"Plasma, LCDs blamed for accelerating global warming"

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Plasma, LCDs blamed for accelerating global warming

A gas used in the making of flat screen televisions, nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), is being blamed for damaging the atmosphere and accelerating global warming.

Almost half of the televisions sold around the globe so far this year have been plasma or LCD TVs.

But this boom could be coming at a huge environmental cost.

The gas, widely used in the manufacture of flat screen TVs, is estimated to be 17,000 times as powerful as carbon dioxide.

Ironically, NF3 is not covered by the Kyoto protocol as it was only produced in tiny amounts when the treaty was signed in 1997.

Levels of this gas in the atmosphere have not been measured, but scientists say it is a concern and are calling for it to be included in any future emissions cutting agreement.

Professor Michael Prather from the University of California has highlighted the issue in an article for the magazine New Scientist.

He has told ABC's The World Today program that output of the gas needs to be measured.

"One of my titles for this paper was Going Below Kyoto's Radar. It's the kind of gas that's made in huge amounts," he said.

"Not only is it not in the Kyoto Treaty but you don't even have to report it. That's the part that worries me."

He estimates 4,000 tons of NF3 will be produced in 2008 and that number is likely to double next year.

"We don't know what's emitted, but what they're producing every year dwarfs these giant coal-fired power plants that are like the biggest in the world," he said.

"And it dwarfs two of the Kyoto gases. So the real question we don't know is how much is escaping and getting out."

Dr Paul Fraser is the chief research scientist at the CSIRO's marine and atmospheric research centre, and an IPCC author.

He says without measuring the quantity of NF3 in the atmosphere it is unclear what impact it will have on the climate.

"We haven't observed it in the atmosphere. It's probably there in very low concentrations," he said.

"The key to whether it's a problem or not is how much is released to the atmosphere."

Frances Bean Cobain picks up a coffee in Malibu on Thursday and displays some weird markings all over her arm.

Why would she scribble all over herself???

Was she drunk/high????

Frances Bean, you need to stay far FAR away from the drugs, honey!

Just sayin'!

[Image via National Photo Group.]

"There was an episode where we were crashed out on the sofa after a big night out and they wanted me to wake up in my boxers, so I argued with them about it. I mean, first of all, who gets wasted with their buddy, and smokes weed and then strips down to their boxers before they pass out on the couch? No one does that. Why am I naked on my buddy's couch? It was weird so I fought it."

- Chace Crawford on the insistence of Gossip Girl producers that he do scenes shirtless

It was soooooo good to sleep in this morning. Yay!

We might hit the pool later today. We hope you have the loveliest 4th of July possible.

Definitely have a better time than these two!

The poor man's Zacquisha and VaneXXXa (not that that's a bad thing), Ashley Tisdale and her on-again boyfriend, boybander Jared Murillo, hit up the beaches of Hawaii on Thursday.

The Tiz and her man didn't seem too pleased to find the paparazzi eagerly snapping away at them.

Oh well, if you don't like it, then don't go to Hawaii if you're famous!

Eat (healthy). Drink (in moderation). And be happy (today and everyday).

xoxo

[Image via Pacific Coast News Online.]

Gosh, deaths really do come in threes!

Larry Harmon, the long-time Bozo the Clown, has passed away.

He died Thursday of congestive heart failure.

He was 83.

Controversial former U.S. politician Jesse Helmes has passed away.

The divisive senator from North Carolina died early on July 4th.

He was 86 years old.

Christina Applegate's on-and-off boyfriend, former fisherman and aspiring photographer Lee Grivas, 26, was found dead in his Los Angeles apartment this Tuesday.

He was the victim of an apparent drug overdose.

Grivas was just 26 years old.

[Image via Mavrix Online.]

We did it. We did it.

We still can't believe we went through with it!

CLICK HERE to check out Perez going shirtless.

Eeeek!

Thanks for joining us on this journey.

The ride's only just begun!

Disney probably won't approve of this!

In a new interview, Miley Cyrus reveals that she aspires to be like Madonna.

Don't we all????

Says the Disney slut, "Madonna always reinvents herself, and that's what I want to do. Whatever comes my way that sounds good, that's what I want to do. Whether it's designing clothes or photography or whatever."

Cyrus also shares her "simple beauty regimen" with us peons. She says, "As long as I'm tan and I put on mascara, I'm totally set."

Screw Miley!

Team Demi/Selena!

As we reported last month, it seemed like things between Megan Fox and former teen-heartthrob, Brian "90210" Austin Green, were on the rocks.

Megan's been spotted around without her fiance for some time now.

She's also not been sporting her engagement ring.

And now, new reports are claiming that the engagement is off and their four-year relationship is over.

The reason? It seems that the 22 year-old Megan feels shes too young to settle down with 33 year-old Austin.

Like, duh!

Wwe agree with you there! She is young and she shouldn't get married unless she's 100% sure.

Though, then again, she shouldn't have accepted the engagement ring either.

But, better to realize a mistake sooner than later.

An inside source says, "Megan still cares about Brian, but she now realizes she's too young to marry him."

Too bad for Austin, Megan is one of those rare girls that actually wants sex all the time!

She has said, "I really enjoy having sex, and that's offensive to some people. I'm young and have a lot of hormones - I'm always in the mood! But I like sex with one person when I'm in a relationship. Sex with random people who I've met at clubs is not really my thing."

Don't worry Megan, we're positive you'll find someone soon.

[Image via WENN.]

Whew! Strike averted!

Broadway actors and the league of producers reached a tentative agreement on Wednesday for a new contract.

A rep for the suits said:

The collaborative spirit that prevailed throughout the talks allowed both sides to present their issues, understand the others? concerns and negotiate a new contract that serves the industry and the theater-going public. We resolved a number of important issues and Broadway and touring Broadway are stronger for it. We were encouraged by the process and are delighted by the result.

An actors rep said:

In two months of tough bargaining, we achieved an excellent contract with significant gains for every Equity member working on Broadway and the road. Together, actors and producers worked tirelessly to craft an agreement that grows our business and takes care of our community and our audiences. It is this same kind of creative partnership and innovative approach that imbues Broadway and touring productions with the magic that is live theater.

We're glad that the shows will go on!

Broadway 4eva!

[Image via PNP/WENN.]

Some Weinstein shizz is about to hit the fan!

Industry insiders say an ex-employee of brothers Harvey and Bob Weinstein is writing an 'explosive' tell all-about their reign at Miramax.

The author supposedly has files and tapes compiled over a 15 year period to back up the stuff that will be revealed in the book.

Ain't no denying taped evidence!

Reports claim the former employee will detail the manipulation of the Disney company (who owns Miramax) by the Weinsteins.

Surprisingly, the author was not asked to sign a nondisclosure agreement before joining the Weinsteins' team.

The bros must be kicking themselves now!

We bet all of Hollywoodland can't wait for the book's release!

[Image via WENN.]

Move over Ali and Lindsay Lohan…looks like your bastard sister is out to steal the music spotlight!

Attention seeking-runs in the family!

Michael Lohan's alleged illegitimate daughter, 13 year old Ashley, is reportedly trying to cut a record deal.

A record-industry insider says, ?Ashley has more talent than Lindsay or Ali.?

A Lohan family source adds (we bet it was Daddy HoHan!), ?Ashley?s singing ability just proves that the family talent comes from Michael (Lohan), not Dina Lohan.?

Until this famewhore is proven to be his daughter (or not), we don't wanna hear any more from her!

[Image via WENN.]

So unlucky in love!

Mandy Moore never seems to keep a guy for too long.

Turns out Moore and bad boy rocker Ryan Adams are no longer a couple.

Ryan's rep has even confirmed the split to OK!

Looks like Ryan is blaming all the media attention for the break-up. Saying he is "allergic" to the cameras.

HAHA.

Puh-lease. Since when is Ryan Adams the paparazzi's main focus????

In a statement, Adams says, "Mandy is one of those genuinely sweet angelic people you wish to meet your whole life. I am grateful for our friendship and how it allowed us both to grow and learn more."

Poor Mandy.

Adams adds, "Unfortunately I am allergic to paparazzi and have found the best antidote to that sort of nonsense is staying behind the guitar and typewriter, staying close to my support group of friends and band mates and not engaging in activities that prevent me from taking care of myself or others."

He goes on to say "I found the entire speculation and subsequent photographs and intrusions terrifying and only wish to live as normal a life as possible, so that I might always remain punk as fuck AND sober. Also, I just want to jam. Plus I like metal A LOT."

He's such a poet that Adams!

Right, and it took you how long to determine you didn't want to be photographed?

Also, you should take the high road and not talk about your break up unless Mandy agreed to, and if so you should have issued a joint statement or kept it private.

As for Mandy, we're sure she'll find someone who deserves her.

Let's just hope she doesn't try to rebound with an ex.

If you remember, Mandy's dated Andy Roddick, Zach Braff, DJ AM, and even Wilmer Valderrama, who's made public claims about de-virginizing her.

Let's hope her next relationship turns out better than this one!

[Image via National Photo Group.]

Former 'glamour' model and aspiring Olympian Jordan Katie Price and husband Peter Andre brought the British rag News of the World to their knees on Thursday.

According to reports, the duo accepted substantial damages and a public apology from the paper after the tabloid newspaper falsely claimed they were uncaring parents.

Price read from a statement outside the courthouse:

"Pete and I love our kids and would do anything for them…Anyone who has kids can imagine how it would feel to be accused publicly of being bad parents. We came here today to see that justice was done and that our names were cleared…Now that the paper has accepted the story wasn't true, apologised to us, and paid us damages and our costs, we believe the record has been set straight and our names have been cleared."

Congrats!

She's a great mom, y'all.

Have you seen her sex tape????

Toe fucking!

[Image via Mavrix Online.]