Update: Interim Guidance about Avian Influenza A (H5N1) for U.S. Citizens Living Abroad

Update: Interim Guidance about Avian Influenza A (H5N1) for U.S. Citizens Living Abroad: "Avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses usually affect wild birds but have infected and caused serious disease among poultry, such as chickens. Countries that have experienced outbreaks of H5N1 infection among poultry and other birds in 2005-2006 include Cambodia, China (including Hong Kong SAR), Croatia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Nigeria, Romania, Russia, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, and Vietnam. Poultry outbreaks were also reported in Japan, Laos, and Malaysia during 2004. Human infections with H5N1 viruses are rare, but have occurred during 2003 - 2006 in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam."

National Bicycle and Pedestrian Clearinghouse Grant Opportunity

National Bicycle and Pedestrian Clearinghouse Grant Opportunity: "he Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) hereby requests applications for assistance to result in the award of a grant agreement in support of this project to establish and operate a National Bicycle and Pedestrian Clearinghouse. "

ATF RESPONDS TO FOUR ADDITIONAL ALABAMA CHURCH FIRES

ATF RESPONDS TO FOUR ADDITIONAL ALABAMA CHURCH FIRES: "The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has activated one of its National Response Teams (NRT) to investigate four church fires set this morning in three rural counties in Alabama. "

Upcoming Distribution of $530 Million from Liquidation of Mission Estate (Insurance Companies)

Upcoming Distribution of $530 Million from Liquidation of Mission Estate (Insurance Companies): "Recent court ruling approves Commissioner's distribution plan; closes the books on two remaining California-based Mission companies"

Can You Use Schedule C-EZ?

Can You Use Schedule C-EZ?: "Your business may be eligible to use the abbreviated Schedule C-EZ instead of the longer Schedule C when reporting business profit and loss on your 2005 Form 1040 federal income tax return. The maximum deductible business expense threshold for filing Schedule C-EZ is $5,000."

WORKING GROUP LAUNCHES WEB SITE ON LIFELINE AND LINK-UP

WORKING GROUP LAUNCHES WEB SITE ON LIFELINE AND LINK-UP: "Lifeline and Link-Up has launched a new Web site to provide consumers, industry and state and local governments with information about these two important programs. The Commission's Lifeline and Link-Up programs provide discounts on telephone service and installation for income-eligible consumers. "

OSHA, Associated Builders and Contractors, Bayou Chapter, Form Partnership to Promote Construction Safety

OSHA, Associated Builders and Contractors, Bayou Chapter, Form Partnership to Promote Construction Safety: "Providing better health and safety for construction workers in Louisiana is the goal of a new strategic partnership between the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the U.S. Department of Labor and the Bayou Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. (ABC)."

California State Ethics Training Update

California State Ethics Training Update: "Reflecting consumer price index adjustments, the new gift limit of $360 will apply through the 2006 calendar year."

IRS Announces �Dirty Dozen� Tax Scams for 2006

IRS Announces "Dirty Dozen" Tax Scams for 2006: "The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2006 "Dirty Dozen"-its latest annual tally of some of the most notorious tax scams along with an alert to taxpayers this filing season to watch out for schemes that promise to reduce or eliminate taxes"

Avian - Pandemic: Isn't the Flu Just the Flu

Avian - Pandemic: Isn't the Flu Just the Flu: "Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Avian flu is caused by avian influenza viruses, which occur naturally among birds. Pandemic flu is a flu that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness that spreads easily from person to person. Learn more about these different types of flu"

National Recall to Repair Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers

National Recall to Repair Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers: "The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recalls in voluntary cooperation with the firms listed below. Consumers should stop using Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers immediately unless otherwise instructed"

Five Hot Issues Facing California Consumers in Today�s Marketplace

Five Hot Issues Facing California Consumers in Today's Marketplace: "The California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) has released its list of "Five Hot California Consumer Issues" to highlight National Consumer Protection Week (Feb. 5-11) and help Californians navigate one of the world's leading economic marketplaces."

New! Chat is Coming Soon to Gmail Accounts

New! Chat is Coming Soon to Gmail Accounts: "Google has begun rolling out this new service to all Gmail accounts, so yours should have it soon."

Changes to Tax Law for 2005

Changes to Tax Law for 2005: "Taxpayers should make sure that they are aware of important changes to the tax law before they complete their 2005 federal income tax forms. Here are some significant changes that may affect you when completing your 2005 federal tax return:"

Valentine�s Day: February 14 - Celebrating Love in America

Valentine's Day: February 14 - Celebrating Love in America: "Be Mine -2.2 million take place in the United States annually. That breaks down to more than 6,000 a day. The estimated U.S. median ages at first marriage for women and men in 2004 were 25.8 and 27.4 years of age, respectively."

The Effect of Obesity on Lung Functioning

The Effect of Obesity on Lung Functioning: "This research study is looking at the effects of weight-reduction surgery on lung function, inflammation in your body and lungs, asthma and asthma symptoms. This study is important because we will be better able to understand the effect of weight on lung functioning and asthma. "

Antimicrobial Resistance Grant Opportunity

Antimicrobial Resistance Grant Opportunity: "CDC's Procurement and Grants Office has published a funding opportunity announcement entitled, "Antimicrobial Resistance." $1,000,000 will be available in fiscal year 2006 to fund between three and five R01 grant awards, and 1,300,000 will be available to fund one U01 grant award. The purpose of this program is for the development of new methods to prevent transmission of Antimicrobial Resistance (AR) pathogens (R01) and reduction of Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) Infection in households (U01). The estimated award date is July 2006."

Ovarian Cancer Prevention

Ovarian Cancer Prevention: "The purpose of this study is to perform Screening Among Women at Increased Genetic Risk of Ovarian Cancer"

Careerbuilder.com Pays Over Half Million to Resolve Alleged Overtime Violations of Federal Wage Law

Careerbuilder.com Pays Over Half Million to Resolve Alleged Overtime Violations of Federal Wage Law: "Internet employment recruiter Careerbuilder.com, headquartered in Chicago, has paid $524,216 to 677 workers to resolve allegations of overtime pay violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) brought by the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division"

HUD�s 2007 Budget will help More Homebuyers, Renters and Homeless

HUD�s 2007 Budget will help More Homebuyers, Renters and Homeless: "WASHINGTON - Expanding programs to increase homeownership, to provide rental assistance, and to assist the homeless are among the highlights of President Bush's proposed fiscal year 2007 budget unveiled today by Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson. Jackson said the $33.6 billion spending blueprint will support the Department's core priorities while expanding the Administration's efforts toward establishing an ownership society and caring for those who might otherwise be living on the streets."

HUD CHARGES PHILADELPHIA LANDLORDS WITH SIX VIOLATIONS OF FAIR HOUSING ACT

HUD CHARGES PHILADELPHIA LANDLORDS WITH SIX VIOLATIONS OF FAIR HOUSING ACT: "Property manager steers prospective black renter away from predominantly-white neighborhood"

Do Your Own Audit of Tax Refund Anticipation Loans

Do Your Own Audit of Tax Refund Anticipation Loans: "California law requires tax preparers to disclose information to customers about these loans, which come with interest costs and fees and cannot be called "instant tax refunds." Consumers should weigh costs against what may be a short wait for their actual, full refund."

New Policy Links Reconstruction Dollars to Advisory Flood Elevations

New Policy Links Reconstruction Dollars to Advisory Flood Elevations: "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is encouraging building back stronger and safer after major disasters in communities nationwide. FEMA announced today that FEMA-funded mitigation and public infrastructure recovery projects - including those in heavily impacted areas of the Gulf Coast region - are to be tied to new, higher floodplain elevations updated by FEMA using the most accurate flood risk data available"

Solicitation of Applications for the Minority Business Opportunity Center (MBOC) Program (Baton Rouge/New Orleans, Louisiana

Solicitation of Applications for the Minority Business Opportunity Center (MBOC) Program (Baton Rouge/New Orleans, Louisiana: "Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is soliciting competitive applications from organizations to operate a Minority Business Opportunity Center (MBOC) (formerly Minority Business Opportunity Committees) in Baton Rouge/New Orleans, Louisiana. The Minority Business Opportunity Centers through their staff will provide brokering services and assistance to minority business enterprises (MBEs) that (a) generate $500,000 or more in annual gross revenues or (b) are capable of creating significant employment and long-term economic impact (commonly referred to as "rapid growth-potential" MBEs). In addition, MBOCs provide access to buyers of goods and services and procurement and financing opportunities within the public and private sectors. "

New Steps Taken to Improve Questionable Refund Program

New Steps Taken to Improve Questionable Refund Program: "WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service today announced new steps to improve the Questionable Refund Program (QRP) and reduce the number of taxpayers subject to frozen refunds"

SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA ALONG WITH USHER, JESSICA ALBA, AND KID ROCK CELEBRATED FOOTBALL'S CHAMPIONS AT PLAYSTATION� GAME OVER

SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA ALONG WITH USHER, JESSICA ALBA, AND KID ROCK CELEBRATED FOOTBALL'S CHAMPIONS AT PLAYSTATION® GAME OVER: "Biggest Names in Sports and Hollywoods Hottest Stars Celebrate the Love of the Game at Exclusive Post-Game Celebration That Will Be Part of the Jimmy Kimmel Live Broadcast"

$9.7 Million Available for Treatment of Homeless

$9.7 Million Available for Treatment of Homeless: "The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announces the availability of FY 2006 funds for development of programs that provide comprehensive drug, alcohol and mental health treatment systems for persons who are homeless."

How to Have a Healthy Valentine

How to Have a Healthy Valentine: "Valentine's Day is a day that traditionally focuses on love and letting loved ones know that you care. It's celebrated by adults and children - remember giving cards to your school classmates? Whether you plan to celebrate on your own or with others for Valentine's Day, give the gift of health to yourself and your loved one. Below are a few tips to help keep you and your valentine safe and healthy on Valentine's Day and all year long."

Protect Your Workplace From Cybercrimes

Protect Your Workplace From Cybercrimes: "The following posters include guidance on how to make your workplace a more secure environment, and how to report cyber crimes and suspicious activity. Feel free to download each PDF poster and print it out in order to display the helpful information where you work"

Guidelines for Roth IRA Contributions

Guidelines for Roth IRA Contributions: "Taxpayers confused about whether they can contribute to a Roth IRA should consider guidelines based on the following categories"

SENDING LOVE TO OUR MILITARY MEN AND WOMEN

SENDING LOVE TO OUR MILITARY MEN AND WOMEN: "Valentine's Day is almost here. Military friends and families who wish to mail cards must send them via First-Class mail by Feb. 4 in order to reach troops stationed overseas by Feb. 14.
Can't make it to the Post Office? Then create and send cards without leaving home, when it's convenient. Simply log on to....."

Soy Protein Supplement In Treating Hot Flashes in Postmenopausal Women Receiving Tamoxifen for Breast Disease

Soy Protein Supplement In Treating Hot Flashes in Postmenopausal Women Receiving Tamoxifen for Breast Disease: "The purpose of this trial is to determine the effectiveness of soy protein supplement in reducing hot flashes in postmenopausal women who are receiving tamoxifen for breast disease such as ductal hyperplasia or breast cancer."

Effectiveness of a Vitamin Mineral Supplement

Effectiveness of a Vitamin Mineral Supplement: "The goal of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a new one-a-day Cooper complete vitamin supplement with or without a combined omega-3 fatty acid supplement on selected clinical risk factor measures. Participants taking the Cooper Complete one-a-day vitamin plus omega-3 fatty acid will have greater improvement in homocysteine, LDL cholesterol, and C-reactive protein than those taking the other supplements. "

Clinical Trial:Effect of the Dietary Supplement SAM_e on Blood Homocysteine Levels

Clinical Trial:Effect of the Dietary Supplement SAM_e on Blood Homocysteine Levels: "The purpose of this study is to determine if the oral intake of the dietary supplement SAMe increases blood homocysteine levels in healthy human subjects. "

Summer Institute for German Student Leaders in Education Grant Opportunities

Summer Institute for German Student Leaders in Education Grant Opportunities: "The Office of Academic Exchange Programs, European and Eurasian Programs Branch (ECA/A/E/EUR), announces an open competition for a Summer Institute for German Student Leaders in Education. Accredited U.S. post-secondary educational institutions may submit proposals to provide a six-week integrated and uniquely designed program that offers intensive English and focuses on pedagogy and U.S. and cultural studies for one group of up to ten (10) German advanced undergraduate students in education, representing diverse sectors, particularly immigrant populations, from multiple German universities."

Assessment of Health-Related Needs After Tsunami and Earthquake

Assessment of Health-Related Needs After Tsunami and Earthquake: "In December 2004, an earthquake triggered a tsunami, causing the death of nearly 130,000 residents of Aceh Province on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, where an additional 500,000 persons were displaced, and 37,000 remain unaccounted for"

The Dos and Don�ts of Using the Small Claims Court

The Dos and Don'ts of Using the Small Claims Court: "To locate Small Claims Advisors and Small Claims Courts in your county, make a selection below: "

California Announces $150,000-Plus Consumer Protection Settlement with Credit Repair Company

California Announces $150,000-Plus Consumer Protection Settlement with Credit Repair Company: "(SAN DIEGO) - Attorney General Bill Lockyer today announced MyPerfectCredit (MPC) will pay $150,000 in civil penalties and provide restitution to consumers to resolve allegations that the credit repair company engaged in false advertising and unfair business practices."

Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi Announces New Web Site in Fight Against Workers� Compensation Fraud

Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi Announces New Web Site in Fight Against Workers' Compensation Fraud: "Exposing these criminals on my Department's web site should make everyone think twice before they try to beat the system and collect benefits they don't deserve," said Commissioner Garamendi. "Public awareness is the best sunshine to help stop workers' compensation insurance fraud and its devastating impact on the state. "

FDA Approves New Laboratory Test To Detect Human Infections With Avian Influenza A/H5 Viruses

FDA Approves New Laboratory Test To Detect Human Infections With Avian Influenza A/H5 Viruses: "HHS' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced the approval of a new laboratory test to diagnose H5 strains of influenza in patients suspected to be infected with the virus. The test was developed by another HHS agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)."

$2.5 Million Available for Peer-to-Peer Recovery Support Services

$2.5 Million Available for Peer-to-Peer Recovery Support Services: "The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announces the availability of FY 2006 funds for grants to deliver and evaluate peer-to-peer recovery services that help prevent relapse and promote sustained recovery from alcohol and drug use disorders. The Recovery Community Services Program focuses on keeping people in recovery and is a complement to SAMHSA's Access to Recovery (ATR) Program that provides vouchers for substance abuse treatment"

Alternatives to Nursing Home Care

Alternatives to Nursing Home Care: "Nursing Homes serve as permanent residences for people who are too frail or sick to live at home or as a temporary facility during a recovering period. However, many people need a nursing home level of care but would prefer to remain in their own home with the help of their family and friends, community services, and professional care agencies. "

Rectal Cancer (PDQ�): Treatment (Healthcare Professional Version)

Rectal Cancer (PDQ): Treatment (Healthcare Professional Version) rectal cancer toolkit now available.

NATIONAL SEVERE WEATHER WORKSHOP - MARCH 2-4 TO FOCUS ON LEARNING AND GROWING TOGETHER

NATIONAL SEVERE WEATHER WORKSHOP - MARCH 2-4 TO FOCUS ON LEARNING AND GROWING TOGETHER: "Emergency managers and members of the media will have an opportunity to exchange information and techniques for public safety during severe weather with academia and federal government experts from NOAA at the sixth annual National Severe Weather Workshop on March 2-4, 2006, in Midwest City, Okla. "

FOREST SERVICE AND BLM ANNOUNCE 2006 FEDERAL GRAZING FEE

FOREST SERVICE AND BLM ANNOUNCE 2006 FEDERAL GRAZING FEE: "WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2006 - The Federal grazing fee for Western public lands managed by the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management will be $1.56 per animal unit month (AUM) in 2006, down from $1.79 in 2005. The newly adjusted fee, determined by a congressional formula and effective on March 1, applies to more than 8,000 permits administered by the Forest Service and nearly 18,000 grazing permits and leases administered by the BLM."

FDA Approves New Prescription Drug for Adults for Treatment of Chronic

FDA Approves New Prescription Drug for Adults for Treatment of Chronic: "Chronic idiopathic constipation is generally defined as infrequent and difficult passage of stool and is one of the most common disorders suffered by Americans. This condition affects women more often than men and also affects older patients after the age of 65 more frequently. Symptoms of chronic idiopathic constipation are abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, straining, and hard stools. "

A Granddad's Advice May Help Thwart Mosquitoes

A Granddad's Advice May Help Thwart Mosquitoes: "Regional wisdom passed on long ago to a boy who grew up to be an Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientist could lead to the next breakthrough against mosquitoes."

Winamp Playlist Vulnerability

Winamp Playlist Vulnerability: "Winamp, a popular media player, has a vulnerability that could allow an attacker to take control of your system. Upgrading to the latest version of Winamp will take care of this vulnerability."

2006 Foreign Fulbright Student Seminars

2006 Foreign Fulbright Student Seminars: "The annual Fulbright Foreign Student Enrichment Seminar series, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), will take place in nine cities across the United States, beginning with Washington, D.C., starting in early February. Over 1,100 foreign Fulbright students from 130 nations are expected to participate in these seminars, which are offered to students in their first year of study in the U.S. "

Reminder to Employers: Post Injury/Illness Summaries Beginning February 1, 2006

Reminder to Employers: Post Injury/Illness Summaries Beginning February 1, 2006: "Beginning Feb. 1 2006 , employers must post a summary of the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred last year. Employers are only required to post the Summary (OSHA Form 300A) "

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES: "The purpose of this notice is to solicit applications from eligible affected local community-based organizations in order for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide financial assistance to those organizations through the Environmental Justice Small Grants (EJSG) Program. The EJSG Program is a multimedia program designed to help communities understand and address their exposure to multiple environmental harms and risks."

Sponsorship Opportunities with the California Exposition & State Fair (Cal Expo)

Sponsorship Opportunities with the California Exposition & State Fair (Cal Expo): "The California Exposition & State Fair (Cal Expo) has various exclusive and non-exclusive opportunities for sponsorship. Contract lengths vary per event or can be year-round. Sponsorship may include providing cash, goods, services and promotional opportunities to Cal Expo that may include venue partnership, signage, advertising, media exposure, targeted display space, retail tie-ins, hospitality, sales and promotion."

Beware of Tax Scams

Beware of Tax Scams: "Don't fall victim to tax scams. These schemes take several shapes, ranging from promises of large tax refunds to illegal ways of "untaxing" yourself. "
Beware of the following common schemes"

Tax Return Preparer Fraud

Tax Return Preparer Fraud: "Return preparer fraud generally involves the preparation and filing of false income tax returns by preparers who claim inflated personal or business expenses, false deductions, unallowable credits or excessive exemptions on returns prepared for their clients. Preparers may also manipulate income figures to obtain tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, fraudulently."

Missing a Form 1099?

Missing a Form 1099?: "If you receive certain types of income, you may get a Form 1099 for use with your federal tax return. Form 1099 is an information return provided by the payer of the income. You should receive your Form 1099-series information returns by January 31, 2006."

Get Out of Any Cell Phone Contract Anytime!

Get Out of Any Cell Phone Contract Anytime!: "Celltradeusa.com announces the launch of the world's first online service that gives cellular customers a way out of their cellular phone contracts. The new service establishes an online community to connect millions of consumers seeking alternative, but effective options when dealing with cellular service provider issues."

Mr. Earthquake Hangs His USGS Hat; Retires After 51 Years

Mr. Earthquake Hangs His USGS Hat; Retires After 51 Years: "After five-plus decades of educating audiences around the globe about earthquakes, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientist Waverly Person is calling it quits. Person, a long-time Boulder, Colo. resident, is well-known among media circles as 'the person' to call when an earthquake happens anywhere in the world, and is a fixture both in classrooms and on television sets that many people recognize as Mr. Earthquake."

New USGS Website and Earthquake Notification Service Simplify Ways to Get Information You Need

New USGS Website and Earthquake Notification Service Simplify Ways to Get Information You Need: "The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has unveiled a new design of its earthquake website and a new Earthquake Notification Service (ENS). The redesigned website and ENS will help get earthquake information out to the public in a more timely fashion."

SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA CELEBRATES FOOTBALL�S GREATEST NIGHT AT PLAYSTATION� GAME OVER

SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA CELEBRATES FOOTBALL'S GREATEST NIGHT AT PLAYSTATION® GAME OVER: "Sony Computer Entertainment America will celebrate football's greatest night on Sunday, February 5 at the exclusive PlayStation Game Over party. Directly across from Ford Field, PlayStation Game Over will transform Motown's GEM Theater into the premier post-game sports bar where celebrities and athletes alike will toast the big game and celebrate the champions. Guests will also have a chance to be a part of Jimmy Kimmel Live, as it broadcasts its hour-long late-night show from the adjoining Century Theater. "

California Invites High Schools to Participate in National Competition that Prepares Students for their Future

California Invites High Schools to Participate in National Competition that Prepares Students for their Future: "California teens can still sign up to participate in LifeSmarts, an educational program that develops the consumer and marketplace skills of teenagers and rewards them for their knowledge. The California Department of Consumer Affairs, which is spearheading LifeSmarts activities in the state, has extended an invitation to high schools and community groups to participate in the no-cost competition. "

MISSING YOUR FORM W-2?

MISSING YOUR FORM W-2?: "You should receive a Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, from each of your employers for use in preparing your federal tax return. Employers must furnish this record of 2005 earnings and withheld taxes no later than January 31, 2006 (if mailed, allow a few days for delivery). "

NOAA LAUNCHES COAST PILOT DISASTER IMPACT WEB SITE

NOAA LAUNCHES COAST PILOT DISASTER IMPACT WEB SITE: "The NOAA Office of Coast Survey has established a special Coast Pilot Disaster Impact Web site to help speed the recovery efforts of 21 significant port facilities in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita."

FEMA Mobile Home And Travel Trailer Occupants Must Be Recertified

FEMA Mobile Home And Travel Trailer Occupants Must Be Recertified: "BATON ROUGE, La. -- Officials with the Department of Homeland Security�s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have begun the process in Louisiana to review the eligibility of occupants living in FEMA travel trailers and mobile homes."

FDA Approves New Treatment for Chest Pain

FDA Approves New Treatment for Chest Pain: "The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced today the approval of Ranexa (ranolazine), a new drug for the treatment of chronic angina. Ranexa, a new molecular entity (NME), is the first drug approved to treat chronic angina in over ten years."

New SBA Web Portal MY BIZ for Women Offers Women Entrepreneurs

New SBA Web Portal MY BIZ for Women Offers Women Entrepreneurs: "MY BIZ for Women is designed to be the first step for all women business owners, providing one-stop access to information for women entrepreneurs highlighting the best resources the government has to offer. The Web portal provides information on starting and growing a small business, gaining access to capital and contracting opportunities and links to other government agencies and SBA resource partners offering business counseling, a state-by-state listing of SBA's Women's Business Centers and other resource information. "

Open Letter to All Federally Licensed Dealers, Importers, and Manufacturers of Firearms and Ammunition

Open Letter to All Federally Licensed Dealers, Importers, and Manufacturers of Firearms and Ammunition: "The purpose of this Open Letter is to advise all Federal firearms licensees (FFLs) of a recent change to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as it relates to the transfer of certain types of firearms"

CDC Cancer 2006 Partners Summit Partners Event

CDC Cancer 2006 Partners Summit Partners Event: "The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is actively involved in both the UICC 2006 World Cancer Congress, scheduled for July 8-12, 2006, and the 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health (WCTOH), scheduled for July 12-15, 2006. "

Final Report: Interviews with Non-Gay Identified Men who have Sex with Men (NGI MSM)

Final Report: Interviews with Non-Gay Identified Men who have Sex with Men (NGI MSM): "This exploratory research was conducted to learn more about African-American and Hispanic/Latino non-gay identified men who have sex with men and their behaviors, attitudes, community/culture, and communication preferences for receiving information about STDs."

FTC Stops Pornographic Spamming Scheme - Defendants Sent Sexually Explicit Material Through Hijacked Computers

FTC Stops Pornographic Spamming Scheme - Defendants Sent Sexually Explicit Material Through Hijacked Computers: "Three sly spammers have been ordered to stop sending unsolicited pornographic e-mails under a federal judge's temporary restraining order sought by the Federal Trade Commission, which charged them with sending deceptive, unwanted e-mails promoting sexually oriented Web sites, and routing them through other people's computers without their knowledge or consent."

Contractors Board and Partners Target Construction Sites in Three Counties for Enforcement Sweeps

Contractors Board and Partners Target Construction Sites in Three Counties for Enforcement Sweeps: "In this latest series of sweeps, the partnered teams visited over 80 different construction sites around the State last Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday that resulted in scores of violations and close to $200,000 in potential fines"

Community-Based Abstinence Grant Opportunities

Community-Based Abstinence Grant Opportunities: "The Family and Youth Services Bureau is accepting applications to provide support to public and private entities for the development and implementation of the Community-Based Abstinence Education Program. The purpose of these programs is to educate young people and create an environment within communities that supports teen decisions to postpone sexual activity until marriage."

Indoor Air Quality Grant Opportunities in EPA Region 10

Indoor Air Quality Grant Opportunities in EPA Region 10: "EPA Region 10 is soliciting proposals from organizations to fund indoor air quality (IAQ) projects that address any of the five grant program priority areas: assistance on adoptions of EPA's IAQ Tools for Schools program; indoor asthma triggers education and exposure reduction; environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) education and exposure reduction; general IAQ training, education, and outreach; and multi-priority IAQ projects (i.e., projects that address more than one of the above priority areas). The statutory authority for this funding opportunity is provided under the Clean Air Act (CAA) Section 103(b)."

Counter-narcotics Fact Sheet

Counter-narcotics Fact Sheet: "Opium poppy cultivation and narcotics trafficking in Afghanistan pose serious challenges to good governance, sustainable economic development, and the rule of law. Counter-narcotics programs supported by the Government of Afghanistan, the U.K, the U.S. and the international community are engaged in activities to discourage poppy cultivation, interrupt the trade in illegal narcotics, and lay the foundations for a broad-based and sustainable licit economy to support Afghanistan's new democratic institutions"

Inviting Applications for the Market Access Program

Inviting Applications for the Market Access Program: "The MAP is designed to create, expand and maintain foreign markets for United States agricultural commodities and products through cost-share assistance. Financial assistance under the MAP will be made available on a competitive basis and applications will be reviewed against the evaluation criteria contained herein. All agricultural commodities, except tobacco, are eligible for consideration. "

State Department Website to Audio Stream State of the Union in Multiple Languages

State Department Website to Audio Stream State of the Union in Multiple Languages: "President George W. Bush will deliver the annual State of the Union Address to a Joint Session of Congress, Tuesday, January 31, 2006. The Department of State will provide live audio streams of the State of the Union Address at 9:00 pm EST (0200 GMT) in the following languages: English, Arabic, Farsi, Bahasa Indonesian, Spanish, French, Russian."

College Students and Drug Use

College Students and Drug Use: "Going to college full time in a two- or four-year college is a risk factor when it comes to drinking alcoholic beverages. Surveys routinely find that full-time undergraduate college students use alcohol, engage in high-risk drinking, and drink heavily at higher rates than
peers who are not enrolled full time, including part-time college students and persons not enrolled in college."

Health care plans and establishment size in 2005

Health care plans and establishment size in 2005: "65 percent of workers in large establishments (defined as having 100 or more workers) participated in employer-provided medical plans in 2005."

ICE ANNOUNCES ARREST IN MULTI-AGENCY TUNNEL PROBE

ICE ANNOUNCES ARREST IN MULTI-AGENCY TUNNEL PROBE: "SAN DIEGO - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced today that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the drug tunnel discovered last week linking warehouses in Otay Mesa, California and Tijuana, Mexico. "

LEADING MAILING INDUSTRY TRADE SHOW JUST AROUND THE CORNER

LEADING MAILING INDUSTRY TRADE SHOW JUST AROUND THE CORNER: "The 2006 National Postal Forum will offer 135 workshops; 4 full- and half-day symposiums, networking opportunities, the industry's largest exhibit hall, and keynote addresses by both Postmaster General John E. Potter and baseball's Hall of Famer and former Baltimore Oriole Cal Ripkin, Jr. A closing night banquet and private concert by southern rock band, Little Feat, will cap off the four-day event"

" Operation Ben Franklin" Cracks Down on Violent Drug Traffickers in Tri-Cities

Operation Ben Franklin Cracks Down on Violent Drug Traffickers in Tri-Cities: "Beginning the week of January 15, 2006, the DEA Yakima Resident Office, in cooperation with the Metro Drug Task Force, the ATF, the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Law Enforcement Against Drugs Task Force, and the Prosser Police Department, began conducting undercover methamphetamine buys from 22 drug houses and individuals throughout Benton and Franklin County. "

Pakistan Travel Warning for U.S. Citizens

Pakistan Travel Warning for U.S. Citizens: "Due to on-going concerns about the possibility of terrorist activity directed against American citizens and interests, the Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to Pakistan"

Your Life Has Changed Over the Past Year; But Has Your Insurance Kept Up?

Your Life Has Changed Over the Past Year; But Has Your Insurance Kept Up?: "Major purchases and lifestyle changes such as marriage, divorce or retirement can have a profound effect on your insurance, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.)."

Ethiopian Ambassador Speaks at Business Lunch

Ethiopian Ambassador Speaks at Business Lunch: "On Thursday, January 26, U.S. Charge d"Affaires Ambassador Vicki Huddleston was among the speakers at the monthly meeting of the Ethio-American Business Community Association. Her remarks, on the theme of Mapping Africa in 2020 - The Challenge Ahead, surveyed the domestic and international challenges facing Ethiopia's business community."

Dollar General Literacy Foundation 2006-2007 Grant Application due February 17

Dollar General Literacy Foundation 2006-2007 Grant Application due February 17: "Since 1993, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has improved the functional literacy of adults by providing grants to non-profit organizations dedicated to the advancement of literacy."

Check Out Free File - Your Link to Free Online Filing

Check Out Free File - Your Link to Free Online Filing: "The IRS and the Free File Alliance, a private-sector consortium of tax software companies, continue their partnership to help taxpayers electronically prepare and file their federal tax returns for free."

Croatian Foreign Minister Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic to Speak on Feb. 14

Croatian Foreign Minister Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic to Speak on Feb. 14: "Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, Croatian minister for foreign affairs and European integration, will give a speech titled �Croatia: Partnerships, Priorities and Progress� at the Library of Congress at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14, in Room 119 of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C."

Dieting Study Highlights Benefits of Group Support

Dieting Study Highlights Benefits of Group Support: "Dieters who have the help of a support group may experience less stress and less of a brainpower drain than those who go it alone, results of a study by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) nutrition scientists and their ARS-funded colleagues suggest."

Microbes in Manure Can Minimize Potential Pharmaceutical Pollution

Microbes in Manure Can Minimize Potential Pharmaceutical Pollution: "Bacteria are usually viewed as "the enemy" and targeted with potent antibiotics to curb their ability to cause infection. But according to Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists, microbes--including several types of bacteria--can be a farmer's ally when it comes to reducing the risk that antibiotic-containing manure may pose to the environment."

Clinical Trial: Effect of Environmental Exposures on the Egg Fertilizing Ability of Human Sperm

Clinical Trial: Effect of Environmental Exposures on the Egg Fertilizing Ability of Human Sperm: "Our data indicate that environmental exposure to the heavy metal lead are more widespread than currently appreciated and that such exposures are associated with the production of human male subfertility. Lead's effects are observed in male partners of infertile couples attending an IVF clinical, in men acting as semen donors in an artificial insemination program and in men representative of the general public. Our goal is to identify the mechanism(s) underlying lead's anti-fertility action. "

State of Connecticut Receives More than $13.6 Million for Mental Health Transformation State Incentive Grant

State of Connecticut Receives More than $13.6 Million for Mental Health Transformation State Incentive Grant: "Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Administrator Charles Curie today announced the award of $13.6 million to Connecticut over five years for a Mental Health Transformation State Incentive Grant to transform the state's mental health system to reflect consumer and family needs and focus on facilitating recovery. Curie presented a symbolic "big check" to Governor M. Jodi Rell during a ceremony in Hartford"

Average Charity California Netted 36 Percent From Commercial Fundraising In 2004

Average California Charity Netted 36 Percent From Commercial Fundraising In 2004: "(SACRAMENTO) - Attorney General Bill Lockyer today released a report showing that in 2004, the average charity received only about one-third of the revenue raised in solicitation campaigns run by commercial fundraisers."

FDA Approves First Ever Inhaled Insulin Combination Product for Treatment of Diabetes

FDA Approves First Ever Inhaled Insulin Combination Product for Treatment of Diabetes: "There is a new, potential alternative for many of the more than 5 million Americans who take insulin injections, with the Food and Drug Administration's approval today of the first ever inhaled insulin. Exubera, an inhaled powder form of recombinant human insulin (rDNA) for the treatment of adult patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, is the first new insulin delivery option introduced since the discovery of insulin in the 1920s."

Attorney General Lockyer Announces Settlement With Major U.S. Companies To Reduce Lead In Costume Jewelry

Attorney General Lockyer Announces Settlement With Major U.S. Companies To Reduce Lead In Costume Jewelry: "Attorney General Bill Lockyer today announced a settlement with 71 major U.S. retailers and distributors that will dramatically reduce the levels of lead in costume jewelry, which is sold chiefly to children and teenagers, an age group that is particularly vulnerable to the health impacts from exposure to lead. "

Weight Loss Improves Bladder Control in Women with Prediabetes

Weight Loss Improves Bladder Control in Women with Prediabetes: "Losing a modest amount of weight through dietary changes and increased physical activity reduces the occurrence of urinary incontinence (UI) in women with prediabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet diabetic. This finding comes from a new study, published in the February issue of Diabetes Care, of women who participated in the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), a landmark clinical study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). "

NOAA UPDATES LIST OF U.S. BILLION-DOLLAR WEATHER, CLIMATE DISASTERS

NOAA UPDATES LIST OF U.S. BILLION-DOLLAR WEATHER, CLIMATE DISASTERS: "The NOAA National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, N.C., updated the Web site that lists U.S. billion dollar weather and climate disasters from 1980 to the present. A crippling Midwest drought and four hurricanes from the 2005 deadly, record-breaking season are on the list�Dennis, Rita, Wilma and Katrina, this nation's costliest hurricane ever."

MSHA Defends UMWA Rights as Miners' Representative

MSHA Defends UMWA Rights as Miners' Representative: "WASHINGTON �David G. Dye, acting assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health, applauded the decision by Judge Robert E. Maxwell of the U.S District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia granting an injunction against a subsidiary of International Coal Group (ICG) today."

HHS to Make Available Federal Surplus Property for Supportive Housing to Assist the Homeless

HHS to Make Available Federal Surplus Property for Supportive Housing to Assist the Homeless: "HHS Deputy Secretary Alex Azar today announced that local governments and community groups will soon be able to use federal surplus property for permanent, supportive housing. This housing is to be provided in conjunction with other services that address mental and physical disabilities, substance use problems, and co-occurring mental and substance use disorders of individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness."

clinical trial: St. John's Wort for the Treatment of Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder (GSAD)

clinical trial: St. John's Wort for the Treatment of Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder (GSAD) The purpose of this study is to determine whether the herbal product St. John's wort is safe and effective in treating generalized social anxiety disorder (GSAD) .

New Tools Helps Protect Consumers against Identity Theft

New Tools Helps Protect Consumers against Identity Theft: "Don't Be an On-line Victim: How to Guard Against Internet Thieves and Electronic Scams."

Percentage of Persons Aged >18 Years Reporting Severe Headache or Migraine

Percentage of Persons Aged >18 Years Reporting Severe Headache or Migraine