Applying for a Railroad Retirement Annuity

Applying for a Railroad Retirement Annuity: "Railroad employees who are planning to retire should be aware of what steps to take and what documents are required when applying for an annuity from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). Being prepared can prevent needless delays and ensure that payments from the RRB begin as soon as possible after retirement. The following questions and answers describe the application process and other related items that retiring employees should be aware of"

CAlifornia Announces State Farm’s Request for a 10.6 % Reduction in Rates – 1.2 Million California Homeowners and Renters Will Benefit

CAlifornia Announces State Farm’s Request for a 10.6 % Reduction in Rates – 1.2 Million California Homeowners and Renters Will Benefit: "Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi today announced that State Farm Insurance has requested a 10.6% reduction in homeowners’ insurance rates, amounting to $123 million in savings for 1.2 million California homeowners and renters. The average policyholder would save $103 annually. "

Motorcycle Safety: NTSB Announces Agenda For Two-Day Motorcycle Forum

Motorcycle Safety: NTSB Announces Agenda For Two-Day Motorcycle Forum: "The National Transportation Safety Board has announced its agenda for the two-day public forum on motorcycle safety beginning on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 in Washington, D.C. Board Member Debbie Hersman will preside as Chairman of the forum. "

Motorcycle Safety: NTSB Announces Agenda For Two-Day Motorcycle Forum

Motorcycle Safety: NTSB Announces Agenda For Two-Day Motorcycle Forum: "The National Transportation Safety Board has announced its agenda for the two-day public forum on motorcycle safety beginning on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 in Washington, D.C. Board Member Debbie Hersman will preside as Chairman of the forum. "

Hazard Communication: OSHA Accepting Comments on Hazard Communication and the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS

Hazard Communication: OSHA Accepting Comments on Hazard Communication and the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS: "announced today that it will publish an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register on Sept. 12, 2006, seeking public comment on the implementation of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). Adoption of the GHS by OSHA will require OSHA to propose changes to the Agency’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)."

Computer Security: How to Safeguard Your Data

Computer Security: How to Safeguard Your Data: "When there are multiple people using your computer and/or you store sensitive personal and work-related data on your computer, it is especially important to take extra security precautions."

FEMA Warns: Beware Of Identity Thieves

FEMA Warns: Beware of Identity Thieves: "The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency are warning Ohio residents against a particular kind of fraud that always seems to follow in the wake of a major disaster - identity theft."

SAMHSA Awards $41 Million in Grants for Child Mental Health Services

SAMHSA Awards $41 Million in Grants for Child Mental Health Services: "SAMHSA), today announced the award of five cooperative agreements totaling $41 million over six years to provide comprehensive community mental health services for children and youth with serious emotional disturbances and their families"

FTC Closes Door on Spyware Operation

FTC Closes Door on Spyware Operation: "An operation that placed spyware on consumers’ computers in violation of federal laws will give up more than $2 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges. Under a stipulated final judgment and order, the defendants are permanently prohibited from interfering with a consumer’s computer use, including but not limited to distributing software code that tracks consumers’ Internet activity or collects other personal information, changes their preferred homepage or other browser settings, inserts new advertising toolbars or other frames onto their browsers, installs dialer programs, inserts advertising hyperlinks into third-party Web pages, or installs other advertising software code, file, or content on consumers’ computers. "

Triple Fatality at Mississippi Work Site Results in OSHA Citations for Oil and Gas Service Company

Triple Fatality at Mississippi Work Site Results in OSHA Citations for Oil and Gas Service Company: "The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Stringer Oilfield Services and proposed penalties totaling $40,300 following the investigation of a fatal accident at a Raleigh, Miss., work site."

New York Law Prohibits Shutout of Alternative Fuels

New York Law Prohibits Shutout of Alternative Fuels: "A new law in New York will make alternative fuels such as biodiesel and E85 (a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline) more readily available to consumers. New York Governor George Pataki on July 31st signed a law prohibiting the 'exclusivity' contracts between fuel distributors and gas stations."

Active Exploitation of a Vulnerability in Microsoft Word 2000

Active Exploitation of a Vulnerability in Microsoft Word 2000: "US-CERT is aware of reports of a new vulnerability that affects Microsoft Word 2000. According to these reports, this vulnerability is actively being exploited to execute arbitrary code."

FDA Approves First Implanted Artificial Heart

FDA Approves First Implanted Artificial Heart: "Today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first totally implanted artificial heart for patients with advanced heart failure in both of the heart’s pumping chambers. The device is intended for patients who are not eligible for a heart transplant and whose life expectancy without the device is only a month. Heart failure is a serious condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood throughout the body. About 5 million people in the United States have heart failure and it contributes to or causes about 300,000 deaths every year."

Hiring Top Cops: Strategies for Success Webcast

Hiring Top Cops: Strategies for Success Webcast: "The challenge of recruiting and hiring qualified people is a critical issue facing law enforcement in the United States today. Successful recruiting and hiring strategies are essential components for creating a culture of integrity, mutual respect, and trust with the community. A distinguished panel of experts will analyze the current situation and provide information on successful recruiting and hiring strategies. The panel also will also discuss the benefits of hiring in the spirit of service versus hiring in the spirit of adventure"

FEMA And Mississippi Team Up To Provide Safe Shelters

FEMA And Mississippi Team Up To Provide Safe Shelters: "More than $11.8 million from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will help fund storm shelters and safe rooms throughout Mississippi."

September is National Cholesterol Education Month - Know your cholesterol numbers—Know your risk

September is National Cholesterol Education Month - Know your cholesterol numbers—Know your risk: "The theme for Cholesterol Month 2006 is 'Know your cholesterol numbers—Know your risk—Give yourself some TLC.' Cholesterol Month 2006 highlights a new booklet to help the 65 million American adults with high blood cholesterol make the therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) needed to lower their cholesterol and, with it, their risk for heart disease"

Overweight in Early Childhood Increases Chances for Obesity at Age 12

Overweight in Early Childhood Increases Chances for Obesity at Age 12: "The researchers periodically collected height and weight measurements of a sample of children, beginning at age 2 and continuing until age 12. Their analysis, appearing in the September Pediatrics, provides some of the strongest evidence to date that overweight in early childhood increase the chances for overweight in later life"

September is National Preparedness Month -Hundreds of Events and Activities across the Country Promote Emergency Preparedness

September is National Preparedness Month -Hundreds of Events and Activities across the Country Promote Emergency Preparedness: "The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today that more than 1,150 national, regional, state and local organizations have joined the department to take part in National Preparedness Month. This nationwide effort encourages Americans to prepare for emergencies of all kinds in their homes, businesses, schools and communities. "

Early Alcohol Dependence Linked to Reduced Treatment Seeking and Chronic Relapse

Early Alcohol Dependence Linked to Reduced Treatment Seeking and Chronic Relapse: "Individuals who become alcohol dependent before age 25 are less likely to ever seek treatment than those who become alcohol dependent at age 30 or older, according to a new study supported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). "

Only 30 Days Left to Apply for Assistance

Only 30 Days Left to Apply for Assistance: "CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Individuals and businesses affected by the severe storms and flooding of July 27 through August 4 have 30 days to apply for state and federal disaster assistance before the September 30 deadline. More than 5,800 residents in the designated counties of Ashtabula , Geauga, and Lake have applied for assistance and more than $15.7 million in grants and low-interest loans have been approved. "

Funding Opportunities - Environmental Research Grant Announcements

Funding Opportunities - Environmental Research Grant Announcements -The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is offering Graduate Fellowships for master’s and doctoral level students in environmental fields of study. The deadline for receipt of pre-applications is November 28, 2006. Subject to availability of funding, the Agency plans to award approximately 65 new fellowships by July 20, 2007. Master's level students may receive support for a maximum of two years. Doctoral students may be supported for a maximum of three years, usable over a period of four years. The fellowship program provides up to $37,000 per year of support per fellowship.

Targeted Naltrexone for Problem Drinkers - Alcohol Addiction

Targeted Naltrexone for Problem Drinkers - Alcohol Addiction: "The purpose of this study is to determine whether naltrexone, combined with brief coping skills therapy, is effective in the treatment of heavy drinking"

Changes in Muscle Tissue in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer

Changes in Muscle Tissue in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer: "This pilot study is evaluating changes in muscle tissue in patients with pancreatic cancer."

Total Bankruptcy Cases Filed Fall to Lowest in Nearly Five Years

Total Bankruptcy Cases Filed Fall to Lowest in Nearly Five Years: "Bankruptcy filings fell 9.3 percent during the 12-month period ending June 30, 2006. Bankruptcy cases filed in federal courts during that period totaled 1,484,570, down from the 1,637,254 bankruptcy cases filed for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2005. This is the lowest filings have fallen since the 12-month period ending September 2001. "

California Public Health Officer Urges Parents to Take Simple Steps to Protect Children from Head Lice

California Public Health Officer Urges Parents to Take Simple Steps to Protect Children from Head Lice: "Head lice continue to be a problem wherever young children play together,' Horton said. 'Head lice can be transmitted from an infested child to other children through hair-to-hair contact. Sharing beds, pillows, hats, clothing, combs, brushes, barrettes, helmets, scarves, head phones and other personal items should be avoided"

Gotta Catch a Ride to New York!" Sweepstakes

Gotta Catch a Ride to New York!" Sweepstakes: "One grand prize winner will win a family trip for four to New York City to visit Pokémon Headquarters and celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Pokémon and the release of Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew"

Alcoholism Assessment and Treatment

Alcoholism Assessment and Treatment: "This study will provide evaluation and treatment of a broad range of people with drinking problems. The program consists of a state-of-the-art clinical work-up and uses outpatient counseling treatment approaches. "

FOUR GUILTY IN $24 MILLION MEDICARE BILLING SCAM

FOUR GUILTY IN $24 MILLION MEDICARE BILLING SCAM: "An Orange County man who was one of the ringleaders of a large-scale durable medical equipment ('DME') scheme that defrauded Medicare out of millions of dollars was sentenced yesterday to ten years in prison."

Bipolar Disorder Exacts Twice Depression’s Toll in Workplace

Bipolar Disorder Exacts Twice Depression’s Toll in Workplace: "Bipolar disorder costs twice as much in lost productivity as major depressive disorder, a study funded by the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has found. Each U.S. worker with bipolar disorder averaged 65.5 lost workdays in a year, compared to 27.2 for major depression. Even though major depression is more than six times as prevalent, bipolar disorder costs the U.S. workplace nearly half as much — a disproportionately high $14.1 billion annually. Researchers traced the higher toll mostly to bipolar disorder’s more severe depressive episodes rather than to its agitated manic periods."

OCC Publishes Newsletter Covering Revisions to the Community Reinvestment Act

OCC Publishes Newsletter Covering Revisions to the Community Reinvestment Act: "WASHINGTON - National banks invested $638 million to revitalize and stabilize communities in the second quarter of 2006 just one year after revised Community Reinvestment Act regulations took effect, according to a new Office of the Comptroller of the Currency publication."

New FluChip Test Enables Quick Diagnosis of Flu Strains

New FluChip Test Enables Quick Diagnosis of Flu Strains: "Laboratories across the U.S. can perform some basic tests on an influenza (flu) virus within several hours. However, only the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and a handful of other labs around the world have the high-level biosafety facilities needed to perform specialized tests that can reveal critical details about a virus such as its geographic origin. A new test may change that, allowing labs across the country to diagnose influenza infections and learn more about the viruses causing illness."

Advanced HIV Drug Approved for Resistant Infections

Advanced HIV Drug Approved for Resistant Infections: "For years, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, has frustrated drug developers. The virus rapidly mutates and, as parts of its structure change, it becomes resistant to treatment. But doctors will soon have a potent new tool in their arsenal. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved Prezista (darunavir), the first antiviral drug designed to treat drug-resistant strains of HIV. "

IRS Announces Standard Amounts for Telephone Tax Refunds

IRS Announces Standard Amounts for Telephone Tax Refunds: "The Internal Revenue Service today announced the standard amounts that most long-distance customers can use to figure their telephone tax refund. These amounts, which range from $30 to $60, will enable millions of individual taxpayers to request the telephone tax refund without having to dig through old phone bills. "

Sumatran Tiger Cubs' Debut on September 2

Sumatran Tiger Cubs' Debut on September 2: "The National Zoo and FONZ will celebrate the official public debut of the Zoo's three Sumatran tiger cubs on September 2. Come to the Great Cats exhibit to enjoy special talks by Zoo keepers, arts and crafts for kids, giveaways, and discovery tables where kids can see and touch tiger artifacts and objects such as a tiger skull, claws, and pelt, and the big, rubber 'boomer balls' the tigers play with. "

SEC Small Business Forum to Focus on Interactive Data and Capital Formation

SEC Small Business Forum to Focus on Interactive Data and Capital Formation: "The Securities and Exchange Commission's annual Forum on Small Business Capital Formation at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 29, 2006, at its Washington, D.C., headquarters, will focus on the advantages filing interactive data with the SEC can give smaller public companies and on capital formation challenges facing small business. "

New How-To Guide for Removing Data from Storage Media

New How-To Guide for Removing Data from Storage Media: "Before ditching or donating that used computer, CD or other data-storage media, sensitive or personal information should be properly “sanitized,” according to a new guide from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Information systems store information using a wide variety of media, including “hard” copy, such as paper printouts and facsimile ribbons, and electronic media, including cell phones, CDs or DVDs, and hard drives. Even if stored data supposedly has been deleted, in many cases residual data can be retrieved and reconstructed"

U.S. Passports: Vacation Memories A Snap With A Passport Purchased At U.S. Post Offices

U.S. Passports: Vacation Memories A Snap With A Passport Purchased At U.S. Post Offices: "Now, the U.S. Postal Service makes applying for passports a little more memorable for customers. Get a Passport, Travel the World,' a two-month promotional partnership between the Postal Service and Shutterfly, allows customers who apply for a new passport at select Post Office locations to qualify for a free, customer-designed, 20-page Classic Photo Book through Shutterfly (www.shutterfly.com)."

Labor Day 2006: Statistics on the American Worker - Strong, Competitive and Growing

Labor Day 2006: Statistics on the American Worker - Strong, Competitive and Growing: "On Labor Day 2006, our nation's economy is strong and growing. Unemployment is low, job opportunities are expanding, and compensation is rising. But more still needs to be done to keep America's workforce the most competitive and innovative in the world. "

Verizon And Bellsouth Eliminate Imposed DSL Fees: FCC Statement

Verizon And Bellsouth Eliminate Imposed DSL Fees: FCC Statement: "I am pleased that both Verizon and BellSouth have eliminated fees recently imposed on their DSL customers. Consumers should receive the benefits of the Commission's action last summer to remove regulations imposed on DSL service. The continued deployment of broadband at affordable prices for consumers remains my top priority as Chairman.'"

Obesity in Men Linked to Infertility

Obesity in Men Linked to Infertility: "Men with increased body mass index (BMI) were significantly more likely to be infertile than normal-weight men, according to research conducted at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), one of the National Institutes of Health"

U.S. Labor Department Sues Houston Drywall Firm to Recover over $500,000 in Back Wages for Employees Working on Mississippi Gulf Coast

U.S. Labor Department Sues Houston Drywall Firm to Recover over $500,000 in Back Wages for Employees Working on Mississippi Gulf Coast: "The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has sued Benitez Drywall LLC, a Houston-based drywall company, and its owners for alleged violations of the overtime and recordkeeping provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The complaint was filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division following an investigation by the department's Wage and Hour Division (WHD). Back wages are expected to exceed $500,000 for more than 500 construction workers. Also named in the department's lawsuit are Ruben Benitez, president of the company and Hoguer Benitez, vice president."

FDIC Makes Public July Enforcement Actions against Banks and individuals

FDIC Makes Public July Enforcement Actions 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 July. No administrative hearings are scheduled for September."

FEMA Warns Of Inland Flooding From Tropical Depression Ernesto

FEMA Warns Of Inland Flooding From Tropical Depression Ernesto: "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) warns that Ernesto still remains a threat and residents should be aware of inland flooding and other dangers after the storm passes. Federal and state officials remind people in Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and other states along the East Coast to continue to monitor weather forecasts."

Fraud Alert: Hurricane Season and Phishing Sites

Fraud Alert: Hurricane Season and Phishing Sites: "Phishing emails may appear as requests for donations from a charitable organization asking the users to click on a link that will then take them to a fraudulent web site that appears to be a legitimate charity. The users are then asked to provide personal information that can further expose them to future compromises."

Teen drivers' crash rates go down significantly under provisions of California's graduated licensing law

Teen drivers' crash rates go down significantly under provisions of California's graduated licensing law: "The main finding of a new evaluation of graduated licensing is a 23 percent overall reduction in the per-capita crash involvement rate of 16-year-old drivers in California. Crashes went down more in the high-risk situations specifically addressed by graduated licensing — nighttime crash rates went down 27 percent, and crash rates with teen passengers decreased 38 percent. The study was conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety"

Race Discrimination: Retailer Target Corporation Must Face Trial on Race Discrimination Charges

Race Discrimination: Retailer Target Corporation Must Face Trial on Race Discrimination Charges: "The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Chicago has reversed a lower federal court in Milwaukee and ruled that an U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) race discrimination suit against the giant retailer Target Corporation should go to trial. The appeals court found that the EEOC had presented sufficient evidence -- that Target refused to hire four African American applicants for entry-level management positions because of their race -- to require a full trial. The court also held that a trial was required on the issue of whether Target had destroyed employment applications in bad faith, and whether its changed policies with respect to retaining records were sufficient. "

Obesity Surgery Complication Rates Higher Over Time

Obesity Surgery Complication Rates Higher Over Time: "Four of every 10 obesity surgery patients develop a complication, such as a hernia, within 6 months of leaving the hospital, according to a new study by HHS' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The study is the most extensive to date on post-surgical complications from obesity operations based on insurance claims data."

Tribal Leaders Face Arraignment on Theft, Tax and Obstruction of Justice Charges

Tribal Leaders Face Arraignment on Theft, Tax and Obstruction of Justice Charges: "Attorney General Bill Lockyer and U.S. Attorney Kevin V. Ryan today announced seven former officials of the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians will be arraigned Wednesday on 39 federal counts of theft and misuse of tribal casino funds, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, tax evasion and failure to file tax returns."

Strattera Treatment in Adults With ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) NOS

Strattera Treatment in Adults With ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) NOS: "This is an open-label study with daily doses up to 144mg/day Strattera in the treatment of adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. We hypothesize ADHD symptomatology in adults with ADHD NOS will be responsive to Strattera treatment and Strattera treatment (in doses of up to 120 mg / day or 1.5 mg/kg/day, whichever is less) in adults with ADHD NOS will be safe and well tolerated. "

Warning: Identity Thieves Target Young People, Too

Warning: Identity Thieves Target Young People, Too: "You've probably heard or read about 'identity theft,' which happens when someone learns enough private information about another person to be able to withdraw money from a bank account or obtain a new credit card in that other person's name and use it for purchases that will not be paid for. But did you know that adults aren't the only people whose identity is being used by ID thieves?"

Low Carbohydrate Diet Compared to Calorie and Fat Restricted Diet

Low Carbohydrate Diet Compared to Calorie and Fat Restricted Diet: "This study is designed to address the hypothesis that in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), a low carbohydrate diet not specifically restricted in calories compared to low fat, caloric restricted diet over 24 months will cause 5% greater reduction in body weight in patients with obesity and type 2 DM, be safe, and will not have any detrimental effects on serum lipid concentrations. "

Author Outlines Strategy for Landing Scholarships

Author Outlines Strategy for Landing Scholarships: "Charles J. Phillips went to college for free. Now he shares the secrets of just how he did it in his new book, College: Why Should You Pay for It? I Didn’t"

Order Prohibits Debt Reduction Companies from Operating Without A License

Order Prohibits Debt Reduction Companies from Operating Without A License: "Companies must lawfully operate to serve more than 3,100 debt-ridden customers in California "

Travel Alert: Israel, the West Bank And Gaza Travel Warning for American Citizens

Travel Alert: Israel, the West Bank And Gaza Travel Warning for American Citizens: "This Travel Warning is being issued to update information on the general security environment in Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, and to reiterate threats to American citizens and U.S. interests in those locations. The security situation in northern Israel has improved, with a halt to rocket firing into Israel from southern Lebanon following the August 14 cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hizballah as called for by UN Security Council Resolution 1701. While the cessation of hostilities largely has been honored by both sides, the situation remains tense and a possible resumption of sporadic violence cannot be ruled out. "

Travel Alert: Israel, the West Bank And Gaza Travel Warning for American Citizens

Travel Alert: Israel, the West Bank And Gaza Travel Warning for American Citizens: "This Travel Warning is being issued to update information on the general security environment in Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, and to reiterate threats to American citizens and U.S. interests in those locations. The security situation in northern Israel has improved, with a halt to rocket firing into Israel from southern Lebanon following the August 14 cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hizballah as called for by UN Security Council Resolution 1701. While the cessation of hostilities largely has been honored by both sides, the situation remains tense and a possible resumption of sporadic violence cannot be ruled out. "

SAMHSA and Ad Council Launch New Ads to Offer Mental Health Services to Hurricane Survivors

SAMHSA and Ad Council Launch New Ads to Offer Mental Health Services to Hurricane Survivors: "The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Ad Council today launched a series of new national public service print and billboard ads to encourage individuals who may be experiencing psychological distress from last year’s hurricanes to seek mental health services. The PSAs, the latest ads created for the Hurricane Mental Health Awareness Campaign, are being distributed to media outlets nationwide this week to coincide with the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina"

EEOC Settles Sex And Race Suit Against S & Z Tool & Die - $940,000 Settlement To Be Shared Among Class of African Americans and Women Denied Hire

EEOC Settles Sex And Race Suit Against S & Z Tool & Die - $940,000 Settlement To Be Shared Among Class of African Americans and Women Denied Hire: "The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced Friday that it had resolved its lawsuit charging that S & Z Tool & Die Co. discriminated against African American and female applicants in hiring due to their race and sex."

Helping Teens Get Good Grades in Money Management: A How-To Guide from the FDIC

Helping Teens Get Good Grades in Money Management: A How-To Guide from the FDIC: "For teens, saving money may not be as much fun as spending it, but putting dollars aside for their future and learning how to be smart consumers are still important things to do. Teens have access to more money than ever before thanks to allowances, gifts and, for many, income from jobs. Teens also are becoming more responsible for making decisions about everything from small, everyday purchases to saving for college or a car. That's why the latest issue of FDIC Consumer News, published by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, is a special guide to help teens (and many pre-teens) learn how to make good decisions about their money, right from the start. Although the new guide is written for teens, it also can be used by parents and teachers to help them talk about money management with young people."

Justice Department Seeks to Bar Former Jackson Hewitt

Justice Department Seeks to Bar Former Jackson Hewitt: "Civil Suit Alleges California Tax Firm Manager Prepared Returns Claiming False Tax Exemptions During 2005 Tax Filing Season"

Free Asbestos Medical Screening Offered to Workers and Their Families Exposed to Asbestos at former Zonolite|W.R. Grace site in Hamilton, New Jersey

Free Asbestos Medical Screening Offered to Workers and Their Families Exposed to Asbestos at former ZonoliteW.R. Grace site in Hamilton, New Jersey: "ATLANTA – The federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) will offer free medical screening to former workers who might be at risk for past exposure to asbestos during their employment at the former Zonolite/W.R. Grace site in Hamilton, New Jersey from 1948 to 1991."

OSHA Adds Flexography Module to Printing Industry Ergonomics

OSHA Adds Flexography Module to Printing Industry Ergonomics: "WASHINGTON -- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today launched a new Flexography Module as part of its interactive web-based training tool Ergonomics in the Printing Industry eTool. The module and the eTool are products of the agency's Alliance with the Graphic Arts Coalition."

Start Smart: Money Management for Teens

Start Smart: Money Management for Teens - " Saving money may not be as much fun as spending money, but it's still important to do. When you save your money, you can use it later to buy fun things (DVDs, video games, clothes) as well as pay for serious things like college or a car. FDIC Consumer News, published by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, has produced this guide to help teens get good grades in money management."

NOAA Unveils Hurricane Katrina Web Site Capturing The Storm’s Power And Aftermath

NOAA Unveils Hurricane Katrina Web Site Capturing The Storm’s Power And Aftermath: " A year to the day after Hurricane Katrina became the most destructive hurricane ever to strike the United States, NOAA launched a new Web site detailing the development of the storm, its power and destruction. The site also highlights NOAA’s multi-faceted response to the storm’s aftermath, including floods, testing fisheries, clearing waterways, identifying and cleaning up oil spills. In addition, there are dozens of photos and satellite images that capture Hurricane Katrina’s march into the Gulf of Mexico and its subsequent landfall on the U.S. Gulf Coast"

Foreclosures of Subprime Mortgages in Chicago: Analyzing the Role of Predatory Lending Practices," by Morgan Rose.

Foreclosures of Subprime Mortgages in Chicago: Analyzing the Role of Predatory Lending Practices," by Morgan Rose.: " dramatic rise in subprime foreclosures over the past several years has led to calls for restrictions of, or prohibitions against, a range of lending practices loosely termed 'predatory.' Several cities and states have enacted legislation or regulations aimed at eliminating predatory practices, and some advocacy groups have endorsed action nationally. This working paper uses data from the Chicago metropolitan area to examine the impact of two frequently cited predatory lending practices, long prepayment penalty periods and balloon payments, on the probability of foreclosure on subprime refinance and home purchase mortgages."

New Identity Theft Legislation:Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs Legislation to Help Law Enforcement Track, Fight Identity Theft

New Identity Theft Legislation:Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs Legislation to Help Law Enforcement Track, Fight Identity Theft - Governor Schwarzenegger has signed SB 1390 by Senator Poochigian (R-Fresno) that will help law enforcement agencies spot trends of identity theft and more effectively combat the growing crime.

Procedures for Submitting Amendments/Corrections to Trademark Applications After Publication

Procedures for Submitting Amendments/Corrections to Trademark Applications After Publication To improve the tracking and disposition of amendments and requests for corrections to trademark applications submitted after publication, the Office is providing the following recommended procedures. Once an application has been “approved for publication” by the examining attorney, all amendments and requests for corrections are processed as amendments/corrections after publication.

FEMA Prepares For Tropical Storm Ernesto Landfall

FEMA Prepares For Tropical Storm Ernesto Landfall: "The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is ready and supporting state officials as they prepare for Tropical Storm Ernesto, the fifth named storm of the 2006 hurricane season. FEMA continues to closely monitor the storm with the Hurricane Liaison Team at the National Hurricane Center and is coordinating with state and local officials as they make decisions for their communities on evacuations and response activities. "

VA Employee Admits Violating Hatch Act

VA Employee Admits Violating Hatch Act: "The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) has settled a complaint for disciplinary action against Eric Foster, a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employee in Columbus, Ohio, for violating the Hatch Act. "

Prudential to Pay $600 Million in Global Settlement of Fraud Charges in Connection With Deceptive Market Timing of Mutual Funds

Prudential to Pay $600 Million in Global Settlement of Fraud Charges in Connection With Deceptive Market Timing of Mutual Funds: "Commission Also Charges Four Individuals with Fraud- PEG has been ordered to pay a total of $600 million pursuant to a global civil and criminal settlement with the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts, the Commission, the Massachusetts Securities Division, NASD, the New Jersey Bureau of Securities, the New York Attorney General's Office and the New York Stock Exchange. "

Starting a Business in DC? Let the Online Resource Center Guide You Through the Process

Starting a Business in DC? Let the Online Resource Center Guide You Through the Process: "Resources and How to Guides for starting a business in Washington DC"

Adoption Scams Bilk Victims, Break Hearts - The FBI Reports

Adoption Scams Bilk Victims, Break Hearts - The FBI Reports: "The couples all had their hearts set on adopting a child. They were eventually introduced to an Indiana woman who agreed to provide a healthy baby from Russia…for a price. They started to get excited when they saw a picture of their promised child for the first time. Then, they anxiously waited for the day when they could finally meet the new member of their family. "

Army Engineers Make Preparations for Ernesto

Army Engineers Make Preparations for Ernesto: "WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Aug. 28, 2006) – In anticipation of Hurricane Ernesto making landfall along the gulf coast, the South Atlantic Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency and hurricane response operations."

Governor Schwarzenegger Reaches Agreement to Provide Significant Prescription Drug Discounts to Millions of Uninsured Californians

Governor Schwarzenegger Reaches Agreement to Provide Significant Prescription Drug Discounts to Millions of Uninsured Californians: "Recognizing that bringing down the costs of prescription drugs is a component to addressing overall health care affordability, Governor Schwarzenegger today announced a deal with lawmakers to bring down the costs of medications for millions of uninsured Californians"

New Study Seeks to Lower Diabetes Risk in Youth

New Study Seeks to Lower Diabetes Risk in Youth: "The HEALTHY study will determine if changes in school food services and physical education (PE) classes, along with activities that encourage healthy behaviors, lower risk factors for type 2 diabetes, an increasingly common disease in youth."

Clandestine Drug Labs: potential health and environmental dangers of chemicals found in meth labs

Clandestine Drug Labs: potential health and environmental dangers of chemicals found in meth labs: "The clandestine synthesis of methamphetamine (meth) and other illegal drugs is a growing public health and environmental concern. For every pound of meth synthesized there are six or more pounds of hazardous materials or chemicals produced. These are often left on the premises, dumped down local septic systems, or illegally dumped in backyards, open spaces, in ditches along roadways or down municipal sewer systems"

New York Flood Aid Tops $98 Million, Registration Deadlines Extended To October 2

New York Flood Aid Tops $98 Million, Registration Deadlines Extended To October 2: "ALBANY, N.Y. -- State and federal emergency management officials remind New Yorkers that the registration deadlines for all state and federal assistance have been extended. October 2, 2006 is the new deadline for all programs. Families, individuals, and business owners who were adversely affected by the late June severe storms and flooding have received more than $98.9 million in assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Administration, and the State of New York."

CAlifornia Issues Cease and Desist Warning to Geneva World Banc

CAlifornia Issues Cease and Desist Warning to Geneva World Banc: "A warning to cease and desist from doing business in California without a license from the Commissioner of Financial Institutions was issued to Geneva World Banc, 34145 Pacific Coast Highway, #338, Dana Point, California 92629. "

Chiang Sponsors San Gabriel Valley Small Business Fair

Chiang Sponsors San Gabriel Valley Small Business Fair: "John Chiang, Chairman of the State Board of Equalization (BOE), is presenting a free one-day event in San Gabriel to help small business owners understand and comply with tax laws. Small business owners are encouraged to attend and bring their questions about tax laws and regulations. On hand to assist attendees will be representatives from the Board of Equalization, Franchise Tax Board, Employment Development Department, Internal Revenue Service, the Small Business Administration and a number of other local organizations that support small business."

Chiang Sponsors San Gabriel Valley Small Business Fair

Chiang Sponsors San Gabriel Valley Small Business Fair: "John Chiang, Chairman of the State Board of Equalization (BOE), is presenting a free one-day event in San Gabriel to help small business owners understand and comply with tax laws. Small business owners are encouraged to attend and bring their questions about tax laws and regulations. On hand to assist attendees will be representatives from the Board of Equalization, Franchise Tax Board, Employment Development Department, Internal Revenue Service, the Small Business Administration and a number of other local organizations that support small business."

Earn Free 8-Hour CEU: Accounting and Accountability: A Forum on Ethics and Professional Responsibility

Earn Free 8-Hour CEU: Accounting and Accountability: A Forum on Ethics and Professional Responsibility: "The California Board of Accountancy presents a Free 8-Hour CE Forum
Accounting & Accountability: A Forum on Ethics and Professional Responsibility"

Stop Smoking Therapy for Ontario Patients

Stop Smoking Therapy for Ontario Patients: "20% of Ontarians smoke. There was a decline in smoking prevalence from 1995 but it has remained unchanged since 2002. This rate of smoking cessation has not kept up with the rest of Canada. A new strategy is necessary to increase the number of smokers making quit attempts and to increase the odds of quitting long term.The goal of this study is to evaluate the methods and effectiveness of providing nicotine replacement (NRT) to Ontario smokers."

NIDA Community Drug Alert Bulletin: Club Drugs

NIDA Community Drug Alert Bulletin: Club Drugs: "This publication will alert communities to the fact that steroid abuse is a growing problem among adolescents, and to the dangers of steroid abuse. There is increasing concern about the use of steroids and NIDA is in a prime position to provide research-based information. NIDA wishes to inform the public about attempts being made to control steroid abuse, and make the public aware that the Institute is a resource for further information about the problem"

Consumers Warned Against Eating Raw, Imported Crabs

Consumers Warned Against Eating Raw, Imported Crabs: "With the recent identification of an unusual lung infection in two Orange County residents caused by a parasite found in raw, imported, freshwater crabs, State Public Health Officer Dr. Mark Horton today warned consumers that eating raw or undercooked freshwater crabs can cause serious illness. 'Eating raw or undercooked freshwater crabs or crayfish can lead to Lungfluke infection, a serious illness caused by the parasite Paragonimus,' said Horton. 'Do not eat raw or undercooked freshwater crabs or crayfish.'"

The decline of Drug Abuse Among Adolescents aged 12 to 17

The Decline of Drug Abuse Among Adolescents aged 12 to 17: "Nonmedical use of prescription pain relievers was the drug category with the largest number of new users in the 12 months prior to the survey—2.4 million—compared with 2.1 million for marijuana, 1.2 million for nonmedical use of tranquilizers, and 1.0 million for cocaine. Marijuana continued to be the most commonly used illicit drug in 2004, with a rate of 6.1 percent (14.6 million past-month users) for the U.S. population aged 12 and older."

IRS Announces Additional Postponement of Filing and Payment Deadline for Businesses in the Gulf Coast

IRS Announces Additional Postponement of Filing and Payment Deadline for Businesses in the Gulf Coast

Treatment of Depressive Syndrome in Alzheimer’s Disease,

Treatment of Depressive Syndrome in Alzheimer’s Disease,: "The goal of the study is to compare the effectiveness of the active (S)-enantiomer of citalopram, escitalopram with placebo in the treatment of patients with depressive syndrome complicating Alzheimer’s dementia (AD)."

More Than 11 Million College Students Receive Financial Aid

More Than 11 Million College Students Receive Financial Aid: "About 11.2 million college students, or more than half, received some form of financial aid from outside their families to help pay for their education, according to tabulations released today by the U.S. Census Bureau."

IRS Announces Additional Postponement of Filing and Payment Deadline for Businesses in the Gulf Coast

IRS Announces Additional Postponement of Filing and Payment Deadline for Businesses in the Gulf Coast: "As part of the continuing effort to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina, the Internal Revenue Service will grant to businesses in the Gulf Coast an additional postponement of filing and payment requirements. The deadline will be Oct. 16, 2006, which is the same deadline established earlier for certain individual income tax return filers"

IRS Private Debt Collection Resources

IRS Private Debt Collection Resources: "This page contains information pertaining to the Private Debt Collection initiative. The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 authorized the IRS to contract with private firms to collect some outstanding tax debts. As the IRS moves forward with this project, it is taking steps to safeguard taxpayer rights and protect the privacy of taxpayer information."

IRS Private Debt Collection Resources

IRS Private Debt Collection Resources: "This page contains information pertaining to the Private Debt Collection initiative. The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 authorized the IRS to contract with private firms to collect some outstanding tax debts. As the IRS moves forward with this project, it is taking steps to safeguard taxpayer rights and protect the privacy of taxpayer information."

Government Jobs: FAA to Hire Nealry 12,000 Air Traffic Controllers Over Next 10 Years

Government Jobs: FAA to Hire Nealry 12,000 Air Traffic Controllers Over Next 10 Years: "The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today released an updated Air Traffic Controller Workforce Plan designed to address anticipated retirement and replacement of air traffic controllers over the coming decade. The revised document outlines the agency’s plans to hire more than 11,800 new air traffic controllers over the next 10 years."

Genetic Study May Help Identify People Most at Risk for Alcoholism

Genetic Study May Help Identify People Most at Risk for Alcoholism: "Researchers at the Molecular Neurobiology Branch of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health, have completed the most comprehensive scan of the human genome to date linked to the ongoing efforts to identify people most at risk for developing alcoholism. This study represents the first time the new genomic technology has been used to comprehensively identify genes linked to substance abuse. The study can be viewed online and will be published in the December 2006 issue of the American Journal of Medical Genetics Part B (Neuropsychiatric Genetics)."

A Little TLC Goes a Long Way toward Reducing High Cholesterol

A Little TLC Goes a Long Way toward Reducing High Cholesterol: "If you're one of the nearly 65 million Americans with high blood cholesterol, National Cholesterol Education Month (September) is a perfect time to read a new publication designed to help you make the lifestyle changes needed to reduce cholesterol and, with it, your risk for heart disease."

FEMA Develops New Guidelines For Donating Manufactured Homes To Provide Temporary Housing For Disaster Victims

FEMA Develops New Guidelines For Donating Manufactured Homes To Provide Temporary Housing For Disaster Victims: "The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has adopted a new interim policy under which it may donate manufactured housing units to states, local governments and voluntary organizations so they can provide temporary housing for disaster victims of major disasters and emergencies."

Avian Flu Detection Information on Wild Birds Available

Avian Flu Detection Information on Wild Birds Available: "The public can now view a Web site showing current information about wild bird sampling for early detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the United States. Scientists are now using the newly developed database and Web application called HEDDS (HPAI Early Detection Data System) to share information on sample collection sites, bird species sampled, and test results."

Nigeria Travel Warning to U.S. Citizens

Nigeria Travel Warning to U.S. Citizens: "This Travel Warning is being issued to note a deterioration in the security situation in the Niger Delta region, reflected in an increase in the number of kidnappings occurring in that area of the country. It supersedes the Travel Warning for Nigeria issued February 17, 2006. The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens of the dangers of travel to Nigeria. The lack of law and order in Nigeria poses considerable risks to travelers. Violent crime committed by ordinary criminals, as well as by persons in police and military uniforms, can occur throughout the country and tends to peak between November and January, during the holiday period."

U.S. Embassy Beirut Consular Section Re-opens For Limited Visa Services - Lebanese Citizens will be Rescheduled for Interviews

U.S. Embassy Beirut Consular Section Re-opens For Limited Visa Services - Lebanese Citizens will be Rescheduled for Interviews: "The U.S. Embassy offers the following information about important temporary changes to its immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services. Beginning Thursday, August 24 the Consular Section will resume Immigrant Visa processing. Lebanese citizens who were previously scheduled for an immigrant visa interview will be re-scheduled immediately. "

FTC Charges Physician Groups With Price Fixing

FTC Charges Physician Groups With Price Fixing: "The Federal Trade Commission today announced its decision to challenge the conduct of two independent practice associations (IPAs) and 18 member physician practices in the Kansas City area for refusing to deal with health care plans, except on collectively agreed-upon terms, including price. The FTC’s complaint charged that their actions unreasonably restrained competition, in violation of Section 5 of the FTC Act. In settling the FTC’s charges, they will refrain from engaging in such anticompetitive conduct in the future."

USTDA GRANT PROMOTES AVIATION SAFETY IN VIETNAM

USTDA GRANT PROMOTES AVIATION SAFETY IN VIETNAM: "Improving aviation safety in Vietnam consistent with international standards is the focus of a USTDA grant that was awarded today to the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam (CAAV). The grant is part of a $1.4 million two-year safety effort to help Vietnam and the CAAV obtain Category I status under the Federal Aviation Administration’s International Aviation Safety Assessment Program (IASA), which will enable Vietnam’s aviation market to expand both domestically and internationally. "

New IRS Publication Summarizes Tax Benefits to Hurricane Victims

New IRS Publication Summarizes Tax Benefits to Hurricane Victims: "In a continuing effort to assist victims of last year’s hurricanes, the IRS has issued a new publication summarizing the tax incentives to rebuild the Gulf Coast, which are valued at almost $9 billion."