Engineering is everywhere, but rarely is it the central premise of mainstream television programs or major motion pictures. Sure, there have been a few exceptions, but most of the efforts, as IEEE Spectrum noted several years ago, have ranged from comical to “good try.” So, why isn’t there a television show about engineers?

The debate over funding for public transit versus funding for highway projects is not new. Monies for both are scarce, and the demise of projects designed to promote mobility improvements, operational efficiencies, cost effectiveness and environmental benefits may come soon, when the 2005 Transportation-Treasury spending bill cuts projects it determines have no tangible benefit…

Of the estimated 8 million to 10 million illegal aliens in the United States today, nearly 40 percent are here because they overstayed their non-resident visas. In 1986, Congress issued an amnesty window, giving nearly 3 million illegal aliens legal immigrant status. Advocates are calling for another such amnesty. Might a “blue card” program be more effective?

Funding decisions made by the new Congress will spark debate in the electronics industry in coming months. Some believe federal R&D funding should drive the emergence of exciting new technologies, but others view such federal grants programs to be nothing short of welfare for corporations.

Employers began offering health care insurance as an employee benefit during World War II, in response to imposed wage and price controls, which limited employers’ ability to attract desirable employees by offering them more salary. They could afford the costs for these benefits when the costs rose only as quickly — and in proportion to — the general inflation rate. The burden, however, is now shifting to employees.

The demand for Internet gambling continues to grow, perhaps as a result of people love for gambling. Determining whether this gambling form should be made legal or not, however, is somewhat ambiguous. While many are stepping up efforts to prohibit Internet gambling, proponents believe it could be a revenue source for states and the federal government…

Just as you get regular checkups from your physician, you should revisit your retirement planning before the end of every year. What can you to now to maximize your savings both now and down the road?