(NewsUSA)- More employers are educating workers on 401(k) plans - from the benefits of tax-deferred growth to the importance of consistent saving. However, research shows that employees are still in the dark when it comes to investing their assets. According to a recent study by human resources firm Hewitt Associates, most employees didn't rebalance or re-allocate their 401(k) portfolios in 2004. Only one in six actually made a transfer within their 401(k) accounts that ... [full story]

The 2006 cars will be arriving at your local dealer soon. If you're in the market for a car, you probably want one that's safe, powerful and fun to drive. The 2006 Volkswagen GLI fits the bill on all counts. With gas prices as high as they are, fuel economy is an important consideration - even in a high- performance vehicle. The GLI averages 32 miles per gallon on the freeway and 24 in the city. Additionally, ... [full story]

Today, as gas prices are surpassing $3 per gallon, SUVs and minivans are not as practical to own. So what's a family to do? Enter the 2006 Volkswagen Passat 3.6L, the midsize sedan that may forever change the attitude of owning a "grown-up" family car. In its most powerful Passat to date, the 280-horsepower arrives soon to dealerships around the country. Although considered a family car, it does not sacrifice speed. The car continues to perform in the ... [full story]

There might be more truth than you think to the term "million-dollar smile." Research has found evidence of a possible connection between your appearance and how much is in your paycheck. In a study released by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, researchers found that good-looking people tend to earn 5 percent more an hour than their less attractive cohorts. Other studies suggest that a smile is a major factor in the overall impression a person ... [full story]

Despite endless hours - and dollars - spent on their hair, every woman has had a bad hair day or two. Having great hair plays a key role in a woman's self-confidence and self-esteem. Yet according to the American Academy of Dermatology, 30 million women -one in four - experience thinning or hair loss at some stage of their lives, most commonly during menopause or post-pregnancy. The causes can range from stress to poor nutrition to ... [full story]

Unlike most steelhead streams, the Hood River offers year-round steelhead fishing opportunities for both summer and winter-run steelhead. Angler opportunity peaks, however, when the winter run steelhead return in late winter or early spring. Being one of easternmost populations of winter steelhead in the Columbia Basin , the Hood River run is later than most winter run populations. The hatchery population is comprised entirely from wild broodstock, so hatchery and wild fish return at nearly ... [full story]

CONTACTS:Brad Wurfel, Salem, 503-947-6020 Meghan Collins, Roseburg, 541-440-3353 Mary Hoverson, LaGrande, 541-963-2138Anne Pressentin-Young, Clackamas, 503-657-2000Fax: (503) 947-6009 OVERVIEWSteelhead anglers have ample opportunities throughout the state. The winter steelhead update is designed to help anglers identify productive river systems and specific locations for pursuing winter steelhead and to draw attention to any recent angling regulation changes. ODFW maintains a rigorous stocking and fishery management program throughout Oregon , to maximize angling opportunities. All anglers are advised ... [full story]

While the Deschutes River is famous for its summer run steelhead, good fishing opportunities exist well into the winter for summer-run hatchery fish that remain in the river. Summer-run fish are slow to mature and do not typically begin spawning until early spring in the Deschutes . Slowly migrating or holding fish provide anglers opportunity throughout the Lower Deschutes for most of the winter. While not as popular as the summer fishery, winter steelhead angling ... [full story]

The Confederate Tribes of Warm Springs has decided not to renew its educational services contract with Central Oregon Community College (COCC) due to a budgetary decision.  For the first time in 25 years COCC will not have an educational center on the reservation, but Laaurain Hintsala, chief operating officer of Warm Springs insists there was no dissatisfaction with COCC. According to Cody Yeager, former center director, "The center was very unique. Unlike the others all over ... [full story]

Even though Americans are feeling some relief at the gas pump from last fall's record prices, their checkbooks are still likely to take a hit this winter as natural gas and heating oil prices continue to soar. In fact, the Energy Department predicts that those using natural gas to heat their homes can expect to see their monthly bills rise 48 percent from last year. If it's an especially cold winter, the cost will be even ... [full story]