Leading light in science, Italy's 'lady of the stars' Hack dies

By Naomi O'Leary

ROME (Reuters) - Astrophysicist Margherita Hack, a popular science writer, public intellectual and the first woman to lead an astronomical observatory in Italy, died on Saturday at the age of 91.

Known as the "lady of the stars", Hack's research contributed to the spectral classification of many groups of stars, and the asteroid 8558 Hack is named after her.

She introduced astrophysics to a broad Italian audience, from university textbooks to colorful tomes of astronomy for children, and was astronomy chair at the University of Trieste and director of the Trieste Astronomical Observatory from 1964 to 1987, the first woman to hold the position.

Hack was one of Italy's most visible scientists over her career and remained a grey-haired media presence into her 90s, often consulted for her assessment of the issues of the day from a wooden rocking chair in her book-lined Trieste home.

An outspoken atheist in a predominantly Catholic country, Hack was known for her opposition to the influence of religious beliefs over scientific research, and lobbied for legalized abortion, euthanasia, animal protection and gay rights.

One of her many books, "Why I am Vegetarian", published at the age of 89, outlined Hack's belief that there was no difference between human and animal pain and that eating meat damaged the environment, sparking debate in a country with a proud tradition of meatballs, beef pasta dishes and cured hams.

In December 2012 she told a reporter she had decided not to have a heart operation that could prolong her life, wryly commenting that she might as well save the Italian public health service the money, and saying she preferred to stay at home with her books and her husband of seven decades, Aldo De Rosa.

"I do not believe in the afterlife," she said, chuckling and animated, in her final television appearance in March. "When I die my particles will flutter about the terrestrial atmosphere."

(Reporting by Naomi O'Leary; Editing by Alison Williams)

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PHOTOS: These Small Screen Stars Have HUGE Style Chops!

We expect our dads to have the wackiest style. But in TV land, whether they dress dapper or casual, some fathers wear only the trendiest and up-to-date duds.

From the uber-stylish Mitchell on "Modern Family" to the classically suited Don Draper on "Mad Men," these dads know how to put together a mean outfit. So forget about grilling -- these TV dads prove that knowing how to dress well is a power skill of its own.

Uncle Jesse from "Full House": He was just the epitome of cool.

Bill Cosby from "The Cosby Show": Because his sweaters are legendary.

Dexter from "Dexter": He has to kill people, analyze blood and take care of a kid all in the Miami heat. He keeps cool with light fabrics and khakis.

Don Draper and Roger Sterling from "Mad Men": These high-powered men dress in 60's-style suits better than anyone else we have seen. Don even looks great in a vacation suit.

Mitchell from "Modern Family": This radical father (pictured right) always makes sure his daughter is just as fashionable as he is.

Phil Dunphy from "Modern Family": He may be the biggest goof, but he sure dresses well in a super-stylish parka when playing golf with Frank.

Rufus Humphrey from "Gossip Girl":The ultimate hipster dad. We wonder how many plaid flannels he wore during the show's tenure.

Eric Northman from "True Blood": Who knew blonde hair, pale skin, and that much leather would look so good.

Mauricio from "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills": Kyle is married to the most stylish father of all the "Housewives" spinoffs. We definitely wouldn't be embarrassed of his style if we were his kids.

Any small screen dads we missed? Tell us in the comments!

And on the female side of things, check out these gorgeous moms who double as models:

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Daughter Anja Mazur (WireImage photo)

Daughter Leila Rose (Getty photo)

Daughters Sara Kate and Gerogia Tatom (Getty photo)

Daughter Rumi (Getty photo)

Son Jack and daughters Alexa Ray and Sailor (FilmMagic photo)

Son Augie (Getty photo)

Son Flynn

Daughter Lily (Getty photo)

Son Peter

Daughter Grace (Getty photo)

Daughter Ever Gabo (Getty photo)

Daughter Zulekha (Getty photo)

Daughter Vida (FilmMagic photo)

Son Henry and daughter Leni (Getty photo)

Daughters Charlie and Dolly (FilmMagic photo)

Archie Dury and son Tobin Jack (Getty photo)

Son Presley Walker and daugther Kaya Jordan Gerber (FilmMagic photo)

Daughter Lila (WireImage photo)

Daughter Clementine and son Caspar (FilmMagic photo)

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LISTEN: 'Dr. Who' Star's Odd Performance For Upcoming Gosling Movie

It might be different in a place like New York, where celebrity sightings can be an everyday occurrence, but Ryan Gosling's appearance in Detroit to film his directorial debut "How to Catch a Monster" has nearly turned the entire city of fans into paparazzi-in-training.

Social media has ignited with tips of shooting locations, rumors of nightlife destinations, sniper-style photos of the stars and even a Gosling impostor. But it's not just Gosling: instead, a full cast of Hollywood stars are causing the commotion in a celebrity-starved city.

"Dr. Who's" Matt Smith has received particular attention, which led to a cluster of fans watching him shoot a scene from the dark, modern-day fairy tale on Belle Isle Tuesday. YouTube user Daavaaad posted a video showing some fairly mundane footage of the back of Smith's head through some foliage, with the soundtrack of the cameraman and friends exclaiming. But another clip by the same user gives a bit of an odd sneak peak at the film: an haunting, audio-only clip purports to capture of Smith screaming while running around for a scene from "How to Catch a Monster":

It leaves more questions than answers of what's to come in the film, which also stars Christina Hendricks, Saoirse Ronan, Eva Mendes, Ben Mendelsohn and Iain De Caestecker.

Surreptitiously-shot videos are likely nothing new for Smith. As a star (though not much longer) of a beloved sci-fi series, he seems to inspire super-fandom:

IF I SEE MATT SMITH WANDERING AROUND DETROIT I WILL DIE

? [Insert Name Here] (@GF_Geek) June 13, 2013

But he's been nothing but kind to his Michigan fans, from all accounts:

@bbcdoctorwho Hey just wanted to share..Got to met Matt Smith in Detroit today. Awesome guy, super sweet. pic.twitter.com/bGyL8ROwS7

? Carrie A (@CarrieA14) June 11, 2013

Trip Wagner ran into Smith on set in Detroit last week, and said he was "one of the nicest guys ... very polite, asked my name ... very gracious."

Last month, Smith took a break from shooting at an abandoned lot by the Chrysler Freeway (and showing off his well-defined abs) to pose for a picture with a young fan, beaming all the while:

"My daughter is still floating," photographer Bananadoc said at the time. What a gentleman.

While Smith may have at least temporarily left the Motor City, he's more than welcome to come back to Detroit, and even run around screaming, anytime he likes.

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A Hint About This 'Following' Star's Future?

With Fox's "The Following" on hiatus, Natalie Zea is headed Under the Dome this summer -- and perhaps beyond. Zea, who plays The Following's Claire Matthews, has been cast in a continuing role in the CBS summer series, which premieres June 24. Just how "continuing" her role is I imagine will depend on Claire's fate.

Read the whole story at TV Guide

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WATCH: Johnny Football Stars In Music Video

By Dave Miller, National Football Post

Texas A&M grad and rising country singer Granger Smith sure knows how to make a star-studded music video.

The Aggies alum, who has played at the White House, visited American soldiers in Iraq and Kuwait, and wrote a song about his alma mater titled "We Bleed Maroon," had reigning Heisman Trophy-winning A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel appear in his new video for the tune "Silverado Bench Seat." Manziel stars in the video with longtime girlfriend Sarah Savage as well as former Aggies receiver Ryan Swope, who was recently drafted by the Arizona Cardinals.

Smith's new album, "Dirt Road Driveway," debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard Country Album chart.

The charmed life of Johnny Football continues...

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