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Show Host - Jon Patch
Jon Patch

Jon Patch

Graduated from Penn State University in 1983 and landed my first broadcasting job at the flagship station to SUN Radio Network in St. Petersburg, FL as a producer of talk radio.  In 3 months advanced to a network producer, then on air as a national eventually local weather reporter for the Tampa Bay area.  Held a position in management as a trainer to new hosts and producers and later Affiliate Relations Manager, eventually in 1990 started hosting, Talkin’ Pets.  Left SUN radio several years later and worked with USA Radio Networks for 1 year.  Have now been working with Business TalkRadio & Lifestyle TalkRadio Networks for the past 12 years under the title of Affiliate Relations and am still hosting the largest and longest running pet radio and internet show in the country, Talkin’ Pets, for the past 20 years…  My one true passion in life is to help to educate the world through interviews with celebrities like Betty White, Tippi Hedren, Bob Barker, Linda Blair and others, authors, foundations and organizations like the ASPCA, LCA, HSUS, AHA, WSPA on the ways to make this world a better place for all animals and mankind in which share this very fragile and mysterious planet called earth.  The only home we have so we all need to learn how to share and maintain it so that life for us all continues and evolves forever...

Website URL: http://www.talkinpets.com E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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(Washington, D.C., May 13, 2013) A new study from scientists at Boise State University shows that even bird species considered “tolerant” of human activity, such as American Kestrels, may be adversely impacted by human disturbance to a far greater degree than many had believed.

The study, authored by Erin H. Strasser and Julie A. Heath of Boise State University, was just published in the British Ecological Society’s Journal of Applied Ecology.

A key finding of the study was that American Kestrels nesting in close proximity to roads and developed areas had elevated stress hormones and high rates of nest abandonment – about ten times higher than kestrels in less-developed areas. American Kestrels are small, colorful falcons often seen perched along roadways and are abundant in urban and agricultural areas.

“In the case of the kestrel, the bird is possibly drawn into the urban environment by the abundant nesting and perching opportunities that environment provides and by the improved prey visibility provided by shorter grass. Unfortunately, this dynamic creates an ecological trap as ultimately the stresses caused by human activity lead the bird to abandon nests far more frequently,” said Heath.

The study involved the monitoring of 89 nest boxes along Idaho’s Interstate 84 (28 nests) as well as on posts and trees along secondary roads in other areas such as suburban (10 nests), rural-residential (24 nests), agricultural (22 nests) and shrubland (15 nests) in the breeding seasons of 2008 and 2009. Most (23 nests, 88%) of the nests that failed did so during incubation. Only three nests failed during the nestling stage. Sixteen of the 26 failed nests (62%) were abandoned.

The study says that cavity nesting birds, such as kestrels, who inhabit noisy environments may compensate for decreased auditory cues by increasing vigilance behaviour, such as visual scans from the nest entrance or flushing from the nest, leading to changes in energy allocation or extended periods away from the nest during incubation. This behavior appears to be followed, at a high rate, by nest abandonment.

The researchers looked at corticosterone levels, which indicate degrees of stress – the equivalent of cortisol in humans. Corticosterone can lead to behavioral and physiological changes that enable individuals to cope with stressful situations, while suppressing other activities such as reproduction.

The data showed that female kestrels nesting in areas with high human activity, such as along noisy roadways, have higher corticosterone levels, but males do not. This could be because females spend more time in the nesting box and thus are exposed more often to stressors such as vehicle noise. These effects lessened the further a nest was from the road.

“Birds evolved in an environment that was not dominated by humans,” Heath noted. “In recent history, human roads and structures have left few areas untouched. We’re just starting to understand the real consequences.”

Given that the vast majority of land in the continental United States is within a mile of a road, wildlife increasingly are exposed to chronic levels of road noise. The resulting increase in stress levels could cause fundamental changes in physiology and behavior across species inhabiting human-dominated environments, which over time could lead to population declines.

As scientists continue to connect the dots between human disturbances and the resulting long-term effects on wildlife, changes already are yielding positive results. Research conducted in preserve areas, such as state parks, has led to reduced speeds and attempts to limit noise, although noise mitigation, while locally effective, may not protect widespread populations such as kestrels from the pervasive threat of traffic noise.

The study concludes that until regulations or economic incentives are developed to encourage engineering innovations that result in quieter roads, projects in areas of human activity with favorable habitat should be discouraged in order to decrease the risk of ecological traps.

According to Dr. George Fenwick, President of American Bird Conservancy, one of the leading U.S. bird conservation organizations, “Many people think that since they see certain species of birds in urban environments, that they must have adapted to those unnatural surroundings. This study certainly suggests that at least in some circumstances, the exact opposite is true. Birds are being lured away from their more natural environment, into areas where their ability to reproduce is clearly being compromised.”

American Bird Conservancy (ABC) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit membership organization whose mission is to conserve native birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. ABC acts by safeguarding the rarest species, conserving and restoring habitats, and reducing threats, while building capacity in the bird conservation movement.

Friday, 10 May 2013 14:27

Twinkle Toes arriving on DVD

Inception Media Group Proudly Presents

Twinkle Toes Music Video Collection

Find Your Inner Sparkle!

Thursday, 09 May 2013 22:46

The Great Gatsby

Warner Bros. Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures and Red Wagon Productions present a PG-13, 143 minute, 3D romantic drama, directed by Baz Luhrmann, written by Luhrmann and Craig Pearce with a theater release date of May 10, 2013.

Fierce Beauty Celebrates Endangered Wild Cats with Stunning Photography

SAN RAFAEL, CA, October 2012 – Fierce Beauty is a vibrant photographic celebration of the beauty, power, and grace of the tigers, leopards, lions, ocelots, and other wild cats that inhabit the Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (TIGERS). This wildlife preserve in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is home to more than one hundred rare animals, from ligers (a hybrid cross between a male lion and a tigress) that stretch nearly twelve feet long to cheetahs capable of running seventy miles per hour.

The intimate photographs in Fierce Beauty showcase these spectacular creatures in a natural setting, revealing their vibrant form and striking personalities and highlighting their significance in the world and the importance of protecting them. The more than three hundred images in Fierce Beauty, which artfully capture playful, tender, and imposing moments with wild cats, are accompanied by essays by such animal-rights luminaries as zoologist and TV personality Jim Fowler and Dakota Zoo director Terry Lincoln, among others, and a foreword by renowned actor and activist Robert Duvall. Discover what makes these animals unique cohabitants of mankind with dozens of exclusive never-before-seen portraits from preeminent nature photographers Tim Flach and Barry Bland.

Fierce Beauty is a treat for wildlife enthusiasts, cat lovers, and photography buffs of all stripes. Proceeds from the book help fund the preservation efforts of the Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (TIGERS).

Bhagavan Antle is the director of the TIGERS wildlife preserve in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and the founder of the Rare Species Fund, which supports animal conservation projects around the world.

Robert Duvall is an American actor and director, starring in some of the most acclaimed and popular films and TV shows of all time. He and his wife, Luciana Pedraza, are active supporters of Pro Mujer, a nonprofit charity organization dedicated to helping Latin America’s poorest women, and of efforts to preserve endangered species, particularly tigers.

Tim Flach, best-selling author of Dog’s Gods and Equus, is a photographer best known for his highly conceptual portraits of animals. His images of animals are a departure from traditional wildlife photography, and he has been described as “a potent example of a commercially trained photographer who’s now reaching a global audience through the boom in fine art photography.” His clients include the Sunday Times, Cirque du Soleil, Sony, Hermès, and the Locarno International Film Festival. His images have twice been featured on UK Royal Mail stamps, and his fine art prints are represented in London by the Osborne Samuel gallery. Leading organizations and publications, including the Association of Photographers, American Photo, Photo District Annual, Communication Arts, Creative Review, and Design & Art Direction, have repeatedly honored Flach. He is the recipient of the International Photography Awards Professional Photographer of the Year.

Barry Bland is an internationally acclaimed photographer specializing in photography of animals both wild and tame. Barry’s work regularly appears in UK newspapers, including the Daily Mail, the Sun, Daily Telegraph, and Independent. In the U.S. he has been published in the New York Post, New York Daily News, and In Touch and People magazines, and his photos have appeared on Oprah, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Good Morning America, Inside Edition, and ABC and NBC news.

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Worldwatch Institute study examines the

agricultural sector's impact on global greenhouse gas emissions

Washington, D.C.---Global greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector totaled 4.69 billion tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent in 2010 (the most recent year for which data are available), an increase of 13 percent over 1990 emissions. By comparison, global carbon dioxide emissions from transport totaled 6.76 billion tons that year, and emissions from electricity and heat production reached 12.48 billion tons, according to Worldwatch Institute's Vital Signs Online service (www.worldwatch.org).

 

Growth in agricultural production between 1990 and 2010 outpaced growth in emissions by a factor of 1.6, demonstrating increased energy efficiency in the agriculture sector.

 

The three most common gases emitted in agriculture are nitrous oxide, CO2, and methane. Methane is generally produced when organic materials----such as crops, livestock feed, or manure----decompose anaerobically (without oxygen). Methane accounts for around 50 percent of total agricultural emissions. Enteric fermentation----the digestion of organic materials by livestock----is the largest source of methane emissions and of agricultural emissions overall.

Nitrous oxide is a by-product generated by the microbial breakdown of nitrogen in soils and manures. Nitrous oxide production is particularly high in cases where the nitrogen available in soils exceeds that required by plants to grow, which often occurs when nitrogen-rich synthetic fertilizers are applied. Nitrous oxide is responsible for around 36 percent of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.

Finally, carbon dioxide is released from soils when organic matter decomposes aerobically (with oxygen). The largest source of CO2 emissions within agriculture is the drainage and cultivation of "organic soils"----soils in wetlands, peatlands, bogs, or fens with high organic material. When these areas are drained for cultivation, organic matter within the soil decomposes at a rapid rate, releasing CO2. This process accounts for around 14 percent of total agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Emissions from enteric fermentation rose by 7.6 percent worldwide between 1990 and 2010, but regional variation was high. At 51.4 percent and 28.1 percent, respectively, Africa and Asia saw their emissions increase, while emissions in Europe and Oceania fell by 48.1 percent and 16.1 percent. Europe's significant reduction in emissions parallels the decline in its beef production between 1990 and 2010, but it may also reflect increased use of grains and oils in cattle feed instead of grasses.

"Adding oils or oilseeds to feed can help with digestion and reduce methane emissions. But a shift from a grass-based to a grain- and oilseeds-based diet often accompanies a shift from pastures to concentrated feedlots, which has a range of negative consequences such as water pollution and high fossil fuel consumption," said Laura Reynolds, Worldwatch Food and Agriculture Researcher and the study's author. "Aside from reducing livestock populations, there is no other clear pathway to climate-friendly meat production from livestock."

Manure that is deposited and left on pastures contributes to global nitrous oxide emissions because of its high nitrogen content. When more nitrogen is added to soil than is needed, soil bacteria convert the extra nitrogen into nitrous oxide and emit it into the atmosphere----a process called nitrification. Emissions from manure on pasture were highest in Asia, Africa, and South America, accounting for a combined 81 percent of global emissions from this source.

These data indicate the huge share of global emissions that is attributable to livestock production. While reducing livestock populations is one way to reduce global emissions from agriculture, farmers and landowners have numerous other opportunities for mitigation, many of which offer environmental and even economic co-benefits. For instance, growing trees and woody perennials on land can sequester carbon while simultaneously helping to restore soils, reduce water contamination, and provide beneficial wildlife habitat. Reducing soil tillage can rebuild soils while lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Some practices can even result in increased income for farmers----"cap-and-trade" programs allow farmers to monetize certain sequestration practices and sell them, while government programs like the U.S. Conservation Reserve Program pay farmers to set aside some of their land for long-term restoration.

Further highlights from the report:

  • Enteric fermentation accounted for 29 percent of emissions in both North America and Asia in 2010----the lowest share of all regions----but was the source of 61 percent of South America's agricultural emissions, reflecting that continent's world leadership in cattle production.
  • Rice cultivation was responsible for 17 percent of Asia's total emissions in 2010 but no more than 3 percent of emissions in every other region----indicating Asia's dominance of global rice output.
  • Four out of the top five countries with the highest emissions from cultivated organic soils were in Asia: Indonesia contributed 278.7 million tons of carbon dioxide from this source, Papua New Guinea 40.8 million tons, Malaysia 34.5 million tons, and Bangladesh 30.6 million tons----indicating the levels of deforestation and clearing for agricultural land.

About the Worldwatch Institute:

Worldwatch is an independent research organization based in Washington, D.C. that works on energy, resource, and environmental issues. The Institute's State of the World report is published annually in more than a dozen languages. For more information, visit www.worldwatch.org.

 

About Vital Signs Online:

Vital Signs Online provides business leaders, policymakers, and engaged citizens with the latest data and analysis they need to understand critical global trends. It is an interactive, subscription-based tool that provides hard data and research-based insights on the sustainability trends that are shaping our future. All of the trends include clear analysis and are placed in historical perspective, allowing you to see where the trend has come from and where it might be headed. New trends cover emerging hot topics-from global carbon emissions to green jobs-while trend updates provide the latest data and analysis for the fastest changing and most important trends today. Every trend includes full datasets and complete referencing. Click here to subscribe today to Vital Signs Online.

 

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Carlson Extra Tall Gate
Key Features:
• At 41"H, the added height makes this gate just right for large pets
and pets that like to jump.
• Expands from 29" to 52"W, with the included extensions of 6" and
12".
• Convenient walk-through design has an easy, one-touch release
handle.
• Patented pet door is 10"H x 7"W to let small pets pass through,
while everyone else stays put.
• Pressure mount system makes set-up quick and easy.
• Perfect for doorways and staircases.
• All-steel construction is sturdy, durable, lead-free, non-toxic and
chew-proof.
• Available in White.
• Width extensions available: 4", 6", 12" and 24" (sold separately)
• A maximum of 3 extensions can be used with this gate.
About Carlson Pet Products
Carlson Pet Products got started when dedicated pet lovers realized pet gates didn’t exist. People
were using baby gates for their pets and while that worked pretty well, it wasn’t the best solution.
Since they’re a bit fanatical about pets, they designed and manufactured the best solution in a
comprehensive line of gates that features all-steel construction, lead-free and non-toxic materials,
chew-proof durability and their famous, patented pet door.
Their gates suit all types of breeds and all types of lifestyles. They have gates low enough to step
over, high enough to discourage dogs that like to jump, flexible enough to accommodate unusually
shaped openings, wide enough to cover expansive openings and everything in between.
http://www.theuncommondog.com/
Bowsers Double Donut Bed - Chocolate Bones Diamond Micro Velvet,
Bowsers has doubled up on all the features of their bestselling
donut bed design…decadence defined! The upper
bolster is finished off with 'piping' to create an elegant, 'sofa'
look, at the fraction of the cost of high-end dog furniture. The
overstuffed 'tufted' bottom cushion combined with a
removable orthopedic foam bottom insert, provides
unsurpassed comfort and support.
Bolster and lower cushion covers are zippered for easy
machine washing and drying. To wash, unzip covers from
bolster and lower bed; remove inserts and foam. Rezip
covers and wash on cool setting (insert/foam must be handwashed).
Tufted cushion cover does not zip off -- the whole thing can be machine washed.
About Bowsers
Since 1998, Bowsers has set the trend in distinctive, quality dog beds. Their unique blend of furniturequality
fill, luxurious upholstery fabrics and practical designs has set a high standard in the dog
industry. Bowsers has changed the way many think of dog beds…gone are the days when your
unattractive dog bed is hidden away when guests arrive. Their dog beds are attractive furnishings
which blend in with the home décor.
Bowsers Difference
Micro velvets: The most popular fabric choice for durability & easy care. This remarkable fabric does
not pill and best of all, gets softer after every wash, maintaining its great look for years. Microvelvet
also repels dog hair, dirt and even moisture! “Breathable” construction ensures fabric is “cool” in the
summer and “cozy” in the winter months.
Fill: They use only “high-loft” 100% virgin polyester fibre for superior “memory”, resilience and
comfort. They do not use inferior alternatives such as recycled fibre, batting, foam chips or cedar.
Quality & Design:
They manufacture all products “in-house” and inspect each bed to ensure superior quality and
craftsmanship. All beds have zippered covers for easy care. They use only the strongest YKK
zippers, used in the luggage industry.
http://www.theuncommondog.com/
Snoozer Luxury Cozy Cave - Amulet,
This one of a kind dog bed is designed to give your dog a cozy
place to stay warm. Perfect for dogs who enjoy staying under
the covers; the Cozy Cave gives your dog a place to stay
completely enclosed in a Sherpa interior fabric, keeping them
warm throughout the year.
Key Features: Luxury micro suede exterior, Sherpa interior,
Brass zipper, Machine-washable cover, Cedar/poly fill for
added comfort. Hood remains open with plastic tubing that can
be removed for washing or if you want the hood to be flat.
About Snoozer
Snoozer began business in South Carolina in 1985, and is still
headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina. A genuine
American company, Snoozer is a small outfit specialized in making the finest pet beds on the market,
at affordable prices.
Snoozer products are of such quality, they even provided a doggie napping spot in the White house
when President George H.W. Bush was in office. A Snoozer dog bed was used in the White House
because the royal blue color matched the White House seal. After realizing what remarkable quality
their first Snoozer bed was, the President and Mrs. Bush ordered a second.
Snoozer offers a wide variety of beds, car seats and accessories for your dog or cat, with many fabric
options to suit anyone’s taste.
Faux Suede and Cloud Sherpa Throw - Spa Blue,
The ultimate blanket for you and your pet.
Throw on a couch or the end of the bed to
protect furniture from pet hair and soiling. Rich
faux suede laminated to Carolina Pet
Company’s cloud Sherpa reverse and binded
together. 100% polyester. Machine washable.
About Carolina Pet Company
Carolina Pet dog beds are manufactured in the
heart of the textile industrial corridor of South
Carolina. They combine domestic production
with a global supply chain to bring your dogs products made by U.S. workers.
Their attention to detail, style and practicality for the discriminating pet owner are the formula for the
unique and quality pieces they produce. These dog beds are almost always welcome additions to any
home décor. Now your pet can have the same style and comfort that you do.

Greg Jerum is the founder and managing partner of TheUncommonDog.com. TheUncommonDog.com is an online retail store which sells premium dog products throughout the US. Since it’s inception in 2009 The Uncommon Dog’s sales have grown by 1,065% to over 1.5 million annually.

Greg is also the founder of NetReturnMarketing.com which is a consulting firm that specializes in eCommerce marketing.

From Greg: The inspiration to start TheUncommonDog.com came from over seven years experience working as an ecommerce consultant. In that role, I've been really fortunate to work with a large array of ecommerce businesses, from small businesses to top 200 Internet retailers. I accrued a lot of knowledge about ecommerce and marketing, what works and what doesn’t.

I love eCommerce consulting but my dream was always to have a successful online store of my own. Put my money where my mouth is, so to speak. After performing extensive research I settled on the dog product market. I’ve always had a soft spot for dogs and the market for premium dog products was growing rapidly. I loved the idea of being able to make a difference in the lives of dogs and their owner.

 

DENVER, CO. – Since 2009, The Uncommon Dog has been offering discriminating shoppers a wide variety of premium and hard to find dog products. Since it’s inception in 2009 The Uncommon Dog’s sales have grown by 1,065% to over 1.5 million annually. Each product is hand-picked and shipped for free. With customers as concerned about service as price, the goal of The Uncommon Dog is to provide exceptional service to help dog lovers find the very best products at great prices. Featuring Personal Shopper Customer Service and a Safe Shopping Guarantee, the site is dedicated to selling products that both owners and their pets will love.

Call 888.404.4076 Monday thru Friday from 9-5 Mountain Time for more information.

www.TheUncommonDog.com

 

 

National Animal Cruelty Investigations ASPCA Scholarship Program offers students training through the MU Law Enforcement Training Institute.


COLUMBIA, Mo.– A $50,000 grant from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will provide scholarship opportunities for students studying animal cruelty investigation at the University of Missouri Extension Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI).
LETI’s National Animal Cruelty Investigations School licenses students as Certified Humane Investigators and is open to employees of agencies associated with animal welfare, including law enforcement officers, shelter professionals and veterinarians.
“We are well aware of the invaluable skills and knowledge offered by the Law Enforcement Training Institute, and we hope to make the training and classes available across the country to more individuals who are committed to the welfare of animals,” said Justine Dang, director of ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Group Operations.
“Through the generosity of the ASPCA’s scholarship grant, our National Animal Cruelty Investigations School will be able to offer valuable training to caring individuals throughout the United States,” added John Worden, LETI director. “The ASPCA’s grant will allow jurisdictions to receive partial scholarships for their employees to attend our training and thus provide greater expertise in their animal neglect and abuse investigations.”
The ASPCA grant will enable LETI to offer almost 170 partial scholarships, giving employees of agencies and organizations with limited budgets the opportunity to learn the skills required to investigate animal cruelty cases in their communities, including animal fighting, puppy mill and animal hoarding cases.
Last year, the ASPCA gave 50 partial scholarships for students to attend the school. Many alumni of the program have become leaders in the field of anti-cruelty investigations, including ASPCA Field Investigations & Response Team members: Tim Rickey, vice president; Kathryn Destreza, investigations director; Adam Leath, regional director, Southeast region; Kyle Held, regional director, Midwest region; and George O’Brien, regional director, Northeast region. These alumni have played leading roles in many large-scale animal cruelty investigations, including the largest dog fighting seizure in U.S. history.
Classes are held at MU as well as in cities in 13 states, including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Maine, Montana, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. Over a four-week period, students learn all aspects of animal cruelty investigations from a nationally recognized faculty of law enforcement personnel, veterinarians, animal control officers and other animal welfare professionals. Program topics include evidence collection, exotic animal handling, animal law, interpreting animal behavior and criminal questioning techniques.
To apply for a scholarship to the National Animal Cruelty Investigations School or for a full list of participating cities, go to leti.missouri.edu/animal-cruelty.aspx.
About the ASPCA
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org.
About the MU Extension Law Enforcement Training Institute
The University of Missouri Extension Law Enforcement Training Institute provides basic and advanced law enforcement training as well as animal cruelty investigation programs. Graduates from all 50 states and Canada go on to serve public safety agencies at the local, state and national levels. For more information, visit leti.missouri.edu.

Will the Truth Set Him Free?

Horrifying Thriller Taunting DVD & VOD June 11th

12 Finalists to Display Projects at El Capitan Theatre, Hollywood, May 3-June 19

Grand Prize Winners to Receive Awards in Special Ceremony on May 3rd

BURBANK, CALIF. (May 3, 2013) –When Marvel’s “Iron Man 3” lands in theatres, it’s going to have company—some of the brightest young scientific minds in America.

Disney announced the 12 finalists in theMarvel’sIRON MAN 3: Inventor and InnovatOR Fair,a nationwide science competition held in conjunction with the release of “Iron Man 3”, sponsored by Discovery Science Center, Broadcom Foundation and Marvel Studios, along with Visa Signature and the famousEl Capitan Theatre in Hollywood., On the evening of May 3rd,at the 4:30pm screening of Marvel’s “Iron Man 3,” Grand Prize winners will receive their awards in a special ceremony onstage at the El Capitan Theatre, hosted by Asa Kalama, a Walt Disney Imagineer. All 12InventorandInnovatOR Fair finalists will have their projects on display at the El Capitan from May 3rd – June 19th.

Like Iron Man’s alter ego, Tony Stark, these young geniuses are discovering and creating the world for tomorrow. And getting to be a finalist hasn’t been easy. Sixth through ninth-grade girls and boys across the nation were invited to participate in MARVEL’S IRON MAN 3: INVENTOR and INNOVATOR FAIR and asked to produce innovative, inventive projects based on STEM themes from “Iron Man 3” — STEM: (science,technology, engineering and math). The competition encouraged students to submit projects that aligned with the National Academy of Engineering’s (NAE) Grand Challenges for Engineering™.

Earlier this month, after judges reviewed over 300 science projects from all over the country, 30 semi-finalists were chosen. From the 30 semi-finalists, the panel of judges chose 12 finalists, who will compete for the grand prize awards.

Following are the 12 finalists and their winning projects:

  • Anin Sayana, Cupertino, Calif. – “A Novel Configuration of Carbon Nanotubes to Inhibit ABCG2 and Selectively Target Chemotherapy-Resistant Cancer Stem Cells
  • Arjun Dhawan, Newburgh, Ind. – “Walking with Sensors”
  • Audrey Harris, Nokomis, Fla. – “Opening New Opportunities”
  • Cassie Drury, Louisville, Ky. – “Exploring Cell Signaling in Wound Healing”
  • Chase Lewis, Chapel Hill, N.C. – “Rescue Travois- Saving Lives”
  • Emma Christensen, Greenville, N.C. – “Saved by the Bug”
  • Galen Lee, Cottondale, Ala. – “Solar Funnel Cooler”
  • Justin Abrahim – Pittsburgh, Pa. – “Ouch! Helmets and Concussions”
  • Maya Patel, The Woodlands, Texas – “Gauging Inferno Sprawl”
  • Megan Swintosky, Hatfield, Pa. – “Novel Mutations in the FLCN Gene in Cases of Familial Spontaneous Pneumothoraces”
  • Shixuan Justin Li, Lynn Haven, Fla. – “No Mo Squites”
  • Stephen Coyne, Knoxville, Md. – “Robotic Prosthetics: A Hand Prototype”

Grand Prize judges for theMarvel’sIRON MAN 3: Inventor and InnovatOR Fairwill be Dr. Henry Samueli, Chairman of the Board, Broadcom Corporation; Joe Adams, President, Discovery Science Center; Janet Yamaguchi, Vice President of Education, Discovery Science Center; Dr. Yannis Yortsos, Dean of the Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California; and Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Chairman and CEO, NantWorks, LLC.

The 12 finalists of the Marvel’sIRON MAN 3: Inventor and InnovatOR Fair won a trip to Southern California, provided by Visa Signature. The trip includes a meeting with Disney Imagineers, a trip to Disneyland, a visit to Discovery Science Center, a special experience at Broadcom Foundation, and more.

About the Movie

Marvel’s “Iron Man 3” pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy's hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Stephanie Szostak, James Badge Dale with Jon Favreau and Ben Kingsley, Marvel’s “Iron Man 3” is directed by Shane Black from a screenplay by Drew Pearce & Shane Black and is based on Marvel’s iconicSuper Hero Iron Man, who first appeared on the pages of “Tales of Suspense” (#39) in 1963 and had his solo comic book debut with “The Invincible Iron Man” (#1) in May of 1968.

Marvel’s “Iron Man 3” is presented by Marvel Studios in association with Paramount Pictures and DMG Entertainment. Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige is producing and Jon Favreau, Louis D’Esposito, Charles Newirth, Victoria Alonso, Stephen Broussard, Alan Fine, Stan Lee and Dan Mintz are executive producers. The film releases May 3, 2013, and is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

About Marvel Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visitmarvel.com.

About El Capitan Theatre

Step into Hollywood’s glittering past at the legendary El Capitan Theatre, which made its debut on May 3, 1926 as Hollywood’s first home of Spoken Drama. This grand theatre has been restored to its original elegance of Spanish Colonial exterior and boasts a colorful and lavish East Indian interior designed by renowned San Francisco architect G. Albert Lansburgh. In 1941, Orsen Welles’ Academy Award® winning CITIZEN KANE made its World Premiere at the El Capitan. As an exclusive first run theatre for Walt Disney Studios, today the El Capitan Theatre sets a new standard for World Premieres, live stage shows, Disney attractions, and other special events that have helped restore showmanship to Hollywood Boulevard. For more information, visit www.elcapitantickets.com or call 1-800-DISNEY6.

About Discovery Science Center

For 25 years, Discovery Science Center (DSC) has been a non-profit organization dedicated to educating young minds, assisting educators teach science and increasing public understanding of science, technology, engineering and math through interactive exhibits and programs. With one of the largest education outreach programs in the county and an unparalleled approach at creating immersive, game-based exhibits, DSC is revolutionizing how educational content is delivered. Throughout the year, guests can take the Eco Challenge and become a green superhero or feel the power of a simulated rocket engine launch. Traveling exhibits and annual events such asSpooky Science and Bubblefest throughout the year ensure that there is always something new to discover. DSC owns and operates the Taco Bell Discovery Science Center based in Santa Ana, CA and will be opening a second facility in Los Angeles in 2014. For more information, call (714) 542-CUBE or visit www.discoverycube.org.

About Broadcom Foundation

Broadcom Foundation was founded to inspire and enable young people throughout the world to enter careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through partnerships with local schools, colleges, universities and non-profit organizations. Broadcom Foundation is the proud sponsor of the Broadcom MASTERS®, a program of Society for Science & the Public - a national science and engineering competition for middle school children. The Foundation's mission is to advance education in STEM by funding research, recognizing scholarship and increasing opportunity. Learn more atwww.broadcomfoundation.org.

About Visa Signature

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Friday, 03 May 2013 15:47

Save Rufus from death

Orange County Florida: Save Rufus!

By Julie W.
Orlando, Florida

Rufus is a friendly, one-year-old Beagle pup who has been sentenced to death by Orange County FL Animal Services because of an accident that occurred in the pup's home. His owners don't want him destroyed and we need your help because he could be put down any day now!

Rufus' family is doing everything in their power to stop him from being put down after he bit their four year old child. I'm a friend of Rufus' family and I know that Rufus is not at all an aggressive dog - he was just excited about his new food (he had never had wet dog food before) and their son startled the puppy from behind while he was eating. But the county says that because the boy needed a few stitches, they have to kill Rufus and took the puppy from the family.

The child is not traumatized, the family loves the dog and wants him to live, and is willing to give up their beloved dog to another home with no children. So why would the county be so heartless to not even consider that option?


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