Free Republic

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University researchers, working with high-performance computing experts at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, have created an automated program to "debug" simulations used to more efficiently certify the nation's nuclear weapons. The program, called AutomaDeD (pronounced like automated), finds errors in computer code for complex "parallel" programs. "The simulations take several weeks to run, and then they have to be debugged to correct errors in the code," said Saurabh Bagchi, an associate professor in Purdue's School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. "The error might have occurred in the first hour of operation, and if you had known...

For the first time since March 2009, private nonresidential construction spending increased 1.7 percent in April, according to the June 1 report by the U.S. Census Bureau. However, on a year-over-year basis, private nonresidential construction spending is down 24.6 percent. Total nonresidential construction – which includes both private and public – is up 2 percent for the month, the second consecutive monthly increase. Since April 2009, total nonresidential construction spending is down 16.1 percent and now stands at $596.9 billion.

Does the "Green" label on a product impact your buying decision? Yes, I actively seek out only those products with "Green" labels. Yes, if it comes down to two products, one "Green" the other not, I will pick the "Green" item. Maybe, if it catches my eye and fits my budget, I may consider a "Green" Product. No, "Green" products have no impact on my buying decision. Yes, I actively avoid buying "Green" products. I don't understand what all the fuss is about. No, I believe "Green" products are a waste of time, money and energy.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- A new policy brief from the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs finds no obvious answers for the millions of American homeowners who are "underwater" on their mortgages, owing more than their property is worth. Writing in the May 2010 issue of SPEA Insights, Ashlyn Aiko Nelson, an assistant professor at IU Bloomington, notes that the federal response, focusing on stabilizing the financial sector and encouraging the modification of some problem mortgages, has done little to curb the rise in mortgage defaults and foreclosures.

Washington, DC – The vast majority of Americans have yet to understand how to access green job opportunities created by billions of dollars invested in such programs through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. A recent national survey commissioned by the Career College Association and conducted online by Harris Interactive® from March 9-11, 2010, indicates that nearly 94 percent of American adults believe people would be at least somewhat likely to consider pursuing green-related education if the federal government were to provide a financial incentive; however, only one percent have already obtained or are obtaining education for green jobs.

We don’t spend as much as we used to, and we are keeping an eye on our debt. That’s what a new Associated Press study says about the spending habits of U.S. consumers in the wake of the recession that pummeled the economy in 2009. The new AP Economy Survey asked 44 leading economists whether the recession created a "new frugality" among consumers that will outlive the recession. Two-thirds said yes.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - A team of scientists and engineers, including Purdue University mechanical engineering professor Steven Wereley, released figures Thursday (May 27) showing that at least 12,000-19,000 barrels of oil are flowing daily into the Gulf of Mexico in the aftermath of an April 20 oil rig explosion. That means the BP PLC oil spill off the coast of Louisiana has already surpassed the Exxon Valdez as the worst in U.S. history, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Using the most conservative estimate, 450,000 barrels of oil, or 19 million gallons, have leaked into the Gulf since the...

WASHINGTON, D.C. – “In the weeks ahead, we will be given the opportunity to change the direction of our environment, economy and national security. The American Power Act has given us all that opportunity – business and labor, Democrats and Republicans, young and old – to finally transform this nation from energy dependence to independence, and from an energy importer to exporter. In the process, hundreds of thousands of high-paying jobs per year will be created here in America, and every step must be taken to assure that those workers receive fair wages.”

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bloomberg has reported that Ford will soon announce the discontinuation of the Mercury brand. When Mercury shuts down, Ford is likely to keep most of its customers, according to Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive information. Edmunds.com’s cross-shopping analysis indicates that 46 percent of Mercury shoppers currently consider Ford vehicles, and that Chevrolet and Honda are also popular alternatives.

President Barack Obama has nominated Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology alumnus Robert Wilkins to a seat on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C. Wilkins, a 1986 chemical engineering graduate, is a former special litigation chief at the District of Columbia Public Defender Service, and a trial and appellate lawyer for the Venable LLP law firm. He specializes in corporate defense/white collar, technology and commercial litigation practice groups. Obama tapped Wilkins, a 1989 Harvard Law School alumnus, for an opening that was created when Judge James Robertson took senior status in 2008. The president also nominated...

How far will you drive this summer for vacation? 1,000 miles or more 750 to 1,000 miles 500 to 750 miles 250 to 500 miles 100 to 250 miles Within 100 miles Within 50 miles No further than my backyard.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Cell phones may seem like a distraction when reading, but a Purdue University professor shows how they can be paired with novels that link readers to digital resources to create "ubitour" books. "Books open our minds, and now we can use technology to expand our reading experiences," said Sorin Adam Matei, an associate professor of communication and creator of the ubitour book series. "Cell phones are the digital devices that are used by most people, so it only makes sense that cell phones be an essential part of the reading experience."

By Jason Stverak Journalism has taken a substantial hit in the last decade. According to The Nation, of the 60,000 print journalists employed in 2001, at least 10,000 have lost their jobs while newspaper circulation dropped 7%. And an American Journalism Review study found that only 355 full-time newspaper reporters are still based in the nation’s state capitols and that 44 statehouses have fewer full-time reporters than they did six years ago. The decline in employment of professional journalists by traditional news media is not the result of a failure of journalism or demand by citizens for local and state...

Will the potential of higher fuel prices affect your plans for Summer travel? Yes, if I can't affford gas, I won't go anywhere. Maybe, it's too soon to tell right now. No, my vacation plans are more important than the price of gas.

EVANSVILLE -- Governor Mitch Daniels said today construction of Interstate 69 is ahead of schedule and on-budget and should be open to traffic from Evansville to Bloomington by the end of 2014. Construction of Sections 1 to 3 from Evansville to Crane will be completed by the end of 2012, a three-year acceleration from the previous target of 2015. On Section 4, from Crane to Bloomington, previous plans estimated construction would not even begin until sometime between 2016 and 2020. "The completion of the I-69 dream is nearer than anyone ever imagined. Completion to Bloomington will be years ahead of...

What solution do you support regarding illegal immigration? We need to adopt new federal laws that ensure stronger, more secure borders Illegal immigrants need to be sent back to their home countries. All illegal immigrants should be granted Amnesty and offered full citizenship. We need to build a new "Ellis Island" type facility near the Mexico Border as a means of properly processing immigrants. The United States needs to annex Mexico. Each state needs to be allowed to handle the situation in its own fashion as with Arizona. There is no solution. A solution not posted here.

Has the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico changed your views on off-shore drilling? No, despite the damage, off-shore drilling is a must for the United States. No, but we should take steps to insure safety. Yes, all off-shore oil production must stop including existing wells. Yes, we should halt all plans for new wells.

Yes, we need to protect our borders. Yes, the law needs to be expanded nationwide. In theory, but parts of the law are vague and should be made more specific. No, the new law will result in racial profiling. No, as a nation of immigrants, we have no right to restrict access.

I will vote for the Democrat Candidate I will vote for the Republican Candidate I will vote for a third party candidate with liberal leanings. I will vote for a third party candidate with conservative leanings. I cannot vote. I refuse to vote given the choices.

The Vigo County Young Republicans and Pachyderm Club of Vigo County will co-sponsor a debate of Republican candidates for Indiana’s 8th Congressional district April 21. The event will begin at 6 p.m. in the Oakley Auditorium on the Ivy Tech Community College—Wabash Valley Campus. Republican candidates Bud Bernitt, Larry Bucshon, Kristi Risk, Dan Stockton, and Steve Westell are all scheduled to appear. Eight candidates current seek that office on the GOP side.