Lakers News: Pau Gasol Moving Knee Rehab To Running On Grass

On May 9, Pau Gasol underwent a procedure on both of his knees to help alleviate the tendonitis and tendonosis that he suffered through all of last season.

In recent weeks, Gasol has spent his time recovering from the procedure in the weight room, on exercise bikes and in swimming pools. However, Gasol tweeted yesterday that his rehab has shifted to running on grass.

Running on grass is a bit easier on the knees than running on hardwood or concrete. The increased activity is a good sign that Gasol could be full strength by the start of the season.

Gasol isn’t the only Laker who is recovering from ailments from last season. Jodie Meeks is recovering from torn ligaments in his ankle, Steve Nash is recovering from hamstring and back issues and, of course, Kobe Bryant is recovering from a ruptured Achilles. There are also questions about Jordan Hill’s hip and rookie Ryan Kelly’s broken foot.

Gasol missed 33 games last season with injuries that included his knees, plantar fascia and a concussion.

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Designer Parodies Test Legal Boundaries in Streetwear

The wonderful people at WWD have put together a fantastic article that we believe will peak your interest, it involves the many designer parodies that we have come to love. Instead of Hermès, swagger-jackers across the globe can rock “Homiés” sweatshirts by Brian Lichtenberg; instead of Balmain, there’s the “Nawman” T-shirts by Reason Clothing; and instead of authentic Givenchy, a “Tisci” football jersey by LPD New York will do. Luxury fashion houses and their famous logos are being “re-created” by streetwear brands–indicative of the ongoing dialogue between high fashion and youth culture.

Central to the trend, however, are the legal issues of trademark protection — and what legal strategies designer brands should pursue to guard their logos while cultivating a potential constituency of style-savvy customers.

“I think this is a very current trend and issue. You have the convergence of constitutional law, free-speech issues, intellectual property law and a general overlay of business and commercial law. It’s a fascinating area,” said Douglas Hand, a partner at Hand Baldachin & Amburgey, a firm with a large fashion industry practice. “I think designer brands should be very vigilant to these issues. The main value of these companies is their intellectual property, specifically, their trademarks. Given that, to not diligently police and enforce trademarks in this industry is just not good business.”

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Watch the Official Music Video for Jay Z’s “Holy Grail” featuring Justin Timberlake

Yetserday, Jay Z has released the official visual for his track “Holy Grail” from the albumMagna Carta… Holy Grail. Featuring Justin Timberlake, the video is a dark, yet stylish adventure that directly picks up the visual identity of the album. Jay Z’s new albumMagna Carta… Holy Grail is available now on iTunes.

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Watch the Official Trailer for Ron Howard’s Jay Z Documentary ‘Made in America’

Ron Howard’s Made in America documentary about the Jay Z-curated, Labor Day music festival in Philadelphia will air October 11 on Showtime. Howard’s documentary is being described as a backstage pass to the event and is said to include some of the artists’ stories on how they are “making it in America.” The film is expected to tell Jay Z’s reasons for starting the festival and give an inside look into the performers who were a part of it, the film is set to debut at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7. This year’s Made in America festival begins on August 31 with performances by Beyoncé, Nine Inch Nails, Imagine Dragons, Deadmau5, Kendrick Lamar, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and many more.

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Anne Curtis says no to international career, yes to second album

Anne Curtis during the press conference for her special on E! News Asia at the Buddha Bar in Makati City on Thursday, August 29. (Photo by Jessie Bunyi Villanueva)

MANILA, Philippines - Anne Curtis marks another showbiz highlight this year — she will be the first Filipino to have a feature on E! News Asia.

The feature comes a year after Anne shot the American independent film “Blood Random.”

This latest development in Anne’s career begs the question: hasn’t she thought about expanding her acting career outside the Philippines — Hollywood, in particular?

“And leave what I have here? That’s a big decision. I don’t know if I could,” the Kapamilya actress told Philstar.com during the press conference for her E! News Asia special on Thursday, August 29.

Anne further said, “I really love the Philippines. I love the people, I love the country. I know how hard it was for me to get to where I am today, so maybe not now.”

Entertainment ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1Last year, Kapamilya actor Sam Milby went to the United States to try and pursue a career in Hollywood. Anne said she asked Sam about the specifics of the entertainment industry in the US. However, the 28-year-old actress said she’ll need at least six months to find representation and attend auditions — time she simply doesn’t have.

Second album

“If it happens, it will happen, but not now,” she said.

Meanwhile, Anne confirmed her sophomore album is already in the works. The album is slated to come out late this year. In 2011, the Kapamilya actress released her first album “Annebisyosa.” The success of the album spawned a sold-out concert at the Araneta Coliseum in 2012.

“It’s actually something different. I won’t share the title yet but it’s actually really funny,” Anne said of her album. “I don’t think you guys would expect it.”

Anne added she will have another concert at the Araneta Coliseum next year.

No sugarcoating

Clearly, Anne remains to be on top of her game. But what makes the actress so interesting to the public eye?

“Maybe because I’m real? I don’t have an image to protect. I am who I am and I share that,” she said.

Anne added, “I guess I don’t have to sugarcoat who I am. It’s a learning experience for me because I make mistakes but it’s part of being in the industry. I don’t necessarily like putting myself in a box to protect my image, so maybe that’s why.”

E! News Special: Anne Curtis will air on September 29 at 7:30 p.m. on SkyCable channel 57, Cignal channel 25, and Cablelink channel 33.

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'One Direction: This Is Us' Scores $2.7 Million Thursday Debut

When the story of 2013 as a movie year is written, it will surely include the fact that the once-rare advance-night showings become all-but required. And yet again this weekend we have at least one movie that had enough anticipation among its fan-base to justify early sneak-peaks.  The Morgan Spurlock-directed concert documentary One Direction: This Is Us earned a decent $2.7 million from Thursday night showings.  The film began screening for the general public at 7:00pm, with Sony realizing that the core young female audience couldn’t be up too late on a school night, and continued pretty consistently up until the usual midnight screenings. Fun fact: Apparently 98% of online ticket purchases were from females, with 2% for dads, boyfriends, young gay males, and male film critics.

Barring various variables (frenzied anticipation, heavily-marketed sequels, etc.), most films these days do over/under 5% of their weekend business in advance-night showings.  If we go by the standard multiplier, then One Direction: This Is Us does about $54 million for the weekend, which would be genuinely astonishing, as the biggest-grossing concert documentary ever isJustin Beiber: Never Say Never which earned $73 million domestic total. For comparison, Michael Jackson: This Is It earned $72m while Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds earned $65m on fewer than 700 screens. So yeah, let’s presume some serious front-loading is at work here. But how much front-loading is the big question, and frankly at this point it’s guess work. Let’s presume for a moment that 10% of the weekend audience saw the One Direction documentary last night, which would give the film a still impressive $27 million for the weekend.

For the record, the top Labor Day Fri-Mon debut weekend is Rob Zombie’sHalloween remake back in 2007 with $30 million, after which it falls all the way down to the $21 million debut of The Possession last year and the $20 million debut of The Transporter 2 back in 2005. Even a Hunger Games-eqsue front-loaded weekend of 13% gives the film $20 million for the weekend, which still gives it more than the $19 million total domestic gross ofJonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience and within a hair of the $25 million total for Katy Perry: Part of Me. As you can see, and as we’ll discuss more over the weekend, the relatively recent concert documentary sub-genre is a feast or famine situation.  You either rise to the top like Justin Beiber or crash to earth like the cast of Glee ($11.8 million total for Glee: The 3D Concert Movie).

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Miley Cyrus Grabs Her Crotch, Flashes Under Butt, Under Boob and Underwear in Bangerz Promo Pics

RCA

Miley Cyrus twerks and she knows what werks.

Just days after her raunchy performance at the 2013 MTV VMAs, the 20-year-old pop star released a series of crotch-grabbing, flesh-flashing pictures to promote her upcoming album Bangerz. Oh, yes, she also released the artwork for her album cover, which shows a buttoned-up, glam version of Ms. Cyrus.

In the other Bangerz shots, however, Miley lets her inner bad girl out. There's no tongue or foam finger involved, but she definitely gets in a good crotch grab—while wearing a very serious/seductive expression, it should be noted. In another shot, she wears a partially see-thru top and yes, gives some good under boob.

rcarecords

But the top half of Miley girl doesn't get all the glory! She wears a pair of white, semi-sheer underwear, pulling up what appears to be a string thong up above her lacey bottoms. And in another shot, she keeps up with what's been the summer 2013 trend and shows some under butt.

rcarecords

Bangerz, the album behind all these lovely looks, comes out Oct. 8.

Until then, keep twerking', y'all!

rcarecords

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Prince William and Kate Middleton Reportedly Pick Pal to Be Prince George's Godfather

TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge/David M. Benett/Getty Images

Prince William and Kate Middleton appear to have made an offer to a friend he couldn't refuse.

It seems as if the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have asked Guy Pelly to be one ofcPrince George's godfathers.

A source reportedly told The Sun that the 31-year-old nightclub owner is "thrilled to bits" and "everyone was congratulating him," adding: "Guy's been a very discreet and good friend to William over the years. Those are qualities he wants to pass on to George."

Of course, since George will supposedly have six godparents total, several other names have been thrown around as possible contenders.

The frontrunners evidently include William's longtime pal Thomas van Straubenzee, Kate's friend Alicia Fox-Pitt and, not surprising, George's aunt and uncle, Pippa Middleton and Prince Harry.

The Palace, meanwhile, tells E! News that it will not be commenting on godparents at this stage.

George's christening will reportedly take place later this year.

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Robin Thicke Photo Scandal: Mystery Girl Confirms Butt-Grabbing Photo Is Real

Twitter

What was more shocking than Miley Cyrus' MTV VMAs performance on Sunday? A photo showing Robin Thicke putting his hand on a blond fan's butt at the after party.

The mystery girl, Lana Scolaro, exclusively confirms to E! News that the photo is real, despite reports that his hands aren't on her rear end.

When asked how the photo came about, she explained that she met him a week prior to the party and had "just moved to New York about a month ago."

In the photo, it appears that we can see Thicke and the young lady's backs reflected in a mirror—and his hand looks questionably close to her butt. 

So was she aware of what frenzy would ensue upon posting the snapshot?

"I knew his hand was on my butt, but I didn't know that there was a mirror," she explained.

And despite people claiming that the pic was altered in some way, she explains, "I don't even know how to use Photoshop."

She added, "I didn't even know that was the reflection until I uploaded it, and someone commented on it. I was just like, ‘Oh I'll Instagram this photo with Robin Thicke, like everybody else.'"

After she uploaded the captured-on-camera moment, an obviously concerned Twitter user tweeted it to Thicke's wife, actress Paula Patton.

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Justin Timberlake Wants to Play the Riddler to Ben Affleck's Batman

Youtube

Ben Affleck might need to watch out for Justin Timberlake.

The reason? Well, J.T. wants to play the Riddler opposite Ben as Batman!

On Tuesday, Aug. 27, Justin spoke with Fresh 102.7's Jim and Kim Show about his Runner Runner costar being cast in the upcoming Man of Steel sequel. "Ben Affleck as Batman, I like it," he said. "I worked with Ben last summer and I've seen his process. I think he's a brilliant filmmaker. I think he's an extreme talent so he could surprise a lot of people."

But when Justin was asked if he'd want to play Robin, he answered with a laugh, "Not a chance in hell," clarifying, "I ain't playin' Robin. I have no aspiration to ever be a superhero in a movie. Now VILLAIN! Ill tell you the villain I want to play more than anything because I grew up loving Batman, funny enough, is the Riddler. The Riddler is my favorite villain."

"The Riddler was like a sociopath," he added. "He was proper crazy. So if I'm gonna play crazy, I'm wanna play proper crazy."

"I'm ready," he said. "The Riddler. Gimme a call."

Movie people, make this happen!

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Best of Summer: The Top 19 Songs We Had on Our Poolside Playlist

SUMMER ENTERTAINING

vevo.com

Summer is quickly coming to an end (nooooo!), and although we're sad to see the days of laying out by the pool and heading out to the beach become just another memory until next year, we at least got some great music out of it.

Whether these tracks have been out for a while—years, for some—they made their mark this season and will forever remind us of the fun we had during the summer months of 2013.

So sit back, relax and find yourself singing along to these catchy tunes that made our list for the best songs of summer.

MORE: Best of Summer: Prince George's Top 13 Moments

1. "Blurred Lines," Robin Thicke featuring Pharrell and T.I.: This track had it's share of controversy, but no one could deny it's appeal—both from the melody and the pretty faces in the video.

2. "Treasure," Bruno Mars: This retro R&B anthem was different than the other songs played on the radio, but quickly became a tune you found yourself singing along to. Plus, it's always nice when Bruno makes the ladies feel special.

3. "Get Lucky," Daft Punk featuring Pharrell: The collaboration between these two artists proved to be a successful one. At one point in time, there wasn't a radio station that wasn't playing this hit.

4. "Summertime Sadness (Remix)," Lana Del Rey: Although the track was released over a year ago, the Cedric Gervais remix of the hit revamped the popular song and became a must-have on a summer playlist.

5. "Wake Me Up," Avicii featuring Aloe Blacc: The EDM DJ's latest wasn't what we were used to hearing from him, but it's new (and almost country-like vibe) proved that two totally opposite genres can come together and make sweet music.

NEWS: Hottest hookups of the summer

6. "Clarity," Zedd featuring Foxes: This track became one of those songs you always heard in the car and rushed to Shazam because it was so catchy.

7. "Suit & Tie," Justin Timberlake featuring Jay Z & "Holy Grail," Jay Z featuring Justin Timberlake: This one's a twofer deal! It was clear that J.T. and Hov became the Kings of Summer. With both artists releasing new music and being featured on each other's tracks this summer, we were graced with a lot of great music.

8. "Power Trip," J. Cole featuring Miguel: Wait, so you're saying rappers get emotional, too?! Between the melody and the lyrics, this romantic track was a definite summer favorite.

9. "Problems," A$AP Rocky featuring Drake, Kendrick Lamar and 2 Chainz: Warning: The above video is explicit. The main hook of this hip-hop track became the go-to line for any hashtag, Instagram caption or Facebook status. And even if you didn't know any of the words, you knew that one line during Kendrick Lamar's verse and that was enough.

10. "We Can't Stop," Miley Cyrus: Whether you do, in fact, enjoy dancing around with giant (and kinda creepy, let's be honest) teddy bears or not, Miley's latest became a quick hit and one of the most talked-about tracks of the summer.

11. "Come & Get It," Selena Gomez: Push play on this song and practice those sexy moves in front of the mirror, girl.

12. "I Need Your Love," Calvin Harris featuring Ellie Goulding: This was a match made in music heaven. Between the incredible beat and Goulding's hypnotizing voice, this track was everything.

13. "The Way," Ariana Grande featuring Mac Miller: Get it, girl! Ariana Grande is new in the music scene but didn't waste any time making a name for herself. Aside from being gorgeous, the 20-year-old has vocals that remind us of Mariah Carey (yeah, she's that good).

14. "Mirrors," Justin Timberlake: Yes, J.T. is on here again. What do you expect?! His return to music was a force to be reckoned with, and this track was just more proof of that.

15. "Best Song Ever," One Direction: Did you really think we'd go through this list without one of the biggest (and cutest) boy bands being added to it? Plus, this single won Best Song of Summer at the 2013 VMAs, so obvs it's included.

16. "Applause," Lady Gaga: She's back! The pop star returned with a new single near the end of summer that got all of her little monsters excited.

17. "Roar," Katy Perry: Along with Gaga, Perry came out strong near the end of the season with new music. And we like.

18. "Safe and Sound," Capital Cities: This was another Shazam-worthy hit. Many may have found themselves singing along to this track without ever really knowing who sings it. You're welcome.

19. "Hold On (We're Going Home)," Drake: Oh, Drizzy. Let's be real—Selena Gomez isn't the only one who thinks Drake is nice to look at, but when he trades his rap card in for singing a sweet melody, we just melt! Releasing just a few weeks ago, this track instantly became a fan-favorite.

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Lamar Odom Refused to Take Chemical Sobriety Test, Police Say

WireImage

Lamar Odom may be a free man, but he's still not out of the woods when it comes to his DUI arrest this morning.

Early Friday morning the basketball player was busted for a misdemeanor in L.A., and was taken into custody on $15,000 bail and booked at the local jail at 3:54 a.m.

According to Leland Tang, the Public Information Officer, Odom was pulled over while traveling eastbound on the 101 freeway in the San Fernando Valley for "driving in a serpentine manner"—which is considered more extreme than weaving.

Odom, who was driving 50 mph in his white Mercedes SUV at the time, was administered a routine sobriety test upon stopping for a cop.

Officer Tang tells E! News however that Odom was "unable to perform the field sobriety test" which includes walking a straight line among other things.

And to make matters worse, Tang revealed that Odom did "the worst thing you could possibly do" when it comes to being pulled over for such an incident: "he said no when the officer asked him to do a chemical test."

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Apparently, even if Odom's case goes to trial and he is found not guilty of getting a DUI, because he said no to taking the chemical test, his license could still be suspended for one year.

Khloé Kardashian Odom's husband has been the subject of tons of media speculation over the past few days, ranging from the athlete being missing to substance abuse accusations.

A source close to the Kardashian family shot down the allegations to E! News, saying, "Lamar was never missing. He has been with Khloé. They have never spoken to a divorce attorney."

The source added of Odom, "Right now the family is focused on getting Lamar better."

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Adam Levine Strips Down to Black Underwear in "'70s Porn" Pic

Instagram

Thanks to Behati Prinsloo, fans of Adam Levine are seeing more of the Maroon 5 rocker than ever before! The Victoria's Secret Angel, 24, shared a sexy (and somewhat silly!) picture of her fiancé via Instagram on Wednesday, August 28. The image shows the Voicementor, 34, wearing nothing but black briefs and sunglasses.

"'70s porn called," Prinsloo captioned. "It wants its vibe back. Immediately." In less than 12 hours, the sexy shot generated nearly 20,000 likes and dozens of comments. "Sweet mother," one fan gushed.

It's not the first time Levine's tattooed torso has made headlines. While he was dating Anne Vyalitsyna in early 2011, the "Daylight" singer posed nude for Cosmopolitan UK. The shoot was done on behalf of Everyman charity, which raises awareness and funds to battle prostate and testicular cancer.

"I spend most of my life naked," Levine told the magazine. "In fact, I often have to be told by the people around me that it's inappropriate to be as naked as I am. But I live in California, where it's always warm, so why not?"

Levine and Vyalitsyna also shared a nude embrace on the November 2011 cover of Russian Vogue.

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Fergie Gives Birth to Baby Boy!

Pedro Andrade, PacificCoastNews

Congratulations!

Fergie and Josh Duhamel welcomed their first child into the world on Thursday, E! News has learned.

The couple announced that they've named their son Axl Jack Duhamel and that the little one weighed in at 7 pounds, 10 ounces.

The Black Eyed Peas singer gave birth to her bundle of joy in Los Angeles after checking into Cedars-Sinai Hospital for a prescheduled C-section earlier in the day.

This marks a watershed moment for the 38-year-old and her hunky hubby.

Duhamel explained to E! News in March that starting a family together was "something we've wanted for a very long time."

"We're both just over the moon about it," he added.

The doting dad took his new role very seriously throughout each trimester and confessed that he had been serenading Fergie's baby bump for months.

"They say they'll recognize your voice when they come," he said. "It's very important to me that we raise this kid right."

"There's a connection that's established," he added. "I'll take anything I can get."

Fergie first spoke about Duhamel's singing to E! News at the Logo NewNowNext Awards earlier this year and said, "He wants to get the vibrations of his voice into the child."

The "Glamorous" singer added: "He speaks to my tummy, it's quite hilarious."

She also revealed her pregnancy cravings…and it wasn't exactly ice cream and pickles!

"Fruit has become a staple where is wasn't before. It's mangos, papayas, anything really juicy and sweet."

And if there's one person who has the fullest confidence in Duhamel as a father, it's none other than Fergie.

The pop star couldn't help but gush about her partner and his natural parenting instincts.

"He's been amazing," she said. "He so nice and wonderful. He sings and talks to my belly all the time. He's very complimentary. I'm very lucky that he's really good to me."

She even joked, "He wanted to knock me up on our first date!"

But all kidding aside, the new mama is readier than ever to start this next chapter with her leading man.

"He's going to be an amazing father," she said. "I'm so blessed. I'm on top of the world. Me and my baby are on top of the world."

Congratulations to the new family of three!

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Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber Collaborate on New Song "Twerk"—Listen Here! !@#$%^&*

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images, WeirPhotos/Splash News

The twerking isn't over yet…

Miley Cyrus is teaming up with none other than Justin Bieber on a new track called—what else?—"Twerk."

A source confirms to E! News that the two have recorded the song together, which also features Bieber's pal Lil Twist. The up-tempo track is produced by Meajor Ali and hasn't officially been released yet, and there has been no word on whether or not this is the final version of the song.

Miley is heard belting, "I came up in the party, time to twerk," while the Biebs chimes in with, "Lemme see you get out on the floor, girl. We gonna party ‘til it's over."

"We can take it slow, don't need nobody to know," he adds.

Maybe this is just another banger that's going to be on Miley's highly anticipated album,Bangerz? Only time will tell.

The title of the soon-to-be hit track is surely timely. Just today it was announced that the dance term was officially added to the Oxford dictionary.

Given that the former Disney darling twerked for the world in everything from a unicorn onesie to flesh-colored, latex lingerie at the 2013 MTV VMAs, it seems like she should be part of the definition. 

mashable.com

But, alas, she is not. According to Oxford Dictionaries, the term twerking originated in the '90s aka back when a pre-twerk Miley was just a little girl growing up in Tennessee.

The "informal" verb is defined as "[dancing] to popular music in a sexually provocative manner involving thrusting hip movements and a low, squatting stance." (Way to make it super technical, linguists.) 

Oxford Dictionaries' Katherine Connor Martin said, per ABC News, twerking is most likely "an alteration of work, because that word has a history of being used in similar ways, with dancers being encouraged to 'work it.'"

"The 't' could be a result," she added, "of blending with another word such as twist or twitch." Terrific!

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Daft Punk has the best VMA Miley reaction yet VIA 9gag!

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Kyrie Irving spending time with children in Soweto for South Africa for Schools initiative with UNICEF South Africa!

NEW YORK, Aug. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star Kyrie Irving has just concluded a visit to South Africa, where he participated in a variety of educational programs supported by UNICEF's Schools forAfrica initiative.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130828/DC70885)

The Cleveland Cavaliers player was joined on the trip by Caryl Stern, president and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, and Dikembe Mutombo, former NBA All-Star, member of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF Executive Board of Directors, and NBA Global Ambassador. 

Over the course of the three-day trip, the 2012 Rookie of the Year witnessed a wide range of UNICEF Schools for Africaprograms in Gauteng Province, visiting primary and secondary schools in both Soweto and Randfontein, where he engaged with students, teachers and administrators.

"Even with the challenges they face, it was inspiring to see how much the kids want to learn and how hard the teachers are working," said Irving. "I saw first-hand how early childhood education and school sports activities are making a difference in these kids' lives."

At the Bafikile Primary School in Soweto, Irving helped lead students through physical education activities that are part of UNICEF's Sports for Development initiative.  Before taking to the court for a basketball clinic, he addressed the importance of staying in school to an assembly of Soweto's Senaonae Secondary School, where dropout rates are very high.

At Emaweni Primary School in Soweto, Irving worked on an art project with a group five- and six year-olds who are in the school's Early Childhood Development program.  He also helped facilitate a discussion with students from the Pahama Secondary School in Randfontein who participate in the Girls and Boys Education Movement, which provides students with leadership skills and information that help them mobilize their communities to support the rights of girls.

Schools for Africa is a multi-country education initiative launched by UNICEF in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Peter Krämer Stiftung. Driven by Nelson Mandela's vision that education is the key to everything, the initiative is dedicated to increasing access to quality education for millions of children—particularly girls, orphans, children living in extreme poverty, and other vulnerable children—in 13 countries in Africa.

How to Help

For more information or to make a tax-deductible contribution to UNICEF's relief efforts, please contact the U.S. Fund for UNICEF:

Website: www.unicefusa.org/schoolsforafrica
Toll free: 1-800-FOR-KIDS

Mail: U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 125 Maiden Lane, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10038

NBA Cares and UNICEFFor well over a decade, UNICEF and the National Basketball Association have leveraged the global power of basketball on behalf of the world's most vulnerable children. Through the NBA Cares initiative, the league and its players, such as UNICEF Ambassador Pau Gasol and UNICEF Supporter Tyson Chandler, have partnered with the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to protect the rights of children around the world through fundraising programs, advocacy initiatives and disaster relief.

About UNICEFThe United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to save and improve children's lives, providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy, and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when zero children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood.

SOURCE U.S. Fund for UNICEF

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Miranda Kerr Stars as Adult Film Actress Cicciolina for ‘V Magazine’

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In her second editorial of the September magazine season, the beautiful Miranda Kerr brings the goods again. The last one, shot by Alasdair McLellan for British Vogue, saw an understated, pared-back look from the model. The ante is upped in this editorial for V Magazine. Shot by Sebastian Faena and styled by Julia Von Boehm, Kerr features as 1970s Italian adult film star Cicciolina, who is best known for giving political speeches with one half of her chest exposed. Along with her glamorous beauty, of course.

Take a look at the Lady Gaga editorial, as featured in the same V Magazine issue which is due out on August 29.

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Janet Napoles surrenders

#Hashtag SELFIE

MANILA (9th UPDATE) - Fugitive businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles surrendered to President Aquino Wednesday night just hours after a P10 million bounty was put up for information leading to her arrest.

Napoles, who is wanted for serious illegal detention of pork barrel scam whistleblower Benhur Luy, gave herself up to President Benigno Aquino after which she was turned over to Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda, in a statement, said Napoles surrendered to Aquino.

"At 9:37 p.m on August 28, Janet Napoles surrendered to President Aquino. Napoles is wanted on charges of serious illegal detention arising from the alleged kidnapping of Benhur Luy," Lacierda said.

"The President turned her over to the custody of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas and Philippine National Police Director-General Alan Purisima for processing and booking," he added.

Napoles' lawyer Lorna Kapunan, in an interview with radio dzMM Wednesday night, said Napoles surrendered as she feared for her safety following the P10-million reward offered by the government for her arrest.

She has questioned the bounty, saying it would have gotten Napoles killed.

She said Napoles' brother Reynald Lim, who is also wanted for serious illegal detention in connection with the Luy case, will also surrender to authorities soon.

Kapunan: Trust Aquino

Kapunan said she advised the Napoles family to trust Aquino.

"(Napoles' family) asked me what was the best option, and I said, 'We have to trust in someone, and I think (that's) the President," she said.

She said she was with Napoles after she surrendered.

“We directly surrendered to the President and we were assured that she will be given due process of law,” she told dzMM.

Kapunan denied having been in constant communication with Napoles.

"The last time we talked to her was the day the warrant of arrest was issued," she said.

She declined to give details on Napoles' surrender. "Huwag na natin pag-usapan 'yung logistics, with due respect to the President."

Kapunan she doesn't know where Napoles stayed before she surrendered. "We don't know where she came from."

Napoles is now under heavy guard at Camp Crame before being possibly brought to the NBI Thursday.

Surrender feelers to Lacierda

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, in press briefing after Napoles' surrender, said the businesswoman sent surrender feelers to Lacierda.

Roxas said the President called him up to work on Napoles's surrender. She was fetched from an undisclosed location and brought to Malacañang before Aquino accompanied her to Camp Crame to be detained.

"Ang punto 'di ba hinahanap siya ng buong sambayanan? Mahalaga na ma-secure siya para malaman natin ang katotohanan," he said.

Roxas said the reward on Napoles is now invalid because of her surrender but the bounty on her brother stays.

He said says Napoles underwent a health checkup and Aquino assured her of her safety.

"Si Napoles, bilang isang possible witness at ang laki ng anomalya, karapat-dapat na gawin ang lahat (to take her into custody)," he said.

Roxas said Napoles was served her arrest warrent, booked, and had her mugshots and fingerprints taken.

Napoles has been implicated in the P10-billion pork barrel scam and other alleged irregularities such as the fertilizer fund scam and the Malampaya fund mess.

A Makati Regional Trial Court issued a warrant for Napoles and her brother's arrest two weeks ago, August 14, but she opted to hide.

Napoles to be state witness?

Roxas, in an interview on dzMM early Thursday morning, said the government is not ruling out possibility of Napoles becoming a state witness.

"Isang avenue ito na bukas sa pamahalaan, kung may kontribusyon sa impormasyon at ebidensya si Napoles," he said.

He insisted however, that no deals were made for Napoles' surrender.

He said Napoles did not discuss the alleged threats to her life in her 15-minute conversation with President Aquino.

" Ang napag-usapan lang kanina ay 'yung kaalaman niya na may banta sa kanyang buhay at ang kanyang appeal na (mabigyan ng seguridad)," he said.

Roxas said he understands Napoles' fears.

'Ledger of transactions'

"Kung totoo iyung sinasabi ng mga whistleblower na may ledger, ikaw mangangamba ka rin," he said, amid allegations by pork barrel scam whistleblowers that Napoles hasdocuments showing her cash transactions with lawmakers involved in the anomaly. 

"Hindi ko alam kung red book iyan o black book. Hindi na kami dumating diyan," Roxas said.

Levito Baligod, lawyer of scam whistleblower Luy, earlier urged Napoles to surrender for her own safety.

"Iyung pagtatago niya ay nagdadagdag ng panganib sa buhay niya," he said. "Dahil meron ho kasing libro na hawak si Ginang Napoles na kung saan, nandoon iyung mga transaksiyon o mga napagkasunduan niya na sistema o sharing scheme with legislators."

Baligod said lawmakers involved in the scam do not want their names to come out in public.

"Hindi ako magtataka na iyung mga pulitiko na ito, ay ang magtatangkang hanapin si Ginang Napoles at kung maari huwag na siyang lumantad o kaya medyo mabibigay ng panganib sa buhay niya," he added.

"Mayroon pong hawak si Ginang Napoles, halimbawa, iyung cash vouchers po. Nandoon iyung mga pirma ng mga legislators. Meron din pirma iyung mga chiefs of staff o representatives ng mga legislators na tumanggap ng pera mula kay Ginang Napoles," he said.

On Wednesday morning, Aquino said Napoles should face the charges against her first before the government can consider turning her into a state witness against those involved in the pork barrel scam.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, meanwhile, said there are conditions to become a state witness, including being the least guilty in a case.

"Sa ngayon hindi pa namin 'yan sineseryosong kino-consider but we cannot really rule out that possibility. There is always that possibility pero hindi pa ho namin talaga 'yan kino-consider." 

Investigators are targeting to file the first batch of cases in two weeks against Napoles, and possibly including lawmakers.

De Lima said the perpetrators of the pork barrel scam may face plunder charges but that it would still be subject to "further evaluation" by NBI's legal team review by the Office of the Ombudsman

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