The Appalachian (Drug) Trail: OxyContin Abuse Highest in the Eastern U.S.
OxyContin was introduced as a longer lasting dosage of oxycodone in 1995, prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. This article reveals that OxyContin abuse is on the rise and is particularly high in the eastern U.S.

This Little Piggy Went to the Market…and Spent $27.3 Billion! - Whee…whee…whee…all the way to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Congress hogged more of our tax dollars for pork-barrel projects in fiscal year 2005 than in any other year – a whopping $27.3 billion. This article shows which U.S. states have the highest and lowest per capita pork spending. In addition, it explores which pork projects were the juiciest in 2005.

Just Another Manic Monday: Percent of Nonfatal Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Highest on Monday
According to the first ever time-of-injury data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nonfatal lost workday occupational injuries and illnesses are more likely to occur on Monday than any other day of the week. This detailed analysis breaks down what time of day nonfatal lost workday injuries and illnesses are likely to occur and how long a worker has been at work before the injury or illness occurred.

NO PARKING ZONE!
The United Auto Workers recently performed an “about face” when the union overturned an edict forbidding Marines who drive foreign cars or display pro- President Bush stickers from using one of its parking lots in Detroit.

Just Say No! – Workers’ Compensation Use Under Scrutiny
Use of the prescription pain medicine OxyContin in treating on-the-job injuries is coming under scrutiny as policy makers and insurers weigh the drug’s benefits against its potential misuse. This analysis explores the prolific use of the drug and the impact on workers’ comp claims.

Time Wounds All Heels: Mediation? Who Needs It!
In September 1991, over 600 hundred Teamsters went on strike at Diamond Walnut’s processing plant in Stockton, CA. After nearly 15 years of negotiations, the company and union have settled the dispute.

Education Spending ROI: Return on Investment for Your Tax Dollars is Marginal
A state-by-state analysis of per capita education spending increases from 1997 to 2002. Furthermore, this article quantifies if increased education spending has resulted in increased education performance since 1998.