California Announces Arrest of San Francisco Corporate Officer for 49 Felony Counts of Alleged Workers' Comp and Employment Tax Fraud

California Announces Arrest of San Francisco Corporate Officer for 49 Felony Counts of Alleged Workers' Comp and Employment Tax Fraud: "Construction company business owner allegedly underreported payroll to State Compensation Insurance Fund (SCIF) and Employment Development Department (EDD) by total of $5,415,491.66"

Caliifornia Department of Corrections now hiring Physician Assistants

Caliifornia Department of Corrections now hiring Physician Assistants: "The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is recruiting for Physician Assistants, Staff Psychiatrists , nurses, Nurse Practitioners , Chief Dentists , Dental Assistants, Dental Assistants, Physician and Surgeons. Apply Online Today!"

California's Three Tax Agencies Have Simplified the Offer in Compromise Application Process

California's Three Tax Agencies Have Simplified the Offer in Compromise Application Process: "Continuing their efforts to make more services accessible and convenient for more taxpayers, California's three tax agencies have simplified the Offer In Compromise application process.
The Board of Equalization (BOE), Employment Development Department (EDD) and Franchise Tax Board (FTB) have developed a single form, the DE 999CA, Multi-Agency Form for Offer in Compromise, that individuals can use for any of the state's tax agencies."

An Earth-Shaking Experience - Earthquake Science Explained

An Earth-Shaking Experience - Earthquake Science Explained: "Earthquakes pose a significant risk to 75 million Americans in 39 states. Need help explaining the science behind earthquake studies? Two educational tools developed in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Earthquake of 1906"

U.S. Mint Releases 39th Quarter of 50 State Quarters® Program on August 30, 2006

U.S. Mint Releases 39th Quarter of 50 State Quarters® Program on August 30, 2006: "Two American bison roam the Badlands on the North Dakota quarter-dollar, the fourth coin to be released by the United States Mint in 2006 in the phenomenally popular 50 State Quarters® Program.
The public and media are invited to join United States Mint Acting Director David A. Lebryk and Governor John Hoeven at the launch of the North Dakota quarter at the State Capitol Building Mall in Bismarck at 10:45 a.m., Wednesday, August 30. Following the ceremony, the crowd may exchange their paper currency for $10 rolls of newly minted North Dakota quarters. Children 18 years old and younger will receive a free North Dakota quarter."

Need to Reach Uncle Sam? He’s Only a Toll-free Phone Call Away.

Need to Reach Uncle Sam? He’s Only a Toll-free Phone Call Away.: "Need to find out what immunizations are required for your African safari? Or how you can start a small business? Just dial up Uncle Sam at 1 (800) FED-INFO to get help with your questions. It’s the one-stop source for information about the agencies, programs, and activities of the Federal government. From purchasing surplus government property to preparing for emergency situations, 1 (800) FED-INFO can get you to the information you need. "

Male Circumcision and Risk for HIV Transmission: Implications for the United States - CDC Reports

Male Circumcision and Risk for HIV Transmission: Implications for the United States - CDC Reports: "This fact sheet summarizes information in 4 areas of male circumcision: (1) male circumcision and risk of HIV transmission; (2) male circumcision and other health conditions; (3) risks associated with male circumcision; and (4) status of HIV infection and male circumcision in the United States."

Deadlines to Register for Disaster Aid Are Less Than Two Weeks Away

Deadlines to Register for Disaster Aid Are Less Than Two Weeks Away: "New York State and federal officials remind those affected by the June floods that they have less than two weeks left to register for disaster assistance. Register before the deadlines for FEMA and the State program, even if you think your losses will probably be covered by insurance or in some other way. This is especially true for business owners who may qualify for a state grant but still could use a low-interest loan from the Small Business Administration. "

Student Financing of Undergraduate Education

Student Financing of Undergraduate Education: "This report provides detailed information about undergraduate tuition and total price of attendance at various types of institutions, the percentage of students receiving various types of financial aid, and the average amounts that they received. In 2003-04, three-quarters of all full-time undergraduates received some type of financial aid ($9,900 average). One-half took out student loans ($6,200 average), and 62 percent received grants ($5,600 average). "

EEOC Announcement: Court Bars Immigration Queries in Job Discrimination Case; Judge Cites ‘Chilling Effect’

EEOC Announcement: Court Bars Immigration Queries in Job Discrimination Case; Judge Cites ‘Chilling Effect’: "CHICAGO – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) today announced that it has secured another federal court ruling sharply limiting the ability of employers sued for harassment and other forms of employment discrimination to make an issue of the victims’ immigration status. "

Tax Scams : Simple Steps Can Prevent Tax Scams as Private Debt Collection Begins

Tax Scams : Simple Steps Can Prevent Tax Scams as Private Debt Collection Begins: " As the Internal Revenue Service begins its private debt collection initiative, the tax agency reminds taxpayers there are several simple steps that can provide protection against scam artists. Scamsters try a variety of tricks to impersonate the IRS in hopes of tricking taxpayers into divulging personal or financial information or even conning people out of cash. Scam artists try to impersonate the IRS in person, by phone, by e-mail and over the Internet."

OSHA Revises Respiratory Protection Standards

OSHA Revises Respiratory Protection Standards: "New Assigned Protection Factors (APFs) for respiratory protection programs are being incorporated into the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) respiratory protection standard, the agency announced today.
This APF final rule completes the revision of the reserve sections of OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard as published in 1998. The Respiratory Protection Standard will now contain provisions necessary for a comprehensive respiratory protection program, including selection and use of respirators, training, medical evaluation, and fit testing."

Ozone Hole: NOAA, NSF OBSERVE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF OZONE HOLE 'SUCCESS STORY'

Ozone Hole: NOAA, NSF OBSERVE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF OZONE HOLE 'SUCCESS STORY': "Twenty years ago this month, four teams of scientists from NOAA, NASA and two universities arrived in Antarctica seeking to determine the cause of a 'hole' in the Antarctic ozone layer. Their efforts helped determine the chemical basis for the ozone loss and formed the scientific basis for the resulting international treaty phasing out the production of chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, which has led to a decline in ozone-depleting gases."

New Director for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Office

New Director for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Office: "USAID has a long history of partnering with faith-based and community organizations. Leveraging their expertise and dedication has proven a wise public investment, and has greatly enriched our effectiveness in the field. I look forward to facilitating new partnerships as we continue to help build and support the foundations of freedom around the world,' said Ms. Hasdorff. "

USAID Sends Assistance to China Typhoon Victims

USAID Sends Assistance to China Typhoon Victims: "WASHINGTON, DC - In response to the magnitude of damaged caused by multiple typhoons, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing $250,000 through the U.S. Embassy in Beijing to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies' appeal for support of relief operations by the Red Cross Society of China."

RAdiation Emergencies: How to find temporary shelter in a radiation emergency

RAdiation Emergencies: How to find temporary shelter in a radiation emergency: "The terrorist events of 2001 made many people wonder about the possibility of a terrorist attack involving radioactive materials. People who live near but not in the immediate area of the attack may be asked to stay home and take shelter rather than try to evacuate. This action is called “sheltering in place.” Because many radioactive materials rapidly decay and dissipate, staying in your home for a short time may protect you from exposure to radiation."

Crimes Against Children: DOJ Awards $400,000 to Kentucky to Combat Internet Crimes Against Children

Crimes Against Children: DOJ Awards $400,000 to Kentucky to Combat Internet Crimes Against Children Nationwide, between October 1, 2005, and June 30, 2006, the Justice Department-funded ICAC task forces have received over 13,800 complaints of technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation, which includes the possession, distribution, and creation of child pornography, as well as attempts by individuals to lure and travel to meet children for sexual encounters. Investigations initiated from complaints have led to over 1,400 arrests, forensic examinations of more than 6,600 computers, over 2,500 case referrals to non-ICAC law enforcement agencies, and the provision of training for more than 8,000 law enforcement officers and prosecutors.

Crimes Against Children: DOJ Awards $400,000 to Kentucky to Combat Internet Crimes Against Children

Crimes Against Children: DOJ Awards $400,000 to Kentucky to Combat Internet Crimes Against Children Nationwide, between October 1, 2005, and June 30, 2006, the Justice Department-funded ICAC task forces have received over 13,800 complaints of technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation, which includes the possession, distribution, and creation of child pornography, as well as attempts by individuals to lure and travel to meet children for sexual encounters. Investigations initiated from complaints have led to over 1,400 arrests, forensic examinations of more than 6,600 computers, over 2,500 case referrals to non-ICAC law enforcement agencies, and the provision of training for more than 8,000 law enforcement officers and prosecutors.

Cenus Bureua Reports: Child-Support Receipt Up; Reliance on Public Assistance Down

Cenus Bureua Reports: Child-Support Receipt Up; Reliance on Public Assistance Down: "More child support is being received, and a rise in employment rates of custodial parents match a decline in participation in public assistance programs, according to a report released today by the U.S. Census Bureau."

Target Recalls 185,000 Scooters

Target Recalls 185,000 Scooters: "Target has received five reports of incidents and injuries resulting from breaking or collapsing parts. Injuries resulting from falls include: a fractured arm, cracked teeth, bruises to the head, face and arm, a report of a lacerated toe, and scratches."

First 'direct observation' sheds new light on dark matter

First 'direct observation' sheds new light on dark matter: "By observing a rare head-on collision of galaxies at 10 million miles per hour, astronomers have made the first direct detection of 'dark matter'--the mysterious, invisible stuff that comprises at least one-quarter of the universe."

Rise in Motorcycle and Pedestrian Deaths Led to Increase in Overall Highway Fatality Rate in 2005

Rise in Motorcycle and Pedestrian Deaths Led to Increase in Overall Highway Fatality Rate in 2005: "An increase in motorcycle and pedestrian deaths contributed to an overall rise in highway fatalities in 2005, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced today. The total number of fatalities rose 1.4 percent from 42,836 in 2004 to 43,443 in 2005 while the rate of fatalities was 1.47 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT), up from 1.45 in 2004."

EEOC Age Discrimination Settlement: Stillwater School District to Pay $1.12 Million For Age Bias Against Class of Retired Employees

EEOC Age Discrimination Settlement: Stillwater School District to Pay $1.12 Million For Age Bias Against Class of Retired Employees " MINNEAPOLIS – Independent School District No. 834 of Stillwater, Minnesota (Stillwater School District), will pay more than $1 million to former school district employees under a consent judgment resolving an age bias lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency announced today."

Hurricane Season - Know Before You Go

Hurricane Season - Know Before You Go: "American citizens considering travel to storm-prone regions during Hurricane Season should carefully weigh the risks versus benefits of their trip before finalizing plans. Those who choose to travel should devise emergency plans in the event of a major storm. Even inland areas, well away from the coastline, can experience destructive winds, tornadoes, and floods from tropical storms and hurricanes. "

Decline in Apalachicola River Levels Greater than Previously Thought

Decline in Apalachicola River Levels Greater than Previously Thought: "Declines in water levels in the Apalachicola River in Florida´s panhandle occurred over the past 50 years as a result of erosion of the river channel and decreased spring and summer flow from upstream, according to a report released today by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). These declines are greater than previously thought and have caused drier conditions in wetland habitats in the adjacent river floodplain. Consequently, less water now moves into the hundreds of miles of floodplain streams, sloughs, and lakes that are essential to maintain healthy populations of fishes, mussels, and other aquatic life. "

FTC Halts Bogus Claims For “Fuel Saving” Device - Four Million Dollar Settlement Imposes Lifetime Ban on the Sale or Manufacture of Devices

FTC Halts Bogus Claims For “Fuel Saving” Device - Four Million Dollar Settlement Imposes Lifetime Ban on the Sale or Manufacture of Devices: "The manufacturer of a magnetic “fuel saving” and emissions-reduction device that did not save fuel or reduce emissions will pay $4.2 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that his advertising claims were false. The FTC will seek to provide redress to consumers who bought the device based on the false advertising claims. In addition, the defendants will be banned from selling or manufacturing magnetic fuel savings and emissions reduction devices."

Federal Court Bars Arizona Tax Preparer - Prepared Fraudulent Returns

Federal Court Bars Arizona Tax Preparer - Prepared Fraudulent Returns: "A federal judge in Phoenix has permanently barred Jeffrey R. Hunn, of Snowflake, Ariz. from preparing federal tax returns for others, the Justice Department announced today. U.S. District Court Judge Frederick J. Martone found that Hunn’s fraudulent tax return preparation had resulted in approximately $1.5 million in harm and potential harm to the federal Treasury."

Commercial Spam Messages Fraud Indictment - Company Sent Untraceable Bulk Email

Commercial Spam Messages Fraud Indictment - Company Sent Untraceable Bulk Email: "United States Attorney Carol C. Lam announced that on August 9, 2006, a federal grand jury sitting in San Diego handed up a three-count indictment charging Joshua Edward Eveloff and Michael Steven Twombly with conspiracy and fraud in connection with the generation of commercial electronic mail messages. The indictment alleges that Eveloff and Twombly engaged in the business of sending untraceable bulk unsolicited commercial electronic mail messages, commonly known as “spam messages,” over the Internet for profit. "

Schwarzenegger Signs Legislation to Complete Million Solar Roofs Plan

Schwarzenegger Signs Legislation to Complete Million Solar Roofs Plan: "Consumers who install solar panels on their homes and businesses can sell excess energy back to power companies for credit on their monthly bills. This credit is a key incentive for consumers to install solar panels. Currently, the cap on the number of customers who can use this option is .5 percent. SB 1 raises this to 2.5 percent. Raising the ceiling will provide part of the needed financial incentive to bring more solar power on to the grid. "

RIK(Royalty in Kind ) Crude Oil Sale Nets New Contracts - 8.5 million barrels have been sold to 7 companies

RIK(Royalty in Kind) Crude Oil Sale Nets New Contracts - 8.5 million barrels have been sold to 7 companies: "More than 8.5 million barrels of Royalty in Kind (RIK) crude oil from the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific Ocean have been sold to seven companies as part of an unrestricted sale conducted by the Department of the Interior’s Minerals Management Service (MMS). The contracts announced today, for a total of approximately 8,577,500 barrels of crude, or 47,000 barrels per day, are for six-month terms with delivery scheduled to begin October 1, 2006. The 8.5 million barrels of crude oil will convert to more than 350 million gallons of petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel fuel, heating oil, jet fuel, heavy fuel oil, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and other products."

NASA Announces Florida Hurricane-Research Media Briefing -

NASA Announces Florida Hurricane-Research Media Briefing -: "Media may observe a demonstration flight of the Aerosonde unmanned aerial system. This small, remotely piloted aircraft will make observations in hurricanes where the atmosphere meets the sea. It will gather data unobtainable by crewed aircraft due to safety risks. The aircraft will be controlled by satellite from NOAA's National Hurricane Center, Miami."

CMS ANNOUNCES GRANTS TO STATES TO EXPAND CARE OPTIONS FOR CHILDREN WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

CMS ANNOUNCES GRANTS TO STATES TO EXPAND CARE OPTIONS FOR CHILDREN WITH MENTAL ILLNESS: "Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the availability of $218 million for up to 10 state Medicaid programs to provide community-based alternatives to Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRFT) for children. This funding opportunity is an integral piece of the President’s New Freedom Initiative and will allow young people who need psychiatric care to live at home while receiving that care. "

First images of hydrogen engine combustion captured

First images of hydrogen engine combustion captured: "Images of hydrogen combustion have been captured for the first time in an internal combustion engine operating at real-world speeds and loads by engineers at DOE's Argonne National Laboratory. This window into the inner workings of a hydrogen-powered engine is helping to optimize the engines for street use."

MEDICARE POSTS AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTER TRANSPARENCY INFORMATION

MEDICARE POSTS AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTER TRANSPARENCY INFORMATION: "To help consumers, providers, and payers make more informed health care decisions, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is making available Medicare payment information for 61 procedures performed in Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs). An ASC is an accredited, freestanding facility that operates exclusively for the purpose of providing surgical services to patients not requiring hospitalization. "

Census Announces St. George, Utah is the Fastest-growing Metro Area

Census Announces St. George, Utah is the Fastest-growing Metro Area: "The city slogan for St. George, Utah, is “Simply Gorgeous!” Many seem to agree because the former farming community nestled in the Rockies is the nation’s fastest-growing metro area between April 1, 2000, and July 1, 2005. Palm Coast, Fla. — located south of Jacksonville on the Atlantic Ocean — is the fastest-growing micro area."

New Law Revises Nonprofit Orgnanization Tax Rules

New Law Revises Nonprofit Orgnanization Tax Rules: "On August 17, the President signed the Pension Protection Act of 2006. The new law contains numerous changes to the tax law provisions affecting tax-exempt organizations. Key provisions include the following:"

Prostate Cancer Clinical Trial: Evaluate Risk Factors Which Predict the Transformation of Early Stage to Clinically Aggressive Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer Clinical Trial: Evaluate Risk Factors Which Predict the Transformation of Early Stage to Clinically Aggressive Prostate Cancer: "Environmental factors such as diet and cigarette smoking may play a role in predicting the progression of early stage prostate cancer to advance disease. The goal of this project is to establish an observational cohort of patients with early stage prostate cancer who elect not to undergo radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy to evaluate risk factors which predict the transformation of early stage to clinically aggressive disease."

Protecting Your Identity : The FBI Reports

Protecting Your Identity : The FBI Reports: "Identity theft occurs when someone becomes you. What’s the motivation for this surreptitious subrogation? Of course in most cases, it’s financial gain, but perpetrators also use false identities to get a job, to get healthcare, or to commit a different crime. "

DOJ Announces Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Campaign- one in seven child Internet users has received sexual solicitations

DOJ Announces Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Campaign : "The sexual victimization of children - including child pornography offenses and enticement crimes - is a widespread problem in the United States. The Internet continues to provide new avenues for child predators to contact and groom their victims. According to “Online Victimization of Youth: Five Years Later,” a Department of Justice study, one in seven child Internet users has received sexual solicitations, one in three has been exposed to unwanted sexual material and one in 11 has been harassed. Also according to the study one in three child Internet users had communicated with someone that they did not know in person and one in nine formed close relationships with someone they met online. "

HUD Charges Chicago Property Owners with Violating Fair Housing Act refused to rent one-bedroom apartment to a couple and their infant son

HUD Charges Chicago Property Owners with Violating Fair Housing Act refused to rent one-bedroom apartment to a couple and their infant son : "The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced today that it has charged Draper and Kramer, Inc., with violating the Fair Housing Act for refusing to rent an apartment to a family because the presence of the family's infant child would exceed Draper and Kramer's self-imposed occupancy limit. The Fair Housing Act makes it unlawful for a housing provider to discriminate because of children in the household, which includes placing unreasonable limitations on occupancy."

HUD CHARGES ILLINOIS LANDLORD WITH VIOLATING FAIR HOUSING ACT- Landlord owner refused accessible parking space to disabled woman

HUD CHARGES ILLINOIS LANDLORD WITH VIOLATING FAIR HOUSING ACT- Landlord owner refused accessible parking space to disabled woman: "The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced today that it has charged Georgina Estrada, a Schaumburg, Illinois, property owner, and her son, Martin Estrada, with violating the Fair Housing Act for refusing to provide an accessible parking space to a tenant with physical disabilities."

Effect of Revival Soy on Weight Loss and Skin, Hair, and Nails in Premenopausal Women

Effect of Revival Soy on Weight Loss and Skin, Hair, and Nails in Premenopausal Women: "The purpose of this study is to determine if dietary consumption of Revival Soy can improve the appearance of the skin, hair, and finger nails and support weight loss in overweight, premenopausal women. "

Effect of Revival Soy on Weight Loss and Skin, Hair, and Nails in Premenopausal Women

Effect of Revival Soy on Weight Loss and Skin, Hair, and Nails in Premenopausal Women: "The purpose of this study is to determine if dietary consumption of Revival Soy can improve the appearance of the skin, hair, and finger nails and support weight loss in overweight, premenopausal women. "

Draft Guidance on Improving Security of Home Computers : NIST Seeks Comments

Draft Guidance on Improving Security of Home Computers : NIST Seeks Comments: "The National Institute of Standards and Technology is looking for comments on new guidelines aimed at helping end-users, in particular telecommuting federal employees, improve the security of their personally owned desktop and laptop computers that run Windows XP Home Edition in a small office or home office environment. Like their larger office counterparts"

DOE Launches Web Site and Solicitation for Loan Guarantee Program

DOE Launches Web Site and Solicitation for Loan Guarantee Program: "DOE has launched a new Web site to support its $2 billion Loan Guarantee Program, which was announced on August 7th. The site includes a solicitation that was released on August 8th, calling for projects that support the President's Advanced Energy Initiative. Specifically, the solicitation requests proposals relating to biomass, hydrogen, hydropower, solar, and wind energy; hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles; and industrial energy efficiency."

Services Honor Pets Lost In Hurricanes

Services Honor Pets Lost In Hurricanes: "Friends and strangers joined together in New Orleans Sunday afternoon to show customary respect for their dearly departed. The honorees on this occasion were the beloved pets lost last summer to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Honorees were best friends, sole companions, and family members. God's creatures one and all. Furry four-legged cats and dogs as well as snakes, ferrets, pigs, and all other pets were properly mourned and celebrated with music provided by the Treme Brass Band and the Toryville Stompers."

NOAA ADDS FOUR NEW DART BUOYS TO THE U.S. TSUNAMI WARNING SYSTEM

NOAA ADDS FOUR NEW DART BUOYS TO THE U.S. TSUNAMI WARNING SYSTEM: "August 21, 2006 — NOAA completed a month-long cruise today aboard the R/V Blue Fin to install deep-ocean assessment and reporting of tsunami, or DART, buoy stations in Alaskan waters. The mission also included service and upgrades to two existing DART stations. The DART system provides real-time tsunami detection as waves travel across open waters. This deployment brings the total U.S. network to 19 DART II stations."

New DOT Rule Requires Automakers to Tell Consumers if New Vehicles Are Equipped with Event Data Recorders (EDR)

New DOT Rule Requires Automakers to Tell Consumers if New Vehicles Are Equipped with Event Data Recorders (EDR): "Automakers will be required, for the first time ever, to tell new car buyers if an Event Data Recorder (EDR) has been installed under a new rule issued today by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Event Data Recorders are electronic devices that capture crash data in the few seconds before, during and after a crash. EDRs do not capture any data unless there is a collision that is severe enough to cause the airbag to deploy. While automakers are not required to install EDRs, approximately 64 percent of the model year 2005 passenger vehicles came equipped with the device. This new rule will not require automakers to install EDRs if they are not already doing so."

Top 10 Tips to Help Parents Keep Costs Down On Back-To-School Supplies: California Schools Chief Jack O’Connell Offers Advice

Top 10 Tips to Help Parents Keep Costs Down On Back-To-School Supplies: California Schools Chief Jack O’Connell Offers Advice: "State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell today offered his top 10 tips to help parents save some of their hard-earned money while still adequately providing their children with school supplies for the start of the traditional school year. According to a National Retail Federation survey, the average family intends to spend about $527 this year for back-to-school supplies . "

FirstGov is First in Report's Ratings

FirstGov is First in Report's Ratings: "Washington DC – FirstGov.gov, the U.S. government’s official Web portal, has been named the top-ranked federal website in Brown University’s 7th annual report on State and Federal E-Government in the United States, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced today."

FEMA Weekly Recovery Information Update: Aid for New York Flooding Hits $85 Million

FEMA Weekly Recovery Information Update: Aid for New York Flooding Hits $85 Million: " With deadlines for New York State and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster aid less than three weeks away, State and federal officials intensify their public outreach to ensure New Yorkers affected by the June severe storms and floods receive all eligible disaster assistance available"

FEMA: Ready for 2006 Hurricane Season

FEMA: Ready for 2006 Hurricane Season: "FEMA approaches the 2006 hurricane season with a renewed sense of commitment, improvement and urgency, building on a solid foundation of experienced professionals and the lessons learned from last year’s unprecedented disaster response activities. The 2005 hurricane season tested our nation as never before, and we are committed to increasing our preparedness for catastrophic events and smaller-scale disasters. "

Travel Car Free in Santa Barbara and Save!

Travel Car Free in Santa Barbara and Save!: "Amtrak is a partner with the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District’s Santa Barbara Car Free program which encourages car free travel to the many sights and attractions that Santa Barbara and the surrounding region has to offer.
Register on the Santa Barbara Car Free website for a 20% discount for travel aboard Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and San Joaquins."

FONZ Recruiting Volunteers for National Zoo's Elephant House and Small Mammal House

FONZ Recruiting Volunteers for National Zoo's Elephant House and Small Mammal House: "Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ), the nonprofit support organization of the Smithsonian's National Zoo, is recruiting volunteers to serve as interpreters at the Zoo's Elephant House and Small Mammal House.
Exhibit interpreters play a critical role at the Zoo by engaging the Zoo's 2 to 3 million annual visitors, explaining the natural history and status of the Zoo's animals, raising awareness about efforts to conserve endangered species, and sharing animal artifacts, such as bones, feathers, and fur."

Gov. Schwarzenegger Highlights Work On Behalf of Minority-Owned and Small Businesses and Enterprise Zones

Gov. Schwarzenegger Highlights Work On Behalf of Minority-Owned and Small Businesses and Enterprise Zones

Male contraception: NESGel-1, To Evaluate Nestorone Gel in Combination With Testosterone Gel

Male contraception: NESGel-1, To Evaluate Nestorone Gel in Combination With Testosterone Gel: "The purpose of this study is to determine the usefulness of two transdermal gels to be used in the future development for a male contraceptive."

Kit for New Parents Order Fullfillment Contract Opportunity

Kit for New Parents Order Fullfillment Contract Opportunity: "This RFP is for the production and/or procurement of all components in the Kit. It includes the order, assembly and shipping of Kits to individuals and to our partners for a period of three (3) years. Since its inception, the Kit has been available in English and Spanish versions. Additional versions are being developed in Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese and Korean. All of these versions will be produced and disseminated in this agreement. The contractor will be provided with masters of the Kit components in each language, and the contractor will be responsible for producing and/or procuring Kit components in all designated languages."

Photography | Video Services Contract Opportunity - Bid Deadline September 6, 2006

Photography Video Services Contract Opportunity - Bid Deadline September 6, 2006: "CalPERS requires the services of video, multimedia, and production support firms to assist in the production or distribution of video and multimedia communication presentations"

Impact Of Viagra On Sexual Satisfaction Of Men With Mild Erectile Dysfunction Who Are Sexually Dissatisfied

Impact Of Viagra On Sexual Satisfaction Of Men With Mild Erectile Dysfunction Who Are Sexually Dissatisfied: "Men's quality of life (QoL) is potentially affected by mild erectile dysfunction (ED) to the same extent as it is by moderate and severe ED. This study will provide controlled clinical data measuring efficacy, QoL parameters and satisfaction changes in men with mild ED treated with Viagra versus those treated with a placebo. With an open-label extension, this study will also provide all study subjects the opportunity to receive the active drug treatment for 6 weeks."

State Farm Ins. to Implement Good Driver Reforms

State Farm Ins. to Implement Good Driver Reforms: "Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi today announced that State Farm Insurance, California’s largest auto insurer, has ended its battle against his Good Driver Reforms, and is seeking an 8% average reduction for its policyholders while simultaneously implementing the new regulations.
State Farm’s action means that most of its nearly 3 million policyholders will see an annual reduction in premium rates totaling $204 million. That amount, combined with earlier reductions by the Auto Club of Southern California and USAA Insurance, brings the dollar savings for consumers to nearly $370 million since the reforms were introduced last year. "

Leonard Announces Free Tax Seminar For Nonprofit And Exempt Organizations In Roseville Area

Leonard Announces Free Tax Seminar For Nonprofit And Exempt Organizations In Roseville Area: "Bill Leonard, Member of the California State Board of Equalization (BOE), and Assemblymember Tim Leslie are sponsoring a free one-day tax seminar to assist nonprofit and exempt organizations in Roseville and surrounding South Placer County. Leonard encourages those involved with nonprofit and exempt organizations to attend and learn how tax laws and reporting requirements affect their operations. Topics will include property taxes, employment taxes, sales taxes, and other relevant tax laws for nonprofit organizations. "

Tax Inspectors to Search for Unlicensed Retailers

Tax Inspectors to Search for Unlicensed Retailers: "Bay Area businesses will soon receive letters from the State Board of Equalization (BOE) informing them of upcoming site inspections through a pilot program beginning this month. A new team of inspectors will focus on San Francisco and San Mateo Counties to make sure stores are properly registered with a seller’s permit to collect and forward taxes to the State. "

Payday Loan Company Pays More Than $500,000 in Back Wages to 900 Workers

Payday Loan Company Pays More Than $500,000 in Back Wages to 900 Workers: "The U.S. Department of Labor announced today that Q.C. Financial Inc., a payday loan establishment that operates under the name of Quick Cash, has paid $519,088 in back wages to 900 employees to correct violations of the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The corporation is headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., and has numerous locations throughout the U.S. "

U.S. military Task Force to support flood victims in Ethiopia CJTF-HOA Public Affairs

U.S. military Task Force to support flood victims in Ethiopia CJTF-HOA Public Affairs: "CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti – A convoy of American Naval Engineers (also known as “Seabees”) traveled from Camp Lemonier, Djibouti to Dire Dawa, Ethiopia today to provide humanitarian relief assistance to the population affected by the recent flooding that has killed hundreds and left thousands without homes. "

New Law Expands IRA Options for Military; Many Can Still Contribute for 2004 and 2005

New Law Expands IRA Options for Military; Many Can Still Contribute for 2004 and 2005: "Members of the military serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and other combat zone localities can now put money into an individual retirement account, even if they received tax-free combat pay, according to the Internal Revenue Service. Under the Heroes Earned Retirement Opportunities (HERO) Act, signed into law on Memorial Day, taxpayers can now count tax-free combat pay when determining whether they qualify to contribute to either a Roth or traditional IRA. Before this change, members of the military whose earnings came entirely from tax-free combat pay were generally barred from using IRAs to save for retirement."

FEMA Grants $250,000 To Remove Building From Floodplain

FEMA Grants $250,000 To Remove Building From Floodplain: "PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today the approval of a grant totaling more than $250,000 for the acquisition and demolition of the Moore Building, a commercial structure located in the Beaver Pond Creek floodplain in the Town of Bluefield, Virginia."

Labor Day Weekend Camping in California Parks

Labor Day Weekend Camping in California Parks: "The following is a list of parks with camping availability during all or part of the Labor Day holiday weekend. Availability is subject to change. These sites usually fill-up by early Friday before a holiday weekend. If you are planning on camping at a first-come, first-served site, please allow for back-up plans if no sites are available."

IRS Begins Outreach to Entertainment Industry on Gift Bags Following Academy Agreement

IRS Begins Outreach to Entertainment Industry on Gift Bags Following Academy Agreement: "WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today the beginning of an outreach campaign to the entertainment industry regarding the taxability of gift bags and promotional items. The effort follows an agreement announced today between the tax agency and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences."

Chemotherapy Complications Greater Than Previously Estimated

Chemotherapy Complications Greater Than Previously Estimated: "Sixteen percent of women who underwent chemotherapy for breast cancer experienced serious adverse effects requiring emergency care or hospitalization, according to a new study supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)."

Update: AVIAN INFLUENZA Low Pathogenic H5N1 vs. Highly Pathogenic

Update: AVIAN INFLUENZA Low Pathogenic H5N1 vs. Highly Pathogenic: "There are two types of avian influenza (AI) that are identified as H5N1. A difference exists in the virus classification; one is low pathogenic (LPAI) and the other is highly pathogenic (HPAI). Pathogenicity refers to the ability of the virus to produce disease"

CAlifornia Announces Record-Shattering $274.4 Million in Court-Ordered Recoveries in Medi-Cal Fraud Cases

CAlifornia Announces Record-Shattering $274.4 Million in Court-Ordered Recoveries in Medi-Cal Fraud Cases: "Attorney General Bill Lockyer today announced the state Department of Justice’s Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse (BMFEA) in fiscal 2005-06 won a record-shattering $274.4 million in court-ordered recoveries of funds ripped off from the Medi-Cal program, continuing the BMFEA’s unmatched enforcement record during Lockyer’s tenure."

SRI LANKA Travel Warning for American Citizens

SRI LANKA Travel Warning for American Citizens: "This Travel Warning provides security information and alerts American citizens traveling to or living in the northern and eastern areas of Sri Lanka of the heightened potential for terrorist actions, including attacks against civilians. This situation is likely to continue for some time. Over the last several months, acts of terrorism including bombings and political assassinations have occurred in Sri Lanka."

Halting Human Trafficking: 31 Arrests in Major Prostitution Ring

Halting Human Trafficking: 31 Arrests in Major Prostitution Ring: "A 15-month investigation of a assive prostitution network based in New York and stretching from Rhode Island to Virginia culminated in the arrests Tuesday of 31 defendants in seven states and the District of Columbia, the FBI announced with officials from the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the New York City Police Department."

Two Southern Californians Allegedly Help Businesses Evade Tax

Two Southern Californians Allegedly Help Businesses Evade Tax: "The Justice Department announced today that it has sued two Southern Californians—David Clancy Jr. of Hacienda Heights and Jovita Arcaro of Rancho Cucamonga—seeking to block them from promoting two alleged tax scams. According to the government’s civil injunction complaint, filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, the two promote a scheme that helps businesses evade federal employment tax by disguising a portion of employees’ wages as other payments.

Scam Alert : Fraudulent E-Mail Claims to Be From the FDIC

Scam Alert : Fraudulent E-Mail Claims to Be From the FDIC: "The FDIC is aware of a phishing e-mail that has the appearance of being sent from the FDIC. The name 'Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation' appears on the 'From' line and the subject is, 'IMPORTANT: Notification of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.'"

NTIA Awards Contract for Management of Key Internet Functions of Domain Names to ICANN

NTIA Awards Contract for Management of Key Internet Functions of Domain Names to ICANN: "The Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration today announced the award of a sole source contract to ICANN to perform technical functions supporting the Internet Domain Name system. "

Update:Public Exploit Code Being Used to Actively Exploit a Vulnerability in Microsoft Server Service

Update:Public Exploit Code Being Used to Actively Exploit a Vulnerability in Microsoft Server Service: "In addition to the previously reported active exploitation of a vulnerability in Microsoft Server Service, US-CERT has received reports of automated attacks and bot activity involving systems that have not been patched against this vulnerability. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges"

The Role of Vitamins E and C in Maintaining Lung Health in People With Asthma

The Role of Vitamins E and C in Maintaining Lung Health in People With Asthma: "This study will determine if airway antioxidant levels in allergic asthmatics are enhanced with a combination of vitamin E and vitamin C therapy."

Memory Aid for Informed Consent in Alzheimer's Research

Memory Aid for Informed Consent in Alzheimer's Research: "The purpose of this trial is to test whether a memory and organizational aid in the form of a document that summarizes and simplifies a study's key points can improve the decision-making abilities and competency of mild to early moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. "

Grants Manager Posititon for Museum of Latin American Art

Grants Manager Posititon for Museum of Latin American Art: "MoLAA’s Grants Manager is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive plan to maximize income from government and private foundations through competitive grants. This position offers a generous benefit package, including paid holidays, health, dental insurance, and 401k plan. Salary DOE"

New contract negotiated with California Law Enforcement Employees

New contract negotiated with California Law Enforcement Employees: "State negotiators have reached an agreement with CAUSE – Statewide Law Enforcement Assn. (bargaining unit 7) to revise and extend their current contract until June 30, 2008. In addition to pension and health benefit changes sought by the Administration, the new contract will aid recruitment of State park rangers, fish and game wardens, special agents, and public safety dispatchers, where salary lags have led to vacancy rates of 18 to 30 percent. "

A Science or Engineering Bachelor's Degree Is Good for You

A Science or Engineering Bachelor's Degree Is Good for You: "Earning a bachelor's degree in science or engineering (S&E) appears to serve the recipient well in the workforce, regardless of the job they do. In fact, according to a National Science Foundation (NSF) survey, people who have earned an S&E bachelor's degree generally report that science and engineering knowledge is important to their job"

FEMA to Host Emergency Management Meeting with New England Adjutant Generals

FEMA to Host Emergency Management Meeting with New England Adjutant Generals: "In the first meeting of its kind, Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host a meeting of all six New England Adjutant Generals to discuss the regions emergency preparedness and plans for all-hazards response. In addition to the Adjutant Generals, The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), 5th Army, and NOAA will be represented and discuss their roles and activities regarding emergency management."

New Findings Offer More Complete View of Breast Cancer Gene Mutations in U.S. Population

New Findings Offer More Complete View of Breast Cancer Gene Mutations in U.S. Population: "A large study funded by the National Institutes of Health today provided the clearest picture yet of the prevalence in the U.S. population of mutations in two genes associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The genes are called Breast Cancer 1 (BRCA1) and Breast Cancer 2 (BRCA2). In addition, the study identified key predictors for assessing which women are most likely to carry these genetic mutations. "

New SAMHSA Publication: Substance Abuse Treatment Guide for Cocaine or methamphetamine Abuse

New SAMHSA Publication: Substance Abuse Treatment Guide for Cocaine or Methamphetamine Abuse: "A structured approach for treating adults who abuse or are dependent on methamphetamine or cocaine is outlined in the new publications package Matrix Intensive Outpatient Treatment for People with Stimulant Use Disorders (IOP) released today by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)."

Recall Alert: 2.7 million Dell Notebook Computer Batteries Recalled

Recall Alert: 2.7 Million Dell Notebook Computer Batteries Recalled: "Dell has received six reports of batteries overheating, resulting in property damage to furniture and personal effects. No injuries have been reported. The recalled batteries were sold with or sold separately to be used with the following Dell notebook computers: Latitude™ D410, D500, D505, D510, D520, D600, D610, D620, D800, D810; Inspiron™ 6000, 8500, 8600, 9100, 9200, 9300, 500m, 510m, 600m, 6400, E1505, 700m, 710m, 9400, E1705; Dell Precision™ M20, M60, M70 and M90 mobile workstations; and
XPS,™ XPS Gen2, XPS M170 and XPS M1710. "

Attorney General Announces New Web Site for Veterans and Members of the Armed Services

Attorney General Announces New Web Site for Veterans and Members of the Armed Services: "Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales today announced the launch of a new Web site designed to safeguard the civilian employment rights, voting rights and financial security of members of the Armed Services and veterans. The Web site, http://www.servicemembers.gov is a partnership between the Justice Department and other federal agencies that oversee these protections."

New E-Scam: Scam Preying On Americans’ Emotions For U.S. Deployed Soldiers

New E-Scam: Scam Preying On Americans’ Emotions For U.S. Deployed Soldiers: "The FBI has received reports concerning multiple e-mail hoaxes claiming to be from a soldier deployed to Iraq. The individual claims to possess millions of dollars and requests assistance in moving the funds. The funds allegedly came from a soldier who was an orphan and recently died while on a mission in Iraq. The individual claims he needs assistance donating the funds to an American orphanage."

Agency Awards $3.7 Million Contract to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned

Agency Awards $3.7 Million Contract to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned: "Under the terms of the award to SMS, all laptop computers across the entire VA system will be the first to receive critical data security encryption programs followed by desktop PCs. Portable media, like flash drives and CDs, are also included in the security encryption program."

Halloween “Mansion After Dark” Event at Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park

Halloween “Mansion After Dark” Event at Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park: "See the Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park in a whole new light...Lights Out! This unique Halloween “Mansion After Dark” event will highlight the families who lived at the mansion. For a “Lights Out” adventure, be prepared for bats, great pumpkins, coffins and Halloween ghost tales in the dark."

CalOHI Hosting WEDI Audiocast: Security & Privacy Issues Impacting the Electronic Health Record (EHR)

CalOHI Hosting WEDI Audiocast: Security & Privacy Issues Impacting the Electronic Health Record (EHR): "There are many barriers to implementing an EHR, including regulations from the paper medical record era; the anti-kick back statute; the Stark anti-referral rule; malpractice concerns; HIPAA's privacy and security regulations; and in some contexts, the anti-trust law. This audiocast will outline the pluses and minuses that other federal laws and regulations bring to the EHR environment."

Pharmacy Providers: Emergency MMA Drug Supply Update -View changes to the Emergency Drug Benefit for dual eligibles effective September 2006

Pharmacy Providers: Emergency MMA Drug Supply Update -View changes to the Emergency Drug Benefit for dual eligibles effective September 2006: "Effective September 15, 2006, the California Department of Health Services (CDHS) will no longer pay for claims to the Emergency Drug Benefit (EDB) with dates of service prior to May 17, 2006."

California State of Emergency Employers affected by Wildfires Notice

California State of Emergency Employers affected by Wildfires Notice: "Employers in San Bernardino County who were directly affected by the wildfires may request up to a 60-day extension of time from EDD to file their State payroll reports and deposit State payroll taxes without penalty or interest. This extension, applicable only to the second and third quarters of 2006, may be granted under Section 1111.5 of the California Unemployment Insurance Code (CUIC). Written requests for extension must be received with a postmark date of September 11, 2006, or earlier. "

5th Annual Security Awareness Fair Presentations Now Available

5th Annual Security Awareness Fair Presentations Now Available - Presentations include Database Attacks, How to Protect the Corporate Assets, Theft Identity & Access Management, Spyware Update and Wireless Vulnerabilities and Exploits.

Report Warns Of More Frequent Coastal Flooding And Rising Sea Levels

Report Warns of More Frequent Coastal Flooding and Rising Sea Levels: "The California Climate Action Team has released a summary report of 17 scientific studies examining the potential impacts of climate change on California. Officials discussed the report, the science and what the state is doing to take action on reducing heat-trapping gases that threaten to cause more frequent coastal floods, rising sea levels, beach erosion and disruptions to wetlands. The presentation was held at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. "

Notice of Pending Liquidation to Holders of Common Stock

Notice of Pending Liquidation to Holders of Common Stock: "The Benj. Franklin Federal Savings and Loan Association (Benj. Franklin) of Portland, Oregon was closed by the Resolution Trust Corporation on September 7, 1990. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has been serving as successor receiver (the “FDIC”) for Benj. Franklin since January 1, 1996. Pursuant to applicable federal law, 12 U.S.C. Section 1821 (d) (11) (v), the FDIC shall pay surplus funds in the receivership to shareholders of Benj. Franklin after payment of all creditors and the administrative expenses of the receivership"

Dept. of Homeland Security Adjusts Threat Level from Red to Orange For In-Bound Flights from the UK

Dept. of Homeland Security Adjusts Threat Level from Red to Orange For In-Bound Flights from the UK: "Effective immediately, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced an adjustment in the aviation threat level from RED to ORANGE for flights from the United Kingdom to the United States. There will not be any operational changes for domestic flights in the United States. Thus, the U.S. threat level remains at ORANGE, or ‘High,’ for all domestic and international flights. The ban on liquids and gels in carry on baggage remains in full effect. "

Toyota Tundra Recall

Toyota Tundra 2006 Recall: "Certain CK Motorsports Combination Headlights, Clear Corner, Bumper, And Side Marker Lights Sold As Replacement Lamps For Use On The Passenger Vehicles. Some Combination Lamps That Are Not Equipped With Amber Side Reflectors Fail To Conform To Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, Lamps, Reflective Devices, And Associated Equipment."

Free Online CEU, CNE and CME: HIV Risk Reduction Strategies for Health Care

Free Online CEU, CNE and CME: HIV Risk Reduction Strategies for Health Care: "Viewers can expect to be able to discuss evidence-based behavioral interventions and ongoing research for HIV prevention with persons living with HIV (PLWH), describe examples of interventions, and identify opportunities and methods for providers to link PLWH to local HIV prevention "

Free CEU, CNE: Incorporating HIV Prevention into the Medical Care of Persons Living with HIV (CD-ROM

Free CEU, CNE: Incorporating HIV Prevention into the Medical Care of Persons Living with HIV (CD-ROM: "This program discusses the rationale for providing HIV prevention in medical care settings and describes the key components of Recommendations for Incorporating HIV Prevention into the Medical Care of persons living with HIV. "