Timothy J. Brennan, professor of public policy, has been named 2013 recipient of Public Utility Research Center (PURC) Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to the understanding of regulatory economics and finance. The Award recognizes the cumulative impact of an individual’s research and policy analyses on both the academic community and regulatory policymakers. Brennan will receive the award as he speaks on utility regulation at the Annual PURC Conference on February 13, 2013 at the University of Florida.

In addition, Brennan will co-direct the spring 2013 Center for Research in Regulated Industries’ Conference on Postal and Delivery Economics in Dublin, Ireland. Topics covered will include issues facing the new generation of postal companies, such as strategy, competition, innovation, marketing, universal service, cost analysis, demand analysis and new services.

An article in today’s Gazette on what the State of Maryland can expect in Governor Martin O’ Malley’s final two years in office, prior to a possible presidential run, quotes UMBC’s Roy T. Meyers, professor of political science.

Meyers suggests that if O’Malley is interested in the presidency, he will need to commit more of his time to raising money and traveling. However, Meyers also suggests that one state issue he won’t be able to ignore in his final term as governor is overhauling Maryland’s transportation funding program, saying, “He can’t let that fester.”

A limited number of $1000 Awards are available for STEM students to assist with development of the International Field Research (IFR) program in Switzerland in June 2013. The 2013 IFR program includes a preparatory class in the Spring 2013 semester and a week in Switzerland in June.

To apply for the $1000 awards, you will need to submit an application by January 8, 2013. Follow the link below for the application and more information about the program.

For questions about the $1000 awards, contact Ms. Cathy McDonnell cat@umbc.edu.

(from the Undergraduate Research myUMBC Group)

Post-Sandy damage in Union Beach, New Jersey on November 12, 2012. Courtesy of CNS/Eric Thayer.

Where do you go to check the weather?

The Bible?

According to a recent survey conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute, approximately 36% of Americans believe that the recent natural disasters and weather scares (i.e. Hurricane Sandy) align with Biblical prophecies about the second coming of Jesus Christ.

The statistic is interesting — that’s one-third of the United States’ population, considering that the poll’s sample included 1,018 people. But with a closer look, we find a deep denominational divide:

A majority of white mainline Protestants (65 percent) and Catholics (60 percent) believe the disasters are the result of climate change, while nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of white evangelical Protestants believe the storms are evidence that we are in Biblical ‘end times.’

More data shows even starker differences between Christians and those who are non-religious. About 69% of unaffiliated Americans connect the changing weather patterns to climate change, as compared to 60% of Catholics and 50% of white evangelicals.

In the words of research director Daniel Cox,

They’re experiencing the same weather, but how they perceive it is very different.

Many of those who trace the weather patterns to the end of the world also think that global warming advocacy and activism is useless if “the end of the world” is near. This opinion is not petty — as Cox continued,

It’s hardly a fringe belief. It’s nearly four in 10 Americans who are embracing this.

Do you think theological beliefs should influence decision-making in public policy? Or is it irresponsible for people to remain stagnant because they associate scientific weather patterns to a religious figure?

Worst lie the year? Ouch. Considering all the misuses of the truth this year this by no means is an honor.
The website PolitiFact awarded its 4^th annual “Lie of the Year” honor to GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s. His claim saturated political ad market in Ohio stating that Chrysler planned to move Jeep production to China thanks to President Obama.

Romney addresses the issues back in October when he stated:

I saw a story today that one of the great manufacturers in this state, Jeep—now owned by the Italians—is thinking of moving all production to China.

 In the year’s realm of political campaigns, and rhetoric, was this in your opinion that worst lie of the year?