Thursday, January 12, 2012

Unconventional Voices Make Points in New Hampshire

NHPrimaryFringeCandidatesWVSU_652x480_2184919365 The American presidential election isn't until November of this year.  But the nation's first primary election takes place on Tuesday in the northeastern state of New Hampshire.  Six candidates are considered to be in the top tier.  But New Hampshire state laws allow many unknown candidates - some bizarre and unusual - to enter the race.

This official campaign rally is in for a big surprise. Fringe candidate Vermin Supreme is taking charge. "I am a tyrant that you can trust and you should let me run your life," he said.

Supreme is an official candidate.  With an official platform. 

"Free ponies and mandatory tooth brushing," he said. The free ponies and mandatory tooth brushing did not convince the security - who wanted him removed from the location.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

UN Helps Refugee Children Stay in School in Senegal

fortier_voa_mauritania_refugee_education_480_nov2011 In Senegal’s northern Fouta region, the United Nations is helping thousands of Mauritanian refugee children continue their education. There are many economic and cultural challenges to staying in school while one is a refugee.

It is late afternoon at the Ndioum refugee camp, 500 kilometers northeast of Dakar. A few dozen Mauritanians have gathered after prayer to discuss new income-generating activities with members of the UN Refugee Agency.

Sitting quietly among this group of elderly men and women is Oumar Alassane Ba, a tall, lanky 16-year-old who is sporting a Chelsea football jersey and basketball shorts. Oumar is a Senegalese-born, Mauritanian refugee. He is the top student at his community high school and was named best overall student in the region.

Oumar said education for him is very important, because even though he is a student today, in the future he will be a father. His own father had to drop out of school, because of poverty, and he does not want this to happen to his own children.

Oumar is part of a new generation of refugees - a group who were born, schooled and, in some fortunate cases, financially supported in Senegal’s French school system.

The first group of refugee students arrived in 1989 among more than 60,000 Mauritanians who fled to Senegal following ethnic clashes. Many students arrived with little hope of continuing their studies.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Eva Longoria: Fulfillment Fund's Stars Gala!

eva-longoria-fulfillment-fund-stars-gala Eva Longoria hits the red carpet in Moschino at The Fulfillment Fund’s Stars Gala, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Tuesday (November 1) in Beverly Hills, Calif.

The Fulfillment Fund provides first generation and low income students with the support necessary to graduate from high school and go to college.

Eva recently reflected on tabloid reports about her dating L.A. Lakers forward Matt Barnes.

“Once again, press gets it wrong, Matt Barnes and I are not dating! We are doing a charity event together for Padres and Athletes vs Cancer. . Why is the truth never the headline? why did I bother to comment when they put your statement at end of articles? #stillannoying,” she wrote on her WhoSay account.

Just Jared

Stanley Tucci Is Engaged to Emily Blunt's Sister

stanley-tucci-is-engaged-to-emily-blunt-s-sister Stanley Tucci is one step closer to be Emily Blunt's brother-in-law. Us Weekly reported that the 50-year-old actor, who portrays Caesar Flickerman in "The Hunger Games", has reportedly got engaged to Felicity, the sister of "The Adjustment Bureau" actress.

A source said that Stanley, whose first wife lost her battle with cancer in April 2009, is "very happy" with Felicity, who works at a London literary agency. "It hasn't been easy for him getting into a new relationship," the source added, "but Felicity is a lovely person and very warm and comforting."

On how the two got to know each other, the source said it was Emily who set them up after she and Stanley worked together in "The Devil Wears Prada". "Emily loved Stanley on the set of 'Devil', and just thought they would hit it off, so she set them up," spilled the source before adding that the actor has been making frequent visits to London to spend time with Felicity.

Stanley reportedly introduced Felicity as his fiancee at the afterparty for "Rampart" last Tuesday, November 1 night. An observer said that the pair "looked completely content together". The event held at Mondrian Soho in downtown New York City was also attended by Billy Crudup, director Abel Ferrara and Ben Stiller and his wife Christine Taylor.

Aceshowbiz

Ethan Zohn Undergoes New Form of Chemotherapy for Returning Cancer

ethan-zohn-2011-angel-ball-01 After 20 months in remission from Hodgkin's lymphoma, Ethan Zohn is once again battling cancer. In a new interview with PEOPLE, the former "Survivor" winner announced that doctors told him on September 14 his cancer has returned and he is currently undergoing a new "smart" form of chemotherapy, SGN-35.

Of the returning cancer, the 37-year-old said, "It's localized in my lung area. But it's good that it's not all over my body." He went on to share that he began with the treatment that only targets the cancerous cells on October 18. Keeping a positive mind, he was quick to point out, "I won't lose my hair again."

Ethan hopes to have a stem cell transplant from one of his brothers after three months of treatment. He, however, won't know from which brother he'll be getting the stem cell. "The doctors won't tell me which one," he said. "They didn't want me to start treating one differently than the other. Of course my whole family is taking bets on who it is."

Although facing another battle against cancer, the boyfriend of Jenna Morasca stated, "I don't want fear or cancer to define me, but it's always in the back of your mind." That's why, he is still planning to run in the New York City Marathon on November 6 to raise money for his Grassroot Soccer organization.

Of his marathon plan, the former contestant on "The Amazing Race" said, "The doctors think I'm crazy but they gave me the okay." He added, "Cancer isn't going to slow me down. I want people to know that you can still live a fulfilled life and move forward."

Ethan was first diagnosed with a rare form of Hodgkin's lymphoma in April 2009. He underwent two unsuccessful rounds of chemotherapy that caused him to lose his trademark curly locks, before he was declared in remission.

Aceshowbiz

 
Black Raven