Here comes agent Marceau

French actress Sophie Marceau promotes "Les femmes de l'ombre" ("Female Agents") at the film's Beijing premiere on April 27, 2009, one day ahead of its official Chinese release. In the spy thriller, Marceau plays one of five female agents who carry out daring missions during World War II. Marceau has been to China several times and says each visit brings her new experiences. She says she is looking forward to working with Chinese filmmakers in the future.

Recycled clothing creates ripples in apparel market

Sustainable clothing is made from organic, natural fibres, sustainable crops, and materials that replace petroleum. The industry is estimated to be around $3 billion and is positively expected to create a shift in the apparel industry.

In case on consumers, recycled clothing applies to buying items at a thrift or consignment shop. For manufacturers, recycled clothing is taking fabric scraps, and fibres and refine it into something new.

Gramicci, in Agoura Hills uses recycled and organic materials in its products since it started. Their twill is made of recycled hemp, and organic cotton that is swept fro the sample room floor.

The company uses these materials blended with organic cotton for manufacturing men’s blazers and women’s jackets. Its performance fleece consists of 55% recycled polyester.

Recycled polyester means using less virgin polyester, which consumes less oil. Recycling also uses less energy in manufacturing.

Aeromexico adding service to New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS – AeroMexico is returning international flight service to New Orleans for the first time since Hurricane Katrina.

Beginning July 6, the airline will offer one direct, nonstop flight, Monday through Saturday, to Mexico City that will continue on to San Pedro Sula, Honduras. AeroMexico will use 50-seat regional jets for the two-hour flight to Mexico City.

During a news conference Tuesday, Mayor Ray Nagin said the flight will be a boost to both tourism and business and provide for easier travel for regional residents who have family ties with Mexico and Honduras.

The flight was established following about a year of negotiations with AeroMexico. Company vice president Frank Galan said that to be successful, the flights will have to average about 33 passengers.

Galan said the airline and the city are currently talking about another direct flight that would provide service to Cancun, Mexico.

Nagin said the city had entered into a risk-share agreement with the airline that is based upon the number of passengers. The city could lose up to $250,000 if the flight fails. Ochsner Health System also made a "financial contribution" to establish the flight, the mayor said.

About 4,000 international patients and physicians come to Ochsner annually, mostly from Honduras, Nicaragua and Venezuela, said Dr. Ana Hands, the system's director of international health services.

Prior to Hurricane Katrina, air service was available from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International to Honduras through TACA Airlines and to Toronto on Air Canada.

New Insect Shield repellent apparel hits market for spring

Spring has arrived at last. Soon, the threat of being bitten by mosquitoes and ticks will be an issue for many of us, and these insects will be around for several months -- potentially spreading dangerous diseases.

Insect Shield, an innovator in insect-repellent technology, has partnered with top brands to bring a collection of protective apparel and accessories to market.

Look for an expansive collection of Insect Shield apparel for hunting, fishing, camping, adventure travel, and other time spent outdoors from L.L.Bean, Orvis, REI, ExOfficio, Zorrel and RailRiders. L.L.Bean is also launching a new collection of outdoor apparel products for kids, including graphic tees, zip-off pants and accessories; and new Insect Shield hats and accessories are available from Buff, Tilley, Outdoor Research, and Carolina Manufacturing.

For gardeners, Sloggers Garden Outfitters is offering a variety of Insect Shield products designed for bug protection while gardening. Ergodyne, pioneer and leader in the development of products designed for worker comfort, safety and productivity, is launching a number of Insect Shield products to help keep workers protected from bugs on the job. To access all of the new Insect Shield products visit www.insectshield.com and click on "Where to Buy."

Insect Shield clothing repels mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, and midges (no-see-ums.) This includes insects with the potential to carry diseases such as Malaria, West Nile virus, Dengue fever and Lyme disease. The protection is invisible, odorless, and as easy as putting on your clothes. Unlike traditional topical repellents Insect Shield products cannot be misused or over-applied. Insect Shield products are EPA-registered, can be worn by infants, children of all ages, and women who are pregnant or nursing.

Insect Shield

Lohan and Ronson `taking a brief break'

In this Sept. 6, 2008 file photo, actress Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson, left, attend the Charlotte Ronson 2009 Spring Collection in Bryant Park during Fashion Week in New York.

LOS ANGELES – Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson have split — for now.
Lohan says that she and the 31-year-old Ronson, who announced they were a couple in September, are "taking a brief break so I can focus on myself."
Lohan, 22, made the comments to E! News Monday after a tumultuous weekend that saw the troubled pop star barred from a Ronson family party. The two have been dogged by rumors of arguments and breakups for months and are often photographed fighting.