The November Team Player

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Happy November!

As I write this newsletter, California is dealing with the aftermath of horrific wildfires, and the war in Iraq still rages on. However, children are dressed in festive outfits for Halloween and writing wish lists for holidays around the corner. There are many events that give us pause, and many positive outcomes to be thankful for.

Of course, this is also the time of year, that many of us look to give back and feel good about our contributions. Speaking of giving back, this Saturday, November 3rd, The HR Team will once again be participating in the Howard County Heart Walk. Please visit this page ( http://heartwalk.kintera.org/faf/teams/groupTeamList.asp?
ievent=211656&lis=1&kntae211656=63F3E623EAD34432B766879B40BFB694&tlteams=1886026 to find out how to join us or donate to this worthy cause.

Finally, are you looking for a really cool business event to attend? On November 7th at the B&O Museum, The Association for Corporate Growth will hold its annual Deal of The Year event. The ACG Maryland Deal of the Year Award highlights those companies and individuals who have been successful in their pursuit of corporate growth by recognizing business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, finances, alliances and IPO's that have impacted the region. Over 300 of the area's business leaders and top executives will be in attendance. Tickets are still available by visiting: www.acg.org/baltimore.

2008 Limits for Retirement Plans Are Unchanged

Elective Deferrals. The annual limit on elective deferrals (under Code Section 402(g)(1)) for 401(k) plans, SARSEPs, and 403(b) contracts remains unchanged at $15,500. Similarly, the annual deferral limit (under Code Section 457(e)(15)) for 457 plans remains unchanged at $15,500. The annual limit on elective deferrals (under Code Section 408(p)(2)(E)) for SIMPLE plans and SIMPLE IRAs remains unchanged at $10,500.

Catch-Up Contributions. The annual limit on catch-up contributions for individuals age 50 or over (under Code Section 414(v)(2)(B)) for 401(k) plans, SARSEPs, 403(b) contracts, and 457 plans remains unchanged at $5,000; for SIMPLE plans and SIMPLE IRAs it remains unchanged at $2,500.

Fake EEOC Complaints

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC is notifying the business community and general public to a "phishing" e-mail circulating to companies that purports to be from the federal agency regarding a harassment complaint. The bogus e-mail contains a Trojan Horse Virus that is likely to harm a recipient's computer if the user clicks on the referenced web link and/or downloads the attached file.

The phony e-mail to employers -- being circulated under the subject "Harassment Complaint Update For"-- contains links where the respondent can allegedly access details of a fake discrimination claim. The EEOC has reported the issue to appropriate authorities.

The EEOC's policy is to notify an employer of the filing of a charge of employment discrimination using the U.S. Postal System. Because of security concerns, the EEOC does not notify employers of the filing of a charge of discrimination via e-mail. Consequently, if a company receives an e-mail notification which purports to advise the respondent of the filing of a charge of employment discrimination with the EEOC, the federal agency urges users to delete it immediately.

Headache? Maybe It's Caused by What You Eat or Don't Eat

Millions of Americans see their doctors each year because of frequent or severe headaches. One of the main headache triggers, especially for migraines, is diet. Sometimes a headache is caused by a combination of dietary triggers, such as stress combined with coffee or wine. Some people get headaches when they drink coffee. Regular coffee drinkers get headaches when they quit.

To discover triggers or combinations that cause headaches, keep a food and drink journal for a couple of weeks. Note circumstances such as stress, exercise, and changes in sleep. When you have compiled the list, review it for connections to your headaches.

Common triggers include:

• High-fat foods, particularly those with the saturated fats found in meat or fast foods, and transfats found in baked goods, margarine, and snack foods.
• Aged foods such as red wine, cheddar or blue cheese, deli meats, and overripe bananas.
• Food additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) and nitrates.

Author and dietitian Elaine Magee says foods that help to avoid headaches are those with omega-3 fatty acids such as olive oil and fish, and magnesium as found in almonds and peanut butter.

Discount Tickets

Order in advance and save on your next visit to the movies or video rental store! Discount tickets are available for theatres nationwide. Go to www.TicketsAtWork.com, our company code is HRTEAM.

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