Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi Announces the Arrest of Five L.A. Residents for Insurance Fraud and Staged Collision

Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi Announces the Arrest of Five L.A. Residents for Insurance Fraud and Staged Collision: "Five L.A. residents participated in staging of auto collision on 605 Freeway - targets vehicle occupied by two L.A. County Sheriffs detectives; four suspects arrested on $200,000 bail each, one suspect on $120,000 bail"

California Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) announces confirmations and changes to deadline for electrician certification

California Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) announces confirmations and changes to deadline for electrician certification: "The California Apprenticeship Council (CAC) revisited the electrician certification deadlines, confirming some and revising others. The CAC confirmed the deadline to take and pass the exam for certification for general electrician and fire/life safety technicians as January 1, 2006. Electricians working in these classifications who are not certified are doing so illegally, unless they submitted an application and fees to take the exam on or before December 30, 2005. In addition, the deadline for the residential electrician has been extended to January 1, 2007. "

Avian Influenza Update: Djibouti

Avian Influenza Update: Djibouti: "On May 12, 2006, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported the first confirmed human case of avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infection in Djibouti . The patient is a 2-year-old girl from a small rural village near the border with Somalia ."

Attorney General Lockyer Announces Extension of Court Judgments in Microsoft Monopoly Case

Attorney General Lockyer Announces Extension of Court Judgments in Microsoft Monopoly Case: "Attorney General Bill Lockyer today announced a key provision of the 2002 state-federal antitrust judgments with Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft) will be extended at least two years while the firm revamps its efforts to comply with the judgments' requirement that Microsoft help competing servers function with the Windows desktop."

Protecting Consumers in the New Mortgage Marketplace

Protecting Consumers in the New Mortgage Marketplace: "The FTC will host a public workshop, Protecting Consumers in the New Mortgage Marketplace, to explore consumer protection issues arising from the emergence of "nontraditional" or "alternative" mortgage products in the United States residential mortgage marketplace. "

Surgery and Photodynamic Therapy in Treating Patients With Malignant Mesothelioma

Surgery and Photodynamic Therapy in Treating Patients With Malignant Mesothelioma: "Photodynamic therapy uses light and drugs that make cancer cells more sensitive to light to kill cancer cells. Combining photodynamic therapy with surgery may be an effective treatment for malignant mesothelioma. "

California's First Senior Protection Summit Brings Together Service Providers Preparing for Demands of Aging Population

California's First Senior Protection Summit Brings Together Service Providers Preparing for Demands of Aging Population: "Anticipating the demands of an aging 'Baby Boom' generation, providers of consumer-protection services for seniors gathered today for the Department of Consumer Affairs' first 'Senior Summit 2006: Protecting and Serving California's Aging Population.'"

Free Web Conference for Health Care Purchasers and Providers - May 16, 2006

Free Web Conference for Health Care Purchasers and Providers - May 16, 2006: "This Web conference will highlight key design-related decisions associated with quality-based payment schemes: "

California Courts Seek Advertising Agency for Marketing Campaign � RFP deadline June 2, 2006

California Courts Seek Advertising Agency for Marketing Campaign - RFP deadline June 2, 2006: "The The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) seeks to identify and retain a primary, qualified advertising agency to supply the AOC with high-quality, cost-effective print advertising, image development and marketing campaign strategies. This RFP is the means for prospective advertising agencies to submit their qualifications to the AOC and request selection as a result of this RFP."

Social Networking Sites: A Parent�s Guide

Social Networking Sites: A Parent's Guide: "Remember that phrase from your own childhood? It's still a valid question, but now, it comes with a twist: "Do you know where your kids are " and who they're talking to online?"
Social networking sites are the hippest "meet market" around, especially among tweens, teens, and 20-somethings. These sites encourage and allow people to exchange information about themselves, and use blogs, chat rooms, email, or instant messaging to communicate with the world at large"

Social Networking Sites: Safety Tips for Tweens and Teens

Social Networking Sites: Safety Tips for Tweens and Teens: "Social networking sites have added a new factor to the "friends of friends" equation. By providing information about yourself and using blogs, chat rooms, email, or instant messaging, you can communicate, either within a limited community, or with the world at large. But while the sites can increase your circle of friends, they also can increase your exposure to people who have less-than-friendly intentions. "

Hepatitis Awareness Month --- May 2006

Hepatitis Awareness Month --- May 2006: "May 2006 marks the 11th anniversary of Hepatitis Awareness Month. In the United States, one of three persons has been infected with hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), or hepatitis C virus (HCV) ".

Internet Marketers Settle FTC Charges

Internet Marketers Settle FTC Charges: "The Federal Trade Commission has charged two Internet marketers with violating the CAN-SPAM Act by failing to offer an opt-out method or honor consumers right to opt out of receiving future marketing mailings within 10 days of making the request. One marketer also failed to include a valid physical postal address, which also is required by the CAN-SPAM Act. Settlements with the marketers prohibit future violations of the Act and provide for civil penalties totaling more than $32,000."

Major Weight-Loss Marketers Pay $3 Million

Major Weight-Loss Marketers Pay $3 Million: "Sellers making questionable weight-loss and fat-loss claims to peddle skin gels and diet supplements will pay $3 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that their deceptive claims violated federal law. The settlement bars unsubstantiated claims in the future and bars the marketers from misrepresenting studies or endorsements. "

Review of Texas's Accounts Receivable System for Medicaid Provider Overpayments

Review of Texas's Accounts Receivable System for Medicaid Provider Overpayments: "Our objective was to determine whether the State of Texas (State) reported Medicaid provider overpayment adjustments and reclaiming adjustments in accordance with Federal requirements. The State did not report 48 overpayment adjustments totaling approximately $1.91 million (approximately $1.21 million Federal share) in accordance with Federal requirements. "

ATF, Riverside Police Recover Stolen Explosives

ATF, Riverside Police Recover Stolen Explosives: "John A. Torres, Special Agent in Charge of the Los Angeles Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), announced today that ATF and the Riverside Police Department recovered approximately half of the more than 500 pounds of dynamite and ammonium nitrate stolen last week from the Gold Mountain Mine Co. in Big Bear City, Calif"

Implementation Plan for the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza

Implementation Plan for the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza: "At this time, avian influenza is primarily an animal disease. Human infections are generally limited to individuals who come into direct contact with infected birds. If the virus develops the capacity for sustained, efficient, human-to-human transmission, however, it could spread quickly around the globe. "

FTC Launches Nationwide ID Theft Education Campaign

FTC Launches Nationwide ID Theft Education Campaign: "You can take steps to minimize your risk of becoming a victim of identity theft. That is the message of a nationwide education program launched today by the Federal Trade Commission:AvoID Theft: Deter, Detect, Defend"

For the Love of Pets - Ten tips for responsible pet ownership

For the Love of Pets - Ten tips for responsible pet ownership: "CDC Celebrates National Pet Week by providing Ten Tips for Responsible Pet Ownership. Your relationship with your pet enriches your life. However there are a few important tips to keep in mind when you own a pet. Some animals may carry germs that may be transmitted to people. These are called zoonoses."

Data on Drug-related Emergency Room Visits Released by SAMHSA

Data on Drug-related Emergency Room Visits Released by SAMHSA: "The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration today unveiled findings from its new Drug Abuse Warning Network showing almost 2 million drug-related emergency department visits in 2004. Of these, nearly 1.3 million emergency department visits were associated with drug misuse or abuse."

Prepare Your Car For Evacuation

Prepare Your Car For Evacuation: "When local officials announce a 'Hurricane Watch,' it means there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24 to 36 hours. Individuals along the Texas Gulf coast should be ready to go once an evacuation order is announced. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends that residents and visitors take the following actions to be ready"

Winning at losing - How to Keep that Weight Off

Winning at losing - How to Keep that Weight Off: "Getting your weight under control can help you avoid many health problems. While there are many ways to successfully lose weight, most people regain it over time. Ongoing research is now giving us insights into how to keep that weight off."

Short-Term Energy Outlook - May 9th Update

Short-Term Energy Outlook - May 9th Update: "The prospects for significant improvement in the world petroleum supply and demand balance appear to be fading. While U.S. production in 2006 will grow with recovery from the hurricanes, only moderate increases in OPEC and other non-OPEC production and capacity are expected. "

Assistance Surpasses $ Three Million for Tornado Declaration

Assistance Surpasses $ Three Million for Tornado Declaration: "More than $3,200,000 has been approved in disaster housing, other needs assistance and low-interest disaster loans for Arkansas residents in the seven declared counties, officials from the Department of Homeland Security�s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) announced today."

Significant Muslim Populations Outside Middle East Grant Opportunity

Significant Muslim Populations Outside Middle East Grant Opportunity: "The Office for the Promotion of Human Rights and Democracy of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL/PHD) announces a Request for Statements Of Interest (SOI) from organizations interested in submitting proposals for projects that promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law in non-Middle Eastern countries with significant Muslim Populations "

ATF OFFERS $25,000 REWARD FOR INFORMATION IN EXPLOSIVES THEFT

ATF OFFERS $25,000 REWARD FOR INFORMATION IN EXPLOSIVES THEFT: "John A. Torres, Special Agent in Charge of the Los Angeles Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), announced today that ATF is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft of more than 500 pounds of explosives from an explosives storage magazine in Big Bear City, Calif"

Garamendi Seeks "Blackmail" Investigation by Insurance Industry

Garamendi Seeks "Blackmail" Investigation by Insurance Industry: "After the Commissioner�s rejection of the perceived blatant "blackmail" attempt, the insurance industry announced its launch of a $2.4 million negative advertising campaign against Commissioner Garamendi and his proposed auto regulations"

Cyber Security Alert: Microsoft Windows Vulnerabilities

Cyber Security Alert: Microsoft Windows Vulnerabilities: "Critical vulnerabilities in Macromedia Flash player may allow an attacker to take control of your computer. Microsoft has provided an update to remedy these vulnerabilities. "

Is Your Home Properly Insured? Know the Three Most Important Questions to Ask Your Insurer

Is Your Home Properly Insured? Know the Three Most Important Questions to Ask Your Insurer: "For many people, their home is their greatest asset. Yet studies show that 59 percent of today's homes are underinsured by an average of 22 percent.* To protect their investment this hurricane season, homeowners should update their insurance regularly to include improvements, major purchases and increased rebuilding costs, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.)."

Restless Legs Syndrome In Adults: Comparing Immediate Release Formulation With Extended Release Formulation Of Ropinirole

Restless Legs Syndrome In Adults: Comparing Immediate Release Formulation With Extended Release Formulation Of Ropinirole: "Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) study in adults comparing immediate release ropinirole with extended release ropinirole over 12 weeks "

Scambuster Kit� for California Seniors

Scambuster Kit for California Seniors: "The California Department of Consumer Affairs has prepared this Senior Scambuster Kit to provide older Californians with tips and resources that can help them say "no thanks" to scamsters and no deal to dishonest dealers"

A Priceless Mother�s Day Gift from You � and the FTC

A Priceless Mother's Day Gift from You and the FTC: "Flowers, candy and a musical e-card from the Federal Trade Commission? This Mother's Day give mom something she can really use: an e-card with tips from the FTC on keeping her personal information secure"

White House Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Workshop

White House Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Workshop: "On Tuesday, June 6, 2006, the White House and the Departments of Justice, Commerce, Agriculture, Labor, Veterans Affairs, Health & Human Services, Housing & Urban Development, Education, and Homeland Security, the Agency for International Development, and the Small Business Administration will host a targeted workshop in Las Vegas to help faith-based and community organizations learn more about President Bush's Faith-Based and Community Initiative. The event is geared towards representatives from social service groups that have a track record of applying for government funding, especially those from groups that have not yet won grants. "

California Announces $5 Million Settlement with R.J. Reynolds to Resolve Lawsuit Over Firm�s Distribution of Free Cigarettes

California Announces $5 Million Settlement with R.J. Reynolds to Resolve Lawsuit Over Firm's Distribution of Free Cigarettes: "R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (RJR) will pay $5 million to resolve a lawsuit in which the California Supreme Court found RJR liable for violating state law when it distributed 108,155 free packs of cigarettes on public grounds"

IRS Updates Voluntary Correction Program for Retirement Plan Professionals

IRS Updates Voluntary Correction Program for Retirement Plan Professionals: "The Internal Revenue Service today issued an updated and expanded revision of a revenue procedure governing its popular voluntary correction program for employee retirement plans "

Biometric Technology Identifies Criminals Attempting to Enter the United States

Biometric Technology Identifies Criminals Attempting to Enter the United States: "During the past five days, U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector agents have arrested 12 aggravated felons using state-of-the-art biometric identification technology. "

CDC Update On Fusarium Keratitis

CDC Update On Fusarium Keratitis: "As of May 5, 2006, CDC has received reports of 102 confirmed cases, 12 possible cases and 81 cases still under investigation from 31 U.S. states and territories. 65 reports include insufficient evidence to classify them as cases or carry other non-Fusarium diagnoses. "

May is Awareness Month! Get the Facts about Asthma

May is Awareness Month! Get the Facts about Asthma: " More than 60 million American children and adults have asthma and allergies. Over the past two decades, prevalence rates for these diseases have doubled causing 2 million emergency room visits, 500,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths each year. These diseases cost the U.S economy over $25 billion annually, and one of the most challenging seasons for asthma and allergy sufferers is spring."

5 Tips For Speaking With Someone Who Stutters

5 Tips For Speaking With Someone Who Stutters: "Stuttering may look like an easy problem that can be solved with some simple advice, but for many adults, it can be a chronic life-long disorder. Here are some ways that you, the listener, can help."

Fibromyalgia Awareness Day - May 12, 2006

Fibromyalgia Awareness Day - May 12, 2006: "Fibromyalgia (pronounced Fy-bro-my-AL-ja) is a complex chronic pain illness that is recognized by the American Medical Association, the National Institutes of Health and the American College of Rheumatology"