Short takes/Celeb birthdays: Monday, June 23, 2008
Short takes/Celeb birthdays: Monday, June 23, 2008

Published: June 23, 2008

•Actress Frances McDormand, 51.

•Singer Diana Trask, 68.

•Singer Rosetta Hightower (The Orlons), 64.

•Actor Ted Shackelford ("Knots Landing”), 62.

•Actor Bryan Brown, 61.

• "American Idol” judge Randy Jackson, 52.

•Drummer Steve Shelley (Sonic Youth), 46.

•Singer Chico DeBarge, 38.

•Actress Selma Blair, 36.

•Singer K.T. Tunstall, 33.

•Singer Virgo Williams (Ghostown DJs), 33.

•Singer-songwriter Jason Mraz, 31.

•Singer Duffy, 24.

•1990: Joan Rivers won her first Daytime Emmy Award as a talk-show host.

•Wealthy countries'

financial pledges to Africa

are lagging

PARIS — Bono, Bob Geldof and other celebrities are pressing the world's wealthiest countries to come through with more pledged financial aid for Africa.

The Irish rock stars-turned-activists are presenting a report that found the Group of Eight countries have collectively donated a fraction of the $22 billion in extra funds they pledged in 2005 to be paid by 2010.

"What this big, long, exact, cold and brutal analysis shows us is that halfway to this historic date of 2010 — halfway — these wealthy countries … have delivered 14 percent. How tragic is that?” Geldof asked.

The report by advocacy group Data says countries are falling behind in commitments.

The Associated Press

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