DIR verifies Michael Jackson�s payment to employees for back-wages

DIR verifies Michael Jackson's payment to employees for back-wages: "San Francisco -The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) today confirmed directly with employees of Neverland Valley Ranch that they were paid wages owed them by Michael Jackson. DIR will now begin the process of auditing payroll records to verify that proper wage payments were made. Verification will not be completed until sometime next week. "

Exercise and Dietary Counseling To Improve Weight Loss and Quality of Life in Long-Term Cancer Survivors

Exercise and Dietary Counseling To Improve Weight Loss and Quality of Life in Long-Term Cancer Survivors: "This randomized clinical trial is studying how exercise works together with dietary counseling to improve weight loss and quality of life in overweight long-term survivors of colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, or female breast cancer."

Westly Warns of Predatory Tax Preparers

Westly Warns of Predatory Tax Preparers: "State Controller and Franchise Tax Board Chair Steve Westly today warned Californians to beware of predatory tax preparers, who use their access to personal information for identity theft, or incorrectly complete tax returns and leave taxpayers stuck with the penalties.A dishonest tax preparer can manipulate tax return figures in many ways. Often that manipulation leads to fraudulent refunds, with the proceeds going to the tax preparer who skims money from the taxpayer's refund check. To add insult to injury, the taxpayer is also liable for any penalties that result from the improper tax return."

Free Tax Help Online, By Phone or In Person as April 17 Approaches

Free Tax Help Online, By Phone or In Person as April 17 Approaches: "With one month to go before the April 17th tax deadline, State Controller and Franchise Tax Board Chair Steve Westly today reminded Californians that free tax help is available online, over the phone and in person at 1,800 locations statewide. He also urged Californians to take advantage of the e-file programs available at www.ftb.ca.gov. "

Treatment of Acute Schizophrenia With Vitamin Therapy

Treatment of Acute Schizophrenia With Vitamin Therapy: "The Treatment of Acute Schizophrenia With High Dose Niacinmide Plus Ascorbate Plus Pyridoxine Plus Centrum Forte Vs. Centrum Forte Only as an Add-On to Risperidone and Dietary Counseling "

Dietary Interventions in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Soluble, Insoluble or No Fibre?

Dietary Interventions in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Soluble, Insoluble or No Fibre?: "The purpose of this study is to assess the role of dietary fibre in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) treatment, in particular the role of increasing the content of soluble or insoluble fibres in the daily diet. The primary objective is to compare soluble (psyllium) and insoluble (bran) to placebo, administered over 12 weeks in patients with "probable" or "definite" Irritable Bowel Syndrome. "

Marketing Services Provider Contract Opportunity - Bid Deadline 3/22/2006 2:00 PM

Marketing Services Provider Contract Opportunity - Bid Deadline 3/22/2006 2:00 PM: "The California Public Utilities Commission is issuing this Request for Proposals to obtain responses from firms qualified to provide Marketing Services to the CPUC, on behalf of the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program (DDTP). The purpose of the Marketing Services contract is to grow DDTP use and impact, through marketing and outreach activities."

Consumers Prime for Launch Day Madness as Xbox 360 Arrives in Asia

Consumers Prime for Launch Day Madness as Xbox 360 Arrives in Asia: "Palpable excitement throbs in the streets across Asia as Xbox 360 hits retail stores amidst a frenzy of launch day extravaganza heralding the new era of digital entertainment"

Keeping Your Telephone Number When You Change Your Service Provider

Keeping Your Telephone Number When You Change Your Service Provider: "Under the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC's) 'local number portability' (LNP) rules, you can switch telephone service providers within the same geographic area and keep your existing phone number. However, if you are moving from one geographic area to another, you may not be able to take your number with you. In addition to switching from one wireless company to another, in most cases, you will be able to switch from a wireline company to a wireless company, or from a wireless company to a wireline company, and still keep your phone number."

Adobe Macromedia Flash Products Contain Vulnerabilities

Adobe Macromedia Flash Products Contain Vulnerabilities: "There are critical vulnerabilities in Macromedia Flash player and related software that may allow an attacker to take control of your computer. "

19 Toxic Legacies Reborn

19 Toxic Legacies Reborn: "Most people would be surprised to learn that giving a gate key to a model airplane club could transform a cleaned-up landfill into a flying park. But, activities like this are taking place at cleaned up Superfund sites all around the country, and the results are benefiting human health, local communities, and the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that it is helping communities reuse 19 cleaned-up Superfund sites. "

OSHA Fines Gouverneur, N.Y. Paper Mill $166,700 Following Fire

OSHA Fines Gouverneur, N.Y. Paper Mill $166,700 Following Fire: "Cellu Tissue Corporation - Natural Dam faces a total of $166,700 in proposed fines from the U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) following an OSHA inspection prompted by a September 2005 fire at the company's Gouverneur, N.Y., paper mill. The tissue maker was cited for a total of 20 alleged willful, serious and repeat violations of workplace safety standards."

Trademark Office Launches New Web-Based Filing System for Patent Applications

Trademark Office Launches New Web-Based Filing System for Patent Applications: " The United States Patent and Trademark Office's (USPTO) launched a new electronic filing system that will allow applicants to file over the Internet virtually anytime and anywhere, reducing the application process by 30 minutes and improving accuracy on filed documents"

Man on Workers' Comp Insurance Fraud Charges Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi Announces the Arrest of Sacramento

Man on Workers' Comp Insurance Fraud Charges Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi Announces the Arrest of Sacramento: "Sacramento car wash employee allegedly collects total disability of approximately $50,000 and is booked into County Jail with $10,000 bail"

NHTSA Releases New Crash Test and Rollover Ratings

NHTSA Releases New Crash Test and Rollover Ratings: "Today the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released new crash test and/or rollover ratings for 42 model year 2006 vehicles -16 passenger cars, 17 sport utility vehicles, four vans, and five pickups - and two early release model year 2007 sport utility vehicles."

Sex Offender Counseling Contract

Sex Offender Counseling Contract - The state of California is looking for contractors to provide professional offensive specific counseling services to sex offenders referred by parole agents of the Californial Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Juvenile Parole Services.

Sex Offender Counseling Contract

Sex Offender Counseling Contract -The state of California is looking for Contractors to provide professional offensive specific counseling services to sex offenders referred by parole agents of the Californial Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Juvenile Parole Services.

Crisis in Health Care Caused by Fraud

Crisis in Health Care Caused by Fraud: "The Los Angeles District Attorney's Fraud Interdiction Program manual states: 'There is a crisis in health care caused by fraud. This fraud has adversely impacted the workers' compensation, automobile insurance, general health insurance, Medi-Cal, and Medi-Care systems"

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan -- Community Health Matching Grants

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan -- Community Health Matching Grants: "Up to $25,000 per year in matching funds, for a maximum of two years, are available. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations based in Michigan with 501�(3) status. Grantees are required to develop a funding partnership to support the proposed program. "

NOAA ANNOUNCES U.S. SPRING OUTLOOK

NOAA ANNOUNCES U.S. SPRING OUTLOOK: "Recent storms have eased the drought situation in many areas of the country, but the rain and snow arrived too late to offset the impacts from months of record dry weather across the Southwest, resulting in the continuing potential for a dangerous fire season,' said retired Air Force Brig. Gen. David L. Johnson, director of the NOAA National Weather Service. "

California Licensee Privacy Alert

California Licensee Privacy Alert: "This notice is to alert licensees, applicants, and other individuals of a possible compromise of personal information. Mail delivered to a CAlifornia Department of Consumer Affairs facility in Sacramento on Saturday March 4, 2006, was stolen from the facility's mailroom. Law enforcement and the U.S. Postal Service have been notified and are investigating the matter. "

Riverside Truck Driver Arrested for Making False Statement to Support an Insurance Claim in a Three-Car Collision

Riverside Truck Driver Arrested for Making False Statement to Support an Insurance Claim in a Three-Car Collision: "RIVERSIDE - Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi announced today the arrest of Jesus Lerma, 51, from Riverside, after an investigation by the California Department of Insurance (CDI) Fraud Division revealed that it was not him, but his nephew, who was allegedly the driver of a vehicle involved in a three-car collision. "

Philips Consumer Electronics Recalls Plasma Flat Panel Televisions

Philips Consumer Electronics Recalls Plasma Flat Panel Televisions: "Philips has received nine reports of arcing by the capacitors. The results of such incidents were contained within the TVs due to the use of flame retardant materials resulting only in damage to the TV. There have been no injuries reported. "

Protecting Your Privacy - FCC New Fact Sheet

Protecting Your Privacy From Unwanted Telephone Calls , Text Messaging & Junk Faxes - FCC New Fact Sheet: "In today's environment where numerous entities collect and store personal information, consumers are increasingly wary about their privacy. You want - and have the right - to be secure in the knowledge that your personal information is secure. The FCC has several regulatory programs in place to protect your privacy"

Protecting Your Privacy - FCC New Fact Sheet

Protecting Your Privacy From Unwanted Telephone Calls , Text Messaging & Junk Faxes - FCC New Fact Sheet: "In today's environment where numerous entities collect and store personal information, consumers are increasingly wary about their privacy. You want - and have the right - to be secure in the knowledge that your personal information is secure. The FCC has several regulatory programs in place to protect your privacy"

Protecting Your Privacy - FCC New Fact Sheet

Protecting Your Privacy From Unwanted Telephone Calls , Text Messaging & Junk Faxes - FCC New Fact Sheet: "In today's environment where numerous entities collect and store personal information, consumers are increasingly wary about their privacy. You want - and have the right - to be secure in the knowledge that your personal information is secure. The FCC has several regulatory programs in place to protect your privacy"

Characteristics of Private Schools in the United States: Results From the 2003-2004 Private School Universe Survey

Characteristics of Private Schools in the United States: Results From the 2003-2004 Private School Universe Survey: "This report on the 2003-2004 Private School Universe Survey presents data on private schools in the United States with grades kindergarten through twelve by selected characteristics such as school size, school level, religious orientation, association membership, geographic region, community type, and program emphasis."

CBP Officers Seize Almost 1,400 Pounds of Narcotics Over the Weekend

CBP Officers Seize Almost 1,400 Pounds of Narcotics Over the Weekend: "SAN DIEGO, CA - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers intercepted almost 1,400 pounds of marijuana and methamphetamines in16 incidents at the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa ports of entry this past weekend, officials announced today. In three days, vigilant CBP officers seized more than 1,300 lbs of marijuana and almost 47 lbs of methamphetamines and confiscated 15 vehicles and one motorcycle used in the smuggling attempts. "

FCC RELEASES ORDERS RESOLVING NUMEROUS BROADCAST TELEVISION INDECENCY COMPLAINTS

FCC RELEASES ORDERS RESOLVING NUMEROUS BROADCAST TELEVISION INDECENCY COMPLAINTS: "Washington, D.C. -The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today released decisions resolving over 300,000 consumer complaints about the broadcast of indecent, profane, and/or obscene television programming. In these decisions, the Commission addresses complaints about nearly 50 television programs broadcast between February 2002 and March 2005. "

1.8 Million Youth Initiate Inhalant Abuse in Three Years

1.8 Million Youth Initiate Inhalant Abuse in Three Years: "An average of 598,000 youth ages 12-17 initiated inhalant use in the past 12 months, based on data from 2002-2004, according to a new report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released today at a press conference by the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition to kick off National Inhalants & Poisons Awareness Week. This is 1.8 million new initiates to inhalants in three years."

SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA ANNOUNCES NEW PSP (PLAYSTATION PORTABLE) MODEL FOR $199.99

SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA ANNOUNCES NEW PSP (PLAYSTATION PORTABLE) MODEL FOR $199.99: "The PSP System Celebrates its One Year Anniversary, More Than 15 Million Units Shipped Worldwide "

Parents: Nicotine Is A Real Threat To Your Kids

Parents: Nicotine Is A Real Threat To Your Kids: "Colorfully packaged with a variety of flavors like cinnamon, orange, and chocolate, these unfiltered cigarettes from India have 28 percent higher nicotine concentration than regular cigarettes."

'MAILING ONLINE' GOES GLOBAL - International addresses now accepted

'USPS MAILING ONLINE' GOES GLOBAL - International addresses now accepted: "Customers using NetPost's Mailing Online now can send mail internationally. Mailing Online, a powerful printing and mailing service, combines the speed of the Internet with the effectiveness of traditional mail. Mailing Online offers an array of printing and mailing options to customize orders."

Florida�s Flagler County Fastest-Growing Once Again

Florida's Flagler County Fastest-Growing Once Again: "Flagler County in Florida, located along the Atlantic Coast between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, was the fastest-growing county for the second year in a row with a 10.7 percent population increase from July 1, 2004, to July 1, 2005, according to estimates released today by the U.S. Census Bureau. Flagler, with 76,410 residents, also led the nation with a 53 percent population increase since Census 2000."

Knee Deep in Debt ? A Debt Consolidation Self Help Guide

Knee Deep in Debt ? A Debt Consolidation Self Help Guide: "Having trouble paying your bills? Getting dunning notices from creditors? Are your accounts being turned over to debt collectors? Are you worried about losing your home or your car?"

California Cites La Jolla Nursing And Rehabilitation Center In Death Of A Resident

California Cites La Jolla Nursing And Rehabilitation Center In Death Of A Resident: "SACRAMENTO - The La Jolla Nursing and Rehabilitation Center nursing home in San Diego County has received a 'AA' citation, the most severe under state law, and a $94,000 fine from the state of California after an investigation by the California Department of Health Services (CDHS) concluded that poor care of a
79-year-old female led to her death, State Public Health Officer Dr. Mark Horton announced today."

OTS APPROVES H&R BLOCK, INC. APPLICATION TO ORGANIZE A FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK

OTS APPROVES H&R BLOCK, INC. APPLICATION TO ORGANIZE A FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK: "WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) announced today the approval of an application from H&R Block, Inc. to organize a de novo federal stock savings bank to be known as H&R Block Bank (Savings Bank), which will be located in Kansas City, Missouri. "

What You Should Know About Higher FDIC Coverage for Retirement Accounts

What You Should Know About Higher FDIC Coverage for Retirement Accounts: "Americans work hard and save money in hopes of having a comfortable retirement. But as people live longer and spend more years in retirement than ever before, preparing financially can be complicated. Here's good news that may help families saving for their retirement."

NCAA Schools Urged to End Beer Ads on Broadcasts

NCAA Schools Urged to End Beer Ads on Broadcasts: "The Campaign for Alcohol-Free Sports TV today urged 54 of the 64 colleges and universities sending teams to the NCAA men's basketball tournament to commit to ending beer advertising on college sports games. The campaign, which is led by the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest and is backed by an impressive array of coaching greats and organizations, says that associating drinking with college sports makes a mockery of athletic and academic values and makes it harder for officials to combat alcohol problems on college campuses."

Senate Confirms President�s Nominee to Lead Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Senate Confirms President's Nominee to Lead Occupational Safety and Health Administration: "WASHINGTON � Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced today that the United States Senate has confirmed Edwin G. Foulke Jr. of South Carolina as assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health"

Bank and Thrift Agencies Issue Advisory on Influenza Pandemic Preparedness

Bank and Thrift Agencies Issue Advisory on Influenza Pandemic Preparedness: "The federal bank and thrift regulatory agencies today issued an interagency advisory to financial institutions and their technology service providers that is intended to raise awareness of the threat of a pandemic influenza outbreak and its potential impact on the delivery of critical financial services."

Association Health Plans (AHP), �Bad for Business, Bad for Employees.�

Association Health Plans (AHP), "Bad for Business, Bad for Employees.": "The legislation would sweep aside state laws requiring specified benefits and providers in insurance policies, and would also preempt California's community rating laws which protect small businesses with older and sicker employees from even higher health insurance premiums."

WANTED: SCHOLARSHIP ON POSTAL HISTORY

WANTED: SCHOLARSHIP ON POSTAL HISTORY: "the Postal Service is sponsoring two annual prizes for scholarship that highlights this rich history. "

OSHA Sponsors Second Annual Emergency Preparedness and Response Conference

OSHA Sponsors Second Annual Emergency Preparedness and Response Conference: "OSHA will be holding its Second Annual Emergency Preparedness and Response Conference at the University of Findlay's School of Environmental and Emergency Management in Findlay, Ohio, June 5-6. "

FTC CONSENT ORDER PROTECTS COMPETITION IN THE MARKET FOR FREE-STANDING NEWSPAPER INSERTS

FTC CONSENT ORDER PROTECTS COMPETITION IN THE MARKET FOR FREE-STANDING NEWSPAPER INSERTS: "FSIs are multi-page booklets containing discount coupons for the products sold by various firms. They are inserted into newspapers for distribution to consumers. For the manufacturers of consumer-packaged goods and others"

CalHFA Offers $10 Million in Low Interest Loans to Promote Affordable Housing in California Communities

CalHFA Offers $10 Million in Low Interest Loans to Promote Affordable Housing in California Communities: "SACRAMENTO, March 13, 2006 - Local government agencies can now apply for low interest loans to promote affordable housing projects in their communities through the California Housing Finance Agency's (CalHFA) award-winning program, Housing Enabled by Local Partnerships (HELP). "

Microsoft Offers Free Xbox Live Gold Weekend Through Verizon Sponsorship for Xbox 360� gamers

Microsoft Offers Free Xbox Live Gold Weekend Through Verizon Sponsorship for Xbox 360™ gamers: "Xbox 360 owners invited to jump into 72 hours of free action-packed Xbox Live multiplayer online gaming courtesy of Verizon."

In the Aftermath of Midwest Tornadoes, Insurance Claims Filing Begins for Victims

In the Aftermath of Midwest Tornadoes, Insurance Claims Filing Begins for Victims: "Victims of the severe storms and tornadoes that swept through the Midwest over the weekend are struggling to put the pieces of their lives back in place and are beginning the claims filing process. "

USGS Assessment Significantly Increases Afghanistan Petroleum Resource Base

USGS Assessment Significantly Increases Afghanistan Petroleum Resource Base: "The USGS and the Government of Afghanistan Ministry of Mines and Industry have completed the first-ever assessment of Afghanistan's undiscovered petroleum resources and have determined that the resource base is significantly greater than previously understood."

Effect Study of Chinese Herbal Medicine for Functional Constipation

Effect Study of Chinese Herbal Medicine for Functional Constipation: "Functional constipation (FC) is common with 14.3% estimated prevalence in HK, but treatment for this condition in conventional medicine is suboptimal. Complementary and alternative medicines, especially Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) are used frequently by patients with FC, but there is little research evidence about these commonly used CHM. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CHM, and its impact on quality of life of patients with FC. "

See a Mile of the Earth�s Crust from the Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater

See a Mile of the Earth's Crust from the Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater: "Ever wondered what a mile-long piece of the Earth's crust looks like? Last fall, a team of scientists drilled into one of the most amazing geologic structures known. This core tells the story of 35 million years ago, when a meteorite 1.5 miles wide, traveling at hypersonic speed, smashed into the Earth's crust and created the Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater."

Celebrating Our Moms: Mother�s Day: May 14, 2006

Celebrating Our Moms: Mother's Day: May 14, 2006 -81%Percentage of women 40 to 44 years old who are mothers. In 1976, 90 percent of women in that age group were mothers.

H5N1 infection in domestic cats and a stone marten � Europe

H5N1 infection in domestic cats and a stone marten - Europe: "Avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infections have been reported in domestic cats in Germany and Austria, according to the World Health Organization and the European Center for Disease Control and Prevention."

National Mesothelioma Virtual Registry and Tissue Bank Grant

National Mesothelioma Virtual Registry and Tissue Bank - CDC’s Procurement and Grants Office has published a funding opportunity announcement entitled, “National Mesothelioma Virtual Registry and Tissue Bank.” $950,000 [this amount is an estimate, and subject to the availability of funds] will be available in fiscal year 2006 to fund one award.