Adkins Country music star Trace Adkins recently made a name for himself as a supporter of food allergy education. Perhaps you saw him on the last season of Apprentice, where he raised awareness about the cause. I missed it, but recently came across an article about his efforts. Why food allergies you ask?

Well, one of Trace’s daughters, Brianna, was diagnosed with severe food allergies at only 9 months old. She is allergic to nuts, eggs and milk, and it was only the touch of a peanut butter jar lid that caused her little body to begin swelling up.

Food allergies are particularly dangerous because the smallest exposure to an allergen can be deadly, and lack of public education about it exacerbates the problem. For instance, a child with severe food allergies only needs to touch an object or person who has come into contact with the allergen. So at a birthday party, if PB&J’s are served and the child with allergies passes on a sandwich…that child is still exposed and at a deadly risk when he or she plays on the monkey bars with other kids who may have gotten peanut butter on their fingers. It’s a scary thought.

I give Trace Adkins kudos for his efforts. He’s raised about $250,000 for the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network since his appearance on Celebrity Apprentice, and he still has fans coming up to him and thanking him for educating the public. These kids with allergies cannot sit in a bubble their entire lives, and parents cannot take on the job of educating the public all by themselves. I can see how it is so important for parents of children WITHOUT allergies to be aware and sensitive to the problem, so that when their child makes friends with an allergy sufferer, they can be part of the solution. Good job, Trace!

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Hannah Montana

I was debating on whether or not to weigh in on this Miley Cyrus business. Normally, I try to keep the bad girls away from The Celebrity Role Model blog and not give them the attention they’re looking for. Because so many young girls look up to Miley Cyrus, I wanted to offer my opinion - for what it’s worth.

I don’t know what Annie Liebovitz or Vanity Fair was thinking when they suggested taking "arty" photos of Miley Cyrus. I don’t care how many magazines they sell, they have a responsibility to be responsible. Putting half naked photos of a teenager in a highly-circulating national glossy is inappropriate on so many levels I can’t begin to count. This is why many of our teens feel it’s ok to be promiscuous or pose nude for their boyfriends. Shame on Vanity Fair and shame on Annie Liebovitz. I will no longer support either.

Now, Miley Cyrus…what were you thinking? I don’t care if you thought it was art. I don’t care if you felt you were misled. I knew enough not to take my shirt off at 15, why don’t you? Don’t tell me you didn’t know any better because you make a big deal of saying what a great role model you are for kids. Role models don’t behave in this manner and 15 year olds don’t behave in this manner. Given the nature of some of the other photos circulating on the Internet, I do believe you knew better Miley Cyrus. It’s only a matter of time before you’re photographed stepping out of your limo without any undergarments or we post your DUI mugshot.

And Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley’s handlers - what were you all thinking? When is it ever appropriate behavior to allow a 15 year old to take off her top for the camera - whether it’s for art or not? I’ll give you a hint…never. I don’t know what possessed you to allow Miley to do this but really, as the parents and people who are looking out for Miley’s best interests I have to ask, are you raising another Lindsay Lohan? Is this how a "wholesome" kid behaves? Way to look out for Miley, guys.

In light of recent events, Miley Cyrus is no longer welcome at The Celebrity Role Model Blog. In a few years, if she behaves in a manner appropriate for a role model, we’ll consider her application for reinstatement.

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Coldplay in a Giving Mood

By: Diane
In Coldplay, Musical Celebs on April 28th, 2008

ColdplayMusical sensation Coldplay is celebrating their new album release by giving away free music. For the next week only, you can visit their website for Viva La Vida and download the single “Violet Hill.” In addition, the UK magazine N.M.E. is giving away some limited-edition vinyl singles to some lucky fans.

No, that’s not it!

Coldplay fans also get a chance to see the band in concert for free! The UK rockers will be holding two free concerts - one at Brixton Academy in London on June 16th, and the other June 23rd at Madison Square Garden.

Now, because Coldplay is so hot talented, the demand for these tickets will far outweigh supply. This means there will probably be a contest you have to enter to get the free tickets - but wouldn’t it be worth it? The details will be posted on their website soon, but in the meantime, go download your free single!

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Aly & AJ Support MS Research

By: Deb
In Causes and Events on April 26th, 2008

Al & AJ MS Campaign

Aly & Aj Michalka aren’t just a couple of Disney kids. They also know when to put it on for a cause. They’re appearing in ads wearing Tommy Hilfiger’s orange tees in support of the Nancy Davis Foundation for MS campaign.

May is MS awareness month and proceeds from shirt sales will go towards education, funding and research for MS. Tommy Hilfiger is also selling bracelets and wallets in support of the cause and Alexandra Knight is selling leather bracelets.

HT: Just Jared

 

Done & Marie

That’s right. I’m a Donny fan from way back and not ashamed to admit it. (Much) Though many laugh at the Osmonds as being wholesome, some of us commend them. I’d much rather my child emulate an Osmond than a Hilton, Spears or Lohan. But I digress…

Donny and Marie have just signed on to star in their own Las Vegas variety show at the Flamingo. The run will last 26 weeks spread over eight months . The shows will take place Tuesdays through Saturdays.

The 90-minute show, beginning Sept. 9, will be presented by Danny Gans and Chip Lightman of GansLight Entertainment. It is being billed as a greatest-hits multimedia spectacle on a custom stage with multiple video screens and a cast of dancers.

“My version of a variety show has been what Vegas has known thus far,” said Gans, an impressionist and comedian who has long played in Las Vegas. “What we have now is a true variety show which conveys the real essence of America and the country’s love of homegrown talent.”

Tickets, which are priced at $85, $99 and $115, go on sale Monday.

My only gripe is tickets are pricey, but I’m old and out of touch and remember paying $15 for concert tickets back in the day. Still, all of the Osmonds are famous for putting on a decent show and if you’re looking for wholesome entertainment for the entire family, you can’t go wrong.

Image via Wikipedia Creative Commons

 

Johnny Depp - Coma Cure?

By: Diane
In Johnny Depp on April 25th, 2008

Depp

Johnny Depp, pictured here with Pirates of the Caribbean co-stars Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom, is one of the most gracious and down-to-earth Hollywood stars there is. Now, reports are that a 17-year-old British girl is showing the first signs of awakening from a coma due to his graciousness last month.

After being contacted by Sophie Wilkinson’s parents, Johnny agreed to tape a recording for Sophie, who had entered a coma five months earlier after a horrific car accident. The recording, made by Sophie’s favorite movie star in his Captain Jack Sparrow voice, featured Johnny offering several commands to Sophie that were aimed at helping her respond while in her coma.

The idea came from a story Sophie’s parents read, in which Geri Halliwell sang for a young girl in a coma. The young girl moved her legs when Geri sang, and woke up from her coma the next day.

Well, Sophie’s parents are now so excited that they are enlisting the aid of other celebrities to put together a charitable service for other coma-sufferers. Sophie’s mom stressed the importance of finding the right “key” that unlocks each individual out of their coma, and often it may be hearing from someone whom they have a great admiration for. I suppose when Sophie fully awakens, she’ll have a much deeper love for Johnny. I already do.

Photo Courtesy of PR Newswire Photos

 

kidman

Australian star Nicole Kidman joined UN Officials on Tuesday to call upon millions to raise their hand against violence against women.

As the Goodwill Ambassador for UNIFEM, the United Nations Development Fund for Women, Nicole has been actively working toward spreading the word about the horrors that up to 1 in 3 women will go through in their lifetimes.

Widespread participation in UNIFEM’s Say NO to Violence Against Women is the goal, while garnering public sector support through donations to the UN Trust Fund is important to spreading the word worldwide.

The Say NO to Violence Against Women campaign is an internet-based initiative hoping to sign up millions around the globe who want their voices heard as well.

The campaign has had great success. One hundred thousand dollars was raised when the website collected its 100,000th signature. On November 25, 2008 - the internationally recognized day to eliminate violence against women, the online initiative will end and the list of signatures gathered will be turned over the UN Secretary in support of his global campaign.

Photo Courtesy of PR Newswire Photos

 

Shakira Campaigns for Education

By: Diane
In Shakira on April 23rd, 2008

shakira

Pop star Shakira took time out of her schedule this week to once again give support to a favorite charity. As the spokesperson for Global Campaign for Education, Shakira made an appearance in Washington D.C. on Tuesday as part of the organization’s “Action Week,” which runs through April 27th.

Meeting with Congress members and students from all over the nation, she helped promote the Education for All Act of 2007, which will raise money globally for disadvantaged primary age schoolchildren. In addition to raising funds for the younger children, Global Campaign for Education is also working on raising awareness and support for approximately 225 million older children.

Believing that quality education is everyone’s right, the organization hopes that governments and communities worldwide will band together and do what they must to educate the world’s youth.

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Radiohead BBC News has reported that Britain band Radiohead canceled a live performance on Wednesday night’s late show with Conan O’Brien because of its concern over global warming. The appearance was set to be a part of a NBC’s Green Week line-up on shows.

But don’t worry just yet. In lieu of appearing live, the band recorded a live version of their performance in London that will be aired on Conan’s show instead.

The band member have always been concerned about the impact they leave on the earth, and were in this instance concerned about the carbon footprint they would leave when flying to America for the show.

Talking about the change in plans, they said that their recording in London has avoided leaving a carbon footprint that equals one car driving for an entire year.

Now only if other celebrities would be more self-aware when making travel or tour plans.

Way to go, Radiohead! See you Wednesday night on The Late Show.

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Jared Fogle’s 10-Year Milestone

By: Diane
In Celeb Weight Loss on April 21st, 2008

jaredfogle

Okay, in my opinion this guy is definitely a celebrity role model.

One day in March of 1998, at 425 pounds, Jared walked by a Subway food chain and decided to buy a sub with less than 6 grams of fat. It was a turkey with no cheese or mayo. That night, he ate a foot-long veggie with no cheese or mayo. He probably didn’t realize then that those two sandwiches would change his life.

A little less than a year later, Jared was down to about 190 pounds and had incorporated walking as much as possible into his daily routine.

Jared lost more pounds than he now weighs, learned to eat low fat and add exercise to his life, and gained a bit of notoriety in the process. AND - after 10 years he has still kept it all off!

Hmmm…I think there’s a Subway not far from here…

Jared Fogle, shown here with baseball-playing brothers, Jeremy and Jason Giambi.

Photo Courtesy of PR Newswire Photos

 
 
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