Current Events in December 2016

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    Amazon Go lets you shop without checking out

    Brick-and-mortar stores will have no checkout lines

    If you walk into a typical convenience store, pick up something you want, then just walk out the door, chances are you'll be arrested for shoplifting.

    But that's exactly how you'll shop at Amazon's new convenience store, known as Amazon Go. You grab the items you want and just leave, bypassing the cash register.

    Has Amazon suddenly lost its mind or gotten generous? Not at all. To enter the store you must open the Amazon Go app and swipe a turnstile. Artificial intelligence then charges your credit card every time you pick up an item. If you change your mind and put it back on he shelf, the software removes it from your account.

    Amazon provided the video below to explain exactly how the concept works.

    Same technology as self-driving cars

    Amazon says the technology that makes the checkout-free store possible is very similar to that used in self-driving cars. It combines computer vision, sensor fusion, and deep learning.

    “Our Just Walk Out technology automatically detects when products are taken from or returned to the shelves and keeps track of them in a virtual cart,” Amazon said in a statement. “When you’re done shopping, you can just leave the store. Shortly after, we’ll charge your Amazon account and send you a receipt.”

    The first Amazon Go store is located at 2131 7th Avenue in Seattle and will open to the public in 2017. It's apparently the first of more to come, though the company has not revealed much in the way of details. Back in October, The Wall Street Journal quoted “knowledgeable sources” who said Amazon planned to get into the brick-and-mortar grocery business with a chain of convenience stores.

    At the first store, at least, shoppers will be able to pick up ready-to-eat meals and snacks, as well as other staples.

    If you walk into a typical convenience store, pick up something you want, then just walk out the door, chances are you'll be arrested for shoplifting.B...

    Shoulder replacement surgeries rising dramatically

    The procedure is gaining on knee and hip replacements

    As people age, joints wear out. Knees tend to get replaced, along with hips. And lately, so have shoulders.

    Officials at Loyola University Medical Center say the number of total and partial shoulder replacements at the hospital has surged, closely tracking the increase nationwide. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reports shoulder replacements jumped from about 18,000 in 2000 to more than 45,000 in 2013.

    Loyola doctors performed 10 times more of these procedures in 2015 than in 2010. The reason for the sharp increase lies in demographics.

    As the huge Baby Boom generation ages, its members are coping with varying degrees of arthritis and joint damage. To meet the growing demand, Loyola says it as appointed a second orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Dane Salazar, who specializes in shoulder replacement surgery.

    “A total shoulder replacement can be a grand slam,” Salazar said. “I’ve had patients who told me they wished they had undergone the surgery five years earlier.”

    Mayo Clinic study

    The Mayo Clinic has also seen an increase in partial and total shoulder replacement surgeries. It conducted a study that found the surgery to be an effective way to reduce arthritic pain, especially in patients whose rotator cuffs are still intact.

    “What we’ve learned from this study is that if people do develop significant pain in their shoulder due to arthritis associated with rheumatoid arthritis, shoulder arthroplasty really is a predictable and reliable operation to help them improve their function and relieve pain,” said senior author Dr. John Sperling, an orthopedic surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

    Patients who had undamaged rotator cuffs — the tendons in the shoulder that help raise the arms — fared better after shoulder replacement than those with damaged rotator cuffs, the study found.

    Loyola says a shoulder replacement surgery usually requires an overnight hospital stay. The patient keeps his or her arm in a sling for about a month, gradually increasing activity. Doctors say the patient can usually resume most activities within three months with full recovery taking six to 10 months.

    More importantly, doctors say shoulder replacements have a long lifespan, meaning they can be efficiently performed on younger patients. Ninety percent are reportedly still working after 10 years and 80% after 20 years.

    As people age, joints wear out. Knees tend to get replaced, along with hips. And lately, so have shoulders.Officials at Loyola University Medical Cente...

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      A pick-up in the economy's non-manufacturing sector

      November's growth rate was a bit stronger than October's

      The non-manufacturing sector of the economy rebounded in November after a slight cooling-off the month before.

      The latest Non-Manufacturing Institute for Supply Management Report On Business put the non-manufacturing index (NMI) at 57.2% last month -- 2.4% higher than in October.

      This represents continued growth in the non-manufacturing sector for the 82nd consecutive month and at a faster rate than in October. It's also a 12-month high and the highest reading since the 58.3 registered in October of 2015.

      The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index increased to 61.7% -- 4% higher than October, reflecting growth for the 88th consecutive month and a faster rate in November.

      The New Orders Index dipped 0.7% to 57%, and the Prices Index decreased 0.3% from October to 56.3%. Still, prices rose in November for the eighth consecutive month, but at a slightly slower rate.

      The Employment Index increased 5.1% to 58.2%.

      Individual industry performance

      The 14 non-manufacturing industries reporting growth in November were:

      1. Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting;
      2. Retail Trade;
      3. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation;
      4. Transportation & Warehousing;
      5. Other Services;
      6. Management of Companies & Support Services;
      7. Construction;
      8. Finance & Insurance;
      9. Professional, Scientific & Technical Services;
      10. Accommodation & Food Services;
      11. Information;
      12. Health Care & Social Assistance;
      13. Wholesale Trade; and
      14. Mining.

      The two industries reporting contraction were:

      1. Real Estate, Rental & Leasing; and
      2. Public Administration.

      The non-manufacturing sector of the economy rebounded in November after a slight cooling-off the month before.The latest Non-Manufacturing Institute fo...

      Pirelli recalls P Zero All Season tires

      The tires may develop cracks in their lower sidewall

      Pirelli Tire is recalling 1,190 P Zero All Season tires, size 275/40R19 101W, manufactured February 29, 2016, to October 29, 2016, as an original equipment fitment exclusively for certain Maserati cars.

      Due to an incorrect carcass component, the tires may develop cracks in their lower sidewall, possibly resulting in a loss of air.

      A loss of air may result in tire failure or a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

      What to do

      Pirelli will notify Maserati owners and the dealers that purchased the tires as replacements. Pirelli will work with Maserati to replace the tires, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in December 2016.

      Owners may contact Pirelli customer service at 1-706-368-5800.

      Pirelli Tire is recalling 1,190 P Zero All Season tires, size 275/40R19 101W, manufactured February 29, 2016, to October 29, 2016, as an original equipment...

      Car wash incident highlights unintended acceleration problem

      While such incidents are distressingly common, they do seem to occur more frequently in some models

      Car washes are frequently the scene of unintended acceleration cases, like one in Mansfield, Ohio, last week. Police said an employee of the Park Avenue Car Wash was behind the wheel when a 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis crashed through the car wash door, careened across the street, and crashed into a church.

      A similar incident at the car wash occurred in 2007, when a car smashed through the building and hit a house across the street. In both cases, car wash employees said the accelerator pedal stuck.

      Car washes seem to attract unintended acceleration cases. Jeep Grand Cherokees, in particular, have been involved in several similar incidents at car washes and elsewhere. But while the problem is not unique to car washes, it does seem to occur more regularly in certain models, including the Mercury Grand Marquis. 

      The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database contains numerous incidents for Grand Marquis models from the 2006 through 2010 model years.

      In August 2013, a consumer in Stow, Mass., filed a NHTSA complaint saying that while reversing out of the driveway, "car accelerated on its own, pressed brakes but car still moved backhards ... threw car into neutral and turned off engine."

      "Took car to dealer .. and was told that it may have been that I pushed the brake and gas pedal at the same time. This, however, is I believe not the case," the consumer said.

      Human error

      Other reports tell of similar incidents and of assurances by the dealer that it was probably just human error.

      A motorist in Hawaii reported wrecking a 2008 Grand Marquis during a test drive.

      "I was preparing to test drive a 2008 Mercury Marquis at Honolulu Ford. I was stopped at the exit ... when the engine accelerated. I looked down and my foot was not on the gas, it was on the brake," the consumer said. "The car started to move out into the street, crossing the road, hitting another vehicle and a light pole."

      Unintended acceleration cases have been around since the first time humans tried to ride horses but, at least in cases involving cars, answers have been hard to come by. Toyota famously recalled millions of cars to adjust floor mats that were blamed for sudden acceleration incidents, but there have been few other cases in which there was any agreement on the cause.

      Federal safety officials have never identified a cause for the vast majority of the incidents and have therefore pinned the blame on drivers, although juries have often disagreed and sided with accident victims in cases like a 2012 accident involving a Ford Ranger pickup. Ford blamed the driver, saying he was old and confused but the jury concluded that the truck's accelerator assembly was faulty and awarded the plaintiff $3 million. 

      Some critics are convinced that most of the problems originate in the electronic control modules that are the brains of modern cars. Others blame driver education that teaches drivers to use the same foot to operate the accelerator and brake pedal.

      Purists say we'd all be better off if everyone drove a stick shift. Besides eliminating unintended acceleration, it would make it nearly impossible to fiddle with handheld electronic devices while driving.

      Car washes are frequently the scene of unintended acceleration cases, like one in Mansfield, Ohio, last week. Police said an employee of the Park Avenue Ca...

      U.S. economy loses $411 billion every year due to a tired workforce, study finds

      Researchers say sleep deprivation leads to lower productivity and higher mortality risk

      Numerous studies have extolled the benefits of getting a full night’s sleep; those who do so have been found to have more energy and better overall health due to better body self-regulation. Unfortunately, many of us continue to not get enough sleep at night, and new research suggests that health deficits are not the only thing we have to worry about.

      Researchers at RAND Europe – a not-for-profit organization – have found that sleep deprivation costs the U.S. economy an average of $411 billion every year. They say this is due to higher mortality risk and lower productivity levels from employees who go to work tired.

      “Our study shows that the effects from a lack of sleep are massive. Sleep deprivation not only influences an individual’s health and wellbeing but has a significant impact on a nation’s economy, with lower productivity levels and a higher mortality risk among workers,” said Marco Hafner, lead author and researcher of the study.

      Economic losses

      The study, entitled “Why Sleep Matters – The Economic Costs of Insufficient Sleep," analyzed the economic impact of insufficient sleep in five countries. While Canada, Germany, Japan, and the U.K. are all burdened with billions in losses due to lack of sleep, the U.S. beats them all with a loss of $411 billion, 2.28% of the country’s GDP.

      The researchers note that if workers get up to one hour of extra sleep per night, it could make a huge economic difference. They say that individuals who get between seven and nine hours every night – dubbed the “healthy daily sleep range” -- can lower their mortality risk by 7%.

      “Improving individual sleep habits and duration has huge implications, with our research showing that simple changes can make a big difference. For example, if those who sleep under six hours a night increase their sleep to between six and seven hours a night, this could add $226.4 billion to the U.S. economy,” said Hafner.

      Recommendations

      The researchers make several recommendations that they believe would improve sleep outcomes. For individuals, they say that setting consistent wake-up times will help the body stay regulated. Limiting the use of electronic items before bed and getting physical exercise during the day are also key points.

      Further, they suggest that employers design and build brighter workspaces, provide facilities for daytime naps, monitor and assess psychosocial risks connected to sleep loss, and discourage the use of electronic devices after the work day has concluded. Public authorities can also help by encouraging health professionals and employers to provide sleep-related help.

      You can view the full report of the study here.

      Numerous studies have extolled the benefits of getting a full night’s sleep; those who do so have been found to have more energy and better overall health...

      Active young boys perform better in reading and math, study finds

      Researchers have found associations between activity levels and academic aptitude

      Having an active child can run parents ragged, but a recent study suggests that it also gives them an edge when it comes to subjects like reading and math. Dr. Eero Haapala, along with fellow researchers from the University of Eastern Finland, looked at children in Grades 1-3 and found that boys had better academic aptitude if they were physically active.

      However, on the other end of the spectrum, Haapala noted that "boys who had a combination of low levels of physical activity and high levels of sedentary time had the poorest reading skills through Grades 1-3.”

      Better academic results

      The study was conducted as a part of two studies -- the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children Study at the University of Eastern Finland and the First Steps Study at the University of Jyväskylä. Researchers from each study attempted to find connections between physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and reading and arithmetic skills.

      In all, 153 children between the ages of 6 and 8 in Grades 1-3 were tested. The researchers used heart rate and movement sensors to measure physical activity and sedentary time and standardized tests to measure reading and arithmetic skills.

      While no strong association between the factors was found for young girls, the researchers found that young boys in Grade 1 who showed moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and low sedentary time had better academic scores. Those who were less active tended to perform worse on standardized tests.

      “Our results provide some evidence that promoting a physically more active lifestyle may benefit the development of reading skills in boys during the first school years,” the researchers concluded.

      The full study has been published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport.

      Having an active child can run parents ragged, but a recent study suggests that it also gives them an edge when it comes to subjects like reading and math....

      How to spot a puppy scammer

      Before sending money for a puppy you found online, verify that it's not being sold by a scam artist

      Consumers planning to welcome a puppy into their lives this holiday season should keep their wits about them if shopping online for their new addition. Puppy scams are out there, and they can be costly.

      Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine recently said that puppy scams have caused several consumers to lose hundreds of dollars in recent weeks.

      “Some ‘sellers’ who advertise online are con artists,” DeWine said. “They post a picture of a cute puppy and tell you to wire money for a crate or insurance. Then they take your money without delivering anything in return. People expect to receive a cute puppy, and instead they get nothing.”

      Signs of a puppy scam

      What does a typical puppy scam look like? DeWine noted that, in most cases, a consumer will come across an ad for a puppy online. After communicating with the seller, the consumer agrees to buy the puppy and wires a few hundred dollars to have the puppy delivered.

      At this point, the seller demands more money to pay for things like a temperature-controlled crate, shots, shipping insurance, or other transportation fees. Unfortunately, consumers are unlikely to receive anything in return for their payment.

      In some cases, the buyer receives a puppy. But often, consumers say the puppy was sick or didn’t come with the American Kennel Club registration as promised.

      How to avoid scams

      To make sure the puppy you’re interested in isn’t being sold by a scam artist, watch for red flags. If a seller's offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

      Beware of sellers who request payment in the form of a wire transfer or money order, those who ask you to pay more for unexpected costs, or those who threaten to turn you in for animal abuse or neglect if you don’t pay.

      Here’s what else consumers can do to avoid puppy scams:

      • Research breeders and sellers. Check complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau and review feedback from other customers. If you find no information about the seller, you may be dealing with a scam artist who regularly changes his or her name in order to trick consumers. Ask friends for breeder referrals or try to find a local, reputable organization to work with.

      • Conduct an online image search. See if the puppy’s photo is posted in multiple places on the internet by doing an online image search (to find out how to do this, search “how to search by image”). If you see the puppy’s photo elsewhere online, it could be part of a scam.

      • Visit the animal. Don't send money without first seeing the puppy in person. Visit the breeder and ask lots of questions. Make sure the breeder has individual veterinary paperwork for the puppy on the letterhead of his or her veterinarian; consider calling the veterinarian to verify the relationship. Obtain proof of purchase with the breeder’s full contact information on it.

      • Adopt, don’t shop. Instead of scouring the web to find your perfect puppy, consider meeting your new best friend at your local animal shelter. Adopting a pet from an animal shelter enables you to meet and interact with your potential pup prior to the adoption.

      Consumers planning to welcome a puppy into their lives this holiday season should keep their wits about them if shopping online for their new addition. Pup...

      Get that tax refund ASAP

      We have tips to help you avoid a delay

      If you overpaid your taxes this year (too much withholding is the main culprit), you'll have a refund coming. And, of course, you'll want that money as soon as you can get it.

      The first thing you'll need to do is have all the documents you need -- things like W-2s and 1099s -- before you file your return. You also may need a copy of your 2015 tax return to make it easier to fill out a 2016 tax return.

      Beginning next year, taxpayers using a software product for the first time may need their Adjusted Gross Income amount from a prior tax return to verify their identity. Learn more about how to verify your identity and electronically sign your tax return at Validating Your Electronically Filed Tax Return.

      The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will begin accepting and processing tax returns once the filing season begins.

      Updating your ITIN

      Under the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 (PATH Act), any Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) issued prior to 2013 or that haven’t been used for tax-years 2013, 2014, and 2015 will no longer be valid for use on a tax return as of Jan. 1, 2017.

      If you have an expiring ITIN and need to file a return in 2017, you'll have to renew it. It typically takes seven weeks to receive an ITIN assignment letter, but can take longer -- 9 to 11 weeks if you wait to submit Form W-7 during the peak filing season or send it from overseas.

      Taxpayers who don't renew an expired ITIN before filing a tax return next year could face a delayed refund and may be ineligible for certain tax credits. You can get more information on the the ITIN information page on IRS.gov.

      Mandated delays

      If you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) on your tax return, the IRS must hold your refund until February 15.

      This new law requires the IRS to hold the entire refund -- even the portion not associated with EITC or ACTC. This change helps ensure that you get the refund you are owed by giving the agency more time to help detect and prevent fraud.

      By the way, you shouldn't rely on getting a refund by a certain date, especially when making major purchases or paying bills. Though the IRS issues more than nine out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days, some returns are held for further review.

      What to do

      The easiest way to avoid common errors that delay processing a tax return is to e-file. E-filing is the most accurate way to prepare a return and file. There are a number of e-file options:

      Use direct deposit

      With direct deposit, the refund goes directly into your bank account. There is no risk of having the refund check stolen or lost in the mail. This is the same electronic transfer system used to deposit nearly 98% of all Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits into millions of accounts.

      Direct deposit also saves taxpayer dollars. It costs the nation’s taxpayers more than $1 for every paper refund check issued but only a dime for each direct deposit made.

      If you overpaid your taxes this year (too much withholding is the main culprit), you'll have a refund coming. And, of course, you'll want that money as soo...

      2017 housing outlook sees gradual slowdown

      More first-time buyers will be priced out of the market

      The U.S. housing market has gone through some changes in 2016. Prices of homes have risen, requiring larger down payments from buyers.

      At the same time, inventories in many housing markets have continued to shrink, giving sellers even more leverage and making it harder for buyers to find the home they want.

      Housing experts see more of the same ahead in 2017, with a few wrinkles. The composition of the typical homebuyer is evolving and interest rates, which have been at historic lows for years, are expected to rise.

      The Realtor.com 2017 housing forecast projects home prices will increase 3.9% with only a 1.9% increase in existing home sales. Interest rates, which have been under 4% for most of 2016, are expected to reach 4.5% in the coming year.

      Little election impact

      “We don’t expect the outcome of the election to have a direct impact on the health of the housing market or economy as we close out 2016,” said Jonathan Smoke, chief economist for Realtor.com.

      “However, the 40 basis points increase in rates in the days following the election has caused us to increase our interest rate prediction for next year.”

      Smoke says since first-time buyers are almost all dependent on mortgage financing, and a majority are already dealing with other financial challenges, he expects some first-time buyers will be priced out of the market in 2017.

      As a result, Realtor.com has lowered expectations of Millennial marketshare to 33%. Even so, it expects Millennials and Baby Boomers to continue to dominate the market. And perhaps of interest to sellers, Boomers are less likely to need a mortgage so they may be the more reliable buyer in a case of competing offers.

      Midwest rising

      Coastal markets have set the pace over the last few years, but Realtor.com suggests Midwestern housing markets could take the lead in 2017. Markets to watch are Madison, Wis.; Columbus, Ohio; Omaha, Neb.; Des Moines, Iowa; and Minneapolis, Minn.

      One reason for rising expectations in the Midwest is the higher concentration of Millennials in that region. These markets also tend to be more affordable, making it easier for first-time buyers to purchase a home.

      While prices will continue to rise, they won't rise as much. The Realtor.com forecast calls for a 1% increase in 26 of the 100 largest markets. It says the smallest markets are likely to see the largest gains.

      The U.S. housing market has gone through some changes in 2016. Prices of homes have risen, requiring larger down payments from buyers.At the same time,...

      Here are the 'hot jobs' for 2017

      Careerbuilder says employers want people with skills that can generate revenue

      The job market is always in a state of flux, especially in recent years. Today's hot job with a lucrative salary and benefits may go to a robot next year.

      So how do you know where to look when it's time to change jobs, or even careers? CareerBuilder and Emsi have assembled a list of what they consider the hottest jobs for 2017 based on compensation, job growth, and the recent number of existing positions.

      The study focuses on five main categories where there is on-going demand and a significant number of job postings each month. Not surprisingly, it found numbers crunching and revenue generation will be in demand.

      “Our research shows that employers are very invested in expanding headcount in areas such as analytics and data science, product development and sales as they strive to stay competitive in B2B and B2C markets,” said Matt Ferguson, CEO of CareerBuilder. “Skilled laborers will also see high employment demand in the year ahead as will workers in clinical roles.”

      Here are the hot jobs

      People thinking about making a career move in 2017 will likely be interested in the findings.

      Sales jobs lead the categories by a wide margin. The study found more than 16 million sales jobs this year, paying from $12.91 to $22.13 an hour. There were more than 13 million jobs for people with trade skills, and those jobs paid more – from $17 to $25.70 an hour.

      The highest potential pay, however, may lie with jobs in business and financial operations. There were nearly eight million of these jobs posted this year, an 8% increase over the last four years, paying between $32.95 and $57.97 an hour.

      Information technology jobs are growing the fastest – at a 12% rate over the last four years. These jobs pay between $30.91 and $49.41 an hour.

      Health care positions also remain in demand, growing at an 8% rate. These jobs pay $29.82 to $43.61 an hour.

      The job market is always in a state of flux, especially in recent years. Today's hot job with a lucrative salary and benefits may go to a robot next year. ...

      Number of private student loans on the decline

      Student loans from banks fell 50% in a four-year period

      While rising college loan balances remain a cause of concern, there is a bit of good news. The number of students using private loans from commercial financial institutions has declined while the number of those opting for federal loans has risen.

      A study conducted for the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) found that private student loans fell by 50% from 2008 to 2012.

      The distinction is an important one. Private loans are different from federal loans because they're made by banks, credit unions, and other commercial institutions and are not federally guaranteed.

      They tend to be like other commercial loans, with terms usually based on market conditions and the borrower's credit history.

      Just another consumer loan

      Like other consumer loans, the lenders set the terms and conditions of the loan, usually basing them on the market and the borrower’s credit history. Federal loans generally have terms that are more advantageous to the borrower.

      According to the research, private loans only accounted for 5% of undergraduates in 2004 but surged to 14% by 2008. It then dropped to 6% in 2012.

      At the same time, the percentage of students taking out federal loans through the Stafford program increased from 35% to 40% over the same period.

      It's probably no surprise that private loans dropped sharply after 2008, since the credit crisis hit with full force late that year. Lending standards tightened and banks and financial institutions made fewer loans for any purpose.

      Better off with federal loans

      “Generally private loans have stricter terms and harsher penalties for non-payment than federal loans do,” said Jennie Woo, Ed.D., lead author and a senior education researcher at RTI, which conducted the study. “Students who are eligible for federal loans are better off getting them instead.”

      The study focuses on one possible reason so many consumers are struggling with college loan debt. The proportion of borrowers who took out private loans was highest at private for-profit schools, especially in 2008. These schools tend to be among the most expensive, and some – like Corinthian and ITT – have closed their doors, stranding students with the highest loan balances and the least favorable terms.

      The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) advises students to always choose a federal loan if possible. It points out that the interest rate on a federal loan is fixed, while the rate on private loans often fluctuates.

      While rising college loan balances remain a cause of concern, there is a bit of good news. The number of students using private loans from commercial finan...

      Unemployment rate drops to 9-year low

      Job creation picked up steam in November

      The nation's unemployment rate fell to 4.6% in November, it's lowest level in nine years, according to figures released by the Department of Labor (DOL). At the same time, 178,000 jobs were created with major gains in professional and business services and in health care.

      The 0.3% decline in the unemployment rate came as the number of unemployed persons declined by 387,000 -- to 7.4 million.

      On and off the job

      Among the major worker groups, the jobless rate for adult men fell to 4.3% last month, while the rates for adult women (4.2%), teenagers (15.2%), Whites (4.2%), Blacks (8.1%), Asians (3.0%), and Hispanics (5.7%) showed little or no change.

      The civilian labor force participation rate was little-changed in November at 62.7% as the employment-population ratio held at 59.7%. Both have been fairly steady in recent months.

      Employment gains and losses

      Employment in professional and business services rose by 63,000 in November, with accounting and bookkeeping services adding 18,000 jobs. Health care employment rose by 28,000 in November and construction had 19,000 hires.

      Other major industries -- mining, manufacturing, wholesale trade, retail trade, transportation and warehousing, information, financial activities, leisure and hospitality, and government -- saw little change in their workforce size over the month.

      Dollars and cents

      Average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls fell 3 cents to $25.89 following an increase of 11 cents in October. Over the year, earnings are up 2.5%.

      Average hourly earnings of private-sector production and nonsupervisory employees edged up 2 cents to $21.73.

      The complete report is available on the DOL website.

      The nation's unemployment rate fell to 4.6% in November, it's lowest level in nine years, according to figures released by the Department of Labor (DOL). A...

      Mercedes-Benz recalls various vehicles with seat belt issue

      The seat belt extenders may not retract as intended

      Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling 672 model year 2016-2017 S63 AMG Coupes, S65 AMG Coupes, S550 Coupe 4Matics, S63 AMG 4Matic Convertibles, and S550 Convertibles manufactured June 29, 2015, to March 15, 2016.

      The seat belt extenders may not retract as intended and could break the event of a crash.

      If the seat belt extender does not retract and/or the extender breaks, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.

      What to do

      MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in mid-December 2016.

      Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

      Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling 672 model year 2016-2017 S63 AMG Coupes, S65 AMG Coupes, S550 Coupe 4Matics, S63 AMG 4Matic Convertibles, and S550 C...

      Model year 2011-2016 Toyota Sienna minivans recalled

      The door may open unexpectedly, possibly while the vehicle is moving

      Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing is recalling 744,437 model year 2011-2016 Toyota Sienna minivans manufactured January 4, 2010, to August 12, 2016.

      If the power sliding door is unable to be opened when commanded, such as if the door is frozen shut, it may subsequently open unexpectedly, possibly while the vehicle is moving.

      If door opens while the vehicle is moving, there would be an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants.

      What to do

      The remedy for this recall is still under development. Interim notices are expected to be mailed to owners by January 21, 2017.

      Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G04.

      Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing is recalling 744,437 model year 2011-2016 Toyota Sienna minivans manufactured January 4, 2010, to August 12, 2016....

      Race track owner selling his business to protest new South Dakota payday law

      Voters overwhelming approved a measure to limit interest rates on payday loans, upsetting a payday lending magnate

      The Badlands Motor Speedway, a race car track in South Dakota that can seat up to 9,000 fans, is “one of the nicest, most modern and high-tech dirt tracks in the United States,” if the Badlands Motor Speedway may say so itself. Though current speedway owner Chuck Brennan describes his racing and concert venue in glowing terms, as not only a lovely race track but a “legendary gathering point,” he insists that he requires funds from a completely different industry to keep it going: payday lending.

      The track operated in South Dakota for 61 years as the Hunset Speedway until its former owners sold the track to Brennan, a payday loan magnate, in 2015. Now it is Brennan who will be putting the race track up for sale because of a new cap on payday lending interest rates that South Dakota voters overwhelmingly approved in the November election.

      “Because of these recent events, Mr. Brennan is reevaluating his economic presence in South Dakota and will be selling several of his many properties and businesses in the State and diverting that business to the other markets that he currently operates in,” the company website posted yesterday.

      Interest rates at 574 percent

      Payday loan companies -- or predatory lending companies, as critics of the industry describe them -- sell short-term, unsecured loans to practically anyone, no credit check or checking account required. But what customers desperate for the quick cash often do not realize when they accept the loan is that they will be on the hook for amounts much steeper than the original debt.

      In its defense, the industry says that it loans money to people who would otherwise not be able to find a loan because of poor credit scores or lack of a financial history. Critics say that while that may be true, the true cost of a payday loan is so high that many borrowers are unable to pay it off and must keep refinancing at exorbitant rates. 

      In South Dakota, payday lenders typically charge customers an annual interest rate of 574 percent, one of the highest average annual interest rates in the country.

      It's not just payday lenders who enjoy South Dakota's liberal banking laws. Citibank relocated its credit card business to the state in the 1970s and many other credit card issuers followed. While many state usury laws capped interest rates at 10 percent, South Dakota removed all interest caps. 

      The odd couple

      That may finally be changing. An initiative introduced by a conservative pastor in the state and an openly gay former campaign manager for President Obama -- a pair that once fought each other on Twitter before forming a political partnership that Atlantic magazine described as the ultimate odd couple -- aimed to bring interest rates under control. Together, Sioux Falls coffee shop owner Steven Hickey and pastor Steven Hildebrand crafted Measure 21, a measure that caps payday loan interest rates in the state at 36 percent.

      The road to letting voters decide on the measure was not easy. Payday companies lobbied heavily; one lawmaker even tried to increase the amount of signatures required to get a measure on the ballot.

      Hickey and Hildebrand got their measure on the ballot anyway but were heavily outspent. The opposition campaign urging voters to reject Measure 21 raised over $1 million, dwarfing the $70,746.57 raised by South Dakotans for Responsible Lending, the group that championed the measure.

      Brennan threatened to cancel an annual music festival last year, but voters were undeterred. On November 8, voters passed Measure 21 by 75 percent. “We are thrilled that the people of South Dakota stood up and said ‘enough’ to the predatory lenders who have been trapping hardworking families in debt at 574% interest rates,” the coalition supporting Measure 21 said in a news release. They added that they plan to do more work in the state to clamp down on payday lenders.

      Speedway owner reacts

      Chuck Brannon, whose flagship business in South Dakota is the Dollar Loan Center, announced yesterday that he is selling the popular race track he owns because of the vote. He claims that the measure has killed hundreds of jobs and will essentially eliminate the short term lending business from the state.  

      “Mr. Brennan has invested and donated well over $100,000,000 in his home state of South Dakota and most of that investment within a mile of where he grew up at 8th Street and Covell Avenue in Sioux Falls,” his release says.

      In an interview with the local newspaper, race car drivers said they were saddened by the news. But, they added, the sport seemed to be suffering financially regardless, long before the new payday regulations went into effect. "Not a lot of fans come to support it anymore," one race car driver reportedly said. "Every driver involved in the sport kind of has an idea of where local racing is going. It's a bummer to see another track go."

      The Badlands Motor Speedway, a race car track in South Dakota that can seat up to 9,000 fans, is “one of the nicest, most modern and high-tech dirt tracks...

      How to bathe a dog during the winter months

      Tips on keeping your pet warm and comfortable during and after a winter bath

      Keeping your dog clean is important year round, but giving your companion a bath during the cold, winter months requires a few special precautions.

      While you should avoid bathing your pet too often during cold spells, it might occassionally be necessary to give your dog a bath in winter. During the winter months, salt and grime can collect on Fido’s coat, making a good cleaning essential to maintaining its health and hygiene.

      But with frostier temperatures outside, pet parents must step up their efforts to keep their dog warm at bathtime. Here are a few tips that can help ensure the comfort and safety of your pet, both during and after a winter bath.  

      Indoor bathing tips

      While the setting of a summertime bath might be outside under a hose, winter baths should always happen indoors. Prior to the bath, consider turning up the heat in your home and/or placing a heater in the bathroom (make sure it's off the floor and away from water).
      Test the temperature before inviting your dog into the bathtub. Make sure the water is warm but not too hot; you can fill the tub with few inches of warm water to give your pet a warm place to stand.

      Tips for shampooing:

      • Use a moisturizing shampoo. Have your vet recommend a moisturizing shampoo and/or rinse. Moisturizing or oatmeal shampoos are best during the winter months, as this is a time when pets are more susceptible to dry, flaky skin.
      • Lather quickly. Suds up your pooch quickly in order to reduce its exposure to cold air.
      • Rinse well. After you’ve massaged the shampoo into the coat, make sure to rinse well, leaving behind no trace of soap residue.
      • Consider dry shampoo. If your pet is just stinky, not dirty, consider using a dry shampoo. Waterless shampoo powders and sprays can help to remove odors and oils, but they may not be right for the job of giving your pet a deep cleaning.

      After the bath

      Keep your newly clean pup warm by towel drying him right away. If you’ve got a long-haired dog, you might need more than one towel and possibly a blow dryer.

      If you'll be using a blow dryer to finish the task of drying your dog, be sure to use it on the lowest setting possible. Hold it at least 12-inches away from your pet's coat to keep from burning your dog's skin.

      Finally, keep your pet inside until they’re completely dry. 

      Keeping your dog clean is important year round, but giving your companion a bath during the cold, winter months requires a few special precautions. Whi...

      Study finds white wine increases risk of melanoma

      Moderate wine consumption can reduce risk of heart disease, however

      Here's something to chat about next time you find yourself in a crowd of white-wine-sipping elitists: a new study finds that white wine is associated with higher rates of invasive melanoma.

      The study, published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, found that all types of alcohol carried a higher risk but white wine carried the most significant association, expecially for body parts that receive less sun exposure.

      The study's author -- Eunyoung Cho, ScD, an associate professor of dermatology and epidemiology at Brown University -- said it was surprising that white wine was the only drink independently associated with increased risk of melanoma.

      The reason is unknown, although research has shown that some wine has somewhat higher levels of pre-existing acetaldehyde than beer or spirits. While red and white wine may have similar amounts of pre-existing acetaldehyde, the antioxidants in red wine may offset the risks, Cho said.

      However, Cho pointed out that modest alcohol intake has been connected with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

      "For drinkers, risks and benefits of alcohol consumption have to be considered individually, including the risk related to skin cancer," she said.

      3.6 percent

      Approximately 3.6 percent of cancer cases worldwide have been attributed to alcohol, most typically cancers of the aerodigestive tract, liver, pancreas, colon, rectum, and breast. Previous research has suggested that alcohol can cause carcinogenesis as the ethanol in alcohol metabolizes into acetaldehyde, which damages DNA and prevents DNA repair.

      In Cho's study, overall alcohol intake was associated with a 14 percent higher risk of melanoma per drink per day. Each drink per day of white wine was associated with a 13 percent increased risk of melanoma. Other forms of alcohol -- beer, red wine, and liquor -- did not significantly affect melanoma risk.

      Here's something to chat about next time you find yourself in a crowd of white-wine-sipping elitists: a new study finds that white wine is associated with...

      Cancer warning label urged for processed meat

      Evidence links processed meat, poultry to colorectal cancer risk

      Bacon, ham, hot dogs, and other processed meat and poultry products should carry labeles warning that they can cause cancer, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) insists.

      The non-profit organization wants the U.S. Department of Agriculture to require a warning label to inform consumers that eating those foods is associated with an increased risk of cancer of the colon and rectum (colorectal cancer). 

      A petition filed with the department today cites the findings of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which concluded in 2015 that processed meat is “carcinogenic to humans.” 

      Eating 50 grams per day of processed meat raises one’s risk of colorectal cancer by about 18 percent. A typical serving of ham, sausage, bologna, or hot dog weighs about 55 grams (about 2 ounces), CSPI said.

      Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, and will cause about 49,150 deaths in 2016, according to the American Cancer Society, which advises consumers to “minimize consumption of processed meats such as bacon, sausage, luncheon meats, and hot dogs.”  

      “Consumers deserve these warning labels to help them make informed choices about the foods they eat,” said CSPI executive director Michael F. Jacobson.  “Consumers who want to reduce their cancer risk may avoid processed meats or eat them much less often; other people may simply ignore the label. But without question, USDA should give people that choice.”

      CSPI is asking for labels of all meat and poultry products preserved by smoking, curing, salting, and/or the addition of chemical preservatives to bear this message:

      “We recognize that the chances of the Trump administration taking advantage of this opportunity to protect the public health are slim,” said CSPI director Michael Jacobson.  “But at CSPI we’re used to taking the long view. We will continue pushing for regulatory measures that will protect the health of Democrats, Republicans, and all others.”

      Bacon, ham, hot dogs, and other processed meat and poultry products should carry labeles warning that they can cause cancer, the Center for Science in the...