Electric Shock Hazard Prompts Recall of Electric Smokers

Electric Shock Hazard Prompts Recall of Electric Smokers: "WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the Bradley Electric Smokers. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. "

Receive Your Refund Faster with Direct Deposit

Receive Your Refund Faster with Direct Deposit: "Want your refund faster? Have it deposited directly into your bank account. More taxpayers are choosing direct deposit as the way to receive their federal tax refunds. More than 52 million people had their tax refunds deposited directly into their bank accounts in 2005. It's a secure and convenient way to get your money in your pocket faster"

Internet Access in U.S. Public Schools and Classrooms: 1994-2003

Internet Access in U.S. Public Schools and Classrooms: 1994-2003: "The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has employed its Fast Response Survey System (FRSS) to track access to information technology in schools and classrooms since 1994."

National Town Hall on Methamphetamine

National Town Hall on Methamphetamine: "The scourge of methamphetamine is tightening its grip on communities across America. As we have heard, meth is a unique and deadly threat to our Nation. It is highly addictive. It is easy and cheap to produce. And as many in this room know, it destroys lives far beyond those of just the addicts and the users. With every tragedy and every act of violence..with every child abandoned because of meth use and every life lost to meth abuse.. the vise grip is turned another notch. "

2006 Foreign Service Written Exam

2006 Foreign Service Written Exam: "Georgetown - The State Department's Foreign Service Written Exam will be held on April 8, 2006. Taking the exam is the first step towards becoming a Foreign Service Officer and serving in US Embassies around the world. This will be the only administration of the exam in 2006."

FTC Releases Top 10 Consumer Fraud Complaint Categories - Identity Theft Again Leads the List

FTC Releases Top 10 Consumer Fraud Complaint Categories - Identity Theft Again Leads the List: "The Federal Trade Commission today released its annual report detailing consumer complaints about fraud and identity theft in 2005. Complaints about identity theft topped the list, accounting for 255,000 of more than 686,000 complaints filed with the agency in 2005. The complaints, filed online or at a toll-free number, are shared via a secure database with more than 1,400 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, and law enforcement and consumer protection agencies in Canada and Australia."

Attorney General Lockyer Announces Landmark Agreement with Philip Morris USA to Curb Illegal Internet Cigarette Sales

Attorney General Lockyer Announces Landmark Agreement with Philip Morris USA to Curb Illegal Internet Cigarette Sales: "(SACRAMENTO) - Attorney General Bill Lockyer today announced Philip Morris USA has agreed to implement landmark protocols to reduce the illegal sale of its cigarettes over the Internet and through the mail."

January 2006 Monthly Energy Review

January 2006 Monthly Energy Review: "The Monthly Energy Review (MER) is the Energy Information Administration's primary report of recent energy statistics. Included are total energy production, consumption, and trade; energy prices; overviews of petroleum, natural gas, coal, electricity, nuclear energy, renewable energy, and international petroleum; and data unit conversions."

Regulation of Cable TV Rates

Regulation of Cable TV Rates: "How Cable TV Rates Are Regulated"

SAMHSA Launches Partners for Recovery Website

SAMHSA Launches Partners for Recovery Website: "The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) today announced the launch of a website dedicated to the advancement of prevention, treatment and recovery from substance use and mental health disorders. The new Partners for Recovery website facilitates communication and resource-sharing for organizations and groups that help individuals and families achieve and maintain recovery."

More People in Drug Abuse Treatment Began Drug Use Before Age 13

More People in Drug Abuse Treatment Began Drug Use Before Age 13: "More people in treatment for drug abuse, other than alcohol abuse, began using at least one of their problem drugs prior to the age of 13. The data over the past decade show that in 1993, 12 percent of admissions to treatment for drugs (114,462 people) began using their substances before age 13. "

Women-Owned Businesses Grew at Twice the National Average

Women-Owned Businesses Grew at Twice the National Average: "The number of women-owned businesses grew 20 percent between 1997 and 2002, twice the national average for all businesses, according to a new U.S. Census Bureau report. The nearly 6.5 million businesses generated more than $940 billion in revenue, up 15 percent from 1997"

OSHA Joins with New York State Workers' Compensation Board to Reduce Injuries and Illnesses in Empire State Workplaces

OSHA Joins with New York State Workers' Compensation Board to Reduce Injuries and Illnesses in Empire State Workplaces: "Under the alliance, the two agencies will work together to develop and deliver training and education programs to NYSWCB constituents that will utilize job hazard analysis, 'safety pays' tools and workers' compensation information. They will also share best practices and effective approaches with industry safety and health professionals."

E-file - A Smart Way to do Your Taxes

E-file - A Smart Way to do Your Taxes: "Every year, more taxpayers discover the benefits of filing their tax return electronically. Whether you use a professional tax preparer authorized by the IRS or do it yourself on a home computer, there are many reasons to consider e-filing your tax return this year"

Diet High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids Unlikely to Reduce Risk of Cancer

Diet High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids Unlikely to Reduce Risk of Cancer: "Taking dietary supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids or regularly consuming fish does not appear to reduce a person's risk of developing cancer, according to the findings of an in-depth analysis of large-scale U.S. and foreign population studies."

Understanding Hidden Threats: Rootkits and Botnets

Understanding Hidden Threats: Rootkits and Botnets: "Attackers are continually finding new ways to access computer systems. The use of hidden methods such as rootkits and botnets has increased, and you may be a victim without even realizing it. "

Attorney General Lockyer Announces Settlement with Charity Fundraiser For Misleading Sweepstakes Promotions

Attorney General Lockyer Announces Settlement with Charity Fundraiser For Misleading Sweepstakes Promotions: "SACRAMENTO) - Attorney General Bill Lockyer today announced that an agreement has been reached with Massachusetts-based Newport Creative Communications over deceptive sweepstakes claims the company made in charity solicitations. “Commercial fundraising firms that solicit donations must employ tactics that do not deceive consumers or the charities they represent,” said Lockyer. “This agreement will ensure that Newport’s future solicitations are not misleading."

Two Elk Grove Suspects Arrested for Auto Insurance Fraud

Two Elk Grove Suspects Arrested for Auto Insurance Fraud: "staging a vehicle theft for insurance money is a growing problem in the state, says Califirnia Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi"

Use of Acupuncture for Stimulation of Labour

Use of Acupuncture for Stimulation of Labour: " randomized controlled trial including 150 pregnant women Acupuncture has become a natural part of the range of obstetric treatments offered in danish delivery wards, but there is only little evidence to the effect of the acupuncture. "

Clinical Trial: Contraception in Normal and Subnormal Men

Clinical Trial: Contraception in Normal and Subnormal Men: "Volunteers with normal and subnormal semen parameters receive a hormonal male contraceptive in order to investigate whether there are differences between normal and subnormal men in terms of suppressibility, rate of azoospermia and reversibility of suppression of spermatogenesis. "

Leaf Blowers Sold at Home Depot Recalled for Laceration Hazard

Leaf Blowers Sold at Home Depot Recalled for Laceration Hazard: "WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the Homelite Vac Attack II Blower product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. "

Celebrating African-American History Month 2006

Celebrating African-American History Month 2006: "To recall and celebrate the positive contributions to our nation made by people of African descent, American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week. The first celebration occurred on Feb. 12, 1926. In 1976, as part of the nation�s bicentennial, the week was expanded into Black History Month."

Union membership by industry, 2005

Union membership by industry, 2005: "In 2005, workers in the public sector had a union membership rate much higher than that of private-sector employees. "

Avian Influenza Congressional Briefing Event

Avian Influenza Congressional Briefing Event: "Experts agree that the dangerous form of avian influenza currently found in Asia and Eastern Europe could reach North America in the next few years. When it does arrive, the disease could have significant economic, social, and ecological impacts. Come hear how the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) are working with other Federal and State partners in a coordinated, scientific surveillance program designed to provide an early warning to the agriculture, public health and wildlife communities, as well as to the public. "

OSHA Offers New Guidelines to Help Reduce Motor Vehicle Crashes

OSHA Offers New Guidelines to Help Reduce Motor Vehicle Crashes: "Employers and employees who use motor vehicles for work purposes stand to benefit from new guidelines developed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS)."

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Frequently Asked Questions

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Frequently Asked Questions: "Bird flu, the popular name for avian influenza (AI), is a disease primarily found in poultry and wild birds. Avian influenza can infect chickens, pheasants, quail, ducks, geese, and guinea fowl, as well as migratory waterfowl and shorebirds and, less commonly, mammals (pigs, horses, and marine mammals)."

What to do if You Haven't Filed Your 2004 Return

What to do if You Haven't Filed Your 2004 Return: "There are several reasons taxpayers don't file their taxes. Perhaps you didn't know you were required to file. Maybe, you just kept putting it off and simply forgot. Whatever the reason, it's best to file your return as soon as possible. If you need help, even with a late return, the IRS is ready to assist you."

FTC: Post Office Job Offers from Classified Ads Bogus

FTC: Post Office Job Offers from Classified Ads Bogus: "The Federal Trade Commission has charged an employment-opportunity scammer and his companies with marketing a fraudulent U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employment program. "

SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT ACQUIRES ZIPPER INTERACTIVE, DEVELOPER OF TOP SELLING SOCOM: U.S. NAVY SEALs FRANCHISE

SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT ACQUIRES ZIPPER INTERACTIVE, DEVELOPER OF TOP SELLING SOCOM: U.S. NAVY SEALs FRANCHISE: "FOSTER CITY, Calif., January 24, 2006 - Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) announced today that leading game developer and long-time partner Zipper Interactive, creators of the top-selling SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs franchise, joins its newly formed global development operation, SCE Worldwide Studios"

NAMM BOARD RECOGNIZES IMPORTANCE OF MANUFACTURER'S REP FIRMS TO THE INDUSTRY; AMENDS BYLAWS ALLOWING REPS TO VOTE AND SERVE ON FUTURE BOARDS

NAMM BOARD RECOGNIZES IMPORTANCE OF MANUFACTURER'S REP FIRMS TO THE INDUSTRY; AMENDS BYLAWS ALLOWING REPS TO VOTE AND SERVE ON FUTURE BOARDS: "NAMM, the International Music Products Association, announced today that its Board of Directors unanimously voted to change the current association bylaws to permit manufacturer representative companies (known as independent rep firms) to become voting Members. "

NORFOLK, VA., FIRST EAST COAST CITY DECLARED TSUNAMIREADY

NORFOLK, VA., FIRST EAST COAST CITY DECLARED TSUNAMIREADY: " Norfolk, today, became the first major East Coast city with a well designed tsunami emergency response plan to alert residents and visitors of tsunami threats, and evacuate areas if necessary. NOAA, the federal agency responsible for tsunami and all severe weather warnings, officially recognized the City of Norfolk as the latest of 26 TsunamiReady communities along U.S. coasts. "

California Issues Warning On Juice Harvest Assorted Juices

California Issues Warning On Juice Harvest Assorted Juices: "SACRAMENTO - Consumers should not drink Evolution, Harvest or Trader Joe's brand assorted juices manufactured by Juice Harvest Corp. of San Bernardino because the products were not fully pasteurized and may contain harmful bacteria that pose a health risk, State Public Health Officer Dr. Mark Horton announced today."

SBA Loans: The Main Source For Disaster Recovery

SBA Loans: The Main Source For Disaster Recovery: "BATON ROUGE, La. -- The primary funding source for long-term recovery assistance for Louisiana residents affected by the recent hurricanes is the Small Business Administration's (SBA) low-interest loan program."

New Publication Explains Tax Law Changes Related to Recent Hurricanes

New Publication Explains Tax Law Changes Related to Recent Hurricanes: "Washington - The IRS has issued a new publication today explaining changes to the tax law and relief provisions available to those affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma."

CBP Explosive Detector Dog Named �Sirius� After The Only Canine to Perish in World Trade Center is Deployed

CBP Explosive Detector Dog Named "Sirius" After The Only Canine to Perish in World Trade Center is Deployed: "Washington, D.C. - In its steadfast mission to prevent terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the country, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is deploying a new canine explosive detector team to the field that has a special connection to keeping people in the New Jersey area safe. CBP canine "Sirius," a Black Labrador retriever born on September 23, 2004, at the CBP Canine Enforcement Training Center (CETC) received her name to honor the only working dog that died in World Trade Center attacks."

Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi Announces $1 Million Fine Against Farmers Insurance Group

Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi Announces $1 Million Fine Against Farmers Insurance Group: "Enforcement action stems from 1,000 violations in company's handling of consumer complaints"

CPSC, Porter-Cable Announce Recall to Repair Routers

CPSC, Porter-Cable Announce Recall to Repair Routers: "WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of Porter-Cable 890 Series Routers. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. "

Value of Nation�s Mineral Production Still on the Rise in 2005

Value of Nation�s Mineral Production Still on the Rise in 2005: "The value of U.S. non-fuel mine production rose last year to $51.6 billion � a 13 percent increase from 2004, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) announced today. Strong demand from China continued to drive up prices for metals and some industrial minerals, and led to increased production of some commodities, according to the annual USGS report 'Mineral Commodity Summaries 2006,' which was released on the Internet today."

Tips for Recently Married or Divorced Taxpayers

Tips for Recently Married or Divorced Taxpayers: "Newlyweds and the recently divorced should ensure the name on their tax return matches the name registered with the Social Security Administration. A mismatch could unexpectedly increase a tax bill or reduce the size of any refund."

Preserving Competition, FTC Requires Divestitures Before Allowing Teva�s $7.4 Billion Acquisition of IVAX

Preserving Competition, FTC Requires Divestitures Before Allowing Teva�s $7.4 Billion Acquisition of IVAX: "Under a consent agreement announced today, the Federal Trade Commission will allow Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.'s (Teva) proposed acquisition of IVAX Corporation (IVAX), provided the companies sell the rights and assets needed to manufacture and/or market 15 generic pharmaceutical products"

Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi Announces Expansion of State�s Low Cost Auto Insurance Program

Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi Announces Expansion of State�s Low Cost Auto Insurance Program: "SACRAMENTO � State Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi today announced plans to expand the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program (CLCA) in 2006 to eight additional counties � Sacramento, Imperial, Kern, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus. The affordable program provides eligible low income, good drivers with state-required liability coverage for under $400 a year"

INTERNATIONAL LOTTERY SCAMS

INTERNATIONAL LOTTERY SCAMS: "Scam operators - often based in Canada � are using the telephone and direct mail to entice U.S. consumers to buy chances in high-stakes foreign lotteries from as far away as Australia and Europe. "

FDA Approves Updated Labeling with Boxed Warning and Medication Guide for Two Eczema Drugs, Elidel and Protopic

FDA Approves Updated Labeling with Boxed Warning and Medication Guide for Two Eczema Drugs, Elidel and Protopic: "The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced the approval of updated labeling for two topical eczema drugs, Elidel Cream (pimecrolimus) and Protopic Ointment (tacrolimus). The labeling will be updated with a boxed warning about a possible risk of cancer and a Medication Guide (FDA-approved patient labeling) will be distributed to help ensure that patients using these prescription medicines are aware of this concern."

NOAA SATELLITES PLAY KEY ROLE IN 222 RESCUES IN 2005;

NOAA SATELLITES PLAY KEY ROLE IN 222 RESCUES IN 2005;: "Jan. 23, 2006 - NOAA satellites helped save 222 people throughout the United States and its surrounding waters from potentially life-threatening emergencies in 2005. NOAA's polar and geostationary satellites, along with Russia's Cospas spacecraft, are part of the sophisticated, international Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking System, called COSPAS-SARSAT"

Five Steps to Safer Dental Care

Five Steps to Safer Dental Care: "This brochure offers suggestions to patients for improving the quality of their dental care."

The Pocket Guide to Good Health for Children

The Pocket Guide to Good Health for Children: "These updates provide new information for sections of your Pocket Guide to Good Health for Children. "

Fisher-Price Recalls Infant Musical Toy Chair Posing Strangulation Hazard

Fisher-Price Recalls Infant Musical Toy Chair Posing Strangulation Hazard -WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the Fisher-Price® Laugh & Learn™ Musical Learning Chair™. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Recall to Repair Cordless Electric Lawnmowers

Recall to Repair Cordless Electric Lawnmowers -The 2005 Model NEUTON® Cordless Electric Lawnmowersl was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Columbia Travel Warning for American Citizens

Columbia Travel Warning for American Citizens: "This Travel Warning updates ongoing security concerns in Colombia and reminds American citizens of those concerns. "

Helping Your Money Last... After Your Last Paycheck

Helping Your Money Last... After Your Last Paycheck: "Today's seniors can expect a longer retirement than their parents. That means more years to finally do what you want to do, including travel and hobbies (not to mention spoiling the grandkids). But a longer retirement also means more years of money going out and no paycheck (or only a small one) coming in. That's why seniors need to be smart about how they pay for their retirement years. "

Certificates of Deposit: Tips for Savers

Certificates of Deposit: Tips for Savers: "Investors searching for relatively low-risk investments that can easily be converted into cash often turn to certificates of deposit (CDs). A CD is a special type of deposit account with a bank or thrift institution that typically offers a higher rate of interest than a regular savings account. Unlike other investments, CDs feature federal deposit insurance up to $100,000"

What is COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

What is COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): "Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a lung disease in which the lung is damaged, making it hard to breathe. "

Basic Guidelines for Diabetes Care

Basic Guidelines for Diabetes Care: "This guideline updates a previous version: Diabetes Coalition of California, California Diabetes Prevention and Control Program"

World Proved Crude Oil Reserves, January 1, 1980 - January 1, 2006 Estimates

World Proved Crude Oil Reserves, January 1, 1980 - January 1, 2006 Estimates: "An updated table of World Proved Crude Oil Reserves, January 1, 1980 - January 1, 2006 Estimates is now available"

Resources for Wounded Service Members and Their Families

Resources for Wounded Service Members and Their Families: "Our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines are returning everyday from deployment in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Yet, many of them are not returning to their duty assignments, instead, they are recovering at various Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) because of injuries they sustained in the Global War on Terror. "

Employers Affected by California RainstormsEligible for Extension on Filing Employment Tax Returns

Employers Affected by California RainstormsEligible for Extension on Filing Employment Tax Returns: "SACRAMENTO - Employers in 34 counties that were directly affected by damage from the recent severe rainstorms may request up to a 60-day extension from the state Employment Development Department (EDD) to file their state payroll reports and deposit state payroll taxes without penalty or interest"

California PUBLICLY-SUBSIDIZED CHILD CARE AND RELATED SERVICES

California PUBLICLY-SUBSIDIZED CHILD CARE AND RELATED SERVICES: "Publicly-subsidized child care in California is divided between center-based care, in which children attend a licensed center, and family-based care"

Senior Information: Handbook for Conservators

Senior Information: Handbook for Conservators: " free Handbook for Conservators"

Senior News: The Pocket Guide to Staying Healthy at 50 +

Senior News: The Pocket Guide to Staying Healthy at 50 +: "If you are 50 or older, this guide will help you stay
healthy."

The Truth about Cell Phones and the Do Not Call Registry

The Truth about Cell Phones and the Do Not Call Registry: "The Federal Trade Commission today reiterated that despite the claims made in e-mails circulating on the Internet, consumers should not be concerned that their cell phone numbers will be released to telemarketers in the near future, and that it is not necessary to register cell phone numbers on the National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry to be protected from most telemarketing calls to cell phones."

Baseball Gloves recalled Due to Chance of Infection from Aspergillus Mold.

Baseball Gloves recalled Due to Chance of Infection from Aspergillus Mold.: "These gloves could contain aspergillus mold.uch mold usually does not affect healthy individuals, but could cause respiratory or other infections in individuals with chronic health problems or in individuals who have impaired immune systems. "

Water-Damaged Homes After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita --- New Orleans Area, Louisiana, October 2005

Water-Damaged Homes After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita --- New Orleans Area, Louisiana, October 2005: "After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita made landfall on August 29 and September 24, 2005, respectively, large sections of New Orleans (Orleans Parish) and the three surrounding parishes (Jefferson, Plaquemines, and St. Bernard) were flooded for weeks, leading to extensive mold growth in buildings."

The Study of Acid Reflux in Asthma

The Study of Acid Reflux in Asthma: " The purpose of this study is to determine if subjects with symptomatic asthma who are assigned to treatment with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drug such as Nexium have fewer asthma attacks than similar subjects assigned to placebo treatment."

A Study of Omega-3 as a Treatment for Major Depression

A Study of Omega-3 as a Treatment for Major Depression - The purpose of this study is to determine whether omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are effective as a monotherapy for depression.

IH636 Grape Seed Extract in Preventing Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women at Risk of Developing Breast Cancer

IH636 Grape Seed Extract in Preventing Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women at Risk of Developing Breast Cancer - This purpose of this study is to determine the side effects and best dose of IH636 grape seed extract in preventing breast cancer in postmenopausal women at risk of developing breast cancer

Materials Documenting History of Western Music Now Online

Materials Documenting History of Western Music Now OnlineThe overall archives contains approximately 3,500 items documenting the history of Western music from the medieval period through the modern era.

Helping Your Money Last Through Retirement

Helping Your Money Last Through Retirement: "Everyone wants to enjoy a financially secure retirement. Do you know if you've done enough planning to ensure your retirement savings will last a lifetime? Whether you're planning to retire, or already are, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has two publications that can help."

Helping Your Money Last Through Retirement

Helping Your Money Last Through Retirement: "Everyone wants to enjoy a financially secure retirement. Do you know if you�ve done enough planning to ensure your retirement savings will last a lifetime? Whether you�re planning to retire, or already are, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has two publications that can help."

FDA Statement on Fraudulent, Unapproved Influenza-Related Products

FDA Statement on Fraudulent, Unapproved Influenza-Related Products: "The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers the sale of unlicensed or unapproved influenza -related products as a potentially significant threat to the public health and is taking measures to protect consumers from fraudulent products that claim to prevent or treat seasonal or avian (bird) influenza in people."

Building Self-esteem: A Self-Help Guide

Building Self-esteem: A Self-Help Guide: "Before you begin to consider strategies and activities to help raise your self-esteem, it is important to remember that low self-esteem may be due to depression. Low self-esteem is a symptom of depression. To make things even more complicated, the depression may be a symptom of some other illness."

2005 Fraud Trends: Consumers Being Hounded by Internet and Telemarketing Scams

2005 Fraud Trends: Consumers Being Hounded by Internet and Telemarketing Scams: "WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today the National Consumers League (NCL) released its annual lists of the top telemarketing and Internet scams that plagued consumers in 2005. More consumers are reporting scams, and victims are losing more money, according to the nonprofit organization, which is headquartered in Washington, DC. Based on information that consumers provided last year to NCL's National Fraud Information Center/Internet Fraud Watch program, the average loss to telemarketing fraud rose from $1,974 in 2004 to $2,892 in 2005, and Internet fraud losses more than doubled, from an average of $895 in 2004 to $1,917. The number of scams reported rose by 39 percent for telemarketing fraud and 12 percent for Internet fraud."

How to spot 10 Common Spam Scams

How to spot 10 Common Spam Scams: "While some consumers find unsolicited commercial email - also known as �spam� � informative, others find it annoying and time consuming. Still others find it expensive: They're among the people who have lost money to spam that contained bogus offers and fraudulent promotions"

Update: Confirmed Human Infections with Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus in Turkey

Update: Confirmed Human Infections with Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus in Turkey: "According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Turkey's national influenza center has confirmed additional human cases of avian influenza A (H5N1) in 3 children from the province of Agri in Turkey. Two of the children are siblings, and both had exposure to diseased birds. One of the ill siblings has died. Outbreaks of H5N1 in poultry have been reported in Agri Province since December 2005."

2006 National Book Festival to Be Held Sept. 30

2006 National Book Festival to Be Held Sept. 30: "The 2006 National Book Festival, organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress and hosted by first lady Laura Bush, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2006, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., between 7th and 14th streets from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (rain or shine). The festival is free and open to the public."

U.S. Women Earn An Average Of $588 Per Week

U.S. Women Earn An Average Of $588 Per Week: "Women who usually worked full time had median earnings
of $588 per week, or 80.4 percent of the $731 median for
men. The female-to-male earnings ratios were higher among
blacks (87.4 percent) and Hispanics or Latinos (86.3
percent) than among whites (79.8 percent) or Asians (76.7
percent). "

Three wild poliovirus cases identified in East Harerghe Zone in Ethiopia

Three wild poliovirus cases identified in East Harerghe Zone in Ethiopia: "Additional rounds of polio vaccination campaigns will be necessary after the recent identification of three children who were found to be infected with wild poliovirus in East Harerghe Zone of Oromia Region. Symptom onset ranged between 12 October and 6 December 2005"

Disaster Preparedness Outreach Comes to South Florida Fairgrounds

Disaster Preparedness Outreach Comes to South Florida Fairgrounds: "ORLANDO , Fla. -- Hazard Mitigation Advisors will be on hand during the South Florida Fair to assist residents affected by Hurricane Wilma in developing hazard preparedness plans for their homes and/or small businesses, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Florida State Emergency Response Team (SERT). "

NOAA PLANS SHIFT IN GEOSTATIONARY SATELLITE ORBIT TO IMPROVE WEATHER FORECAST COVERAGE OVER SOUTH AMERICA

NOAA PLANS SHIFT IN GEOSTATIONARY SATELLITE ORBIT TO IMPROVE WEATHER FORECAST COVERAGE OVER SOUTH AMERICA: "In Buenos Aires on Tuesday, NOAA, the Comision Nacional de Activades Espaciales, and the World Meteorological Organization announced news of the repositioning of GOES-10. Shifting the spacecraft from its current position above the equator in the West to a new spot in orbit will greatly improve environmental satellite coverage of the Western Hemisphere, especially over South America. "

California Releases Draft Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan For Public Comment

California Releases Draft Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan For Public Comment: "Emphasizing that preparedness is the key to saving lives, California Department of Health Services (CDHS) Director Sandra Shewry today released for public comment a draft revision of CDHS' Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Plan."

Counties with Fastest Growth in Employment

Counties with Fastest Growth in Employment: "In June 2005, Pasco County, Florida, which is north of Tampa, had the biggest over-the-year percentage increase in employment among the largest counties in the U.S. "

More than Losing Weight

More than Losing Weight: "There is more to exercise than getting slim. Researcher Brian Duscha of Duke University Medical Center found this in a look at more than 130 overweight men and women."

QUICK AND EASY ACCESS TO IRS FORMS AND PUBLICATIONS

QUICK AND EASY ACCESS TO IRS FORMS AND PUBLICATIONS: "The Internal Revenue Service has many forms and free publications on a wide variety of topics to help you understand and meet tax filing requirements. If you need IRS materials try one of these easy options"

Afghanistan Travel Warning for American Citizens

Afghanistan Travel Warning for American Citizens: "This Travel Warning provides updated information on the security situation in Afghanistan. The security threat to all American citizens in Afghanistan remains critical. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for Afghanistan issued June 09, 2005. "

Schwarzenegger Calls for Freeze in Student Fee Increases

Schwarzenegger Calls for Freeze in Student Fee Increases: "Governor Schwarzenegger's January Budget proposal eliminates the 8 percent fee increase on UC and CSU students scheduled to take effect this year in the fall. "

Taxpayer Alert: Certain Tax Returns Go to Different Centers than Last Year

Taxpayer Alert: Certain Tax Returns Go to Different Centers than Last Year: "WASHINGTON - As taxpayers begin to prepare their tax returns, the Internal Revenue Service notes that some may be sending their returns to a different service center than last year. Those who received a tax instruction booklet from the IRS in the mail and use the labels included with the booklet can be assured that their tax returns will go to the correct address. Taxpayers who e-file are not affected by these changes."

New Requirements for Travelers Entering the U.S.

New Requirements for Travelers Entering the U.S.: "The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires that by January 1, 2008, travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States."

FDA Announces New Prescription Drug Information Format to Improve Patient Safety

FDA Announces New Prescription Drug Information Format to Improve Patient Safety: "The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today unveiled a major revision to the format of prescription drug information, commonly called the package insert, to give healthcare professionals clear and concise prescribing information."

Credit Reporting Agency Settles FTC Charges

Credit Reporting Agency Settles FTC Charges: "Consumer reporting agency Far West Credit, Inc. will pay $120,000 to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it did not follow reasonable procedures to assure the accuracy of the information in the consumer reports it sold to mortgage companies, in violation of federal law."

Cranberry Juice for Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections

Cranberry Juice for Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections: "The purpose of this study is to determine whether daily consumption of cranberry juice lessens the symptoms and prevents the recurrence of urinary tract infections (UTIs). This study will also determine whether drinking cranberry juice for 6 months selects for less virulent bacteria in the rectal, vaginal, and urethral areas"

New Identity Theft Quiz Helps Teach Users to Be On Guard Online

New Identity Theft Quiz Helps Teach Users to Be On Guard Online: "The quiz is one of several offered by OnGuard Online, a new multimedia, interactive consumer education campaign launched by the FTC and a partnership of other federal agencies and the technology industry. "

Group Counseling for Smoking Cessation

Group Counseling for Smoking Cessation: "The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of group therapy for cigarette smoking cessation. The group meets for 8 sessions and includes education and group discussion about the effects of smoking and ways to cope with withdrawal symptoms and other challenges to maintaining abstinence. In one condition, the groups also learn techniques based on cognitive therapy, to help cope with negative feelings. "

Ape Escape®3 for PlayStation®2 and Ape Escape Academy for PSP� EXPANDS WITH NEW INSTALLMENTS

Ape Escape®3 for PlayStation®2 and Ape Escape Academy for PSP™ Released Today: "Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. today announced the release of Ape Escape® 3 designed exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and Ape Escape® Academy for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system . Created by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., these new additions expand the well-known "

Watch a live broadcast of prostate cancer surgery on January 19, 2006

Watch a live broadcast of prostate cancer surgery on January 19, 2006: "Two forms of high technology will join together this January to allow the public and physicians to view a less invasive surgery for prostate cancer from the comfort of their home or office"

Suicide: Helping Patients and Their Families After an Attempt

Suicide: Helping Patients and Their Families After an Attempt: "The purpose of this brochure is to provide healthcare professionals with some quick tips to enhance care in the emergency department (ED) for people who have attempted suicide, while also providing information on the Health Insurance Portable and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), patient discharge, and resources about suicide for medical professionals, patients and their families. This brochure can also be distributed to patients."

Northridge Earthquake Anniversary Marks Opportune Time to Prepare for Next Inevitable Disaster

Northridge Earthquake Anniversary Marks Opportune Time to Prepare for Next Inevitable Disaster: "LOS ANGELES - Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi on Monday urged Californians to prepare for future emergencies, noting that the devastating Northridge earthquake, which struck twelve years ago tomorrow, left many unprepared residents in financial ruin. "

FEMA Provides Classrooms For Displaced Students

FEMA Provides Classrooms For Displaced Students: "The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is working to help Louisiana school districts meet additional demand created by displaced and relocated students. FEMA, in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), has provided dozens of temporary buildings to schools throughout the state. "

E-Passport Testing to Begin at San Francisco International Airport

E-Passport Testing to Begin at San Francisco International Airport: "WASHINGTON, D.C. - A live test of e-Passports, that contain contactless chips with biographic and biometric information and the readers that are capable of reading these e-Passports, begins January 15, 2006 at Terminal G at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). This test is a collaborative effort between the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore that will run through April 15, 2006"

Online Consultations in Psychiatry Through Videoconference

Online Consultations in Psychiatry Through Videoconference -This study will provide online consultations through videoconference in the field of psychiatry. The method provided will offer general practitioners the option of providing online videoconferencing to reduce costs of medical treatment and improve service.

Acupuncture for Non-Cyclical Breast Pain

Acupuncture for Non-Cyclical Breast Pain: "Breast pain or mastalgia is a common and troublesome symptom for many women. Whereas cyclical breast pain related to hormonal fluctuations can frequently be treated, non-cyclical breast pain can go untreated due to its various etiologies and non-specific presentation."

Asian Ginseng: Its Uses, Side Effects and Sources

Asian Ginseng: Its Uses, Side Effects and Sources: "This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb Asian ginseng--common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Asian ginseng is native to China and Korea and has been used in various systems of medicine for many centuries."