protect their missiles.”
•    What are the major dates in the Butler County Schools 2014-15 calendar?
The new school calendar included the following:
First Day for Students – August 7
Fall Break – October 6-10
Last Day of Fall Term – December 19
First Day of Spring Term – January 5
Spring Break – April 6-10
Last Day for Students – May 21

We have so much information available that retaining it all is simply not possible. But as author Simon Sinek said, “More information is always better than less. When people know the reason things are happening, even if it's bad news, they can adjust their expectations and react accordingly….” (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/news.html#FEWhkEviBzI0CDMZ.99). I agree; I prefer truthful information and a little time to choose my response.