Short-Term Energy Outlook - Global and U.S.Petroleum Markets

Short-Term Energy Outlook - Global and U.S.Petroleum Markets: "August began with a surge in oil prices, as BP Oil Company announced a reduction in oil production from Alaska’s Prudhoe Bay. However, August ended with falling oil prices, led by the earlier-than-expected seasonal decline in gasoline prices. The average retail price of regular motor gasoline fell from $3.04 per gallon on August 7, 2006, to $2.62 per gallon on September 11, 2006, and is expected to fall to an average of $2.55 per gallon in January 2007 before rising again into next summer"

Avian Influenza: What Consumers Need to Know About Avian Influenza

Avian Influenza: What Consumers Need to Know About Avian Influenza: "Avian influenza (AI)--the bird flu--is a virus that infects wild birds (such as ducks, gulls, and shorebirds) and domestic poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese). There is a flu for birds just as there is for humans and, as with people, some forms of the flu are worse than others. "

Suicide Report: Suicidal Thoughts, Suicide Attempts, Major Depressive Episode & Substance Use among Adults

Suicide Report: Suicidal Thoughts, Suicide Attempts, Major Depressive Episode & Substance Use among Adults: "Among adults aged 18 or older who experienced a past year major depressive episode (MDE), 56.3 percent thought, during their worst or most recent episode, that it would be better if they were dead, 40.3 percent thought about committing suicide, 14.5 percent made a suicide plan, and 10.4 percent made a suicide attempt."

Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Vehicle Workshop - October 6, 2006

Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Vehicle Workshop - October 6, 2006: "Learn about the hydrogen refueling stations and fleet programs in Southern California, and why this technology is important to our state. "

California 2007 AmeriCorps Grant Announcement

California 2007 AmeriCorps Grant Announcement: "The California Service Corps (CSC) has funding available for AmeriCorps grants. To learn more about this funding opportunity or submit an application, please download the Request for Application (RFA) below"

Constitution Day is Sept 17

Constitution Day is Sept 17: "On September 17, 1787, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met for the last time to sign the document they had created. The National Archives and Records Administration celebrates this important day in our nation's history by presenting the following activities, lesson plans, and information. We encourage teachers and students at all levels to learn more about our Constitution and government"

Avoid Hurricane Scams and Fraud

Avoid Hurricane Scams and Fraud: "The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is seeing an increase in websites soliciting for charitable donations to aid hurricane survivors. The FBI advises the following for consumers: Do not respond to any unsolicited or spam e-mails; go directly to recognized charities and aid organizations' websites instead of following a link to another site; try to verify the legitimacy of any nonprofit organization; and be cautious of any e-mails claiming to show pictures of the disaster in attached files, as these files may contain viruses."

OSHA Adds Fire Protection Module to Shipyard Employment eTool

OSHA Adds Fire Protection Module to Shipyard Employment eTool: "(OSHA) today launched a new Fire Protection Module as part of its interactive Web-based training tool Shipyard Employment eTool.
The module and eTool are products of Alliances between OSHA and the American Shipbuilding Association, National Shipbuilding Research Program, and the Shipbuilders Council of America."

Youth Suicide Prevention: Louisiana and Mississippi to Receive $2.4 million for Youth Suicide Prevention, Early Intervention

Youth Suicide Prevention: Louisiana and Mississippi to Receive $2.4 million for Youth Suicide Prevention, Early Intervention: "The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) today announced awards of $2.4 million over three years to Louisiana and Mississippi to develop and implement statewide suicide prevention and early intervention activities to benefit youth who are adversely impacted by the hurricanes of one year ago. These grants are being released today to coincide with Suicide Prevention Week (September 10-16). "

Consumer Warning: Liberty Dollars Not Legal Tender, United States Mint Warns Consumers

Consumer Warning: Liberty Dollars Not Legal Tender, United States Mint Warns Consumers: "The United States Mint urges consumers considering the purchase or use of “Liberty Dollar” medallions, marketed by the National Organization for the Repeal of the Federal Reserve Act and the Internal Revenue Code (NORFED), to be aware that they are not genuine United States Mint bullion coins, and not legal tender. "

FOR-PROFIT Software Piracy Web Site Operator Sentenced to 87 Months In Prison

FOR-PROFIT Software Piracy Web Site Operator Sentenced to 87 Months In Prison: "Defendant Made More Than $5.4 Million in Illegal Revenue "

Disaster Aid For New Yorkers Exceeds $125 Million

Disaster Aid For New Yorkers Exceeds $125 Million: "ALBANY, N.Y. -- Families and individuals who suffered damage from the June severe storms and flooding have received more than $125 million in assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of New York."

Spam: FTC Puts a Permanent Halt to Illegal Spamming Operations

FTC Puts a Permanent Halt to Illegal Spamming Operations: "The Federal Trade Commission has brought a permanent halt to four illegal spamming operations – including one that offered the opportunity to “date lonely wives” and two that hijacked the computers of unwitting third parties and used them to pelt consumers with graphic sexually explicit e-mail. The FTC charged the operators with sending spam that violated provisions of the CAN-SPAM Act, and has halted the illegal spamming. "

Investment Busines Workshop: OPIC Workshops Target Minority And Women-Owned Businesses' Access To Global Markets

Investment Busines Workshop: OPIC Workshops Target Minority And Women-Owned Businesses' Access To Global Markets: "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Enabling minority and women-owned U.S. businesses to utilize their competitive advantages in emerging markets is the goal of three workshops to be hosted this fall by the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), OPIC President and CEO Robert Mosbacher, Jr. announced today."

India and U.S.Trade Announcement: U.S. Commerce Department Announces Business Development Mission To India Will Be Largest Ever

India and U.S.Trade Announcement: U.S. Commerce Department Announces Business Development Mission To India Will Be Largest Ever: " U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Franklin L. Lavin today announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s November business development mission to India will be the largest ever led by the federal government. The International Trade Administration (ITA) has accepted the applications of 54 companies for participation in the November Mission."

Oil and Gas Scams: Common Red Flags and Steps You Can Take to Protect Yourself

Oil and Gas Scams: Common Red Flags and Steps You Can Take to Protect Yourself: "If you think you’ve found the right oil or gas investment to “strike it rich,” consider this: it may be a scam. While some oil and gas investment opportunities are legitimate, many oil and gas ventures are frauds. Many of these schemes start in so-called “boiler rooms,” where skilled telemarketers use high pressure sales tactics to convince you to hand over your hard-earned money"

New side crash tests: performance of two Fords improves with side airbags

New side crash tests: performance of two Fords improves with side airbags: "The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently tested four 2007 model vehicles with side airbags: Toyota FJ Cruiser and Ford Freestyle (midsize SUVs); Ford Fusion (midsize moderately priced car) and Ford Crown Victoria (large family car). The FJ Cruiser and Freestyle earn good ratings for protection in side crashes."

High Cholesterol: A Study to Evaluate Ezetimibe| Simvastatin and Niacin

High Cholesterol: A Study to Evaluate Ezetimibe Simvastatin and Niacin: "To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ezetimibe/simvastatin and niacin in patients with high cholesterol."

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment: A Double Blind Trial of Duloxetine

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment: A Double Blind Trial of Duloxetine: "The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of duloxetine compared with placebo for reducing fatigue in patients diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). "

Treatment of Binge Eating Disorder

Treatment of Binge Eating Disorder: "This is a multicenter (2 sites) randomized trial evaluating three group treatment models for subjects with binge eating disorder. One model is a cognitive behavior treatment (CBT) group, one is partial self help, and one is self help only. "

Horses and Burros Bid: BLM Seeks Bids for Two New Pasture Facilities in West

Horses and Burros Bid: BLM Seeks Bids for Two New Pasture Facilities in West: "As part of its responsibility to manage, protect, and control wild horses and burros, the Bureau of Land Management is soliciting bids for two new pasture facilities located west of the Mississippi River. Each pasture facility must be able to provide humane care for and maintain up to 1,500 wild horses and burros over a one-year period, starting about November 1, 2006, with an option under BLM contract for an additional four one-year extensions. The BLM needs additional space for wild horses and burros placed in long-term holding facilities, all of which are currently located in Kansas and Oklahoma."

Cocaine and Six Fugitives Intercepted by CBP Officers at Andrade Port of Entry

Cocaine and Six Fugitives Intercepted by CBP Officers at Andrade Port of Entry: ".S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers conducting routine border security operations at the Andrade border station apprehended six fugitives with outstanding warrants and intercepted 73 pounds of cocaine from September 2 through September 10, officials announced today. The six fugitives were wanted on local, state, and federal warrants. "

HUD, TREASURY, IRS DETAIL $10 BILLION IN TAX BREAKS FOR BUSINESSES IN GULF

HUD, TREASURY, IRS DETAIL $10 BILLION IN TAX BREAKS FOR BUSINESSES IN GULF: "Two-day forum designed to spark huge capital reinvestment in hurricane-affected areas and to promote $10 billion in a package of tax incentives designed to stimulate critically needed business activity and job growth. "

Attorney Honors Program: FCC to Accept Law Student Applications This Fall

Attorney Honors Program: FCC to Accept Law Student Applications This Fall: "The Federal Communications Commission today announced that it has created a fall application window for its 2007 Attorney Honors Program, to better accommodate law students who participate in the traditional fall interview process. As in previous years, the FCC will also seek applications from recent law graduates and graduating students in the spring. "

Attorney Honors Program: FCC to Accept Law Student Applications This Fall

Attorney Honors Program: FCC to Accept Law Student Applications This Fall: "The Federal Communications Commission today announced that it has created a fall application window for its 2007 Attorney Honors Program, to better accommodate law students who participate in the traditional fall interview process. As in previous years, the FCC will also seek applications from recent law graduates and graduating students in the spring. "

Student Loan Repayment:NIH Offers $35,000 in Annual Student Loan Repayment

Student Loan Repayment:NIH Offers $35,000 in Annual Student Loan Repayment: "Starting Friday, September 1, 2006, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will begin accepting applications to its five Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs). Deadline for applications is December 1, 2006."

Barbecue Grill Recall

Barbecue Grill Recall: "Operating the grill in windy conditions can blow the flame under the control panel, causing the grill to overheat or cause flashbacks. Flames could damage the hose that supplies gas to the burner, causing an uncontrolled flame. Also, the grill’s control knobs could overheat, resulting in burns to hands."

Endangered Species Update:U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Updates List of Candidates for Endangered Species Act Listing

Endangered Species Update:U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Updates List of Candidates for Endangered Species Act Listing: "The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today released its updated Candidate Notice of Review, a yearly appraisal of the candidate species list detailing those plants or animals that may warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Ten species have been removed from the candidate list and seven species have been added to the list since the last review in May 2005. There are now 279 species currently recognized by the Service as candidates for ESA protection."

FDIC Consumer Alert – September 11, 2006

FDIC Consumer Alert -"The FDIC has received a report of a new e-mail that has the appearance of being sent from the FDIC. However, instead of a typical phishing e-mail that might ask the recipient to click on a hyperlink to a spoofed Web site, this e-mail appears to deliver malicious software on to the recipient's computer"

NOAA Issues Unscheduled El Niño Advisory

NOAA Issues Unscheduled El Niño Advisory: "Scientists at the NOAA Climate Prediction Center reported today that El Niño conditions have developed in the tropical Pacific and are likely to continue into early 2007. Ocean temperatures increased remarkably in the equatorial Pacific during the last two weeks. 'Currently, weak El Niño conditions exist, but there is a potential for this event to strengthen into a moderate event by winter,' said Vernon Kousky, NOAA's lead El Niño forecaster."

Girls Gone Wild’ Pleads Guilty In Sexual Exploitation Case

Girls Gone Wild’ Pleads Guilty In Sexual Exploitation Case - A California company doing business under the name “Girls Gone Wild” has pleaded guilty to charges that it failed to create and maintain age and identity documents for performers in sexually explicit films that it produced and distributed, and that it failed to label its DVDs and videotapes as required by federal law, Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Gregory R. Miller of the Northern District of Florida announced today.

HUD's New RSS Feed will Alert Users of the Latest Fair Housing News

HUD's New RSS Feed will Alert Users of the Latest Fair Housing News: "HUD’S Office of Fair Housing And Equal Opportunity To Offer Really Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed On Its Web Page "

COPS Office Announces $14.8 Million in School Safety Grants

COPS Office Announces $14.8 Million in School Safety Grants: "Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) today announced $14.8 million in grants to 174 local law enforcement agencies to enhance school safety in 38 states. The grants were awarded under COPS Secure Our Schools program, which supports local efforts to improve security in schools and on school grounds."

HRSA Report Says 15 Percent of Children Are Overweight

HRSA Report Says 15 Percent of Children Are Overweight: "A new HRSA report finds that 14.8 percent of America’s 10- to 17-year-olds are overweight and that 71.3 percent of that age group exercise at least three days a week."

IRS Reminder: Taxpayers Should Check Mailing Addresses for Rev. Proc. 2006-1

IRS Reminder: Taxpayers Should Check Mailing Addresses for Rev. Proc. 2006-1: "Taxpayers seeking IRS Chief Counsel advice as outlined in Revenue Procedure 2006-1 are reminded to submit their requests and additional information to the addresses listed in the revenue procedure. There may be some confusion related to a previous new release, IR-2006-138, concerning which mailing address should be used."

SBA Applications are for Both Individuals and Business Owners

SBA Applications are for Both Individuals and Business Owners: "Following June's severe storms and flooding, many residents who applied for disaster assistance found they were issued a U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan application although they were not business owners. "

Legal Copy Service/Attorney Service Contract Opportunity

Legal Copy Service/Attorney Service Contract Opportunity: "Contractor shall provide Legal Photocopying, Subpoena, and Process Services as needed regarding litigation and legal proceedings involving the State Department of Transportation. Contractor must provide services requested by the State's legal office located in San Diego, CA for various cases located in State and at times, out of State. San Diego Legal Office covers the following Districts and Counties: Riverside, Imperial and Orange County.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Kicks Off in September

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Kicks Off in September: "Just as the National Prostate Cancer Coalition (NPCC) and the White House have declared September National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month for the sixth straight year, new data shows that 52 percent of men over 50 get tested for prostate cancer "

Pay Day Loan Online: California Dept. of Corporations Orders Payday Loan Stores to Stop Lending In State

Pay Day Loan Online: California Dept. of Corporations Orders Payday Loan Stores to Stop Lending In State: "California Department of Corporations (DOC) has brought enforcement actions against four online stores that offer 'pay day loans,' on the ground that the stores have not been licensed in California."

Acid Reflux Study:Safety and Efficacy Study of Axid Use in Infants Suffering From GERD

Safety and Efficacy Study of Axid Use in Infants Suffering From GERD: "The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy,acceptability, and safety of Axid Oral Solution versus placebo in the treatment of GERD in infants age 30 days up to 1 year. "

Avian Influenza: GPS the Latest Tool in Fight Against Avian Influenza

Avian Influenza: GPS the Latest Tool in Fight Against Avian Influenza: "Wearing light solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters, wild swans from Mongolia are winging their way across Eurasia, while land-bound scientists tracking the birds´ journeys on computers say that these unique studies will shed light on how wild birds may be involved in the spread of avian influenza."

Apple Mac Products Affected by Multiple Vulnerabilities

Apple Mac Products Affected by Multiple Vulnerabilities: "Mac OS X, Safari web browser, Mail, and other products are affected by multiple vulnerabilites. Apple has released Security Update 2006-004 to address these vulnerabilities, the most serious of which may allow a remote attacker to place and run malicious code on your computer. "

LeapFrog Recalls 186,000 Children’s Activity Centers

LeapFrog Recalls 186,000 Children’s Activity Centers: "LeapFrog has received 145 reports of children’s arms becoming caught in the plastic tube, resulting in 54 reports of minor scratches and bruises."

FEMA Fraud: FEMA Takes Fraud Seriously in All Forms

FEMA Fraud: FEMA Takes Fraud Seriously in All Forms: "The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has so far identified at least 26,000 applicants who allegedly filed false claims for federal disaster assistance following the 2005 hurricanes. FEMA's recoupment process is underway to recover more than $114.6 million associated with these claims"

2005 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: National Findings

2005 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: National Findings: "In 2005, 19.7 million (8.1%) used an illicit drug, 71.5 million (29.4%) used a tobacco product, and 126 million (51.8%) Americans aged 12 and older used alcohol currently (that is, in the month prior to the survey). The rate of current marijuana use among youths aged 12 to 17 declined from 7.6% to 6.8% between 2004 and 2005. "

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. "