Labor Rallies to Support Striking Amerijet Pilots, Flight Engineers

Amerijet Now Attempting To Outsource Cargo Operations to Foreign Carrier

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.,- The Teamster pilots and flight engineers of Fort Lauderdale-based Amerijet Air Cargo remain on strike in their demands for a first contract providing for fair wages and benefits and safe and sanitary working conditions.

Major passenger and cargo airline pilot groups across the United States have joined with the 62 Amerijet flight deck crewmembers and are showing their support for the South Florida-based pilots, flight engineers and their families. In addition to those pilot groups from the U.S. cargo and passenger airlines that have promised to not carry Amerijet freight on their aircraft, several major national trucking firms have also joined in support, including UPS, YRC and ABF. At Miami International Airport, Teamster-represented maintenance workers and cleaners are also refusing to cross the picket lines at the cargo facility on the west side of the airport.

In a desperate attempt to begin moving hundreds of thousands of pounds of perishable and time-critical freight that is growing daily since Thursday when the airline walked out of negotiations, Amerijet's management is now attempting to hire foreign airlines to stem the backlog of undelivered freight. The Teamsters are also fielding reports that Amerijet management has begun a campaign of threatening crewmembers if they don't cross the picket lines.

Pilots from UPS, Atlas Air, and Kalitta, all of which are Amerijet competitors, have joined the Amerijet pilots and flight engineers in large numbers. Additionally, the pilot unions at American, US Airways, Southwest and others have joined the Amerijet pilots and flight engineers on the picket lines and are contributing their time and money in support. Other South Florida unions, as well as organized labor in the Caribbean and South America, are also supporting the strikers.

Florida Democrat U.S. Rep Alcee Hastings is deeply troubled and concerned that Amerijet has exhibited such a cavalier and callous disregard for the safety and sanitary conditions of its pilots and flight engineers. Hastings is a nationally and internationally acclaimed champion of working people, and works tirelessly to protect their fundamental human rights. He also is dismayed that any air transportation company would insist on a sick leave policy that punishes people for calling off sick by docking their pay. Such a policy, especially when used by Amerijet against its pilots and flight engineers - who are among the lowest paid in the entire industry - forces the crewmembers to fly sick. Such a policy is dangerous and unsafe. It is also eerily similar to the commuter air tragedy in Buffalo, N.Y., earlier this year, where one of the pilots killed in that terrible accident was so sick that she should not even have entered to cockpit but felt that she could not afford to call off sick.

Hastings says he is also concerned that Amerijet's largest stock holder, a Miami-based investment company HIG Capital, has not taken steps to ensure that Amerijet maintains safe, sanitary and fair working conditions. The Teamsters are also troubled by HIG's apparent lack of concern over this matter. No company should capitalize on the misery of its workers. The Teamsters are hopeful that HIG Capital will play a constructive role in resolving the dispute caused by Amerijet's management team.

The Teamsters urge Amerijet's CEO David Bassett to his senses and correct the mess that he and his management team have created. Had he spent as much time negotiating in good faith and integrity as has trying to break the spirit of the striking pilots and flight engineers with intimidation, lies and fear, there would never have been a strike. Instead, he and his management team have misled Amerijet's customers and are now trying desperately to find foreign airlines and employees who will take U.S. jobs and fly a small portion of his customers' cargo to cover up for his bad management.

There is also a concern that Bassett is scrambling to move to market -- on a priority basis over Amerijet's other customers -- perishable fish from another company in which he holds an ownership interest. Since he has been unsuccessful in having U.S. carriers' pilots cross the picket lines, earlier today he and his management team turned to Ontario, Canada-based Cargojet Ltd., to enter the United States and fly across the picket lines.

Today, Cargojet flew into Miami to pick up Amerijet's cargo that is set for delivery to Port of Spain, Trinidad. In outsourcing its cargo operations to a foreign airline, they are signaling that they have no interest in being an honest American company and will bring as many foreign nationals as needed into the U.S. to take American jobs and make a profit off American workers.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Sixth Person Pleads Guilty to Illegally Accessing Confidential Passport Files

WASHINGTON, - A sixth individual pleaded guilty today to illegally accessing numerous confidential passport application files, Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division announced. Karal Busch, 28, of District Heights, Md., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alan Kay in the District of Columbia to a one-count criminal information charging her with unauthorized computer access. Busch is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 15, 2009.

According to court documents, Busch worked fulltime for the State Department as a citizens services specialist in the Office of Children's Issues from June 2003 through July 2006. In pleading guilty, Busch admitted that she had access to official State Department computer databases in the regular course of her employment, including the Passport Information Electronic Records System (PIERS), which contains all imaged passport applications dating back to 1994. The imaged passport applications on PIERS contain, among other things, a photograph of the passport applicant as well as certain personal information including the applicant's full name, date and place of birth, current address, telephone numbers, parent information, spouse's name and emergency contact information. These confidential files are protected by the Privacy Act of 1974, and access by State Department employees is strictly limited to official government duties.

In pleading guilty, Busch admitted that between March 4, 2004, and June 1, 2006, she logged onto the PIERS database and viewed the passport applications of more than 65 celebrities and their families, actors, professional athletes, musicians, models and other individuals identified in the press. Busch admitted that she had no official government reason to access and view these passport applications, but that her sole purpose in accessing and viewing these passport applications was idle curiosity.

Busch is the sixth current or former State Department employee to plead guilty in this continuing investigation. On Sept. 22, 2008, Lawrence C. Yontz, a former Foreign Service Officer and intelligence analyst, pleaded guilty to unlawfully accessing nearly 200 confidential passport files. Yontz was sentenced on Dec. 19, 2008, to 12 months of probation and ordered to perform 50 hours of community service. On Jan. 14, 2009, Dwayne F. Cross, a former administrative assistant and contract specialist, pleaded guilty to unlawfully accessing more than 150 confidential passport files. On March 23, 2009, Cross was sentenced to 12 months of probation and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service. On Jan. 27, 2009, Gerald R. Lueders, a former Foreign Service Officer, watch officer and recruitment coordinator, pleaded guilty to unlawfully accessing more than 50 confidential passport files. Lueders was sentenced on July 8, 2009, to one year of probation and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine. On July 10, 2009, William A. Celey, a file assistant, pleaded guilty to unlawfully accessing more than 75 confidential passport files. Celey is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 23, 2009. On Aug. 17, 2009, Kevin M. Young, a contact representative, pleaded guilty to unlawfully accessing more than 125 confidential passport files. Young is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 9, 2009.

These cases are being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Armando O. Bonilla of the Criminal Division's Public Integrity Section, headed by Section Chief William M. Welch II. The cases are being investigated by the State Department Office of Inspector General.

Parents are the key to Raising Drug-Free Kids

WASHINGTON, - Compared to teens who have not seen their parent(s) drunk, those who have are more than twice as likely to get drunk in a typical month, and three times likelier to use marijuana and smoke cigarettes, according to the National Survey of American Attitudes on Substance Abuse XIV: Teens and Parents, the 14th annual back-to-school survey conducted by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University.

The CASA survey found that 51 percent of 17-year olds have seen one or both of their parents drunk and 34 percent of 12- to 17-year olds have seen one or both of their parents drunk.

Teen drinking behavior is strongly associated with how teens believe their fathers feel about their drinking. Compared to teens who believe their father is against their drinking, teens who believe their father is okay with their drinking are two and a half times likelier to get drunk in a typical month.

The survey found that five percent of 12- to 15-year old girls and nine percent of 12- to 15-year old boys say their fathers are okay with their drinking. Thirteen percent of 16- and 17-year old girls and 20 percent of 16- and 17-year old boys say their fathers are okay with their drinking.

"Some Moms' and Dads' behavior and attitudes make them parent enablers--parents who send their 12- to 17-year olds a message that it's okay to smoke, drink, get drunk and use illegal drugs like marijuana," said Joseph A. Califano, Jr., CASA's chairman and founder and former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. "Teens' behavior is strongly associated with their parents' behavior and expectations, so parents who expect their children to drink and use drugs will have children who drink and use drugs."

Prescription Drugs Readily Available

For the first time this year, the survey asked 12- to 17-year olds how fast they can get prescription drugs to get high. More than one third of teens (8.7 million) can get prescription drugs to get high within a day; nearly one in five teens (4.7 million) can get them within an hour.

When teens were asked where they would get prescription drugs, the most common sources were home, parents, other family members and friends.

For the second year in a row more teens said prescription drugs were easier to buy than beer.

Drinking, Drugging and Sex

This year the CASA survey took a close look at teen drinking and discovered that 65 percent of 12- to 17-year olds who drink monthly report that they get drunk at least once in a typical month. Eighty-five percent of 17-year old drinkers get drunk at least once in a typical month.

The survey found that one third of teen drinkers usually drink with the intention to get drunk. Eighty-five percent of teen drinkers who say that when they drink they usually drink to get drunk do so at least once a month. Of those teens who do NOT set out to get drunk, 33 percent find themselves drunk at least once a month.

Compared to teens who have never tried alcohol, teens who get drunk monthly are:

-- 18 times likelier to have tried marijuana;
-- Four times likelier to be able to get marijuana in an hour;
-- Almost four times likelier to know someone their age who abuses
prescription drugs;
-- More than three times likelier to have friends who use marijuana; and

-- More than twice as likely to know someone their age who uses meth,
ecstasy, or other drugs such as cocaine, heroin or LSD.


Compared to teens who have never tried alcohol, those who get drunk at least once a month are:

-- Twice as likely to know a girl who was forced to do something sexual
she didn't want to do; and

-- Nearly four times likelier to know a guy who uses drugs or alcohol to
hook up.


"The message for parents is loud and clear. If your teen is drinking, the odds are your teen is getting drunk. And teens who get drunk are much likelier to try marijuana and hang out with friends who are abusing prescription drugs and illegal drugs like cocaine and heroin," said Elizabeth Planet, CASA's Vice President and Director of Special Projects. "Parents who think their kids are just having an occasional drink each month need to wake up and smell the beer and pot."

Marijuana, Availability Up Sharply

Between 2007 and 2009 there was a 37 percent increase in the percentage of 12- to 17-year olds who say marijuana is easier to buy than cigarettes, beer or prescription drugs (19 percent to 26 percent).

Forty percent of teens (10 million) can get marijuana within a day; nearly one-quarter of teens (5.7 million) can get it in an hour.

Teens who say that the decision to use marijuana by someone their age is not a big deal are four times more likely to use it compared to teens who say this decision is a big deal.

Teens whose parents believe the decision to use marijuana is not a big deal are almost twice as likely to use the drug, compared to teens whose parents say this decision is a big deal.

Most teens who smoke cigarettes (56 percent) say the decision to use marijuana is not a big deal.

Other Notable Findings
-- Two-thirds of high school students say that drugs are used, kept or
sold at their school.
-- Sixty percent of parents say that their child's school is not drug
free.

-- Of parents who say their teen's school is not drug free, almost half
think there is nothing they can do about it, and only a quarter have
even tried.


"Parents are the key to raising drug-free kids and they have the power to do it if they send their children the clear message to choose not to use and demand that the schools their children attend be drug free," noted Califano whose book How to Raise a Drug Free Kid: The Straight Dope for Parents, was published this month by Simon & Schuster's Touchstone/Fireside Division.

QEV Analytics conducted The National Survey of American Attitudes on Substance Abuse XIV: Teens and Parents from March 2 to April 5, 2009 (teens) and March 21 to April 10, 2009 (parents). The firm interviewed at home by telephone a national random sample of 1,000 12- to 17-year olds (509 boys, 491 girls) and 452 of their parents. Sampling error is +/- 3.1 percent for teens and +/- 4.6 percent for parents.

CASA is the only national organization that brings together under one roof all the professional disciplines needed to study and combat all types of substance abuse as they affect all aspects of society. CASA and its staff of more than 50 professionals has issued 68 reports and white papers, published one book, conducted demonstration programs focused on children, families and schools at 238 sites in 91 cities and counties in 35 states, Washington, DC and two Native American reservations, held 17 conferences attended by professionals and others from 49 states, and has been evaluating the effectiveness of drug and alcohol treatment in a variety of programs and drug courts.

CASA is the creator of the nationwide initiative Family Day--A Day to Eat Dinner With Your Children(TM) -the fourth Monday in September--the 28th in 2009--that promotes parental engagement as a simple and effective way to reduce children's risk of smoking, drinking and using illegal drugs. In May 2007, CASA's Chairman Joseph A. Califano, Jr., called for a fundamental shift in the nation's attitude about substance abuse and addiction with publication of his book, HIGH SOCIETY: How Substance Abuse Ravages America and What to Do About It. For more information visit www.casacolumbia.org.

National Program to Spotlight Potentially Unsafe Baby Products Still in the Marketplace

Parents to Exchange Used Cribs, Car Seats and Other Baby Products at Babies"R"Us and Toys"R"Us Stores Nationwide

WAYNE, N.J.,- Toys"R"Us, Inc. today unveiled a national program that provides customers the opportunity to trade-in used cribs, car seats and other baby products in exchange for savings on a new item. The "Great Trade-In" event is designed to call attention to the fact that, due to safety concerns, certain used baby products, such as car seats and cribs, are not the best candidates to be handed down or resold.

Safety experts have recently reported that sales of used products are on the rise and are warning consumers to be cautious about purchasing second-hand children's items. The "Great Trade-In" event places an emphasis on specific old or second-hand baby products that may be potentially unsafe, but are still in circulation. According to consumer advocacy organization Kids In Danger (KID), in general, less than 30% of affected items are returned when a baby product is recalled. Beyond recalls, certain older and used baby products can raise other concerns. This could include products that have been damaged or others where advances in product safety have rendered older models non-compliant with the latest standards.

During the "Great Trade-In" event, which begins Friday, August 28 and continues through Sunday, September 20, all Babies"R"Us and Toys"R"Us locations nationwide will accept returns of any used cribs, car seats, bassinets, strollers, travel systems, play yards and high chairs in exchange for a 20% savings on the purchase of any new baby item, in any of these product categories, from select manufacturers.

"In today's economy, we are all looking for ways to stretch our dollars, but in doing so, children's safety should not be compromised," said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys"R"Us, Inc. "We hope this program will help raise awareness of the importance of being vigilant about potentially unsafe children's items that may still be in the marketplace, while encouraging customers to use the 'Great Trade-In' event as an opportunity to remove used baby products, such as cribs and car seats, from their garages and attics."

Safety agencies, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), have noted that it continues to be challenging to get dangerous products out of the home following a product recall. The CPSC advises parents to check its website, www.cpsc.gov, to make sure a product has not been recalled before using or purchasing it second-hand. In addition, parents should be aware that used baby products can raise other safety concerns. For example:

-- Federal and voluntary standards and regulations for safety testing,
particularly for cribs, have changed significantly over the past few
years, and older products may not have been produced to meet these
stringent requirements;
-- Car seats can sustain damage in an accident that may not be visible to
the naked eye, but could prevent the seat from functioning properly;
-- Car seats have expiration dates, as the materials can deteriorate over
time, potentially making the car seat less effective in a crash.
Parents can check with the car seat manufacturer to determine the
recommended period of use for a particular car seat;
-- Certain baby products, particularly car seats, are regularly
introduced with new innovations in technology that can improve the
products' safety efficacy;
-- Products made of or that contain certain materials, like wood and
plastic, for example, can deteriorate when exposed to extreme weather
conditions, like heat, potentially compromising safety integrity; and

-- Parts or instruction books for proper assembly, installation or use
may be missing.


It can be difficult for consumers to determine whether used baby products are safe, and with so many ways to purchase used products, it's important for parents to be informed and vigilant when making purchasing decisions. And, because consumers often do not know the history of a second-hand baby product, leading safety organizations such as Safe Kids USA recommend not purchasing used car seats, for example. Additionally, the CPSC advocates not purchasing used items that have a history of safety problems, including cribs, play yards and bassinets.

Manufacturers participating in the "Great Trade-In" event include Baby Cache, Babi Italia, Baby Trend, Bertini, Britax, Chicco, Contours by Kolcraft, Cosco, Delta, Eddie Bauer, Evenflo, Graco, Jeep, Nature's Purest by Summer Infant, Safety 1st and Sorelle. Customers can save 20% on a new purchase, from any of the specified product categories and from any of the aforementioned manufacturers, in Babies"R"Us and Toys"R"Us stores nationwide on the day they trade in their used item. Day care centers or other organizations who wish to exchange items in bulk are encouraged to contact their local Babies"R"Us or Toys"R"Us store prior to returning their used items to ensure adequate availability of new merchandise.

Voluntary Benefits Can Help Employees Strengthen Financial Safety Nets

Research shows economy causing gaps in insurance coverage that put workforce at risk

COLUMBIA, S.C.,- Many employees now face gaps in coverage that put them at financial risk because of the economy, according to a new white paper released by Colonial Life.

"A Workforce at Risk: How Employers Can Help Employees Strengthen Their Financial Safety Nets," was released nationally by Colonial Life today. The paper cites recent information from national human resources and business research organizations, as well as its own proprietary research, to examine the impact of the economy on employers and employees regarding their benefits packages.

Key findings in the paper include:
-- 82 percent of human resource executives say they have already made
changes to their employees' insurance coverage. Fifty-seven percent
have increased premiums; 50 percent have added or increased
co-insurance or co-pay amounts; and 46 percent have added or increased
deductibles.(1)
-- Nearly 42 percent of employers are considering changing their benefits
packages in the next 12 months.(2)

-- Eight out of 10 employees say they are concerned about changes their
employers have made to their insurance coverage in the past year, with
86 percent citing unexpected medical expenses as a concern.(3)


"Since the start of the recession in December of 2007, the soaring rate of unemployment and the rising number of part-time employees due to reduced work hours have left many employees with few or no benefits," says Randy Horn, president and CEO of Colonial Life. "As a result, many more working Americans now feel vulnerable and exposed to financial risk."

The paper notes that the economy is causing employers to struggle more with the benefits they're able to offer employees.

"Employers want to offer competitive benefits packages that will help them recruit and retain their top talent, but they're struggling to make a profit today and have a lot less revenue to go around," says Horn.

Voluntary Benefits Help Close Financial Gaps

Integrating voluntary benefits with core group offerings offers employers a way to help employees protect themselves against increased financial exposure and alleviate the economic pressures they face themselves. Voluntary benefits are especially helpful in the following situations that employers are more likely to deal with during poor economic times:

-- Introduction of high-deductible medical plans.
-- Reduction in benefits for executives or carve-outs for hourly and
part-time workers
-- Corporate mandates to cut operational costs
-- Changes in management
-- Compliance with regulations

-- Large numbers of financial or family changes (marriages, births, etc.)
occurring in the workforce


"Voluntary benefits continue to play an increasingly important role in the workplace, especially in today's tough economic times," says Horn. "And they're suitable for everyone. Employers of all sizes reap advantages from offering voluntary benefits because they can be customized to suit an employer's specific needs. They're a viable solution to helping employees strengthen their financial safety nets."

In fact, 78 percent of employees surveyed say they're interested in voluntary benefits.(4) And employers cite numerous advantages of offering them(5):

-- Improved worker morale and satisfaction--77 percent
-- No added direct cost to the company--75 percent
-- The ability to attract and retain employees--71 percent
-- Giving employees options to purchase less expensive insurance than
they could get on their own--69 percent

-- The ability to offer employees a wider array of benefits--66 percent


Downloadable copies of "A Workforce at Risk: How Employers Can Help Employees Strengthen Their Financial Safety Nets" are available at www.coloniallife.com/About/Newsroom.

For more information about benefits communication, call Colonial Life at (803) 798-7000 or visit www.ColonialLife.com.

PA Coal Association Opposes Federal Climate Change Bill

Current proposal will cost jobs, drive up prices

HARRISBURG, Pa., - The Pennsylvania Coal Association (PCA) unanimously voted at its annual board meeting to oppose the federal climate change legislation (H.R. 2454, the Waxman-Markey bill or the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009), which now is before the U.S. Senate.

The statewide association of coal companies said the fundamental problem with Waxman-Markey is its intent to transform the country's energy use away from coal - our most affordable and reliable source of electricity. In doing so, this would drive up the cost of electricity for businesses and families and create massive job losses.

"With this pending bill, there is no limit to how deeply this process can reach into the pockets of our people, our businesses, education institutions, medical establishments and government entities," said George Ellis, PCA President. "It will pick the pockets of every resident, while reducing our tax revenues to pay for uncertain returns in global emission reductions."

A recent study released by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), predicts that the bill could drive electricity costs up an additional 41 percent by 2030 in Pennsylvania, which relies on coal for more than half of its electric generation, as well as to power certain industries, such as steelmaking. The study also warns that the impact on Pennsylvania's gross state product could be up to $2.5 billion a year by 2020 and more than $20 billion annually by 2030. NAM estimates that the legislation would result in between 71,500 and 97,500 job losses to the Commonwealth by the year 2030, primarily due to hikes in electric and other energy costs as a result of bill provisions.

"While people may not realize it, the average person consumes the equivalent of 20 pounds of coal a day for their energy needs for lights, electronics and other essentials of our daily lives," Ellis noted. "To the extent any legislation unnecessarily drives up the cost of this commodity or makes it scarcer, it will be a financial burden for Pennsylvanians."

In Pennsylvania, 56 percent of all electricity is produced from coal. Pennsylvania is the fourth leading coal producing state, mining 68 million tons in 2008. The mining industry constitutes a major source of employment and tax revenue for the Commonwealth, creating 49,100 direct and indirect jobs in 2008, with a total payroll exceeding $2.2 billion. Taxes on these wages netted over $700 million to the coffers of federal, state and local governments.

"For Pennsylvania, there is way too much at risk. Residents need to speak loud and clear to United States Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey, and urge a no vote on this bill," Ellis said.

About Pennsylvania Coal Association (PCA)

The Pennsylvania Coal Association (PCA) is a trade organization representing surface and underground coal operators that produce bituminous coal mined in the Commonwealth. In addition, PCA represents companies whose livelihood depends in whole or in part on a robust coal industry by providing essential services to the coal industry, ranging from engineering and consulting to financial, insurance and the sale of mining equipment.

Artificial Feeding Confirmed in Deaths of Four Elk; Game Commission Says Litter Causing Risk to Wildlife

HARRISBURG, Pa., - Pennsylvania Game Commission officials recently reported that there have been four cases involving elk that have died of rumen acidosis, which is directly related to artificial feeding that causes an abrupt change in an elk's diet that wreaks havoc with its digestive system. Feeding elk is illegal, as it causes problems by habituating elk to find food around homes and can be dangerous to those who attempt to feed elk by hand.

"So far, we have been able to document four cases of such deaths," said Dr. Walter Cottrell, Game Commission wildlife veterinarian. "There have been other deaths that we believed may have been caused by such feeding, but, in those cases the animal was either decomposed or other circumstances prevented it from obtaining the carcass in time for laboratory analysis to take place."

Dr. Cottrell explained that elk, as well as white-tailed deer, adapt to a winter diet of primarily woody vegetation and they will die of acidosis caused by a build up of lactic acid in the rumen, chambers of its four-part stomach that is responsible for fermentation of food. If they consume too much high-fermentable grain, such as corn, which is the most common artificial feed put out by local residents, the pH level falls quickly and a shock-like syndrome can occur.

Local residents have been issued citations for the illegal feeding. In one case, an elk was found lying dead on a pile of corn. In another case, a resident dragged the carcass of a dead elk into the woods in an attempt to conceal the situation.

"We need to have local residents and district justices understand that the well-intentioned individuals are actually killing elk," Dr. Cottrell said. "For those who truly enjoy seeing elk it is best for them to stop artificially feeding elk and other wildlife. It would be far more beneficial if they were to implement some form of habitat improvement producing cover to reduce weather-related stress or food in the form of digestible native plants on their property."

For more information on the problems associated with feeding deer and elk, please visit the Game Commission's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on "Wildlife" in the left-hand column, scroll down and choose "Please, Don't Feed the Deer."

Game Commission Says Litter Causing Risk To Wildlife

Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officers have been encountering more problems involving trash and wildlife, and are encouraging Pennsylvanians to be more thoughtful about disposing of their trash properly.

"Each year, wildlife rehabilitators are presented with wildlife, especially water birds, entangled in discarded fishing line, or skunks or raccoons with plastic containers stuck on their heads," said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. "Such refuse can prove problematic or deadly for wildlife, and we are encouraging all Pennsylvanians and visitors to Pennsylvania to make sure they 'trash their trash.'"

Earlier this year, a young male, white-tailed deer in Cumberland County was found dead with a clear, plastic jug over its head that once likely held pretzels or pickles. A resident that reported finding the dead deer on his property noted that it appeared that the animal had suffered from dehydration and malnutrition, but was able to breathe.

"No one was able to capture the deer or get close enough to it to help it, as it was able to see through the plastic jug and would run off whenever it was approached by people," the resident told agency officials. "However, I found the deer on my property once it died from a lack of food and water."

It appeared that the young deer, which had just begun to grow antlers, had put its head in the jar to get at the salt or brine that remained in the jug. However, once it got its head in the jug, it was unable to pull it back out as the antler had lodged against the inside of the jar.

More recently, in late July, Game Commission WCOs were made aware of a black bear in Wayne County that also had a jug stuck on its head.

"The bear was first seen around Camp Wayne for Girls in Preston Park on July 25," said WCO Jim McCarthy. "Many people thought it would just free itself, but they saw it again on July 27, and it still had the jug on its head. I received a call for help that day from staff at the camp.

Due to the nature of the call, WCO McCarthy requested a bear trap to take to camp. It was reported that the bear had been wandering around the camp and was making loud noises as it tried to breathe, and temperatures were in the 80's.

"When I arrived at the camp, I was taken to the dumpsters, where the bear reportedly was still coming in to even though it couldn't eat," WCO McCarthy said. "I set the trap next to a dumpster and returned the following morning at 5 a.m. to sit and wait with a dart gun in case the bear came back to the dumpster area and did not go into the trap.

"When I got there, a bear was in the trap, but it was the wrong bear. I waited until 8:30 a.m., but the bear with the jug on its head didn't show. I processed the captured bear, and reset the trap."

A little later that day, around 2:30 p.m., the bear with the jug was captured in the trap.

"When I arrived, the bear was making very loud gasping sounds that could be heard before we reached the trap," WCO McCarthy said. "I looked in a hole in the trap and there was a bear with a pretzel bucket stuck on its head. I quickly injected it with a tranquilizer dart, which took effect in about three minutes.

"Once the bear was removed from the trap, I tried to pull off the bucket, but was unable to. I got my tin snips out of the truck and had to cut through the rim of the pretzel bucket to get it off. Almost immediately you could hear an improvement in the bears breathing, it was almost like it let out a big sigh. I poured water over the bear to cool it down."

The bear turned out to be a 90-pound female cub. It had a noticeable ring around her neck where the bucket was.

"Once I administered the reversal drug, she woke up, but was apparently exhausted, and took about an hour to gain enough strength to run off into the woods," WCO McCarthy said. "The bucket was on the bear for at least four days that we know of. The bucket had two small punctures in the end, and that was all. I don't know how she found the trap, let alone went into the trap with that bucket on its head, but we certainly are glad she did."

Slogan Contest Educates Young Baseball and Softball Players About the Dangers of Tobacco Use

Oral Health America announced the winner of its National Spit Tobacco Education Program (NSTEP) annual slogan contest today, and encouraged young baseball and softball players to talk to their coaches and parents about tobacco addiction and the health risks of using tobacco products, including spit and smokeless tobacco.


This year's slogan contest winner is Katie Reynolds, a 12-year-old Little League Softball player with the Pawling Little League from Pawling, N.Y., whose submission, "Chew on this. . .tobacco steals your health," sends a clear message that tobacco has no place in the ballpark.

"In addition to being thrilled and proud of Katie's slogan, we are equally delighted that the contest provided an opportunity for our family to discuss the harms of tobacco," said Katie's parents, William and Gina Reynolds.

Katie's slogan will be featured on a pin designed by Oral Health America for distribution at the Little League Baseball World Series in South Williamsport, Pa., from Aug. 21-30. Katie will receive a monetary award, a trip to the event with her family, and an on-field award ceremony.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance, about eight percent of high school students (and 13 percent of high school males) used smokeless tobacco in the past 30 days. The 2008 Monitoring the Future study from the University of Michigan found that over 80 percent of 8th and 10th graders disapprove of people using spit tobacco regularly.

Oral Health America's NSTEP works with Little League International to educate families about the risks of spit tobacco use, including oral cancer, gum disease, tooth decay, and nicotine addiction. During the 10-Day Little League Baseball World Series, Oral Health America provides tobacco and health education to tens of thousands of young baseball and softball players and their families.

Oral Health America is the nation's leading independent organization dedicated to eliminating oral disease through access, education and advocacy. To find out more, visit www.oralhealthamerica.org and http://www.nstep.org/. Oral Health America's presence at the Little League Baseball World Series is made possible with support from Aspen Dental (www.aspendent.com) and Delta Dental of California (www.deltadentalins.com).

2009 National Truck Driving Championships Finalists Announced

PITTSBURGH,- The finalists for the 2009 National Truck Driving Championships were announced early this morning after a three day competition that tested driver's knowledge of safety, equipment, the industry and driving skills. Considered the "Super Bowl of Safety," the competition is in the midst of a drive-off.

The top three drivers in each of the eight competing categories, along with the affiliated step van competition, will now run a specially designed obstacle course that will be unveiled this morning to determine the top driver. At the end of the day, the best driver from all eight categories will be named, with one driver named the 2009 National Grand Champion Truck Driver.

*Note: High-Resolution photos will be available of winners

2009 National Truck Driving Championship Finalists

Straight Truck Class

1. Robert (Bob) J. Dolan - Con-way Freight (Catasauqua, Pa.)
2. Brent A. Glasenapp - FedEx Express (Franklin, Wis.)

3. Leroy Williams, Sr. - Con-way Freight (Zachary, La.)

3-Axle Class

1. Brian Clark - FedEx Express (Pittsboro, Ind.)
2. Don Logan - FedEx Freight (Eskridge, Kan.)

3. Joe Mangiaracino - FedEx Freight (Sullivan, Mo.)

4-Axle Class

1. Mike Stickley - Con-way Freight (Winchester, Va.)
2. Tim Dean - Werner Enterprises, Inc. (Omaha, Neb.)

3. Darryl Dodd - Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC (Phil Campbell, Ala.)

5-Axle Class

1. Dale Duncan - Con-way Freight (San Diego, Ca.)
2. Ray Jackson - H-E-B Grocery Co. (San Antonio, Texas)

3. J.W. (Jesse) Ballard - YRC (Portland, Ore.)

Flatbed Class

1. Rick Kinsey - Con-way Freight (Winchester, Va.)
2. Rich Sweeney - Con-way Freight (Springfield, Mass.)

3. Mick Simpson - Family Dollar Trucking, Inc. (Rose Hill, N.C.)

Tank Truck Class

1. Tony Spero - ABF Freight (Stratford, Conn.)
2. Dennis Chambers - Crete Carrier Corporation (Spartanburg, Neb.)

3. Jon Hume - FedEx Freight (Hillsboro, Mo.)

Twins Class

1. Mark McLean - FedEx Freight (Gardiner, N.Y.)
2. Stacy Sansom - YRC (Shreveport, La.)

3. Chris Poynor - Con-way Freight (Pasco, Wash.)

Sleeper Berth Class

1. Ralph Garcia - ABF Freight System, Inc. (Rio Rancho, N.M.)
2. John Hummel - UPS Freight (Gaffney, S.C.)

3. Troy Swenson - FedEx Freight (Watertown, S.D.)

Step Van

1. Skippy LeBlanc - FedEx Ground (Seaford, Del.)
2. Nick Paradiso - FedEx Ground (Portland, Ore.)

3. David Thompson - FedEx Ground (Alexander, Ark.)



ATA's Truck Driving Championships include top professional truck drivers from around the nation competing at state and regional levels to make it to the national competition Aug. 18-22 in Pittsburgh, Pa. The NTDC annually attracts over 2,000 cheering friends, family, colleagues and spectators. For more information, visit the 2009 National Truck Driving Championships website: ntdc.truckline.com

The American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of other trucking groups, industry-related conferences, and its 50 affiliated state trucking associations, ATA represents more than 37,000 members covering every type of motor carrier in the United States.

The American Trucking Associations has led the campaign for rigorous safety laws that affect every driver on the nation's highways. ATA's overall safety agenda includes greater education on sharing the road with large trucks, increased traffic enforcement for all vehicles that operate unsafely around large trucks, the adoption of primary safety belt laws in all states, and reinstatement of a national maximum speed limit of 65 mph for all vehicles. ATA also supports limiting truck speeds at the time of manufacture. www.truckline.com

HYSTA Announces 2009 Annual Conference - 'Survive and Thrive amidst a Global Economic Crisis: New Opportunities across China and US'

SAN JOSE, Calif.- HYSTA (Hua Yuan Science and Technology Association) will present its annual conference on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at the Santa Clara Convention Center. The conference brings together top industry leaders from both Silicon Valley and China and is targeting business executives, high-tech professionals, investors and those interested in entrepreneurship.

This year's conference will focus on how to not only survive in business during global economic hardship but to also thrive; grow and expand, a new leader emerging from the pack. The conference will feature keynote speeches and panel sessions on topics such as Green Energy / Clean Technology, Innovation in the current Global Economy and Venture Capital Opportunities. We are proud to announce that Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, will be our keynote speaker to share his insights on the opportunities for US and China that exist in an unstable market. An incomplete list of speakers includes:

-- Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft
-- Fang Fang, Managing Director and CEO JP Morgan China
-- Steve Westly, Former Controller of CA, Managing Partner of The Westly
Group
-- YiBing Wu, Managing Director, Legend Holding
-- Jeff Xiong, Co-CTO, Tencent
-- Stephanie Tilenius, Senior VP and General Manager, eBay North America
and Global Platform
-- Clarence Kwan, National Managing Partner, Deloitte Chinese Services
Group
-- ShuHua Zhou, Partner, Northern Light
-- David Chen, President, VanceInfo
-- Walter Fang, President, Neusoft America
-- Marc Porat, Chairman/Founder, Calstar, Serious Materials
-- Zheng Xu, CEO, Sierra Power

-- Jonathan Hsu, CEO, 24/7 Real Media



More information on the event as well as speaking information can be found on http://www.hysta.org/ac2009/.

About HYSTA: Hua Yuan Science and Technology Association (HYSTA) is a leading Chinese professional association in US. Founded in 1999 by a group of successful Chinese entrepreneurs, HYSTA aims at nurturing entrepreneurship and career development among Chinese technology and business professionals and facilitates networking and the exchange of business ideas between Silicon Valley and China. For more information visit: www.hysta.org.

New Mexico American Water Files for Rate Increase in Edgewood

EDGEWOOD, N.M., - New Mexico American Water has filed an application with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) to increase water rates in Edgewood. The proposed rate increase funds necessary infrastructure improvement and recovers increases in operational and maintenance costs. If the proposed rates are approved, the average residential customer will see rates increase about 80 cents per day over current rates. The filing also requests the addition of a fifth local staff position to further the company's efforts to provide excellent customer service and supply high quality water to its customers.

"New Mexico American Water has made strategic investments to ensure that we maintain a high level of service and water quality for our customers," said New Mexico American Water vice president Kathy Wright. "We are also focusing on additional staffing needs to continue to deliver the excellent service our customers depend upon at an exceptional value. Water service still typically costs about one penny a gallon and remains the lowest utility bill that most consumers pay each month."

New Mexico American Water has invested $1.5 million in improvements to its Edgewood water system since 2005. In 2008, the Company constructed the Juniper Hill Pump Station for a total cost of $473,000. The new pump station replaced an outdated pump system that was constructed in the 1970s. The new pump station improved reliability and water delivery for daily use. New Mexico American Water has also spent more than $300,000 since 2005 to replace and improve about 1.9 miles of water mains, $580,000 on improvements to five of the wells that provide Edgewood's water supply, and $208,000 to replace aging water meters. The rate case also requests adding an additional operator for the Edgewood system to read meters and provide customer service in the field. Currently, Edgewood has four local employees. New Mexico American Water, like many other businesses, is also experiencing increased costs for electricity, fuel, chemicals and insurance.

New Mexico American Water anticipates a decision on the rate case in mid-2010. If the filing is approved in its entirety, the bill for the average metered residential customer in Edgewood, assuming water use of 5000 gallons per month, would increase 65 percent from $37.04 for the average monthly bill to $61.07. This would equal an increase of approximately 80 cents per day.

Any change in rates for New Mexico American Water customers will become effective only by order of the NMPRC after a thorough analysis and review of the Company's application, a process that takes approximately 12 months and includes opportunities for public input.

"The process for the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission to review and approve our request is an open and transparent process with many opportunities for customer input," Wright said. "We will be out in the community speaking about the investments and expenses we are asking the NMPRC to approve and how they benefit our customers."

New Mexico American Water is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and related services to more than 48,000 people.

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

Effective Control Transport, Inc. will file lawsuit against the Dissident Group alleging violations of the federal securities laws

MONTREAL, - Effective Control Transport, Inc. (the "Corporation") (OTC-Pink Sheets-EFFC) announces it will file a lawsuit in the New York Southern District against Mr. Guy J.C. Benoit, Mr. Guy Faucher, Mr. Guy-Paul Gauthier, Mr. Gib de Medeiros and Mr. Mario Naim personally (the "Dissident Group") for violations of federal securities laws. The complaint relates to actions that have arisen in connection with the Information Statement (the "Statement") that the Dissident Group mailed to shareholders dated June 22, 2009, in which they sought to remove the Corporation's current Board of Directors and replace it with their nominees.

The complaint will namely allege that: (i) the Dissident Group unlawfully solicited proxies from the Corporation's shareholders in violation of Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in connection with their actions to take control of the Corporation and replace the Corporation's current Board of Directors with their five (5) nominees; (ii) a copy of the Statement was not forwarded to the SEC, as required under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; (iii) the Statement contained untrue statements of material fact or omissions of fact; and (iv) the Statement presented by the Dissident Group omitted material information regarding certain nominees, namely Mr. Guy-Paul Gauthier's background. With its lawsuit, the Corporation is seeking injunctive relief against the Dissident Group to prevent them from acting upon any proposed voting results obtained in the unlawful proxy solicitation and requiring corrective disclosure in the Statement.

Walmart Announces New Exclusive Miley Cyrus CD 'The Time of Our Lives' to Release Aug. 31

Album's new single 'Party In The USA' debuts at #2 on Billboard Hot 100


BENTONVILLE, Ark., - Walmart (NYSE:WMT) announced plans today to offer the new Miley Cyrus album, "The Time of Our Lives" on Hollywood Records, releasing Aug. 31, 2009, exclusively at Walmart stores and Walmart.com. "The Time of Our Lives," which will retail for $8, has seven tracks - including the new single "Party In The USA," which debuted this week at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 following three consecutive weeks as the # 1 most added song at Top 40 Radio. The song is currently the most downloaded MP3 on Walmart.com.

Fans can pre-order "The Time of Our Lives" CD on Walmart.com for only $8, and the digital album for only $7. Those who pre-order the MP3 digital album on Walmart.com get the new radio single instantly.

Tracks on the new album include:

1. The Time of Our Lives
2. Party In The USA
3. Obsessed
4. When I Look At You
5. Talk Is Cheap
6. Kicking And Screaming

7. Before The Storm (duet with Jonas Brothers Live)



Cyrus is currently filming the Nicolas Sparks drama "The Last Song" and will embark on a 45-city North American tour beginning in September.

In addition, Miley Cyrus and designer Max Azria of apparel house BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP, Inc. have teamed up to create Miley Cyrus & Max Azria, a new apparel line which launched this month exclusively in Walmart stores and online at Walmart.com. Walmart is also the sponsor of the Miley Cyrus North American Tour.

In 2006, Miley Cyrus landed the starring role in Disney Channel's "Hannah Montana," which instantly became a ratings blockbuster. That year, the first "Hannah Montana" CD came out on Walt Disney Records, becoming the first TV soundtrack to debut at #1 on the Billboard Top 200. The album is now certified triple-platinum.

With her triple-platinum 2007 two-disc set, "Hannah Montana 2 / Meet Miley Cyrus," Miley set the stage for her record-shattering "Best of Both Worlds" tour. She also had the #1 film in the country with the Walt Disney Pictures 3-D release, "Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert." Last summer she released her platinum-certified "Breakout" album, for which she co-wrote eight of the 13 tracks. Cyrus also topped the best-seller list with the release of her first book Miles To Go.

With her starring role in the #1 Walt Disney Picture film, "Hannah Montana The Movie," Cyrus scored her fourth #1 album with the film's platinum-certified soundtrack. She is the youngest recording artist ever to claim four #1 albums on the Billboard Top 200 in less than three years.

Cyrus recently wrapped the third season of "Hannah Montana." A fourth season of the hit series will begin production in 2010.

Bridge Construction Company Fined for Violations to Clean Streams Law

HARRISBURG, Pa., - The Department of Environmental Protection and the Fish and Boat Commission issued a joint $35,000 penalty against Clearwater Construction based in Mercer, Mercer County for numerous violations to state and federal regulations, including intentionally discharging concrete laden water into the Conewago Creek in York County.

"By washing this concrete slurry into the creek, Clearwater Construction recklessly endangered the health of a vital York County waterway," said DEP Southcentral Regional Office Director Rachel Diamond.

A contractor for the state Department of Transportation, Clearwater was replacing the Lewisberry Road bridge straddling the border of Newberry and Conewago townships.

From inspections on Nov. 11, 12. 13, both DEP and the Fish and Boat Commission field staff documented workers intentionally washing poor quality, wet concrete into the creek in order to avoid hauling it away and delaying completion of the bridge.

Additionally, on Nov. 13 and Nov. 17, inspectors noticed that Clearwater did not use best management practices for moving soil and failed to minimize erosion and sedimentation.

The company's intentional violation of state and federal regulations created a danger of sedimentation pollution in the Conewago Creek and threatened aquatic life.

In addition to breaking Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law, the company also violated the state's Dam Safety and Encroachment Act, Fish and Boat Code regulations and federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System requirements.

DEP received $30,000 of the penalty, $26,000 of which went to the Clean Water Fund and $4,000 went to the Dams and Encroachments Fund. The Fish and Boat Commission also received $5,000.

For more information, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Water quality.

Mauritania / Website editor gets six months in prison for “offending public decency”

NOUAKCHOTT, - Reporters Without Borders strongly condemns the six-month jail sentence which a Nouakchott court passed yesterday on Hanevy Ould Dehah, the editor of the website Taqadoumy, on a charge of “offending public decency.” Dehah has been held for the past two months in Dart Naim prison.


“The sole aim of this disproportionate sentence is to restore the reputation of Ibrahima Moctar Sarr, a politician whose financial dealings Dehah examined,” Reporters Without Borders said. “We hope this verdict is overturned on appeal and Dehah is soon released.”


Reporters Without Borders has obtained a copy of the court's verdict. While finding Dehah guilty on the public decency charge, the court acquitted him on charges of defamation, inciting rebellion and inciting crimes and offences “because of the absence of enforceable laws applicable to electronic media offences.”


As well as sentencing him to six months in prison, it fined him 30,000 ouguiyas (83 euros) and ordered him to pay another 21,000 ouguiyas (59 euros) in legal costs. He has appealed.


Dehah was arrested on the orders of the Nouakchott prosecutor's office on 18 June as a result of a complaint by Sarr, a presidential candidate and head of the opposition Alliance for Justice and Democracy/Movement for Renovation (AJD/MR), over an article posted on Taqadoumy on 22 April.


Headlined “Ibrahima Sarr's sudden fortune,” it referred to “the purchase by Mr. Sarr of a villa costing 30 million ouguiyas on the Nouadhibou road in an area known as ‘university lands,' one of the capital's most elegant neighbourhoods.” Sarr and his family described the article as “defamatory and baseless.”

Arch Coal Receives Antitrust Clearance from the FTC Regarding the Jacobs Ranch Transaction

ST. LOUIS, - Arch Coal, Inc. (NYSE:ACI) today announced that it has received antitrust clearance from the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") in connection with the company's pending acquisition of Rio Tinto's Jacobs Ranch mine in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming.

"We are very pleased to be moving one step closer to completing the acquisition of Jacobs Ranch," said Steven F. Leer, Arch's chairman and chief executive officer. "We are now working swiftly to finalize our due diligence on the transaction and to meet all necessary conditions required for closing."

Arch expects the transaction to close within the next six weeks.

"We are confident this acquisition will create significant benefits for our company, our customers and our shareholders," added Leer. "We believe the integration of Jacobs Ranch into our existing Black Thunder mine will further enhance our world-class operations in the PRB, the nation's largest and fastest growing coal supply region."

St. Louis-based Arch Coal is one of the largest U.S. coal producers, with revenues of $3.0 billion in 2008. Through its national network of mines, Arch supplies cleaner-burning, low-sulfur coal to U.S. power producers to fuel roughly 6 percent of the nation's electricity. The company also ships coal to domestic and international steel manufacturers as well as international power producers.

Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains "forward-looking statements" - that is, statements related to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," or "will." Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. For us, particular uncertainties arise from changes in the demand for our coal by the domestic electric generation industry; from legislation and regulations relating to the Clean Air Act and other environmental initiatives; from operational, geological, permit, labor and weather-related factors; from fluctuations in the amount of cash we generate from operations; from future integration of acquired businesses; and from numerous other matters of national, regional and global scale, including those of a political, economic, business, competitive or regulatory nature. These uncertainties may cause our actual future results to be materially different than those expressed in our forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. For a description of some of the risks and uncertainties that may affect our future results, you should see the risk factors described from time to time in the reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Countrywide Sent Back to State Court

Statement of Eric Halperin, Senior Litigation Counsel and Deputy Director, Center for Responsible Lending

WASHINGTON,- This morning's New York Times reported that a federal court in Manhattan has declined to take action on a lawsuit pending between Countrywide Financial Corporation and certain mortgage investors. Nothing in the court's decision casts any doubt on mortgage servicers' legal ability to modify distressed loans. Instead, Judge Holwell's decision merely determines that this pending case should be decided by a New York state court, not in federal court as Countrywide had requested. Judge Holwell made this decision without ruling on any of Countrywide's defenses to the lawsuit.

Loan modifications are essential to turning around the current financial crisis, and the number of modifications continues to be dwarfed by the number of foreclosures. We hope that servicers, who are already using "investor refusal" as a scapegoat for denying modifications, will not use the purely procedural decision in this case as a further excuse to refuse to modify loans.

For more information contact: Kathleen Day at (202) 349-1871 kathleen.day@responsiblelending.org; or Ginna Green at (510) 379-5513 ginna.green@responsiblelending.org; or Charlene Crowell at (919) 313-8523 charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.

About the Center for Responsible Lending

The Center for Responsible Lending is a non-profit, non-partisan research and policy organization dedicated to protecting homeownership and family wealth by working to eliminate abusive financial practices. CRL is affiliated with Self-Help, one of the nation's largest community development financial institutions.

Firearms Industry to Offer Reward in Hanover Township Firearms Theft

NEWTOWN, Conn.,- As part of a national initiative to help curb the criminal acquisition and misuse of firearms, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) -- the trade association for the firearms industry -- has announced that it will match any rewards issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in the August 19, 2009, theft of 33 handguns from Nimrod Haven Firearms in Hanover Township, Pa.

The matching reward payment by the NSSF will be granted only following payment of the initial ATF reward, which is up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the crime.

"Our reward offer will assist ATF and local law enforcement in solving burglaries against firearms retailers and lead to the recovery of stolen firearms before they can enter the illegal underground black market," said NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane.

Anyone with information about this crime should contact ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (800-283-4867) or the Hanover Township Police Department at (570) 825-1270. All calls will be kept confidential.

Japhet School to Give Away Two Full Scholarships, Each Worth up to $9,500

MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich.,- Japhet School, the award-winning private school in Madison Heights, Michigan, announced today it will give away a pair of full-year scholarships worth up to $9,500 each to two Detroit-area students entering first through eighth grades for the school year starting Sept 9. (Editor's note: Japhet is pronounced "Jay-Fit.")

In addition, three $3,500 partial scholarships will also be made available for new students entering third to eighth grade.

Founded in 1973, Japhet is recognized for its strong academics and was the first school in Michigan to be named a National School of Character. Its integrated curriculum has been used as a model by other Michigan schools including Birmingham Public Schools.

Families looking to apply for the scholarship offer should contact the school right away. The qualification process is quick and easy: a parent or guardian simply needs to write a letter to the school stating in 250 words or less why the student deserves to be awarded one of the scholarships. The letter, along with the student's June 2009 report card, should be submitted to the school no later than Sept 4, 2009. Then, Japhet's admissions team will evaluate the requests and schedule interviews and testing for the student in time to start the new school year. Full details are available at www.japhetschool.org or by phoning the school at 248-585-9150 during business hours.

School officials say the scholarships are Japhet's way of helping Detroit-area families who are facing financial challenges but who are committed to their children and their children's education. It's all part of the school's commitment to practice what it teaches, and put into action the same character skills taught to students in the classroom.

"We believe what's taught in the classroom must go well beyond the classroom into the community and world," says Cathy Mohan, head of school.

"Among the 18 character qualities our students learn are industry, gratitude, respect for others, and initiative. The latter two especially have a lot to do with this program because they include 'doing unto others' and making a difference in the world. We know these scholarships have the potential to make an important difference in students' lives, especially with the current economic conditions we face," says Cathy Mohan, head of school.

At Japhet School, character education is integrated into everything that goes on. "We don't have 'character class,' a 'character expert,' or 20-minute insertions of character-building activities now and again," says Mohan. "Rather, the expression of good character and the teaching of character are integrated into daily lessons and daily life."

Parents say that among the top reasons they selected - and have chosen to remain - at Japhet School is for its strong character program and the sense of community fostered among parents, students, teachers and staff.

For more information about Japhet School and its scholarships for 2009/2010, visit www.japhetschool.org and click on Admissions. The school is centrally located in Metro Detroit, near 13 Mile Road and I-75.

About Japhet:

Japhet School is an independent school, serving children the metropolitan Detroit area in preschool through eighth grade. Its mission is to nurture and prepare children for life by integrating character education with a strong academic program. The school provides small classes, which are purposefully designed as "blends" or two-grade classrooms. This setup enables teachers to challenge students with academic material that is appropriate for their intellectual readiness, regardless of age or grade. Integrated with strong academics is Japhet School's national award-winning character education curriculum, which not only builds a peaceful community within the school, but also gives Japhet students a foundation of character on which they will rely their entire lives.

Japhet is a National School of Character, and was the first school in Michigan -- and the first independent school in the country -- to receive this award. The annual National Schools of Character Award is presented to K-12 schools that demonstrate exemplary programs that encourage the social and ethical development of their students. It was developed to recognize outstanding character education initiatives that yield positive results in student behavior, school climate and academic performance. The Award is sponsored and administered by the Character Education Partnership (CEP) in Washington, D.C.


CONTACT: Betsy Stecker of Japhet School, +1-248-585-9150 (office),
+1-248-808-2168 (cell phone), betsy.stecker@japhetschool.org;

Employee Loses 100 Pounds Within Weight Loss Competition, Awarded Goal of First Skydive

PEORIA, Ariz. - To achieve a goal, one is oftentimes advised to set an incentive to gain once the goal is reached. Recently, a local resident, D'Artagnan Lopez, a fitness technician with Innovative Senior Care(SM), hit a weight loss goal to be able to make his goal of skydiving.


Lopez lost 100 pounds through his weight loss journey, which has been ongoing for the last eight months. He participated in a recent employer-sponsored wellness and weight loss competition at Freedom Plaza Peoria, a Brookdale Senior Living continuing care retirement community in Peoria, which motivated him to shave off the remaining pounds.

During the Brookdale Weigh, the wellness and weight loss competition, participants lost more than 30,000 pounds and more than 3 percent of total body weight through the first-ever employer-sponsored 12-week competition. Out of 35,000 employees, 4,000 actively participated within 1,224 teams at about 400 offices/communities nationwide.

Lopez's goal and incentive after losing 100 pounds is to make the weight requirement to skydive. Having achieved this goal, Brookdale was pleased to award this dream to him.

On Thursday, Aug. 13, Lopez proudly plunged 13,000 feet from an airplane and was in freefall for 60 seconds.

"It was a pure rush," said Lopez. "This is a day I will remember for a long time."

"D'Artagnan is a shining example of living an Optimum Life. He set a goal, then worked hard to achieve it," said Sara Terry, vice president of Optimum Life for Brookdale Senior Living. "He is now embracing one of our company's cornerstones, 'Have fun and celebrate life every day,' by rewarding himself for his commitment to wellness. We are honored to be a part of this experience, and wish the best for D'Artagnan."

Brookdale's Optimum Life concept is geared toward cultivating whole-person wellness through fulfillment in the six key dimensions. The company's Experiences of a Lifetime program provides a helping hand in making some of the dreams of its residents come true.

Innovative Senior Care(SM) offers ancillary services including physical, occupational and speech therapies available onsite to residents of Brookdale Senior Living communities.

Two Manufacturers Agree to Settle Clean Air Act Claims Resulting From Explosions at Plants in Kentucky and Mississippi

WASHINGTON - Two manufacturing companies, in separate settlements, have agreed to pay civil penalties and take corrective measures to settle Clean Air Act violations resulting from explosions at two plants in 2002 and 2003 in Louisville, Ky., and Pascagoula, Miss., the Justice Department and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today.

D. D. Williamson and Co. and First Chemical Corp. have agreed in separate settlements to pay a combined total of $1,331,000 in civil penalties and to implement corrective measures to settle Clean Air Act claims resulting from a 2003 explosion at D.D. Williamson's Kentucky plant and a 2002 explosion at First Chemical's Mississippi plant.

"Today's settlements are a forceful reminder to the regulated community that the failure to adhere to the Clean Air Act's general duty obligations can lead to serious, even deadly, accidents and harm to the environment," said John C. Cruden, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Environmental and Natural Resources Division. "Today's settlements also demonstrate the Justice Department's continuing efforts to ensure the public safety, and protection of the environment, by holding industry to the duty to maintain safe facilities."

"This case demonstrates that a failure to fulfill obligations under the law can have serious consequences," said Stan Meiburg, EPA Acting Regional Administrator in Atlanta. "EPA will continue to aggressively pursue those who fail to comply with the laws that protect our environment, and we will hold them accountable."

The complaints filed today against both companies allege that they failed to adhere to the Clean Air Act's general duty of care provision. The general duty of care requirement obligates companies handling extremely hazardous substances to take steps to identify and reduce the risks associated with the use of these chemicals, including providing layers of protection on their equipment, such as pressure relief valves, automatic shut-off valves or temperature alarms; ensuring the mechanical integrity of their equipment and piping; and properly training employees to monitor and address emergencies.

D.D. Williamson

The complaint filed against D.D. Williamson, a caramel coloring manufacturer, alleges the company failed to comply with the Clean Air Act and its regulations. The 2003 incident at the plant resulted in the death of one employee and the release of an ammonia cloud in a nearby residential neighborhood. Specifically, the complaint alleges that D.D. Williamson failed to comply with the general duty of care imposed on users of extremely hazardous substances and also failed to comply with the chemical accident prevention provisions also known as the risk management program. The risk management program outlines specific safety management requirements for certain extremely hazardous substances, such as ammonia, that are used in amounts over specific limits.

D.D. Williamson, under the consent decree lodged today with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, has agreed to pay $600,000 in civil penalties to be divided equally between the United States and the Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District, which enforces the risk management program regulations. After the 2003 explosion, D.D. Williamson took steps to improve its Louisville plant by building a new facility that housed its manufacturing operations. Under the consent decree, D.D. Williamson is required to use an outside engineering consultant to complete a full hazard operability study of its manufacturing operations and implement the study's recommendations, and to train its managers in process-hazard assessment techniques.

First Chemical

The complaint filed against First Chemical, which makes extremely hazardous mononitrotoluene (MNT), asserts the company similarly failed to meet the general duty requirement, leading to the 2002 explosion that resulted in the release of over 1,200 pounds of MNT into the air.

First Chemical, under the consent decree lodged today with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, has agreed to pay the United States $731,000 in civil penalties, to complete an ongoing comprehensive hazard analysis of its MNT process and to implement all recommendations resulting from the analysis.

Home Development Company Agrees to Settle Federal Lawsuit for Clean Water Act Violations

WASHINGTON - Cooper Land Development, Inc., a luxury home development company headquartered in Rogers, Ark., has agreed to pay a civil penalty and implement a storm water compliance program at its construction sites to settle allegations that it violated the Clean Water Act, the Justice Department and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today.

According to a consent decree filed today in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., Cooper Land Development has agreed to pay a $513,740 civil penalty to settle the allegations that it failed to properly manage construction site storm water runoff and implement erosion control at five of its housing developments located in Missouri, West Virginia and Arkansas. The penalty will be paid in four annual installments, plus interest, according to the consent decree.

Additionally, the consent decree requires Cooper Land Development to implement a company-wide storm water compliance program that provides for improved environmental performance and increased oversight of its operations at all of its current and future construction sites. In addition to the Creekmoor and Glade Springs Village projects, those sites include Bella Vista Village, Benton County, Ark.; Hot Springs Village, Garland and Saline counties, Ark.; and Sienna Lake, Little Rock, Ark.

The settlement resolves a civil complaint filed Sept. 22, 2008, in which the United States alleged that inspections in 2006 found Cooper Land Development had violated the terms of separate National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permits issued by respective state environmental authorities for its Creekmoor housing development in Raymore, Mo., and the Glade Springs Village housing development near Daniels, W. VA.

The Clean Water Act requires that construction sites have controls in place to prevent pollution from being discharged with storm water into nearby waterways. These controls include simple pollution prevention techniques such as silt fences, phased site grading and sediment basins to prevent common construction contaminants from entering the nation's waterways.

EPA estimates that by implementing the terms and conditions of the settlement, approximately 8.67 million pounds of construction sediments will be kept from polluting the nation's waterways.

Besides causing soil erosion and clogging streams with sediment, construction site storm water runoff can pick up other pollutants such as debris, pesticides, chemicals, solvents and other substances. Sediment-laden runoff can result in the loss of in-stream habitat for fish and other aquatic species, killing fish directly, destroying their spawning beds and blocking sunlight, which can result in reduced growth of beneficial aquatic grasses.

"Storm water discharges from construction sites cause serious degradation of our nation's waterways," said John C. Cruden, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division. "This agreement will result in better management practices that will ultimately lead to a cleaner environment."

"The failure to properly control storm water runoff at construction sites can have serious consequences for the environment," said William Rice, acting administrator for EPA Region 7. "EPA will enforce the laws and regulations to ensure that storm water runoff is properly managed in a way that protects our fragile ecosystems."

Improving compliance at construction sites is one of EPA's national enforcement priorities. Construction projects have a high potential for environmental harm because they disturb large areas of land and significantly increase the potential for erosion. Without onsite pollution controls, sediment-laden runoff from construction sites can flow directly to the nearest waterway and degrade water quality. In addition, storm water can pick up other pollutants, including concrete washout, paint, used oil, pesticides, solvents and other debris. Polluted runoff can harm or kill fish and wildlife and can affect drinking water quality.

This settlement is the latest in a series of enforcement actions to address storm water violations from construction sites around the country. Similar consent decrees have been reached with companies like Home Depot and four major home building companies.

The consent decree, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, is subject to a 30-day public comment period and approval by the federal court. A copy of the consent decree is available on the Justice Department Web site at http://www.usdoj.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html.

Technology Executives Say Their Industry Will Lead Economic Recovery

Leaders See Improved Revenue and Profitability in 2010; About Half See Improved Jobs Picture

NEW YORK - Technology executives believe that the technology sector will recover from the current economic crisis substantially more quickly than the U.S. economy, with senior business leaders expecting improved revenue and profitability in 2010 and about half seeing an improved job picture, according to the results of a recent survey of hardware and software company executives conducted by KPMG LLP, the audit, tax, and advisory firm.

In the KPMG survey, two-thirds of these senior technology executives said they thought their industry would fully recover from the current economic crisis ahead of the overall U.S. economy. Silicon Valley-based executives were even more bullish - 77 percent expect the technology sector's recovery to outpace the U.S. recovery. About 43 percent of the technology leaders surveyed expect the U.S. economy to recover after 2010 while 39 percent predict the economy will recover by next year.

Eight out of 10 executives surveyed said they expect business conditions in the technology sector to improve in 2010, with 78 percent expecting stronger revenue and 72 percent expecting improved profitability.

"The results are in line with recent earnings reports in the technology sector which suggest business conditions are starting to improve," said Gary Matuszak, partner, global chair and U.S. leader for KPMG's Information, Communications & Entertainment practice. "There are also reports of software industry sales expanding five to ten percent annually after the recession, so while it's far from blue skies in the industry, the worst seems to be behind us," said Matuszak.

The KPMG survey asked the executives to indicate if their strategic focus was on cost cutting or investing for long-term growth. The results show that most technology executives are focused on building the business with 69 percent indicating they are placing emphasis on long-term growth versus 31 percent who said they are focused on cost cutting.

EMPLOYMENT PICTURE SLIGHTLY BRIGHTER

When asked how they responded to the economic downturn in the past year, the most frequently cited action was reducing headcount (68 percent). Only 14 percent of respondents said they are planning or considering further reductions in 2010. In fact, technology executives are fairly optimistic about the industry employment picture in 2010, as 49 percent expect it to be better.

The second most frequent action cited in response to the downturn was cutting capital expenses (60 percent said they already had done so and 28 percent are considering or planning cuts). When asked what else they would do to adjust to the downturn in 2010, 42 percent of executives said they were creating or modifying risk management plans and another 42 percent said they were looking at implementing IT solutions to reduce operating costs.

IMPROVED CONFIDENCE CRITICAL TO RECOVERY

When asked to identify the top three triggers they think will spur an economic recovery, 42 percent of the technology executives cited improved business confidence, 41 percent said improved consumer confidence, and 32 percent said an improved job market. Increased consumer spending was fourth (30 percent) but was most frequently cited by the hardware technology company executives (39 percent).

The three triggers cited least frequently were effective regulation (6 percent), government stimulus spending (5 percent) and the government bailouts (4 percent).

BIGGEST CHALLENGES TO RECOVERY

When asked to identify the biggest challenges they currently face in dealing with the economic downturn, the executives most frequently said finding new sources of revenue (66 percent), managing costs and restoring business confidence (42 percent each), and adjusting to changing customer demand (37 percent).

THE KPMG INDUSTRY PULSE SURVEY

The KPMG survey was conducted from May through July of 2009 and reflects the responses of about 130 CEOs and other C-level suite executives in the hardware and software computer industry. Of the 130 respondents, 33 are companies with revenues exceeding $1 billion, 22 are companies with revenues in the $250 million-$1 billion range, and 75 are companies with revenue below $250 million. Clarion Research Inc. conducted the survey and compiled the data.

About KPMG LLP

KPMG LLP, the audit, tax, and advisory firm (www.us.kpmg.com), is the U.S. member firm of KPMG International. KPMG International's member firms have 137,000 professionals, including more than 7,600 partners, in 144 countries.

Immigration, Population, and the Environment: Experts to Debate Impact of Current Policies

WASHINGTON - - It is well-documented that current U.S. immigration policies will increase America's population by about 100 million people over the next half-century. Past attempts to restructure the federal immigration program have often included debates on education, assimilation, health care, labor, and many other issues. But the environmental impact of immigration-driven population growth is usually missing from the discussion, despite the fact that environmental concerns are high on the Obama Administration's priority list.

The Center for Immigration Studies is sponsoring a panel discussion on the environmental consequences of large-scale immigration, featuring speakers with a variety of views. The panel will be held on Tuesday, August 25, at 9:30 a.m. in the Murrow Room of the National Press Club, 14th & F streets. The starting point for discussion will be a paper entitled, "The Environmental Argument for Reducing Immigration to the United States," co-authored by one of the panelists, Professor Philip Cafaro. The paper is online at http://cis.org/EnvironmentalArgument.

Panelists will include:

Philip Cafaro - Associate Professor of philosophy at Colorado State University, author of Thoreau's Living Ethics: Walden and the Pursuit of Virtue (2004), co-editor of the anthology Environmental Virtue Ethics (2005), and a former ranger with the U.S. National Park Service.

Andrew Light - Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress and Director of the Center for Global Ethics at George Mason University, author of 17 books on the issues of environmental policy and ethics, restoration ecology, urban ecology, and climate change.

Don Weeden - Executive Director of the Weeden Foundation and veteran of a nearly 25-year career in the international population and economic development field, serving in various field and management positions for Columbia University, International Planned Parenthood Federation, and others.

Moderator: Steven Camarota, Director of Research at the Center for Immigration Studies.

The Center for Immigration Studies is an independent research institute which examines the impact of immigration on the United States.

Domestic Trucks Remain Cornerstone of Strength; Import Truck Consideration Declines

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 12 - Kelley Blue Book, kbb.com, the leading provider of new car and used car information, today announces the results of the second-quarter 2009 Brand Watch study by Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence, detailing consumers' perceptions of truck brands and factors of importance when new-truck shopping. The study found that in the past year, domestic truck consideration has increased or held steady, while import truck consideration has decreased.


Currently, Ford is the most-considered truck brand at 58 percent, Chevrolet is second with 51 percent consideration, Dodge ranks third at 37 percent and GMC is fourth at 33 percent. Ford consideration is up significantly in the current results, increasing 12 points from the previous year and overtaking Chevrolet as the most-considered truck brand. Chevrolet and GMC consideration has remained constant in the second-quarter of 2009 when compared to the previous year.


"Even with the troubles experienced by the automotive industry in the past year, trucks remain a center of power for the domestic manufacturers. With a recent round of impressive redesigns and creative marketing to support their new launches, the latest Brand Watch study from Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence shows that consumers still appreciate trucks from American companies," said Rick Wainschel, senior vice president, market intelligence and brand strategy for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. "While import manufacturers tend to dominate perception - and frequently sales - in the small-car genre, the foundation underneath the domestic manufacturers does not show signs of cracking."


In contrast to the strength demonstrated by Ford, GM brands and Dodge, Toyota truck consideration fell from 34 percent to 31 percent, Nissan truck consideration fell from 17 percent to 13 percent, and Honda truck consideration fell from seven percent to four percent in second quarter 2009 compared to the previous year. Toyota was the third-most-considered brand in second-quarter 2008, and now is the fifth-most considered brand in second-quarter 2009.


Additionally, new-truck shoppers indicate an increased importance in more 'traditional' truck factors in the last year, with durability/reliability, ruggedness/toughness, towing/hauling capacity, driving performance and driving comfort ranking among the top. While still a primary consideration at 55 percent, fuel efficiency has decreased in importance among new-truck shoppers. The decrease is in-part due to more stable gas prices compared to the spike of 2008, when survey respondents citing fuel efficiency as an important factor in truck purchase decisions was a full 10 points higher at 65 percent.


When looking at how individual truck brands fared on important decision factors, Ford takes the most No. 1 spots, including ruggedness/toughness, towing/hauling capacity, exterior styling, interior design/layout, versatility/flexibility, safety and cool factor/vehicle image. Chevrolet ranks first on fuel efficiency, driving comfort, economical factors and seating capacity. GMC ranks first in durability/reliability, driving performance, family friendliness and available options.


This Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence Brand Watch study was fielded to 3,164 in-market car shoppers on Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com from April - June, 2009. For Brand Watch sales inquiries on any vehicle segment or brand, please contact Kelly Kim, director of marketing research services for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com, at 949-268-2756 or kkim@kbb.com.


About Kelley Blue Book

Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource , has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company's top-rated Web site, www.kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New Car Blue Book Value, which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book Official Guide. According to the C.A. Walker Research Solutions, Inc. - 2008 Spring Automotive Web Site Usefulness Study, kbb.com is the most useful automotive information Web site among new and used vehicle shoppers, and half of online vehicle shoppers visit kbb.com. Kbb.com is a leading provider of new car prices, car reviews and news, used car blue book values, auto classifieds and car dealer locations. No other medium reaches more in-market vehicle shoppers than kbb.com.

Health Care Opposition Exposed; Ex-White House Drug Spokesman Bob Weiner and Analyst Jordan Osserman Tell of 'Web of Vested Interests'

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 - "The opposition to health reform is a web of vested interests with major financial stakes in the status quo," say former Chief of Staff to the House Aging Committee/former White House Drug Policy spokesman Bob Weiner and Analyst Jordan Osserman in a column in today's South Florida Sun-Sentinel.


"30 key lawmakers involved in health legislation total $11 million in health investments," Weiner and Osserman explain in their op-ed, "Insurance Industry Isn't on Patients' Side," exposing the opposition to Obama's health care reform initiative.


"The health industry is spending $1.4 million dollars per day to lobby against reform. Three of every four major health firms have at least one lobbyist who worked for a congressman. 49 lobbyists employed by PhRMA are former congressional staffers who retain cozy Hill relationships."


"Rick Scott, president of Conservatives for Patients Rights, is flooding the airwaves and funding disruptions of congressional town halls, warning about 'government run' healthcare. Yet Scott was ousted from his former company, for-profit hospital operator Columbia/HCA, before it pled guilty to 14 felonies, paying the largest fraud settlement in American history - 1.7 billion dollars."


They cite another example: "Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH), the Obama nominee for Commerce Secretary who withdrew because of opposition to the Administration's agenda, is a senior member of the Health Committee. He disclosed owning $254,000-$560,000 in health stocks."


Weiner and Osserman note that In response to a question on health companies' influence at a July 28 news conference, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asserted, "The glory days of the health insurance industry are over. Their profits are obscene."


At the same news conference, responding to a question about CBO's repeatedly cited cost figures for reform, Pelosi confirmed that "of course CBO should" but did not measure and report consumer savings due to the legislation, not just government costs.


Weiner and Osserman conclude, "Opposition is stiffening from key business groups like the National Association of Manufacturers, Chamber of Commerce, and Business Roundtable. Insurance companies they represent want the highest profit. The sooner we realize they're not on patients' side, the sooner the nation will achieve health care for all and save lives."




Contact: Bob Weiner/Jordan Osserman 301-283-0821 or 202-329-1700

Expensive Health Care: Undetected, Unmet Mobility Needs Creating Boomer & Senior Health Care Costs

Undetected, unmet mobility needs can create expensive home health care costs.

BELLEVUE, Wash., Aug. 12 - Undetected, unmet mobility needs can create expensive home health care costs. Poorly designed mobility aids or improper use creates injury risks. Frequently, when someone has a mobility issue only part of the need is addressed which creates mobility gaps. All increases in health care costs could be reduced or alleviated if mobility issues were detected and properly addressed.


Independence is based on the ability to perform activities of daily living like getting out of bed and toileting. If we are unable to perform those tasks we need assistance. This either ends up being expensive home care or additional assisted living costs that drain financial resources. It can also be a burden on caregivers. It is cheaper and more effective to properly address mobility needs upfront.


What's missing: incentives to do it right, lack of knowledge or both?


A recent study by the CDC found that on average 129 older adults are treated in emergency department's everyday for fall injuries related to walkers and canes. Both have been incorrectly used as the solution while other mobility needs are undetected and unmet. A walker is an important walking aid but it's not a stand-up aid to help you get out of bed which is often an undetected unmet mobility issue.


A different problem is a lack of knowledge healthcare professionals have when it comes to knowing and understanding the intended use and use limitations of the products they recommend. Often price determines what is recommended over product knowledge, safety and effectiveness. We all pay the price when someone needlessly ends up in the emergency room with permanent more severe mobility issues and greater healthcare needs.


Misleading marketing is getting some attention. The United Kingdom may be an indicator of what's to come since complaints for mobility aids are up 8% according to a June 3, 2009 article in the Guardian. Marketing materials show extensive uses while the instructions detail more warnings than intended uses. For example: the weight limit says 300lbs then says "not intended to carry full weight."


Unnoticed is the need for multiple mobility aids for a single mobility issue. We need to do a better job detecting mobility gaps.


Invisible CareGiver mobility products address unmet mobility needs for activities of daily living. Visit: www.invisiblecaregiver.com or call 800-718-1322.

World Championship of Public Speaking Comes to Connecticut!

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif., Aug. 12 - It's the Olympics of oratory, the World Cup title of talk -- and the final bout for the heavyweight title of World Champion of Public Speaking! On Saturday morning, August 15, 10 articulate Toastmasters will vie for the World Championship trophy at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods, in Mashantucket, Connecticut. The speech contest is a highlight of Toastmasters' annual International Convention (Aug. 12-15), expected to draw nearly 1,500 silver-tongued members from all over the world.


Each year more than 10,000 members of Toastmasters International enter this speech competition. The contest begins at the club level with winners advancing to area and regional contests, and it culminates each August during the International Convention, where 10 finalists contend for the top honor.


The contest speeches are five to seven minutes long, with no restrictions on topic selection. Contestants will be judged on content, speech organization, voice quality, gestures and delivery. Last year's championship title went to Dallas resident LaShunda Rundles, whose speech, titled "Speak!" encouraged people to use their voices to change the world. Rundles is the first African-American woman -- and only the fourth woman ever -- to win this prestigious competition.


Through its worldwide network of clubs, Toastmasters International has helped more than 4 million people give presentations with poise and confidence. Since the organization's humble beginning in Santa Ana, California, it has grown to include more than 250,000 members in 106 countries. Despite the worldwide economic downturn, the organization is thriving and celebrates its 85th anniversary this October. Connecticut alone has 93 Toastmasters clubs; Rhode Island has 18 and the city of Boston has 23.


For information about local Toastmasters meetings, Convention events or the World Championship of Public Speaking, visit www.toastmasters.org or e-mail pr@toastmasters.org. The public is invited to register onsite at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods and attend.


Source: Toastmasters International

CONTACT: Suzanne Frey of Toastmasters International, +1-949-858-8255,
sfrey@toastmasters.org

Securities Fraud Action Against Citigroup

Complaint alleges fraud and misrepresentation in sale of risky derivative securities to small towns and villages in Norway

OSLO, Aug. 11 - The Bankruptcy Estate of Terra Securities ASA and seven Norwegian municipalities commenced an action yesterday in New York seeking over $200 million from Citigroup for violations of the United States securities laws. The lawsuit contends that Citigroup misled Terra and the municipalities in 2007 and thereby induced the municipalities into purchasing notes linked to a "tender option bond," or TOB, fund purportedly managed by Citigroup. TOB funds involve leveraged investments in United States municipal bonds. Ultimately, the municipalities lost approximately $90 million to Citigroup, and Terra, a Norwegian securities firm, suffered additional losses when it was forced into bankruptcy.


The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and names as defendants Citigroup, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. and Citigroup Alternative Investments LLC. Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP represents Terra and the Norwegian municipalities of Bremanger, Hattfjelldal, Hemnes, Kvinesdal, Narvik, Rana and Vik.


"Citigroup's marketing materials contained misleading statistics that concealed from both Terra and the municipalities the significant risk inherent in the fund-linked notes," said Jon Skjorshammer, the court-appointed administrator of Terra from the Norwegian law firm Selmer & Co. "Moreover, Citigroup specifically directed Terra to present these deceptive materials to the municipalities. We believe we have substantial claims against these defendants, and we intend to pursue them fully."


According to the lawsuit, Citigroup, through Terra, marketed and sold to the municipalities over $115 million in notes linked to the TOB fund in May and June 2007. In deciding to purchase the notes, the municipalities contend they relied on Citigroup's solicitation materials, which allegedly contained statistical data that falsely represented the TOB fund was properly hedged against volatility when in fact it was not. By August 2007, the value of the TOB fund was falling, and in September 2007, the municipalities were required to post additional collateral. As a result of Citigroup's misrepresentations, the municipalities lost most of their original investment by May 2008, and Terra filed for bankruptcy in November 2007.


The lawsuit contends that the deceptive materials provided to Terra for presentation to the municipalities were prepared in New York by Citigroup Global Markets and Citigroup Alternative Investments. The materials and their general disclaimers made no adequate reference to the significant credit risk underlying the fund's strategy, presenting it instead as a low-risk arbitrage opportunity, according to the lawsuit.