“Not in THIS town, you don’t…”

California has a reputation for having the strictest anti-smoking laws in the country, and for good reason: throughout the entire state, smoking is banned in all enclosed work areas, including all restaurants, bars and hospitals, except for certain strictly regulated “smoking zones.” Also, smoking within 20 feet of an entrance or window to a public building is prohibited. Smoking in a moving vehicle in the presence of minors is a misdemeanor. Many local governments have gone above and beyond the law by adding extra measures; Calabasas became the first city in the U.S. to ban smoking in apartment complexes, parks- even public sidewalks.

While most states who ban indoor smoking often give a “free pass” to tobacco retailers, Vermont takes a stronger stance against smoking in the workplace; even cigarette retailers are obligated to comply with state smoking laws. Also, while other states permit hotels and resorts to designate “smoking rooms,” Vermont offers no such allowance.

Under the Oregon Indoor Clean Air Act, smoking is restricted in all enclosed workplaces, including restaurants and bars, as well as within 10 feet as such establishments’ entrances. Exemptions are given for private residences which do not serve as daycare facilities, designated hotel rooms, tobacco retailers and areas where Native Americans congregate for worship and cultural activities. Local governments are permitted to enforce stricter smoking bans.

The Nebraska Clean Indoor Air Act outlaws smoking in all enclosed workplaces, including bars and restaurants. Exemptions include tobacco retailers, private residences and “smoking research” laboratories.

The Ohio statewide smoking ban includes all enclosed workplaces, including restaurants and bars. Few exemptions include private residences, designated hotel rooms, open patios and tobacco retail shops. The ban is enforced by the Ohio Department of Health. Businesses who fail to comply face a $2500 fine; individuals may be fined $100.00. Local government may elect to enforce stricter laws.

“Well, if you insist…”

Texas has no statewide smoking ban, and attempts to establish one have failed twice. Smoking in public places, such as schools, elevators, theaters, hospital, buses and trains is strictly prohibited- unless a designated “smoking area” is set aside with proper warnings. Local governments may impose stricter smoking bans, but most have elected not to.

In Oklahoma, smoking is restricted in indoor workplaces, with the exception of establishments which have installed a separate ventilation system. Unlimited smoking is permitted in bars, clubs, tobacco stores and small, family-owned workplaces. Unlike all the other states, Oklahoma does not permit local governments to impose stricter smoking bans.

Missouri’s Indoor Clean Air Act prohibits smoking in indoor public and meeting places, with an exemption given to smoking areas comprising of no more than 30% of the total area. Local governments have the option to enforce smoking bans in schools and other public places, but “‘public areas” are defined loosely: bars, small restaurants, social halls, taxis, indoor sports stadiums and bowling alleys are not considered public places. Missouri has the lowest cigarette tax in the country- 17 cents per pack. Out of all adults, 24.5% are smokers, the fourth highest smoking rate in the country. Only 27.5% want a statewide smoking ban in all bars and lounges.

The South Carolina Clean Indoor Air Law bans smoking in most public places, unless a smoking area is designated with proper postings. South Carolina Supreme Court imposes a maximum fine for nonadherence to local smoking laws- $25.00

Kentucky has no statewide smoking ban. Smoking is prohibited in government offices, universities and the state capitol, unless a designated smoking area is provided.Though local government is permitted to enforce stricter smoking laws, only 13 localities have elected to ban smoking in all bars and restaurants.

Source: Wikipedia.

Scientists have been searching for a “miracle cure” for cancer for many years, and many believe the solution lies in cancer vaccinations: a series of injections which gradually aids the body in killing cancer cells. The U.S.F.D.A. recently approved a vaccine which is already being used to fight prostate cancer in Kansas and Missouri; a vaccine for brain cancer is also being tested at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

Cancer spores are adept at camouflaging themselves as ordinary, healthy cells; since the 80’s, scientists have been working on a way to train the immune system into recognizing cancer cells, identifying them as a threat and destroying them accordingly. This form of “immunotherapy” is ineffective as a preventative measure, but potentially invaluable for treating patients who are in the beginning stages of cancer- and sparing them the detrimental side effects of chemotherapy.

One big problem facing researchers today is acquiring proper test subjects. Because doctors always opt for conventional treatments first, such as targeted radiation and chemotherapy, they are reluctant to recommend experimental treatments, except as a last resort. By the time a patient is subjected to vaccine therapy, he will have already been through many brutal rounds of chemotherapy, have very little energy, a weak immune system and not much time left to live. And therein lies the “catch 22” for scientists: in order to thoroughly test a cancer vaccine, they require a patient with a solid immune system, energy to fight the disease and, most importantly, ……time. It takes approximately one year for the vaccine to become “activated” into action.

So far, the results are promising. Patients in the final stages of cancer, having completed their rounds of chemo without results, have decided to try vaccine therapy; their life expectancy was doubled to four months. That same success rate, applied during the earlier stages of cancer, could translate into prolonging life by many months, and possibly even years- all without having to suffer through chemotherapy. Oncologists hope that, given another decade of research, we will be many steps closer towards eliminating “chemotherapy” and “radiation” from medicinal journals worldwide.

(Image Credit)

Source:

Kansas City.com

Erik Kriss, a representative of the New York state budget office, hopes that escalating cigarette prices will encourage more smokers to quit, resulting in fewer illnesses and fatalities- not to mention lower health care costs. Certain skeptics wonder if a more likely explanation for the tax hike might be the state’s $9 billion budget deficit.

Last month, New Yorkers put their money where their mouths were; what did they have to say about being the government’s “cash cow?”

“Don’t hold your breath.”

July, 2010: New York collected $125 million in revenues, selling 28.7 million revenue stamps. Seems like a lot? Consider that exactly one year ago, July 2009, when cigarettes were 58% cheaper, the state collected $119 million in revenues and sold 43.1 million tax stamps.

Convenience store owners have been hit hard by the price increase, claiming a loss of 25-35%; store owners who are adjacent to New York Indian reservations have lost 45% in revenues. Explains Mr. Kriss, the dip in sales is symptomatic of consumers stocking up on their favorite brand before the prices go up.

Anti-smoking crusaders may want to hold off on their victory celebrations, though…

While cigarette revenues went down last month within the state of New York, they skyrocketed in surrounding areas, such as Vermont and Pennsylvania, where cigarettes can be purchased at rock-bottom prices. Such merchandisers, along with tobacco retailers on the nearby Indian reservations, where cigarettes are sold tax-free, have profited 45% since last year.

The government has been trying for years to strong-arm the Tribes into levying taxes on their cigarette sales with little to show for it. But times may be a changin’: beginning September 1, wholesalers of tobacco products will be required to prepay all cigarette taxes before delivering their merchandise to the Indian reservations. Score one for the IRS.

Whether these stricter measures will convince more New Yorkers to put out their cigarettes, remains to be seen. But should cigarette tax revenues continue to fall, and access to that source of funding deflates not everyone will be so happy- especially those governmentals who have a $9 Billion state budget deficit to worry about…

Guess we’ll have to wait and see.

(Image Credit) 

Sources:

http://gothamist.com/2010/08/12/cig_tax_does_little_to_increase_rev.php

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE67A4YS20100812?type=domesticNews

Beta-Carotene

In a study known as The Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC), a 20 mg. dose of Beta-Carotene was given to a control group of smokers every day, while a second group of smokers was given a placebo.

The smokers who were given Beta-Carotene supplements were 18% more likely to develop lung cancer than the group which was given the placebo. Also, heart disease patients who were given Beta-Carotene were more likely to die of a heart attack than those who were given the placebo; patients who were in the early stages of heart disease found their condition worsening.

In yet another study, a dose of 30 mg. of Beta-Carotene was administered to subjects along with 25,000 IU of Vitamin A, while another group was given a placebo. The findings were so devastating that the study had to be halted nearly two years ahead of schedule:

The group which received the combination of Beta-Carotene and Vitamin A was 28% more likely to suffer from lung cancer and 17% more likely to suffer a lung cancer-related fatality. Also, subjects of the control group were 26% more likely to to die of heart complications.

Upshot: get your Beta-Carotene from its natural source; easily identifiable by their yellow-orange color, good sources of Beta-Carotene include yams, mango, carrots and pumpkins.

Vitamins C and E

Smokers are particularly susceptible to Vitamin E depletion, due to the many harmful chemicals which are contained in cigarette smoke. A study proved that smokers suffer vitamin E loss at a rate of 65% higher than that of non-smokers. Vitamin E, a vital antioxidant, is necessary for neutralizing dangerous free radicals. Vitamin C prevents depletion of vitamin E; smokers are advised to take regular supplements of vitamin C and vitamin E.

Folic Acid

A study conducted in Thailand found significantly low amounts of folic acid and higher incidences of anemia in smokers, compared to the non-smoking group. Folic acid depletion has been linked with cancer, heart disease, chronic obesity and stroke. Most cereals in the US are fortified with folic acid; natural sources include leafy greens, legumes, liver and fruit juices.

Vitamin D

A Danish study found that smoking has a negative impact of vitamin D and calcium absorption, the depletion of which causes osteoporosis. Smokers are advised to take calcium supplements regularly and include dairy products in their diet; other sources of calcium include kale, almonds, quinoa, broccoli and fortified soy milk.

Sources:

http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=e0498803-7f62-4563-8d47-5fe33da65dd4&chunkiid=21549

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Vitamin-C-helps-smokers-maintain-vitamin-E-levels

http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayFulltext?type=1&fid=569120&jid=PHN&volumeId=6&issueId=07&aid=569112

http://www.nature.com/ejcn/journal/v53/n12/abs/1600870a.html

1. Is global warming still happening? It’s cooling… Throughout periods of long-term warming there exist short periods of cooling; weather fluctuation is to be expected in any climate. Still, there have been twice the amount of record highs as record lows, and that amount is predicted to increase in coming years.

2. Evidence for global warming- It’s not happening, evidence is unreliable. Scientists all over the world have observed unusual climate-related activities which may be attributed to global warming. From the Arctic to Antarctica, ice is melting at a rapid pace; animal and plant species are experiencing early spring, upsetting the natural balance of the ecosystem.

3. Are humans too insignificant to affect global climate? Statistical evidence indicates that humans emit 26 gigatons of CO2 each year, a figure which is steadily climbing.

4. According to Klaus-Martin Schulte, less than half of published scientists endorse global warming. The fact that 48% of scientists held a neutral view as to the exact cause of global warming does not indicate that they disagreed; their neutral approach more likely reflects the current trend to focus on a cure for the greenhouse effect.

5. Can animals and plants adapt to global warming? Many animal species have become endangered or extinct due to extreme changes in temperature. The rapid change in climate does not provide them ample time to adapt.

6. There is no correlation between CO2 and temperature. The laws of physics state that carbon dioxide causes warming; satellite imagery also backs up this statement.

7. CO2 is not a pollutant. CO2 is a pollutant in that it is responsible for “ocean acidification.” Also, though the greenhouse effect it has on the environment is a natural occurrence, the high levels which we experience today are deemed unhealthy for our ecosystem.

8. Extreme weather isn’t caused by global warming. Actually, there is ample evidence which proves that rising temperatures cause storms, hurricanes, flooding and heat waves.

9. Mt. Kilimanjaro’s ice loss is due to land use (deforestation). Ice lost on Mount Kilimanjaro is due to many factors; one of these is global warming. The fact that the ice melt is not caused exclusively by global warming does not discount its liability.

10. There is no empirical evidence that carbon dioxide emissions are causing global warming. Scientific evidence indicates that CO2 levels are escalating at an alarming rate, and that humans are responsible. Satellite data confirms that more CO2 is remaining in our atmosphere, and less is finding its way to outer space.

11. It’s just a natural 1500-year cycle. The 1500 year cycles (Dangaard-Oeschger) refers to a warming in the northern hemisphere, followed by a cooling in the southern hemisphere. Instead, what we are observing now I a highly irregular warming in both hemispheres at the same time, primarily in the oceans.

12. Is Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth accurate? While some statements which Al Gore made in An Inconvenient Truth were later proved incorrect, they are miniscule compared to the overwhelmingly true and scientifically backed-up data which he has provided to the public regarding global warming.

13. Solar activity & climate: is the sun causing global warming? Actually, since 1960, the sun has been getting cooler, while the climate has been getting warmer.

14. What does past climate change tell us about global warming? The fact that we have experienced climate change in the past only serves to prove the point that climate can be influenced by outside factors; the warming trend we are experiencing now is due to rising CO2 levels, which is causing the greenhouse effect.

15. It’s the hole in the ozone layer- UV radiation is getting through to Earth. Satellite imagery and surface surveillance confirm that the thinning trend of the ozone layer has ceased since 1995; still, global temperatures continue to rise.

16. Scientist Mike Hulme says that the UN’s report on climate change was phoney, and thousands of scientists have not reached a consensus. Mike Hulme publicly stated that he was misrepresented by commentators of his article which appeared in Progress in Physical Geography.

17. Scientists have retracted the claim that sea levels are rising. The paper which was retracted predicted a decreased percentage of rising sea levels; its retraction confirms scientists’ predictions of an increased rate in sea levels.

18. Is Greenland gaining or losing ice? The ice in Greenland has been melting at an accelerated rate; since 2002, Greenland’s ice loss has doubled. While the inland areas remain unaffected, it is the mass melting in the coastal areas which has drawn the world’s attention.

19. How reliable are climate models? Climate models are tested through “hindcasting,” in which climate forcings (influences) are accounted for in the model and used to demonstrate past climate behavior; if proved accurate, then the model may be used to predict future weather patterns.

20. The human fingerprint in global warming: It’s not us. The evidence is pointing at us from all over the world. Thousands of scientists have concluded that, based on empirical research, such as satellite images, surface measurements and careful observation, we, the human race, are producing Carbon dioxide at an alarming rate which, eventually, prove catastrophic for the environment and mankind.

(Image Credit) 

Source:

www.greenlivingtips.com- 119 Climate Change Skeptic Rebuttals

• Atherosclerosis, the accumulation of fatty material in the arteries, restricts blood flow to the heart. The arteries become overtaxed from strenuous activity; advanced cases of this disease often result in heart attack. Many factors contribute to atherosclerosis, but overwhelmingly, smoking is the culprit.

• For a smoker, the risk of having a heart attack increases with time and frequency. A smoker is twice as likely to develop heart disease than a never-smoker.

• Smoking increases blood pressure, makes it more difficult to perform aerobic activities, encourages blood clotting and robs the body of good (HDL) cholesterol.

Cigars and pipes might seem a healthier alternative to cigarette smoking. Although cigar smoke is not inhaled, its injurious attributes are well documented; pipe and cigar smokers are more likely to suffer heart attacks than non-smokers, though not as likely as smokers of cigarettes.

As for second-hand smoke, or passive smoking- numerous studies prove that involuntary inhalation of cigarette smoke causes heart disease. Every year, 37,000 to 40,000 fatalities occur as a result of environmental tobacco smoke.

Quitting smoking requires immense dedication and positive thinking. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has a declaration to “live smoke free” which is available for download.

(Image Credit)

Sources:

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/prevention/smoking/smoking_hrtds.aspx

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4545

Even as anti-smoking sentiment grows and smoking looses a bit of its cool, the trend setters for the masses have yet to take up the cause. Sadly, history attests to the fact that Hollywood and smoking seem to be inseperable. If anything, all the newfound disapproval has only added to the “smoking mystique.” Here is a list of some well-known Hollywood smokers, many of them are today’s biggest stars.

1. Jennifer Aniston, played the spoiled, yet lovable Rachel Green in the hit sitcom, Friends; her signature hair style on the show became known as “The Rachel.” Her former marriage to sexy star Brad Pitt was one of the most publicized relationships in Hollywood. She smoked two packs of cigarrettes a day.  

2. Johnny Depp, the quirky, yet brooding actor, has starred in many Tim Burton productions: Ed Wood, Edward Scissorhands, Sweeney Todd and the Goth-inspired Alice in Wonderland, to name only a few. He singularly re-invented his character as “Captain Jack Sparrow” in Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean.

3. Russell Crowe, the New Zealand actor with rugged good looks and masterful talent, has received several Academy Awards and nominations for films, such as Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind and Cinderella Man. A former chain smoker, Crowe recently chronicled his successful attempt to quit smoking on Twitter.

4. Ashton Kutcher fans would be surprised to learn that he once studied biochemical engineering at University of Iowa. He has since starred on the television sitcom, That 70s Show, in addition to playing opposite Steve Martin in Cheaper by the Dozen. He and wife, Demi Moore, started the Demi and Ashton Foundation, in order to combat child sex slavery in Haiti.

5. Joaquin Phoenix was born Puerto Rico, to Children of God missionaries. Siblings include Rain, Liberty, Summer and the late River Phoenix, who died of drug overdose at the height of his acting career. Joaquin won an Academy Award nomination for playing Johnny Cash in Walk the Line. He is currently pursuing a rap/hip-hop career.

6. Brad Pitt’s rise to fame began with Thelma and Louise, quickly earned him the title of People Magazine’s Most Sexiest Men. His divorce from starlet Jennifer Aniston, along with his following marriage to femme fatale Angelina Jolie, shocked tabloid newsreaders everywhere. His top films include Twelve Monkeys, Legends of the Fall, Inglourious Basterds and Seven Years in Tibet.

7. Angelina Jolie, daughter of Jon Voight, made her big break portraying sexy video game heroine “Lara Croft” in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, and went on to star in such blockbusters as Mr. and Mrs. Smith,  Beowulf, Alexander and Changeling. Angelina has adopted 3 children from Cambodia, Vietnam and Ethiopia; she and husband Brad Pitt were also blessed with three biological children, including a set of twins.

8. Ben Affleck and long-time pal, Matt Damon, co-wrote the script for Good Will Hunting, which sold for $600,000; the movie, which they also starred in, went on to win numerous Academy Awards. Ben Affleck also starred in Daredevil, Jersey Girl and Pearl Harbor.

9. Drew Barrymore, child star of E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, spent much of her youth in the Hollywood spotlight, but only began to be taken seriously as an actress after filming Poison Ivy and Boys on the Side; her starring roles in Woody Allen’s film, Everyone Says I Love You, along with Ever After and 50 First Dates made her America’s Darling once again.

10. Lindsay Lohan started out as the ‘tween star of high-grossing Walt Disney films, such as The Parent Trap, Freaky Friday and Herbie Reloaded; she later broke her “good girl” image in Mean Girls. A troubled teen, Lindsay has had many encounters with law enforcement, resulting in DUI, violation of probation and jail time.

11. Kate Hudson, bubbly daughter of Goldie Hawn, doesn’t rely on mom or step-dad Kurt Russell’s celebrity status to make it big. Her natural talent shines through in Almost Famous, in which she portrayed rock groupie “Penny Lane.” How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days proved that she can hold her own in a romantic comedy, and thus paved her way to stardom.

12. Whoopi Goldberg, ex-heroin-addict-turned-celebrity, made her Hollywood debut in Steven Spielberg’s film, The Color Purple, which won many Academy Award nominations. Best known for her edgy humor and trademark dreads, Whoopi also enjoyed fame as the sagacious “Guinan” on Star Trek: the Next Generation. She starred in the hit comedy, Sister Act and is currently a host on The View.

13. Demi Moore made her debut on the hit soap opera, General Hospital; her role in St. Elmo’s Fire cast her in with the 80s “Brat Pack,” but she distinguished herself with Ghost and A Few Good Men. She twice posed nude for Vanity Fair while pregnant.

14. Pierce Brosnan’s dashing good looks and winning smile made him the obvious candidate to play James Bond in The World is Not Enough and Tomorrow Never Dies. The dark-haired Irishman played TV’s action hero, Remington Steele, and also displayed his comedic talent in Mrs. Doubtfire and Mamma Mia!

15. Meg Ryan starred in the popular soap opera, As the World Turns, but her big break in show biz was her leading role in Top Gun. Fans adored her beatific smile in the romantic comedy, When Harry Met Sally; she and Tom Hanks starred together in movies, such as Joe Vs. the Volcano, Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail.

16. Sean Penn created his hallmark “surfer dude” role for the hit coming-of-age comedy, Fast Rimes at Ridgemont High. He proved his worth as a serious thespian in Dead Man Walking and I Am Sam. Sean Penn regularly speaks out against the war in Iraq and had a personal meeting with President Castro at his Cuba estate. He smokes four packs of cigarrettes a day.

17. Samuel L. Jackson won an Oscar nomination for Pulp Fiction. He has starred in three Spike Lee movies, including Do the Right Thing, and is also famous for his part in the Star Wars Episodes I, II and III.

18. Al Pacino received critical acclaim for his legendary role as Italian mafioso “Michael Corleone” in The Godfather. His other films include Serpico, Scarface and Scent of a Woman. He was also given a Lifetime Achievement Award.

19. Kate Winslet, English star of Sense and Sensibility, has received several awards, including an Oscar for the Nazi war-crimes film, The Reader. She also played opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in the hugely successful blockbuster, Titanic. She prefers to roll her own cigarettes.

20. Nicole Kidman was born in Honolulu, but spent most of her years in Australia. She starred opposite Tom Cruise in the hit movie, Days of Thunder, and won many critical awards, including an Oscar for The Hours. Other films of note include Moulin Rouge, Cold Mountain and Australia.

21. Mel Gibson headlined in the Aussie fantasy film, Mad Max, and for years was typecast in “manly man” roles, such as Lethal Weapon, What Women Want and Braveheart. A devoted Catholic, he wrote and directed the controversial Passion of the Christ film, and regularly speaks out against capital punishment and stem cell research.

22. David Carradine, son of John Carradine, starred in the 70s cult classic television series, Kung Fu, which led to marketing of his popular Tai Chi instruction videos. Few movie roles followed, and David Carradine’s life came to a sad end when his body was discovered in a Thailand hotel room, having died of a suicide.

23. Goldie Hawn was the 60s golden girl- perky, blond and sprightly, she caught our attention on the comedy-variety show Laugh-In. Her movie gigs included Cactus Flower, Shampoo, Private Benjamin and The Banger Sisters. She and long-time companion, Kurt Russell, are considered one of Hollywood’s happiest couples.

24. Colin Farrell hails from Ireland; his introduction to fame began with the BBC series Ballykissangel. He is also recognized for having portrayed Jesse James in American Outlaws and John Smith in The New World. He smokes a pack a day.

25. James Woods is credited with over 70 films, major motion pictures and television miniseries. His was nominated for his appearances in Salvador, Ghosts of Mississippi and Once Upon a Time in America. He stopped smoking after 33 years.

26. Leonard Nimoy grew up among Yiddish speaking Jewish immigrants from the Ukraine. His role as Vulcan-Human “Dr. Spock” on the sci-fi series Star Trek earned him god-like status among Trekkie worshipers all over the world. He continued his recurring role as “Dr. Spock” on the silver screen, including in the most recent Star Trek film, which stars Zachary Quinto as the “young Dr. Spock.”

27. David Letterman, The Late Show with David Letterman, credits late mentor Johnny Carson of The Tonight Show fame for his Hollywood success. His CBS show has won 12 Emmy awards; popular skits include “Stupid Pet Tricks,” “Stupid Human Tricks” and “The Top 10 List.”

28. Sylvester Stallone triumphed in the box office for his macho portrayal of heavyweight boxer “Rocky Balboa” in the 70s drama Rocky; props from the film are on exhibit in the Smithsonian museum. His “tough guy” status was confirmed in Rambo.

29. Kevin Costner proved his versatility as an actor in the baseball fantasy/drama Field of Dreams, as well as in Dances with Wolves and The Untouchables, in which he portrayed agent Elliot Ness. His movie, Water World was voted one of the worst, over-budgeted films of all time.

30. Richard Pryor was a celebrated comedian and script writer, although his use of vulgar language and racial epithets roused quite a bit of contention. He starred in blockbuster hits such as Stir Crazy and Superman III; he also wrote for the 70s TV comedy sitcom Sanford and Sons and co-wrote Mel Brooks’ hilariously funny movie Blazing Saddles.

31. Joan Collins, sister to racy novelist Jackie Collins, played the glamorous villain, “Alexis” on the hit 80s nighttime soap, Dynasty. She has also made guest appearances on such television shows as Batman, Star Trek, Roseanne and Will & Grace.

32. Bill Cosby, comedian, producer, actor, writer and educator has made a profound influence on this generation. The Cosby Show, in which he played “Dr. Huxtable” was one of the first shows to portray African-Americans in a wealthy, upper-middle class, dual-parented household. He regularly lectures to low-income black communities against drugs, teen pregnancies, “gangsta rap,” anti-intellectualism, and for the importance of pursuing an education.

33. Bo Derek made her entrance into show business in Blake Edward’s 10, in which she starred opposite Dudley Moore; her trademark beaded cornrows became a fashion hit and elevated her to 70s sex symbol status.

34. Danny DeVito won Golden Globe and Emmy for his role as “Louie DePalma” in the long-running television series, Taxi. His collaborations with stars Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner include romantic comedies, Romancing the Stone , Jewel of the Nile and The War of the Roses.

35. Marlene Dietrich began her career during the 1920s in Berlin- on stage and in silent films. Her introduction into the U.S. Film industry began with Shanghai Express. She became an American Citizen in 1939, refusing the Nazis’ orders to return to Berlin during World War II.

36. Brigitte Bardot, with her long blonde tresses and smokey kohl-lined eyes, was regarded as a fashion icon during the 1960s, and she starred in many French films, including And God Created Women, which received international acclaim. In later years she became an animal rights activist and also came under attack for her remarks about the “Islamicization of France” and the “invasion of Muslim foreigners.”

37. George Burns and wife, Gracie Allen, formed the immensely popular Burns and Allen Radio Show, which evolved into The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show, a television variety show on CBS. George Burns, with his clever wit, trademark arched eyebrows and cigar smoke, became a celebrity icon and an example to us all of the medicinal powers of laughter. George Burns died at the age of 100, and was laid down to rest next to his beloved wife, Gracie.

38. Bette Davis received awards for her roles in Of Human Bondage, Jezebel, All about Eve, and the horror flick, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? She earned a reputation as an aggressive, highly driven Hollywood leading lady, and was once sued by Warner Brothers for breach of contract.

39. Audrey Hepburn, British actress and UNICEF humanitarian, played Broadway in Gigi. Her leading roles in films, such as Roman Holiday, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Sabrina, My Fair Lady and War and Peace elevated her to Hollywood Royalty status; her fresh clean-cut, no-nonsense made her a favorite among female audiences. She smoked several packs a day.

40. Lucille Ball became a Hollywood legend through her Desilu production, I Love Lucy. Starring herself and husband, Desi Arnaz as “Ricky Ricardo,” her comedy-slapstick show has been entertaining television viewers for over 60 years. She died at the age of 77 of heart complications. Her and her husband were poster children for Luck Strikes and long-time smokers.

41. Marilyn Monroe, otherwise known as Norma Jeane Baker, made headlines as the blonde bombshell of hit films, such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, How to Marry a Millionaire, The Seven Year Itch and Some Like it Hot. Her sultry serenade of the “Happy Birthday” song to President John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Gardens was perceived as a scandal, as it seemed to confirm many people’s suspicion of her rumored love affair with the president. Her premature death of drug overdose was ruled as a suicide, but conspiracy theories abound. The height of her fame arrived posthumously, as her golden locks, knowing smile and curvacious figure became immortalized by artist Andy Warhol.

Here are my picks for the best eco-friendly camping equipment around:

The Salt Creek 2 Tent from Big Agnes is waterproof and constructed of mostly recycled materials. Lining and base are 100% recycled dye-free polyester. Or, to really get into the spirit, Earthworks offers a line of Traditional Tipis. Comprised of buffalo hide, pine and canvas, each tipi is hand-crafted and manufactured with respect for the environment.

Marmot’s EcoPro 15 Sleeping Bag is made of recycled plastic bottles and CoCoNa, a quick-drying organic fabric made of discarded coconut husks.

Keep a Sigg 100% recyclable aluminum water bottle on hand at all times. With dozens of designs to choose from, make a fashion statement while quenching thirst and reducing rubbish.

To-Go-Ware makes a snazzy looking bamboo cutlery set which comes with a fork, spoon, knife and even a pair of chopsticks! RePEaT Utensil Holders feature recycled PET plastic, clip onto a backpack and come in five colors, so you can get one for each family member.

Patagonia offers a wide range of eco-friendly sportswear pieces, of which over 250 are recyclable through their Common Threads Recycling Program. Their Drifter Hiking Boots are made of recycled materials and recycled Vibram soles.

Utilize the sun’s energy with LL. Bean’s Solar Dynamo Radio Light- featuring an AM/FM weather radio, LED light and cell phone charger. Advanced Elements’ Summer Shower delivers 5 gallons of sun-heated water and has lots of handy accessories, such as shampoo/soap holders, on/off nozzle, temperature control and mirror. Campers have been washing up with Dr. Bronner’s Magic Pure Castile Soap for over five generations. One bottle of this gentle vegetable-based, biodegradable formula may be used for hair, body, teeth, laundry, dishes, pets- the sky’s the limit. Comes in eight scents.

If you plan to go fishing, remember to pick up some Field Mate biodegradable fishing line, which decomposes in freshwater or saltwater. Back at the campsite, prepare your fresh catch in a Hot Pot Simple Solar Cooker, which provides up to six hours of cooking at temperatures up to 400 degrees F. Flame-free and smokeless, it’s a safer alternative to charcoal.

Further tips on “green” camping can be found at www.nomadik.com.

“Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints” -Anonymous

“God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand tempests and floods. But he cannot save them from fools.” -John Muir, naturalist, founder of the Sierra Club

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While the many nutrients found in broccoli can also be found in a bottle at the health food store, doctors recommend eating the whole food for greater efficiency and absorption. Cooking reduces sulforaphane levels by 90%, so opt for the raw florets whenever possible. While there are many varieties of broccoli, the Agriculture Department suggests choosing the more bitter versions for maximum results. Better yet, broccoli sprouts have 20 times more sulforaphane than the heads. Those with sensitive palates who find the taste of sprouts somewhat offensive will be glad to know that a 2-ounce serving provides three-days worth of this valuable nutrient.

Sulforaphane kills H. Pylori, a bacteria which causes severe stomach irritation, and can lead to peptic ulcers and stomach cancer. 20-30% of all Americans are carriers of this carcinogen, yet only 10% ever exhibit symptoms. However, a Japanese study revealed a 40% decrease in HpSA bacteria levels among volunteers who were given a steady diet of sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprouts.

Sulforaphane triggers Nrf2, a protein which helps to reduce plaque in the blood vessels.

Pollution, motor exhaust fumes and second-hand smoke all contribute to dangerous amounts of free radicals in the air we breathe- free radicals which clog up our airways, make it difficult to breath and lead to a host of respiratory illnesses. In a UCLA study, subjects were given varying levels of broccoli sprouts, while another control group was fed alfalfa sprouts. Researchers discovered that participants who were given broccoli sprouts produced 2-3 times more antioxidant enzymes than those who were fed alfalfa. Scientists attribute the free-radical-killing enzymes produced by sulforaphane to the prevention of asthma, rhinitis and lung disease.

In addition to destroying free radicals and bacteria, sulforaphane also inhibits “norepinephrine,” a stress-related hormone comparable to adrenaline which causes high blood pressure, heart palpitations and pancreatic cancer.

Don’t be surprised to find broccoli-based ingredients in suntan lotions and face creams. An extract made from broccoli sprouts has been proven to reduce irritation caused by over-exposure to the sun’s harmful ultra-violet rays, which may lead to skin cancer. Unlike most commercial sunscreens, sulforaphane does not interfere with vitamin D production, in which a deficiency may cause depression, osteoporosis and cancer.

Sources:

http://www.torontosun.com/life/healthandfitness/2010/07/20/14768831.html

http://www.cancure.org/cancer_fighting_foods.htm

http://www.naturalnews.com/sulforaphane.html

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