Latest news with #ProstateCancer
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Joe Biden Surprises ‘Reacher' Star Alan Ritchson on Set, Actor Says Meet-Up Was ‘A Privilege and Honor'
Former President Joe Biden and his son Hunter paid a surprise visit Monday morning to the 'Reacher' Season 4 set in Philadelphia. Jack Reacher himself, actor Alan Ritchson, posted Tuesday on Instagram about the Bidens' visit, calling it a 'a privilege and honor to meet the Biden family.' Accompanying videos and photos of him with the Biden men, the 'Reacher' star wrote, 'So our 'Reacher' set got in the way of these legends.' He went on to have nothing but good things to say about the former U.S. president and his son. 'They couldn't have been more lovely. Kind, joyful, gracious and present,' Ritchson captioned his Instagram post. 'We chatted briefly about simple stuff, like string theory and quantum entanglement. Then Joe beat me at arm wrestling. All in a day's work.' According to an eyewitness who spoke to CBS Philadelphia Monday, Biden just so happened to be in the same area in Philadelphia at the same time as the 'Reacher' cast and crew. The eyewitness said that the 'Reacher' team was filming a police chase when several black SUVs suddenly pulled up. 'Out walked these men, that I thought they were actors, but then the entire cast and crew started clapping and cheering,' the eyewitness said of Biden's 'Reacher' set entrance. Former President Biden's surprising, real-life 'Reacher' crossover moment came less than a month after it was announced that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. In late May, CNN anchor Jake Tapper also published 'Original Sin,' his book detailing the behind-the-scenes efforts that were made to cover up Biden's cognitive decline while he was still in office. Ritchson's comments, meanwhile, do not mark the first time the 'Reacher' star has dipped his toes into political waters. In February, Ritchson also blasted Matt Gaetz, the former Florida congressman who has been accused of child sex trafficking and statutory rape and who withdrew his nomination to serve as U.S. attorney general during Donald Trump's second presidential term. Gaetz was once a classmate of Ritchson's, and the actor called him a 'motherf—ker' and told GQ of his former schoolmate, 'We are adversaries.' Amazon's Prime Video has not yet announced a premiere date for 'Reacher' Season 4. The series' third season concluded its eight-episode run in late March. The post Joe Biden Surprises 'Reacher' Star Alan Ritchson on Set, Actor Says Meet-Up Was 'A Privilege and Honor' appeared first on TheWrap.
ABC News
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Canada's G7: An awkward AUKUS moment
Chris Green, who works at the park near Burford, raised £2,500 for Prostate Cancer UK with the shave during Men's Health Week, which is running from June 9 to 15. Mr Green said: "This is a charity close to my heart as unfortunately two of my friends are currently receiving treatment for this disease. Chris Green having his head shaved by penguin keeper Laura (Image: Philip Joyce) "Prostate Cancer UK have been such an incredible support during their time of need, I really wanted to do something to raise funds for such an amazing and life-changing charity." Mr Green has worked at the park for 18 years and is well known for his impressive beard, which he had been growing for nine months before the fundraiser. The challenge was carried out beside the penguin pool by penguin keeper Laura, with a curious penguin named JJ watching on. Chris Green with penguin JJ (Image: Philip Joyce) JJ was the first penguin Mr Green helped to hand-rear when he started at the park in 2007. Following the shave, his beard and hair clippings are being put to good use as bedding for the park's rodent species. Visitors, friends, and staff rallied around to help him pass his original fundraising target of £500, and he is still collecting donations online. Chris Green having his beard shaved (Image: Philip Joyce) Mr Green said: "My new look may have raised a few eyebrows but it has also raised a lot of money for one of my favourite charities. "I'm lost for words at everyone's generosity. Thanks to all those who have supported me." He has promised to keep the 'halfsie' for another week to raise further funds, with visitors at the park continuing to donate after hearing his story. Chris Jarrett, director of fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: "We're so grateful for the innovative support of Chris, who for many years has been a passionate supporter of many great causes. Chris Jarrett, director of fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, Chris Green, and bird keeper Laura (Image: Philip Joyce) "We're told he never does things by halves, so this hair-raising challenge is fitting and will certainly make him hard to miss. "We thank him and Cotswold Wildlife Park for raising crucial funds and amazing awareness too. "Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and an early diagnosis can save your life. "Chris' story illustrates just why more men need to be aware of the risk of prostate cancer. "Men are at higher risk if they are over 50, black, or have a father or brother who has had prostate cancer. "Anyone with concerns should visit the charity's online risk checker.'
The Herald
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald
Revolutionary men can also have a dark side
On May 28, the world awoke to news of the death of Kenyan author and academic Ngugi wa Thiong'o, regarded as one of the leading African novelists and an important figure in modern African literature. Wa Thiong'o, who survived a prostate cancer diagnosis decades before, had been struggling with kidney problems at the time of his death. He passed away in Georgia in the US. Wa Thiong'o was an award-winning author of many books, including his debut novel, Weep Not Child , which was awarded the 1966 Unesco First Prize. Many other book prizes and accolades would follow, including the prestigious 2022 PEN/Nabokov Award for Achievement in International Literature, which is awarded biennially to writers, principally novelists, 'whose works evoke to some measure of brilliant versatility and commitment to literature as a search for the deepest truth and the highest pleasure'. He was also the recipient of 13 honorary degrees from some of the most renowned higher learning institutions in the world. In 2014, Walter Sisulu University awarded him a Doctor of Literature and Philosophy honorary degree, and in the same year, the University of Bayreuth in Germany, where I am currently pursuing my PhD in Geography, also awarded him an honorary doctorate. There is no question that Wa Thiong'o was a giant of African literature. But in March 2024, shocking allegations were made by his son, Kenyan-American writer Mukoma Ngugi, who stated on social media that his father, the great novelist and academic, had physically and psychologically abused his late wife Nyambura, Mukoma's mother. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), the Associate Professor of Literature at Cornell University shared the pain of growing up witnessing the abuse and silencing of his late mother. 'My father @NgugiWaThiongo physically abused my late mother. He would beat her up,' he wrote. 'Some of my earliest memories are of me going to visit her at my grandmother's where she would seek refuge. 'But with that said, it is the silencing of who she was that gets me. Ok — I have said it.' The revelations sent shock waves across the literary world and society in general, with many question how such a respected man could be guilty of such heinous actions. While the story was widely reported, it did little to diminish the legacy of Wa Thiong'o, who continues to be revered and celebrated in death as he was in life. But the allegations of Wa Thiong'o's abuse of his wife should not be swept under the carpet. They are as much a part of his legacy as his accolades and award-winning novels are. The refusal to engage with this aspect of his life, to see him as a complex human being who was both a victim of colonial violence in Kenya and a perpetrator of domestic violence on the home front, is an injustice not only to the memory of Nyambura, but to all women in the world who have been erased and whose own legacies are overshadowed by those of the powerful men they are married to. This perpetuates the privatisation of violence, where men are revolutionaries in public and abusers in private. This is the case with many great revolutionaries. One of the greatest black revolutionaries, Black Panther Party cofounder Huey P Newton, was accused by close Panther associates of behaving erratically and in abusive ways towards comrades, particularly women. In 2007, Ericka Higgins, one of the women leaders of the Panthers, disclosed that she was allegedly repeatedly raped by Newton and told that if she reported the rapes, her children would be harmed. There are wounds that many women who are in relationships with men celebrated as revolutionaries have had to endure in silence. When they speak out, they are shamed for 'tarnishing' the men's images. But if we are to reflect on the legacy of Wa Thiong'o and other great men, we must do so truthfully and remember them in their fullness.
The Guardian
04-06-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Karine Jean-Pierre, Biden's former press secretary, leaves Democratic party
Karine Jean-Pierre, who served as White House press secretary for Joe Biden, has left the Democratic party to become an independent, according to the publisher of her forthcoming book. Jean-Pierre, who served two Democratic White Houses, is expected to detail the weeks that preceded Biden's monumental decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, per a preview of the book, which is set to be published this fall. The book, titled Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines, promises a detailed recounting of 'the three weeks that led to Biden's abandoning his bid for a second term and the betrayal by the Democratic party that led to his decision'. The book will be published by Legacy Lit, a Hachette Book Group imprint. Jean-Pierre's announcement comes as the party has been forced to reckon with its decision to staunchly support Biden's decision to seek a second term as the oldest serving president in American history and despite voter concerns about his age and mental acuity. Tensions between Jean-Pierre and the White House press corps grew tense last year, as reporters pressed for more access and transparency around the president's health. New reporting on Biden's presidency presents a scathing account of efforts by his close staff and allies to hide the extent of his deterioration. In the midst of the debate, Biden's office announced that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. In comments since leaving the White House, Jean-Pierre described Democrats' response to Biden's disastrous June debate against Trump, in which he appeared disoriented and listless, as a 'firing squad'. 'I had never seen anything like that before,' she said during a discussion hosted by the Institute of Politics at the Harvard Kennedy School in late February, describing the rising tide of calls demanding he abandon his re-election campaign. 'It was truly, truly unfortunate. And I think it hurt us more than folks realized.' Jean-Pierre did not arrive 'lightly' at her decision to leave the Democratic party, according to the publisher. The book, billed as a 'hard-hitting yet hopeful critique', will make the case for 'why Americans must step beyond party lines to embrace life as Independents'. In a series of Instagram posts promoting her book, Jean-Pierre said it was 'time to free ourselves from boxes', joining a growing trend of Americans who do not identify as Democrats or Republicans. According to the latest Gallup poll, far more Americans – 43% – consider themselves to be independents than Democrats – 28% – or Republicans, also 28%. 'As a history maker, veteran public servant, political analyst and independent thinker, she urges Americans to think outside of the blue-and-red box as we consider what's next to save our democracy,' the publisher said. Jean-Pierre was the first Black woman and openly LGBTQ+ person to serve as White House press secretary, assuming the role after Jen Psaki departed the position.
CTV News
31-05-2025
- Health
- CTV News
1.2K turnout for Motorcycle Ride for Dad fundraiser
The 17th annual Manitoba Motorcycle Ride for Dad took place on May 31, 2025. (MRFD) Poor air quality and raging wildfires didn't stop 1,200 motorcycles from revving up for the 17th annual Manitoba Motorcycle Ride for Dad (MRFD) – an annual fundraiser for prostate cancer research. Organizers said this year's event took in more $600,000 bringing the 17-year fundraising total to $5.7 million dollars with all proceeds staying in Manitoba. 'The great weather was a factor in another amazing turnout of Riders and spectators,' said MRFD co-chair and founding member, Moe Sabourin. 'Each year, the support from Manitobans is incredible. Thank you to all registered riders, pledge donors, sponsors, media partners and volunteers. Special thanks to our Regional Presenting Sponsor, the Winnipeg Police Credit Union.' Starting from Earls Polo Park, riders looped from Portage Avenue to Assiniboia Downs, to Selkirk, Gimli and then back again in a police escorted parade. As announced during the 2024 event, Minister for Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) Matt Wiebe was on hand to unveil the official Manitoba Motorcycle Ride for Dad licence plate. Ride for Dad plate A design proof of the new MRFD plate now available from Manitoba Public Insurance. (MRFD) 'Our government is honoured to support Ride for Dad and unveil our province's newest specialty license plate, in support of a cause important to so many Manitoba families,' said Wiebe said in a press release, 'To support the Manitoba Prostate Cancer Support Group, $30 from every plate purchased will be donated to assist Manitobans impacted by this terrible disease. This annual ride has raised millions of dollars to help families across the province, and we are proud to stand with Ride For Dad in support of their continued fundraising efforts.'
