ALSO NOTED: Bad news for first Sarbox whistleblower, More Sarbox-driven buyouts coming for tech and software companies;

> A U.S. district judge has decided not to give David Welch, the first person accorded Sarbox whistleblower protection, his job back. The Department of Labor had previously ordered a small-town Virginia bank to reinstate him. So far, would-be whistleblowers have little reason to cheer. Article

> The best time to hire middle- and senior-level accounting professionals? October. One firm says hiring now will make it more likely the new recruit can start in December, which gives them a month break in before the new year starts. Release

> The chief administrative officer of the PCAOB has decided to step down. Paul Schneider says he wants to work in the private sector, with start-up companies or in distressed situations. Article

> Another Sarbanes Oxley whistleblower suit has been filed, this one against Nektar Therapeutics. Article

> Steve Jobs owns up to options backdating, notes that Sarbox makes backdating much less likely. Article | Meanwhile, ex-CFO Fred Anderson steps down from board. Article

> More Sarbox-driven buyouts coming for tech and software companies. Article

> The first nonprofit medical center to be certified compliant with Sarbox is announced. Article

> Survey: The benefits of automating compliance. Article

> Fifth WorldCom accountant suspended by SEC. Article

And finally ... Don't end up like this. Cartoon