Women in the Labor Force: A Databook (2006 Edition)

Women in the Labor Force: A Databook (2006 Edition) -In 2005, just over 59 percent of women age 16 and over were in the labor force. Employed Asian women were more likely than employed white, black, and Hispanic women to work in management, professional, and related occupations (about 45 percent compared with 39, 30, and 22 percent, respectively). Hispanic and black women (31 and 27 percent, respectively) were more likely than white and Asian women (19 and 18 percent, respectively) to work in service occupations.

New Report Shows Teen Births Drop To Lowest Level Ever

New Report Shows Teen Births Drop To Lowest Level Ever: "The teen birth rate in the United States fell to its lowest level ever in 2005, according to the latest birth statistics for the nation, released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)."

Common Mistakes that Cost Bank Customers Money

Common Mistakes that Cost Bank Customers Money: "To err is human…and sometimes it can be expensive. That's why the latest FDIC Consumer News, published by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, features some of the more common and costly mistakes consumers make when using their checking account, credit card or other banking services, along with guidance on how to avoid these errors."

FTC Permanently Halts Unlawful Spyware Operations

FTC Permanently Halts Unlawful Spyware Operations: "Defendants involved with operations that secretly downloaded spyware that changed settings on consumers’ computers, have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that their practices violated federal law. The settlements bar secret software downloads in the future, bar the operators from exploiting security vulnerabilities to download software, and bar misrepresentations. In addition, the operators will give up a total of $50,000 in ill-gotten gains."

2007 TOP SAFETY Auto PICK Award Winners: award criteria are tougher; SUVs eligible for first time

2007 TOP SAFETY Auto PICK Award Winners: award criteria are tougher; SUVs eligible for first time: "The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety announces 13 vehicles that earn TOP SAFETY PICK awards for 2007. Winners include 4 cars, 7 SUVs, and 2 minivans. This award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, and rear crashes based on ratings in Institute tests. Winners also have to be equipped with electronic stability control (ESC)."

Mattel’s Recalls 2.4 million Polly Pocket Magnetic Play Sets

Mattel’s Recalls 2.4 million Polly Pocket Magnetic Play Sets: "CPSC is aware of 170 reports of the small magnets coming out of these recalled toys. There were three reports of serious injuries to children who swallowed more than one magnet. All three suffered intestinal perforations that required surgery. A 2-year-old child was hospitalized for seven days and a 7-year-old child was hospitalized for 12 days. An 8-year-old child was also hospitalized."

New OSHA Ergonomics eTool: OSHA Adds Screen Printing Module to Printing Industry Ergonomics eTool

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently launched a new Screen Printing module as part of its interactive Web-based Ergonomics in the Printing Industry eTool. The module and eTool are products of the agency's Alliance with the Graphic Arts Coalition.

Study of Late Angioplasty after Heart Attack

Study of Late Angioplasty after Heart Attack: "About a third of heart attack patients don’t receive treatment to open blocked arteries within the recommended 12-hour timeframe after a heart attack. For years, people thought that late balloon angioplasty of totally blocked arteries could still prevent future heart problems. According to the results of a large clinical trial, however, stable patients undergoing angioplasty plus stenting three to 28 days after a heart attack did no better than patients on drug therapy alone."

Fat Cells and Cancer Risk

Fat Cells and Cancer Risk: "Obesity has been linked with several types of cancer — including those of the colon, breast, endometrium (the lining of the uterus), kidney and esophagus — but why there’s a link hasn’t been clear. A new study in mice brings researchers one step closer to understanding how excess fat might raise the risk of cancer"

Port of Houston Authority to EPA: Let’s Do It Again

Port of Houston Authority to EPA: Let’s Do It Again: "The Port of Houston Authority was recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today for renewing its commitment to implement environmentally beneficial practices that go beyond regulatory requirements. "

Beef Jerky Recall: Michigan Firm Recalls Beef Jerky Due to Potential for Presence of Animal Drug

Beef Jerky Recall: Michigan Firm Recalls Beef Jerky Due to Potential for Presence of Animal Drug: " a Taylor, Mich., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 23,200 pounds of beef jerky products that may contain the animal drug Doramectin, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today. "

The Holiday Season: Shopping Facts , Figures and Fun - The Census Bureau's Reports

The Holiday Season: Shopping Facts , Figures and Fun - The Census Bureau's Reports: "The holiday season is a time for gathering and celebrating with friends and family, gift-giving and general cheer and rejoicing. To commemorate this time of year, the U.S. Census Bureau presents the following holiday-related facts and figures from its data collection. "

New Disaster Planning Guide Offers Valuable Mass Casualty Care Information

New Disaster Planning Guide Offers Valuable Mass Casualty Care Information: "The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' (HHS) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) today released Providing Mass Medical Care with Scarce Resources: A Community Planning Guide, which provides community planners, as well as planners at the institutional, state and federal levels, with valuable information that will help their efforts to plan for and respond to a mass casualty event (MCE). "

California Announces $7.75 Million-Plus Consumer Protection Settlement with Nation’s Largest Rent-to-Own Business

California Announces $7.75 Million-Plus Consumer Protection Settlement with Nation’s Largest Rent-to-Own Business: "Attorney General Bill Lockyer announced the nation’s largest rent-to-own business, Rent-A-Center, Inc. (RAC), will pay more than $7 million in restitution to thousands of California customers under a settlement, finalized today by the San Francisco County Superior Court, that resolves a consumer protection lawsuit brought by Lockyer"

190,500 Target Toys Recalled due to Laceration and Lead Hazards

190,500 Target Toys Recalled due to Laceration and Lead Hazards: "Some of these toys contain lead paint, which is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. Also, some of the toys have sharp points, posing laceration or puncture wound hazards."

Indoor Air:EPA Develops Indoor Air Package for ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes

Indoor Air:EPA Develops Indoor Air Package for ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes: "EPA has developed specifications to recognize homes equipped with a comprehensive set of indoor air quality measures. Homes that comply with these specifications can use “Indoor Air Package” as a complementary label to the current label used for ENERGY STAR qualified homes. Only ENERGY STAR qualified homes are eligible for the Indoor Air Package label."

Keeping in Touch Using Personal Radio Services - walkie-talkies

Keeping in Touch Using Personal Radio Services - walkie-talkies: "Have you ever been in a place where you can’t use your wireless telephone—like skiing at higher altitudes, camping in a remote area, or even shopping at the mall? There are other wireless services that allow you to keep in touch --- personal radio services."

Microsoft Security Updates for Windows, Internet Explorer, and Adobe Flash

Microsoft Security Updates for Windows, Internet Explorer, and Adobe Flash: "Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows, Internet Explorer, and Adobe Flash could allow an attacker to gain control of your computer. "

New Safety Procedures for Internet Banking

New Safety Procedures for Internet Banking: "Here is both a reminder to Internet banking customers be on the lookout for new safety procedures required by the federal government, and a warning that fraud artists may try to take advantage of the situation to trick consumers into divulging valuable personal information"

Statewide Consumer Network Grants

Statewide Consumer Network Grants: "The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2007 for Statewide Consumer Network Grants. The purpose of this program is to enhance State capacity and infrastructure to be consumer-centered and targeted toward recovery and resiliency, and consumer-driven by promoting the use of consumers as agents of transformation. "

Statewide Consumer Network Grants

Statewide Consumer Network Grants: "The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2007 for Statewide Consumer Network Grants. The purpose of this program is to enhance State capacity and infrastructure to be consumer-centered and targeted toward recovery and resiliency, and consumer-driven by promoting the use of consumers as agents of transformation. "

How Young Adults Obtain Prescription Pain Relievers for Nonmedical Use

How Young Adults Obtain Prescription Pain Relievers for Nonmedical Use: "SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 4 million young adults aged 18 to 25 (12.4%) used prescription pain relievers (analgesics) such as OxyContin® nonmedically within the past year in 2005; in addition, 1.7% of the young adults met the criteria for dependence or abuse of prescription pain relievers in the past year. This report presents data on the source of these prescription pain relievers that were used nonmedically by young adults. "

IRS Makes Settlement Offer to Certain Foreign Embassy Staff

IRS Makes Settlement Offer to Certain Foreign Embassy Staff: "The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged U.S.-based employees and former employees of foreign embassies, foreign consular offices and international organizations to participate in a one-time settlement initiative to resolve tax matters related to their employment."

IRS Has Refund for 95,746 Taxpayers Whose Checks Could Not Be Delivered

IRS Has Refund for 95,746 Taxpayers Whose Checks Could Not Be Delivered: " average refund of $963 is waiting for 95,746 taxpayers whose refund checks have been returned to the Internal Revenue Service as undeliverable."

Honda Hybrids Still Qualify for Tax Credit

Honda Hybrids Still Qualify for Tax Credit: "The Internal Revenue Service announced that purchasers of qualified American Honda Motor Company, Inc., vehicles may continue to claim the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit."

Natural History of Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) in Children and Adolescents

Natural History of Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) in Children and Adolescents: "The goal of this project is to determine the long-term health outcome of children diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux (GER). We are inviting subjects that were previously followed in the Pediatric GI programs at Massachusetts General and Children's Hospital, Boston"

Development of Immune Globulin Treatment for Avian Flu

Development of Immune Globulin Treatment for Avian Flu: "This study will determine how best to use a vaccine for generating high levels of antibodies called immune globulins (IVIG) in people, which, in turn, can be collected and used to develop a possible treatment for avian influenza (bird flu). Immune globulins are proteins made by the body that attack the influenza virus. "

Eating Disorder: Motivating Factors That Play a Role in Bulimia Nervosa

Eating Disorder: Motivating Factors That Play a Role in Bulimia Nervosa: "This study will compare the effects of binge eating to the reinforcing effects of frequently abused drugs by determining whether people with bulimia nervosa will exert effort to be able to binge eat. "

New Report Finds Pain Affects Millions of Americans

New Report Finds Pain Affects Millions of Americans: "One in four U.S. adults say they suffered a day-long bout of pain in the past month, and one in 10 say the pain lasted a year or more, according to the government's annual, comprehensive report of Americans' health, Health United States, 2006, released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics."

OCC Highlights Strategies for Reaching Minority Markets

OCC Highlights Strategies for Reaching Minority Markets: "WASHINGTON — The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today released a new Community Developments Insights report, “ Reaching Minority Markets: Community Bank Strategies ,” examining a variety of methods that banks are using to target specific minority markets in the United States"

Targeted Grants to Reduce Childhood Lead Poisoning: Request for Proposals 2006

Targeted Grants to Reduce Childhood Lead Poisoning: Request for Proposals 2006: "EPA is soliciting grant proposals from eligible entities to conduct activities to reduce incidences of childhood lead poisoning in "

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available: "Residents who are unemployed as a result of the recent severe storms and flooding may be eligible for federal disaster unemployment assistance (DUA) benefits, state and federal officials said today. "

OSHA Unveils New Guidance for Protecting Employees Against Avian Flu

OSHA Unveils New Guidance for Protecting Employees Against Avian Flu: "The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today unveiled new safety and health guidance that alerts employees and employers about the hazards of occupational exposure to avian influenza from infected birds, or 'avian flu,' and provides practical recommendations on ways to avoid infection."

Avian Flu: Guidance for Protecting Employees Against Avian Flu

Avian Flu: Guidance for Protecting Employees Against Avian Flu: "Avian influenza, commonly known as 'avian flu' or 'bird flu,' is caused by influenza type A viruses that normally only occur in birds. Avian flu is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, such as chickens, ducks and turkeys, very sick and kill them. "

Court Shuts Down Media Motor Spyware Operation

Court Shuts Down Media Motor Spyware Operation: "Trojan Program Downloaded Spyware, Adware, Porno Pop-Ups to Consumers’ Computers"

A Program to be Thankful for — Famine Early Warning System Network in Africa

A Program to be Thankful for — Famine Early Warning System Network in Africa: "While some enjoy the festive Thanksgiving Day meal this month, it’s important to remember some countries are less fortunate. Learn how the USGS is working to prevent the future occurrence of drought-induced famine that has devastated Africa in the past."

GIS Day — Discovering the World - November 15

GIS Day — Discovering the World - November 15: "On Nov. 15, geographic information system (GIS) users and vendors around the world are asked to open their doors to schools, businesses and the general public to showcase realworld applications of this important technology"

Get your Head in the Clouds! — See Earth from Space

Get your Head in the Clouds! — See Earth from Space: "Have you ever wondered what your backyard looks like from space? The new Earth from Space exhibit is kicking during Geography Awareness Week and promises to give you breathtaking views from the “eyes” of a satellite. "

Gorge On Turkey Gossip!

Gorge On Turkey Gossip!: "Brush up on your knowledge of your favorite Thanksgiving bird and other feathered friends at the Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter. "

Lacking Mussels in the United States?

Lacking Mussels in the United States?: "You won’t find these mussels in the gym after the holidays, and according to a new USGS, you’re also less likely to find them in your local streams and rivers."

IRS User Fees for Installment Agreement to Increase

IRS User Fees for Installment Agreement to Increase: "The Internal Revenue Service announced today increases in user fees for installment agreements. The increases — the first since the fees were implemented in 1995 — result from increases in labor and other costs of processing the various applications."

Scam Alert: Social Security Cost of Living E-mail Scam

Scam Alert: Social Security Cost of Living E-mail Scam: "The Social Security Administration Agency has received several reports of an email message being circulated with the subject “Cost-of-Living for 2007 update” and purporting to be from the Social Security Administration. The message provides information about the 3.3 percent benefit increase for 2007 and contains the following “NOTE: We now need you to update your personal information. If this is not completed by November 11, 2006, we will be forced to suspend your account indefinitely.” The reader is then directed to a website designed to look like Social Security’s Internet website."

New Publication:TMJ Disorders

New Publication:TMJ Disorders: "Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders, commonly called 'TMJ,' are a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. We don’t know for certain how many people have TMJ disorders, but some estimates suggest that over 10 million Americans are affected. The condition appears to be more common in women than men."

The National Institute on Drug Abuse Announces Summer Internship Opportunities

The National Institute on Drug Abuse Announces Summer Internship Opportunities: "The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is offering summer research training opportunities at their facility in Baltimore, Maryland. Students who are accepted to the program will work side-by-side with some of the world's leading scientists, in an environment devoted exclusively to cutting-edge biomedical research. "

FinCEN Advises Financial Industry on Potential Risks of Shell Companies

FinCEN Advises Financial Industry on Potential Risks of Shell Companies " The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) today issued an advisory to U.S. financial institutions on identifying, assessing and managing the potential risks associated with accounts maintained for shell companies. Today's advisory is being released along with an assessment that shows that shell companies can be exploited by money launderers and other perpetrators of financial crime because of the lack of transparency in the formation process and the inability to identify beneficial owners."

Mortgage Loan Fraud:FinCEN Assessment Reveals Suspected Mortgage Loan Fraud Continues to Rise

Mortgage Loan Fraud:FinCEN Assessment Reveals Suspected Mortgage Loan Fraud Continues to Rise: "An assessment released today by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) reveals that suspected mortgage loan fraud in the United States continues to rise, and has risen 35 percent in the past year."

November Is Diabetes Awareness Month

November Is Diabetes Awareness Month: "November is National Diabetes Awareness Month and once again your opportunity to learn more about diabetes and the risks associated with it. Diabetes is a serious disease that affects the body's ability to produce or respond properly to insulin, a hormone that allows blood glucose (sugar) to enter the cells of the body and be used for energy. Nearly 21 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes, and it is the fifth deadliest disease in the nation. Diabetes has no cure. "

Heartburn or Heart Attack? Preventing GERD Emergencies

Heartburn or Heart Attack? Preventing GERD Emergencies: "Up to 60 percent of patients with NCCP will be diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which affects more than 21 million Americans. (Chest pain or discomfort should prompt urgent medical evaluation."

Amtrak Free Travel Companion Offer for Campus Visits

Amtrak Free Travel Companion Offer for Campus Visits: "Amtrak is pleased to offer the Campus Visit Discount. This discount allows high school juniors and seniors visiting a college campus to take one parent or guardian along as a free companion."

Free CEU: What’s New in Tuberculosis?

Free CEU: What’s New in Tuberculosis?: "Laboratory services are essential in diagnosing and treating patients with tuberculosis. Explore the challenges facing mycobacteriology laboratories today."

Apply For Disaster Aid Before The Dec. 5 Deadline

Apply For Disaster Aid Before The Dec. 5 Deadline: "INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- The Dec. 5 deadline to apply for disaster assistance is drawing near for Indiana residents affected by September’s severe storms and flooding, say officials from the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security"

Testicular Cancer: Study of Individuals and Families at High Risk for Testicular Cancer

Testicular Cancer: Study of Individuals and Families at High Risk for Testicular Cancer: "The purpose of the study to identify new families with familial testicular cancer to determine genetic susceptibility"

Marijuana Abuse:A Brief Marijuana Intervention for Adolescent Women

Marijuana Abuse:A Brief Marijuana Intervention for Adolescent Women: "The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of a brief motivational intervention on marijuana use and sex-risk behavior in young women."

Asthma Inhaler: New Combination Inhaler in Patients With Asthma

Asthma Inhaler: New Combination Inhaler in Patients With Asthma: "The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term safety of the fixed combination asthma drug FlutiForm HFA MDI (containing fluticasone propionate and formoterol fumarate) in adult and adolescent patients with mild to moderate-severe asthma."

Mitigation Saves Time, Money And, Possibly, Lives

Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) are stressing the importance of using hazard mitigation measures when rebuilding, remodeling or building new construction to save time, money and, possibly, lives when future disasters strike.

Patriot’s Day 2007 Gives Some Taxpayers Extra Tax Time

Individuals in six eastern states and the District of Columbia will have an extra day until April 17, 2007, to file their 2006 returns and pay any taxes due according to the Internal Revenue Service.

Update: California Car Buyer's Bill of Rights

A new law establishing the “Car Buyer’s Bill of Rights” substantially impacts the purchase of new and used vehicles. This new law, which takes effect July 1, 2006, affects retail vehicle sales handled by licensed car dealers in California. This new law does not apply to transactions between private parties, motorcycles, or off-highway vehicles.

Car Rental: California Sues Car Rental Company for Illegal Surcharges

Attorney General Bill Lockyer today announced a $700,000-plus settlement of a consumer protection lawsuit against Fox Rent A Car, Inc. that alleges the largest California-based independent car rental company illegally slapped surcharges on those who traveled outside a three-state area and unlawfully forced customers to buy liability insurance.

PEPFAR Ethiopia funds state-of-the-art renovation of Ethiopia’s National HIV/AIDS Reference Laboratory

Addis Ababa (CDC-Ethiopia): Dr. Deborah L. Birx, Director of the Global AIDS Program at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with Dr. Tedros Adhanom, Minister of Health of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, presided over a ceremony to mark the completion of a state-of-the art renovation of Ethiopia’s National HIV/AIDS Reference Laboratory at the Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI).

Free Tours: Hoover Dam Tours Free on Veteran's Day

Waiver of Fees for Veterans and Member of U.S. Armed Forces on Veterans Day

Bureau of Land Management Director Kathleen Clarke announced today that, beginning this Veterans Day (Nov. 11), U.S. veterans, members of the U.S. armed forces and their families will be admitted free-of-charge on the holiday to most public lands managed by the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture.

2007 Inflation Adjustments Widen Tax Brackets, Expand Tax Benefits

Personal exemptions and standard deductions will rise, tax brackets will widen and income limits for IRAs will increase in 2007, thanks to inflation adjustments announced today by the Internal Revenue Service.

Credit for Toyota and Lexus Hybrids Begins Phase-Out With Reporting of Third Quarter Sales

the Internal Revenue Service announced that purchasers Toyota and Lexus vehicles may continue to claim the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit. Given the number of vehicles sold, the phase out period for Toyotavehicles began on Oct. 1, 2006.

Internet Spam:Marketer Settles With FTC for Sending Unwanted E-Mails

A company that sent unsolicited commercial e-mail after consumers asked it to stop has agreed to pay a $50,717 civil penalty to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it violated federal law.

Wild Horse and Burro Program Grant Program

The grant includes maintaining certain herd characteristics, numbers, genetic stock, etc. Management tasks primarily focus on monitoring both the land and the herds, removing excess animals, preparing animals for adoption, adopting animals to the general public, compliance and titling. By law, the BLM must limit its activities to those necessary to get the job done. To provide care for wild horses removed from public lands; teaching animal husbandry; and provide a place to maintain and rest wild horses in route to adoptions or while they are awaiting adoption.

Patriot’s Day 2007 Gives Some Taxpayers Extra Tax Time

Patriot’s Day 2007 Gives Some Taxpayers Extra Tax Time: "Individuals in six eastern states and the District of Columbia will have an extra day until April 17, 2007, to file their 2006 returns and pay any taxes due according to the Internal Revenue Service."

2007 Model Year Cars and Trucks Fuel Economy Guide

2007 Model Year Cars and Trucks Fuel Economy Guide: "You can save $200-$1,500 in fuel costs each year by choosing the most efficient vehicle that meets your needs. This can add up to thousands of dollars over a vehicle’s lifetime. Fuel-efficient models come in all shapes and sizes, so you don't have to sacrifice utility or size. "

Hartford to Pay $55 Million to Settle Directed Brokerage Charges

Hartford to Pay $55 Million to Settle Directed Brokerage Charges: "The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that three subsidiaries of Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. will pay $55 million to settle charges that they misrepresented and failed to disclose to fund shareholders and the funds' Boards of Directors their use of fund assets to pay for the marketing and distribution of Hartford mutual funds and annuities"

Don't Bet On It: Advice to Athletes on Sports Gambling

Don't Bet On It: Advice to Athletes on Sports Gambling: "First, the NCAA—the National Collegiate Athletic Association—has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to sports gambling by its athletes. Get caught betting on a game—even one you're not playing in—and your career as a college athlete is over. "

Don't Bet On It: Advice to Athletes on Sports Gambling

Don't Bet On It: Advice to Athletes on Sports Gambling: "First, the NCAA—the National Collegiate Athletic Association—has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to sports gambling by its athletes. Get caught betting on a game—even one you're not playing in—and your career as a college athlete is over. "

Deceptive Adware Downloads: FTC settles Charges

Deceptive Adware Downloads: FTC settles Charges: "Zango, Inc., formerly known as 180solutions, Inc., one of the world’s largest distributors of adware, and two principals have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they used unfair and deceptive methods to download adware and obstruct consumers from removing it, in violation of federal law. The settlement bars future downloads of Zango’s adware without consumers’ consent, requires Zango to provide a way for consumers to remove the adware, and requires them to give up $3 million in ill-gotten gains."

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding With Truncal Vagotomy

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding With Truncal Vagotomy: "Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB) is a gold standard in the surgical treatment of morbid obesity. We hypothesize that the addition of truncal vagotomy (cutting of nerves to the stomach) will produce greater weight loss and better reduction of co-morbidities (diseases caused by or aggravated by morbid obesity) than LAGB alone. 25 patients will be enrolled and outcomes compared to LAGB historical controls over a post-operative period of 24 months"

Treatment of Severe Alzheimer's Disease: Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of Galantamine Hydrobromide

Treatment of Severe Alzheimer's Disease: Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of Galantamine Hydrobromide: "The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness and safety of galantamine hydrobromide treatment in patients with severe Alzheimer's disease. "

Mortgage Fraud: Real Estate Investor Sentenced to 12 Years for $19 Million Mortgage Fraud

Mortgage Fraud: Real Estate Investor Sentenced to 12 Years for $19 Million Mortgage Fraud: "Bradley J. Schlozman, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a real estate investor was sentenced in federal court today for orchestrating the largest mortgage fraud scheme ever prosecuted in the Western District of Missouri"

Medi-Cal And Medicare Fraud: Attorney General Bill Lockyer Announces Arrests in $1.4 Million Medi-Cal And Medicare Fraud Scheme

Medi-Cal And Medicare Fraud: Attorney General Bill Lockyer Announces Arrests in $1.4 Million Medi-Cal And Medicare Fraud Scheme: "Attorney General Bill Lockyer today announced the arrest of three Los Angeles residents on allegations that they bilked the Medicare program out of more than $1.4 million over a two-year period while also trafficking in Medi-Cal beneficiary information. Among the crimes committed by the trio are the fraudulent reporting of medical services that were never provided and billing for services allegedly provided to patients who were already deceased. "

Auto Theft: Myths versus Facts

Auto Theft: Myths versus Facts: "In 2005, a vehicle was stolen every 25.5 seconds in the United States, based only on data for the 1,235,226 stolen vehicles reported to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Using the FBI’s average valuation of $6,173 per stolen vehicle, this amounts to over $7.6 billion in losses in 2005 – just in vehicle value alone."

Doha 2006 Asian Games: U.S. Citizen Fact Sheet

Doha 2006 Asian Games: U.S. Citizen Fact Sheet: "The Doha 2006 Asian Games will take place in and around Doha, Qatar, December 1-15, 2006. Before You Go: U.S. citizens will need a valid U.S. passport, Qatari visa and a confirmed hotel reservation to travel to Qatar. "

IRS Mileage Rates:IRS Announces 2007 Standard Mileage Rates

IRS Mileage Rates:IRS Announces 2007 Standard Mileage Rates: "The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2007 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning Jan. 1, 2007, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car48.5 cents per mile for business miles driven. "

Federal Jobs: MSHA Seeking New Mine Inspectors

Federal Jobs: MSHA Seeking New Mine Inspectors: "The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is continuing its efforts to hire new mine inspectors by conducting on-site applicant screenings in Syracuse, N.Y., on Nov. 4 and 5, 2006 at the Educational Opportunity Center, 100 New St. Registration for all candidates begins at 7 a.m. "

Social Networking Online:The Buddy System for Safe Social Networking Online

Social Networking Online:The Buddy System for Safe Social Networking Online: "The Federal Trade Commission today announced a new game that quizzes players on their online social networking practices and offers tips to help keep kids and teens safe online."

Gastric Bypass Weight Loss: Study of Effects From Gastric Bypass Weight Loss on Brain Tissue

Gastric Bypass Weight Loss: Study of Effects From Gastric Bypass Weight Loss on Brain Tissue: "This study will evaluate how large, intentional weight reduction affects the human brain and possible ways to reverse the changes associated with excess body weight. Subtle changes in some brain regions occur in people who are overweight."

Marijuana Eradication: Attorney General Lockyer Announces 2006 Campaign Against Marijuana Planting Sets New Seizure Record

Marijuana Eradication: Attorney General Lockyer Announces 2006 Campaign Against Marijuana Planting Sets New Seizure Record: "Attorney General Bill Lockyer today announced the state Department of Justice’s (DOJ) 2006 Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP) set a new record with the seizure of 1,675,681 plants during the eradication season. The total surpasses last years’ record-breaking season by 540,989 plants. The marijuana eradicated by CAMP in 2006 had an estimated street value of more than $6.7 billion. "

Israel Discount Bank of New York Gets Fined by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)

Israel Discount Bank of New York Gets Fined by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN): "The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the New York State Banking Department (NYSBD) today announced the assessment of civil money penalties of $12 million against Israel Discount Bank of New York for violations of federal and state anti-money laundering laws and regulations. This is in addition to the $8.5 million already paid to the New York District Attorney's Office pursuant to an agreement reached with the bank in December 2005. Israel Discount Bank of New York, without admitting or denying the allegations, consented to payment of the civil money penalties"

Cyber Security: How to Pretect Yourself from Cyber Threats

Cyber Security: How to Pretect Yourself from Cyber Threats: "October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, and it’s a good time to make sure you’re protected from the latest dangers lurking in cyberspace. Among the risks: Malicious code—viruses, worms, Trojan horses, etc.—that can disable and even take over your computer without your knowledge ; Pedophiles who prowl the web, looking to exploit your kids and others. "

Contract Solicitation: Internet Services and Audiovisual Contract

Contract Solicitation: Internet Services and Audiovisual Contract: "The California Coastal Commission (CCC) is seeking a vendor to provide audio, visual and live, internet webstreaming services at CCC meetings. The CCC holds public meetings at least once a month in various coastal areas. Meetings currently usually last three consecutive days, but can vary from one to five days in length"

CalPERS Home Loan Program Contract Opportunity

CalPERS Home Loan Program Contract Opportunity: "CalPERS is seeking proposals from mortgage loan master servicers to serve as Manager of the CalPERS Member Home Loan Program. The Manager will have general responsibility for the administration and supervision of the program and will provide certain uniform reports and services to CalPERS. The Manager will, among other duties, provide the services described below"

Halloween Safety Safety Alert

Halloween Safety Safety Alert: "CPSC is aware of serious Halloween-related injuries involving burns from flammable costumes and decorations, including ignition from open flames, such as candles and Jack O' Lanterns. Additional incidents have involved abrasions from sharp objects attached to masks or costumes."

Teen Sexual Harassment: EEOC said Class of Young Women Subjected to Verbal and Physical Sexual Abuse

Teen Sexual Harassment: EEOC said Class of Young Women Subjected to Verbal and Physical Sexual Abuse: "ROCHESTER, N.Y. – A jury in federal district court here has returned a $585,000 verdict in a major sexual harassment lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) against a national residential basement waterproofing company on behalf of a class of 13 young women, mostly teenage girls still in high school, who were subjected to a sexually hostile work environment by male managers and salesmen."

HUD HUD Charges Erie Insurance Group with Race Discrimination

HUD HUD Charges Erie Insurance Group with Race Discrimination: "The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced today that it has charged Erie Insurance Group and five agencies licensed to sell Erie insurance products with violating the Fair Housing Act by providing inferior insurance products to homeowners in African-American neighborhoods than to homeowners in white neighborhoods with comparable homes. Erie Insurance Group serves eleven states and the District of Columbia. HUD's investigation found that Erie's agents did not provide African-American neighborhoods in Syracuse, N.Y., with the same level of insurance coverage they provided for similar homes in predominantly-white neighborhoods in Liverpool, N.Y. "

NIH Announces Awards in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research

NIH Announces Awards in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research: "The Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH) and the Trans-NIH Working Group for Research in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFSWG) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are pleased to announce seven (7) awards in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) research. "

United States Mint Strikes ‘Granite Lady’ Coins

United States Mint Strikes ‘Granite Lady’ Coins: "Making her entrance in silver, the Granite Lady was once again the center of attention in this city as officials got a glimpse today of the silver commemorative coin honoring the San Francisco Old Mint during a ceremony at the current United States Mint at San Francisco. "

Life Insurance Needs Continue Even After the Kids Are Grown, Says the Insurance Information Institute

Life Insurance Needs Continue Even After the Kids Are Grown, Says the Insurance Information Institute: "Couples who believe they no longer need life insurance after their youngest child reaches his or her 18th birthday could leave their family vulnerable to serious financial problems, especially if the sole income-earning parent dies."

Study of Acamprosate for Alcohol Dependence in a Family Medicine Clinic

Study of Acamprosate for Alcohol Dependence in a Family Medicine Clinic: "This is a study of a medication, Campral or Acamprosate, which is an FDA approved medication for alcohol problems. We will be examining whether Campral compared to a sugar pill (placebo) is more effective for helping with drinking in a Family Medicine clinic. "

Prostate Cancer: Pomegranate Juice in Treating Patients With Rising Prostate-Specific Antigen

Prostate Cancer: Pomegranate Juice in Treating Patients With Rising Prostate-Specific Antigen: "Pomegranate juice may keep prostate cancer from growing in patients with rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels after surgery or radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer."

Children With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), a Clinical Trial Study

Children With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), a Clinical Trial Study: "The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes of treatment with oral pantoprazole in children 1 through 5 years of age with endoscopically proven symptomatic GERD. "

Misuse of Prescription Drugs is Second only to Marijuana, According to Federal Report

Misuse of Prescription Drugs is Second only to Marijuana, According to Federal Report: "Misuse of prescription drugs is second only to marijuana as the nation’s most prevalent drug problem, and the annual average number of people using pain relievers non-medically for the first time exceeds the number of new marijuana users according to a study released today by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Most young people aged 12 to 17 get these drugs from friends or family members, not the Internet. "

Free Exhibit Space Available at FTC’s “Tech-ade”

Free Exhibit Space Available at FTC’s “Tech-ade”: "Limited free exhibit space is still available for companies that want to display examples of their cutting-edge technology at the FTC’s three-day public hearings to examine how evolving technology will shape and change the habits, opportunities, and challenges of consumers and businesses in the coming decade. Companies ranging from Microsoft to Moobella, from TiVo to Entertrainer have signed up to exhibit their products in conjunction with the workshop, to be held November 6-8 at The George Washington University Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st Street, NW, Washington, DC 20052."

Identity Theft Continues to Rise, Financial Accounts Targeted

Identity Theft Continues to Rise, Financial Accounts Targeted: "We continue to see a rise in online identity theft cases, leading to the compromise of financial account information. In addition to banking accounts, we are observing increased activity targeting brokerage accounts. We remind users to remain cautious when receiving unsolicited email in order to avoid phishing and keylogger type attacks. We also emphasize the importance of preventative computer security measures to help avoid phishing and other types of attacks"

Off-pump" Bypass Surgery Associated with Reduced Occurrence of Stroke and Other Complications

Off-pump" Bypass Surgery Associated with Reduced Occurrence of Stroke and Other Complications: "Performing a common heart surgery without bypassing the cardiopulmonary system may cut down on the number of surgery-related strokes and other short-term complications, according to a new report by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' (HHS) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)."

Off-pump" Bypass Surgery Associated with Reduced Occurrence of Stroke and Other Complications

Off-pump" Bypass Surgery Associated with Reduced Occurrence of Stroke and Other Complications: "Performing a common heart surgery without bypassing the cardiopulmonary system may cut down on the number of surgery-related strokes and other short-term complications, according to a new report by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' (HHS) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)."