Natural Sound

Allan Boesak, one of the most visible figures during the anti-apartheid struggle, was convicted on Wednesday of stealing money donated to fight white rule, including funds from singer Paul Simon.

Boesak was found guilty on four counts of fraud or theft totalling 400-thousand dollars and acquitted on 23 other charges.

Judge John Foxcroft pronounced guilty of one count of fraud and one of theft in the Simon case.

Singer Paul Simon donated two hundred thousand dollars to the Foundation for Peace and Justice charity, headed by Boesak, after a South African concert tour in 1988.

But Boesak only passed one hundred and twenty eight thousand dollars on to charity and Judge Foxcroft ruled that Boesak had used the remainder for his own purposes.

Foxcroft said that part of the problem had been that trustees and donors had been blinded by Boesak's "larger than life personality" and reputation.

He also said Boesak was guilty of the theft of 226-thousand U-S dollars donated by a Swedish government aid agency.

The money was supposed to have gone to make voter-education videos but was used instead to develop a radio studio to be used by his wife, Elna.

Boesak was also found guilty of taking a total of 93-thousand U-S dollars to help buy houses in the upmarket Cape Town suburbs of Vredehoek and Constantia and giving 4-thousand-200 U-S dollars to Elna.

Foxcroft took almost three hours to read through the 27 charges one by one.

Boesak showed little emotion and refused to comment to reporters.

The former head of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches was accused of taking more than 300-thousand U-S dollars for himself and misusing a further 2-point-42 (m) million dollars donated to the Foundation for Peace and Justice charity he headed.

Boesak faces an unspecified fine or jail term - defence lawyer Mike Maritz said no decision had yet been made on an appeal.

Boesak's conviction comes after his bookkeeper Freddie Steenkamp was jailed for six years after embezzling cash from the Foundation.

Once a top African National Congress leader in the Cape Town area, Boesak played a leading role in the anti-apartheid struggle that ended in the country's first all-race elections in 1994.

He gave up an appointment as ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva when the scandal involving his charity emerged.

Cape Town, South Africa March 17 1999

1. Wide-shot exterior Cape High Court

2. Mid-shot sign reading "High Court"

3. Wide-shot press outside court

4. Mid-shot Boesak and wife Elna arrive in car

5. Close-up supporters looking on

6. Wide-shot crowds milling outside court

7. Mid-shot Boesak gets out of car, puts on jacket and greets the media

8. Wide-shot Boesak and Elna climbing steps to court and hugging well-wisher

9. Close-up cutaway cameraman

10. Close-up policeman guarding court

11. Mid-shot crowds outside court

12. Mid-shot Boesak and Elna leave court building

13. Wide-shot Boesak pushing through crowd

14. Wide-shot pushing

15. Wide-shot Boesak in crowd

16. Close-up Elna and Allan talking to their lawyer

17. Close-up same

GAGA ON THOUSAND OAKS SHOOTING: 'ANOTHER REMINDER THAT WE HAVE TO DO BETTER'

The union representing actors was celebrating its own Thursday (8 NOVEMBER) night in Beverly Hills.

But many attendees acknowledged they were somber in the wake of news from a city just 35 miles northwest.

Wednesday night, 12 were killed during a mass shooting in Thousand Oaks nightclub. Authorities identified the shooter as a former U.S. Marine who was armed with a legally purchased .45-caliber Glock 21 handgun.

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better," said recording artist and actress Lady Gaga. "There is so much that we need to do in this world," she continued.

Gaga, widely considered a current awards-season contender for her performance in the musical "A Star is Born," was among those honored by The SAG-AFTRA Foundation at its annual Patron of the Artists Awards.

The Foundation, which provides assistance to union members in need, also honored studio executive Jeffrey Katzenberg, director Spike Lee and actor Harrison Ford.

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership," noted Ford, referring to US President Donald Trump's response to the shootings. "It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

Director Lee, himself buzzed as an awards-season contender for "BlacKkKlansman," a sometimes-humorous commentary on modern-day America that Lee refuses to call a "comedy."

When asked about the Wednesday tragedy, Lee said "this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff."

"He set the tone. And his base his following up on it, and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history the United States of America."

Emmy winner Henry Winkler, an event attendee, said the latest shooting was "Unbelievable."

"We can spend a lot of money and send troops to the border for an invasion that isn't happening. But we can do nothing about the incredible loss of life that is happening with such frequency - for real in our country."

Veteran Malaysian superstar Michelle Yeoh, now riding high in Hollywood thanks to the TV series "Star Trek: Discovery" and the box-office hit "Crazy Rich Asians," said, "It's so heartbreaking for, you know, families to have to deal with this. And, often enough, I don't understand your gun rules, and I don't claim to understand it at all, because, you know, in Asia, we just don't have. It is not allowed. And why do you have to carry weapons that are even bigger and stronger than your police force? You know, I don't understand that. And when you can buy guns so easily, it's very scary when the people who are mentally not stable still have access to that. I hope your government, your president will protect his people better, because you deserve to be protected."

Beverly Hills, Calif., 8 November 2018

1. Wide Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

2. Arrivals-line backdrop with logo: SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Patron of the Artists Awards

3. Lady Gaga arrives, poses for photographers

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Lady Gaga, recording artist/actress/honoree, on the mass shooting Wednesday (7 NOVEMBER) in Thousand Oaks, Calif.:

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better. There is so much that we need to do in this world. But what I really believe is No. 1 is making mental health a global priority. And this is something that I care very much about, and that I will speak about this evening."

5. Harrison Ford poses for photographers

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Harrison Ford, actor/honoree:

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership. It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

7. Spike Lee poses for photographers

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Spike Lee, director:

"Well, I think that this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff. He set the tone. And his base his following up on it., and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history the United States of America."

(Reporter: "Do you think the elections will make any difference?")

Lee: "The midterm? Yes. Yes. It's going to be a showdown."

9. Henry Winkler and Spike Lee pose for photographers

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Henry Winkler, actor:

"It's unbelievable. And, so, we can spend a lot of money and send troops to the border for an invasion that isn't happening. But we can do nothing about the incredible loss of life that is happening with such frequency, for real in our country."

(Reporter: "So, what's the solution?")

Winkler: "The solution is caring about the population and not just a base."

11. Michelle Yeoh poses for photographers

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Michelle Yeoh, actress:

"It's so heartbreaking for, you know, families to have to deal with this. And, often enough, I don't understand your gun rules, and I don't claim to understand it at all, because, you know, in Asia, we just don't have. It is not allowed. And why do you have to carry weapons that are even bigger and stronger than your police force? You know, I don't understand that. And when you can buy guns so easily, it's very scary when the people who are mentally not stable still have access to that. I hope your government, your president will protect his people better, because you deserve to be protected."

12. Adam Driver, Spike Lee and studio chief/honoree Jeffrey Katzenberg pose for photographers

PORTRAITS OF HOLLYWOOD MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS

As Mother's Day approaches, a number of celebrities will be marking the holiday.

Demi Moore and daughter Rumer Willis, Phylicia Rashad and daughter Condola and Diana Ross and daughter Tracee Ellis Ross are all mothers and daughters in Hollywood.

Mother's Day in the United States is Sunday, May 14.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

New York, 15 May 2014 / Los Angeles, 11 January 2014

(Double Shot)

1. Still image - Kelly Osbourne attends event and Sharon Osbourne attends an event

ASSOCIATED PRESS

New York, 15 May 2014

2. Still image - Sharon Osbourne attends an event

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, 11 January 2014

3. Still image - Kelly Osbourne attends event

ASSOCIATED PRESS

New York, 3 November 2015 / New York, 16 February 2017

(Double Shot)

4. Still image - Christie Brinkley attends an event and Sailor Brinkley-Cook attends the Sports Illustrated 2017 launch event

ASSOCIATED PRESS

New York, 3 November 2015

5. Still image - Christie Brinkley attends an event

ASSOCIATED PRESS

New York, 16 February 2017

6. Still image- Sailor Brinkley-Cook attends the Sports Illustrated 2017 launch event

ASSOCIATED PRESS

West Hollywood, Calif., 2 March 2014 / Los Angeles, 4 March 2016

(Double shot)

7. Still image - Lisa Bonet attends the Vanity Fair Oscar Party and Zoe Kravitz takes a photo while promoting 'The Divergent Series: Allegiant'

ASSOCIATED PRESS

West Hollywood, Calif., 2 March 2014

8. Still image - Lisa Bonet attends the Vanity Fair Oscar party

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, 4 March 2016

9. Still image - Zoe Kravitz takes a photo while promoting the film 'The Divergent Series: Allegiant'

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, 22 November 2008

(Double shot)

10. Still image - Vanessa Redgrave and Joely Richardson attend 'CNN Heroes: An All Star Tribute' awards show

ASSOCIATED PRESS

New York, 5 February 2014

11. Still image - Vanessa Redgrave attends the amfAR Gala

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, 22 November 2008

12. Still image - Joely Richardson attends the 'CNN Heroes: An All Star Tribute' awards show

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, 12 February 2012 / Los Angeles, 4 August 2014

(Double shot)

13. Still image - Diana Ross posing as the recipient of Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and Tracee Ellis-Ross poses during Disney/ABC Critics Association summer press tour

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, 23 November 2014

14. Still image - Diana Ross presenting at 42nd annual American Music Awards

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, 4 August 2014

15. Still image - Tracee Ellis-Ross poses during Disney/ABC Critics Association summer press tour

ASSOCIATED PRESS

New York, 2 November 2015 / Nashville, Tenn., 10 June 2015

(Double shot)

16. Still image - Demi Moore attends the 12th annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards and Rumer Willis attends the CMT Music Awards

ASSOCIATED PRESS

New York, 2 November 2015

17. Still image - Demi Moore attends the 12th annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Nashville, Tenn., 10 June 2015

18. Still image - Rumer Willis attends CMT Music Awards

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, 7 May 2015

(Double shot)

19. Still image - Riley Keough and Lisa Marie Presley attend the movie premiere of 'Mad Max: Fury Road'

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, 7 May 2015

20. Still image - Lisa Marie Presley attends the movie premiere of 'Mad Max: Fury Road'

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, 7 May 2015

21. Still image - Riley Keough attends the movie premiere of 'Mad Max: Fury Road'

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, 7 February 2017 / 26 May 2012

(Double shot)

22. Still image - Ava Phillippe attends the Los Angeles premiere of HBO series, 'Big Little Lies' while Reese Witherspoon attends photo call for the film 'Mud' at the 65th Cannes festival

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Rome, 21 October 2007

23. Still image - Reese Witherspoon attends event

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, 30 October 2015

24. Still image - Ava Phillippe attends 29th American Cinematheque awards

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, 15 October 2012 / Los Angeles, 23 February 2013

(Double shot)

25. Still image - Peggy Lipton attends the 19th annual ELLE Women in Hollywood celebration and Rashida Jones attends Film Independent Spirit awards

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, 15 October 2012

26. Still image - Peggy Lipton attends the 19th annual ELLE Women in Hollywood celebration

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Los Angeles, 23 February 2013

27. Still image - Rashida Jones attends the Independent Spirit awards

ASSOCIATED PRESS

New York, 7 June 2015 / New York, 7 November 2016

(Double shot)

28. Still image - Phylicia Rashad arrives at the Radio City Music Hall for the 69th annual Tony Awards and Condola Rashad attends CFDA / Vogue Fashion Fund Gala

ASSOCIATED PRESS

New York, 7 June 2015

29. Still image - Phylicia Rashad arrives at the Radio City Music Hall for the the 69th annual Tony Awards

ASSOCIATED PRESS

New York, 7 November 2016

30. Still image - Condola Rashad attends CFDA / Vogue Fashion Fund Gala

ASSOCIATED PRESS

New York, 31 July 2013 / 2 November 2016

(Double shot)

31. Still image - Pat Cleveland attends special screening of 'Lee Daniels' The Butler' and Anna Cleveland attends Elton John AIDS Foundation's 15th annual An Enduring Vision Benefit

ASSOCIATED PRESS

New York, 31 July 2013

32. Still image - Pat Cleveland attends special screening of 'Lee Daniels' The Butler'

ASSOCIATED PRESS

New York, 2 November 2016

33. Still image - Anna Cleveland attends Elton John AIDS Foundation's 15th annual An Enduring Vision Benefit

GAGA ON THOUSAND OAKS SHOOTING: 'ANOTHER REMINDER THAT WE HAVE TO DO BETTER'

The union representing actors was celebrating its own Thursday (8 NOVEMBER) night in Beverly Hills.

But many attendees acknowledged they were sombre in the wake of news from a city just 35 miles northwest.

Wednesday night, 12 were killed during a mass shooting in Thousand Oaks nightclub. Authorities identified the shooter as a former U.S. Marine who was armed with a legally purchased .45-caliber Glock 21 handgun.

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better," said recording artist and actress Lady Gaga. "There is so much that we need to do in this world," she continued.

Gaga, widely considered a current awards-season contender for her performance in the musical "A Star is Born," was among those honored by The SAG-AFTRA Foundation at its annual Patron of the Artists Awards.

The Foundation, which provides assistance to union members in need, also honored studio executive Jeffrey Katzenberg, director Spike Lee and actor Harrison Ford.

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership," noted Ford, referring to US President Donald Trump's response to the shootings. "It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

Director Lee, himself buzzed as an awards-season contender for "BlacKkKlansman," a sometimes-humorous commentary on modern-day America that Lee refuses to call a "comedy."

When asked about the Wednesday tragedy, Lee said "this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff."

"He set the tone. And his base his following up on it, and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history the United States of America."

Emmy winner Henry Winkler, an event attendee, said the latest shooting was "Unbelievable."

"We can spend a lot of money and send troops to the border for an invasion that isn't happening. But we can do nothing about the incredible loss of life that is happening with such frequency - for real in our country."

Veteran Malaysian superstar Michelle Yeoh, now riding high in Hollywood thanks to the TV series "Star Trek: Discovery" and the box-office hit "Crazy Rich Asians," said, "It's so heartbreaking for, you know, families to have to deal with this. And, often enough, I don't understand your gun rules, and I don't claim to understand it at all, because, you know, in Asia, we just don't have. It is not allowed. And why do you have to carry weapons that are even bigger and stronger than your police force? You know, I don't understand that. And when you can buy guns so easily, it's very scary when the people who are mentally not stable still have access to that. I hope your government, your president will protect his people better, because you deserve to be protected."

Beverly Hills, Calif., 8 November 2018

1. Wide Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

2. Arrivals-line backdrop with logo: SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Patron of the Artists Awards

3. Lady Gaga arrives, poses for photographers

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Lady Gaga, recording artist/actress/honoree, on the mass shooting Wednesday (7 NOVEMBER) in Thousand Oaks, Calif.:

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better. There is so much that we need to do in this world. But what I really believe is No. 1 is making mental health a global priority. And this is something that I care very much about, and that I will speak about this evening."

5. Harrison Ford poses for photographers

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Harrison Ford, actor/honoree:

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership. It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

7. Spike Lee poses for photographers

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Spike Lee, director:

"Well, I think that this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff. He set the tone. And his base his following up on it., and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history the United States of America."

(Reporter: "Do you think the elections will make any difference?")

Lee: "The midterm? Yes. Yes. It's going to be a showdown."

GAGA ON THOUSAND OAKS SHOOTING: 'ANOTHER REMINDER THAT WE HAVE TO DO BETTER'

The union representing actors was celebrating its own Thursday (8 NOVEMBER) night in Beverly Hills.

But many attendees acknowledged they were somber in the wake of news from a city just 35 miles northwest.

Wednesday night, 12 were killed during a mass shooting in Thousand Oaks nightclub. Authorities identified the shooter as a former U.S. Marine who was armed with a legally purchased .45-caliber Glock 21 handgun.

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better," said recording artist and actress Lady Gaga. "There is so much that we need to do in this world," she continued.

Gaga, widely considered a current awards-season contender for her performance in the musical "A Star is Born," was among those honored by The SAG-AFTRA Foundation at its annual Patron of the Artists Awards.

The Foundation, which provides assistance to union members in need, also honored studio executive Jeffrey Katzenberg, director Spike Lee and actor Harrison Ford.

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership," noted Ford, referring to US President Donald Trump's response to the shootings. "It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

Director Lee, himself buzzed as an awards-season contender for "BlacKkKlansman," a sometimes-humorous commentary on modern-day America that Lee refuses to call a "comedy."

When asked about Wednesday tragedy, Lee immediately placed the blame on Trump.

"Well, I think that this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff," Lee said. "He set the tone. And his base his following up on it, and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history the United States of America."

Emmy winner Henry Winkler, an event attendee, isn't a big fan of the current POTUS either.

"Unbelievable," commented the "Barry" actor. "We can spend a lot of money and send troops to the border for an invasion that isn't happening. But we can do nothing about the incredible loss of life that is happening with such frequency -- for real in our country."

Veteran Malaysian superstar Michelle Yeoh, now riding high in Hollywood thanks to the TV series "Star Trek: Discovery" and the box-office hit "Crazy Rich Asians," said, "It's so heartbreaking for, you know, families to have to deal with this. And, often enough, I don't understand your gun rules, and I don't claim to understand it at all, because, you know, in Asia, we just don't have. It is not allowed. And why do you have to carry weapons that are even bigger and stronger than your police force? You know, I don't understand that. And when you can buy guns so easily, it's very scary when the people who are mentally not stable still have access to that. I hope your government, your president will protect his people better, because you deserve to be protected."

Beverly Hills, Calif., 8 November 2018

1. Wide Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

2. Arrivals-line backdrop with logo: SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Patron of the Artists Awards

3. Recording artist/actress/honoree arrives, poses for photographers

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Lady Gaga, recording artist/actress/honoree, on the mass shooting Wednesday (7 NOVEMBER) in Thousand Oaks, Calif.:

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better. There is so much that we need to do in this world. But what I really believe is No. 1 is making mental health a global priority. And this is something that I care very much about, and that I will speak about this evening."

5. Actor/Honoree Harrison Ford poses for photographers

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Harrison Ford, actor/honoree:

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership. It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

7. Director/honoree Spike Lee poses for photographers

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Spike Lee, director:

"Well, I think that this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff. He set the tone. And his base his following up on it., and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history the United States of America."

(Reporter: "Do you think the elections will make any difference?)

Lee: "The midterm? Yes. Yes. It's going to be a showdown.

9. Actor Henry Winkler and director/honoree Spike Lee pose for photographers

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Henry Winkler, actor:

"Unbelievable. And, so, we can spend a lot of money and send troops to the border for an invasion that isn't happening. But we can do nothing about the incredible loss of life that is happening with such frequency -- for real in our country."

(Reporter: "So, what's the solution?")

Winkler: "The solution is caring about the population and not just a base."

11. Actress Michelle Yeoh poses for photographers

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Michelle Yeoh, actress:

"It's so heartbreaking for, you know, families to have to deal with this. And, often enough, I don't understand your gun rules, and I don't claim to understand it at all, because, you know, in Asia, we just don't have. It is not allowed. And why do you have to carry weapons that are even bigger and stronger than your police force? You know, I don't understand that. And when you can buy guns so easily, it's very scary when the people who are mentally not stable still have access to that. I hope your government, your president will protect his people better, because you deserve to be protected."

12. Actor Adam Driver, director-honoree Spike Lee and studio chief/honoree Jeffrey Katzenberg pose for photographers

SHOTLIST(including transcript):-

AP Entertainment

London, 12 March 2013

1. Wide shot Russell Brand joins Mitch Winehouse at press conference

2. Mid shot Russell Brand at press conference

3. Wide shot press conference

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Russell Brand/Actor, Comedian:

"I think when you're talking to young people about drugs and alcohol what's important is not to moralize about it, or say 'Don't do drugs' or futile, impotent messages that don't reach young people, I think it's important just to address the reasons why people drink and take drugs in the first place, whether they're young or old. I remember when I was a kid, the reason drugs first became attractive to me was because I felt kind of lonely and felt sad. Now I've had access to abstinence based recovery, I know that there's a solution to the initial emotional problem that led me to drink and take drugs in the first place. So that's what I think is great about the Amy Winehouse Foundation."

5. Cutaway press camera

6. Wide shot Russell Brand and Mitch Winehouse pose for photographs

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Mitch Winehouse/Amy Winehouse's Father

"The event today, the Recovery Festival today, we announced the official launch of the Foundation and over the next 12 months we're in, we start with 50 schools, so we're building up slowly but we have 50 schools that we're going to be working with over the next year, working, again, as I say, talking to the parents, the teachers and the kids. Our people who are in recovery are delivering the shares" (sharing their own experiences) "and we believe that we have to do it slowly but surely, You know obviously there will be economies of scale and as we get bigger, everything else will get bigger as well but we won't rest until every child in secondary school is getting the information that they need to make the correct choices."

8. Wide shot Mitch Winehouse speaks to reporter

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Mitch Winehouse/Amy Winehouse's Father

"When we were struggling with Amy's illness, I didn't have a clue, I didn't know what I was doing and a lot of the way that I would express myself would be shouting and screaming. Which doesn't help anybody. You know we have to give people the information, allow them to understand the consequences of their behaviour, and allow them to decide when they stop taking drugs and to stop drinking. They have to make that decision, parents can't make the decision for them."

10. Wide shot Mitch Winehouse speaks to reporter

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Mitch Winehouse/Amy Winehouse's Father - on the forthcoming Camden Walk of Fame

"Yeah we're involved, it's going great, we have Amy's statue which is going to be unveiled in September, which we're working on at the moment so all of these things are exciting but of course Amy's not here. I wish we weren't doing the statue, I wish we weren't doing the schools educ - well I'm glad we're doing it, we should be doing the schools education project anyway, but I wish we weren't having to think about walks of fame and statues, and things like that, I wish she was here with us. But she's not, so we have to do the best that we can."

12. Wide shot Mitch Winehouse speaks to reporter

STORYLINE

MITCH WINEHOUSE AND RUSSELL BRAND LAUNCH DRUG AND ALCOHOL AWARENESS INITIATIVE FOR SCHOOLS

Mitch Winehouse recalled his struggle with his daughter Amy's addiction, at the launch of a charity initiative to raise awareness of the problem amoung young people.

Russell Brand, a friend of the late singer, joined her father at the launch, in London on Tuesday (12 MARCH 2013)

Launched through the charity foundation set up in the late singer's memory, The Amy Winehouse Foundation's Resilience Programme has been set up with treatment charity Addaction, and aims to tackle the root causes of drug and alcohol problems.

Brand opened up about his own history of substance abuse at the press conference, to illustrate his belief that a non-judemental approach is key to educating young people,

"I think when you're talking to young people about drugs and alcohol what's important is not to moralise about it, or say 'Don't do drugs' or futile impotent messages that don't reach young people, I think it's important just to address the reasons why people drink and take drugs in the first place, whether they're young or old," said the actor. "I remember when I was a kid, the reason drugs first became attractive to me was because I felt kind of lonely, I felt sad. Now I've had access to abstinence based recovery, I know that there's a solution to the initial emotional problem that led me to drink and take drugs in the first place. So that's what I think is great about the Amy Winehouse Foundation."

The Foundation and Addaction say the new drug and alcohol awareness programme for schools will roll out in ten places across England.

A trained team of recovering addicts, supported by professional workers, will share their own experiences to help young people better understand drug and alcohol misuse.

The focus will be on self-esteem, risky behavior and peer pressure.

Amy Winehouse died in July 2011 from accidental alcohol poisoning.

Her father Mitch says working with the Foundation has helped him understand more about the disease of addiction.

"When we were struggling with Amy's illness, I didn't have a clue, I didn't know what I was doing and a lot of the way that I would express myself would be shouting and screaming. Which doesn't help anybody," he said. "You know we have to give people the information, allow them to understand the consequences of their behaviour, and allow them to decide when they stop taking drugs and to stop drinking. They have to make that decision, parents can't make the decision for them."

The late singer is now set to be posthumously honored a part of the new Camden Walk of Fame.

Due to be launched later this year by the London Borough of Camden, the Hollywood inspired Walk will feature discs honoring a range of music artists.

Winehouse confirms the idea has the family's backing - but he would rather be celebrating with a daughter still living.

"Yeah we're involved, it's going great, we have Amy's statue which is going to be unveiled in September, which we're working on at the moment so all of these things are exciting but of course Amy's not here," he said. "I wish we weren't having to think about walks of fame and statues, and things like that, I wish she was here with us. But she's not, so we have to do the best that we can."

SHOTLIST

AP TELEVISION

Santo Domingo - 24 Jan 2010

1. Mid of Haitian-American musician Wyclef Jean (left) and Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernandez (right)

2. Close of Jean

3. Close of Fernandez

4. Mid of Jean and Fernandez talking

5. Mid of American actor Vin Diesel

6. Various of meeting between Jean, Fernandez and Diesel

7. SOUNDBITE: (English) Vin Diesel, US actor:

"Well, we started an underground convoy where we actually shipped baby formula, medical supplies. We''ve been doing this for the last week. It was important for us to go over to Haiti. I arrived here last week and President Leonel Fernandez wanted me to go into Haiti, and I did, and my heart went out to our brothers and sisters there. I don''t think...I can''t imagine anyone going there not wanting to help."

8. Mid of Jean talking to the media

9. SOUNDBITE: (English) Wyclef Jean, Haitian-American musician:

"The telethon we did in New York, we raised over 57 (m) million. It''s continuously going. I want to thank George Clooney. I worked with George Clooney a lot, putting that together, also Shakira, everybody, Madonna, everybody who participated in that. And also, I want to thank the world. I want to thank the DR (Dominican Republic), I want to thank...It feels like the whole entire world is coming together. So many telethons are going on, so much money is being raised, and you know, we did loose a lot of people in Haiti. I personally lost a lot of people. But understand that every time real change is about to happen it comes from the worst moment. So, I feel moving forward on now. I want everybody to know that we''re moving to the 21st century, and everybody that''s watching me right now that''s from the DR, you know what I''m saying, I want them to know that they are my brothers and they''re my sisters. They look like me. Look, we all look the same, you understand what I''m saying?"

10. Mid of Jean and Diesel

11. Mid of Jean talking to reporter

STORYLINE

WYCLEF AND VIN DIESEL MEET WITH THE PRESIDENT OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Haitian born musician Wyclef Jean and American actor Vin Diesel met with the President of the Dominican Republic on Sunday (24 Jan 10) in continuing efforts to help the shattered Haitian nation following the devastating earthquake on 12 January.

Both celebrities thanked President Leonel Fernandez for his country''s immediate response to the disaster which has killed an estimated 200-thousand people, displaced many more and reduced much of Haiti to rubble.

Diesel said he been involved in getting shipments of aid into the country, and had witnessed first hand the misery there, visiting the island in the last few days under the request of Fernandez.

The American actor has visited Haiti many times and sponsors a film programme for young Haitians.

Wyclef Jean has been working tirelessly to raise money for the victims, taking part in Friday night''s all-star telethon, "Hope for Haiti Now," which so far has raised 57 (m) million US dollars.

His charity, The Wyclef Jean Foundation Inc., also known as the Yele Haiti Foundation, is one of the groups that will benefit from the evening''s donations.

Jean also thanked US actor and director George Clooney, who helped organize Friday''s event.

BRUCE WILLIS, KEEGAN-MICHAEL KEY, DANNY GLOVER ATTEND JAZZ FOUNDATION'S 'GREAT NIGHT IN HARLEM'; TALK LEGACY OF MLK

Stars converged on the Apollo Theater to honor Harry Belafonte and Tony Bennett.

Bruce Willis, Keegan-Michael Key, and Danny Glover were among those to attend the Jazz Foundation's "Great Night in Harlem" gala Thursday (4 APRIL 2019) in New York.

Key arrived early, and spoke of the importance of honoring great artists.

"I think part of what makes the night very special is that it's always important to commemorate people that we're standing on the shoulders of.  I think that's one of the most important things in the world.  That's why I think memorials are important, commemoration is important, and also especially in a historical place like the Apollo Theater.  I have a friend with me today and he's just overwhelmed because he's never been here before, and I think it's such a great night to be here in this special, special venue and, and it allows us to reflect on this very special, special people."

The gala featured performances by Common, Patti Smith, Bruce Willis and Savion Glover.

The day also marked another significant anniversary, the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King.  The civil rights hero was gunned down outside his hotel in Memphis, Tennessee on April 4, 1968.

Danny Glover sees a connection with Dr. King's message and the arts.

"Every moment we got, we get a chance to celebrate his contributions and the importance that he gave to art itself.  Poets, artists, Dr. King... often quoted the works of Langston Hughes, and other artists as well.  He understood the role that artists played in the movement itself, i.e. Harry Belafonte and also Tony Bennett, as well as many, many others, countless others as well," Glover said.

For Key, it's a quote from Dr. King that he's never forgotten.

"One of the things that always rings in my mind when I think of Dr. King is, is the phrase, 'content of character,' and wouldn't it be amazing if we lived in a world, that's the one.  I mean, of the whole speech, of all the wonderful words that he said in his life, that one always rings out to me because it's about people making the world better and elevating it based on their merits.  It shouldn't matter what color you are.  It should always be based on how you behave, how you treat others, do you share.  And then that should be the - that should ideally be the measuring stick for everybody, right?  So that's the one that's always kind of stuck with me, yeah," Key said.

Bettye Lavette planned to celebrate Dr. King with a performance of a popular song about fallen leaders.

"Oh my goodness - the song that I'm singing tonight, 'Abraham, Martin, and John,' it was a moment that kind of stopped, certainly for black people, stopped the universe.  You know, it was just unimaginable that it even happened, and I'm honored to be here to memorialize it and speak about it and sing about it," Lavette said.

Produced by the Jazz Foundation of America, the annual benefit supports musician's in crisis, and brings together all-time legends from different genres, including jazz, blues, rock, and soul.

New York, 4 April 2019

1. Wide shot; push in on Apollo Theater marquee

2. Close-up; pull-out to medium shot Bruce Willis posing for photographers

3. Wide shot; zoom to medium Keegan-Michal Key posing for photographers

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Keegan-Michal Key, actor - on the honoring Tony Bennett and Harry Belafonte:

"I think part of what makes the night very special is that it's always important to commemorate people that we're standing on the shoulders of. I think that's one of the most important things in the world. That's why I think memorials are important, commemoration is important, and also especially in a historical place like the Apollo Theater. I have a friend with me today and he's just overwhelmed because he's never been here before, and I think it's such a great night to be here in this special, special venue and, and it allows us to reflect on this very special, special people."

5. Medium shot; pull-out Steve Schirripa posing for photos

6. Medium shot Danny Glover entering red carpet

7. Medium shot Danny Glover talking to reporter

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Danny Glover, actor - on MLK's legacy:

"Well, it's the 51st, 51st anniversary of the death of Martin Luther King. So it's, it's - in some sense, we, we, we celebrate, when we celebrate his life, every moment we got, we get a chance to celebrate his contributions and the importance that he gave to art itself. Poets, artists, Dr. King often quoted to the works of Martin Luther - Martin Luther King often quoted the works of Langston Hughes, and other artists as well. He understood the role that artists played in the movement itself, i.e. Harry Belafonte and also Tony Bennett, as well as many, many others, countless others as well."

9. Wide shot zoom to medium Keegan-Michal Key posing for photographers

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Keegan-Michal Key, actor - on MLK's legacy:

"You know, to me I - one of the things that always rings in my mind when I think of Dr. King is, is the phrase, 'content of character,' and wouldn't it be amazing if we lived in a world, that's the one. I mean, of the whole speech, of all the wonderful words that he said in his life, that one always rings out to me because it's about people making the world better and elevating it based on their merits. It shouldn't matter what color you are. It should always be based on how you behave, how you treat others, do you share. And then that should be the - that should ideally be the measuring stick for everybody, right? So that's the one that's always kind of stuck with me, yeah."

11. Medium shot Bettye Lavette talking to reporter

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Bettye Lavette, recording Artist = on MLK's legacy:

"Oh my goodness, I, I - the song that I'm singing tonight, 'Abraham, Martin, and John,' it was a moment that kind of stopped, certainly for black people, stopped the universe. You know, it was just unimaginable that it even happened, and I'm honored to be here to memorialize it and speak about it and sing about it."

13. Medium shot Savion Glover posing for photographers

SHOTLIST (including transcript):-

AP TELEVISION - AP CLIENTS ONLY

Toms River, New Jersey - 14 April 2015

1. Jon Bon Jovi on stage at B.E.A.T. (Bringing Everyone All Together) Center event

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Jon Bon Jovi, Board Chairman of Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation:

"With hunger and homelessness, I realized ten years ago that this is something that we could make a dent in, just a dent, that didn't need a scientist to create the cure. That we, with money and action, and then desire, could in fact make a dent and for these last ten years we've been working hard."

3. Bon Jovi poses for photo

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Jon Bon Jovi, Board Chairman of Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation:

"I know the people who have been hungry and you would be shocked to know that these hard-working middle-class people from the tri-state area, who after the economic downturn couldn't afford to keep a consistent, good, nutritious meal on their table. The Soul Kitchen was born out of need."

5. Bon Jovi waiting to pose for photo

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Jon Bon Jovi, Board Chairman of Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation:

"Because our model is powered by people who are in need volunteering. So if you want to come and make a difference, it would be better if you came and donated more than you thought was the cost of that meal."

7. Exterior of future home of B.E.A.T. Center

8. Pan of interior of future home of B.E.A.T. Center

9. Blueprints for B.E.A.T. Center

10. Pan of food donations

11. Bon Jovi with guests inside future home of B.E.A.T. center

BON JOVI, CHARITIES OPEN HUNGER CENTER AT NEW JERSEY SHORE

Musician and philanthropist Jon Bon Jovi joined local charities to help launch an anti-hunger center in a section of the New Jersey shore devastated by Superstorm Sandy.

The Jersey-born rocker and his Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation announced plans Tuesday (14 APRIL 2015) for the B.E.A.T. Center, which stands for Bringing Everyone All Together. The center site is designed as a one-stop facility to help people get food stamps, health care, meals for at-risk children and seniors, and culinary-related job training. It will open later this year in Toms River.

The center also will house a second JBJ Soul Kitchen community restaurant, where diners pay a minimum $10 donation or do volunteer work for their meals. The first one opened in 2011 in Red Bank, New Jersey.

Bon Jovi says Ocean County suffered the worst damage from the October 2012 storm, but has not gotten a proportionate share of aid.

"Ocean County was directly impacted by Hurricane Sandy; it was not a wealthy county to begin with," he said. "At one point or another, 45 percent of households that had kids needed emergency food relief services during the course of the last year. I know people who have been hungry. You'd be shocked to know these hardworking, middle-class people from the tri-state area who after the economic downturn couldn't afford to keep a consistent, nutritious meal on the table."

Toms River was one of the hardest-hit communities during Sandy. Many homes and businesses and even the main road through town still have not been rebuilt.

Bon Jovi is partnering with the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, The Peoples Pantry and the David Tepper Charitable Foundation to provide $5 million in services to needy families in the B.E.A.T. Center's first year of operation.

The center joins other charitable endeavors undertaken by Bon Jovi, including the construction of 440 units of affordable housing for homeless or low-income families; donations to numerous Sandy relief efforts; and two Soul Kitchen restaurants, including a smaller third one in a firehouse in storm-tossed Union Beach, New Jersey.

"With hunger and homelessness, I realized 10 years ago that this was something we could make a dent in - just a dent - that didn't need a scientist to create the cure," he told the Associated Press. "That we, with a little money and action and then desire, that we could in fact make a dent. We're certainly going to try."

His band, Bon Jovi, has been one of rock and roll's most popular acts for the past 32 years, with hits including "Livin' On A Prayer," "You Give Love A Bad Name" and "Wanted Dead Or Alive."

CLEARANCE DETAILS

SOCCER STARS AND CELEBRITIES TEAM UP FOR CHARITY FUNDRAISER #GAME4GRENFELL

Soccer stars and a host of celebrities will take part in a soccer game to raise money for the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire, and the wider community in West London.

#Game4Grenfell will take place at Queens Park Rangers' Loftus Stadium, just a mile from the burned-out tower block in North Kensington, on Saturday September 2.

Music stars dusting off their boots include Marcus Mumford of Mumford and Sons, Olly Murs, Wretch 32, Tinie Tempah, DJ Spoony, Jarvis Cocker, Richard Ashcroft, James Bay and Serge Pizzorno of Kasabian.

Among the movie and TV stars who have signed up are Damian Lewis, Jamie Dornan and Tamer Hassan, with more to be announced before the event.

A host of ex-professional soccer players, including Les Ferdinand, David Seaman, Trevor Sinclair, Alan Shearer, Andy Sinton, Jody Morris, Ally McCoist and Paul Merson, will take part.

The match is the brainchild of QPR Chairman Tony Fernandes, Director of Football Les Ferdinand, and Ferdy Unger-Hamilton from Columbia Records.

Marcus Mumford - who lives near Grenfell Tower - has been involved in the effort to help survivors and the wider community since the fire in mid-June. He has spent the last few weeks with survivors and their families, and helped set up a free summer football program for children of all ages, which runs until September 2.

"I live locally and woke up on that Wednesday morning (15 JUNE 2017) and turned on the news... woke up with my kid, turned on the news and looked out my window and there it was: the tower on fire. So like a lot of people in the community, just ran down and based myself from ClementJames (Center - a local charity and community organization) for the first week, where I met a number of survivors of the Tower. And then I spent the last six weeks, yeah, spending a lot of time down there meeting with people, being privileged enough to listen to their stories. And then once you listen, you kind of feel like you've got a bit of a responsibility as well."

Ex-footballer Les Ferdinand grew up in the area and spent much of his youth in the local community before going on to play for QPR. He says the event will help the healing process, though there will be some friendly rivalry on the day.

"It's not about the football match and who wins the football match, it's about how we can bring people together. But once you put the shirt on and the boots are dusted off, then it does become a bit competitive again, so I'll go for the footballers to win."

Mumford is also a keen soccer player, and relishes the chance to play against the ex-pros.

"Yeah - I'd love to smash some goals past David Seaman. I'm not sure it's going to happen, but it would be a dream."

Tickets for #Game4Grenfell are on sale now, priced £15 for adults and £5 concessions.

For further information, visit www.game4grenfell.com.

FILE: London, 14 June 2017

1. Various shots Grenfell Tower, London, on fire

London, 26 July 2017

2. Various shots Les Ferdinand being photographed

3. Various shots Marcus Mumford being photographed

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Marcus Mumford, recording artist:

"Yeah, I live locally and woke up on that Wednesday morning and turned on the news... woke up with my kid, turned on the news and looked out my window and there it was: the tower on fire. So like a lot of people in the community, just ran down and based myself from ClementJames (Centre - a local charity and community organization) for the first week, where I met a number of survivors of the Tower. And then I spent the last six weeks, yeah, spending a lot of time down there meeting with people, being privileged enough to listen to their stories and then once you listen, you kind of feel like you've got a bit of a responsibility as well. So we've been doing various things, trying to support various groups, trying to help coordination, bring people together, do a bit of advocacy, calling up... speaking to more MPs (Members of Parliament) than I ever thought I would in my life, and most of it is all being done behind-the-scenes. And then with this really, I think, really positive program, and positive event, it's time to, you know, speak up a bit."

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Les Ferdinand, ex-soccer player, Director of Football, Queens Park Rangers:

"And we felt what could we do as a club? And we're a mile away from Grenfell Tower and as I said, I grew up on the estate, so we thought a game was the obvious thing - see if we can get some footballers, get some celebrities together, and anyone who knew about the event or saw what had happened wanted to be involved in the best way they could, and this is one way of giving back to the community."

6. Medium shot Marcus Mumford and Les Ferdinand being photographed

7. Tilt down from #Game4Grenfell shirts to Marcus Mumford and Les Ferdinand being photographed

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Les Ferdinand, ex-soccer player, Director of Football, Queens Park Rangers:

"Yeah, you know, some of the people that will play - like, we've got Alan Shearer, who's coming down, we've got Paul Merson, we've got Ally McCoist, you know, we've got some former QPR (Queens Park Rangers) - David Seaman, Trevor Sinclair, Andrew Impey. We're still trying to persuade the manager (Ian Holloway) to play - I'm sure he'll turn out, you know, so... Mark Bertram, who's been at QPR for part of the local community, so we've got a host of names coming down and we're just so pleased that they're giving up their time to... for a really good cause."

(Reporter: "It's a great roster, isn't it? Marcus says he can't wait to dust his boots off.")

"Yeah, he's... he'll tell you about the celebrities that are playing, but yeah, he's dusting his boots off and he's getting himself ready and prepared, and he's been fantastic, you know - he's been down there every single day, been involved in everything that's been going on and so it's great to have him on board, helping with this as well."

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Marcus Mumford, recording artist:

"Yeah, there's a bunch of likely lads. There's not enough girls yet. I want to get some girls playing, but... Who have we got? We've got James Bay, who I play football with sometimes - he's very good; Newcastle fan, Olly Murs, who - even if we're on the same side - I'm still going to go in two-footed on him. Who else have we got? Jarvis Cocker is playing, Wretch (32) is playing, Tinie Tempah is playing, I think, Damian Lewis is going to play. Yeah, there's a bunch of good people around, and you know, it's not a hard sell, you know? It's like, come and play football, and people are so aware of this event, and the money raised from the match itself is going to go to the London Community Fund, who have been looking after the Dispossessed Fund the Evening Standard's raised, and have been doing well with it. So some of it is going to go to the survivors directly, and some of it is going to go to the wider community as well. So, you know, this is just a drop in the ocean really, and part of a wider response, but also not the end, you know? Just because this is happening, something positive to look forward to for families in the area, but it's also just the start, really, and I think that some of the funds raised are going to go to the wider community."

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Les Ferdinand, ex-soccer player, Director of Football, Queens Park Rangers:

(Reporter: "You've got some great names involved. Can you predict a score?")

"You know, it's funny because I said really it's not about the football match and who wins the football match, it's about how we can bring people together. But once you put the shirt on and the boots are dusted off, then it does become a bit competitive again, so I'll go for the footballers to win."

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Marcus Mumford, recording artist:

"I mean, to be honest, I think the match itself is fairly irrelevant - it's the event. But I mean, yeah - I'd love to smash some goals past David Seaman. I'm not sure it's going to happen, but it would be a dream."

(Reporter: "Give it a go!")

"Yeah, definitely."

12. Wide shot Marcus Mumford and Les Ferdinand being photographed

FILE: London, 14 June 2017

13. Various shots people watching fire

14. Wide shot ambulances, pan to crowd

15. Wide shot Grenfell Tower on fire

16. Medium shot Grenfell Tower on fire

UAE RAPPER

SOURCE: AP TELEVISION

RESTRICTIONS: MIDDLE EAST EXTRA CLIENTS ONLY

LENGTH: 2:44

SHOTLIST:

AP Television

Abu Dhabi, UAE - 28 November 2015

1. Wide of Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Grammy award winning hip-hop artist and actor, on red carpet with German-Turkish artist IZMY while media takes pictures

2. Close of Ludacris

3. Mid of Ludacris with attendees and local artists on the red carpet

4. Pan from media to Ludacris, DJ Mohamed Moretta and female attendee

5. Wide of Ludacris having pictures taken with attendees on red carpet

6. Mid of Ludacris with Sandra "Pepa" Dention, of the 80s/90s hip-hop duo Salt-n-Pepa and female attendee

7. SOUNDBITE: (English) Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Grammy award winning hip-hop artist and actor:

"Because we do so much in the United States of America that we just want to reach as far and as wide as we can, and just know that we have a global mental strategy, not just necessarily for our own country. We're able to help because with a great power comes great responsibility, and the more popular I become, the more I want to reach out and go worldwide."

8. Mid of Ludacris having pictures taken with two Emirati men on red carpet

9. SOUNDBITE: (English) Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Grammy award winning hip-hop artist and actor:

"Digital media and broadcast is the future, c'mon now, that's the reason why. You have to do that, that's the way to reach people nowadays."

10. Wide of cameraman filming people walking the red carpet

11. Wide of local artist J Franklin on the red carpet

12. Mid of local artist J Franklin and friend

13. Mid of attendees having pictures taken on the red carpet

14. Various of Sandra "Pepa" Dention on the red carpet

15. Wide of attendees having pictures taken on the red carpet

16. Wide of Ludacris and his mother, Roberta Shields, walking towards red carpet

17. Mid of Shields posing on red carpet

18. SOUNDBITE (English) Roberta Shields, Chairwoman of Ludacris Foundation and Ludacris' mother:

"We're about, at the foundation, leadership and developing, and we thought that we can bring Chris' celebrity to that empowering of the movement. And I believe that talent is already here, they just don't have the spotlight on them."

19. Various of two Emirati men on the red carpet

20. Wide of UAE-based singer Sarah El Gohary with female friend on the red carpet

21. SOUNDBITE (English) Sarah El Gohary, UAE-based singer:

"Well I was born and raised in the UAE and growing up I didn't see the support that I'm seeing right now. So it's really, really booming and it's so exciting and I feel like it's a dream come true to be honest, because all these years I wanted to do something in the UAE and I've been always performing back and forth in Egypt and other Arab countries, but now I don't need to go anywhere because my talent in being showcased here and it's being spotlighted."

22. Wide of German-Turkish artist IZMY and two male attendees on the red carpet

23. Wide of German-Turkish artist IZMY posing and taking pictures on the red carpet

LEAD IN:

Grammy award winning hip-hop artist and actor Ludacris has been promoting Middle Eastern, African and Caribbean artists at an event in the UAE.

The musician, real name Chris Bridges, hosted a charity gala dinner in Abu Dhabi on Saturday evening.

STORYLINE:

The red carpet has been rolled out for hip-hop royalty.

Ludacris is the star of the night and every guest is keen to be photographed next to him.

But the rapper isn't promoting his latest record - he's hosting a charity event to support musical talent.

The gala dinner aims to shine a light on artists from the Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean.

"We do so much in the United States of America that we just want to reach as far and as wide as we can, and just know that we have a global mental strategy, not just necessarily for our own country," says Ludacris.

"We're able to help because with a great power comes great responsibility, and the more popular I become, the more I want to reach out and go worldwide," he adds.

Tonight's dinner is being held in conjunction with digital content channel BAC (Beauty: African, Arabic and Caribbean).

"Digital media and broadcast is the future, c'mon now, that's the reason why. You have to do that, that's the way to reach people nowadays," explains Ludacris.

The Grammy award-winning artist's own charity - The Ludacris Foundation - is behind the event which aims to raise money for young people in the Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean.

And the cause has attracted some other famous faces to the red carpet.

Former Salt-n-Pepa singer Sandra "Pepa" Dention is here to show her support.

Ludacris' mother Roberta Shields is chairwoman of the foundation.

She's says the organisation can help the younger generation follow in her son's footsteps.

"We're about, at the foundation, leadership and developing, and we thought that we can bring Chris' celebrity to that empowering of the movement. And I believe that talent is already here, they just don't have the spotlight on them," she says.

UAE-based singer Sarah El Gohary says she's seeing more demand for her art in her home country.

"I was born and raised in the UAE and growing up I didn't see the support that I'm seeing right now. So it's really, really booming and it's so exciting and I feel like it's a dream come true to be honest," she says.

"All these years I wanted to do something in the UAE and I've been always performing back and forth in Egypt and other Arab countries, but now I don't need to go anywhere because my talent in being showcased here," she continues.

The Ludacris Foundation was founded in 2001 with a mission of "helping youth help themselves".

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SHOTLIST

1. Bono, lead singer of U2 and co-founder of The One Campaign, enters room

2. Bono sitting with singer Youssou N'Dour

3. Close-up of N'Dour

4. SOUNDBITE: (English) Ban ki-Moon, UN Secretary-General:

"As I told the General Assembly on Monday, Tuesday and today, our approach to malaria can serve as a model for other campaigns to battle the evils we face now. Not just with disease, but hunger, poverty, illiteracy and gender inequality. The great progress we have seen on malaria comes thanks to you, the generous donors and our other partners, who are putting their money to good use."

5. SOUNDBITE: (English) Bono, Singer of U2:

"I'd like to say that I'm not here as a rock star. Really, I'm here as a fan. I'm a fan of Malaria No More, what you two gentlemen have done is extraordinary. I'm a great fan of Africa, in particular. I'm a fan of these leaders, incredible: Kagame (Rwanda's President Paul Kagame), Kikwete (Tanzania's President Jakaya Kikwete), President Kufuor (Ghana's President John Kufuor). I'm in their fan club. And I'm a great fan of the physicians and the scientists, who've gathered on this problem, Bill Gates - he's a rock star."

6. Bill Gates, co-chair of The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, sitting next to Gordon Brown, British Prime Minister

7. SOUNDBITE: (English) Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation:

"Beyond that, we want to have a vaccine that has even better effect, that has hundred percent coverage, and in order to promote that, we're announcing, today, the Gates Foundation is giving an additional 168 million (US dollars) to the Malaria Vaccine Initiative."

8. Gates, Brown seated next to Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete

9. SOUNDBITE: (English) Gordon Brown, British Prime Minister:

"This is a historic meeting and a historic moment, and I think people are beginning to realise, everybody here, that it's not just a one billion dollar moment, it's going to be a three- three and a half billion dollar moment. And I want to thank Ray and Peter for everything they've done. This campaign, and the campaigns with the Malaria Roll Back Partnership, have achieved more in a year, than most campaigns achieve in a hundred years. Thank you very much for what you've done."

10. Mid of stage

11. SOUNDBITE: (English) Jakaya Kikwete, Tanzanian President:

"First it is true that indeed, in Zanzibar we have reached a point where we may soon announce that malaria has been eliminated, which to us is a big success. Of course our preoccupation now is to create the mechanism to sustain the success, so that we don't have a re-emergence. Because, we have succeeded - this is the third time we have succeeded in Zanzibar. We want this time to be the final time."

12. Mid of stage

13. SOUNDBITE: (English) Kevin Rudd, Australian Prime Minister:

"But to all other governments here, can I say: let us not drop the baton when the focus comes off this meeting. The hard work will be next week and the week after and the year after and the year after that. Our proposal's modest: it's to deal with our own neighbourhood. But we'll take it from there. Thanks very much."

14. Bono leaving the room after the meeting

STORYLINE:

World leaders and celebrities gathered in New York on Thursday announced a new commitment of nearly three (b) billion US dollars to the fight against malaria.

With the number of malaria deaths approaching one (m) million a year, most of them infants and toddlers, the infectious disease has become a scourge in remote areas of Africa and Southeast Asia.

But officials said Thursday, malaria as a mass child killer would be virtually eliminated globally by 2015 under the new plan, which is backed by nearly three (b) billion US dollar in pledges, and could, as UN Secretary General Ban ki-Moon said, serve as "a model for other campaigns to battle the evils we face now".

"Not just with disease, but hunger, poverty, illiteracy and gender inequality. The great progress we have seen on malaria comes thanks to you, the generous donors and our other partners, who are putting their money to good use," Ban told the 2008 Malaria Summit.

Led by the Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Malaria, Ray Chambers, who is also co-chairman of the NGO, Malaria No More, the summit brought together government leaders, health ministers, NGOs and leaders from business and industry as part of the Millennium Development Goals.

The ambitious public-private coalition intends to eliminate malaria deaths by 2015, with possible eradication of the disease by 2020.

Specifically, the plan aims to reduce those deaths to almost zero within just seven years by providing better access to bed nets, indoor spraying, improved diagnosis and treatment, preventative measures for pregnant women and development of new vaccines.

The plan was unveiled with much hoopla on Thursday by U.N. officials, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, U2 frontman Bono, "American Idol" creator Simon Fuller, News Corporation's president Peter Chernin and other heads of state and ministers from Australia, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Zambia.

Bono, who attended the meeting along with fellow singer, Youssou N'Dour, praised those involved.

"I'd like to say that I'm not here as a rock-star. Really, I'm here as a fan. I'm a fan of Malaria No More," the Irish rocker said. "I'm a great fan of Africa, in particular. I'm a fan of these leaders, incredible: Kagame, Kikwete, President Kufuor. I'm in their fan club. And I'm a great fan of the physicians and the scientists, who've gathered on this problem."

The plan was sponsored by the Roll Back Malaria Partnership, which was launched in 1998 by the World Bank and three U.N. agencies: the World Health Organisation, the United Nations Children's Fund and the United Nations Development Programme.

British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown also offered kind words on the programme.

"This is a historic meeting and a historic moment, and I think people are beginning to realise here that it's not just a one billion dollar moment, it's going to be a three- three and a half billion dollar moment," said Brown.

"This campaign, and the campaigns with the Malaria Roll Back Partnership, have achieved more in a year, than most campaigns achieve in a hundred years," he said.

Microsoft founder Bill Gates, who Bono described as a "rock star" for his charitable work, said greater innovation was needed in the fight against malaria, such as developing new vaccines.

"We want to have a vaccine that has even better effect, that has hundred percent coverage, and in order to promote that, we're announcing, today, the Gates Foundation is giving an additional 168 million US dollars to the Malaria Vaccine Initiative."

The grant was one of many from the private sector announced around the meeting. The largest single pledge to the campaign was 1.1 (b) billion US dollars from the World Bank.

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is giving 1.62 (b) billion over two years, Britain pledged more than 70 (m) million dollars, while Marathon Oil and a coalition of businesses pledged 28 (m) million dollars.

Significant progress in the fight against the disease has been made in parts of Africa, according to Tanzania's president.

"In Zanzibar we have reached a point where we may soon announce that malaria has been eliminated, which to us is a big success," said Jakaya Kikwete. "Of course our preoccupation now is to create the mechanism to sustain the success, so that we don't have a re-emergence."

Originally approved in 2000 by member states, the eight Development Goals are to slash poverty and hunger; achieve universal primary education; promote gender equality; reduce child mortality; improve maternal health; combat aids, malaria and other diseases; ensure environmental stability; and develop a global partnership for development.

Nearly a quarter billion people get malaria each year, according to a WHO report last week. That figure halved an earlier estimate of 500 million, based on improved measurement techniques.

WHO left unchanged its latest figure for malaria deaths: 881,000 people killed by malaria in 2006, most of them children under 5.

But to meet the plan's ambitious goals, leaders say they will need to collect donations totalling more than six(b) billion worldwide by 2010, including 2.86 (b) billion for Africa, and then spend up to 900 (m) million each year after that for more research on vaccines, drugs and other new preventative tools.

ELTON JOHN HOLDS ANNUAL ENDURING VISION BENEFIT FOR HIS AIDS FOUNDATION

It was a star-studded affair Monday (2 NOV. 2015) in New York as Alec Baldwin, Matthew Morrison, Kiefer Sutherland, and other celebrities walked the red carpet for the Elton John AIDS Foundation's annual Enduring Vision benefit.

Sir Elton John continues his global humanitarian efforts to help raise money to fight HIV/AIDS through prevention programs, anti-stigma campaigns, and treatment services for people living with the disease.

John and husband David Furnish spoke about the foundation's ongoing mission on the red carpet.

The recording artist says he's proud of what the foundation has accomplished in saving lives.

"We all started out years ago where there was many a foundation. We have now amalgamated into a kind of Rolls Royce with other foundations. We all work together, which we have to do. It's not a single thing anymore. We work together, all of us, to try and prevent infections, to try and get medication to people, and to try and prevent the stigma. So I'm proud of what we've done, but the journey is not complete. I won't be proud until the journey is complete," John said.

Furnish, who acts as the foundation's chairman, talked about the positive advancements made since the organization began in 2001.

"We've come so far with treatment that actual treatment is prevention. You can reduce the load virus so low now in someone's body that the risk of passing it on to someone else is practically zero," Furnish said.

But he also stressed that awareness of the disease leaves much to be desired.

"What hasn't changed is the mindset associated with knowing your status and testing and then living a positive happy life if you are HIV-positive and staying on the medications," he said.

That frustrates John, because he feels some individuals have become cavalier about the disease.

"It bothers me a lot because people should know by now, with the amount of information out there, and the amount of medication available, that you shouldn't be - in this day and age - you shouldn't get infected, but unfortunately it's still a shame-based disease. It's a stigma - it's stigmatized and we're still fighting that and it's actually less of a problem in sub-Saharan Africa than it is sometimes in educated countries. People think, 'You know what, it's a livable disease...' But we can eradicate that whole - we can eradicate the disease if people just paid attention."

John also spoke candidly about his upcoming album.

"It's like a throwback to the 70s, but sounding even punchier. It's a rock 'n' roll record - up-tempo, joyous. I'm thrilled. T-Bone Burnett and I produced it, my band play on it. It's called, 'Wonderful Crazy Night," he said.

But when it came to Broadway, John almost said too much.

"We have a new musical in the works," John said, but was quickly hushed about the secret project.

"But I can't tell you any more than that," he said as he broke into laughter.

The jovial laughing continued as Furnish responded, "Good answer."

As for the new record, John can't wait to begin promoting it.

Matthew Morrison had high praise for the British singer.

"Just in his career, but what he's done with AIDS research and just helping people live their lives and live long lives. It's amazing. I love this organization, and I try to come to as many event as I can because there always so much fun," Morrison said.

And Jason Collins, the first openly gay player to play in a professional basketball game shared high praise for the recording artist too.

"The beauty of sports is it allows you to go places where sometimes talking about AIDS or talking about LBGT issues they're taboo, but when you put it in the realm of sports, and you put it in the realm of music, it changes the conversation. It's an easy way to start the conversation. I think Elton has done a masterful job of doing that," Collins said.

He also spoke of his own courage of 'coming out.'

"I just hope that my actions have made it easier for someone else to live their authentic life."

Created in 2001 as a collaborative fundraising effort by the National AIDS Fund (NAF) and EJAF, 'An Enduring Vision' has become a major source of funding for EJAF and NAF's grant-making programs.

+++ FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY++++

AP ENTERTAINMENT

New York, 2 Nov.2015

1. Wide of Elton John and David Furnish entering red carpet

2. Medium of Elton John and David Furnish posing for photographers, walking down carpet

3. Wide of Elton John and David Furnish talking to reporter, push in

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Elton John/Recording Artist - on being proud of the foundation and its mission:

"Well, to save lives. Educate people, save lives. We all started out years ago where there was many a foundation. We have now amalgamated into a kind of Rolls Royce with other foundations. We all work together, which we have to do. It's not a single thing anymore. We work together, all of us, to try and prevent infections, to try and get medication to people, and to try and prevent the stigma. So I'm proud of what we've done, but the journey is not complete. I won't be proud until the journey is complete."

5. Wide of Elton John and David Furnish talking to reporter

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Elton John/Recording Artist - on frustration of some no longer taking the disease seriously:

"It bothers me a lot because people should know by now, with the amount of information out there, and the amount of medication available, that you shouldn't be - in this day and age - you shouldn't get infected, but unfortunately it's still a shame-based disease. It's a stigma - it's stigmatized and we're still fighting that and it's actually less of a problem in sub-Saharan Africa than it is sometimes in educated countries. People think, 'You know what, it's a livable disease...' But we can eradicate that whole - we can eradicate the disease if people just paid attention."

7. Tilt up, Alec Baldwin and wife Hilaria posing on red carpet

8. Medium of Whoopi Goldberg on red carpet

9. Elton John AIDS Foundation signage, pull out to Elton John and David Furnish

10. SOUNDBITE (English) David Furnish/EJAF Chairman - on advancements since the organization began:

"The biggest change is advancement in treatment. We've come so far with treatment that actual treatment is prevention. You can reduce the load virus so low now in someone's body that the risk of passing it on to someone else is practically zero. That's a huge breakthrough, it's not a cure but it's very, very close. What hasn't changed is the mind set associated with knowing your status and testing and then living a positive happy life if you are HIV-positive and staying on the medications. Because the sooner you know your status, the sooner you get on the treatments, the better the news is for everybody."

11. Medium of Elton John talking to reporter

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Elton John/Recording Artist - on his new album:

"It's like a throwback to the 70s, but sounding even punchier. It's a rock 'n' roll record - up-tempo, joyous. I'm thrilled. T-Bone Burnett and I produced it, my band play on it. It's called, 'Wonderful Crazy Night,' and I can't wait to start promoting it."

(Reporter: What about Broadway?)

Elton John: "We have a new musical in the works."

(Voice: "No.")

Elton John: (Laughs) "But I can't tell you any more than that."

David Furnish: "Good answer, good answer."

13. Tilt up of Spike Lee on red carpet

14. Medium of Kiefer Sutherland walking down red carpet

15. Matthew Morrison and Renee Puente on red carpet

16. SOUNDBITE (English) Matthew Morrison/Actor - on Elton John:

"Just in his career, but what he's done with AIDS research and just helping people live their lives and live long lives. It's amazing. I love this organization, and I try to come to as many event as I can because they're always so much fun as well."

17. Andy Cohen and Padma Lakshmi

18. Wide of Susan Lucci and husband

19. Medium of Benjamin Maisani, left, and Anderson Cooper (right)

20 . SOUNDBITE (English) Jason Collins/Former NBA player

"Well I think Elton - the beauty of music, the beauty of sports is it allows you to go places where sometimes talking about AIDS or talking about LBGT issues they're taboo, but when you put it in the realm of sports, and you put it in the realm of music, it changes the conversation. It's an easy way to start the conversation. I think Elton has done a masterful job of doing that."

(Reporter: Tell me about finding your own courage?)

Jason Collins: "I just hope that my actions have made it easier for someone else to live their authentic life."

21. Wide of red carpet

HEADLINE:Grammy Nominees React

CAPTION:Black Eyed Peas, Colbie Caillat and Katy Perry talk about their Grammy nominations. (Dec. 3)

SHOTLIST

AP Television

Los Angeles, 02 December 2009

1. SOUNDBITE (English) Will.i.am, from Black Eyed Peas/Six Grammy nominations, on this year's accolades:

(Reporter: You have had an amazing year)

"Dude, I don't think you understand. Somebody asked me that today. From starting off the year performing at the Inauguration to doing these crazy things, like the Oprah thing, the flash-mob, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the U2 tour, the NFL Kickoff, the Grammy noms (nominations) the AMA (American Music Awards), 'Saturday Night Live,' Victoria's Secret. That's just America. Then the 'Ta Ta Ra,' London, 'American Idol,' 'So You Think You Can Dance,' crazy things. 'X Factor,' in London, Japan a TV show in Japan 'Schmap Schmap,' crazy stuff. We're about to fly to Mexico."

Taboo/Musician: "See how excited he is? That's how we are feeling."

2. SOUNDBITE (English) David Guetta/Five Grammy nominations, on working with Madonna and his next upcoming hit with the Black Eyed Peas:

"Wow, I just worked with Madonna on a new project. It's going to be released very soon. Yesterday night we finished a song, wow, with Will.I.Am and Fergie, it's crazy. It's called, 'Getting Over' it's crazy you will see next summer. Remember that moment. This song is a monster. It's bigger than what we have done all together. It's crazy."

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Katy Perry/Grammy nominee, on what her first phone call will go like upon leaving the backstage area:

"I'm going to call my friends and say, 'Please don't order without me I am starving. Oh and by the way, I got nominated.'"

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Drake/Grammy nominee, on who his hit single "Best I Ever Had" was written for and what he will wear on Grammy day:

"That song was actually about this girl in Toronto that I was seeing and she knows it so I'm sure she's right now laughing to herself that somehow it's a Grammy nominated song. For everybody involved. Boy Wonder who produced it. Just everyone on my team I think we all deserve a pat on the back of they do, not me."

(Reporter: So when do you start thinking about what you are going to wear?)

Drake/Musician: "Right now. That's the first thing that I thought about. Who am I calling for the suit? I am wearing Armani tonight so I will probably stick with Armani."

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Mike Shinoda from Linkin Park/Grammy nominee, on the text message they had just received notifying them of their nomination:

"Can I add one thing? When they texted me they also abbreviated three quarters of the words like 'u' 'r' 'nom8d' '4' 'Best Hard Rock Performance,' (you are nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance). That's what it was. I think it was directly from the President of the Grammy Foundation too which is great that he is so in touch with the kids that he can text in shorthand like that. 'B-R-B,' 'L-O-L,' 'R-O-T-F-L.'"

SOUNDBITE (English) Joe Han/Musician:

"Crazy. I didn't even know this. You didn't even tell me Mike."

SOUNDBITE (English) Mike Shinoda/Musician:

"'C-r-a-z.' I'm just telling you, that's how he does it."

SOUNDBITE (English) Joe Han/Musician:

"That's G-R-8."

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Keri Hilson/Two Grammy nominations, exclusive bite on who her next collaboration will be with:

"I might reach out to Maxwell. I actually was sitting at the table tonight watching the show and I had an idea to work with Maxwell on something. It's funny, he earlier put the word out to member of my management team and so I just had an idea conceptually of how we can make this happen. So that might be the next collaboration on my album. We'll see. You got the sneak peak. I probably won't say that again."

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Colbie Caillat/Four Grammy nominations, on who was sitting near by to share the news:

"I don't even have my phone on me right now. But when I found out I got all these text coming in. Luckily my manager, my parents and sister and boyfriend were all at the table sitting with me so I got to celebrate with them for a moment before I came in here and then after this I am going to text everyone back and tell them how excited I am."

8. SOUNDBITE (English) RedOne/Four Grammy nominations, on how much of Lady Gaga's music videos are her ideas:

"At the same time, like when we are writing music, when we are working on a song suddenly you are just seeing Gaga thinking about the video. 'That's what I am going to do here. The dance is going to be like this in Bad Romance, etc.' She's just a machine of ideas. That's all Gaga. Even since the first day I met her the way she said 'hi' the way she talks the way she acts, the clothing. She has always been Lady Gaga. The same Gaga. So she's just a unlimited magical ideas. She's unbelievable."

9. SOUNDBITE (English) LL Cool J/Host of Grammy Nomination Show, on whether or not he would every come back to record a new album and if so what sound he would like to create:

"Well I don't know when but the next album I do, if I do an album will have to be really about the art and the creativity. And it will have to be unique, special, and mean something to me. It can't be about me trying to compete. Me trying to recapture anything old or doing something from before. It would have to be progressive. I would have to work with interesting people. You know what I mean? It would have to represent what I am as a man and an artist now. Not man trying to pretend to be a boy but a man who is an artist. You know? That's what it would have to be. Something that I am passionate about."

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Nick Jonas/Musician, on performing for the very first time without his brothers:

"It was a lot different for sure. Walking onto that stage looking back thinking I'd see them and realizing they were in the audience was a bit different. But having their support, knowing that they were there and that they introduced me made me feel real comfortable and confident going into the performance."

GRAMMY NOMINEES GOSSIP

The Black Eyed Peas have got a feeling that it's going to be a good night on January 31st.

And who can blame them as they are in the running for six gold trophies at the Grammy ceremony on that date - with nominations including album of the year with "The E.N.D." and record of the year for "I Gotta Feeling."

It's all part of a hectic, non-stop whirlwind twelve months for the band, as Will.i.am explains:

"From starting off the year performing at the Inauguration to doing these crazy things, like the Oprah thing, the flash-mob, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the U2 tour, the NFL Kickoff, the Grammy noms (nominations) the AMA (American Music Awards), 'Saturday Night Live,' Victoria's Secret. That's just America. Then the 'Ta Ta Ra,' London, 'American Idol,' 'So You Think You Can Dance,' crazy things. 'X Factor,' in London, Japan a TV show in Japan 'Schmap Schmap,' crazy stuff. We're about to fly to Mexico."

Surprisingly, in between traveling around the globe, Will.i.am's also found the time to fit in some collaborations.

One of them with David Guetta, who himself is up for five Grammys.

Although the DJ teamed up with the Queen of Pop recently too:

"I just worked with Madonna on a new project," says Guetta. "It's going to be released very soon. Yesterday night we finished a song, wow, with Will.I.Am and Fergie, it's crazy. It's called, 'Getting Over' it's crazy you will see next summer. Remember that moment. This song is a monster. It's bigger than what we have done all together. It's crazy."

It sounds like, on the big night, the Grammys will be an opportunity for more music-makers to celebrate together and maybe discuss hooking up on song or two.

Keri Hilson is up for two trophies and is already hoping to sort something out with a star who is nominated for six:

"I might reach out to Maxwell. I actually was sitting at the table tonight watching the show and I had an idea to work with Maxwell on something. It's funny, he earlier put the word out to member of my management team and so I just had an idea conceptually of how we can make this happen. So that might be the next collaboration on my album. We'll see. You got the sneak peak. I probably won't say that again."

Wednesday's (02 DEC 2009) nominations were unveiled at Club Nokia in Los Angeles as part of a prime-time CBS special.

And stars who got good news at the event were hastily texting and calling their family and friends.

In fact Mike Shinoda even found out about Linken Park's nomination by phone:

"When they texted me they also abbreviated three quarters of the words like 'u' 'r' 'nom8d' '4' 'Best Hard Rock Performance,' (you are nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance). That's what it was. I think it was directly from the President of the Grammy Foundation too which is great that he is so in touch with the kids that he can text in shorthand like that. "B-R-B,' 'L-O-L,' 'R-O-T-F-L.'"

It was the second year in a row that the Recording Academy revealed a handful of its 109 nominees during a televised concert; in the past, they had been announced during a morning news conference.

Among the performers, a brother-less Nick Jonas:

"It was a lot different for sure. Walking onto that stage looking back thinking I'd see them and realizing they were in the audience was a bit different. But having their support, knowing that they were there and that they introduced me made me feel real comfortable and confident going into the performance."

The Grammys will be presented on January 31 in Los Angeles.

WILL.I.AM VISITS WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM, TELLS KIDS EVERYTHING THEY NEED TO BE PART OF THE WORLD ELITE IS ON THE INTERNET

American rapper, songwriter and entrepreneur Will.i.am attended the the exclusive World Economic Forum (WEF) in the Swiss town of Davos this week.

After meeting with some of the world's richest people and attending panels, he held a press conference Friday (23 JAN. 2015) afternoon.

"I never really looked at myself as the one percent because I have always been poor," he said. "Then I realized there is a guy who goes by the name of Naveen Jain from India who was poorer than me and now Naveen Jain is really successful in life. And what that showed me in life that I need to go back and tell the kids in the neighborhoods like mine, that they tell you on the news of the one percent versus the 99 percent, it's not that there is like a wall that means you can't be a part of it. There are skill sets for you to learn, it is all on the Internet."

The Blackeyed Peas front man came to the resort town to promote his i.am.angel Foundation, a charity that aims to change young people's lives through "education, inspiration and opportunity."

"If you encourage kids, whether you are poor or not, to be a provider and you give that kid responsibility nine times out of 10 they will pull through," he said. "You have got to encourage them, you have got to make them accountable, tell them the truth about the world, the way it is configured, and point out the folks that are there to help because there are people there to help, there are tools there to help them. You have just to got to make them accountable. I had people that made me accountable, and they were my teachers Miss Montes, Mr. Wright, they encouraged me."

AP Entertainment

Davos, Switzerland, 23 Jan. 2015

1. Wide Will.i.am arrives press conference

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Will.i.am/Recording Artist:

"I never really looked at myself as the one percent because I have always been poor. Then I realized there is a guy who goes by the name of Naveen Jain from India who was poorer than me and Naveen Jain is really successful now in life. And what it showed me was that I need to go back and tell the kids in neighborhoods like mine, that what they tell you on the news about the one percent versus the 99 percent, it's not like there is a wall saying that you can't be a part of it. There are skill sets out there for you to learn, it's all online."

3. Wide pan press conference

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Will.i.am/Recording Artist:

"There are some companies that don't give two... they don't give a shit about anybody and it is people like Naveen Jain and Salesforce that hopefully will inspire other companies to care. And that's what I learned about being here, that there is a lot of companies that care, there's a lot of billionaires that care and that there is a lot of opportunities out there for folks to go from here to there. And I am glad I came here this week and I can't wait to come back next year."

5. Mid press conference

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Will.i.am/Recording Artist:

"If you encourage kids, whether you're poor or not, to be a provider and you give that kid responsibility, nine times out of 10 they will pull through. You have got to encourage them, you have got to make them accountable, tell them the truth about the world, the way it's configured, and point out the folks that are there to help because there are people there to help, there's tools there to help them. You have just to got to make them accountable. I had people that made me accountable, and they were my teachers Miss Montes, Mr. Wright, they encouraged me."

7. Wide of press conference

SHOTLIST

AP Television

Los Angeles, 02 December 2009

1. SOUNDBITE (English) Will.i.am, from Black Eyed Peas/Six Grammy nominations, on this year's accolades:

(Reporter: You have had an amazing year)

"Dude, I don't think you understand. Somebody asked me that today. From starting off the year performing at the Inauguration to doing these crazy things, like the Oprah thing, the flash-mob, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the U2 tour, the NFL Kickoff, the Grammy noms (nominations) the AMA (American Music Awards), 'Saturday Night Live,' Victoria's Secret. That's just America. Then the 'Ta Ta Ra,' London, 'American Idol,' 'So You Think You Can Dance,' crazy things. 'X Factor,' in London, Japan a TV show in Japan 'Schmap Schmap,' crazy stuff. We're about to fly to Mexico."

Taboo/Musician: "See how excited he is? That's how we are feeling."

2. SOUNDBITE (English) David Guetta/Five Grammy nominations, on working with Madonna and his next upcoming hit with the Black Eyed Peas:

"Wow, I just worked with Madonna on a new project. It's going to be released very soon. Yesterday night we finished a song, wow, with Will.I.Am and Fergie, it's crazy. It's called, 'Getting Over' it's crazy you will see next summer. Remember that moment. This song is a monster. It's bigger than what we have done all together. It's crazy."

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Katy Perry/Grammy nominee, on what her first phone call will go like upon leaving the backstage area:

"I'm going to call my friends and say, 'Please don't order without me I am starving. Oh and by the way, I got nominated.'"

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Drake/Grammy nominee, on who his hit single "Best I Ever Had" was written for and what he will wear on Grammy day:

"That song was actually about this girl in Toronto that I was seeing and she knows it so I'm sure she's right now laughing to herself that somehow it's a Grammy nominated song. For everybody involved. Boy Wonder who produced it. Just everyone on my team I think we all deserve a pat on the back of they do, not me."

(Reporter: So when do you start thinking about what you are going to wear?)

Drake/Musician: "Right now. That's the first thing that I thought about. Who am I calling for the suit? I am wearing Armani tonight so I will probably stick with Armani."

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Mike Shinoda from Linkin Park/Grammy nominee, on the text message they had just received notifying them of their nomination:

"Can I add one thing? When they texted me they also abbreviated three quarters of the words like 'u' 'r' 'nom8d' '4' 'Best Hard Rock Performance,' (you are nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance). That's what it was. I think it was directly from the President of the Grammy Foundation too which is great that he is so in touch with the kids that he can text in shorthand like that. 'B-R-B,' 'L-O-L,' 'R-O-T-F-L.'"

SOUNDBITE (English) Joe Han/Musician:

"Crazy. I didn't even know this. You didn't even tell me Mike."

SOUNDBITE (English) Mike Shinoda/Musician:

"'C-r-a-z.' I'm just telling you, that's how he does it."

SOUNDBITE (English) Joe Han/Musician:

"That's G-R-8."

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Keri Hilson/Two Grammy nominations, exclusive bite on who her next collaboration will be with:

"I might reach out to Maxwell. I actually was sitting at the table tonight watching the show and I had an idea to work with Maxwell on something. It's funny, he earlier put the word out to member of my management team and so I just had an idea conceptually of how we can make this happen. So that might be the next collaboration on my album. We'll see. You got the sneak peak. I probably won't say that again."

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Colbie Caillat/Four Grammy nominations, on who was sitting near by to share the news:

"I don't even have my phone on me right now. But when I found out I got all these text coming in. Luckily my manager, my parents and sister and boyfriend were all at the table sitting with me so I got to celebrate with them for a moment before I came in here and then after this I am going to text everyone back and tell them how excited I am."

8. SOUNDBITE (English) RedOne/Four Grammy nominations, on how much of Lady Gaga's music videos are her ideas:

"At the same time, like when we are writing music, when we are working on a song suddenly you are just seeing Gaga thinking about the video. 'That's what I am going to do here. The dance is going to be like this in Bad Romance, etc.' She's just a machine of ideas. That's all Gaga. Even since the first day I met her the way she said 'hi' the way she talks the way she acts, the clothing. She has always been Lady Gaga. The same Gaga. So she's just a unlimited magical ideas. She's unbelievable."

9. SOUNDBITE (English) LL Cool J/Host of Grammy Nomination Show, on whether or not he would every come back to record a new album and if so what sound he would like to create:

"Well I don't know when but the next album I do, if I do an album will have to be really about the art and the creativity. And it will have to be unique, special, and mean something to me. It can't be about me trying to compete. Me trying to recapture anything old or doing something from before. It would have to be progressive. I would have to work with interesting people. You know what I mean? It would have to represent what I am as a man and an artist now. Not man trying to pretend to be a boy but a man who is an artist. You know? That's what it would have to be. Something that I am passionate about."

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Nick Jonas/Musician, on performing for the very first time without his brothers:

"It was a lot different for sure. Walking onto that stage looking back thinking I'd see them and realizing they were in the audience was a bit different. But having their support, knowing that they were there and that they introduced me made me feel real comfortable and confident going into the performance."

STORYLINE

GRAMMY NOMINEES GOSSIP

The Black Eyed Peas have got a feeling that it's going to be a good night on January 31st.

And who can blame them as they are in the running for six gold trophies at the Grammy ceremony on that date - with nominations including album of the year with "The E.N.D." and record of the year for "I Gotta Feeling."

It's all part of a hectic, non-stop whirlwind twelve months for the band, as Will.i.am explains:

"From starting off the year performing at the Inauguration to doing these crazy things, like the Oprah thing, the flash-mob, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the U2 tour, the NFL Kickoff, the Grammy noms (nominations) the AMA (American Music Awards), 'Saturday Night Live,' Victoria's Secret. That's just America. Then the 'Ta Ta Ra,' London, 'American Idol,' 'So You Think You Can Dance,' crazy things. 'X Factor,' in London, Japan a TV show in Japan 'Schmap Schmap,' crazy stuff. We're about to fly to Mexico."

Surprisingly, in between traveling around the globe, Will.i.am's also found the time to fit in some collaborations.

One of them with David Guetta, who himself is up for five Grammys.

Although the DJ teamed up with the Queen of Pop recently too:

"I just worked with Madonna on a new project," says Guetta. "It's going to be released very soon. Yesterday night we finished a song, wow, with Will.I.Am and Fergie, it's crazy. It's called, 'Getting Over' it's crazy you will see next summer. Remember that moment. This song is a monster. It's bigger than what we have done all together. It's crazy."

It sounds like, on the big night, the Grammys will be an opportunity for more music-makers to celebrate together and maybe discuss hooking up on song or two.

Keri Hilson is up for two trophies and is already hoping to sort something out with a star who is nominated for six:

"I might reach out to Maxwell. I actually was sitting at the table tonight watching the show and I had an idea to work with Maxwell on something. It's funny, he earlier put the word out to member of my management team and so I just had an idea conceptually of how we can make this happen. So that might be the next collaboration on my album. We'll see. You got the sneak peak. I probably won't say that again."

Wednesday's (02 DEC 2009) nominations were unveiled at Club Nokia in Los Angeles as part of a prime-time CBS special.

And stars who got good news at the event were hastily texting and calling their family and friends.

In fact Mike Shinoda even found out about Linken Park's nomination by phone:

"When they texted me they also abbreviated three quarters of the words like 'u' 'r' 'nom8d' '4' 'Best Hard Rock Performance,' (you are nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance). That's what it was. I think it was directly from the President of the Grammy Foundation too which is great that he is so in touch with the kids that he can text in shorthand like that. "B-R-B,' 'L-O-L,' 'R-O-T-F-L.'"

It was the second year in a row that the Recording Academy revealed a handful of its 109 nominees during a televised concert; in the past, they had been announced during a morning news conference.

Among the performers, a brother-less Nick Jonas:

"It was a lot different for sure. Walking onto that stage looking back thinking I'd see them and realizing they were in the audience was a bit different. But having their support, knowing that they were there and that they introduced me made me feel real comfortable and confident going into the performance."

The Grammys will be presented on January 31 in Los Angeles.

SHOTLIST:

HEADLINE: New Orleans Residents: The Show Must Go On

CAPTION: The Mardi Gras Bacchus parade rolled through New Orleans as planned on Sunday, despite both a threat from the weather and a weekend shooting that left four people injured. Residents said they were determined to show the city's positive side. (Feb. 11)

SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS

Location - Date: New Orleans / February 10, 2013

1. Wide. Parade float coming down street

2. SOUNDBITE: CAROL REDMANN-BAILEY / NEW ORLEANS

' It was very disappointing because we take a lot of pride in our city. It's get such negative publicity and there's so much wonderful about it.'

3. Wide. Police motorcycles ahead of parade float

4. SOUNDBITE: Janell Weber/Baton Rouge, Louisiana

' I hate that it happened but I'm sorry to say it happens more frequently than it should.'

5. SOUNDBITE: William Daviss/Celebrating Mardi Gras

' The show must go on. Don't matter' (screams)

6. Close. Woman's Mardi Gras beads

7. Mid. King's Band of Merry Men parade float

8. Mid. Men dancing on parade float

9. Wide. Marching band

10. Close/Zoom out Marching band

STORYLINE:

Actor G.W. Bailey will share the spotlight Sunday as celebrity king of the Bacchus parade _ one the biggest in the run-up to Mardi Gras _ with more than two dozen child cancer patients from across the country.

When Bailey suits up in his Bacchus tunic and cape, 28 teens and children being treated for cancer will board a float and ready themselves for an hours-long ride through New Orleans, where they'll toss Mardi Gras beads and trinkets to throngs of crowds well into the night.

Even with the threat of nasty weather _ the National Weather Service said thunderstorms were likely from 3 to 6 p.m. _ the parade was on. On Sunday afternoon, Bacchus spokesman Clark Brennan said, "We're rollin'."

Bailey _ known as the co-star of "Major Crimes" on TNT and for roles in the "Police Academy" movies and the series "The Closer" _ said New Orleans at Mardi Gras is a great place to escape, especially for teenagers needing a break from cancer treatments and doctor appointments.

"I've had the opportunity to travel a good deal of the world, and I am not just saying this, there is no question I am in my favorite city in the world," he said. "I mean, the color, the sounds, the smells, the energy, the people, the food and obviously the music, how can you not love it?"

Bailey grew up in Port Arthur, Texas, near the Louisiana border, and says he has fond memories of visiting "that magical place" where he would walk the French Quarter, catch beads at Mardi Gras and eat some of the best food he's ever tasted. He said this weekend he relished the opportunity to share those experiences with young cancer patients.

As executive director for the Sunshine Foundation, a nonprofit organization with the mission of bringing joy to children being treated for cancer, Bailey arranged for 28 patients known as "Sunshine kids" to join him in New Orleans for his Bacchus reign. The group arrived Tuesday to a packed schedule that included trips to the Aquarium of the Americas, Audubon Zoo and French Quarter.

The group also took a south Louisiana swamp tour and attended Saturday's Endymion parade.

Bailey said he's been involved with the Sunshine Foundation for 27 years and has been executive director for 12. He said the foundation regularly organizes trips for young cancer patients to major U.S. cities.

He said that for years, patients would ride in suburban parades or downtown New Orleans parades in the weeks before Mardi Gras. But Bailey's reign as Bacchus thrust the actor and kids into the city's biggest Carnival weekend and atop floats on one of its biggest parades.

The revelry continues Monday, the eve of Mardi Gras known locally as Lundi Gras. That's when actor Gary Sinise and New Orleans musicians Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews and Harry Connick Jr. will ride in the Krewe of Orpheus parade. Joining them will be Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning actress Mariska Hargitay, the Imagination Movers family-friendly rock band, and Animal Planet's Tillman, the skateboarding bulldog.

Carnival season culminates Tuesday with the pageantry of the Rex and Zulu parades and as many as 1 million people reveling in the streets.

The parade routes were packed with revelers by early Sunday, despite the threat of rain and a shooting on Bourbon Street the night before. Some had set up tents, folding chairs, even barbecue pits. Ladders were set up with seats at the top for kids to get a good view of the revelry.

"The show must go on," said William Daviss, donning a black and white striped costume and yellow face mask as he boarded a float in the Krewe of Thoth parade, one of several that rolled Sunday.

"This is what Mardi Gras is all about right here," said Patrick Browne of New Orleans, hugging his 1-year-old son Patrick Browne IV. The younger Patrick had a birds-eye view of the parade from the top of a ladder, which his dad had equipped with a small seat and handle bar.

The rain appeared to be a minor concern. Most had arrived at the parade route prepared.

"We have ponchos. We have our jackets. We have umbrellas. We have everything. We are set," said Janell Weber of Baton Rouge, La., wearing a hat boasting long purple, green and gold streamers.

The previous night's shooting was on the minds of revelers.

"It was very disappointing," said New Orleans resident Carol Redmann-Bailey as she watched Thoth roll by. "I was disappointed and sad, but it seems like Bourbon Street stayed open. Laissez les bon temps rouler. Let the good times roll."