Environment

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A storm-ravaged store and debris sit in Monticello, Miss. on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. More than 25 people were injured and at least 70 homes were damaged in Mississippi by the severe storms that pushed across the South on Christmas Day, authorities said Wednesday. (AP Photo/The Enterprise-Journal, Philip Hall)

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Washington Capitals player Matt Hendricks holds the right corner of the USO banner in a picture with troops at Transit Center at Manas in Kyrgyzstan. (Courtesy of Matt Hendricks)

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Shayba Arena, a small ice hockey venue, is seen at the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia, on Dec. 9, 2012. Sochi will host 2014 Winter Olympic Games. (Associated Press)

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An export revival in the U.S. has been sparked by a dramatic drop in American natural gas prices, thanks to the shale boom fueled by well sites such as this one in Zelienople, Pa. The U.S. is now considered a highly desirable location for manufacturers relying on gas for energy and as a component in many essential materials. (Associated Press)

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Associated Press A LOT OF TREES: Choosing the right Christmas tree is a favorite tradition for families, but the needle-shedding evergreens become only memories after the holidays. That’s when governments and businesses take over and use the castoffs for a variety of purposes.

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Debris sits on a side street near Washington Street in Alexandria, La. after an apparent tornado tore through the area Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/The Daily Town Talk, Melinda Martinez)

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A house in Tioga, La., is severely damaged after an apparent tornado tore through the area Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/The Daily Town Talk, Melinda Martinez)

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Debris sits on the frontage road near I-49 in downtown Alexandria, La., after an apparent tornado tore through the area Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/The Daily Town Talk, Melinda Martinez)

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Geraldine Pedersen and her dog Marlow were in her car traveling down U.S. 71 in the Tioga, Louisiana area when a tree fell down in front of the car and a wind knocked her car into a yard, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. A tornado through the Central Louisiana area. (AP Photo/The Town Talk, Melinda Martinez)

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Members of the Alpine Volunteer Fire Department and the VA Fire Department clear debris from U.S. 71 in the Tioga, La. area, after an apparent tornado tore through the area Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/The Daily Town Talk, Melinda Martinez)

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Suitable Technologies Vice President Bo Preising (on screen), tests the Beam remote-presence system in Palo Alto, Calif. With video cameras, microphones and speakers, the remote-controlled machine connects remote workers with colleagues in another location. (Associated Press)