Elizabeth Edwards’ book to include fight with cancer

Raleigh, N.C. – Elizabeth Edwards, the wife of former Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards, in writing a book about her life, including her recent successful treatment for breast cancer.

The announcement comes about a month after it became known her husband, a former senator, is working on a photo essay book focusing on American values and dreams, using pictures of the childhood homes of notable people.

The books will be published at a time when John Edwards is traveling around the country testing the waters for a 2008 presidential bid.

Ice-T takes tour to Australia

Sydney, Australia – Rapper and television star Ice-T is in Australia for a series of gigs – but he had an ulterior motive.

“This particular tour was set up for us to travel – point blank,” Ice-T said. “So it was like, let’s set up some gigs, we will hit some clubs and you know, get like a paid vacation.”

The star of “Law and Order: SVU” told Australian Associated Press on Monday that he would not follow thousands of other visitors who climb Sydney Harbour Bridge.

He said he doesn’t want to get “blown off of some bridge in Australia.”

“That is not where it is going to end for me,” he said.

Americans do well in Mexican version of ‘Idol’ competition

Monterrey, Mexico – Yuridia Gaxiola may be American, but she made out like a bandit in the Mexican version of “American Idol.”

Gaxiola, of Mesa, Ariz., finished second among six finalists of Mexico’s musical reality show “La Academia” – taking home about $92,000 and a car.

“I don’t know what to say. I’m so happy,” the 18-year old said.

Erasmo Catarino Gonzalez, a 27-year-old teacher at an Indian school in southern Guerrero state, took the top prize: a sport utility vehicle and 3.5 million pesos.

Gaxiola wasn’t the only contestant from the United States singing Sunday for 10,000 screaming fans and millions of television viewers. Edgar Guerrero, a 25-year-old car washer from Boise, Idaho, finished fifth. Los Angeles native Johanna Delgado, 19, also had competed, but was voted out in June.

Now in its fourth season, “La Academia,” is a mix of “Big Brother” and “American Idol.” Broadcast in the United States and Central America, it featured 18 contestants who were sealed off in a Mexico City talent academy for five months.

“La Academia” has been such a hit for TV Azteca that the network is launching “La Academia America,” a reality show for Latinos in the United States slated to start in November.

Actor still celebrated for his role in ‘The Wizard of Oz’

St. Louis – It’s been 66 years since Mickey Carroll’s only movie role, but he’s still being celebrated for it.

Carroll is one of a few surviving Munchkins from MGM’s 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz.” His character led the Munchkin parade and advised Dorothy, “Follow the Yellow Brick Road.”

On Saturday, friends and fans gathered in a park to celebrate his 86th birthday. (His actual birthday is July 8).

“Oz” was Carroll’s only movie. When it appeared on television in the 1960s, he found a new career at charitable events, retail events and Oz-related events.

“It’s not me; it’s the movie,” Carroll said. “When they see me, they think of their childhood, and it makes them smile.”

‘Star Wars’ star calls for action to end poverty

Dunblane, Scotland – Actor Ewan McGregor called for international action to help children afflicted by poverty, saying G-8 leaders meeting this week have the power to make a difference.

“These eight leaders are going to have at their fingertips the power to make extraordinary changes in the world, truly to make poverty history for these people,” McGregor said Sunday, launching a three-day workshop run by the U.N.’s children organization, UNICEF.

“Now it’s time to hear the voices from the developing world, especially young voices,” said McGregor, who `starred in the film, “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.”

Children from eight of the world’s poorest countries and the G-8 nations – Britain, the United States, Japan, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Russia – are taking part in the UNICEF program, and will draw up a list of recommendations they hope to present to G-8 leaders.

Teen idol to give speech at hall of fame ceremony

Saratoga Springs, N.Y. – David Cassidy has raised thoroughbreds since the 1970s, when he rose to fame playing Keith Partridge on “The Partridge Family.”

Now, the entertainer and former teen idol will share his enthusiasm for the sport when he delivers the keynote address at the induction ceremony for the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame.

“It’s one of the highlights of my entire adult life and career to be asked to speak at the induction ceremony and articulate my passion for racing,” Cassidy said Thursday.

Two-time Kentucky Derby winning trainer Nick Zito will enter the Hall of Fame at the Aug. 8 ceremony in Saratoga Springs. Other inductees include trainer Sidney Watters Jr., jockey Thomas Walsh and five-time champion horse Lonesome Glory.

Cassidy bought his first thoroughbred in 1973 and currently has ownership in 28 horses.