August 2012
80 posts
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'Once in a blue moon' happens tonight
When people say something occurs just once in a blue moon, they mean it’s very rare. These days, the speaker is often referring to the modern folklore that, whenever there are two full moons in a calendar month, the second one should be called “a Blue Moon.” Going by this definition, the United States will experience a Blue Moon on the evening of August 31. The first full moon of...
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Get Help Replacing Vital Documents →
Find resources to replace vital documents like passports, birth certificates, drivers’ licenses and more.
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What You Need to Know about ‘Deferred Action’
Some immigrants who were brought to the country as children can now apply for deferred action, a program that allows you to remain in the country and apply for work permits.
The program has strict requirements and includes filing several forms, as well as a background check and evidence of eligibility. Here are the basics of the program, and links to official government information for more...
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Stay Healthy at College
College students spend a lot of time worrying about their studies that sometimes they can forget the importance of taking care of their health. While college life involves new challenges, responsibilities and excitement, it can also be a stressful time. Students often deal with the social pressures of drinking, drugs and sexual activity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer...
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Why Women Don't Have to Register with the...
We recently posted that men between the ages of 18 and 25 must register with the Selective Service System. The Selective Service System is only used in the event of a crisis requiring a draft and men are required to register by law.
A few people on Facebook and Twitter asked why women don’t have to register too. The answer is because the law specifies “male persons.” In order...
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Find Hurricane Shelters →
Search for open shelters from the Red Cross or text “SHELTER” and a zip code to 43362 to find a shelter near you.
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Register to Vote Before the November Elections →
There’s still time to register to vote before the November elections. Find state registration deadlines, eligibility and more.
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WatchUnderstanding the Elusive Giant Pacific Octopus
Video description
See underwater footage of octopus swimming and egg hatching and learn how scientists are tracking and tagging octopus so we can learn more about them.
To learn more about the octopus, read the “Top 12 Weird Facts About Octopus.”
Video transcript
Voice over: They can change shape, texture color and size. They can walk...
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Answering Your Questions About Robocalls
By Kati Daffan, staff attorney in the Division of Marketing Practices at the Federal Trade Commission.
There has been a lot of commentary about the July 23rd post regarding the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and robocalls, so we thought we would follow up with a bit more information.
First, we want to clarify the rules. The FTC has laws forbidding any sales robocall unless you’ve given your...
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Need Help Improving Your Credit? →
This guide from the Federal Trade Commission can help.
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Teach Your Kids and Teens the Dangers of Underage...
By Chris Kuhn, manager of programs at The Century Council
Back to School is an exciting time for both students and parents as they prepare for a new school year and new challenges both in and out of the classroom. It also serves as a great time to remind students about the importance of staying safe and making healthy lifestyle choices.
The Century Council’s Ask Listen Learn: Kids and Alcohol...
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Create a Family Health History →
Knowing your family health history can help you get better preventative care. Create your own history to monitor your health.
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Sunday Marks the 92nd Anniversary of Women's...
Every year on August 26th, the United States honors and celebrates Women’s Equality Day. This Sunday marks the 92nd anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The 19th Amendment guarantees American women the right to vote, and was passed on August 26, 1920.
The passing of the amendment came after 70 years of fighting for women’s rights. Women’s rights were first addressed at the...
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Update on Tropical Storm Isaac and Tips for...
Tropical Storm Isaac is churning in the Caribbean Sea, and the storm is currently tracking south of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We will have a better idea if and where it might hit the United States mainland in the next 12 to 24 hours.
If you live in an area that is in the current path of the storm or in coastal regions that could be affected, the Federal Emergency Management Agency...
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Find Out If You're Eligible for Tax Credits for... →
If you purchase an energy-efficient product for your home, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit.
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How to Apply for VA Health Benefits
If you served in the active military, naval, or air service and were honorably discharged or released, you may qualify for VA health care benefits, including hospital services. Certain Reservists and National Guard Members may also qualify. Check your eligibility.
If you qualify, you can apply online or by phone, mail, or in-person. Learn more about all the ways you can apply.
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Learn What to Look Out For If You Shop For... →
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can anyone garnish my compensation
Asked by an anonymous Tumblr user.
A wage garnishment is when your employer is required to withhold some portion of your earnings in order to pay off a debt. Wage garnishments do not include voluntary wage assignments—that is, when you voluntarily agree that your employer may turn over a specified amount of earnings to a creditor or creditors.
Most...
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Find Out If You're Eligible to Request Deferred... →
Last week, the Department of Homeland Security began accepting requests for “deferred action” status from people who were brought into the United States as children. Deferred action status would allow these people to remain in the United States and make them eligible to receive a work permit.
Find out if you’re eligible and how to apply for deferred action status...
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Do You Want the Government to Address a Certain... →
Use the White House’s “We the People” system to submit your ideas or sign existing petitions that support your ideas.
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Risks of Giving Codeine to Children After Surgery
Children are often prescribed codeine for pain relief following surgery. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning parents and caregivers to be on the lookout for possible serious side effects after giving a child codeine.
At least three children between the ages of 2 and 5 died after receiving codeine for pain relief following surgery to remove tonsils or adenoids. This danger...
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Find Out Which Drugs Are Safe For Breastfeeding... →
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Get Weather Emergency Alerts On the Go
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is soon launching weather emergency alerts to your mobile devices. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are emergency messages sent by authorized government authorities through your mobile carrier.
Government partners include local and state public safety agencies, FEMA, the Federal Communications Commission, the Department of Homeland...
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Avoid 'Free Trials' Scams →
Free trials aren’t always free. Learn how to avoid “free trial” scams.
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What does it mean if the FAFSA is returned stating not eligible for any Cal Grants? and Why? What else can be done?
Asked by an anonymous Tumblr user.
Cal Grants are student financial aid and funded by the State of California. They are available to California graduating high school seniors, recent graduates, and people who meet other qualifications. If you were denied a Cal Grant, you may be...
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It's Almost Time to go Back to School →
Find important information about school lunches, vaccines, and more to help your family get ready.
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Check the Validity of Government Social Media...
Every day, the government uses social media services like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube to communicate with you and provide easy access to government benefits and services.
But unlike most government websites, which are hosted on a .mil or a .gov domain, social media sites are hosted on commercial domains. Without the .gov or the .mil, it can be difficult to determine which social media accounts...
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Thinking about Expanding Your Family Through... →
Learn more about adopting children from the U.S.
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How to Help Your Kids with their Homework
There are many things you can do to help your kids start the school year on the right track, like replacing an old backpack or getting them the school supplies they need. But there’s something more meaningful you can do that may not cost money: help them with their homework.
Students who do their homework consistently tend to have better grades. It’s not always easy to get them to do...
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How can I protect my Identity on the web, and who can i trust?
Asked by an anonymous Tumblr user.
Scammers, hackers, and identity thieves are looking to steal your personal information and money. But there are steps you can take to protect yourself.
Use security software that updates automatically. This will make sure your protected against the latest threats.
Treat your personal information...
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Looking for a Job? The U.S. Governmenet is Hiring. →
Search government jobs at USAjobs.gov.
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Making Water Safe to Drink in an Emergency
In an emergency, your water supply may become contaminated. Use only water that has been properly disinfected for drinking, cooking, or brushing your teeth.
If you don’t have bottled water and cannot boil water, then you can use a chemical treatment to kill most disease-causing organisms. Find out how to disinfect water with chlorine, iodine, or calcium hypochlorite.
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Shopping for More Energy Efficient Appliances? →
Learn about the EnergyGuide label.
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Find Campsites, Hiking Trails, and Other Outdoor...
Visit Recreation.gov to plan your outdoor activities at federal lands across the United States.
You can search for locations that offer the activities you enjoy—including hiking, biking, boating, horseback riding, and climbing—and make reservations for camping, lodging, picnic areas, permits, and tours.
Enjoy America’s great outdoors this summer!
