Danika Yarosh & Saige Ryan Campbell Premiere Of "Phantom" Arrival Beauties

Left to Right: Danika Yarosh and Saige Ryan Campbell

Hollywood, California - Actress Danika Yarosh, 14, & Saige Ryan Campbell, 17, looked beautiful in their black dresses as they arrived at the Premiere of 'Phantom' held at the TCL Chinese Theatre on February 27, 2013 in Hollywood, California.

Danika Yarosh was born on October 1, 1998 in Morristown, New Jersey. An avid dancer, Danika quickly found her footing in the dance world, winning titles at many regional and national competitions. It was this high energy performance background that enabled her graceful transition to the Broadway stage where she played Karen Davidson in the Tony award winning hit Billy Elliot: The Musical. Since then, Danika has worked in various other mediums such as print, commercial, television, and film. She currently resides in Los Angeles, California.

Teen star Saige Ryan Campbell born on December 3rd, 1995 in Orange County, California is a seasoned actress, a national dance and cheer leading champion, Olympic level tumbler and a highly recognizable commercial actor. A veteran of over 35 national commercials including Kodak, McDonald's, Mr. Clean and Crayola, she is most recognized as the little girl who asks her father why he folds his peanut butter sandwich over in the Jif Peanut Butter commercial. Telling her mom when she was only 3 that she wanted to be a singer, a dancer and an actress after watching kids on television, she said that she could do what they were doing. By the time she was 6, her mom finally took her seriously and she signed with the first agent they met. Her first professional job was on a Scooby Doo commercial. Saige's films include Lime Salted Love, All I Want for Christmas, Frankenhood, I Heart Huckabees where she played Mark Wahlberg's daughter, and her starring role as Libby in the psychological thriller Believers, a Warner Bros.' release. A staple on episodic television, she has appeared on such shows as Without A Trace, Entourage, The Guardian, Nip/Tuck and Passions as well as many others. Her voice can be heard on many national commercials including Kentucky Fried Chicken, Walmart and Hotels.Com and she is one of the starring voices for the popular video game Clive Barker's Jericho. Amongst her upcoming projects are starring roles in the new television series Time Detectives, Snuggy Bear and the T-Shirt Kids© and the features Shrieking Violet, Sleep Deprived, Wendy, Exit 172 and Nightmare Carnival. She has also become part of the all girls group Pink E Swear co-starring Taylor Atelian (According to Jim) which has their first album coming out in 2010. They performed and appeared in the 2008 Hollywood Santa Parade where over 1 million people lined the streets of Hollywood California. What sets Saige apart from other child stars is her positive spirit and heart. Being thankful for the talent and luck she's received, she is always willing to reach out and gives of herself to help people with groups including Special Olympics. Saige is also a huge animal lover and has rescued many lost and abandoned pets (by bringing them home) as well as appearing at many animal charity events. Through it all, this amazing young talent is still a normal kid who loves to skateboard, dance and play with her friends and her older brother and sister.

 Photos By: Paul A. Hebert/Getty Images

Yosemite Today

Yosemite High Sierra at 8:13 AM today,about 8,000 feet in elevation, shows Half Dome and the surrounding high country.

Yosemite Weather Today ; Sunny, with a high near 51. North northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning.
Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 27. East wind 5 to 10 mph.

Teaching Kids To Be Resilient

Icelanders are a famously hearty lot. Norwegian Vikings trying to escape the rule and taxation of Norway’s king first inhabited the land that is now Iceland in the 9th century. So they had pluck from the start. But you simply have to be resilient to survive in such frozen, forbidding territory.

Margrét Pála (PopTech 2012) is a groundbreaking educator from that rugged country. Starting back in 1989 she was first somewhat infamous, and later more famous, for developing her own rigorous pedagogical model for educating young Icelandic kids. Pála emphasizes resilience, in part, because it is a key component to surviving and thriving in a challenging world.

It's all very Icelandic, and her ideas can seem a bit rugged to the uninitiated. But that makes sense, given that since the Vikings arrived on that isolated island in the North Atlantic, Iceland's history has been marked by wrenching poverty, volcanic eruptions, poor farming conditions, avalanches that wiped out entire villages, and repeated economic collapses.

"We are hard-wired in our resilience," Pála said in her 2012 PopTech talk, which is now available online. "'We have seen it worse,' we always say."

In practice, this means emphasizing decision-making and creativity. Rather than traditional toys, classrooms are populated with open-ended, natural materials that require children to improvise. Exercises include instructions about breaking norms and rules: "Go through the window," Pála exclaims. "Why are you always using the door?" And her kids get a bit of tough love. "Go out with your bare feet," she says to them. "Maybe it hurts a little bit. That's great."

Classrooms are also segregated by sex, children are required to wear uniforms to encourage discipline, and the curriculum includes exercises in jumping off cushions to help very young children learn the value of a little courage in life. That's something every Icelander has needed since at least the 9th century.

Maine's First Conference on Problem Gambling To Be Held During National Awareness Week

Conference will focus on prevention, treatment, and recovery
Augusta, Maine - The Maine Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHS) will host the state's first conference on problem gambling on Thursday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 74 Drummond Avenue in Waterville. A unique collaboration among SAMHS, the Maine Gambling Control Board, the Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages & Lottery Operations, Hollywood Casino and Oxford Casino has focused the conference on raising awareness about problem gambling and promoting responsible gaming. The event will be held during National Problem Gambling Awareness Week, March 3-9. Maine native Lesa Densmore will be the keynote speaker, sharing her struggles and how she overcame the addiction and lives successfully in recovery. Other sessions will focus on the integrated response to gambling concerns in Maine. "It's important to recognize not everyone who gambles will develop an addiction and that problem gambling is preventable,'' said Guy Cousins, Director of SAMHS. To register or learn more about this year's event, contact AdCare at (207) 621-2549 or visit http://samhs.adcareme.org/. SAMHS hopes to make this conference an annual event.

University College at Rockland Part of Statewide Effort to Increase IT Professionals

Rockland, Maine - According to a report by Southern Maine Community College, Maine is estimated to have a shortage of computer and IT professionals by 2018. A new statewide initiative, Project Login, aims to close that gap by doubling the number of computer science and IT graduates from the University of Maine System.

University College at Rockland offers a variety of high-quality IT programs from the UMS campuses as well as the support services that help learners of all ages and experiences achieve their goals.

The University of Maine System offers programs in Applied Technical Leadership, Bioinformatics, Computer Information Systems, Digital Curation, Information Security and more. Each degree and certificate program provides a well-rounded curriculum with a practical, hands-on emphasis, a combination that allows graduates to make a powerful contribution to any organization.

"These programs give students the skills and flexibility to compete for the jobs that are in demand now,” said Deborah Meehan, Director of University College at Rockland. “The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that five out of the top 25 fastest growing occupations today are computer related."

On Thursday, March 28 from 3:00 - 5:00PM URock will host a public information session specifically about its associate and baccalaureate Computer Information Systems degrees delivered locally. Interested students and community members are invited to attend. CIS is delivered through live, hands-on instruction at URock with successful graduates moving right into IT jobs in the mid-coast. Registration with URock for this event is encouraged but not required.

University College at Rockland is equipped with state-of-the-art computer labs, and professionals are happy to help students get started in online courses. Students without high-speed internet access at home can participate in online courses using technology at the center.

For more information about these and other programs available at University College at Rockland, please contact them at 596-6906 or visit the web site at www.learn.maine.edu/rockland. The Project Login website is available at http://www.projectlogin.com/.

The President's Schedule Today

President Barack Obama talks with Congressional leaders prior to the Rosa Parks statue unveiling ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Feb. 27, 2013. Pictured, from left, are: Minority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.; Assistant Democratic Leader Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C.; Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev.; House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio; and House Minority Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

11:15 AM	The President and the Vice President receive the Presidential Daily Briefing Oval Office
12:30 PM	Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney
12:40 PM	The President and the Vice President meet for lunch Private Dining Room

H.M.S. Pinafore in Concert at Lincoln Theater‏

Damariscotta, Maine - On Friday March 8, the curtain will rise to the sounds of the Never Never Sick at Sea Symphony Orchestra, featuring the DaPonte String Quartet, and the overture to one of the world’s most beloved operas, H.M.S. Pinafore.  For three performances only, it is being proudly presented in concert by the Lincoln County Community Theater, in residence in Damariscotta’s historic Lincoln Theater, and will performed with a company of 9 soloists, 13 orchestral musicians, 27 chorus members, and 1 Mistress of Ceremonies, (the bubbling Barbara Bruno), all assembled under the baton of Maestro John Mulcahy.

Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore; or, The Lass That Loved a Sailor is a comic opera in two acts. For those who may have forgotten it’s amusing tale,  the story takes place aboard the British ship H.M.S. Pinafore on which we find a gallant crew of able bodied seamen, including Dick Deadeye (Nick Azzaretti), Bill Bobstay (Andy Barber), and Bob Becket(Andy Sherrill), being tempted to purchase the wares of Little Buttercup (Lesley Dolinger).

The captain's daughter, Josephine (Nancy-Grace Dersham), is in love with a lower-class sailor, Ralph Rackstraw (Jason Phillips), although her father, Captain Corcoran, Commander of H.M.S. Pinafore (Tom Crutcher), intends her to marry Sir Joseph Porter (Don Carrigan). Josephine abides by her father's wishes at first, but Sir Joseph's advocacy of the equality of humankind encourages Ralph and Josephine to overturn conventional social order. They declare their love for each other and plan to elope. The captain discovers this plot, but a surprise disclosure changes things dramatically.  The company is complete with a chorus of Sir Joseph’s sister, his cousins, and his aunts, under the tutelage of Cousin Hebe (Ruth Monsell) as well as a group of able sailors.

HMS Pinafore plays Friday March 8 and Saturday March 9 at 7:30 and a matinee performance, Sunday March 10 at 2 pm at Lincoln Theater in Damariscotta.  Tickets are $12 adults, $5 for Youth 18 and under and may be reserved by calling the box office at 563-3424 or by visiting during regular box office hours (Tuesday through Friday 1-5 pm, or one hour before curtain).  Additional information can be found on the theater’s website, www.athtelincoln.org.  These concerts have been generously sponsored by Peapod Jewelry and over 60 commissioners who have underwritten the Never Never Sick at Sea Symphony Orchestra.  Never mind the why or wherefore, get thee to Lincoln Theater to chase away the winter blues with an evening of mirth and merriment.

Olivia Rose Keegan Premiere Of "Phantom" Arrival Pretty

Hollywood, California - Actress Olivia Rose Keegan, 12, looked really pretty in a blue dress with gold high heel shoes as she arrived at the Premiere of 'Phantom' held at the TCL Chinese Theatre on February 27, 2013 in Hollywood, California.

Olivia Rose Keegan is 12 years old and an actress and singer.  Her passion for acting began with musical theater at the age of seven and has only grown stronger over time.  After many years of performing on stage, she woke up one day and announced that she wanted to pursue a career in TV and film.  Although her parents tried to convince her to continue in theater, she was determined to make the switch and before they knew it, she had researched online, found her agent, written her a letter and they were signing contracts.  Her career took off fast and within a year she booked a commercial, two feature films, a webisode, three short films and a guest star role on Disney’s Ant Farm.  Now she is excited to take that same passion and direct it toward helping others.  She feels honored to be part of the Shoe Crew and looks forward to bringing this amazing organization to her hometown in the San Francisco Bay Area.

 Photos By: Paul A. Hebert/Getty Images

Basket Making Workshop at Abbe Museum

Bar Harbor, Maine - Have you always wanted to learn how to weave your own basket? On Saturday, March 16 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, join Abbe Museum Educator and Passamaquoddy Master Basketmaker George Neptune to learn how to weave your own ash basket! Participants will learn the art of creating their own candy basket which they will be able to bring home at the end of the day. While all ages are encouraged to participate in this workshop, priority will be given to children; children under the age of seven may require the assistance of an adult.

Neptune has been making baskets since the age of four. He learned the traditional art form from his grandmother, Molly Neptune Parker, recipient of the 2012 National Endowment for the Arts Traditional Heritage Fellowship.  His baskets are now featured at the Abbe Museum, the Hudson Museum, the University of Michigan Museum, and many other museums across the country. As the Abbe’s Museum Educator, Neptune leads many programs and workshops geared towards children and adults alike throughout the year.

“I’m very excited for the Candy Basket Workshop!  I’m also nervous, as it will be the first basket class that I have taught on my own.  Many local kids have been attending my weaving workshops and have learned some of the basics; now they get a chance to try their hand at a true Passamaquoddy tradition!”

The workshop is free and open to the public, but space and materials are limited so reservations are required. Please contact Neptune to make reservations at either george@abbemuseum.org or 207-288-3519.

The mission of the Abbe Museum is to inspire new learning about the Wabanaki Nations with every visit. The Abbe holds the largest and best-documented collection of Wabanaki basketry of any museum in the world and holds a collection of over 50,000 archeological, historic and contemporary objects. Current exhibits include: Wabanaki Guides, N’tolonapemk: Our Relatives’ Place and Layers of Time: Archaeology at the Abbe Museum.  Museum Winter Hours Thursday – Saturday 10:00am – 4:00pm. For more information, visit www.abbemuseum.org or call 207-288-3519.

Medomak River Community Market Re-opening March 1; Coincides with Women’s History Month

Waldoboro, Maine - The Medomak River Community Market (MRCM)-a cooperative market in the heart of Waldoboro Village- will be reopening Friday March 1. Members have spent the last two months cleaning and reorganizing the market for your enjoyment. They have also created a special “nook” to honor Women’s History Month.

The market caries a wide variety of handmade, Maine made products.  Just a sampling would include bees wax candles, hand-made soaps, beautiful and practical pottery, cards, photos, jewelry, children’s clothing, hand spun and dyed wools, felted items, stained glass items, and up-cycled building salvage materials.

The market also has a wall of thoughtfully selected used books, penny candy, children’s art supplies, and collectibles-often from or about Maine. During the growing season, a few farmers members drop off their extras- beautiful flowers, tasty garlic, garden grown tomatoes and what not.

Did you know March is Women’s History Month? In honor of this, the Market will provide books and CD’s that explore women’s lives and issues for individuals to browse and/or borrow. Find out about the
“Not so well behaved women that made history.”  Donations will be accepted on behalf of New Hope for Women, a local organization working to end domestic violence .  

The market is still looking to round out their selection of products so if you are an artist or crafter looking for a place to sell product- come on in and check us out. We would be happy to discuss your options. Would you like to volunteer in the store? Or help out with a special project like building a float for the Waldoboro parade? Perhaps offer some gardening help to spruce up the area around the store? Business management or marketing advice is always valued!  By helping the market, you are helping rebuild the vibrancy of downtown Waldoboro. We are looking forward to continuing to serve our community in 2013 and look forward to your participation- contact us at medomakrivercm@gmail.com.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLIC SCHEDULE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

DEPARTMENT OF STATE
PUBLIC SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

SECRETARY JOHN KERRY
Secretary Kerry is on foreign travel to Rome, Italy. Secretary Kerry is accompanied by Ambassador Marshall, Assistant Secretary Gordon, Acting Assistant Secretary Jones and U.S. Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford.

7:55 a.m. LOCAL Secretary Kerry meets with Syrian Opposition Leaders, in Rome, Italy.
9:30 a.m. LOCAL Secretary Kerry participates in an Ad Hoc Meeting on Syria, in Rome, Italy.
10:45 a.m. LOCAL Secretary Kerry participates in an Ad Hoc Meeting on Syria with Syrian Opposition Leaders, in Rome, Italy.
12:20 p.m. LOCAL Secretary Kerry delivers a joint press statement with Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata and Syrian Opposition Council Chairman Mouaz al-Khatib, in Rome, Italy.
12:40 p.m. LOCAL Secretary Kerry holds a solo press availability, in Rome, Italy.
1:25 p.m. LOCAL Secretary Kerry participates in a cultural event with Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata, in Rome, Italy.
2:05 p.m. LOCAL Secretary Kerry participates in a lunch with Italian Ministers and Former Prime Ministers, in Rome, Italy.
4:25 p.m. LOCAL Secretary Kerry meets with the staff and families of Embassy Rome, Embassy Vatican and US Mission to the UN Agencies, in Rome, Italy.
6:10 p.m. LOCAL Secretary Kerry meets with Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti, in Rome, Italy.

DEPUTY SECRETARY BILL BURNS
11:00 a.m. Deputy Secretary Burns meets with U.S. Ambassador to India Nancy Powell, at the Department of State.
11:30 a.m. Deputy Secretary Burns meets with U.S. Ambassador to Brazil Thomas Shannon, at the Department of State.

UNDER SECRETARY FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS WENDY SHERMAN
Under Secretary Sherman is on foreign travel to Kazakhstan, Israel, Jordan and Saudi Arabia from February 23 to March 4 for official meetings.

UNDER SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT ROBERT HORMATS8:00 a.m. Under Secretary Hormats holds a conference call with Chinese Vice Finance Minister Zhu Guangyao, at the Department of State.
8:30 a.m. Under Secretary Hormats attends a meeting at the White House.
10:00 a.m. Under Secretary Hormats meets with Professor Bates Gill, Chief Executive Officer, United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, at the Department of State.
2:30 p.m. Under Secretary Hormats meets with U.S. Ambassador to India Nancy Powell, at the Department of State.

UNDER SECRETARY FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS TARA SONENSHINE12:30 p.m. Under Secretary Sonenshine delivers opening remarks at the film screening of Buzkashi Boys, at the Department of State. 

Maine Fishermen's Forum kicks off for 38th year

Rockport, Maine - Maine's premier gathering of commercial fishermen is kicking off in Rockport.

The 38th annual Maine Fishermen's Forum gets under way Thursday and runs through Saturday at the Samoset Resort.

The event is the largest of its kind in New England, bringing together fishermen, fishery managers, scientists, politicians, seafood dealers and others with an interest in commercial fishing. Between 2,500 and 3,500 people typically attend.

The forum features seminars, a trade show, a benefit auction and a dinner and dance. Gov. Paul LePage is scheduled to make an appearance on Friday.

The MaineSail Journal :"Mary Day on Penobscot Bay"

"Mary Day on Penobscot Bay" By Doug Mills

The Windjammer Mary Day on Penobscot Bay.

Chloe Grace Moretz & Emma Roberts H&M Fashion Show Beautiful

Paris, France - Actresses Chloe Grace Moretz, 16, and Emma Roberts, 22, looked beautiful as they attended the H&M Fashion Show Fall/Winter 2013 Ready-to-Wear show as part of Paris Fashion Week on February 27, 2013 in Paris, France.

Chloë Grace Moretz is an American actress. She began her acting career at the age of seven and has appeared in films such as "The Amityville Horror", "Days of Summer", "Diary of a Wimpy Kid", "Kick-Ass", "Let Me In", "Hugo", and "Dark Shadows".

Emma Rose Roberts is an American actress, model and singer. She is the daughter of actor Eric Roberts and niece of Julia Roberts. Roberts became known for her role as Addie Singer in the Nickelodeon television series Unfabulous, movies "Celeste & Jesse Forever", "Scream 4", "Hotel for Dogs" and "Wild Child", just to name a few.

 Photos By: Dominique Charriau/WireImage

Victoria Justice LoveGold Celebrates Fred Leighton Gorgeous

Los Angeles, California - Actress, Singer Victoria Justice, 20, looked completely gorgeous in a red dress as she attended LoveGold Celebrates Fred Leighton at Chateau Marmont on February 21, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. Victoria Dawn Justice is an American actress, singer-songwriter, and dancer. She debuted as an actress at the age of 10 and has since appeared in several films and television series including the Nickelodeon series Zoey 101 and Victorious.

Laura Whitmore NME Awards 2013 Beautiful

London, England - Presenter Laura Whitmore, 27, looked beautiful in a white dress as she attended the the NME Awards 2013 at The Troxy on February 27, 2013 in London, England. Laura Whitmore is an Irish presenter on British television for MTV Europe.

 Photos By: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images

Gymnast Gabrielle Douglas 2013 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Lovely

West Hollywood, California - Gymnast Gabrielle Douglas, 17, looked lovely in a gray, off one shoulder gown as she attended the 2013 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter at Sunset Tower on February 24, 2013 in West Hollywood, California. Gabrielle Christina Victoria "Gabby" Douglas is an American artistic gymnast. As a member of the U.S. Women's Gymnastics team at the 2012 Summer Olympics, she won gold medals in both the individual and team all-around competitions.

 Gabrielle Douglas also attended the Li-Ning/WADE Brand Party Hosted By Dwyane Wade on February 15, 2013 in Houston, Texas.

 Photos By: Getty Images of North America