A radio ad condemning the British Heart Foundation was barred from being aired over that nation's airwaves by the United Kingdom's Radio Advertising Clearance Centre (RACC). Sponsored by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and featuring the voice of 78-year-old actor Christopher Lee, the ad was declared in violation of a number of points in the RACC's Advertising and Sponsorship Code including the airing of political spots and of ads that "unfairly attack or discredit" products or advertisers. PETA, an organization known for its use of once famous actors whose careers are in their twilight years, protested claiming that the British Heart Foundation's support for animal research is cruel and should be brought to the attention of the public. The ad is part of a pre-Christmas campaign aimed to discourage donations to charities that support biomedical research in the UK.�

  Just to confirm that the Director General of the organization, Dr Maritta R. von Bieberstein Koch-Weser, has resigned from her position, with immediate effect, and that Dr Simon N. Stuart, Co-ordinator, Species Programme, who is himself leaving IUCN to join Conservation International in Washington early next year, has been nominated Acting Director General.�

  The ancient and traditional art of the First Nations from Canada's Pacific Northwest Coast is now available on truly unique and beautiful cyber-tech mousepads. Each magnificent image, developed over the centuries, is tied to the wildlife, environment and heritage of the First People of the Pacific Northwest. Hand-drawn and high quality, these mousepad masterpieces are available via the Internet at nooks@home.com or by telephone: 1-250-652-5552 or facsimile: 1-250-652-8352.�