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Manufacturing Hits 20-Month Low In May Due To Energy Prices

WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. manufacturing activity expanded in May at the slowest pace in 20 months, the latest sign that a sharp rise in energy prices is hampering economic growth.The Institute for Supply Management, a trade group of purchasing executives, said Wednesday that its index of manufacturing activity fell to 53.5 percent in May from 60.4 in April. While that marked the 22nd straight month of growth, the slowdown was the biggest since 1984. Any reading above 50 indicates growth.More... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/01/manufacturing-hits-20-month-low_n_869864.html)

Source: Manufacturing Hits 20-Month Low In May Due To Energy Prices (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/01/manufacturing-hits-20-month-low_n_869864.html)

A startling new study suggests that iodine deficiency, the most common cause of brain damage worldwide, could be rampant in the UK even though it is one of the easiest and least expensive nutrient disorders to prevent according to the World Health Organization  (http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2007/9789241595827_eng.pdf).Writing in the journal The Lancet, (http://www.thelancet.com/) researchers reported that 70 percent of UK girls age 14-15 could have a deficiency of iodine, which is essential to maintaining thyroid hormone function and occurs naturally in seawater and soil.More... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/01/iodine-deficiency-could-s_n_870000.html)

Source: Iodine Deficiency Could Spell Big Problem For UK (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/01/iodine-deficiency-could-s_n_870000.html)

I have lunch at least once a week with a fellow named Fred Hayman, usually at his regular table at Spago, which is next door to the Canon Drive office building in Beverly Hills owned by Mr. Hayman (which bears his name on the top in distinctive red script against a yellow background.) If we don't eat at Spago, we'll dine at my regular table at Nate 'n Al's Deli (that's a joke). What's not a joke is that Mr. Hayman was honored this week by the City of Beverly Hills and the Rodeo Drive Committee with the 15th Annual Rodeo Drive Walk of Style Award. In the world of fashion, this is a big deal. Previous winners have been Grace Kelly and Cartier, Valentino, Gianni and Donatella Versace, Tom Ford and Giorgio Armani. They even honored designer Edith Head, who did all the costumes for my W.C. Fields & Me film.More... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jay-weston/mr-beverly-hills-fred-hayman_b_869650.html)

Source: Mr. Beverly Hills, Fred Hayman, Honored... and His Biography Is Published (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jay-weston/mr-beverly-hills-fred-hayman_b_869650.html)

Sunday, June 5 is World Environment Day (WED) -- what better way to celebrate the environment than by planting a forest in this year's host country, India?When I was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment (UNEP) program at last year's WED in Rwanda, I had the privilege of participating in the WED Legacy Initiative. For every activity registered, $10 was contributed to gorilla protection in the host country.More... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/don-cheadle/post_2081_b_870161.html)

Source: Let's Plant a Forest (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/don-cheadle/post_2081_b_870161.html)

CBC (http://www.cbc.ca/%20target=blank) -- A Progressive Conservative election promise to enact a one-year waiting before new Ontario arrivals can collect welfare could cost the province millions in federal transfer payments.Included in the Ontario Tories' platform unveiled last week is a plan to make welfare applicants "show a promise to Ontario" by living in the province for a year before they are eligible. Ontarians will go to the polls in an Oct. 6 provincial election.More... (http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/06/02/tory-welfare-wait-period-_n_870460.html)

Source: Tory Welfare Wait Period Could Be Costly (http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/06/02/tory-welfare-wait-period-_n_870460.html)

Why would a reauthorization bill for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have anything to say about the steps that Europe is taking to reduce carbon pollution from aviation?  The answer should be nothing.  But unfortunately the US Senate is considering language passed by the House of Representatives that would signal unhappiness with Europe’s efforts to control the carbon pollution from aviation.  The Senate and the White House should reject this language as it is incorrect as a matter of law, would attempt to stop another country’s efforts to reduce carbon pollution, and would hamper incentives to enhance aircraft fuel efficiency which saves consumers money.  A point recently highlighted by major environment, development, and faith-based groups in a letter  (http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/jschmidt/FAA%20reauth%20-%20Sen%20Conferees%20letter%20_5-20-11_%20.pdf)to the Senate. When the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to reauthorize the FAA  they included a provision (H.R. 658, sec. 511) which would seek to undermine Europe’s efforts to control carbon pollution from aircraft that land and take-off in Europe.  When the Senate passed its FAA reauthorization bill (S.233) they didn’t include such a provision and it appears that such language was never considered or debated.  But now the two bills must be reconciled and there is the possibility that the Senate will agree to include the language in the final bill.More... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jake-schmidt/congress-should-not-try-t_b_870595.html)

Source: Congress Should Not Try to Stop the Europeans From Controlling Aviation's Carbon Pollution (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jake-schmidt/congress-should-not-try-t_b_870595.html)

(JAKE COYLE, AP/THE HUFFINGTON POST) NEW YORK -- The "Jeopardy"-playing IBM computer Watson has been named person of the year by the Webby Awards.The Webbys, which honor Internet achievement, announced their special honorees Thursday.More... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/02/ibm-watson-webby-person-of-the-year_n_870653.html)

Source: IBM Watson Wins Webby For 'Person' Of The Year (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/02/ibm-watson-webby-person-of-the-year_n_870653.html)

Anderson Cooper unveiled the website and logo (http://andersoncooper.com/) for his new daytime talk show (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/30/anderson-cooper-daytime-t_n_744919.html) on Thursday.The show, which is called "Anderson" (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/13/anderson-cooper-talk-show-anderson_n_795719.html) and which will be filmed in the Time Warner Center (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/15/anderson-cooper-talk-show_n_849911.html), debuts on September 12.More... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/03/anderson-cooper-unveils-n_n_870792.html)

Source: Anderson Cooper Unveils New Talk Show Website (PHOTO) (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/03/anderson-cooper-unveils-n_n_870792.html)

Don't. Mess. With. The. Mail.With rotating strikes now underway at Canada Post (http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/06/03/hamilton-next-in-canada-post-strike_n_870858.html), that's Sandy Racicot's feeling about it all.More... (http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/06/03/canada-post-strike-why-snail-mail_n_871059.html)

Source: Canada Post Strike: Why Snail Mail Still Matters To Many Canadians (http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/06/03/canada-post-strike-why-snail-mail_n_871059.html)

On May 26, the Supreme Court upheld the Legal Arizona Workers Act (http://www.azleg.gov/search/oop/qfullhit.asp?CiWebHitsFile=/legtext/48leg/1r/bills/hb2779c.htm&CiRestriction=2779&CiBeginHilite=%3Cb%3E&CiEndHilite=%3C/b%3E&CiHiliteType=Full) of 2007.  Now any business in the Grand Canyon State that knowingly or intentionally hires undocumented workers can lose their business license.  If they are caught with a second offense within three years, they can be shut down.  The law also requires employers to use E-Verify to check whether prospective hires are authorized to work.As an attorney and firm believer in the need for comprehensive immigration reform, I found the Court's decision troubling.  It signals that states can continue to experiment with anti-illegal immigration initiatives.  Eight states already have laws similar to Arizona's Legal Worker Act.  According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (http://www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?tabid=13114), this year there have been 279 bills in 44 states focusing on penalties for businesses that hire illegal immigrants.  But a patchwork of local immigration laws on is no substitute for a coherent national policy.More... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/raul-a-reyes/supreme-court-misses-the-_b_871085.html)

Source: Supreme Court Misses the Mark on Legal Arizona Workers Act (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/raul-a-reyes/supreme-court-misses-the-_b_871085.html)

It sucks to experience rejection.No one likes it. It's the bane of the dating and entrepreneurial experience.More... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mastin-kipp/deal-with-rejection_b_865918.html)

Source: Rejected Recently? Read This and Regain Your Power (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mastin-kipp/deal-with-rejection_b_865918.html)

After a purely symbolic vote by House Republicans to not raise the debt limit in order to pay America's obligations by August 2, efforts to reach a compromise that will pass both the House and Senate to stem a potential catastrophe and find a sustainable path for the future are faltering. The nation's debt problem is a large one that must be fully addressed and all options must be on the table: deep spending cuts paired with tax increases and the closing of tax loopholes. A bipartisan compromise is needed to avoid default and set this country on a  track that it can maintain.As of June 2, there are 60 days before the Treasury's fiscal maneuvering is projected to come to a standstill and our government defaults on our debt and obligations. Taking out weekends and the Fourth of July, that would be 41 days to solve this problem, instead with the scheduled recesses (http://www.senate.gov/legislative/resources/pdf/2011_calendar.pdf), including the 2nd and 3rd of June and the week following the Fourth of July, there are 34 scheduled session days for the Senate. Think that's bad? There are 23 scheduled days in session for the House (http://majorityleader.gov/Calendar/). That will certainly make it even harder to find a solution.More... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/duncan-quirk/stop-vacation-pay-and-cam_b_870675.html)

Source: Stop Vacation, Pay and Campaigning Until the Debt Ceiling is Solved (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/duncan-quirk/stop-vacation-pay-and-cam_b_870675.html)

Does having money in the bank help to make you feel secure? Then, the question might be how much money do you need to feel secure? What is "enough" for you?What if having enough of anything does not make you feel secure?  What, then, does?More... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anne-naylor/lessons-in-trust_b_868540.html)

Source: Wealth School: Lessons in Trust and Truth (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anne-naylor/lessons-in-trust_b_868540.html)

For months I have been reading in the press about Robert Gates cancelling more than 30 [defense hardware] programs. A May 24 Bloomberg article (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-05-24/defense-secretary-says-cuts-needed-to-protect-core-priorities.html) by Viola Gienger ("Gates Says Military Cuts May Protect F-35, Submarines") came up quick on a Google search.  Other articles credit (http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=431) Gates with saving more than $300 billion with these -- presumably tough -- decisions.In case you are wondering where this imagery of Secretary of Defense Robert Gates as a tough task master for out-of-control DOD procurement is coming, you need look no further than Robert Gates.More... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/winslow-t-wheeler/did-robert-gates-terminate-30-dod-programs_b_871270.html)

Source: Did Robert Gates Terminate 30 DOD Hardware Programs, Saving $300 Billion? (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/winslow-t-wheeler/did-robert-gates-terminate-30-dod-programs_b_871270.html)

From the moment Ashley arrived at the house for her first date, her suitors kept talking about how great she looked. This happened so much, it felt like someone was trying to convince me Ashley was indeed a catch. Which made me wonder if maybe she wasn't. And then she kept trying waaaaay to hard with the guys, to the point where I felt a little uncomfortable and a lot embarrassed on her behalf. Which didn't help her case.1-on-1: Bad Luck WillyMore... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tasha-gordonsolmon/the-bachelorette-week-2-recap_b_871174.html)

Source: The Bachelorette Week 2 Recap: The Odds Aren't Looking Good (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tasha-gordonsolmon/the-bachelorette-week-2-recap_b_871174.html)

Haunting video (http://gizmodo.com/5808263/horrifying-video-shows-the-crash-of-a-168+passenger-airplane) posted to YouTube on Friday shows previously unseen footage of Iranian military aircraft's tragic crash almost two years ago.On September 22, 2009, the Iranian IRIAF Il-76MD "Simorgh" jet plummeted to the ground (http://www.gadling.com/2011/06/03/iranian-aircraft-crash-caught-on-new-video/) in an accident near Tehran, claiming the lives of all seven people on board.More... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/04/iran-plane-crash-video-_n_871377.html)

Source: Iranian Aircraft Crash Captured On Camera (VIDEO) (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/04/iran-plane-crash-video-_n_871377.html)

Football's day in court has ended. The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals kept the arguments and the schedule tight and stayed within the prescribed guidelines of a half hour each. Here are my thoughts:The Light SwitchMore... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andrew-brandt/courtroom-football-ends-f_b_871522.html)

Source: Courtroom Football Ends, for Now: An Analysis (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andrew-brandt/courtroom-football-ends-f_b_871522.html)

(AP/THE HUFFINGTON POST) GENEVA -- Nuclear scientists announced Sunday they have found a way to "trap" for more than 15 minutes elusive antimatter atoms that used to disappear after a fraction of a second.That will give scientists at the European Organization for Nuclear Research time to study the atoms properly, in the hope of understanding what happened during the first moments of the universe.More... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/05/antimatter-trap-cern_n_871537.html)

Source: Antimatter 'Trapped' For Over 15 Minutes By CERN Scientists (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/05/antimatter-trap-cern_n_871537.html)

What is realistic beauty? It is an alternative -- and far more appropriate -- interpretation of beauty, differing from society's mainstream, shallow, airbrushed definition. Realistic beauty is a healthy and satisfying concept regarding the way you look and feel (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-tornambe-md/what-is-beauty_b_838472.html%20).The concept involves the understanding that true beauty emanates from a combination of physical and mental qualities, working together to create the best version of you. It is all about changing for the better, learning to recognize and analyze your good points and understanding how they perpetuate your own, personal beauty. It involves regaining your sense of self so that you can effortlessly radiate confidence, competence, contentment and charisma. Every one of us possesses realistic beauty.More... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-tornambe-md/realistic-beauty_b_870296.html)

Source: The 10 Commandments Of Realistic Beauty (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-tornambe-md/realistic-beauty_b_870296.html)

Let me begin this by pointing out that I am a huge Roger Federer fan and for a long time I have been a true believer when people have said Roger is probably the best tennis player who ever lived. There certainly has never been such an elegant player with more beautiful form and strokes or all around game. And the game has never seen another player like Roger who can move with such grace and speed, and who never seems to break a sweat or get his shoes and socks dirty as his feather-light footwork carries him ballet-dancer like around the court.With his classic strokes (updated for today's new power game), Roger would easily have been at home among the players of yesteryear playing with wood rackets and long pants. And with the most major Grand Slam singles titles ever at 16, it's been hard to argue against the many who have anointed Roger as the "Greatest of All Time." But after yesterday's win by Rafa Nadal over Roger Federer in the French Open Final, maybe it's time to seriously give that appointment a closer look. Maybe Rafa isn't just the "King of Clay;" maybe he's way more than that.More... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/fred-goldring/nadal-french-_b_871946.html)

Source: Could Rafa Nadel Be the Greatest Tennis Player of All Time? (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/fred-goldring/nadal-french-_b_871946.html)

A couple weeks ago, I attended a fundraising event for a charity called Right To Play.  I immediately fell in love with the organization after hearing about how their programs impacted children around the world.  At the event, I was asked to share a story about my involvement with the organization.  The story reminded me of how much I've grown through the same fears that hold many people back.As an athlete ambassador for the charity, I was invited to visit one of their projects in Sierra Leone a few years ago.  Hearing about the disease and turmoil that has overwhelmed this disadvantaged country, many people asked me why I wasn't too scared to travel there.More... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nikki-stone/leading-a-fulfilled-life_b_872107.html)

Source: Leading a Fulfilled Life (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nikki-stone/leading-a-fulfilled-life_b_872107.html)

"The only 'failed meditation' is one we leave behind on the cushion when we go about our day."-- StefnobleMore... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ed-and-deb-shapiro/going-within_b_871514.html)

Source: The Only Way Out Is Within (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ed-and-deb-shapiro/going-within_b_871514.html)

In what will likely become fodder for conspiracy theorists, Australia's military has mysteriously lost its "X-Files," a host of records which detail sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), the Sydney Morning Herald is reporting (http://www.smh.com.au/technology/sci-tech/alien-abduction-defences-xfiles-are-lost-in-space-20110606-1fpea.html).The nation's Department of Defense made the revelation after a two-month search in response to a newspaper's Freedom of Information (FOI) request proved fruitless, and officials were unable to locate the files. "The files could not be located and Headquarters Air Command formally advised that this file is deemed lost," the department's FOI assistant director, Natalie Carpenter, is quoted as saying.More... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/07/australia-ufo-sighting-files-disappear-_n_872543.html)

Source: Australia UFO Sighting Files Mysteriously Disappear (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/07/australia-ufo-sighting-files-disappear-_n_872543.html)

As Texas lawmakers prepare to cut billions in education funding and give school districts a heavier hand in determining teacher pay, the state's educators are fighting back.After the state Senate passed (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7598663.html) a bill on Monday that empowers districts to cut teacher salaries and institute more furlough days -- which is now in the hands of the state House -- 200 teachers protested on the capitol in Austin. Now, according to Texas American Federation of Teachers President Linda Bridges, they're mobilizing over the phone.More... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/07/texas-teachers-protest-ma_n_872781.html)

Source: Texas Teachers Protest Massive Cuts (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/07/texas-teachers-protest-ma_n_872781.html)

Lucky hasn't been trained, coerced, or even bribed -- she's simply got happy feet.Lucky (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arsAhN4zk_Y), who's a rescue at the Phnom Tamao Rescue Center in Cambodia, is a particularly expressive creature. Orphaned at 8 months old, she would likely have been killed had she not been rescued.More... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/07/lucky-the-dancing-elephant_n_872723.html)

Source: Lucky The Dancing Elephant: Orphaned Animal Dances Without Training Or Coercion (VIDEO) (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/07/lucky-the-dancing-elephant_n_872723.html)

 Every Wednesday is Tip Day.

This Wednesday: 7 tips for minding my own business.More... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gretchen-rubin/balanced-life----7-tips-f_b_873311.html)

Source: Balanced Life -- 7 Tips for Minding My Own Business. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gretchen-rubin/balanced-life----7-tips-f_b_873311.html)

Gunnar Madsen, Joy Gregory, and John Langs' new musical, The Shaggs: Philosophy of the World, takes its name both from the real life New Hampshire girl band formed by the Wiggin sisters in the late '60s at the insistence of their father, Austin, and the title of the only album they ever recorded. Snippets of the original album are heard throughout the show and are jarring not only for their sheer lack of musical ability (they never play or sing in tune and the tempo conveys just how uncomfortable they are) but for the pain and extreme unease that is instantly felt by us, the listeners.Thankfully, Madsen decided to craft his music mainly around moments inside the girls' thoughts and dreams so we can glimpse at the beauty they were never able to articulate. One of the highlights comes when Helen (Emily Walton), normally mute, expresses her love for Kyle (Cory Michael Smith), singing, "Impossible You." Musicals were always meant to express larger-than-life moments through songs, but by reserving songs particularly for the characters inner thoughts, Madsen, Gregory, and Langs preserve a down-to-earth realism that's often lost when characters begin to sing.More... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-kompanek/on-the-culture-front-when_b_873565.html)

Source: On the Culture Front: When America Doesn't Have Talent: The Story of the Shaggs (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-kompanek/on-the-culture-front-when_b_873565.html)