Philadelphia, PA - Phthalates are important components of many consumer products, including toys, cleaning materials, plastics, and personal care items. Studies to date on phthalates have been inconsistent, with some linking exposure to these chemicals to hormone disruptions, birth defects, asthma, and reproductive problems, while others have found no significant association between exposure and adverse effects.

A new report by Korean scientists, published by Elsevier in the November 15th issue of Biological Psychiatry, adds to the potentially alarming findings about phthalates. They measured urine phthalate concentrations and evaluated symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using teacher-reported symptoms and computerized tests that measured attention and impulsivity.

They found a significant positive association between phthalate exposure and ADHD, meaning that the higher the concentration of phthalate metabolites in the urine, the worse the ADHD symptoms and/or test scores.

Senior author Yun-Chul Hong, MD, PhD, explained that 'these data represent the first documented association between phthalate exposure and ADHD symptoms in school-aged children.' John Krystal, MD, the Editor of Biological Psychiatry, also commented: 'This emerging link between phthalates and symptoms of ADHD raises the concern that accidental environmental exposure to phthalates may be contributing to behavioral and cognitive problems in children. This concern calls for more definitive research.'
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the Summary of their 2005 Third National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals, state that 'very limited scientific information is available on potential human health effects of phthalates at levels' found in the U.S. population. Although this study was performed in a Korean population, their levels of exposure are likely comparable to a U.S. population.

The current findings do not prove that phthalate exposure caused ADHD symptoms. However, these initial findings provide a rationale for further research on this association.

# # #

Notes to Editors:
The article is 'Phthalates Exposure and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in School-Age Children' by Bung-Nyun Kim, Soo-Churl Cho, Yeni Kim, Min-Sup Shin, Hee-Jeong Yoo, Jae-Won Kim, Young Hee Yang, Hyo-Won Kim, Soo-Young Bhang, and Yun-Chul Hong. B-N Kim, S-C Cho, Y Kim, M-S Shin, J-W Kim, Y H Yang, and H-W Kim are affiliated with the Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea. H-J Yoo is from the Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seong-nam, Republic of Korea. Y-C Hong is with the Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Institute of Environmental Medicine, SNUMRC, Seoul, Republic of Korea. S-Y Bhang is affiliated with the Department of Psychiatry, Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan, Republic of Korea. The article appears in Biological Psychiatry, Volume 66, Issue 10 (November 15, 2009), published by Elsevier.

The authors' disclosures of financial and conflicts of interests are available in the article.

John H. Krystal, M.D. is Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at the Yale University School of Medicine and a research psychiatrist at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System. His disclosures of financial and conflicts of interests are available at http://journals.elsevierhealth.com/webfiles/images/journals/bps/Biological_Psychiatry_Editorial_Disclosures_08_01_09.pdf.

Full text of the article mentioned above is available upon request. Contact Jayne M. Dawkins at ja.dawkins@elsevier.com to obtain a copy or to schedule an interview.

About Biological Psychiatry
This international rapid-publication journal is the official journal of the Society of Biological Psychiatry. It covers a broad range of topics in psychiatric neuroscience and therapeutics. Both basic and clinical contributions are encouraged from all disciplines and research areas relevant to the pathophysiology and treatment of major neuropsychiatric disorders. Full-length and Brief Reports of novel results, Commentaries, Case Studies of unusual significance, and Correspondence and Comments judged to be of high impact to the field are published, particularly those addressing genetic and environmental risk factors, neural circuitry and neurochemistry, and important new therapeutic approaches. Concise Reviews and Editorials that focus on topics of current research and interest are also published rapidly.

Biological Psychiatry is ranked 4th out of the 101 Psychiatry titles and 14th out of 219 Neurosciences titles on the 2008 ISI Journal Citations Reports® published by Thomson Scientific.

About Elsevier
Elsevier is a world-leading publisher of scientific, technical and medical information products and services. The company works in partnership with the global science and health communities to publish more than 2,000 journals, including The Lancet and Cell, and close to 20,000 book titles, including major reference works from Mosby and Saunders. Elsevier's online solutions include ScienceDirect, Scopus, Reaxys, MD Consult and Nursing Consult, which enhance the productivity of science and health professionals, and the SciVal suite and MEDai's Pinpoint Review, which help research and health care institutions deliver better outcomes more cost-effectively.

A global business headquartered in Amsterdam, Elsevier employs 7,000 people worldwide. The company is part of Reed Elsevier Group PLC, a world-leading publisher and information provider, which is jointly owned by Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV. The ticker symbols are REN (Euronext Amsterdam), REL (London Stock Exchange), RUK and ENL (New York Stock Exchange).

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TORONTO, BMO Capital Markets, the investment and corporate banking arm of BMO Financial Group (TSX, NYSE: BMO), has been named the Best Bank for the Canadian Dollar by FX Week Magazine.

This is the first time BMO Capital Markets has received this honour, which is determined by votes from foreign exchange market professionals around the world. The FX Week Best Bank Awards are presented annually in London, U.K. during November.

'As the benchmark for the performance in the global FX industry, the FX Week Best Bank Awards are the most accurate indicator of who is leading the forex marketplace,' said Stephen Couling, Publisher, FX Week. 'And there is no question BMO Capital Markets has earned the No. 1 ranking in the Canadian dollar as judged by some of the largest and most influential FX participants.'

In this year's survey, nearly 7,000 respondents from banks, corporate treasurers and investors, including fund managers, institutional investors and hedge funds, nominated their preferred banks, brokers and vendors in 39 categories. Each institution was awarded three points for a first-place nomination, two for second-place and one for third-place. In the Canadian dollar category, BMO Capital Markets was ranked first by banks and investors and second by corporations – which resulted in a first-place finish overall.

This recognition is one of several awards that BMO Capital Markets has recently won for its overall excellence in foreign exchange. In September, BMO Capital Markets was named the best foreign exchange bank in Canada by European CEO Magazine. Earlier this year, BMO Capital Markets was voted best FX market-maker in a survey by the China Foreign Exchange Trade System (CFETS) and the Interbank Funding Centre. Global Finance Magazine also named BMO Capital Markets the Best Investment Bank in Canada in a 2008 survey.

'We are honoured to be recognized by FX Week as the No. 1 dealer for the Canadian dollar globally,' said Jamie Thorsen, Global Head of Foreign Exchange Products, BMO Capital Markets. 'Our goal is to continue to build long-term sustainable client relationships and provide a unique perspective that offers a differentiated depth of expertise in the Canadian dollar. We are all about helping our clients turn currency risk into reward.'

BMO Capital Markets' Foreign Exchange Group is a team of nearly 100 professionals around the world from Beijing to Chicago. BMO has FX offices in eight cities globally, including a foreign exchange sales and trading desk in London, U.K., which opened in 2007.

The FX group holds a dominant position in the Canadian-dollar foreign exchange market and is top-ranked by large hedge funds and pension funds for institutional liquidity and pricing capacity. BMO's Foreign Exchange Group trades in all major and other exotic currencies – close to 50 tradable currencies and exotics and over 100 currency pairs. The group offers clients a wide range of capabilities, including:

* Canadian-dollar market making
* North American hedging
* Chinese transactions
* 24 hour trading
* Structured risk-management solutions including derivatives, swaps and options, and real-time order monitoring and quotes through its leading web-based platforms DirectLine® and eFXpedite
For more information, visit: www.bmocm.com/products/marketrisk/fx/

About BMO Capital Markets
BMO Capital Markets is a leading full-service North American financial services provider, with over 2,200 employees operating in 14 North American offices and 27 worldwide, offering corporate, institutional and government clients access to a complete range of investment and corporate banking products and services. BMO Capital Markets is a member of BMO Financial Group (TSX, NYSE: BMO), one of the largest diversified financial services providers in North America with
US$385 billion total assets and 37,000 employees as at July 31, 2009.

About FX Week Magazine
Published since 1990, FX Week is the industry's exclusive publication for foreign exchange and money market professionals working within banks, brokerages, institutions and corporate treasuries. FX Week's expert editorial team operates out of London, the heart of the foreign exchange market, with support from editorial offices in New York and Hong Kong, ensuring that subscribers are provided with the information on the powerful forces that are making the markets tick and the events that are shaping the FX industry world-wide. For more information, visit, http://www.fxweek.com

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The list ranks consultancies and in-house design teams based on all the awards they have won, thereby providing a reliable overview.

Williams Murray Hamm (WMH) is the agency placed fifth on this year's Top 50 Table (all awards), placed because of its impressive haul of British and international awards. The Partners, Apple Design Group, Chase and Love join WMH in the top five.

Some of Williams Murray Hamm's design triumphs this year include being named Agency of the Year at the Fab Awards, winning first place at the Mobius Awards for their work with Waterbranding (logo/identity), the gold award at the Cannes Design Lions Awards for creating brand identity for Jamie Oliver's new Recipease store, and their work for Beazley, which won another first place at the Mobius Awards – this time for mixed media.

2009 is not just a flash in the pan for Williams Murray Hamm, one of the UK's best design agencies. Design Week Magazine previously named WMH no.1 for branding in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. In 2002 WMH was the only design consultancy to feature in the Financial Times Top 50 Creative Businesses league. The icing on the cake? Williams Murray Hamm has twice been named Design Agency of The Year by Marketing Magazine.

For further details, contact: karlam@creatingdifference.com
(+44) 207 381 6433
Williams Murray Hamm
10 Dallington Street
London
EC1V 0DB

Web: http://www.creatingdifference.com/

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"The First Emperor's magnificent terra cotta army is one of the great wonders of the ancient world," said Terry Garcia, National Geographic's executive vice president for Mission Programs. "Visitors to the National Geographic Museum will have the rare opportunity to experience one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century as they stand face-to-face with the terra cotta warriors."

The ticketed exhibition offers an in-depth look at the First Emperor's enormous tomb complex that contained thousands of terra cotta warriors intended to protect him in the afterlife. The exhibition showcases 15 life-size terra cotta figures and 100 sets of objects, including 20 "Level 1" artifacts — China's highest possible ranking in terms of rarity and importance.

"Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor" is co-organized by the Bowers Museum, Houston Museum of Natural Science and the National Geographic Museum, and is guest curated by Dr. Albert E. Dien, professor emeritus, Stanford University.

"Terra Cotta Warriors" is supported by American Airlines; Amtrak; Washington, D.C.'s Loews Madison Hotel; P.F. Chang's China Bistro; The PIMCO Foundation; UPS; Viking River Cruises; and WTOP.

The exhibition is supported locally by Asia Nine; Cultural Tourism DC; Destination DC; D.C. United; Hong Kong Palace; Mie N Yu; TenPenh; Union Station; Washington National Opera; The Washington Nationals; and The Washington Post.

In support of the exhibition, National Geographic has published a companion book, "Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor," by Jane Portal, and exhibit-related merchandise is available online and in the National Geographic Museum store. A teacher's guide can be found online via the For Teachers page at www.warriorsdc.org. A touchable terra cotta warrior replica and two kiosks featuring an interactive game are available for museum visitors to access free.

Free screenings of the film "The Real Dragon Emperor," featuring the latest archaeological research and imaging techniques that take viewers inside the massive tomb of Qin Shihuangdi, will be shown in National Geographic's Grosvenor Auditorium at 12 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through the run of the exhibition. The hour-long film also will be screened on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.; and on the following Saturdays: Nov. 28, Dec. 26, Jan. 30, Feb. 27 and March 27, at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

In addition, National Geographic will host a Chinese New Year celebration on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010. P.F. Chang's China Bistro, presenting sponsor of the celebration, will provide complimentary tickets to the exhibition that day. Details on how to receive these tickets will be made available soon. Additional support of the Chinese New Year celebration is provided by The PIMCO Foundation.

Historian and guest curator Albert Dien will review the tumultuous era of Chinese history that saw the construction of the terra cotta army at a sold-out National Geographic Live event on Nov. 21.

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
Discovered after being buried for more than 2,000 years, the terra cotta warriors reveal secrets of the Qin dynasty. The warriors were found in 1974 by a group of farmers digging a well near Xi'an in China's Shaanxi province. When archaeologists began excavating the area, they uncovered a subterranean vault containing fragments of thousands of terra cotta figures in four pits. More than 1,000 life-size figures have been unearthed as part of the site's ongoing excavation, with estimates of 6,000 more remaining in the known underground pits.

Construction of Qin Shihuangdi's tomb took 36 years to complete, and the tomb complex is estimated to extend more than 19 square miles. The terra cotta figures were created in assembly-line fashion, and molds were used to mass-produce hands, heads and ears. Craftsmen sculpted individual armor details and facial features by hand. It is believed that no two faces are alike.

"Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor" features 15 terra cotta figures, consisting of nine warriors — two infantrymen, a chariot driver, two officers, an armored warrior, two archers and a cavalryman — as well as two musicians, a strongman, a court official, a stable attendant and a horse. The exhibition showcases 100 sets of artifacts, including weapons, stone armor, coins, jade ornaments, roof tiles and decorative bricks, and a bronze crane and swan. Two replica bronze chariots will also be on display.

The 12,000-square-foot exhibition is organized into four themes. The first, "Building the Empire," introduces visitors to Qin Shihuangdi and his formidable rule. This gallery also details the emperor's establishment of new standards, including dictated script, coinage, weights and measures.

The second theme, "Power and Paranoia," highlights the First Emperor's architectural projects as he sought to create physical proof of his power. He was preoccupied with keeping his location secret, and his many dwellings, including 300 extravagant palaces and 400 lodges, allowed him to stay in a different place each night.

The third theme, "The Afterlife," focuses on the construction of the massive underground tomb complex and the practice of burying objects with the dead to serve their spirits in an afterworld.

The final theme, "Armies Unearthed," showcases eight of the warriors and details how the terra cotta army was created. This section also highlights the work of excavators and conservators in reconstructing and preserving the artifacts.

The exhibition began its U.S. tour at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, Calif., in May 2008. The same collection of objects then visited the High Museum of Art in Atlanta from November 2008 through April 2009, under a different title and curatorial framework. "Terra Cotta Warriors" visited the Houston Museum of Natural Science from May through October 2009, before traveling to the National Geographic Museum.

The objects in the exhibition are drawn from 11 different collections in and near Xi'an, including the Museum of the First Emperor's Terra Cotta Army and Horses, Shaanxi Provincial Institute for Archaeological Research, the Zhouzhi Museum, Baoji Museum, Xianyang Museum, Lintong Museum, Fengxiang Museum, Chencang Museum, Xi'an Institute for Archaeological Research and Protection, Baoji Archaeological Excavation Team and Xianyang Institute for Archaeological Research.

TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets are timed and dated and can be purchased online at the Buy Tickets page of the exhibition Web site www.warriorsdc.org, by phone at (202) 857-7700, and at the National Geographic Museum ticket booth located at the exhibition's entrance or at the National Geographic ticket office, 1600 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.

The exhibition is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours on Wednesdays until 9 p.m. The National Geographic Museum will be closed on Dec. 25.

Ticket prices are $12 for adults; $10 for seniors, students, military personnel and National Geographic members; and $6 for children ages 2-12. Children under age 2 are admitted free. A companion audio tour, offered in English, Mandarin and Spanish, is available for $5.

Prices for groups of 10 or more are $8 per ticket, and K-12 school groups are $6 per person with one free adult ticket for each group of 10 students. For more information on group sales, call (202) 857-7281.

The PIMCO Foundation will provide 200 free, same-day tickets each Wednesday evening during the exhibition's run. These tickets will be distributed at the museum at 5:30 p.m. for the 6 p.m. viewing on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of two tickets per person.

P.F. Chang's China Bistro is offering $2 off a full-price exhibition ticket for guests at its nine D.C.-area restaurants. Guests will receive a special promotional code that can be used when purchasing tickets online, by phone or at the museum.

The National Geographic Museum's official hotel partner, the Loews Madison Hotel, is offering a package that includes one night deluxe accommodation, two premium anytime tickets to the exhibition and a 20 percent discount at the museum gift shop, available online at www.loewshotels.com/madison. Additional hotel packages, including premium tickets for anytime access to the exhibition, are being offered at several area hotels through Destination DC's Weekend Warriors promotion. Visit www.weekendwarriorsdc.com for details. Hotel packages are also available through AAA.

For additional ticketing information, visit www.warriorsdc.org.

The National Geographic Museum, located at 1145 17th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., features a variety of changing exhibitions as well as permanent and interactive displays that reflect the richness and diversity of our world.

ABOUT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. National Geographic reflects the world through its magazines, television programs, films, music and radio, books, DVDs, maps, exhibitions, live events, school publishing programs, interactive media and merchandise. National Geographic magazine, the Society's official journal, published in English and 32 local-language editions, is read by nearly 40 million people each month. The National Geographic Channel reaches 310 million households in 34 languages in 165 countries. National Geographic Digital Media receives more than 13 million visitors a month. National Geographic has funded more than 9,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program combating geography illiteracy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.

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* 3 of 4 Americans say technological innovation is "more important" than ever.
* 61 percent of Americans believe the recession has hurt U.S. businesses' ability to innovate.
* Europeans largely believe that technology innovation has improved quality of life and the economy, yet only 14 percent predict they will lead in this area in the future.
* 63 percent of Chinese believe that China will overtake the United States on technology innovation over the next 30 years.

NEW YORK and SANTA CLARA, Calif., Despite one of the worst recessions in history, Americans have increasing faith in technology innovation as an engine of economic growth, but are plagued with doubts about the nation's ability to maintain its global leadership mantle. These were among the telling findings of a report released today by Intel Corporation and Newsweek, and detailed in Newsweek magazine, available on newsstands today.

While a global majority said that the economic downturn has hurt the United States' ability to innovate, the prevailing view across every nation polled was technology innovation is critical to America's future economic success. In the United States, almost half of Americans said the recession has resulted in an increased reliance on technology innovation; and 3 of 4 Americans said that technology innovation will be "more important" during the next 30 years.

However, even as Americans see technological innovation as a key growth driver, they have significant doubts about their country's ability to hold on to global leadership. Despite many nations giving the United States credit for leadership in technology innovation today, only one-third of Americans saw themselves leading over the next 30 years.

Americans are not alone in their belief that they risk losing the mantle of innovation leadership. A large majority of Europeans gave technology innovation a nod for improved quality of life and positive economic impact. However, Europeans are even less optimistic than Americans about their own ability to be innovative long-term. Only 14 percent saw a European country leading on technology innovation in the future, and the rest ceded future leadership to nations such as China, Japan and India. In contrast, China shows strong confidence in its future strength as 54 percent of Chinese people predicted that their country will pioneer the next society-changing technology and overtake the United States in the next 30 years.

"Innovation is not merely an attribute, it's a process that starts with idea generation, research and development," said Justin Rattner, Intel's chief technology officer. "This report underscores the need for a culture of investment which leads to new ideas and discovery, along with a 21st century model of research in the United States – one supported by business, academia and policy to shore up America's historical pace of innovation."

"We are more aware than ever of America's faith in innovation and the necessity of its place in our future," said Kathleen Deveny, Newsweek's global business editor. "Newsweek's partnership with Intel is an opportunity to explore the importance of innovation as a driving force for economic and social transformation as we move forward in this new global landscape."

"Now more than ever, it is critical for us as a nation to recognize how critical innovation is to spurring sustained U.S. economic growth," said Dr. Robert D. Atkinson, president of the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, a Washington, D.C.-based think-tank. "In the aftermath of the largest economic crisis since the Great Depression, we are collectively looking for solutions to propel our nation forward. The answer rests with technology and how collectively – business and government – can join together to bring about an innovation nation."

Spurring Innovation: Perceived Gaps and Barriers
Americans' doubts regarding future leadership are largely based on something they consider to potentially be the nation's biggest liability: 82 percent believed the United States is lagging behind other countries in the quality of K-12 math and science education. Reinforcing this concern, the National Assessment of Educational Progress, commonly called the "nation's report card," revealed in a report released in October that fewer than 40 percent of fourth-graders and eighth-graders in the United States are proficient in math.

Most Americans look to the corporate environment as well as business start-ups for the next ground-breaking innovation. Others in the United States look to the government to offer incentives to spur innovation with 78 percent believing a "national innovation initiative" would be effective. In Europe, over 75 percent of Germans and Brits polled are supportive of a similar type of national initiative in their countries. In contrast with Americans, Europeans and Chinese are both more likely to look to universities to be future sources of innovation as well.

More details on the results, including perceived gaps and driving forces on innovation, can be found in the latest issue of Newsweek magazine and at http://www.newsweek.com/id/222979.

This survey was conducted online between Sept. 28 and Oct. 13 in China, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States by Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates on behalf of Newsweek and Intel. Survey participants included 4,800 adults, ages 18 and older, across four countries. Interviews were conducted with members of the general population and among business executives.

For more information, visit the press kit at http://www.intel.com/pressroom/kits/innovation/survey

About Intel
Intel (NASDAQ: INTC), the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom and blogs.intel.com.

About Newsweek
Trusted for more than 75 years, Newsweek provides in-depth analysis and insight into the most significant issues of the day. Its audience of loyal, educated, and engaged individuals is passionate about both national and international news. With some of the most influential journalists in the business, Newsweek speaks with one global voice through its 11 print editions and online at Newsweek.com. Bringing its audience well-reasoned opinions, expert voices, and incisive reporting, Newsweek drives and shapes global conversations every day, every week, every year.

Intel, Intel Atom and the Intel logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries.

* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

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WASHINGTON - National Geographic Interactive Platforms Group and NDi Media announced that they have teamed up to develop and distribute "Virtual World of Music," a new multiplayer and online social and mobile virtual gaming experience and destination for music lovers. The announcement was made today by Paul Levine, executive vice president, National Geographic Interactive Platforms Group, and senior vice president, corporate strategy and development, National Geographic Global Media.

For "Virtual World of Music," National Geographic Games, a dynamic part of National Geographic's Interactive Platforms division, will take the lead in working with NDi Media to give players from around the world a fun, exciting and authentic experience using theme music from around the world to create and share music. The game will present a music-themed virtual world and interactive environment that enables users to create and share personal music compositions. National Geographic's Mobile and Music groups, among others, also will participate in the strategic partnership.

"National Geographic Games is committed to partnering with the most innovative and creative companies like NDi Media to create games that resonate with a broad audience," said Chris Mate, vice president and general manager, National Geographic Games. "Music is a very unifying and inspirational theme, and we expect the creative interactivity of 'Virtual World of Music' to find many fans among our core National Geographic audience and beyond."

Set to launch in early 2010, "Virtual World of Music" builds on NDi Media's Mixing Studio platform, which has been used by millions of players worldwide. Designed by composers and tested by kids, the mixing platform guarantees that pros and novices alike will mix great-sounding songs every time via the game.

"Music is in our DNA," said Neil Smolar, award-winning composer and president of NDi Media. "We've enjoyed great success with our Mixing Studio platform over the last few years and we're looking forward to extending that success through this exciting relationship with the National Geographic Games team."

NDi Media's creative team includes professional musicians with a deep understanding of mixing and scoring music to visuals, which led to the creation of NDi's proprietary Mixing Studio platform.

About NDi Media
NDi Media creates casual games and entertainment properties for children of all ages. Since 2001, it has produced a portfolio of multiplatform properties featuring original characters that are licensed to broadcasters, portals and game distributors. In addition, NDi Media has a demonstrated expertise in music games, with millions of players worldwide. NDi Media also creates games inspired by established brands for clients such as Warner Bros., PBS, National Geographic, Discovery and Hit Entertainment.

About National Geographic Interactive Platforms
National Geographic Interactive Platforms, a division of National Geographic Ventures, combines into one operating unit the world-renowned National Geographic Maps as well as National Geographic Games, National Geographic Mobile and National Geographic Digital Publishing, to deliver interactive experiences to a new generation of National Geographic consumers. For more information, go to nationalgeographic.com.

— WebWireID107738 —

WASHINGTON - National Geographic invites students, teachers and parents to explore the world through mapping during Geography Awareness Week 2009, Nov. 15-21. Continuously celebrated since its founding in 1987 by Congress, this year's Geography Awareness Week features an online Blog-a-Thon, a series of local and national events and a new Web site (www.GeographyAwarenessWeek.org) that provides a broad range of opportunities for the public to get involved, including downloading a free National Geographic map of the world.

Geography Awareness Week 2009, with its theme of "Get Lost in Mapping: Find Your Place in the World," will kick off on Sunday, Nov. 15, with a national launch event at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and National Geographic President and CEO John Fahey will attend the third annual "World Ball Night" college basketball game that celebrates excellence in academics and athletics and spotlights the importance of geography and global knowledge.

This year's World Ball Night pits the men's basketball team of the Mason Patriots against Dartmouth's Big Green. Fans attending the event will view National Geographic's Giant Traveling Map of Asia, watch local kids play a half-time scrimmage with Mason's signature "world ball" basketballs (basketballs painted into globes), play global location quizzes based on spectacular satellite imagery from GeoEye and tour a map gallery showcasing maps made by local students. Young fans also will have the opportunity to win exciting prizes, including free admission to one of Coach Larranaga's summer basketball camps and a copy of "The Complete National Geographic," a digital collection of every issue of the magazine over the past 120 years.

The brainchild of Patriots head coach and geography enthusiast Jim Larranaga, World Ball Night is operated in collaboration with the George Mason geography department; it was awarded a bronze medal for single-day attendance by the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators in 2007 for attracting 8,000 fans.

"Education outreach is an important part of National Geographic's mission to inspire people to care about the planet," said Fahey. "Geography is a critical component of a 21st-century education, and the Society is committed to giving parents, educators and students the tools needed to help kids understand their world."

The Geography Awareness Week Web site offers students, teachers and the public access to games, activities and lessons about mapping. The site features contributions from National Geographic and partner organizations such as Google and ESRI. Visitors can learn about mapping at home and at school, as well as experiencing geospatial technologies and learning how to become "map activists." Visitors can explore maps of all sizes, from high-tech to low-tech, and can download a free poster-size National Geographic world map for the bedroom or living room wall. Google Earth tours offer virtual interactions with fascinating people and places, and engaging videos explain how today's geospatial revolution is changing everything from shipping to warfare.

The Web site also features opportunities to join nearly 100,000 geography supporters in becoming a "map activist." A new "GeoMentor" program pairs geospatial professionals with local teachers and students to support real-world learning in the classroom. Resources are also provided on how to host a local Geography Awareness Week event, including a list of the "Top 10 Ways to Celebrate Geography Awareness Week."

More than 35 bloggers from eight countries have joined a Geography Awareness Week Blog-a-Thon, which is updated multiple times daily with commentary and multimedia. The Blog-a-Thon also features a mystery location quiz, challenging visitors to identify satellite imagery for chances to win prizes.

The National Geographic Society, one of the sponsors of Geography Awareness Week, is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 375 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.

— WebWireID107584 —

The Loaded LAFTAS with Durex Ora! are bigger and better than ever, with more categories covering all kinds of comedy. From Funniest Man and Woman to Funniest Film and Newspaper Columnist, the 13 categories include three new entrants: Funniest Twitterer, Best DVD and Funniest Panel Show. All the winners will be chosen by Loaded readers via a dedicated microsite at www.loaded.co.uk/laftas.

Loaded editor Martin Daubney says: 'The loaded LAFTAs matter, because it's the only comedy awards voted for by the Great British public. And, as laughter is the best form of seduction, who better to jump into bed with than our new sponsor, Durex Ora!'

Durex Ora! Quote: 'At Durex we think about sex all the time. In fact, we've been thinking about sex for 80 years now and we've learned a lot about how to make it even better. In our 80th year, as we prepare to launch Durex Ora!, we're delighted to partner with Loaded to sponsor the LAFTAS.'

Voting opens this week, for ten weeks, with the awards heavily marketed across the Loaded magazine and website, as well as IPC Ignite's other men and music brands: Nuts, NME and Uncut. The nominations will be unveiled in early January and the star-studded awards ceremony itself will take place on January 28, 2010 at London's Cuckoo Club.

Loaded publishing director Jo Smalley adds: 'The Loaded Laftas are an established, well-loved fixture in the British comedy universe, and I'm delighted to be celebrating the very best talent with our new partner, Durex Ora!.'

Last year saw Leigh Francis crowned as the Funniest Man and Ruth Jones as the Funniest Woman. US comedy show My Name is Earl picked up the award for the Funniest TV Show, whilst In Bruges was crowned the Funniest Film. The coveted Best Stand Up award went to the one and only Jimmy Carr, whilst the Funniest Double Act was rewarded to Adam & Joe.

- ends -

About Loaded
The brand that invigorated the men's magazines market in 1994 continues to head the men's monthly market in innovation more than a decade on. Aimed at 18-30 year-old-men, Loaded presents the edited highlights of a young man's interests and aspirations: sport, cars, grooming, beautiful women and gaming in clearly signposted sections.

About Durex Ora!
Ora! is a frank and honest online place where you can cut through the smut to find out the truth about how real men and women get the most out of their sex lives. Due to launch in January, itt's part website, part community and part magazine for anyone who wants to make their sex life more fulfilling - whether that means more sexy, more sensual, more flirty, more adventurous or simply more more more.
Loaded LAFTAS with Durex Ora! categories
Funniest Man
Funniest Woman
Funniest TV Show
Funniest Panel Show
Funniest Film
Best Stand Up
Funniest Double Act
Funniest Podcast
Funniest TV Personality
Funniest Newspaper Columnist
Funniest Twitterer
Joker Award
Best DVD

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The latest Spinoff highlights 49 significant examples of how NASA innovations have been transferred to the commercial marketplace, resulting in healthcare advances, transportation breakthroughs, public safety initiatives, new consumer goods, environmental protection, computer technology, and industrial productivity.

In honor of the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing, this year's edition of Spinoff also recaps how Apollo continues to provide tangible benefits to the lives of people in the U.S. and around the world.

Highlights of Spinoff 2009 include:

* How a NASA scientist-licensed Hubble Space Telescope scheduling technology and adapted it to help hospitals handle dynamic rescheduling issues. Using the On-Cue system, one hospital reported a 12 percent increase in procedure volume, a 35 percent reduction in staff overtime, and significant reductions in backlog and technician phone time.

* The Givens Buoy Life Raft incorporates a NASA-developed raft design used for recovering pioneer astronauts after ocean splashdowns, has been credited with saving more than 400 lives.

* An adapted Hubble Space Telescope star-mapping algorithm is helping researchers track the elusive whale shark using the unique spots on the shark's skin. Using the algorithm and a photograph database receiving contributions from scuba divers worldwide, researchers last year documented more than 2,400 sightings of the rare animal. Previously, there were only a few hundred documented sightings in total.

* Using NASA satellite data, WorldWinds Inc. supplies about 8,500 XM satellite radio subscribers with its FishBytes fish locator service. FishBytes helps anglers target areas most likely to be frequented by their favorite types of sport fish.

Spinoff 2009 also highlights NASA research and development activities that are helping to make NASA's future missions a reality and profiles NASA education efforts and partnership successes. It also provides reference information and resources available through the NASA's Innovative Partnerships Program.

Print copies of Spinoff 2009 are available on request by calling 301-286-0561. An online version is available at:

http://spinoff.nasa.gov

An archive of Spinoff features and a searchable database of more than 1,600 NASA-derived technologies featured in past issues of the publication also are available at the Spinoff site.

An interactive Spinoff 2009 DVD featuring videos and Web links will be available through the Spinoff Web site later this month.

To access an interactive feature about how NASA impacts your daily life, visit the NASA City and Home Web site at:

http://www.nasa.gov/city

For more information about NASA's Innovative Partnerships Program, visit:

http://www.ipp.nasa.gov

For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov

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Throughout its 121-year history, National Geographic has encouraged conservation of natural resources and raised public awareness of the importance of natural places, the plants and wildlife that inhabit them and the environmental problems that threaten them. In the past four years, 54 articles in National Geographic magazine have been photographed by iLCP members. Photographers whose work has appeared in the magazine and who are scheduled to present at WiLD SPEAK include Michael Nichols, Brian Skerry, Paul Nicklen, Steve Winters, Tim Laman, Christian Ziegler, Frans Lanting, Jack Dykinga, Tom Peschak, Klaus Nigge and James Balog.

Tim Kelly, president of National Geographic Global Media and president/CEO of National Geographic Ventures, and Frank Biasi, director, conservation and special projects, National Geographic Maps, will speak at WILD9.

"We are excited to be part of WILD9 -- a vital forum that is closely aligned to our own mission to inspire people to care about the planet," said Kelly. "It speaks to our ongoing commitment to environmental storytelling across all of our media platforms. We constantly challenge ourselves to take these kinds of stories and find fresh ways to share them with our many audiences. It's an honor to have supported some of the conservation photography showcased at WILD9 and WiLD SPEAK, and we look forward to future collaborations with iLCP."

"This year's congress greatly expands our focus on the visual and written media professions as catalysts and influencers to raise awareness of environmental issues and on their role in achieving conservation outcomes," said WILD Foundation President Vance Martin. "National Geographic is an ideal sponsor of WILD9 by virtue of its commitment to conserving nature and traditional communities, and success in bringing issues, emotion and information to audiences regarding the beauty and fragility of our planet."

WILD9's principal theme is the key role that wilderness conservation plays in mitigating climate change and conserving biodiversity and other ecosystem services critical to human well-being.

Please send requests for images to media contacts below.

WILD9 is a partnership between The WILD Foundation and Unidos para la Conservación and relies on the support and participation of many partner organizations.

The National Geographic Society (www.nationalgeographic.com) The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. National Geographic reflects the world through its magazines, television programs, films, music and radio, books, DVDs, maps, exhibitions, live events, school publishing programs, interactive media and merchandise. National Geographic magazine, the Society's official journal, published in English and 32 local-language editions, is read by more than 35 million people each month. The National Geographic Channel reaches 310 million households in 34 languages in 165 countries. National Geographic Digital Media receives more than 13 million visitors a month. National Geographic has funded more than 9,200 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geography literacy.

iLCP (www.ilcp.com) Its mission is to further environmental and cultural conservation through ethical photography. iLCP is a project-driven organization, with a vision to translate conservation science into compelling visual messages targeted to specific audiences. iLCP works with leading scientists, policy makers, government leaders and conservation groups to produce the highest-quality documentary images of both the beauty and wonder of the natural world and the challenges facing it. From poaching to global warming, from habitat loss to cultural erosion, from sustainability to biological corridors, the work of conservation photographers covers the range of threats to biodiversity and is a critical component in the conservation toolbox.

The WILD Foundation (www.wild.org) Founded in 1974, WILD is the only international organization dedicated entirely and explicitly to wilderness protection around the world. WILD works to protect the planet's last wild places and the wildlife and people who depend upon them, because wilderness areas provide essential social, spiritual, biological and economic benefits. We believe that intact wilderness areas are an essential core element of a healthy modern society.

Unidos para la Conservación (www.unidosparalaconservacion.org) Founded in 1992, Unidos is a nonprofit Mexican conservation organization that has actively promoted the concept of wilderness conservation in Mexico. Its working strategy combines the establishment of alliances with government, nonprofit and corporate partners with the promotion of a conservation culture through publications and films in a search of conservation solutions through specific action.

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WASHINGTON - The first people to paint their nails were the Chinese, around 3,000 B.C. The earliest typewriters were the size of pianos. The bathing suit first appeared during the Greco-Roman era, then disappeared, resurfacing in the late 19th century. Queen Elizabeth l owned more than 2,000 pairs of gloves. These and a myriad other facts are to be found in a new book from National Geographic, publishing this fall, that gives the intriguing story behind hundreds of customs, events and everyday objects.

AN UNCOMMON HISTORY OF COMMON THINGS (National Geographic Books; ISBN: 978-1-4262-0420-3; Nov. 17, 2009; $40; hardcover), by Bethanne Patrick and John Thompson, is a wide-ranging compendium that reveals the curious origins and far-reaching implications of things we take for granted every day. Who invented underwear? The sandwich? Sneakers? What ancient society came up with time-release deodorant, glitter eye shadow and pregnancy tests? Where did we get the custom of handshaking — and why did George Washington disdain it? Which tool was the first one added to the Swiss Army knife — and what particular need did it fulfill?

This delightfully different reference book blends entertaining text, colorful illustrations, handy timelines and peerless research to explore a wide range of subjects, from holidays and health to food and footwear to toys and transportation. Would you believe that indoor plumbing dates at least as far back as 2600 B.C.? That we can thank medieval scribes for punctuation, capital letters and the handy space between written words? Did you know the American front porch is an architectural tradition from Africa...that an early version of pizza was baked on ancient warriors' shields...and that the word "ketchup" comes from the Chinese "ki-tsiap," meaning "fish sauce"?

Many of the book's revelations run counter to widely held beliefs: For instance, Viking burials typically did not involve a ship set ablaze at sea...tall buildings were not the first structures to be called "skyscrapers"...the original wearers of "loafers" were anything but lazy...and fax transmissions were possible before the American Civil War.

The foreword is by Henry Petroski, author and civil engineering professor at Duke University. "In all the artifacts we read about in this book, we can see the creativity and ingenuity of our human ancestors. Everything was created, invented, and developed for a purpose: Everything is the result of a kind of everyday engineering.

"With its wealth of information and a great deal of food for thought, this is a book that will reward the reader with old memories of things past and with new knowledge of things of today. And like any book worth reading, it will change the way we look at the world and the people who inhabit it and how they themselves have changed it," Petroski writes.

AN UNCOMMON HISTORY OF COMMON THINGS is a lively and rich read for history buffs, pop culture lovers and all seekers of trivia or little-known lore. Whether dipped into at random or read from cover to cover, this quirky reference book will inform, amuse, astonish — and make one look at everyday things and traditions with a fresh eye.

Bethanne Patrick is a freelance writer and book critic who blogs about publishing as the Book Maven. She also hosts an online interview show for PBS affiliate WETA. She has written for The Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, The Writer and People magazines and has authored several children's history readers. She lives in Arlington, Va.

John Thompson is the author or co-author of more than a dozen books, including "Dakotas," "Almanac of American History," "America's Historic Trails" and "Wildlands of the Upper South." His assignments have taken him to almost every U.S. state and have covered a wide range of natural and historical subjects. He lives in central Virginia.

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Mandeep R. Mehra, MBBS, FACC, FACP, Editor-in-Chief, The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation observes, "Nowhere is the threat of H1N1 more real than in cardiopulmonary transplantation. The ISHLT's Infectious Disease Council has developed what is assuredly the most comprehensive and clinically relevant direction for prevention and management of H1N1 flu in donors, recipients, care providers and family members."

Recognition of the novel 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, aggressive diagnosis and early treatment need be paired with active preventative measures to stem the impact of infection in the transplant population. This special advisory addresses issues relevant to cardiothoracic transplant candidates, selection of donors, recipient management and patients with mechanical circulatory support devices. Since transplant recipients are treated with anti-rejection drugs, the advisory provides clear directions for specific dosing of antiviral drugs and management of the background immunosuppression. Specific guidelines for evaluation and management of post-surgical transplant patients are also given, as well as recommendations for how and when to administer vaccines. On the donor side, the advisory provides guidelines for how to evaluate and treat donors so that organs can be safely used and not wasted. Finally, it provides specific guidelines for the healthcare teams managing such patients.

Writing in the article, Lara A. Danziger-Isakov MD MPH, Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, states, 'Interaction with organ procurement organizations for organ selection must take into account emerging data on the use of organs from patients infected and treated for the novel 2009 H1N1 Influenza virus. Improved diagnostic testing with shorter turnaround times is needed in donor evaluation. Individual patient education, prevention measures and treatment strategies will also require attention to the local patterns of infection, availability of the novel 2009 H1N1 Influenza virus vaccination, and emerging patterns of antiviral resistance. Finally, efforts to contain and prevent the novel 2009 H1N1 Influenza virus from spreading within the cardiothoracic transplant setting can be accomplished through infection control measures.'

'This article is an initiative of the Infectious Disease (ID) council of ISHLT to provide timely practical guidance for cardiothoracic transplant programs facing a winter pandemic of novel 2009 H1N1 influenza,' comments Dr Margaret M Hannan, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Chairman of ID council for ISHLT. 'Evolving diagnostic testing with limitations due to prolonged turnaround time and availability are considered in donor and recipient management. Ensuring that the most accurate diagnostic tests are being carried out in a timely and systematic manner will allow cardiothoracic transplant surgeons to make informed decisions in 'real time' and avoid waste of usable organs.' Education of staff and patients in infection control and prevention is fundamental to successful management of this virus in the transplant recipient population.

The article is 'The Novel 2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus Pandemic: Unique Considerations for Programs in Cardiothoracic Transplantation' by Lara A. Danziger-Isakov MD MPH, Shahid Husain MD MS , Martha L. Mooney MD FACP, Margaret M. Hannan MD for the ISHLT Infectious Diseases Council. DOI 10.1016/j.healun.2009.10.001. Following advance online publication on October 23, 2009, the article will appear in The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation, Volume 28, Issue 12 (December 2009) published by Elsevier.

Notes to Editors:
Full text of the article is available upon request; contact l.gruner@elsevier.com.
To obtain additional information from the ISHLT regarding the new novel 2009 H1N1 flu advisory for cardiopulmonary transplantation or to arrange an author interview, please contact:
Margaret Hannan, MD
Mater Misericordiae University Hospital
Dublin, Ireland
+353 87 917 4000 (mobile)
mhannan@mater.ie
margarethannan102@hotmail.com

OR

Martha L. Mooney, MD
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
Norfolk, VA USA
+1 757-446-8999
mooneyml@evms.edu

Authors
Lara A. Danziger-Isakov MD MPH, Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, Cleveland, OH, USA
Shahid Husain MD MS, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada
Martha L. Mooney MD FACP, Sentara Norfolk Transplant Center: East Virginia Medical Center, Norfolk, VA, USA
Margaret M. Hannan MD, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland

Key points Regarding Novel 2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus
Vaccination

* Vaccination for both seasonal trivalent inactivated influenza and novel 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine should be given as soon as they become available.
* Live attenuated seasonal trivalent influenza virus vaccine (nasal flu vaccine) should be avoided in transplant candidates, transplant care providers and transplant recipients.
* Both seasonal trivalent inactivated and novel 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine can be given simultaneously in transplant recipients but ideally when vaccine is given separately there should be a month between vaccine administration.
* Both seasonal trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine and novel 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine can be given soon after transplant. However, the immune response of early vaccination post transplantation may only be partially protective.
* Vaccine should be administered as per manufacturer recommendations.

Donor Evaluation

* All potential donors should have nasopharyngeal swab and throat swabs done for novel 2009 H1N1 influenza virus testing prior to organ procurement.
* rRT-PCR is the preferred assay to diagnose influenza infection including novel 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection.
* Negative rapid influenza detection assay does not exclude the diagnosis of novel 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection.

About The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation
A forum that includes all aspects of pre-clinical and clinical science of the failing heart and lung

The Official Publication of the International Society for Heart & Lung Transplantation, The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation brings readers essential scholarly and timely information in the field of cardiopulmonary transplantation, mechanical and biological support of the failing heart, advanced lung disease (including pulmonary vascular disease) and cell replacement therapy; Importantly, the Journal also serves as a medium of communication of pre-clinical sciences in all these rapidly expanding areas.

About The International Society For Heart & Lung Transplantation (ISHLT)
The International Society for Heart & Lung Transplantation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the science and treatment of end-stage heart and lung diseases. ISHLT was created in 1981 at a small gathering of about 15 cardiologists and cardiac surgeons. Today, ISHLT has over 2200 members from over 45 countries, representing over 10 different disciplines involved in the management and treatment of end-state heart and lung disease. Despite their differing specializations, all ISHLT members share a common dedication to the advancement of the science and treatment of end-stage heart and lung disease.

This multinational, multidisciplinary mix is one of the biggest strengths of the Society. It brings greater breadth and depth to ISHLT's educational offerings and provides an exceptional environment for networking and exchanging information on an informal basis.

About Elsevier
Elsevier is a world-leading publisher of scientific, technical and medical information products and services. The company works in partnership with the global science and health communities to publish more than 2,000 journals, including The Lancet and Cell, and close to 20,000 book titles, including major reference works from Mosby and Saunders. Elsevier's online solutions include ScienceDirect, Scopus, Reaxys, MD Consult and Nursing Consult, which enhance the productivity of science and health professionals, and the SciVal suite and MEDai's Pinpoint Review, which help research and health care institutions deliver better outcomes more cost-effectively.

A global business headquartered in Amsterdam, Elsevier employs 7,000 people worldwide. The company is part of Reed Elsevier Group PLC, a world-leading publisher and information provider, which is jointly owned by Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV. The ticker symbols are REN (Euronext Amsterdam), REL (London Stock Exchange), RUK and ENL (New York Stock Exchange).

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But that claim has never been fully squared with the historical record, says R. M. Douglas, a historian at Colgate University. According to Douglas's research, forthcoming in the December issue of The Journal of Modern History, no such incident ever occurred.

Allegations of chemical bombings by the British erupted into the public sphere during the run up to the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. Iraq's history of chemical weapons did not start with Saddam Hussein's gas attack on the Kurds, scholars and critics asserted. It was Great Britain when it controlled the region under League of Nations mandate in the 1920s that first used chemical weapons in the region to quell Arab uprisings. Many scholars went so far as to root Arab distrust of the West in Britain's brutal chemical attacks.

Douglas, however, finds that these claims - oft repeated in books, newspapers and political speeches - rest on very shaky foundations.

The first blunt assertion of British chemical weapons use in Iraq comes from a 1986 essay by historian Charles Townshend. In his essay Townshend refers to a 1921 letter penned by J.A. Webster, an official at the British Air Ministry. In Townshend's description, Webster wrote to the British Colonial Office, the overseer of the Mesopotamian occupation, that tear gas shells had been used against Arab rebels with 'excellent moral effect.'

Douglas's research, however, reveals that Webster was wrong. The army had asked permission to use gas shells, but had not yet employed them in the field. And contrary to Townshend's description of the letter, Webster's much-quoted reference to an 'excellent moral effect' represented 'the Air Ministry's estimation of what gas bombs dropped from aircraft, if used, could be expected to achieve, rather than what gas shells had already achieved,' Douglas writes.

In fact, shortly after receiving Webster's letter, the Colonial Office sought clarification of the bombing claim from Army General Headquarters in Baghdad. General Headquarters reported, contrary to Webster, that 'gas shells have not been used hitherto against [Iraqi] tribesmen either by aeroplanes or by artillery.'

Despite the evidence Webster's letter was wrong, it still became the basis for claims of British chemical use. From there the story mutated and spread.

'In some versions, the Royal Air Force is alleged to have dropped gas bombs from aeroplanes against rebellious Iraqis, in the course of what was euphemistically known as 'air policing,'' Dr. Douglas writes. 'In others, the British Army is held to be the responsible party, employing gas-filled artillery shells.'

Though the specifics differed, each allegation treated the incident as a matter of unassailable fact. Douglas's research suggests it is anything but.

THE WILL, BUT NOT THE WAY

Perhaps lending a measure of credence to allegations of British chemical use in Iraq is the fact that there were high-profile British ministers who very much wanted to use them.

But wanting to use them does not mean they did.

'[T]here had been two brief periods in 1920-21 during which the use of tear gas in the course of military operations had been the stated policy of the British Government,' Douglas writes. 'In both cases practical difficulties rather than moral qualms …prevented their use.'

Before 1920, the British War Cabinet had expressly denied requests by field commanders to use tear gas in occupied Mesopotamia. That changed in June 1920, when an organized Arab rebellion erupted. Winston Churchill, then War Secretary and a vocal advocate of nonlethal gas use, gave commanders in the field permission to use 'existing stocks' of tear gas artillery shells.

But at that time, there were no existing stocks of such weapons in Mesopotamia. The nearest supply was in Egypt and needed to be transported to the region. By the time they arrived, the rebellion was over and the shells went unused.

Anticipating renewed hostilities, a Royal Air Force commander sought permission in 1922 to convert the unused artillery shells into bombs that could be dropped from aircraft. Churchill signed off on the request, but was forced to rescind his permission just days later when the Washington Disarmament Conference passed a resolution banning the use of tear gas. The shells, again, went unused.

There is little doubt had the timing of these events been slightly different—had the 1920 rebellion lasted longer or if there had been time to convert the shells to aerial bombs—that British forces would have used their chemical ordnance. And that, says Douglas, may have vastly changed the course of history. Churchill had given authorization to use chemical agents without consulting his colleagues in the Cabinet, most of whom would have vigorously objected. Moreover, public sentiment against using chemical agents remained strong in the wake of German mustard gas use in World War I.

'[A]ny actual employment of these weapons would have triggered a public and political storm that might well have brought an abrupt end to Winston Churchill's career,' Douglas writes.

Despite faulty evidence, claims of British chemical attacks on Iraqis became a popular anti-war rallying cry 80 years after the alleged incidents took place. War critics often drew parallels between Britain's alleged gas attacks and Saddam Hussein's gassing of Kurdish separatists in 1988.

'The symmetrical appeal of history faithfully repeating itself no doubt accounts for much of the public and scholarly credence accorded to claims that the British used chemical weapons in mandatory Iraq, their inconsistency and implausibility notwithstanding,' Douglas writes.

The Journal of Modern History is recognized as the leading American journal for the study of European intellectual, political, and cultural history. The Journal's geographical and temporal scope-the history of Europe since the Renaissance-makes it unique: the JMH explores not only events and movements in specific countries, but also broader questions that span particular times and places.

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