Officials: 2 dead in building collapse in France

PARIS (AP) ? An official says an explosion at a residential building and subsequent partial collapse of the edifice has left at least two people dead and injured nine others in France's Champagne country.

A local rescue official says more than 100 rescue workers, firefighters, and bomb and gas experts were deployed to the building in the subsidized housing complex that collapsed Sunday morning in the city of Reims, east of Paris.

Reims mayor Adeline Hazan told France's BFM television that "a very powerful explosion" had taken place but the cause was unclear. She said the bodies of the two people killed remained under the rubble.

The rescue official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter, said he couldn't immediately confirm whether an explosion had taken place.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2013-04-28-EU-France-Building-Collapse/id-a59fa22a72d246938281085b0dfc58ce

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Oil rises over $93 despite US growth letdown

BANGKOK (AP) ? Oil prices rose above $93 per barrel Monday amid hopes that the European Central Bank, meeting later this week, would act to shore up economic growth.

Benchmark crude for June delivery was up 38 cents to $93.38 a barrel at midafternoon Bangkok time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract fell 64 cents to close at $93 in New York on Friday after the U.S. government released economic growth figures that disappointed markets.

Growth accelerated to an annual rate of 2.5 percent from January through March from an anemic pace in the previous quarter. Markets were expecting growth of 3 percent or better.

The disappointing growth figure for the economy has reinforced expectations that Federal Reserve policymakers will stick with their easy money policies when they meet Wednesday in Washington. Analysts believe the European Central Bank will head in the same direction when it meets Thursday.

Michael Hewson of CMC Markets said in an email that "there is increasing speculation that the ECB could well cut interest rates this week."

Brent crude, which is used to price oil from the North Sea used by many U.S. refiners, dropped 7 cents to $103.09 on the ICE futures exchange in London.

In other energy futures trading on Nymex:

? Wholesale gasoline was down 1.7 cents at $2.811 a gallon.

? Heating oil fell 1.3 cents to $2.853 a gallon.

? Natural gas added 3.6 cents to $4.259.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/oil-rises-over-93-despite-us-growth-letdown-100400395.html

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PFT: 'Phins owner blames Sparano for dysfunction

AP

After analyzing the?draft needs of all 32 teams, PFT will review how well each team addressed those needs. Up next: The New York Jets.

What they needed: Quarterback, pass rusher, wide receiver, tight end, safety, offensive line

Who they got:
Round 1 (9): Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
Round 1 (13): Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri
Round 2 (39): Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Round 3 (72): Brian Winters, G, Kent State
Round 5 (141): Oday Aboushi, OL, Virginia
Round 6 (178): William Campbell, G, Michigan
Round 7 (215): Tommy Bohanon, FB, Wake Forest

Where they hit:?Nick Saban won?t like that I?m writing this, but Milliner fills the hole (on paper, anyway) opened by the trade of Darrelle Revis. Winters, Aboushi and Campbell definitely help an offensive line that badly needed younger bodies to increase the talent level and competition for jobs during offseason work. Bohanon fills the need for a player who could conceivably be called ?T-Bo? if and when the Jets finally say goodbye to Tim Tebow.

The mess the Jets have made at quarterback obscures it a bit, but it was worth the shot on?Smith at the 39th pick. He may not wind up being the long-term answer for the Jets, but acquiring him allows the Jets to move on from Mark Sanchez and that?s a win for the team right now. It?s easier to let Smith learn from the bench if David Garrard is the guy taking snaps than it would be if Sanchez were getting booed off the field every week, if only because it sells the idea that there are no quick fixes for a team that needs a total overhaul.

Where they missed: Where are the pass rushers? Richardson is a good player and Rex Ryan will put him to good use, but there?s still no one who scares you coming off the edge. Maybe Quinton Coples gets more time in that role with Richardson on board, but it wasn?t an area they addressed directly.

Where are the receivers? Another reason to resist starting Smith would be the total absence of new offensive weapons added over the three days of the draft. The Jets had their eyes on Tavon Austin, but no one else tempted them once he went to St. Louis and the receiver situation with the Jets is still an ugly one.?No safety either, as the Jets left several of their biggest needs unattended.

Impact rookies: Milliner will be expected to start from day one, which means he?s got to take as much time as he needs to be fully healthy after surgery to repair a torn labrum. He won?t be Revis, but the Jets will be strong at corner all the same if he?s ready for the NFL. Richardson is going to play a lot, although his exact role will be defined once the Jets start working as a team. Winters will probably challenge Stephen Peterman for a starting spot at guard. He and Aboushi can also play right tackle, where Austin Howard is hardly irreplaceable.

Long-term prospects: With Ryan?s future beyond this year up in the air, it?s hard to know what to make of the Smith pick. Is he going to have to learn two offenses in two seasons while playing under a coach who doesn?t want him? Or does picking a quarterback who most believe needs some time and the two defensive pieces in the first round signal a desire to stick with Ryan beyond this season? The other picks are guys who can work under any system, more or less, but the quarterback will certainly be impacted one way or another. And the quarterback will ultimately decide how things look in the long term for all involved.

Source: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/04/27/ross-blames-sparano-for-dolphins-dysfunction/related/

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Need some relationship advice - Empty Closets - A safe online ...

So I have known this girl for 7 weeks, I met her on facebook because she was one of my friends best friends. We started talking on status and the next thing I know we are both flirting with each other, we starting talking on messages and I asked her if she wanted to met with me so we could see each over for the first time.

It went really well and the other 5 dates as well, one date for every week but these last to weeks we haven't been able to meet up which I am finding upsetting and I think not seeing each other is starting to affect the relationship badly. She has started talking less, her answers are shorter, it is hard/impossible to keep a conversation going with her and I just get the feeling she isn't interested anymore.

I don't want to be over reacting but I am starting to think she doesn't want to be in a relationship with me anymore, I haven't lost interest in her at all but I do find it hard to get her to open up to me. I just don't know what to do, I want to meet up with her again but it would have to be next Saturday because of college. I am worried if I ask though that she will not want/able to come.

Can anyone please tell me what I should do! I know I am going to have to talk to her about it but I am seriously thinking that if I do she is going to break up with me Please help!!

Source: http://emptyclosets.com/forum/family-friends-relationships/92409-need-some-relationship-advice.html

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Argentina's 'Grandmothers' seek pope's assistance

VATICAN CITY (AP) ? Members of the Argentine human rights group "Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo" have asked Pope Francis for help finding still-missing children taken from political prisoners during the country's 1979-83 military dictatorship.

Estela de Carlotto, president of the group, met briefly with the Argentine pope after Wednesday's general audience in St. Peter's Square. She handed him a written request that he authorize the opening of archives from the Vatican and the Catholic Church in Argentina in hopes of finding clues about the whereabouts of the children.

The organization estimates that around 500 babies were taken from their mothers while they were detained by the military.

De Carlotto told reporters after the meeting that Francis had told her: "'You can count on me. You can count on us.'"

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/argentinas-grandmothers-seek-popes-assistance-202221892.html

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Fahad Hassan: A Message to Americans: Let's Increase Teacher ...

When I first came across Randy Turner?s article on why young professionals should not become teachers, I was pretty upset. Though I have no problem with Mr. Turner offering his opinion, nor do I disagree with him on a number of points, Mr. Turner?s analysis of the teaching profession is nevertheless incomplete. For those not entirely immersed in the education industry, I would like to add some context to his thoughts. As an education entrepreneur, I do not claim to understand every nuance of the classroom. I am not a teacher, but I believe I can offer some additional insight as another key participant in our educational conversations. I spend hours of my life on a daily basis visiting classrooms, Skyping with teachers, participating in educational panels, speaking at education conferences, and collaborating with educators at various levels from around the world. I continue to be amazed at the level of passion and dedication I see from our teachers, and the awesome discourse taking place in our society on education reform.

Mr. Turner mentions several key points of discussion, including common core standards, self-learning, student evaluations, merit-based pay and tenure, among others, but his thoughts on guiding young professionals away from teaching and the general lack of value our society places on teachers are what truly caught my attention.

He said, ?If I were 18 years old and deciding how I want to spend my adult years, the last thing I would want to become is a classroom teacher. Classroom teachers, especially those who are just out of college and entering the profession, are more stressed and less valued than at any previous time in our history.?

As someone whose entire life revolves around education, I can say with complete certainty that these points should come with some major disclaimers. First of all, I greatly value teachers. My family, fellow entrepreneurs, and our President all value teachers. There are easier ways for me to make money, but I choose to work in education for a reason. I?m passionate about the impact education can have on a person?s life. It?s reflected in the sacrifices my parents made when they emigrated from Bangladesh because of the value they placed on the American Education System. And it?s constantly a reference made by our president as recently as a few months ago at his State of the Union speech,

?Teachers matter. So instead of bashing them, or defending the status quo, let?s offer schools a deal. Give them the resources to keep good teachers on the job, and reward the best ones. In return, grant schools flexibility: To teach with creativity and passion; to stop teaching to the test; and to replace teachers who just aren?t helping kids learn.?

Sure, there are folks out there who don?t understand the entire educational eco-system in our country, or are too lazy to effectively dive into the dynamics within a school, or those who may randomly think ?teachers suck and are the problem, not the solution.? But people who think like this are really no different than teachers who claim that they ?aren?t valued by anyone.? This blame game needs to stop and is something I do not advocate on any level.

While I agree that a major problem here in the U.S. is that we don?t put teachers on a high enough pedestal within our cultural paradigm, that doesn?t mean the majority of American?s don?t value teachers. There are many ways to value teachers. As an entrepreneur, I think about the problem at hand and how to effectively, creatively and efficiently solve that problem. Everything else is a distraction. Pointing fingers at one another, complaining about the system without recommendations on how to fix things, or expecting unreasonable outcomes simply stalls progress and are some of the biggest distractions in the education conversation. Teacher pay, for example, is an issue Mr. Turner brings up that needs more focused attention, not just general thoughts that get lost in the mix.

Teachers are underpaid in our society, but to not trust evaluations from administrators above them or to pick and choose which feedback to accept from students beneath them (as Mr. Turner mentioned he did) is not the way to get the pay problem solved. Let me be loud and clear: every teacher in this country should be paid a six-figure salary. We found $2 trillion to fight the Iraq War, I know we can find a way to increase the average teacher pay from $56,000 for 3.7 million teachers to $100,000 or greater. We have the money to make this happen and I believe most teachers deserve it. Those not worthy, qualified, or passionate should leave teaching and pursue other dreams. Teaching is no different than any other profession, and I would encourage those who love education, but choose not to teach, to help in other ways. Become an education entrepreneur, lobby Congress for more rights, help reform the Teachers Union to better align with outcomes, and get involved with your local school board. All of this is in our control.

And finally, with regards to the difficulty and stress associated with being a teacher, I fully empathize due to my own world-view as a struggling entrepreneur. I went years without a paycheck to help identify and improve teaching in this country with the aid of technology. I did this without any guarantee of funding, success or market adoption. But make no mistake ? it was entirely my choice to pursue this path in life.

Teachers have that same choice, and if young entrants in this field decide the profession is not for them, that is OKAY. People switch professions all the time, and it?s tough to understand what we?re meant to do sometimes without immersing ourselves in the task at hand. But to tell young graduates not to even try teaching ? as Mr. Turner does ? is something I?m completely against. It goes against everything I?ve ever been taught in my life by my parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors ? and I strongly disagree with Mr. Turner on this point. It simply isn?t the American way. The power structure in our country works from the ground up ? not the top down. President Obama showed us how powerful this can be in his first election campaign. He laid a grassroots path and showed us it can work. Let?s take that formula and find ways to bridge it into our everyday lives. Let?s bridge it to education reform, medical reform, immigration reform, and others. Let?s take back control and not simply give up or avoid professions just because they are hard. Let?s fight to give teachers the help, pay, respect and recognition they deserve ? and most importantly, have earned. We need more teachers entering the workforce ? not less.

Source: http://www.uspoliticalnewswire.com/blogs/fahad-hassan-a-message-to-americans-lets-increase-teacher-value/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fahad-hassan-a-message-to-americans-lets-increase-teacher-value

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Fish was on the menu for early flying dinosaur

Apr. 22, 2013 ? University of Alberta-led research reveals that Microraptor, a small flying dinosaur was a complete hunter, able to swoop down and pickup fish as well as its previously known prey of birds and tree dwelling mammals.

U of A paleontology graduate student Scott Persons says new evidence of Microrpator's hunting ability came from fossilized remains in China. "We were very fortunate that this Microraptor was found in volcanic ash and its stomach content of fish was easily identified."

Prior to this, paleontologists believed microraptors which were about the size of a modern day hawk, lived in trees where they preyed exclusively on small birds and mammals about the size of squirrels.

"Now we know that Microraptor operated in varied terrain and had a varied diet," said Persons. "It took advantage of a variety of prey in the wet, forested environment that was China during the early Cretaceous period, 120 million years ago."

Further analysis of the fossil revealed that its teeth were adapted to catching slippery, wiggling prey like fish. Dinosaur researchers have established that most meat eaters had teeth with serrations on both sides which like a steak knife helped the predator saw through meat.

But the Microraptor's teeth are serrated on just one side and its teeth are angled forwards.

"Microraptor seems adapted to impale fish on its teeth. With reduced serrations the prey wouldn't tear itself apart while it struggled," said Persons. "Microraptor could simply raise its head back, the fish would slip off the teeth and be swallowed whole, no fuss no muss."

Persons likens the Microraptor's wing configuration to a bi-plane. "It had long feathers on its forearms, hind legs and tail," said Persons. "It was capable of short, controlled flights."

This is the first evidence of a flying raptor, a member of the Dromaeosaur family of dinosaurs to successfully prey on fish.

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Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by University of Alberta, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

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Journal Reference:

1. Lida Xing, W. Scott Persons, Phil R. Bell, Xing Xu, Jianping Zhang, Tetsuto Miyashita, Fengping Wang, Philip J. Currie. Piscivory in the Feathered Dinosaur Microraptor. Evolution, 2013; DOI: 10.1111/evo.12119

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/top_news/top_science/~3/hLxoXIA8_9k/130422154925.htm

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Jude Law PETA Letter Asks WTO To Uphold European Union Seal Fur Ban

Gisele B?ndchen

Although she may be one of the <a href="http://www.askmen.com/celebs/women/models/15_gisele_bundchen.html" target="_hplink">most beautiful women in the world</a>, Gisele B?ndchen is much more than just a pretty face. Named the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/27/gisele-best-green-celebrity_n_1115242.html#s429728" target="_hplink">2011 Greenest International Celebrity of the Year</a>, B?ndchen devotes an extraordinary amount of her time and money to environmental causes. She has been a Goodwill Ambassador for the <a href="http://www.unep.org/" target="_hplink">United Nations Environment Program</a> since 2009, works with the <a href="http://vimeo.com/32243308" target="_hplink">Brazilian movement A Drop Of Water (Gota D'?gua)</a>, and is involved in her <a href="http://hqweb.unep.org/gwa/ambassadors/gisele/" target="_hplink">hometown's Clean Water Project</a>. And with the Amazon rainforest as one of her main passions, B?ndchen co-hosted the Rainforest Alliance annual gala in 2009. For more information on how <a href="http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20261937,00.html" target="_hplink">Mrs. B?ndchen-Brady</a> stays eco-friendly, <a href="http://blog.giselebundchen.com.br/en/" target="_hplink">check out her green blog</a>!

Video: Stunning Gisele Bundchen Helps the Environment

Gisele Bundchen stays fashionable to represent at a UN environmental summit in New York.

Robert Redford

Actor <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000602/" target="_hplink">Robert Redford</a> is a long time environmental advocate and a trustee of the Natural Resources Defense Council and founder of <a href="http://www.sundance.org/about/" target="_hplink">the Sundance Institute</a>. <br> A <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-redford/" target="_hplink">long time blogger for HuffPost, Redford</a> has written many pieces dissecting the impact of fracking on our planet, and the cozy relationship Big Oil has with the government. <br> In a June blog piece, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-redford/fossil-fuel-subsidies_b_1605146.html" target="_hplink">Redford wrote about energy subsidies</a> and the Rio+20 conference. "We should not be subsidizing the destruction of our planet," Redford affirmed. "Fossil fuels are literally cooking our planet, polluting our air and draining our wallets. Why should we continue to reward companies to do that?"

Top 10 Fun Facts About Robert Redford

Learn 10 fun facts about actor Robert Redford. Redford played on the University of Colorado baseball team as a pitcher. He hates watching his own films. He was originally considered for the part of ?Michael Corleone? in ?The Godfather?. Redford founded the ?Sundance Film Festival?.

Adrian Grenier

Adrian Grenier may share good looks and acting chops with his <a href="http://www.hbo.com/entourage/index.html" target="_hplink">Entourage alter-ego Vince</a>, but the similarities end when it comes to extracurricular activities. Unlike the hard-partying Vince, Grenier is an activist who uses his fame to better impact the world around him. He created <a href="http://planetgreen.discovery.com/tv/alter-eco/alter-eco.html" target="_hplink">a TV show called "Alter Eco"</a> for Discovery Channel's Planet Green, <a href="http://www.shft.com/" target="_hplink">the website SHFT.com</a>, which promotes sustainable living through various multimedia, and <a href="http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/natural-beauty-fashion/blogs/adrian-grenier-gets-eco-fashionable" target="_hplink">supports eco-friendly fashion</a>. In addition, <a href="http://oceana.org/en/about-us/people-partners/celebrity-supporters/adrian-grenier" target="_hplink">he is an Oceana ambassador</a> and works with <a href="http://www.charitywater.org/" target="_hplink">charity:water to bring safe drinking water to third world countries</a>. And did we mention that <a href="http://www.ecorazzi.com/2008/03/10/adrian-grenier-wins-blue-sky-award-for-environmental-activism/" target="_hplink">he won the Blue Sky award in 2008</a> for his environmental activism?

Entourage's Adrian Grenier Makes a Splash at Charity Event

Adrian Grenier, model and activist Lauren Bush, actress Kristin Chenoweth and a ballroom of glamorous New Yorkers show up at a December 2009 ball to support charity: water, an organization created to help bring clean drinking water to communities around the world.

Meryl Streep

While Streep is often considered one of the greatest screen sirens in history, her passion for environmental health is no act. In 1989, she created <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/spotlighthealth/2002-10-18-streep-healthy-kids_x.htm" target="_hplink">Mothers and Others, after reading a Natural Resources Defense Council report</a> regarding pesticides in produce, according to USA Today. The group taught consumers about chemicals and toxins that have become commonplace for non-organic foods. <br> Although <a href="http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1594/is_4_12/ai_76020609/" target="_hplink">the organization shuttered in 2001</a>, Streep's <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/spotlighthealth/2002-10-18-streep-healthy-kids_x.htm" target="_hplink">fight for environmental food awareness</a> continues today. She is involved with <a href="http://healthychild.org/about/" target="_hplink">Children's Health Environmental Coalition</a>, a group that aims to protect children from toxins in water and food sources.

Top 10 Fun Facts About Meryl Streep

Learn 10 fun facts about actress Meryl Streep. While filming "Death Becomes Her," Meryl unintentionally scarred Goldie Hawn's cheek with a shovel. She inadvertently left her Academy Award for Kramer vs. Kramer" on the back of a toilet. Streep was raised in New Jersey and graduated from Vassar and the Yale School of Drama. As a teen, she was a cheerleader and homecoming queen.

Mark Ruffalo

A longtime green advocate, things got personal for Mark Ruffalo when hydraulic fracturing or "hydrofracturing" began to disrupt his hometown in upstate New York's Sullivan County. Ruffalo educated himself on the complex practice and has been using his fame to call attention to this destructive method of natural gas extraction. The A-list activist, who founded <a href="http://www.waterdefense.org/" target="_hplink">Water Defense</a>, even landed himself on a U.S. terror watch list for organizing screenings of a documentary about natural gas drilling. <br> Ruffalo specifically <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alison-rose-levy/northeast-fracking_b_968907.html" target="_hplink">seeks to fight gas companies' positive spin</a> about the arguably destructive practice. In one memorable forum, he challenged their claim that the extraction method would bring much-needed work to low-income communities. "You don't put everyone else in jeopardy just because its going to bring jobs," he said on the local news, "you don't bring your daughter to the red light district because you're having hard times."

Actor Mark Ruffalo on Hydraulic Fracturing

In an interview for All Terrain, actor Mark Ruffalo discusses his opposition to the natural gas extraction process known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.

Alec Baldwin

Actor and activist <a href="http://www.alecbaldwin.com/" target="_hplink">Alec Baldwin</a>, know for his role on the sitcom "30 Rock" and for movies like "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0318374/" target="_hplink">The Cooler</a>" and "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0407887/" target="_hplink">The Departed</a>," is a a staunch advocate for clean energy. <br> <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/02/alec-baldwin-nuclear-power-dirty-energy_n_946555.html" target="_hplink">Baldwin told HuffPost's Lynne Peeples</a>, "The biggest problem in the anti-nuclear movement is the constant big lie, and the constant assertion, metronomic assertion, in the industry, that nuclear is clean power." <br> He also tackled the oil industry, saying, "In fairness, the oil industry is ... a bunch of a very, very smart, very shrewd, very necessary, industrialists who did their part and did what was asked of them to get us to where we are now. Now it's time for them to step aside in terms of their primary role." <br> In April 2011, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alec-baldwin/the-big-lie-of-clean-nucl_b_844161.html" target="_hplink">Baldwin blogged for HuffPost about nuclear power</a>, writing, "Fukushima shows us that utility companies reap all of the benefits, while we assume all of the risks."

All Terrain: Alec Baldwin

Natalie Portman

Portman, a vegetarian since childhood, turned full-on vegan after reading Jonathan Safran Foer's book "Eating Animals" last year (although she went back to being a vegetarian during her pregnancy) . <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/natalie-portman/jonathan-safran-foers-iea_b_334407.html" target="_hplink">She blogged on The Huffington Post</a>, "The human cost of factory farming -- both the compromised welfare of slaughterhouse workers and, even more, the environmental effects of the mass production of animals -- is staggering." <br> She traveled to Rwanda to film <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/10/natalie_portman.php" target="_hplink">a documentary about endangered gorillas</a>, she's designed her own <a href="http://www.ecorazzi.com/2007/12/25/razzi-snap-natalie-portman-announces-new-vegan-shoe-collection/" target="_hplink">vegan shoes</a>, and is now even sporting <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/07/natalie-portman-reveals-e_n_805946.html" target="_hplink">an eco-friendly engagement ring</a> from husband Benjamin Millepied. Portman's passion for the environment began at a young age - she can even be seem dancing in a very...<em>unique</em> <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/06/vintage_video_n.php" target="_hplink">environmental video as a World Patrol Kid</a>.

Natalie Portman Quits Vegan Diet

Natalie Portman's pregnancy cravings take over as the star ditches her uber strict vegan diet for vegetarianism

Brad Pitt

Although he is not the family <a href="http://www.un.org/works/goingon/refugees/angelina_story.html" target="_hplink">UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador</a>, Brad Pitt is one of Hollywood's leading green men. The award-winning actor supports many different facets of green activism, namely animal rights, sustainable living, and green building. Pitt co-founded the "<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/31/brad-pitts-make-it-right-_n_699620.html" target="_hplink">Make It Right</a>" foundation, which rebuilds homes in Katrina-torn New Orleans using affordable eco-friendly technology. <br> He also hosted a <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/culture/brad-pitt-hosts-pbs-series-on-green-design.html" target="_hplink">PBS series</a> focused on green design in 2006, and, together with Angelina Jolie, <a href="http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/blogs/brad-pitt-angelina-jolie-donate-2m-to-african-wildlife-sanctuary" target="_hplink">donated $2 million to the African Wildlife Sanctuary</a>, says MNN.

Kanye and Rihanna Join Brad Pitt to Help the ?Make It Right? Foundation

Rihanna, Kanye West, Snoop Dogg and Cheryl Crow join Brad Pitt to help the ?Make it Right? foundation raise vital funds for the completion of 150 environmentally friendly homes for victims of 2005?s Hurricane Katrina.

George Clooney

When it comes to green activism, George Clooney doesn't mess around. "You don't want to be a spokesperson unless you are absolutely committed to a cause," <a href="http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1668446,00.html" target="_hplink">the actor said in an interview</a> with TIME magazine. And according to his own logic, Clooney is a total environmental buff. MSN reported that after his role in Syriana, Clooney helped launch <a href="http://news.uk.msn.com/environment/green-living/photos.aspx?cp-documentid=150371643&page=5" target="_hplink">Oil Change</a>, a campaign to diminish America's oil dependence. He is also a major human rights activist, protesting in favor of aid for Sudan and Darfur, and even going so far as to <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/16/george-clooney-arrested-dc-_n_1353441.html" target="_hplink">get arrested at a protest in March 2012</a>. Clooney drew <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinehoward/2012/03/16/george-clooney-arrested-protesting-darfur-sudan/" target="_hplink">a parallel between human rights issues and climate disasters</a> in 2010, when he asked <em>Today Show</em>'s Ann Curry "If you knew a tsunami, or Katrina or a Haiti earthquake was coming, what would you do to save people?" The rugged actor also tries to stay green in his everyday life. According to MSN, <a href="http://green.in.msn.com/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=3680004&page=4" target="_hplink">he drives two electric cars</a>, and was the cover photo for <a href="http://www.hollywood.com/news/Clooney_and_Roberts_Go_Green_for_Vanity_Fair/3488954" target="_hplink">Vanity Fair's first green issue.</a>

George Clooney Arrested

Actor George Clooney has been arrested following a protest outside the Sudanese embassy in Washington DC.

Leonardo Dicaprio

DiCaprio is a long-standing environmentalist, who sits on the boards of the Natural Resources Defense Council and Global Green USA. He has created <a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2007/05/dicaprio200705" target="_hplink">the environmental documentary "The 11th Hour,"</a> where he said, "It's clear humans have had a devastating impact on our planet's ecological web of life. Because we've waited, because we've turned our backs on nature's warning signs, and because our political and corporate leaders have consistently ignored the overwhelming scientific evidence, the challenges we face are that much more difficult. We are in the environmental age whether we like it or not." <br> And just this winter, DiCaprio made headlines for surviving a plane scare in order to get to <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/23/vladimir-putin-leonardo-d_n_787800.html" target="_hplink">a summit on saving the world's tigers</a>, donating $1 million to the World Wildlife Fund.

Top 10 Fun Facts About Leonardo DiCaprio

Learn 10 fun facts about actor Leonardo DiCaprio. Originally, Leo's agent wanted him to change his name to Lenny Williams. He revealed he has OCD. He can speak some German. He was named Leonardo after kicking his mom in the womb, while she stared at Leonardo DaVinci's art. As a child, he was fired from the show 'Romper Room' for bad behavior.

Alicia Silverstone

Once known as the archetypical valley girl Cher in the movie "Clueless," Alicia Silverstone now makes her name as the face of vegan beauty. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Kind-Diet-Simple-Feeling/dp/1605296449" target="_hplink">She wrote a diet book</a> called "The Kind Diet" <a href="http://www.thekindlife.com/about" target="_hplink">which she says</a> "is about living your healthiest and happiest life to the fullest, while taking care of mama Earth at the same time." She also regularly updates her blog, <a href="http://www.thekindlife.com/" target="_hplink">The Kind Life</a>, with vegan recipes, beauty tips, and other Earth-friendly finds from the celebrity fashionista. Silverstone recently <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/27/alicia-silverstone-pre-chewing_n_1458678.html" target="_hplink">created a cyber-windstorm for pre-chewing her son Bear Blu's food</a>. "It's natural," <a href="http://www.etonline.com/news/121146_Silverstone_Responds_to_Mouth_Feeding_Controversy/index.html" target="_hplink">she defended herself</a> to <em>Entertainment Tonight</em>.

Alicia Silverstone's Vegan Food Ideas

Alicia Silverstone shares some of the simple, healthy, delicious meals from The Kind Diet.

Sting and Trudie Styler

In 1989, Sting and his wife, Trudie Styler, formed the Rainforest Foundation Fund to preserve rainforests and protect indigenous populations within them. "Sting and I founded the Rainforest Fund after seeing with our own eyes the destruction of one of the world's most precious resources," <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/24/elton-john-sting-james-taylor-revlon_n_1299749.html" target="_hplink">Styler was quoted as saying in a HuffPost article</a>. "If we all take action, we can help save the planet and prevent further harm to the rainforests and indigenous people who live there." <br> <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/trudie-styler/why-sting-and-i-set-up-th_b_98252.html" target="_hplink">Styler blogged for HuffPost</a> that she and Sting founded the Rainforest Foundation Fund after flying over the Amazon and meeting people on the ground there. She said, at first, "Sting was criticized for daring to be a rock star who wanted to change the world." But she says their group has worked to successfully protect over 115,000 square kilometers of rainforest.

Biodynamic Wine with Trudie Styler

Trudie Styler discusses biodynamic wine.

Daryl Hannah

Actress <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000435/" target="_hplink">Daryl Hannah</a>, known for films such as "Blade Runner" and "Splash," has lent her name to several environmental causes. <br> In 2009, she travelled to West Virginia and was arrested while protesting mountaintop removal coal mining. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daryl-hannah/why-i-was-arrested-in-coa_b_224531.html" target="_hplink">She wrote for HuffPost</a>, "I was honored to be joining an inspiringly brave group of concerned Americans." <br> More recently, she was <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/30/daryl-hannah-arrested-keystone-protest_n_942072.html" target="_hplink">one of over 1,200 people arrested</a> in August in front of the White House as part of a Keystone XL pipeline protest.

Daryl Hannah Arrested For Environmental Protest

Actress Daryl Hannah?s arrest sparks conversation about a planned oil pipeline in Canada.

Pierce Brosnan

This <a href="http://www.unicef.ie/Content.aspx?PageDetailId=24&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1" target="_hplink">UNICEF ambassador</a> is known in Hollywood for his Earth-friendly ways. While Brosnan stays environmentally aware on a daily basis by <a href="http://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities-news-in-pics/19-05-2009/51565/general/" target="_hplink">driving a hybrid car</a>, according to Hello! Magazine, he has advocated for sustainable government legislation as well as publicized himself as a major supporter of environmental charities. <br> He's <a href="http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,1549375,00.html" target="_hplink">protested natural gas facilities</a> near his Malibu home, and according to Treehugger.com, spoken in public forums <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/culture/pierce-brosnan-at-epa-markey-waxman-markey.html" target="_hplink">in support of the EPA and green legislation</a>. In 1997 he was given an Environmental Leadership Award by Mikhail Gorbachev, and in 2008 Brosnan and his wife Keely Shaye Smith were inducted into the <a href="http://www.ecorazzi.com/2008/10/30/pierce-brosnan-to-be-inducted-into-environmental-hall-of-fame/" target="_hplink">Environmental Hall of Fame</a>.

Top 10 Fun Facts About Pierce Brosnan

Learn 10 fun facts about actor Pierce Brosnan. He once worked in the circus as a professional fire-eater. He is claustrophobic. Pierce is an avid supporter of same-sex marriage and gay adoption. Pierce was nicknamed 'Colonel Chunky' by the cast of 'Mamma Mia!'.

Woody Harrelson

Actor <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000437/" target="_hplink">Woody Harrelson</a> has reportedly been <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/23/woody-harrelsons-vegan-ac_n_295765.html" target="_hplink">a vegan for nearly 25 years</a>. In fact, for the 2009 film "Zombieland," Harrelson ate a special vegan Twinkie instead of the real thing. <br> Harrelson has also <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20070927/people-woody-harrelson/" target="_hplink">called for greater activism against oil</a>. Speaking at a media and technology conference in Amsterdam in 2007, Harrelson said, "Certainly (oil companies) just want to get as much out of the ground and make as much money as possible before they transition into anything else. So I still think it's time for some strong activism, especially as it relates to our dependency on oil."

Woody Harrelson Talks Rampart Transformation

The veteran actor opens up about being a jerk and dropping weight to play a corrupt LAPD cop. Costars Robin Wright and Ben Foster also weigh in.

Glenn Close

According to the Mother Nature Network, <a href="http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/stories/ecollywood-glenn-close-dwayne-the-rock-johnson-eric-stoltz-lucy-lawle" target="_hplink">Glenn Close is a major puppy activist</a>. She works with not one, but two organizations devoted to helping her canine companions. Close and husband David Shaw founded <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/24/www.fetchdog.com" target="_hplink">Fetchdog.com</a>, an online shopping site for doggie treats which donates a portion of the sales to dog related charities. In addition, <a href="http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Puppies-Behind-Bars-Helps-the-Disabled/3" target="_hplink">Oprah.com reported that Close is also a staunch supporter</a> of <a href="http://www.puppiesbehindbars.org/about.asp" target="_hplink">Puppies Behind Bars</a>, a program that helps service dogs and prisoners have a symbiotic, educational relationship. Close also supports non-canine causes. In 2009, <a href="http://www.ammado.com/nonprofit/45792/articles/10064" target="_hplink">the ocean conservation group Oceana</a> honored her at their annual Sea Change Summer party, noting the actress's <a href="http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/stories/ecollywood-hanging-with-celebs-at-the-oceana-fundraiser" target="_hplink">dedication to ocean conservation</a>.

One Mind For Research Interview With Glenn Close

Glenn Close discusses the impact of Stigma on those with Mental Health disorders.

Colin Firth

Who would've thought Mr. Darcy could be a shopkeeper? Colin Firth has set up various eco-themed shops in Britain. He opened two fair trade cafes called Progreso (<a href="http://www.standard.co.uk/news/new-fears-for-portobello-as-sam-cams-favourite-butchers-join-the-casualty-list-6424931.html" target="_hplink">at least one of which closed in 2010</a>), and <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-product-design/colin-firths-eco-store.html" target="_hplink">an ecological store called Eco in Chiswick</a>, offering ethical, fair trade goods, as well as expert energy efficiency advice for homeowners. As <a href="http://www.oxfam.org/en/about/ambassadors/colin-firth" target="_hplink">an Oxfam's Make Trade Fair campaign supporter</a>, Colin Firth raises awareness on behalf of Ethopian coffee growers, and lobbies for fair trade in the coffee markets. <a href="http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/the_way_we_live/article2856825.ece" target="_hplink">According to <em>The Times</em>, Firth said</a> that "rather than being a luvvie with a lofty opinion preaching to people, I prefer to do things, to get involved, put my money where my mouth is and learn along the way."

The Life and Career of Colin Firth

No lady can resist this Academy Award Winning Brit?s sensitivity and charm. Join WatchMojo as we take a look at the career of Colin Firth.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/20/jude-law-peta-letter-seals_n_3124108.html

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Do cigarette companies use tax hikes in strategy?

By Andrew M. Seaman

New York (Reuters Health) - Large cigarette companies can keep their products affordable for young people and the poor by shifting the burden of rising excise taxes from cheaper brands to more expensive cigarettes, according to a new study from the UK.

The analysis of cigarette makers' behavior over a decade in that country found the companies may also often hide price hikes on expensive brands by timing them to coincide with the tax increases.

"They're playing a clever game with prices. They're making large profits with their expensive brands, and they're keeping their cheap brands very cheap to keep young people in the market," said Anna Gilmore, the study's lead author from the University of Bath and the UK Center for Tobacco Control Studies.

Typically countries impose taxes on tobacco products as a way to curb their use - especially by making them too expensive for young people and the poor. But Gilmore and her fellow researchers write in the journal Addiction that no one had studied how the UK tobacco industry responded to these taxes.

For example, did the companies absorb the taxes without passing the additional cost to customers? Did they pass the costs along to some customers but not others? Or did they raise prices on top of the new taxes to increase revenue?

The answer was all three, depending on which sector of the cigarette market one examines.

Using consumer and market research from 1999 through 2009, Gilmore and her colleagues found that the UK cigarette industry put its products into four categories: premium, mid-priced, economy and ultra-low priced.

UK tobacco firms started selling ultra-low priced cigarettes in 2006, when the companies bought the brands from supermarkets. The category's price to consumers has remained virtually unchanged since then, but their share of the market has doubled, according to the researchers.

Overall, Gilmore and her colleagues found the tobacco companies tend to pass on the cigarette taxes to consumers on the most expensive cigarettes, but taxes on ultra-low priced cigarettes are not always passed to consumers.

For example, the pre-tax price of a pack of ultra-low priced cigarettes dropped by 3 pence in the year after the companies took over the brands, while the price of a pack of premium, economy or mid-priced cigarettes increased between 2 pence and 4 pence from 2006 to 2007. One pence is equivalent to about 2 U.S. cents.

The tobacco companies then made up for the initial price cut on ultra-low priced cigarettes during the next year by increasing their pre-tax price more than 4 pence, compared to increases for premium, mid-priced and economy cigarettes of about 1 pence to 3 pence.

After that, the prices of ultra-low priced cigarettes remain virtually static while the other categories continued to rise.

Gilmore told Reuters Health that the tobacco companies win by volume among ultra-low priced cigarette smokers, and by keeping the young and poor in the market - instead of letting the taxes price them out.

"The idea is to keep those people in the market and one day they'll trade up to one of the more expensive brands," she said.

The researchers also note a distinct difference between categories in the timing of cigarette price changes - for the more expensive brands, pre-tax price increases happened between November and May, which is when new tax rates would take effect. For the ultra-low priced brands, the prices dropped during that period and rose again between May and December.

The researchers conclude that governments should monitor cigarette prices by type - premium, mid-priced, economy and ultra-low priced - and consider the industry's pricing strategies when setting taxes.

Gilmore told Reuters Health that she suspects these findings are also applicable to other countries.

But the UK's Tobacco Manufacturers' Association said tobacco pricing is a matter of competition, and that the new study's findings are based on a time of change in the industry.

"This report is based on 2001-2009, when tobacco duties rose by inflation and combined with greater enforcement action led to a gradual, but very much welcome decline in smuggled products, stabilizing Government tax receipts," the Association said in a statement to Reuters Health.

Moreover, the Association noted, tobacco taxes have increased significantly since 2010. That increase, the statement said, is leading smokers to get their products from other sources and ultimately costing the government money.

SOURCE: http://bit.ly/10l1gBp Addiction, online April 16, 2013.

(This story has been corrected to fix the dollar conversion in paragraph 10)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/cigarette-companies-tax-hikes-strategy-140530201.html

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Avis aux m?dias : Le gouvernement du Canada annoncera un appui aux entreprises en d?marrage innovatrices ? Ottawa

18 avr. 2013 10h00 HE

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - 18 avril 2013) - Royal Galipeau, d?put? f?d?ral d'Ottawa-Orl?ans, au nom de l'honorable Gary Goodyear, ministre d'?tat responsable de l'Agence f?d?rale de d?veloppement ?conomique pour le Sud de l'Ontario (FedDev Ontario), annoncera un financement visant ? soutenir les entreprises en d?marrage innovatrices dans la r?gion d'Ottawa.

Le d?put? Galipeau prendra part ? une s?ance de photos et sera ? la disposition des m?dias pour r?pondre ? leurs questions apr?s l'annonce.

Veuillez noter que tous les renseignements sont indiqu?s sous r?serve de modifications et qu'il s'agit de l'heure locale.

DATE :	Le vendredi 19 avril 2013
HEURE :	9 h 30
LIEU:	Apption
	25, avenue Holland
	2e ?tage
	Ottawa (Ontario)
	K1Y 4R9

Source: http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release.do?id=1780343&sourceType=3

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Key architect of Obamacare: This thing is headed for a train wreck (Michellemalkin)

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Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/299987936?client_source=feed&format=rss

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Flanagan best US hope in Boston Marathon in years

BOSTON (AP) ? Shalane Flanagan grew up in nearby Marblehead watching her father run the Boston Marathon.

On Monday, the three-time Olympian will be on the course herself to give the U.S. its best hope for a victory in years.

The 2008 Olympic bronze medalist in the 10,000 meters, Flanagan will make her Boston debut. She finished second at the New York City Marathon in 2010, then won the Olympic trials last January. She finished 10th in London

Flanagan says it's always been a dream of hers to run Boston. Her father had a personal best of 2 hours, 18 minutes, and her mother, Cheryl Treworgy, held the marathon record in 1971.

No American man or woman has won the Boston race since Lisa Larsen-Weidenbach in 1985.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/flanagan-best-us-hope-boston-marathon-years-200705587--spt.html

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