Potential Pitfalls of Group Benefits Coverage Under ERISA If you have group medical, disability or life insurance coverage through your employer, chances are good that the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, more commonly known as ERISA, sets administrative standards and claim hurdles for that coverage. ERISA does not mandate employers to give coverage, but rather sets standards for private pension and employee benefit plans if one exists. Some people question how effective ERISA actually is in the face of sub-standard coverage or when an insurance claim ...

Senate investigates tax practices of Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard The Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations has begun an inquiry into the tax accounting practices of two of the nation's largest corporations. Leading the charge is Senator Carl Levin, D-Mich., who claims Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard both use loopholes in the corporate tax laws to move profits offshore and avoid paying taxes. However, the subcommittee investigation did confirm the companies are acting within the letter of the law. Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard have used the tax investigation ...

Controversial public lands bill dies in Pennsylvania Senate With the end of the 2011 to 2012 Pennsylvania legislative session comes the death knell of a controversial, confusing land-use bill about when local governmental bodies can sell off certain public lands. The bill would have amended the state Donated or Dedicated Property Act of 1959 to clarify that municipalities can sell without court approval public lands that were bought but that have no restrictions or covenants that the parcels be preserved for public use such as for parks. Without the requirement of ...

Bankruptcy Industry Group, Illinois Senator Call for Reform For over 32 years, the federal bankruptcy code has given businesses and individuals opportunities to get rid of debt or restructure it to bring them relief. The bankruptcy code is not going away, but it could go through some changes soon if lawmakers and bankruptcy attorneys have their way. Specifically, they want to see changes made to Chapter 11 bankruptcy, according to The Wall Street Journal. As with many older laws, experts believe that bankruptcy laws are outdated and out of touch with today's business ...

Controversial Oklahoma Workers' Comp Law Fails to Pass -- For Now Fresh off an overhaul of workers' compensation law in 2011, the Oklahoma legislature again took up workers' compensation reform in 2012. This time, the legislature was considering a measure that would allow large employers to "opt out" of workers' compensation entirely and instead cover workers under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, more commonly known as ERISA. The ERISA federal program that regulates private employee retirement plans would provide medical and indemnity benefits ...

Massachusetts crime lab chemist's actions may impact thousands of cases Thanks to a shocking scandal involving the gross misconduct of a single chemist, crime labs around the country are finding themselves in a unique position: under the microscope of judicial, legislative and social scrutiny. While the Massachusetts example only involves a single one of the state's eleven forensic evidence-processing labs, the one in Jamaica Plain, defense attorneys, civil rights activists and legal experts are concerned that the blatant failure of a single lab facility could be indicative ...

We' ve all heard of acupuncture in California and, to a degree, we all have an understanding of what it is. Something to do with needles, right? Well.. yes, but before you say, "no thanks, the doctor has a hard enough time getting me to take my flu vaccination!" take the time to read the following. In this two-part series, professionals in acupuncture in California will walk you through some very interesting background information on acupuncture treatment so that you can better appreciate the capabilities of this very ancient medical therapy. Acupuncture Treatment: ...

California Highway Patrol will be conducting a "maximum enforcement" campaign this holiday season in an effort to make arrests for drivers who are under the influence. This campaign will not only target drivers under the influence of alcohol, but under the influence of drugs as well. One major misconception people have is that drugs only include illegal drugs. However, drugs include prescription drugs as well. Author Robin G. Sagstetter's new book, Rights During a Police Stop/DUI in The United States: What Officers Can and Can Not Do http://www.realizeyourrights.com ...

AIDS Activist, Victor Mooney tweets a prayer on the steps of America's Parish - St. Patrick's Cathedral on 5th Avenue. Mr. Mooney of Queens puts his faith first on World AIDS Day and the eight anniversary of the Blessed John Paul, benediction of his mission to raise the global awareness of HIV/AIDS, encouragement of voluntary HIV testing and access to anti-retroviral medicine for those who need them. "Reality may have anchored my pursuit to cross the Atlantic Ocean, but I operate in the spiritual world. The father says all things are possible and have no fear, ...

Lana Penrose has today announced that her bestselling memoirs 'To Hellas and Back' and 'Kickstart My Heart' are available worldwide after the relinquishment of rights by Penguin/Viking. Both humorous modern day tragedies have been made available via reading platforms Amazon.com and Smashwords.com in paperback and electronic format, meaning global availability and distribution. Set in Greece, 'To Hellas & Back' is a true tale of love and intrigue that involves dog attacks, gypsy curses and public gropings. There are tears, laughter, heartache and minor gynecological ...

Dr. Edwin Moreano, a board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon in Jackson Heights, NY and founder and director of Medical Mission of the World Foundation, nonprofit providing free reconstructive surgeries to children born with deformities, was recently recognized as a Latin Hero by the Univision Network. Moreano was honored with this recognition as a result of his work with the nonprofit he created to help children in impoverished regions in Latin America. In the past 14 years, Moreano and his team of volunteers have completed mission trips to his native Quito, Ecuador's ...

It will be a fast-paced end to the year for one lucky domestic traveller with Choice Hotels New Zealand giving away a brand new car just in time for Christmas! Choice Hotels has this month launched a loyalty campaign which gives all new and existing New Zealand Choice Privileges members the opportunity to win a brand new Suzuki Swift Sport valued at $27,500. New guests who sign up for a Choice Privileges membership on or before 30 November will automatically go into the draw. Existing members who make a booking direct with a hotel or via the website or reservation ...

Someone Cares Soup Kitchen announces the official launch of the 2012 Holiday Campaign with a happy hour fundraiser event. The event will be held at the swanky Marrakesh restaurant in Costa Mesa on Wednesday, December 12 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. The "Christmas in Marrakesh" event will be hosted by Chuck Dukas from Dancing with the Stars and will feature special guest DJ Julian flown in for the night to spin the tunes. For a suggested donation of $20, Marrakesh will be serving delicious complimentary Moroccan appetizers, and guests will be treated to entertaining ...

Nanotechnology is the art and science of manipulating matter between one and one hundred nanometers in size. A nanometer is one billionth of a meter. When things are this small, they are invisible to the eye or even a light microscope. For decades professional and amateur growers have struggled with bacteria, mold and fungal spores that destroy a plants healthy growth and proliferation. The new and original Hula Brand Perfect Planter is a combined achievement and creation of Sanctuary Soil and Feed Inc. and EcoActive Surfaces. The innovative product is a patent pending ...

Summertime Entertainment, the multi-media company behind the 3D CG-animated feature "Dorothy of Oz," recently enticed select audiences in seven major cities with private screenings of the highly anticipated film that stars "Glee's" Lea Michele as Dorothy Gale, the indomitable heroine who returns to Oz. Screenings in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, Washington, D.C., Las Vegas and Dallas were all well received. They were presented by Summertime Entertainment Producers Ryan Carroll and Executive Producers Greg Centineo. "We're ...

The business and entertainment law firm Shackelford, Melton & McKinley, LLP, is pleased to announce the addition of commercial transactions partner Scott Conrad in the firm's Dallas office. Mr. Conrad's practice is focused on public and private financial institutions in structuring, negotiating and documenting energy, real estate and commercial credit facilities. A Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent-rated attorney, Mr. Conrad represents real estate entities in their acquisition, disposition and leasing activities, including the structuring of planned developments and ...

If you're already thinking ahead to the new year and time for change, why not include a new home in the picture and take advantage of special opening prices on the newest release of elegant Aspen HomeTowns by Kaitlin Group? Located in the heart of Aspen Springs, a successful, established community east of Metro Toronto, Aspen HomeTowns is an inspired collection of townhomes that combines elegant living with an affordable price and convenience of location. Just launched, Phase Three includes Bronte, Eliot, Wilde and Aspen models priced from $219,990 to $249,990 with ...

RE/MAX Alliance Group Sales Associates Barry Grooms and Stafford Starcher have graduated from the Florida Realtors Leadership Academy. The Leadership Academy is a Florida Realtors program designed to identify, educate and inspire future leaders in a professional, supportive environment while advancing the principles of the Florida Realtors. The rigorous program identifies emerging Realtor leaders who want to get involved, make a difference, grow their businesses and expand their leadership skills. Academy graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence ...

Innovations with Connie Chung is breakthrough program on a mission to showcase the latest advancements in agriculture; green technologies; health and wellness; global business; travel and leisure; technology; sports recreation; and more. Through Innovations with Connie Chung, DMG Productions will be able to cover more topics than ever before. Through our programs for National Television Networks, information and education on the latest advancements and issues impacting the individual, the community and the corporate world alike are continually being explored. With ...

Seth Metoyer, founder and president of MoreHorror.com and Dismal Productions, announced that Dawna Lee Heising is Miss September in the 2013 Mistresses of Mayhem Calendar. Heising is the Hollywood Correspondent for MoreHorror in Hollywood, and photographer John Cox shot her calendar portrait for the month of September at his Polymedia Entertainment Studio in Orange, CA. Heising featured the 2013 Mistresses of Mayhem Calendar on the MoreHorror banner at the 2012 Shockfest Film Festival: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIVjn5O07d0 The 2013 Mistresses of Mayhem calendar ...

With the plethora of Christmas cooking shows on TV, a plain old turkey at Christmas just doesn't cut it anymore for an increasingly adventurous culinary audience. But for those not qualified to be on Top Chef or Chopped (like most of us) what are the options for presenting that 'wow' factor for guests and family? "Even with all the great cooking shows out there, people aren't necessarily cooking more because those chefs make it look easy. But we all know how much styling and background prep goes on behind the scenes for that fabulous presentation. So people end ...

The following continuing legal education programs hosted by the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) will take place via telephone from 12 to 1 p.m. (CST) as follows: • Tuesday, 12/4/12, Drafting Buy/Sell Agreements in Business, Part 1 - A National Perspective • Wednesday, 12/5/12, Drafting Buy/Sell Agreements in Business, Part 2 - A National Perspective • Tuesday, 12/11/12, Asset-Based Finance, Part 1 - A National Perspective • Wednesday, 12/12/12, Asset-Based Finance, Part 2 - A National Perspective • Tuesday, 12/18/12, Understanding "Angel" ...

Chem-Dry has unveiled a new, advanced portable unit with all the cleaning power of larger traditional equipment but at a fraction of the cost and size — sweetening what already is one of the franchise industry's best values for entrepreneurs. The new XTS (Cross-Over Truck-Mount System) is the company's latest innovation in its proprietary hot carbonating extraction cleaning process, known for providing a deeper, healthier and faster-drying cleaning for carpets and upholstery. While the extraction power with the company's existing truck-mounted system is located ...

OnlineVNC Software proudly announces the release of OnlineVNC Server 2.1, the company's flagship product for remote control the Windows 7 or Windows Vista from Web sites using Adobe Flash Viewer. This version adding unique feature -Administering OnlineVNC Server Remotely with OnlineVNC Control Panel. OnlineVNC Server is a quality and easy-to-use program that allows you to control your desktop from the web-browser from Windows, Linux or Mac OS X. Viewer for the server is written using Adobe Flash technology and requires no installation at all. You just to go to ...

London was the scene for the 2012 DAEGlobal Conference as corporate leaders from timeshare exchange company Dial An Exchange (DAE) met with industry executives to share best practices and discuss the growth of the exchange sector of the timeshare industry. Held in October at the St Ermin's Hotel, DAE executives gathered from the U.S., South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, India and China to meet with their European counterparts from the U.K., Italy and Bulgaria. Together, they debated growth strategies and the success of the company in keeping up with the global ...