Actress Ashley Judd, a global ambassador for the YouthAIDS relief group, speaks at the National Press Club, June 22, 2005, in Washington. Judd spoke about the need for the United States and other countries to do more in the fight against the spread of AIDS.
Iran Elections
Oscar-winning actor Sean Penn, center, takes pictures during a visit to Iran's Cinema museum in Tehran, June 13, 2005. Penn, 44, was in Iran as a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle ahead of presidential elections.
Actor Sean Penn, center, records with his camera during his visit to Iran's Cinema museum in Tehran, June 13, 2005. Penn was in Iran as a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle.
Aid to Africa
Singer Bono, right, talks as EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso stands next to him during a media conference at the EU Commission in Brussels, June 9, 2005. Bono joined Barroso in an appeal to government leaders to double development aid to Africa and other poor regions over the next 10 years. The campaigning Irish rock star said that a commitment to cut poverty in Africa could rekindle public support for the European Union in the wake of the rejection of the EU's constitution plans by French and Dutch voters.
Bono talks during a media conference at the EU Commission in Brussels, June 9, 2005. He joined European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso in an appeal Thursday to government leaders to double development aid to Africa and other poor regions over the next 10 years.
Nail Salon Cleanliness
Entertainer Paula Abdul, right, urges lawmakers to approve a measure that would require stronger cleanliness standards for nail salons, during a committee hearing at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., June 27, 2005. Abdul told members of the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Develoment Committee how she had gotten an infection while getting a manicure from a Studio City nail salon in 2004. The measure would strengthen cleanliness standards and require nail salons to post conspicous notices when disciplinary action is taken against them.
Film Industry Tax Credits
Actor Chris Cooper speaks during a meeting with Massachusetts House of Representatives about legislation providing tax incentives to the motion picture industry, at the State House in Boston, July 11, 2005. The legislation would keep Massachusetts competitive with other states by providing a variety of tax credits to feature-film and television-series production companies.
Stem-Cell Research
Actor Michael J. Fox, center, address members of the media during a press conference, July 13, 2005, at the U.S. Capitol. Fox urged passage of stem-cell research legislation. Stem cell research on human embryos holds the most promise in the search for cures for a list of diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes and some types of cancer. Fox suffers from Parkinson's disease. Also taking part, are; Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., left,; Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, second from left; Rep. Michael Castle, R-Del, behind Fox; Sen.Arlen Specter, R-Pa., and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., right.
Actor Michael J. Fox, right, and Sen. Orin Hatch, R-Utah, attend a press conference, July 13, 2005, at the U.S. Capitol. The two joined members of the House and Senate to urge passage of stem-cell research legislation.
Following a press conference on stem-cell research, actor Michael J. Fox shakes hand with supporters, July 13, 2005, at the U.S. Capitol. Fox joined members of the House and Senate to urge passage of stem-cell research legislation.
Against Landmines
Former Beatles musician Sir Paul McCartney and his wife, Lady Heather Mills McCartney, pose for photographers as goodwill ambassadors and patrons at a benefit gala for the anti-land mines organization "Adopt-a-minefield," in Neuss, western Germany, May 28, 2005.
Musician Robin Gibb, former member of the Bee Gees, poses at a benefit gala of the anti-mines organization "Adopt-a-Minefield," in Neuss, western Germany, May 28, 2005.
Farm Aid
Farm Aid co-founder John Mellencamp talks to reporters after holding a news conference with Willie Nelson announcing that Farm Aid will hold its 20th anniversary celebration in Chicago, July 11, 2005. The 20th anniversary concert, which will take place on Sept. 18, will feature Mellencamp, Nelson, Neil Young and Dave Matthews.
Farm Aid founder Willie Nelson, right, and co-founder John Mellencamp hold a news conference announcing that Farm Aid will hold its 20th anniversary celebration in Illinois, July 11, 2005. The 20th anniversary concert will be the culmination of a week of food and music events around Chicago.
Farm Aid founder Willie Nelson speaks during a news conference announcing that Farm Aid will hold its 20th anniversary celebration in Illinois, Sept. 18, 2005. It will feature Neil Young, Dave Matthews and other artists to be named later.
Solar Sail Spacecraft
Actress Kirsten Dunst, left, and Sasha Sagan, daughter of late astronomer Carl Sagan, share a moment as they await the launch of the Solar Sail spacecraft at Planetary Society headquarters in Pasadena, Calif., June 21, 2005. The world's first solar sail spacecraft was launched that week from a Russian submarine under the Barents Sea but concern grew about whether it safely reached orbit as hours passed without a signal.
Global Warming
Actor Robert Redford, right, and Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson, hosts of a global warming conference designed specifically for city leaders, talk before a luncheon at the gathering, July 11, 2005, in Sundance, Utah.
Disadvantaged Youth
Singer Usher smiles as he is interviewed by the media upon arriving at his fundraiser for Usher's New Look Foundation, July 8, 2005, in New York. The foundation is a non-profit organization aimed to give disadvantaged youth a new outlook on life and their future.
Music composer/producer Quincy Jones pauses as he is interviewed by the media upon arriving at a fundraiser hosted by Singer Usher for Usher's New Look Foundation, July 8, 2005, in New York. The foundation is a non-profit organization aimed to give disadvantaged youth a new outlook on life through education and real world experiences.
Music producer/composer Quincy Jones, left, and singer Usher pose for photographers as they arrive at a fundraiser hosted by Usher's New Look Foundation, July 8, 2005, in New York. The foundation is a non-profit organization aimed to help give disadvantaged youth a new outlook.