Look Out Pedestrians
Lawmakers in several states are advocating tough measures for distracted pedestrians — head-bopping walkers or joggers who use iPods, cell phones and similar devices while crossing busy streets. In New York, for example, a bill is pending that would ban the use of mobile devices while people cross streets. Oregon and Virginia also have laws pending that would restrict bicyclists from using cell phones and music players. But California might want its residents to pay up instead. A bill that would fine multitasking bicyclists $20 failed in 2010 but was reintroduced this year.
Source: the New York Times
China’s Internet Growth
One-third of China’s population uses the Internet, and more than 300 million people used mobile phones to access the Web in 2010, according to a report from the China Internet Network Information Center. The report reveals that Internet growth skyrocketed from 384 million people in 2009 to 457 million in 2010. The average Chinese netizen spends roughly 18 hours per week online.
12 Million Pounds
The amount of paper the U.S. Department of Treasury will save by transitioning to electronic savings bonds for employer-sponsored payroll programs. By ending the sale of paper bonds, the department estimates it will also save $400 million. Persons wishing to make savings bonds transactions can open a free
TreasuryDirectaccount.
Miriam Jones is a former chief copy editor of Government Technology, Governing, Public CIO and Emergency Management magazines.
