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Reaction to the death of actor Paul Newman:

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“There is a point where feelings go beyond words. I have lost a real friend. My life — and this country — is better for his being in it.” — Robert Redford.

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“I was blessed to have know him. The world is better because of him. Sometimes God makes perfect people and Paul Newman was one of them.” — Sally Field.

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“Paul Newman’s craft was acting. His passion was racing. His love was his family and friends. And his heart and soul were dedicated to helping make the world a better place for all. — Robert Forrester, vice chairman of Newman’s Own Foundation.

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“Paul was a very fine actor and a really good race driver. But mostly, he personified humanity — always taking care of those who were less fortunate. For me, this will be his legacy.” — David Letterman.

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“Paul and I have been partners for 26 years and I have come to know his passion, humor and, above all, his generosity. Not just economic generosity, but generosity of spirit. His support of the team’s drivers, crew and the racing industry is legendary. His pure joy at winning a pole position or winning a race exemplified the spirit he brought to his life and to all those that knew him.” — Carl Haas, Newman’s racing-team partner.

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“Yes, his eyes were that blue and beautiful. … His legacy as a humanitarian for children around the world is unmatchable. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Joanne and the family.” — Eva Marie Saint.

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“Our father was a rare symbol of selfless humility, the last to acknowledge what he was doing was special. Intensely private, he quietly succeeded beyond measure in impacting the lives of so many with his generosity.” — Newman’s five daughters.

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“Paul Newman was the ultimate cool guy who men wanted to be like and women adored. He was an American icon, a brilliant actor, a Renaissance man and a generous but modest philanthropist. He entertained millions in some of Hollywood’s most memorable roles ever, and he brightened the lives of many more, especially seriously ill children, through his charitable works. — California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

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“We mourn not only the passing of a screen legend, an actor of great depth and charisma who touched generations of fans, but we have lost a true Connecticut treasure in Paul Newman. We were blessed to have him as a friend and neighbor in Connecticut for nearly a half-century.” — Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell.

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“Paul was an American icon, philanthropist and champion for children. We will miss our dear friend, whose continued support always meant the world to us. Our prayers and thoughts are with Joanne and the Newman family and the many people who Paul impacted through his endless kindness and generosity.” — U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and former President Bill Clinton.

If you’re one of those shoppers who likes rummaging around independent boutiques for an on-trend bargain, LOOP (and all the other shops in the new Nali Patio) is a good place to start.

With its cool soundtrack and glass cases full of belts and leg warmers it’s certainly on the right track, even if not everything on the rack is worth walking off with.

On our visit we spotted jumper dresses (280RMB), Sienna Miller-style waistcoats (300RMB), pashminas (260RMB), a pair of bright pink Town & Country Wellington boots for 210RMB and men’s Macs for 440RMB.

Shop A207-8, Second Floor, Nali Patio, Sanlitun Bei Lu, Chaoyang district (5208 6011).

Due to world-wide concern over toxic plastic dolls from China, many Indonesians are replacing their children’s toys with grass dolls.

Horticultural students have designed grass dolls to help children learn about agriculture. Asep Rodiansyah and Gigin Mardiansyah started their business last year, employing housewives to make the grass dolls. More than 10 women produce between 130 to 150 dolls a day.

These Indonesian women are hard at work making a popular toy.

Grass dolls known as ‘Horta dolls’ are being crafted in this room.

Between them they make around 130-150 dolls a day.

The idea of the eco-friendly dolls came from two horticultural students, who wanted children to learn about agriculture.

This mother bought the dolls for her children.

(SOUNDBITE) (Bahasa Indonesia) MOTHER BONNY DANUATMAJA, SAYING:

“This toy is challenging. The kids learn how to grow grass, trim the grass up, they also have to water it regularly. They have to take care of the doll. This toy educates children and teaches them about living a green lifestyle.”

Unlike plastic dolls, these ones change shape and size, they can even grow hair.

(SOUNDBITE) (Bahasa Indonesia) EMIRA SAYING:

“This is cool. I can water it and cut the grass,”

The doll also needs looking after — watering it and making sure it gets enough sun.

But they only last for three months.

After world-wide concern about the safety of plastic dolls made in China, many parents are replacing plastic toys with ones made of grass.

Around 30 percent of their sales come from online consumers, that’s according to one of the women that came up with the idea.

The dolls can be bought for just under two dollars.

Peruvian President Alan Garcia discussed with Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso by phone the world financial crisis and bilateral economic cooperation Friday, official sources said.

Garcia and Aso discussed three main issues — the world crisis, the measures for economic reactivation and Japan’s aid to the Peruvian educational TV.

According to a statement, Garcia also held a meeting with Japanese Ambassador to Peru Shuichiro Megata and Japanese Telecommunications Vice Minister Akira Terasaki in Lima.

Peruvian Transport and Communication Minister Enrique Cornejo also attended the meeting.

In recent years the relationship between Peru and Japan have turned cool due to differences on the extradition of former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori.

However, more than one year ago Garcia had asked Aso to hold negotiations on a free trade agreement between the two countries.

It seems the 23-year-old is adhering to the theory that women should moisturise in the air to protect their skin - rather than wear cosmetics.

The actress was heading off to Canada, dressed down in jeans a black jacket and leopard print scarf, but she didn’t look too happy about it as she strolled towards check-in.

Keira, who is dating The Young Victoria star Rupert Friend, recently admitted that her everyday look is much less polished than the glamorous image she usually projects.

She told Red magazine last month: ‘Everything I own has got that scrunchy, “I’ve been in a suitcase” look. I just about manage Topshop.

‘I want to look cool, but I end up having to take everything back.’

The star also said that she was not planning to reprise her role as Elizabeth Swann in a possible fourth installment of Pirates of the Caribbean.

‘It was a completely fantastic experience, and it was an amazingly large portion of my life, but I don’t think I need to go there again. I think that it’s done,’ she said.

Keira dropped out of school at 17, before taking her A-levels, after landing a role in a television adaptation of Doctor Zhivago.

In the same year she got her big break in Bend It Like Beckham and went on to star as Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice in 2005

Last year she starred as Dylan Thomas’s lover Vera Phillips in The Edge of Love and as scandalous 18th century aristocrat Georgiana, in The Duchess - an adaptation of Amanda Foreman’s best-selling biography of the Duchess of Devonshire. Mail Online reported.

Demonstrating its commitment to a greener, smarter and safer future, Ford Motor Company is displaying a series of exciting vehicles and leading technologies through exciting and fun interactive displays at the Shanghai Auto Show (W5 stand).

Drive green

Ford new EcoBoost engine technology combines turbo charging with very precise direct gasoline injection to deliver excellent driving performance with less fuel, less CO2 and less stress on your wallet. This important engine technology is destined for China in the future, and you can experience it today.

Are you a good driver? Visitors to the Ford stand can participate in the Safety Driving Challenge or try their hand at the EcoBoost Slot Car Challenge with a distinct ‘green’ twist at the finish of each race.

Drive smart

Cars and music have always traveled together, and this year Ford will feature Ford SYNC technology that connects you with your car and your favorite digital music device.

Ford SYNC - developed with Microsoft - is much more than a cool way to play tunes. SYNC connectivity technology is an advanced voice-controlled in-car communications and entertainment system that links you to your digital surroundings. Ford SYNC allows drivers to focus on the road while enjoying all the entertainment and communication comforts of their car. SYNC technology is featured in a new Ford Flex with V6 EcoBoost engine.

Drive safe

At Ford, safety is a top priority. Ford’s Drive Safe zone will show visitors exactly why the Ford Mondeo, Ford S-MAX and Ford Focus have all received praise from independent safety organizations. In fact, Mondeo and Focus have earned C-NCAP five-star ratings for occupant protection.

At the Safety Touch Table, Ford’s Drive Safe training initiative translates Ford’s numerous safety awards into real-life experiences, demonstrating Ford’s commitment to safety on the road.

Ford iosis MAX

Making its first Asia-Pacific appearance, the iosis MAX concept car features Ford’s celebrated kinetic design language, EcoBoost engine technology and PowerShift transmission.

Recently debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, the iosis MAX has dramatic looks and a striking pearlescent ‘Limelight’ color, which is complemented by innovative solutions that enhance its practicality and environmental performance.

“Although it isn’t a forerunner to a specific production vehicle, the iosis MAX clearly highlights how kinetic design is evolving and can be applied with stunning results. The iosis MAX marks the next stage in the evolution of kinetic design, and showcases a number of affordable engine technologies that will make a difference to the environment and our customers’ pockets,” said Martin Smith, executive design director, Ford of Europe.

New Fiesta

Ford recently launched the new Fiesta in China. This exciting and sophisticated small car hails from Ford’s global product line and shares the same advanced technologies as its European counterpart. In China, the new Fiesta’s sales performance is 60 percent ahead of target so far.

The new Fiesta is available in 10 color choices and is available as a five-door hatch or as a four-door sedan, with 11 models. Both feature comprehensive safety features, kinetic design, engaging interior, fuel economy (class-leading NEDC fuel consumption at 6.2L/100km) and driving qualities well tuned to maneuver with agility through tight urban spaces.

Sunny weather during last public Bank Holiday weekend in Britain brought thousands of sun worshippers to seaside resorts and attractions across the country, as temperatures hit 26 degrees, the warmest day so far this year.

But many may have been risking their health as cancer charities warned on Monday that skin cancer rates have risen dramatically in the last few years.

The annual Southend Airshow in southeast England brought thousands to the coast to enjoy the spectacle of military jets and acrobatic teams. Indulging in ice-creams, drinking beer and eating sandwiches in the May sunshine, few took the precaution of using sun block.

Despite warnings from cancer charities, few people heeded the advice, and instead attempted to take advantage of the occasional sunny weather to obtain a tan.

English playwright and composer Noel Coward once summed up the quintessentially British attitude to high temperatures in his 1932song “Mad Dogs and Englishmen,” describing his countrymen as “impervious to heat.” Indeed, the British are crazy for hot and sunny temperatures.

Lying on the grassy banks at Southend on Sea were topless men, and women who were attempting to top up their tans, some wearing little more than shorts and a bikini top.

The only apparent use of sun block was by young children, who were liberally daubed with the protective lotion by parents who had little or no thought for their own protection. All shady areas were noticeably empty, as families packed into every available space blasted by the intense brightness of the sun.

In 1977, around 3.4 persons per 100,000 were diagnosed with skin cancer. But this figure soared to 14.7 persons per 100,000 in2006.

One reason often cited for the increase is the thinning of the ozone layer which once protected the earth from harmful ultra-violet (UV) rays. New Zealand is particularly affected by this thinning, and sun block is regularly used, even on cloudy days.

Last year alone, the charity Cancer Research UK (CRUK) said that Britain’s unhealthy obsession with the sun had resulted in more than 10,000 malignant melanomas cases, the highest on record.

This figure could reach 15,500 by 2024, if people do not protect themselves properly from the sun, the charity warns.

However, a recent poll indicated that the British public is skeptical about the advice. A survey, conducted for the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), suggested that many people have little trust in scientists who are “always changing their minds.”

The WCRF says that the most important advice in preventing skin cancer is to cover up in the sun, particularly between 11 am and 3pm during the summer months.

The World Health Organization estimates that more than 140,000 cases of malignant melanoma and more than 2 million cases of other skin cancers occur annually around the globe.

Malignant melanoma is a cancer that develops from cells called melanocytes, which are found in the outer layer of the skin. Melanocytes produce melanin, a pigment that helps protect the deeper layers of the skin from the harmful effects of the sun. This pigment appears as a suntan but it is also a sign of damaged skin.

Cancer Research UK is particularly concerned at the rising numbers of diagnosed skin cancer. The number of women diagnosed with malignant melanoma in the Britain outweighs men by over 700, with 5,600 women diagnosed each year compared to 4,800 men.

However, more men die from malignant melanoma than women, the charity says. And the rates of melanoma in men have increased more than fivefold, whereas in women they have more than tripled.

CRUK Health Information Director Sara Hiom said, “These figures show that a worrying number of people are being diagnosed with this potentially fatal disease.”

“With the rates of malignant melanoma in the UK rising faster than any other cancer, it’s more important than ever that people are aware of the dangers of getting burnt, either in the sun or from using sunbeds,” she added.

The CRUK advises people to enjoy the sun safely by spending more time in the shade, especially during the middle of the day. It also suggests covering up with appropriate cool clothing, wearing sunglasses and applying plenty of sun cream of at least factor 15.

She was the demurely dressed fashion icon who stole the hearts of a president and a playboy.

But beneath the cool exterior, Jackie Kennedy was a passionate woman who seduced Marlon Brando and had an affair with her brother-in-law Bobby, a new book claims.

Unsubstantiated claims about a relationship with Bobby Kennedy have surfaced several times over the last few years.

But author David Heymann says he has interviewed a number of people who witnessed it blossom after President John F Kennedy’s assassination in 1963 left Jackie a widow.

His book, Bobby and Jackie: A Love Story, makes a series of claims about the woman who became known as Jackie O after marrying the Greek billionaire and playboy Aristotle Onassis in 1968.

Arguably the biggest revelation is a short-lived affair with Brando in 1964 which is described partly in the Oscar-winning actor’s own words.

Brando, who had a reputation as a Hollywood bad boy, claims to have enjoyed two nights of passionate sex with Jackie and wanted to write about the encounter in his 1994 memoir Songs My Mother Taught Me.

But, according to Heymann, those passages were axed on the advice of an editor who was a friend of the former First Lady.

Brando claimed they enjoyed a three-hour meal which, he said, ‘involved a good deal of drinking’.

Heymann writes: ‘Jackie and the actor danced and drank. During their dance Jackie, deeply attracted to Brando, “pressed her thighs” suggestively into his. They danced again, then sat down and began to make out.’

He then gives Brando’s own account of their first night together.

‘From all I’d read and heard about her, Jacqueline Kennedy seemed coquettish and sensual but not particularly sexual,’ the actor wrote.

‘If anything, I pictured her as more voyeur than player. But that wasn’t the case. She kept waiting for me to try to get her into bed.

‘When I failed to make a move she took matters into her own hands and popped the magic question, “Would you like to spend the night?” I said, “I thought you’d never ask”.’

Heymann claims that Jackie ended the affair. He writes: ‘Having twice consummated her relationship with Brando, Jackie showed no interest in pursuing him further.’

The author has claimed before that Jackie had an affair with Bobby Kennedy. But in his new book, to be published next month, he describes how they spent Christmas 1964 together in Palm Beach and then holidayed in Antigua without Bobby’s wife Ethel.

The claims have been denied by those close to the Kennedy circle. Mail Online reported.

No need for toil, trouble and eye of newt. You can look quite bewitching, drop-dead gorgeous, if you check out the skeletons already in your closet, advises Michelle Zhang.

A grinning skull and crossbones, once a morbid emblem of the goth counterculture, pirates and paleontologists, have become today’s “smiley face.”

The symbol of death, danger, poison and toxic waste - a reminder that all vanity turns to dust - has moved from the shades of questionable taste to the glittery fashion mainstream.

Skulls with gaping eye sockets and grim smile can be found on virtually anything nowadays - dresses, jackets, T-shirts, jewelry, handbags, scarves and so on.

While older generations might have a few reservations about decking themselves out in death’s heads and regard it bad luck, young people in China dismiss that old-fashioned message. “It’s so cool” is young people’s response, if they ponder it at all.

“I’ve seen many Hollywood celebrities wearing skull scarves in the magazines or on the Internet,” says shop owner “luxuryskymall” on Taobao.com, China’s most popular online shopping site. “They all look super cool.”

Her shop sells skull scarves of various colors and styles, priced between 48 yuan (US$7) and 220 yuan. The bestseller, a simple black-and-white skull scarf made of silk, priced at 99 yuan ?? more than 1,000 have been sold in three months.

According to “luxuryskymall,” as Halloween is around, it’s normal to sell 50 to 60 scarves in one day. “Anything with skull prints is popular these days,” she says. “T-shirts, jeans, bags and shoes with skull and crossbones sell quickly on Taobao.”

Liu Xiao, a 30-year-old Shanghai lady, bought a skull-bedecked hoodie last year in a boutique. “I like it very much,” she says. “The cute, crystal-paved skull print on the back makes the otherwise basic streetwear style very chic and unique.”

When asked what their parents think of her fashion statement, she says: “Who cares?”

Lin Qing, 55, has seen her daughter wearing a watch with a skull pattern. “I suppose it’s fashionable with young people,” she says. “I think it looks fine, as long as she likes it.”

But not everyone finds the skull fashion drop-dead gorgeous.

“Some of my schoolmates wear T-shirts or caps with skull and crossbones and feel good about themselves,” says college student Jenny Zhang, 20. “But to me, they just look stupid.”

Still, she once was tempted to try on a skull scarf, only to be told by her boyfriend it was ugly. “He thinks girls should not wear skulls, which is not feminine at all,” she adds.

The skull fashion goes back two years, when famous English designer Alexander McQueen created an exquisite scarf covered with skulls. Followed by designers like Thomas Wylde and Tiffany Alanas, the design soon became a fashion statement that had been tied, knotted, or slung over many Hollywood celebrities like Sienna Miller, Lindsay Lohan, Ashley Olesen, Nicole Richie and even the ladylike starlet Mischa Barton.

“Skull fashion isn’t just a fad,” says J. Huang, a visual merchandiser at US fashion chain Forever 21, calling himself a “fashionista.” “It has always been a phenomenon among streetwear fashion lovers both in the US and Japan.”

It isn’t all about that “cheap and chic” stuff that people find in small stores along the streets either, he adds. Some skull-and-crossbones fashion can be unbelievably expensive.

For example, one of Huang’s favorite brands, Mastermind, is a high-end menswear label from Japan targeting the well-heeled fashion customers. All products are made in limited quantity, emblazoned with the Mastermind Japan skull-and-crossbones logo.

They use super luxe materials such as sea island cotton and feature a simple palette of black and white. A plain Mastermind T-shirt has been sold for as much as 10,000 yuan in an Internet auction.

“Many people might think it is ridiculous to spend that much money on a T-shirt,” says Huang, “but a quality T-shirt like that can be worn over the years. It never goes out of fashion.”

A more affordable alternative is Cheap Monday, a Swedish denim manufacturer known for its skull logo with an upside-down cross. The brand’s stylish jeans are sought all over the world for their classic high waist, tapered legs and reasonable price.

However, when it first hit the scene in 2004, Cheap Monday generated controversy over its logo use of an inverted cross on the skull’s forehead.

Many outlets have banned sale of articles bearing the logo, citing an unacceptable “anti-establishment vibe.”

Bjorn Atldax, designer of the logo, once told The Associated Press that it was an active statement against religion. “I’m not a Satanist myself, but I have a great dislike for organized religion,” he said.

The designer said young consumers should consider the message that wars and death have been caused by religious intolerance and extremism.

Anyhow, it’s easy to look drop-dead gorgeous for Halloween, or any time.

When billionaire Leona Helmsley passed away in 2007, she shocked many by willing $12 million to her Maltese dog, Trouble.

While it seems none have surpassed Helmsley in the amount bestowed on a pet, the average pet owner in the U.S. is not afraid to splurge on their Mr. Fluffles. According to the American Pet Products Association, total pet spending has nearly doubled in the past 10 years. In 2008, sales topped $43 billion, up from $41 billion in 2007; sales for 2009 are expected to reach $45 billion.

The association says every pet sales category is growing, including gadgets and other technologies. While sales figures aren’t widely available for pet tech products, Amazon.com says this category has become quite popular on its site. “Amazon customers are showing considerable interest in pet-based technology. We are seeing strong sales in 2009,” says Chris Nielsen, Amazon’s home and garden store vice president. “The most significant year-over-year growth is technology applied to pet training and behavior.” Nielsen declined to provide Amazon’s pet tech sales.

Experts say high-tech novelty items tend to be top sellers. One popular product has been the Takara Bowlingual/Meowlingual pet translation device. The company claims that the device can translate a pet’s barks and purrs into intelligible sentences, such as, “I can’t stand it.” Other popular novelties include the Pet’s Eye View Camera, a digital camera that attaches to your cat or dog’s collar and takes photos at timed intervals. When you come home, you can view photos of what your pet has been up to that day.

But not all novelty items are designed with frivolous, fun intent. At first glance, the Zen Dog, a kit that provides therapy and relaxation for your pooch through calming music and massage, seems like a luxury but experts say it has practical uses. “This is great for dogs who have been through puppy mills, bad homes or traumatic experiences,” Pet Enthusiast editor Dawn Pieke says. “For some dogs, it’s really something to be able to reach the point of being touched again.”

After novelty products, Amazon says practical gadgets that help owners care for their pets are the next best sellers. One example is the HydroSurge Rapid Bath Dog Bathing System, an “all-in-one” wet, wash and rinse device that resembles a garden hose with a spray-nozzle comb head. The product’s patented InjectAir technology draws shampoo and oxygen into massaging shower jets to simultaneously create a sudsing action and eliminate long, messy baths.

GoDogGo, a fetch machine for dogs that automatically shoots out tennis balls at timed intervals, is another practical product that has been successful. Sales reached $200,000 in 2008. Creator Ron Thompson expects sales to double this year, due to a recent factory and distribution reorganization.

“We’ve always sold consistently,” Thompson says. “We started 10 years ago, and there are some pet gadgets that haven’t stood the test of time, but ours is basic. It achieves what it is intended for: to provide exercise for your dog.”

Thompson also said he has received testimonies from owners who had been paralyzed or were in need of service dogs, and rely on GoDogGo to help keep their dog healthy.

Animal safety products also rank high with pet owners. Products such as the Komfort Pets climate-controlled pet carrier fit the bill. It’s ideal for times you need to leave Chuckles in the car when you’re running errands. The carrier automatically keeps pets cool when the temperature is hot and warms them when it’s too cold.

If your pet is more exotic than a dog or cat, there are tech gadgets for these creatures too. The ReptiPro 5000 is a small incubator for reptile and bird eggs that allows you to watch your pets being hatched at home. ReptiPro ’s creator, Chris Baker, says egg incubators had existed before, but they were made of unreliable Styrofoam or too large and cost thousands of dollars. “I had used Styrofoam incubators before, but they usually fall apart in about a year or so,” Baker says. “When I tested out this thermal incubator, my hatch rates went up 25%. The difference is that this incubator both heats and cools, and it only costs $250.”

If you’re allergic to animals or can’t have one where you live, check out The Haptic Creature, a robot designed to recreate the touch-based communication between pet and owner. The creature resembles a small rabbit with long “ears” and fur. When petted, it responds with breathing, ear movements and purring vibrations. Although the Haptic Creature is not available for purchase, creator Steven Yohanan says he is interested in marketing the product.

Still, there are those in the pet industry who believe the old-fashioned, low-tech way of doing things is always best. Sal Peretz, the owner of Groom-O-Rama, a pet store in New York City, is one such advocate.

“The GoDogGo is a fun toy as long it doesn’t replace having daily time spent with your dog,” Peretz says. “I’ve been in this business for 19 years, and the products that sell best have been on the market for a long time. We have to remember that pets don’t ask for much.”