Free the Hikers

Free the Hikers

The sister and brother-in-law of Shane Bauer, one of the three American hikers detained in Iran, announced today that they will team up with the Spiritual Deli and local musicians to hold a fundraiser to support the campaign to win their release. The event will take place from 6 pm -9 pm on Sunday, September 27, at the Spiritual Deli, 3 West Superior Street, Duluth, MN. It will feature food, live music, and a silent auction including donations from Twin Ports local artists and businesses. Entry is $10 at the door and all proceeds will go to the Free the Hikers campaign.

Hilary Buckwalter, Director of the Spiritual Deli and Yogallery, said, “As an avid hiker and traveler who shares Shane, Sarah and Josh's love of exploring the global community, the least that I can do is to help bring awareness to their situation in the spirit of peace and community in hopes that they are returned safely to their families.” Music will include James Moors, Dave Mehling and more. A meditation hike will also take place in Enger Park prior to the event starting at 4pm. The hike is free and open to the public.

“In 1995 my brother, Jeremy, disappeared on a solo backpacking adventure in Montana. Even though this is a totally different scenario I understand some of the anxieties and emotions that come with trying to locate your loved one and I know that it’s important to do everything you can to keep it present in the public eye,” said Moors. Shane Bauer, Sarah Shourd and Josh Fattal have been held in Iran since July 31, 2009, when news reports say they accidentally crossed an unmarked border during a hiking trip in the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan. They have so far had no contact with their families.

Shakira On America s Got Talent

Shakira On America s Got Talent

The incredible youtube video of Shakira’s performance on America’s Got Talent. Shakira’s Americas Got Talent last night performance blew the audience and TV viewers away. Of course, would you expect anything less from Shakira? Shakira looked jaw dropping hot and delivered a performance that proved once again she is in a class by herself.

With the backdrop of electric guitars behind mess screens, Shakira took to a red blanketed stage. The stunning singer wore super tight black pants and a matching tight black top. Online reaction today has been spectacular to Shakira’s performance with comments including:? Sykesville singer Drew Stevyns learned when the Top 10 were trimmed to the Top 5 that he had not made the cut.

The fifth-place finisher was the Voices of Glory, a singing group featuring three young siblings who had started singing when their mother was in the hospital. Fourth-place was taken by the Texas Tenors, whose name speaks for itself. The act coming in third was Recycled Percussion, a quartet of musicians who make music on found objects. Susan Boyle, performing in the U.S. for the first time after her stint on Britain's Got Talent, sang her new single, a cover of "Wild Horses." She seemed poised on stage, very natural, and hit all her power notes like a champ.

Danmell Ndonye

Danmell Ndonye

Four Hofstra University students accused by Danmell Ndonye were freed Wednesday night after Danmell Ndonye reportedly recanted her allegations. Danmell Ndonye has since admitted the encounter with the students last Sunday morning was consensual. Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice told press Thursday morning:

“Late [last night] . . . the alleged victim of the sexual assault admitted that the encounter that took place early Sunday morning was consensual. “I have launched an immediate criminal investigation into the statements and reports given by the woman in connection with this incident.” Each student reportedly had sat in jail for roughly 22 hours because of Danmell Ndonye’s claims, charged with $500,000 bail, and facing a 25 year prison term.