Equine Herpes Virus-1 Alert

Equine Herpes Virus-1 Alert: " recent disease outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1) has been traced to a shipment of horses from Europe and has resulted to date in the death of one horse in California and numerous other exposed horses around the country, including two horses in California that have developed mild clinical illness. Additionally, this outbreak and more EHV-1 related deaths have caused the shutdown of a major horse show in Florida. "

Health Requirements for Santa’s Reindeer Waived by State Veterinarian

Health Requirements for Santa’s Reindeer Waived by State Veterinarian: "Reindeer cleared to land in California. California State Veterinarian Dr. Richard Breitmeyer has granted a 24-hour permit waiving all brand inspection and health requirements for nine reindeer slated to visit California on the evening of December 24 and the early morning hours of December 25. The permit application was filed this week by a rotund, jolly man with a red face and a white beard. He signed his name to the paperwork: “K. Kringle"

Unsecure Web Site: Stay Out of Unlocked Rooms: A Quick Guide for Safe Journeys Online

Unsecure Web Site: Stay Out of Unlocked Rooms: A Quick Guide for Safe Journeys Online: "How safe is your credit card information when you send it online? Some web sites are 'secure' because they use encryption technology to protect your information. Although no technology is foolproof, here are three ways to tell if you are dealing with a 'secure' site:"

IRS Begins Implementing Extenders Legislation; Works to Help Taxpayers During Filing Season

IRS Begins Implementing Extenders Legislation; Works to Help Taxpayers During Filing Season: "The Internal Revenue Service announced new guidance today to help tax filers in 2007 claim the extended deductions and other tax advantages in the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 signed into law this week."

Purchasers of Ford and Mercury Hybrids Still Qualify for Tax Credit

Purchasers of Ford and Mercury Hybrids Still Qualify for Tax Credit: "The Internal Revenue Service announced that purchasers of qualified Ford Motor Company vehicles may continue to claim the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit. The announcement comes after the IRS concluded its third quarterly review of the number of hybrid vehicles sold."

Holiday Loans" and Other "Special Deals": Beware – They Can Spoil Your New Year

Holiday Loans" and Other "Special Deals": Beware – They Can Spoil Your New Year - Tempted by those signs that offer easy money for the holidays? Don't be. Think that a quick cash loan sounds too good to be true? It probably is."

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING MADE EASY- USPS proposal will simplify International Mail products

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING MADE EASY- USPS proposal will simplify International Mail products The U.S. Postal Service is proposing changes to make its International Mail products easier to use. The changes will introduce the most familiar and trusted USPS domestic product names — First-Class Mail, Priority Mail and Express Mail — into the International product portfolio, making it easier for customers to mail cards, letters and packages worldwide.

IRS To Begin Processing Suspended Cash Balance Plan Conversion Applications

IRS To Begin Processing Suspended Cash Balance Plan Conversion Applications -The Internal Revenue Service today announced it is lifting a moratorium on determination letter applications for conversions from traditional defined benefit pension plans to so-called cash balance plans.

Participants Wanted for 2007 Text Retrieval Trials

Participants Wanted for 2007 Text Retrieval Trials: " he National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking participants for its upcoming Text Retrieval Conference—TREC 2007. Since 1992, TREC has been fostering research to enable more powerful, faster and easier-to-use technologies for information retrieval. TREC 2007 will focus on seven tracks—including a blog track, to explore information seeking behavior in the blogosphere, and a legal track to develop search technology to help the legal profession find information pertinent to a case in digital document collections. "

Health Insurance: New Data Compares Health Insurance Costs Among Cities

Health Insurance: New Data Compares Health Insurance Costs Among Cities: "A new federal database for the first time allows companies, consumers, health care analysts and others to compare health insurance costs among the Nation's largest cities and other geographical areas. This new metropolitan area data table developed by the Department of Health & Human Services' (HHS) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) provides comparable statistics on average annual costs for companies and workers contributing to private-sector health insurance. "

Fastest-Growing State - Arizona Edges Nevada as Fastest-Growing State

Fastest-Growing State - Arizona Edges Nevada as Fastest-Growing State Arizona was the nation’s fastest-growing state over the period, breaking Nevada’s grip on the title, with its population rising 3.6 percent. Nevada ranked second this time,as its population climbed by 3.5 percent, followed by Idaho (2.6 percent), Georgia (2.6 percent) and Texas (2.5 percent). (See Table A below.) The South and West again monopolized the list of fastest-growing states with Utah, North Carolina, Colorado, Florida and South Carolina rounding out the top 10. Colorado and South Carolina replaced Delaware and Oregon on the list this year.

Thousands of Arizona's Flood-Prone Homes Lack Flood Insurance

Thousands of Arizona's Flood-Prone Homes Lack Flood Insurance Despite last summer's severe monsoons and the threat of impending El Niño storms, only 21 percent of the homes and other buildings at high risk for flooding in Arizona are covered by flood insurance, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

OOSHA Fines Masonry Contractor $220,000 by U.S. Labor for Scaffold and Fall Hazards at Enfield Worksite

OOSHA Fines Masonry Contractor $220,000 by U.S. Labor for Scaffold and Fall Hazards at Enfield Worksite: "OSHA's inspection found that a scaffold was missing its top, middle and end rails and that scaffold frames, rather than ladders, were being used to access upper levels, two conditions that exposed employees to fall hazards of 12 to 20 feet. OSHA issued two willful citations and proposed $140,000 in fines for these items. OSHA defines a willful violation as one committed with an intentional disregard of, or plain indifference to, the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and regulations."

Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Products

Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Products: "Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows and Visual Studio could allow an attacker to gain control of your computer."

GET A GREAT DEAL ON A NEW CAR

GET A GREAT DEAL ON A NEW CAR: "Before you pick out the interior color and trim on your new car, you need to make sure the deal you’re getting is a good one. Get helpful hints on how to make a smart purchase with How to Get a Great Deal on a New Car "

Craving, Binge Eating and Obesity

Craving, Binge Eating and Obesity: "This research study is designed to look at the effectiveness of bupropion for reducing binge eating in overweight persons with binge eating problems. Participants in the study will receive either bupropion or placebo (”sugar” pill, inactive medication) as an outpatient for eight weeks. In addition, participants will be given the option to receive 8 weeks of free behavioral weight loss treatment. This treatment, known to be effective for reducing binge eating and helping people lose weight, will be administered following the medication phase and at no cost"

Craving, Binge Eating and Obesity

Craving, Binge Eating and Obesity: "This research study is designed to look at the effectiveness of bupropion for reducing binge eating in overweight persons with binge eating problems. Participants in the study will receive either bupropion or placebo (”sugar” pill, inactive medication) as an outpatient for eight weeks. In addition, participants will be given the option to receive 8 weeks of free behavioral weight loss treatment. This treatment, known to be effective for reducing binge eating and helping people lose weight, will be administered following the medication phase and at no cost"

Grant Notice:Gang Member Reentry Assistance Project

Grant Notice:Gang Member Reentry Assistance Project: "The Gang Member Reentry Assistance Project, part of the Prisoner Reentry Initiative (PRI), focuses on developing tools, strategies, and training products that will assist law enforcement and corrections agencies in addressing the many issues faced by returning juvenile and adult gang offenders. "

New Postal Law - First major change to the Postal Service since 1971

New Postal Law - First major change to the Postal Service since 1971: "President George W. Bush today signed into law new postal legislation that will benefit both residential and business customers by ensuring predictable price increases tied to the rate of inflation. "

FCC Releases Report on 2005 Cable Industry Prices

FCC Releases Report on 2005 Cable Industry Prices: "The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today released its annual report on cable industry prices. The report shows that average monthly rates for cable service -- including basic and expanded basic cable programming services -- increased by 5.2 percent over the 12-month period ending January 1, 2005, from $40.91 to $43.04, and by 93 percent since the period immediately prior to Congress’s enactment of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. "

Grant Notice: New Digital Innovation Program, "Advancing Knowledge

Grant Notice: New Digital Innovation Program, "Advancing Knowledge: "National Endowment for the Humanities and Institute of Museum and Library Services Invite Grant Applications for New Digital Innovation Program, 'Advancing Knowledge"

First Hydrogen Powered Santa Sleigh To Fly Through U.S. Airspace This Holiday Season

First Hydrogen Powered Santa Sleigh To Fly Through U.S. Airspace This Holiday Season: "Saying that Santa “is going green,” U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters today certified the first-ever hydrogen powered sleigh as safe to operate in U.S. airspace this holiday season. “Santa’s new sleigh is a hybrid vehicle that can fly using either the traditional eight tiny reindeer or modern hydrogen fuel cells. The hydrogen sleigh is quieter, so Santa can make his deliveries without waking children and disturbing the visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads,” Secretary Peters said. "

Santa Citings across the United States

Santa Citings across the United States: "’Twas the night before Christmas in the U.S. of A. and 'Santa' was spotted, but not with his sleigh. He was spotted in Georgia and Texas and Maine . In Nevada and Utah , he was spotted again. Arizona , Oregon , and on up the West Coast, but Indiana is where he's cited the most."

Year-End Donations: IRS Offers Tips for Year-End Donations

Year-End Donations: IRS Offers Tips for Year-End Donations: "New Tax Break for IRA Owners
An IRA owner, age 70 ½ or over, can directly transfer tax-free, up to $100,000 per year to an eligible charitable organization. This option is available in tax years 2006 and 2007. Eligible IRA owners can take advantage of this provision, regardless of whether they itemize their deductions. Distributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans, including SIMPLE IRAs and simplified employee pension (SEP) plans are not eligible."

Year-End Donations: IRS Offers Tips for Year-End Donations

Year-End Donations: IRS Offers Tips for Year-End Donations: "New Tax Break for IRA Owners -
An IRA owner, age 70 ½ or over, can directly transfer tax-free, up to $100,000 per year to an eligible charitable organization. This option is available in tax years 2006 and 2007. Eligible IRA owners can take advantage of this provision, regardless of whether they itemize their deductions. Distributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans, including SIMPLE IRAs and simplified employee pension (SEP) plans are not eligible."

U.S. and India Sign Historic MOU on Intellectual Property

U.S. and India Sign Historic MOU on Intellectual Property: "This MOU is a first between the United States and India on intellectual property issues, and it will open the door for an unprecedented level of cooperation and sharing of best practices,' said Under Secretary Dudas. "

HUD Homes Nationwide Sales Event: FHA Special Homes Sales Event - deadline January 7, 2007

HUD Homes Nationwide Sales Event: FHA Special Homes Sales Event - deadline January 7, 2007

HUD Homes Nationwide Sales Event: FHA Special Homes Sales Event - deadline January 7, 2007

HUD Homes Nationwide Sales Event: FHA Special Homes Sales Event - deadline January 7, 2007

Herbal Supplement Fails To Relieve Hot Flashes In Large Nih Trial

Herbal Supplement Fails To Relieve Hot Flashes In Large Nih Trial: "The herbal supplement black cohosh, whether used alone or with other botanical supplements, did not relieve hot flashes in postmenopausal women or those approaching menopause, who participated in the Herbal Alternatives (HALT) for Menopause Study, according to results from the clinical trial. The research, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), found that women using menopausal hormone therapy, however, did receive significant relief from their hot flashes and night sweats."

IT Security Forum Presentations - November 7

IT Security Forum Presentations "Identity & Access Management,
Establishing and Managing a , Wireless Vulnerabilities and Exploits, Spyware Update, Database Attacks, How to Protect the Corporate Asset and more "

Tax Refunds - FTB Seeks Owners of Tax Refunds that are Missing in Action

Tax Refunds - FTB Seeks Owners of Tax Refunds that are Missing in Action: "The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) is trying to make the holidays a little easier for thousands of Californian taxpayers who are owed more than $10.5 million in tax refunds. However, the problem is finding the missing taxpayers."

Holiday Shopping Countdown -Returns and Exchanges: Know the Rules Before Buying

Holiday Shopping Countdown -Returns and Exchanges: Know the Rules Before Buying: "Attention, Holiday Shoppers. It's important to learn about a retailer's return policies before buying gifts.
Consumers often expect stores or catalog companies will give them a refund, credit or exchange when they return items. But that's not always the case. Some companies may have policies that limit exchanges or returns for all customers. Others may claim they can restrict exchange rights for particular customers. So before making a purchase, very carefully check the store's policy. California law gives you the right to know a company's refund policy before you buy."

State Seeks Senior Engineer for California Board for Professional Engineers And Land Surveyors

State Seeks Senior Engineer for California Board for Professional Engineers And Land Surveyors - The Board is currently recruiting to fill its vacant Staff Senior Engineering Registrar (Electrical and Mechanical Engineering programs) position. Applicants must possess a valid license as either an Electrical or a Mechanical Engineer and must have state civil service eligibility. Click the link above for further information about applying for this position on the Board’s staff.

Adult Male Circumcision Reduces Risk of Acquiring HIV

Adult Male Circumcision Reduces Risk of Acquiring HIV: "Medically performed circumcision significantly reduces a man's risk of acquiring HIV through heterosexual intercourse, according to an interim review of data from two clinical trials. As a result, NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) announced an early end to the trials this week."

Planning a Winter Getaway? Insurance Is Available in the Event of a Disaster

Planning a Winter Getaway? Insurance Is Available in the Event of a Disaster: "Before sailing off on a cruise or hitting the slopes, make sure that you have adequate insurance to protect your financial investment in a pre-paid vacation, said the Insurance Information Institute "

First crash tests of minicars: Nissan Versa earns the highest overall rating; three minicars earn poor ratings in side tests

First crash tests of minicars: Nissan Versa earns the highest overall rating; three minicars earn poor ratings in side tests: " For the first time, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has tested the smallest vehicles sold in the US market, which gain popularity as fuel prices rise. Now these cars are rated for comparison of occupant protection in front, side, and rear crashes. The Nissan Versa earns good ratings in all three tests. Two other cars earn good ratings in front and side but not rear tests"

High Definition Television vs Regular TV - What 's the Difference?

High Definition Television vs Regular TV - What 's the Difference?: "HDTV is high definition television and it can make an enormous difference in your television viewing experience. Many consumers describe the HDTV experience as being closer to watching a movie in the theater than watching a standard television set. HDTV offers a digital picture with a higher resolution than normal television screens."

Coping with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Coping with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: "Living with chronic fatigue syndrome can be difficult. Like other debilitating chronic illnesses, CFS can have a profound impact on daily life, requiring patients to make significant lifestyle changes and adapt to a series of new limitations."

New Laws for 2007 - Driver License

New DMV Laws for 2007 - Driver License - Cell Phones—Operative July 1, 2008
Requires the use of hands-free wireless phones as of July 1, 2008, with limited exceptions.