Tag Archives: united-states

President Lincoln Reads First Draft of Emancipation Proclamation on This Day in 1862

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The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution was a long and contested legal battle between Union President Abraham Lincoln (pictured with pen) and the…

President Lincoln Reads First Draft of Emancipation Proclamation on This Day in 1862

President Obama Gives Surprise Trayvon Martin Address

President speaks candidly on race in the United States and compares himself to the slain teenager. By Brenna Ehrlich

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President Obama Gives Surprise Trayvon Martin Address

Kick-Ass 2 Poster: Look Deeply Into My Eyes

A couple weeks ago we were sounding the rally cry with these  Kick-Ass 2 videos . I hope everyone chose sides and is out fighting for their faction, but now it’s time to check out the  Kick-Ass 2 poster. Jim Carrey (who spoke out recently on the violence of Kick-Ass 2 ) , Chloe Morentz, Aaron Tyler-Johnson, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse all have that “don’t cross me or I will mess you up” look in their eyes, which is about right given their roles. I like it. Not going to lie, I’m a little curious as to what is up with the paint splatter thing they’ve got going there, but overall, it’s a great poster.  Kick-Ass 2 opens on August 16th. Want some more movie news? How about this Out of the Furnace trailer featuring former superhero Christian Bale?

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Kick-Ass 2 Poster: Look Deeply Into My Eyes

Hazel Hammersley, 2-Year-Old Cancer Patient, Gets Pizza Party From Reddit

The mother of 2-year-old cancer patient Hazel Hammersley playfully posted a sign made of medical tape in the window of her daughter’s hospital room that read “SEND PIZZA.” Never did she expect that someone would photograph the SOS, then post it on Reddit, where users pooled together to grant the request for the toddler and her family. And then some. So overwhelmed was the hospital by random pizza deliveries from across the United States that the family had to politely call off the request for pies! It came as a welcome respite from the toddler’s difficult fight ahead. Hazel, affectionately known as “Hazelnut,” was diagnosed with high-risk, stage 3 neuroblastoma in April and will require 18 months of treatment. Her mother Lauren said the family merely put up the sign to pass the time and try to have some fun and perhaps brighten up a stranger’s day. It ended up making the day for Hazel , as well as a number of other courageous kids battling against all odds at Los Angeles Children’s Hospital. Lauren wrote on the family’s blog, Our Little Hazelnut: “We began hearing news that several pizzas were being delivered to the hospital.” “After only a few short hours, we were told that someone had taken a picture on the street of our sign, had posted it to Reddit and it had reached #1!!” “Hazel woke up from her nap to the smell of pizza and was so excited! Several other children and nurses came into the room, with music playing, and had themselves a wonderful Pizza Party.” “We have been absolutely humbled by the outpouring of love and support … and can only hope and pray that this brings awareness to Neuroblastoma and the Childhood Cancer Community.” Well done, Internet. Very well done on this one.

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Hazel Hammersley, 2-Year-Old Cancer Patient, Gets Pizza Party From Reddit

The United States Of Chubby Lumpkins: Mexico Surpasses America As The Fattest Country In The World

Mexico Surpasses America As The Fattest Country In The World American chubby lumpkins, rejoice! Mexico has now officially been crowned the fattest country in the world, taking the crown from the United States, which held the number one spot on the list just last year. via THG Stand up and celebrate, America. Go ahead, you can do it. A new survey proves as much: American is no longer the fattest country in the world! According to a new report from the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization, Mexico has taken over the top spot as the world’s fattest developed nation, bumping the U.S. to second. The results are based on percentage of residents 20 years of age and over whose BMI (Body Mass Index) is at least 30. Nearly one-third of Mexicans fall under this classification, while United States citizens are at 31.8 percent. Syria (31.6 percent) is on our plump tail in third, while Venezuela and Libya are tied for fourth at 30.8 percent. Abelardo Avila, a physician with Mexico’s National Nutrition Institute, says obesity is a “serious epidemic” in his nation and cites malnourishment among the poor as a leading cause of this poor showing. The report states that around 12 percent of the world’s developed population is overweight. Meh. Number two isn’t anything to celebrate either. We still have some work to do, folks! Shutterstock

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The United States Of Chubby Lumpkins: Mexico Surpasses America As The Fattest Country In The World

The United States Of Chubby Lumpkins: Mexico Surpasses America As The Fattest Country In The World

Mexico Surpasses America As The Fattest Country In The World American chubby lumpkins, rejoice! Mexico has now officially been crowned the fattest country in the world, taking the crown from the United States, which held the number one spot on the list just last year. via THG Stand up and celebrate, America. Go ahead, you can do it. A new survey proves as much: American is no longer the fattest country in the world! According to a new report from the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization, Mexico has taken over the top spot as the world’s fattest developed nation, bumping the U.S. to second. The results are based on percentage of residents 20 years of age and over whose BMI (Body Mass Index) is at least 30. Nearly one-third of Mexicans fall under this classification, while United States citizens are at 31.8 percent. Syria (31.6 percent) is on our plump tail in third, while Venezuela and Libya are tied for fourth at 30.8 percent. Abelardo Avila, a physician with Mexico’s National Nutrition Institute, says obesity is a “serious epidemic” in his nation and cites malnourishment among the poor as a leading cause of this poor showing. The report states that around 12 percent of the world’s developed population is overweight. Meh. Number two isn’t anything to celebrate either. We still have some work to do, folks! Shutterstock

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The United States Of Chubby Lumpkins: Mexico Surpasses America As The Fattest Country In The World

Gay Marriage Resumes in California as SCOTUS Rejects Final Challenge

The U.S. Supreme Court on Sunday denied a final request from Proposition 8 supporters to halt issuance of same sex marriage licenses in California. Justice Anthony Kennedy rejected the appeal with no additional comment. Dozens of same-sex weddings have taken place in the state since Friday, following the Supreme Court’s decision last week to dismiss Proposition 8 . Prop 8 controversially banned gay marriage in the state in 2008, only to be thrown out by appellate courts on grounds that such a ban is unconstitutional. The SCOTUS, which also struck down DOMA , determined that the Prop 8 petitioners lacked sufficient grounds to appeal the lower courts’ decision. As a formality, the high court said it would not make the Prop 8 judgment final until after a 25-day window in which supporters could request a re-hearing. Which they did, but the SCOTUS was apparently eager to move on from this much-watched case, as Kennedy turned down the appeal almost immediately. California thus becomes the 13th state in the nation with full marriage equality, with new licenses already being issued throughout the Golden State. More same-sex marriages were expected take place Sunday in accordance with the Pride parade and a reception for newly-married couples in San Francisco. Gay marriage :   Support Oppose View Poll »

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Gay Marriage Resumes in California as SCOTUS Rejects Final Challenge

James Gandolfini Funeral Set for Thursday, Family Releases Statement

Four days after James Gandolfini died of a heart attack, the actor’s body is on its way back to New York City from Rome. A funeral has been scheduled Thursday for The Sopranos star in The Big Apple, as the entertainment industry continues to wrestle with the unexpected passing of this legend. Said family spokesman Michael Kobold in a statement today: “On behalf of the Gandolfini family, I would like to thank the Italian authorities for all the assistance they have rendered in expediting the formalities necessary to repatriate James Gandolfini‘s remains to the United States.” Added Kobold: “We are fully aware that this process usually takes 7 days and we are extremely grateful for their efficiency in dealing with this matter. It has been our privilege to be guests in your beautiful country, despite the difficult circumstances. We sincerely thank you. We would like to thank the United States government, especially Secretary Kerry and our friends at the State Department for helping us in this time of need. Our expressed thanks to the people at the Italy desk at the State Department for working day and night on our behalf. “We thank President Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for their kind support. And we would like to applaud Vice Consul Patricia Hill and her colleagues at the consular section at the U.S. Embassy here in Rome for being so courteous and helpful throughout this difficult process.” Gandolfini passed away of natural causes while on vacation with his teenage son this week. The 13-year old tragically discovered his father’s body inside a hotel room and called the authorities, who were unable to revive him with life-saving measures. Our thoughts continue to go out to the actor’s family and loved ones.

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James Gandolfini Funeral Set for Thursday, Family Releases Statement

Deuces: “Gay Therapy” Ministry That Focused On Curing Desires For Same Sex Lovin’ Shuts Down

Gay Therapy Ministry Designed To Cure Same-Sex Attraction Shuts Down A Christian ministry program that was put in place for the purpose of curing gay people of their sexual orientation has finally decided to close its’ door after 37 years in practice. via NBC News Former participants in a controversial program aimed at ridding people of their h*m*se*uality congratulated its leader for deciding to shut down its ministry, but other groups said there was a role for the “reparative therapy” used in the “ex-gay movement.” The Christian ministry, Exodus International, was founded in 1976 and claims more than 200 branches, churches and counselors in the United States and Canada. It insisted that people could overcome same-sex attraction through prayer and therapy. But mainstream psychiatric and medical groups have said that program, also known as “reparative therapy,” is not founded in science and can be harmful. The American Psychiatric Association said 15 years ago that it could cause depression, anxiety and self-depressive behavior in patients. In a statement, Exodus International, which describes itself as the oldest and largest group of its kind, said that its board of directors had decided to close down after a year of talking and praying about its place in a changing culture. We’re surprised this practice even lasted 30+ years given all the gay rights activism that has surfaced over the past decade. What’s your take on this, Bossip fam? Shuttesrstock

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Deuces: “Gay Therapy” Ministry That Focused On Curing Desires For Same Sex Lovin’ Shuts Down

Obesity Now Defined as Disease By American Medical Association

The American Medical Association formally voted earlier this week to classify obesity as a disease, one that 35 percent of U.S. adults reportedly have. The classification is aimed in part to get doctors to tackle obesity as if they were treating a disease, rather than a mere lifestyle in need of modification. Dr. Patrice Harris of the AMA said in a statement: “Recognizing obesity as a disease will help change the way the medical community tackles a complex issue that affects approximately one in three Americans.” “The AMA is committed to improving health and working to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes, which are often linked to obesity.” Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) – a ratio of height over weight – of 30 or higher. People are considered normal weight with a BMI of 18.5-24.9. While obesity may not have formally been considered a disease before, it has certainly been linked to diseases by growing bodies of research. Studies have linked obesity to risk increases for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, liver disease, sleep apnea, breathing problems, and osteoarthritis. Moreover, experts believe it can lead to joint pain, infertility, sexual side effects and cancers of the breast, colon, esophagus, pancreas and kidneys. The 2013 “Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer” found significant rises in obesity-related cancers over the past three decades. Heart disease in particular is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women, doctors say. On and on the studies go. Obesity’s new disease classification may also make more Americans realize what inactivity and non- healthy recipes could be doing to their health. A January 2013 survey showed that as many as 70 percent of Americans know heart disease and diabetes are health risks tied to obesity. However, only 7 percent of respondents knew cancer was a risk and 5 percent knew asthma and sleep apnea could be helped by shedding pounds. The new disease classification could also have an impact on legislation in D.C. and with insurance companies, regarding procedures and medications. What do you think: Should obesity be considered a disease?   Yes, and it should be treated like one! No! People need to take responsibility for their lifestyles! View Poll »

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Obesity Now Defined as Disease By American Medical Association