Actress Farrah Fawcett hospitalized for cancer

Three years after her cancer became quiescent after treatment, Farrah Fawcett, the celebrity well-known for being one among the “Charles Angels,” is back in the hospital to address medical concerns related to her illness. The 62-year old TV star who sought experimental treatment for anal cancer in Germany is in a Los Angeles Hospital recuperating.

Having had a remission in 2007 after being managed with chemotherapy and radiation at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Farrah is said to be suffering from liver metastasis.

The popular actress who has a documentary “A Wing and a Prayer,” being readied for showing , is supported by her ex-partner Ryan O’ Neal, her father, and friends Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith of the “Charles Angels” fame. (Photo Credit: http://images.search.yahoo.com.images/)

Anal Carcinoma

Anal cancers are epithelial tumors, mostly differentiated squamous cell carcinomas which account for about 2 percent of gastrointestinal cancers reported yearly in the United States. An estimated 5,000 new cases are diagnosed in 2008 according to the American Cancer Society.

Most cases are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, the common etiologic agent of the common wart. Aside from HPV, risk factors that may predispose to anal carcinoma include multiple partners, immunosuppression, smoking, and chronic lesions in the anal canal.

Depending on the histology and stage of the disease, the cancer is treated with radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery, or in combination. About 10% of those treated develop metastasis, the spread of the tumor to distant organs which brings a bad prognosis. =0=

========================================================

Lucid interval in acute brain injuries: a crucial lesson on Natasha Richardson’s death

The death of Broadway star and movie actress Natasha Richardson illustrates the necessity for quick trauma management in cases of acute brain injuries. In hindsight, Richardson didn’t go to the hospital immediately after she banged her head during a ski accident in Mont Tremblant, a luxury resort in Quebec, Canada.

She had a lucid interval and a feeling of wellness not unusual in some victims of head injury. At that crucial time, blood seeped from a torn blood vessel between the brain and skull creating an epidural hematoma, an enlarging blood clot that was big enough to cause her demise. The New York medical examiner confirmed the epidural bleeding from blunt trauma that caused her death.

Richardson, the daughter of famed actress Vanessa Redgrave was conscious and well soon after the ski accident. She refused early on to be brought to the nearest hospital, hence a delay of about 4 hours before life-saving treatment was instituted. Only when she experienced headache, a sign of rising pressure within the enclosed cranium that she decided to go for the doctors’ aid.

There are questions whether an early medical intervention could have saved her life. Perhaps yes. There is a short golden period in those suffering from acute epidural bleed when doctors can still save a life. From Canada, she was flown to Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City where she passed on a day later.

The coffin bearing the remains of the talented celebrity was taken out of the Greenwich Funeral Home in Manhattan. Lights of Broadway were dimmed to pay tribute to Miss Richardson, a Tony award winner and a member of a family of distinguished movie and theatre thespians. (Photo Credit: Mickey Strikes; Reuters/ Eric Thayer)=0=

RELATED BLOG: “Broadway star Natasha Richardson died of brain injuries in a ski accident” Posted by mesiamd at 3/19/2009

=========================================================

Broadway star Natasha Richardson died of brain injuries in a ski accident

Forty-five year old Natasha Richardson, daughter of well-known actress Vanessa Redgrave died on March 18, 2009 in Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan, New York following a ski accident in Montreal Canada. The acclaimed movie personality was with her husband Liam Neeson and two children in the resort.

“Liam Neeson, his sons, and the entire family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Natasha,” the statement said. “They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time.”—- Yahoo News/ AP (03/18/09, Italie, H)

The star of the Tony award-winning Broadway revival Cabaret, Natasha apparently suffered head injuries during a ski training fall in Mont Tremblant resort in Quebec.

Richardson was not wearing a protective headgear during the accident last Monday. The movie celebrity was initially asymptomatic, but was admitted at a local hospital in Canada after complaining of headaches. She was later flown to New York City for further treatment, but died not long after hospital confinement. The granddaughter of reknown British actor Sir Michael Redgrave and the niece of actress Lynne Redgrave, her death was announced by Alan Nierob, her husband’s publicist. (Photo Credit: AP/ Joel Ryan) =0=

==========================================================

Slumdog Millionaire wins 8 Oscars

On Febrary 22, 2009, the drama movie “Slumdog Millionaire” carted away the most number of recognitions in the Oscars awards—8 winnings including the Best Movie award from the academy.

Held at Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre for the 7th year, the glittery event of tinseltown attended by movie stars and celebrities, honored the visibly elated British director Daniel Doyle and the cast of his winning film which included Dev Patel, Freida Pinto and Anil Kapoor, all first-time actor-nominees in the Oscar. Other actors in the movie were children plucked from the dirt-poor slums in Mumbai, India to be among the cast-members brought to Hollywood for the awarding ceremony

Of the 10 nominations the movie dominated the awards by garnering prizes in eight categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Mixing, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, and Best Original Song.

During the screening on August 2008 at Telluride Film Festival, Slumdog Millionaire generated interest and appreciation from those who first saw the film. It was well-received by viewers at the Toronto International Film Festival. With popularity rising, on January 2009, the movie was screened nationwide in the United States. According to reports, as of February 18, 2009, the film has raked in a bonanza of $89,316,895 at box office in the North America.

Timely as the reality of the current global economic meltdown, the film depicts the race of impoverished people to win in India’s rags to riches version of “Who wants to be a millionaire.” Though well-acclaimed by movie enthusiasts and scribes, the film has drawn criticisms and protests for propagating the Western stereotype of poverty and the negativities that go with the depiction of slums in a poor country. (Photo Credit: Mirchiaish; AP/ Matt Sayles) =0=

===========================================================

Mga Tuntunin ng Senado—-mungkahi ni Sen. Lito Lapid, babasahin kaya ng tao?

Masaya na si Sen. Lito Lapid na itinagalog na ang “Senate Rules of Procedure.” Mas ma-iinitidihan na ng artista na HS gradweyt ang procedimiento ng senado na kanyang kinakasapian mula’t mula ng siya ay nahalal sa pwesto. Nakasulat na sa wikang Pilipino, ang Lapid Resolusyon Numero 19 na nagmungkahi na ang mga reglamento sa Senado ay i-lagda sa Tagalog para madali daw “magkaintidihan ang senado at mga tao.” Ang pagsa-Tagalog mula sa Ingles ay ginawa ng Komisyon ng Wikang Pilipino.

Pero di tiyak kung bibigyan pansin ng mga taong basahin ang nasabing “Mga Tuntunin ng Senado.” Isang senador na si Juan Miguel Zubiri ang nagsabi na ito’y isa lamang ng “reference material” at di gagamitin sa kamara. Wikang Ingles o Taglish ang ginagamit sa pang-araw-araw ng Senado.

Si Sen. Lapid ay nagpapasalamat sa kanyang tagumpay:

“Para maintindihan ng ating mga kababayan, isa na ako roon (So that our countrymen, and I myself, would understand),” he told reporters. “Kasi Inglesan ng Inglesan dito. Matagal na rin ako dito pero marami pa rin akong hindi maintindihan na matataas na Ingles (That’s because English is widely spoken here, and I’ve been here for some time now but still don’t understand those high-falluting terms),” Lapid said. —-Inquirer (02/05/09, Avendano, C)

Mahirap talaga ang may kapansanan sa lenguaje—-lalo na sa legislatura na kailangan ang bokadura at malawak na pagka-initindi sa pasikot-sikot komo senador. Ang artistang si Lapid ay isa sa mahigit sa 20 lamang na nahalal na mga taga-gawa ng batas ng Pilipinas— kung mahina siya sa pag-intindi o pagsalita sa mga debate, malaking lugi ito ng bansa.

Di matiyak kung ano ang mga nagawa ni Lapid sa 4 taon na siya ay senador. Kaunti ang nakaka-alam kung ilang pelikula ang nagawa niya habang siya’y nasa kamara. Wala naman reklamo ang mga tao sa di-pala-imik na senador. Sabi ng iba, mabait at guapo daw kasi si Lapid. (Photo Credit: Tatlong Hari) =0=

===========================================================

Michael Jackson’s white sequined glove for sale

King of Pop Michael Jackson had known what economic downturn means early on. Before the money crunch of Wall Street hugged the news, Michael already met his own financial rut. Because of insolvency, Neverland, his fabled private 2,800-acre (1,100 hectares) amusement park in Los Olivos, California was a subject of foreclosure proceedings. Last month he had to settle out of court with a Bahraini prince on a lawsuit of a failed music deal. This is on top of a child molestation case he had ot endure a few years back.

The 50-year old reclusive music star is now about to tap cash from his personal effects. It was announced that the famous beaded white glove he used in the “Billie Jean” video will be put out for sale along with other items. To woo the highest bidder, the glittery glove and some 2,000 pieces of his memorabilia will be auctioned to realize cash, part of which will be used to support charities.

Jackson’s story continues to befuddle his fans. His life tells of a tragi-comic tale of a ride in a world that is often solicitous, but at times— harsh and forbidding. Looking at the state of things, what is clear is money problem affects not only the poor but the super rich as well. (Photo Credit: www. Bongo News.com) =0=

==========================================================

Quantum leap in revenue for the 22nd James Bond movie

Quantum of Solace, the 22nd James Bond movie and sequel of the 2006’ Casino Royale rakes in record-breaking profits in its weekend debut in America.

Featuring Daniel Craig as Bond, the movie directed by Marc Foster draws $70.4 million surpassing the $47 million earned by another 007 movie Die Another Day, the next best opening record of a Bond film starring Phil Brosnan in 2002.

According to CNN News.com/AP, latest ranking of top 10 box office hits estimated by ticket sales In US and Canada are as follows:

1. “Quantum of Solace,” $70.4 million.
2. “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa,” $36.1 million.
3. “Role Models,” $11.7 million.
4. “High School Musical 3,” $5.9 million.
5. “Changeling,” $4.2 million.
6. “Zack and Miri Make a Porno,” $3.2 million.
7. “Soul Men,” $2.43 million.
8. “The Secret Life of Bees,” $2.4 million.
9. “Saw V,” $1.8 million.
10. “The Haunting of Molly Harvey,” $1.6 million

Taking from where Casino Royale ended, the plot of the latest tinseltown’s escapist fantasy movie focuses on the British agent’s brooding effort to get back against criminals he believes are accountable for his former lover’s death. The movie based on Ian Fleming’s characters was filmed in 6 countries including location shootings in England, Chile, Panama, and Spain.

Recent reviews are mixed, but the film with an “average” satisfaction rating broke box-office records in UK, Switzerland, Finland, United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, Romania, and Slovenia. From its opening in UK in October to its weekend opening debut in USA on Friday, November 14, 2008, it grossed at total of $322,000,000 worldwide. (Photo Credits: Karen Ballard/Sony Pictures: Karen Ballard/Ap; ____; Los Angeles Times)=0=

Paul Newman, actor & philanthropist, at 83

“Every time I get a script it’s a matter of trying to know what I could do with it. I see colors, imagery. It has to have a smell. It’s like falling in love. You can’t give a reason why,” said Paul Newman, 83, the award-winning legendary actor who played roles in more than 50 films which included Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, Nobody’s Fool, and The Hustler. He died Saturday, September 27, 2008 in Connecticut of cancer said publicist Jeff Sanderson.

Survived by wife and fellow star Joanne Woodward, five children, two grandsons, and a brother, the handsome Newman, an iconic versatile movie celebrity received several acting nominations and won his Oscar for his role in “The Color of Money.” He was awarded in 1986 “in recognition of his many and memorable compelling screen performances and for his personal integrity and dedication to his craft.” In 1994, he won a third Oscar, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, for his charitable work.” AP Movie News (09/27/08)

Detached from Hollywood life, he loved car racing and had been known for his philantrophic work for disadvantaged children and those stricken with cancer and life-threatening illnesses. His vinegar-and-salad dressing company prospered and its profits amounting to about $175 million was donated to charities. One of the most enduring personalities in the movie world, a fine human being, Paul Newman is mourned and will be sorely missed. Photo Credit: http://www.cowboydirectory.com; gosssiprocks =0=

Charitable work by the poor, the rich and famous

Hollywood stars Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are indeed so lucky. By being their handsome selves, as celebrities, they can earn millions. Their jobs may be as taxing as the regular workers, but their big earnings are assured. For charity like the $2 million they give to the Ethiopian children affected with AIDS and tuberculosis, they must be honored and appreciated.

Ethiopia ranks seventh among the world’s nations with the highest rate of tuberculosis. About1.7 million Ethiopians are infected with HIV, according to the World Health Organization (WHO.) Because of AIDS, up to a million children in Ethiopia have lost their parents.

“The money will be used to create a center for AIDS and tuberculosis-affected children in the capital city of Addis Ababa, and to help establish a program) program to treat drug-resistant tuberculosis,” in a statement by the Global Health Committee (GHC) on September 15, 2008.” AFP/Inquirer (09/16/08).

The remarkable deeds of Angelina and Brad who raise 6 children (3 are adopted,) must serve as inspirations to poor people as well. Even without money, persons who want to help society can partake of their time, energy, and ideas which can benefit the unfortunate in our midst.

In this week’s Time magazine (Sept. 22, 2008,) there is an article on ways to help the Americans. They aren’t exactly applicable to Filipinos, but from the basic principles, some insights can be learned and a course of action can be pursued. Charity doesn’t always need money.

Twelve Money-wise Ways to Help the Philippines

1. Join groups that advocate honesty, transparency, and eradication of corruption in government. People with similar political, social, and religious convictions give strength to a cause and help unify the nation. Movements like Kaya Natin, Kawad Kalinga, and Philippine Red Cross inspire hope and action rather than despair and inaction.
2. Visit places to learn from other’s way of life. Being with Mindanao Muslims for instance promotes understanding of socio-cultural beliefs and religion.
3. Don’t be idle at retirement. Working beyond retirement i.e. volunteering in church, schools, hospitals and prisons have dividends for the community. A 50-year old retiree has about 25 years more time to be productive.
4. Encourage public service in a barangay. Civics help strengthen the nation.
5. Be a Santa Claus beyond Christmas. Generous giving beyond families, relatives, and friends foster compassion.
6. Be active in PTAs and school activities. Volunteer to mentor a child. Education is an asset that’s usually undervalued by children and their parents.
7. Set a day in a year to be with orphans, prisoners, disabled and the aged.
8. Incorporate your ideals into programs of action. People who render free service change lives and improve the communities they live in.
9. Take responsibility. Prepare for hard times rather than ignore them. Calamities like typhoons, fires, earthquakes, and even financial bankruptcies are occurrences that need preparation.
10. Elect honest leaders in government. You must learn from past politics which has brought indolence, mediocrity, thievery, and incompetence in government.
11. Follow the law.
12. Plant a tree; help build a community garden, and support the environment. =0=

“Show me your hands. Do they have scars from giving? Show me your feet. Are they wounded in service? Show me your heart. Have you left a place for divine love?”—by Rev. Fulton J. Sheen

Capitalistic Hollywood Gains: Batman races to be taller than Darth Vader

The head of Star Wars dark character Darth Vader looms high over the New Jersey skyline in the Quik Chek Hot Air Balloon Festival in Readington, New Jersey on July 25, 2008 (Photo:AP/EvansM,) and the movie The Dark Knight sizzles with a new batman record in its sprint to Hollywood’s book of prolific profits.

So far, the batman movie had raked in 400.04 million of capitalistic Hollywood bonanza after 18 days of domestic run. It is racing on towards the $500 million mark to be the top grossing comic-book adaptation ever, putting aside the record of Spiderman. The film is expected to beat the original bonanza of Star Wars of $461 million, making it the 2nd, next to Titanic’s $600.9 million in all time domestic record of gains. Credit: AP/Germain,D. (08/05/08)