IRS Workshop: New Internet-Based Workshop Helps Tax Exempt Organizations Remain in Compliance

IRS Workshop: New Internet-Based Workshop Helps Tax Exempt Organizations Remain in Compliance: "WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service has launched a new Internet-based version of its popular Exempt Organizations Workshop covering tax compliance issues confronted by small and mid-sized tax-exempt organizations, including charities and churches. "

Tax Time Tips - Choosing an Accountant

Tax Time Tips - Choosing an Accountant: "It is believed that up to 10,000 illegal tax preparers work in California, according to the California Tax Education Council. Remembering that a tax preparer has access to your Social Security Number, address, and other private information, it is important to know that the only people legally allowed to charge a fee to complete an income tax form for someone else in California are: "

Tax Time Tips - Choosing an Accountant

Tax Time Tips - Choosing an Accountant: "It is believed that up to 10,000 illegal tax preparers work in California, according to the California Tax Education Council. Remembering that a tax preparer has access to your Social Security Number, address, and other private information, it is important to know that the only people legally allowed to charge a fee to complete an income tax form for someone else in California are: "

Tax Time Tips - Choosing an Accountant

Tax Time Tips - Choosing an Accountant: "It is believed that up to 10,000 illegal tax preparers work in California, according to the California Tax Education Council. Remembering that a tax preparer has access to your Social Security Number, address, and other private information, it is important to know that the only people legally allowed to charge a fee to complete an income tax form for someone else in California are: "

Weekly Transportation Fuels Trend - For the week of January 16, 2007

Weekly Transportation Fuels Trend - For the week of January 16, 2007: "The average price in California for a gallon of regular gasoline decreased by 4.9-cents from the previous week.
The average statewide price for regular was $2.583.

Refunds Available For Deceptive Internet Yellow Pages Ads

Refunds Available For Deceptive Internet Yellow Pages Ads: "More than 65,500 businesses and nonprofit organizations in California were found to have received and deposited the automatic “activation checks” since January 1, 2003. Businesses and nonprofit groups have six months to their file claims for refunds. Each former customer could receive restitution for up to four months of fees paid that ranged from $24 to $29 per month."

Cal Grant GPAs Emergency Regulation May Become permanent

Cal Grant GPAs Emergency Regulation May Become permanent: "The Commission recently issued an emergency regulation extending the grace period for requests to submit late Cal Grant GPAs for certain 2006-07 Cal Grant Entitlement applicants if the late submission was out of the control of the applicant. The Commission completed reviewing these late Cal Grant GPAswith students’ FAFSA information, and is pleased to announce that we made 118 additional 2006-07Entitlement Cal Grant awards as a result of this change in policy!"

Acne Treatment Study: E-Visit Program for the Management of Acne

Acne Treatment Study: E-Visit Program for the Management of Acne: "The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy, timeliness, and user satisfaction of an online 'E-Visit' application that uses store-and-forward technology for acne patients requiring dermatologic care for their condition. An 'E-Visit' is an effective alternative to in-person clinic care for patients with mild to severe facial acne"

Acne Treatment Study: E-Visit Program for the Management of Acne

Acne Treatment Study: E-Visit Program for the Management of Acne: "The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy, timeliness, and user satisfaction of an online 'E-Visit' application that uses store-and-forward technology for acne patients requiring dermatologic care for their condition. An 'E-Visit' is an effective alternative to in-person clinic care for patients with mild to severe facial acne"

Study of Safety and Efficacy of an Oral Contraceptive

Study of Safety and Efficacy of an Oral Contraceptive: "The primary objective of the study is to assess the efficacy of a low dose oral contraceptive in the prevention of pregnancy."

USPTO Begins New Electronic Priority Document Exchange Program

USPTO Begins New Electronic Priority Document Exchange Program: "On January 16, 2007, the United States Patent and Trademark Office, along with the European Patent Office (EPO), implemented a new service to allow certified copies of patent application priority documents to be exchanged between the two offices electronically. Priority documents have to be filed when applicants wish to claim an earlier application filing date in one patent office based on a prior filing in another. The new service, which is free of charge to applicants, is the result of a 2005 agreement between the USPTO and the European Patent Office. Priority document exchange will get underway between the USPTO and the Japan Patent Office (JPO) later this year."

OPIC Board Approves $60 Million for Hotel Project in Afghanistan

OPIC Board Approves $60 Million for Hotel Project in Afghanistan: "WASHINGTON, D.C. – The board of directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) approved $60 million in financing for construction of a 209-room, five-star hotel in Afghanistan, a project that will provide accommodation for foreign investors, an important boost to reconstruction efforts in the country, and a gateway for returning Afghan citizens who have spent time outside of their homeland. "

FERC Unveils New Natural Gas & Electric Market Oversight webpage

FERC Unveils New Natural Gas & Electric Market Oversight webpage: "The new site will update monthly more than 50 graphs on market indices such as electric and gas prices, generated and delivered electric power and gas pipeline and storage volumes. "

IRS Selects New Members for Information Reporting Program Advisory Committee

IRS Selects New Members for Information Reporting Program Advisory Committee: "The Internal Revenue Service has selected eight new members for the Information Reporting Program Advisory Committee (IRPAC). The appointees join 15 returning members who are in the second or third year of their three-year terms."

Government Web Site Renamed USA.gov

Government Web Site Renamed USA.gov: "Where do you go to find out how to apply for a U.S. passport? Or whether you can bid in a government auction? Or how to protect yourself from identity theft?"

Government Jobs: New Mine Inspectors Wanted -Applicant Screenings to be held Jan. 20 and 21 in Morgantown, W.Va.

Government Jobs: New Mine Inspectors Wanted -Applicant Screenings to be held Jan. 20 and 21 in Morgantown, W.Va.: "MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is continuing efforts to hire new mine inspectors by conducting on-site applicant screenings Jan. 20 and 21, 2007, starting a 7 a.m., at MSHA's district office, 604 Cheat Road, Morgantown, W.Va. "

Government Jobs: New Mine Inspectors Wanted -Applicant Screenings to be held Jan. 20 and 21 in Morgantown, W.Va.

Government Jobs: New Mine Inspectors Wanted -Applicant Screenings to be held Jan. 20 and 21 in Morgantown, W.Va.: "MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is continuing efforts to hire new mine inspectors by conducting on-site applicant screenings Jan. 20 and 21, 2007, starting a 7 a.m., at MSHA's district office, 604 Cheat Road, Morgantown, W.Va. "

Government Jobs: New Mine Inspectors Wanted -Applicant Screenings to be held Jan. 20 and 21 in Morgantown, W.Va.

Government Jobs: New Mine Inspectors Wanted -Applicant Screenings to be held Jan. 20 and 21 in Morgantown, W.Va.: "MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is continuing efforts to hire new mine inspectors by conducting on-site applicant screenings Jan. 20 and 21, 2007, starting a 7 a.m., at MSHA's district office, 604 Cheat Road, Morgantown, W.Va. "

Celebrating Irish-American Heritage Month - St. Patrick's Day March 17, 2007

Celebrating Irish-American Heritage Month - St. Patrick's Day March 17, 2007: "34.7 million
of U.S. residents who claim Irish ancestry. This number is almost nine times the population of Ireland itself (4.2 million). Irish is the nation’s second most frequently reported ancestry, trailing only those of German ancestry. 31% percent of people of Irish ancestry, 25 or older, who had a bachelor’s degree or more education."

Fastest growth and decline in employment by county, June 2005-2006

Fastest growth and decline in employment by county, June 2005-2006: "In June 2006, Collin County, Texas, a Dallas suburb, had the largest over-the-year percentage increase in employment among the Nation’s largest counties. "

375,000 Teethers Recalled Due to Choking Hazard

375,000 Teethers Recalled Due to Choking Hazard: "The flexible plastic ring that holds the teether beads in place can crack or break, and the beads can detach, posing a choking hazard to infants."

375,000 Teethers Recalled Due to Choking Hazard

375,000 Teethers Recalled Due to Choking Hazard: "The flexible plastic ring that holds the teether beads in place can crack or break, and the beads can detach, posing a choking hazard to infants."

IRS E-File Opens for 2007 Filing Season

IRS E-File Opens for 2007 Filing Season: "WASHINGTON — Taxpayers may file their 2006 tax returns electronically beginning today as the Internal Revenue Service opens the e-file program following a record-setting year."

VA Helps Disabled Veterans Take to the Slopes

VA Helps Disabled Veterans Take to the Slopes: "WASHINGTON – Recently wounded veterans from the Global War on Terror will be among 350 disabled veterans who will ski the Rocky Mountains at the 21st National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass Village, Colo. from April 1-6."

OCC Offers Tips to Help Consumers Avoid Cashier’s Check Fraud

OCC Offers Tips to Help Consumers Avoid Cashier’s Check Fraud: "The consumer advisory was issued in response to a growing incidence of scams involving cashier’s checks. In most of these cases, individuals receive a cashier’s check and are asked to deposit the check into their account, wait until funds become available and then wire some part of the funds from their account to a third party, often in a foreign country"

Stalking Awareness Month -Department of Justice Educates Public About Stalking

Stalking Awareness Month -Department of Justice Educates Public About Stalking: "To commemorate the fourth anniversary of National Stalking Awareness Month, officials from the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) have joined with the National Center for Victims of Crime to host a program dedicated to educating the public, law enforcement agencies, and social service organizations about the serious dangers of stalking."

Free File: Improved, Expanded Free File Program Opens Today for 95 Million Taxpayers

Free File: Improved, Expanded Free File Program Opens Today for 95 Million Taxpayers: "The Internal Revenue Service and its private-sector partners today announced the opening of this year's Free File program with a series of improvements and changes to help taxpayers. The free tax preparation and free electronic filing initiative begins its fifth year with more consumer-friendly features and expanded services for Spanish-speaking taxpayers."

The Small and Home-Based business Conference you have been waiting for

The Small and Home-Based business Conference you have been waiting for: "The City of Pleasant Hill, in partnership with the John F Kennedy University Career Center and the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce, will be offering a full-day program on Saturday, February 3, at the business conference from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm at the Pleasant Hill campus of John F. Kennedy University located at 100 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill. The conference is geared toward helping small and home-based business owners."

Prostate Cancer Clinical Trial: Effects of Pomegranate Juice or Extract on Rising PSA Levels

Prostate Cancer Clinical Trial: Effects of Pomegranate Juice or Extract on Rising PSA Levels: "This study will compare the effects of daily consumption of pomegranate juice, pomegranate liquid extract, and placebo on end-of-treatment (52 weeks) prostate-specific antigen (PSA) doubling time in male subjects who have rising PSA levels after primary therapy for localized prostate cancer. "

2007 Detective Training Symposium - Registration Now Open

2007 Detective Training Symposium - Registration Now Open: "The 2007 Detective Training Symposium will be held in Burlingame, CA on May 22-24. Online registration for the Symposium is available through the San Jose State University, Administration of Justice Bureau website. Additional information may be obtained by calling 408.924.3330 "

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Obesity Study, Recruiting Participants

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Obesity Study, Recruiting Participants: "Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing is restricted during sleep. Obese individuals with OSA are at an increased risk of inflammation and heart conditions, but it is unknown whether this risk is related to the effects of OSA or obesity."

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Obesity Study, Recruiting Participants

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Obesity Study, Recruiting Participants: "Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing is restricted during sleep. Obese individuals with OSA are at an increased risk of inflammation and heart conditions, but it is unknown whether this risk is related to the effects of OSA or obesity."

Love American Style: Postal Service Issues New Love Stamp

Love American Style: Postal Service Issues New Love Stamp: "Love and the sweet smell of chocolate filled the air today during an event at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pa. The U.S. Postal Service® dedicated the 2007 With Love and Kisses stamp, which is available nationwide today."

Acne Treatment: Comparison Study of Topical Acne Regimens

Acne Treatment: Comparison Study of Topical Acne Regimens: "This study will compare the effectiveness of the two acne treatment regimens, Acne Free and Proactiv, for the treatment of moderately severe acne vulgaris of the face and neck. It will also compare the irritancy of each regimen over 8 weeks of daily use"

NUCC Releases Updates to the Health Care Provider Taxonomy Code Set

NUCC Releases Updates to the Health Care Provider Taxonomy Code Set: "The National Uniform Claim Committee (NUCC) has released updates to the Health Care Provider Taxonomy code set, which will go into effect on April 1, 2007. Many changes have been made to the Health Care Provider Taxonomy code set, including the addition of new codes, inactivation of several codes, addition of definitions for existing codes, changes to existing definitions, and changes to existing code names"

Public Notice: Semiconductor Business in Singapore

Public Notice: Semiconductor Business in Singapore: "This notice is to inform the public that the Export-Import Bank of the United States has received an application to finance the export of approximately $766 million in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing equipment to a dedicated foundry in Singapore. The U.S. exports will enable the dedicated foundry to increase production by 15,000 300-mm (non-DRAM) wafers per month across advanced process technology nodes for Phase II of its existing Fabrication Plant 7."

Recent Change for 529 Savings Plans Enacted by Congress

Recent Change for 529 Savings Plans Enacted by Congress: "The Wall Street Journal recently reported that 'After a recent slowdown, 529 plans are once again a hot investment. Growth in the state-run college-savings accounts started to pick up soon after Congress acted in August to make permanent their federal tax breaks - which were set to expire at the end of 2010."

Cash For College Free Financial Aid Workshops

Cash For College Free Financial Aid Workshops: "The Cash for College program, offering free financial aid workshops staffed by professionals, is evenbigger this year and will be in more California communities than ever. In January and February, morethan 300 workshops will be presented around the state. At each workshop, students and parents can get help filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Cal Grant GPA Verification"

HIGH TECH HIGH - New Workshops to Prepare Students for Ocean-Related Jobs

HIGH TECH HIGH - New Workshops to Prepare Students for Ocean-Related Jobs: ".S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today announced that the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will expand its partnership with San Diego's High Tech High by offering workshops on building undersea robots (Remotely Operated Vehicles), a type of technology that is used for ocean exploration and research. "

2007 Nissan Altima Certified as Qualified Hybrid Vehicle

2007 Nissan Altima Certified as Qualified Hybrid Vehicle: "The Internal Revenue Service has acknowledged the certification by Nissan North America, Inc., that its 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid vehicle meets the requirements of the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit as a qualified hybrid motor vehicle"

Women’s Response to Anti-HIV Therapy Improved If Treatment Begins Six Months After Earlier Preventive Regimen

Women’s Response to Anti-HIV Therapy Improved If Treatment Begins Six Months After Earlier Preventive Regimen: "A woman’s response to HIV treatment with drug combinations that contain nevirapine is improved if at least six months have passed after she received the drug as a single dose during labor to prevent passing HIV on to her child. (The response to treatment is measured by the reduction of HIV in the blood.)"

Obesity Surgeries Have Jumped Dramatically Since 1998

Obesity Surgeries Have Jumped Dramatically Since 1998: "Obesity surgeries for patients between the ages of 55 and 64 in the United States soared from 772 procedures in 1998 to 15,086 surgeries in 2004—a nearly 2,000 percent increase, according to a new report by HHS' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The report, the latest of several studies that AHRQ has done on obesity surgery, also found a 726 percent increase in surgeries among patients age 18 to 54. There were a total of 121,055 surgeries performed on patients of all ages in 2004."

Apply Now for Financial Aid for 2007-08 Academic Year

Apply Now for Financial Aid for 2007-08 Academic Year: "January marks the start of the season for new and returning college students to apply for financial aid. With that in mind, U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings today encouraged all students to file for a share of the more than $80 billion in federal grants, loans and work-study assistance to help pay for postsecondary education."

Earthquake Fatalities Decline in 2006

Earthquake Fatalities Decline in 2006: "Nearly 7,000 deaths resulted from earthquake activity worldwide in 2006, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and confirmed by the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Most of the fatalities for the year, approximately 5,749, occurred when a magnitude 6.3 earthquake hit Java, Indonesia on May 26."

IRS, Hollywood Foreign Press Association Reach Agreement On Gift Baskets

IRS, Hollywood Foreign Press Association Reach Agreement On Gift Baskets: "The Hollywood Foreign Press Association and the IRS reached a mutually satisfactory agreement that will resolve outstanding tax responsibilities with respect to Golden Globe Awards presenter gift baskets. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) voluntarily approached the IRS last year seeking to clarify the tax issues surrounding the gift baskets, as well as to ensure that any obligations for the prior years were met."

Ford and GM Unveil Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles at the Detroit Auto Show

Ford and GM Unveil Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles at the Detroit Auto Show: "Ford Motor Company is also displaying a plug-in hybrid concept vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show, although the Ford version employs a hydrogen fuel cell to recharge its lithium-ion battery while on the road."

New FREE Website: 1500 Teaching Resources

New FREE Website: 1500 Teaching Resources: "This is the first redesign of FREE since the site was created in 1998. The design is new, but the goal of FREE remains the same: to make it easier for you to find more than 1500 teaching and learning resources available from the federal government."

New Passport Requirements to Enter the U.S

New Passport Requirements to Enter the U.S: "Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable"

Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program Presolicitation Notice

Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program Presolicitation Notice: "The Department of Commerce/National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) intends to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to provide services in support of the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program authorized by section 3005 of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. "

Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program

Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program: "Drug courts help reduce recidivism and substance abuse among nonviolent offenders and increase an offender’s likelihood of successful rehabilitation through early, continuous, and intense judicially supervised treatment, mandatory periodic drug testing, community supervision, and appropriate sanctions and other habilitation services. A drug court can be a specially designed court calendar or docket as well as a specialized court program. "

FAA Changes Safety Rules for Long-Range Flights

FAA Changes Safety Rules for Long-Range Flights: "The Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today published a comprehensive final rule that further reduces the risks for passengers and crews flying long-range regularly scheduled commercial routes over remote areas."

IRS Plans Feb. 3 Start Date for Processing Extender Claims

IRS Plans Feb. 3 Start Date for Processing Extender Claims: "The Internal Revenue Service plans a Feb. 3 start date for processing tax returns that claim key tax provisions enacted in December."

President Declares Emergency Federal Aid For Colorado

President Declares Emergency Federal Aid For Colorado: "The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal aid has been made available to supplement state and local response efforts in the area struck by struck by record snow during the period of December 28-31, 2006."

Modernized e-File Available for Partnership Returns

Modernized e-File Available for Partnership Returns: "WASHINGTON — Beginning today, partnership taxpayers can electronically file tax year 2006 Form 1065, U.S. Return of Partnership Income, and Form 1065-B, U.S. Return of Income for Electing Large Partnerships, using the Modernized e-File platform."

Data Mining RFP Announcement

Data Mining RFP Announcement: "BOE seeks to acquire consulting/training services in the area of audit selection and tax gap modeling utilizing Clementine software. Must have extensive experience in data mining, risk modeling, and statistical analysis using government data"

Free Screenings of 79th Academy Award® Nominees at the National Archives

Free Screenings of 79th Academy Award® Nominees at the National Archives: "The National Archives will host its third annual free screenings of Academy Award® nominees in four categories, Documentary Feature, Documentary Short Subject, Live Action Short Film, and Animated Short Film at the William G. McGowan Theater from Wednesday, February 21, through Sunday, February 25. The National Archives Building in located on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, Washington, DC"

Treatment of Depression: Genetic Tests in the Treatment of Depression show Insufficient Evidence, According to AHRQ Study

Treatment of Depression: Genetic Tests in the Treatment of Depression Show Insufficient Evidence, According to Study

Susbtance Abuse in the U.S. - New Report Provides Snapshot of Substance Use Within 15 Largest U.S Metropolitan Areas

Susbtance Abuse the U.S. - New Report Provides Snapshot of Substance Use Within 15 Largest U.S Metropolitan Areas: "The two U.S. metropolitan areas with the highest rates of past month illicit drug use are San Francisco (12.7 percent) and Detroit (9.5 percent) while the national average was 8.1 percent, says a new report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Chicago (25.7 percent) and Houston (25.6 percent) had higher rates of binge drinking than the national average (22.7 percent), and Detroit was the only metropolitan statistical area with a past month cigarette use rate that was higher than the national average (25.3 percent). "

Sport Injuries: How to Prevent Them

Sport Injuries: How to Prevent Them: "If you’re active like so many of today’s adults, you’ve probably had a few twinges that spring up unexpectedly. To learn how to prevent injuries and what to do if you are hurt, order the free Sports Injuries package from the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Federal Citizen Information Center."

Funding Available for 65 Targeted Capacity Expansion Grants for Substance Abuse Treatment and HIV/AIDS Services

Funding Available for 65 Targeted Capacity Expansion Grants for Substance Abuse Treatment and HIV/AIDS Services: "The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is soliciting applications to enhance and expand substance abuse treatment and /or outreach and pretreatment services in conjunction with HIV/AIDS services in African American, Hispanic, and other racial ethnic communities severely affected by substance abuse and HIV/AIDS. All awards will be subject to the availability of funds. "

Celebrating Women: Women's History Month - March 2007

Celebrating Women: Women's History Month - March 2007: "85.4 percent of women 25 or older had completed high school as of 2005. High school graduation rates for women continued to exceed those of men (84.9 percent). The Median earnings of women working in computer and mathematical jobs is $58,906 , the highest for women among the 22 major occupational groups."

2007 Filing Season Kicks Off with New Features, Extended Tax Breaks

2007 Filing Season Kicks Off with New Features, Extended Tax Breaks: "The Internal Revenue Service today began a busy 2007 filing season that features telephone excise tax refunds, a new refund deposit feature and recently enacted tax breaks that may require extra attention from taxpayers."

105,000 Gas Pool Heaters Recalled for Carbon Monoxide Hazard

105,000 Gas Pool Heaters Recalled for Carbon Monoxide Hazard: "The recall involves Pentair MiniMax® NT STD Gas Pool Heaters installed indoors. They have BTU ratings between 200,000 and 400,000, and use either natural gas or propane. The model number is located on the rating plate on the inner front panel of the heater. The following model numbers are included"

Thailand Travel Alert for U.S. Citizens

Thailand Travel Alert for U.S. Citizens: "Given the fluidity of the current situation, the Department of State advises all American Citizens residing in or traveling to Bangkok to continue to monitor events closely, to remain indoors when possible, to avoid any large public gatherings, and to exercise discretion when moving about Bangkok. "

CMS HIPAA Security Guidance for Remote Use of and Access to Electronic Protected Health Information

CMS HIPAA Security Guidance for Remote Use of and Access to Electronic Protected Health Information: "This guidance document has been prepared with the main objective of reinforcing some of the ways a covered entity may protect EPHI when it is accessed or used outside of the organization’s physical purview. "

California Announces State Farm Request For More Than Half A Billion Dollars In Reductions For Auto And Homeowner Insurance Policyholders

California Announces State Farm Request For More Than Half A Billion Dollars In Reductions For Auto And Homeowner Insurance Policyholders: "Garamendi’s efforts to reduce insurance rates have been followed by more than $1.6 billion in proposed reductions for insurance consumers across the state "

CDC Reports Binge Drinking is Common among High School Students and Tied to Other Risky Behaviors

CDC Reports Binge Drinking is Common among High School Students and Tied to Other Risky Behaviors: "Binge drinking is common among high school students in the United States and is strongly associated with sexual activity, violence, and other risky behaviors, according to a new study, Binge Drinking and Associated Health Risk Behaviors Among High School Students, released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and published in the January 2007 issue of Pediatrics."

AOA Announces New Long Term Care Site

AOA Announces New Long Term Care Site: "The National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care is a new web site developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide information and resources to help you and your family plan for future long-term care (LTC) needs"

Animal Cloning: FDA Issues Draft Documents on the Safety of Animal Clones

Animal Cloning: FDA Issues Draft Documents on the Safety of Animal Clones: "The draft risk assessment finds that meat and milk from clones of adult cattle, pigs and goats, and their offspring, are as safe to eat as food from conventionally bred animals. The assessment was peer-reviewed by a group of independent scientific experts in cloning and animal health. They agreed with the methods FDA used to evaluate the data and the conclusions set out in the document"

Baby Boomers Count Down to Retirement

Baby Boomers Count Down to Retirement: "As America's oldest baby boomers start counting down to retirement, a new government survey shows they are on the upswing in terms of financial savvy — nearly twice as likely as today's seniors to bank and pay bills online. Yet despite their financial sophistication, one in four boomers still gets paid with old-fashioned paper checks, a trend that's particularly entrenched with those closest to retirement age (51-60 years old)."

Employment for Visitors to the U.S. - Finding a Job

Employment for Visitors to the U.S. - Finding a Job: "If you're not a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident, you may need to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to prove you may work in the United States. Immigrant visas are required for people who want to live permanently in the United States, even if they choose not to work in the United States. "

Don't Get Scammed in 2007: The FBI Reports

Don't Get Scammed in 2007: The FBI Reports -Internet auction scams, mortgage scams, Nigerian letters and identity theft scams are just a few of the scams that the FBI warns consumers about......"

Effective Jan. 1, 2007, California Mnimum Wage Increases to $7.50 per hour

Effective Jan. 1, 2007, California Mnimum Wage Increases to $7.50 per hour: "The increased minimum wage was approved by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on September 12 when he signed into law Assembly bill 1835 (Lieber), which increases the minimum wage in two phases. On Jan. 1, 2007 the minimum wage jumps from $6.75 to $7.50 per hour, and on Jan. 1, 2008 the minimum wage increases to $8.00 per hour."

Ford is recalling 2007 Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles

Ford is recalling 2007 Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles: "Ford is recalling 422 MY 2007 Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles for failing conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 212, “Windshield Mounting.” The windshield may not be properly secured to the vehicle body."

Top 10 Tips for Traveling out of the United States

Top 10 Tips for Traveling out of the United States: "Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, the U.S. Constitution does not follow you! While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws."

IRS Alert: Federal Office Closures Will Not Affect Jan. 2 Federal Tax Deposit Due Date

IRS Alert: Federal Office Closures Will Not Affect Jan. 2 Federal Tax Deposit Due Date: "The Internal Revenue Service announced there will be no extension of the Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2007 deposit due date, and the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) will conduct normal business operations on Tuesday, Jan. 2, despite the closing of federal offices as part of the national day of mourning for former President Ford as announced by the White House. Federal tax deposits due on Jan. 2, 2007 are expected to made as scheduled. "

Bids sought for substance abuse professional services; 1-19-07 deadline

Bids sought for substance abuse professional services; 1-19-07 deadline: "The State of California, Department of Personnel Administration (DPA) is soliciting bids from qualified contractors to obtain Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Services. This IFB seeks a qualified contract to provide SAP services to a consortium that has been established by DPA to conduct drug and alcohol testing for the State's Federally-mandated commercial driver and the State's Reasonable Suspicion testing programs for State employees that are covered by the Federal drug and alcohol testing regulations and State of California statutes, regulations and collective bargaining agreements. SAP services must be provided for State employees located geographically throughout the entire state."

Medi-Cal Fraud:Attorney General Lockyer And California DHS Call For New Medi-Cal Computer System To Fight Fraud

Medi-Cal Fraud:Attorney General Lockyer And California DHS Call For New Medi-Cal Computer System To Fight Fraud: "Attorney General Bill Lockyer and Sandra Shewry, director of the Department of Health Services (CDHS), today released a report prepared by the Attorney General’s Medi-Cal Task Force finding that the state’s decades old Medi-Cal computer system needs to be replaced to assist in effectively identifying and preventing fraud. The report also provides a three-step blueprint for state policymakers to modernize California’s 30-year-old Medi-Cal system that will result in improved quality of care for beneficiaries, timely payments to legitimate providers, and help prevent fraud estimated by some to be more than a billion dollars a year. "

Temporary Staffing Services Contract Solicitation

Temporary Staffing Services Contract Solicitation: "The Court seeks to identify and consider qualified temporary staffing agencies to supply the Court with high-quality, cost effective, professional and administrative temporary employees. This RFP is the means for prospective temporary staffing agencies to submit their qualifications to the Court and request selection as a result of the RFP"

UC Irvine Extension Offers Online Continuing Education for Paralegals (Continuing Education Wire - CEU, CME, CNE and more)

UC Irvine Extension Offers Online Continuing Education for Paralegals (Continuing Education Wire - CEU, CME, CNE and more): "First University of California campus to offer online courses in ABA-approved Paralegal program - UC Irvine Extension announced that it has enhanced its existing Paralegal Certificate Program with the introduction of online courses, beginning January 8, 2007. Two courses, Introduction and Fundamentals of Legal Assistantship and Legal Writing, will be offered in winter quarter 2007,"

INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE DECLINED BETWEEN 1993 AND 2004

INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE DECLINED BETWEEN 1993 AND 2004: "The intimate partner violence rate has declined since 1993, the Justice Department's Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) announced today. In 1993 nonfatal intimate partner violence was 5.8 victimizations per 1,000 U.S. residents 12 years old and older. By 2004 this rate had fallen to 2.6 victimizations per 1,000 individuals."

President George W. Bush To Close Federal Offices in Tribute to Former President Gerald R. Ford

President George W. Bush To Close Federal Offices in Tribute to Former President Gerald R. Ford: "Washington, D.C. -- By Executive Order of President George W. Bush, all executive departments, independent organizations and other agencies of the Federal government shall be closed on Tuesday, January 2, 2007, as a mark of respect for Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States."

$2.6 Million Awarded for Clean Air Technology

$2.6 Million Awarded for Clean Air Technology: "The California Air Resources Board (ARB) has selected 12 new proposals to receive this year’s Innovative Clean Air Technology (ICAT) awards. The $2.6 million, the largest yearly amount ever dispersed through ICAT, will help transition these projects from theory to working models that will illustrate their commercial potential. "

Remembering Former President Gerald R. Ford

Remembering Former President Gerald R. Ford

As Population Grows, So Do Urban Areas

As Population Grows, So Do Urban Areas: "Over 300 million Americans have to live somewhere. And, of course, we do. Nearly 80 percent of the growing U.S. population resides in urban areas while the land area dedicated to urban use continues to expand. A new USGS publication - Rate, Trends, Causes, and Consequences of Urban Land-Use Change in the United States (Professional Paper 1726) - studies the change in land use associated with increasing urbanization and its impacts at local, regional, and national scales."

Last-Minute Advice For Saving on Your 2006 Taxes

Last-Minute Advice For Saving on Your 2006 Taxes: "Do you know that there are new tax rules that will help you save money at tax time? If you’re planning to make any charitable donations before the end of the year, you need to keep in mind several important tax law changes made last summer by the Pension Protection Act. This new law offers older owners of individual retirement accounts a new way to give to charity. It also includes rules designed to provide both taxpayers and the government greater certainty in determining what may be deducted as a charitable contribution"

I Have Flood Insurance, So What Do I Do Now?

I Have Flood Insurance, So What Do I Do Now?: "There have been more than 800 flood insurance claims in Washington State due to the Nov. 2-11 severe storms, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials said. While most of these claims come from Snohomish and King Counties, Packwood and Randle in Lewis County posted 40 claims, a significant number for these communities. "

Elvis Still Reigns As King In Most Popular Stamp Ranking

Elvis Still Reigns As King In Most Popular Stamp Ranking: "While the 1993 Elvis stamp continues to hold court as the most popular stamp of all time with more than 124 million collected, three sets of stamps issued during 2006 rank among the top 10, Postmaster General John E. Potter announced today."

Identity Theft Task Force Seeks Public Comment

Identity Theft Task Force Seeks Public Comment The Federal Identity Theft Task Force, chaired by Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales and co-chaired by Federal Trade Commission Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras, is seeking public comment on ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of federal government efforts to reduce identity theft. The public comments on these issues will supplement the research and analysis being conducted, provide further information about the proposals being considered, and identify areas where additional recommendations may be warranted.

Adjustable Rate Mortgages: Federal Reserve Board Releases New Consumer Guide

Adjustable Rate Mortgages: Federal Reserve Board Releases New Consumer Guide - The Federal Reserve Board and the Office of Thrift Supervision today announced the availability of a revised Consumer Handbook on Adjustable Rate Mortgages (the CHARM booklet), which provides information to consumers about the features and risks of such loans. In recognition of the growing use of nontraditional mortgage products that allow borrowers to defer payment of principal and sometimes interest, the agencies have substantially revised the CHARM booklet to include discussions about “interest-only” and “payment option” mortgages.

Broadcasting Contests, Lotteries, and Solicitation of Funds: Consumer Fact

Broadcasting Contests, Lotteries, and Solicitation of Funds: Consumer Fact: "The FCC has defined a lottery as “any game, contest, or promotion that combines the elements of prize, chance and consideration.” Federal law generally prohibits the broadcast of any advertisement or information concerning a lottery. Advertisements or information about the following activities, however, are permitted"

Street Racing, DUI Among New DMV Laws for 2007

Street Racing, DUI Among New DMV Laws for 2007: "Among the new laws about to go into effect are increased penalties for street racing (speed contests), an increase in the suspension of a driver license to 10 months for first-time DUI offenders with a BAC of .20, and legislation that requires the DMV to report DUI convictions on a public driving record for 10 years, instead of the current reporting period of seven years"

Real estate withholding law changes for 2007

Real estate withholding law changes for 2007: "Previously, where withholding was required, sellers had to withhold three and one-third percent of the property’s sale price. Now, sellers may choose between the original withholding method, or elect an alternate withholding amount based on applying the maximum tax rate to the seller's estimated gain."

Minority-Owned Financial Institutions:OCC Publishes Newsletter on Minority-Owned Financial Institutions

Minority-Owned Financial Institutions:OCC Publishes Newsletter on Minority-Owned Financial Institutions: "The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency today released the Winter 2006/2007 edition of its Community Developments newsletter focusing on minority-owned financial institutions and the strategies many employ to serve their niche markets. "

Dead bald eagle found on Dingmans Creek (Pa.): Killed by gunshot; reward offered

Dead bald eagle found on Dingmans Creek (Pa.): Killed by gunshot; reward offered: "The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a reward for information about the November shooting of a bald eagle found near Dingmans Falls Visitor Center in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, according to Service Special Agent Barry Jordan of Philadelphia, Pa"

Equine Herpes Virus-1 Alert

Equine Herpes Virus-1 Alert: " recent disease outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1) has been traced to a shipment of horses from Europe and has resulted to date in the death of one horse in California and numerous other exposed horses around the country, including two horses in California that have developed mild clinical illness. Additionally, this outbreak and more EHV-1 related deaths have caused the shutdown of a major horse show in Florida. "

Health Requirements for Santa’s Reindeer Waived by State Veterinarian

Health Requirements for Santa’s Reindeer Waived by State Veterinarian: "Reindeer cleared to land in California. California State Veterinarian Dr. Richard Breitmeyer has granted a 24-hour permit waiving all brand inspection and health requirements for nine reindeer slated to visit California on the evening of December 24 and the early morning hours of December 25. The permit application was filed this week by a rotund, jolly man with a red face and a white beard. He signed his name to the paperwork: “K. Kringle"

Unsecure Web Site: Stay Out of Unlocked Rooms: A Quick Guide for Safe Journeys Online

Unsecure Web Site: Stay Out of Unlocked Rooms: A Quick Guide for Safe Journeys Online: "How safe is your credit card information when you send it online? Some web sites are 'secure' because they use encryption technology to protect your information. Although no technology is foolproof, here are three ways to tell if you are dealing with a 'secure' site:"

IRS Begins Implementing Extenders Legislation; Works to Help Taxpayers During Filing Season

IRS Begins Implementing Extenders Legislation; Works to Help Taxpayers During Filing Season: "The Internal Revenue Service announced new guidance today to help tax filers in 2007 claim the extended deductions and other tax advantages in the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 signed into law this week."

Purchasers of Ford and Mercury Hybrids Still Qualify for Tax Credit

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