Tuesday, April 17, 2012

New Deal With MGM Brings ?Robocop? and ?Terminator? To YouTube And Google Play

robocop_posterGoogle is slowly but surely building out its movie rental service on YouTube. Less than two weeks ago, the company struck a deal with Paramount to bring about 500 of the studio's movies to YouTube and Google Play. Last night, Google announced that is also bringing about 600 movies from MGM to its movie rental service in the U.S. and Canada. This new deal with MGM brings movies like The Terminator, RoboCop, Rain Man and Rocky to YouTube's and Google Play's rental library.

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Fiber protects against cardiovascular disease -- especially in women

Fiber protects against cardiovascular disease -- especially in women [ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 16-Apr-2012
[ | E-mail | Share Share ]

Contact: Peter Wallstrom
peter.wallstrom@med.lu.se
46-708-508-526
Lund University

Foods high in fibre provide good protection against cardiovascular disease, and the effect is particularly marked in women. This is shown in a new study from Lund University in Sweden.

The study, which was recently published in the scientific journal PLOS One, involved the study of the eating habits of over 20 000 residents of the Swedish city of Malm, with a focus on the risk of cardiovascular disease. The importance of 13 different nutrient variables (aspects of fibre, fats, proteins and carbohydrates) was analysed.

"Women who ate a diet high in fibre had an almost 25 per cent lower risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease compared with women who ate a low-fibre diet. In men the effect was less pronounced. However, the results confirmed that a high-fibre diet does at least protect men from stroke", says Peter Wallstrm, a researcher at Lund University and the primary author of the article.

The exact reason for the difference between the sexes is unclear. However, a probable explanation is that women consume fibre from healthier food sources than men do. Women ate a lot of fibre in the form of fruit and vegetables, whereas the most important source of fibre for men was bread.

"The difference in the results for men and women shows that we need to pay more attention to gender when we conduct research on diet", says Peter Wallstrm.

However, the researchers did not identify any definite links between the other nutrients in the study and cardiovascular disease, for example the proportion of saturated fat or sugar in the diet.

"These results should be interpreted with a certain amount of caution. Almost everyone eats more saturated fat than recommended, including the participants in many other population studies. It is therefore difficult to compare recommended and high fat intake. Other types of study that have been carried out have shown that those who limit their fat and sugar intake are at lower risk of cardiovascular disease", says Peter Wallstrm.

Peter Wallstrm is sceptical of 'extreme' diets and says that the dietary recommendations from the National Food Administration are good, despite having received criticism:

"The National Food Administration's dietary advice, which is based on extensive research, is well balanced. In the short term, most weight-loss diets achieve their aim as long as you follow them. However, we know too little about the long-term effects to be able to recommend more drastic changes to one's diet", says Peter Wallstrm.

Data for the study has been taken from the Malm Diet and Cancer population study, which has involved 30 000 Malm residents since the start of the 1990s. The participants have given blood samples and detailed information about their diet.

###

The study

Title: Dietary Fiber and Saturated Fat Intake Associations with Cardiovascular Disease Differ by Sex in the Malm Diet and Cancer Cohort: A Prospective Study

Published in: PLOS One

Contact:

Peter Wallstrm, medical doctor and researcher at the Department of Clinical Sciences in Malm, Lund University, and future general practitioner in Region Skne, +46 708 50 85 26, peter.wallstrom@med.lu.se

Elisabet Wirflt, Professor of Nutritional Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Sciences in Malm, Lund University, +46 40 39 13 25, elisabet.wirfalt@med.lu.se

The National Food Administration dietary advice

The National Food Administration issues the Swedish nutritional guidelines, which are developed for the purpose of planning food for groups with different basic nutritional needs. The dietary guidelines have also been 'translated' into foods-based dietary advice which is intended to provide recommendations of how a healthy individual can change his or her diet to more easily meet the nutritional guidelines. The general dietary advice recommends eating a lot of wholemeal products, fruit and vegetables, fish and shellfish, and unsaturated fats, and less saturated fat, refined cereal products, sweets, carbonated drinks and crisps.


[ Back to EurekAlert! ] [ | E-mail | Share Share ]

?


AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.


Fiber protects against cardiovascular disease -- especially in women [ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 16-Apr-2012
[ | E-mail | Share Share ]

Contact: Peter Wallstrom
peter.wallstrom@med.lu.se
46-708-508-526
Lund University

Foods high in fibre provide good protection against cardiovascular disease, and the effect is particularly marked in women. This is shown in a new study from Lund University in Sweden.

The study, which was recently published in the scientific journal PLOS One, involved the study of the eating habits of over 20 000 residents of the Swedish city of Malm, with a focus on the risk of cardiovascular disease. The importance of 13 different nutrient variables (aspects of fibre, fats, proteins and carbohydrates) was analysed.

"Women who ate a diet high in fibre had an almost 25 per cent lower risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease compared with women who ate a low-fibre diet. In men the effect was less pronounced. However, the results confirmed that a high-fibre diet does at least protect men from stroke", says Peter Wallstrm, a researcher at Lund University and the primary author of the article.

The exact reason for the difference between the sexes is unclear. However, a probable explanation is that women consume fibre from healthier food sources than men do. Women ate a lot of fibre in the form of fruit and vegetables, whereas the most important source of fibre for men was bread.

"The difference in the results for men and women shows that we need to pay more attention to gender when we conduct research on diet", says Peter Wallstrm.

However, the researchers did not identify any definite links between the other nutrients in the study and cardiovascular disease, for example the proportion of saturated fat or sugar in the diet.

"These results should be interpreted with a certain amount of caution. Almost everyone eats more saturated fat than recommended, including the participants in many other population studies. It is therefore difficult to compare recommended and high fat intake. Other types of study that have been carried out have shown that those who limit their fat and sugar intake are at lower risk of cardiovascular disease", says Peter Wallstrm.

Peter Wallstrm is sceptical of 'extreme' diets and says that the dietary recommendations from the National Food Administration are good, despite having received criticism:

"The National Food Administration's dietary advice, which is based on extensive research, is well balanced. In the short term, most weight-loss diets achieve their aim as long as you follow them. However, we know too little about the long-term effects to be able to recommend more drastic changes to one's diet", says Peter Wallstrm.

Data for the study has been taken from the Malm Diet and Cancer population study, which has involved 30 000 Malm residents since the start of the 1990s. The participants have given blood samples and detailed information about their diet.

###

The study

Title: Dietary Fiber and Saturated Fat Intake Associations with Cardiovascular Disease Differ by Sex in the Malm Diet and Cancer Cohort: A Prospective Study

Published in: PLOS One

Contact:

Peter Wallstrm, medical doctor and researcher at the Department of Clinical Sciences in Malm, Lund University, and future general practitioner in Region Skne, +46 708 50 85 26, peter.wallstrom@med.lu.se

Elisabet Wirflt, Professor of Nutritional Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Sciences in Malm, Lund University, +46 40 39 13 25, elisabet.wirfalt@med.lu.se

The National Food Administration dietary advice

The National Food Administration issues the Swedish nutritional guidelines, which are developed for the purpose of planning food for groups with different basic nutritional needs. The dietary guidelines have also been 'translated' into foods-based dietary advice which is intended to provide recommendations of how a healthy individual can change his or her diet to more easily meet the nutritional guidelines. The general dietary advice recommends eating a lot of wholemeal products, fruit and vegetables, fish and shellfish, and unsaturated fats, and less saturated fat, refined cereal products, sweets, carbonated drinks and crisps.


[ Back to EurekAlert! ] [ | E-mail | Share Share ]

?


AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.


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Saturday, April 14, 2012

Brad And Angelina Engaged! Finally!

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are finally engaged! Angie was seen sporting quite the rock on April 11th at a private viewing at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s Chinese Galleries with Brad and their son Pax. It seems that the kids may have finally put enough pressure on their parents to tie the knot! Brad revealed earlier this year that the kids were very into thri parents getting married, “It means something to them. We will [get married] someday, we will. It’s a great idea. ‘Get mommy a ring.’ ‘Okay, I will, I will.’ “   While Brad and Angie themselves have yet to confirm the news, Robert Procop, has confirmed that he and Brad designed the engagement ring. “Brad had a specific vision for this ring, which he realized over a yearlong collaboration with Robert. He wanted every aspect of it to be perfect, so Robert was able to locate a diamond of the finest quality and cut it to an exact custom size and shape to suite Angelina’s hand. Brad was always heavily involved, overseeing every aspect of the creative design evolution. The side diamonds are specially cut to encircle her finger. Each diamond is of [...]

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'American Idol' Voters 'Were Wrong' On Jessica Sanchez, Steven Tyler Says

'I think they thought she was safe,' Randy Jackson adds, speaking to MTV News.
By Kelly Marino


"American Idol" Judges Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler
Photo: MTV News

Thursday night's "American Idol" turned out to be the most shocking episode of the season thus far, proving one sure thing: America got it all wrong this week.

The judges were quick to point that out when they unanimously decided to save 16-year-old singing prodigy Jessica Sanchez before she could even finish her last-chance performance song after receiving the fewest votes.

Sanchez, who has impressed the judges week after week with renditions of songs well beyond her years, "slayed the biggest fish of the night," according to Randy Jackson, with her performance of "Stuttering" by Jazmine Sullivan on Wednesday night. She even had guest mentor Akon predicting legend status one day, only fueling the fire that the singer, a.k.a. Bebe Chez, was well on her way to becoming a title hopeful.

So what went wrong? "Well, I think [America] thought she was safe," explained Jackson, who stopped by backstage to speak on Sanchez's behalf. "I think they thought she was safe, I'm sure, and I think they thought Joshua was safe because those two alone, with Colton and some of the others, have been the most consistent. So, you know, yeah, I think they just forgot."

Probably the most inconsistent of the final seven who was a sure bet to be the one sent packing last night was Hollie Cavanagh. Despite her strong vocals, her nerves and stiff stage presence have led the little English southern belle to the bottom three for weeks now. But after her less-than-perfect performance of "Perfect" Wednesday night, she dodged the bullet completely this time around thanks to her devoted fans.

"She's got a lot of fans out there. A lot of people love her. I mean, look, all of these kids are very talented, and you just said it a minute ago," Jackson said, turning to judge Steven Tyler. "They're all individual, they're all different."

"I mean, the proof is that one sings great, the other one's style is crazy great," added Tyler, comparing Cavanagh and Sanchez. "And then you got Elise, who just laughs all the time and just takes it just so effortlessly free. And there's just so many different singers out there. That's why it's hard for me now. I like to let America judge. Tonight they were wrong."

So with the panel deciding to rescue San Diego's savvy young diva, all seven contestants will return to the stage Wednesday night to continue to fight for the crown. But there's one catch: Next week two finalists will be given the boot. Will Sanchez be one of the two to go, or will she take Jennifer Lopez's advice and take the audience on a ride like they've never seen before? Who knows? Let's see if America gets it right this time.

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

Related Photos Related Artists

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Tony Romo, Candice Crawford Share First Photo of Son


After welcoming their son Hawkins on Monday evening, Tony Romo and Candice Crawford snuggle up to their baby boy in a sweet new snapshot.

The picture-perfect moment came after she delivered the 8 lbs., 8 oz. newborn, already named “a part of the Dallas Cowboy family” by the team.

The Dallas Morning News reports that as of Wednesday morning, the proud new parents packed their bags and headed home from the hospital.

All together now ... AWW!

Tony Romo, Son Photo

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Friday, April 13, 2012

Genius Ring Air Mouse scrolls through the FCC, added buttons in tow

Genius Ring Air Mouse scrolls through the FCC, looks to help snag the guy or gal of your dreams
If the Ring Mouse caught your attention a while back, you're in luck. The Genius Ring Air Mouse has tiptoed through the FCC with a dapper new façade and sporting both air cursor and scroll modes. In addition to the left and right clickers we've seen before, this model adds a drag control for moving objects with ease and a back button for web surfing. As you might expect, the device is charged via USB connection and a LED indicator will keep you up to speed on the battery's status. We can't recommend you offer this as a gift to your significant other, though, at least not for any special occasion.

Genius Ring Air Mouse scrolls through the FCC, added buttons in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 07:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kindle Touch update adds Europe-friendly languages, landscape mode

Image
April 27th is nearly upon us, heralding the arrival of the Kindle Touch in Europe. Before that happens, Amazon's pushed out a software update packed with language support for the continent, landscape mode and text-to-speech, amongst others. You can manually download version 5.1.0 now or wait for the over-WiFi update in a couple of weeks. Pre-orders for the device are open as we speak, the WiFi-only model costing £109 / €129, the 3G edition costing £169 / €189.

Kindle Touch update adds Europe-friendly languages, landscape mode originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 09:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink The Verge, The eBook Reader  |  sourceAmazon  | Email this | Comments


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Thursday, April 12, 2012

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2: Solid Tablet, Won't Do Much for iPad Envy [REVIEW]

Samsung officially just officially launched its Galaxy Tab 2 products, the latest additions to the company's line of multi-sized Android tablets. The new line includes 7- and 10.1-inch models and competes aggressively on price.

[More from Mashable: Designing a Mobile App? Don?t Make These 10 Mistakes]

The new 7-inch Galaxy Tab costs just $249.99 for 8GB of storage. Looking at similarly sized competitors, the 8GB Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet goes for $199, and the BlackBerry PlayBook is $50 more, at $299 -- although a temporary price drop to $199 appears to be slowly becoming permanent. Amazon's Kindle Fire set the low bar when it debuted, and it's still priced at $199.

In the large size, the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 (yep, that's the official name) is just $399.99, or virtually the same price as the iPad 2. The new Galaxy Tabs run the latest version of Android, "Ice Cream Sandwich," and boasts a few novel features.

[More from Mashable: Instagram Rockets to No. 1 in App Store in Wake of Facebook Deal]

First and foremost is a built-in remote control. Each Tab 2 is equipped with an infrared emitter to control your TV, Blu-ray player and other electronics. In addition to operating your gear, the Smart Remote app also integrates TV listings from your cable or satellite provider (or over-the-air if that's your bag).

It's a great idea in theory, but emphasizing content has a price in control. After getting our Galaxy Tab 7.0 to pair with one of Mashable's Sony TVs, we found that it didn't do a very good job of replicating all TV's abilities, like widgets and web browsing. That's ironic, since our Sony set is actually a Google TV device -- the same company that makes Android.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Ships 5 Million Galaxy Notes in 5 Months

The Samsung secret sauce doesn't stop there, though. If you happen to have a newer Samsung TV, the Tab 2 can actually take whatever's playing on the TV and mirror it on your tablet. That's potentially an extremely useful feature, letting, say, someone cooking in the kitchen watch the same media (TV broadcast, cable show or Blu-ray movie) that people in the living room are watching -- without any installation. Much appreciated, but again, only Samsung TV owners need apply.

On top of the remote goodness, you also get access to the Samsung Media Hub for buying music and videos, with the widget front and center on your home screen (you can get rid of it fairly easily). Plus there's built-in integration with AllShare, the company's media-sharing (soon to be cloud) service that lets you easily move and copy your photos and movies between Samsung devices. Who's excited?

Right, nobody. That could be part of the reason Samsung is partnering with Dropbox -- a cloud storage and sharing service that a large audience actually uses -- to offer 50GB of free storage (said to be a $99 value) for year to anyone who buys a Galaxy Tab 2.

The 7.0 version has a 1,024 x 600-pixel screen, while the 10.1 is 1,280 x 800. Both models pack a 1GHz dual-core processor.

Samsung, as ever, makes strange choices in skinning Android -- why, for example, are the "see all apps" icon and status indicators (like the time and Wi-Fi strength) in opposite places than on other Android devices, even Samsung ones like the Galaxy Note?

That's probably a matter of taste, though, and it doesn't stop the Galaxy Tab 2 from being a very capable device. The 12-ounce weight feels perfect in your hands (easy to carry but not so light that it feels cheap), and games, photos and video look decent on the 7.0's screen, though it's a far cry from the new iPad's retina display.

The dual-core processor does a good job of keeping up with the graphics, rendering rapid-fire videos and games with fluid precision. It performed well in benchmarks, outperforming many of its ancestors: the original Galaxy Tab, the Galaxy Nexus and the Samsung Nexus S.

Overall, the Galaxy Tab 2 is a solid 7-inch tablet, although the display (arguably a tablet's primary feature) is unimpressive. We like the idea of the remote-control abilities, and the TV-mirroring is a great addition if you have the right gear. If you don't have any use for those, however, Samsung's new Tabs probably won't do much for your iPad envy.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0

What you see at startup.

Click here to view this gallery.

This story originally published on Mashable here.

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BMW, VW hit Q1 sales records

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Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Hollywood drama in Chinese murder mystery

Stringer/China / Reuters

China's former Chongqing Municipality Communist Party Secretary Bo Xilai and his wife Gu Kailai pose in this January 17, 2007 file photo.

By Eric Baculinao and Bo Gu, NBC News

BEIJING ? The political shock waves set off from within a U.S. diplomatic compound by a disgruntled ex-cop in the southwestern city of Chengdu have culminated into what may well be China?s biggest political scandal in years.??

Already removed from a powerful regional post, the controversial but high-flying political star Bo Xilai has been purged from all his positions in China?s ruling hierarchy, and now his wife has been named a murder suspect, according to official announcements.

It was Bo?s former police chief and trusted aide, Wang Lijun, who ultimately led to Bo?s downfall and the criminal detention of his wife for her suspected role in the death of a British businessman.?

In February, Wang was said to have sought asylum in the U.S. consulate in Chengdu, spending roughly 30 hours there. Now in government hands, the former police chief has reportedly turned against his boss, with incriminating evidence of the Bo family?s crimes and corruption.

?No Hollywood movie can match this Chongqing political drama,? observed prominent blogger Michael Anti, referring to the megacity by the Yangtze River, over which Bo held sway for five years.

And coming in the midst of China?s once-in-a decade leadership transition ? the nation?s first political succession in the glare of Internet-driven public opinion and perhaps its most challenging ever ? the political upheaval has torn away the aura of leadership unity, with sobering implications for China?s future.


To Communist Party, former favored son is ?dead?
The latest bombshell came on Tuesday when China?s state-run news agency Xinhua reported that?Bo?s wife Gu Kailai was detained and is being investigated for her suspected role in the ?intentional homicide? of British businessman Neil Heywood ? once a close family friend.

The other suspect in Heywood?s death is Zhang Xiaojun, who is described as an ?orderly? working in Bo?s family home.

China's Communist party unleashed its full weight against former politician Bo Xilai and his wife at the center of a murder scandal Wednesday. ITN's Angus Walker reports from Beijing.

An inquiry has been re-opened on the basis of information provided by Wang, the ex-police chief, in connection with Heywood?s death. His death last November was originally blamed on ?excessive? alcohol, but now poison is suspected, with a possible motive of economic disputes with the Bo family.

'Jackie Kennedy of China' suspected in death of British?businessman?

Bo ? a princeling, or son of one of the Communist Party elders, Bo Yibo - gained national fame for his own crackdown on crime and corruption and for his effort to revive a Maoist-era ?red culture? movement.? He attempted to use the so-called Chongqing model of development as a jumping board for joining the highest leadership body in the power transition later this year. The Chongqing Model emphasized state-led investment, with development zones, transportation links and incentives to lure business, according to Bloomberg.

?He was bound to fail,? said Professor Hu Xingdou, an analyst and frequent government critic. ?He was going against the tide with his Chongqing model that was repeating the methods of the disastrous Cultural Revolution.?

With the announcement of Bo?s wife?s detention, China?s Communist Party seemed to officially disown the former favored son. ?

Bo?s conduct has ?seriously violated the party?s disciplinary rules, damaging the affairs of the party and the country and badly harming the image of the party and the country,? the People?s Daily, the Communist Party?s flagship newspaper declared Wednesday.

The leaders? decision over Bo ?was signaling?that they were able to act very quickly, to make a decision?on it and to get it over with as soon as possible?because they do not want to derail the actual transition that?s coming later in October this year,? according to Damien Ma, a top China analyst at Eurasia Group, a consulting firm.

Ma dismissed suggestions that Bo?s dismissal reflects any factional fighting within the Communist Party or that it would lead to Tiananmen Square protests-style turmoil. ?No, him alone is not going to create another 1989,? he said.

China?s leaders essentially disowned him ?very quickly, and that was clearly to show to the rest of the Party that Bo Xilai is dead; do not support him.? It?s telegraphing to his supporters that this is done, we?ve made the decision, let?s move on, I think that?s what the message is,? said Ma.

China?s challenging future
?The decision showed that the top leadership has achieved unity where before there might have been differences of opinion,? concurred Hu.? ?And this unity is good for leadership succession and also good for social stability, because now no one will sympathize with Bo.?

The professor also described as ?understandable the crackdown on Internet rumors while deliberation was going on, but now that there is leadership unity, it is natural to allow the freedom to comment.?

Moreover, for Hu, the decision also showed the ?determination? to fight corruption and crime.??But it was accidental in this case because without the Wang Lijun incident, Bo?s crimes and corruptions might not have been exposed,? he added.

Ma was skeptical about the idea that Bo?s case had anything to larger political reform.

?The Communist Party is trying to institutionalize a lot of the norms and procedures, but at the end of the day, these mass-scale personalized politics happen, and they happen with a lot of fierceness and unpredictability,? he said, referring to the impact of Bo?s case on succession politics.

As for the challenges for China?s next generation of leaders??

?I would say that, over the next decade, political and social risks in China are actually going to be more challenging and more difficult than the past 30 years combined,? said Ma. ?They are facing a lot of issues they?ve never dealt with before, primarily socio-economic inequalities and political issues that are brought out by this enormous economic growth, and they haven?t had time to pause and think about what to do about them.? Frankly, this is a very challenging decade for China internally.?

Social media afire
Not surprisingly, China?s blogosphere spun into a frenzy in the hours before the fate of Bo and his wife was officially announced, culminating in a face-off between netizens and Chinese Internet authorities.

As early as Tuesday afternoon, people forwarded posts that ?a very important announcement? would be made on the primetime news program. By the time the news was finally read out on the late evening bulletin at 11 p.m., virtually every post on Weibo, China?s most popular Twitter-like service, was about the fall from grace of Bo and his family.

Meanwhile, a battle between the online ?rumor spreaders? and government ?rumor cleaners? raged on.? Spokesmen from leading Chinese websites such as Baidu, Sina and Tencent pledged on camera they would do their best to develop and deploy an advanced prevention system?fortified with human monitors 24/7 to prevent the spread of false information.

?We will absolutely prevent Weibo from becoming a hotbed of rumors,? said Chen Tong, the chief editor of Sina.com which hosts of Weibo.

But rumors ? especially in China ? often spread too quickly to contain.

And, it would appear, sometimes stories that start as rumors end up being true.

Months ago, people were talking about Heywood?s mysterious death and speculating about Bo?s ouster, but the posts always wound up being deleted minutes after being posted.

?While you are trying to refute a rumor, that rumor becomes true. Why bother to refute? Today?s rumor is tomorrow?s truth,? said one user called Yuan Tengfei on his Weibo page.

?You want us to sing red songs, but you are more black than the black society. This is sarcastic,? said another Weibo user called Longcan.? (In Chinese, ?black society? means mafia.)

Boxun ? an overseas Chinese Website censored in China for its bold reporting on mainland politics ? fed sleepless, fascinated Chinese readers with even more dramatic rumors soon after last night?s news.? Boxun?s latest report alleges that Mrs. Bo was involved in multiple murders and that the order for getting rid of Heywood came directly from her husband, because the Englishman knew the family had transferred millions of dollars of assets to foreign countries.? (A common practice among many of China?s wealthy families.)?

Teng Biao, a prominent human rights lawyer, joked on his Twitter page: ?I almost want to write a movie script. Mafia, an affair (Mrs. Bo is also rumored to have had an affair with Heywood), international espionage, guns, murder, trial, princeling, coup. This movie would be a big hit."

Researcher Isabella Zhong contributed to this report.?

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GeoClickz SEO Tools ? Free Small Business Advertising Search ...

For Free Small Business Advertising: www.geoclickz.com Why does my business, organization or company?s website need SEO? Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of improving the listing rank of a website or a web page awarded by the search engines (Google, Yahoo, Bing etc.) by creating a website with good related information, content and backlinks. This search process produces an ?organic ? or un-paid ?natural? search engine results page (SERP). The higher the ranking and more frequently a website appears in the search engine results pages SERP, the more clicks will be generated and increased visitor traffic will be sent to the website. There are different types of search results, including image search, local search, video search and vertical search engines (by industry). This gives a website good internet presence, helps promotes your business and drives traffic to your website by being listed on the first page as a result of good search engine optimization SEO. There are several major commercial search engines ? Google, Bing, Yahoo, Ask & AOL Search. If your website cannot be indexed by these free search engines or your website?s content cannot be put into their organic search results database, you will not be able to promote your business very effectively on the internet. People who are looking for the products and services you offer will not be able to find you using search. Whether your website provides educational information, services, products, or news ?

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Video: Loss of predators in Northern Hemisphere affecting ecosystem health

Monday, April 9, 2012

A survey done on the loss in the Northern Hemisphere of large predators, particularly wolves, concludes that current populations of moose, deer, and other large herbivores far exceed their historic levels and are contributing to disrupted ecosystems.

The research, published today by scientists from Oregon State University, examined 42 studies done over the past 50 years.

It found that the loss of major predators in forest ecosystems has allowed game animal populations to greatly increase, crippling the growth of young trees and reducing biodiversity. This also contributes to deforestation and results in less carbon sequestration, a potential concern with climate change.

"These issues do not just affect the United States and a few national parks," said William Ripple, an OSU professor of forestry and lead author of the study. "The data from Canada, Alaska, the Yukon, Northern Europe and Asia are all showing similar results. There's consistent evidence that large predators help keep populations of large herbivores in check, with positive effects on ecosystem health."

Densities of large mammalian herbivores were six times greater in areas without wolves, compared to those in which wolves were present, the researchers concluded. They also found that combinations of predators, such as wolves and bears, can create an important synergy for moderating the size of large herbivore populations.

"Wolves can provide food that bears scavenge, helping to maintain a healthy bear population," said Robert Beschta, a professor emeritus at OSU and co-author of the study. "The bears then often prey on young moose, deer or elk ? in Yellowstone more young elk calves are killed by bears than by wolves, coyotes and cougars combined."

In Europe, the coexistence of wolves with lynx also resulted in lower deer densities than when wolves existed alone.

In recent years, OSU researchers have helped lead efforts to understand how major predators help to reduce herbivore population levels, improve ecosystem function and even change how herbivores behave when they feel threatened by predation ? an important aspect they call the "ecology of fear."

"In systems where large predators remain, they appear to have a major role in sustaining the diversity and productivity of native plant communities, thus maintaining healthy ecosystems," said Beschta. "When the role of major predators is more fully appreciated, it may allow managers to reconsider some of their assumptions about the management of wildlife."

In Idaho and Montana, hundreds of wolves are now being killed in an attempt to reduce ranching conflicts and increase game herd levels.

The new analysis makes clear that the potential beneficial ecosystem effects of large predators is far more pervasive, over much larger areas, than has often been appreciated.

It points out how large predators can help maintain native plant communities by keeping large herbivore densities in check, allow small trees to survive and grow, reduce stream bank erosion, and contribute to the health of forests, streams, fisheries and other wildlife.

It also concludes that human hunting, due to its limited duration and impact, is not effective in preventing hyper-abundant densities of large herbivores. This is partly "because hunting by humans is often not functionally equivalent to predation by large, wide-ranging carnivores such as wolves," the researchers wrote in their report.

"More studies are necessary to understand how many wolves are needed in managed ecosystems," Ripple said. "It is likely that wolves need to be maintained at sufficient densities before we see their resulting effects on ecosystems."

The research was published online today in the European Journal of Wildlife Research, a professional journal.

"The preservation or recovery of large predators may represent an important conservation need for helping to maintain the resiliency of northern forest ecosystems," the researchers concluded, "especially in the face of a rapidly changing climate."

###

Oregon State University: http://www.orst.edu

Thanks to Oregon State University for this article.

This press release was posted to serve as a topic for discussion. Please comment below. We try our best to only post press releases that are associated with peer reviewed scientific literature. Critical discussions of the research are appreciated. If you need help finding a link to the original article, please contact us on twitter or via e-mail.

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Tuesday, April 10, 2012

NC makes the grade for pre-K program | Salisbury, NC - Salisbury Post

Tuesday, April 10, 2012 12:00 AM | Printer friendly versionPrinter friendly version | E-mail to a friendE-mail to a friend | Comments

By Emery P. Dalesio

Associated Press

RALEIGH (AP) ? North Carolina was one of five states meeting all quality benchmarks in its state-run pre-kindergarten program last year, when funding for the program that prepares at-risk 4-year-olds for school was cut by 20 percent, according to a national report released Tuesday.

Only North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Alaska and Rhode Island met education quality standards that included class sizes of fewer than 20 children, teachers who held bachelor?s degrees, and feeding students at least one meal on site, the report by Rutgers University?s National Institute for Early Education Research said.

North Carolina?s program ? which until last year was called More At Four ? met all 10 of NIEER?s quality standards while spending $126 per child less than researchers estimated would be necessary. Funding from all sources for the renamed North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten program totaled $7,910 in 2011, the report said, compared with $11,669 per child by spending leader New Jersey.

Per-child spending on North Carolina?s pre-kindergarten program has dropped by about $400 in the two recession-scarred years since 2009, said NIEER director Steven Barnett.

Funding limited how many students the North Carolina program could reach, and the state ranked 19th for the percentage of 4-year-olds enrolled in pre-K, the report said. North Carolina was one of nine states that saw a drop in pre-K enrollment last year, the report said.

?In North Carolina, you?ve got a good program with high standards that?s proven effective, but you?re reducing the number of children who can go and you?re cutting the funding,? Barnett said.

Rep. Justin Burr, R-Stanly, who leads a legislative committee examining early childhood education, did not return calls seeking comment.

North Carolina?s program targets children whose families earn below the statewide average, who have a disability or chronic health problem, come from a family that doesn?t speak English at home, or have parents on active military duty.

Thirty-nine states offer early-childhood education because studies have shown kids enrolled in quality programs do better academically, are less likely to spend time in prison later and make more money as adults. Children from low-income families who start kindergarten without any schooling are estimated to start school 18 months behind their peers, a gap that is extremely difficult to overcome.

States such as Florida that substitute inexpensive child care for high-quality early education won?t see the improvements in the classroom that will close the learning gap for poor children, the report said.

NC Pre-K?s funding last year became a flashpoint between the Republican-led General Assembly, Democratic Gov. Beverly Perdue, and a state judge responsible for ruling whether the state is living up to its constitutional duties to provide children with a sound, basic education.

The Legislature?s $32 million cut in state support led to nearly 6,200 fewer slots in NC Pre-K as of October, according to a report by the state health agency assigned oversight of the program last year. The service is now available to 24,700 children. About 67,000 children are eligible.

The judge last summer ruled no eligible child can be turned away from the free preschool education and rejected requiring co-pays for enrolled families. Legislative leaders have contested the ruling in court out of concern the judge?s ruling would saddle North Carolina with a large, expensive entitlement program.

Perdue?s administration estimated it could cost as much as $300 million to serve all eligible children within the next four years.

A legislative committee exploring the program last month backed off on earlier proposals to fully privatize the program and limit assistance to children living at or below the poverty level ? a departure from current income threshold rules that allow more children to qualify.

In December, North Carolina was awarded $70 million in a federal Race to the Top grant to improve the NC Pre-K program among nine states sharing $500 million. The money is to be used to improve the program?s quality and can?t be used to expand it, Perdue?s office said.

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Adobe Mobile Reader 10.2 adds signature, form support

Image
For years, you've been eager to dump that aging landline-tethered fax machine, but those occasional signature requirements have forced you to delay the disposal, time and time again. Well it might just finally be time to kick that beige beast to the curb. The latest version of Adobe Mobile Reader for Android and iOS effectively negates that need for scanning signatures, delivering that functionality through an in-app Ink Signature tool instead. You'll also want to take Note of the free-hand drawing option, text markup feature, sticky notes, EchoSign integration, intra-document link and form support, search tool and thumbnail navigation -- all available in Mobile Reader 10.2. There's also an update to the desktop app, Adobe Reader X (10.1.3), which includes the same Ink Signature Tool and EchoSign integration available in the mobile version. Click through to our source link for all the juicy deets.

Continue reading Adobe Mobile Reader 10.2 adds signature, form support

Adobe Mobile Reader 10.2 adds signature, form support originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monday, April 9, 2012

Flood of 1987: 25 Years Later ? Northeast CONTACT's Blog

Maine?s Bureau of Insurance Encourages Home and Business Owners to Mark 25th Anniversary by Considering Flood Insurance

Click the image to visit Maine Memory Network collection of photos from 1987 flood

GARDINER? ?? Twenty five years ago this month, snowmelt and precipitation from two springtime storms produced some of the worst flooding in decades, particularly in central and southwestern Maine.? Fourteen of Maine?s counties were declared federal disaster areas, and ?the 500-year flood? resulted in significant damage to numerous homes and businesses.

?Few communities in Maine have lingering snow this spring, but it is still important to make sure families and businesses are protected against flooding that can occur anytime,? Superintendent Eric Cioppa stated. ??The first step is to look at your flood risk and assess your insurance needs.?

Superintendent Cioppa explained that standard homeowners or renters insurance usually protects policyholders against damage caused by wind, rain or falling trees.? Flood damage, however, is not typically covered unless consumers have purchased separate coverage through the Federal Emergency Management Agency?s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).? Consumers should contact their insurance company or agent to determine the extent of their coverage.

The NFIP can provide coverage specifically for flooding or rising ground water, both for an insured building and its contents.? Consumers can obtain more information about flood insurance through the NFIP website, www.floodsmart.gov, or by calling 1-800-427-2419.? Additionally, the Maine Emergency Management Agency offers flood tips and recommendations at www.state.me.us/mema/.

The Bureau of Insurance is part of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, which encourages sound ethical business practices through regulation of insurers, financial institutions, creditors, investment providers, and numerous professions and occupations for the purpose of protecting the citizens of Maine.? Consumers can reach the Bureau through www.maine.gov/insurance, by calling 800-300-5000 in state;?or by writing to Bureau of Insurance, 34 State House Station, Augusta, ME? 04333.

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United eight points clear as City lose to Arsenal

Manchester United all but sealed a 20th English title as they moved into an eight-point lead over Manchester City at the top of Premier League on Sunday with just six games left to play.

United beat Queens Park Rangers 2-0 at Old Trafford to pile the pressure on City ahead of their match away to Arsenal later Sunday.

But City were unable to respond, with Mikel Arteta's goal three minutes from time securing a 1-0 victory for the Gunners that saw them leapfrog north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur into third place in the table.

City's misery was compounded when temperamental striker Mario Balotelli was sent-off a minute before full-time.

Before kick-off, City manager Roberto Mancini said City had to win if they were to have a chance of being crowned champions of England for the first time since 1968.

"Today for us is like a final, otherwise eight points is too much," the Italian told Sky Sports.

Afterwards Mancini, asked if City's title bid was finished, replied: "Not mathematcially. It's very diffuclt but we will do our best."

Mancini appeared to have run out of patience with compatriot Balotelli, who was sent off after collecting a second yellow card for a foul on Bacary Sagna, having been lucky to avoid a straight red in the 20th minute for a horrible challenge on Alex Song.

"The first tackle was bad," said Mancini. "I defend Mario because he is a good guy but if he doesn't change in the future he could waste his talent. He can't continue to play like this."

At Old Trafford, goals from Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes saw United -- who are now two goals better off on goal difference than City -- to victory.

England striker Rooney gave United a 15th minute lead from the penalty spot after QPR captain Shaun Derry was controversially sent off for bringing down Ashley Young inside the area, with referee Lee Mason ruling he'd denied a clear goalscoring chance.

Mason's decision was harsh on Rangers, who are still above the relegation zone on goal difference. Derry's contact appeared minimal and Young looked to be offside.

"I thought it was offside," said United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

"There have been lots of decisions like that in the last few weeks. The boy (Derry) did just enough to off-balance Ashley and, being the last defender, the referee felt he had no option.

"I felt we were a little bit out of our comfort zone after that, I didn't enjoy it," he added.

"Before the sending-off our speed was terrific, we had some good play, but the sending-off unsettled us and put us out of our comfort zone."

Even though QPR keeper Paddy Kenny correctly dived to his right, Rooney's well-struck penalty gave him his 30th goal of the season and left the visitors, managed by former United striker Mark Hughes, with a mountain to climb.

Kenny kept QPR in the game until the 68th minute when he was beaten by a 20-yard shot from veteran midfielder Scholes, recalled from retirement this season by Ferguson.

Hughes confirmed QPR would appeal Derry's red card in a bid to have him available for Wednesday's match at home to Swansea.

"We'll obviously try and appeal that and hopefully get that overturned by Wednesday," he said. "We can ill-afford to have any more out.

"I think everybody understood that the boy (Young) was offside and that there was minimal contact. The boy has gone over too readily."

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HCM City's rental charge of retail space to drop further | Vietnam ...

HCM City?s average rental of retail space and occupancy rate is forecast to see further decline for 2012, according to Colliers International.
HCM City: pressure on rental and occupancy rate

The total supply of retail space as of quarter 1 2012 is estimated at 646,000 square metre, up a 7 percent year-on-year, 87 percent of which is found in District 1 and District 7 thanks to convenient location and developed infrastructure.

Rental of retail space averaged at US$70.6 per square metre excluding service fees and value added tax in quarter 1, down 4pct year-on-year.

Average occupancy rate reached 90.3 percent, down 3.9 percent year-on-year. The highest percentage is found at general stores with 97 percent, followed by commercial centres and retail areas with 88 percent and 86 percent respectively.

The supply is projected at 1.27 million square metre with many large-scale projects such as Saigon One, Eden A, Pico Sai-gon Plaza, Kenton, Saigon M&C, Riviera Point.

Abundant potential supply accompanied by soaring inflation and monetary tightening would take a heavy toll on demand for retail space, probably pushing average occupancy rate and rental down further for 2012.

Buildings in the city centre like Caravelle, New World, Opera View, Rex Arcade and Sheraton Saigon have seen occupancy rate reaching 100 percent and average rental staying at US$110 per square metre.

HCM City is forecast to offer huge potential for retail development thanks to young population, rapid urbanisation and increasing income.

Hanoi: ample supply to come in three years? time

No new supply has been recorded in the first quarter of this year resulting in slight fluctuations in rental and occupancy rate. Yet, three coming years could see remarkable difficulties due to plentiful potential supply particularly in the west of the city.

The total supply of retail space remains at 433,700 square metre, of which 51.7 percent are shopping centres, 14.4 percent are general stores and 30.6 percent wholesale supermarkets.

New retail space projects have been found in the suburbs which are estimated to provide 72 percent of the total retail space supply.

Average rental is reported to fall 2.3pct over the previous quarter largely due to rental relaxing at shopping centres. The price in central areas has hardly seen any change due to nearly full occupancy. Shopping centres in the outer of the city such as The Garden,

Ha Thanh Plaza and Syrenxa have experienced an average rental decline of 3.34 percent.

Average occupancy rate at shopping centres reached 91.1 percent, down 1 percent over the last quarter due to the withdrawal of large tenants such as Pico Digital leaving Pico Mall, MTTC Deccor leaving The Garden, FAHASA book store leaving Ha Thanh Plaza.

The west area is expected to the shopping destination in three years to come and Thanh Xuan and Ha Dong District alone could provide 31.7 percent of the city?s total supply.

In all likelihood, many investors could face some delay in bringing out products onto the market due to capital difficulties and low occupancy rate, predicted Colliers International. ? Vietbiz24

Tags: Vietnam Property market, Vietnam real estate, vietnam real estate market

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Rational Advice On Getting The Most Out Of Internet Marketing ...

If you are just beginning you probably don?t know a banner ad from a skyscraper! What the heck is search engine optimization? Whether you?re just a beginner or you know the answers to those questions, we?ve got some tips and ideas for you that you may never have thought of, which can help your internet marketing business blossom.

Online Business

Wise internet marketers will treat their customers? email addresses with respect. While early Internet marketing tactics relied on frequent updates via email and newsletters, today these measures are appreciated by very few online business customers. Saturating the inbox of a potential customer can degrade his or her opinion of the website sending the email.

When attempting to brand your online business, it is very important that you?re consistent in your efforts. Presenting your business one way on one site and another on the next will confuse customers and give them conflicting ideas about what it is you?re representing. Be sure to keep it smooth and consistent. To most effectively market your internet business on the internet, you need to remember that the web is different from physical stores. With an online business your customers will only see what is available on your website. You don?t have a brick and mortar store to fall back on, so make sure your website is appealing and easy to navigate. One good internet marketing tactic is to build a profile for an online business?s typical customer. This can be done before the business even goes live, in order to codify the business?s intended customer base. After the website opens, the typical customer profile is rebuilt, adjusted and added to based on the behavior of actual customers.

Do you know how to begin your own internet marketing plan now? Can you now find a place to begin with it? Do you know what will work for business? If you can now provide an answer to these questions, then you have read and understood the previous tips and are ready to make internet marketing work for you.

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Please visit online business for ideas and quick ways to make your internet wealth.

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Website Marketing TipsRational Advice On Getting The Most Out Of Internet MarketingIf you are just beginning you probably don?t know a banner ad from a skyscraper! What the heck is search engine optimization? Whether you?re just a be?

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Sunday, April 8, 2012

Oregon Department of Justice investigates autism awareness charity ...

One of Oregon's newest charities has been soliciting donations outside grocery and hardware stores in Portland, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego and Cornelius.

Autism Awareness United has stepped up its profile since its founding 19 months ago, being named in a Washington lawmaker's resolution to celebrate April as Autism Awareness Month. It has advertised for paid fundraising reps, opened chapters in the Spokane and Tacoma areas and, starting last fall, expanded into Oregon.

"We've realized the people of Oregon, like the people of Washington, are very generous," says its president, Joe Searles.

Autism Awareness United has also triggered complaints. One has sparked an Oregon Department of Justice investigation, and a rival nonprofit filed a complaint with the attorney general in Washington state, where the charity is also registered.

The Oregon DOJ has subpoenaed Autism Awareness United bank statements and fundraising materials to investigate whether the charity violated Oregon laws on nonprofits and business practices. The DOJ's investigation was triggered by a tip that Autism Awareness United was promoting a raffle, which if involving $10,000 or more is allowed only for federal tax-exempt charities.

Autism Awareness United is not exempt. Donations to it are not tax deductible, which requires federal Internal Revenue Service approval. A charity that's not tax-exempt is unusual, said Ross Laybourn, former head of the state's charitable activities office. Potential donors should "think twice and maybe ask more questions" of non-tax-exempt charities, he says.

Legal issues

In fact, few questions are asked when a charity forms in Oregon. All that's needed is a three-person board to file forms with the DOJ and the Department of Corporations. Oregon's DOJ, which oversees 16,000 registered charities with an 18-person staff, doesn't check for criminal records, though Washington state does prohibit charity officials with criminal fundraising convictions. So Searles' criminal record wasn't a barrier to opening a charity. He pleaded guilty in 1985 to illegal gambling for running a sports betting operation in a Washington state car on work time as a state mail courier. He was sentenced to community service.

Searles' crusade for autism awareness started after a rocky end to his decade-long real estate career in the Olympia area.

He left real estate in 2008 after several lawsuits were filed accusing his businesses of fraud. Washington state also investigated and filed administrative fraud charges, leading Searles to agree to a five-year suspension of his mortgage loan originator license. "These are all fairly serious behaviors," said Deb Bortner, Washington's consumer services director.

Searles declared personal bankruptcy in 2009 and set up a short-lived fundraising business that left unpaid employees when it closed, court documents show.

In April 2010, Searles and his wife started fundraising for the Autism Society of Washington under a 12-month contract that let them keep 80 percent of what they collected.

The Autism Society, saying it received only two months worth of checks, about $14,000, sent the couple a letter Aug. 27, 2010, to "cease and desist" using its logo to raise funds, and canceled the contract.

Four days later, Searles filed papers with Washington state for a new nonprofit. In May 2011, the Autism Society of Washington complained to the state attorney general that Searles' new nonprofit may have continued to collect money under its name and logo.

Searles said he turned over all money the Autism Society was due and said, "We're totally legitimate."

Growing presence

In registering with the state, Searles stated the purpose of his charity, initially called Autism Awareness Washington: "To spread awareness about autism spectrum disorders, and to raise funds to assist low-income families in gaining access to available interventions, therapies and resources."

To that end, Searles hired two past colleagues, mortgage brokers whose licenses were suspended in the fraud investigation of Searles' real estate business.

Searles said the since-renamed Autism Awareness United has participated in numerous activities, including a Capitol Lake Walk to raise funds in Olympia, toys for a Spokane group, helping an unnamed autistic child who needed surgery, and attending Autism Night resources fair at a Mariners game. Searles declined to release financial details to The Oregonian, but his attorney, James Jameson, emailed an autism advocate last November about the charity's budget goals. Over time, he wrote, "disbursement levels should reach 30 to 35 percent."

That's lower than Better Business Bureau guidelines for charities, which call for 65 percent of budget spent on programs. The national Autism Society spends 78 percent of budget on programs, the Oregon chapter spends 68 percent, and the Washington chapter 38 percent. All also are tax-exempt.

Searles' group is one of many formed in recent years to highlight autism as its diagnosis has become more prevalent. And people are motivated to help.

Erin Pipes, manager of Ace Hardware in Portland's Woodstock neighborhood, had an autistic acquaintance in mind when he let an Autism Awareness United fundraiser set up a table outside his store in January.

"I don't recall asking too many questions," he said. "It seemed to be a good cause."

--Nick Budnick

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Surprised And Inspired 10 Specialty Summer ... - Travel and Leisure

You?ll be surprised and inspired by these unique ideas!

With more than 6 million kids in the U.S attending camp every summer, camp remains one of America?s favorite pastimes. Yet there is a new camp experience that has dramatically increased in popularity over the last decade ? and that is the ?specialty? camp. Never before have kids and teens had so many one-of-a-kind camp options to choose from.

While traditional camps offer programs that encourage kids to try a variety of activities, a specialty camp focuses on one topic ? or a few related topics. There are now thousands of unique (and sometimes unusual) day and overnight summer camps inspiring children and teens to learn more about what they love.

After considerable research, we?ve gathered a list of some of America?s most unique and rewarding specialty summer camps. Take a look:

ACTING FOR FILM CAMP

Young Actors Camp Location: Hollywood, CaliforniaAges: 7-19

For kids and teens who dream of acting for the silver screen, this camp is the ultimate learning experience. At Young Actors Camp, campers are taught the tools-of-the-trade for succeeding in Hollywood?s film and television acting industries ? and the word on the street is, they have a great time doing so.

This overnight summer camp offers four programs to choose from that include pre-professional activities such as taking headshots, writing a resume, building auditioning skills and improving film-acting techniques.

And what really excites kids is their chance to be in a real Hollywood movie. All YAC campers visit working movie sets and meet real Hollywood movie stars (who come by camp to offer advice and technique tips). This is a true chance of a lifetime for young actors dying to get a glimpse into the world they dream of succeeding in ? and after attending Young Actors Camp, kids have a much better chance of doing so.

Young Actors Camp is the only summer camp experience that can lead to a young actor moving to Los Angeles for real work opportunities; and YAC will guide actors and families through the transitional period of this complicated, yet rewarding, process.

SURF CAMP

WB Surf Camp Location: Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina ?Ages: 6-18

This seriously radical camp is a dream-come-true for kids and teens (and adults!) who want to learn how to surf. WB Surf Camp offers a wide variety of summer camp options. From day and overnight camps to advanced private lessons and international surf tours, WB Surf Camp does it all.

WB teaches kids how to predict, select and ride waves, but they also educate surfing beginners about ocean safety (rip current identification, surf and sun advisories and first-aid), coastal environments, marine life and ocean dynamics.

At this full immersion camp, kids gain knowledge, confidence and surfing ability through progressive and professional instruction ? and they have an awesome time doing it!

CIRCUS CAMP

Camp Winnarainbow Location: Mendocino, CaliforniaAges: 7-14

Learning about the BIG TOP is BIG FUN! This colorful and positive camp embraces the joy of creativity and personal achievement. For 30 years, Winnarainbow camp leaders have been teaching kids about circus performing arts techniques, such as timing, balance, humor, acting, juggling, dancing, gymnastics, the tightrope, the trapeze, clowning, falling, magic and much more!

Along with the great fun of clowning around, Camp Winnarainbow is also dedicated to providing a beautiful training ground in Northern California that supports a strong communion with nature. One of the camp?s main goals is to show future kids how to embrace and contribute to a harmonious and sustainable world. The creative spirit is nurtured in an atmosphere of approval and mutual encouragement. This truly unique camp experience leaves kids with a powerful sense of the creative community.

COOKING CAMP

Chef Kelly Q. Dietrich?s Kids Culinary Summer of VermontLocation: Highgate Center, VermontAges: 10+

For kids who are always asking to help in the kitchen and have a natural love for cooking and baking, there isn?t a more suitable camp than Kids Culinary Summer Camp. Offering two programs ? The Saut? Kitchen and The Baking and Pastry Arts ? this taster?s delight introduces kids to the life of a chef.

A wide berth of culinary skills are taught during the one or two week summer camp sessions, including menu planning, bread and pastry baking, beef and poultry cooking, vegetable cookery, seafood, garnishes, cake decorating, soups and sauces, ethnic cooking, knife and chopping skills, utensil skills, kitchen hygiene and healthy eating habits.

And it?s not all just about the kitchen! The curriculum also includes valuable lessons about nutrition and organic food sources; aquaponics (the integrated growing of tilapia fish and micro-greens and herbs in our greenhouse); organic square foot and container gardening; composting beekeeping; and olive oil herbing and bottling.

This unique camp experience provides kids and teens with valuable skills to use with their families throughout the year, in addition to learning how to pursue a career in the culinary arts. Wouldn?t it be amazing for you son or daughter to skillfully prepare delicious meals for the family on a daily basis?

ARCHEOLOGICAL CAMP

Canyon Crow Summer Camp Location: Cortez, ColoradoAges: 12+

Are your kids constantly out in the yard looking for old arrowheads or digging for buried pottery and other hidden treasures? Well, now there?s a perfect summer camp for these little archeologists to-be.

At Canyon Crow?s overnight summer camp, kids and teens are invited to study the fascinating past of Pueblo Indians who lived in the American Southwest?s Four Corners area. During their weeklong stay, campers join professional archeologists at a real excavation site to learn the proper procedure of sorting and identifying important artifacts.

Kids also have great fun playing traditional Native American games like spear throwing with an atlati and learning ancient practices like building a fire without matches. This interesting camp experience brings kids closer to the heritage of our country and the people who inhabited the region 700 to 2500 years ago.

SPY CAMP

Camp Lohikan Location: Lake Como, PennsylvaniaAges: 7+

Camp Lohikan has taken the game of hide-and-seek to a whole new level. Here campers learn the secrets behind covert operations as they train for exciting missions. Spy camp teaches teamwork, critical thinking, practical skills and physical discipline.

Lohikan?s mini-agents train on 4-wheelers, jet skis and rope courses for quick getaways. (But don?t worry, ?quick getaways? in reality means learning safe, evasive driving techniques.)

Kids are also taught combat tactics, martial arts, how to conduct surveillance, code breaking, survival training, interrogation techniques undercover maneuvers and even paintball! (Paintball is limited to 5th grade and up.)

At Camp Lohikan the mission truly IS possible. And what?s the final camp mission? Finding the mole! The kids? final exam is to participate in a role-playing adventure that is, as they say, ?high octane FUN.? This specialty camp experience is an exciting opportunity to understand exactly what it means to be a spy.

GARDENING CAMP

Children?s Peace Summer Camp Location: Boulder, ColoradoAges: 4-10

Children?s Peace takes kids back to the roots of a simpler time. Spending warm summer days learning about the beauty of the natural world is a wholesome experience that any child will benefit from and enjoy.

This non-profit day camp teaches campers organic gardening practices and environmental stewardship, in addition to the importance of biodiversity and sustainability.

All hands-on activities encourage peace, respect, friendship and the beauty of connecting with the earth. And Children?s Peace is a lot of fun! Beyond gardening, camp activities include scavenger hunts, writing poetry, dancing, making natural dyes from vegetables and candles from bee hive wax and creating a rich variety of art to be appreciated at community coffee shops.

Fashion CampSewnow! Fashion Studio Location: Lafayette, CaliforniaAges: 2nd grade and up

If much to your dismay, your little Diane von Furstenberg is cutting up their clothes only to sew them back together again, it might be time to send them to Sewnow! Fashion Studio. At this overnight summer camp, open to boys and girls, kids are allowed to let their creative colors fly.

Known for being a fun, energetic and friendly atmosphere, Sewnow! is a great experience for those starting from scratch, as well as kids with ample experience. Beginners will learn things like basic sewing, cutting and assembly methods, while advanced campers will learn about computerized drafting systems and machine embroidery.

So if your son or daughter is glued to the TV every time Project Runway comes on, this could be his or her own chance of a lifetime.

ASTRONOMY CAMP

Astronomy Camp Location: Tucson, ArizonaAges: 12-17

This camp is truly out of this world. At Arizona?s longest running science camp, kids are invited to explore the universe by operating research-class telescopes. For the young scientist, engineer, physicist, astronomer and astronaut this experience could be the perfect opportunity to accelerate their hobby and motivate them to explore further.

Astronomy Camp is a full immersion overnight camp where young night owls keep nighttime hours, interact with leading scientists, interpret their own observations and have a great deal of fun hanging out with likeminded kids.

During daylight, campers get to participate in

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