Happy Birthday, Nelson Mandela!

July 18, 2009

If you don't already know, Nelson Mandela was a political activist in the country of South Africa when it was still ruled under the Apartheid system, which is basically a system that keeps different ethnic types of people separated. Ancestors of European white settlers ruled over the rest of the native black population in a very racist and unfair way.

Apartheid ruled until 1994! Mr. Mandela was a leader of the African National Congress, which began as an anti-Apartheid organization, and was therefore illegal. He was captured and placed in prison for 27 years! After his release, and the end of Apartheid which was brought about by the last president of South Africa, Frederik Willem de Klerk, the African National Congress became the ruling party of the new government with Mr. Mandela as its new president. Both men have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their work in trying to ease the transition to a true democracy.

It's his 91st birthday today, so let's wish him more time to enjoy the peace he's worked so hard to achieve! What a life!

(photo: pr photos) 

Vampires & Werewolves Play Baseball!

07.07.09

That must've been one good lookin' baseball game! Cast members of "Twilight" and "new Moon"  teamed up to play the sort of baseball which is featured in "Twilight," which they appropriately call "vampire baseball." The lady with the honor of first pitch was bad girl vamp, Victoria, Rachelle Lefevre. The game took place in Portland, Oregon and benefited the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Oregon. The game ended with fireworks, which I guess is a vampire tradition I've never heard of ;)

(PR Photos)

Wallet Lost 27 Yrs Ago Found!

07.07.09 

In 1982, Ruth Bendik was cheering on the runners for their efforts in the New York Marathon in Central Park. After leaving the crowd she realized that her purse was much lighter, to find her wallet missing. Cut to today: A tree-care supervisor for the Central Park Conservancy was chopping down an old black cherry tree, poked around inside and discovered the wallet in the hollow trunk! He said he's found smaller items that people just toss away, but never somthing like this. The wallet was returned to Ruth and she was so happy with the care that was takent to return it to her. The wallet still contained her drivers license and credit cards, but was missing $20. If I lost my wallet almost 30 years ago, I'd have no idea what was in mine. Or even if I lost it a month ago!

(tinypic)

Idol Judge Married

07.06.09 

The newest addition to the "American Idol" judging team has gone and gotten herself hitched! Kara Dioguardi married Mike McCuddy on Sunday in Maine. They had a small wedding of about 30 guests and the ceremony took place at the United Methodist Church which is conveniently located across the street from Kara's house.  The bride sparkled in her 30 carat diamond and platinum bracelet and earrings containing 20 carats of diamonds. Whew! Vera Wang designed Kara's lovely dress. Congrats to the happy couple!

(PR Photos)

Man to Cross Iceland on ATV!

07.06.09 

The next time you're feeling too lazy to go out for a walk or get off the couch to help your mom set the table for dinner, think about Jon Gunnar Benjaminsson. Jon lives in Iceland, loves the outdoors and will travel across the rugged part of the country on an ATV. Oh, I forgot to mention that he's paralyzed. WOW!  One of the goals of Jon's adventure is to see how handicap accessile tourist sites are for the disabled. Being that he normally travels in a wheelchair, he understands how it feels when you can only get so far, when a place isn't handicapped accessible. He also wants to raise money to make Landmannalaugar, a popular place in the highlands, more accessible to disabled. He is being sponsored by 66 Degrees North, a clothing company. What an inspiring man that is going to take the journey of a lifetime!

(tinypic)

Robert Frightened by Fans

07.05.09 

Alright, girls, listen up: if you want Robert Pattinson to return to the United States for work or for fun, I suggest to lay off of the attacking of him. Okay? Poor Robby's actually getting scared of the throngs of obsessive fans in New York while he's filming his current flick, "Remember Me." Apparently very forward girls are grabbing onto his shirt and neck. He longs to return home where his fame isn't as big of a deal. He can walk the streets in peace without having to switch hotels every few days to get some peace. So, sweet things, lay off the crazy and just be kewl.

(PR Photos)

Monkeys On the Loose!

07.05.09 

Some rambunctious monkeys caused quite a scene at the Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland this weekend. While transferring the monkeys from one habitat to another, the monkeys opted for freedom. The 110 acre zoo evacuated guests as a precaution, even though official say the monkeys wouldn't harm anyone. After trying to entice the monkeys with bananas, nets and fruits, it took several hours to finally round them up. None of the monkeys left the zoo, but pretty much stuck together inside. It seems like they just wanted to have a silly day!

First Australian Elephant

07.04.09

The Taronga Zoo in Australia welcomed a baby elephant calf, which happens to be quite shy. The zoo keepers walked the calf's mother out for a showing and the calf stayed tucked under her legs. She then turned around to go back inside out of view of adoring eyes. The zoo hasn't named the calf and is the first elephant to be born in Australia. Fortunately, the rest of the elephant herd has accepted the baby, which is very important in the success of the breeding program. Here's to more baby elephants!

(tinypic)

Get Well, Rupert!

07.04.09

Swine flu does not discriminate against famous actors. Harry Potter's red-headed sidekick, Ron Weasley, is recovering from a small case of swine flu. The actor, Rupert Grint, took several days off of filming, but has since been able to get back to work. We wish you a full and healthy recover, Rupert!

(PR Photos)

Audrina's New BFFs

07.03.09 

Hmm, they call this a "reality" show, but in real life, you make friends in class or at the mall or wherever, you don't have a tv show to cast your friends! But, if you're Audrina Patridge of "The Hills," you expect nothing less than a tv show to find your new besties. Audrina's new show will be called "The Colony" and is currently casting bff wannabes. Shooting will begin in August, but an air date has not been announced.

 (PR Photos)

I Heard a Rumer!

07.03.09 

Rumer Willis, daughter of Demi Moore & Bruce Willis, will be guest starring on "90210" in the upcoming season.  Rumer will be playing a punk-like, cute, outspoken lesbian. Her character, Gia, will be working on the school's newspaper, so she'll be having scenes with the characters Navid, Adrianna & Silver. The second season of "90210" will begin September 8 and we can't wait to see what's in store for the young, rich and beautiful!

(PR Photos)

Venus vs. Serena in Championship!

07.02.09 

It's gonna be a Williams sisters showdown! Serena is seeded two in the Wimbledon Tournament and Venus is a three seed. This isn't the first time the sisters have faced eachother in the championship game. This will be their fourth meeting on the championship court. Currently, Serena's in the lead with five victories to Venus' two. Tune in Saturday to see how it's all gonna go down!

(PR Photos)

Katie Thinks She Can Dance!

07.02.09

In just a few weeks, we'll get to see if she's right! Katie Holmes and the producers of "So You Think You Can Dance?" have confirmed that the actress will make an appearance on the popular show. It will be a taped performance, which will be a tribute to Judy Garland with the song "Get Happy." Not only will Katie be dancing in the number, but she'll be singing it, too. The episode will air July 23rd. Holmes is part of a new foundation she created with Nigel Lythgoe (of SYTYCD) and Carrie Ann Inaba from "Dancing With the Stars." The foundation, Dizzy Feet, will support dance eduation and programs and offer to dancers that can't afford training. That's such a kewl idea! Break a leg, Katie!

(PR Photos)

Kevin Pops the Question!

07.01.09 

You never know when you're gonna meet someone who could change your life. Kevin Jonas met Danielle Deleasa in 2007 on vacation while in the Bahamas.  The former hairdresser admits that at the time, she didn't even know who the Jonas Brothers were! Both sets of parents and the newly engaged couple have confirmed that the engagement is real and everyone seems to be thrilled that the families will be merging. Kevin asked Danielle to marry him on her doorstep in New Jersey Wednesday Morning. She immediately said "YES!" Here's to the happy couple!!

Hilary's Gonna Be a "Gossip Girl!"

07.01.09 

It's official, the newest hot thing on our fave show, "Gossip Girl," is going to be Hilary Duff. The Duffster will play Olivia Burke, an NYU freshman who also happens to be a movie star. Vanessa is going to be her lucky roomate. Rumor has it there may be a love interest with Dan which could certainly spice things up. The next season of "Gossip Girl" begins in September and we can't wait!

(PR Photos)