Free 2007 Healthy Women Living Calendars

Free 2007 Healthy Women Living Calendars: " Free 8 ½ x 11 one-page healthy women calendars that promote taking simple steps every day for a safe and healthy life."

Credit Card Scam: FTC Stops Credit Card Rate Reduction Scam

Credit Card Scam: FTC Stops Credit Card Rate Reduction Scam: "At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a federal court has stopped a Canadian telemarketer that targeted consumers throughout the U.S., falsely claiming it could reduce their credit card interest rates."

Don’t Take a Risk with Your Valentine’s Day Gifts

Don’t Take a Risk with Your Valentine’s Day Gifts: "If you receive an engagement ring or other piece of expensive jewelry on Valentine’s Day, make sure you have the necessary insurance, advised the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.)."

Free Tax Help Available at Sites Nationwide

Free Tax Help Available at Sites Nationwide: "More than 12,000 free tax preparation sites will be open nationwide this year as the Internal Revenue Service continues to expand its partnerships with nonprofit and community organizations performing vital tax preparation services for low-income and elderly taxpayers."

Earthquake Preparedness Handbook : Now Available in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean and

Earthquake Preparedness Handbook : Now Available in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean and: "The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) announced today the release of two new publications, both titled, 'Protecting Your Family from Earthquakes–The Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety.' One is written in Spanish, with an accompanying English translation, and the other is translated into Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean, also with an accompanying English translation. "

National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week

National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week: "February 5–9, 2007 has been proclaimed National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week. CDC’s Choose Respect website , which targets youth, parents, and professionals, has resources to assist you in your preparations for this awareness week"

Missing Your Form W-2?

Missing Your Form W-2?: "You should receive a Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, from each of your employers for use in preparing your federal tax return. Employers have until January 31, 2007 to furnish a record of 2006 earnings statement either electronically or in paper form. Allow two weeks for 2006 earning statements mailed from employers via United States Postal Service (USPS). "

Adult Marketer Will Pay $465,000 For Violating Spam Law

Adult Marketer Will Pay $465,000 For Violating Spam Law: "An Internet marketer of adult entertainment will pay a $465,000 civil penalty under a settlement reached with the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice, which charged the company with initiating sexually explicit commercial e-mails. The action is part of an FTC crackdown on illegal “X-rated” spam announced in July 2005."

CDC Update: HIV/AIDS among African Americans

CDC Update: HIV/AIDS among African Americans: "In the United States, the HIV/AIDS epidemic is a health crisis for African Americans. At all stages of HIV/AIDS—from infection with HIV to death with AIDS—African Americans are disproportionately affected compared with members of other races and ethnicities"

CDC Update: HIV/AIDS among African Americans

CDC Update: HIV/AIDS among African Americans: "In the United States, the HIV/AIDS epidemic is a health crisis for African Americans. At all stages of HIV/AIDS—from infection with HIV to death with AIDS—African Americans are disproportionately affected compared with members of other races and ethnicities"

February is American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month: "Health disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. Almost 700,000 people die of heart disease in the United States annually. That is about 29% of all U.S. deaths. Heart disease is a term that includes several specific heart conditions"

Speedy Tax Refunds: IRS Offers Tips for Getting a Speedy Refund

Speedy Tax Refunds: IRS Offers Tips for Getting a Speedy Refund: "WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today offered taxpayers tips for requesting the telephone excise tax refund, after early tax returns show some people are making basic mistakes, others are requesting excessive refunds and many are missing out on the refunds, altogether."

Throwing a Super Bowl Party? Make Sure Your Guests Drive Home Safe and Sober

Throwing a Super Bowl Party? Make Sure Your Guests Drive Home Safe and Sober: "If you are planning to throw a Super Bowl Party, remember that a truly great host makes sure guests are able to drive home safe and sober at the end of the evening, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.)."

Insight into Ethnic Differences

Insight into Ethnic Differences: "The gene varieties we inherit and the environment we've been raised in work together to shape who we are. But there’s something else involved, according to a new study: how our genes behave."

What Danger Lurks in the School Cafeteria?

What Danger Lurks in the School Cafeteria?: "WASHINGTON—Conditions in America’s school cafeterias could trigger potentially disastrous outbreaks of food poisoning at any time, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, which ranks food service operations in a new report released today"

Breast Cancer: Genetic Signature Marks Breast Cancer Prognosis

Breast Cancer: Genetic Signature Marks Breast Cancer Prognosis: "Researchers have identified a unique set of genes—a genetic signature—that may help to spot cancers that are more likely to spread or prove deadly. Originally identified in breast cancer cells, the genetic signature also shows promise for predicting chances of survival or cancer recurrence in patients with lung, prostate or a common childhood brain cancer"

Sony BMG Music Entertainment Settles FTC Charges

Sony BMG Music Entertainment Settles FTC Charges: "CDs’ Embedded Content Protection Software Posed Security Risks, Limited CD Use, and Monitored Users’ Listening Habits on their Computers, Without Consumer Consent "

New State Sales Tax Calculator Debuts on IRS.gov

New State Sales Tax Calculator Debuts on IRS.gov: "WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is providing a new online tool to help individual taxpayers determine whether they might benefit by electing to deduct their state and local general sales taxes"

Fact Sheet: Commercial Human Space Flight

Fact Sheet: Commercial Human Space Flight: "The United States' space program has three sectors — civilian, military and commercial. On December 31, 2006, new FAA requirements went into effect for crew and passengers involved in private space travel. "

Internet Access Revenue for Cable and Other Program Distribution Reaches $11 Billion

Internet Access Revenue for Cable and Other Program Distribution Reaches $11 Billion: "Internet access revenue for cable and other program distribution increased 18 percent, from $9.4 billion in 2004 to $11.1 billion in 2005, while access revenue for Internet service providers decreased 13 percent, from $14.1 billion in 2004 to $12.2 billion in 2005, the U.S. Census Bureau reported today."

Sister Sanctuaries to Protect Endangered Whales

Sister Sanctuaries to Protect Endangered Whales: " NOAA established a 'sister sanctuary' arrangement between the NOAA Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of Massachusetts and the Marine Mammal Sanctuary of the Dominican Republic, two marine protected areas 3,000 miles apart that provide conservation programs for the same population of humpback whales."

Racial discrimination: Target Corp. To Pay $775,000 for Racial Harassment

Racial discrimination: Target Corp. To Pay $775,000 for Racial Harassment: "PHILADELPHIA -- Target Corporation, the Minneapolis-based retail sales giant, has agreed to pay $775,000 to a group of black workers as part of a litigation settlement of a race discrimination and retaliation case brought by U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency announced today. The settlement also includes employer training and other remedial relief."

IRS Update: Tax Bracket Changes for 2006 Returns

IRS Update: Tax Bracket Changes for 2006 Returns These tax rate schedules are provided so that you can compute your federal estimated income tax for 2006.

2007 Spring Break Travel Safety Information

2007 Spring Break Travel Safety Information: "Find more information about how to stay safe this Spring Break, including how to register your trip with U.S. embassies abroad."

World Crude Oil Distillation Capacity, January 1, 1970 - January 1, 2007 (01/26/2007)

World Crude Oil Distillation Capacity, January 1, 1970 - January 1, 2007 (01/26/2007): "This table has been updated with an estimate for January 1, 2007 for the United States from EIA's Petroleum Navigator"

California Labor Commissioner files suit against Wal-Mart

California Labor Commissioner files suit against Wal-Mart: "The California State Labor Commissioner today filed suit against Wal-Mart in the Superior Court of Sacramento County seeking all underpayments of overtime wages resulting from errors in the company's payroll processes. The State of California suit also seeks interest and penalties that may be owed to former Wal-Mart employees who were underpaid for their overtime work and who have since left employment with Wal-Mart. In addition, the California suit seeks penalties due to the State for the violation of specific wage and hour statutes and attorneys' fees.

Bids sought for drug/alcohol abuse testing; 3-9-07 deadline

Bids sought for drug/alcohol abuse testing; 3-9-07 deadline: "The California Department of Personnel Administration is soliciting bids from qualified contractors to provide combined drug and alcohol testing services which consist of collection of urine specimens, administering of breath alcohol tests, analysis, and CALIFORNIA based Medical Review Officer (MRO) services for mandatory drug and alcohol testing of State employees in safety-sensitive classifications. The contractor will be required to provide these services statewide. All bids must be received by the date and time specified in the IFB."

Solving California's Corrections Crisis: Time is Running Out

Solving California's Corrections Crisis: Time is Running Out: "California ’s prisons are out of space and running out of time. The State already has ceded control to the federal courts for prison mental health, juvenile justice and the prison health system. In December, a federal judge ordered the State to fix the overcrowding problem within six months, or face the prospect of a prison population cap"

Solving California's Corrections Crisis: Time is Running Out

Solving California's Corrections Crisis: Time is Running Out: "California ’s prisons are out of space and running out of time. The State already has ceded control to the federal courts for prison mental health, juvenile justice and the prison health system. In December, a federal judge ordered the State to fix the overcrowding problem within six months, or face the prospect of a prison population cap"

Removal of Prostate for Those With Prostate Cancer, Recruiting for Study

Removal of Prostate for Those With Prostate Cancer, Recruiting for Study

IRS.gov Offers Online Alternative Minimum Tax Assistance

IRS.gov Offers Online Alternative Minimum Tax Assistance: "The Internal Revenue Service announced that it has updated its online tool to help taxpayers determine whether they may owe the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Most taxpayers can enter their data and get an answer in five to 10 minutes using this Internet-based calculator, available at IRS.gov."

Eating Disorder Clinical Trial: Anorexia Nervosa

Eating Disorder Clinical Trial: Anorexia Nervosa: "This purpose of this clinical trial is to compare family therapy to individual supportive therapy for emerging, clinically significant symptoms of anorexia nervosa in children and adolescents."

Asbestos Exposure: Free Medical Screening Offered to Workers and Their Families Exposed to Asbestos at Zonolite/W.R. Grace site in Santa Ana, California

Asbestos Exposure: Free Medical Screening Offered to Workers and Their Families Exposed to Asbestos at Zonolite/W.R. Grace site in Santa Ana, California: "The federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) will offer free medical screening to workers who might have been exposed to asbestos during their employment at the W.R. Grace site in Santa Ana, California between 1972 and 1993."

Federal Snow Assistance: Deadline Nears For Local Officials To Request Federal Snow Assistance

Federal Snow Assistance: Deadline Nears For Local Officials To Request Federal Snow Assistance: "PEORIA, Ill. The deadline to submit the one-page RPA is Jan. 28, according to state and federal disaster officials. President Bush’s emergency disaster declaration issued Dec. 29, 2006, designated 26 counties that experienced record or near-record snowfall. Each applicant is eligible for financial assistance for snow removal expenditures incurred during a continuous 48-hour period that they select. Federal funds will pay 75 percent of eligible costs under this reimbursement program."

Federal Snow Assistance: Deadline Nears For Local Officials To Request Federal Snow Assistance

Federal Snow Assistance: Deadline Nears For Local Officials To Request Federal Snow Assistance: "PEORIA, Ill. The deadline to submit the one-page RPA is Jan. 28, according to state and federal disaster officials. President Bush’s emergency disaster declaration issued Dec. 29, 2006, designated 26 counties that experienced record or near-record snowfall. Each applicant is eligible for financial assistance for snow removal expenditures incurred during a continuous 48-hour period that they select. Federal funds will pay 75 percent of eligible costs under this reimbursement program."

E-FILE – A Smart Way to Do Your Taxes

E-FILE – A Smart Way to Do Your Taxes: "The IRS is again offering eligible taxpayers the opportunity to electronically prepare and file their tax returns for free through the Free File Alliance, a partnership between the IRS and private-sector software companies. For information on taxpayer eligibility"

Grants for Jail Diversion Now Available: Deadline March 27, 2007

Grants for Jail Diversion Now Available: Deadline March 27, 2007: "The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is soliciting applications for the FY 2007 Jail Diversion program. These grants will promote the transformation of systems to improve services for justice-involved adults with mental illness. This program is intended to improve the capacity of systems to divert these individuals away from the criminal justice system to community-based integrated mental health and substance abuse treatment and other appropriate support services. "

Stop Alcohol Abuse: New U.S. Government Website

Stop Alcohol Abuse: New U.S. Government Website: "StopAlcoholAbuse.Gov is a new comprehensive portal of Federal resources for information on underage drinking and ideas for combating this issue. People interested in underage drinking prevention—including parents, educators, community-based organizations, and youth—will find a wealth of valuable information here"

Looking for Flu Clues?

Looking for Flu Clues?: "The USGS has posted brand-new updates on avian influenza "

Gluten-Free Labeling Proposed Rule: Questions and Answers

Gluten-Free Labeling Proposed Rule: Questions and Answers: "The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing to define the term 'gluten-free' for voluntary use in the labeling of foods. A definition for the term 'gluten-free' established by FDA would assist those who have celiac disease (also known as celiac sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy) and their caregivers to more easily identify packaged foods that are safe for persons with celiac disease to eat. "

Your Life Has Changed Over the Past Year; But Has Your Insurance Kept Up? Top 10 Questions to Ask Yourself

Your Life Has Changed Over the Past Year; But Has Your Insurance Kept Up? Top 10 Questions to Ask Yourself: "Major purchases and lifestyle changes such as marriage, divorce or retirement can have a profound effect on your insurance, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.)"

Spring Break 2007 Travel Safety Alert

Spring Break 2007 Travel Safety Alert: "Each year, more than 2,500 American citizens are arrested abroad -- about half on narcotics charges, including possession of very small amounts of illegal substances. A drug that is legal in one country may not be legal in a neighboring nation. Alcohol also can cause trouble for U.S. citizens traveling abroad. Students have been arrested for being intoxicated in public areas, for underage drinking, and for drunk driving. Some people are victimized because they are unaware of the laws, customs, or standards of the country they are visiting. "

The Email Extortion Scam: The FBI reports

The Email Extortion Scam: The FBI reports: "A new scam cropping up in e-mail boxes across the country is preying not on recipients’ greed or good intentions, but on their fears. The scam e-mail, which first appeared in December, threatens to kill recipients if they do not pay thousands of dollars to the sender, who purports to be a hired assassin."

The Email Extortion Scam: The FBI reports

The Email Extortion Scam: The FBI reports: "A new scam cropping up in e-mail boxes across the country is preying not on recipients’ greed or good intentions, but on their fears. The scam e-mail, which first appeared in December, threatens to kill recipients if they do not pay thousands of dollars to the sender, who purports to be a hired assassin."

Honda Accord Recall Alert

Honda Accord Recall Alert: "On certain vehicles, the seat position sensor (SPS) detects the driver's seating position and adjusts the air bag inflation pressure accordingly. the wiring harness for the SPS was attached to the seat frame in the wrong location and may have been over tightened. the sensor wire may break and cause the air bag warning light to be illuminated, and the SPS to fail. "

Super Bowl I (1967) vs. Super Bowl XLI (2007) - How Times Have Changed

Super Bowl I (1967) vs. Super Bowl XLI (2007) - How Times Have Changed: "Super Bowl XLI will be played Feb. 4 at Dolphin Stadium in Miami. It marks the 40th anniversary of the first AFL-NFL championship game, in which the Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in Los Angeles. To commemorate this occasion, the Census Bureau has compiled a collection of facts examining how life in the United States has changed since Super Bowl I. "

California Takes Next Step in Bringing Low Cost Auto Insurance Program To Merced County

California Takes Next Step in Bringing Low Cost Auto Insurance Program To Merced County: "Program provides eligible motorists with coverage for under $400 a year and helps Californians abide by new law"

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."