PEOPLEWATCH

Hopelessly Devoted to the Environment: Pop singer Olivia Newton-John, appointed Monday as a U.N. ambassador on the environment, said she will urge people to make changes in their daily life but will avoid “hitting people over their heads.” Newton-John will serve a two-year term in the post, which is designed to help “promote U.N. goals and activities in dealing with environmental issues.” The singer said she can offer “friendly tips” on how to preserve the environment through songs. Her recent album, “Warm and Tender,” offered 10 pieces of advice on what people can do to improve the environment.