Buenos Aires and Mexico City are hosting two fundraising concerts to highlight the plight of some 32m Latin American children living in poverty. Dozens of Spanish-speaking pop stars, including Shakira and Ricky Martin, are performing at the two events being held simultaneously in Argentina and Mexico. Proceeds will go to the Latin America in Solidarity Action (Alas) charity.
Shakira said earlier she had secured $200m in donations from Mexican and US tycoons Carlos Slim and Howard Buffett. Mr Slim is the telecommunications magnate, while Howard Buffet is the eldest son of the US investment guru, Warren Buffett. "Imagine what Latin America could achieve if we invest in developing the potential of these children," Shakira said earlier this week.
"The funny thing is that Latin America produces three times what it needs to feed its population. So, it is doable, we can really eradicate poverty," the Colombian singer said. Alas was launched in 2006 to tackle poverty that kills an estimated 350,000 children each year in Latin America.
New York (PTI) Healthy lungs is the secret to smarter brains in kids, according to a new study. Previous studies have linked lung function to mental acuity in middle-aged and older adults and there is evidence that the respiratory and neurological systems are influenced by some of the same factors during childhood.
Now, a team at Harvard University has found that healthy lungs in children increase their memory, learning and intelligence, the media reported on wednesday. The researchers, led by DrShakira Franco Suglia, came to the conclusion after examining data on 165 children who had been followed since birth.
At the age of six, the children had their lung function tested. At nine, they completed standard tests of memory, learning ability and intelligence. The researchers found that for each increase in the children's lung-function performance, there was actually a corresponding increase in their cognitive-test scores. The link remained even when they took into consideration factors that could be related to both lung function and cognitive abilities in children, like asthma, and exposure to lead or parents' smoking.
"Although it remains unclear just how pulmonary function influences cognitive outcomes, a growing literature suggests possible mechanisms and supports the argument for biological plausibility," Dr Franco Suglia said. More studies are required to delve into the connection between children's lung function and their brain function, according to the researchers. The results of the study have been published in the 'Psychosomatic Medicine' journal.
Ever wanted to channel your inner Shakira or Beyonce with those sexy moves and grooves? Viva Vertical specialises in exotic dance and fitness training, helping ladies of all ages to have fun, get comfortable with their bodies and burn some calories simultaneously.
Made up of trainers and dancers from the US and UK, Viva Vertical is also a member of the Asian Pole Federation. This Mother’s Day, they will be conducting a special DuoPole Class just for you and your mom.
Students who bring their mothers are welcome to join a class for only RM40 per person. Non-students would have to pay RM50 as registration fees. But it sure beats giving her yet another cheesy Best Mum In The World mug!
Santo Versace won a seat in Italy's parliament last month. The older brother of Donatella and the late Gianni is now a member of the State Chamber, but maybe not for long. Politico talk has it that Santo is already favored for a cabinet post in Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's administration.
Santo was the power-behind-the-glittery-throne at the house of Versace. He ran the business side from the beginning in the '70s, which is most likely why he says he can't give up fashion totally, even though he has declared he's no dilettante in Parliament. Perhaps he plans on extending the dynasty through his daughter Francesca, who graduated two years ago from Central Saint Martins design school in London and is already causing a stir as a designer-to-watch. Santo's entrance into the political arena mirrors heiress and former model Carla Bruni's ascension from catwalk queen to becoming first lady of France with her marriage to La Prez Nicolas Sarkozy.
Shakira joins Antonio Banderas at the Barcelona-based Puig Beauty & Fashion Group. Banderas has a very successful fragrance line while plans for Grammy-winningShakira include her own line of beauty products, scents and personal care products. Puig also owns scents from Carolina Herrera, Paco Rabanne and Nina Ricci.
Buenos Aires and Mexico City are hosting two fundraising concerts to highlight the plight of some 32m Latin American children living in poverty. Dozens of Spanish-speaking pop stars, including Shakira and Ricky Martin, are performing at the two events being held simultaneously in Argentina and Mexico. Proceeds will go to the Latin America in Solidarity Action (Alas) charity.
