Take charge of your health

nniversary of World Aids Day, a milestone for a day long recognised globally as a symbol for heightened awareness about the impact of HIV/Aids in the international community. Despite an apparent global media fatigue surrounding HIV/Aids, activities to keep HIV/Aids as part of global health discourse are taking place, and there is much to celebrate when it comes to the progress being made in certain regions of Africa. One particularly notable success is in Tanzania, where a community-oriented approach has been tackling a major national challenge.

In Igabiro, a fishing village that sits on the shores of Lake Victoria in Tanzania’s Kagera Region, 25 people are coming to terms with their newly discovered HIV-positive status on a particularly rainy November day. As music blares from loudspeakers in the village centre, which draws attention to the mobile testing site, men, women with children on their backs, and youths lined up to get their HIV test done. At first glance, this small, hilly, rocky fishing village is the most unlikely place to find queues of people who want to know their HIV status.

A few years ago, the stigmatisation surrounding the HIV/Aids epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa would have made this unheard of. Among the men and women waiting in line, their reason for getting tested is unanimous: They want to know whether or not they are infected. The testing session is a community initiative organised and led by Tanzania Development and Aids Prevention (TADEPA), a local NGO that aims to improve the well-being of vulnerable groups. For the men, there is a prize to be collected after their fingers are jabbed for blood—they receive free condoms upon completion of their test—an incentive for some men to line up twice.

Mr. Adobo meets Ms. Eclair

PINGGOT ZULUETA

MANILA, Philippines — "Our first date was eating out in a restaurant in Quezon City. We enjoyed that together. And after that, we just kept eating out. Until the day she decided to kiss me. And that was when I knew, she was hooked. To save her from embarrassment, I decided to ask her  to be my girlfriend.”

Chef Rob Pengson laughingly shares when he was asked how he courted his wife, Chef Sunshine Puey, who exclaims, “Of course not! That’s not what happened!” But he quickly points out: “That’s how I remember it, but she has another version.”

The truth is: it took him almost three months after they first met to ask Chef Sunshine out. The two met in 2006 during a photo shoot for a charity coffee-table book entitled “Wear Your Conscience,” which featured people in various professions, and the two represented the culinary industry.

During their first meeting, Chef Sunshine thought Chef Rob was just a kid in a chef ensemble. It didn’t help that Chef Rob was wearing cargo pants underneath his chef’s robe.

“When they told me that the photo shoot would take place in his school, the Global Culinary and Hospitality Academy, I was picturing a somewhat older chef. He owned the culinary school, so I thought someone old and fat. I was surprised when I first met him and saw how young he was. I was even impressed that he has so many accomplishments at such a young age,” shares Chef Sunshine.

For someone who has never imagined that he would be going out with female chefs, Chef Rob was mesmerized with Chef Sunshine’s simplicity and beauty.

“I thought she was cute,” Chef Rob says. “Most female chefs I know are a little bit rough. I seldom see a female chef who exudes femininity. So when I met Sunshine, I found her so cute, so refined that I decided to invite her to teach in my school, so I could get to know her more,” adds the celebrity chef who anchors with Love Añover the five-minute cooking show “Del Monte Kitchenomics,” aired on GMA News TV four days a week.

‘La Cage,’ by George!

Hamilton dishes on charmed life, Hub stage role

Aside from his omnipresent suntan and iconic turn as Zorro, George Hamilton might be best known for the sheer force of his personality. The 72-year-old actor has enjoyed a long and diverse career in film, television and on the stage. In the past few years alone, he’s been featured on two reality shows (“I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!” and “Dancing With the Stars”) and wrote a memoir (“Don’t Mind if I Do”). His childhood on the road with his showbiz parents was the inspiration for 2009 movie “My One and Only.”
Now Hamilton is starring as Georges in the Tony-winning revival of “La Cage Aux Folles,” Harvey Fierstein’s 1983 musical comedy about a drag nightclub on the French Riviera. The tour hits Boston’s Shubert Theatre starting Tuesday. The Herald caught up with the ever-charming Hamilton on the show’s stop in Cleveland.
Herald: How’s the tour going so far?
Hamilton: I had to get ready rather quickly, and it was an enormously fatiguing process. For me to come in at my age and to do this show was a real challenge. I tore an Achilles tendon in my ankle right at the beginning of the run, and they had to look at the staging a bit differently. But now that I’ve done that and put it behind me, I really enjoy it. The show is terrific and I’m working with wonderful actors. And I have a two-week vacation coming up, so I’ll try to put my ankle up on a barstool. But it’s intense on the road. You really never have a day off.
You’re no stranger to life on the road.
Yeah, I don’t mind it because I kind of grew up that way. I remember just like yesterday that I was 5 or 6 years old and constantly traveling with my family, going from city to city during the Second World War. So I’m used to it. As a performer, you have to go on the road to get your timing. The people from little towns are the ones that give you that.
What’s your take on “La Cage Aux Folles?”
It has wonderfully funny Borscht Belt kind of yuks but at the same time enormously deep meaning. It became, I think, an anthem of its era. Now it’s accepted for something totally different — it’s accepted for values. Something that was so cutting edge in the ’80s is now more of a family thing. It’s about being true to yourself and who you are. It’s something that audiences can embrace in middle America, which never would have happened in the past.
You’ve had a really diverse career in film, TV and theater. Do you have one medium where you feel the most at home?
I haven’t found it yet. I’d love to sit down on a stage and just speak to an audience. That kind of communication without a script is where you peel away a lot of layers and get to the essence of who you are. You can play other people, but to be yourself? That’s a very hard thing to do. Most actors I think would agree with me. I remember talking to Cary Grant about it at the end of his life. And he was the shyest person, and that was his greatest challenge.
You seem to have enormous staying power as an entertainer.
I’m always looking for ways to sharpen my game. If I don’t do something every two or three years that’s a little bit above my head, I rust out. And even accepting things like “Dancing With the Stars” — people said, “What are you doing that for?” and I said, “Well, tell me where else 20 million people watch you in one night.” Whatever medium reaches the masses is one you’d better be on. To grow, you really have to take on all sorts of things. At some point, it’s your take on life that makes people gravitate to you or not.
“La Cage Aux Folles,” presented by Broadway in Boston at the Shubert Theatre, Dec. 6-18. Tickets: $33-$93; 866-348-9738.

will.i.am: Fergie ‘Will Be a Great Mom’

will.i.am talked to omg! about his upcoming solo career and why he thinks Fergie will make a great mom. - Jason …

Black Eyed Peas front man will.i.am may have disappointed fans over the summer when he confirmed via Twitter that the group will betaking a temporary break, but never fear ... will.i.am's solo career is about to take off. After the band recently performed in New York's Central Park to benefit the Robin Hood Foundation, the 36-year-old stopped in at Manhattan club Pacha to spin a few tunes and chat with omg! about his next move.

Although rumors have been swirling that the singer has been working on a solo album called Black Einstein that he will release after the Peas go their separate ways, will.i.am says that he's not ready to unveil it just yet.

"Yes, I've been working on BlackEinstein since 2005, but I put it on hold because I don't want to release [it] next," he notes, adding he's got another new album up his sleeve, which will feature "some cool sh--."

Would the 36-year-old be interested in serving as godfather to Fergie's future offspring? "If she wants me to, …

The name of this mystery CD hasn't been disclosed yet, but fans can trust that will.i.am's upcoming musical effort -- slated to bereleased "January-esque," he says -- will be strictly A-list. Turnsout, he has been rubbing elbows in the studio with the music industry's elite. He was running late to his Central Park concert because a studio session with Jennifer Lopez ran over and, earlier that same week, the "Imma Be" singer was chilling with legendary rocker Mick Jagger and "American Idol" mentor Jimmy Iovine. A photo he captioned on his Google+ account hinted at what was going on. "Me, jagger, and jimmy iovine...making a nextlevel type of record...'wowzers,'" he wrote.

But not all of the Peas have been focusing solely on their musical careers. Petite pop star Fergie has said that she may be interested in starting a family with Hollywood hubby Josh Duhamel during the band's hiatus, and will.i.am thinks the "Big Girls Don't Cry" songstress is going to rock at raising kids. "She'll be a great mom," he gushed. "She's a beautiful person and comes from a great family. She has great morals, [and she's] a sweetheart."

But would will.i.am play godfather to Fergie's tiny tots?" If she wants me to, yeah," he says.

Rihanna: ‘It Sucks’ to Be Single

One would think that Rihanna, who was named this year's "Sexiest Woman Alive" by Esquiremagazine, could have just about any man she wants, but on Monday's episode of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," the music superstar revealed that isn't the case.

"I'm not dating at all," admits the 23-year-old singer. "I'm not necessarily happy being single. It's not really that cool. It sucks."

But it's got to be better than dating Chris Brown, no?

Check out Rihanna's interview with Ellen below, where she discusses why some men find her intimidating, what she looks for in a guy, and why she believes in men and women playing their specific roles in a relationship.

Mariah Carey and Justin Bieber’s ‘All I Want for Christmas’ Video: Crossing the Line?

Vevo

Sometimes Mariah Carey behaves like she's 14 years old. And sometimes she behaves inappropriately with 17-year-old pop stars who look like they're 14 years old. (Sorry, Justin Bieber, just facing facts here.) If you're so inclined, check out the new music video for our favorite holiday song, re-mixed with the vocal stylings of Bieber and Carey as "Stacy's Mom"-in-Santa drag.

(All we want for Christmas is to un-see those images of Bieber A) doing that weird dance with his arms and B) cackling flirtatiously in a sleigh with a woman who could be his mother.)

Lady Gaga Can’t Get Away From ‘Bad Romance’

Lady Gaga graces another cover. Annie Leibowitz/Vanity Fair

Lady Gaga may be a millionaire international superstar with an obsessed fan base, but none of that has helped her, it seems, when it comes to love. "I have never felt truly cherished by a lover. I have an inability to know what happiness feels like with a man," the pop queen admits to Vanity Fair.

The International Best-Dressed List 2011

She does, however, keep her Little Monsters in mind when it comes to ditching her bad romances. "When I fight with someone I'm in a relationship with, I think, 'What would my fans think if they knew this was happening?,'" she says in the magazine's December issue. "'How would they feel about my work and about me as a female if they knew I was allowing this to go on?' And then I get out."

Beautiful Beach Bodies in Vanity Fair

Though Gaga rumored to be dating "Vampire Diaries" star Taylor Kinney, don't count on the couple living happily ever after. "I have this effect on people where it starts out good. Then, when I'm in these relationships with people who are also creative … what happens is the attraction is initially there and it's all unicorns and rainbows. And then they hate me."

Vanity Fair's Classic Nude Portraits

The pop star says she's unlucky in love. Annie Leibowitz/Vanity Fair

But often those same haters have regrets after she's gone. The 25-year-old explains that a few exes have proposed marriage post-breakup. "Sure, pop a ring on my finger and make it all better," she says. "I can buy myself a f---in' ring."

Lady Gaga's Most Talked-About Looks Throughout the Years

Turns out, performing in front of an audience might be the best boyfriend of all.

"When I'm onstage, I'm so giving and so open and myself," Gaga proclaims. "And when the spotlight goes off, I don't know quite what to do with myself."

“The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1″ Star-Studded Premiere

On this episode of "omg! NOW," we catch up with the one and only Robert Pattinson, who reveals his very un-movie star car! Plus, Kellan Lutz, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene, and many others from the star-studded premiere of "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1" in Los Angeles. You don't want to miss our exclusive black carpet coverage!

Kim Kardashian "So Excited" For Sister Kourtney's Second Pregnancy

Kim sure is ready to have another little Kardashian to keep up with!

Just hours afterKourtney Kardashian revealed exclusively to Us Weekly that she's nine weeks pregnant with her and Scott Disick's second baby, Kim took to her Celebuzz blog to share her congratulations. "This is such a blessing and the whole family is beyond thrilled!" she wrote Wednesday.

PHOTOS: Look back on Kourt's first pregnancy

"I am so excited for Kourt and Scott," she later told Us. "Mason is the best baby ever and I can't wait to be an aunt again!"

Added Khloe Kardashian Odom, via Twitter: "Such an amazing day! I am so excited!"

PHOTOS: Babies of 2011

In her exclusive interview with Us, Kourtney, 32, reveals that she took a home pregnancy test five weeks ago. "Now I'm nine weeks along," the mom of 2-year-old Mason told Us. "You're supposed to wait 12 weeks to tell people, but I feel confident."

As her pregnancy progresses, Kourtney says she and Disick plan to find out the sex of their baby. While Disick hopes for a girl, his partner of five years is just anxious for a healthy child.

PHOTOS: Adorable snapshots of Mason Dash Disick

Says Kourtney: "Whatever's meant to be will be. [I want] just a healthy, happy baby."

For much more of our exclusive sit-down with Kourtney and Scott -- how they told Khloe, Kim and the rest of the clan, potential wedding plans and much more -- pick up the new Us Weekly, on stands Friday.

Pregnant Mindy McCready Prepared to "Go to Jail" to "Protect" Her Son

Pregnant behind bars?

That might be the case for Mindy McCready. The expectant country singer -- who made headlines Wednesday after she and her son were declared missing -- has been ordered by a judge to bring the child back to Florida by Thursday afternoon.

But according to the Associated Press, McCready, 36, said her just-announced pregnancy prevents her from getting to the Sunshine state with 5-year-old Zander, and she'll risk arrest by not turning him in by the court's deadline. (The babies' father, according to the New York Daily News, is McCready's music producer boyfriend of two years, David Wilson.)

PHOTOS: Controversial moms

"I'm a mom first," she told the AP from Nashville. "No matter what happens, I'm going to protect my kid. If I have to go to jail, so be it." 

She first made headlines Wednesday when authorities said she and her son, Zander -- whose legal guardian is McCready's mother, Gayle Ingne -- disappeared from her father's Cape Coral, Fla., home Tuesday evening.

PHOTOS: Celebs in court

In her AP interview, McCready accused Inge of abusing Zander; her mother said the claims are "absolutely not true."

On Wednesday, the singer's publicist quickly refuted claims that she abducted her son, adding that both she and Zander were "safe, healthy and comfortable."

PHOTOS: 2011's most shocking headlines

"I did not steal my child, as it would be impossible for me to kidnap what already belongs to me," she told Access Hollywood over email. "There never was any missing persons report and never an Amber Alert."