2012-01-18 / Life Lessons
Will the world end in 2012? NASA thinks not.
Mom, is the world going to end in 2012? No. Why not? Because, I said so.
That old parental standby doesn’t quite fit the bill for this End Times’ question. I needed scientific facts and I needed them fast. The Google gave them to me at the rate of 607,000,000 sources in 0.24 seconds. To cut to the chase and get just the facts, I clicked on USA.gov and stumbled upon an unexpected surprise.
USA.gov is the United State Government’s official web portal. Their slogan is “Government made easy”. I thought it was pretty bold of the old USA to be using an oxymoron catchphrase to promote their website. How happy I am that I was wrong. The site was packed full of fascinating and useful information that was easy to access and surprisingly fun to use and peruse. Here are some of my finds:
· A link to GovSales a “citizen friendly” web site that makes it easy for the public to find government assets for sale. You can locate live auctions as well as online auctions which allow bidding on items over a period of time typically seven days.
· A call for US Citizens to nominate movies for the National Film Registry.
· Interactive Health and Nutrition tutorials covering virtually every topic from A (allergies) to V (vasectomy). There are several dozen other health links such as one for an Alcohol Calorie and Cost Counter, an Interactive Menu Planner and even how to find a Farmer’s Market near you to help prepare healthy meals.
· There is a News Blog Post where US citizens can post a question to our government and our government responds back. One person asked, “What is the pay and benefits of a US Senator? The answer: The salary for most Representatives and Senators is $174,000.
· The President pro tempore of the Senate and the majority and minority leaders in the House and Senate receive a salary of $193,400. The Speaker of the House is paid $223,500.
· Representatives and Senators are eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Program, and federal retirement programs.
· Another citizen asked about the amount of money certain presidential candidates received from big corporations. I will let you find out that interesting answer that is if you are interested.
· Lastly, to answer the question “Will the world end in 2012?” go to USA.gov and type that rumor into the search button. NASA scientists are waiting to explain your worries away.
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