DHS Recommends Security Patch to Protect Against a Vulnerability Found In Windows Operating Systems

DHS Recommends Security Patch to Protect Against a Vulnerability Found In Windows Operating Systems: "The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is recommending that Windows Operating Systems users apply Microsoft security patch MS06-040 as quickly as possible. This security patch is designed to protect against a vulnerability that, if exploited, could enable an attacker to remotely take control of an affected system and install programs, view, change, or delete data, and create new accounts with full user rights."

Caliornia Announces That USAA Insurance Will Begin Implementing "Good Driver Reforms" and Give 318,000 Policyholders an 8% Decrease in Auto Insurance Rates

Caliornia Announces That USAA Insurance Will Begin Implementing "Good Driver Reforms" and Give 318,000 Policyholders an 8% Decrease in Auto Insurance Rates: "Announcement comes on eve of Sacramento Superior Court decision regarding insurance industry’s lawsuit to stop implementation of Garamendi’s new Good Driver Reforms"

Purchasers of GM Hybrids Still Qualify for Tax Credit

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

Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis With Marine and Botanical Oils ( fish oil and borage seed oil)

Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis With Marine and Botanical Oils ( fish oil and borage seed oil): "The object of this study is to determine whether treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with a combination of fish oil and borage seed oil is superior to treatment with either oil alone. This study will also investigate the biochemical, immunological, and molecular mechanism responsible for the therapeutic effects of these fatty acids. Each patient will be followed for two years. "

Justice Department Sues Missouri Company for Sexual Harassment

Justice Department Sues Missouri Company for Sexual Harassment: "The Justice Department today filed a lawsuit against Calvert Properties Inc. and company president alleging a pattern or practice of sexual harassment of female tenants."

Public Notice: Application for Petrochemical Facility in Saudi Arabia

Public Notice: Application for Petrochemical Facility in Saudi Arabia: "This notice is to inform the public that the Export-Import Bank of the United States has received an application to finance the export of approximately $480 million in U.S. equipment and services to a petrochemicals facility in Saudi Arabia. The U.S. exports will enable the petrochemicals facility to produce approximately 1.1 million metric tons of high-density polyethylene, 400 thousand metric tons of polypropylene, 200 thousand metric tons of polystyrene and 100 thousand metric tons of hexene-1. Initial production at this facility is expected to commence in 2011."

FEMA To Test Methods To Reduce Formaldehyde In Travel Trailers

FEMA To Test Methods To Reduce Formaldehyde In Travel Trailers: "The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is moving forward to address concerns that have been raised regarding the levels of formaldehyde in travel trailers in the Gulf Coast region."

USTDA AWARDS GRANT TO DEVELOP COLOMBIA’S RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES

USTDA AWARDS GRANT TO DEVELOP COLOMBIA’S RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES: "Fostering the diversification of Colombia’s energy resources in its civil aviation sector is the goal of a USTDA grant awarded today to Colombia’s Civil Aviation Special Administrative Unit (AeroCivil). The grant builds on the agency’s efforts to strengthen the environment in Colombia for investment in the nation’s energy resources consistent with the goals of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement."

Governor Schwarzenegger Reinvigorates Programs to Prepare California Students for a 21st Century Economy

Governor Schwarzenegger Reinvigorates Programs to Prepare California Students for a 21st Century Economy: "Recognizing that students need the skills and classes that will open up doors and lead them to success, Governor Schwarzenegger has restored the state’s investment in career technical education. Career technical education programs, which have been long under-funded, give students vocational skills in high-paying fields while providing them with pathways to post-secondary education"

SAMHSA to Partner with Suicide Prevention Action Network to Promote Public/Private Partnership to Curb Suicide

SAMHSA to Partner with Suicide Prevention Action Network to Promote Public/Private Partnership to Curb Suicide: "the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), today announced the award of a contract to the Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN USA). The potential power of the Action Alliance is to effect change in workplaces and schools, families and communities to stop the clock that claims a person to suicide every 17 minutes.

NIOSH Update:Work-Related Lung Disease Surveillance Report System) Now 60 updated tables and figures on pneumoconioses, mesothelioma, and HP

NIOSH Update: Work-Related Lung Disease Surveillance Report System) includes updated tables and figures on pneumoconioses, mesothelioma, and HP - The Work-Related Lung Disease (eWoRLD) Surveillance System, produced by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), presents up-to-date summary tables, graphs, and figures of occupationally-related respiratory disease surveillance data on the pneumoconioses, occupational asthma and other airways diseases, and several other respiratory conditions."

California Announces Sentencing of Rosamond Couple for Workers' Comp Insurance Fraud

California Announces Sentencing of Rosamond Couple for Workers' Comp Insurance Fraud: "Husband and wife filed workers’ comp claims with their employers for more than $300,000 & $800,000 respectively – videotaped evidence shows couple doing yard work and other physical activities contrary to the physical limitations they reported to doctors"

Peace Officer Career Opportunities:We're hiring Officers, Counselors, and Social Workers. Apply today.

Peace Officer Career Opportunities:We're hiring Officers, Counselors, and Social Workers. Apply today.: "California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has exciting opportunities for health care professionals entry level peace officers!"

Internet Escrow Company Alert

Internet Escrow Company Alert: "The Department of Corporations has been notified that escrowsquick.com is offering escrow services over the internet and is falsely advertising at its website that it holds a California Department of Corporations license 9632318 issued to Escrowquick, Inc."

NOAA CONTINUES TO PREDICT ABOVE-NORMAL HURRICANE SEASON

NOAA CONTINUES TO PREDICT ABOVE-NORMAL HURRICANE SEASON: "With the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season upon us, experts from NOAA are reiterating their prediction for an above-normal number of storms. NOAA scientists warn this year's relatively quiet start is not an indication of what the remainder of the season has in store"

Credit Bureau Reports and SSN Searches Contract Solicitation - RFP

Credit Bureau Reports and SSN Searches Contract Solicitation - RFP: "The Contractor agrees to provide to Franchise Tax Board (FTB), credit reports on individuals, and address searches by automated request. FTB will provide a name and social security number for the credit report. FTB will provide a social security number, name for an address search"

Residual Effects of Intoxication on Student Performance: Recruiting Subjects for Study

Residual Effects of Intoxication on Student Performance: Recruiting Subjects for Study: "The primary goal of the study is to assess the residual effects of heavy drinking on academic performance. The investigators will also explore whether these effects differ by family history of alcohol abuse and hangover symptoms, as well as compare males and females with respect to these effects. The investigators' primary hypothesis is that intoxication (0.10g% blood alcohol concentration [BAC]) with an alcoholic beverage impairs next-day academic performance, as measured by scores on quizzes, standardized academic achievement tests, and standardized neurobehavioral assessments. Their secondary hypothesis is that family-history-positive individuals will show a greater performance decrement the day after heavy drinking than family-history-negative individuals. "

Evaluation of Combination Cholesterol Treatments in Patients With High Cholesterol.

Evaluation of Combination Cholesterol Treatments in Patients With High Cholesterol.: "The purpose of this study is to see if combination therapy with a 'statin' medication and two additional agents that work differently than 'statin' medications can further lower the so-called 'bad cholesterol.' One therapy is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat high cholesterol (Welchol). The other therapy is Minute Maid Heart Wise orange juice. This study juice is available in supermarkets and contains plant sterols that have been shown to lower cholesterol. "

DOT, British Airways Reach Settlement Over Treatment of Passengers with Disabilities

DOT, British Airways Reach Settlement Over Treatment of Passengers with Disabilities: "British Airways is being assessed a $50,000 fine for denying transportation to four passengers with mobility-related disabilities on flights leaving the United States under a settlement announced today by Acting Secretary of Transportation Maria Cino."

Identity Theft Alert: Subcontractor Notifies VA of Missing Computer with Vet Files

Identity Theft Alert: Subcontractor Notifies VA of Missing Computer with Vet Files: "WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced that a subcontractor, hired to assist in insurance collections for VA’s medical centers in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, has informed the Department that a desktop computer containing personal information on some veterans is missing from the company’s offices."

New NIH Publication: Your Guide to Physical Activity and Your Heart

New NIH Publication: Your Guide to Physical Activity and Your Heart: "About 60 percent of U.S. adults do not get the recommended levels of physical activity, yet research suggests that regular physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy heart. To help people jump-start and maintain a physical activity program for their heart, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has developed a new publication. "

USGS Report Identifies Asbestos Localities in Central U.S.

USGS Report Identifies Asbestos Localities in Central U.S.: "A report published by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) contains a regional map and an associated database that inventory 36 locations of reported natural asbestos and fibrous amphibole occurrences in the central United States. The map is based on a search of scientific literature and does not identify any new occurrences of asbestos. It is the second in a series which originated last year with the publication of a similar report on the eastern United States."

Government Job Opportunities:MSHA Looks to Reno, Nev. for New Mine Inspectors

Government Job Opportunities:MSHA Looks to Reno, Nev. for New Mine Inspectors: "The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is continuing its efforts to hire new mine inspectors by conducting on-site applicant screenings at the University of Reno-Nevada in Reno Nev., on Aug. 11 and 12, 2006. Registration for all candidates begins at 7 a.m. 'We're interested in hiring individuals who want to dedicate themselves to our mission and help us eliminate hazards that threaten working miners,' said David G. Dye, acting administrator for mine safety and health. 'This agency needs motivated professionals eager to help us continue to protect the mining industry's number one resource-miners.' "

College Women at Risk for Eating Disorder May Benefit From Online Intervention

College Women at Risk for Eating Disorder May Benefit From Online Intervention: "Eating disorders are complex and particularly difficult to treat. In fact, they have one of the highest mortality rates among all mental disorders,” said NIMH Director Thomas Insel, M.D. Over the course of a lifetime, about 0.5 to 3.7 percent of girls and women will develop anorexia nervosa, and about 1.1 to 4.2 percent will develop bulimia nervosa. About 0.5 percent of those with anorexia die each year as a result of their illness, making it one of the top psychiatric illnesses that lead to death."

Learn How to Find Buyers and Finance Sales Symposium

Learn How to Find Buyers and Finance Sales Symposium: "Ex-Im Bank in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Commerce, Small Business Administration, and Overseas Private Investment Corporation and local sponsors host these half-day symposiums for companies of all sizes that wish to learn how to 'find and finance' foreign buyers to increase their sales or are interested in investing internationally"

DOE Announces $2 Billion in Loan Guarantees for Energy Investments

DOE Announces $2 Billion in Loan Guarantees for Energy Investments: "DOE announced on August 7th guidelines for $2 billion in loan guarantees that will support projects in new energy technologies. Loan guarantees will enable the Department to share some of the financial risks of projects that employ new or significantly improved energy technologies that avoid, reduce, or sequester air pollutants and greenhouse gases."

FCC Seeks Applicants for 2006/2007 Engineer-in-Training Program

FCC Seeks Applicants for 2006/2007 Engineer-in-Training Program: "The Federal Communications Commission today announced that it is seeking applications from engineering school graduates with superior academic credentials and an interest in communications engineering and IP networks for its Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Program to be held during 2006/2007. Through the EIT Program, the FCC will recruit recent engineering school graduates to the FCC and provide comprehensive training in the field of communications"

USPS Announces New Motorcycle Stamps to Kick-Start World’s Premier Motorcycle Rally

USPS Announces New Motorcycle Stamps to Kick-Start World’s Premier Motorcycle Rally: "The first of 85 million classic “American Motorcycles” commemorative stamps, guaranteed to cross the country for just 39 cents, started their journey by kick-starting the 66th Anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally today. The 1918 Cleveland, 1940 Indian Four and 1965 Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide that modeled for the stamps were showcased at the event. The fourth stamp, depicting a circa 1970 Chopper, was computer generated by the stamp artist. The “American Motorcycles” stamps will be available to cruise among the nation’s 37,000 Post Offices beginning Tue., Aug. 8."

Martha Stewart and Peter Bacanovic Settle SEC's Insider Trading Charges

Martha Stewart and Peter Bacanovic Settle SEC's Insider Trading Charges: "Washington, D.C., Aug. 7, 2006 - The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that it has reached an agreement to settle insider trading charges against Martha Stewart and Peter Bacanovic relating to Stewart's sale of ImClone Systems stock in December 2001. Under the settlement, Stewart agrees to an injunction, disgorgement of losses she avoided, and the maximum penalty of three times the losses she avoided, for a total of about $195,000 in monetary relief"

National Archives Hosts an African American Genealogy Symposium, September 8-9, 2006

National Archives Hosts an African American Genealogy Symposium, September 8-9, 2006: "The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) will present a two-day African American Genealogy Symposium on Friday and Saturday, September 8-9, 2006. Archivists and genealogists will discuss how to get started on your family research, government documents and African Americans, Five Civilized Tribes, slavery and the census. "

Media Bureau Denies Application for Stay and Petition in Time Warner Cable's NFL Network Case

Media Bureau Denies Application for Stay and Petition in Time Warner Cable's NFL Network Case.: "This controversy stems from Time Warner’s action on August 1, 2006, to discontinue carriage of the NFL Network on cable systems that Time Warner had just acquired from Adelphia and Comcast (“newly acquired systems”) in transactions approved by the Commission on July 13, 2006. "

Tobacco Use Among Arab American Youth

Tobacco Use Among Arab American Youth: "Michigan has the 10th highest smoking rate in the nation. Smoking rates are also very high in the Middle East and in Arab American families. The purpose of this study is to learn about tobacco use in Michigan Arab American youth ages 14 to 18. The study will evaluate why some young people start smoking and others do not. The study will also test an educational program designed to encourage young people to either quit tobacco use or to avoid it. "

Mild to Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea : Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy Treatment

Mild to Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea : Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy Treatment: "Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is common in modern society, affecting up to 5% of working middle-aged adults in the United States. Obesity is the number one risk factor for the development of OSA. Consequences of untreated OSA are varied and significant and included numerous neuropsychiatric parameters such as mood alterations, depression, anxiety, diminished social interactions, and decreased quality of life."

Atomoxetine Treatment for ADHD and Marijuana Dependence

Atomoxetine Treatment for ADHD and Marijuana Dependence: "The aim of the study is to determine if atomoxetine treatment combined with motivational enhancement therapy is effective in reducing marijuana use in adult individuals with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and marijuana dependence. "

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

St. John's Wort for the Treatment of Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder (GSAD): "This study will determine whether the herbal product St. John's wort is safe and effective in treating generalized social anxiety disorder (GSAD). "

NATIVE-AMERICAN LAW ENFORCEMENT GRANTED $12 MILLION TO STRENGTHEN CRIME FIGHTING EFFORTS

NATIVE-AMERICAN LAW ENFORCEMENT GRANTED $12 MILLION TO STRENGTHEN CRIME FIGHTING EFFORTS: "WASHINGTON, D.C. -The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) today announced grants totaling more than $12 million that were awarded to 103 tribal law enforcement agencies and governments to purchase much needed crime fighting equipment and to receive training and technical assistance."

Pool Service and Maintenance Contract announcement

Pool Service and Maintenance Contract announcement: " The contractor shall supply all labor, materials and equipment three times per week for a 80,000 gallon commercial pool for the months of August through November 2006, between 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. "

Female Rehabilitative Community Correctional Center RFP

Female Rehabilitative Community Correctional Center RFP: "The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is releasing this Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit bids for 4,350 Female Rehabilitative Community Correctional Center (FRCCC) beds. This expansion will be accomplished in two phases: 2,350 will be activated in Fiscal Year (FY) 2007/08 and 2,000 in FY 2008/09. These beds will be located in various locations throughout California. The FRCCC’s will provide housing, sustenance, and gender-responsive programs and services for non-serious, non-violent female offenders. "

Justice Department Seeks to Block Alleged Tax Scam

Justice Department Seeks to Block Alleged Tax Scam: "The Justice Department announced today that it has sued two certified public accountants in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, seeking to bar them from operating an alleged tax scam involving tribe members’ income from the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, Calif. "

California $9M Lender Fraud Plea

California $9M Lender Fraud Plea: "An Orange County man who ran Mortgage Capital Resource Corporation (MCR) has pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud and money laundering charges related to a scheme that cost lenders more than $9 million."

SAMHSA Seeks Comments on Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) Program

SAMHSA Seeks Comments on Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) Program: "The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) is seeking input from stakeholders and interested parties on a number of issues regarding the structure, roles, and responsibilities of its Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) Program."

HUD, EPA and U.S. Attorney in Minnesota Announce Legal Settlement With Minneapolis Landlord

HUD, EPA and U.S. Attorney in Minnesota Announce Legal Settlement With Minneapolis Landlord: " Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota today announced a legal settlement with a Minneapolis landlord who failed to inform tenants that their homes might contain potentially dangerous levels of lead."

Lightning Casualties In The U.S. Climb As Summer Continues

Lightning Casualties In The U.S. Climb As Summer Continues: "During the second half of July, lightning has proven particularly deadly across the U.S., warn meteorologists with the NOAA National Weather Service. (Click NOAA image for lager view of lightning collage. Lightning has killed at least 27 people this year, with more than half of those fatalities (14) occurring since July 15."

Wanted: Extremists - FBI Offers a $30,000 Reward in ALF Case

Wanted: Extremists - FBI Offers a $30,000 Reward in ALF Case: "How would you like to find a fire bomb on your doorstep, even if it turns out that: 1) The device was probably intended for your neighbor, and 2) It was left by activists who claim to be protecting animals? "

Single-Dose Study of Black Cohosh and Red Clover

Single-Dose Study of Black Cohosh and Red Clover: "This Phase I study will assess the pharmacokinetics of two botanicals, Trifolium pratense (red clover) and Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh). Participants will receive a single dose of one botanical preparation. "

Justice Department Announces Settlement with Colorado College to Increase Access to People with Disabilities

Justice Department Announces Settlement with Colorado College to Increase Access to People with Disabilities: "The Justice Department today announced a settlement agreement under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with Colorado College under which the college will make its campus and services more accessible to individuals with disabilities."

Northern Spotted Owl Recovery Team Hosts Open House

Northern Spotted Owl Recovery Team Hosts Open House: "The Northern Spotted Owl Recovery Team will host an open house August 9, 2006, in Portland, Oregon, to receive information from stakeholders and the public on issues pertaining to the recovery of the northern spotted owl. "

Four Men Sentenced in Camcording in Movie Theaters

Four Men Sentenced in Camcording in Movie Theaters: "Operation Has Yielded Thirty-Two Convictions, Including the First Convictions in U.S. for Camcording in a Movie Theater and Uploading 'Pre-Release' Movies on the Internet"

Counterfeit Check Alert

Counterfeit Check Alert: " Peoples Bank, National Association, Marietta, OH continues to be victimized by counterfeit official checks issued in the bank’s name. These checks are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with various scams."

MSHA to Digitally Reconstruct Sago Mine to Help Determine Explosive Forces Causing the Jan. 2 Disaster

MSHA to Digitally Reconstruct Sago Mine to Help Determine Explosive Forces Causing the Jan. 2 Disaster: "The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has entered into an interagency agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to digitally reconstruct the Sago mine where 12 miners died following a Jan. 2 methane explosion. The digital reconstruction will help determine the overpressures of the explosion and factors contributing to the failure of the alternative seals separating the abandoned area of the mine from the active section."

IRS, Canada Revenue Agency Unravel Cross-Border Tax Scheme

IRS, Canada Revenue Agency Unravel Cross-Border Tax Scheme: "WASHINGTON — Officials of the Canada Revenue Agency and the United States Internal Revenue Service today announced significant progress in unraveling an abusive cross-border tax scheme. This effort stems from leads and information first developed by the Joint International Tax Shelter Information Centre (JITSIC)."

PUBLIC STATEMENT REGARDING SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE

PUBLIC STATEMENT REGARDING SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE: "The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) serves as a central switchboard to immediately connect callers to over 120 federally certified crisis centers around the country – enabling individuals to receive counseling or emergency services, if needed, close to home. It receives and connects 9,000-10,000 callers per month to these local crisis centers. The “switchboard” which SAMHSA funds, is at arms length from the process of counseling or intervention. "

Airlines On-Time Performance Ratings for June

Airlines On-Time Performance Ratings for June: "The nation’s largest airlines recorded a lower rate of on-time flights and a higher rate of cancellations this past June than in both the previous month and June of last year, according to the Air Travel Consumer Report released today by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)."

National Endowment for the Arts Announces 14 Fellowships in Literary Translation for FY 2007

National Endowment for the Arts Announces 14 Fellowships in Literary Translation for FY 2007: "Washington, DC - The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) today announced that it will award 14 grants to translators of prose and poetry for a total federal investment of $200,000. The grants will support the translation into English of literary works from 11 different languages, including Icelandic, Greek, and Romanian"

Girls’ Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstring Recalled for Strangulation Hazard

Girls’ Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstring Recalled for Strangulation Hazard: "A drawstring is threaded through the hood, posing a strangulation hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist by drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts. "

Children of AAA Members Can Ride Most Long-Distance Trains for Free Through December 15

Children of AAA Members Can Ride Most Long-Distance Trains for Free Through December 15: "What a deal! Now AAA members can take advantage of a great fare when traveling on Amtrak. With each paying adult passenger, up to two children (ages 2-15) will receive free rail fare tickets."

Keeping Employees Safe in Hot Weather

Keeping Employees Safe in Hot Weather: "Fast-thinking employees performing cleanup and recovery work in New Orleans helped save a co-worker's life on May 4 by using an OSHA QuickCard to identify signs of heat stroke and then provide first aid until an ambulance arrived a few minutes later. Earlier that day, the small group of tower workers and their supervisor, held a 15 minute safety meeting to discuss the recognition, treatment, and dangers of heat related illnesses."

Endangered Humpback Chub Population in Grand Canyon Stabilizing

Endangered Humpback Chub Population in Grand Canyon Stabilizing: "Recently collected data for endangered humpback chub (Gila cypha) in Grand Canyon suggest that the population of adult fish (age 4+) may be stabilizing after more than a decade of decline, according to biologists with the U.S. Geological Survey´s (USGS) Southwest Biological Science Center."

The 22nd Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day - Saturday, September 16th, 2006

The 22nd Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day - Saturday, September 16th, 2006: " The California Coastal Cleanup Day is the premier volunteer event focused on the marine environment in the country. On this day, 50,000 volunteers turn out to over 700 cleanup sites statewide to conduct what has been hailed by the Guinness Book of World Records as 'the largest garbage collection' (1993). Since the program started in 1985, nearly 700,000 Californians have removed more than 10 million pounds of debris from our state's shorelines and coast. "

Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi Announces Arrest of San Jose Resident for Auto Insurance Fraud

Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi Announces Arrest of San Jose Resident for Auto Insurance Fraud: "Uninsured San Jose woman rear-ends another vehicle; allegedly renews her auto insurance policy and states the collision occurred after her new policy went into effect."

Apple Mac Products Affected by Multiple Vulnerabilities

Apple Mac Products Affected by Multiple Vulnerabilities: "Mac OS X, Safari web browser, Mail, and other products are affected by multiple vulnerabilities. Some of these vulnerabilities could allow an attacker to run malicious programs on your computer. "

Updated Fact Sheet: HIV/AIDS among Men Who Have Sex with Men

Updated Fact Sheet: HIV/AIDS among Men Who Have Sex with Men: "In the United States, HIV infection and AIDS have had a tremendous effect on men who have sex with men (MSM). MSM accounted for 70% of all estimated HIV infections among male adults and adolescents in 2004 (based on data from 35 areas with long-term, confidential name-based HIV reporting*), even though only about 5% to 7% of male adults and adolescents in the United States identify themselves as MSM."

DOE to Invest $250 Million in New Bioenergy Centers

DOE to Invest $250 Million in New Bioenergy Centers: "JOLIET, IL – U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Samuel W. Bodman announced today that DOE will spend $250 million to establish and operate two new Bioenergy Research Centers to accelerate basic research on the development of cellulosic ethanol and other biofuels. This is an important step toward our goal of replacing 30 percent of transportation fuels with biofuels by 2030,” Secretary Bodman said"

DOE to Invest $250 Million in New Bioenergy Centers

DOE to Invest $250 Million in New Bioenergy Centers: "JOLIET, IL – U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Samuel W. Bodman announced today that DOE will spend $250 million to establish and operate two new Bioenergy Research Centers to accelerate basic research on the development of cellulosic ethanol and other biofuels. This is an important step toward our goal of replacing 30 percent of transportation fuels with biofuels by 2030,” Secretary Bodman said"

California Attorney General Sues Payday Loan Company ( Fast Cash) For $2 Million

California Attorney General Sues Payday Loan Company ( Fast Cash) For $2 Million: " Attorney General Bill Lockyer today filed a $2 million-plus lawsuit against Los Angeles County-based Fast Cash for violating a state law that prohibits payday loan businesses from suing for triple the amount of the check when customers’ bank accounts do not hold sufficient funds. Fast Cash extorted outrageous amounts of money from its customers,” said Lockyer. “They threatened lawsuits, tried to squeeze settlements, and, when that did not work, they deceived the court into a rendering a judgment. Fast Cash could have made a lawful living. Instead, they chose fear and deceit. We will continue ridding this industry of similar frauds.”"

CAlifornia Orders Orange Coast Title to Pay $800,000 to Settle Charges that the Firm Used Illegal Methods

CAlifornia Orders Orange Coast Title to Pay $800,000 to Settle Charges that the Firm Used Illegal Methods: "LOS ANGELES – Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi today announced an agreement with Orange Coast Title Company that requires the firm to pay $800,000 and immediately cease giving illegal inducements to generate more business. "

GSA Alerts Public to Recent E-mail Scheme

GSA Alerts Public to Recent E-mail Scheme: "The U.S. General Services Administration’s (GSA) Office of Citizens Services & Communications is warning the public to avoid falling victim to a recent e-mail scheme that targets users by sending unsolicited e-mails allegedly from FirstGov, the citizen portal operated by GSA"

New Contract Negotiated with Highway Patrol Officers

New Contract Negotiated with Highway Patrol Officers: "The State has negotiated a new contract with the California Association of Highway Patrolmen to replace the contract that expired July 2, 2006. The new agreement, which covers roughly 6,400 CHP officers, runs through July 2, 2010."

CTE Seeking Advisory Panel for HMONG, CANTONESE, ARMENIAN, KHMER, ARABIC, and FARSI LAnguages;CSET for the Commission’s CSET Subject

CTE Seeking Advisory Panel for HMONG, CANTONESE, ARMENIAN, KHMER, ARABIC, and FARSI LAnguages;CSET for the Commission’s CSET Subject: "The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing is currently seeking California educators and professionals who have experience and expertise in speaking, reading, and writing the following languages other than English (LOTE): Hmong, Cantonese, Armenian, Khmer, Arabic and Farsi. "

GSA Announces SmartPay Training Conference

GSA Announces SmartPay Training Conference: "More than 3,700 charge card management officials will be participating in the U.S. General Services Administration’s (GSA) Eighth Annual GSA SmartPay® Training Conference in St. Louis, MO, on August 1-3, 2006. This conference provides annual training and networking opportunities to charge card program managers from across the federal government and other organizations to learn proven practices for managing this program in their respective organizations."

It Doesn't Take a Hurricane to Cause Serious Flood Damage

It Doesn't Take a Hurricane to Cause Serious Flood Damage: "Louisiana residents naturally think of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita when considering how they can protect their homes against wind-driven rain and flooding. But it doesn’t take a hurricane to cause serious property damage. As storm season moves into its more active stage—which for Louisiana is September and October—the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges home and businesses owners to consider retrofitting their property. "

MSHA Seeks to Hire Mine Inspectors in Western States

MSHA Seeks to Hire Mine Inspectors in Western States: "The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is continuing its efforts to hire new mine inspectors by conducting on-site applicant screenings at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden Colo., on August 5 and 6. Registration for all candidates begins at 7 a.m. "

Texas Overtakes California as the Top State for Wind Power

Texas Overtakes California as the Top State for Wind Power: "Texas is now the nation's largest producer of wind power, according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). AWEA's Second Quarter Market Report, released on July 25th, finds that the Lone Star State now hosts 2,370 megawatts (MW) of wind power capacity, besting the nation's historic wind power leader, California, by 47 MW. According to AWEA, California has led the nation in wind power capacity since 1981, when the first commercial wind projects were built there."

Justice Department Settles Race Discrimination Case

Justice Department Settles Race Discrimination Case: "The Justice Department today announced an agreement with the owners and manager of Philadelphia Rental Properties, to settle allegations of discrimination against an African American woman who had sought to rent a home"

Two Defendants Convicted For Conspiracy and Bribery Involving Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Program

Two Defendants Convicted For Conspiracy and Bribery Involving Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Program: "A jury in the District of Columbia convicted an employee and a volunteer of Washington, D.C., Veterans Affairs Medical Center (DCVAMC) on charges of conspiring to commit mail fraud and bribery and committing bribery, "

CDC’s Clinical Studies of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention

CDC’s Clinical Studies of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention: "CDC is sponsoring these trials because safe and effective new approaches to HIV prevention are urgently needed. Worldwide, nearly 11,000 people continue to become infected every day (over four million per year). In the United States alone, an estimated 40,000 people become infected each year. Although behavior change programs have contributed to dramatic reductions in the number of annual infections in the United States and many other nations, far too many people remain at high risk. "

Commerce Promotes Fair Trade with India - Imposes Tariff on Dumped and Subsidized Paper From India

Commerce Promotes Fair Trade with India - Imposes Tariff on Dumped and Subsidized Paper From India: "U.S. Department of Commerce today announced its final decisions in antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on lined paper products from India. The Department of Commerce found that Indian companies are dumping at 3.91 percent to 23.17 percent of the price in India. Also, Commerce found a variety of tax and license programs that subsidized Indian exports by 1.67 percent to 10.24 percent. "

Multiple Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0

Multiple Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0: "US-CERT is aware of multiple vulnerabilities in Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) 6.0. US-CERT is also aware of a public blog that will be posting new web browser bugs on a daily basis in July. US-CERT will be analyzing relevant vulnerabilities, as well as actively monitoring the site to provide additional information as it becomes available"

United States Mint Issues New Nationwide Call for Artists

United States Mint Issues New Nationwide Call for Artists: "The United States Mint is inviting artists from throughout the United States to participate in its Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) to enrich and invigorate the design of coins and medals. A new call for artists will be issued, as the United States Mint announces modifications to the three-year-old program. "

Caution: Deadly Heat Wave Reaches East Coast - Summer’s Peak Has Arrived

Caution: Deadly Heat Wave Reaches East Coast - Summer’s Peak Has Arrived: "August 1, 2006 — NOAA meteorologists blame an unusually strong ridge of high pressure that has been persistent for the last several weeks across much of the central and eastern U.S. for the cause of the heat. More than 50 new all-time high temperature records were established in the central and western U.S. during the last two weeks. "

HUD Hosts Event To Raise Adoption Awareness -HUD houses Freddie Mac Foundation Heart Gallery

HUD Hosts Event To Raise Adoption Awareness -HUD houses Freddie Mac Foundation Heart Gallery: "WASHINGTON – Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson today hosted a kickoff event for the Freddie Mac Foundation Heart Gallery in the HUD Café auditorium. The traveling exhibit features professional portraits of 48 foster children in the DC region who are in need of adoptive homes. "

U.S. Postal Service, Fedex Express Agree To New Contract For Air Transportation Of Mail - New contract will continue through 2013

U.S. Postal Service, Fedex Express Agree To New Contract For Air Transportation Of Mail - New contract will continue through 2013: "The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp., have agreed to a new contract for domestic air transportation of postal express shipments. The new agreement continues through September 2013, and supercedes the current contract which was set to expire in August of 2008."

FDIC Makes Public Actions Taken Against Banks and individuals

FDIC Makes Public Actions Taken Against Banks and individuals: "The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) today released a list of orders of administrative enforcement actions taken against banks and individuals in June. The FDIC processed a total of 24 orders in June. These included 16 removal-and-prohibition orders, two civil money penalty orders, one cease-and-desist order, two terminations of insurance, and three terminations of cease-and-desist orders."

SBA Low-Interest Disaster Loans Are Now Available

SBA Low-Interest Disaster Loans Are Now Available: "As a result of this declaration, low-interest loans are available to small businesses that sustained economic injury due to the power outage,' said Frank Skaggs, Director of SBA Field Operations Center East. 'If your business suffered substantial economic injury from this event you are eligible to apply for assistance.' "

Kids Ride Free on the Hiawatha on the Weekends from June 1 - August 27, 2006 - Amtrak Free Train Rides

Kids Ride Free on the Hiawatha on the Weekends from June 1 - August 27, 2006 - Amtrak Free Train Rides: "Going to Chicago or Milwaukee? Take the kids on a weekend, and their ride is free!
Amtrak is letting kids ride free on the Hiawathas. Travel to Chicago or to Milwaukee or anywhere in between. "

eGames Podcast: Teaching Gamers How to Make Healthy Choices

eGames Podcast: Teaching Gamers How to Make Healthy Choices: "No longer do video and online games belong only to the worlds of fantasy and fiction. A new generation of games focuses on health, teaching gamers how to make healthy choices. Dr. Ian Bogost of the Georgia Institute of Technology explains"

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Waterfowl Hunting Seasons Similar To Last Year

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Waterfowl Hunting Seasons Similar To Last Year: " The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed liberal hunting regulations for the upcoming 2006-2007 late waterfowl seasons due to improved habitat conditions and waterfowl production estimates. Hunting season lengths will be 60 days in both the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways, 74 days in the Central Flyway, and 107 days in the Pacific Flyway."

Even in Extreme Heat, Every New England Home Can Save Energy and Money

Even in Extreme Heat, Every New England Home Can Save Energy and Money: "With gas prices topping $3 a gallon encouraging us to reduce our driving, we should also consider strategies to save money by reducing energy used when we wash dishes, run a load of laundry or cool our homes. One of the most simple, but effective, ways to save energy is to replace a light bulb"

California Issues Warning About Hantavirus Following First Fatal Case Since 2003

California Issues Warning About Hantavirus Following First Fatal Case Since 2003: "The death of a 52-year-old man earlier this month from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a disease spread by rodents, has prompted State Public Health Officer Dr. Mark Horton to remind Californians entering cabins, trailers and other buildings infested with rodents to take precautions to prevent exposure to the virus that causes the disease. "

California Issues Warning About Hantavirus Following First Fatal Case Since 2003

California Issues Warning About Hantavirus Following First Fatal Case Since 2003: "The death of a 52-year-old man earlier this month from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a disease spread by rodents, has prompted State Public Health Officer Dr. Mark Horton to remind Californians entering cabins, trailers and other buildings infested with rodents to take precautions to prevent exposure to the virus that causes the disease. "

California Issues Warning About Hantavirus Following First Fatal Case Since 2003

California Issues Warning About Hantavirus Following First Fatal Case Since 2003: "The death of a 52-year-old man earlier this month from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a disease spread by rodents, has prompted State Public Health Officer Dr. Mark Horton to remind Californians entering cabins, trailers and other buildings infested with rodents to take precautions to prevent exposure to the virus that causes the disease. "

Effects of Electrical Acupuncture and Exercise in Older Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain

Effects of Electrical Acupuncture and Exercise in Older Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain: "The purpose of this study is to determine whether a form of electrical acupuncture, called percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS), can reduce pain and disability in older adults with chronic low back pain (LBP). This study will also determine the effects of general conditioning and aerobic exercise (GCAE) on chronic LBP. "

Teen Marijuana Check-Up: Recruiting Patients for Study

Teen Marijuana Check-Up: Recruiting Patients for Study: "This behavioral research is an efficacy trial evaluating an intervention called “The Teen Marijuana Check-Up” with non-treatment seeking adolescent marijuana users. "

Voting Rights of Military and Overseas Citizens:Justice Department Reaches Agreement with Pennsylvania

Voting Rights of Military and Overseas Citizens:Justice Department Reaches Agreement with Pennsylvania: "The Justice Department today announced that it has reached an agreement with Pennsylvania officials to help ensure that military and overseas voters have an opportunity to participate fully in the state’s federal elections. The agreement resolves a lawsuit filed by the Civil Rights Division in 2004 to enforce the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA)."

FEMA Makes the Call to Those Who May Be Eligible for Travel Trailers

FEMA Makes the Call to Those Who May Be Eligible for Travel Trailers: "Do you have a place to live while your home is repaired? Will you repair or move to another location? How long will repairs take?
FEMA is making calls to all New Yorkers who have registered for assistance and have major damage to their homes in order to determine what their plans are and whether a travel trailer will help solve their housing needs"

FDA Announces Framework for Moving the “Morning after Pill “ to Over-the-Counter Status

FDA Announces Framework for Moving the “Morning after Pill" to Over-the-Counter Status: "FDA announced today it is proceeding to work with Duramed, a subsidiary of Barr Pharmaceuticals, to resolve the remaining policy issues associated with the marketing of Plan B as an over-the-counter option. Plan B is often referred to as emergency contraception or the "morning after pill."

IRS Launching Online Payment Agreement Application

IRS Launching Online Payment Agreement Application: "Tax professionals are helping launch a new system that will allow many individuals who owe delinquent federal taxes to apply online for a payment agreement, the IRS announced today."

Gov. Schwarzenegger Announces Bioenergy Action Plan for California

Gov. Schwarzenegger Announces Bioenergy Action Plan for California: "Biofuels, such as ethanol, can be developed from specially grown crops such as corn and sugar cane, to produce clean, renewable transportation fuels or electricity. Fuels can also be developed from naturally occurring waste, such as rice straw, animal waste and municipal solid waste. "

FEMA or State Disaster Aid Will Not Affect Social Security or Taxes

FEMA or State Disaster Aid Will Not Affect Social Security or Taxes: "New Yorkers who receive disaster grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency or New York State will not pay additional taxes, lose their Social Security benefits or other government benefit programs. "

MEDICARE NURSING HOME PAYMENTS TO INCREASE IN 2007, CMS ANNOUNCES

MEDICARE NURSING HOME PAYMENTS TO INCREASE IN 2007, CMS ANNOUNCES -The 3.1 percent increase will be reflected in Medicare payment rates to nursing facilities that furnish certain skilled nursing and rehabilitation care to Medicare beneficiaries recovering from serious health problems.