Testosterone Replacement in Older Men and Atherosclerosis Progression

Testosterone Replacement in Older Men and Atherosclerosis Progression: "The primary purpose of this study is to look at the effects of testosterone replacement on the progression of atherosclerosis in older men. This study is also being done to find out whether replacement with testosterone in older men with low testosterone levels improves their health-related quality of life. "

Are Your Social Security Benefits Taxable?

Are Your Social Security Benefits Taxable?: "How much, if any, of your Social Security benefits are taxable depends on your total income and marital status. Generally, if Social Security benefits were your only income, your benefits are not taxable and you probably do not need to file a federal income tax return."

Insurers Face Challenges as Injured Veterans Return from War

Insurers Face Challenges as Injured Veterans Return from War: "Employers and their insurers need to be prepared for the tens of thousands of physically injured veterans returning from conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to the I.I.I."

Meals, Ready-To-Eat Sold on eBay - The U.S. Government Investigates

Meals, Ready-To-Eat Sold on eBay - The U.S. Government Investigates: "As a result of widespread congressional and public interest in the federal response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, a limited investigation was conducted into allegations that military Meal, Ready-To-Eat (MRE) rations intended for use in the hurricane relief efforts were instead sold to the public on the Internet auction site eBay. "

CBP ensures pest-free flowers for Valentine�s Day

CBP ensures pest-free flowers for Valentine�s Day: "U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists are making sure that the bouquet of flowers you order for your sweetheart this Valentine�s Day is free from insects, pests and diseases that could harm the agricultural and floral industries in the United States"

Hurricane Victims Have More Time to Claim Losses on Prior Year Returns

Hurricane Victims Have More Time to Claim Losses on Prior Year Returns: "Victims of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita or Wilma wishing to claim disaster-related losses on their prior year federal income tax return will have until October 16, 2006, to make this choice, the Internal Revenue Service announced today."

BITS Fraud Prevention Guide: Protecting the Elderly and Vulnerable from Financial Fraud and Exploitation - February 16, 2006

BITS Fraud Prevention Guide: Protecting the Elderly and Vulnerable from Financial Fraud and Exploitation - February 16, 2006: "Financial institutions are in a unique position to help protect an aging population from financial fraud and exploitation. Join fraud prevention experts and advocates to hear about risks and "red flags" to look for to prevent financial crimes against the elderly and vulnerable."

AHRQ Launches New "Learning Resources" To Help Providers Adopt Health IT

AHRQ Launches New "Learning Resources" To Help Providers Adopt Health IT: "HHS' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) today launched a new suite of 'learning resources' designed to help health care providers adopt health information technologies quickly and effectively. "

Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi Announces Arrest of Man Charged with Felony Workers' Compensation Insurance Fraud

Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi Announces Arrest of Man Charged with Felony Workers' Compensation Insurance Fraud: "Ventura carpenter breaks his leg while playing soccer, then allegedly falsifies workers' compensation claim"

POWERFUL WINTER STORM CONTINUES TO AFFECT THE NORTHEAST

POWERFUL WINTER STORM CONTINUES TO AFFECT THE NORTHEAST: " A classic nor'easter, the first major winter storm of 2006, continued its trek along the Northeast U.S. coastline Sunday, producing heavy snow, strong winds and coastal flooding from the mid-Atlantic states to Maine, according to the NOAA National Weather Service."

Debt Collection Services Contract Opportunity

Debt Collection Services Contract Opportunity: "The Department of California Highway Patol (CHP) is seeking a contractor to provide Debt Collection Services. "

Debt Collection Services Contract Opportunity

Debt Collection Services Contract Opportunity: "The Department of California Highway Patol (CHP) is seeking a contractor to provide Debt Collection Services. "

Peer Counseling for Weight Loss

Peer Counseling for Weight Loss: "Obesity has adverse effects on breast cancer survival and recurrence, and this may be mediated via the insulin resistance that is associated with obesity. "

Obesity and Weight Loss on Reproductive Function

Obesity and Weight Loss on Reproductive Function: "The purpose of this study is to examine how obesity and weight loss following bariatric surgery affect reproductive function. The study is particularly interested in how changes in hormones (those produced in the stomach and fat tissue) following weight loss affect reproductive function. Specifically, we propose to characterize reproductive abnormalities in morbidly obese men and women."

LEAN Project: Weight Loss and Appetite Suppression

LEAN Project: Weight Loss and Appetite Suppression: "The primary aim is to examine whether the intake of PhosphoLEAN is effective in aiding a cohort of women in losing weight. Participants taking the supplement will have significantly greater improvement in study outcomes than those taking the placebo."

NOAA SURVEY SHOWS MOST FLOWER GARDEN BANKS CORAL REEFS RECOVERING FROM BLEACHING EVENT

NOAA SURVEY SHOWS MOST FLOWER GARDEN BANKS CORAL REEFS RECOVERING FROM BLEACHING EVENT: "The coral reefs of NOAA's Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, located off the Texas-Louisiana coast, have begun to recover from what some observers feared would be a deadly coral bleaching event this past fall. Last fall, surveys showed an average between 42 percent and 46 percent of all coral were showing signs of bleaching. "

Alopecia Areata Registry Clinical Trial - Hair Loss Registry

Alopecia Areata Registry Clinical Trial - Hair Loss Registry: "Alopecia areata is the loss of hair in patches that can proceed to loss of all hair (alopecia totalis or universalis). The purpose of the registry is to collect patient information and blood samples from people with alopecia areata. "

Don�t be Afraid to Tell: Filing an Identity Theft Police Report Can Save You Money

Don't be Afraid to Tell: Filing an Identity Theft Police Report Can Save You Money: "More than 60 percent of the people who reported being victimized by identity theft last year did not notify their local law enforcement agency. One reason for this surprising statistic, recently released in a Federal Trade Commission report on 2005 identity theft complaints, is because many states have not enacted laws that require law enforcement agencies to take a police report and investigate the crime."

Social Security Administration (SSA) Benefits Planning, Assistance and Outreach Program Grant

Social Security Administration (SSA) Benefits Planning, Assistance and Outreach Program Grant: "The Social Security Administration (SSA) announces the availability of cooperative agreement funds to extend community-based benefits planning, assistance, and outreach projects for four months ONLY for already participating grantee organizations whose current Budget Period ends May 31, 2006. The purpose of these projects is to disseminate accurate information to beneficiaries with disabilities (including transition-to-work aged youth) about work incentives programs and issues related to such programs, to enable them to make informed choices about work"

Grant to Establish a Center for the Prevention and Control of Risk Factors for Chronic Diseases

Grant to Establish a Center for the Prevention and Control of Risk Factors for Chronic Diseases: "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the intent to use fiscal year (FY) 2006 funds for a grant that seeks to use community-based planning, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination of effective interventions to create a platform for standardized prevention and control of chronic diseases by impacting the constellation of multiple risk factors. The proposed comprehensive approach to prevention is designed to reduce health disparities in the targeted racial and ethnic populations."

The Utility of Nexium in Chronic Cough and Reflux Disease

The Utility of Nexium in Chronic Cough and Reflux Disease: "The purpose of this research study is to investigate different doses of proton pump inhibitors in reducing cough symptoms felt to be associated with Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Proton pump inhibitors are medicines used to treat GERD, which work by lowering the amount of acid in the stomach. "

POSTAL SERVICE TO CUT ELECTRIC BILL, IMPROVE ENVIRONMENT

POSTAL SERVICE TO CUT ELECTRIC BILL, IMPROVE ENVIRONMENT: "An initiative of the Postal Service's Shared Energy Savings (SES) program that provides alternative means to fund energy projects, the improvements at both facilities will lower annual electricity purchases by $1.2 million, or 10 million kilowatt-hours, a 46 percent reduction. "

State Contractors Board Targets Illegal Contractors in Statewide Undercover Stings

State Contractors Board Targets Illegal Contractors in Statewide Undercover Stings: "SACRAMENTO -- This week is one of the busiest enforcement periods on record for the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). No less than five undercover sting and sweep operations have been taking place around the state. The CSLB is taking the occasion of National Consumer Protection Week (February 5-11) to remind homeowners that unlicensed operators are a very real threat"

Noninvasive Tests May Miss Breast Cancer, AHRQ Study Finds

Noninvasive Tests May Miss Breast Cancer, AHRQ Study Finds: "Four common noninvasive tests for breast cancer are not accurate enough to routinely replace biopsies for women who receive abnormal findings from a mammogram or physical examination, according to a study released today by HHS' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)."

What Income is Taxable? Nontaxable

What Income is Taxable? Nontaxable: "Generally, most income you receive is taxable. But there are some situations when certain types of income are partially taxed or not taxed at all. A complete list is available in IRS Publication 525, Taxable and Nontaxable Income."

U.S., Global Fund, Ethiopian Government Form New Partnership

U.S., Global Fund, Ethiopian Government Form New Partnership: "Addis Ababa (U.S. Embassy) - On Tuesday, February 7, the U.S. Charg d'Affaires, Ambassador Vicki Huddleston, joined Minister of Health Dr. Tedros Adhanom to sign a Memorandum of Understanding that will collaboratively advance HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment activities in Ethiopia through better harmonization, coordination, and integration of two major initiatives - the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. "

FDA Warns Consumers to Stop Using Recalled Liquid-Filled Children�s Teething Rings Manufactured by RC2 Brands (The First Years)

FDA Warns Consumers to Stop Using Recalled Liquid-Filled Children�s Teething Rings Manufactured by RC2 Brands (The First Years): "The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers to stop using liquid-filled children's teething rings manufactured by RC2 Brands (The First Years) because the liquid contained in these rings is contaminated with bacteria that may cause serious illness if swallowed by babies, enters the lungs, or is absorbed through a cut in the mouth."

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Welcomes Newest Member to Atlanta�s Canine Team

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Welcomes Newest Member to Atlanta's Canine Team: "CBP welcomes it�s newest canine to the anti-terrorism team. Agro-terrorism that is. Do not let the big brown eyes; floppy ears and cute face fool you. Buttons the Beagle is one mean sniffing machine. She is the latest member to the group of Agriculture canines that have a very important mission in assisting CBP with the mission of preventing terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the United States. "

AIG to Pay $800 Million to Settle Securities Fraud Charges by SEC

AIG to Pay $800 Million to Settle Securities Fraud Charges by SEC: "The Securities and Exchange Commission announced today the filing and settlement of charges that American International Group, Inc. (AIG) committed securities fraud. The settlement is part of a global resolution of federal and state actions under which AIG will pay in excess of $1.6 billion to resolve claims related to improper accounting, bid rigging and practices involving workers' compensation funds."

Reducing Total Fat Intake May Have Small Effect on Risk of Breast Cancer, No Effect on Risk of Colorectal Cancer, Heart Disease, or Stroke

Reducing Total Fat Intake May Have Small Effect on Risk of Breast Cancer, No Effect on Risk of Colorectal Cancer, Heart Disease, or Stroke: "Following an eating pattern lower in total fat did not significantly reduce the incidence of breast cancer, heart disease, or stroke, and did not reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in healthy postmenopausal women, according to the latest clinical trial results from the National Institutes of Health�s Women�s Health Initiative (WHI). "

Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Models on College Campuses Grant Opportunity

Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Models on College Campuses Grant Opportunity: "The goals of this program are to identify models of effective campus-based alcohol and other drug prevention programs and disseminate information about these programs to other colleges and universities where similar efforts may be adopted."

FCC Media Bureau Report Finds Substantial Consumer Benefits in A La Carte Model of Delivering Video Programming

FCC Media Bureau Report Finds Substantial Consumer Benefits in A La Carte Model of Delivering Video Programming: "The Media Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today issued a Further Report on the Packaging and Sale of Video Programming Services to the Public (the 'Further Report') on the issue of an 'a la carte' model for delivery of video services."

Rescheduling Appointments for Non-Immigrant Visa Interviews

Rescheduling Appointments for Non-Immigrant Visa Interviews: "Georgetown - Effective February 20, 2006, the US Embassy will no longer charge a rescheduling fee for missed appointments."

IRS Certifies 2006 Toyota Prius Hybrid Vehicle for 2005 Deduction

IRS Certifies 2006 Toyota Prius Hybrid Vehicle for 2005 Deduction: "The Internal Revenue Service has certified the model year 2006 Toyota Prius Hybrid for the clean fuel vehicle deduction. This certification means that taxpayers who purchased a 2006 Toyota Prius new during calendar year 2005 may claim a tax deduction of up to $2,000 on line 36 of Form 1040"

Audit of Head Start Costs for Fiscal Year Ending January 31, 2005 for Juniata County Child Care and Development Services, Inc.

Audit of Head Start Costs for Fiscal Year Ending January 31, 2005 for Juniata County Child Care and Development Services, Inc.: "Our objective was to review the financial practices and transactions relative to the Head Start grant awarded to Juniata County Child Care and Development Services"

Retirees in Treatment More Likely to Abuse Alcohol than Drugs

Retirees in Treatment More Likely to Abuse Alcohol than Drugs: "Data from 29 states and other jurisdictions indicate that four out of five current retirees in substance abuse treatment needed treatment for alcohol as their primary substance of abuse in 2003."

New Video: Domestic Violence Hurts the Whole Family -(Healthy Roads Media) - In Arabic

New Video: Domestic Violence Hurts the Whole Family -(Healthy Roads Media) - In Arabic

Deducting State and Local Sales Tax

Deducting State and Local Sales Tax: "If you itemize your taxes, you may choose to deduct state and local sales taxes instead of state and local income taxes."

Protecting Chocolate From Wicked Witches' Broom

Protecting Chocolate From Wicked Witches' Broom: "Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have located genetic markers for resistance to a major disease of cacao trees, the source of seeds for cocoa and chocolate."

When You Should Use Potassium Iodide in a Radiation Emergency

When You Should Use Potassium Iodide in a Radiation Emergency ? : Potassium iodide is a salt of stable (not radioactive) iodine. Stable iodine is an important chemical needed by the body to make thyroid hormones. Most of the stable iodine in our bodies comes from the food we eat. potassium iodide is stable iodine in a medicine form. This fact sheet from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gives you some basic information about potassium iodide . It explains what you should think about before you or a family member takes potassium iodide ."

What Are the Warning Signs of a Heart Attack?

What Are the Warning Signs of a Heart Attack?: "For many people, the first symptom of heart disease is a heart attack. Therefore, every woman should know how to identify the symptoms of a heart attack and how to get immediate medical help. Ideally, treatment should start within one hour of the first symptoms. Recognizing the warning signs, and getting help quickly, can save your life."

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. "