Next Generation Weather Environmental Satellite Marks Major Milestone
The development of a new series of weather and environmental monitoring satellites has marked a significant milestone with the delivery and the beginning of spacecraft integration efforts for a key science instrument.
The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) will be one of five instruments to fly on the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Preparatory Project (NPP) spacecraft. VIIRS is regarded as a key component in NPP’s suite of instruments because it will provide highly detailed imagery of clouds, vegetation, snow cover, dust storms, sea surface temperature and other environmental phenomena.
NPP is a joint mission to extend the time series environmental data records initiated with NASA’s Earth Observing System, including measurements made by the Terra, Aqua, and Aura satellites, and to provide risk reduction for NPOESS instruments, algorithms, ground data processing, archive, and distribution prior to the launch of the first NPOESS spacecraft.
“The delivery of the VIIRS instrument marks a long awaited and huge step towards completing the integration of the NPP mission. VIIRS will be the fourth flight instrument integrated onto the NPP spacecraft, only the CrIS instrument remains,” said Ken Schwer, NPP Project Manager at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.
The Raytheon Corporation, El Segundo, Calif., built VIIRS under contract to the NPOESS prime contractor, Northrop Grumman. The ITT Corporation, Fort Wayne, IN, is building CrIS also under contract to the NPOESS prime contractor, Northrop Grumman. Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corp., Boulder, Colo., under contract to the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center built the NPP spacecraft and is performing the integration and checkout of the NPP spacecraft.
NPP is scheduled for launch in Fall 2011 aboard a Delta rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
The NPP Project is a joint effort of the NPOESS Integrated Program Office (IPO), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and NASA. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center manages the NPP mission on behalf of the Earth Science Division of the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters.
NPOESS represents the next-generation low-Earth orbiting weather and climate monitoring satellites that will provide operational and long-term weather and climate data for both military and civilian use for the next two decades.
The NPOESS will collect a massive amount of very precise earth surface, atmospheric and space environmental measurements from a variety of on-board sensors. This volume of data will allow scientists and forecasters to monitor and predict weather patterns with greater speed and accuracy.
For more information about NPOESS, visit: http://jointmission.gsfc.nasa.gov/
2010 Carnegie Science Awardees announced
Carnegie Science Center announced the winners of its 2010 Carnegie Science Awards, sponsored by Eaton Corporation.
Carnegie Science Center established the Carnegie Science Awards program in 1997 to recognize and promote outstanding science and technology achievements in western Pennsylvania. Celebrating its 14th year, the Carnegie Science Awards have honored the accomplishments of more than 250 individuals and organizations that have improved lives through their commitment and contributions in science and technology.
“This is Eaton’s thirteenth year as a sponsor and we are proud to be associated with a program that recognizes corporations and individuals devoted to science and technology,” said Jerry Whitaker, president of the Americas for Eaton Corporation’s Electrical Sector. “These regional assets have an impact that expands far beyond their local footprint into the global marketplace.”
The Carnegie Science Awards program helps fund Science Center exhibits and educational programs that reach thousands of young people to broaden their perspective about careers in the fields of science and technology,” said Ron Baillie, Henry Buhl, Jr. Co-Director of Carnegie Science Center. “And through our Science Connections mentoring program, many of the awards recipients engage young people in the real-world practice of the sciences.”
“Each year the Carnegie Science Awards shines the spotlight on extraordinary researchers, entrepreneurs, and educators working in science and technology fields,” said Ann Metzger, Henry Buhl, Jr. Co-Director of Carnegie Science Center. “Our region generates amazing talent and cutting-edge technology and advances in science-related industries. The Awards program recognizes the best and the brightest the region has to offer.”
Awardees will be honored during a formal celebration at Carnegie Music Hall on May 7, 2010. Keynote speaker for the ceremony is Chris Carmichael, founder and CEO of Carmichael Training Systems, Inc. (CTS) and personal coach to cancer survivor and seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong.
2010 Carnegie Science Award recipients include:
Chairman’s Award
Thomas E. Starzl, MD, PhD
Advanced Manufacturing Award
C. Edward Eckert, PhD
Apogee Technology, Inc.
Advanced Materials Award
Di Gao, PhD
University of Pittsburgh
Analysis & Reporting Award
Luis Fabregas
Andrew Conte
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Catalyst Award
Allegheny County Health Department
Corporate Innovation Award
McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine
Elementary Educator Award
Beth Cooper
Butler Area School District
Middle Level Educator Award
Arlynn Adamerovich
Ligonier Valley Middle School
High School Educator Award
Jeanne Campbell Suehr
Yough School District
School District Award
Franklin Regional School District
University / Post-Secondary Educator Award
Alison Slinskey Legg, PhD
University of Pittsburgh
*Special Achievement in Environmental Education Award*
Laura Branby
Wendy Kedzierski
Jim Palmer
Creek Connections, Allegheny College
University/Post-Secondary Student Award
Bryan Brown
University of Pittsburgh
Emerging Female Scientist Award
Charleen T. Chu, MD, PhD
University of Pittsburgh
Start-Up Entrepreneur Award
Razi Imam
Landslide Technologies, Inc.
Entrepreneur Award
Lalit Chordia, PhD
Thar Technologies, Inc.
Environmental Award
Devra Davis, PhD
Environmental Health Trust
Information Technology Award
Luis Von Ahn, PhD
Carnegie Mellon University
Life Sciences Award
Andrew Schwartz, PhD
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
2010 Carnegie Science Award Honorable Mentions include:
Analysis & Reporting Award
Jeff Fraser
Pittsburgh Quarterly
Catalyst Award
Terrence Collins, PhD
Institute for Green Chemistry
Corporate Innovation Award
Plextronics, Inc.
Elementary Educator Award
Daniel Arnold
George C. Marshall Elementary School
High School Educator Award
Evelyn Breitigan
Avella Area Junior/Senior High School
High School Educator Award
Jade Leung
Shaler Area High School
University / Post Secondary Educator Award
Thad Zaleskiewicz, PhD
University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
Start-Up Entrepreneur Award
Patrick Daly
Cohera Medical, Inc.
Emerging Female Scientist Award
Kacey Marra, PhD
University of Pittsburgh
Emerging Female Scientist Award
Alison Barth, PhD
Carnegie Mellon University
Environmental Award
Gregory Lowry, PhD
Carnegie Mellon University
*New Award for 2010*
Source: Carnegie Science Center
Weather boosts online shopping at sites providing voucher codes and discounts
Recent severe weather conditions have meant that shoppers turned to online sites such as VoucherSeeker to give them voucher codes and discounts in order to get their retail fix for less.
The bad weather brought the country to a standstill, costing the economy up to GBP600 million a day. It was the worst cold snap the country has faced since 1981. The costs of repairing damage such as pot holes is expected to rise and it is predicted to take local councils thirteen years to clear the backlog of damage which has occurred.
Despite a better than expected Christmas for most retailers- Tesco reported its best Christmas sales for three years- turbulent weather conditions has meant that sales figures have decreased slowly on the high street since the Christmas period, as consumers are simply not prepared to brave the snow to go shopping on the high street. Instead, shoppers opted to use voucher codes and discount vouchers from sites online.
Research by BDO High Street Sales Tracker found that for the week ending 10th January, sales were down 12.9%, with overall like for like sales down by 13%. This is the worst result since the snow of February 2009. Furniture sales in particular dropped 26.9% as furniture customers rely on good transport links and access in order to purchase products.
Other hindrances which affected high street stores included staff shortages as employees were unable to get into work, as well as stock availability due to stock delivery delays. Grocers were also severely affected, some having to shut due to weather conditions, others faced supply chain disruptions as airports shut and deliveries had to be re directed away from the worst hit areas.
Some retailers took drastic action in order to help customers. In one instance electrical retailer Currys hired a quad bike in order to make deliveries in the snow, whilst stores such as M&S extended Christmas delivery deadlines to give customers a chance to get into their stores.
However, instead of simply not shopping, bargain hunters turned online to find voucher codes and discount vouchers for products from the comfort and warmth of their own homes.
Online retailers, meanwhile, have cause to celebrate. Not only was the Christmas period a buoyant time for online retailers, but research by Actinic found that online retailers reported on average a 51% increase in order volume for November and December. This is a 42% increase in revenue on 2008. Verdict Research found that 46% of people polled were using promotional codes to buy their Christmas presents.
However, it would be naive to think that online retailers were not affected by the weather. Bad transport links also meant that deliveries could not be made when promised. However, consumers seemed to be more patient regarding this, and online retailers were quick to act, in both communicating this to consumers, and extending return deadlines.
Shoppers understand the internet can offer greater discounts through the use of voucher codes and discount vouchers and therefore used it to shop over the Christmas period. Over the severe weather, shoppers used online stores to shop but from the comfort of their own homes.
Despite delivery deadlines being lengthened, shoppers were still happy to shop online.
Online sales have been very positive in the run up to Christmas and even more so with the recent bad weather. Despite better sales over the Christmas period for most retailers, the bad weather spell has meant that shoppers turn to discount code sites such as VoucherSeeker (http://www.voucherseeker.co.uk/vouchercodes) in order to find voucher codes and discount vouchers for money off shopping. Unable to leave the house, consumers have simply turned online in order to get their retail fix.
McGraw-Hill quickly exceeds one million users with Connect Teaching and Learning Platform
Surveyed professors say they use Connect to improve student learning and retention. Student feedback proves it’s working.
More than 1.2 million students and professors nationwide are now using McGraw-Hill Connect - the most advanced all-digital teaching and learning exchange for higher education. Since the online platform was introduced last fall, colleges and universities across the country have embraced this 21st century learning tool, which enables professors to easily customize instruction and allows students to master content and succeed in courses.
With Connect, students are now engaged with course content outside the classroom – from wherever they are and from whichever device they use to access the Internet. In fact, a recent survey of Connect users shows that more than 90 percent of students access Connect frequently at home or in their dorm rooms, helping them remain engaged with class content throughout the day, week and semester. With this increased access to course content, nearly three quarters of the students using Connect feel better prepared for exams and assignments, according to a McGraw-Hill research study.
“Connect is an extremely effective and powerful tool for 21st century teaching and learning,” said Ed Stanford, president, McGraw-Hill Higher Education. “We’re very pleased that Connect is yielding excellent results in college classrooms across the country, enhancing faculty productivity and driving greater student achievement.”
Instructors and students cite quality of content, ease of use, integration with text, and the ability to reinforce classroom material 24-7 as key benefits of Connect. Of the professors surveyed by McGraw-Hill, 80 percent stated that they are using Connect to improve student learning and retention. And student feedback proves it’s working. Surveyed students said that Connect helps reinforce classroom concepts through practice tests and quizzes, prepare them for success on assignments and exams, and master course content.
“Connect is a great product, and now I cannot imagine teaching my class without it. My students like the feedback and the practice they get from doing the homework,” said Jerri Buiting, Professor of Marketing at Baker College in Flint, Mich. “Connect really helps keep my students engaged.”
Connect currently covers 26 academic disciplines and about 15 more will be added this year. To view more information about Connect, visit www.mcgrawhillconnect.com.
Source: McGraw-Hill Higher Education; McGraw-Hill Connect
Toyota temporarily suspends sales of selected vehicles
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc.,announced that it is instructing Toyota dealers to temporarily suspend sales of eight models involved in the recall for sticking accelerator pedal, announced on January 21, 2010.
“Helping ensure the safety of our customers and restoring confidence in Toyota are very important to our company,” said Group Vice President and Toyota Division General Manager Bob Carter. “This action is necessary until a remedy is finalized. We’re making every effort to address this situation for our customers as quickly as possible.”
Toyota announced it would recall approximately 2.3 million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals on specific Toyota Division models. Toyota has investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain vehicles without the presence of floor mats. There is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.
Toyota’s accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:
2009-2010 RAV4,
2009-2010 Corolla,
2009-2010 Matrix,
2005-2010 Avalon,
Certain 2007-2010 Camry,
2010 Highlander,
2007-2010 Tundra,
2008-2010 Sequoia
No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by these actions. Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser and select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids, which will remain for sale.
Due to the sales suspension, Toyota is expected to stop producing vehicles on the following production lines for the week of February 1 to assess and coordinate activities. The North America vehicle production facilities affected are:
– Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Canada (Corolla, Matrix, and RAV4)
– Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (Sequoia and Highlander)
– Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky – Line 1 (Camry and Avalon)
– Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (Camry)
– Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (Tundra)
No other North American Toyota vehicle production facilities are affected by the decision to stop production.
The sticking accelerator pedal recall is separate from the on-going recall of Toyota and Lexus vehicles to reduce the risk of pedal entrapment by incorrect or out of place accessory floor mats. Approximately 1.7 million Toyota Division vehicles are subject to both separate recall actions.
Source: Toyota Motor Sales
The oldest and most expensive camera in the World! Estimate Euro 500,000 – 700,000
On the 29th of May WestLicht Photographica Auction in Vienna, Austria will auction a historical sensation: a ‘ Daguerreotype’ – the first commercially-produced camera!
The wooden sliding-box camera was made in Paris in September 1839 by Alphonse Giroux, Louis Jacques Mande Daguerre’s brother-in-law. Daguerre, the inventor of the first practicable photographic process, signed the camera to verify its authenticity. Only five days after the first public announcement of photography on August 24th 1839, the first advertisement for the ‘Daguerreotype’ is printed in the ‘Journal des Debats’. There is no record of the total number of cameras that Giroux produced, but since cheaper and improved cameras came onto the market relatively quickly, it is assumed that the numbers were very limited. Only very few of these cameras are known to exist worldwide and all of those are in public museum collections.
The Giroux ‘Daguerreotype’ up for auction has been found recently. It was in private ownership in northern Germany for generations and has never before been documented. The outstanding original condition of the 170 year-old apparatus is remarkable. Never before has a camera of this kind been offered for sale by auction. An original manual in German language from 1839 is also included in this sensational sale. It is expected that WestLicht Auctions’ own world record price of 576,000 Euros for a camera will be significantly exceeded. Starting price is Euro 200.000, the estimate is Euro 500,000 – 700,000.
www.westlicht-auction.com
Source: Westlicht Photographica Auction
Skills Creation: The Future of Employment panel at Davos
As ‘Workforce Accelerators,’ Temporary Workers are a Company’s Best Kept Secret for a Sustainable Comeback, Manpower Inc. Chairman and CEO Joerres Illustrates for World Economic Forum Executives, Government Leaders
Manpower Inc. Chairman and CEO Jeff Joerres will today advise business and government leaders on how companies can address a global talent mismatch and do more with less in his remarks as part of a global skills creation panel at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos.
“In this economic climate, it’s not just about finding skilled workers, it’s about finding elite talent – the best of the best. The strategic use of temporary workers is the fastest way for companies to stage an immediate post-crisis comeback,” said Jeff Joerres, Chairman and CEO of Manpower Inc. “Flexibility is key – for both employers and their workforce. Companies need flexible, agile workers who can constantly adjust and enhance their skills to meet the needs and expectations of workers. Employees expect that same flexibility in return, to advance professionally and pursue their personal lifestyles.”
There are plenty of people available for work with the technical qualities needed to do certain jobs, but perhaps they don’t have the psychological make-up, critical thinking skills or intellectual curiosity to really move the company forward, according to Joerres’ planned remarks for the panel. (Note to editors: the attached diagram shows the anatomy of a Manpower temporary worker in detail, including attributes that will be attractive to employers and employees.)
Earlier this week, Manpower Inc. identified four megatrends that should be top concerns for business leaders around the globe when planning their workforce management strategy throughout the recovery. These tenets will be pillars of Joerres’ remarks on the panel skills creation. These megatrends are:
– The Talent Mismatch is deepening as the working age population declines and the nature of work changes. These significant shifts in talent supply are transforming the global labor market.
– Individual Choice will be exercised by those with the skills that are most in demand, requiring companies to think differently about how jobs are defined and how they will attract and retain scarce talent.
– Rising Customer Sophistication requires businesses to work in a new way, driven by innovation and delivering greater value and efficiency.
– Technological Revolutions have the power to change where, when and how we work, enabling organizations to be more agile and innovative – if
they know how to leverage it.
According to Manpower’s most recent Talent Shortage Survey, 30 percent of employers across the globe continue to struggle to fill positions available despite the global economic downturn. The top five positions employers are having most trouble filling globally are skilled manual trades people, sales representatives, technicians (technical workers in the areas of production/operations, engineering and maintenance), engineers and management/executives. Manpower surveyed nearly 39,000 employers across 33 countries and territories to gauge employers’ ability to find the talent they need.
Joerres and Manpower are members of the Global Agenda Council on the Skills Gap. The panel will be moderated by J. Frank Brown, Dean of INSTEAD, France, who co-chairs the Global Agenda Council on the Skills Gap along with Manpower Inc. President of Global Corporate Affairs David Arkless. This panel can be watched via livestream at http://wef2010.unitec-media.tv/index.html.
Source: Manpower Inc.
Super Bowl ads rival game in 2010
Poll predicts ads will drive Web traffic and social media chatter
Super Bowl ads remain a big draw for viewers, with over 57 percent of U.S. adults who expect to watch Super Bowl XLIV planning to tune in as much or more for the commercials as for the game. This is a 5 percent increase from 2009. According to the latest Hanon McKendry/Mindscape at Hanon McKendry poll conducted online this month by Harris Interactive®, 71 percent of U.S. adults plan to watch Super Bowl XLIV, with 35 percent of those anticipated viewers watching equally for the ads as for the game and nearly 22 percent tuning in exclusively or predominantly for the commercials.
The 2010 poll also found that over 35 percent of those who watch Super Bowl commercials say they are more likely to visit an advertiser’s Web site after seeing a Super Bowl ad, up from 30 percent in 2009. Additionally, among online U.S. adults who watch Super Bowl ads, 48 percent say they are at least somewhat likely to discuss the ads on a social networking site.
“After five years of running this poll, I’d like to say that nothing surprises us,” said Bill McKendry, founder and chief creative officer at Hanon McKendry. “But even we were surprised at the level of online engagement that will be driven by Super Bowl ads. With 35 percent of viewers saying they are likely to visit an advertiser’s Web site and 48 percent of those engaged online stating they’d likely chat about the ads, the synergy between traditional broadcast advertising and digital engagement only appears to be growing.”
Building on the synergy between TV and Web, Hanon McKendry launched www.superadbowl.com in 2009, where visitors voted for their favorite Super Bowl ads after each quarter and got real-time results as they submitted their ballots. The site will go live again on Thurs., Jan. 28. In advance of the game, visitors will be able to weigh in on Super Bowl advertising via Twitter and Facebook and can cast their votes for their favorite ads starting at the close of the 1st quarter on game day.
The Hanon McKendry survey aims to quantify the draw of Super Bowl commercials among the more than 95 million anticipated viewers.(1) Now in its fifth year, the poll found interest in Super Bowl commercials even higher in 2010 than in 2009, when 52 percent of U.S. adult viewers planned to watch as much or more for the ads. The question that gets at online U.S. adult viewers’ likelihood to discuss a Super Bowl commercial on a social networking site is new in 2010.
While interest in Super Bowl commercials is growing among both men and women, the 2010 Hanon McKendry / Mindscape at Hanon McKendry survey confirms highest interest in Super Bowl ads among women:
– While anticipated female Super Bowl viewership remains statistically steady — 67 percent in 2009 vs. 65 percent in 2010 — the percentage of female viewers who say they’ll tune in as much or more for the ads has grown 5 percentage points in 2010, up from 62 percent in 2009.
– A significantly higher percentage of women than men who plan to watch the Super Bowl will do so at least as much for the commercials as for
the game — 67 percent of female vs. 48 percent of male viewers.
– Female viewers are 2.5 times more likely than male viewers to watch exclusively or predominantly for the commercials — 32 percent of female viewers vs. 13 percent of male viewers.
The Survey
Harris Interactive fielded the study on behalf of Hanon McKendry and Mindscape at Hanon McKendry between Jan. 8 and Jan. 12, 2010, via its QuickQuery(SM) online omnibus service, interviewing a nationwide sample of 2,215 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. The sample included 1,121 men and 1,094 women. Data were weighted using propensity score weighting to be representative of the total U.S. adult population on the basis of region, age within gender, education, household income, race/ethnicity, and propensity to be online. Data for questions related to online use or behaviors were weighted specifically to the respective “online” populations. No estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.
(1) In its annual Guide to the Super Bowl, The Nielsen Company reports that Super Bowl XLIII drew a record average viewership of 98.7 million, up from 97.5 million in 2008.
Source: Hanon McKendry
FDA approves new treatment for Type 2 Diabetes
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Victoza (liraglutide), a once-daily injection to treat type 2 diabetes in some adults.
Victoza is intended to help lower blood sugar levels along with diet, exercise, and selected other diabetes medicines. It is not recommended as initial therapy in patients who have not achieved adequate diabetes control on diet and exercise alone.
Insulin is a hormone that helps prevent sugar (glucose) from building up in the blood. People with type 2 diabetes have difficulty making and using insulin. Victoza is in a class of medicines known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists that help the pancreas make more insulin after eating a meal.
“Diabetes is a leading cause of death and disability, with more than 1.5 million new cases diagnosed annually,” said Mary Parks, M.D., director, Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Controlling blood sugar levels is very important to preventing or reducing the long term complications of diabetes, and Victoza offers certain patients with type 2 diabetes a treatment option for controlling their blood glucose levels.”
In five clinical trials involving more than 3,900 people, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) occurred more often in patients who took Victoza than in patients taking other diabetes medicines. Victoza should be stopped if there is severe abdominal pain, with or without nausea and vomiting, and should not be restarted if pancreatitis is confirmed by blood tests. Victoza should be used with caution in people with a history of pancreatitis.
The most common side effects observed with Victoza were headache, nausea, and diarrhea. Other side effects included allergic-like reactions such as hives.
Victoza was not associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular events in people who were mainly at low risk for these events. FDA approved Victoza, however, with several post-marketing requirements under the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act (FDAAA) to ensure that the company will conduct studies to provide additional information on the safety of this product.
In addition to a cardiovascular safety study to specifically evaluate the cardiovascular safety of Victoza in a higher risk population, the company also is required to conduct a 5-year epidemiological study using a health claims database to evaluate thyroid and other cancer risks as well as risks for seriously low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia), pancreatitis, and allergic reactions. To specifically evaluate the risk of medullary thyroid cancer, the company is required to establish a cancer registry to monitor the rate of this type of cancer in the United States over the next 15 years.
In animal studies, Victoza caused tumors of the thyroid gland in rats and mice. Some of these tumors were cancers, which were significantly increased in rats who received excessive doses that were 8-times higher than what humans would receive.
It is not known if Victoza could cause thyroid tumors or a very rare type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid cancer in people. For this reason, Victoza should not be used as the first-line treatment for diabetes until additional studies are completed that support expanded use. Also, Victoza should not be used in people already at risk for medullary thyroid cancer, such as those who have medullary thyroid cancer in the family or those with a rare genetic condition known as Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.
To ensure the safe and effective use of this product, Victoza was approved with a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy consisting of a Medication Guide and a Communication Plan to help patients and providers understand the risks of Victoza and to ensure that the benefits of the drug outweigh the risk of acute pancreatitis and the potential risk of medullary thyroid cancer.
Victoza is manufactured by Novo Nordisk of Bagsvaerd, Denmark.
Questions and Answers: Safety Requirements for Victoza (liraglutide)
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
New Bill signed by President Obama allows taxpayers to claim Haiti-related contributions on 2009 Tax Return
Taxpayers wishing to lend their support to relief efforts in Haiti now have an additional incentive to do so, thanks to new legislation signed into law by President Obama.
Through the new bill, H.R. 4462, taxpayers have two options regarding monetary contributions for Haitian Earthquake Relief. They can either deduct contributions made after January 11, 2010 and before March 1, 2010 on their 2009 return or can wait and claim the deduction on their 2010 return. In addition to allowing the contributions to be deducted on a 2009 tax return, the bill also includes a provision that recognizes donations made to a charitable organization via text message, provided that a copy of the phone bill showing the date, time, organization name, and donation amount is available.
“The nation of Haiti is suffering a devastating humanitarian crisis, and millions of Americans have already been moved to donate money to charities that are taking part in relief efforts,” said Mark Steber, Chief Tax Officer, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. “Having the President specifically designate that Haiti-related monetary contributions may be acknowledged on a 2009 tax return, even though the calendar year has passed, is a powerful way to encourage this kind of giving – while also reminding taxpayers of the financial benefits of charitable contributions.”
Here are some tips from Jackson Hewitt on how to make and record charitable donations and claim them on a 2009 tax return:
– There are several ways to make a tax-deductible contribution to a qualified charitable organization: through a cash payment, a check, a credit card charge or by making a payroll deduction to a charity. The Internal Revenue Service allows taxpayers to search for a qualified organization on its Web site at http://www.irs.gov/app/pub-78/
– Keep records of your donations. Acceptable records include a receipt from the organization that states the date, name, address, location, and amount of the donation; a cancelled check; or other bank documents that provide the same information.
– Don’t forget to claim all the household items and clothing you donated to your church, school, or other local charity during the year. The fair-market value of all items in good or better condition that are donated to a qualified organization are deductible. Make sure you keep a list of all items donated and their value when you contributed them.
– If you volunteer, you can also deduct out-of-pocket expenses you have that are directly related to your volunteer work.
– Out-of-pocket expenses include mileage related to charitable work (at present, 14 cents per mile), the cost of uniforms required while doing the volunteer work (such as for scout leaders, EMTs, firefighters, etc), and any supplies needed to do this work. Remember to keep your receipts with the date and the organization’s name for your records.
– If you are claiming mileage, make sure you have a record of the miles driven, the date, and the organization’s name. You should also indicate starting point and destination.
“Charitable contributions claimed on a 2009 tax return must have been contributed in the 2009 tax year,” notes Steber. “The new Haiti legislation is an exception.”
More information about charitable contributions can be found on the Jackson Hewitt web site at www.jacksonhewitt.com.