Coffee perks

Coffee can do more than wake you in the morning. Online retailer Coffee.org suggests using it to remove garlic or fish odors from your skin — just rub a few beans in your hands after washing. Freshen kitchen drains by pouring in a mixture of used coffee grounds and boiling water, or combine used grounds with a little water to create a cleaning paste for stain-resistant surfaces such as greasy kitchen counters. Coffee grounds also can be sprinkled around acid-loving plants or added to a compost pile. — Akron Beacon Journal

PEOPLE

Cameron joins effort to plant trees in cities

WASHINGTON » Earth Day Network is enlisting groups in 15 countries to plant 1 million trees this year with "Avatar" director James Cameron and 20th Century Fox.

In the U.S., trees will be planted in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles to improve air quality and urban animal habitats, the network announced yesterday.

Plantings in such places as Mexico, Canada and Spain will be focused on reforestation of depleted areas. Other efforts tie in with both development and environmental improvements.

Cameron planted the first of 1 million trees in April in Brazil.

Reality show actress is attacked onstage

CARTERVILLE, Ill. » Tila Tequila was pelted with stones and feces during an outdoor music festival in southern Illinois, the reality show star told police.

Hardin County Sheriff Tom Seiner told a local television station that the incident occurred at Saturday’s Gathering of the Juggalos, a weekend music festival.

Seiner said Tequila was injured by the rocks. He also said one man stabbed another, though not fatally.

Sheriff’s Department dispatcher Jimmy Barnard said early yesterday that he had no other details.