The Amway scholarships help empower American women to achieve their personal and professional goals. With her scholarship, Kaeppeler plans to pursue a family law degree. Prior to the pageant, Kaeppeler earned an undergraduate degree in music and vocal performance at Carthage College.

“The Miss America Pageant is a long-standing tradition that’s been a part of many American lives. As such, it’s proven to be a great partner to the more than 50-year-old Amway Corp. This partnership provides us a platform to support women and their dreams,” comments Jori Hartwig, Vice President of Marketing for Amway North America. The Miss America Organization is one of the nation’s leading achievement programs and the world’s largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women.

During her reign, Kaeppeler will serve as an ambassador for Amway and its brands, including its flagship brands ARTISTRY® skincare and cosmetics and NUTRILITE® vitamins and dietary supplements. In fact, the ARTISTRY brand serves as the Official Skincare and Cosmetics Provider of Miss America.

Miss America Organization President and COO Art McMaster adds, “The Miss America Organization is excited to have crowned our new Miss America 2012, and as we continue our commitment to promote education, we are so proud to have Amway’s support of our scholarship program that helps so many young women across the country further their education and achieve their goals.”

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“The Stiletto Dash is perfect for Las Vegas, a city known for its fun indulgence, and it is just a great way to kick off the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon weekend,” says Peter Englehart, CEO of Competitor Group. “We’re thrilled to have Brooke Burke host the event and appreciate her support in helping us raise much-needed funds for these two worthwhile charities.”

The first ever Rock ‘n’ Roll Stiletto Dash will benefit two charities: the local Las Vegas-based Opportunity Village, a not-for-profit organization that serves people with intellectual disabilities, and Operation Smile, a nonprofit that treats facial deformities such as cleft lips and palates worldwide.

“We are excited to partner with Competitor Group and look forward to Brooke Burke hosting the first ever Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Stiletto Dash,” said John Caparella, president and chief operating officer of The Venetian, The Palazzo and Sands Expo. “This brings a unique and really fun opportunity for our guests to dash through our casino while benefiting two worthy causes.”

Starting at 5:00 p.m., the 50-yard dash will begin at the luxurious grand lobby of The Palazzo and finish in the casino near Laguna Champagne Bar.  Close to 500 participants are expected, decked out in fabulous outfits to complement their heels, competing in multiple heats for a $5,000 first-place purse and other exciting prizes.   Each participant will receive an exclusive gift bag and invited to attend a post-dash party.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Stiletto Dash will kick off the largest nighttime running event in the world, the Zappos.com Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon & 1/2 Marathon to benefit the Chron’s & Colitis Foundation, taking place on Sunday, December 4th.  Starting and finishing at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, the Marathon will begin at 4:00 p.m., with the Half Marathon starting at 5:30 p.m.  A full course description of each race, including a full course map, can be found at StripatNight.com. Race weekend kicks off with a two-day Health & Fitness Expo, presented by Power Balance, at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, on December 2-3.  The expo is free and open to the public and features more than 60 exhibitors showcasing the latest in running gear, sports apparel, health & nutritional information and much more.

For further information, please visit StripatNight.com or Competitor.com.

SOURCE Competitor Group

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Students from the SCA have been traveling in a custom-designed Southwest Airlines biodiesel RV; during this summer-long tour, the RV will stop in 25 cities, joining Southwest Employees and community members in conservation projects across the country.  Today, Southwest Employees and the SCA showed the Las Vegas community their commitment to volunteerism and passion for conservation by cleaning, weeding, and mulching in various Springs Preserve gardens.

“This is the perfect way to celebrate our 40th Anniversary,” said Southwest Airlines Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO Gary Kelly.  “Volunteering and giving back is something that our People do year round.  It’s our way of saying thank you to the communities that have given so much to us!”

The tour kicked off in June, during the airline’s week-long anniversary celebration in its hometown of Dallas.  More than 500 Southwest Employees from all across the system took part in conservation projects across the community.

“SCA is proud to join Southwest Airlines in spreading the word and the practice of hands-on conservation,” said SCA President Dale M. Penny.  “These projects will generate immediate benefits to the communities we visit, and in the long-term they will promote ongoing stewardship and sustainability.  That’s a real win-win for all.”

SCA is a nonprofit organization that provides individuals aged 15-25 with hands-on conservation service opportunities.  Their members protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, and community green spaces in all 50 states.

Contributing sponsors for the tour, American Eagle Outfitters, Sony Corporation, and The Coca-Cola Company, join Southwest Airlines to help SCA build the next generation of conservation leaders and its quest to protect and restore America’s parks, forests, and urban green spaces.

SOURCE Southwest Airlines

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Tickets go on sale to the public Sunday, June 19, 2011 at 10 a.m. PT.

December 2012 Dates: (Please note 2012 NOT 2011) 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15

“This past year has been such an amazing journey and to find myself poised to play at The Colosseum is truly magical,” said Shania. “The Colosseum is an iconic location with unmatched energy, and I’m excited to bring a pop/country spin to the city.  People from all over the world travel to Las Vegas and I’m so thrilled to be able to share my music with a truly global audience.”

Fresh on the heels of receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and with her first memoir entitled “From This Moment On” climbing the New York Times Best Sellers list, Shania Twain’s meteoric star continues to shine bright. Her docu-series on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network “Why Not? With Shania Twain” debuted on May 8th as the-highest rated premiere to date for the network.  Her final episode in which she reveals her decision to return to the stage airs on OWN Sunday, June 12  at 10:00 PM/ET; 9:00 PM/CT.

“We work hard living up to the mission of making The Colosseum The Home to the Greatest Entertainers in the World, and with the addition of Shania Twain, we have exceeded our goal,” said John Meglen, President and co-CEO of AEG Live/Concerts West.  “The Colosseum proudly continues its rich tradition of shining the spotlight on world-class stars.”

With STILL THE ONE kicking off in December 2012, Shania Twain joins fellow Canadian national-treasure Celine Dion, and international superstars Elton John and Rod Stewart as resident headliners at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

“Without question, Shania Twain is an international superstar and one of the most beloved icons in country music,” said Gary Selesner, Caesars Palace president. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome her as The Colosseum’s first-ever country music resident headliner. We are looking forward to Shania’s triumphant return to the stage with many powerful and memorable performances at Caesars Palace.”

SOURCE AEG Live!

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Each show will see Penn & Teller throw the gauntlet to magicians and illusionists to perform their most baffling trick in the hope of fooling the world’s most famous magic double act.

If any of the performers do manage to mystify the iconic duo they will win a 5 star trip to Las Vegas and the opportunity to perform in Penn & Teller’s hit stage show.

The Las Vegas legends will have no prior knowledge of either the magicians or their planned performance.  They’ll watch the trick/illusion just like the viewers at home and then try and work out how the magicians wowed the audience – can they be fooled?.

Penn & Teller will also take to the stage to show off some of their most outrageous and mind blowing stunts – proving why they’re the best magic double act in the world.

Penn & Teller: Fool Us has been commissioned by John Kaye Cooper, Controller of Entertainment for ITV and Elaine Bedell, Director of Entertainment and Comedy for ITV and will be produced by September Films & 1/17 Productions.

John Kaye Cooper, Controller of Entertainment said: The one off special earlier this year proved really popular and we’re really pleased to bring it back for a full series.  Expect some jaw dropping close up tricks and illusions – the big question is, will the budding magicians get to fool the great magic masters – Penn & Teller?”.

Jonathan Ross says: “When I got the call asking to be part of Fool Us I was thrilled. I have been a fan of Penn and Teller since I first saw them live in New York over 20 years ago and have seen them perform many times since. I believe they are one of the truly great acts in show business and still can’t quite believe my luck to be working with them. But just because I am one of their biggest fans doesn’t mean I won’t get a kick out of seeing them being fooled – so I am really rooting for all the challengers to pull the wool over the eyes of the Little and Large of the Magic world!”.

Peter Davy, Director of Programmes at September Films says “Since the special it seems every magician out there has been secretly in their workshops creating brilliant new tricks specifically to fool Penn and Teller. The guys are going to have to be really on their game – or their bill for flights to Vegas after this series will be huge”.

A September Films/1/17 Production for ITV1

Source: ITV Press Office

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The celebrity raw food chef and author will share her favorite raw food recipes with ACAM attendees at a live “uncooking” demonstration during Friday’s luncheon.

“Ani’s dishes complement any well-balanced nutritional program and no other raw food chef can match her talent,” said Drew McGray, VP Marketing for ACAM. “We are thrilled to welcome her to Las Vegas,” he added.

Ani’s the author of “Ani’s Raw Food Essentials,” “Ani’s Raw Food Desserts,” and “Ani’s Raw Food Kitchen,” awarded “Best Vegetarian Cookbook USA 2007.” Ani has received 4 Best of Raw 2008 Awards for Best Chef, Favorite Cookbook, Favorite Educator, and won Sexiest Raw Vegan Woman in both 2008 and 2009.

Source: Business Wire

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At just after midnight on 10/10/10, hundreds in attendance watched as Miller debuted the world premiere of “Welcome to the Captain’s World,” a video introducing the new Marisa Miller-inspired Captain Morgan marketing campaign.  Set to launch nationwide this week, the campaign chronicles Miller’s new responsibilities as “First Mate,” including what it takes to protect the Captain’s world famous spiced rum – attitude and some serious sword-handling skills.

Culminating the evening’s festivities, the Captain and his “First Mate” announced the formation of the First Mate Fund, a non-profit fund established by the Captain Morgan brand to award grants to several charitable organizations that focus on responsible drinking awareness and education.

“Celebrating in Las Vegas with the Captain was an experience unlike any other,” said Miller.  “It was great to share in the excitement of the world premiere of the ‘Welcome to the Captain’s World’ video with so many Captain-faithful in Vegas!  I’m looking forward to helping launch the First Mate Fund, which will further our efforts to make sure everyone follows the Captain’s orders and drinks responsibly!”

“I’ve long admired Marisa as she’s risen through the ranks – from her legendary work as a supermodel to her various philanthropic pursuits,” said Captain Morgan.  “Her style and confidence are what attracted me at first, but when I saw her bold, edgy side, I knew she would make the perfect ‘First Mate’.”

Starting this week, the “First Mate” campaign will be visible through print and online advertising, billboards and bus wraps as well as in various social responsibility communications and event appearances.  Additional information about the First Mate Fund and its beneficiaries will be announced in the coming weeks.

Source: Diageo

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How People Arrived Here:

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Daniel Wu has been featured in over 50 films and is best known for his acting roles in “New Police Story” as well as the internationally acclaimed film, “The Banquet,” costarring Zhang Ziyi. An award-winning actor and director, Wu was honored with Hong Kong’s Best New Director award in 2007 for “The Heavenly Kings.” Current projects include the highly anticipated film “Inseparable” with Kevin Spacey and Gong Bei Be. Daniel is the son of George and Diana Wu of Walnut Creek, California.

Lisa S., daughter of Caesars Palace president, Gary Selesner, and his wife Peggy, is a widely-known international model and recognized television personality. Lisa S. is a VJ on Hong Kong’s Channel (V) and has appeared as a guest host on Star Movies VIP Access. Born in Monaco and discovered by a talent scout at 14, Lisa became an international model walking the runways of major designers. She has starred in Hong Kong films “Silver Hawk,” “Rob-B-Hood,” and “A Mob Story”. Lisa S has appeared in campaigns for notable brands such as DeBeers diamonds, Citibank, and Olay skincare.

The couple’s visit to Caesars Palace was commemorated with accommodations in the exclusive Octavius Villas, a visit to the Garden of the Gods pool oasis and an evening gala with close friends, family and international guests. The weekend of festivities culminated in an intimate brunch at the Sea Harbour restaurant.

Source: Caesars Palace Las Vegas

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Daniel Wu, daniel wu wife, lisa selesner, daniel wu and wife, daniel wu lisa s

Each Vivos shelter complex provides for up to one year of autonomous shelter for 200 people, complete with all necessities, including food, fuel, water, clothing, medical supplies, and security devices in a multi-level, 20,000 square foot hardened shelter, built 30 feet below the surface of the Earth. Owners need only to arrive before the facilities are secured.

At a cost of over $10 million per facility, the company is financing the development through deeded co-ownership, wherein each owner has an undivided interest. “These tenant-in-common interests are fully transferable, may be willed to your heirs, or sold anytime in the future,” advised Vicino who is also the President of Fractional Villas, a global real estate company offering fractional ownership of high-end resort homes. “Fractional ownership makes Vivos affordable to virtually anyone who wants a survival solution for themselves and their loved ones,” he added.

The government has vast underground shelters rumored to accommodate thousands of officials and the elite. Vivos has priced and prepared their survival shelters for the average person to ride out potential catastrophic events, whether they are the proverbial end times, Armageddon, predicted 2012 threat scenarios, the Apophis asteroid that is due to make a very close call to the Earth in 2029 and again in 2036, or whatever nature, or mankind can create.

Like Noah’s Ark, Vivos will select a wide cross-section of people of all ages, ethnicities, religious beliefs, professions and skills, with a goal to create each community representing as many talents as possible. Vicino stated: “We want as much diversity and skills as possible to support one another. 200 doctors and no plumbers could be a real disaster.” The Vivos philosophy is that the chance of survival is far greater with a large community, than the lonely existence of a small survival group in a claustrophobic backyard bunker. Vivos has no religious connection, although Vicino proffers: “The proverbial ‘chosen few’ may very well be those that choose to secure a solution for coming events, before it is too late.”

As dramatized in an animated walk-through video, the Vivos shelters are designed similar to a custom mega-yacht, or cruise ship, with every convenience provided for the long-term comfort of the owners. Amenities include: lounge areas, theaters, kitchens, libraries, medical facilities, exercise equipment, private staterooms and baths, storage for up to one year of supplies, off-road and armored vehicles, helicopter landing areas, communications facilities, a security force and even a detention area. Every detail has been considered and planned for. Owners need only to arrive before their facility is secured prior to a threatening event.

“Disasters are rare and unexpected, but on any sort of long timeline, they’re inevitable. Where else would you go with just a few days’ notice?” Vicino concluded.

Source: Vivos

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The series will debut on The CW at 9:30pm on March 24, 2010. In advance of the show’s network debut, an exclusive in-flight premiere of “Fly Girls” will take off onboard a Virgin America flight en route to Las Vegas, followed by a red carpet launch party for the show at Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo Las Vegas. To celebrate the premiere with flyers, earlier this week Virgin America announced the Primetime Fare Sale.

“The idea behind Virgin America is to reinvent the experience of flying with beautifully designed mood-lit cabins, incredible guest service and a hip, sophisticated vibe that today’s travelers are looking for,” said Porter Gale, Vice President of Marketing at Virgin America. “We’re thrilled to work with The CW to show how our in-flight teammates are re-writing the script and bringing the style and fun back to flying.”

Tonight, the “Fly Girls” cast will work VX Flight 6005 en route to Las Vegas, serving cocktails like “VeeVa La Fly Girls” by VeeV Acai Spirit while flyers get a sneak peek of the show’s first episode on Red(TM), Virgin America’s innovative touch-screen entertainment platform. Upon touchdown, flight guests will be whisked to a star-studded launch party at the ultimate destination hotspot – The Palazzo Las Vegas. Guests at the party, including over 100 Virgin America teammates, will enjoy specialty cocktails provided by Belvedere Vodka, Ambhar Tequila, TY KU and VeeV, served by Palazzo waiters decked out in flight gear. Guests will also be able to cast their vote on who will be the most “talked about” Fly Girl via SMS texting screens at the event.

“This show is about real women who happen to have landed on a very different career path. It chronicles the places they go, the guests they meet and their lives together,” said Kristen Vadas, Senior Vice President, Alternative Programming, The CW. “We’re thrilled to be working with Virgin America to give our viewers a unique peek into their whirlwind life at 35,000 feet.”

Fly Girls is from Collins Avenue Productions, with executive producers Jeff Collins (“Bridezilla 3, 4 & 5,” “The Exterminators”) and Colin Nash (“The Hills,” “The City”) and co-executive producers Larry Bond and Porter Gale.

Virgin America’s “Fly Girls” cast includes:
———————————————
–   Name: FARRAH
Hometown Airport: LAX
Must Have Travel Accessories: lip balm and a camera
Travel Tips: “Be nice to fellow travelers and flight attendants. It makes for a more pleasant experience all around.”
Security Checkpoint Tips: “Don’t make eye contact. Strip down quick so you’re not holding up the line.”
Years with Virgin America: 2.5

–  Name: LOUISE
Hometown Airport: LAX (currently SFO)
Must Have Travel Accessories: moisturizer and lip balm
Travel Tips: “While on the plane, always wear your shoes in the restroom!”
Security Checkpoint Tips: “Get in line behind someone who has already taken their shoes off, and who is not juggling a ton of things in their hands, and then do the same.”
Years with Virgin America: 2

–  Name: MANDY
Hometown Airport: PHX (currently SFO)
Must Have Travel Accessory: A big, soft pashmina that can be used as a pillow or blanket.
Travel Tips: “Drink an endless amount of water.”
Security Checkpoint Tips: “Wear slip-on shoes with socks, if possible. It’s yucky to wait in line with bare feet on the dirty floor.”
Years with Virgin America: 2

–  Name: NIKOLE
Hometown Airport: SMF (Sacramento)
Must Have Travel Accessory: Visine
Travel Tips: “Always wear or bring socks with you to walk through security!”
Security Checkpoint Tips: “Don’t wear all of your jewelry to the airport, keep it in small bags and put it on after you get through security.”
Years with Virgin America: 2

–  Name: TASHA
Hometown Airport: SMF (Sacramento)
Must Have Travel Accessory: cell phone
Travel Tips: “Don’t forget your common sense at home.”
Security Checkpoint Tips: “Have all of your things in order and pay attention.”
Years with Virgin America: 2

Source: Virgin America

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Katie Lee’s signature style made her an ideal candidate to host Friday night’s Welcome Reception as well as the People’s Choice Reception on Sunday evening. Joining her onstage at the Tasting Gala on Sunday evening will be her co-host Ralph Pagano, who is also judging the finals competition. Pagano will complement Lee with his unique perspective from the judges’ panel.

This year marked the first time that the Almost Famous Chef Competition has been streamed live via the Almost Famous Chef website and Facebook. Starting at the Las Vegas regional, and culminating at the finals competition in Napa, fans have and will be able to watch the action live, as well as interact with each other and the live-streaming host, Italian Chef Fabio Viviani. As a Top Chef contestant, Viviani acts a mentor in the kitchen, while also providing the audience with a play-by-play of the events.

Judges include some of the most prestigious chefs and esteemed members of the media. Chef Judges include Michel Richard of Citronelle, Rick Moonen of rm Seafood, Ralph Pagano, Hell’s Kitchen season one’s runner-up and chef/owner of kitchensynx.com and Celebrity Chef Nick Stellino. Media judges include Dana Cowin of Food & Wine, Andrew Knowlton of Bon Appétit, Phil Lempert of The Today Show and Sophie Gayot of Gayot.com.

The S.Pellegrino Almost Famous Chef Competition serves as a platform for international culinary schools to showcase their students’ culinary expertise during a fast-paced, high-pressure cooking competition. Students have the rare opportunity to compete against one another in front of a panel of food media, distinguished guests and renowned chefs. The overall winner will take the title, up to $20,000 in prizes and a paid apprenticeship from one of the participating chef judges. Last year’s winner, David Awad, is currently working at Michael White’s Alto in NYC, which just received a Michelin Star.

Last year’s winner understands the value that winning the competition has provided to his career. “The networking opportunities have been the best part for me,” Awad says. “Meeting all these established chefs in my field has truly been an honor. From attending the James Beard Awards and meeting chefs of that caliber, to having my picture in Times Square, this experience has been unparalleled.”

The 2010 Almost Famous Title is now up for grabs. Students are perfecting their recipes, and the judges are ready to bring on the heat to see who will take the silver pan and be this year’s champion.

Source: S.Pellegrino

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• Miss Virginia Caressa Cameron From Fredericksburg Crowned Miss America 2010 (netnewspublisher.com)

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Caressa’s triumphant walk across the stage was just the beginning of a journey that will take her to every corner of the country during her year of service as Miss America 2010. She will travel approximately 20,000 miles each month speaking to audiences about her personal platform of “Real Talk: Aids in America,” and acting as the official National Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network. Children’s Miracle Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children’s hospitals, is the national platform partner of the Miss America Organization.

As Miss America 2010, Caressa will have her entire wardrobe provided by Joseph Ribkoff International Clothing and shoe wardrobe provided by DSW Warehouse. She will also be provided with skincare and cosmetics by Artistry Cosmetics exclusively from Amway Global. In addition, Caressa will help support the Miss America Organization’s efforts to go green by being the official spokesperson for Nature’s Bottles.

Caressa is a student at Virginia Commonwealth University with a major in Broadcast Communications. Her scholastic ambition is to obtain a master’s degree in Mass Communications and she ultimately hopes to become an anchor for a television news station. Along with the title of Miss America 2010, Caressa won a $50,000 scholarship, sponsored by Amway Global, to continue her education. For the talent portion of the competition, Caressa sang “Listen,” from the movie, Dreamgirls.

The first runner-up was Miss California Kristy Cavinder who earned a $25,000 scholarship. Her talent performance was ballet en pointe and her personal platform is the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Second runner-up honors and a $20,000 scholarship were awarded to Miss Tennessee Stefanie Wittler. Her talent was vocal, and her personal platform is Ronald McDonald House Charities.

As the world’s largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women and one of the nation’s leading achievement programs, the Miss America Organization last year made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance. The Miss America Organization provides young women with a vehicle to further their personal and professional goals and instills a spirit of community service through a variety of nationwide community-based programs.

Source: Miss America Organization

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• Blocking a Frown Keeps Bad Feelings At Bay (netnewspublisher.com)

The new study reported on 40 people who were treated with botulinum toxin, or Botox. Tiny applications of this powerful nerve poison were used to deactivate muscles in the forehead that cause frowning.

The interactions of facial expression, thoughts and emotions has intrigued scientists for more than a century, says the study’s first author, University of Wisconsin-Madison psychology Ph.D. candidate David Havas.

Scientists have found that blocking the ability to move the body causes changes in cognition and emotion, but there were always questions. (One of the test treatments caused widespread, if temporary, paralysis.) In contrast, Havas was studying people after a pinpoint treatment to paralyze a single pair of “corrugator” muscles, which cause brow-wrinkling frowns.

To test how blocking a frown might affect comprehension of language related to emotions, Havas asked the patients to read written statements, before and then two weeks after the Botox treatment. The statements were angry (“The pushy telemarketer won’t let you return to your dinner”); sad (“You open your email in-box on your birthday to find no new emails”); or happy (“The water park is refreshing on the hot summer day.”)

Havas gauged the ability to understand these sentences according to how quickly the subject pressed a button to indicate they had finished reading it. “We periodically checked that the readers were understanding the sentences, not just pressing the button,” says Havas.

The results showed no change in the time needed to understand the happy sentences. But after Botox treatment, the subjects took more time to read the angry and sad sentences. Although the time difference was small, it was significant, he adds. Moreover, the changes in reading time couldn’t be attributed to changes in participants’ mood.

The use of Botox to test how making facial expressions affect emotional centers in the brain was pioneered by, Andreas Hennenlotter of the Max Planck Institute in Leipzig, Germany.

“There is a long-standing idea in psychology, called the facial feedback hypothesis,” says Havas. “Essentially, it says, when you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you. It’s an old song, but it’s right. Actually, this study suggests the opposite: When you’re not frowning, the world seems less angry and less sad.”

The Havas study broke new ground by linking the expression of emotion to the ability to understand language, says Havas’s advisor, UW-Madison professor emeritus of psychology Arthur Glenberg. “Normally, the brain would be sending signals to the periphery to frown, and the extent of the frown would be sent back to the brain. But here, that loop is disrupted, and the intensity of the emotion, and of our ability to understand it when embodied in language, is disrupted.”

Practically, the study “may have profound implications for the cosmetic-surgery,” says Glenberg. “Even though it’s a small effect, in conversation, people respond to fast, subtle cues about each other’s understanding, intention and empathy. If you are slightly slower reacting as I tell you about something made me really angry, that could signal to me that you did not pick up my message.”

Such an effect could snowball, Havas says, but the outcome could also be positive: “Maybe if I am not picking up sad, angry cues in the environment, that will make me happier.”

In theoretical terms, the finding supports a psychological hypothesis called “embodied cognition,” says Glenberg, now a professor of psychology at Arizona State University. “The idea of embodied cognition is that all our cognitive processes, even those that have been thought of as very abstract, are actually rooted in basic bodily processes of perception, action and emotion.”

With some roots in evolutionary theory, the embodied cognition hypothesis suggests that our thought processes, like our emotions, are refined through evolution to support survival and reproduction.

Embodied cognition links two seemingly separate mental functions, Glenberg says. “It’s been speculated at least since Darwin that the peripheral expression of emotion is a part of the emotion. An important role of emotion is social: it communicates, ‘I love’ or ‘I hate you,’ and it makes sense that there would be this very tight connection between peripheral expression and brain mechanism.”

“Language has traditionally been seen as a very high level, abstract process that is divorced from more primitive processes like action, perception and emotion,” Havas says. “This study shows that far from being divorced from emotion, language understanding can be hindered when those peripheral bodily mechanism are interrupted.”

Source: University of Wisconsin-Madison

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The individuals indicted include:

* Eduardo Franco, 30
* Alexander Wayne Worster, 27
* William Joseph McCown, 48
* Joseph DeMatteo, 52
* David Eugene Nelson, 46
* Louis Engene Demeo, 50
* Adolpho Silva-Contreras, 47
* Peter Escudero, 47
* Wadji Waked, 24
* Gary Smith, 47

Escudero resides in Pahrump, Nev. All other individuals are from Clark County, Nev.

The 10 defendants are alleged to have engaged in a practice known as “clean scanning” vehicles. The scheme involved entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for a vehicle that would not pass the emissions test into the computerized system, then connecting a different vehicle the testers knew would pass the test. These falsifications were allegedly performed for anywhere from $10 to $100 over and above the usual emissions testing fee.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the Clean Air Act, requires the state of Nevada to conduct vehicle emissions testing in certain areas because the areas exceed national standards for carbon monoxide and ozone. Las Vegas is currently required to perform emissions testing.

To obtain a registration renewal, vehicle owners bring the vehicles to a licensed inspection station for testing. The emissions inspector logs into a computer to activate the system by using a unique password issued to the emissions inspector. The emissions inspector manually inputs the vehicle’s VIN to identify the tested vehicle, then connects the vehicle for model year 1996 and later to an onboard diagnostics port connected to an analyzer. The analyzer downloads data from the vehicle’s computer, analyzes the data and provides a “pass” or “fail” result. The pass or fail result and vehicle identification data are reported on the Vehicle Inspection Report. It is a crime to knowingly alter or conceal any record or other document required to be maintained by the Clean Air Act.

“Falsifications of vehicle emissions testing, such as those alleged in the indictments unsealed are serious matters and we intend to use all of our enforcement tools to stop this harmful practice. These actions undermine a system that is designed to reduce air pollutants including smog and provide better air quality for the citizens of Nevada,” said Ignacia S. Moreno, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division.

“The residents of Nevada deserve to know that the vast majority of licensed vehicle emission inspectors are not corrupt and are not circumventing emission testing procedures,” said U.S. Attorney Bogden. “These indictments should serve as a clear warning to offenders that the Department of Justice will prosecute you if you make fraudulent statements and reports concerning compliance with the federal Clean Air Act.”

“Lying about car emissions means dirtier air, which is especially of concern in areas like Las Vegas that are already experiencing air quality problems,” said Cynthia Giles, Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance at EPA. “We will take aggressive action to ensure communities have clean air.”

The maximum penalty for the felony violations contained in the indictments includes up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The case was investigated by the EPA, Criminal Investigation Division; and the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles Compliance Enforcement Division. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada and the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice

American News from NetNewsPublisher

A variety of birthday week events will help kick-off the year-long 75th birthday celebration, with additional events occurring throughout 2010 that will celebrate the life and legacy of Elvis Presley, the undisputed King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Below is a calendar of events scheduled for Graceland celebrating Elvis’ birthday on January 8th – 10th.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10

Source: Business Wire

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