High-profile television and newspaper gosspip columnist Claudia Cohen, most recently a regular correspondent covering entertainment for the syndicated talk show Live With Regis and Kelly, died Friday of ovarian cancer. She was 56.

Known for her aggressive pursuit of celebrity news and her public divorce from billionaire businessman Ronald O. Perelman, Cohen first hit the spotlight in the late 1970s as a reporter and editor for Page Six of The New York Post. She went on to write a gossip column titled I, Claudia for The Daily News of New York, report for Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, and dish celebrity dirt for ABC's The Morning Show.

Cohen is survived by her parents, a brother, and a daughter.

On May 8, Tammy Faye Messner (formerly Bakker), announced that doctors had stopped treating her cancer, that her fate was in the hands of a higher power. Last night, I heard Tammy Faye's voice on television as she spoke to Entertainment Tonight reporters about the state of her health right now.

Tammy Faye's colon cancer, diagnosed in 1996, has spread to her lungs and is causing her severe pain. Her back hurts, she said, and her stomach hurts and she is having difficulty breathing. Still her message is loud and clear: she is not giving up.

When doctors told her there was nothing more they could do, Tammy Faye, 65, said she felt sorry for herself for about one minute. Then she reminded herself there is something out there bigger than doctors -- the Lord Jesus Christ. And so despite the fact that she has been in bed for most of the past year, has lost tremendous amounts of weight, and knows her days are limited, Tammy Faye is staying strong. She is truly living for the day.

If you'd like to send your wishes to Tammy Faye who is now in the loving hands of hospice, click here.

When World Tag Team Champion Rowdy Roddy Piper underwent back surgery for an injury he sustained during the World Wrestling Entertainment tour in Europe last month, the surgeons discovered two small marble-sized areas behind his stomach that gave cause for concern that he might have cancer. After biopsy, a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was made. Because the cancer was found early, Piper is optimistic that he will be able to wrestle cancer to the mat to complete defeat.

"It seems like I have been fighting someone, something, someplace, in some manner, my whole life. But this fight, is one I am gonna win! Ever Forward." stated Piper on his blog.

Canadian-born Piper lives in the Portland, Oregon area. If you are a fan who would like to send Piper your support and best wishes, you can write to him at:

Roddy Piper
18645 S.W. Farmington Rd.
PMB 312
Aloha, Oregon
97007
USA

Piper blogs about wrestling, his family, and now surviving cancer at Piper's Pit.

Usually, when we announce a celebrity is raising awareness for cancer, it is the result of a news release that the celebrity has joined a cancer foundation in an effort to lend a higher visibility to the campaign.

In the case of actress Julia Roberts, it appears simply having your photo taken is enough to raise awareness about cancer. At a Hollywood tribute to George Clooney, photographers noticed a mole on her right breast which led to a cancer expert urging Roberts to get it checked out. A dermatologist is suggesting that it looks like a scar resulting from the removal of a mole, according to the movie and entertainment reporting of the incident.

Do you think celebrities ever get fish-bowl claustrophobia from such intense scrutiny and unsolicited advice into their private life? Roberts strikes me as an intelligent woman, and I would wager she is aware of her mysterious mole and has sought medical attention for it.

However unintended as a service to public health information, this latest celebrity gossip about Roberts' right breast does create conversation into what might qualify as a suspicious-looking mole likely to warrant medical attention.

The warning signs of a mole that can cause cancer concern are:



Asymmetry -- One side of the mole does not match the other side of the mole and appears uneven.

Border -- The edge of the mole has a ragged or irregular border.

Color -- The color of the mole is uneven and varies in shade.

Diameter -- A mole bigger than a pencil eraser.

There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common and malignant melanoma can be the most deadly if not caught in its earliest stage. This year in the US, more than one million people will be diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer, and 62,190 will be diagnosed with melanoma, according to the American Cancer Society. For more information on skin cancer related posts, visit Melanoma and Skin Cancer.

Writer Richard Morris of www.breadandmoney.com coins the word nutritainment in a recent article about foods that are hyped to magically make us healthy -- foods that can cancel out cancer and wipe out heart disease. Nutritainment is nutritional news delivered in entertainment-like fashion, designed to urge consumers to buy into the latest, greatest super foods. Yet making small changes in diet -- what most consumers will do -- to incorporate these so-called powerful products is unlikely to do much good, Morris says. And he offers some thoughts on why the media continues to force this news down our throats and why we continue falling for their tactics.

Morris says human nature and marketplace economics motivate those engaged in nutritional sciences to strive for media attention and exposure. As a result, bits and pieces of nutritional studies make their way to medical journals and then land in media's lap through press releases. Some will even ghostwrite nutrition articles to promote products. These articles end up in the hands of the media and spread like wildfire to the public, in as-is format. Consumers may be left with the notion that these bits and pieces are important, relevant, non-biased research -- when this is not the case.

Morris says knowledgeable health experts who have the time to accurately report on important nutrition news are scarce. And when they do have time to share words of wisdom that really do matter, the packaging of the news is often technical and not so sensational. A headline that reads, Pomegranate juice packs power to prevent cancer will bury a scientific -- yet more accurate -- headline. Catchy headlines grab readers, and readers buy products. But headlines can be misleading -- and pomegranate juice alone is not likely to have many health benefits.

There are also issues with advertising and editorial content, according to Morris, who compares overall good nutrition to car maintenance. "Just like changing the air freshener in your car won't prevent a breakdown if the car desperately needs a tune-up, adding one item of magical food to your diet won't protect you from a breakdown either," he says and shares that a complete dietary makeover is what's necessary for good health -- that and stress reduction, physical activity, emotional balance, and life fulfillment. A quick dose of pomegranate juice may not do the trick. But a steady, consistent dose of these items will.

Munchkin, a company offering infant and toddler products that excite, delight and make life easier for mothers and fathers, has launched the Project Pink campaign to support mothers in their fight against breast cancer.

"One out of every eight women faces the risk of breast cancer in her lifetime, and I know from personal experience that the disease can strike even young mothers with no family history of breast cancer, as it did my wife last year," said Doug Gillespie, Vice President of Marketing at Munchkin, Inc. "Munchkin is determined to do what we can to offer a helpful resource to the amazing moms who continue to nurture their families while they battle this disease."

On the special Project Pink area of the company website, you can read tips and stories from mothers facing breast cancer; order a limited edition pink duck; send a pink ducky eCard; enter the Project Pink sweepstakes to win a family vacation and view the celebrity decorated ducks for auction.

Beginning October 2nd, charity auction bidding begins on the fabulous pink ducks glamourously decorated by eBay President and CEO Meg Whitman, Former First Lady Barbara Bush; ABC's Dancing with the Stars Stacy Keibler; West Wing Emmy Award winner Allison Janney; Martin Sheen; Access Hollywood Nancy O'Dell; singer Patti LaBelle; actress Reese Witherspoon; Curb Your Enthusiasm Cheryl Hines and everyone's favorite actor who has gone where no man has gone before William Shatner.

Munchkin has invited women to share tips and stories to help mothers in facing the struggles of breast cancer. The advice is practical and real. A sampling of suggestions include:

• Kathy of Pittsburgh, PA advises, "Get meals brought in by anyone who offers even if you don't think they can cook!"
• Christina N. of Boston, MA advises, "Don't be afraid to have the kids see you bald or sick. You're better off talking it through than having the kids be horrified and not telling you."
• Jen G of Des Moines, IA shares, "We had a pajama party for my mother to lift her and our spirits. We even danced to the Time Warp, wore funny hats, ordered pizza, and drank wine."
  

While visiting Munchkin's Project Pink, enter to win a free family vacation to Los Angeles. No purchase necessary to enter to win.

Glenn Close is the 2006 Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) ambassador to the Saks Fifth Avenue Key to the Cure campaign. Oscar de la Renta is the 2006 designer of the Key to the Cure t-shirt -- available now at Saks Fifth Avenue stores for the price of $35. For each t-shirt purchase, $31 will benefit EIF's Women's Cancer Research Fund. T-shirts are available on-line and in retails stores everywhere.

All Saks Fifth Avenue retail stores and Saks.com will contribute to Key to the Cure by donating 2 percent of all profits during October 12-15. Off Fifth stores will donate 1 percent of profits during the same time period to benefit local and national women's cancer charities.

Key to the Cure is a women's cancer initiative founded in partnership with EIF's Women's Cancer Research Fund. The program receives on-going support from Mercedes-Benz USA -- set to donate one million dollars to the cause. EIF is the entertainment industry's leading charitable organization and has shared hundreds of millions of dollars in support of critical issues facing our society. Like breast cancer.

With over 30 celebrities including actor Cheech Marin, NFL MVP John Elway, World Series of Poker Champion Mel Judah, Hall of Fame Philly Mike Schmidt, Cock Blocker Clothing creator Mark James is raising money for the Philadelphia Breast Cancer 3Day Breast Cancer Foundation fundraiser by holding an eBay auction of celebrity-autographed Cock Blocker Clothing items. The auction is live now and will run through October 1, 2006 8PM (PST).

Supporting breast cancer research is personal for James of Cock Blocker Clothing, whose mother survives her own diagnosis of breast cancer. He wants to help other women who are going through the same struggles as his mother in contributing to something that can make a positive difference.

In addition to the celebrity-autographed Cock Blocker Clothing online eBay auction, James will be participating in Philadelphia's Breast Cancer 3Day fundraiser, where participants will walk 60 miles in three days, with each participant raising at least $10,000 dollars for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

To help with the cause, you can bid on celebrity-autographed Cock Blocker Clothing during the eBay auction, or donate directly to the 3Day event. The Philadelphia Breast Cancer 3Day Walk will take place on October 4 through the 6th.

"Please remember, all of us have the power to change lives and contribute to society," states James. Visit to learn more about the Cock Blocker Clothing fight against breast cancer.

During October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, eBay Giving Works will launch the Spotlight on Breast Cancer campaign featuring auction items that benefit breast cancer charities. MissionFish, the organization that provides the technology, tools and support to organizations and donors to participate in online auctions, has registered over 80 breast cancer nonprofits in the eBay Giving Works program.

In shopping for a cause or selling items to benefit a cause, you can find antiques, art, books, cameras, clothing, shoes and accessories; collectibles; entertainment memorabilia; health and beauty; home and garden; jewelry and more through eBay Giving Works auctions.

As we near October, we might expect to find some exciting finds being auctioned for breast cancer charities. Right now, the second-wealthiest man in the world Warren Buffet is auctioning off his Thrifty 2001 Signature Series Lincoln Town Car for Girls, Inc, an organization founded to inspire young girls to be strong, smart, healthy and bold. Buffet will wear a chauffeur's cap and personally pick up the winning bidder at the airport when they arrive in Omaha to take ownership of the car.

During October's Spotlight on Breast Cancer campaign, we can look forward to equally interesting auctions. Be sure to bookmark eBay Giving Works auctions and check back often during October.

Saks Fifth Avenue will be joining Mercedes-Benz and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) in the campaign to raise money for women's cancer research this October. Saks Fifth Avenue Key to the Cure and EIF has named award-winning actress Glenn Close as the celebrity ambassador as this year's representative who will appear in PSA fashion magazine print ads.

"When I was invited to be the Entertainment Industry Foundation's ambassador for Saks Fifth Avenue's Key to the Cure, I didn't hesitate for one second because I have so many friends who have died from cancer and my grandmother had breast cancer," said Close. "I think it's tremendously important to raise more awareness about the importance of early detection and support promising scientific research."

This is the seventh year Saks Fifth Avenue has participated in raising money for women's cancer research, and in seven years, the campaign has raised over $20 million dollars to benefit such organizations as EIF's Women's Cancer Research Fund; The Breast cancer Research Foundation; Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai; Houston's M.D. Anderson; Boston's Gillette Center; and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Photographed by renowned photographer Timothy White, Close will appear in national PSAs wearing a limited edition T-shirt designed by Oscar de la Renta, which will be available exclusively through Saks Fifth Avenue.

Beginning in October, Mercedes-Benz will sell 1,000 of its special-edition E350 to benefit women's cancer research. The company will donate $1 million dollars through the sales of the special-edition E350 to support Saks Fifth Avenue's Key to the Cure. This is the fourth year Mercedes-Benz has released a special-edition vehicle to benefit cancer research for women.

"We've produced this special-edition of our most popular model to help combat one of the biggest threats to women's health in this country and help bring women's cancer treatment options and prevention one step closer," said Carol Goll, General Manager, Brand Experience Marketing, Mercedes-Benz USA. "Mercedes partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) offers us a unique opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a cause that affects us all."

Funds raised for Key to the Cure will benefit programs including EIF's Women's Cancer Research Fund, the Cleveland Clinic, Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Nevada Cancer Institute.

During Hearst Magazines 30 Days of Fashion and New York Fashion Week, thirty fashion photographs showcased in the photography exhibit titled Getting Ready: The Art of Choice will be auctioned by Jamie Niven of Sotheby's to benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) whose mission is devoted to research, raising awareness and finding an ovarian cancer cure.

In 1994, Sol Schreiber founded OCRF to honor the memory of his wife, Ann, who fought for five years against ovarian cancer. The late editor-in-chief of Harper's Bazaar Liz Tilberis is credited for her influence in gaining attention for OCRF due to her numerous contacts in the worlds of fashion, beauty, and entertainment.

The photographs that will be auctioned feature works by well-known photographers Bryan Adams, Tina Barney, Patrick Demarchelier, Jessica Todd-Harper, Karl Lagerfeld, Peter Lindbergh, Matthew Pillsbury, Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, Vee Speers, and Timothy White.

SpeedFreaks, the country's largest motorsports radio show, has joined the America's Baby Cancer Foundation (ABCF) to raise awareness for childhood cancers. Kenny Sargent and Lugg Nuttz, hosts from the SpeedFreaks radio and television programs, have been elected to ABCF's board of directors.

The ABCF will benefit from the media exposure SpeedFreaks can provide, and according to the SpeedFreaks hosts, they have finally found a cause they feel they can "really grab a hold of and make a difference." ABCF is not new to Nuttz, who began supporting ABCF three years ago and as part of his involvement, helped establish a program at Irwindale Speedway that provides ABCF families with tickets for Saturday night races.

Backstretch Motorsports quotes Nuttz as saying, "You talk about a wake up call, baby cancer will affect over 11,000 children under the age of 15 this year. If that wasn't enough, childhood cancer rates are increasing at a rate of approximately 1 percent each year."

In 2000, the ABCF was founded as Sebastian's Baby Cancer Foundation. Started by Bernard and Antonia Hicks, following the loss of their child, Sebastian Hicks, at the age of nineteen months to cancer -- they provide a resource library, information and help for other parents with infants and children diagnosed with cancer. SpeedFreaks, with Kenny Sargent, Lugg Nuttz, Statt Mann Caruthers and Crash Gladys, began in 2000, as a result of Sargent's frustration with motorsports coverage. SpeedFreaks bills itself as a lethal combination of motorsports commentary and entertainment.

MTV -- the ultimate source of music videos and pop culture -- has been around for 25 years now. And that amount of time makes for a lot of memories.

So in recognition of the entertainment MTV has offered over the years, Indystar.com, Indiana's #1 local media site, takes a walk down memory lane and counts down 25 best MTV memories. It's fitting that many of the memories include actual music -- although some may say MTV is not really about music anymore, with music videos hard to come by -- so Michael Jackson's 1983 14-minute video Thriller makes the list and so does the 1985 performances of Live Aid, a conglomeration of musicians who sang to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia.

But many memories are not recollections of music videos -- or even musical performances. They are nostalgic remembrances of other media events -- like a kiss between Madonna and Britney Spears during an award show, the running of the popular Beavis and Butthead show and Remote Control game show, peeks into spring break extravaganzas, and roof-raising reality shows like The Real World and The Osbourne's.

And even one socially-conscious piece that aired to raise awareness of testicular cancer. On May 23, 2000, wacky, stunt-pulling comedian Tom Green let viewers into his private world, in an operating room while he underwent surgery to remove a cancerous testicle and several lymph nodes. Green survived the surgery well -- and he is surviving cancer still today -- and his public handling of a serious disease goes down in MTV history as something truly memorable.

Why don't more people stick with an exercise routine? Perhaps in part because it gets repetitious and boring. Exercise can be a lonely activity and it is more difficult to keep yourself motivated. Personal trainers have always been a remedy for both of the aforementioned problems, but realistically, how many of us can afford a personal trainer?

According to iTrain, with an MP3 player you can now download customized workouts with a personal trainer. The downloads are set to music and combines modern technology, entertainment, and health in a portable format. It doesn't matter what kind of workout you enjoy, iTrain seems to offer a program. There is iTread, iCycle, iClimb, iStrength, iSculpt Traditional and iSculpt Ballet, iStretch, iTeenTrain Hip Hop, iTeenTrain Kick Boxing.

Grace Lazenby, a fitness expert with 15 years in the Hollywood training industry, realized that MP3 players might be an excellent means of offering her fitness and training to the masses.

In addition to Lazenby, other fitness experts who keep you going through your workout include yoga instructor Heath House, boxing expert and member of the US Air Force boxing team Nick Narvaez, boxing expert and Group Exercise Instructor of the Year Keith Irace, and member of the Brazilian National Team of Gymnastics.

Anything that adds to the enjoyment of a workout is a bonus, and I can see the benefits of iTrain for all ages, but one of my first thoughts when I read about iTrain is that it makes an excellent gift for a teen or young adult.

via Adam at Netscape